Tribulations of a Dragon

With Joras having thoroughly pulled me out of my momentary slump, I’m feeling ready to have a snack and take on the world again. I’m feeling quite happy about how well my friends are doing. It does leave me somewhat unaccounted for in terms of what to do next. Given all the stuff he just said, it makes sense to ask him what he thinks I should do.

“Joras, if you were a big, super awesome dragon capable of whatever you wanted, what would you do in my situation?”

“I admire your humility, Kira. But I think I would do what I did as a tall, handsome, and magnanimous elven alchemist: focus on those near your heart and throw all that you are into solving their problems. I believe you’ll find your own problems will soon disappear if you do.”

I feel like he does have a point, and I know just where to start. Getting up, I turn to Joras and push him to the ground, pinning him with a clawed hand while making sure he’s safe.

“I’m pretty sure we have a score to settle, Joras. If I remember correctly, I promised you licks, and I will not be made a liar.”

Unleashing a thousand licks upon the helpless elven man yields screams for mercy, but today, there is no mercy to be found as he reaps what he has sown!

Having been thoroughly punished, I release him from my grip, and he just lies on the ground, chuckling softly.

Taking off his shirt, he starts wiping away my saliva and throws the wet clothes at my head, but I’m too fast! The bonfire wasn’t too fast, though. His expression makes it pretty clear that he realizes the mistake he just made as the fire begins lapping at the shirt.

“That was my favorite shirt…”

He looks so heartbroken! I have to help, and given that I’m a dragon, I’ll just assume I’m impervious to fire. So I stick my head into the bonfire, and using my tongue to pick up the piece of clothing, I pull it out. As far as I can taste, it hasn’t been burned as the flames didn’t manage to get through the layer of my viscous saliva.

Tonguing it back to him, he grabs it with one hand, looking somewhat conflicted. I can tell that he appreciates it, but he might need to wash the shirt before he wears it again.

“Wait, if it was your favorite shirt, why did you use it to wipe your face? That’s irresponsible, Joras!”

“It seems like I didn’t think about it in the moment. Thank you for saving it from the fire.”

At least I confirmed that I’m close enough to impervious to fire, so I resist the heat from the bonfire just fine. Thinking of the bonfire, the food they’re cooking is starting to smell irresistible and I want some. Moving to the side a bit, the cooking carcass comes into reach and I lift it off the roasting spit. The delicious flavors assault my tongue well before I’ve taken my first bite and I want more!

The shirtless Joras joins me as he carves a piece off, ignoring the spices and grease dirtying his fingers and face as he digs in. Just like me, he seems quite impressed with the flavor, and I don’t think I get to have it all to myself. That’s okay, though. It tastes better when we share.

“Joras, I have an idea for Lauren. Do you think we can inject a small amount of my venom directly around her heart? I don’t know why, but I had this idea that if we did, it might make the vile steel move somewhere else. If we can corral it to her left arm, I can bite it off, getting rid of the physical part of the stuff.”

“That… That’s a dangerous plan, Kira. Is that something you’ve learned in your old world?”

I explain to him that it sort of is, and that there are medical techniques using some pretty serious toxic stuff to fight something worse. He seems quite interested in learning what I have to say on the matter, but I’m nowhere even close to being an expert, I’m not even a novice.

“At the very least, it’s an interesting thought. I had intended to administer the venom as one would a potion, letting the body do the distribution, but this could be far more potent. I’m not sure why getting rid of the physical part would work, though. Do you have any additional information regarding that part of your plan?”

“No… It’s just a feeling I can’t shake, buzzing in my head."

“Well, it’s an interesting choice. Would she rather lose her arm or her magic? I think we both know what she’d choose. I will have to think about how to do it, though.”

It sounds like he’s on board to try, so that’s a relief. Now I just need to finish off this deliciousness! Joras takes a few more slices before I manage to eat the last few bits. And annoyingly, another question pops into my mind… I wanted to get some more food, but now I have to deal with my curiosity…

“Joras, do you have any idea why I’m so prone to shifts between happy and sad? It’s getting annoying.”

“Well, had you been human or elven, I would say it reminds me of the growth into adulthood, but I must admit that I can’t say for sure.”

Ah, dang it! That makes sense! If Wreyn is right, I’ve basically grown several years' worth of growth in a few weeks, of course I’m gonna have hormonal problems… Dang it! Dang it! Dang it! I had to deal with hormonal balance issues for six years before I got stabbed, and now they’re back! I’m gonna be so angry if I’m hitting puberty and turning into Kira the Teenage Dragon of Tuiran! I’m gonna be so annoyed if I start getting pimples again.

“It appears you’ve come to a conclusion, Kira. Whatever it is, I wouldn’t worry, I’m sure you’ll get through this as well.”

The words sound reassuring and kind, but the laughter sounds mocking and annoying.

He’s making it pretty clear that the punishment I dealt out wasn’t enough, so maybe I’ll add twice as many licks next time.

“I’ve been thinking, Kira. Do you have any ideas on how to make the world better? Most travelers bring something from their old world to create a significant change here. The last traveler I know of brought along new ideas for carriages and wagons to smooth out the rides. And I must admit, I find myself tremendously curious about what you might know.”

Geez, that’s a big question. ‘Oh hey, got a minute to revolutionize the world?’ I do have a brick idea though…

“It’s not really a thing from my old world, but I did think about suggesting dragon-fired bricks. I feel like they might be pretty good if this Dragon’s Gold stuff is so good because of my flames.”

I don’t really appreciate all this laughing at me Joras is doing, and now he’s really laughing as he rolls on the ground.

With a curled claw, I boop him in the stomach, changing the laughter to a mix of coughing and laughing. I might have been a bit too rough. It’s pretty clear that he needs a moment.

“My apologies, Kira. It wasn’t you, it was the absurdity of it all. It’s a great idea and I have no doubt it would work, but a Dragon going into construction isn’t exactly the norm around here. Unless you count creating work. By the Gods, you pack a punch…”

His breathing stays heavy for quite a while, and I hope that’s because of all the laughing and not my booping him…

“It’s getting late, would you be up for letting me gather some venom? Then I can bring your suggestion to Turo’s attention tomorrow.”

That sounds like a decent plan, so turning my head, I lower a horn for him to grab onto, and when he does, I turn my head again, pulling him up from the ground. With him standing, he gets to work gathering his things, and our trek to his shop begins.

It’s quite an enjoyable walk in the empty streets. We can just keep a leisurely pace and I don’t have to worry about stepping on or knocking over anyone. I still have to watch my tail, but that’s okay. We just enjoy the quiet as the rambunctious party continues behind us.

“You know, Kira, I think it was quite clever of you to ask Lily about her homeland’s cooking, and I wanted to thank you for it. She has spent most of the day talking to traders and buying ingredients. It’s good that she gets out more. That’s another example of how not every good deed has to be pure. And this good deed will be rewarded. She has baked a batch of cookies for you.”

Ooh! I haven’t had cookies in so long! I wonder what kind they are. I bet they’re delicious.

I’m quite looking forward to having some cookies, and before I know it, I’m trotting at a decent pace to get there. With my size, I cover the distance in barely any time at all, and stopping outside his door, I knock.

“Kira… Let me just catch my breath… I’m already here, you didn’t have to knock… By the Gods, I need to get out more… You’re fast when you aren’t being slowed by crowds…”

That’s a fair point, but it isn’t as important as cookies. Joras meanders through his door and heads into some other room back there. Only a moment later, he returns with the greatest treasure of all time! Potentially delicious cookies!

“We should gather the venom first; otherwise, the collections will be contaminated by crumbs.”

That’s just unfair! He dangles the cookies in front of me like that and then tells me to be responsible?! How can I possibly be responsible with my prize so close?

“Don’t growl at me, Kira. This won’t take long, and then you’ll get your cookies.”

Fiiine… Opening my mouth a little, I keep the memory of frightening Joras fresh in my mind. I don’t want to repeat that, since it’s not fun to scare friends. Well, except when it is, but this time it isn’t.

He puts a hand on my nose and gently pushes upward, and I let him control how wide my maw is so he can feel safe. When he feels it’s appropriate, he starts his thing and scoops up my venom. It doesn’t take long, and by the time he finishes, I notice that my mouth isn’t as dry as it was last time. So I question him about that.

“It makes no sense to collect it all as the last few batches would be effectively useless regardless of how much effort we put in, so we might as well prioritize your comfort. And thank you for prioritizing my comfort.”

Aww, he’s a sweetheart. But enough of that, I want delicious cookies! And he’s busy being nice, I’ll have to see if I can fetch them myself. I saw him place them just inside the door. If I snake my tongue around just right, I should be able to get them.

I’ll have to be careful not to break anything, but I’m pretty sure I’m close! It takes a few tries, but then I hear a crash and glass shattering…

“Whasn’ meh.”

“There’s no one else around, Kira, denying your involvement will be a difficult sale. Just let me get them for you.”

“Thank you.”

A moment after going in to fetch the cookies, he returns and asks me to open up. Doing as I’m told, he throws a cookie into my mouth and it is delicious! But it’s also stuck under my tongue… My dang mouth is too big for non-dragon-sized cookies! Try as I might, I just can’t dislodge it from under there… No amount of tongue twisting is working, dang it!

“Joras, I need help…”

“I can see that. Hold still, I’ll get it for you.”

He sure is laughing at me a lot today. But he’s a lot less afraid of me now than he was the last time we collected venom. Instead of giving me intact cookies, he crumbles them up and drops the crumbs on my tongue. They’re even more delicious when I can taste them properly!

“I want another!“

“No. Two today, and then you can come back tomorrow morning for two more, okay? We can’t have you eating them all in one day.”

I’m not sure I approve of this responsibility… but it makes sense to split them up over several days for maximum deliciousness.

Joras lets out a yawn, and I fail entirely at holding back one of my own, but I manage to turn my head away from him, which earns me a pat and a thanks! Letting me know that he needs to do some work before bed, we say goodnight to each other, and I leave for my den. I want some sleep, too.

The weird mushroom lights provide a lovely glow for the streets, and I can just take my time returning to the square. As usual, I keep my nose ready for any odd smells, just in case. I haven’t had any hits on the sniffer since the mire panther, but that was a big one, so it’s worth it to be ready.

I am kinda hoping I find another one, I want to taste it.

Speaking of taste, I’ve had some good use of my tongue lately and I’m kinda curious… Sticking my tongue out, I move it toward my eye and… Geez, maybe I am an overgrown lizard… Giving my third eyelid a lick, it cleans up a bit and my sight becomes just a tad clearer when I use it. Raya must never know…

That weirds me out, so I’ll just rely on my eyelids instead.

Time to head for my den and forget all about that nonsense. The walk remains quiet until I reach the square and hear that the party is still going strong. I’m tempted to join them again, but I also want to see what tomorrow holds. I’m not sure what I’m supposed to do tomorrow. I’m sure something will come up and that’s okay.

Reaching the square, my people spot me and the place goes quiet… I need to take some responsibility and forge my path ahead instead of being dragged along by the designs of obnoxious actors in the shadows. Raising my head up and standing proud, I unleash my booming voice as inspiration strikes and feel a sense of clarity.

“Hear me, people of Tuiran! As your Guardian, I will throw my all into defending you! If anything threatens you, it threatens me, and I will not tolerate that anymore! It doesn't matter what shows up to attack us, we will fight back! And I will sear it into their minds that attacking Tuiran or our people will only result in pain! I will do what I can to make your lives better, and I hope I can expect the same from you! Tuiran is my hoard, and you are my treasures!”

With that, I take my leave and head into my den as murmurs turn to cheers and the party kicks up a few notches.

Jeannie and Tiffy are quick to join me, and before I know it, Lauren is here too.

“Did you mean it, Kira? Are you sure that’s the path you want to take?”

I let her know that I am sure. I have no intention of going after everyone, but I need to be willing to kill the threats that stand against us.

"Please promise me that you will offer leniency to those who surrender, as you have done before."

I don't need a mental link to tell that she's worried I'll turn into a tyrant. Killing the cultists is non-negotiable, though, but I'm not entirely against offering leniency toward adventurers. As far as I'm concerned, they're jerks, but jerks can be reformed. I'll have to rely on my friends to determine when I should be lenient because I'm still leaning toward killing them all.

Given that I need to find the cultists, it might just be the easiest to have Wreyn gather all the people who fled Plainshold in one spot, then I can begin smelling them. It’s not much of a plan, but it will put the cultists in danger, and that means they’ll be easy to hurt.

Lauren seems to feel a little more reassured that I’m not turning into a giant murder tyrant as she joins Jeannie, Tiffy, and me while I coil up. Snuggle pile!

“Got room for a few more?”

Raya’s here! And she brought Cranky. That’s unusual, but I’ll allow it. Lifting my head, I give them passage to enter the snuggle cave and they’re quick to find a spot by my thigh. Cranky leans against me as Raya lies on top of him. This feels nice. Sleep claims us as we all settle in for a snooze.

————————

A gruff voice tries as hard as it can to be impossible to ignore, but it underestimates my ability to snooze.

“Guardian Dragon Kira! We must speak of these kilns and bricks Joras mentioned! We have to begin right away! He theorizes that dragon-fired bricks will insulate against the weather well AND be capable of heating with the right inscription! Kira! We must begin immediately! Now! Wake up! Joras, how do I wake her up? Kira! The kilns await!”

Okay, geez, calm down... The voice sounds familiar, but the energy doesn’t match what I remember.

It seems the shouting old goblin outside my den has woken up a few others as stretches and yawns spread among my treasures.

Raya starts translating for Cranky, and it seems to pique his interest too, as he begins yammering on about how I should do it and it could help a bunch of people through winter and cut back on firewood and charcoal needs. Great, now I’ve got Cranky and Turo telling me to wake- Never mind, I’ve got Cranky, Turo, and Lauren telling me to wake up and start making construction material... Let me snooze, dang it!

Not even grumbling at them stops their incessant interruption of my snooze, and it only gets worse when Raya starts shoving my face as she tells me to get up. Fiiine. Everyone has already gotten off me, so I get up and stretch before heading outside.

As I’m stretching, Cranky puts his hands on the side of my belly for some reason and rubs my scales. I have no idea what he’s doing, but as I look back, he seems to be concentrating and moving his hands with purpose.

That’s weird, but I have business to deal with, so I’ll ignore that for now. Leaving Cranky behind, I head out to meet with Turo, and the tiny man is ecstatic to see me. Joras mouths an apology as the old goblin starts telling me to follow him. Joras starts heading a different direction when I clear my throat and make it clear that he’ll be joining us.

It’s tempting to tease the older goblin by being reluctant to follow, but his excitement is infectious and I’m not gonna ruin it. So today will be a well-behaved day as we head to the blue square area. Soil-based production.

To my relief, Turo is actually quite fast as he almost runs ahead, shooing people out of the way to make room for me. I might have to enlist him as a permanent people-shooer.

With our reasonable pace, we manage to reach an area with a deep scent of earth, similar to my den. It’s definitely the blue square area.

Turo walks up to a specific building and knocks a few times, growing visibly impatient when they don’t open the exact second his knuckle leaves the door after the final knock. Geez, calm down, old man.

It doesn’t take long before a middle-aged pair opens the door, two goblins covered in clay looking like a wife and husband with a shared purpose.

I don’t even have to use my keen dragon brain to deduce that these two are potters. I’m curious what sort of things they’re making, but before I have a chance to ask, Turo launches into a rant about how we need their kiln. He’s not being very polite about it either.

The two look apologetic as they explain how I won’t be able to reach their kilns, since they were constructed before the housing was set up and now the area has buildings on all sides.

I’m not the best at reading expressions, but I do know when someone has a foolish idea, and if I’m right, Turo is thinking about demolishing a nearby house to make room for me.

“Elder Turo, perhaps it would be prudent to construct a new area for larger kilns. Perhaps in an area outside of the walls, reducing the risk of fires spreading.”

Good one, Joras! That’s a pretty good idea, it would also allow for scaling up. But more importantly, if Joras becomes the focus of Turo’s attention, I can take off and leave all this boring city planning to those two. I’m just here to light fires and have fun.

Joras seems to be keeping an eye on me, preventing my subtle escape, but with how much Turo is talking about plans to expand the town, the sneaky elf will no doubt lose track of me eventually. Especially if I ignore his upcoming protests.

He’s also deliberately standing in the middle of the street, knowing I can’t turn around. Nudging him a few times does get him to move, but then he just steps back as soon as the nudges stop… This is a problem. How does one move an elf who refuses to be moved?

It’s obvious now that I think about it. Grabbing him around the waist, he does indeed protest, and when I place a claw against the wall of a building, using it to raise my body up, he starts protesting even more. He really is light, and that makes it very easy to put him down on top of the potter’s building.

“Kira, get me down from here! You can’t just put people on top of buildings because you’re bored!”

Turns out I can, so there.

With Joras taken care of, I’m free to leave and enjoy myself. Continuing down the street, the crowd, being slower to disperse to make room for me, reminds me that I forgot about Turo. It seems he’s content to let me leave, so that’s nice of him.

Following the roads big enough for me, it doesn’t take too long to reach the northern gate, allowing me to leave for an area big enough to take off from. I’m itching for a fight, and I kinda hope I can find some adventurers to scratch that itch.

Flying east with significant speed, I search the plains for any signs of humanoid life, but all I spot are goblin patrols. It seems the hunters are out looking for prey today. Diving closer and going into a soar above them, I ask if they’ve seen any signs of adventurers.

One of them waves me down, so I land by them and she starts talking about how there are signs of camps to the east and northeast, but I would have to find a scout group to know more. For now, they intend to stay away from those particular areas, but that’s a pretty good reason for me to get closer.

Taking off again, I contemplate whether I should make this a regular thing or not. It might be a good idea to add patrolling the skies to my list of chores throughout the week. Especially if I get some fighting out of it. Although if the adventurers have left on their own, I guess I shouldn’t chase them down.

That’s something I should ask advice about, so I’ll turn my focus back to spotting these camps of adventurers. Flying between the few trees standing in the plains here, it doesn’t take long before I find one of the camps mentioned by the hunting party.

Giving it a sniff, it’s obvious that this party consisted of an elf, a human, and something unknown. Not a cultist, but something I’m not familiar with. Tracking their scent, they headed due east, which should make them easy to find.

I know by now that if I want to track something, I need to do it from the ground, so with that in mind, I keep my head low and start following the trail. Given my size, even if they had horses, I would be able to catch up, or at least keep up.

All of a sudden, the trail stops. It’s gone and I don’t know why. Searching the area doesn’t provide any leads, and a thought strikes... It’s those dang anti-tracking potions! How dare they use that against me?!

Taking to the skies again, all I can do is keep my eyes peeled and try to spot them. They’re like little pests invading my home, and I’m growing a little angry at them for being so difficult to find. And they no doubt know exactly where I am. I would be very easy to spot in an open area like this.

All I see is a merchant’s wagon off in the distance, but that’s in the southwest, so not what I’m looking for.

Spotting another camp, I take aim and soar down. I can’t leave it unexplored, especially not when this campfire is lit and roasting some meat. That’s free lunch! I don’t see or smell anyone around, and it’s getting weird. I suspect it's those annoying potions again, and I don't like that it's common enough for multiple groups to have used them.

In a rush, I land, snatch the food, and take off again. Chewing lets me know that they can't have gone far because this meat is still raw. And delicious.

I don't like that I'm finding camps within the line of sight of Tuiran. Flying over the camp again, I scorch it to send a message that I don't want the adventurers this close. I'm not sure they'll get it, but it's an attempt.

If I keep scouting the area, I'm sure they'll run out of those potions, but I don't know how long those things last.

It takes hours of flying before I manage to find some adventurers, and they immediately notice that I've spotted them.

Fleeing across the plains, they're easy to keep track of, but I've gotten closer to the trade route, and there's an incoming merchant. If they reach the merchant, it'll be a whole bother to avoid hurting the bystander.

Speeding up, I close in on them fast, and with my mouth open, I get ready to chomp one of them.

"DROP!"

Just as I reach them, they all fall to the ground at the leader's command, evading my bite. That's very rude! Swinging around, I go for another pass, but this time, I'll burn them instead of messing around.

Closing in, I get ready to unleash my flames on them, but as I do, the leader shouts another command, and they all huddle together. Several barriers form in front of them in a wedge shape, causing my flames to split to either side and dissipate. I can maintain my flame with ease, but my speed carries me over them, so they manage to survive my second attack as well.

These people are annoyingly persistent in their ability to not let me kill them.

But they have to be running low on magic, so I wonder if they can hold up against another wave of flame. Going for another fiery strafing run, the leader shouts, and everyone but the bulky leader splits up and runs away. I'm fine with just killing one for now, so I continue my strafing run.

Closing in, I get my flames ready when a heavy object impacts my nose right in the dang sensitive spot! Dang it, that hurts!

The sudden pain makes me lose focus, my flight turning wobbly as I flinch, and I crash into the ground hard. Those jerks! What the hell did they throw at me?!

I can't lie here all day. Pushing myself up, I get ready to face the onslaught of adventurers. There were like nine of them, and they could be trouble if they work together properly. Geez, my nose hurts... I think I'm bleeding... Giving my snout a lick, I confirm that I am bleeding.

That's one impressive throw. Getting up, I take a look around and see the large throwing guy standing at a distance in front of me. This jerk is looking mighty upset. Next to him is a smaller-framed person, a woman, I think. She's wearing a hooded robe and wielding a long gnarled staff. So it's a fighter and a caster of some sort. Well, as luck would have it, I'm both, so screw you guys.

Charging them, I unleash my flames as I run, but the large guy grabs the small woman and holds her tight in front of him. Using his back as a shield, he protects her from my flames as she creates a sharp-angled barrier to redirect my flames just enough to keep them safe. That's clever.

Well, that doesn't stop my charge, though! Lunging at them, the larger guy gets ready to fight, and he freakin' uppercuts me! The punch connects with my jawbone and makes my ears ring, but judging by the crunch of bone, he's not using that hand again.

Still, that hurt. Seriously! Who uppercuts a dragon?! That's just nuts!

This is a world with magic! Punches aren't magic, dang it!

While I'm busy being outraged, I feel a tingle of magic, and when I look up, the small woman is chanting and healing Punchy's hand. She looks exhausted already, so they're just buying time.

He charges at me with a smile, and I'm pretty sure I shouldn't let this guy get too close. Unleashing more flames, he springs to the side, dodging like a freakin' expert. As he closes in, I swing my tail around to meet my flames in a pincer attack, but the agile giant leaps over my tail with incredible grace.

Taking hold of one of my tail's spines, he starts climbing up my back, rushing for my head. I'm not sure how the hell I'm supposed to deal with this guy, so I turn my focus to the healer and charge.

"Run, Sarah!"

"Don't run, Sarah!"

A moment of confusion as she looks back causes her to trip and fall to the ground. I feel the heavy footsteps of Punchy rushing over my back as he jumps for my head. Grabbing hold of one of my horns, he lets his considerable and sudden weight pull my head to the side as Sarah gets up and runs again. Geez, what the hell is this guy made of, freakin' osmium?

This is the second time he's caused my head to impact the ground, and I do not approve!

Sarah keeps running as Punchy holds onto my horn with all his might, but without the assistance of surprise and velocity, I've got the advantage. With a jerking motion, I pull my head up in a sideways arch and slam it back down again, causing him to have to let go. He lets go too late, resulting in him being pounded into the ground by the force of my thrashing.

"Please let her go..."

He seems more hurt than he should be, and as I roll him over, I see the rock he landed on and the giant bruise coloring his chest. I don't like that. I want to win on my own, not some incidental bullshit!

This isn't a wise choice, but I take off and fly after Sarah. I'm gonna have her heal him so we can try again. I need the practice if I want to stay safe and protect Tuiran. And my pride is telling me to win by my own power.

"No! No! Leave her!"

Ignoring his pleas, I take off after her, and she hasn't gotten far at all. I could have run at a brisk pace and caught up in no time. Swooping down, I pick her up and turn around, bringing her to Punchy.

He seems to have pulled together enough strength to stand up and shuffle toward us.

Dumping Sarah on the ground near him, she seems confused, and I want to tell her what to do, but I don't know the word for 'heal' in their language.

I hadn't noticed it until now, but she's not human. She doesn’t smell like a cultist either, so I don’t know what she is.

Landing near them, they just stare at me while Punchy clutches his stomach as he struggles to stand. How do I convey that I want him healed… I have no idea.

Before I have to admit that I’m not very creative, he hunches over, and she rushes to his side and starts to heal him.

“No, Sarah! Run!”

"No, Sarah. Don't run!"

"Fuck you, Dragon!"

She speaks!

Finishing her healing as best she can, she's looking very exhausted and I have no doubt that she's being pushed to her limit, but Punchy will survive. He isn't fight-ready, though, which is a little disappointing.

And she seems to have found her bravery as she struts right up to me with staff in hand and raises it to the sky. With enough force to knock herself over, she whacks my nose, but she didn't hit the sensitive spot, so it doesn't hurt much.

I'm a little surprised that all the others just left these two to deal with me, but at least they're sticking together now. It's an impressive last stand, but if I want him healed for another fight, I'll have to rely on Lauren. She's a much better first-aid kit.

Ignoring the downed healer, I move over to the crater I initially made when Punchy shot me down and look for his weapon. It takes a moment to find, but when I do, I find that it is a large wooden log attached to a stick. That's one basic weapon, but geez, it hurts when it hits you in the nose.

When I return with the hammer, the two adventurers are holding each other, and they look quite nice together. Dumping the weapon near them causes Punchy to look at me in confusion as he lets go of Sarah and reaches for it. With a growl from me, he raises both hands to show that he's not going to attack.

Turning my side to them, I swing my tail around in a loose circle in the air. Catching Punchy's attention, he tells Sarah to move away as he gets ready.

With a soft swipe, he tries to jump over, but he's still too wounded to be fun. A blunt part of my tail impacts his legs, and he falls to the ground again. Looks like I really need Lauren to heal him if I want more fun.

As he's lying in the dirt, he starts chuckling, leading him to cough. I'm not gonna focus on that though, I'm gonna take to the skies and pick them up so I can bring them to Lauren for healing.

"I think it likes us, Sarah."

Swinging around, I fly low to pick up Punchy first. He just accepts it, and with another swing-around, I snatch up Sarah as well before heading back toward Tuiran.

During our flight, they keep talking about what's going on. Sarah seems convinced that I'm gonna kill them, but Punchy seems curious to see what's going on and argues that they've traded certain death for a possibility of survival. She's not buying it.

I want a rematch, though. That was a fun fight, and I need to learn to cover those weaknesses.