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Sixty-Seven Years Ago, 2018

I flew with Sierra beside me on my left, while Wayne's riding on her back. Along with Neal, who's also flying below me and Sierra, with Amanda riding on his back. And also Cody who's just beside me on my right. Even Cody's mate, the purple dragoness Eleanor, is flying beside him. All of our wings beating against the wind. All of us flying together over the vast forest, on our way to the town fair that Wayne has mentioned.

I had a smile already formed on my face. The fair...I've heard Wayne talking about it for the past five days and it has finally happened!

Of course, I don't know what a town fair is, but I'm about to find out.

According to Wayne, since last week he and Sierra went to the human town that my kind usually goes to, he's heard that a town fair is coming.

And what's exciting for Wayne and Amanda, who's pretty excited about it as well, they said that the town fair has some carnival rides, games that humans play, and even a talent show later on in the day.

I looked at my friends and I still remembered the night when all of them have met me. I still can't believe it has been about a year since I've met them.

Friends that I could talk to and hold on to. Friends who would help me no matter what the situation would be.

I shuddered a bit as I flew, the memory still a pain to me. I hate that drake who attacked me.

Not to mention he....I don't even want to think about it.

I just want to forget about it and move on. I just want to have fun at this town fair, just like all the humans will be.

I even saw several dragons are on their way to the town fair. Flying off to the same direction. I guess, they heard the fair from their human friends who they bring to the dragon city. That'd be my guess on why they're going there today.

From a distance, I could see the town that we're heading to. About time, it felt like a long flight.

But this long flight is always worth it, I'm sorta excited about it.

I mean...I'm a dragon and I don't go to that human town a lot. Even when I've heard that humans and dragons co exist, I still didn't go there.

I think it's because of what the humans were like WAY back then. The dragon slayers and the sort.

But Wayne has tried very hard to convince me that there's nothing to worry about, the humans really have changed for the better and there are no more dragon slayers.

Wayne's such a good friend, and he's a human. I'd trust him with every word he's telling me. And of course, I need to stop hiding in the dragon city and just embrace the whole humanity.

I don't know how it'll work out on my end, but...I have to try.

I'll just act like a human to them if they want. I can at least try.

I'm going to try to have some fun and just live a little.

Of course, I have asked my brother to come along with all of us, but he says no.

He just....Doesn't understand humanity at all. That they really have changed.

He even doesn't approve that I'm friends with Wayne and Amanda. Because they're humans.

I could still remember the first time that he met them and he didn't like them one bit. He even hissed at them.

But I defended them and I always have. Every time my brother sees them with me and every time he glares at them, I shoot a glare right back. Because Wayne and Amanda are my friends, despite that they're not dragons.

I wouldn't care what my brother says about them. I like them.

I also like, Sierra, Cody, Neal, and Eleanor, they're the friends a dragoness like me could ever have. They're the best thing that has happened to me for a long time.

I even got to know the owner of the Braveheart, the old magenta dragoness Joanna. She...Reminds me of my mother.

Oh how I miss my mother, and my father.

They've been gone since I was a hatchling.

If they were still alive up to this day, just like me and my brother, they'd be surprised by what humanity is like.

I can just imagine it. They would accept humanity, just like me.

And I hope someday, my brother will do the same and just...Let go of his past.

Let go of his animosity toward humanity and be like me.

I can't blame him for what happened back then. I still remember the memories.

But I'm willing to try to let go and move on. I'll try my dearest.

All of us were now over the town, circling over it. Then not long after that, all of us started to glide down to a spot for a landing. From what the spot looked like, it looked like we're about to land in the town park. I could tell by all the grass spots down there.

As we all got close to the ground, we all slowed down our flying and all of us landed on our hind paws and then our front paws.

I curled my wings on my back and looked and saw that Sierra curled hers. Sierra shot a grin as I stared at her and she said, "Enjoy the flight, Rain?"

I grinned back and nodded at her, "Pretty well."

Sierra then motioned her head toward the town that we landed into, "Looks pretty good, huh? Since it's after all, your first time in the human town."

I looked around and I could see the streets of the town from here. I said, "Well...I'll admit, I don't feel nervous coming here anymore. I...I'm just glad no one has hurt me."

Sierra has lowered her body to the ground, so Wayne would slide off her back. Wayne landed on the ground with a thud and came to me, "Don't worry about anyone hurting you. Everyone in this town practically loves dragons now."

Amanda already got off of Neal and came to me as well with an reassuring smile, "Yeah, and plus if anyone does try to pick a fight with you." She gestured her thumb to Neal, "Neal there will kick here little human asses."

Neal nodded in agreement, "And don't forget a certain blue dragon here who won't take any crap from anyone."

Sierra laughed and said, "You got that right, old friend." She shook her head, "I take NO crap from anyone."

Wayne looked up at her and playfully frowned, "Not even me?"

Sierra giggled and lowered her head to his level. She looked directly in his eyes, "Nope, not even crap from you. I don't appreciate YOU calling me old lady."

Wayne gave her a devious grin, "Yeah, and I also call you." He counted one finger, "I call you, grandma." Counted two fingers, "Old bag." He giggled and counted three fingers, "Nana." He counted four fingers, "And-"

"Wayne!"

Wayne laughed his head off and he reached out to pet Sierra's nose, "I'm sorry, I can't help calling you that. Plus it's your damn fault for telling me you're old."

Sierra just playfully glared at him, "I'll admit it, I sometimes do feel old. But that still doesn't give you the right to call me old lady and other old lady crap. And I keep telling you that I'm not old."

He pointed at her face, "Exactly! You're in denial."

She shook her head, "I'm in no denial of any kind."

Wayne leaned his head to hers and gave her a tender kiss on her nose. After he did that, he said, "Bull crap, big girl." Then she licked his nose in return. They both giggled after that.

I smiled at them. I do know that those two are mates and I've come to accept that. Wayne and Sierra do make a good couple. I even also know that Neal and Amanda are together that way as well.

At first, since last year when I began to see the sings, I didn't want to believe it. I thought it was just my imagination. I thought I was just seeing things.

But one day when I asked Wayne and Sierra alone together with my brain full of curiosity, they both just flat out told me the truth.

They are mates.

Honestly, I was just shocked to find that out about them. No wonder they're always so close together.

Hell I even remember one time, that I actually had a crush on Neal. And it's no wonder he ignored my signs toward him.

It's because he loved Amanda, not me.

Which that's understandable. I mean...I thought he was not with anyone. That he doesn't have a mate.

Honestly, I hardly was ever with a drake for my whole life, because I was always picky about having one. What's even worse, I got attacked by one last year, and that makes me feel even more picky about drakes.

I thought Neal was very handsome and I tried to pursue him. But...It didn't work out.

I wish...My mother was here up to this day, she'd give me advice about how to find the right drake. Like how she met my father. She really would. I could imagine it.

I just hate it when some drakes that I attract just want me because of my curves and my body. When they do mention that bluntly, I just brush that drake off. I'm not that kind of dragon, who just mate and leave.

I want someone who really loves me. Not just for pleasure.

I want someone who...Understands my pain. Someone who really understands me.

Oh, after what that drake did to me that night....I still feel horrible.

And I still have nightmares about it.

Wayne, Sierra, and the others would always comfort me when I'm still bothered by it.

But no matter many long days go by, I can't get it out of my head.

How can I forget it? It's not something a dragon would ever forget.

Us dragon have sharp memories and I wish that I haven't had one.

Oh that painful memory.

Mom, dad....I wish you were here to comfort me.

I heard Neal's voice, "Rain?"

I looked at him, "Yes?"

He cocked his head at me, his eyes full of concern, "You okay?"

I sighed and nodded, "Oh yes, I'm fine. I...I'm just standing around. Looking at the buildings that are different than the dragon city's."

Cody and Eleanor came to me and Cody said with a grin, "Pretty odd, huh? That this is the first time you'd come here."

I nodded, "Yes."

Eleanor said with a comforting smile, "Don't worry about it. I've been here more than once, the humans here are really friendly. I'm sure you'd do fine."

I smiled at her and nodded, "Alright."

Amanda walked ahead of all of us and said, "Well c'mon guys! Lets go to that fair! I think it's near town!" She pointed the direction and said, "That way!"

Neal strutted to her and said, "Yeah, I did notice some very tall things near town. I think they must be the...Carnival rides."

Amana beamed at him, "That's right, big red dude! And I think this town doesn't hold them a lot for the town fair. I think they usually just have the parade here, that's it. Now....They have a carnival this year!"

Cody looked down at her, "Pretty excited, huh?"

Amanda giggled at him, "Are you kidding me? I haven't been to one since...I was ten! When my mom took me to one back at Montana."

Cody strutted past her and Neal with his mate and said, "Well in that case, lets go!" They he and Eleanor both giggled at each other and ran off.

Sierra hollered for them, "Hey, I know you two are not hatchlings, but you're still short, so wait up for your elders!"

Wayne laughed as Neal and Amanda walked after them. Wayne and Sierra looked at me and Wayne asked, "You want to go see the carnival?"

I shook my head, "No not yet. I'm...Going to look around the human town. I'm still curious about what it really looks like. We're just in the park so far."

Sierra smiled and nodded, "Well alright, just meet us at the carnival." She turned her body to follow the others and glanced down at Wayne, "Come on, handsome."

He waved her off and muttered as he walked away with her, "Yeah, yeah, I'm coming, old lady."

Sierra yelled at him as they walked away from me, "I'm not freakin old!" Then they both laughed.

I giggled and rolled my eyes. Ancestors Wayne, you really are a card.

No wonder you two are mates. Despite that you're too different, you're...Meant to be together.

I can tell from where I'm standing.

I wish there was a drake just like Wayne. He'd be the best one for a girl like me.

I sighed. Well....I better get to looking around and then I'll meet up with the others alter.

I started to make my trek toward the streets of the human town. Ready to ease my curiosity.

******

I wondered around in town, looking around, watching where I'm going since there are humans that I might run over.

I was just strutting on the sidewalk, since I can't just wonder out in the middle of the street because of what humans use on the road. They just use...Cars. As Wayne would call it.

Honestly this is the first time in my life that I've seen a human use cars. I remembered back then they ride on horses and carriages.

Things really have changed in the human world.

They really have evolved.

I smirked at the thought. Things really have changed. For the better.

Boy, mother and father, you'd be REALLY surprised by all the changes here. I know I am!

While I was padding on the sidewalk, I accidentally bumped into a human who came around the corner. I grunted as the human ran into my chest. The human stumbled back and fell on his butt.

I gasped and I lowered my head to the human's level, concern in my voice, "Oh I'm so sorry! Are you okay?"

The human as it turned out to be a young male, with long brown hair said, "Yeah, I'm okay." I got my head closer to him and he pushed my nose slightly away, "I'm fine, really. Just give me a minute."

I nodded and raised my head above him. He groaned a bit and got up on his feet. He dusted himself and looked up at me. He looked straight at me, as his eyes dawned on my appearance.

I cocked my head at him, "Are you alright? I'm very sorry about running you over. I...I didn't see you coming."

The human nodded, "Oh I'm fine. It was my fault." He shrugged, "I guess I should've slowed down a bit. I really could run over someone who's smaller than you."

I grinned down at him, "Well, I'm the one who needs to slow down. I don't know the strength of my own bulk!"

He giggled shyly and replied, "Yeah." Then he said, "I'm still sorry for bumping into you. I...I keep forgetting that I might run into a dragon someday."

Then he eyed me with awe as he stared at me, "I can't believe it. I know that dragons always come to this town and...I'm always nervous talking to one."

I frowned at him, "What's there to be nervous about dragons? It's just like this, we have emotions just like you." Then I grinned deviously, "What's wrong? Afraid I'll eat you? My kind don't eat humans, anyway."

He shook his head and replied, "No...It's just....You're all bigger than me. I always see one in this town and I just wander away from it." Then he started fidgeting.

I gave him a pity look. What an odd and poor human. He's really nervous about my kind. Because we're bigger than him.

Well, not all of us are bigger than him. There are young dragons who are small. Not to mention hatchlings.

I gave him a comforting smile and lowered my head to his level, he let out a shocked gasp and backed away a bit. I said to him, "It's alright human. I'm not going to hurt you. You should know that by now."

He giggled a bit and scratched the back of his head, "Sorry about that. I'm...Also shy about things too. I...Just don't know you, that's another reason why I'm nervous. I....Get nervous when I'm...Socializing who's new in my life, do you know what I mean?"

I nodded, "I get the feeling. When I was younger, I hardly socialize with my own kind. Except my brother. But I do have a few friends in my life and I do talk to them a lot." I grinned at him, "They're all so nice to me."

He wiped his brow and said, "I bet." He grinned at me.

Maybe I should introduce myself. He...Seems to be a nice human. I placed a paw to my chest and said, "My name's Rain."

The human's eyes went wide at my name, "Rain?"

I nodded, "Well it's not my real name, my real name's is just hard to pronounce for your tongue. So that's why you should call me Rain."

He muttered, "Oh."

I frowned at him, "What's your name?"

The human stared at me for a moment and then he introduced himself, "Tommy. Tommy Ross."

I cocked my head at him, "Tommy Ross....I like it. It seems to suit you."

He laughed and said, "Well it's the name I was born with, so might as well suit me."

I laughed and said, "Point taken."

The human named Tommy decided to rush past me and said, "It's nice to meet you, but I need to get to the carnival outside of town. I have a talent show to get to!"

I turned my whole body around to watch him run on the sidewalk, until he disappeared from my sight. I cocked my head at him. He seems...Okay.

Shy, young fellow, I can see that. But I know how that gets.

When I was younger in my years, I was always shy when it came to socializing with my kind.

I hardly talked to anybody back then, the only dragon I've talked to was my brother.

But since I met Wayne and the others last year, I didn't feel shy anymore.

Tommy seems alright and I can relate to him.

He feels shy, just like I was.

I hope I can talk to him later tonight.

I know that I don't know him....But...

I just think I should help him. Just for being the good dragoness that I am.

*****

I thrusted the little plush toy bear toward Sierra's face, "Aw, come on! I know you'll love it." I wiggled the thing in front of her, "Why, I think you'd love it! I just won the darn thing for ya!"

Sierra narrowed her eyes at it, "It looks ridiculous."

It has been about several hours after we all arrived at the carnival outside of town, and all of us are having a great time. Carnival rides of any kind are here. Me and Amanda have rode on several of them. While Sierra and the others, being dragons that they are since they can't ride on the rides, are just admiring everything here. This is the first time they've seen a carnival.

But right now Sierra, being a stubborn lady that she is, won't take the toy bear that I've won for her by throwing darts at a few balloons.

I frowned at her and lowered the toy bear from her face, "You're no damn fun."

Sierra raised her head above my level and said, "Well I told you, you little bastard, that I didn't want any toy bears! It just looks...Too cute! You could've just won me a little toy dragon! Now that there is not something that's cute!"

I laughed at her, "And a little cuteness could do you some wonders!"

Sierra hissed, "That little thing can kiss my big blue ass, Wayne."

Amanda who is standing beside me with Neal said, "Aw, come on mom! That bear looks cute! I think it is."

Sierra looked down at Amanda, "Well daughter, YOU keep the toy. I don't want it."

She beamed, "Sure! I could just give it to my boyfriend, who's also my big red scaly pervert."

Neal grinned down at her, "I wouldn't mind a gift. I wouldn't mind it at all." He winked at her and Amanda giggled.

Sierra lowered her head to my level and said to me in a apologetic expression, "I'm sorry, Wayne. I just don't like it." She gave me a pleading look, "Can you forgive me?" She started giving me her puppy dog eyes.

I laughed at her look, "Oh my god big girl, you are a card!" I reached to place my hand on her nose, "I don't have to forgive you. You're fine." Then I teasingly added, "Even when you're a stubborn old lady."

She shot a glare at me, "Wayne...Don't make me toss you in the Ferris wheel."

I laughed and said, "If I get on the Ferris wheel because of you, you're going to ride with me." I winked at her.

Sierra's eyes went wide, "How can I get on THAT thing?! My big frame won't fit on those small seats you humans have!"

I laughed hard again and I petted under her chin, "Oh relax, I'm just kidding."

She narrowed her look and grinned, "You better be kidding, you little shit." Then she nuzzled me and me, her, Amanda and Neal started to explore the rest of the carnival.

While we were walking through several crowd of people, Neal exclaimed, "I hope we don't have to deal with one those clown humans again. They give me the creeps!"

Amana laughed and teased him as she strode beside him, "You kidding me? You, a big dragon, is afraid of clowns?"

Neal glared down at her, "Because they're so freakin weird! I can't stand them."

Sierra sighed as she bumped into another humans who hit her, "Wayne, can we just take a break from the carnival? I'm tired of accidentally running over humans. Not to mention human hatchlings. They keep trying to climb on my tail like I'm just their, what do you call it Wayne? Like I'm their monkey bars at a human playground!"

I shot a look at her, "Sierra, quit being a bitch, or I'm slapping your nose."

She gave me a pleading look, "Please Wayne, I just want a break from this!"

I couldn't resist giving into that look she sometimes gives me. I sighed in defeat and said, "You win, come on, lets get out of the carnival for a while."

She nodded and said, "Thank you."

All of us in the group wondered through the crowd of people and made our way out of the carnival, standing at the edge of it.

I wonder how Cody and Eleanor are doing in there? I hope they're not being hounded by the crowd of people in there.

Heck, I hope that they're not hounded by clowns! They might get afraid of them just like Neal here!

Sierra sighed in content and sat down on her haunches, "About time. I thought I'd never get a break!"

Neal sat down on his haunches too, his tail curling around him, "Me too."

Amanda gave him a teasing expression, "Aw, now is someone still afraid of clowns?"

Neal glared down at her, "Amanda, I know I love you, but please be quiet." She tried to stifle a giggle with her hand over her mouth. Neal rolled his eyes and groaned and she burst out laughing.

Me and Sierra giggled too and then we heard a voice, "Hey Wayne!"

Me and Sierra then looked at whoever hollered my name and I beamed when I saw the person.

The person I've met only three times in this town.

The former lead singer of Journey, Steve Perry.

I chuckled a bit and ran to him, "Steve!"

I ran until I was in front of him and Steve with a big smile on his face said, "Hey kiddo! It's been awhile!"

I nodded and said, "Maybe...Two years I think. I was starting to wonder when me and Sierra will see you again."

He laughed and spread out his arms, "Well, here I am!" Then I threw myself and gave him a hug.

Sierra came up behind me while I was hugging Steve and she recognized him right away, "Hello, your majesty." She giggled and sat down on her haunches.

I let Steve out of my embrace and he said when he saw Sierra, "Hey there! I knew my favorite dragon would be with him. How are you doing?"

Sierra rolled her eyes, "In all honesty, trying to take a break from the carnival."

Steve raised an eyebrow, "What you don't like the rides?"

She shook her head, "No, it's just too crowded in there."

Steve giggled, "Well I've performed in front of crowds of so many people while I was with Journey, so I don't know how you feel about that."

Sierra lowered her head to his level, "Well, I'm just jealous of you now."

He reached out to touch her nose and said with a grin, "Still being grouchy as usual. Did Wayne sing to you recently? You know, I'm sure that his singing would calm your big, blue butt down."

She licked his hand, "As a matter of fact, he has. My Wayne always sings to me."

He nodded, "That's good."

Neal and Amanda came over and Amanda said with a smirk on her face, "Hey Steve."

Steve looked at Neal and Amanda and said, "Hi guys."

Neal sat down on his haunches and grinned down at him, "I never thought I'd see you again."

Steve shrugged, "I thought I visit this town when I had the chance. I just wanted to see the dragons again."

Sierra glanced at Neal, "Yes and plus, he wanted to see me, because I'm his favorite."

Neal rolled his eyes, "Show off."

Sierra shot back, "You're the show off, Neal."

Steve held out his hands to both of them, "Alright, don't fight over me." He chuckled, "I like both of you."

Sierra and Neal looked down at him and Sierra said, "But I'm still your favorite, right?"

He wiggled his finger at her, "Don't push it, or I'll slap your nose."

She lowered her head to his level, "Give it your best shot then, human."

Steve waved her off, "Nah, I'm not doing it. Besides, I wanted to introduce you guys to a few people that I've met when I came here." He gave us a grin, "You're not going to believe who I've met."

Amanda asked, "Who?"

Steve turned and motioned with his hand at someone to come over. Then me and the others followed his gaze and saw about six people who came trotting towards us.

I beamed when I recognized all of them. No way.

The people from left to right, are the other members of Journey!

The one on the far left, is the first keyboardist and founder of Journey, who's also not in the band anymore, Gregg Rolie.

Another person is bass player, Ross Valory.

Another one is current lead singer from the Phillipines, Arnel Pineda.

Next is current keyboardist, Jonathan Cain.

After him is the best guitarist in this band, Neal Schon. Who I named the dragon Neal after.

And the last person who is the band's drummer, Steve Smith.

Holy crap, they all came here!

This is the first time I actually get to meet the rest of the band members.

Man, Joanna would be surprised about this! If she was still alive of course.

They all came here, while I was still starstruck about them.

Steve saw my expression and giggled, "Surprised? I was in town and I just met them all here. They all wanted to meet dragons too."

They all waved with smiles on their faces. Then Jonathan said, "Yeah we all came here to meet dragons. Since we've heard about eight years ago that dragons actually existed and since we're not busy, we all came here."

Arnel giggled, "Yes, and I get to see my hero Steve again!"

Sierra cocked her head at them, "Who are they?"

I grinned at Sierra, "They're other members of Journey."

Her eyes went wide and she asked me, "Really? Those are Steve's ex band mates?"

Steve Smith nodded, "Pretty much so, yeah. But our band still tours all over the country."

Neal asked, "So what are your names?"

After Neal asked that question, I did the honor of introducing each and every one of them.

Soon after that we all chatted for a long time. About almost everything.

Like last year, the band and its members got inducted in the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame, so we talked about that. Even Arnel, was still pretty happy that he got to meet Steve Perry there for the very first time in his life. That was his dream.

One time during the conversation, Arnel and the others got to touch Sierra and Neal, only because they were all curious about what their scales felt like. They were all surprised that they're touching real life dragons.

I could still remember the first time I've met Steve Perry eight years ago and he touched Sierra for the first time. I'd never forget that day.

Neal Schon even mentioned that he and the rest of Journey actually knew who I was and so did the dragon Neal and Amanda. They also knew Cody as well.

How they knows us? Because they saw the video somebody posted eight years ago. About Me, Amanda, Neal, and Cody singing. On the night when Sierra was dying, while all of us were trying to convince everyone who lived in this town that dragons have emotions just like we do. Well the idea paid off and humanity accepts dragons into their world. I would never forget that night.

We all talked about how the band was even formed years ago. How Gregg and Neal were in Santana years ago and then left Santana to start Journey. They even talked about how they all met Steve Perry and how he ended up in the band.

I remember Joanna before she died telling me all that stuff, so it's not all new to me. I even told Sierra all that stuff too, eight years ago.

I bet that Amanda and Neal are enjoying all the storytelling coming from them I can imagine it.

They even talked about how Arnel became the new lead singer after that. Which I still think that's interesting.

How he was poor in the Phillipines back then and soon later on his life, somebody posted Youtube videos on the website of Arnel singing and Neal Schon discovered him. Soon after that, Arnel joined Journey.

After that Neal started talking to the human Neal. Neal said, "Ha! Can you believe that Wayne actually named me after you? I can't believe that I'm meeting the human that Wayne named me after."

Neal Schon laughed and said, "Well you certainly look like Neal material to me."

Neal grinned down at him, "Thank you. I'd always cherished having that human name to myself. It does sound strong to me."

The human Neal nodded, "I bet."

Amanda gestured Neal with her thumb, "Mr. Schon, you might want to be careful what you say to him. Neal here has a ego that'll crush anyone."

Neal hissed at her, "I don't have an ego!" Then the human Neal laughed real hard at that.

Ross looked up at Neal and said, "Wow and I thought you were a dragon. I wouldn't take that from a girl."

Neal gave Ross a devious grin, "Oh, I know how to get back at her." Then Neal spanked Amanda butt and she yelped in shock.

Amanda whirled around to glare at Neal, "Neal! Not funny! That's no way to treat a lady!"

He lowered his head to her level and taunted her, "And what are you going to do about it?"

Then Amanda raised her hand and slapped Neal's nose real hard. He cried out in pain, raised his head above hour levels and all of us except him, bursted out laughing.

Amanda wiggled her finger at Neal, "From now on, show some respect!"

Neal whined, while rubbing his nose with a paw, "But I was only kidding!"

Sierra laughed some more and shot at him, "Yeah Neal, show some respect!"

He glared at her, "Shut up."

Steve Perry said, "Well I think I'm done talking for tonight. I'm hungry!"

Jonathan Cain said, "Yeah I agree. Lets go get something to eat. Catch up on things."

Steve nodded and said to me, Neal, Amanda, and Sierra, "Bye guys!"

The four of us waved at them in unison, "Bye."

And with that Steve Perry and the other members of Journey all left to go get something to eat.

All four of us smiled and Neal said, "Well what do you know? I get to meet the human that Wayne named me after. It's pretty amazing!"

I grinned at Neal, "I thought it was pretty cool too. I mean, that guy can really play a freakin guitar! He's the best."

Neal shot up his head and smugly grinned, "Yeah, just like me."

Sierra rolled her eyes, "Whatever, old friend."

Then we all saw that Rain finally came back to wherever she came from and I waved at her, "There you are! Took you long enough, all of us were having fun without you."

Rain got closer to us and said, "Sorry I took so long. I was just exploring the town for a little bit."

I asked, "Oh, how did it go?"

Rain nodded with a smile, "Pretty good. I get to meet so many humans in there, you were right, they are nice to dragons."

Sierra whispered to Rain, "Just remember this advice I'm giving you, STAY away from the human hatchlings. They're kinda terrible when they're trying to climb on you."

Rain giggled and flexed her wings a bit, "I'll keep that in mind."

Amana looked at her watch and she said, "Oh crap, I think the talent show is about to start!"

Neal gestured to Rain with his paw, "Well looks like you came back just in time. Lets go watch the talent show."

Rain nodded, "Right, lets go. I'm curious about this...Talent show."

*****

It's about to sunset over the carnival and I'm sitting on my haunches beside Wayne and Sierra. Neal, Amanda, Cody and Eleanor are sitting close to us.

All of us are in a crowd of people watching the talent show.

And honestly, in my opinion, some parts in the talent show are not my favorite.

I remember that there was one person who was juggling about ten eggs, but unfortunately for the person, who broke all the eggs. so I snorted at the human's foolishness.

Then I saw a young human female playing a violin, which I'll admit it's kinda loud for my ears, but good nonetheless.

Performance after performance, I was beginning to wonder how long this talent show would last. It's not totally what I was expecting.

But I would stay with my friends through the whole thing, just so that way I wouldn't hurt their feelings just by leaving.

Then after another performance was over, I saw that about five humans that are all male are on the big stage. Wayne nudged me with his elbow and I looked down at him. He said, "They're about to play instruments on there. I think one of them is going to sing."

I frowned at him, "Really? Those are musical instruments?" Wayne did tell me what an musical instrument is before. But I couldn't picture them what they would look like.

Wayne nodded and pointed at each of them on stage from right where we are. I could see what he was pointing at for each instrument for each human is using. One human is using a electric guitar. Another, acoustic guitar. There's drums, electric keyboard, and bass guitar.

On stage, since I can see they're about to start and I could see a sixth human male running on stage.

My eyes went wide as I recognized the human right away. Tommy?

What's he doing on that stage?

Tommy put both hands on a thing that Wayne called a microphone and his voice rang out to the crowd, "Hello, everyone! You all having a great time?" The crowd cheered and Tommy said, "That's good!"

As Tommy was talking on the microphone, I began to realize that thing is loud just like the gem back at the Braveheart.

Well it's certainly not a gem, it's just something that humans use.

Tommy finished by saying this, "Well everyone, me and the boys up here are going to be playing this song that several of you might heard of." He pulled the microphone off its holder and held it in both hands, "It's 'I Can't Hold Back' by Survivor!" The crowd cheered again and so did Wayne and Amanda.

I raised one brow at them. Well apparently those two know about this song. Because me, Sierra, Neal, Cody, and Eleanor are just confused by it.

Then Tommy turned his head to the other human playing their instruments. I looked at the stage, seeing them getting ready to play their song. Now I'm wondering why Tommy is not picking up any instrument on stage.

Is Tommy going to sing? That's my thought. I thought he was just....Shy?

Judging by the look in his eyes, he seems...Sorta nervous.

I've heard Wayne singing in the Braveheart and I do know what human music sounds like, coming from his head.

Well lets see what this Tommy can do. I'm curious how good he is. And so are the guys playing the human instruments.

I'm wondering if he'll sing just like Wayne. Because Wayne did tell me before that some people can't sing well.

I guess I'll find out.

Tommy held the microphone with only his left hand and he raised three fingers with his other hand. He counted them down, until the human with the acoustic guitar started playing it. And so is the human playing the electric keyboard.

They played their instruments a bit at the beginning and then Tommy, held the microphone to his mouth and sang the human song, his voice loud for the audience, "There's a story in my eyes! Turn the pages of desire!!"

My eyes went wide, he sang with a...Beautiful voice just like Wayne. He sang, "Now it's time to trade those dreams! For the rush of passion's fire!"

"I can feel you tremble when we touch!" He reached his hand out to the crowd, "And I feel the hand of fate! Reaching out to both of us!"

The other humans started playing their instruments and Tommy singed, "I've been holding back the night!" He shot his hand down to his side, "I've been searching for a clue from you! I'm gonna try with all my might! To make the storyline come true!"

He walked to the edge of the stage, "Can you feel me tremble when we touch? Can you feel the hand of fate? Reaching out to both of us! This love affair can't wait!"

Tommy pointed at the crowd, "I can't hold back, I'm on the edge!" He shot his right hand up to the air, "I can't hold back!"

He moved his hand back to his side, "Your voice explodes, inside my head! I can't hold back, I won't back down!" He shut his eyes tight, held the microphone with both hands and sang loud, "Girl, it's too late to turn back now!"

Tommy opened his eyes and just shook his body repeatedly in rhythm to the song, while another human played his guitar solo for fifteen seconds.

Tommy's cue to sing came and he sang to the microphone with one hand. He pointed up at the sky, while only one human played the acoustic guitar, "Another shooting star goes by!" He lowered his hand to his side, "And in the night the silence speaks to you and I!"

The other humans played their instruments again and Tommy sang, "And now the time has come at last! Don't let the moment run too fast!"

"I can feel you tremble when we touch! And I feel the hand of fate! Reaching out to both of us!"

"There's a story in my eyes!" He walked to one side of the stage, "Turn the pages of desire!!" He saw me in the crowd and waved at me. My eyes went wide and he sang, while he looked at me, "Now it's time to trade those dreams! For the rush of passion's fire!"

Tommy sang while he walked back to the middle of the stage, "I can't hold back, I'm on the edge! I can't hold back!" He stopped in the middle of the stage, "Your voice explodes, inside my head!" He looked at me again, "I can't hold back, I won't back down! Girl, it's too late to turn back now!"

He smiled, "I can see you tremble when we touch! Oh, and I feel the hand of fate! Reaching out to both of us!" He shot his arm up high, "This love affair can't wait!!!"

He shot it back down, "I can't hold back!"

Tommy pointed at me in the crowd, "I can't hold back!" My eyes went wide with surprise. Did he point at me?

He pulled his hand back, "I can't hold back!"

He backed away from the edge of the stage, "I can't hold back!"

Tommy raised his arm high in the air again, "I can't hold back!!!"

And with that the music stopped and he lowered his arm to his side, breathing heavily. The performance is over.

The human crowd clapped their hands and cheered. So did Neal, Cody, Sierra, and Eleanor. I was just sitting there. Pretty shocked by what Tommy just did.

He just singed a human song! Just like Wayne! Only his voice was a little different, but still...Ancestors!

Wayne patted my body and said with a smile on his face, "Was it pretty good?"

I looked down at him and smiled back, "Really good!" Then I looked back at the stage and saw Tommy getting off of it.

I slowly cocked my head at him. He's...Pretty interesting. Not to mention, he intrigues me.

I...I have the urge to see him again.

I want to know what this shy human is like.

*****

I went away from my friends to look for Tommy. Just outside the carnival now. The afternoon turned to night.

Wayne and the others were wondering where I was going and I only told them I'm just gonna explore the town again.

I honestly didn't want to waste my time explaining everything to them. I have to find this human.

I can say this, he's just some shy human who's very good at singing. Very good indeed.

I wonder who he is really? I know we only met once today and he seems nice.

I hope he hasn't left town already, I want to talk to him. Then again maybe, he lives in that town.

I already looked all over for him in the carnival and I began to realize he must have went back to town. So I started my trek there.

I arrived in town, looking for Tommy and I saw that he's sitting on a bench, he appears to be waiting for someone.

I saw that several humans are driving their cars, my guess from what Wayne has told me, the humans are going home from the town fair.

I walked closer to Tommy and he noticed that I was near him. He turned his head to look up at me. I sat down on my haunches and smiled down at him, "Hello there."

Tommy got up from the bench and frowned at me. He shyly asked, "...Rain? Is that your name?"

I nodded, "Yes, it is."

He shrugged with only one arm, "What are you doing here? I thought you'd be with your...Dragon friends."

I lowered my head to his level, "Oh, I'm sure they'd be fine without me. Besides...I came to talk to you."

Tommy raised his eyebrows and asked, "What for?"

I grinned at him, "For putting on quite a performance on that stage. I didn't know you could sing and I've only just met you!"

Tommy shyly rubbed the back of his neck, "Yeah well...It helps break away my shyness...Just a little. Singing sometimes does. I don't sing a lot. Even the guys who play their instruments don't play a lot, only on occasion. They just heard about my singing ability and they just asked me to do it. And...Usually I feel like I don't want to sing, because of the crowd of people, but then...I also love to sing. It's a little complicated. But when I build enough guts to do it, I just do it. Just like tonight."

I nodded, "I bet it does seem hard. But you really did a nice job. You really did build a lot of guts. You...Seemed to be yourself when you're singing. I know that much, because a friend of mine named Wayne, sings just like you."

Tommy smiled at me, "Oh really? I never knew that dragons sing."

My eyes went wide and then I realized he hasn't met Wayne. I said, "Well Wayne's not a dragon, he's a human, just like you."

He face went wide too, "Oh."

Then I added when I waved him with a paw, "But there are two dragons that I know who sing too! And their name's are Cody and Neal."

Tommy laughed and nodded, "Well I thought you guys just roar all the time. Not sing just like me. It's...Pretty new to me."

I blinked at him, "We do all sorts of things, human."

Tommy looked like he had something on his mind and he looked at the road, "Yeah." He had a worried look, shown on his face.

I cocked my head, 'What's wrong?"

Tommy sighed, "My band mate was supposed to give me a ride home, but he still hasn't shown up." He groaned in frustration, "Honestly, I really hate him. From what I heard, he just performs and then he screws around. Not to mention he just smokes pot and he's even more worthless. He's just...Irresponsible."

Then he shrugged his arms, "But, where can the other band mates find another guitar player to play in the talent show? It's no wonder they keep giving him every opportunity to play, but we're not even pals. They obviously don't care if he does pot or not. But I just find him laid back and just plain stupid."

I giggled a little and asked, "How come you don't have a car?"

Tommy sighed unhappily, "Because my car is in the shop. It got broke down and the mechanic's fixing it." He turned to me, "That's why I'm waiting for this guy. But I guess I should've asked for someone else to give me a ride. Or...Maybe I should just take a walk back home."

I shrugged with my paw, "Where do you live? Outside of town, I presume?"

He nodded, "Yeah. I don't live in town. I live in a house far from town. At the woods." He pointed, "That way, up north. About five miles."

Then I raised my head above his level and offered, "You know what? ...Why don't I give you a ride back home?"

Tommy shook his head, "I'd appreciate it, but...I don't want to trouble you-"

I waved him off with my paw and shook my head, "Oh, there's no trouble at all." I put on a smile for him, "I mean it. There's no trouble at all." I made my smile go wider, showing him my teeth.

Tommy looked down at his feet, thinking about it. Then he looked at me and shrugged, "Well...Alright."

I nodded, "Lets go to the park, there's more room for me to take off there." Tommy nodded and we both went to the park together.

Finally after about two minutes, we made it. I stopped and whirled to face him. Tommy asked as he stood in front of me, "So...Ready to carry me in your paws?"

I said, as I looked down at him, "Actually...I have a better idea."

I lowered my body to the ground and Tommy looked at me all confused, "What are you doing?"

I smiled at him and then he began to realize what I'm planning. He waved me with both hands and shook his head, "Wait...I can't ride on your back! I...I..."

I giggled and said to him, "Gee and I figured it'd come to this." I said to him in a serious tone, "Look...I'm only giving you an opportunity here. Not a lot of humans I believe, get to fly on a dragon's back. Who knows, you might like it."

Tommy stuttered, "But...But-"

I said, "Listen all you have to do, is tuck in your legs and wrap your arms around my neck. It's easy."

He asked, "Have you ever done this with a human on your back before?"

I shook my head, "Nope, but hey it's the first time for everything." Then I begged, "Please Tommy. I just...Want to repay you for your kind performance. You deserve it and you don't deserve to be abandoned by your ridiculous band mate."

Tommy still stared at me, apprehension still in his eyes. Then he sighed and nodded, "Well...Okay, I know we don't know each other, but I guess I'll give it a chance." I smiled at him and then he walked to my back.

Tommy stared at my back as my wings reflexed by the wind. Then he grabbed my wing joint and he tugged himself to climb on my back. He grunted and he managed to swing a leg over me sit down on my back.

I twisted my head to look back at him and complimented his first try getting on me, "Not bad on your first try."

He patted my neck in gratitude, "Thank you. You know I have to say...Your scales don't feel rough, they feel soft and warm."

I grinned at him, "Thanks. Then that means I'm not a lizard, I'm a proud dragon."

He frowned, "Ah...What?"

I answered, "Dragons are warm blooded. Lizards are cold blooded, get it?"

Tommy nodded, "I think so." Then he gasped as I rose my body off the ground, he tried to steady himself on my back. Tucked his legs on me tight.

I rose fully off the ground and looked back at him again, "You ready?"

Tommy leaned his body onto me and wrapped his arms around my neck, holding me tight, "I'm...Ready."

I said this to him to comfort him, "Don't worry, I won't let you fall."

I think I saw Tommy smiling at me and then I started to flap my wings after that. My wings blowing the grass on the ground. He gasped again as we were rising off the ground. My wings beating against the wind as I was getting some more altitude.

We were pretty high above the human town now. I could see the lights down below. Then I looked up north, and remembered where his house live. Five miles from here.

Then I hollered to Tommy, "Hang on!" Then I flew forward and I heard Tommy scream his head off.

The wind rushing at my eyes as I flew forward to take him home. We were now flying away from the town, as it's not below me anymore.

I flapped my wings and I looked over my shoulder to look back at Tommy. Tommy slowly loosened his grip on my neck and he sat up straight on my back. His long hair blowing wildly by the wind. There was still fear in his eyes.

He looked down and then he looked up ahead. His breathing became normal as he started to relax. Then a smile started to form on his face. Then he started to laugh. A happy, unbelievable laugh that he's emitting. That he can't believe that for the first time in his life, he's riding on a dragon during the night.

Tommy rose his arm high in the air and screamed to the sky, "WOOOOO!!!!!!!"

I smiled at him. He's very happy.

A human that I just met today, that I barely know, is on my back and he's happy.

I looked ahead and focused on flying. Taking him back home.

*****

I flapped my wings repeatedly over the woods. The full moon rays shining off my black scales beautifully. My wings blowing the leaves off the tree limbs. Tommy sorta recognized the area from above and he hollered over the wind, "You're not far now!"

I hollered back while focusing ahead, "Alright!"

Then after a minute passed by, I could see a house down below. I circled around the area and then I started to glide down to his destination.

Soon I landed to the ground with both my paws and trotted to a stop. My wings curling on my back and I sighed. Talk about a beautiful flight that was.

I lowered my body to the ground and Tommy slid off of me. He landed to the ground and he sighed. He turned to face me and he was...Smiling.

I grinned at him as I rose my body off the ground, "What are you smiling at?"

Tommy started to chuckle and I asked with pride, "I take it you loved the flight?"

He nodded and came to me closer, "It was...Amazing!" He laughed in happiness," Nothing like that has ever happened to me before. Thank you."

I nodded, "You're welcome, human."

Then he reached out to pet my body, his hand touching my scales. Then I looked at his house and it's a small white house. There's also a barn nearby.

I turned my neck to look at him while he's petting me, and said, "You really have a nice place."

Tommy knew what I was talking about and he said, "Yeah well...It's the only place I live in. Ever since I graduated from school. It...Used to belong to my mom."

I said, "Well your mother knew how to pick a place to live in."

Tommy giggled, "Well I'm sure my mother would appreciate the compliment. She doesn't live there anymore. She lives in a nursing home."

I cocked my head at him, and then he said, "Well she's too sick to take care of herself, so she started living there. I'm the only one who lives in the house."

I asked, "What about your father?"

Tommy had a grim look, "Well...I don't know my father."

My eyes went wide, as I sorta thought I've made a mistake, "Sorry about that."

He waved me off and shook his head, "Oh I'm fine. Don't worry about it." Then he had a curious look on his face, "Rain?"

I nodded and he asked, "I have to ask...Why are you...Being so nice to me? We don't know each other."

I answered him, "Because you're just a shy little human."

He raised and eyebrow and I went on, "I wasn't lying to you that I know what you're feeling. I was just like you. I was shy for so long and I hardly ever talked to anybody. But I'm not anymore. I'm socializing."

Then he patted his chest with his hand, "But why me really?"

I lowered my head to his level, looked directly at his eyes, "Because, I know that being shy makes you feel alone, is that right?"

He stared at me and I said, "You hardly ever talked to anybody, only your family. I know that from experience. And now...Since your mother's not here, you don't have anyone to talk to."

Tommy giggled and said, "You really have a sharp mind."

I nodded, "All dragons have sharp minds."

Tommy looked down at the ground and said, "I'll tell you the truth...I don't have a lot of friends. Not even when I was little. Usually people talk to me first and I just respond. I...Really didn't talk to anyone back then, not even the band mates, since they don't bother to talk to me...Except my mother. My mother always talked to me." He giggled a bit, "I know that my mom paid this house off, and I don't have to worry about house payments. But...It does feel lonely without her."

I nodded and said, "I can imagine that too." Then I added, "And another reason why I offered to fly you to your house...Is to help you melt away your shyness. To give you the time of your life. To show you that just because I'm big, doesn't mean I'll hurt you. That dragons are not scary, that we have emotions like you. I just...Wanted to help you."

Tommy looked at me and said, "Actually...You remember that I waved at you while I was singing?" I nodded and then he said, "Well...It's just before I left you, after I bumped into you...You were being nice to me and I just left you. And I've felt bad about it."

I shook my head at him, "You don't have to apologize about it. You just had to go somewhere. I was never offended at all."

Tommy giggled, "Well when I saw you in the crowd...I thought it'd be the last time I'd see you. So I waved at you and pointed at you in the crowd...As an apology gift for just leaving you."

I smiled at him, "Well I think that song you sang to everyone including me, is the best gift you could ever have given to anyone."

Tommy reached out his hand to touch my cheek, stroking it. His touch feels...Good. I leaned into his touch and closed my eyes.

Tommy giggled again, "I wasn't kidding that your scales feel soft. They really do. And...The moonlight makes you look beautiful in them. The way they shine by the moon rays, it's...Beautiful."

I replied in gratitude, "Thank you."

He stopped stroking me and he backed away from me. I opened my eyes to look at him. He let out a breath, "Well...Thank you for...Taking me back home."

I said, "You're welcome." I rose my head above his level.

Then Tommy backed away some more and said, "Well...Goodnight." Then he whirled around and started walking to his house.

I had a sad look on my face. Is this...Goodbye forever?

I know we don't know each other, but...I was starting to like him.

Tommy stopped in his tracks and turned around to face me, "Rain?"

I nodded, hope beating in my chest. Is this not goodbye after all?

Tommy came back to me in fast strides and then he was trying to build up the courage to say something as he stood in front of me. He stuttered, "Do you uh...Uh..." He trailed off.

I smiled at him and asked, "Yes?"

Tommy gave me a big smile and finally asked, "Do you...Want to hang out with me sometime? As...My friend?"

I nodded and said, "Of course. I...I'd love to be your friend. Just to make you feel comfortable and happy."

He stared at my eyes, "You already have. I...Realize I trust you while I was flying on you. I'm pretty sure of it. I kinda don't feel shy when I'm talking to you."

I nodded again, "That's good." Then I asked, "Can I come back here, tomorrow?" He nodded and I nodded in return, "Then I won't deny you, Tommy."

Tommy beamed at me, "Thank you, and maybe you can tell me about your life while you're at it."

I grinned at him and gave him a wink, "I plan to."

Tommy waved at me and said, "See you later...Rain." And with that he whirled around and went to his house, he went through the front door and went in.

I sighed after her left. I have another friend now.

And it's someone who's shy just like I was, and his name's Tommy.

I'm glad you became my friend, Tommy. Despite that we don't know each other. Despite that we're both different species.

I'll be your friend, Tommy. I'll be your friend who flies in the sky.

Then I looked up at the night sky and I jumped up and took to the skies. Flying high over the woods, heading back home to the dragon city.