The Dragon's Scale [COMPLETE]

7.2 || Over the Clouds

Boomer's large body sent Josh crashing to the ground where he would have been crushed if Boomer didn't hold himself up. He nuzzled Josh, hard scales scratching against his cheek.

I can't believe this! Boomer exclaimed. You're actually here. My bonded person. This is amazing! I—

"Boomer!" Josh yelled aloud, laughter shaking his words as he tried to still the dragon's head. "Yes, this is awesome, but you're kind of heavy."

For a moment, Josh wondered if Boomer could only understand him if he spoke in his head, but then he slowly pulled back. Josh got to his feet as Boomer moved off.

Sorry, he said, averting his eyes. I just got too excited.

Josh reached up, resting his hand on Boomer's head as he shifted his focus inward. Boomer's emotions trickled through: fear, shame, uncertainty.

He was really a dragon with his emotions out on display. A dragon. Josh shook his head as he continued to stare at Boomer. He was touching a real-life dragon that was somehow worried he wouldn't approve of him.

This should be the other way around, Josh said. You're awesome, Boomer. I couldn't ask for a cooler dragon.

You haven't met others, Boomer said. Despite his words, he started to relax.

Josh beamed and patted his dragon's head. Doesn't matter. There's no way they could be any better.

Boomer's lips curled up as he shot forward and dragged his tongue across Josh's face. He jumped back with a laughing shout.

Your tongue feels like sandpaper.

Thanks. Boomer lifted his head and jutted out his chin. I used to lick bark all the time to keep it tough.

Wait, what?

"Weird dragon thing," Mara said. Josh jumped. He'd been so caught up in Boomer that he had managed to forget she was there. "I wouldn't recommend trying it."

"Can you hear us?" Josh asked. His cheeks grew warm. If Mara could hear his thoughts like Boomer could, he would die.

He almost sagged with relief when she shook her head. "Actually, I've only heard Boomer's half of the conversation. Dragons are able to either talk solely to their soul-bound human or to anyone around. Most humans can only speak to their dragon unless they're very attuned to manipulating their soul connection."

"So if I'm with others, they only hear what I say to Boomer if I speak aloud? And if I want to speak privately I can do it in my head?"

"Of course. Especially if you have something to hide." She said it jokingly, but Josh's neck still joined his face in trying to melt.

Your thoughts about Mara are so weird.

Josh fought not to glare at Boomer. That better have been said privately.

Sure, of course.

"So," Josh said before he whacked the dragon, "there's just a forest in the sky too?"

He had been too preoccupied with Boomer when he first opened his eyes, but as he looked around, he saw large trees all around them.

Mara nodded as she started walking deeper into the forest. Josh shared a quick glance with Boomer before they started following. While Josh walked by Mara's side, Boomer traversed through the trees near them. He weaved through the forest with the grace of a cat.

"The Sanctuary hasn't always been in the sky," Mara said after he caught up. "Centuries ago, it was in a forest in England. It still acted as the Paladins' base, but it was also a Dragon Sanctum."