Before I fainted, screaming with as much volume as my vocal chords could muster and sure that I’d never see the sun again, Brooke spoke.
“Nice going Set. Now she will never believe us.”
“Come now, dear.” A kind voice called to me across the blackness of fatigue. “Your Dad would be very disappointed that you are so soft.” The kind voice said. “He has prided himself on how tough his little girl is. Don’t disappoint him.”
The voice sounded very familiar. It was old, soft, and as rare as a Green Jade. My eyes fluttered open to see Mrs. Wasabi over me with a wash cloth, cleaning my face. My heart relaxed and I wondered if I hadn’t been dreaming the whole thing. I began to sit up, when my vision fell upon the aliens that were going to eat my brain.
“Don’t let them kill me, Mrs. Wasabi. I won’t tell anyone. I promise.” I clung to her arm with my head buried in her side.
“What is this? You have your father’s imagination for sure.” She gently, well, not as gently as you would think for a small Japanese woman, pulled me away from her and looked at me. “You need to listen. Nothing is going to happen to you. Do you understand? Would you like some tea?”
She got up without me answering, meaning that I did want some tea. I’ve been around the Wasabi household to know that much. Everything else was suspect now.
I pulled my feet up next to me, hung my head, and looked my feet. “My Dad isn’t going to let you get away with this. He knows I’m with you.”
“He also knows that you are spending the night and we’ll be taking you to school.”
My eyes stared at Brooke with surprise.
She smiled. “He appeared to be happy that we called, since it sounded like he had some company of his own.”
Sydney!
“I…” but Mrs. Wasabi returned with my tea.
Mr. Wasabi entered and took up a seat next to Gabe. Even though I tried to not notice, he had been watching me the entire time and his eyes appeared to be generally upset at my distress.
In Mr. Wasabi’s hands, he held the multi colored egg. Its colors were swirling with the harmonious hypnotic patterns that had enthralled me when I had first discovered it after break.
My eyes widened and terror like nothing I’d ever felt before flooded my body. My hands trembled but the cup remained calm and I couldn’t rise. Incomprehension pierced my mind as to why I couldn’t stand. Then I notice Mrs. Wasabi’s arm around my shoulders and her hand on my wrist that kept the cup steady.
“Please don’t put that in me.” I whimpered.
“Pay up, Blue.” Set laughed.
“God! I didn’t even think she could be that dumb.” Brooke took a twenty out of her jean pocket and handed it to him.
My eyes pleaded with Gabe for him to save me. To be not like the others. That my love for him was real and that he felt the same thing. He sat motionless.
“JJ.” Mr. Wasabi started. “First, nothing is going to happen to you. They are not aliens or anything that is extraterrestrial,” He bobbed his head in uncertainty. “Mostly.”
“Mostly?” I blurted.
“Yes. To say that they are originally from earth would be a slight stretch.” Mr. Wasabi explained. “But they have been on earth long enough to call it home.”
I stared at Brooke. “How old are you?”
“Eighteen.” Brooke said.
“Eighteen thousand!”
“God, no.” Brooke said incredulous. “I’m not like Set.”
My gaze went to Set. “How old are you?”
“Thirty thousand or so. I’ve lost track a few times.” He answered.
Thirty Thousand? How is that possible? “How?”
“As I tried to tell…” Mr. Wasabi cut Brooke off, who acquiesced without further word.
“Okay. I’m going to tell you a story. It’s going to be hard to believe, but I’d like you to try and keep an open mind. It should all become clear.” Mr. Wasabi assured me.
“Does my Dad know about any of this?” My concern for my dad quickly filtered out my own fears.
“No. And I’d like to keep his friendship, just as Brooke and the others want to keep yours. It’s important to have good friends, really good friends.” He appeared sincere in his sentiment.
“I don’t care.” Set said off handily.
I stared hard at Set. “So you are not going to hurt me.” I asked. “Or make me forget, eat my brain, breed with me, or any other things the movies say aliens do.”
“Because the movies never lie.” Gabe smiled and I eased a little.
“The breeding part still stands for me.” Set smirked.
“Set.” Mrs. Wasabi cautioned.
Set bowed his head in deep respect.
Mrs. Wasabi nodded. “Understand dear, we cannot make you forget what we are about to tell you. This knowledge will be with you for the rest of your life. It is very valuable to certain people.”
I nodded. “Brooke mentioned something about that.”
“Good.” Mr. Wasabi said relieved. “Now, before I tell you the story. You have two choices. One…you can walk away right now without the story. We will disappear and you will never find us and you can tell whatever story you want to.”
My heart jumped.
“Two…you can listen, believe it or not, and understand that we are placing our lives in your hands as you will be placing your life in our hands.”
I paused. “I don’t understand. How could your lives be in my hands? I don’t even understand what is going on.”
“The reference Brooke made about the people that could try and kill you is very real. Those two things at the ice cream shop were with those that would like to hurt us. They will torture you for the information, for they don’t want Brooke and Gabe’s kind or Set’s kind to help in the war. And above all…They want this.” He looked down at the egg.
“What war? What does a lava lamp have to do with it?” I asked.
Mr. Wasabi shook his head. “You have to choose, first.”
Okay…my curiosity is certainly peaked. And I really want to know what is going on and if possible not to lose the man of my dreams, who smells so incredibly good. But I don’t want to get Dad in danger or myself really. I studied the others. Brooke and Gabe clearly wanted me to choose option two. Set was a tougher read, and from the short time we have been together, I don’t really think he cared one way or the other. I just don’t know about the whole friendship thing. Brooke has been lying to me for four years. So have the Wasabi’s. Do I trust them?
“Will I be able to ask questions afterwards and then still choose?” I asked.
“Come on, JJ. Would I willingly put you in danger? I’ve been your best friend for four years. That does not come easy for my kind.” Brooke said.
“You have lied to me for four years as well.” I countered.
She looked a little dejected like it actually bothered her. “I didn’t want to, JJ. Really. I love you. I really meant that you and your dad are family to us. I wouldn’t hurt you.” She got that mischievousness in her eye. “Besides, I’ve been preparing you for this day.” She sat back.
That actually made me smile. “If I agree. You will answer all my questions, no matter how weird or dumb.”
“We’ve been doing that.” Set snarled.
Mr. Wasabi nodded a scowl at Set, who turned up his nose.
“And, this won’t involve my Dad. I want him to be safe.”
Mr. Wasabi’s face became very serious. “I will do my very best, JJ. I treasure your Father’s friendship very much and I would put my life on the line for him. But I can’t completely guarantee that he will be safe. The only way for that to happen is for you to walk away.”
Surprised by the answer, I could tell he spoke from his heart. But, when Mr. Wasabi said he would put his life on the line for Dad, I had already made my decision.
“I’m not sure it’s right for me to make this decision for my Dad, but with you looking after him, I believe he is safer than he is on his own.�
� I took a deep breath. “Okay. Let’s hear it.”
Brooke rushed to me and gathered me up in her arms. “I knew you would do it. From the moment you could smell Gabe, I knew you would join us.” She pulled away and looked to be on the verge of tears, which never happens to Brooke.
“BFF’s. Which reminds me, why does he smell so good.”
“He’s dying.” Set announced.
“What?!” My heart stopped again.
“He’s just kidding.” Brooke assured me. “Well, technically he is dying, but it won’t be for a while still. But that is why his smell is so overpowering. Normally, we smell just like any other human. But since he is older, his smell is stronger.”
My heart returned to its normal beating rhythm.
“Why do you do that Set?” I said.
He shrugged. “When you have been alive for as long as I have, you take pleasures in the little things.” His cruel smile told the truth as he walked upstairs.
“He is so mean.” My eyes burned holes in his head.
Brooke agreed. “True Breeds are.” She turned to me. “Ready?”
Excitement grew in me. “Yes.”
“Oh. I have to bite your neck now.” Brooke said seriously.
“What?” Laughing nervously.
“Yeah. I have to bite your neck to turn you into one of us.” She said again.
“But you aren’t vampires?” I looked nervously over at Mr. Wasabi. “Are you?”
He shook his head. “No, Brooke is having fun at your expense. Normally that is a Green trait but the Blues have an odd sense of humor too at times.”
I turned back to her and gave her my best evil eye. She laughed at me, then almost as swift as Set had moved, she was upon me and bit my neck.
“Now you are one of us!” She howled into the night.
To Further the Tale of the Gods War Chronicle
“You are a real bitch at times. That hurt!” I rubbed my neck and wiped her over produced saliva from my neck on Brooke’s shirt.
“Hey.”
“It’s yours.” I continued wiping saliva off me and onto her.
“Brooke.” Mrs. Wasabi said.
Brooke jumped up. “Yes, Mother.” She went off to the kitchen leaving me with Mr. Wasabi and Gabe, who smiled continuously at me.
I blushed.
“Thank you, JJ. Not many would take up this cause. It is rare and greatly appreciated.” Mr. Wasabi bowed.
“You are very welcome. I just hope I can help.” I said.
“I have no doubt.” Mr. Wasabi leaned back in his chair holding the egg.
“May we start with that?” Pointing at the egg.
He smiled. “Certainly. This is a dragon’s egg. More correctly, a Gold Dragon’s egg.”
I looked at Gabe.
“No. It isn’t his. His kind cannot produce eggs. Only Set and his kind can.”
“Brooke mentioned about his ‘Kind’ before. What makes them so different? Aren’t they both dragons?” Not really grasping the whole ‘dragon’ part yet.
“No. They are very different. Set is a full dragon, who has changed his form to appear as a human. Gabe and Brooke are Dimidius or half dragons.” Mr. Wasabi explained. “Do you understand the difference?”
I shook my head. “Not really? You mean half, like a dog that is half one breed and another?”
An ironic smile set up residence on Gabe’s face and Mr. Wasabi’s smile took up his whole face.
“Not the most elegant of statements but theoretically correct.” Mr. Wasabi agreed.
“I’m not a dog!” Brooke yelled from the kitchen.’
“But you are a bitch!” I yelled back.
Mrs. Wasabi’s disapproving look made me drop my head. “I’m sorry.”
She smiled. “That look isn’t for you, dear.”
That made me feel better. “So?” I prompted.
“Ah, yes.” Mr. Wasabi was clearly determining whether Mrs. Wasabi’s look was for him or Brooke. “Let me continue. Brooke and Gabe are the offspring between a dragon in human form and a person. Someone like your father or you.”
“How does that happen?” My mind conjured images of a dragon having sex with a damsel in distress. I shuddered. “Is that what they meant when they said they were Dragon Touched?”
Mr. Wasabi appeared surprised. “Yes. When did you hear that?”
“A while back. Brooke and Set were arguing about the hockey.”
Mr. Wasabi eyed Gabe, who shrugged.
“So, how does a dragon have sex with a human?”
“Just like anyone. Once a dragon takes on its human form…”
“Which Set is and Gabe isn’t.”
“…correct, they take on the characteristics of a human…”
“Meaning that Gabe can’t have children.” Which means I can have all the sex with him I want and not get pregnant. Oh, my, god! How is this not a good thing! So what if he is like a hundred years old. He is sooooooo gorgeous!
“Get your mind out of the gutter, you slut!” Brooke yelled again.
Mr. Wasabi eyed the kitchen door. “With some exceptions.”
Don’t tell me he CAN get me pregnant!
“Such as, not getting hurt when being shot.” I offered first.
Mr. Wasabi nodded slowly. “Yes. Though, you should have been asleep during that accidental transgression.”
“But I wasn’t.”
“And that is why you are here.”
“Because I didn’t fall asleep?”
“Because you have a resistance to Dragon Charm.” Gabe said.
His golden eyes peered at me. Not your charms.
“I still don’t understand.” Shaking my head. “Dragon Charm?”
Mr. Wasabi nodded. “Yes. All dragons have a natural aura around them that people react to. Black dragons create fear, Gold dragons exude a sense of peacefulness…”
“And Blue dragons are bitches?” Offering this statement loud enough for Brooke to hear.
There was a momentary silence until Brooke roared from the kitchen. “I’m going to punch you in the face! I know where you live!”
The tirade would have continued but Mrs. Wasabi coughed lightly and the noise stopped.
I smiled. It is so easy to push her buttons. Gabe winked at me in appreciation of my talent.
Mr. Wasabi laughed. “I’ve never seen anyone with that kind of power over a Blue. You are good.”
“I try.”
Even Mrs. Wasabi had a slight hint of a smile.
“Okay. So, each dragon has a charm that affects people. How many different kinds of dragons are there?” Trying to grasp this whole charm thing.
“Seven and one. Gold, silver, black, blue, red, green and white. Each has a different attribute that accompanies their personalities. I don’t need to go into each, but since you know three…gold are inquisitive and pragmatic. Black dragons are mischievous and manipulative and Blues’ are…”
“Let me guess…..bitches.” I laughed again.
The silence lasted just a while longer before the outburst of rage. “I am sooooo going to punch you in the face!”
“Belligerent is a better term.” Mr. Wasabi said.
“Dad!” Brooke whined.
I nodded my head to him. “Okay. She’s a little aggressive. Do the Dimidius have the same powers?”
“No. They are faster, smarter, healthier and a bit more durable than normal people, but they are just as vulnerable as anyone else. Only true dragons retain most of their power. They just aren’t as powerful as if they were in their dragon form.”
“I see. So that is why Set didn’t get hurt. His dragon hide wouldn’t allow normal bullets to go through.” I said.
Mr. Wasabi agreed. “Yes.”
I shuddered. “Did he kill those robbers?”
Mr. Wasabi shook his head. “They weren’t robbers. They were servants of the Two. But no. He just incapacitated them. And don’t worry about your friends or the store owner. They won’t remember a thing.”
/>
“How is that? Magic?!”
He laughed. “Not quite. Just a potion.”
I was a little deflated with that. I have to admit, I was hoping for the magic angle, but I guess that is still relegated to books. “So are you and Mrs. Wasabi Dimidius?”
“No. We are like you and your father, but our families have been involved with the dragons for centuries, raising and caring for them until they can go on their own. That is why Brooke is with us and now this egg.”
The color’s swirled excitedly as if it knew what was being said.
“When will that hatch?” I asked very interested.
“At the end of May.” He became very serious. “That is why Set and Gabe are here. To help protect it until it hatches.”
“And that will be a half dragon?”
Mr. Wasabi laughed. “Oh, no. This will be a full dragon. Those like Brooke and Gabe, are born to real parents, but are then taken away by the Gray Mage.” His voice became low and respectful when he uttered that name.
“But the Gray Mage helps you? Where does he come from?”
“She.” Mr. Wasabi shook his head. “No one knows. There are rumors, and no one really can say what she looks like either. Her power is unmistakable when you meet her, though.”
“But she looks out for the True Breed too?” I asked.
“Yes. Much to their annoyance. But getting back. Both of them will leave when the egg has hatched.”
“Then they will leave?” My heart dropped. How can I live without him? I have to have him in my life. Oh god, what am I going to do?!
“I’ll be around for a while.” Gabe assured me.
My heart eased.
“So, there are seventy one dragons. That’s a lot?” I said. “How do you keep track of all of them?”
“Not seventy one, JJ. Seven and one.” His voice dropped a little and was very serious.
I was confused. “Isn’t that seventy one. Seven and one.”
“No. There are seven true dragon kinds and one other.” Set walked down the stairs. His demeanor had changed. A true hatred filled his eyes, not like the contempt he had for Gabe and Brooke, but a deep seeded hatred that appeared to emanate from his soul.
Dragon Amour (Dragon-Half Breed Book 1) Page 17