Chapter 16.3 – Taking Kids on Flights is Sometimes Fun

Dragons don't interact with weaker creatures, and she doesn't talk to, or even seem to like, the other Elder Dragons. If there was a special someone on her last planet, wouldn't she have stayed there? There's no way she's gone tens of millennia without swiping her V-card, right?

Oh my god…I have to know. How do I ask subtly?

[Uhm, Nina, do Elder Dragons mate for life or something?] (Mizuki)

I sense surprise, confusion, and amusement from her in quick succession.

[Fufufufufufu…Mizuki, are you wondering if you were my first?] (Nina)

Busted. Her amusement intensifies as I remain silent.

[Yes, you are my first mate. I came to Azura from my home planet when I was still very young. I have long detested Halzar and Veyron, and I had no other equals on this planet. So, I'm happy that you came along, and we made the Dragon Bond. Fufufufu…after so long without a mate...I hope you're prepared.] (Nina)

I…need time to wrap my head around that. I thought my V-card run sucked, but…damn. Also, is this Dragon Bond our contract, and did she just imply it's basically a dragon marriage?

"Uhm…Mizuki, why are you and Nina just staring at one another?" (Klaus)

Klaus suddenly interrupts my thoughts with his question. I look around, and everyone is glancing between Nina and I in confusion. Crap…I guess I got caught up in thought communication and an awkward silence ensued.

"Ah, sorry Klaus, we were privately discussing…other matters." (Mizuki)

I quickly move the conversation along.

"Anyway, let's get on with taking the wolf-kin home! Alto, are you ready?" (Mizuki)

Alto nods her agreement. I walk over to where the wolf-kin are playing a little way away. Seeing me approach, they begin to look nervous and move behind the oldest in the group.

She's about Alto's height with a lean and toned build, like a runner. She has dark olive skin, grey eyes, and dark brown hair that her grey wolf ears can be seen poking out of. If I had to guess, I'd say she's around 15.

Oh yeah, what was with her being the only semi-adult? The rest of them look 6-10. The girl is eyeing me cautiously, but she doesn't seem antagonistic. Good, just the kind of person I like to talk to.

I direct a warm smile towards her and kneel so I'm closer to the height of the other kids.

"Hi everyone. I know we haven't really gotten a chance to speak, but my name is Mizuki. Maybe I should have taken the time to do this last night. Instead, I just took you from where you were being held, and I magically dropped you in the forest somewhere with strangers. I'm sorry for that, so I understand if you don't trust me very much. Could you tell me your names?" (Mizuki)

The younger ones seem to have trouble meeting my gaze, and they remain silent. The older girl looks at me evenly and responds for them.

"My name is Zara. Sorry, but the little ones aren't up for talking. We don't resent your actions, and we're not distrustful – wolf-kin wouldn't be so ungrateful. The little ones are reserved because they know you made all those humans who took us disappear. It's our custom to show deference to powerful strangers, and the young ones don't know how that may seem to other races yet." (Zara)

Hmm…that's some interesting insight into wolf-kin cultural norms. I nod at them with a smile to indicate that I understand and am not offended.

"That's fine, I understand. I appreciate you explaining that to me Zara, and you seem like a very reliable person, so I'm glad to have your help. If that's how everyone feels, then please know that you're welcome to consider me as a friend for the time being. Does anyone have any requests they'd like to make of me, or any questions they want to ask?" (Mizuki)

This seems to make the children a bit more forthcoming. One boy steps forward and asks a question excitedly.

"Have you ever fought a dragon before!? I heard this place used to belong to a dragon!" (wolf-kin boy 1)

"Fufufu…well, yes I have. You're correct, this was the nest of an Elder Dragon. However, it and I are friends, so it gave you all permission to stay here until you can go home. Any other questions?" (Mizuki)

There's a round of 'ooohs' from the kids, and Zara's eyes go up in surprise. Then, a little girl clinging to Zara asks me a question.

"Are you really going to take us home?" (wolf-kin girl 1)

I smile at her and nod reassuringly.

"That's right! I'm going to fly you there today, so fast that it should only take 2-3 hours. However, I can only get you to the biggest wolf-kin village without help, so that's where I'm taking you first. If they need help to get you to your families safely after that, I'll offer my help." (Mizuki)

There's a palpable rush of excitement from the kids over that information. Not sure if it's the flying, the returning home, or both. Zara's mouth is hanging open. She recovers quickly and responds.

"That won't be necessary, we all lived in the main village. Thank you for doing that much. When can we leave?" (Zara)

Well, that's convenient for me. With the threat of slavers, I guess it makes sense that most demi-humans of the same species would group together.

"We can leave soon, but I need your help with something first to prepare for the trip. Is that okay?" (Mizuki)

"Sure…but what can we do to help you?" (Zara)

She looks at me, genuinely puzzled.

"Well, I have the ability to track things over very long distances. One of the things I can track is different types of species. So, if one of you lets me tune my ability to your magic signature, then I'll be able to track other wolf-kin. After that, I can look for the largest grouping of wolf-kin in the correct general direction and take you there." (Mizuki)