Alpha and the Fighter

New beginnings

The metallic smell was so strong I could basically taste it. Blood. Not just any blood. My blood. I shot up, only to start hacking what felt like my lungs up. When I finally was able to stop, I looked up.

The horns, which had caught my eye, were pale. It was almost a skin color, while the main fur was a golden yellow. The wings, oh the wings!, with the beautiful feathers went from the base fur color all the way to a almost maroon. They looked silky soft.

When I finally looked the Dragon in the eye, I found it was staring back at me. It's eyes made me gasp. I'd heard the saying the eyes were windows to the soul, but I'd never really believed it. My fathers eyes were always closed off, guarded, even to his daughter. I'd never really interacted with anyone else. But this dragon, no bigger than my forearm, had the most captivating eyes. They were a purpleish pink, darker to lighter as the color got closer to the whites. There was a slim ring of pale pink right around the endless black pupil.

It's eyes were open, the emotions flashing through them almost faster than I could catch. I saw fear and agony, so much pain in these wide innocent eyes that I almost flinched back from them. Only then did I notice I had leaned in. The creature turned its head, so that it was staring me face on, its eyes pointing down the end of its narrow nose. I was close enough to feel its hot, surprisingly sweet breath on my face.

Werecat.

The voice that greeted me in my head was male, strong and sure. It was a simple word, but held with respect.

What happened?

What's your name? He questioned, his tone young and curious.

Perque. I muttered, pulling out my needle. He watched me warily, as I started tearing open the flesh covering my ribs. Not very sanitary, but I needed to do what I could. I reached in, grabbing the silimy bones to hold each and everyone back to the base where they snapped. I was breathing heavy, my bones aching as I stitched the gaping wound I'd made. I'd feel better soon enough.

It's pretty, like a flower in the spring. I'm Amante Obstinado. Amen for short.

I smiled. The Dragons native tongue was Spanish, and I loved the language. His name in English was Stubborn Lover and I think if I ever had the chance to get to know this creature, his name would fit.

All done. I whispered, covering it in a herbal slather on the gauze. I smiled at him. What are you doing out here, hatchling? I don't really know why I asked. Maybe it was curiously, or maybe it was a longing to stay with another living being, even for just a few more minutes.

Hatchling? He questioned. He sounded so confused, as if he'd truly never heard of the concept before.

Yes, hatchling. New born. Youngling.

His expression was priceless and  I couldn't help but laugh.

What are you doing out here Dragon?

I live here.

Here? In the woods with no mother?

I've been alone all my life. I've only known the comfort of the woods. No mother, no father, no siblings. Just me. And nature. But she is not always nice, now is she? I think it's time for change. Today proved just how helpless a creature is to the world. You are a fighter, a strong one at that, with a strong heart. You could teach me. I could be your companion. I can see you're lonely. I am too. Together we could fix these. We'd help each other, and when I get big and strong enough, I could watch your back. What do you say?

I would need the protection, and I could easily feed the both of us with my bow. And I had my throwing knives. He'd get bigger in maybe a weeks time if I fed him right, so big that he could hunt on his own.

I inspected him as he had done me. His muscles were lean from hunting and his wings were almost at the stage where they'd be able to carry his weight. 

I sighed. It was already night fall, so we'd have to camp here for now. The stream, if we used it correctly, could hide our scents from any predators.

Okay. But you follow my directions, no questions asked.

He agreed, starting to stand, before he could, I pushed him back down. You're too small. I'll find a place then carry you.

He sighed. He obviously didn't want to listen. I glared into his beautiful eyes with my own amber ones, daring him to disobey me.

He laid his head back down on his paws.

I set off, not going farther than forty yeads so I could hear him if he needed me. I quickly found a hallow in the base of a willow tree, big enough to house the two of us, and my large pack. 

I went back to him, describing it as I held his small, furry body close to my chest. I walked until I found the spot again, setting him down next to Gecko. He sniffed him.

My mother gave me him before she died. As a birthday present. I've had him ever since. His names Gecko. Treat him with as much respect as you would an elder of your race.

His unwavering gaze stayed glued to the gray and white stuffed animal. 

I like him. He's strong, like you.

I smiled. Maybe things were starting to look up for all three of us.

Translations:

Amante Obstinado- Stubborn Lover.