Dealing with a Teenage Boy

After two weeks Clem became as big as a regular freshly hatched dragon, no longer frog size. Which gave me a lot more freedom, though I was still often with her. Why you may ask.

I completely forgot how annoying teenage boys are. Dragon or human, a teenager is a teenager. I never noticed Jasper, because he was born acting like an adult and it wasn't my job to raise him. Seeing Xander now all of the memories of growing up with an older brother come flooding back. At least Xander was average, minus the dragon bits. I was put in charge of raising him.

Xander walked into sight of Switch and I, each of us trying to hold our breath as the smell of his Hatchet body spray was so strong.

"Xander. Why are you wearing that crap again?" I said with watery eyes, "You don't sweat anymore. It's not like you have any BO to cover up." I nagged.

"You know I smell like charcoal without it. Besides its not like I put on that much." he said making a good yet annoying excuse. With all of the heat and fire that came from his body, he did smell like smoke or charcoal most of the time. Though he smelt more like a campfire than a cigarette.

"We all prefer smoke to that stuff. Plus all it takes is a little bit of fire while spraying that and your camper will burn to the ground." I said, only slightly exaggerating. You keep spraying yourself like that something is going to explode. Aerosol catches fire easily." I continued nagging.

Suddenly he was covered in muddy water. I looked back to see Switch's tail dripping in water as she stood next to a puddle.

"That smells much better." Switch said with a chirp. Both Switch and I laughed while Xander was literally fuming.

"That's it! I am done with stupid training!" Xander yelled as he started to walk away.

I sped in front of the boy stopping him in his tracks.

"You will speak to me and your elders with respect!" I yelled. Causing him to cower for a split second. "I have taken you in, given you sanctuary, your own living space, and all of your needs. I do not ask you to do my bidding, but I am your guardian, and I will ground your a**" if you disobey." I yelled at him for his behavior.

"Yeah and how are you going to ground me, huh?" he said with a stupid sence of bravery. "I live alone, what are you gonna do, make me go to my room? No supper?" He said mocking me.

Mocking me is something no human or dragon does. I won't hurt the hormonal jerk, but I will happily scare him senseless.

My eyes slitted, shining their bright yellow. My claws came out, and Cortelco, whom had gone unnoticed by Xander opened his eyes and growled. I took a slow step towards him, looking thoroughly intimidating.

"You ungrateful fire-breathing brat, will spend your nights and free time in the freezer building with Coruscant." I told him in threatening tone. Then very suddenly I put my eyes back to their natural color, and let my claws disappear.

"For one week." I said, this time speaking in a simple parenting tone, "got that, kid?" I said with a smile.

Xander nodded his head quickly, then just as fast got into position for training. Instantly I stood across from him.

"We know you are strong, and could be faster if you were better on your feet. So for awhile, your training will simply be cardio. Which means lots of running. During this time you also need to learn how to maneuver the landscape around you. It doesn't matter the foliage, the ground condition, weather, or location; you need to learn to run. Keeping up with your cardio regime and training will help you get on the right path. Putting your strength behind steady legs and a sure stance will increase your speed." I lectured. Xander looked entirely bored. "Hey Listen. Why aren't you focusing on the topic? It's not like I am spouting about geometry." I said, with a sarcastic note.

"Listen lady" Xander said, "Every day of training you give me the exact same speech, then I do laps with Peculiar and Mabel, while Switch watches and critiques. That is why I am bored. Why haven't you switched things up yet?" he asked sounding even more bored than he looked.

Switch spoke up, "I am your trainer, Mama instructs, you change your workout when I think you are ready." she said almost sounding like a mother explaining something to her pouty toddler.

"Really!? I have to wait until a Deer Chaser is satisfied with my running?!" Xander yelled.

I looked at Switch and cocked my head "Was that racist? Is racism a thing with dragons? I mean that was a very stereotypical assumption." I pondered, asking Switch.

"Racism? Mama I don't know that word. I am the same as you, I have lived with you all of my life." Switch pointed out.

I often forget that me and my property have always been their entire world.

"Guess I should ask Rose and Charming." I said.

"Okay I am not a reptilian racist. I am just pointing out that she has to approve my speed, but literally no one can be as fast as her." He pointed out.

"I am faster." I countered with a smirk. "Wanna see?" I asked him, feeling my own pride swell up inside of me.

Xander just rolled his eyes, making me a little frustrated.

"Can we just go to the human's cabin? Mabel said they are having steak tonight, and I want to make sure they make mine extra rare." Xander complained. I had already known that steak would be served tonight, and I knew why. We were having steak to soften the blow for Xander; he wouldn't be happy when he learns the DDP is inspecting him tomorrow.

Suddenly Daisy landed in between the two of us.

"If he gets to stop training early than why do I have to train?" Daisy whined.

"Because I am older twerp." Xander mocked, looking down at Daisy's contorted angry face.

"I am not a twerp you demon! and I train every day, and I don't even whine like you do!" Daisy shouted, then stuck her tongue out.

"Oh yeah, I didn't see you running laps." Xander mocked.

"Yeah because you didn't look up duh." Daisy said with a condescending expression. "I do laps around the entire territory, not just up and down the river. I have already circled three times today. You are as lazy as Somnolent." Daisy told him.

"Hey I don't just exercize! I have to study dragon stuff too." Xander argued.

Daisy rolled her eyes, "Oh yeah? I have to homeschool, train, learn about dragons, and take care of Meadow." she said.

I wasn't sure whether she was bragging or complaining. Either way that little girl was winning this argument.

"Daisy don't make fun of the older dragons." I said addressing her earlier comment about Somnolent. Then my attention went to Xander. "She didn't phrase it the best, but Daisy has a point. Short of Clem, every dragon here works harder than you, and your workload is already very small. Even Mouse runs laps up and down the river, and she is human." I pointed out.

Suddenly Meadow dropped from the sky onto Xander's head and shoulders, carrying Clementine. Not far behind Valorous came waddling into view.

"The small hatchling wanted to train!" Valorous yelled excitedly, as if on cue.

Daisy, Switch, and I all looked at Xander who was obviously frustrated, knowing he was losing this argument even faster. His hands started steaming as he clenched them into angry fists at his sides. I rolled my eyes. He didn't notice that I had seen the steam, so I gave up the argument and let him have his way. Maybe this would also make it easier to calm him down about the DDP.

"Fine, no more training today. Sorry Clem." I announced as I went over to take Clementine from Meadow.

I held the small sunset colored dragon in my hands. I stroked her spine as I began the walk back to Mouse's cabin. Daisy grabbed my free hand to walk with me. Xander marched ahead of us still angry, even though he had gotten his way. There really was no pleasing him.

"Daisy, why can't all teenagers be like Mouse was?" I asked her sarcastically not expecting a reply.

Daisy put on her "thinking face" then responded seriously. "Mabel is a girl. Girls rule, and boys drool." she told me. She continued in a voice that was loud enough for Xander to hear, "Also Xander is Satan!"

Before I could scold Daisy for making fun of Xander; Xander turned around and started heading towards Daisy.

"Eep!" I heard from Daisy who quickly let go of my hand and shot into the sky.

"Get back here you flying rat!" Xander yelled at Daisy, whom was already shrinking from view.

Most people would think Daisy and Xander were siblings, with how they treat eachother. If it weren't for the difference in appearance most would definitely assume they were at least related. It had only been a few weeks but both already knew how to get on eachother's nerves. Daisy was much better with coming up with insults, but Xander made it too easy, whether or not it is intentional is unsure. Xander walked a short distance to my left, and had Valorous trodding between us. Clem lept from my hand to Xander's shoulder, causing him to flinch.

"Uhh your frog jumped on my shoulder." Xander said, as if I hadn't noticed.

"She is bigger than a frog now." I said defending Clem. "She likes being on you because you are warm, and hatchlings need warmth, or at least enjoy it." I said with a smile. Though knowing full well that Clem was able to go longer periods away from the heated nest now.

Xander gave a soft smile that he failed to hide. He stroked the small dragon as we walked in silence.

As we approached Mabel's cabin I began to feel the dread of Xander's reaction to his upcoming scientific investigation. Paul was standing in front of a grill with a plate of raw steakes waiting to be cooked. Xander walked past and grabbed three raw steaks. you could tell it irked Paul, but he didn't say anything. Soon the steak and side dishes were served. Daisy and Xander's moods increased drastically with each bite, but I had to ruin it. Ava had been warned beforehand not to say anything, and to let me and Paul handle this.

"Okay Xander there is something I need to say and you won't find it pleasant." I started.

Xander looked at me cautiously.

"Tomorrow the DDP will be coming, their visit this time is for your first... examination."

Xander looked at me with eyes examining my body. obviously trying to figure see if I showed signs of being nervous or scared.

"What do you mean examination?" Xander said, already suspicious. He was realizing the steak was an excuse to put him in a good mood.

This time Paul spoke up.

"Well you are a False Human, and that is a new species. The only other two ever officially recorded are sitting at this table. Both Ivy and Daisy are female, so the DDP agents, will probably be extra interested in you, a male."

"So these agents will just be asking me questions about my dragony condition?" Xander asked, obviously thinking we were dumb for buttering him up only for that. Daisy just started laughing. Before we could stop her now she started running her mouth.

"You wish. They jab you with needles to take your blood, the make you do everything dragony that you can possibly do, then ask to do more dragony stuff. Then they do a bunch of medical human things. They take samples of you." Daisy spoke the next part with a blush, and much quieter. "They also make you take your clothes off so they can inspect you completely."

The modest Daisy was very uncomfortable with this, but I always made sure I was there with her, and only female scientists were involved.

Since Daisy had spoken Ava felt the need to open her mouth. "Oh don't complain so much it..." Before she could finish talking both Daisy and Paul had covered her mouth with their hands. Ava was visibly annoyed, but she gave up. Paul and Daisy put their hands back down. No one is certain what she had been trying to say, but we all knew that it wouldn't have helped.

"Anyways," Paul started again "These tests are necessary for research and health purposes. if we don't know about your physical body, we lose information that could help in the future; whether it be to help you when you are sick, and to further the knowledge of your species."

Before Xander could respond I butted in.

"And there is a plus side of new humans visiting. You get to scare the visitors absolutely shi... terrified." I had stopped myself from cursing in front of Daisy.

Xander gave a quick side grin that faded just as quickly as it had shown up.

"I don't want to do any of this dragon testing with all of these stupid agents. In fact you can't make me." Xander said. Which immediately I took as an act of defiance.

"You wanna bet!" I said, as I angrily stood up from my chair. I knew my eyes had turned yellow at this point but I didn't care if I scared him.

Mabel took Daisy from the table and distracted her with fun activities in the next room. No one wanted her to get scared.

"I am the alpha here, and I am not afraid of your stupid fire breath or little strength. My scales and hard skin protect me, and compared to me your strength is nothing! You will do as I say whether you like it or not, I will use force if I have to." I yelled at the boy, who was trying to cover how scared he was. I sat down and continued eating, knowing I needed speak no more. Ava and Paul looked just as scared as Xander, and the weren't even part of my rampage. Dragon or not, nobody wanted to be on my bad side.

Xander tried once more to act like he had any authority.

"So these dumb tests do they hurt?" he asked trying to sound confident.

"Not to a dragon." Ava said meekly.

I was glad Daisy wasn't at the table. She would have gone on and on about how the needles hurt and how they had to pluck scales and hair, and scratch up your skin (a skin scrape). Daisy's body wasn't built for combat like mine and Xander's; she had more delicate features.

immediately after my plate was finished I left. I shouted a thanks to Paul, for the food, before leaving.

Cortelco jumped down from the rooftop where he had been waiting for me.

"That kid is a brat. You should just kick him out." Cortelco said with complete confidence that I would follow his advise.

"That kid is older than you you know? And I hate to tell you this, but this is how teenagers behave. Boys seem to take longer to mature than girls typically. If he is misbehaving, just show me through your eyes, and I can tell you how to handle him." I told him with my mind.

I felt like that dinner had wiped all of my energy. Cortelco and I walked to the river banks, I sat down an dipped my feet in the water, while Cortelco got comfortable laying beside me. In the distance I could see Reticent and Rose trying to teach their hatchlings how to fish. Though none of them could fly yet. Once they got their flight skills and could properly fish on their own they would leave this place to live in the wild. I leaned against Cortelco and asked,

"How do you think Rose and Reticent will react when it is time for their offspring to leave?"

"I am sure Rose will be against it, as she is so protective, and like always Reticent will be proud that you approve of something he did." Cortelco responded in a grumble. He never liked when I payed mind to any of my other dragons.

"How will you feel when your offspring leave?" he asked me seriously.

"You, the original eight, Rose, and Charming are all staying here. My children aren't leaving." I replied. I was confused by his question as he already knew this.

"I am talking about the small child and the moody boy." Cortelco explained to me.

"They are not my offspring." I replied simply, not really thinking about the weight of my words.

Cortelco gave a frustrated sigh and shook his head. "You care for these two False Humans. you are raising them with: guidance, discipline, and compassion." he said as he gave me a moment to process his words. "The only difference between them and the original eight is that you never got to see them as infants, and they don't call you mama." Cortelco paused one more time before continuing. "So I ask again; how will you respond to your offspring leaving?"

I had never thought that far ahead, in fact I never thought of that at all. To me everything seemed that it would last forever, but I will live a long time, and change is bound to happen. Through the DDP I am sure both Daisy and Xander could be given their own territories. In fact Daisy will probably become a dragon lady too. If either of them become as overprotective and territorial as me, we might not be able to stay together. Cortelco has a point though, they had become family, somehow. Despite all of Mabel, Bill, Will, Jasper, Mrs.Horn Paul, and even Ava's help; I was still Daisy's guardian.

I couldn't give Cortelco a response, but he could see how jumbled my thoughts were.

"Xander isn't as attached to this place. The others all have emotional ties through family. Whether the family is human or dragon, I think he still feels out of place. I will give him an egg next time we get another batch." I told Cortelco. He didn't have the reaction I expected.

"Are you serious! How could you trust him so soon?!" Cortelco all but screamed in my head.

"What do you mean? We don't even know when we will even get another batch." I said to him while rubbing my temples.

"The annoying one (Ava) got a call you are getting a batch in three days." He told me.

"What? Why?" I asked him.

Cortelco stared at me blankly, as if he was measuring my idiocy.

"You have four seasoned dragon ladies on one property. Do I need to explain more." Cortelco told me bluntly with a condescending look.

Sometimes I regret raising him more human than dragon. They mature so quickly, something required in the wild, but kind of annoying on a day to day basis.

"Alright, time to go and talk to the boy." I said getting up from the ground "Let's give him a crash course on child rearing."