by Aaron Henley
“Nope.”
“Ok. Walk to the center and good luck.” Ayla walked over to the edge where Mark waited while Steve got into position.
“Steve are you ready?” He nodded. “Okay Michelle. Let it rip.”
True to Ayla’s word, the dwarf began slowly tossing one fireball at a time which Steve easily dodged. Pretty soon Michelle started increasing both the tempo and the number of fireballs. Steve started moving faster in response. Clumps of grass and dirt flying up as he dodged. A few times, he wasn’t quite fast enough though. His fur was burnt in several places with some nasty blisters starting to form. He ignored the pain, knowing if he stopped moving, even worse would happen. Michelle then switched it up by flinging lightning at him. The arcs of electricity covered a much wider area so he had to move even faster. He wasn’t quite fast enough though. One streak hit his face, striking his left eye. He howled in pain and Michelle immediately stopped. Mark started to move forward but Ayla stopped him.
“Keep going,” she commanded. “An enemy wouldn’t stop. Push through the pain Steve. It isn’t a serious wound. You can do it. The lives of your friends and comrades may depend on it one day.” She turned to Michelle, her brown eyes hard as stone. “Are you deaf now?! Keep going!” Michelle looked unsure but she followed Ayla’s command and started flinging a combination of fireballs and lightning.
Steve barely got out of the way in time. He skirted the edges of the clearing keeping clear of the magical barrage but just barely.
This is crazy. I’m half-blind right now. I can feel the eye healing but I’m at a huge disadvantage.
I’ve noticed something that can help with the lightning Steve.
What’s that Rex?
She keeps aiming at your chest and head. The fireballs are just to keep you from moving too far out of range. You switch to full wolf, the arcs will go over your head and you’ll be able to strike.
Thanks buddy.
On the next barrage, Steve immediately shifted to full wolf as the lightning flew over the tips of his ears. He bolted straight at Michelle, her eyes wide with surprise. She froze for just an instant and that was an instant too long. Steve jumped up on her, knocking the dwarf down onto her butt. He hopped off and shifted back to his hybrid while Ayla nodded in approval.
“Excellent job Steve. That was a brilliant idea. You saw a weakness and exploited it.”
“Can’t take the credit Ayla. It was Rex who saw it and came up with the plan.”
Ayla’s eyebrows lowered in thought. “Hmm. In that case, good job Rex. I think I know who the tactician in there is.”
Steve chuckled. “He says thanks for the compliment.”
Ayla turned to Michelle. “You learned something too Michelle. You focus too much on attacking a target’s vitals. You need to randomize more. Go for the legs, arms, keep them guessing. Most foes wouldn’t have the time to notice what Rex did. Yet someone may and do just what Steve did.”
Michelle nodded solemnly then grinned. “I thought we were just here to teach the pup. Didn’t know I was going to school too.”
“What can I say,” Ayla grinned back. “I’m a multi-tasker. Now show me what you’ve learned.”
“Yes ma’am,” both replied and the training resumed.
They trained the rest of the day with Mark only being called in once when Michelle had flung a lightning bolt at Steve’s feet and sent a beach ball sized fireball right behind. She expected him to dodge to the side but Steve jumped up and miscalculated the leap. The fireball hit him square in the stomach and knocked him back to the ground. The scent of burnt fur filled the clearing as Mark rushed in already chanting. Michelle was horrified but Steve recovered quickly and complimented her for keeping him on his toes and said he would rather get hurt by a friend now and learn to fix the mistake than by an enemy trying to kill them later. With Ayla’s guidance, Rex’s planning, and the desire to not become a tinderbox, Steve thought his reflexes were getting quicker and sharper. He almost hoped that Kurt would still be mad so he could train with Ayla and Michelle the next day. He wondered just what they could do for an encore.
***
While Steve spent the day training, Becca spent the time with her mother learning just what being a dragon meant and how not to freak out as to what was happening to her body.
She had another dream about Steve the night before. Only this time, she managed to finish it. She woke up a complete mess and desperately needed a shower to wash off the sweat and clean herself. As she lathered her body, she noticed a strange rash appearing in random places across her skin. It itched a little but wasn’t painful. She thought at first that she must have brushed against some poison ivy or something by accident on her walk with Steve. Then she started looking closer and saw the inflamed flesh showing ridges and clear separations between them. With a start, she realized just what she was looking at. Scales.
Oh, this is just great! What’s next? I start shedding like a snake? From what Mom showed me, these things are going cover me head to toe. Wonderful. Then she realized that the scales would cover more intimate areas of her body as well. Well, that could prove to be a problem during the honeymoon. What’s that Steve? Sorry. No action tonight because everything’s locked behind an impenetrable hide of dragonscale. Looks like it’s time for another talk with Mom. But coffee first. Definitely need coffee for this.
She finished her shower and went and got the much needed coffee. Kiera was on the sofa reading the local paper when Becca asked if they could speak in private. Kiera nodded and they went to their bedroom. Becca took a seat on the bed while Kiera closed the door and went over to sit next to her daughter.
“What is it sweetie?”
“In the shower this morning Mom, I saw this.” She pulled up the sleeve of her blouse to show the red scaly patch on her arm. “I’ve got more splotches like this all over. It doesn’t hurt but it’s starting to get pretty itchy.”
Kiera nodded. “I’ll see if there’s any calamine lotion around to help with the itchiness. I’m afraid it will get worse as your scales grow and cover you.”
Becca sighed. “That’s what I was afraid of. I haven’t itched this bad since I had the chicken pox.”
“I know. I’m also concerned that if your scales are coming out now, it may only be a matter of time before your tail and wings begin developing as well. I’m going to have get some pants ready for that I think. Nothing hurts worse that a cramped tail. Also, you will have to stop wearing a bra for a while as well. Your wing nubs would never allow it to fit.”
“Great. That’s just great. Why couldn’t it be an instant thing like when Steve or you shift?”
“Once everything is finished growing, it will be sweetie. Until then, you just have to endure it. I’ll do all I can to help but nature takes it course I’m afraid. Is there anything else you’d like to know?”
Becca took a deep breath. “Okay---here goes. The scales will cover me entirely right?” Kiera nodded. “Entirely,” Becca stressed.
Kierra’s eyebrows drew together in confusion then she nodded in realization. “You mean your breasts and vagina sweetie? Yes. Those as well.”
“Well that’s sure going to put a damper on the honeymoon Mom if I can’t shift back to human by then! How are we supposed to make love if I’ve got a literal chastity belt covering everything? Oh damn it Mom! What if I’m still developing after we finish freeing those girls? How could we even have the wedding then?!”
“I see your point dear. If that happens, we’ll figure something out. Nothing will ruin my daughter’s big day. We just may have to trim the guest list considerably. But let’s take this one step at a time. Okay?” Kierra nodded. “Here, take a look at my arm.” Kiera shifted part of her arm into dragonscale. “Now press your hand against it.” Kiera did so, expecting it to be rigid and cold. Her eyes widened slightly as instead the scales felt just like her mother’s human skin. Kierra nodded and continued. “The protection of our scales is more of an instinct, a defense mechanism.
If we sense a danger or are anxious, they automatically harden into a strength equivalent to diamond, otherwise it’s just normal flesh.”
“So it’s triggered by adrenaline then,” Becca stated. “Kind of a flight-or-fight reflex.”
“I suppose so dear. I see all that time you spent buried in those medical textbooks has paid off.” Both women grinned at the other. Kiera had spent many a night covering her daughter with a blanket as she had fallen asleep at her desk studying. “Now as for the areas you’re most concerned about, I’m about to show you some things I know you don’t want to see but you’re a medical professional dear and there isn’t another dragon around to show you this. Are you sure you want to continue this discussion?”
Becca took a deep sigh. She got off the bed, grabbed the stool and barricaded the door. “No, but I don’t have a choice. I imagine I’ll probably have to go through the same thing with my daughter one day. I just hope she’s more understanding about it.”
“I’ll remind you of that sentence when the day comes sweetie.” Kiera replied dryly. “Now, while I undress, move what you can off the shelves so my wings don’t knock them over when I shift. But also grab that flower vase and pair of scissors over on the makeup table. It’ll help with the explanation.” Becca began removing the few knick-knacks and pictures and placing them on the floor while her mother began undressing.
“I’ve got to be completely out of my mind for asking to see my mother completely naked,” Becca muttered.
“What was that sweetie?” Becca turned her head in automatic response and saw her mother having stripped down to her underwear.
“Mom! That is not what I was expecting you to wear.”
Kiera looked down at the matching bra and panty set. The fabric was completely see through except for black lace designs swirling in the outfit. “Oh really? You were expecting something more conservative, less Tiffany’s Secret? Really Becca. This is one of your father’s favorites. Young women aren’t the only ones who like to show off their assets to their lovers you know. This isn’t even the most provocative outfit I have. Sure, everything comes off in the end but the tempting can be so delightful dear. I think we need to plan a mother-daughter shopping day so I can show you just how much fun underwear can add to the foreplay. Steve will be putty in your hands if you wore some of the things I have at home.” She smiled coyly. “Well, not all of him of course.”
“Mom, I had no idea you were such a sex fiend.”
“Oh, you have no idea what an education fifty thousands years in the making can do for a person. Why I remember this one platinum blonde Valkyrie and her lover who gave me quite an education back during the first world war.”
“Mother! You said that you didn’t have a lover before you met Daddy!”
“That’s true dear. Though I never said I didn’t watch others though.” Kiera winked while her daughter’s brain started oozing out of her nose in disbelief. Before Becca completely collapsed, Kiera continued. “But we’re getting off subject. Bring that chest over by the bed so you have a place to sit and we’ll get this over with.” Kiera shifted into her hybrid form while Becca grabbed the vase and scissors. She set them on the bedside table and began to drag the chest over. Kiera wrapped her wings around her like a cloak and stretched her tail out so it flopped to the floor behind her as she sat back down on the bed.
“Now like we discussed before, our scales hardened as a reflex. The only exception are our breasts and genitals. Are you ready Becca?”
She swallowed a little and nodded. Kierra spread her arms out to hold open the cloak her wings had made. Becca was amazed at seeing her mother’s crimson scales glimmering in the light. She lowered her gaze to her mother’s breasts and saw that they didn’t look all that different from a human’s. The largest change was the nipple was covered with coal-black scales instead of smooth skin. As Becca kept staring, a small thin trickle of smoke wafted from Kiera’s nostrils.
“Is everything okay Mom? You’re---uh---smoking.”
“For us dragons, our smoke is a type of body language. We aren’t able to move these snouts of ours into the same expressions as most humanoids. This,” she raised her hand to the trickle, “means we’re embarrassed, shy, self-conscious, things like that.”
Becca nodded. “I understand Mom. I know this isn’t easy for either of us. It does mean a lot that you’re trying to help me understand my body and to help Steve and I if we need it down the road.”
“For you sweetheart, I’d do anything.” She took a deep breath. “Okay. Now it’s demonstration time. First, hand me that rose from the vase. Next, pick up the scissors. ” Becca pulled out the flower and handed it to her mother who held it with two claws. “Now watch carefully.” She brushed the flower petals over a nipple but Kiera didn’t see any difference. “Becca, I need you to try to stab my breast with the scissors.”
“What? Mom---”
“Trust me,” Kierra interrupted. “It will be okay. I promise.”
“Okay Mom.” Becca got a good grip on the scissors and plunged the point straight at her mother. Instantly, her nipple retracted and the scales surrounding it formed a long bar over the now smooth breast. The scissors harmlessly skidded off making a horrible screeching noise. Becca pulled her arm back in shock. Kierra then brought the rose back to her breast and ran it over the same area. The scales retracted and the nipple extended back to its original position. Becca was in awe of what she had just seen.
“You see sweetheart? I told you it would be fine. You’re actually doing quite well in handling this dear.”
“I’ve never seen anything like that before. Does it hurt when the nipple retracts like that?”
“No dear. Not at all. Though it does come in handy during breastfeeding so your grandmother told me. Helped save her from some rather sharp little baby teeth.”
Becca chuckled. “I’ll keep that in mind for the future.”
“So you do plan on having children then sweetheart?”
“Yeah. Not right away but Steve and I both do. Anxious to spoil a grandbaby or two Mom?”
“About as much as your father would be, I’d expect. Though I have to worry about him sometimes. The day after your engagement he already started planning camping trips in the backyard for our grandchildren.”
Becca laughed. “That sounds like Daddy. Always the dreamer and planner.” Her shoulders slumped a little.
Kiera leaned over and hugged her daughter. “We’ll be back home soon dear. I call him everyday and tell him about what you and I have been up to.” Becca quirked an eyebrow. Kiera chuckled. “Not the dragon stuff. Just the mother/daughter spending time together stuff. Though I think we’ll skip today entirely wouldn’t you agree?” Her eyebrow crinkled in amusement as a puff of smoke floated out of her nostrils. “I just wish there was more improvement since your phone call. But we’ll cross that bridge later. Since you do plan to have children, since we’re already covering the embarrassing stuff, we might as well get into something else as well after we finish this.” She took a deep breath. “Okay. Let’s get this over with.” Kiera leaned back placing her arms behind her to steady herself and spread her legs to expose her genitals to her daughter. “Everything functions just the same as when we’re human Becca. Now, try to stab me again.” Becca attempted to do so but Kiera’s labia flattened out and stretched to cover her entire vaginal opening. The closest thing that Becca could think of was that her mother had just grown a codpiece. Becca pulled back the scissors and ran the rose over the same area and the labia relaxed and resumed their original shape. “The main difference between us and males in our hybrid and full states is that their genitalia is completely hidden while ours is exposed. The prevailing theory is that, when our mating instinct begins, it allows the males to better detect our scent. Thus, when they begin to fight for mating rights, they’re protected from a claw strike and the victor can claim his prize.”
“Pretty animalistic Mom.”
“In the old days, it certainly
was. Things have gotten much more civil since. Some still practice the old ways but most dragons today prefer courtship over fights to the bloody end.” Kiera closed her legs and sat forward again. “You do not have to be afraid of not having intimacy if you’re still changing when you and Steve marry. I know he loves you with all his heart and eagerly looks forward to sharing himself with you. You may have to adjust how you go about doing it but you will still have a very pleasurable time.” She chuckled wryly. “You know Becca, I’m a little jealous of you and Steve to be honest.”
Becca was surprised by Kiera’s statement. “What? Jealous of us? Why Mom?”
“Because you knew he was a shifter and it didn’t matter when you fell in love with him. You even have the possibility of making love in ways your father and I never could as you are both shifters now. But what scares me so much Becca is that your father won’t be as understanding. That when he finds out the truth, that I’ve lied to him from the very moment we met, he won’t forgive me.” Without realizing it, Kiera shifted back to human form and dropped her face into her hands, the tears streaming between her fingers. “I’m so scared honey that he will only see the monster and not me anymore. That he’ll leave and never look back.”
Becca hurried to her mother’s side and pulled the weeping woman to her side and held her close. “It will be a shock to him Mom but I know Daddy. I know he will love you no matter what you are. All my life, when I thought about being a wife and mother one day, I always thought about you two. It may take some time for him to adjust but I know he won’t leave you. Ever.”
Kiera sniffed and wiped her eyes. “Thank you sweetheart. I love you. So very very much.”
“I love you too Mama.” They held each other silently for a few minutes, basking in each other’s love. Then Becca realized her mother had one more thing to tell her. “What else did you need to tell me Mom? You wanted to tell me something about when Steve and I will try to have a baby?”