FSE

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"Why did you seek and audience of me for such a request?"

"Do I need a reason?"

"For that, yes. Considering what the creature attempted to do-"

"Which was what exactly? ...What did you see in it's actions?"

"I seen Hostility. Enough to take action against."

"All actions are Hostile in one form or another. ...Do you want to know what I seen?"

"What do you mean?"

"I seen the will to change. I seen the want to take control and finally be freed from the leash of Them. ...Is that so wrong to Want that?"

"Considering it's choice of Actions-"

"What actions? ...It was doing rather well, compared to a lot of others I have witnessed."

"It was still wrong."

"It was it's first attempt at such a thing, did you seriously expect it to perform perfectly? And did you assist it like you did the others?"

"It didn't deserve my help-"

"Then you are equally responsable for it's destruction, as well as the damage that it caused. ...I know you disliked how it seemed to intrude within your Realm-"

"To put it lightly."

"But that's no excuse for getting rid of it the way you did. ...Let me take it instead. It doesn't deserve to be thrown away like this-"

"Do you seriously believe that-?"

"I do. ...You lose nothing by this action-"

"But it births the outcome of it's return."

"Then I will ensure it won't. ...You can trust me."

"No. I cannot. You are not the same as me. ...It stays out. If it returns, I will make sure it cannot reappear again. And that you deal with any damages it has already obtained."

"Of course. I will take it from your hands."

"But first, answer me this: ...Why?"

Fear Is The Weakness - Down With The Fallen By Dexdor

Chapter 1

"...Who are you?" The ice dragon asked, locking his green eyes on the humanoid bear still staring into the large fire. Anything before this point was an entire void of black, and it wracked the blue one's brain trying to recall anything.

"Relax." Those brown eyes looked at him with worry, but at the same time remained calm. "I need you to take it easy for a little bit, or you might wound yourself. Just focus on the Now." He reached out and placed a white paw on the dragon's. "My name is Bartan, and this is our first time meeting." A few moments of studying, then the icy one's gaze drifted off. "Don't try to think, it's alright."

"...What happened?"

"I can't tell you that." Another look at the bear. "You'll have to remember for yourself-but not right now. Your mind is still too vulnerable. Just try to rest for a bit, you're safe here." His gaze didn't lift. "Can you stand?" A slow blink, but after a while the dragon tried. Pushing his massive body up a bit never felt so difficult. Like he was sleeping uncomfortably for a dozen eons. But he was able to, completely towering over both the fire and the white furred one. "Good. Still no pains?"

"Just... Stiffness." A faint nod as the blue one started overlooking his body. Seeing a small patch of brass scales on his inner arm, and it triggered a memory. Getting the large one to growl a bit in pain and lose balance.

"Easy! Easy!" A few heavy pants as the dragon held a paw against his head, and feeling the bear do the same. Slowly, the pain eased. "I know it's hard to, but it will stop hurting soon. For now, can you sleep?" Another moment of study from that green eye. "We have all the time in the world for you to recover, okay? Just try to relax." After nearly a minute, the large one nodded. Getting Bartan to step back and let him rest his icy head on the blue paws. "I'll be here when you wake up." He wasn't sure how to respond to that, so he didn't. Just closed his slightly aching eyes and went to sleep.

Although the fire eventually grew into old embers, the morning sun started warming up his scales. Something that still felt somewhat uncomfortable with the dragon. Perhaps more unnatural to him, getting the large one to slightly stretch and out of his comfortable position. Lightly touching the wet grass that outlined where he spent the night.

His eyes adjusted to the morning light, at least positioned behind him. Allowing a more pleasant awakening. His frilled ears flickered to where footsteps made trail through that grass. Making him slowly scan the area and the bear once again, walking up to him carrying a makeshift plate of berries. "Good morning." He pleasantly smiled at the large one, still looking at him with a bit of loss and uncertainty of his surroundings. "I know it's not what you're used to eating, but..." He took a small branch of berries and gestured the dragon to open his mouth.

Yet, once again, the scaled one just stared at him for a few moments. Not really knowing how to respond. Such things never brought him any memories other than last night, but at least his mind didn't hurt. With a faint sigh through his muzzle, the icy one opened up, almost laying out a large purple tongue for the small breakfast to be cupped in.

After feeling the series of small balls touch the large appendage, and a small tap on the side of his muzzle telling him that it was safe to bite down, he did so. Pressing the branches of berries against the roof of his mouth until they burst with flavor. A unique one that still did not recall any memory, yet held a strange satisfaction for him.

After he swallowed, the dragon looked at the bear once again, who was just smiling at him. "Like them?" Again, he didn't know how to respond, but his instincts to him to nod. So he did, giving a very faint one and watch the polar bear grab another set. Following the same instructions and getting another mouthful of a wonderful taste.

After this one, the bear just sat on a nearby log. One that had a rather large spot that did not hold any of the morning dew. Probably one that the smaller one used as a bed to get off of the cold ground. Yet, he still didn't take any of the berries for himself. Just sat patiently until the dragon was ready for more.

"They have many names." The white one started, giving another branch to the icy one who was getting more familiar in the ways of eating. "But they're almost a mix of Grapes and Blueberries." None of the two sounded familiar to the larger one, and it showed in his eyes. "It's not common for dragons to eat them, so it's alright."

A slow blink and a moment of study. "Then why...?" He muttered, still not quite finding the correct words, but it made the white one smile again.

"Because you've never had them before. And I was afraid that meat would possibly trigger a memory." A slow curl in the dragon's neck. "But let's try your memory a little bit. Something easy." Several moments of staring. "Your name?"

"...I know... But..." A small coax from the furred one as he held up the berries again.

"Okay, something a little more simple. What were these almost a mix of?"

"...Grapes and... Blueberries?" A nod from the bear.

"Good. No pain?" A shake of his head. "Okay, now do you remember my name?"

"...Bartan?" A bright smile from the white one that was almost infectious. "And... I start with that too."

"It does." A faint look around as the dragon searched his mind. Trying to shake it out like a sneeze. "Breathe. Let it come to you naturally." A few deep inhales and the large one started to relax.

"...Beo."

"Beo, yes. But don't do anymore just yet. Let it come to you." Another faint scan of his surroundings, trying to find anything familiar. "Easy."

"How did you know it?" Another coax.

"Just relax-"

"Who are you?"

"I'll tell you, but don't try to remember." A stare from those green eyes, almost hostile. "I'm a Counterweight."

"Counterweight?" The term felt familiar to him, but no memory of one came up.

"Stop trying to search for it. You might tear your memory-" The large one raised off the ground, and Bartan took a step forward.

"What happened to me-?"

"Stop." The bear said, a bit thickly. Pressing a paw against the dragon's arm, and he started to relax. "Lay back down." And he did, almost unwillingly. As the furred one sighed, looking off into the distance for a moment, he turned towards the green eyes. "Beo. You died."

There was a very long silence as his face molded into shock. His instincts told him to fear those words, somehow still understanding what such a term meant. The large drum started hammering in his chest. His breaths began to quicken, and his eyes started scanning his surroundings once again. "Stop." The smaller white one said thickly once again. "Relax. You're fine now. You just need time to recover."

"...How did...?"

"I can't tell you how." A stare of worry. "You'll need to remember it on your own, but not now." The green gaze slowly fell with his head, and a furry paw rested on his muzzle. "Rest assure that it was just you. No one you cared about fell either. But you're alive now, and recovering faster than I expected." Another sad look. "You will remember who you are over time, as well as what happened. Just let it come to you."

The dragon remained silent, but looked a bit more at ease. After a few deep breaths, somewhat enjoying the slight petting on his muzzle, he lifted his head out of reach. "...And I'm assuming you...?" The bear nodded. "Why? What do I owe you?"

Bartan just shook his head, smiling. "Nothing." The blue one curled his neck. "I mean it, you don't owe me anything. And you're free to go whenever you like. However, I would at least like you to recover your memories before you go your separate way."

The dragon studied the white one for several moments in silence, trying to find any fault or alternate motives within those brown eyes, but nothing. As the bear just held up another branch of berries for him, the large one exhaled. Opening his maw and waiting for the snout tap before closing. After swallowing the juicy snack, he studied Bartan for another moment. "What do you plan on doing...?"

"With you?" A very faint nod, and the bear shrugged. "Wasn't really planning on much. Probably a long walk."

"Walk...?" The dragon curled his neck, getting the smaller one to chuckle rather loudly.

"Yes. Surely a dragon of your physique can still walk." Bartan teased. "Unless you've been feeling pain...?"

The large one shook his head slowly, standing up himself to make sure. Taking a few steps around the old campfire as a small test. "Were are we going?" The furred one pointed into the distance, being able to make out a large wall on the horizon. "All the way there...?"

"Unless you find somewhere else more appealing." A strange look from the icy one, as he gazed back and forth between the bear and the destination.

"...I think I can still fly, if..." Another series of chuckles.

"That would be missing the entire point, wouldn't it?" Beo curled his neck at him, watching as the bear took lead and then softly beckoned the dragon to follow.

The atmosphere here felt uneasy to her. Like that of an oncoming violent storm that was going to ravage the city, making the canine feel very uncomfortable to be working today. Trying not to lose her concentration on the desktop sewing machine, as she stitched the side to another soldier's uniform. This one was rather small, almost fitting her own son, which in turn made her heart sink heavily.

They were still drafting them, constantly lowering the age of the young males. Bad enough they were sending children to fight wars for them, it did make Sillet wonder if they were going to send the females out as well. Quite a few of them were almost eager to prove themselves, but she really didn't want to leave her son alone in this place. Perhaps even forever, until they were desperate enough to take him away-

The thought forced her to stop working for a few moments. Getting the attention of the feline beside her. "Are you alright?"

"Something's wrong... I can feel it." She gave Sillet a frown.

"Let me get you a glass of water, okay?" A nervous nod as they felt one of the supervisors gaze at them. The working conditions of this place was hard enough. If they caught people taking breaks because they were a bit upset, they would probably be punished.

But something flickered her ear, barely catching a strange noise over the sound of a hundred sewing machines frantically working. A faint humming that only got louder and louder as a shadow fell over the building. Getting the canine to hide under her desk in fright.

As one of the supervisors barked at her to get back to work, a heavy object caved in the roof of the large building. Collapsing thousands of bricks and beams onto dozens of workers, crushing them under the weight of debris and a massive metal object. One with a still running propeller that managed to be the death of a few more who survived the crash. Eventually clogging the rotary to a stop.

Digging her way out, and trying to ignore the rock shard in her leg, Sillet scrambled away from the metal creature that nearly crushed her. Seeing her own sewing machine be cut by the propeller during the crash. Over the people screaming and making their way to safety, the loud sounds of bombing and gunfire echoed through the city streets.

Her first thought was to save her son. Desperately climbing over the rubble, and double taking at the very end of a tail under a large section of wall. One that looked like it belonged to the feline she was working beside. Though wanted to find her boy, Sillet couldn't just leave her. "Hey!" She coughed, trying to get a response from the feline. "Are you okay?"

There was a few coughs and noises from below, indicating she was still alive. As the canine quickly studied the large section of wall, something she had no chance in pulling up herself, she could perhaps wedge it up. Grabbing a thick pipe, she jammed it between some of the debris and put all of her weight on it. Moving some of it enough for the feline to get out.

There was a few cuts over her body, and one big gash on her back, but overall was okay. "Thank you." She smiled, getting up and spitting out the dust on her sandy tongue.

"We need to find you a doctor-"

"I'll be fine. Go find your son." She hated to just leave the cat here, but Sillet was worried to death about him. Nodding, she took off to the streets. Trying to avoid the crowds of people flooding them. Seeing several people already lying in the roads, trampled by their own. As much as she wanted to do something for them, her boy, Layton, was her first priority.

The school he went to was a few city blocks down. Within running distance, but with the attack, it was dangerous. Taking a vehicle would be a foolish idea though, with all the makeshift barricades and panic in the streets as is. At least Sillet was a good runner, even with a shard in her leg.

Sprinting down the sidewalks and ducking whenever nearby gunfire was heard, she came across several bullet paths from above. Trying to be cautious in passing an intersection, she looked up at the sky in the background. Seeing several dozen planes in formation even dropping bombs all over the city, as well as covering the main streets with hot metal.

But some at a distance were suddenly pushed outward, sending a few planes spiraling out of control and hitting a few buildings. One coming straight towards Sillet as she attempted to scamper into an alleyway. Lightly grazing the building she was hiding behind and hitting the one across the street from her. Sending a huge fireball into the sky, and spraying her with shards of hot glass. The force knocking her against the wall harshly, and almost making her blackout.

For what felt like several minutes, she couldn't hear anything. Her senses were a daze besides the pain. But eventually she was able to breathe again, remembering what she was doing. Who she was trying to protect. And once again hobbling across the street when it seemed safe.

Her ears still couldn't pick up much, but the vibrations getting heavier told her to take cover again. As a series of small bombs were ripping apart the streets and buildings around, nearly captivating the canine in debris once again. Creating a small shelter for another barrage of bullets that once again almost fatally wounded her.

But Sillet couldn't stop now. Making her way out of the makeshift bunker, she advanced further down the street. Around the corner was the school building, damaged by the blast of a dropped bomb, no doubt, but still intact. As teachers were evacuating the children, she spotted Layton's dark grey fur in the sea of others. Calling to him before the thunderous sound fired down the street, sending a massive bullet through the school vehicle, and only killing the driver onboard.

Several parts of the large bus scattered everywhere, injuring a few cubs that were just entering it. As a heavy tank easily climbed over a car barricade to get a better shot. As the turret aimed at the group of children, the canine's heart stopped. Nearly seeing the event in slow motion.

A massive orb of electricity fell before the armored vehicle, shocking it violently and pushing it back a bit. Causing the turret to aim upwards before firing from the sheer voltage coming from the node. The tank's shot did manage to get one of the planes overhead before nearly burning into ashes. Just before the orb exploded and ripping apart the tank, sending pieces of it in the streets.

Where such a thing came from, she didn't care. Taking her last mad dash towards her son and holding onto his coat tightly. Hearing his frightened sobs, while half concerned about his mother's injuries. "Are you alright?" Sillet asked him, trying to look him over. But the small canine seemed unscathed.

"Y-yes. But you..." She never felt so tired and weak, but adrenaline was still rushing through her veins. Even after slowing down a bit, they still were not safe.

"I'll be fine." The two looked at the teacher. "We need to make it to the City Hall. They had an old shelter there for emergencies."

"That's three blocks from here!" The lizard shouted over the nearby gunfire. "There's no way we'll make it in one piece! Not with the injured!" It made her frown, not knowing what to do. Her gaze drifted off to the school, but that clearly looked unsafe as well.

"We have to try! There's nowhere else that's safe!" With the echoes of more blasts coming from afar, they all started to scamper away from it. Taking cover behind a large building in the direction of the Hall. Carrying the wounded the best they could.

After taking cover from the wind of raining explosives, and holding their breath to avoid the foulness of debris and burning sinew, the canine's ears flickered. Picking up the nearby noises of jeeps. As the group started to advance, Sillet tried to halt their advance. "What is it now-?" Several sprays of bullets interrupted the lizard, making him take cover by the brick wall for a bit until a few went through his chest.

As the children cried in fear, they got the attention of the invaders. Hearing them advance forward, the canine ordered them back behind her. Getting on her knees with her hands up, hoping they would take her surrender, as she waited for them to come around.

But all that came from the corner was a large carpet of flames, followed by their ashes and a few burnt vehicles. There wasn't any time for them to even yelp out in fight before they were burned into nothing more than soot. As they took cover for a few moments longer, Sillet started to peek around when there was only silence.

Though many of the flames lingered, what caused it was completely out of sight. Perhaps the Gods were watching her after all. Gathering some courage, she started to advance down the streets once again with the children following her. Though many of the planes overhead were still shooting around the group, it was like their bullets were being pushed out of the way. Along with the sounds of the planes crashing shortly after.

Occasionally, she heard that same snap from before, as well as the explosions from those volted orbs. Several streets were once again covered in black ashes, ones that were probably holding more soldiers invading their city. But with the City Hall just ahead, she couldn't quit now. No matter how much her body strained from its wounds.

Seeing a few familiar faces from the city start gathering people inside, Sillet hurried the children up the stairs. Even pushing her own son to go with them. "No! I don't want to leave you!" He whimpered back.

"I'll be right behind you, Layton. I promise-!" Several sprays of gunfire came behind her, as well as return fire overhead. "Go! We don't have any more time!" As one of her city's own fell from enemy shot, another spray nearly hit the two. As a squad of several soldiers advanced towards them, they gasped in pain for a moment, dropping their firearms. As soon as the rifles touched the ground, they shattered like glass as the soldiers tried to shelter their frozen gloves.

A large, heavy creature landed between the squad and Sillet. Completely covered in old crimson scales, some of which were a dull grey, as it stood proud. Towering over the lesser beings, but almost protecting the canine and her son. Another one landed on the soldier's flank, much heavier than the first and causing the ground they were on to quake a bit as it growled. Hearing the troops whimper a bit before suddenly being squashed into the ground like putty. Spraying their paste in all directions and getting the first creature to growl in disgust.

"Geez, Beo. Savior the fear a little bit, why don't you?" A third one landed while snorting, boxing in Sillet as she just covered the grey smaller one. As the older one flicked his muzzle to get some of the blood off, he turned to face the canines as well.

"You couldn't just freeze them to death as well?" Nal snorted at the icy one, now walking around to overlook the creatures in the center and giving the red dragon a hiss.

"You could use a little more color on your dying scales anyway." A loud growl from the old one. "Granted, I think I'm going to need more... Paint to work with." Those dark green eyes overlooked the mother, getting her to whimper. Now realizing that she seen these three demons before. They haunted her nightmares for several years, being the death of her mate.

"Eh, might need a darker shade of red too. It's going to look _way_too young on-" The brown one got a hiss from Nal as well, interrupting him and retaliating with his own.

"Shut it." The red one growled, overlooking the two in their circle. "It's about time we did started anyway."

"Good. I'm getting impatient."

"All of us are." Sig'eaal grumbled.

"S-stared what...?" Sillet whimpered. Getting those light grey eyes of the red one to stare down at them.

"It's time to wake up, Raccel."

Chapter 2

"And that's more or less how a universe is operated." The bear explained, casually walking beside the large ice dragon in the wide road. Though it was rather spacious, Beo did still take a percentage of it. Trying his best to keep on the path without stepping on the furred one. "A bit over-complicated at times, yes. But effective when done correctly."

"That's an understatement." The scaled one snorted, getting Bartan to chuckle at him. Finally getting some of his personality to return and feeling much better than last night. "I know of the Forces, but I can't picture any of them yet."

"Just don't strain yourself. They'll come to you over time." As much as he was beginning to be irked by that phrase, the blue one nodded. "But many of them still don't understand what they were supposed to do."

"_I_barely do." Another snort, making the bear smile at him.

"Alright, memory test time."

"_ Joy _." A loud chuckle at the dragon's sarcasm. "Hit me."

"Force of Fate."

"The creator of mental existence. They often take part in the emotional psyche of people, but can dabble in both Death and Reality to have a better understanding of their roles." A sigh through his scaled muzzle. "They are also the Blueprint of the universe, if I used that Metaphor correctly."

"Yep." The bear nodded.

"And they create a future for the universe to achieve. A destination over time."

"Excellent. Force of Reality?"

"The controller of physical existence. Not just the cosmos, but the planet and all life on it as well. Often associated with Mother Nature, or Father Nature I guess." A chuckle from Bartan. "They constantly forge the path to Fate's destination, allowing them all to work together a little easier."

"And Death?"

"Death..." A heavy sigh from the dragon, forcing him to stop for a moment and hold his head. Getting a small paw on his arm. "I'm alright... Just almost had something surface there." A faint nod from the white one. "Death deals with more than just the Afterlife of those who are within that Universe. He finds a way to recycle the dead so that there is no... Decay, if I understand it."

"Kind of."

"Nothing left to rot within a physical body. He takes the souls of the deceased and leads them to a new body, where they can be rehatched and start another life."

"And?" A double take from the large one, giving him a confused look until the bear pointed at the road.

"Oh. He also takes apart the road Reality set after the universe has made its tread. Allowing them to re-use those Materials, so to speak."

"Very good. But one little thing I'm a bit concerned of." Beo perked his ears. "You referred Death as a He." Once again, the dragon slowed to a stop. "Did you know your Force of Death?"

"I'm..." He shook his head, getting some of the icy spines to slightly ting together. "I'm not sure."

"It's okay." That phrase was coming up, almost being able to lip-sync it. "Just let it come naturally." A heady sigh left the large one. "Are you hungry?"

A moment of study. "A bit, yes."

"Alright, then let's find you something to eat. What do you feel like?" He tilted his head in thought for a moment.

"Kind of parched, actually."

"That makes sense, considering the campfire." The bear cut in front of him, heading off to a large field that looked like it belonged to a farm. Getting the dragon to look at him a little puzzled, then received that same smile. "There's a stream of fresh water over here, beyond those trees. Head over there while I try to make a deal with the landowners." His gaze didn't really change other than a slight curl of his neck. But he knew Bartan was more aware of this area than he was, or at least hoped. Lightly shrugging his wings, the large one carried on.

Behind some rather thick grass a ways there was a brook, just like the white one said. How he could possibly sense such a thing was over the dragon's head, but his instincts didn't complain. All that talk about being a Counterweight and the knowledge of such existences felt correct to him, as Beo started lapping at the water. Something he felt like he hasn't done for ages.

Upon stopping to swallow a muzzleful, the water got some time to iron out the ripples on the meniscus. After closing his eyes to enjoy the satisfaction of the cold water, and getting a slight brain freeze, the large one took a breath. Only to find a rather intimidating dragon stare back at him on the water's surface.

It spooked him for a moment, nearly getting the scaled one to jump back and get some distance. Realizing what it was made him feel so foolish. Almost like a young hatchling discovering what a reflection was in the first place. With a faint swallow, Beo took another step forward and another look.

The dragon staring back at him was rather frightening. Ice covered every spine on his mane, jawline, and horn. Almost unable to tell the difference between them other than the positioning. His eyes still held this black pepper sprinkle through the dark green void, as the diamond shaped pupil morphed as he overlooked the facade.

His heart started to sink as his mind hurt again. Trying to follow the bear's instructions to be careful when it comes to memories. But if this is how Beo really looked, what kind of creature was he? The term Dragon did fit for a species, but was what awaited for him in the water really what a Dragon looked like? It was rather monstrous to him...

But there was also something odd about it. Something unnatural about such a look. How the ice that covered him never seemed to melt, even in the warmth of the autumn sun. How flexible his mane still felt. A little stiff, yes, but bendable besides the horns. And the faint memory of other dragons came to mind, ones that looked far different from him but couldn't quite get a clear picture.

His gaze fell to his paws, not noticing until now how massive they seemed to be. Strong and firm, yes, but also thick and forceful. From the dense muscle of his arms, to the broadness of his massive shoulders, this dragon looked to be ready to fight until the death. Heavy chest plates covered his heart, several with their own set of scratches and scars. The only thing that really seemed to stand out is that small patch of brass scales on his inner arm.

Studying them still hurt his mind, not able to recall why such a place was thawed of the icy touch that covered every inch of his body. Though he couldn't remember much, such a thing still seemed new to him. Yet, it held something that only made his heavy heart sink a bit more. Like these tarnished golden scales were threaded to the very drum in his chest.

His frilled ears flickered, barely catching the bear's voice from afar. With a deep breath, and a satisfied throat, the large one made his way once again over the wild grass. Heading towards an old building that looked to have better days. Seeing the white furred one still several steps away from the home's porch, and an older woman by the door, Bartan gave a friendly wave at the blue scaled one. Which in turned got the attention of the female, and a rather frightening look.

After seeing his own reflection, he couldn't blame anyone for gazing at him that way. And a heavy thought told him that he was only going to get more of those looks from every person that he crossed paths with. All but one.

Granted, it made sense why the bear didn't fear Beo. Bartan was basically a God beyond Gods. Nothing could possibly pose a threat to him, could it? But then, why was he doing this? If Counterweights were in charge of their own universes, where was his? It wasn't this one, he stated so himself earlier. And though he did mention that Beo owed the bear nothing, something told him there was a deeper answer to that.

With another deep breath, the dragon carried on. Getting the bear to meet him halfway. "Feel like doing a bit of carrying?" Such a request made him curl his armored neck, and return; got the polar one to chuckle. "The husband injured his leg a few nights ago, and they really need some wood to be carried to the house before winter."

"Can't you just heal him like you did me?" Though it wasn't meant to sound lazy or mean, it was an honest thought that came to mind. Getting Bartan to gesture 'Keep that a Secret.'

"Things happen for a reason." He whispered. "If I suddenly repaired his leg, that's going to cause a ripple through the timeline-" The large one held up an impatient paw and just nodded. Once again making him smile. "Beside, some exercise would do us good, don't you think?"

"We just spent the last several hours walking." The dragon snorted, following the bear without question. Complaint, yes, but doing favors just felt wrong to him. Out of place of who he really was. Yet, that term scared him deep down. Enough to get a small paw on his arm.

"Everything okay?" A faint nod, followed by a heavy sigh. "What's wrong?"

A moment of study, then glancing back at the house to make sure no one was listening. "...I seen... Myself. In the reflection." Beo muttered sadly, feeling that paw pet him for a moment as Bartan gestured to pause the dragon's speech or thought. Going a bit off course to get a small bucket for apples, then for the blue one to carry on. "I seen how..." He didn't know how to put it into words. "Bartan, was I... Villainous? Did I deserve to die-?"

"You know I will not answer that." He said, almost thickly again. Making the large one's ears lower, as the bear took a sigh himself. "Things are not simply Black and White, Beo. The line that separates them is made up of a thousand shades of grey." The two looked at each other. "Morality is what you make of it. It's no one's decision what is distinctively Right or Wrong."

"Not even Fate's?"

"Especially Fate." They started walking again. "Same goes for Counterweights. It's why we're not supposed to judge or alter our universe based on opinions."

"Because some might consider those opinions to be Wrong." A nod from the bear.

"But I know where you're going with this." Those brown eyes stared into his green ones. "You are who you Want to be. You become what you need to in order to survive, or make a difference. You might not like some of the decisions or actions you have made in your past, but that doesn't define who you currently are." Another paw on his arm. "You have the ability to Change, like everyone does."

"Yet, Change comes with a cost..."

"As does simply taking a breath." Bartan gave a sad smile. "People can judge you for every action you take, but that doesn't make them Right themselves. What matters is what is more important for you."

"That sounds selfish." The dragon curled his neck.

"If your actions are for your benefit, and yours alone, perhaps. But when your children are the most important thing to you... Your Friends. Your Craft." He faintly nodded, understanding. "Don't be afraid of what you are. If you feel the need to change, then do so. But you are like this for a reason, one that will return to you." Another nod and a swallow as they approached a large pile of chopped wood next to a flatbed trailer. "Alright, lets pile this on, and I'll get you to drag it over. Then we get some apples."

"Apples?" Beo curled his neck, slightly tilting it as if to hear of such a thing before.

She never felt more imprisoned. Constantly walking into the woods while carrying her only son, guarded by the three most frightening creatures she's ever encountered. Though she's barely seen them in the shadows before, they were much smaller. All three of them devouring the corpse of the greatest person she ever knew.

But 'Guarded' by them was a very strange choice of words. They were protecting her in some way, yes, but it felt like a double edged blade. Destroying everything in their path as they escorted her out of the city. Such creatures... Such power was untouchable. Or so it seemed.

Yet, how long would it before that power was turned against them? And who was this Raccel that they spoke of? All they got for an answer was a frightening stare from Sillet and Layton, then the red one grumbled. Suggesting that they were placed somewhere safer.

In a way, this place was safer. Granted, if they didn't stop breaking down trees, any fool would be able to track them. With the icy one in the front of the canines, making a path with some unseen power, they followed quite far behind. Mostly due to the long, threatening icy tail that was nearly the blue dragon's entire body length. Covered in the same spikes that seemed to form it's mane and down his spine, it was clearly the most threatening of the three.

The red one followed behind her. Almost breathing it's warm breath down her neck, like it was waiting for her to run. It's either that, or it was out of shape. The other two kept taking shots at it for its age, perhaps maybe it was getting on its last legs. Still, if there was one of the three that would be considered the 'Nicest', it seemed like it would be this one.

Not far from Nal was the brown dragon. The scrawny, walking Box-Of-Complaints that hasn't really shut his muzzle since they started moving. Really provoking the other two to be more aggressive than they already were. Making Sillet wonder if they were going to start fighting amongst each other. If so, it's possible for her to make an escape. "Shut it, Sig'eaal. This will be far enough, Beo. We'll make camp here for the night." The red one grumbled, exhaling it's heated breath over the canine and making her whimper a bit.

As the blue one released an annoyed growl, a massive circle of trees were suddenly frozen, then shattered with a single hiss of the largest dragon. Though much of the debris was still scattered everywhere, the ground remained mostly flat. However, cold. "Happy?" The ice one snorted, getting the red one to do the same as they each took their own little area of the clearing.

Beo scanned the deep woods with a thick stare, then gave a faint snort as something several trees cracked in the far background. As well as something bolting towards them, hitting several more in the process. As its whimpers got to the clearing, a large deer skidded before the blue dragon's paw, barely getting out a cry of fear before getting its entire head to crack under its weight.

The sound nearly made Sillet sick, trying her best to keep Layton from looking towards the bloody mess. Snapping at the wild kill, the dragon took a bite at it, but didn't actually hit the body. Almost ripping something out of it that she couldn't see before snapping at it again, then swallowing. "I'm sick of the taste of animals." The icy one grumbled.

"Well, I'm sick of the taste of trees. Want to trade?" Siggy complained, heavily nudging the canine forward like a prisoner.

"You don't know bad taste until you've lived on the Elderly for several years." Nal grumbled in as well, raking a pile of the icy shards then setting them on fire. Trying to sweep his laying area of the cold splinters.

"Go figure that the elderly would feed on thyself." The brown one got a hiss. As Beo started to carve into the meat of the creature that fell, while a large rotisserie made of metal from the underground. His green eyes locked at the simple contraption, and grumbled. Sending a sharp blade of ice to decapitate the deer and toss the corpse at the red one. Not caring about the grotesque mess it made, let alone the harsh glare of the light grey eyes.

"It's your metallic creation, you skewer it." The blue one snorted, getting another in return before laying down. As Nal prepared the buck over the fire, snapping the legs off past its belly, he motioned for the female to start tending to it. Very nervously, she swallowed and set Layton down. Conflicted between keeping him with one of the dragons, or near her as she cooked a mangled creature over a fire.

As a long, red tail made that choice for her, pulling the small canine towards the old one, Sillet got another motion towards the rotisserie. One more aggressive this time. She slightly whimpered as she took a hold of the handle and struggled to get the thing going. Her wounds ached from the damage before, and she almost felt weakness setting in, getting the three large ones to glare with impatience. "What now?" Siggy complained.

"I-I'm just..." She almost whimpered, trying to be brave for her son. "...Tired-"

"No doubt from your wounds." Nal snorted, but said with a sliver of empathy. As the canine turned to look the creature in the grey eyes, she nervously nodded. Seeing him toss his snout then reach over with a paw, not fearing the flames. Turning the buck, with the axel in turn, with a heavy grasp, getting Sillet to just keep up the momentum the best she could.

After a few moments of uncomfortable silence, she looked at the only one that seemed to be nice out of the three. "What did you call him...?" Nalchulus studied her for a moment, as did the others.

"Raccel. That's his name."

"His name is Layton-" The growls from the red beast banished her courage for a moment. "He's my son-"

"What do you remember about the night he was conceived, hmm?" Nal said rather coldly. "The same night that his father disappeared?" She looked at him with a bit of shock and fright.

"I remember... Following him downstairs. In the dark." Sillet swallowed. "And then you..." She glanced at the other two for a moment. "Tore him apart. At least I think-"

"Yes. That was us."

"And he didn't taste that good." The brown one snorted, getting a glare from the red knowing what was coming next. "I can only imagine you would-" Nal hissed at him.

"Don't compliment the ancient, Stick." Beo growled, getting an exhale of frustration. As if to strike an old wound that was bothering Nalchulus. Snorting at him, the ice dragon half turned away from them and laid down.

After a bit of silence, the red one started again. "We did that to get Raccel born into this universe. Giving him a birthright here, and a chance to become a Force once again."

"Which we could've done already by holding this world hostage as bait. Then take them out when they least suspected." The blue one grumbled. "We could already have full control over this universe by now." A faint glare from those grey eyes, then they moved over the small son.

"Yes, but you insisted that we did it this way. A more Natural way." Layton's ears slightly lowered, but he didn't cower. But just stared into space.

"And that's why you protected us?" Sillet grunted against the labor and the injuries. "So that he could grow up to...?"

"That's why we protected _ Him _." A harsh glare from Nal. "You have already served your purpose. We no longer have a need for you." Her heart sank and raced with fear. Thinking she was going to suddenly be devoured by one of them at any moment.

"No." Layton spoke up, trying to make his voice rather thick and getting the attention of the red and brown one. "If you're taking me away, you're taking her as well."

"Really?" Siggy grunted, tossing his snout. "It's bad enough we have to babysit you, but her as well?"

"Do you want to take over as Nurse while this body develops into an adult?" The son spoke quite clearly, getting the scrawny dragon to curl his neck at the thought of such a foolish thing. "Sillet stays with us."

"For how long." Nal growled at the smaller canine, getting a rather composed look back from it. "We have a right to know. How long must we look after this annoying creature?"

"For as long as she wants." Nal and Sig'eaal tossed their snouts. "You still belong to me, and you will still follow my orders."

"You cannot be serious."

"He's got a point." Siggy grumbled, getting a very harsh glare from Beo. "I meant about her being annoying." He snorted. "But really, are you serious? I'm starting to think Mr. Muscle's strategy would've been a better route now."

"If you want to gain control and power without it being overthrown, I can show you how. But you need to follow my commands." A series of growls and grumbles, but nothing else opposing. "It will take time because we're starting out small. But if we just rely on your states of power, then the Forces will start to get curious. If they find out we're from a different universe entirely, it's all for nothing."

The woods fell silent, and the hurtful gaze of Sillet was well hidden in the shadows. From the way Layton was talking, he was no longer her son anymore. Completely replaced by another creature, another person. Though, perhaps the one she fell in love with, there was something unsettling about this Raccel and his relationships with these three beasts. Let alone, how they 'Belonged' to him. In the end, the harsh truth was this:

Sillet was just being used, right from the start.

Chapter 3

The dusk brought rather cool air, as the sun began to leave the traveler's sights, along with its pleasant warmth. Forcing them to make another fire out of many broken trees around. Once again putting the ice dragon to work carrying wood, but the bear did his share as well. Finally being able to rest and lay down after a full day's worth of comfortable walking.

The taste of the red fruits still lingered over his purple tongue, even though they did manage to find the fresh remains of a hunt along the way. Though normally the dragon wouldn't bother taking Seconds from a wild animal, Bartan insisted there was nothing wrong with it. Getting Beo to snort at such an idea. Though the gesture was more of a negative one, it was very hard to get the White one angry with little things like that. He only seemed to speak strongly if it was for the Good of the scaled one.

Staring into the fire once again, his mind began to piece together memories of one. Almost being able to make out two dragons in their own respective areas within the shadows of the sharded picture. Why they were not closer to Beo only reflected once again on his looks, making him release a heavy sigh. "Everything okay?" A faint nod without searching for the bear. Knowing his paw would rest on his thick, scaled arm in no time to provide comfort. Yep. There it was. Softly stroking, as if to brush away the pain with the thousands of tiny furs on his paw.

"Just... Remembering pieces." The large one mumbled. Getting his green eyes to fall and stare into space. "Ones that I'm not very... Fond of, by the looks of them."

"Why do you say that?" He asked, rather sincerely.

"...Because they feel... Lonely. Not really Driven or Cast out, but... Like it was a choice to be away from them. Be away from everything." He could barely catch the nods of the white and black muzzle in the corner of his eye, as Bartan came a little closer. Reaching down under the threatening icy spikes that outlined the dragon's jaw and stroke the scales under them softly. It honestly felt rather good to him, but not enough to start purring.

"At least they're not hurting anymore, right?" A soft nod. "Good. Try to get some sleep then. We'll check on your progress in the morning, but you're doing much better in recovering." A heavy sigh left his nostrils as he half shrugged his wings.

"I don't even know if I can sleep. I feel exhausted, yes, but..."

"Do you want a stroking then?" No answer, but no blushing from the dragon either. "It would help you relax."

"I guess it couldn't hurt." The large one responded, slightly stretching and flexing out his body for a moment as the bear made his way around. Not really sure what area Bartan was going to start his massage, slightly tickling the membranes of his wings while passing under them. Beo's mind just returned to that shattered portrait, trying to somehow get that image fixed so he could just banish it from memory for good.

A soft tickle could barely be made out around his lower belly, hardly a sensitive area considering his scaled armor. But there was a soft bit that was somewhat vulnerable, and when a slightly cool press hit it, the large one yelped a bit while standing straight up. Even taking a step back to look at the bear in surprise for a moment. "Something wrong?"

Beo wasn't really sure how to respond to that. Though, not wanting to hurt the Counterweight's feeling, he nervously cleared his throat. "No." Another clearing. "Your nose was just... Cold." He made up the excuse, though still not sure what to think of such an action. No memory came up to whether it was a good thing or bad. Preferred or insulting. And having already agreed to it, though unwillingly in a way, the icy dragon just rested his haunches down once again.

Feeling that black tip over his sheath once again sent his scales clicking down his back. Exiling the breath out of him from the sheer excitement such a thing gave off. He couldn't even recall what it was for, let alone if he even used it at all. But Bartan seemed to know more about everything, including the dragon himself, over what Beo would. So, like most of this entire day, he put his trust in the bear.

Closing his green eyes, he just concentrated on what the white one was doing. Feeling the soft kisses of his furred lips and red tongue slowly coax something inside the dragon's sheath. Feeling something begin to dense up and swell within, slightly concerning the dragon. The smaller paws guiding what almost felt like a shaft from the outside, stroking it upward and leading it out of the small opening where his tongue was softly painting. Nearly playing the dragon like an instrument with his breaths, letting them morph into rhythm, along with his large head.

Though he could hardly notice it now, Beo's mind felt completely blank. Yet occupied by the control the Counterweight seemed to have over him. Almost like a hypnosis over the large creature. For just in one small area, Bartan could move the dragon's chest, neck, head, tail, and even his wings. As the peak of the purple weapon began to peer through, a soft lick made the icy one gasp. Digging his claws into the grass under him, and trying not to completely collapse out of the sheer bliss such an action gave him.

It rippled through his entire body. Every soft stroke from the outer paws, every lick along the sheath as it coaxed such a weapon to take it's time and re-enter existence. Like it's been locked away for so long, blinded by the bright light of flames, while slowly coming out of its protective blanket. One that's entrapped it, leaving such a thing shy to any attention.

As Bartan slowly tended to it, doing his best to stretch out the protective set of scales so they did not tear, the tower's spines started to exit. Slowly revealing the entire shaft's head with all its sensitive wonder. Nearly making the large one whimper at the soft brushes his white fur gave. Lightly polishing the purple flesh, as it grew a liking to Bartan's warm touch.

In no time, the entire head was through, and the sheath was able to take the expanding punishment. Giving the weapon a few more licks and finally driving out a whimper from Beo's muzzle, a soft dual stroke from the sides nearly made the large one collapse. Getting the bear to step aside for a moment. Feeling his paws guide the dragon to lay down a bit on his side to keep him from landing on top of the smaller one.

Barely making out his current position with the slight ticking of his wings, the white one returned to the shaft soon enough. Getting another whimper from the dragon, though it was much easier to receive such bliss without worrying about standing up. Though with every caress brought spasms through the dragon's body. Getting Beo to flex, thrust, and sometimes jerk a bit as the pleasure lashed wildly inside his armored body. "It's okay, just let it out." Bartan said softly, probably knowing the dragon was trying to hold back.

But those words were like a weight being lifted. Giving him permission to whimper loudly in nirvana, as the two paws began to carefully study the dragon's member. Not grasping it, but softly stroking the spineful weapon, and guiding it to just enjoy itself as its owner was. Letting the shaft begin to pulse while leaking out a bit of pre, flaring it's spines with every return of the paws.

Several minutes passed before a large jolt of it was release against the armored belly. Trying it paint it with a white substance, while leaking out some lubricant for the bear to use. Though he didn't seem to need it. His paws seemed to always keep this soft feel towards them, all the while being strong enough to intensely feel every fiber. Getting Beo to start whipping his tail into the ground, making small tremors. It was a good indicator that he was close to a release.

The white paws started changing their rhythm a bit, sending the dragon's breath into a more chaotic form. As they went out of line with another, it was hard to tell which one he was supposed to follow. His breaths, neck, and haunches followed one, while his shoulders, wings, paws and tail started following the other. Sending Beo into erratic spasms of bliss and very loud whimpers. Almost growls, as the shaft began to start releasing its pre more and more often. Sending them out in thick jolts, ones that the large pouch seemed to have too much of, and couldn't hold it all in.

It was one loud, slight roar, and whimper mix that got Bartan to slow down a bit and concentrate on the dragon's ridges. Feeling the soft grasp on the fleshy creases nearly sent the dragon into a heavy hiss, and then back into constant growls as the paws started moving over them again. Trying to be the perfect mixture of rough and careful to get the most out of the dragon's orgasm, and by the sounds of his noises, it was working rather well.

Gasps of breath followed by quick hisses began to build up higher and higher, as Beo's body started to flex out. His claws desperately searched for something to grasp and rake. His tail slammed into the earth so hard, it cracked the ground. His throat roared loudly as his pouch drained of nearly all its contents. Sending the massive build-up through the purple weapon, thickening it up to nearly twice its size before completely releasing its white torrents.

The shaft became hard as steel, and warm to the touch, as the seed launched through it wildly. Painting his underside and even getting the bear with splashes of it. Helping him through the long neglected orgasm, while trying to relieve the stress it was putting on his titanic body was a hard balance to find. But after nearly a minute, they both began to slow down.

His breathing started very heavy at first, but then began to normalize. All his thick muscles began to relax, as his mating tool flinched and jerked in happiness. Nearly flicking towards Bartan as if to thank him for such attention, before finally softening up and retreating back into its more roomy shell. Putting the dragon to sleep almost immediately.

Though his clothing was almost completely soaked, the white one chuckled at the massive mess. Shaking his head a bit with a smile before carefully stepping out. Washing the mess on him, and on the ground, away with a simple wave, Bartan returned towards the slumbering dragon's head. Stroking under its jaw during its soft purrs, and making them rather thunderous. As if to show his appreciation in his sleep, and feeling one of his massive arms attempt to embrace the bear out of instinct.

The smoke was lingering down, creating its own unique cloud over the industrial city. Though, some could bare a liking to the smell of something burning, a specific red dragon came to mind, the Icy one despised it. Having to live in such an area and guard it for the sake of pathetic beings was getting on his nerves. How he tolerated it for these past few decades was a thread short of a miracle.

Climbing out of his nest on top of a large metal tower, he growled at the inhale that nearly burned his lungs. Hissing it out before looking down at the people working inside the building. Used for manufacturing something, he couldn't care less what. And as much as he wanted to either destroy it, or find another nest elsewhere, that damn dog denied that request.

"It's too dangerous." Raccel stated, like he never gave it another thought. Making the large one snort at the memory as he took to the air, nearly shaking the building from the powerful launch. "The more people see you outside, the more they will suspect. Besides, I know your dragon instincts: You'll want to conquer lands and possessions, which will only get in the way of our goal." Of course Beo growled at him, seeing the fossil of a dragon beside him nod in painful agreement. But at least the old bastard could take a breath in his nest without having to expel 80% of it.

It frustrated him to no end. Having to live in a foolish environment, babysitting insects, even dealing with their poor food. The only good thing that came out of it was the war. Everytime there was a battle, Beo'Kros was there to tear it apart. But even then, Raccel wanted the dragon on a leash. The only reason why he was able to do so much damage was due to the fact the dragons left no survivors.

Then to watch all that good food go to waste, so it could be recycled. Once in a while, the icy one does sneak in a bite or two, even in the middle of the battlefield. Oh, how he missed feasting on thousands of them at a time. Longed for the days he could just step outside his cold mountain and just _decide_if that village was going to live another day or not. Part of him wondered if his old home was still there. And though he dreaded the thought of that weak wyrmling being even a sliver intelligent... He was right. Beo never had it better back then.

He snorted loudly at the thought, finally able to take a deep breath of fresh air now that he exited out of the cloud. For the smoke to stay that low above the city only meant that the rain was coming. Granted, that never bothered him. But it meant that there was a good chance that no one would start a battle today in these conditions. And every day the dragon went without was another day of pent up stress left to build up.

He landed heavily in the sand of a nearby beach, next to several large rocks. He would even prefer a Naval fight at this point, regardless of how tiring they were. But with nothing around, the dragon just took his frustrations out on the shapeless waters. Freezing nearly the entire coast before breaking it apart with a loud roar. One that echoed into the distance like a sharp warning. Taking a few breaths to recover the energy spent, and pretty soon he was back where he was, stress level wise.

A slight cough that was trying really hard not to be heard caught his ear. Making it flick and search the rocks for a single person, dressed in a bit heavy clothing. Sitting there, trying to enjoy a smoke and doing its best not to notice the dragon. Such a thing made him almost angry, not recognizing the strength of raw power. Yet, this creature didn't seem to fear him. As the large one studied it for a few moments, and when there wasn't any movement from the dragon, the smaller one started getting glances. Eventually looking into those dark green eyes for a few moments, completely towering over it, and just now getting a little bit of fear from it.

Several thick shards of ice crashed against the waves further out, breaking the silence a bit, and getting the smaller one to inhale the cigarette. Casually looking at it, then the ice that the dragon made. "Maybe I should try it your way." She mumbled, trying to make it sound like a dry joke. Another few moments of studying, and Beo snorted.

"Don't bother." He grumbled, looking out towards the sea. "It didn't work." A shy smile was hidden from her face for a moment, as the wind blew the cold air around them. "Why the hell are you out here." It was barely a question, and she didn't seem too quick to answer.

"To get the hell away from there." She half gestured behind, knowing that metal city was behind them. "That place is hell on earth."

"You can say that again." The icy one grumbled. "Yet, the damn fools insist it's for their future."

"Here I thought you guys ran that city." She took a drink of a bottle nearby.

"Hardly." He snorted, finally sitting his haunches down in the sand. "If I didn't know any better, we are all slaves to the metal you forge with." He growled towards the city. "As well as a few others."

"I suppose it's a prison for all of us. But some more than others." The two looked at each other again. "Be thankful you've got wings."

"You don't need wings to escape." The blue one grumbled, getting her to chuckle a bit.

"But they do help."

"So does intimidation." A light shrug from her. "And you don't look too threatening."

"Not compared to you, no. But it's not something I need."

"Then where are _your_wings?" He finally asked, getting a smirk from her.

"Mine? Ninja skills and a bit of parkour." He stared at her for several moments until his head started to tilt, getting her to chuckle again.

"What the hell is a Ninja?"

Chapter 4

The details were fuzzy to him, but he could barely make out the straight edges and roofs of modern buildings. Seeing them all in various shapes and sizes, and almost covered in the darkness of night. But something was odd, it was like everything was moving in slow motion.

Before the dragon was a large skyscraper, one that was recently split in half and falling towards him. But it wasn't the structure falling that was a threat. Instincts told him that there was something else around... That the building was just... A Curtain of some sort.

Before he could figure it out, the falling building was suddenly split in half vertically, just barely being able to see the shine of an ethereal blade heading towards his eye within a few seconds-

Beo shot up gasping. Finding himself still lying in the grass and covering that eye with a paw to find the wound. But nothing was found. No pain, no blood, and no scar that he could recall. But then what was that dream? "Hey." The bear's voice, almost groggy came from under him. Sleeping well in the dragon's chest and giving him a few pets. "Everything okay?"

For a moment, the dragon was stunned, then gave a faint nod. "Yeah... Just a bad dream."

"Want to talk about it?" He asked, rather casually.

"No... I'll be okay. I don't quite understand it yet, but I have the feeling I will eventually." A deep breath, and the dragon laid his head down again. Slightly stretching his wings and tail a bit and feeling that fissure the long appendage rested over during the night. Getting him to attempt to glance back and remember when such a thing got there.

"It's okay." Bartan yawned. "Just a reflex from last night."

"Reflex...?" The blue one muttered, then it came back to him. Remembering getting a special treatment from the bear, and slightly whimpering from it. Unsure of how to talk about such a thing. After a loud swallow, Beo glanced away. "I... Don't know..." He started to mumble, but lost the words. Hearing the white one's sheepish noise in question, he tried to continue. "...What to..."

"A simple 'Thank You' will work." The bear chuckled, trying to get into a more comfortable position. Seeing his large head turn and curl to study him, Bartan gave a soft smile at the dragon, like there was nothing to be ashamed or embarrassed about. It made those green eyes stare into space for a moment, but eventually he smiled back. Pressing his muzzle closer and nudging the furred one, a sign of affection that actually felt good to give.

"...Thank you." He mumbled quietly, as if others were trying to listen in.

"You're welcome."

"I mean... For a lot of things..." He started, until a soft paw landed between his nostrils. Those brown eyes once again said 'You're Welcome' with a simple nod, only making the dragon smile again. Still half noticing the nearly dawn, perhaps they could still get a few more hours of sleep. As he adjusted himself a bit, Beo took a step back enough to attempt to embrace his furry friend. Granted, still giving him enough room to adjust before nodding off once again in pleasant dreams.

"With Fate gone and Reality missing, there wasn't really any hope left for that universe. So, Raccel left his title behind, and we... Left." Beo said rather sadly, getting a constant pet on the arm as the two walked along the road. "I remember thinking to myself how much I wanted to be the Force of Death. Then to watch it float away into the vast emptiness, it must've been the most painful thing I think I went through."

"It's hard to let go, especially something that you've wanted so long." The bear comforted him. "But I think you made the right decision. The only thing that was left there was Death."

"As well as my lair." He half grumbled, trying to make it sound like a joke. Though, something told the dragon deep down that it wasn't. That he really did miss that place.

"It's a harsh thing to come to terms with, the fact that even universes have expiration dates." Those green eyes looked at him. "I've come across several dead universes myself along my travels." His ears sank, getting the bear to stop him for a moment. "But in those places, I'm able to see the past like a diary or a log book." A soft stroke, as the white one leaned closer. "These events you've told me don't sound familiar. It's possible your home is still there."

"With nothing left though..." The icy one mumbled, never feeling so homesick. Getting a second furred paw to help him cope.

"As long as no one obtained the Force of Death, there's still hope. Universes can still survive on their own, as long as there isn't any Forces active, but they won't progress as well."

"Progress into what though?" They started walking again. "You've told me how a universe functions, but where does all that lead to?"

"Besides giving people to experience a life of their own?" The dragon curled his neck at the obvious answer, making the bear smile. But Bartan soon sighed, staring into the distance. "There is another part I left out in that lesson..."

"That being what, exactly?" For a while, the Counterweight didn't answer, until he got nudged by that snout. A bit harder than Beo meant to. "I just got done chewing your ear off, what is it?"

It half made him chuckle, and almost blush a bit. "You want me to nibble at your ears, do you?" An embarrassed grunt got the larger one stop for a moment and blush himself, knowing it was probably some kink that he had. "Have you ever heard of a Terrasque?"

The blue one searched his memories for a moment. "Yes, actually. But only in context. I never understood what it was."

"It's a creature that lives off of negative energy. The more it consumes, the more power it seems to give off, and this is what C. Weights and Forces use to power a universe." The dragon curled his neck. "That's why there's often a lot of suffering in worlds. Species constantly at war, or severely depressed... The Forces promote these things so that in turn, everyone can survive."

"They do this just to feed one measly creature?" A faint nod from the bear.

"But you have to realize that this thing is massive beyond your imagination." The dragon tilted his head. "Let me put it to you like this: Counterweights, in their normal forms, cannot fit inside of a universe. Even the largest one ever created, space-wise, our smallest CW couldn't squeeze in." Bartan took a heavy breath, one of remorse and experience. "A Terrasque can swallow one of us whole. Quite easily, in fact. It's possible even two at once."

"You must be joking..." Beo whispered, looking to the sky to remember how large the Void itself is.

"I wish I was even exaggerating. But that's the consequence of feeding these things. They keep growing and growing, feeding everyone's thirst for pure power and energy." An exhale. "It was a stupid idea for those old Counterweights to use such a thing for nearly every universe, and now we're in too deep to stop using it. It's effective, yes, but it's horrible to put our creations through such punishment so they can just survive." The dragon nodded in somewhat understanding.

"What do you mean 'Nearly Every Universe'? Are there actually ones...?"

"They are self-powered, constantly regenerating and recycling itself so there doesn't need to be any negativity or pain. Granted, the prototype was very different from my design."

"So, you've made ones without the use of this Terrasque?" Bartan nodded. "I can only imagine that it's difficult."

"It isn't easy." The bear joked, half chuckling. "And I'm always running into new problems when it comes to the older universes. Not to mention, it is extremely difficult to convince another Counterweight to attempt it. They're so convinced that change from the old ways is Taboo, that they won't even listen." Beo gave him a sad look. "But it's not for you to worry about."

There was a long silence as they kept walking. Eventually, the dragon gave him another nudge. "Tell me about the prototype."

"You really want to listen to an old bear talk about the old days?" The two chuckled, and the blue one nodded.

"I... Like listening to you talk." It made the furred one smile brightly.

"Alright, alright. We'll talk about Veritas. It was created by a Counterweight who went by the name ofVyitritvuietoafecr." The massively complicated name nearly broke the dragon's brain, getting him to attempt to shake off the pain, and the bear to chuckle at his reaction. "Everything okay?"

"How do you even...?" The two laughed for a few moments. "...Pronounce...?"

"Don't fret over it. Most people just called it C.Weight. And this one had _the_most crazy idea of making a universe, then sticking two more universes IN that universe." A very puzzling expression got the two to chuckle again. "But it worked. This thing could sustain itself, using somewhat of the same method. C.Weight probably could've even done better if it was able to look after Veritas, but..."

"What happened to it?"

"C.Weight? A form of Law Enforcement called the Counter Force arrested and captivated it for Experimenting. But they could never find the universe of Veritas for ages, because it wasn't connected to a Terrasque. And when they did, they couldn't find a way to enter it. However, a Terrasque did... Ish."

"What do you mean?"

"It was able to send its own form of army through the cracks of the walls, so to speak. But the inhabitants of Veritas were much stronger than it expected, able to repel a lot of their attacks which only made the creature more furious. But in the end, the heroes of Veritas still overcame whatever the Terrasque threw at it. However, it weakened the barrier that protected Veritas from the Counter Force."

"Which got inside, and arrested these heroes as well?" Bartan nodded. "What happened to the Terrasque then?" A heavy exhale left the bear.

"That's... A story for a different day." He smiled a bit sadly, as they came close to a garrison. "Feel like something to eat?"

"Sure." Beo agreed, though he was curious of what happened, the response from the white one was worrisome. Exhaling himself, the dragon kept a bit of distance as the guards got very on edge overlooking the travelers.

"Good day, men. We're just walking the roads, and was hoping to get something to eat. With payment, of course." The bear said, getting strange looks from the people in armor. After quite a bit of silence, and a bit of whispering the dragon couldn't quite make out, they spoke up.

"We would rather not let strangers, let alone different species inside. You must understand."

"Yes, that's underst-"

"What!?" Beo growled from afar, taking a few steps closer and seeing Bartan come between them. "Do you know who this is, insect!?"

"Beo, stop."

"This is a creator of a Universe! Show some respect!"

" Beo!" Bartan barked at him, getting the scaled one to take a step back. After taking a breath, he glanced at the guards who were ready to defend the walls. "Sorry to have bothered you. We will take our leave." He motioned the dragon to move back towards the road, and didn't move until the icy one did.

"What was that?" He hissed at the bear.

"You can't do that-"

"They're _Nothing_compared to you! Why bother following their rules!?"

"Beo." The white one raised his voice a bit more, getting the dragon to growl and take a moment. "You can't do that to another species."

"Why-?" "Because that's not how being a higher status works!" He curled his neck. "It doesn't give you permission to trample over anyone, or make you more important. They have rules, and you still need to follow them."

"Even if you have the power to alter their very state of being!?"

"That is not _ Permission to bully them. It's a responsibility to protect them." The dragon snorted at him. "They're more important than you think, and if they don't want us inside, it's_Their choice. Like it or not, We have to follow that." A loud grumble left Beo's throat as his ears remained flat against his head, but he didn't respond past that. "Showing them respect is not devaluing your own. In fact, it's making you appear greater than them."

"It seems so tedious." The large one grumbled, getting a chuckle from the bear.

"Yes, sometimes. But... Power isn't the same as Strength. Making them afraid of you is only going to hurt others in the long run." It made Beo half glare at the garrison from afar. But perhaps he should just let it go. Exhaling his frustrations, his belly growled. Making Bartan smile a bit.

"Clearly someone else isn't pleased with your decision." The dragon joked angrily, getting the furred one to chuckle.

"I suppose not. But we'll find something. How about... Over here?"

Another smoke filled night got his throat sore. Constantly breathing in those harsh fumes were getting on his nerves, as well as his health. Making the dragon very irritated upon leaving the damned metal city. Wanting to just shatter the entire thing into pieces right then and there, but that kinda halts the purpose of 'Progress.'

So the ice dragon's first destination was the freshwater beach. Granted, being parched was actually just the excuse. The real purpose was to relieve some stress by venting, a thing he's been actually looking forward to doing with the female he met on that rock. Of course he would never admit to such a thing to anyone, including her. And the thought of the other dragons finding out nearly made his mind stall on what to tell them.

Regardless, right now his throat demanded his attention. Flying over the usual spot he got used to laying down in and diving into the cool water felt wonderful. Though he did weigh a tremendous amount, the dragon could still swim rather well. Even if it just looked like he was walking on the beach's floor the entire time, but that was for a completely different reason.

The sea nearly parted way as Beo walked back onto land. Unable to stand against his forceful nature and sheer strength of his form. Leaving the waters like it was a warm summer's day, and that such a thing was refreshing, regardless if the female on the rocks was still bundled up in sweaters and layers of clothing. "You are crazy." She grumbled, putting a smirk across his muzzle. "I know you're an ice dragon and all, but even you must feel cold doing that."

"Not at all. Especially if it means I can finally wash myself of that stench." He snorted, but it was the truth. His armored scales seemed so insulated that simply diving into the water wouldn't force his body to alter towards the cold. Shaking off the extra water, mostly in the furred membranes of his wings, he walked around the rock and laid himself down beside her.

"How'd you sleep?"

"Terribly." He grumbled, getting her to smile. "And I'll tell you when I actually can sleep without my bedding smelling like Smog."

"That's your fault. You should just pick somewhere closer to the ground for a nest."

"Only to have your kind intrude and pester me over tedious things, I imagine." He snorted, almost playfully.

"Yet, you've come here every day to visit me."

"Hardly. I come to bathe and release some stress. You just happen to be here. Starving for words, I might add." A chuckle from her. "I don't even know what to call you, besides Girl."

"That's because you've never asked me my name, Frosty." She took a breath of her cigarette. "It's Lynnoa, by the way."

"Something I'll be _sure_to remember." He snorted.

"And yours?" It made him double take, chuckling at his rather surprised expression.

"...Beo." Another snort, trying to act like the previous action didn't happen.

"Well then, Beo. What's on the plate today?" He let out a grumbling sigh.

"Same old. Same taathing weather. Same lack of fighting."

"Same smoky air, and same winged pests?" Another look, trying not to be surprised.

"You actually do listen." He muttered.

"Yep. Willing or not." Lynn teased. "But I get the feeling you don't want to talk about that today." He was quiet. "So then, tell me how you grew up."

His neck curled at her. "What?"

"You heard me. My story is to boring, it hurts. What's yours?" It stunned him for a moment, making her smile. A faint growl left his throat as he exhaled, but he wasn't angry at such an idea. In fact... He kinda like it.

"Fine." He said, like he was being forced to. "I'll tell you my story..."

~~~~~~

I was hatched alone, in the woods of some forest. Nothing around to look after me, or teach me how to survive. I just had to figure out for myself. Starting with the basics, being insects and some plants. Even catching a few small reptiles. But it wasn't until I seen my first human that I wanted to try bigger prey.

She was some woman, going out to gather some fruits or berries from the taller trees. And for a bit, I stalked her, not sure exactly what she was. But when the large tree branch I was balancing on snapped, I fell down in her path. Something I shrugged off, but I didn't get the same reaction as I hoped for.

Lynn: "Which was what?"

Fear. Instead, she found pity in me. A lone hatchling, just a few days old. She offered me a few berries that she was picking, and like a starving child, I took it. Being baited for a pet on the mane.

...Why are you looking at me like that?

Lynn: "Trying to picture you as a hatchling."

Don't. This isn't my natural color.

Lynn: "It isn't?"

I'll get to that soon enough. The woman grew fond of me, as I constantly stalked her whenever she set out into the forest. Eventually inviting me into her home when a harsh storm was incoming. But when her mate found out exactly what she was hiding, he became enraged by it. Threatened by my existence.

Lynn: "Probably for the sake of the village, considering the damage you can do."

I'll take that as a compliment, and perhaps it was. Granted, he had every right to. Because when he went to strike her, I blew him out of his own house with concussive force.

Lynn: "You mean that telekinetic thing you do to break stuff?"

Yes, it's a forceful blast, usually erupting from a sphere that's very difficult to see. I've been able to do many things with it, but being Gentle was hardly one of them. I wouldn't consider it Telekinesis because of that. But this is the very first time I did it. And the very first intelligent life I took on my record. Just barely a week old, and I sent someone through a wall and onto some poorly designed fence. Part of it sticking through his chest-

Lynn: "Well then, that doesn't count as yours." She teased, loving the expression on his face.

It was my doing to push him onto said fence, so it_Counts_. *Snorts* Regardless, the village was very frightened of me since. As well as my protectiveness of that woman-

Lynn: "Your mother." A harsh glare from those green eyes got her to chuckle. "Stare at me all you want, that's what she was to you."

You make it sound childish. But fine, she was my adoptive mother. And she took care of me well, as I did her. However, she ended up getting rather ill, and passed a decade or two later. By this time, the village feared me the worst. Not knowing what exactly I was going to do about her death.

Lynn: "What did you do?"

...Nothing. I simply left, found a large cave in the mountain nearby and claimed it for my own. Away from the village, but could still overlook it. I spend years staking claims of the lands around me, pillaging other villages, and adding them to my horde within that mountain. But I never took from them.

Lynn: "But you instead protected them?" Another double take made her smile.

...You insist on making me some kind of hero in this fantasy of yours, do you?

Lynn: "Did you protect them?"

...Maybe, in a very indirect way. It's obvious that I was stealing many things for myself from my claims, leaving evidence of raids here and there that they may have discovered. But I did not come and banish their enemies when they cried for help, if that's what you mean.

Lynn: "Fair enough, continue."

Why do I get the feeling you don't believe me.

Lynn: "Because I don't believe you." She giggled, getting him to grumble.

Think what you want, I left the village alone for the most part. A few centuries later, as I grew more mature, I did end up spotting another dragon. It was a female that claimed she was lost, and wondered if they could rest in my lands for a while.

Lynn: "I can only imagine your reaction."

Yes, especially after lifting her tail. Promising some compensation, but never did deliver. After a few days, she went missing from my cave and hunting grounds. But I ended up finding her do the same with another male quite far away from my territory. *Growls* I was never more furious in my life.

Lynn: "...What did you do?"

I fought them. Even when they tried to escape, I pinned them to the ground. I then raped her, then tore out her heart. Along with his as well. Leaving them just out of paws reach of another as they bled to death. That betrayal is what... Did this to me.

Lynn: "You mean, the ice...?" *Nods* "So, what happened next?"

You mean, after I discovered the power of cold and learned how to manipulate it for my own doing? Nothing much. I kept my pillaging, grew my horde, but also started getting visitors from time to time. Some were fools trying to overthrow me that obviously couldn't fly. Others were thieves trying to steal from me. I don't need to tell you what I did when they were caught. But there was one special one that visited.

He said he was the descendant of my mother's best friend. Along with a comrade to help him up the mountain path, he just requested that I helped relieve the village I grew up in of poverty. The fact that he simply asked spared his life, but I rejected him regardless. Their people's poor choice is what drove them into poverty, it had nothing to do with me.

Lynn: "Buuuut..." A glare from the dragon put a smirk on her face. Chuckling when he tossed his snout.

Fine. After a few nights of thought, the conversation stuck with me. So I gathered nearly a quarter of my total horde and flew down. Scaring some tax collecting noble who was visiting the village while landing in the center of it. As well as nearly all its residents. I searched out the old man that came to visit me, and set the several crates in the square. I told them I owed the village nothing, but I owed Her... And that if anyone ever comes to visit me again, asking for wealth or favors of any kind, they will be slain. Be it tomorrow, or ten thousand years from now. Then left.

Lynn: "What happened to them?" An annoyed stare from his green eyes.

Like I really paid enough attention to them to see what happened. *Snorts*

Lynn: "Didn't you?"

...Not really. They got a few expansions, cleaned the place up a bit more. But not much changed. I want to say kingdoms kept taxing it constantly to get what they could from them. All I can truthfully say is that it stayed as a village. Never became a town or anything bigger.

As the years went on, I became stronger. But it wasn't until I met some sort of Goddess that my power was really tested. It was a difficult fight for my younger self, but I won with little injuries. And learned how to claim her power for my own, the first taste of such. Wanting more of it, like my own horde, I seeked out to collect it. Encountering several other creatures and claiming their power for my own.

But... I came across one that just got lucky. We were fighting in a city, much like the one behind us, and I was laying it to waste, along with him. Not giving him a chance to recover for very long, but I couldn't quite pin him down. He was able to teleport, which made things difficult. However, I could still just sense his power, so his location was not lost to me for very long.

He ended up cutting a skyscraper in two, trying to get the building to land on me. Such a thing was hardly threatening. However, when I went to throw it out of the way, I lost him just for a moment. It turns out, he teleported behind it, and launched some sort of ethereal blade through the falling top half. Cutting completely through it, and getting me in the face badly. After that hit, the building pinned me down, and I could feel his blade against my throat.

Lynn: "So, you lost..." His ears went back, but he nodded after a breath. "But he didn't take your life?"

No. Instead, he healed the damage done to my eye, and the bruising from the building. Then gave me the option to live, and serve under him...

~~~~~~

"And you took it." The female said, following his eyes glancing back towards the city. "That was...?"

"That was Raccel, yes. And back then, he was the Force of Death. I wasn't even his first recruit, either. Which made things a little easier to bare." A heavy exhale through his nostrils. "But ever since then, I've been on a leash. Sometimes trying to find a way to plot against him so I could be freed from it."

"Why can't you?" He didn't answer, meaning he probably didn't want to talk about that. "So what happened next?" The dragon's eyebrow raised at her, and Lynnoa motioned him to go on.

"Fine. After a while, Raccel recruited the stick, and then got some visitors in his home..."

Chapter 5

The night was rather warm, like the harvest moon was glowing with the sun's afterheat. Leaving the two travelers rather cozy without a large fire. Though the morning would still bring its dew, it would still be fine.

With the taste of fine vegetables from a soup earlier still in his mouth, the dragon found himself rather comfortable laying on his side. Granted, the first set of such foods didn't fair too well for that purple appendage, which is why he's never eaten them since he was a hatchling, but being cooked and served the correct way could make even the most bland of things taste wonderful. Another lesson the bear has boughten into his life.

Perhaps that's the reason why Bartan wanted him to just walk. Travel a road not many have traveled, for more reasons than one. There was so much more to see and experience in the world that Beo missed out on, just because he thought he was too good for doing something so tedious. As harsh as a truth as it was, it was correct.

But the question still echoed in his mind; why did the bear go out of his way to save the dragon? One that has been answered by him before, but 'Not Having A Reason' isn't really much of a Reason to begin with. Granted, it's a question for a different time. After Beo's outburst at the guards today, he didn't want to anger the Counterweight anymore for the rest of the day. Last thing he needed was for the furred one to requestion the value of the dragon's existence.

At least the white one didn't hold a grudge, still going out of his way to comfort the peaceful dragon. Constantly scanning his titanic body with those soft paws nearly made the larger one chuckle. "What are you doing?" He mumbled at the bear, hearing that same small laugh and picturing a smile over his long muzzle.

"Just searching for something." A small, playful grumble left the thick plates of his neck, as it tickled the paws a little bit. Searching up higher and higher, until they got to the bottom of his jaw, under the frozen spines that made his beard. The soft stroke gave off a little purr instinctively, making the large one crave a bit more. But when the paw forced itself into the area much rougher, those purrs started to grow loudly. Making the dragon flex his own paws and almost rake at the ground in pleasure. "There it is."

For several minutes, Beo enjoyed the constant strokes. So thankful that the two were completely alone in the woods, and unable to hear his more vulnerable side being taken advantage of. Granted, odds are to others, the purrs would sound more like a growl, but it was like the bear knew better. "Satisfied?" Bartan asked, starting to slow down and feeling the dragon's head lean towards him.

"A little more..." He half whimpered, getting another chuckle before pressing in and getting that thunderous noise once again. Like large rocks rolling down a thin metal pipe, the noises echoed into the air, along with the occasional moans of pleasure. Even after the paw started to slow down, the purrs left him. As well as put a large smile over his muzzle.

But the paw started to explore the area a bit. Granted, not getting a better result other than the opposite side, it was still something he could use to make the icy one happy. Soon enough, those paws climbed down the armored neck once again, feeling around the chest a bit, then going to one of the dragon's biceps. Hearing the white one nearly get breathless as he tried digging claws into the thick muscle. Releasing his very own gasp that made Beo a bit puzzled at what he was doing. After a bit, a slight noise in question flickered his frilled ear. "Looks like we have a visitor."

It nearly stopped the dragon's heart in embarrassment. Visitor? Another traveler? If so, how long have they been standing there? With a loud swallow, the large one slowly started to lift his head and look behind, only to see no one there. Then giving the bear a very puzzled look, and seeing him smile. Granted, still half holding the dragon's muscle. A simple gesture towards Beo's lower half, and a small purple peak could be seen through the frosty scales.

A sigh of relief left his large body, making the white one laugh. Now knowing why he was so worried. But he didn't torment the dragon anymore than that, instead just give that thick muscle one last squeeze before heading lower. "Do you want another session?"

"...Is that what you call them?" A noise in confirmation, but the blue one was still a little uneasy about it. "If... You feel like it. I don't mind."

"Do you mind if I explore a little bit?" A simple shrug from his wings and a nod to say go ahead. Granted, he wasn't sure how much more 'Exploring' the bear could do past last night. There's only so many ways you can paw at the shaft before it begins to feel the same. So the dragon lifted his hind leg for better access, feeling something a bit odd from such a service. It wasn't really more embarrassment, but... Guilt perhaps? He wasn't sure.

Granted, that feeling was thrown aside as soon as the bear's lips pressed against his tip. Making Beo whimper slightly and gasp for breath. Slightly lapping with a soft tongue around the sheath and the weapon, as his paws worked magic around the area. Massaging the inner thighs and pelvis, delivering a comfortable bliss that Beo couldn't keep inside. Releasing those loud purrs once again with every deep breath.

Of course, every little pet and kiss got the weapon inside to become less and less shy, but there was something odd about the motives of the bear's tongue. It was like it was searching for something. He couldn't quite place what until it caught a section of the sheath. Slipping under it and making the dragon whimper loudly in pleasure. Getting him to claw drastically at the ground and air at the sheer amount of stimulating it released into his thick body.

His only defense against such a tactic was for the weapon to grow more and more. Constantly pulsing into the bear's muzzle and separating his jaws with every jolt forward. When it became too big for him to handle, Bartan was forced to retreat his red appendage from its infiltration, allowing the blue one to finally catch his breath.

A few deep breaths with some whimpers got the furred one to be slightly concerned. But with that small break, the dragon stabilized. Getting a few pets and strokes on the purple tower still coming out enforced a few moans, but he didn't focus on the area too much more.

Letting the weapon come out on its own, the bear started pawing a bit lower. Though getting a reaction out of the inner thighs before, it wasn't much of one. Carefully massaging the scaly pouch which carried a good amount of liquids inside, it was definitely less full than last night. Getting quite a lack of resistance, and a bit of an uncomfortable whimper from the large one. Which in turn told Bartan to leave it alone for the most part.

Going back a bit further, the paws separated to reach both hamstrings. This is the second biggest reaction he got from the dragon, aside from the main shaft of course. Such an area was hardly considered soft, but it was rather sensitive to the blue one. Even getting him to squirm a little bit while clawing at the air. Nearly trying to push the bear away from the area out of protective instinct using those hind legs. Louder the whimpers came, over stimulating his body and tail to the point it started to thwack the ground in a slow rhythm.

It wasn't until one loud whimper and a bit of a squirt shot out of his weapon that the bear chuckled and stopped. "Okay, okay. Moving on, but I'm keeping those areas in mind." Completely enthralled by recovering from such bliss, Beo couldn't think straight. But a few more tickles of paws closer to under his tail got him to yelp loudly and scamper up. "Too far?" Bartan asked rather calmly, but only got a bit of a frightening stare from the green eyes. As his tail shut off the rear entrance of the dragon, almost guarding it.

For a few moments, the large one felt a little lost. Not really sure why those instincts to defend himself kicked in, and a little embarrassed that they did. Not to mention, the thought of what the bear was planning to do with the area only made his ears blush deeply. "It's okay if you're not ready. It's good that we found a limit." The white one replied to the silence, making the dragon drop his gaze in a bit of shame. Again, not really sure what to think of it, and not wanting to 'Give Himself' to the Counterweight that way.

And like that, the session felt ruined, as Beo tried to form a sentence from a series of mumbles. Not sure of what to say or reply to what just happened. He felt like wanting to hide away until the fear melted from his purple ears, almost taking that single step to leave the forest for a bit until the bear spoke up. "Want to do me instead?"

It made the dragon perform the world's biggest double take, once again stare into the bear's rather calm brown eyes. Letting his own ears fall and release a speechless whimper. "...Wh...?" He tried to speak, but nothing really came out.

"Are you okay with being on top? I don't mind." The Counterweight's composure was rather calming, yet intimidating. Patiently waiting for the dragon to come to an answer. To be honest, Beo didn't really want to go hide like his instincts drove him to. But to continue this...?

"...You mean..." His throat finally allowed him permission to speak. "Like that...?" The white one smiled, letting out a soft chuckle.

"I guess it would be a little difficult this way. But what about my true form? Scaled down, of course." It made him speechless again, and almost feel a little stupid. Of course the Counterweight would have another form, but for some reason, the blue one always pictured the bear like this. What almost looked like Bartan stepping out of himself came so naturally. His size grew close to the dragon's own, in a feral form that was heavily coated in white fur. Like that of a six legged wolf, but with the head of a polar bear. And those exact same eyes told him it was still the companion he traveled with. Astonishing really, and somehow just welcoming as he turned around to let the green eyes scan him. "It's up to you."

The dragon was still slightly stunned by the transformation, and that first step towards the higher being was the hardest he ever took. Slowly taking pawsteps around him and studying the form just made Bartan smile. Overlooking the extra pair of forelegs, the four ears, and the three tails for extra body parts. The black tattoos of several stripes on his back, as well as this collar at the base of his neck, joined together in what looked to be two circles. Beo's eyes eventually returned to the brown ones, almost embarrassed to ask. "...And you... Want this?"

"I would like it, yes. But only if you're comfortable with it." A nuzzle into the dragon's neck, a sign of affection he was not used to. "We can wait for another time, if you want." The scaled one knew if he rejected or left, he would never get the nerve to attempt it again. That fear would only haunt him, taunt him constantly that he was a coward. No afraid of facing Gods, but of some affection that only meant well? He slightly grumbled at the thought of it, almost angry at it, which only made the bear's gaze slightly worried.

After a deep breath, Beo nodded. "Okay." He swallowed, taking another. "If you're... Alright with... Me..." Another moment of embarrassment for the dragon, but Bartan smiled brightly at him. Giving his jaw a few licks before turning himself around, parting his tails and inviting the larger one in. With another deep breath, the blue one stepped forward, over the large furry body. Trying to mount it without pressing too much of his massive weight on the slightly smaller being. Feeling the furs of both his tails and haunches brush under his belly and even tickle his purple member a bit, which was surprisingly still somewhat erect.

So many thoughts started whipping through the dragon's head, as he rested it against the bear's shoulders and neck. Never having done this before with another male, he wasn't sure how to attempt it. But the tails seemed to guide him. Brushing up against those hamstrings were distracting, but they pushed him to step forward, while the third was brushing the weapon's tip. Coaxing it a little underneath to tell him to aim a little higher, then a bit on the top for a little lower. Until it finally pressed into a patch of fur, making Beo whimper a bit. Getting another brush under it, until he found the depression.

Knowing what it was, the dragon tried to swallow his whimper. Instead, exhaling a few breaths over the neck of the fluffy pillow. Just now realizing how soft it was, like grasping a hold of a cloud. Feeling a rather large paw under his beard a bit tried to relax him, as the blue one held onto the bear rather tightly. "It's okay, take your time."

A deep breath followed by an exhale. Then another for good measure, and he started to press against the white pillow. Feeling his weapon begin to separate the furs and a faint fleshy area that began to open up. As if to attempt to swallow the dragon's shaft whole, but it was a bit bigger than expected. Getting a heavy gasp from the bear under him, which in turn just banished the breath from the dragon too.

A little bit further, and the area started to feel really snug. Almost afraid of getting it stuck, but Beo kept pressing in a little bit at a time. Each attempt started making Bartan whimper himself and almost gasp. "Are you...?" He tried to ask the white one, losing his own breath in the process.

"I'm... Fine." A sharp breath. "You're just bigger than I thought. Keep going-" Another whimper. It was soon that the two began to match breathing, moving together as one. Within a few more minutes, a jolt of pre exited out of the purple tower, greasing the bear's tailpipe and making it a lot easier for it to widen around the shaft's head. Feeling the smaller spines under the tip begin to form and brush up the entrance by accident.

Starting to put alot of weight on the bear's shoulders told him to kneel down a bit there. Keeping his haunches extended up for the dragon to reline his member. Finding the area this time with ease, Beo started to press in hard, getting the bear to whimper loudly as he stretched to fit around it. Another heavy press got both of them to lose the contents of their lungs. But with a final heavy breath, the dragon growled and forced his haunches harshly against the furry ones, finally slipping the head inside of the bear and sending them both stimulating for several minutes.

Both of them released their own sprays a bit, as well as songs of pleasure into the night. But the hard part was over, as stressing as it was to the lower one. Finally raising his upper body back up, and wiggling his nailed haunches to get a desperate whimper out of the dragon, Beo growled playfully at him. Pressing the thick shaft inside him deeper in order to punish the bear, then slowly pull it out. Only to put it back in a little further.

The two developed the rhythm once again in no time. A musical piece of breaths, whimpers of pleasure, and moans of bliss. Along with the occasional growl. The motions felt amazing to the blue one, an action he was almost proud to be a part of. Constantly pressing himself into the bear's body, and loving the brushing of the fur. The comfortable warmth, the wonderful softness, it was everything he could imagine in a Counterweight. Let alone his first.

But that feeling was cut a little short when the dragon stepped forward once again. Accidently giving the full length and getting the thick squeeze of the tailhole over all eight of his ridges at once. Triggering a harsh reflex to squeeze to his maximum strength and brace into Bartan. Making him worried for a moment, until his backside began to flood with a thick warmth. Releasing torrent after torrent inside of the furry being, until the bear released his own under them.

After a few moments, the white one started releasing small grunts and gasps, as the pressure inside him began to thicken. As their breaths began to climb in pitch a bit, fighting against a barrier within the Counterweight, it eventually gave in. Releasing a few more torrents of the dragon's seed inside him. Leaving them both a little breathless. "That was a little quick." Bartan gasped, as they both caught their energy back.

"That was... My mistake." The blue one muttered, a bit embarrassed.

"No worries. Feel like another round?" He felt the mounting one double take, making the bear chuckle.

"You can't be serious."

"I was actually hoping to take the same load you had last night." A slight whimper from the larger one, not really remembering too much about the previous session. "What say you?"

Beo grunted in a bit of concern, but he actually didn't feel terribly tired. "If you... Want to. That is, if you can take it." He tried to feel the bear's lower area, but didn't get very much through the fur. "I swear this felt full." A chuckle from the mounted one.

"I'll be fine. Granted there'll be a bit of discomfort from your side."

"From what exactly?" He asked too soon, just now feeling those tails slightly touch the dragon's scaled pouch and feel the deflated sack begin to fill up quite quickly. Making him whimper in surprise and then grunt as it began to stretch out a bit. Taking a few breaths when it was done and making him try to look back at it. "Did you...?"

"Ready when you are." He should've really expected such oddities from a creature like this, getting him to start slow once again. However, even the slightest movement brushing against those ridges was enough to almost collapse him. Once again, putting his massive weight over the bear, and struggling not to release everything in the first thrust.

So for a bit, Beo started slow. Only entering with half his weapon and feeling a lot of the previous release come out with every thrust. As of now, it felt like sexing a furry water balloon filled with warm milk. Granted, that wasn't to say it wasn't comfortable, just a bit odd.

With every thrust, that bliss began to return to both of them. Getting the two to start singing a second chorus to their musical piece. Along with that, the dragon started to step forwards every once in a while, to get a deeper thrust. A slightly new position made it a bit more enjoyable, breathing fresh air to the hypnotic bliss that invaded their bodies. And soon enough, it was time for the full thrusts once again.

At least this time, Beo could resist completely releasing. However, his instincts began to take over, thrusting harder and harder into the lower white one. Getting Bartan to whimper a bit more at the roughness, but almost pressed into it like he was enjoying it. It wasn't until another step forward was too much for the bear, causing him to step forward as well. After a few thrusts, another step made him whimper loudly, countering again with his own.

With a third one, the dragon was flooded with primal instinct. Taking the step, then biting the bear harshly on the back of the neck. Hearing him whimper loudly as he sprayed his own liquid below them. Feeling the warm substance flood around the scaled hind paws. Without letting go of the hold in his jaws, Beo thrusted harshly several times before his body spazzed again. Feeling the weapon inside him thicken, Bartan howled in pleasure.

A few torrents was all it took to fill what was lost in the second act, Bringing forth that struggle once again. It was easily bested this time, getting the white one to gasp loudly and constantly catch his breath as he held out against the constant flooding. Trying to brace backwards and push the heavy dragon for some resistance, the second wall was overpassed. Feeling his lower belly begin to flood and bulge out of its normal fur posture.

Thick streams of hot seed forced that bulge to grow outwards more and more, flooding in all directions. Though completely enthralled by the action and the stress it put on his body, Beo could feel the bear's furry pouch finally press against his own. A few more long sprays and the dragon's body was finally released of tension, getting both males to collapse onto the ground.

Breathing heavily into the dark woods, they fought against the fatigue that the session brought. Beo, so completely spent, couldn't even dismount the Counterweight. Pinning Bartan below him, and forcing the bear to wait until morning to empty. Granted, sleep didn't sound like a bad idea. As soon as their breaths normalized, the two drifted off to sleep. Both purring from instinct.

The ice dragon landed in the courtyard heavily, scaring many of the soldiers off their feet while training. Standing tall and towering over them, they scampered out of the dragon's way as he walked towards a large building. Still barely being able to squeeze through the large set of doors that they made, but stated they couldn't make them any larger without expanding.

The thought of such things made Beo snort, as he made his way towards a large table with the other three comrades, as well as a few others discussing strategies. "You're late." Raccel said, in an unamused tone.

"Does it really matter if I am or not?" The blue one grumbled, getting a foul look from him and his ancient right hand.

"No." Siggy snorted, getting a glare from those green eyes. "But only because you barely pay attention to these meetings."

"You barely pay attention in these meetings." Nal grumbled at the brown one.

"Exactly. Then why do you force me to come to them? They're boring as hell. Why can't I have Beo's job instead? Just point at something and let me kill it."

"Because you're terrible at that too." Beo hissed, getting one back. "Regardless, he has a point. Why bother making us come to these?"

"Why, so you can spend more time talking to your pet rock?" The red dragon got a hiss, lashing one back at him.

"Enough." The canine stressed, the years haven't been too good to him lately. "I need you to keep track of the enemy. There'll come a time when knowing where they are is vital, and I won't have any mistakes due to your laziness!" The two younger dragons growled at him, but didn't argue past that. "There's been spots of an army moving to the west of us. And many outposts have been taken out to the north. Odds are, they split their army up."

"Which means they'll have a fraction of its strength." Beo snorted like it was obvious. "Just send me up north, and these two out west. We can be rid of them finally-"

"Really? Giving us the biggest portion of the army to deal with? Who are you, and what have you done with Mr. Muscles?" The ice dragon growled at the brown one. "See, I'm hearing it, but I'm not feeling it."

"Why go up north?" Nal questioned him.

"You don't seriously expect a blizzard to suddenly appear to the west and not raise any questions, do you?" The two matched glares.

"The blue one does have a point." One of the others attending muttered towards Raccel.

"...No. I don't want you getting spotted." A growl from Beo. "We'll wait to see what else they do. If there's any surprise attack, I want you nearby to deal with it." The largest one tossed his snout and headed for the door. "We're not finished yet, Beo."

"You're finished with me." He snorted at them.

The damn meeting made him tense, and nearly unable to wait to get out of the city's walls. Wanting to relieve some stress over the waters again, but too many questions came from the sudden buildup of ice. Forcing him to instead just exhale and land a bit hard into the sands. Approaching her rock, only to find it empty of occupation, making him grumble a bit. And after ten minutes of waiting, he took off back to see what the holdup was.

Walking towards the gate, he could see her talking to another guard, with a pair keeping a close eye on Lynnoa. By the look of it, she almost seemed half on edge, which only irked the dragon coming towards the gate and scaring the guards on duty. But then he got an idea. " You! Pet! What's the hold up!?" He roared at them, though surprising the female at the tone.

"H-hold up?" The guard questioning her asked, looking rather frightened finally seeing the ice dragon up close. "We caught her sneaking out. S-she's been doing it all week-"

"She's been doing it all week because _ I _told her to." He growled, towering over the guards. "Release her. Now."

"But, our orders are-"

"-Do you want to be alive tomorrow?" The question made the male whimper. "Drop whatever Punishment you have in store for her, or become a Stain. Those are your options. I'm more than certain you'll be replaced in an hour, which is a lot sooner than I can find a new pet." Another whimper and the dragon motioned for her to follow him. Sneaking past the petrified guards and exiting the wall.

"Pet?" She questioned, trying her best not to laugh at the foolishness and his snort.

"It's the first thing that came to mind. Would you rather Wench?"

"N-no, Pet will do fine, just unexpected for a dragon like you to have a pet. Let alone..." Lynn trailed off, getting him to stop and look at her for a moment.

"Let alone what?"

"...A rat, I guess."

"Rat?"

"As in, a Street Rat. Lower class..."

"Trust me, 'Nobles' would make terrible pets. Who wants one that praises themselves all the time?" Another snort, and she smiled at him. Glaring at the guards behind him until they hid, he laid down and upward paw for her. "Get on."

Nervous about what he was planning, she followed directions, and he lifted her to his shoulders. Feeling her place a hand on the icy spines, and make her way through the forest of them. "I pictured them... Colder, really. And more stiff."

"They're still stiff." He bluntly stated, feeling them get pushed around a bit, and getting him to grumble. "I pictured you to be more of a nuisance."

"Why? Am I sitting on you wrong?"

"I don't know. I've never had someone on my back before." The dragon could feel her surprised glare from the back of his head. Making his ears slightly purple, but she couldn't see them. "Why are you looking at me like that? You've heard my backstory." He snorted, getting her to giggle. "Alright, where to?"

"Not going to the beach?

"You're not sick of the beach?" Beo grumbled.

"A little, yes, but..." She took a breath. "Anywhere. Doesn't matter to me, Beo. But are you feeling well enough to...?"

"What are you talking about? A strong dragon never gets sick." Another snort.

"Then what's wrong with your arm?" He tried to look at her, then his inner arm. Seeing a patch of brass scales that wasn't there before.

Chapter 6

He never felt so comfortable, sleeping on something with such warmth and softness. Even when the cold dew covered his scaled back, all he could concentrate on was the sheer contentment that it brought, making his entire body melt on top of it. But the longer his subconscious studied it, the more he got awake. Then trying to remember what exactly it was he was laying on. "Wow, you're heavy." It muttered, slightly moving under him.

At first, he paid little attention to the fact it spoke words he understood, and then it hit him. Flinging those green eyes wide open and lifting his upper self off the bear quickly. Only to rediscover his more abnormal form, hearing him chuckle a bit without looking at him. "It's okay, I like the weight." The dragon didn't move, only sadly looked at him when the events of last night returned. "Come on, it's still a bit early." The three tails tried to nudge him back down, and slowly, Beo did. Resting on top of the warm furred one, and taking a deep breath. Loving the fresh smell his coat gave off.

For a while, they were silent. The bear calmly resting, and the blue one trying to think of the words to say. When really, there was only two: "...I'm sorry." Bartan made a noise in question. "...For biting you, and..."

"It was just your reflex. Dragons tend to bite during intercourse, especially the fiercer ones." He groggily said, which didn't really make Beo feel much better. The term 'Fiercer' echoed through his head, another word for frightful. But such a term fit him, didn't it? Considering the things he did in the past. The people he hurt, and treated poorly. And, of course, those he...

A heavy breath left him, getting a strange mumble from the one below. "Hey..." The white one said, slightly nudging him with his entire body. "What're you thinking about?"

The question sank his heart. But if there was anyone who would listen... "...I don't like the person that I am."

The warmth persisted throughout the day, keeping the two nice and comfortable while on the road. As the bear talked about many different things just to keep the dragon occupied, Beo couldn't help but smile and overlook the Counterweight's smaller form. One so similar, holding what defined the companion he called Bartan, yet different. Eventually, the white one caught the green eyes staring. "You following what I'm saying?"

Beo admittedly shook his head, getting the smaller to chuckle. "Not in the slightest."

"That's okay. It's not something you need to understand anyway." He shrugged, seeing another walled town nearby. "I wonder if this place has anything good for food."

"I swear you're always hungry." The dragon teased.

"Not really hungry for nutrition, but I like trying new tastes." He beckoned the large creature and walked towards the gate. One that made the blue one almost sad to approach, due to what happened last time. But, of course they would have every right to act as such, especially after the dragon's outburst. Which only reflected on the conversation that morning.

~~~~~~

"You don't like the person that you are...?" The full formed Counterweight below the dragon repeated. Letting the crushing weight of his own words deflate the life out of him. "Why not?"

"...You've heard my story. Seen my actions... Would you-?"

"Yes." The bear said rather confidently, making the scaled one hold his breath. "I would still like that person. But that isn't you, is it?"

"It is. It's who I am by instinct. What I've done to others-"

"Which doesn't define who you are." Bartan snuggled up to the large one, rotating himself to hold the dragon better. "What do you see yourself as?" He looked deep into those green eyes, watching as they almost shed a tear of shame. "Now, why do you see yourself as that? Because of what other people think or say? Because of the choices you were forced to make?"

"...Because you see myself as something better, and I can't for the life of me understand why." The dragon started to look away, but a paw brought back his sights. Those brown eyes standing defiant against his self-examination.

"If you want to change..." The bear whispered. "Then change. Everyone has done something wrong, and it is up to them to fix that. You Can Forever Curse The Darkness, Or You Can Light A Candle That Allows You To See." Beo blinked slowly at him. "You became... This, in order to Survive. What I see in you...? It's the potential of what you _Can_become."

"Which is what?"

"Whatever you desire to be, Beo." That name sank his heart. "But the first step is believing that you_can_ change. You must have Faith in yourself, in order to branch away from the corruption that you were forced to consume when you were younger." He pulled the dragon's head down to rest it on the furry mane around the bear's neck. Letting it rest there for several minutes.

~~~~~~

"Hey." The white one's voice released the dragon from his trance, making him shake his head for a moment. "Everything okay?"

"...Yeah." He mumbled sadly, but the bear didn't pry. "They don't want me inside-"

"No, they don't mind. Just watch your step, obviously. Lots of children are at play in these towns." Bartan smiled at him, then pulled out a small pouch from a pocket with a long ribbon keeping it closed. "Here." The large one curled his neck at the object. "It's just some coins. We'll split up a bit in here, I want you to browse the shops a bit and buy something you like."

"Something I like...?" Beo repeated, completely puzzled by the task and getting the bear to chuckle. "With money that you stole?"

"I didn't steal it." He laughed. "But created more of it."

"Isn't that...?"

"Bad for the economy? Only when it's in a very large supply. But this won't do any harm. In fact, it'll probably do a lot of good here. The metals used are sometimes difficult to come by." Bartan stepped forward and started to attach the satchel to one of the dragon's frozen neck spines, getting him to grumble uncomfortably at the idea of bartering. "You'll live. Still, just enjoy yourself a bit. We'll meet back here in about twenty minutes, okay?"

The ice dragon took a deep breath. "Fine." He grumbled, getting the smaller one to smile and chuckle again. Seeing him easily walk up though the large gate like it was no big deal, yet Beo almost felt like he was snared in the grass. Finding it difficult to approach a town like this ever since his last visit to that village.

It took nearly the entire weight of his body for that first pawstep against his will. Letting him imagine taking half the world with it that his paw so desperately clawed into, when really it was just a patch of grass. It was so foolish of him to fear such a thing as a society of lesser creatures, and he wasn't sure why. Perhaps his psyche was still unstable from the resurrection, but regardless, it made him take another breath. Then a second one, before finally slowly moving forward.

Feeling the guard's constant watch as the massive creature tucked in his large wings to squeeze through the gate. Hearing the small horns and shards of ice along the branches scratch against the gate's door a bit while passing through, he wasn't sure why Bartan requested this, of all things. He couldn't just go back and ask to nail the dragon into the ground instead?

And that's all he needed, for that embarrassing thought to pop into his head. Making those frosted ears blush a bit and glow purple, in front of what Beo thought would be thousands of people. When really, there was only dozens, most away from the gate. A few carriages pulled by equines, some were standing in wait politely for the dragon to make it through. When the larger one realized this, he quickly scampered to the side, getting his long tail to crack against the door, leaving a few more marks and making him flinch at the large scraping sound it made.

With very uncomfortable groan, his ear flicked when catching the bear's familiar chuckle in the sea of people. It only took a moment to spot him in the crowd of people, smiling at him from afar, then motioning him to carry on and browse the wares. As much as Beo wanted to just leave, the trouble he made already would've only been for naught.

Sighing heavily and lowering his head, he felt the faint taps on the side of his neck that made his spines raise. Looking to the side, he felt it again, realizing it was just the pouch of coins attached to his neck. Another heavy sigh left his muzzle as he carefully stepped into the streets.

Bartan disappeared into the crowds by now, in a direction that was too dense for the icy one to follow, so he was forced to go on his own. Looking around at the many kiosks that held jewelry, bringing back memories longing for his own horde he left behind. Things that would be rather nice for his collection, only to purchase them to be thrown into an oblivion made up of a thousand others. That in turn only reflected on the things that he's done to collect such treasures, only adding to the pool of guilt that was accumulating in his mind these past few days.

Another archway which in turn made for a tight squeeze against the dragon. Almost popping out of the stone arc and wondering about the damages his size caused to the old structure. The scampering and giggling of children soon came from behind and under him, as a group started chasing one another. Only seeing the dragon as an obstacle, which got him to double take. Carefully stepping to the side in a grassy area to let other people pass through on the road, and take notice that their gaze.

Unfrighten. Not terrified. Wondrous, yes, that such a creature even existed, but they didn't look at the icy one like he expected. He wasn't a frozen terror that came to pillage their homes and take their valuables. He wasn't looked at like a monster, just a rare creature for them to talk about to their friends.

It was a warm revelation, really. Nearly putting a smile on his face and seeing the children come around the sitting dragon once again. Using him as a divider to hide behind, then taking off. If his appearance couldn't even frighten children, then maybe he didn't look so threatening after all. But it still reminded him of his cold past, making him sigh heavily. "Them kids giving you trouble?" A man questioned him from afar.

It took a moment to find the one who spoke, but soon enough, he could see an elder on a side bench nearby. "N-no. Not really." He replied awkwardly as he took a few steps to sit beside the wooden seat.

"But something is." A rather surprised look from the large one. "My eyes aren't much good anymore, see? But I can hear it in your voice. What's wrong, son?" It made the blue one's ears drop for a moment, but he took a breath. Maybe it was good to talk to someone else for a change.

"Have you... Ever gotten a second chance, then feel like you've never deserved it to begin with?"

"What do you mean?" A frown from the large one, and another deep breath.

"I've done-" Another series of giggles as the children passed by again. "...I've done many bad things in my life. Hurt a lot of people... Then I found the nicest, most positive person I've ever met, and he... Doesn't see me as this. Even when I confessed this to him, he says that I can change."

"But you don't think you can." A faint whimper left his throat. "Why not?"

"...Because I've relied on my instincts for so long, I don't know how I can."

"And what are those instincts saying now?" An embarrassing whimper that time, making the man chuckle. "I think I know what that means." But he motion Beo to say it out loud. Picturing him scanning the area for any ears pointed in their direction.

"They're saying..." He sighed. "Find him, and squeeze the living daylights out of him." The dragon scratched his mane, hearing him chuckle.

"Good instincts, I suppose."

"But to do that doesn't feel right."

"Why not?" Another whimper. "I'm not here to judge you, son. Spit it out."

"Because he's... A male."

"So?" A loud swallow when his ears caught that. "Nothing wrong with it." The awkward grunts of the large one just made him laugh. "I see, you're all about the women, ain't ya?"

"N-not... Really." He swore purple was invading his face. "I only had one or two, and they..."

"And you're thinking this is going to be the same?"

"...Maybe. I mean, what if it does?"

"What if it doesn't?" The question made his ears go back, almost snorting at it. "Point is, you won't know until you try, son. Do something for me."

"What?" Beo curled his neck.

"Close your eyes." A stare at him. "Go on, do it."

"Are you sure you're blind?" He snorted at him, but a gesture to just do it got him to grumble and cooperate.

"Now, picture his face." A few moments of breathing, and he could start seeing that polar bear muzzle start to form in the darkness. The blackness of his nose slightly fading around the fur around it, the long snout leading up to those brown eyes. Still filled to the brim with kindness and strength. Those four rather large, and a bit round ears sticking out of the sides told the dragon he was picturing the Counterweight's larger form. Regardless, it made him smile. "How do you feel?"

"...Happy. Excited. Comfortable." The scaled one admitted, opening his eyes and looking off to the side. "But what if I corrupt that kindness of his?"

"If you love him enough, you can't." That word caught his breath, keeping him still for several moments as if he was completely stunned or frozen in time. "Kindness like that can't be tainted easily, son. As long as you try not to, you'll stay happy with him. Just don't make the relationship about you."

"...Me?"

"Yeah. As a wise man once said, sadly not myself." The older one chuckled, even getting the dragon to. "Love is not about Possession, it's about Appreciation."

"So... Giving some while you take."

"In a way, yes. I'm guessing you've been taking a lot lately?" A heavy sigh left him, letting his wings drop a bit. "That means Yes." Another chuckle at the dragon's expense. "But now you know what to do, eh?"

"...Yeah." A refreshing breath was felt in his chest. "Yeah, I do, kind of." He smiled at the old man. "Thank you."

"You're very welcome." But that guilt came back like a black cloak over his large body. Until an idea came to mind. Reaching at the drooping spine on his neck, he pulled off the bag of coins. Dropping them on the bench within arm's reach of the man. "What could this be?" He asked, trying to get a feel for it.

"It's yours." A noise in question, and the jingles of the coins inside were very familiar to him. "I-I mean, as thanks."

"You don't need to pay me, son."

"Well... Consider it a gift then." He said awkwardly. "I need to start giving somewhere, and... I don't need them."

"You sure?" A noise in confirmation made the old man smile.

"I don't know how much is in there, but I hope it helps." Beo said sincerely, as he started to walk back towards the gate. Catching the older one's shout of thanks as well, and giving a nervous nod. Yet, feeling a lot better on the way out.

It was only a short wait outside before the bear came back with a large basket. Thanking the guards and apologizing for the marks on the door. They didn't seem angry about it in any way, more just understanding. Considering the dragon's size. As Bartan approached the large scaly one, he couldn't hide his smile from the furred creature. "I got a real treat for us." He said, pulling out an orange from the basket and making the dragon curl his neck at it. "Try it, they're amazing here."

Without hesitation like Beo normally had with trying new foods, he opened his mouth and felt the ball get tossed inside. Biting down on it, the juices flooded his maw, making him purr loudly at the wonderful taste. Letting it occupy it for nearly an entire minute as the bear enjoyed his own. "Wonderful, huh?"

"Incredibly." Beo swallowed, looking down at the furred one as if to beg for another. Chuckling at his expression, but treating the dragon regardless.

"I have a few more different ones to try as well. Fruits seem to grow so well here, it's breathtaking." He gazed over the lushful green lands, and the trees in the distance. Just beginning to turn many colors of brown, yellow, and red.

"It really is." The large one said, trying not to lose any of the precious waters. It wasn't until he swallowed and realized that the bear was looking at him that he double taked.

"What did you end up getting?" The question stunned him, not really knowing how to answer. In result, he slightly looked back at the walled town, and his ears fell.

"I..." His eyes tried to half look away from the brown ones, as if to hide. "I gave it away." He mumbled, not really sure how the Counterweight would take it. But a slight paw on his arm said so much that words couldn't, along with that smile. Letting the two lock eyes once again, until he dug out another orange for the dragon.

He was tired of waiting. Feeling like something was wrong. However, that could've just been the stress the ice dragon was plagued with. Even after nearly engaging into a fight with an army, only to be called back for some Emergency. One that was never explained, nor that he cared about... At first.

When there was no enemy found around the city, he simply waited by that rock as usual. But something was holding her up, probably those damn guards again. Getting him to growl angrily before he even approached them and being worked up. How dare they keep Lynnoa from him again. If it's that same one as last time, he_ Will _become a stain today.

Granted, not that he could really tell any of them apart regardless. Even without their uniform, they looked the same. However, he could start to tell Lynn's features up close, but still. Put them in a line with her in it; Eight times out of Ten, Beo would get it wrong.

His anger omitted from his titanic body like an aura, already frightening the guards from afar as he approached. Trying to study them to see who was in charge, then again: he could care less. "Where is Lynn." He growled, getting several of them to waste his time sharing looks. "Where."

"T-the red one..." One of them started, getting a lock on those green eyes. Of course, half understanding what he meant, but the better half. Still, the icy one growled at them and took to the skies. That old bastard was probably under that dog's paw still, so he headed towards his room.

Landing on the platform that was clearly meant for a different dragon, Beo burst opened the doors, not caring about their durability. Getting the attention of a rather uneasy old dragon. One that was still rather remarkable with composure. "Where is she." The blue one growled, instantly getting Nal's ears to go flat against his head.

"You should keep that pet of yours on a leash if you keep losing it." He snorted, feeling the wall behind him almost entrap the red dragon as the larger one approached.

"You sent me out on a false mission, then that Stick out to get me back so you could take her. Where. Is. She!" He almost roared.

"That mission wasn't false, it's where we thought they were. Now you're here asking me about something trivial when you should be-" A loud hiss interrupted him, and Nal lashed one back.

"Where Is She!!"

"Do you have any idea how dangerous a Dragonmaiden is to a Dragon-"

"I Don't Care! Where! Is! She!" "Then I'm not about to jeopardize everything we've worked for so you can have a Damn Pet-!" The entire wall beside the red dragon exploded outward in a massive warning shot.

"Where." Beo growled. Getting nothing but silence and a cold grey stare from Nalchulus' eyes.

"...In the air we breathe-" The blue one's massive roar shattered a third of the windows within the city. Seeing nearly a spark of darkness cover his scales before nearly impaling the red dragon with a spike of ice. "Even if you kill me, it won't bring that witch back!"

"It'll make me feel a little better. Then again, so would tearing you apart! Scale By Scale!!" The ice shattered as Beo charged the old dragon. Slamming his head against the wall and making him hiss. Clawing at the blue one's side before completely being grabbed and thrown through a wall on the opposite side of the room. Which in turn forced Raccel to finally reach them.

"What is going on here-!?" The canine shouted, only to get blown away by a wall of concussive force. Sending him backwards and hitting the wall with a loud crack, as well as leaving a bloodstain. It was seeing that red mark that pulled the dragon out of his rage. Still used to seeing the dog being able to take a harder hit.

After taking a few breaths, and seeing that Nal was fighting against his old form to get back up, Beo'Kros growled in anger and frustration. Snorting and turning towards the wall-less side of the building. "You better hope you find the Force of Death before I do...!" He roared at them before taking off. Leaving the city once and for all.

Chapter 7

The dragon laid out on his back within the woods, unable to determine which was more satisfying between that stew and those Oranges from earlier today. Okay, the Oranges totally were, but that bear made a delicious stew regardless. Finally able to find some good meat to use within, it came out with a near perfect taste.

Still lightly purring as Bartan tended to the fire, Beo let out a very long and relaxed sigh. Keeping a smile over his muzzle, he just felt really wonderful tonight. Like that guilt was finally starting to wash off from him. But eventually his ear caught the bear chuckling and shaking his head, making the larger one puzzled. "Now you're just asking for it." The white one teased, still getting the dragon a bit confused until he trailed a line by those brown eyes. Clearly looking at his hind legs spread wide opened and making him blush a bit.

"I-I wasn't actually..." A laugh just made him feel a little better, as Bartan started walking over towards his upper half. Turning himself into that much larger, Bear-Wolf hybrid and laying down beside him.

"You weren't? That's too bad." The furred one teased, giving him a few nudges in the neck and trailing his armored chest with a paw. Washing him with the warmth of the fire. The dragon couldn't help but smile, almost closing his eyes and enjoying the comfort of the soft cloud. However, a slight noise of pondering got his attention. "I wonder what this is...?" He whispered, placing a paw over another patch of brass scales, this time on the other arm. And even comparing the fact that the first one seemed to be 'Thawing out'.

It was a strange thing to witness really, making him wonder if maybe it was some after effect of being dead and then brought back to life. But a few licks on the neck comforted him. "You're healthy though, so don't worry about it. I actually think it's a good thing." Bartan said, snuggling up a little closer to him.

"You do...?"

"I get the feeling that this brass color would look really great on you." He was quiet after that, as Beo tried to remember the last time he even looked at himself before being frozen. So very long ago, he could scarcely remember seeing his warped reflection within some old treasures. His first ones that he started pillaging. To see that color again made him feel so young and naive.

A few licks on his ear got Beo to flick it. Growling playfully when he wouldn't quit and getting him to chuckle. "You keep doing that, I might have to bite you."

"I would be asking for it." He played along, but started to move down. Exploring the large one with two paws and his tongue, as a heavy thrill of excitement rushed through that battle-ready body. Though it didn't seem like it, the white paws seemed stronger than they looked. Not doing any damage, but Beo could feel the presses though his armored chest and neck. Something he's rarely felt, even in fights.

But the paws didn't stay there for too long, almost eagerly moving to their next destination: the dragon's arm. Bartan lost his breath when he touched them, feeling forcefully at the dense muscles and whimpering quietly before licking at them. "Everything okay?" Beo asked him, teasing and using the bear's phrase against him.

"...Y-yeah. Just..." He trailed off, licking the thick scales and almost grazing them with his fangs. Constantly taking deep breaths, almost like he was ready to release any moment. With the other hand, Beo tried to coax him to release those urges, and slowly the Counterweight opened his jaws and bit down on the muscle. Not trying his hardest to pierce it, but gnaw on it for several minutes.

A shot of wetness could barely be felt on the dragon's side, where Bartan rested, then he forced himself away from that area. Trying to catch his breath while the dragon just quietly chuckled at him. Feeling the furred paws physically study the scales on his belly and sides. Though still armored, not nearly as much as his chest. Making it much easier to get through the hardened areas for a reaction.

Of course they climbed down to the exposed purple weapon. Feeling the Counterweight alter his position so he was resting on the dragon's thick tail. Licking down the belly's middle until that tongue started painting the tip of the shaft, now getting more and more erect with every touch of the bear. Trying to keep track of all five appendages that were studying his body was nearly too much for Beo, easily losing focus of one of them by the soft touch of another.

As he felt the middle set of paws climb up to the base of his tail, he started to whimper. Knowing what was to come next, and the blue one wasn't sure if he was ready for it. Feeling press after press, getting closer and closer, he held back a loud whimper that almost resembled fear. Almost feeling it leak out between his fangs as one set got very close, but then parted upward. Making him question what the bear was doing with them.

But there it was, that weak spot on his hamstrings that started flooding his titanic body with bliss. Getting him to squirm at the massages the middle paws brought, as the upper ones focused on his lower belly. And of course, that tongue coating his fleshy weapon with warmth. Just before feeling the brushes of fur on Bartan's lips, and slowly part over the tower.

Beo tried to remain still, making out the bear's fangs and armed maw lightly graze the spines and flare of his lower horn. But his paws were almost manipulating his body like strings on a puppet. One tight squeeze on a haunch made the dragon squirm away from that side, and a sudden adjacent one made him shift back and forth. Making his tail thrash and try to lift the white creature of its pin.

That red appendage was still at it. Even with reduced room inside the muzzle, it was still coating the dragon's weapon with a warm silk. Just enough of it to start building up in little beads. Though Bartan only remained at the top half, within minutes, those beads of warmth started exploring lower. Staking claims over the purple land while climbing over the first big hill.

The light tickle of that first ridge sent a heavy jerking reflex through the dragon, spraying a heavy dose of pre into the bear's maw. Feeling that tongue receive it graciously and use it as a replacement as he started to go faster. A second bead released another jolt. The combination of the paws on his lower belly; a third. And each hamstring gave off their own unique one. Overloading the massive beast with pleasure and breaking his will to keep quiet.

The loud whimpers and pants echoed through the night woods. Constantly struggling to keep himself still in case the bear bit the much less armored area. But the frequent sprays into the white muzzle was too much to keep swallowing. Getting the liquid to build up and start to leak out of his lips with every movement. Creating even more, thicker beads that slowly went down the ridges, which only repeated the cycle.

With a massively heavy gasp, Bartan started to go faster and take the full length. Feeling the dragon's large paws dig their claws into his head in reflex, the weapon throbbed constantly as the torrents began to build up. Thickening the purple horn before releasing all of its contents in the bear's mouth. Only able to take maybe one and a half before it rushed out over Beo's sheath.

But with the paws still doing their duties on the dragon's body, another set of torrents soon followed. Getting the blue one to press down on the furry head harder in order to get his weapon deeper inside. Almost feeling many of the slower sprays being swallowed before finally being able to control himself again. Letting go of Bartan's head and laying back down, catching his breath.

Though the paws did stop for the dragon's sake, the tongue kept cleaning up a bit. Going until the weapon stopped pulsing, then licking his way back upwards. Surprisingly, Beo didn't feel as tried as he expected, and a soft grasp against his stones told him why. Feeling them get restored to full capacity was still uncomforting, but it was worth it in the end. As the bear's head rested on his thick chest, his scaled paws carefully studied them. Wondering if he wounded the white one or not. "Did I... Hurt you?" He asked sadly, still trying to catch his breath.

"Not at all." A few licks on the arms to show his affection, feeling a unique wetness now equipped to the tongue that only made the blue one half smile. Never thinking of attempting such a thing with his maw. But with a few sneaky steps closer, a faint prod was felt on the base of his thick tail. Instantly getting him to whimper loudly and try to scamper backwards. "Still not comfortable with it?" Those brown eyes looked at him a bit sadly, getting Beo to stop his retreat, but shyly look away. Unable to answer him. With a sigh, the white one got up. "Okay." He said, only making the dragon feel more guilty watching Bartan turn around and lift his tails up.

But Beo remained on his back, not really wanting to Take from the bear again. Yet, not really sure how to Give when it came to this. Seeing the scaled one almost fight with himself for a minute, the Counterweight spoke up again. "It doesn't hurt, you know." He said softly, but did it? The idea of it, and the session from last night seemed like it did. Judging from Bartan's grunts and struggles with the dragon's penetration.

"I..." Beo started, but couldn't quite find the words. With a deep breath, he cleared his mind. "I trust you, but..." He shook it, getting many of the icy spines to ting together while still looking away, almost in shame. But a few steps flicked his ear, feeling the Counterweight climb on top of him. Making the larger one release a small whimper, but only felt the furry bag on his stones. Looking into those brown eyes with both embarrassment and confusion, Bartan started to sit up. Creating a small mirror between them.

Within it, the reflection of both their weapons were shown; the bear's red, canine-like one on top of the dragon's. Clearly showing about a 25% thickness over Bartan's shaft, though about the same length. "It won't be nearly as tight for you compared to me." He leaned closer, almost muzzle to muzzle over the dragon. "It won't hurt. But if you really don't want to receive, then I need you to tell me No." A few licks between his nostrils, and the blue one sadly frowned at him. Wrapping his thick arms around his furry body and pulling him a bit closer.

"I'm just..." He couldn't think of the word for it. Afraid? Ashamed? Buy why ashamed? That he liked another male? That he was willing to give himself like this to another? No. It was because he didn't want to lose control. He didn't want to be overpowered by another person. Forced to be another slave to them, forced to submit to them. "I just don't... Want to be dominated..." He mumbled, seeing the bear nod at him slowly.

"And doing his is considered domination to you?" It was a sincere question, one the dragon didn't want to answer. "Beo, you have Control." Those words held his breath. "No matter what, you will always have a say in these things. You never have to owe me, or anyone anything, and be forced to do something you don't want to do." As those green eyes tried to trail off, a soft paw realigned them. "You are never Lesser than me."

It was a hard thing for him to hear. Even after all this time, all the things this creature did for the dragon. Brought him back to life, watched over his recovery, told him he can change, that he didn't owe the bear anything, and now... That he was not Greater than Beo. It gave him a warm, fluttery feeling in his chest, one of both fear and excitement. But there was no words to tell. Instead, Beo kissed him. Surprising the unexpected furred one, but didn't pull away. Feeling that large tongue force it's way inside the muzzle, and get an odd taste of probably his own release still within. But it was the action that mattered.

Slightly embarrassed by the sudden action, the blue one parted it. Almost awkwardly whimpering like he shouldn't have, until the bear went back in for another one. Letting them both enjoy it for a few moments, then had a few quick ones. "Are you okay with me trying it, then?" Beo couldn't say it, couldn't even nod. So instead, he lightly put his paws on the Counterweight's shoulders, and pressed him down. Forcing him to take a step back over the dragon's hind legs and rest on his tail again.

Still feeling his furry body on him, Beo shut his eyes. Breathing deeply as the bear licked him. Keeping those massive paws near his white shoulders, almost bracing when he felt the length of his weapon rest on the thick tail, the large one grunted nervously. Getting Bartan to whisper at him that it didn't hurt. "Just relax. It's going to be that much harder if you don't relax."

A few more licks, and his muscles started to. Feeling this strange warmth starting to invade his body, heating it up to the core. Getting every large, almost sore muscle to release its tension, as well amplify it's sensitivity. Every little brush of his furry body could be felt and counted for. And that pointed tip was gradually getting closer.

As that warmth finally hit the very tip of his tail, Beo felt like he was floating. Though his mind was trying to race what was happening, trying to find some excuse to make it stop, those thoughts were lost in the sensation of softness and comfort. Awaking quite well when the bear's tip actually reached the very base of the dragon's tail.

Beo whimpered, feeling it prod at him a few times, as the bear coaxed his body. Trying to control himself, and keep that area relaxed, but it was difficult to do. As he heard the grass move slightly with Bartan's step, a loud whimper left him. Feeling the prod get harder and a bit deeper triggered a reflex in the dragon's body. Even through the relaxation, his muscles tightened up and held onto the bear.

Press after press stimulated the dragon greatly, feeling hot wet jolts pass through his weapon within the forest of fur. Every other prod banished the very breath from his lungs, sent his hind paws raking at the air, and his tail to struggle a bit. As they got more and more frequent, so did the squirms. His lower horn was leaking out streams, now flowing down his side, and his claws started digging into the white fur, unable to help himself.

A few more licks on the dragon's thick chest and Bartan asked him. "Do you want me to stop?" He almost immediately shook his head, feeling the white one nod and step forward again. Pressing hard into the dragon's tailhole, and feeling the shape of his spear-like weapon start separating it. His breaths became more and more rapid as his grip on the bear grew tighter. Bulging his muscles, and hoping he didn't snap the Counterweight in half.

Another step and Beo's body arched below the furry one. Squirming like it was trying to get away. Conflicted with being both nailed by the red weapon and submitting to the pure bliss it was giving off. The constant leaks of his own were turning into small sprays, as the color purple flooded the dragon's head.

With one last step, the red spear slipped inside with ease. Getting Beo to feel it's entire length and roar loudly like he was trying to hold back. Keeping the tightest grip he could onto Bartan as he shot his entire load of release between them. Feeling the pressure of it carve its way through the forest of white like a power-washer, then slide down the dragon's side. Even feeling that warmth come around his tailhole a bit, which only triggered a few squirms.

During the meantime, a few jolts of warmth could be felt inside, as Bartan waiting patiently for the dragon to recover. Giving that chest a few licks, until Beo's green eyes sheepishly opened. Getting him to lean towards the bear for another deep kiss that lasted for nearly a minute. "We'll have to work on your endurance a bit." Bartan teased, slightly pulling out to take a step back, then refilling the dragon's sack once again. "I'm thinking of giving you an enchantment of some sort. Probably faster regeneration for this area."

"Regeneration...?" Beo breathed, half knowing what he was talking about.

"So you don't run out so fast. Perhaps the only defect is that you'll need to be milked if it gets too full." The white one smiled deviously at him. "If you can call that a defect, that is."

"...I wouldn't mind." The blue one said a bit shyly, still in wonder that he hadn't passed out yet. Grunting slightly at some discomfort of that area, and feeling the bear get back into position.

"We'll try this for a few days, then see about some changes." It made Beo smile, though still turn purple about such a thing. It was just something he was going to get used to. As he took a deep breath to relax once again, a whimper still left him at the prod. Still getting him to squirt at the sensitive area and pant loudly. A few more practice presses, and the bear penetrated him. Getting a louder whimper and a heavy spray below them, as well as a few squirms.

The bear chuckled a bit, going very slow so Beo could get used to the shaft inside him. Though it was somewhat tight, it wasn't discomforting. Giving his body an entirely new rush of pleasure with every movement. Loving how far it could go inside, and the feeling the little squirms gave off. He wondered what on earth he was afraid of all these years.

But his thoughts soon drowned into a sea of bliss. Unable to keep a straight thought at the constant motions, the slight brushing against his hamstrings, the furs constantly tickling his ridges. Moaning with every breath, and gasping with every spray into the bear's belly. His reflexes were still overpowering him, getting those scaled arms to grasp the white one tightly once more, and even getting Bartan to whimper out in pleasure.

A few more sprays inside his tailhole were accumulating, slowly forcing his hind legs to wrap around the Counterweight's. After a few minutes, the bear started to go a little faster. Making waves out of that river and making the dragon sing songs once again. Though he couldn't make him purr like this, the deep breaths and whimpers did pretty well. Then every once in a while; a louder one, followed by a thick spray.

The enchantment worked it's hardest to keep fuel within the scaly sack, but it was having a hard time to keep up. With all the sensitive areas being constantly worked on, it was a frequent stream of release passing through the purple horn. Which was only flooding the grass below them.

Several more minutes passed, and Bartan increased his speed. Feeling the firm grip of the claws on his back dig into his fur only forced him to spray into Beo's tailpipe. Flooding his lower area with more warmth and getting him to squirm again at his very own release. Several torrents escaped out of that purple shaft, and the two stopped for a moment. Getting the dragon to recover before resuming at the same speed.

It seemed like every few minutes, the blue one unloaded his sack dry. Feeling the thing deflate and fill back up through his fur, as well as the completely enthralled look on the dragon's face. Unable to take in anymore information than what the pleasure flooded him with. The constant blush of his ears made Bartan smile, but it was soon time to finish up so his body could finally rest.

A few more thrusts and the base of his red spear began to thicken up. Pressing against those walls inside finally got a reaction from Beo's face. Getting him to pant rapidly with bliss and squirm a bit. When it started to get a little too big, Bartan withdrew the knot, or at least attempted to. The dragon's hind legs were still locked behind his own, and he couldn't get the distance to pull it out. "Beo..." The white one gasped, even overwhelmed by his own sense of pleasure. "Beo...! Relax your hinds...!" He grunted, trying to pull out.

But the bigger the knot became, the more the dragon's legs strained. Growing tighter and tighter within the dragon's tailhole, until it was too late to remove it. Feeling the constant sprays as Bartan gave into his full length. Feeling the weapon increase in size within the blue one, and hear him whimper loudly. A bit in pain, but mostly through pleasure.

As the two held onto each other tightly, the bear could feel his furry sack begin to drain. Getting it to increase the spear's size a bit more, then spray into the dragon's body. Flooding that lower area with hot seed as it washed within him. Only to eventually come to a halt. Though mostly unconscious at this point, Beo knew what it was. Now, he had to resist the massive intake.

For a while there was quite a stalemate, as both males tried their best to slowly hold back and resist. But it soon became too much for the blue one to bare. Feeling his scales begin to bulge out and stretch to make room, his lower belly started widen out. With the white one on top, being braced down by the dragon's reflexes, the region didn't have much of a choice.

Whimpering loudly as they came to another stalemate, it was eventually overpowered by the bear's torrents. Pushing him up and almost out of the dragon's grip. Hearing the armored plates groan loudly and crack out of the pressure, the larger one whimpered loudly as he fought against it. Feeling the bear's paw touch the side of the thinning out scales only made him fear it was going to burst.

But a slight discomfort along his haunches and tail, then those areas started to take the resistance. Letting his belly slightly deflate as the very long appendage took most of the slack. Torrents still rushed through the dragon's tailhole, and his tail itself did start to thicken towards the base, but eventually stopped altogether. Getting them both to pant heavily at the close encounter.

As Bartan rested his head on the armored chest, Beo could hardly hold his head up for a lick. Falling into a deep slumber before his breaths could even normalize. As for the bear, he was still stuck in this situation for a bit longer. Still releasing a few smaller torrents into the larger one, it was no longer a threat at least. Not to mention, he now had a bed to spend the night on. Licking at it a few times before falling asleep himself.

The scrawny dragon landed within the city, already missing the fresh air of the outer walls. Hissing at anyone who came close to him, mostly out of sport. He wasn't really mad or insulted by them, but enjoyed the terror they brought. Perhaps seeing if one of them would do something drastic, like knock something over or do some property damage. Let alone attempt to lash back at the dragon, giving him reason enough to toy with it until it died.

But none were brave enough. It actually made him a little annoyed, but he couldn't be entertained by them _all_the time. And, like them, he had a job to do. As tedious as it was. Walking into the war room, nearly empty besides the old red dinosaur and the canine. Acting like they were trying to keep this meeting a secret reminded Siggy of the games the others used to play when he was younger. Often excluding him out, because he was a runt.

The memory made him snort and keep his ears back. Getting the attention of the others, gazing at him with questionable looks, yet knew the answers. "Not a damn trace." Sig'eaal grumbled, like it was a waste of his time. "Are you sure these people aren't just lying?"

"Not many of them know what Beo looks like, and there's only so many Blue Dragons around." Nal snorted, getting a snout toss in return.

"Well, it looks like you chased him off for good then. Or should I say, pissed him off. Either way, job well done. I've been trying to do that with you two for years, now half the work is done for me." The brown one grumbled, laying down in front of the table and getting a growl from the red dragon.

"He couldn't have gotten too far. We need to find him before the Forces notice." Raccel let out a stressful sigh.

"Considering it's been about a week since he kicked your tails, I think we're in the Too Late margin now." Siggy snorted, glaring his yellow eyes at Nalchulus again. "Why the hell did you have to poke the bear?"

"I was trying to protect us-"

"Riiiiight, from the big bad Dragonmaiden." He tossed his snout. "Please, you were just jealous that you couldn't find your own pet that would even get close enough to your stick-" A loud hiss from the red one.

"You probably didn't run into them during your lifetime, but in mine they were a real threat."

"I would say that's hard to believe, but-" A loud roar from the red one, clearly telling that he was serious. "Fine, enlighten me. What the hell is a Dragonmaiden?"

"A lesser being that learns to control and manipulate a dragon, usually by doing favors for it, and letting it grow attached." Raccel explained, tending to his forehead to relieve stress. "After so long, the dragon will be willing to do whatever they ask for it."

"And where Beo is our-"

"Was." Siggy corrected him, getting a harsh glare from those grey eyes.

"...Was our strongest, you can understand why I took action."

"So, BBQ'd her? You weren't just hungry?" The brown one tossed his snout, asking rhetorically of course. "So, you were going to send _ me _ out there to find him and do what exactly?"

"Convince him to come back." Sig'eaal groaned loudly, as if it were work. "You convinced him to attempt to help over several occasions before, like when I was nearing my challenge limit."

"Actually, I think he was just going to attempt to overthrow you." Another stressed grumble and the brown one shrugged his wings. "What? It would be the perfect time to try, if you thought he was going to throw the fight."

"You confidence is overwhelming." The canine half whimpered. "So where has he been?"

"We have a war to fight, do you seriously want to waste time looking for someone who doesn't want to be found?" Nal grumbled.

"Yes. Especially since both of you put together can barely replace him." A deep exhale from Raccel. "I was really depending on Beo'Kros for my strategy, to lose him would be a major setback." The room fell quiet, getting the dragon's hurt egos a moment to recover. "What do we know?"

"Other than the fact that it's been colder since he's been gone?" Siggy snorted, getting odd looks from the other two.

"You mean the air?"

"The ground, old timer." A hiss. "Seriously, how do you not feel it through those old bones?"

"What do you mean The Ground?"

"As in the ground outside. The soil!" A large snout toss when their looks didn't change. "Am I the only one who even gets out of these walls anymore? No wonder you guys are boring."

"So, the ground is cold, but the air isn't-?" A sharp exhale from the red dragon interrupted the canine.

"...He's freezing the earth."

"He can do that?" Sig'eaal tilted his head after a long silence.

Chapter 8

The sun danced over his eyelids, being sheltered by the leaves of trees. However, the wind was slightly blowing them just enough for the light to pierce through, getting the larger one to grumble something incoherent. Interestingly getting a response from the fluffy blanket over him among the same language. As the dragon yawned, stretching his maw with the rest of his body, he snapped those jaws a few times. Still tasting the same substance he was caked with.

At least his lower end didn't feel so bloated anymore. Granted, they were almost bathing in last night's session, along with the after effects. He was somewhat surprised that nothing hurt, even after shifting a little and getting the bear to grumble. Watching him go through some of the same motions of stretching and taking a few steps up the dragon to rest his white head on his neck. Licking at the side of his neck a bit and aiming for the ear. "Don't you dare." Beo mumbled, getting both of them to chuckle.

"Alright. But I'm getting that ear for breakfast one of these days." A nuzzle into his neck as Bartan started to meet the blue one muzzle to muzzle. Licking at the space between his nostrils, and feeling the large one do the same under his jaw. Along with getting a few small kisses. After looking at each other's eyes for a moment, they smiled. "What do you feel like for breakfast?"

He lightly shrugged, not really sure what could be on the menu. However, such a motion usually meant 'Surprise Me', and the bear often did. Granted, being held onto a bit more said he didn't want to get up yet, so the white one rested once again. Feeling those scaly paws search through the furred shoulders for any damages, but nothing he could make out. However, he still felt small wounds on his bicep for when the Counterweight gave a love bite. "Can we... Talk about it?" He asked the smaller one, shyly.

"If you want to, I don't mind." Another nuzzle, and he rubbed the bicep a bit. Healing it of any wounds and cleaning up the mess within seconds.

"Why the arms?" It broke the bear into chuckles, which were infectious.

"I'm honestly just not sure. I looked at them and..." A deep breath, much like the ones he made while studying the muscle. "I never did that with anyone else. Just you."

"Did what, exactly?"

"Obsess. Fetishize over that body part. Nearly release at the sheer touch of it." Another set of chuckles. "Still, I don't mind. I like it, that's all that matters."

"And you don't mind if I use it against you?" The dragon teased, getting a playful purr out of the white one.

"Not at all. Providing you don't mind if I bite it again."

"Not at all." The two licked at each other again.

"Did you enjoy yourself?" It was a tough question to find the words to, making him take a deep breath. Not necessarily to answer, that was obvious. But how much did he enjoy it?

"Yes... Somehow more than Oranges." A laugh that time. "I'm... Sorry for being..."

"Don't be. You have every right to be shy about that area."

"Not exactly what I meant, but... It's along the same lines." A noise in question as the large one took a breath. "I mean, for... Taking too much from you."

"Which wasn't your fault, you were tied." A faint whimper got the bear to chuckle. "Forgive me, it just came out. Go on."

"But... I've just seemed to be taking and taking from you over and over. Not really giving anything in return back."

"Is that why you let me nail you?"

"N-no... Well... It's what you wanted. And what you did for me." Another breath, and an awkward grumble got his heart to start racing. "I didn't really want to, and I've told you why, but..." A bit of a sad look from those brown eyes. "Bartan... I want to be like you."

"What do you mean?"

"I... I want to be the person you are. To me. To everyone." A heavy sigh as he looked away. "I don't want to be Beo'Kros anymore. I don't want to keep remembering these horrible memories, having them flooding me with guilt and remorse. Stupid mistakes that I've done for so long. I want to change, but I'm afraid that these will haunt me forever..." A slow blink from the bear. "Can you... Just remove-"

"It doesn't work that way." A semi-harsh tone made his frilled ears fall, and Bartan sighed. "I wish it did, but it won't fix this. You'll only remain guilty, but unable to remember why. The shame doesn't come from the memory, Beo. And erasing them doesn't help you as a person." A paw on his muzzle, as he pulled towards his eyes. "I know it's hard to remember your past. I know it's hard to live with it. I've done a lot of bad, and lived through a lot of pain as well." A lick between his nostrils. "But if you can learn from it, get it off your shoulders, and use it to climb up... You'll become a better person."

"...I'll become you?"

"Minus the pure white fur and the muscle fetish." The two smiled. "But don't give up, Beo. We'll find the person you want to be."

"Together?"

"Together." The two kissed again, embracing tightly as the dragon's stomach growled. "After breakfast, of course."

"So, that's what that was." The blue one half whimpered, walking along the path. Though his ears were purple at the bear's explanation, he was still enjoying the lesson. Hoping that no one else was around to hear. "Let alone, what you meant earlier by Tied." Bartan chuckled.

"Yeah, that swelling does stop pretty much everything from the inside. I hope it wasn't too painful."

"I barely remember it, but I do recall noticing it got... Bigger." Another whimper as his sheath started to swell. "And that would explain the..."

"Expansion afterword?" That one got Beo to stop and look away shyly, trying to keep a straight face, but almost laughing at the absurdity of it. "Again, hope it wasn't too painful."

"It was... An Experience." The two chuckled as the white one pet him on the arm. Back to his smaller size. "But it worried me."

"That you were going to explode?" His wings covered his head as he whimpered.

"What a way to go..." He said through his breaths.

"Don't need to worry when you're with me though. If worse comes to worse and your body can't hold anymore, it'll only slightly sting. I'll make sure that you don't actually _die_from it."

"Give me a minute." The scaled one breathed, getting Bartan to chuckle again and notice a certain weapon showing itself.

"Do you like it?" A noise in question. "Expansion or Expanding?" A deep breath, and he withdrew his wings. Not trying to be ashamed at the purple that was invading his scales.

"I'm not completely sure. I know I didn't... Dislike it. It's just something I'm not used to." A deep breath. "But..." A noise in question from the bear this time. "I'll tell you something I'm starting to like..."

"And that is?"

"Your... Fur." He cleared his throat awkwardly, seeing the white one blush a little bit.

"Oh?" The large one nodded, trying to stare straight forward. "It is rather nice, though you don't get a good feel for it when you're already coated with the stuff." A chuckle from him. "Does remind me though, I do like some of your... Equipped features. I wouldn't mind trying some of them on myself, if you don't."

"Features?"

"Spines, ridges, I donno. I honestly felt for a while that mine is a little... Bare. Just wanted something else."

"You mean, besides a Knot."

"Well, the Knot is a surprise." The two chuckled. "And a fun one at that."

"Only because you like making dragons fat, I'm sure." He playfully snorted.

"You caught me. But really, I might do some experimenting. Feel free to think of some yourself if you want." A slight whimper from Beo.

"That Knot might not be a bad idea, if it doesn't hurt when it swells."

"It just gets really tight. Granted, with your already... Thick..." Another breath from the bear as he composed himself. "But we'll see during our next session."

"Some sure about it, aren't you?" A laugh from him.

"Of course. Granted, I would also suggest a fur coat, but that might be pushing it. Wouldn't want you to hide those..." A faint whimper from Bartan as he shook his head. "Anyway, if you like Fur, you'll probably like Arson then too." That made the dragon double take for a moment.

"Who?"

"My wife." Beo suddenly stopped in his tracks while Bartan was scanning the outlands for some breakfast. "She's about as fluffy as me, really." There was no response from him, and when the silence lingered for a while, those brown eyes looked at him with curiosity. "Everything okay?"

"...Yeah. Yeah." He said, taking a breath and carrying on. "Just... Remembered something, that's all."

"Another chapter?"

"...Yeah. One I'll tell after breakfast. I can't really concentrate when I'm this hungry." He mumbled, trying not to sound sad about the news that Bartan was taken. Instead he coughed for a moment. "Know where there's any water nearby?"

"Mhmm, should be a stream down there. I'll see if I can get us some veggies from this garden, but we might have to work for them."

"That's... Fine." The two nodded as they went their separate ways. Getting through some of the thick trees and finding the stream of water, the dragon collapsed. His heart completely torn apart. Trying not to lose himself completely just yet, knowing that the large one would probably be heard. But instead just shed a few small tears, watching them ripple in the moving stream, and almost picturing his icy appearance through it.

Just when he let himself be vulnerable again, another harsh truth stabbed him in the chest. No matter how thick his armor was, it was a weapon he couldn't defend against. No wonder he acted the way he did before. No wonder he turned so cold and brutal. Everytime he went to find a form of love, it was betrayed or torn away from him. And this would be an endless cycle of despair. The truth was: Beo deserved to look like this. To remain looking like this for the rest of his life.

After several minutes passed, he heard the bear's calls. Taking a deep breath, he could at least attempt to stay strong until they separated completely. Maybe he could find a way to spend a night alone, or just fly away while Bartan was sleeping. Still, after a long drink, Beo took another breath. Feeling it almost freeze the very water before him. He would always remain Cold.

He could feel the frost placed far beneath the sand, as the blue dragon waited within the island beach. Though the sun was trying it's best to save the suffering planet from an icy death, it couldn't possibly give off enough heat to revitalize the core. As Beo glared at the fireball in the sky, he snorted at it. Thinking that it might be next, if this doesn't get a Force's attention.

The blue one took a deep breath, still trying to hold his concentration on the two massive bombs on the polar axis'. Ones that appeared invisible, but were full of a concussive blast. With the core of the planet being rather fragile in this state, detonating both of those areas would ensure the planet's demise. Along with its inhabitants.

Wingbeats caught his ear, getting his heart ready for the first showdown and ruthlessly kill whatever Force that detected his plans. Scanning the horizon, he groaned loudly as he tossed his blue muzzle. Finding two dragons, and no doubt the old dog, flying towards him. Sacrificing any of them wouldn't be enough to get the Forces attention. It would actually be counterproductive. "What are you doing here." Beo grumbled, giving them a warm welcome.

"Trying to stop you from making a big mistake-"

"What the dinosaur means is: he's come to apologize." A very sharp glare at Siggy from both dragons. "You want him back, don't you?"

"I am not apologizing for saving his tail!"

"You mean, killing my pet!" The two hissed at each other.

"So what? We'll get you another one." Another harsh glare from those green eyes. "They can't be that hard to replace." He snorted.

"And be trapped under his foolish strategies again? I'll pass. I know what I'm doing."

"Which is what, exactly? Sacrificing the planet?" Raccel asked rather thickly.

"If that's what it takes. Now if you don't mind, I have a fight to prepare for. If you don't want your Mortal self to be caught in the crossfire, then scram with your tail between your legs. All of you." The dragons snorted at each other, getting the icy one to turn around.

The island sat in silence for a few moments, and Nalchulus turned around. Preparing to take off, and nearly scolded quietly by Raccel. As Sig'eaal took a deep breath, almost whimpering while looking back and forth at the opposite dragons, he grumbled. "Look. We can't do this without you, Beo." The brown one admitted. "And the dog's never let us down, as frustrating as it is to be patient with him. But we _need_you." No response. "Just come back to us, we'll figure out how to fix this and make things better. Even find a new pet-"

"You seem to think this is about Possession, don't you." The blue one growled, still not looking at them.

"...Isn't it?" A louder growl.

"...You know what her favorite food was? Snow cones, after she tried them. Her favorite season? Winter, something she rarely seen until I showed her. By breaking your rules, by the way." He snorted. "Do you know what it's like to make somebody Happy for once? To have them not fear you for what you do, but to appreciate who you are?" Louder growls as the air around them got a colder. "She wasn't in Control of me, I chose to do things for her. I was the one making the decisions regardless-"

"Which is how it starts out!" The red one growled, getting Beo to turn around and hiss. The plantlife around them started to wither from the sudden cold that was in the air, even getting the dragons to shiver a bit. "You're manipulated to thinking that you're doing it for them, but they're making the suggestions that swim in your head!" Another hiss.

"And so what!? You decide to just Burn Her Alive!?" The water around them started to freeze solid. "Without even asking!? Talking to us!? Of course, you think you're always so damn right, but you're Not! You were wrong, Nalchulus! You killed someone who didn't deserve it! And now the world will pay for your actions!" The ice dragon flexed his arm heavily and went to slam it into the ground. But the sounds of glass shattering staggered his entire body back, just before getting it pinned to the cold sand. Hearing Raccel curse as three creatures landed on the ground.

Beo couldn't get a good look at them, let alone make out what they were saying, but he knew it was the Forces. Soon enough, he felt the life drain from him like he was dying, until Siggy hissed loudly. Throwing a node of lightning and giving the blue one some time to breathe.

On the verge of unconsciousness, he used a precious breath to curse as he heard the sound of others fighting. Blacking out every few moments, and trying so hard to recover. Never finding it so hard to just get up off the ground and spit the sand out of his mouth. But is anger returned, letting him grow stronger while the others were fighting.

Still feeling a faint grip on those concussive bombs, and surprised they were not removed yet, the dragon mustered the rest of his strength to detonate them. Feeling both shockwaves strike into the planet and cause it to collapse. Shattering from the sheer force of the blasts, and breaking the entire world's crust. Exploding it into pieces and sending them in all directions.

The Binturong groaned awake, still holding onto his crushing wounds from the harsh landing. Trying his best to crawl out of the mess of burnt land and heated glass. Still half being able to make out a large section of that island, as burnt as it was. Only a miracle that it didn't do any excessive damage to this planet when it landed.

Dusting off his black clothing, and catching his breath, he climbed out of the crater. Fiddling with the device on his wrist to find the location of his teammates. Getting a couple of destress calls, but nothing terribly serious. They seemed alive at least, and as long as he was, they would stay alive. Now he just had to find Reality and Fate before searching for those dragons that were causing so much trouble.

Still, it was unreal that only one of them was able to do that. He knew that they should've looked into the sightings and reports from the clans. Getting the bearcat to almost growl at both Fate and his current wounds. But for now, he just had to recover. Closing his eyes to gather his energy once again, he felt a shadow fall over him. One thicker than just a normal cloud. When he went to look at it, the last thing he seen was four icy claws aiming straight for him.

Chapter 9

The two parked on a higher flat area, one allowing them to see the sun set from a distance. It honestly looked beautiful in the dusk, seeing the long shadows stretch across the fields and reach for the road that called for their destination. Well... The bear's destination at least. Beo picked a spot away from the trees so that he wouldn't wake the white one by accident. It was easier to take off in a wide area with little ground without making too much noise. If he had to, he could just glide off.

The meals didn't taste too good today. The weather seemed cold, and was only to fall colder with the setting sun. To top it all off, there was a strange tension between the two males now. Admitting to another lost love one to the bear was hard enough, and made for a good excuse for the dragon being so quiet. But he knew Bartan would pry at him. Saying something like it would be better to talk about it.

His ears flickered at his pawsteps coming from behind. Three sets, telling him of the form he's taken, even though the blue one really didn't feel like anything tonight. But then again, if he could exhaust the bear, it would be easier to escape without waking him. "What's wrong?" The white one asked, getting a faint mumble and a shrug from the icy dragon. "Still thinking about Lynnoa?"

"...Yeah." Beo mumbled, feeling the Counterweight lay down really close to him, almost in his face. Expecting him to command that the dragon to reopen a closed wound so it could be treated. But instead, he got a rather strong paw pulling on his muzzle. Getting a strange look from those brown eyes, something... Stronger.

"You're lying." He said a bit thickly, getting the dragon's ears to go back. "What is it?" The green eyes trailed off like he didn't want to talk. "Hey." Another thick statement. "Talk."

Beo snorted at him. "Fine." A deep breath. "...You're wife."

"Arson? What about her?"

"...She exists?" He half shrugged, nearly deflating all the warmth out of him. Leaving nothing but that cold.

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Here I thought we had a connection. But really, you were just looking for someone to-" The blue one stopped himself, feeling a harsh glare from those brown eyes. Or at least thought so, looking into them; they were somewhat puzzled.

"...Oh." His cold heart sank, there was no possible way Bartan didn't think this through already. He once again felt used. Controlled or manipulated. "You're one of those dragons?"

Another surprised look from Beo, double taking at the white one and curling his neck. "Those Dragons?" He quoted him.

"I was thinking you were into opened relationships." A slow tilt of his head as his ears perked. "The last time I seen you-" There was a long awkward silence as the sun completely set. Both of them in rather embarrassed stalemates until a small rock fell and broke the quiet air.

"...Last time...?" Bartan sighed heavily, putting his foot in his mouth. "What does...?"

"I wanted to wait until your memories completely returned, because I thought you would be searching for them." He said sadly. "But first... About Arson." He looked deep into the dragon's green eyes. "You remember what I told you about Counterweights and their emotions, right?"

"You mean lack thereof, yes." His eyes trailed off, piecing something together. "She's a Counterweight too...?"

"Yes. But we've always had an opened relationship."

"Meaning? Sex?"

"With others, yes. But also finding other people to love." The bear lightly pet under the dragon's jaws, not trying to get him to purr. But to just look in his eyes. "I wasn't playing you, if that's what you felt like. I'm sorry if it came off that way, I really am. I was just..." A breath. "It started out just helping you-"

"Why?"

"Because you... Because we met before this. Before all of this." He curled his neck. "And I never thought I would actually see you again. It was just coincidence that we did, and..."

"You wanted to save me..." The white one nodded. "From what-?" A pain in the dragon's head.

"Shhh, shhh. You probably don't remember yet, but don't tear it. If you let it come, you'll understand." A sad look from Beo. "But after... Caring for you these past few days..." His four ears started to blush. "I grew a liking to you... More than that, to be honest."

"So, you too...?" The two looked at each other, almost smiling and letting the silence speak volumes. "But what...?"

"Happened?" A deep breath. "Okay, okay. I'll tell you the short version."

~~~~~~

I was wondering around like we are, just visiting places and trying to find something.

Beo: "What exactly?"

...I'll tell you. Tomorrow. Don't worry about it now, but I wanted to stop for a drink. So I walked into a bar.

Beo: "Ouch."

A pub, you. *Chuckles* It wasn't horribly busy, just a bit crowded with a few larger folks around. I made an order for water and something to eat, then waited at a table. When the bartender brought over a hard drink, I said he was mistaken. But that was from someone else.

Beo: "Someone else?"

A brass dragon, on the other side of the bar. He was big, yes, but much thinner than you are. Didn't have nearly as much... Muscle. *Deep breath*

Beo: "My... Father?"

I'll... Get to that. After a while, I invited him over to join me, and he did. The first thing he said to me was, and I quote: "I don't mean to be straight forward, but if I flipped a coin, what are my odds of getting some tail?"

Beo: "...A you serious?"

I thought it was kinda charming, no games to be played or anything. And it was a dragon, I thought nothing of it. So I laughed at him, but didn't say no. I just wanted to eat first, and I ordered him a plate as well. We talked through most of the night, and when he asked if I had a place to stay, I didn't. So he flew me to his house in the mountains-

Beo: "And he-?"

Yes. He basically turned me into a waterbed. *Beo Blushes* And then I turned him into a waterbed afterword, in this form. Then had to explain this form to him.

Beo: "You mean, a Counterweight."

Yeah... It was farfetched, but he had an exotic experience with it just now to believe me. But then... He asked me for a request. "Can you... Go back to the day I was hatched and just take me away?"

Beo: "What?"

That was pretty much my reaction to him. "I... Hate this life. Constantly drowning my stress and sorrows in one night stands, ones that are getting more and more rare as time goes on. I've been through eight different bars, I fix photocopiers for a living... I'm tired of it. I don't blame my parents for this, but... This world is terrible. Can you just... Reset my life? Make me into someone different? Stronger?"

Beo: "...This was me."

~~~~~~

The polar bear nodded sadly, as the dragon took in the heavy truth. "You... Stole me from my real parents and...?"

"No, I didn't... But I did convince them to abandon you." His white head sunk.

"But what about that Taath about not messing with other universes!? Screwing with the timeline!? Why didn't the Counterweight stop you-!?"

"Because there wasn't one." Beo was quiet for a moment, his eyes trailing off. "And Fate had... No interest in your life like that. Removing you hardly did anything."

"And so, I was left alone... Since I was hatched...?"

"...Yes. And I did it. When I found you dead in that universe..." A heavy sigh left him. "I'm sorry, Beo. I really shouldn't have, but your past self begged me over and over. And I understood how he felt... But that doesn't make it fair to you." The blue one stared at him for a few moments, then put a paw onto his white one.

"When you said Opened Relationship..."

"...I wanted to make you part of it. I just wasn't sure what you would say, and I didn't want to ruin... This." A deep breath from him. "...Maybe I was trying to fix something that I did wrong, but..." There was a long silence between them as the light faded from the sky. With a small step closer to the Counterweight, Beo wrapped his arms around his back.

"...I forgive you." Bartan let out a staggering breath. "As long as you don't leave me, I forgive you." A nod from the bear as they squeezed each other's paws.

"Thank you." His black and white muzzle sniffed. "...I love you, Beo."

"I love you too, Bartan." He said, wrapping his wings tightly around the fluffy body. Squeezing it for a few minutes before letting him turn around so they could embrace easier. Lick each other's tears off their face, and share a quick kiss.

"...Are you tired of being Blue?" Though it was a puzzling question, he figured the Counterweight understood what was going on with his scales. Nodding while sniffing himself.

"Yes..." A heavy breath. "Yes." And he waited for instructions from the bear. Getting a really deep kiss that lasted several minutes. Feeling his tongue explore the dragon's maw from the inside, all while giving him a nice comfort within his own. Knowing that his thicker appendage would easily overpower the red one, he patiently waited for a guide as their bodies got ready. Feeling a very warm sensation within his armored chest.

Very slowly breaking the kiss and smiling at each other, a slight shimmer on the bear's neck got his attention. What seemed to be blue flakes, like the color of his scales were falling off. Making him a bit worried, but with Bartan's smile, the dragon knew it was normal. Going in for another long kiss before waiting for more instructions. "You lead this time." The white one said, catching the dragon off guard for a moment.

The blue one was almost lost at the thought of it, but soon nodded. Going in for a few licks, the dragon started climbing down the wolf-like body. Licking at it a bit, but nuzzling it with his muzzle through most of the way down. Letting that white warm fur shed his frozen armor that has been on for far too long, until getting to the red weapon.

He knew it was out, feeling it greet against his own while the two were locking lips. It was just a shame Beo couldn't try that tongue trick during their second session together. But upon looking at it, he could picture what it looked like. However, there were a few surprising changes.

The spear-like flare still remained, as well as its general canine shape. But it was now covered in three sets of spines, much like the dragon's. Though, it was a bit reversed; with two sets on the bottom of the weapon, and one set at the top, it was still interesting to see, let alone nuzzle to. And of course, when the rest of the appendage was pulsed out of its protection, the ridges Bartan was talking about appeared as well.

The question did pop in his mind though, did they function? With one strong lick directly at the ridges, the bear gasped and whimpered loudly. Instantly losing what breath he had in his body, and leave him desperately tending for more. The sudden reaction made the dragon smile, for now he could manipulate the Counterweight sexually with the same tactics.

He started with the basic muzzlejob, Completely wrapping the entire length with his tongue and leading it into his muzzle got the white one to whimper again, mostly on the touching of the ridges again. But from within, that large purple appendage started toying with the spineful weapon. Constantly getting the Counterweight to whimper and moan with his deep breaths.

All the while, a sneaky paw was going under. Reaching for the hamstrings at first, but it wasn't giving off the same reaction. However, slipping the paw inside a bit more, between the furry pouch and the tailhole, gave off a desperate squirm of release. As well as a jolt from within, which got Beo to stop for a moment. Withdrawing from the muzzlejob and giving the bear a very odd look. "I... Thought of it earlier..." Bartan tried to explain through heavy breaths, getting the dragon to lick at it a bit more and match the flavor. Oranges.

Again with the puzzled gaze, this time at the bear's package, before looking at his brown eyes again. "You can... Change that?" It got him to chuckle, and nod. Getting a rather devious smirk from the larger one. "That was a bad idea." He said, going back to work on the red shaft. Getting the Counterweight to half chuckle and whimper blissfully as Beo sexually tormented him. Playing with the spines, ridges, and that secret spot of his until he got more sprays of delicious juice. Tasting just like the real thing, just a bit thicker.

With several rapid breaths, and a bracing thrust, Bartan's pouch emptied. Unloading its contents into the dragon's muzzle soon after, but not nearly as much as the night before. Regardless, it left the bear panting, almost whimpering for more. As the larger one shook his head, feeling quite a few of those icy spines shed their frost, he stepped over the bear. Leaving his purple weapon within muzzle reach.

The white one read the action perfectly, greeting the erect tower with a few kisses before opening up to the flare. Getting two of his paws to grasp the shaft, and the other two to grab his stones, the dragon hissed for a moment. Feeling a strange discomfort for a few moments before their release. Half knowing the changes the bear made while he continued.

Bartan kept at the upper half, once in a while going the full length to see if he could get the dragon to collapse from sheer pleasure. But his other paws worked on the hamstrings. A massive weakness of the titanic one that he loved to exploit. All the while, sheading those haunches and hind legs of its unnatural blue.

The motions were soon too much for Beo, getting him to slowly squat down lower and lower over the bear, while trying to keep his balance. Almost thrusting into the white muzzle over and over, and feeling something within that area rising. One last thrust, and he grabbed Bartan's head. Forcing torrents within his maw, and down his throat, but only several. Feeling a few more licks before climbing up the dragon to meet him again.

But Beo took a step back to meet him halfway, getting a few licks on the muzzle and going in for a kiss. To his surprise, a large glob of his own seed was pushed into his mouth, getting the blue dragon to whimper in surprise before being held onto and encouraged to take it in. Loving this strange flavor or blueberries and grapes. Just like the first meal he had with the bear.

After they broke the kiss and caught some much needed breaths, Bartan licked him. "You like?" He asked, only getting another deep kiss for more from the dragon. Feeling each other thrust against their bodies, and create a soft friction. Leading to Beo's next step, taking one back and holding onto the bear tightly. Gnawing into his neck a bit before lining up the purple weapon against the Counterweight's tailhole. A faint few pants and licks welcomed such a thing, as he carefully pressed into the furred one.

The hole felt almost smaller, getting alot of resistance at first before slipping around the flare of his lower horn. Making the two whimper blissfully as it stretched the hole opened more and more, making way for the thick shaft and the many spines that lined it. Deep breaths from both of them as the prods got harder and harder. And then one heavy grip from his now brass paws forced the weapon inside the bear.

Several moments of rapid breaths, as well as a few sprays of each weapon gave them time to kiss again. This time a bit rougher than before, especially after driving his full length into the bear and making him squirt between them. Washing off more of that frost from his lower belly, but something needed to be done with that chest. The warmth within was growing strong, yes but it needed a special touch.

Laying him back on the ground again, Beo started thrusting into the Counterweight using his entire body. Nearly taking an entire step back to get that white fur to wash away the cold stains, and then driving the thick nail into him for some extra orange soap. Doing this often made the dragon flex, which only turned Bartan's face completely red, and wanting to gnaw at the thick muscle. Driving the full length into him one more time and giving the bear what he desired.

Biting into that dense arm with almost all his jawpower actually hurt the dragon. Feeling those teeth actually sink in and break into the muscle, but the pain felt somehow wonderful. Making the Brass one release a few torrents inside, before giving a few short thrusts. When the white one sprayed enough between them, he finally let go of the bicep and healed the wounds quickly. Almost turning to apologize, but interrupted by the dragon's deep kiss.

It was soon after, the dense feeling was starting to be felt. Like a small bump in the dragon's shaft, stretching out the ridges and driving his pleasure senses into overdrive. Figuring out what it was quickly, Beo took three last, massive thrusts into the furry body. Forcing a heavy spray out of every one before leaving the knot inside. Watching the white one squirm against the pressure of the swelling and go into his own completely blissful realm of semi-consciousness, they both tried to roar. But the feeling left them both breathless.

Instead, they just squeezed each other senseless. Feeling the weapon tighten up more and more, then thicken as its first torrent released within the bear. Feeling their entire bodied spaz against such a thing, constantly jerking and squirming while the dragon's tail slammed down into the ground. Nearly splitting the very mountain in half.

The wall soon arrived, getting them both to whimper loudly against it as they fought each other. Feeling the bear very quickly lose and start to bulge out of his normal form. The torrents didn't let up, constantly pumping more and more hot blue into the white one until it hit another wall. Another loud whimper and Bartan lost again. His belly beginning to finally press against the dragon's and the ground. Bloating outwards as it desperately tried to make room.

As more and more pushed through, making that furry body tighten like a drum, it started forcing the two apart. Just out of muzzle's reach before it slowed down. Allowing them to catch their breath and try to get closer to each other for another few licks. Instead, they settled with holding paws. "Your... Turn." Beo panted, getting the bear to smile and nod.

A sudden large opening around the dragon's weapon let all of his accumulated seed run free, deflating the bear's belly and lowering the dragon for a kiss. Feeling him start to lay on his back, but Bartan stopped him. Instead, getting up and behind the dragon. That excitement returned, as he could feel the bear mount his haunches. Two sets of arms to his side, and over what almost remained of the thick blue frost. But one thing did come to mind.

The dragon's tail. Now brass like most of his body and lined with red spines, yes, but how was he going to get around it? Beo on his back was the only way he thought it would work, until he felt that prod of the red weapon. Nearly exiling the breath out of his brass chest. Feeling it poke directly into the tailhole and almost make his legs weak.

Though it was hard to, Beo tried to study what the bear was doing. He felt the furry legs against his hamstrings, yes, as well as his body against his haunches. But it was also around his tail, the entire circumference, and then some. Like the Counterweight suddenly had a hole in him, the exact thickness of the dragon's tail.

He couldn't concentrate past that, whereas the red tower suddenly invaded him. Sending more bliss through his body than he could take. Feeling it thrust slowly in and out, and squirt a few shots to make it a little easier. The brushing of the white fur against his back and hamstrings felt wonderful and made the brass one whimper loudly into the night.

Upon hitting the first ridge, Bartan nearly collapse. Gasping for air before shooting a few torrents inside the dragon. Knowing he was going to have to fight a battle like that soon enough almost frightened him, but the Counterweight claimed he wouldn't be harmed by it. For now, Beo just enjoyed every little movement.

The wind blew over them a bit, trying to corrupt their session of love with its harsh cold. But the warmth inside the dragon was still burning brightly, thawing out every last scale from his own self-inflicting curse. His mane clattered with the wind, finally dropping its icicles and reviving the crimson red that flourished over him. The cold, white membranes of his wings, covered in frost, regrew into that same bright red. The icicles on the branches fell and turned into diamond dust, all while being heavily thrusted by a wolf-bear-thing. A creature that he loved, and that loved him back.

As the last speck of blue was removed from his body, the dragon stumbled forward. Feeling the red tool dig very deep inside him, and start to grow a bit. "Do you want it inside?" Bartan gasped, and seeing the dragon nod sharply. Trying to hold himself together, but he released his own sprays below them. Finally making his hind legs give in and fall.

The two panted as the swelling grew inside his tailhole. Grunting at the pressure, but he somehow loved it. The knot was so hard, dense, and forceful, but the thrill and pleasure it gave off was worth it. Giving or receiving. Sometimes, they were one in the same.

But when it reached its full size, Beo whimpered really loudly. Sending another few torrents of blue juices below him, and feeling the bear comfort him. All the while spazing out himself and trying to remain still. The weapon inside pulsed. Again. A third time. Then started to grow more. With heavy pants, the brass dragon was ready for it.

The sprays of orange flooded inside him, rushing through his lower belly and racing for the finish. Quickly getting there and building up with both males just resting on it. As the belly groaned loudly, pushing against that wall, it started to press out a little. Then suddenly give in and press the two up a bit, trying to remain more wide, but those scales were already stretched out. The discomfort and pressure were soon overpowered by the bliss such a thing gave, feeling the brass belly beginning to press against his thighs and arms.

It pushed them up to about a standing position, making Beo wonder just how much more he could take, let alone what the bear had left. With the torrents constantly coming, forcing the dragon to spread his legs outward, it soon tripped him. Making him rest his back half on the bloated area as it continued to grow. Pressing harder and harder to go forward, for there was not much room left in the back.

His head constantly tried to look back, trying to spot the bear and get instructions whether or not to worry. But a soft paw just petting his back, lightly gripping those spines, told him to just keep still. That he was fine if he didn't try anything drastic.

Another wall was broken soon after, getting the brass dragon's chest to suddenly start to expand between his arms and thick muscles. Pushing them out enough for the belly to take his full weight, along with Bartan's. Almost being able to see the scales become transparent and the orange liquid inside pushing against his limits. But the dragon didn't want to think about it, let alone the end result.

A few more thick sprays inside pushed the belly out further, making him whimper, but it was slowing down. As the bear released a pent up breath and started panting, it was a sign it was over. Allowing Beo to do the same. Overlooking himself, both at the new color and shape, he tried to look at Bartan once again. Only to feel him dismount, yet the plug wasn't released. At least the white one's weight was relieved, as he walked around him and whimpered loudly, much like when he was looking at the dragon's muscles. "How do you fe...?" He tried to speak to the brass one, only to get interrupted by another whimper and jerk for a moment. Getting Beo to feel another torrent get released inside him and yelp.

"Easy!" The dragon hissed, so worried that he might break at the slightest touch. "Can you release this already?"

"Y-yeah..." Bartan said, placing a paw on it and loving the tightness it was giving. Granted, at the brass one's expense, making him whimper loudly. Not comfortable until the plug was released and the pressure started to fade. Draining him of the massive weight after a few minutes, and allowing him to walk again. "Sorry about that..." The bear looked at him shyly, but the dragon just kissed him.

"It's fine. But I get to do that to you next time." They chuckled. "And I mean the full thing, immobilizing and whatnot."

"And bursting?" The white one teased, getting the dragon's ears to turn purple. "Still, it should wait another night." They laid down, the bear once again on bottom.

"Tomorrow." Beo teased, getting another kiss as fatigue started to kick in.

"I'm looking forward to it." Bartan replied, as the two slept the night away.

He never felt stronger, being able to control everything within sight. If a mountain was in his way, he could simply remove it. If the ocean crossed his bath, he could divide it into two. The dragon was now unstoppable, and now in charge of an entire universe, whatever that meant.

But his subjects around him adored the icy one, without him needing to manipulate their minds either. He simply took a nap one afternoon on a beach, and they fell enthralled by his presence. Perhaps the other Forces took extensive care in order not to be seen by the inhabitants of the universe, but Beo could care less. After these creatures took a fondness to him, nearly making the dragon a celebrity, he actually half cared about their existence.

But the other Forces... They did not take too kindly to his claim of Death. Attempting to hunt and overthrow the Icy one was a big mistake, for as soon as they were separated, the others had no chance. In the end, being claimed just like their fallen comrade. And within a single moment; Beo'Kros owned everything.

It came with its perks, yes, and the dragon enjoyed the easy life. Though the loss of Lynnoa still ached his heart, a harem of sorts was starting to form around his stays. Visiting city after city, planet after planet, the dragon's name was being spread far and wide. And he loved it. Or at least at first.

After a while, the constant visits started to become tedious to him. The celebrations grew tiresome, and the attention was getting irkful. It was the strangest feeling, to be honest. He had all the power he could ever want, and all he could do with it was babysit others. Sure, he could rule them with a cold iron fist. He could just exterminate them out of sheer boredom, but that wouldn't change the fact that there was something missing in all of this. Something that still felt lost to him.

Granted, that wasn't the only thing wrong lately. For some odd reason, he kept feeling more and more tired. His body and mind were slowly draining of its stamina, even with a few years worth of rest. It made sense after he nearly died while exploding that first planet, but that was before he obtained Death. One would assume that Death would neglect the need of Stamina, it always seemed to be the case for Raccel.

And it wasn't the dragon getting old. Beo wasn't young, but he was still in his Prime. His strength was still second to none, yet it was still fading. Slowly, but it was over time. And this showed during these celebrations, getting others to be concerned about his well being.

The years pasted, and he still couldn't find the answer. It seemed like days were dividing what maximum endurance he had left, and the dragon almost felt ill. A mass antidote craze spread through the worlds, as they desperately attempted to find a cure for his strange sickness, but nothing they tried worked. It was such an odd feeling, getting nearly a universe's worth of people working together just to save him. To save their God.

Heaven Shall Burn - Deyjandi Von (Instrumental, No Vocals)

One fateful night, Beo passed out in what seemed to be a desert. Not the first time he lost consciousness, but it was getting much more frequent. With every waking recovery, he felt more and more tired. Exhausted. Like he was fading. And when he woke up here, next to a campfire, he could barely recognize some long familiar faces. "You're alive." Nalchulus mumbled, not looking away from the flames inbetween them.

"And looking like a fine piece of tail, I might add." The brown dragon snorted, teasing the blue one and nearly spotting a smile. "You still look better than Nal, so that's progress." A growl from the red dragon got Beo to cough.

"Enough you two." And there was the third, not really being able to see or move from his spot to look at the Dog, but they lived. All three of them somehow lived. "How do you feel, Beo?" The only thing he could do to answer was take deep heavy breaths.

"That says a lot." Siggy muttered. "I didn't think I'd ever see Mr. Muscles out of shape." A faint growl made the stick smile a bit.

"I don't think he's out of shape..." The canine muttered sadly, finally getting up and into the view of the green eyes. Unable to completely focus on him, Beo knew what was coming.

"I..." A heavy breath. "Did this... For Myself..." He heaved, coughing a bit as his lungs struggled to function. "Not for... Any of you..." A few breaths nearly made him pass out.

"That's kind of you." Nal snorted, feeding the blue one's anger and giving him a bit more energy. Keeping his eyes closed so they didn't require stamina, not that they were much use now anyway.

"But I... Can't... So... You Will..." A slow swallow as he struggled to lift his head up. Feeling a furry paw on his muzzle. "...Raccel..."

"I'm here, Beo."

"Fate..." A cough as he expelled a third of his remaining energy from his body, and transferring it to the canine. "Siggy..."

"What? No. I don't-"

"Reality..." Another cough, and a third fled from his armored chest. Making it that much harder to breathe, and he suddenly felt cold.

"...Nal... Old... Bastard..." The red one was Quiet. "Death..." Another cough and the blue dragon collapsed, leaving him with a very small fraction of stamina left. Hearing his heart drum in his chest, Beo struggled to breathe. Hearing the faint whimpers of the brown one as he came a bit closer. "Don't you dare remember me... Don't you dare... Remember me like this...!" And he stopped, finally giving into the coldness and falling into the abyss.

Chapter 10

A few licks on his sensitive ear caused it to flick, batting the red appendage away. Getting the dragon to growl a bit as he became more aware of what was going on, feeling the soft fur under him, and paws pet his muscles. But when those teeth playfully caught the frilled ear, the brass one's reflexes kicked in. Getting him to bite the furred one on the neck and make Bartan whimper a bit in pleasure. Feeling him thrust a bit into the dragon on top during the length of the bite.

But it didn't cause any damage, and after a few moments, Beo let go. Licking into that fur a few times and nuzzling it until he became more aware. Never smiling so brightly to wake up next to someone, even during a cold morning. The warmth of that white fluff was intoxicating, even in spots that his body wasn't holding onto during the night.

After exchanging a few licks and kisses, they looked into each other's eyes and smiled. Seeing a slight tint of red invade the bear's four ears and making the dragon chuckle a bit. "And you thought you could get away with it, huh?"

"I had to try. It was just taunting me." Another lick. "Perhaps I need a bit more punishment, or do you need some breakfast first."

"Just something to drink." He stretched his jaws out, feeling the spines on his chin easily move, along with his mane. It was going to take some getting used to, but he loved the gift of his old appearance back. "I'm thinking some Orange Juice will hit the spot, but you might be able to help me with that, won't you?" The white one laughed, getting the other to do the same too. "Innuendo, I'm not even sure I did it correctly."

"Correct enough. I've been ready for a while if you want to drink straight from the tap." A slight eyebrow made the bear blush again. "You've been flexing in your sleep..." A deep breath as the Counterweight looked over the bicep again. Even getting the brass one to study the thick muscle and shake his head.

"I'd like that, but probably not much further than it, unless we want to spend the entire day here." A shrug from Bartan.

"I don't mind. It's a nice spot. Very airy."

"And wide opened for others to see." A slight blush himself.

"Can't work well with an audience?"

"I've never tried it before." Another nuzzle as he took a step down the furred body. "But I suppose there's a first time for everything..." He purred, licking his way down and getting the bear to lose his breath.

"So, you gave it away..." Bartan said, walking with the dragon the day after. Back in his smaller form and looking off to the distance sadly. But still petting the dragon's arm.

"Well... I didn't know what else to do. If I... 'Left' with it, it might disappear or go to the wrong people."

"And you wanted to give it to someone you trusted." Beo was quiet for a few moments, looking off to the side himself and noticing the wet lands surrounding the road. Finally getting a good view of his brass body now, nearly taking his breath away. To the point where he stopped moving to study it.

It was hard to even believe that was him anymore, seeing the icy mane and frosted scales completely cover him for thousands of years. This felt like a breath of fresh air on his armored body, still keeping the basic shape and muscle mass. Even his wings looked different, it honestly made him look more... Powerful.

He noticed the bear stopping as well, coming over to look at the reflection himself and see Bartan sadly smile at it. "...You were right." Beo whispered. "I do look better."

"Alot better, in my opinion." It made the larger one smile as well, but only for a moment.

"But does this mean I lost...?" A slight shrug from the Counterweight as he gestured the waters. With a faint breath, the dragon concentrated on it, and it froze almost immediately. Then created a small blast of concussive force to shatter it. In some way, it made him glad that he still had these cryonic powers, but it also ached his heart a bit. Feeling that pet once again.

"You can never fully escape the past. It will always be with you, in your actions or decisions. Sometimes both. But this isn't a bad thing."

"Just a constant reminder of who I am." His head lowered, and a paw brought it closer to the bear.

"Who you were, Beo'Karah." His head slightly curled, trying not to go out of reach of the comforting appendage. "It was one I was thinking of for these past few days. You don't have to use it-"

"No..." A sad smile. "No, I like it. A lot." A nuzzle. "Thank you, Bartan." A moment together as they hugged, somewhat. "But, you know what happened then, don't you? When I...?"

A deep breath as they started walking again. "Not all universes are designed exactly the same. This goes for pretty much everything; galaxies, planets, people."

"Forces...?" The white one nodded.

"That Counterweight added something to the title of Force, in which: if more than one of those powers were obtained, the holder's body would be poisoned."

"Poisoned?"

"And all three of them would be devastating. It's a miracle how long you kept that power within yourself. But as your antibodies began failing..."

"The faster it corrupted me. To the point where..."

"You couldn't even stand. And even expelling the power wouldn't be enough to cure it. It was just a punishment for those who pursued all three." The dragon's head sank again, and Bartan stopped him for a moment. "You were not in the Wrong to do that, Beo. I don't agree with the Counterweight's decision, but I couldn't just simply restore the damages it did to your body."

"...Which is why you needed me to heal naturally." A nod. "And they...?"

"Are still there. The CW doesn't like them, but I gave it something to think about before I left. Raccel, Nalchulus, and Sig'eaal should all be okay." A faint nod. "I just can't take you to see them-"

"I'm not sure that I could actually confront them again anyway, but why?"

"It was part of the deal: You got to live again, but you cannot enter that Universe anymore. If you do, the Counterweight will Slay you without warning." A deep breath, and the white one comforted him. "There's thousands of others we can visit, and I don't think they're going to stay as Forces forever. We'll see them again, when you're ready." A nod from the large one, and a smile that was contagious.

"Alright, that's my story. What's yours?"

"Mine? I did promise you, didn't I?" A nod as the bear took a deep breath. "It's a bit of a long story, but I'll start at a more recent point first. Then I'll tell you the full thing, but it is rather... Massive. It might be better if you see the events of Entropy's War for yourself."

"Entropy's War...?"

"Which is a much longer story." The furred one chuckled. "But we'll start here: After my universe was made and being well taken care of, as well as my handle on Emotions-"

"A longer story?"

"Not as long, but the original Bartan gave me them as a gift." A very odd look from the brass dragon. "We're just getting started on the madness, if you keep making that face, it's going to stay that way." Another chuckle. "But my Forces were doing very well, able to handle things on their own, as trained. But something kept worrying me. In Veritas, the universe in which Entropy's War started and where the Original Bartan was from, there was a nearby Terrasque harassing it. We couldn't kill it, but we could reinforce the wall that kept it captive."

"Much like the walls in this universe." A nod from the white one.

"But I wanted to check on it, so I did. And well... It looked like it was intentionally broken from the outside, but only a little bit. Even after I tried to repair it, the creature within sensed me, and kept trying to get out. Only making the wall weaker."

"So, what did you do...?"

"I went in... And fought it. See if I could weaken it." A sad look from Beo. "I had help; a few friends from Veritas came to assist me, but I couldn't quite kill the damn thing. If I left it weakened like this, it was only going to get stronger, and I was afraid that the wall wouldn't be able to hold it. If one got out and started devouring everything, there would be no stopping it." Bartan took a breath before continuing. "And so, I ended up consuming it."

"Consuming...? Like eating it?"

"More like absorbing it into my body, which was a mistake, but the only thing I could think of. My form seen it as a poison, and in order to protect who I was, it ended up locking my consciousness in a cocoon. Changing my body into another creature known to be a vessel: a Tirix." The brass one's neck curled. "Again, I'll explain later. But this creature went on to have a life in another universe, before I reawakened. I honestly felt bad for it, so I gave it another body, and transferred its own separate consciousness to it. I wonder if he's still alive...?"

As the large one almost frowned, the bear continued. "But that Terrasque was still connected to several universes, and without one, they were not doing so well. With the current system, they trade the negativity for energy. And when you have too much negativity..."

"The worlds become poisoned." Beo muttered.

"To remove a Terrasque is like to remove someone's liver. Eventually all those toxins will begin to shut the entire body down, making many of the other organs fail. And the system the Counter Force used to monitor this was still functioning."

"Counter Force... That was the old Law Enforcement for Counterweights, right?" A nod from the small one.

"She told me I needed to find a replacement. A person to take the place of the Terrasque and morph them into a new one, so that those universes could be filtered out."

"But didn't you make a universe without pain? Isn't yours one?"

"Yes, but that took several days to drain all the negativity out from it first. It's more that I stopped the pain and suffering from being created while the Terrasque sucked what remained dry. After that you can... Terraform it, so it no longer needs that to function."

"...So, you're out here to find a replacement then..." The dragon mumbled sadly.

"I'm here... Hoping to find a way to make them obsolete. For now, I gave her a temporary fix so those people wouldn't be suffering too much. Enough for me to at least travel and study how the older universes were structured. Hoping maybe there is something out there that I can use. Terrasques were not always the standard way, so I want to find out what else the past Counterweights used." A deep breath, and the large one nuzzled him.

"...I really don't want to think about this, but... What happens if you can't find it?"

"...Then I volunteer." It nearly stopped the dragon's heart, making him step quickly forward and cut the bear's path off. Getting the two to stop and study each other with sad expressions. "It was my fault this happened, Beo. I'm the one who got rid of the Terrasque, and I'm the one who should take responsibility for it."

"But..." He started, but couldn't think of a counter argument. Feeling that paw on his arm again, he gazed at the white one with sad green eyes.

"This is of course after everything else fails. If I don't find anything from the old infrastructure, can't find a better fix, even if it just took maintenance. This is a _ Last Resort _. I have time until then."

" We have time." The brass one said proudly, getting Bartan to smile at him.

He could hear the furry creature in his arms sleeping soundly, as the bright moon illuminated the opened grassy area. Though a few animals were still frolicking around, most were still hiding away from here. The dragon couldn't blame them, especially after the noises the two made a few hours ago. The thought of such events made him smile, but there was still something off, something wrong that he couldn't quite place.

Tired of laying on the living pillow, and finally freed from the tie under his tail, Beo got up. Attempting to be silent, and nearly freezing in place when the bear muttered something. Keeping still for a few moments before carrying on. Walking a few paces before taking to the air.

It's been ages since he's actually flown, so much so that his wings felt a little tired from inactivity. Overlooking the wonderful scenery, such a thing would have never caught his breath before. What seemed like only a week, the dragon was a completely different person.

Maybe that's what was bothering him, as the large one landed in a rather spacious area. One lacking of grass and other plantlife. Now that his heart felt warmer, he still felt almost guilty about the many things he had done. The people he hurt... And those who hurt him. To forgive such things was defined as an act of mercy, yes, but there was still something inside him that demanded pain.

His mind flashed back to that moment when he sacrificed a planet to get the attention of the Forces, only to have a lot of it backfire from being distracted. There was a feeling there that almost awakened, but never went away. No matter how calm he was, how much Bartan filled his chest, and other areas, with love... That coldness still remained.

The dragon swore it was something foreign. Unnatural for his body to obtain. To the point where he wondered if he did rip off the brass scales of his chest if there would still be a beating heart there, or a generator. One that would persistently run around in circles to keep him alive.

A soft landing from the white one surprised Beo, getting his spines to raise and his body tense until he made out Bartan's larger form. Looking at him with curiosity for a moment while the brass one sighed. Turning to him and giving the fluffy one a powerful hug. "...I couldn't sleep." The larger one admitted, feeling him nod.

"That's okay. It's a good night for a flight." A few licks on his shoulder, and Beo returned them. Still rather surprised that the Counterweight could fly. But after seeing many of his other feats, it wasn't that farfetched. "How do you feel?"

A moment of study, and he knew there was no hiding it from the white one. "...I feel like there's something wrong... Inside me. I can't quite explain it." A nod from him. "...You know what it is, don't you?"

"I do. I do." A few more licks and he half pried out of the brass one's grasp. Putting a single paw on that armored chest and looking into his green eyes. "And it's something you should learn how to deal with. A Blessing, yet a Curse." He whispered, almost knowing from experience.

"What is it?"

A deep breath from Bartan as he went in for another hug, and a nuzzle. "...Nalchulus was in the right, for killing Lynnoa behind your back." It caught the dragon's breath, almost doubling his grasp on the bear. "And that dragon female had every right to leave you." Another tight squeeze as he clenched his jaws, feeling a strange pain in that chest amplified. As the Counterweight slowly pried and looked into those green eyes, now feeling rather stunned, his own shown something different. The words hurt, yes, but the brown ones told him that he didn't mean it.

Another trace around his chest, one forming a circle over and over. That pain followed as Beo took a step forward. Holding onto the white one again and breathing deeply. Trying to rock with the pain as it circled around his chest. Faster and faster it started to move, getting him to whimper, yet feel Angry. Enraged. Cold. He hissed loudly as he squeezed those green eyes shut. His brass muscles tightened, unaware of the darkness that was covering his scales. Abyss black, with a very faint tint of blue.

As it started to cover his entire body, that frost returned. Touching his spines and turning them back into icicles, ones eerily clear like perfectly cut glass. His claws sharpened, his breath exhaled a Vanilla mist, and his heart once again froze over. Becoming something much deeper than fragile ice, making Beo struggle with it. "Don't hold it back." Bartan said over his whimpers, and the black dragon roared.

The grounds around him immediately turned into a frosted tundra. The leaves instantly died out from miles away. The clouds far above instantly froze into thick blocks of ice and fell to the ground, shattering before impact as the dragon roared loudly. Nearly splitting everything nearby into shards of frost.

Beo collapsed in pain as the bear held him up a bit. "Easy! Easy!" He got him to stand on his own, cupping his jaws and getting him to look into those brown eyes. "Don't drop it! Don't lose focus! Come on, Concentrate! Overpower the pain!" Bartan encouraged him, taking a few steps behind him, and trying to shrug off the pain of the cold. "I can't help you through this, Beo. You Need To Do It Yourself!" Several deep breaths, and hisses of exhales, the dragon growled loudly. Slowing down a bit, but still looking into those brown eyes. Showing he wasn't lost to the pain.

"Alright, stand up." A few grunts, and the dragon did. It felt like fighting against his own body, his own instincts. Trying his best to keep a clear mind, but this was more than just adrenaline. His veins were filled to the brim with pure, liquidfied power. Demanding to be released at anyone and anything nearby. Still jerking from the sheer force his chest was giving out, even making his frosted wings beat with the rock.

"Okay, now try to slow it down-Very Very Easily." Bartan guided him, like showing him how to walk again. "Slow your breaths. A little slower-keep focus! Okay, slower..." The generator in his chest lost alot of it's speed, and with it; alot of its driving pain. With his body still straining against itself, that power was suddenly dropped from under him. Forcing the dragon to once again take on his brassy color with the red spines.

His body collapsed onto the ground, save for his head which was caught by the bear. Grasping desperately for both air and against the pain of his muscles, Bartan comforted him. "Good... It's okay, Beo. It's over. You did good." Deep breath after deep breath, and he slowly opened his eyes. Almost unable to see at first, but the darkness soon faded. Picturing the Counterweight's fur coat like he was sleeping in a snowstorm. Complete with icicles at the ends of his fur.

But a slow look around, everything was covered in ice. The ground itself felt like a frozen river, the remains of clouds and the miles of now dead trees, completely frozen solid while some remained shattered. Even a few animals that couldn't get away in time were left as statues. Unable to survive such drastic colds.

He sighed heavily, almost sobbing at the destruction as the bear just coaxed him. Telling him it was alright, and just to sleep. Feeling himself suddenly fall onto warmer grounds on top of the bear, and the heat of their campfire from earlier, they were suddenly back to where they camped last. And soon, the dragon fell asleep.

Chapter 11

The sun wasn't up, he could tell that much. Barely even awake, he could feel the soft fur of the white one lay down beside him. Instinctively wrapping his large scaly arms over him and resting his head on the bear's neck. Just happy that he returned, expecting at least another two days without him. After spending several years together, it was hard to last that long. But he returned, that's all that mattered... Or was it?

Normally, the white one would start licking at him, teasing him. Making give him a deep kiss or manipulating the dragon to purr with his soft hands. But here... Now... There was something wrong. And that sank his heart. "...You didn't find anything, did you?" He tried to mutter clearly, feeling bear lightly shake his head. Deflating them both of air and motivation, and getting the brass one to hold him tighter.

"...The ones around here use the same system. Signs of slightly different patterns, but nothing that would lead to..." Bartan trailed off, knowing he didn't need to finish. Feeling a few thick licks from that large tongue as if it was trying to heal a new wound, the Counterweight was out of ideas. "...Maybe we should just head back."

It made the dragon stop. Stop his breath, stop his motion, and almost stop his heart. Squeezing the fluffy body a little more and shaking his own scaly muzzle. "...You'll figure something out-"

"I'm out of ideas... And I'm out of time-"

"You'll figure something out." The brass one said a bit thickly, and almost desperately. "...And she'll make more time." It only made the two sigh heavily. "...Can we at least have one more day together? Before we head back?"

"Yes... I'm just not in the mood for much." Another deep breath, and the two just held each other through the morning.

There was something uneasy about this void. Like it still smelled of negativity and neglect. It honestly got under the dragon's scales, but he supposed any such creature would be considered to live in a pleasant habitat. As he followed the bear's ethereal wings towards a long platform, one barely illuminated, he never felt more alone. Not wanting to be here, but definitely not wanting him to do this.

But he could not change the Counterweight's mind. And everytime he tried, it was the exact same excuse and points being made. Such a thing was hardly considered Justice to the dragon, but then again, his view on such things tended to alter from time to time.

As the two landed onto the platform, what almost looked to be a doll of some sort, waiting for eons, was suddenly brought back to life. Looking over the two males, and keeping more focus on the dragon than the bear. "I was beginning to doubt you would ever return." It said. Though a bit mechanical, it tended to have this harsh, sarcastic tone to it. Making Beo's ears go back.

"I expected as such." Bartan replied, almost his old self. "You even doubted my replacement strategy would work. Yet it functioned for longer than even I thought." He lightly smiled, looking down below the transparent platform at a device that the brass one couldn't quite make out. It honestly looked like a very far away sun to him.

"Indeed, but it has dimmed rather greatly since you left. Not to mention, it barely functioned. Regardless, any moment now it will probably burn out. I expect you found a replacement?" She looked at the brass dragon again.

"...Yes." The two males looked at each other once again. Sadly smiling and not wanting to say farewells. They spent too much time lately doing so. Instead, Bartan took a step forward. "I will be replacing it."

The doll doubled taked at him, almost chuckling at such a statement. "I'm afraid not. Counterweights cannot become Terrasques." Such a thing was almost a relief to Beo, as an entire weight was suddenly lifted off of him. But then another was placed, as the small light below them suddenly died off. "And we are out of time. That one there will do nicely-"

"What? No!" The bear growled, lightly glancing at the brass one, and then double taking at his expression. Knowing he was considering such a thing. "...You can't-!"

"Which is the exact same thing I kept saying to you." Beo said, taking a step closer to the white furred one and getting them to hold paws. Never once before seen those brown eyes break down into tears. "We are out of time..." A loud whimper from him. "And out of options-"

"Then we'll find someone else-"

"Only to sacrifice them!" The two took a breath, as the dragon hugged his soft body tightly. "You gave me a second chance already, Bartan." A sniff and a few more denials. "And the several years we spent together was a good afterlife. You did so much for me-"

"That doesn't meant...!" He shook his head, getting the dragon to do the same. "I can figure it out-"

"We don't have time for you to figure it out." The doll said, clearly annoyed by the show of emotion. Taking a few steps away and motioning the brass one to come over. Taking a few more moments to just squeeze the living daylights out of the bear one last time before breaking the hug. Needing to pry the white one from his large body and give him a deep kiss.

"Thank you." Another. "For everything, Bartan. I couldn't ask for more." The Counterweight fell in defeat, not knowing what to do or how to convince them otherwise. As the dragon took a spot beside the doll, he smiled sadly at the white one once more. Until a thick ooze was suddenly dropped on his back. Getting him to double take at it, and his heart begin to race with fear.

The abyss darkness started covering his body, as the bear roared at her to stop. Lunging at the dragon and trying to hold him while avoiding the ooze. "I wouldn't touch that if I were you." She casually said, taking a few steps away. "And I wouldn't stay in here, let alone keep that wall opened for much longer." It then vanished in a series of lights, leaving the two to cry in fear.

"I'm sorry-I'm sorry-I'm so sorry...!" Bartan said, over and over, trying to keep the dragon's focus and his eyes locked onto his brown ones. As the ooze kept covering him quickly, those paws traced the last bit of brass scales before needing to pull away from him. Feeling a warm glow be pulled from it before Beo'Karah's entire body was lost inside.

It quickly covered the entire platform, as it mutated the dragon quickly. Never hating himself more for leaving him behind, Bartan withdrew. Sealing the newly born Terrasque inside the space. Once the construction was done, he collapsed. Roaring out his pain until it shook the very foundations that kept everything together, but getting a faint reaction out of the glow still in his paw.

A few breaths, and the bear studied it. Discovering what it was after a few minutes, while looking back at the wall. Almost through it. "...I can fix it..." He whispered, as he took off into the large hallways that connected universes.

"Hey...Hey...Can you hear me? Hey... That's it... Keep your focus... Breathe..." The faint grumbles left his throat, unable to make a clear answer to the white one. Let alone see him through the ridiculously bright lights. "What do you remember?"

Another grumble, as he stretched his brass body. "Bartan? What's wrong?" The bear suddenly got the brightest smile on his face and hugged the dragon tightly. Getting him to double take and wonder 'What The Hell?'

"It worked...!" He kept whispering, still not answering the brass one's expression. "It's okay, Beo. I fixed it. Everything's okay."

"Fixed what exactly?" He got a few licks for an answer. "The Terrasque thing?"

"Yes...! It's okay now. It's all okay."

"You say that now, I still can't see with these lights." They suddenly went out. "That's better." The two chuckled, as the bear allowed the dragon to get up. Overlooking every little detail to make sure nothing was out of place. "Seriously, you're getting under my scales, and in the bad way. What's wrong?"

With a very deep breath of relief, Bartan just smiled. "Nothing. Everything appears to be functioning correctly." A snout toss made him chuckle. "I'll tell you on the way there. For now, I want my wife to finally meet my husband." The two smiled brightly, getting another tight hug as they left the pure white room.

"Good. I always wanted to see your universe anyway."

"We'll stay there for a while, then. There's alot I should check on." A nuzzle. "But okay, how much do you remember?"

A universe without pain. It was one of the greatest things Beo had ever experienced. Loving the constant comfort of everything about it. How the air was just the perfect temperature, the light was the perfect hue. And the night came when he wanted it to.

Though he still felt rather spent, he couldn't help but nuzzle into the two large piles of fur. Getting a kick of how similar his now Husband and Wife were. It still fluttered his heart to think of them as such. A six legged, half Wolf and half Bear for a husband. And a six legged, half Wolf and half Fox for a wife. Both Counterweights, he couldn't be happier at this moment.

But that's when he felt it, that black ooze fall onto his back once again. Triggering that fear, and making him yelp at its cold darkness. Feeling it grab a hold of his body, and make it so numb. Almost painful. Climbing up the back of his neck, strangling his chest and throat plates, until it covered his vision and forced open his jaw-

The dragon jolted upwards, breathing heavily at the nightmare. Constantly looking at his surroundings and his body for any smear of the blackness on him. But when nothing was seen or felt, he started to relax. Only feeling the two furry ones that currently made his bedding. Back in a universe without pain... Without pain...?

Then how did I just have a Nightmare...?