Eighteen: Return

The general consensus was that Spike would no longer be able to have any more offspring… the egg had been almost the size of his entire body and they’d been rather concerned that he might have popped all his organs out! Spike didn’t want to argue, he was given a blood transfusion which was rare enough and then he’d had a hard time trying to figure out how it had only been just one giant egg! Everyone had come to see it, even Tyrant had made a rare appearance into their quarters to view the item and they were all rather unsure what would eventually be hatched out of it. Deathwing was exceptionally proud all the same, but he made a point to ensure the egg and Spike were both kept warm.

The arrival of the giant egg seemed to cool the tempers of the children, both Slash and Cheetah had considered it all and understood that what they’d seen was a possibility for them both if they were not careful. They were less intrigued to sniff or warm the egg like the others, but they were entertained to watch Scorch lounge over the egg to help it warm and that Wildfang and Jackal were both quite eager to help clean the egg and make sure to listen to the heartbeat inside. It was an incredibly strong heartbeat, some of them could swear they heard it outside the egg and after a week, it hatched!

“That is one big baby…” The entire crew had mustered to come and watch the hatching and though there was barely enough room in the quarters for them to fit in, a couple had managed it and everyone was looking in surprise as the big black shell had rumbled, rocked and then a huge foot had pushed out. This baby hatching seemed to be about the same size as some of the smaller members of the crew. It was certainly a shock as even Jackal put his own grown paw up in comparison and was startled that it was half the size of his when it should be tiny. All eyes were upon the hatching form, intrigued and curious to know what was happening as they looked towards the other pieces starting to break away.

“Were you huge when you and your brother hatched, Deathwing?” Comet Chaser had needed to throw his weight around and even climb up the back of the some the other visitors to sneak into the room. He was trying to wiggle to the front but even he was stunned to see the size of the foot coming through the egg. It was enough to make him give a grunt, because everyone coming to see the hatching might give him the chance to be seen first and make the bond! He was hopeful if he did with Deathwing’s chick, he’d have a chance to have him on his side to fight his battles… certainly a chick this side had to be something extremely powerful! “This one’s going to be massive!”

“I couldn’t quite say… but I’m excited… even if its big it’s going to be cuddled and fussed!” Deathwing stated, his whole form beaming with pride and the entire group looking excited. Spike though was remaining flat on his back, a cooling unit flushing over his groin and his poor stretched belly aching each time he breathed back and forth. He was probably a little less enthused for this because of how stretched he’d been made but… he was hoping it would be another loving baby no matter what and to be fair, Spike did love his chubby babies! “Perhaps it needs help?”

“I’ll gladly assist…” Comet began, only for Tyrant’s tail to bowl him aside and then the huge dragon stepped forward. He clasped the top of the shell in his huge paws and gently began to add pressure. Huge cracks formed on the shell and there was a loud gurgle from within the egg. It was enough for Spike to roll onto his front and give a soft purring, cooing sound for the baby to come towards them. They heard a sound as if the baby had coiled about within the shell and suddenly, there was a loud thump! Then another thump and Spike watched the huge section of shell push towards them, the membrane within stretching until it split and a mucous covered and massive charcoal coloured head stared out at them.

“Hello baby… welcome to the world.” Spike cooed, straining his nose up against the dark baby’s and nuzzling him lovingly. The baby gave a soft wheeze as it seemed to take in air, obviously exhausted from all his efforts and then gently, Tyrant and Deathwing helped to crack the egg pieces away. As they did so, they were all surprised by the huge body of the baby, his massive dark red wings and his black belly that was cracked with lines of red and yellow like lava! He was certainly a handsome baby and huge, about the size of some of the smaller adult dragons and Spike was startled but the baby was looking to Spike with nothing but love. “Alright… you’re going to have Doom in your name but what the other part will be I don’t know… now come here sweetie and cuddle with mummy.”

Spike rolled onto their side and made a point to then roll onto their back and let the youngster see the milk on offer. The baby seemed to snuffle at the air and understand before then slowly pressed forward with a gurgle of fascination, slipping and sliding at first as he got used to the sensations of his legs. However, unlike the other babies that had needed a little more oomph to do so, little Doom pulled himself forward and it was easy to see that he didn’t have baby fat at all, he was pure muscle! It made all the onlookers just stare in fascination to see something so unusual. They remained watching as he then settled by Spike, fixed his mouth to a teat and then began to drink heavily.

Spike’s eyes widened, he was more than a little surprise about the volume of milk leaving his body and it was not long before one breast felt completely drained. Doom noticed and moved to the other breast, draining it with considerable ease as Spike felt his whole body being drained and gave a soft groan. When Doom finished drinking, he then brought his head to his mother and licked at Spike’s mouth to suggest he might still be hungry, which only made Spike give a cough and then produce a wet splat brought up from their gut. It was a nasty, acidic mess but the baby lapped it up and then continued to lick at Spike’s mouth. Deathwing stared for a moment and then gave a hearty chuckle of delight.

“That’s what my brother and I were certainly like… never satisfied, always hungry. Heh… I’ll go get you some good food!” Deathwing beamed, his face slipping into a beautiful smile that was not going to disappear anytime soon. Tyrant gave a soft chuckle too as Spike coughed up another piece and finally, Doom seemed to decide he had gained enough from his first time out and tucked himself in around his mother. Spike looked as drained as when he’d laid the egg and Comet Chaser remained staring in disbelief. As much as he could have liked to be the one to make the connection and gain little Doom’s imprint, he was rather glad he was not going to be one of the one’s feeding the monster! However, Tyrant gave a soft vent and then turned around to look towards Comet Chaser thoughtfully.

“Well, now everyone’s here let’s remember that this is what we’re fighting for. We’re fighting for the future, for offspring and the chance to be happy. So get back to work and Comet… it’s time you took the patrols out over the planet. I’m not content to leave it when we could get all the supplies we need for another decade if we’re able to claim at least a continent.” Tyrant growled turning his head right around towards Comet and growling softly. Comet hadn’t even thought on this planet yet; it had been his ground troops and the reason Boulder had died after-all! But Comet got the message that he needed to get involved in it all and so he gave a soft snort and bowed his head low in obedience before departing, hateful that Spike might never have any more offspring and Doom… Doom was a giant!

Comet Chaser had made good use of his time on the surface; he’d looked into the situation that had been lost and with his aerial support and removed the pesky creatures that had thought to try and slaughter their kind. He’d built a barricade about their collection facilities, set up the mines and ensured that foraging parties went out with aerial and ground escort. He was not taking any risks and within the first month he’d already come close to securing a good half of a continent… a small continent but a continent, nonetheless. However, he’d been startled when the inhabitants had offered a truce in order for Comet’s group to slaughter their enemy who owned a quarter of the continent remaining and apparently held some dragons captive.

Comet did not like to negotiate with small fleshy creatures that reminded him so much of smelly apes, but he had found this had the potential to make him a hero. Needing a bit of a time to make Tyrant think he was certainly more capable; Comet Chaser had become involved in the matter. He had arranged his troops and in one very decisive battle he took the time to wipe out the other species completely. He hadn’t committed such a heinous act before to clear a quarter of a population but, he’d enjoyed the power it had given him and how he had released a significant group of captives that were now indebted to him as much as to Tyrant.

But there was something else amongst them… dragons barely clinging to life that would not be able to go up to the ships to be healed just yet. Amongst them was someone that Comet did not expect and for a while, he’d considered putting the creature out of its misery just so that he would have no competitors. But… with Spike no longer able to have offspring he considered it’s worth to him and if he even cared to have an opinion on this matter. He tried to tell himself that he certainly did not care now, Spike’s only use was in producing healthy offspring and if they couldn’t have any more offspring than why should he even care?

But he did care… even if he wanted to scream and shout form the rooftops that Spike was of no value to him anymore, he couldn’t stop himself from wanting the red dragon. But he also did not want to be watching Deathwing looking so proud… that dragon was too much trouble for what he was worth and certainly in the better graces of Tyrant. For being in Tyrant’s favour, he had to go and seeing him get beaten up by Boulder would be perfect. Therefore, he made a point to heal Boulder and keep him healthy, building him up in secret and gaining something else from it too.

“You’ve always been so loyal to Tyrant for everything he’s done to you… but it was Tyrant that forced Spike to undergo replacing you with another mate and he left you out here to die. I’ve come to rescue you and for that, you will owe me. There may be a time when I might ask you to turn to my side against Tyrant’s and well, I hope you understand.”

Boulder had nodded quietly and then taken the time in Comet’s care not only to heal but to build up his strength. He became incredibly strong and powerful although probably not a match for Deathwing exactly, but he had the power of surprise on his side. Comet was just waiting for the best moment to make his new alliance clear and strike Deathwing down when he was making the most fuss of himself in front of Tyrant!

Little Doom, who was just being named Doom as Deathwing came up with ridiculous additions that Spike would not sit with, had grown exceptionally large as the time had gone by. He was always incredibly hungry and always incredibly eager to stuff his face, but he had big wings he was learning to flap and he was also making friends. He seemed to be Wildfang’s favourite dragon, she was always making sure he had some company and someone big enough to bowl around. She would help groom him too and well, even the others couldn’t help but find Doom’s big smiling face adorable. They were always a little stunned at the way Doom would bumble out to greet them and then call out their names in excitement when he saw them doing their practices. But the being Doom loved more than anyone else in the entire world, was his mother.

Doom always went and found interesting objects about the ship when his father took him out to see Tyrant, their leader was always intrigued by the youngster too. Doom often presented an object to him as a gift and Tyrant would pat his head and chuckle about it. Deathwing was always keen to show off his son and urge him to stretch his wings out and show off his big sweeps and flaps. Most of the time, Doom was giggling about the universe as a whole and running around being cute. Wildfang was never too far away from him, always trying to figure out what he was up to and keep him out of trouble whilst Doom would chew her ears lovingly.

Only one dragon on the ship seemed to despise Doom and often Doom was encouraged not to be around that kind of dragon. That was of course, Comet Chaser, Doom tried not to bump into him but was always cute and wagging his tail in greeting towards him. Comet would walk right past him, head up in the air and giving a scoff of disgust, Doom did not understand but his mother was his favourite and that’s all that mattered to him. He loved mothing more than flopping his giant form onto his mother, asking for food and either getting it or getting hooked up in Spike’s arms and snuggled. Doom loved it when his mother was holding him and he loved hugs from his father too.

Deathwing though got a surprise one morning, he’d gone for a brief walk with Doom waddling on his chubby legs beside him up to the bridge. There was a lot of gossip going on as Deathwing approached and he noticed the way that all of them were whispering and acting like something was up. He was not sure what they could be reacting too, but thankfully one of them beckoned him aside and whispered to him. Doom meanwhile thought that he could just skip on towards the bridge all on his own, after-all everyone was smiling at him as he bounded to the doors that opened for him and he gave a giggle of delight.

When he bounded up towards Tyrant, he didn’t much bother that there was another dragon standing in front of their leader and with Comet, but Doom didn’t mind. He bounced over to where Thunderwing had noticed him and was watching his movements very carefully. Doom padded over to him, grasping at the big creature’s wings with a giggle of delight. He had not focused on the conversation but rather suddenly, Comet’s limb was pointing directly towards him.

“That is the product of your mate’s betrayal... a betrayal permitted by the master before you!” Comet hissed angrily and the big blue and scratched up creature beside him turned his huge head to face Doom. He almost launched at him, but Tyrant’s huge form stepped in front of him. Doom sensed something was up and gave a nervous whimper, Tyrant hooking a paw under him and then lifting him up against his chest. He narrowed his eyes towards Boulder and Comet as he gave a hiss.

“And by the rite of the battle Spike was won... you only need to take Deathwing down in combat to reclaim your mate. The fight and actions were all held according to the ancient traditions we all agreed to upon joining together, the traditions older than the elitism we’ve escaped!” Tyrant rumbled angrily, the big baby clasping at him tightly and the sight only making Comet’s ears pinch back and his nose to wrinkle with disgust. He then turned towards the door and then whispered into Boulder’s ear swiftly.

“Then Deathwing is about to walk in through that door in search of his son and you can fight him then...” Comet whispered and Boulder immediately grunted he was challenging Deathwing to Tyrant before stomping to the door. Tyrant turned his head to Thunderwing, insisting he send a message to Spike and his family to come to the bridge as soon as possible. He then drew his won thick wings about Doom, covering the baby up from what was about to happen and then holding him close as he whispered down to him.

“No matter what you hear, stay pressed to me and I will keep you safe. No one on this ship would allow you to be harmed.” Tyrant whispered and the youngster’s chubby little digits grasped up at him anxiously. No sooner had Tyrant soothed him than the door had opened and Deathwing had given a bleat. He’d only managed to say Boulder’s name in surprise before Boulder lunged at him. Deathwing’s mouth was grabbed in a tight bite, side-ways on so the teeth stabbed into his cheeks and lips, strafing the gums rather then snapping against his nose guard.

Deathwing’s chin spikes thankfully raked against Boulder’s neck, causing him to let go swiftly and then change his position. Deathwing’s huge wings slammed outwards, slapping and thumping into Boulder’s huge form to try and beat him down. Deathwing’s lips curled and he snarled angrily at the other as Boulder launched up at him like a mad beast. Boulder’s teeth kept chomping and clasping at the shoulders of the huge dragon, the wings batting him off but not stopping him. He dove forward, chomping again and again, tasting blood and trying to score a new mark down the big beast’s chest.

Deathwing was hissing angrily, in pain but confused over what was happening. He knew his son must be safe but he had been sure just like everyone else that Boulder was dead! How was he here, now, fighting him for Spike no less and potentially risking Doom’s life. Deathwing was confused, too confused to really know how to fight this beast. He felt Boulder had a right to be with Spike and he knew Spike would be happy, hence he could not bring himself to chomp down or lift his paws up. But at the same time his son could be killed in a jealous rage and each time he thought that, he lifted a paw and punched into Boulder’s face. It did not seem to matter though, Boulder was strong, sturdy and worst of all stubborn to a fault. He was also far too thick to really give up and so Deathwing knew he had to do something about this, had to make a finishing move or else this could go on forever!

With a deep breath, Deathwing arched his neck back like a snake about to strike, adjusting his jaw and then screeching forward. He clasped his teeth in Boulder’s shoulder, biting into thick, hard scales that almost cracked his jaws. His legs shot forward, hooking around Boulder’s shoulders and forcing him up into a wrestle. Their bellies clapped against one another as Boulder was forced up onto his hind legs, the wings clapping him in the face and in the eyes to make him relent. Deathwing’s thick shoulders pushed into Boulder’s body, his tail looped around one of Boulder’s legs and he prepared himself to just throw the heavy dragon aside and end it like that! But then he felt an incredibly pain in a place that was practically sinful!

With a roar of agony, Deathwing pulled himself away from Boulder but couldn’t any change in weight now only increasing his pain as he felt the strength of the jaws about him and worse still the threat to keep tearing. The other dragons were staring in utter disbelief, grimacing and swearing under their breath that Boulder would dare to do such a thing. Where Deathwing had tried to climb over him and thought he had been pressing their bellies together, instead it had just been Boulder’s neck as he’d managed to twist himself slightly to the side. It hadn’t been much and he’d used his forelegs to keep Deathwing held up, but it had been enough he could grab hold of Deathwing’s loins and rip into him, ripping his cock out if he had to but thankfully the tender area just above was enough. Deathwing whimpered, blood was spurting on the floor and Deathwing knew he was going to have to admit defeat on this one.

“Let him go Boulder...” The familiar voice of Spike reached them both as the door opened. It was enough that Boulder let go of Deathwing and the bigger dragon limped aside. Another medical dragon hurried to him and Comet was trying not to grin at how amusing Boulder’s tactic had been. If he were ever so loathsome as to do such a thing as castrate another in a fight, he just might! Boulder though was quick to then leap at Spike, grabbing him around the muzzle and biting down painfully. At the same time their offspring stepped in, looking stunned but also fearful of the sight in front of them as Boulder made Spike whine and squeal in pain as he bit right into Spike’s face.

“I think you’ve made your point now... and it was Deathwing who made Spike breed with him...” Comet was surprised the words had fallen out of his throat. Why was he defending Spike when he... damn it, Spike was not supposed to mean anything to him now! Boulder listened and released Spike before growling violently towards all of them.

"Spike belongs to no one, but me!"