[Bonus chapter] The abrasive Ace

Sabrina sat with Dr Kaito to discuss her options at a corner of the rooftop restaurant bar for almost an hour. She learnt so much about the Heaven's Descent clan and how they are so much more progressive compared to her own clan. It could be because they've always find it easy to adapt to the changes in the human realm. They are even using human technology in their clan palace, which is unheard of for the Sea Jade Clan.

"I wish I can change clans," she sighed after listening to stories about the other clan from Dr Kaito.

He grinned at her in reply.

"Too bad our powers are too different to change clans as and when we like," he remarked.

Dragon shapeshifters in the Heaven's Descent have powers over the air so they are considered air dragons with powers to control weather and the flow of chi while those in the Sea Jade clan are water dragons with powers to control the oceans, water and the flow of water energy. There are also the fire, wood and metal dragon clans that each has powers to control their respective elements. All five dragon shapeshifter clans work to maintain the balance of the elements so that it does not tip over to the dark side which could result in chaos and horrible consequences of epic proportions (Author's unsolicited comment: This sounds like an adventurous good vs evil quest storyline…hehehe).

They were just finishing their stories about the different clans and wondering if they will ever meet dragons from the other elements when Kavan came in with Ace in tow. If ever there was a picture to go with 'tall, dark and handsome', it has to be Kavan with his lithe wide-shouldered body, his deep brown eyes ringed with thick lashes and the effortless way he moves, as if he glides instead of walk. He too commanded attention the moment he entered, gaining a few appreciative glances from the women along the path. Ace is just as tall but he is skinny with a pale complexion and a shock of dyed blonde hair. He has tattoos, coincidentally of dragons, starting from his neck and running down his right arm. He swaggered in beside Kavan and women hurried looked away when he winked at them.

She waved at Kavan and they headed straight to their table. Introductions were made and she noticed Ace studying her contemplatively, as if trying to figure out what Kavan sees in her.

"So, you're a doctor eh? Specialty?" Ace suddenly turned to ask Dr Kaito casually.

Dr Kaito nodded. "I'm an oncologist," he said.

"Oooo…cancer doctor, that's impressive, must've seen lotsa dying peeps then," Ace said, almost sounding excited by the prospect. He turned back to Sabrina.

"So, you're Kavan's latest squeeze, what do you do doll?" he asked in an abrasive manner. His character is the total opposite of Kavan's gentle and kind character. Sabrina wondered how they can even become friends.

"Nothing much, actually," she replied, shrugging. She was being honest. She doesn't really have a job in the human realm.

"Ah, my dream job," Ace replied. "Who doesn't want to do nothing eh?" he said, elbowing Dr Kaito who is sitting next to him, and winking.

Dr Kaito shifted uncomfortably and smiled weakly. He didn't respond.

"Ace, stop making them uncomfortable," Kavan told him off.

"Ignore him Dr Kaito, he tends to do this when he meets new people," he said to Dr Kaito. The doctor smiled in return.

"Don't worry about it, he's just being himself," he said.

"So, how are you two connected?" Ace suddenly asked, gesturing between Dr Kaito and Sabrina. "I mean, you don't look even remotely related so you can't be siblings…don't tell me, are you former lovers?" he faked a gasp. Then he stood up and gave Kavan's shoulder a hard slap.

"Way to go man, I didn't know you are so open minded! If I am you, I would never let my girl sit and talk with her ex as if they are on a date!" he exclaimed.

"We are not ex lovers," Sabrina replied in a measured tone. This Ace person is annoying. She may not like the Chokshi but in this regard, she agrees with them that Kavan definitely doesn't need this Ace person in his life. He is uncouth and abrasive and just so annoying.

"Ah, then what are you? Cause 'just friends' ain't gonna cut it, I mean, c'mon, we are not kids," Ace said.

Sabrina gave Kavan's thigh, which is next to hers, a slight pinch. He flinched a tiny bit but he seemed to understand what she wanted him to do.

"Ace, what are you doing? Stop harassing my girlfriend and Dr Kaito," he said firmly. Ace grinned at him, not in the least guilty.

"Heh. Just trying to liven up the atmosphere dude. Anyways, you were asking me to be a witness at your marriage registration? So, when is it?" thankfully, Ace seemed to take the message and switched subject. "Ah, now I get it, this good doctor here must be her witness, eh?" he interjected himself.

Dr Kaito refrained from saying anything, instead, he waited for Sabrina and Kavan to reply. It was obvious he was lost and had no idea what was going on. While the they discussing dragon problems and gossiping about other dragon clans, Sabrina neglected to tell him about her human problems and drama.

"Oh about that, Ace, we don't need witnesses anymore," Kavan told his friend.

"What? Why? You're breaking off the engagement? Not getting married?" Ace asked, surprised. Then he frowned. "Is it your annoying family? Honestly Kavan, you should stop letting them walk all over you," he said.

"Don't worry Ace, I have dealt with them the way I should have done a long time ago, it's just that we are waiting for a few more months before signing the papers," he said.

"Wow. Congrats bro. You finally found some balls to stand up to your crazy possessive family? Really?" Ace look at Sabrina for confirmation and she nodded. He whistled in approval. "Way to go, Kavan. See, I knew you have some balls hidden somewhere, finally you grew some!"

Ace's abrasive manner seems to peter out and mellow into casual chatter after they've had a few drinks. He stopped being so annoying and was actually quite a funny guy, cracking jokes - some are hugely inappropriate but still funny. They ordered food and even Dr Kaito relaxed and joined in their conversation, regaling them with stories of his travels around the world. He often take long breaks to travel and he loves to hike up mountains in remote areas. Of course, Sabrina knows he probably flew up in his dragon form so she pretended to listen raptly too.

Soon, she got up to go to the bathroom. She has had quite a few drinks but not in the least tipsy. Alcohol seldom affects dragons. She made her way to the bathroom and just as she rounded a corner, a hand shot out and grabbed her arm. She turned to stare at the person, ready to tell them to let go or she will break their hand. However, she recognised the person and she gaped at the person.