-Wolf Territory - Marshlands-

In the middle of Black Wolf territory, as the reddish Sun had begun its retreat over the sparkling horizon of the Marsh, extending as far as the eye could see, the night began claiming the land, and a wind from the south-east blew increasingly colder.

On the Southern parts, Ten Beasts were in commotion around an injured blue Wolf while another had a secret conversation with a Divine hundreds of kilometers away.

Two minutes later, the Immortal's intent left, and the oldest Wolf was left pensive, worried and upset.

...What were the Elders thinking! They knew the Freedoms and restrictions of Divines. Yet they still counted on the Water Divines assistance so far away and outside their element... Curses! And the Dragon... letting the Foxes go--He shouldn't even have had interacted with them! Now, his best option is living in hiding... If he gets to the Coast in time... Old Coat conjectured when he noticed the human girl looking up at him.

""..."" The two stared at each other discerningly.

The old Wolf's eyes widened in realization. ...! The Divine didn't mention her... Could there be some connection with her that would help the Dragon...? It's possible the Elders counted on that... But they were still too reckless. They underestimated Divines too much, especially our enemies...

As the growling fuss died down, the Beasts subsequently turned to the agitated canine.

"Dad? What's wrong?" Questioned the Alpha of Pondwish pack.

"Hum? Oh... I was just ... thinking... What if ... not delivering the Mana crystals to the Aquatic Divines angers them and they stop supporting our Tribe?"

""...""

"The Firefox Divine would probably take the Mana Vein as soon as he finds out... Unless...he has to kill many of us. I heard other Immortals intervene..."

""...""

Yeah, that would be seriously bad... After all I've invested in the wolf Tribe...

In silence and slowly, the wolves turned to the Dragon.

Under the pressuring gazes, Nefiru started considering it. "I know... I will think about it ... after my Soul advancement."

The old Wolf nodded, satisfied. "Think it well." And I hope it takes less than two days...

"Alright, let's get back to work."

...

Minutes passed with the Dragon and High-Ranking wolves working to save the blue Wolf's life. Nearly a hundred larvae feeding on his flesh were removed. Hundreds of parasites broken apart and expunged by Earth magic. With what little he knew and learned on the moment about the biology of wolves, the foreign chemicals flooding his brain were absorbed by Wind or removed by Water magic. Dozens of wounds were shallowly closed. But they were far from done.

Although the downed Wolf's condition has improved and he had grown calmer, he was looking weaker and weaker. He panted heavily with his head lying on the ground without strength to lift it and was close to losing consciousness.

Looking down at the hindlegs of the Blue Wolf, the Dragon halted his concentration and reported. "Alright, I did what I could with this mess. I was only able to save one of his balls. The other was eaten--UrBp! Too much..." Uuugh! "It still needs more treatment, so beware of infections. Hurk! I feel like barfing..."

""Huurk...!"" The male Beasts around cringed as well.

Standing by the forelegs of the blue wolf, the multicolored canine was looking expectantly when the news made its ears drop and whined. "...Poor Dad..."

The White-haired girl looked behind and poked fun. "What are you so disgusted about, Nefi? You have eaten genitals before. You even swallowed that old man that abused Hilda!"

The Dragon jerked his head around and roared. "GAAAAAHHH!!! Who told you that!!! And whyyyy--?!!" That damn Liana...!

"Pfff--hehehe~ Don't feel bad. You did good. I'll Pat you later~"

"...Ugh! Cheeky girl..." Putting out fires she create. She sure is liking leading me by the nose... Well, as long as she's happy. But-... "But know that I ate him mostly because he smelled of death and suffering."

The girl's face hardened. After another wind gust died out, she uttered. "Mn, I heard he tortured people for a living. But! Those abusers deserve to die!"

"Well... I like the fairness of taking a life that has taken or attempting to take a life of similar value. Like, when I hunt Beasts, I am resolved to be eaten instead. Wolves and Foxes understand that. Isn't it like a Rule in Nature?"

"Mmm... Right... That Fairness..." Shaila muttered. But still unwilling to accept, she still countered. "But...value can be subjective."

"Of course! I value you far above others. Even if it's unfair, death wouldn't be punishment enough for whoever touches you!"

The girl smiled.

"Oki, Nefi. I get your hypocri--inclinations..."

"Let's leave it there then..."

Staring at its father, the multicolored canine saw the Beast weakening, it turned right and asked anxiously. "Alpha! Why is Father looking worse?!"

"Hm? Uhhh...Ah! That's probably his blood pressure lowering too much. He bled a lot and then we removed more liquid..."

"That human of yours sure messed him up." Remarked Long Wind.

"She had no other way..." Defended Nefiru and looked at the small Wolf to the left. "Especially because of a certain stubborn wolfen."

"Wuuurgh..." The genderless Beast groaned in annoyance and regret.

"Dangerous little thing! She even hurt me. I want to be healed too." Demanded Fifth Wind.

"You tried to bite her! And you should heal that small wound by tomorrow."

"B-but still--!"

"Son." The She-Alpha interrupted. "Don't embarrass us."

"Wughh..."

"Alpha, can you not heal blood?!"

"Uuhhh... Using Magic to stimulate the blood production is slow and will take too long. There are faster ways to refill him."

"You mean, transferring Blood from a compatible Wolfen?" Asked Old Coat.

They knew that!? "If we can, yes. But Water could also help..."

"Water?! That burst Life Blocks..."

"Uhh, the pure Water of Elementals, yes. But not Salty Water."

""Salty Water!???""

"Yes." The Dragon nodded. "Though the proportions needs to be tested."

"Good to know..." Said Old Coat discerningly. "I think I get what it is, but... it doesn't look like any of us know how to make it."

"That's a shame..." Lamented the Dragon. "Then, who wants to give Blood?"

""..."" The wolves kept silence, unsure, unwilling or worried.

"...Don't tell me; you mighty Beasts are afraid of losing a little blood? Or even unwilling to help a fellow Tribe member?"

""...""

After seconds of silence, the Leaders glared around disappointingly, then a Black canine in the back spoke up.

"C-can we get something for it?"

"...I can reward a Mana Crystal to the giver."

"Seems... little... Ten?"

The colorful canine call out. "Alpha. Test my blood first. Maybe we don't have to bother others."

"Uhh, sure."

Using Water Magic, Nefiru squeezed out several droplets through one of their barely sealed wounds and started mixing them in the air. After a moment, the red sphere stopped spinning. Red clumps and clearings could be seen in it.

The scaly head turned left. "Your blood is no good." I think...

"...!?? Whyyyy??"

"Look!" Nefiru presented. "That would clog his blood vessels." He explained before throwing away the ball.

"Bu-but he's my Dad..."

"That's how it is... As far as I know." I should've read more into this back on Earth. Although it's easier to learn here...

"Wuhhh..." Lowering its head, the canine whined. But there was no time to lament. "What about you, Alpha?" It immediately asked.

"No." Denied Nefiru with a shake of his head. "My Blood is too different from you Wolfen. It doesn't even have the same components."

"..."

Under the pleading gaze of the expectant wolf and his own curiosity, Nefiru conceded. "Fiiine..."

The Dragon repeated the process with his own blood. But after a short moment, parts of the red ball discolored and others coagulated as the dragonian blood fought and disassembled the canine's blood.

"Huh...?!"

"Wha-what is it?"

"Look..." Nefiru presented again. "My blood is just eating the other..." Cool~

"T-that's...!"

The other Beasts also took curious peeks at the phenomenon.

"Dragons are weird..." Retorted Long Wind.

"And Dragon." Called Old Coat. "Don't ignore the effects of Life-force in the Blood."

"Ohhh! You are right... Some clumps are because of different Life-forces entangling. I'll have to filter it out."

"So, it's no good either..." Muttered the colorful Wolf and turned to look to the others before pleading. "Please help Dad!"

"It's alright Pup. We'll help." Assured the She-Alpha.

"Truly?"

"Yes, but some of us haven't eaten in days."

"...I understand. I'll find some Prey..."

"Smart Wolfen." Diva approved, then approached the Dragon from the south. "Test me first, stud." She offered and presented her muzzle in a teasing manner.

"...!? O-oh, uhh...yes..."

Hearing her Partner caught off guard, the girl looked over her shoulder and threw a glare. Though it went unnoticed.

As the Dragon searched for a weak spot to pull fresh blood, he realized and asked. "Say... Can I take the Water Elementals in your bodies too?"

""...!!??""

"Wew... The little Dragon wants to get intimate with us." Said the She-Alpha, dramatizing.

"Come on... I need them and you can't give them to me without the Affinity." Can barely even feel them...

"True. But it's something I only let my Mate do."

"Pleeease? I'll owe you a favor."

"Weun... Since you insist. We would all want some favors in the future for this..."

"Huh?"

Hearing the other beasts agree, Nefiru realized. Wait... She set me up!! ...Ugh! I seriously think I'm being robbed by wolves... With an expression of indignation, he retorted to himself.

"Fine..." He conceeded. But upset about being led around, he used water magic to pierce the tissue inside her mouth.

"EEP! Oww... Bad Duagon!"

...

After the test that turned out negative, the purple-blue Beast collected the Elementals he needed and moved onto the next Beast to the north.

Halfway through the group without luck, at the turn of the Pondwish Alpha, the Dragon was taken aback by the tribal light brown lines within the green fur on each sides of his body.

"Woah... These Affinity marks of yours look nice." I heard there's color and shape variations but I haven't seen many...

"You like it? I got the idea from tree roots near our Lair."

"Wait, you made them?! How you got the Elementals to do that? They mark whatever they want!"

"Like how you train your Spirit to only accept certain Elementals or stay in your Core. You keep Elementals in the shape that you want and Will them continuously to brand you only there or avoid it. Eventually, they get the message."

"Waste of time." Interjected Long Wind.

"I see... Thank you for telling me." I get it, but...my Lightning Elementals are too Wild. They hardly respect other markings.

"You will try it?"

"Yes, but not for a while."

"Weun, you seem like a busy Dragon."

Nefiru nodded once and turned around. The girl, interested in the subject, was already half-turned and looking at him. Her silver iris reflecting in amber from sunlight. Yup, she would like a color change. I'm like her Car. Also, this is a beautiful sight... Though she needs a bath...and clothes...

...

After testing all Wolves and collecting their Elementals, only one Darkness canine from the SquareRuin Pack was fully compatible. The Dragon used Magic to drill a hole through the thick hide near an Artery and Water Magic controlled a stream into the injured Wolf's blood vessels. The other High-Ranks observed attentively the strange process. But minutes later, no adverse reaction could be seen.

As the blood pressure in the Blue Wolf stabilized, it became calmer, more lucid, showing clearness in his single eye. But exhausted from the ordeal, the canine fell asleep before long, to the relief of his offspring.

"Dad is ... looking better..."

"Yes... His mind might still be a mess, but he shouldn't be as Feral as before when he wakes up."

"That would be great... Did you heal his brain?"

"Only the superficial parts that could heal. He's still missing chunks. Deeper ones will take more effort. Maybe if I Rank up-... But even if I heal those, his memories-..."

"I know. They won't get fixed..." The colorful canine affirmed, lowering its head. Realization of loneliness creeping its mind. Then hope pushed it away. "But... Old Coat says his memories may return gradually."

"Maybe..." Because of the Soul on this side retaining the information... "Oh! And, I couldn't repair his eye with my current ability. Sorry."

With ears fallen, the small wolf muttered. "That's... Unfortunate... He will have trouble hunting..."

"Perhaps one day."

"I will hope so."

"Still... You will have to take great care of him for a while."

"I will." The colorful canine firmly acknowledged and looked over to the distant north, wondering of any surviving sibling to tell about what happened.

"So... Should I focus on his Brain or his external wounds? He can't stay in this condition. We have to move him soon..."

"I understand. Prioritize the important injuries. I'll find some healing grass for the small wounds. Save your resources..."

"Sure... Wait, what healing grass?!"

"The...striped ones with high Spirit and Life-force. It's the best recovering aid we got on these parts without Healers. It can prevent infection too. Better than licking..."

"I see..."

Done explaining, Sexeless ran its gaze over the other wolves and asked. "Has any Beast seen any...?"

Silence ensued as the wolves hadn't been paying attention to the grass. But in the absence of responses, the Dragon recalled.

"Wait... I've seen those on the way here from the pond I talked about."

"Really?! Any with dark stripes?"

"Uhh, no. Why?"

"Those are the best."

"I see... Wait, how effective are they?"

"Not nearly as a Healer. It usually speed up our natural recovery just a few times. But if you get lucky with the darken striped ones-... I've seen them speed up recovering over ten times."

"Seriously?! Why?" Could it be they have similar Life-force to animals?

"T-that's..." Stammered the genderless Beast in hesitation and looked around, seeing prying eyes and perked ears.

Not escaping the Old Wolf's perception, he assured. "Our Tribe knows the secret, little one."

The She-Alpha leaned closer over the lying fifth wind and questioned with a pressuring stare. "Did I hear something about secrets and compensations?"

The hell!!? She's coercing Sexeless! This bitch is scary...

"...It's a secret because it can cause trouble."

"Go ahead." Said Nefiru. "It will be her responsibility."

"Yes, Alpha..." Acknowledged the colorful Wolf and revealed. "When the striped Grass grow on corpses, they retain a mixture of Life-force slightly compatible with the creature it feeds on."

"Seriously!??" Well, such creepy-sounding thing isn't new to me. I was close. Still-...

"Oh, my... That is a dark method..."

The Dragon turned back and asked in Stilus. "You hearing this, Shaila?"

"Yes." The girl nodded, half-turned. "I read there are many types of vegetation with healing properties on animals, but not to that extent. That's crazy! Not even plant that eat or infect animals retain their lifeforce for long."

The Dragon turned to the front and inquired. "And how they grow on corpses?"

"Their seeds are small. They are carried by certain flying insects or birds that are also attracted to the dead..."

"I see..."

"How observant." Praised the Old Wolf. "Not many know that much."

"Yes... I may not know much of Magic and Fighting, but I do know of Nature."

"Say, Sexeless... Should we, uhh, bring some back with us?"

"...Please don't. Alpha should not trouble with such crude method. You are a prestigious Healer! These things should stay out here, unknown by the World."

Recalling stories of terrible misuse of similar methods, Nefiru conceded. "...Alright..."

The colorful canine turned around and prepared to leave when the Dragon asked.

"You ever tried healing, Sexless?"

"!? ...Of course. But I couldn't replicate any Lifeforce. I forgot when I gave up."

"I see... You probably need a higher Rank."

"Makes sense."

Suddenly, a peculiar discovery come to mind, and the Dragon declared. "...Or maybe it was a lack of effort."

"..."

The dragon looked down, and pointed his snout at the green stone binding the crossed metal cables. "Making that Rock is not normal for your Rank."

"It's not?!"

"No." That's frigging Granite! Not even Erina can make it yet... "It's complex Minerals even High-Earth-Ranks have trouble making."

"Really?!"

"Yes. From what you told me...I think you learnt Earth magic wrong."

"..."

"The Dragon is right." Interjected Pondwish Alpha. "We start with Bones, then soft rocks, then hard rocks like that."

Yup. Calcium, Carbonate, and Silicas...

"Oh..." So I just wasted years on something inefficient? How embarrassing...

"And then there's the list of metals with rising difficulty."

"Actually, Pondwish, metals and rocks are not unrelated."

""...What!?""

"Huhu~" Nefiru chuckled. "You have much to learn."

"...I know, I know... I will go to the mana vein. Long Wind will lead the Pack with Dad."

"!? No way! Ask your third brother."

"Him? He's too dumb. You do it."

"No!"

"Yes!"

...

While the two wolves argued, Nefiru turned left and asked. "How did you even learn this?"

"Oh! That's from our Lair. It took me many years to absorb it, and then many more years to replicate. It is a tough rock. Shame it takes a lot of Mana and it's very hard to manipulate..."

"That's because you don't know exactly what it is."

"Ah! Makes sense..."

"Hmm... I want to see your Lair."

"You do?!" I do too. To say goodbye...

"Yes. And we need shelter soon too. Can we all fit?"

The colorful Wolf looked around, calculating the space.

"I think we can. But it will be cramped."

"Is it far?"

"Humm... About two Quarteras to the North."

"North?! Oof! I rather not go further North."

"...I understand. Can I go now...?"

"Oh, uhh, I need more Water Elementals before that."

"Understood."

"And! Don't forget to retrieve the items for my Partner."

"..."

"Yes, it's important."

"Understood."

The multi-colored canine walked southeast, abruptly stopped on Shaila's right and

It briefly sniffed the girl, then moved around the lying green Wolf and trotted towards the Marsh.

...

After a few minutes healing the injured sleeping blue Wolf, the Dragon ran out of Water Elementals and sat down. He could finally relax a little. Some of the Wolves were keeping watch of the skies, others had quiet conversations of their own, or recovered Magic resources.

"Nefi!" The girl yelled out between growls and waited for the scaly Beast to look back. "Are you done?"

"Yeah, I'm just molding Mana for the Soul advancement. I want this over as soon as possible."

"Good! Come over here and block the wind for me. It's getting colder and I don't want to spend more Mana for warmth."

"...Yeah, we might need it." Affirmed the Dragon saddendly as he got up and turned around.

"Mana? Even with all these Wolves here?"

"Uhh... Isn't it better to be cautious if we aren't sure?"

"Ah, right..."

The Dragon paused to think and muttered. "But maybe we should stop wasting Magic on convenience all the time."

"...What?!" The girl blurted with a glare of displeasure.

"Y-yeah, we could, uhh, fall short one day. Or...make a careless mistake. Or hurt someone...like what you did to Liana playing with Lasers..." Too bad I missed that...

"Ugh! Sounds like adults nagging about not using magic. That's a reason we Rank up so slowly!!! And the problems that cause-..."

As he approached her, Nefiru recalled several perilous experiences and declared. "Well... Magic IS dangerous. I imagine even more for kids, right?"

Hearing his deep, calm tone, the girl also calmed down and elaborated. "...Yes, every year, many magician children kill themselves or others... I even heard of boys and girls that killed themselves while trying to kill others at my school."

"Daaamn... That's sad... And to prevent that-..." Nefiru uttered as he carefully walked behind the sitting girl.

"Restricting the use of Magic since a young age. So that we get used subconsciously not to discharge it accidentally. Instead, they, um, teach us Spirit control and how it feels to use magic. To practice when we grow up."

"Does it help?"

She shrugged. "We still hear of Magicians that kill themselves while asleep."

"Seriously?! That sucks...a lot..."

"Although Spirit control helps tremendously at lower Ranks. Ugh! I still remember how hard Light was to control...scattering so much..."

"And you have much better Spirit control than me. I gotta practice more, huh?"

"Yep... How~ever! Some people--erm, and Beasts, argue that Magicians must use Magic to get used to Magic properly, to avoid such accidents. Even though it's more dangerous... But then again, the life of a Magician is a perilous one anyway."

"Hmmmm..." The Dragon contemplated as he slowly turned counterclockwise on the space between three large wolves. "...Strong Souls cannot escape the Elemental System, huh?"

"Nup. It is part of us. It is our life-line... Magic has to be used. Even you have told me to get used to my power. And being weak is more dangerous, right?"

"Alright, alright! I get it! Sheesh..."

"Hehe~" Shaila triumphantly chuckled.

"But still, let's restrict ourselves when it's more risky. Like out here."

The girl's face turned serious. But then, the corner of her rosy lips arced into a smirk. "Soo...you will start licking yourself then?"

"ARGH! Not that much!"

"Hihihi~"

"Cheeky girl... Fine. But only IF absolutely necessary. I mean, why waste magic with a source around?" He declared and pointed his snout at the Marsh. "And we must judge risks better."

"Mmm... Well, if you are that serious about it, I'll try to hold back. Risks...we can take more as we understand our Magic more."

"Mhm." Nefiru nodded in approval and walked over the girl.

The Dragon stopped when she was under his chest and carefully lowered his rear while keeping the forelegs straight. He coiled his tail to the left, sitting partially on it and brought his forepaws closer to his body, sitting more upright.

The girl also moved closer, accommodating between his hindlegs, with her back against his belly.

Still sitting on her knees and overlapping her palms between her legs, Shaila leaned against the hard plates and looked up between the scaly forelegs. "Mhmm~ Warmer..."

The scaly Beast lowered his head down his forelegs and turned it to look with his right eye. "Yeah. No Water Elementals. And that spot-..."

Shaila lowered her gaze and mumbled to herself. "It's hard to sleep with you though. I need a Wolf..."

"...Uuuuhhh, I'll have Sexeless clean up later."

"Mn. I need something to wear too."

"I'll ask that too. But hey, youuu need a bath too."

"Ugh! I do not want to move from here. And you, the Beast, look cleaner than me!! That's not right..."

"Haha... Sore still?"

"Uh-hum." She nodded. "Still uncomfortable. Still have fatigue. My hands still tremble a little..." The girl reported as she lifted her palms to confirm. Then, with the left hand, rubbed her waist. "Still hurts here."

"Hmm... You should go to the Marsh before it gets colder. I want to use Elementals to treat you again."

"Ugh! ...Okay. When I feel like moving again."

After declaring, the girl gathered her loose hair to her back and readjust the metal clip. She noticed a downwards gaze and covered herself while protesting. "Ey! No peeking at my crotch! I don't want anything poking my back..."

"Hm? Ohh... Haha. It was reflective. But I saw nothing." He spoke before turning away. "My body doesn't get excited easily anyway. And it's in recovery mode now."

"Uh-huh... As if your body's biology stops you anymore." Maybe it was too soon to cross that line... Won't be as fun to tease him anymore.

"Still does. Especially without magic. Though I see that as a bad thing."

The girl raised an eyebrow.

"It's not just about pleasure!" Nefiru blurted in clarification. "A disconnect between your mind and body's desires makes you feel impotent. Like it's not your body... It's frustrating."

"Ah... I see..." Oh, well~ There's a positive side too.

"And...intercourse have...multiple uses."

The girl's face darkened. She then affirmed in a soft yet serious tone. "I know..." Like having offsprings with Erina to strengthen bonds with the Wolf Tribe... "I'm a Noble too..."

Misunderstanding her mood, the Dragon added. "Besides! I don't want to make you more uncomfortable for no reason. I gotta have some restrains, right?"

"Oh... Uhn... That's good, Nefi." Shaila praised and stretched her right hand to caress his scaly jaw. After stopping, she declared. "But you will need a lot more self-control to actually resist the charms of Females..."

"...Ooouch!" Nefiru winced and flattened his ears.

To avoid being misunderstood, she added. "You could be used."

"Oh... Weakness noted..."

"Mmm... Although I can understand why you are so needy. Sooo...desperate... Your, umm, Human body failing you... And with all the dangers we have faced-..."

"!!..." Surprised at the undeniable analysis, the Dragon perked his ears upwards. "Yeahhh..." He then added with English words she knew mixed in. "But it's not just that. The Crave to experience many things feels much stronger in this Life. Maybe it's because I am a Copy of myself and haven't actually experienced my Human memories. Maybe it's that I can do these things and don't have the internet or Work to distract me or restrictions... Or...other urgency..."

"Ah, yes... You have talked about it... Mnn. Well, we know what must be done to fulfill our desires freely. After reaching our important goals, that is."

"Yeah... Things are progressing well too."

"Mn."

""...""

I'm the awkward silence that ensued, the two looked ahead, at the slowly-breathing blue wolf.

"You know, I thought wolves would look weird with blue fur, but...he looks rather beautiful, actually. Well, minus the injuries."

"Mn."

Why is she-...? Ah, shit. I forgot to praise her. "Hey, uh, about the Wolf capture--"

The girl interrupted with a grin. "Not bad for a weak little girl, right?"

"!?" The surprised Dragon grinned and chuckled. "Haha... Were you waiting to say that?"

"Mmmaaay~be..." She replied and turned away pouting.

He smiled and declared proudly. "Well, you were awesome!"

"...Reaaaally?"

"Absolutely." He nodded slightly. "The way you narrowly dodged... Predicting. Improvising. Magic usage. Enduring pain... It was...magnificent!"

"Eheheh~"

"And fighting a Beast that could squash you with a Paw while practically naked? That was too amazing. Makes me so proud that I wanna lick you all over."

"Eeek~ Pervert!"

"Ehh, but it aligns with my Beastly instinct..."

Having felt a similar thing with her past memories, she asserted. "Um, okay."

"So, I'm totally gonna treasure that memory of your beautiful, glossy white butt, swaying within the yellowed afternoon grass~"

"...AH--! That's mostly perverted then!"

"Huhuhu...huu..." The Dragon laughed, then his expression transformed into a serious smile.

The girl caught on to the mood change and quickly questioned worriedly. "What's wroooonng?"

"I...I can't believe I just made a frail little girl fight a giant Wolf for something that I wanted. This...this is too messed up."

"...Ehhh~ It felt good fighting for you, for once. I actually protected you! And I gained sooome~thing~ Wanna know?"

"Regardless, I almost lost you--twice! In a single day. It's like I'm greatly risking my most precious thing to obtain something far less valuable."

"...Aww~ That's actually sweet!"

"I'm serious, Shaila. I've hit you, endangered you, messed with your trauma, incited you lewd things... I'm harming you more than caring for you! I-I've strayed too far from the Human me..."

The girl's expression turned serious thinking.

"Uuhh, it's not that bad, Nefi. Or maybe it's just not my priorities... But at least you have the awareness. Days ago, I almost got you killed because I wanted to prove myself, and I didn't even realize until you spanked me for it. I never got spanked..."

"Sorry. I overdid it. I thought if I didn't shock you, you would do something stupid like that again."

"Agh!" Shaila groaned. And with a brief retrospect, she affirmed. "I hate that it could be true... But the second time, I-I didn't mean to hurt you!"

"...I know. I also couldn't control myself and did something I shouldn't. So I didn't get mad..."

"Mhm... I did get...a little angry about being hit. But then I felt bad for hurting you. Your mental state was messy too..." With a saddened and regretful expression, the girl revealed. She then glared and said accusingly. "And then, I felt terrible when you left me behind. Then I saw you with that Fox girl--"

"It was too dangerous." Unhesitantly, he countered.

"Dangerous? It's always dangerous for us!" The girl shouted. She lifted her right hand and started pointing out. "Magic could kill me since I could barely talk. Many of my Trips have been deadly. My Partner is a Beast with powerful enemies. Terrible people are still after me... We don't know when we'll fall from the clouds again. A-and-...you get it."

"...True. True. But a War is too much for a little girl..."

"Haim~" Shaila sighed helplessly. "Nefi, my perspective is no longer that of a typical little girl. With the things you tell me-... And if what I remember is real, then while you were enjoying your safe Human life on Earth, I was fighting for survival as a Wolf. And-... Nevermind. I'm ready enough."

"Hmmm... Impressive. Still, I want you to take things one step at a time. Explore your capabilities. As you are now, you could die too easily for me to not worry."

"Agh! I know. Believe me. No one but me knows how feeble this body is compared to the Beast I was."

"Ah, but you played your strengths well though. Fighting smart and agile. The Human me would've been killed..."

"Really?! Hehe~"

"Probably..." I think I praised her enough... "But Shaila, you shouldn't be so approving of everything I do. It was wrong to bring you out of safety without preparations. If you had told me-..."

"Mmm... I see... A different view to avoid mistakes... One can't be right all the time... You want me to be more conscious of what we do... To tell you even if I don't mind..." The girl muttered looking down as she took mental notes.

"Y-yeah..."

The Light user raised her head and looked into the large purple iris, admiring its depth and details thanks to the light from the side. "Mhn. I understand, Nefi. But you know... I am out here without clothes or food because I wanted to be with you. I want to be in front, where things happen. I want to help you. I can't just keep using you. I can't just take from you, I have to give something back. I'm your Partner! Not your Wife."

"Woahhh..." Uttered the Beast as his maw was left agape.

Not done, the girl pushed the Dragon's jaw, closing his mouth and continued.

"A Beast like you can't afford to feel guilty about many things. It could destroy you... And I can't afford to lose you-... I must be able to protect you as much as a little human like me can. I must risk my life for you just as you risk yours for me. Just make sure it's necessary. And worth it. Okay?"

"...Understood."

"I always knew a relationship with you would be difficult. We are...beings with issues... But we can do better. Right?"

"Of course!"

"Then that's that. Mn... But if you still want to feel guilty, then indulge me more!"

"More?! How?"

"I don't know. You figure it out."

"Alright, alright... Jeeeshhh..." With a wide grin, Nefiru conceded. He then contemplated. "How could I end up with such an amazing girl so easily?"

"Hm? Eehhh~ You had to get lucky in a thousand years."

"Ouch! True, but ouch... Critical damage!"

"Hihihi~ Now, I get to heal you~" After giggling and announcing, the girl started patting the scaly chin in front.

"Mhmrrrr..."

While feeling a purring on her palm, Shaila murmured. "I also got lucky... And I also wish it were sooner-..."

"Mhrrr..." Unsure what you say, the Dragon continued his guttural sounds until something came to mind. "Say, Shaila...is it going to be alright with your Family?"

The thin hand stopped.

"Uuh?"

"Last time you got a little hurt, your Brother tried to kill me. And when I made you a little sad, your Sister stabbed at my crotch. To make you fight-..."

"Uhhh..."

"Don't freeze! Aren't we in big trouble just for taking you away in the middle of the night?"

"Uhhh, yeees... I will definitely get confined in my room. Youuu--you can just fly away. But I'm worried that Mother will use our escapade to keep you away..."

"...Ooof... How come?!"

"Well... Even though you are my Partner in body and Soul, legally, you just have a Pet status."

"That sucks... How will I protect you then?!"

"Don't worry. We'll fix that with the new Contract. Dad sent the papers already. We are getting Married!"

"HUH??!! Marriage!?"

"Hehehe~ Kidding~ It's the 'Partner' Union. But when it arrives, we have to Pledge it hidden from Mom. So, no ceremony or party... Also, Dad didn't make it fair for you. Sorry..."

"..."