Another few months had passed since the day they lost Minghao, and needless to say....
Things were getting better, surprisingly.
The camp had begun to accept the fact that they would no longer see or hear the quiet little dragon's voice anymore, setting a designated day where they would all go visit his grave and share how their lives had been going.
It was said that if you start communicating with a spirit's grave that they may pay you a visit, that's what everyone was hoping for at least.
Because once a spirit pays you a visit, they'll start coming back and accepting offerings and gifts of peace and love.
And the best part is that they could possibly become a familiar!
Familiars are most likely old spirits that have been claimed by a powerful magic user or creature.
Take Wonwoo for example, that cat had died over 4 years ago from the previous war right before the collapse of the dragons. He was a kind soul and was even kinder when he passed from infected injuries.
The spirit of the dragon had paid Mingyu a surprise visit where they became close friends and then poof! A familiar was created in the form of a fluffy and rather large black cat.
The camp kept wishing and wishing on Minghao's appearance so that him and Jun could be reunited and Jun could take him in as a familiar.
And something told them, today would be something special and yet terrifying.
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" Jun, it's nice to see you up and about! " Hongjoong smiled, petting his mate's head as the taller slept with his head in the smaller's lap.
" I was going to get some flowers. Today's the day we visit, remember? I never actually gave Minghao an offering. " Jun spoke, a shy smile on his face as he looked at the couple.
" We'll be there for you, don't worry we never forget about these things. " The short dragon smiled and waved the boy off.
Seonghwa's eyes fluttered open as he looked at his mate with a pout.
" You can't possibly make the journey up towards the cherry blossoms, Joong. " He mumbled sleepily, nuzzling into his mate's neck.
" We'll be fine! It's only been a month and a half. " The younger huffed, his tail thumping against the ground as he squinted at the boy in front of him.
" That's one of the most crucial parts of these things, Joong! Mingi and Yunho aren't here to keep an eye on you... " Seonghwa frowned, hissing when Hongjoong flicked him on the forehead.
" I'll be fine! You'll be there, majority of the camp will be there, we'll all be fine. " The shorter grumbled, struggling slightly to get up.
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" Joong, are you sure you can make the journey...? " Yeosang mumbled, earning a huff from the sea dragon.
" Yes, I'm sure- "
" A dragon's senses are more alert when they're pregnant, Yeosang. He should be fine. Sea Dragons are known to travel long distances with their pups or while pregnant. So when it may seem unsafe to others, it's a lot more safer than standing in one place. " San spoke, brushing against his mate while the other dragons of the camp nodded at the statements.
" We'll be fine. "
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Jun stopped with the rest of the creatures as they arrived at the grave for what seemed like the millionth time.
" I didn't exactly bring an offering of peace, but... " He mumbled, looking at the grave with a sad smile.
Lifting his hands, he grabbed a stick that was covered with cherry blossoms and set it on the stone.
" Minghao always loved cherry blossoms and other flowers. " He mumbled.
Silence overcame the large group of creatures, heads bowed as they silent wished that Minghao was resting peacefully in the spirit world.
Hongjoong's ears twitched at a quiet noise that sounded, being put in the middle of the crowd for the most protection because of his pregnancy was the best idea the group could come up with.
And the boy put up no protest, he wanted to be safe as well.
But the downside was that it was only a semi circular shape, and he was in the front of it with Jun and Jeonghan.
His ears kept twitching at the sounds of running, a low growl escaping him as he stared into the trees.
" Joong! Watch out! " Dino yelled out, catching everybody's attention as a twin tailed fox leapt out at the vulnerable dragon.
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Minghao wasn't expecting much of an offering when he watched from the trees, but when he said Jun's offering was the most meaningful, he meant it.
He loved cherry blossoms, it's the only reason he decided to watch from the cherry mountains after he became a spirit months ago.
" Joong's pregnant! Isn't that lovely? I can't wait to see sea pups running around in the camp. " Joshua's voice sounded as his eyes gleamed down on the pregnant boy.
" I can't wait either... " Minghao smiled, though the look faded when he saw a fox stalking through the trees towards the group.
His eyes narrowed at it, maybe it was just coming to warn them about territory or something.
His ears twitched at the growling sound and he immediately made a move to jump off his branch.
" Hao?! " Joshua yelled but his voice was distant after just a minute with how fast the boy leapt and swung through the trees.
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Hongjoong was expecting pain to erupt somewhere in his neck when the fox leapt at him, squeezing his eyes tight to not look at his fate.
But it never came.
He opened his eyes at the sound of a vicious growl and watched as a familiar looking dragon made contact with the fox and clamped it's jaws down on it's neck.
The spirit had a disgusted expression on his face as he barked out insult after insult until the creature scrambled away.
It then sighed and slowly turned towards the group.
" Wow, I finally pay you idiots a visit and the pregnant one is already on the verge of dying. " The spirit huffed, rolling his eyes playfully as the group stared at him in shock.
" What? No hug? "
" Oh my stars! Minghao you're here! " Jun screeched, instantly shifting to muzzle into his mate's transparent body.
The other's cheered and smiled at this interaction, silently thanking the younger of the two for saving Hongjoong as well.
" Of course I'm here, the war's far from over. I refuse to just stay dead when we can fight perfectly fine as spirits. " The spirit spoke, chuckling at himself.
" I would never leave you guys like that....ever. "
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A/N: I love it when y'all comment lmao it makes me feel special ( peep the reference )
