“Who?”
“Ollai.” Cage admitted. “You know how I am with your mothers. Now Ollai will be that for you. You two need to be together… for a good reason. Why your head hurts is because I had to knock you out. When Ulon touched her you went beyond mad. She did too. Meeka healed your hands, but you need to be aware of this. I do not know if you can control it, but we’ll need to find out. Also you’ll need to apologize to Metak. You threw him.”
Before Sean could return to freaking out he was suddenly embraced by his dad. Sean’s arms wrapped around too, comforted by the calm confidence his dad always exhibited. New tears sprung up and a slight cough blew fire on his father’s chest, but the burn was minor and healed all without letting him go. Then they both laughed as Sean’s stomach growled loudly. “So you really are hungry.”
“Dad, stay close, but will you let me see her?”
“Of course.” They stood up and Sean wiped his tears away. Cage moved around to stand behind him and made the darkness around them vanish. Sound filled the silence first and then magical light that made the entire area bright. His eyes immediately found Ollai standing right in front of her five parents, her much smaller size apparent in comparison to her age at just under a century. Her head caught Sean’s scent and immediately turned to blink. Everyone went completely silent as she drew herself up and approached. Her father shadowing her steps.
Ollai seem much shyer than her original wild impression. But when she came within twenty feet, Sean’s a scales grew and she looked down. Her wings slapped her sides to cool herself from being aroused. She said “I’m sorry.”
Sean looked at his hands with claws and then up at his dad who didn’t show any form of being afraid or disgusted, simply love of a proud father. Cage nodded and it was all the boost Sean needed. “It wasn’t your fault, Ollai.” Sean replied with a bit of smoke as he spoke. “Neither of us knew we’d meet in such a way or if at all… you have pretty wings.”
“Nice!” Cage chuckled as Ollai’s wings slapped her sides harder and she looked away. “Ollai, you better say something. My son’s new to charming a woman, but if he’s learned anything from me, you’ll find he’s a handful.”
Some snickered and her ruby eyes met theirs before she spoke very fluently to Sean. “Your horns are proud and sharp.”
“You don’t find me ugly?” Sean asked as he showed off his crimson scales.
Ollai’s eyes widened and she shook her head quickly. “No, you are very handsome. Did my magic hurt you?”
They were interrupted as Xamii landed and both of their heads jerked at the sound of two cows struggling. Then without warning both Ollai and Sean knew it was prey and they ran directly for them. Ollai bit down on the middle of one and her long teeth killed it instantly. Sean went right for the throat of the other and a massive blast of fire shot from his mouth and burned the head of the cow. It thrashed, but not before Sean twisted its neck and broke it. His new strength made quick work of the cow and he tore into it with gusto.
“They hunt well together.” The dragon father admitted to the human dad. “They are now to be set free since they hunt so well.”
“He’s eating the meat without cooking it!” Tohka said with a wrinkled nose.
“Sean’s now more dragon than man.” Cage said. “At their ages, this is considered normal behavior. You saw him breathe fire and break the cow’s neck barehanded. And I’d suggest we stay away. Sean’s predatory instincts are raging right now. Look at Ollai, she is happy at how he eats… and now he just bit through bone. He’s got a dragon’s strength as well.”
“But he’s eating too much! He’s going to be sick.”
“No, he will grow.” Mox said from a little ways back. “Watch closely. Magic is at work in him.” It was true. Sean was slowly growing with each and every bite. He ate bone, muscle, sinew and organ as fast as he possibly could and the more he packed away the larger his proportions got. “Much as it was recorded says the magic effecting Sean Two-legs will make him appropriate for his mate. We must let them fly soon and mate as is our tradition and instinct.”
When Ollai had her fill she offered her kill and he growled in pleasure before taking more and more food and converting it into his own mass. By the time Sean ate an entire bull and a little less than half of what she consumed, he followed her to the water to wash off the blood. Sean looked ashamed over his shoulder, but seeing his family all together, as Brooke and his sisters were there too, he saw their expressions with new eyes and found not one was horrified by what they saw, just concerned. He knew he was much taller, now fifteen feet tall, but retained his age’s gangly appearance.
Ollai ogled him and she suddenly flew up. Instincts drove him to discover how to magically fly and he shot up at her faster than she could get away.
All magical lights went out and voices were raised in that they wanted to know. Cage though spoke louder to his people and said “Shut it!” they turned to him as he made a dimmer light. “They are giving privacy for the new couple. Sean is busy becoming a man. Trust me, you do not want to see him having sex with her. They are biting each other while flying and locked in an intimate embrace. So be quiet and let them be. When they calm down and regain their senses we can help ease them through this difficult time. Both are young and scared shitless. They will need us to show we accept them as they are and if anyone makes them feel like they are freaks, I’ll kill you.” This serious threat silenced his people. “Including you.” He warned the dragons. “What I just saw was beautiful and new. Take that away and I’ll take your life.”
“I too will kill any who think to harm my hatchling.” The other protective father warned.
“Must I make it a law to the colony, Mox Shadowscales?” Moril asked. “The Utala love Sean, even if he has changed. I just looked in his eyes and saw he remains the same young man.”
“It would be wise.” Mox said. “Many of those now under your reign are too young to know of the new Frelim. Many do not learn of this till after ten thousand cycles of life. Those two must be protected. A new breed will spring from their union. Not all will be accepting of this as we are. Much must be learned for them to thrive. Sean Two-legs has strong foundation and when they tire we will proceed from then on.”
Moril nodded before touching the gold bracelet ring on her right wrist and said “Hear me, my tribe.” It began glowing and all dragons under her command stopped what they were doing to hear her command. “A rare moment has again been bestowed on the world. A Dragon and Human have found themselves mated. Those old enough to know the word Frelim, please inform the others of what has come. I order no harm is to come to either Sean or his mate Ollai, unless in defense of yourself. Also, be aware to not touch them unless you are the same sex or they will attack. They are both quite young. Sean is ten while Ollai is ninety one years old. They are very frightened of what has become of them and I ask you help support their mental development. I will hear any complaints at a later date, after we return from flying the lands.”
“Well done.” Mox approved. “The Rex’s chose wisely, Moril Two-legs.” To the rest he said “Many hours will remain before the star rises and the two new mates return to us. Rest while you can.”
“We’ll stay till I can see my son again.” Brooke said and brought her loves and children to sit on the beach.
“And I have more dragons to see.” Moril said as Xamii laid down close by.
“Mox, you and I need to return to the aviary.” Daku said and together they flew off.
When thing quieted down the five giants came up and Ollai’s mother asked “May we join you? I would like to get to know my hatchling’s new mate through you.”
“Since we’re now family I don’t see why not.” Cage laughed. “Besides, I want to know about our newest daughter too.”
The five laid down and spoke with Cage and his family. It was the start of something new and unique yet again.
“Welcome back!” Rena shouted in the predawn light. Her little hand waving
as the newest couple walked on water straight for them.
Sean now stood over forty feet tall, his horns now are as long as Shorty is tall. His still had a gangly ten year old body by proportions, but didn’t have his red scales showing. Although he sported a rather serious love-bite on his shoulder that clotted instead of continuing to bleed. His now larger eyes seemed both frightened, haunted and relaxed all at the same time. It was a strange combination. Walking on all fours at his side moved Ollai, much more composed, coming up to his hip. It was clear their bodies now matched in size, but she was simply longer due to her neck and tail. And Sean only seemed bigger because he could walk on two legs.
Sean blushed brightly as he stepped onto land, finding his family didn’t even reach knee high, but behind them laid Ollai’s five parents who all still overwhelmed them both. To feel better, Sean knelt and said “Am I really? Welcome, I mean?” Rena glared, picked up a rock and threw it directly as hard as she could and her perfect aim made a perfect hit right in his eye. Only reflex to blink saved him from pain, but he rubbed it. “Ow, Rena Sister, what was that for?”
“Being an idiot!” She screamed. “You’re my brother no matter how freaky you look. You can grow wings a forked tongue and a tail for all I care! Sean Brother, you are Utala no matter how you look! Your eyes tell me all I need to know! They are still the same quiet and strong character I remember. You are still the same no matter how you look. Now get your horned ass down here and give me a hug for scaring me all night you oaf!”
Behind her Cage laughed along with his mates. So much so a tear had to be wiped away. Even all the dragons lining the beach seemed to find Rena’s words hilarious.
“Go ahead, My Mate.” Ollai hummed at his side. “I believe I can control myself to allow her to touch you. My feelings for the breasted women are another matter. I feel I will kill them if they touch you.” Her bright red eyes seemed sad. “I’m sorry I feel this way.” She said to the smaller humans.
“Don’t be, we understand.” Brooke said and watched as Sean lifted his sister very carefully in one hand and brought her to his neck for a hug. “You are a Frelim and your instincts make you highly possessive of your mate. That I can understand. I’m possessive of my mates too. As Sean’s mother… I’m just glad to see you make him smile. You haven’t healed his shoulder and I need to ask why?”
Ollai did a dragon’s version of blushing. In a small voice she admitted “He will not let me.”
“He’s proud of it Brooke.” Cage said and touched where his three scars above his left nipple stood out on otherwise flawless skin. “Just like I haven’t removed a scar from your axe, Sean is displaying Ollai’s mark where she bit him before he got her in a headlock before the lights went out. Not even she was ready for his move and lost the challenge. She might not be Utala, but she didn’t hesitate to draw first blood.”
Tohka approached only so far till Ollai let out a warning growl and stopped. She spoke as Rena rubbed Sean’s smooth head. “Sean, I see you’ve had more to eat to be so big. What did you have?”
Sean sighed and a stream of flames ten feet long shot from his nostrils. His eyes flew open and said “Sorry, Tohka Mother!” as she took a few instinctive steps back though she was well protected from the gem situated in her cleavage. “It is difficult to not breathe fire every time I exhale.” He admitted and carefully sat Rena down.
“I’m just a little surprised.” She laughed it off and rested her hands on Rena’s small shoulders. “So what did you eat? I’m still your mother and I want to know.”
The giant boy looked down and said “Ollai showed me how to use my magic to find a school of tuna and I ate quite a few an hour ago. She also taught me how to walk on water.”
“My mate learns fast.” Ollai boasted.
“He should have had a good foundation from listening to me.” Cage said and came close to her. Sean too growled and his dad leveled a look of challenge. “Sean,” he said in a tone of seriousness. “focus your eyes on me and tell me you want to growl again. If I need to put you in your place I will.”
Sean’s elliptical brown eyes narrowed some then flew wide as he saw his dad’s immense power swirling around him and then around to all the dragons who didn’t even come close to his overwhelming power, though they too were mighty. His eyes dropped as he said “Sorry, Dad.”
“It’s alright, Buddy. I won’t touch your mate. I was just going to say she is a good teacher. You knew how to fly like all dragons even without wings, but I followed the two of you close and she has applied what she learned from Twilight well.” Cage’s black eyes turned on her. “Ollai, your parents and I have had a long discussion with me and my loves. They told us you have spent the past sixty years there, coming home to them every few months. I expect you made quite a few friends with humans as to why you talk more like us than a dragon.” She nodded her head like a human rather than grunt, further proving his point. “But you liked humans more than your own kind, not sexually at least. You are still quite young in mind and body, but Sean is the same. He loves dragons, but when you made him yours, it bound you two together. You made him more dragon than man.” She couldn’t hold his gaze. “Don’t be shy, Ollai. I’m not scolding you. I’m just telling you your new position. Now your father has something he’d like to say.”
The ancient caster from Rex Gralla’s colony lifted his great head and crossed the distance without standing and his hot breath washed over the comparatively smaller pair. “Listen well, Hatchlings. Many obstacles lay in your path, but the love shared in the night has proved the two of you are meant for one another. Ollai Rubyscales, as my offspring, I am overjoyed you found a strong mate. His strength is clear to me and your mother. We shall encourage this union for we want what is best for you, under strict conditions.” His powerful gaze held the two entirely. “Rex Moril Two-legs, Cage Two-legs and we” he gestured to his four mates. “have all come to an understanding on your future. Ollai, your growth has been proven unaltered, but Sean Two-legs, yours as part human will not slow your maturity. I and my mates have determined you require just sixteen cycles to reach full maturity while Ollai requires another nine hundred cycles.” Sean’s jaw dropped. “Stating this I must. Never have stories of Frelim occurred in so young an age. And unfortunate as it is, Sean Two-legs, your parental figures agree with us that for Ollai’s mental health, she retain the pregnancy prevention spell she is under until a minimum of six hundred cycles pass. Your human maturity will find it difficult, but for Ollai’s health I must enforce this.”
“I…” Sean swallowed. Ollai looked at him and she brushed her wing against his side and he force himself not to show his scales. “I understand. Right now I cannot even consider becoming a father… but I must ask what any children may look like.”
“Stories said offspring between Frelim always took after the one who’s appearance changed. Ollai will lay an egg like any female, but they will take after you alone. Cage Two-legs already decided any offspring should be called Jotunn.”
Both looked to the warlock for clarification. He supplied it. “On Earth, were and still are religions and myths. The Jotunn were part of what is called Norse mythology and one story I remember were the Jotunn. They were a race of humanlike giants born of fire. They were known to be fond of crafting, building and drinking, but were also highly aggressive. You two have already shown to be aggressive over each other enough to attack not only Ulon, but to threaten me. Your kids, if they turn out anything like you Sean, will fit this myth properly.”
As that settled in, Ollai’s father continued speaking. “Changes comes to us all, Hatchlings. As mates, we cannot separate you. Instead we, your sires, agreed to allow this in that you choose to make a den near one of ours. Be it Cage Two-leg’s or mine, we need to monitor your health. Sean Two-legs, wise it would be to join the colony until you are well trained in your new power. We all observe you are unaccustomed to my peoples strength and flames. When you sleep you burn as any male. Dangerous you are to your own co
lony.”
“And don’t think for a second we’ll force you to choose.” Cage said. “You can live wherever the hell you want. I won’t stop you from making a new life. Sean, you’ve been through more than most and have a shitload on your plate, but just know your mothers and I are very proud of you.” Sean began crying and wiped his knuckles through them. “We all will support any decision you make, Buddy. We will support what we can, if you allow us. There are just two remaining issues you need to do.”
“And what are they, Dad?”
“Since you are now part dragon, you need a Rex to temper your baser need for unfounded anger. Ollai, you still haven’t vowed either. Your need for Sean made you forget doing this last night while your mother swore loyalty. And the other is the two of you need to get ready.”
“For what?” She asked in confusion.
Instead he grinned. “Every human now able to do magic is readying to look over the lands. Every woman who is bound to a dragon now is a witch. That means they will be able to teleport from one point to another instantly and survive the trip. I, Moril, Rena and the elders agreed with the other Rexs’ that we all need to fly over the lands to be able to arrive anywhere at a moment’s notice. Sean would have remained with most of the other men if you hadn’t altered him to his current form. That means you too are going. Your mother has also volunteered to watch over you two and if you both get tired of flying, she will carry you. Since Sean share’s the strength of a dragon nearly a century old, he’s coming too, especially since I can feel he can survive a Jump. Now get to it you two! We leave in an hour.”
“And here is a gift.” Ollai’s father magically presented Sean with a flawless crystal ball the size of a basketball set inside a silver bell attached to a necklace that looked woven from silver threads twisted into a rope. “One to teach you how to manipulate mana. All two-legs now carry gemstones. Missed Cage Two-legs passing them out you did. Small gems will get lost in your size, nor will they be able to store a fraction this can.”
Empress's Endgame (Book 5 and final of the Death Incanate Saga) Page 12