“…Daement and Zideon. And of course, that leaves only Akiaziri and Kardynkyr.”
Kardynkyr looked over to their announced partner. The other dragon looked so prim and proper, attentively listening to Azeros list the matches. Kardynkyr figured it would end up this way. Only Zideon and Akiaziri were of their generation, but they didn’t know until now that they were both older than them. It was most likely that either of them would be Kardynkyr’s mate, but they had a small hope that it’d be Zideon, simply because they seemed to match Kardynkyr’s vibe a bit better. Kardynkyr knew nothing about Akiaziri beyond that they were Azeros’s spawn, which was honestly just intimidating.
Kardynkyr turned their attention back to their leader. Azeros looked rather pleased with themselves, having finalised the mating pairs and stood. “So, if there is no comment, everyone is dism—”
The next dragon to their left raised their hand up. It was none other than Sydryn the Pink, Kardynkyr’s own parental relative. “May I add something while we are all gathered?”
Azeros hesitated but then ceded the floor, smirking to their mate. “Of course. Go ahead.”
Sydryn cleared their throat and glanced down to their notes before looking out to the others. “As we all understand, the purpose of this event is to grow our numbers as dragons to ensure the survival of our species. Most of us have participated in such an event once before—”
“Twice for I,” Azeros reminded.
“Yes… Many of us have the experience,” Sydryn said, clearly peeved by the interruption. “But for the youngest three, this would be your first. For you, and anyone else who would like to join, I would like to volunteer my time to deliver a brief lecture on draconic reproduction. With such knowledge, your experiences should prove easier and safer than going in blind, like we’ve done in the past. Would that be of benefit to you?”
Kardynkyr didn’t say anything at first and just leaned back to rest their feet on the table. They already knew what fucking looked like. Their own hoard of demons did it all the time, everywhere, and in all the wildest ways. Sure, dragons’ bodies were a little different, but they doubted there was hardly much more they would need to know.
“I would attend such a lecture,” Akiaziri said.
Kardynkyr turned to look at them and saw the other dragon sitting up straight with their hand raised. They believed they caught a quick glance from the violet dragon, but it was too furtive to be remarkable.
Sydryn nodded. “Lovely. Zideon. Kardynkyr. What say you?”
Zideon, who had been aggressively picking at their skin, ears, and nose nearly the entire time shrugged. “Yeah, sure. I love a good info dump!”
Eyes turned to Kard, and they sighed. “Fine… We’re stuck here anyway. Might as well listen to my Auntie yap for a bit.”
“Thank you,” Sydryn said, not showing any annoyance from that comment. “I suppose, we can gather at my residence, unless someone would like to propose a better location.”
Kardynkyr sneered. “Do we have to wear pink?”
Sydryn looked to the other. “I would prefer you adhere to my hoard standards, but I know you’d rather choose not to…”
Akiaziri had their hand up. “Um, if it would work, you can host it in my quarters. I have comfortable seating, and there’s no dress code.”
“There ya go, we’ll do it at Akiaziri’s,” Kardynkyr said, motioning to their mate. “That’s settled. Is it now or can I get dinner before the fuckfest begins?”
A few of the older dragons glared at Kardynkyr for their language, but Azeros just chuckled. “Of course. Everyone is dismissed. Sydryn, please prepare your lecture for this evening, that way our young ones are prepared to start their mating attempts post haste.”
Sydryn nodded. “Akiaziri, will your residence be ready at 21:00?”
Akiaziri nodded quickly. “Yes, we can meet then.”
“Grand. See you then.”
Sydryn was first to sweep away quickly. Everyone followed suit, but Kardynkyr was in no hurry and took their time. Akiaziri was also one of the last few to leave, and as they passed Kard, they smiled to them and bowed briefly.
“I don’t believe that we’ve properly met yet,” Akiaziri said as they came back up. “I am Akiaziri the Soft. I am looking forward to collaborating with you.”
Kardynkyr couldn’t help but chuckle. “Collaborating is a funny way to put it. Of course, I’m Kardynkyr but you can call me Kard. Hopefully we can get this over with and get to never seeing each other again for another few centuries, eh?”
Akiaziri nodded. “Yes. May we mate swiftly.”
“Mmhm. Yeah. So, you’ve definitely never had sex before, then,” Kardynkyr deduced.
Akiaziri seemed a little taken aback. “No. Of course not. Have you?”
Kardynkyr shrugged. “Well, no… But I’ve seen a lot of it. Like, all the time. So, I’m not, like, sensitive to it really.”
Akiaziri lips pursed. “Oh. Okay, well… Maybe that’s good then. Your experience is probably of benefit to us.”
“Yeah, don’t worry. You’re in good hands,” Kardynkyr said. “Anyway, I’m gonna go see what the fairies have cooking. I’ll see you tonight.”
Akiaziri nodded. “See you then.” They quickly walked off, seemingly overwhelmed.
Kinda cute, Kardynkyr thought as they dragged their boots off the table and stood. Too bad they have no clue.
So I spend all this time making the blorbos sad, this calls for some art of them just being stupid together...Sydari and Teldryn are meant to be stupid together 70% of the time XD
Let me make them happy for 5 minutes brain!
Do the dragons shed their scales like other reptiles? If so, what do they do with the leftover shed?
Syd: As established before, we're not reptiles, we're beasts. We are born 'humanoid' as you might say, and our more beastly forms are a more secondary form. I myself don't have many scales in that form, more fur. A dragon like Seranan or Zideon have a lot more scales in their form, but it depends, I suppose, on how long they choose to maintain that form whether or not they ever experience shed. I'd say we're more likely to lose a horn or claw in combat than any scales.
Zideon: Ooh! I've done it! I spent a year once in mine, and I shed my entire skin like a gecko! It was amazing. 10/10 Would recommend.
Little angel… What have you done?
“I know, I am sorry.”
You’ve taken from me.
“I never meant to. I…I only wanted to do the right thing.”
Who are you to decide? Better yet, what are you? Do you think yourself a principality?
“No, of course not. I—”
An archangel, then.
“No.”
And yet, you chose to overstep. You chose to govern Life and Death.
“I broke the rules. I know well that I was out of line.”
Know your place, child. For Death does not trifle.
“Forgive me. Forgive me or… Or take from me what is owed to you. I just ask that you do not take the child.”
…You attempt to bargain with Death?
“If Death allows it.”
You offer an angel for a child. Amusing… Quite the offer.
“It is all I have to offer.”
You understand that in making this offer, you value an angel higher than a child for Death, but a child for an angel for Life?
“Yes. If Lord Death agrees.”
…You believe then that Life and Death value differently.
“If they are equal, then is it not a fair trade?”
Ahh… Very well then.
“…Very well?”
Since you believe the life for the child so important, do not let it go to waste. An angel for a child.
“I submit myself.”
Ahaha… Submit then to the child, angel. You belong to them.
“…I belong to them?”
Yes, now go, Köbi.
“I do not understand.”
Köbi.
“Yes?”
Köbi.
“Death?”
KÖBI.
“Köbi!”
The angel was startled awake.
Sydryn loomed over him, appearing concerned. They had a hand on his forehead, but they withdrew it when he sat up.
“I didn't think it possible for an angel to catch a fever…” they said.
“I… It's nothing,” Köbi said, rubbing his own forehead.
Sydryn just frowned and sat down on the end of his bed. “Köbi, I haven't seen you out of your room for several days. I am aware that I too have been a recluse, but I had hope you would still be performing your duties at APID.”
“I was, for a time…” Köbi sighed. “I… I did something that I, as an angel, had no authority to do. But I… I don't think I would've done anything differently.”
Sydryn placed a hand on his shoulder. “I'm sure you did exactly what you believed to be right, but I can understand how that might conflict with your values and status as an angel. However, I would've liked if you came to me about it. Seranan nearly burned the house down trying to make food for themself…”
“Ah, I'm sorry! I know I've been neglecting my duties—”
“Banish the thought. It's not about that, or Seranan.” Sydryn sat and sighed. “I want to know if there's anything I can do to help.”
Köbi shook his head. “I don't know. Nothing. I think, maybe I…” He trailed off and rubbed his face.
“You what?” Sydryn pursued.
Köbi pursed his lips. “I don't think I can continue at APID.”
Sydryn frowned. “Köbi, you’re of great use to APID. Your gifts are helping a lot of people.”
“I know, but I…” Köbi shook his head. “I can't be tempted to do what I did again. I have no right. And I know in the medical field I'd be tempted.”
Sydryn sighed and wrapped an arm around Köbi's shoulder. “Come here…”
Köbi felt his eyes well with tears, and he leaned into the dragon's sideward hug. “Syd, you don't have to do this…”
“Hush.” Sydryn rubbed his back. “I'm prescribing this hug to you.”
This made Köbi chuckle a little. “Prescribing?”
“You're a good angel, Köbi. This will pass.”
“Okay…” Köbi took a deep breath to try and calm himself down. “Syd…”
“Mn?”
“If I… If something were to happen to me, please know that—”
“What would happen to you?” Sydryn interrupted.
“I don't know, I’m just saying if. Please just hear me out.”
“Alright…”
Köbi inhaled again. “I just want you to know, and this is coming from an angel and friend… I believe you're a very good person, Syd. I need you to know that your mistakes do not define you. Your actions and intentions are genuine, and I believe you do a lot of good in this world.”
Sydryn actively relaxed their body and sighed. “Okay. Thank you for telling me that.”
“It's true though. I really believe it.”
“I believe that you believe that.”
Köbi sighed. “I want you to take this seriously.”
“I take everything seriously.” Sydryn pulled themselves up off the bed slowly. “I'm going to make you some breakfast.”
“Oh, no, Syd, you don't need to do that,” Köbi said getting up. “You know I don't have to eat. Let me make you something.”
Sydryn just waved a hand and started to waddle to the door. The moment they passed the threshold however, a chime rung out through the house.
“What? Who's here?” Sydryn wrinkled their nose. No one ever rung the doorbell. The last person who had was Seranan months ago. Even when they got deliveries, they were instructed not to ring.
They checked their door app and their eyes widened. “Ix?”
Köbi straightened up. “Dr Ix?”
“How do they know my address?” Sydryn asked.
Köbi stiffened. “Er, well…”
“You gave it to them?!” Sydryn snarled.
“I mean, they've been worried about you, before I left… And I figured you've probably been ignoring everyone's messages from work… Listen, I gave it to them weeks ago, but they never did anything until now, so I figured they forgot about it or gave up or whatever.”
Sydryn frowned. “You haven't given anyone else my private information, have you? Reid better not have my address.”
“No, no. Of course not!” Köbi said. “Just Ix, and I realised I shouldn't have, in the moment, I just—”
Syd cut him off with a waved hand. “Enough. It's fine. Lucky for you, I feel I can trust Ix.” They then opened the intercom. “Hello?”
Ix was still on screen and they appeared to be turning to leave when Syd answered, and they jumped a little. “Hello? Dr Aias? I'm sorry for the intrusion, I just—”
“No matter. I'll buzz you in.”
“Ah, I appreciate it!”
Syd pressed the button to open the gate before closing the app. After a moment, they looked at themselves. “Shit, I am completely unkempt! I have to change… I have to do something with my hair—this is terribly unprofessional! I am not prepared for guests!”
“It's alright, this is your home, you can present yourself however you'd like!” Köbi said.
“Not like this!” Syd did a little circle in panic.
Köbi offered a hand. “Do you want me to braid your hair while you pick an outfit?”
“No, no, I'll worry about me. I need you to entertain Ix while they wait. I need time to freshen up!” Sydryn then swept out the door, hurrying off to their bedroom.
Seeing the dragon so frazzled about it made Köbi chuckle a little bit before he quickly went down to receive their guest. His excitement for Syd to finally talk to someone from outside the house for the first time in several days practically made him forget his woes for now and he received the Yulinian with a smile.
“Dr Ix!” Köbi said, swinging the front door open. “You actually came by!”
“Yes, well, I… I don't mean to intrude…” Ix stood outside in a casual olive polo and shorts, their hair a bit ruffled. They regarded Köbi with a bit of surprise. “I am however glad to see you in good spirits. I heard from Gardi you needed some time off.”
“Yeah, I, uh…” Köbi rubbed the back of his head. “I needed a mental health break… Honestly, I feel really bad disappearing so suddenly.”
“No, no. If you need a break, by all means!” Ix was nervously gripping a small bouquet of pink flowers. “Sydryn is here, yes? I believe they answered the bell.”
“Yes, yes!” Köbi nodded quickly. “They're just freshening up. Come inside and sit down.”
“I know what this looks like,” Ix said, stepping inside, motioning to the flowers. “This is just a small ‘Get well’ gift, and my research says it's only appropriate to bring a gift when a guest in someone else's home on Earth.”
“I understand. Syd will love them,” Köbi assured them.
As soon as Köbi had Ix situated in the living room, foot steps came down the stairs. They both turned expecting Sydryn to appear, but instead the red dragon was spotted slithering down to access the kitchen illicitly. After, raiding the fridge for a ham hock, they turned to see the pair in the living room and blanched, their appearance suddenly very human.
“Hello,” Ix said politely.
“Köbi!” Seranan exclaimed. “Who—What is this?!”
“This is Dr Ix. You don't have to hide, they are well aware of dragons,” Köbi explained.
Seranan pointed down. “Come here immediately!”
Köbi stood up and casually walked over to meet Seranan in the front hall.
Seranan grabbed him and took him a few steps up the stairs, out of sight of the living room. “What is it doing in this house?”
“Dr Ix prefers they/them pronouns,” Köbi said. “And they are Syd's guest.”
Seranan flared their nostrils. “They are not of this world.”
“If you are saying Ix is a Yulinian, that is correct,” Köbi said. “I don't know why that matters.”
“What do they want? Why are they here?” Seranan asked.
“They came to talk to Syd,” Köbi said.
“About what?” Seranan asked.
“Why are you asking me?” Köbi asked. “Have you considered introducing yourself?”
“I have not!”
“I think you should. Especially since they can still hear us.”
Seranan bristled at this, but stepped down the steps and slithered back over to the living room entrance. They looked down to Ix with a glare. “I am Seranan. What is your business with my sibling?”
Ix smiled and stood up. “Ah, so you're siblings! The resemblance is uncanny. I work with Dr Aias and I just came to check in and see how they have been doing on their break. I hope that they are feeling better soon.”
Seranan’s gaze fixed on the bouquet and they wrinkled their nose. “A pink bouquet suggests admiration but may also imply romantic intentions.”
Ix stiffened. “Really? That is quite the fun fact. I wasn't aware of flower colour theory… To be honest, I just picked a colour I believe Sydryn would like.” Their eyes darted nervously around the incredibly pink room.
“Indeed.” Seranan put a hand on their hip. “In my opinion, cut flowers are a rather poor gift. They die incredibly quickly. As dragons, such ephemeral things hold little value to us.”
“Oh. Um…” Ix was crestfallen. “I suppose I really didn't put enough thought into it…”
“Seranan, why don't you go upstairs and have your snack?” Köbi said, motioning to the container of glazed ham they still carried. “Syd will be down soon.”
Seranan rolled their eyes and stomped upstairs and away. Köbi exhaled and went to sit with Ix.
“Perhaps I should have brought something else,” Ix said, turning the bouquet in their hands. “I’ve gifted Dr Aias a few of my eggs before, but they aren't available yet. I thought maybe jewellery, but then that felt like too much, and I wouldn't know what style they'd like…”
“Don't listen to Seranan,” Köbi assured. “The flowers are perfect. Syd will love them.”
“But maybe a rosé would have been more appropriate? No, they're pregnant! What am I saying?”
Köbi just chuckled and waited with them. After just a few minutes, Sydryn finally made their way downstairs. They had changed into a long summer dress and done their hair in a halo braid.
“Dr Ix, I appreciate your visit,” Sydryn spoke first, still standing. “I apologise for leaving the practice so suddenly. I am doing well, however I don't know that I am ready to return.”
Ix just sat there, mouth slightly agape. Sydryn looked at them quizzically.
“Are those for me?” they asked, motioning to the flowers.
Köbi elbowed Ix.
The Yulinian blinked and then stood up quickly, proffering the bouquet. “Oh, yes! These are...pink for...you...like pink.”
Sydryn received the bouquet and smiled. “These are very lovely. I especially love hyacinths.”
“I love them too! I mean, I like them...” Ix rubbed their neck. “Pink isn't really my colour... I mean, it is a lovely colour. I know you like pink! A great choice! Hence pink flowers!”
“Yes. You clarified already... Ix.” Sydryn looked at them curiously. “Are you well? You seem addled.”
“I...” The words suddenly fell from Ix's mouth. “I am in love with you.”
Silence fell in the room.
Sydryn stared at Ix.
Ix froze entirely.
Köbi watched them with such attention, he felt like he was watching a pivotal scene from a telenovela.
Sydryn was first to move, but it was to step back. Then the bouquet fell from their hands as they turned and hurried back up the stairs.
Ix’s heart sank. “Fuck.”
Köbi was alarmed and looked at Ix. “No, it's alright.”
Ix shook their head and placed their face in their hands. “Shit, fuck, I'm so stupid!”
“No, no. It's alright!” Köbi rubbed their back. “No need for the language...”
“I wasn’t planning to say any of that but I haven't seen them in a while, and I nearly forgot how absolutely...breath-taking they are! I've never been so overwhelmed.”
“You got a little flustered. It's okay.” Köbi stood up only to then crouch in front of Ix and take their hands. “Listen. It's alright. You're not stupid. You had only good intentions.”
“They ran away, Köbi.” Ix shook their head. “I need to leave.”
“No, please stay.” Köbi patted Ix's hand. “Please. Syd needs a friend right now.”
“I can't do this. I'm sorry, I can't.” Ix got up, withdrawing their hand, and smoothed out their shirt. “Please let Dr Aias know I am very sorry for dropping by unannounced and...everything thereafter.”
Köbi wanted to chase after them as they left but he knew he had no miracles for a broken heart. Instead, he went to the door and saw them off. “Thank you for coming by. I'm sorry if I...gave you false hope.”
Ix turned to Köbi with a pained smile. “It’s alright. You're not at fault. And also the practice will be happy to have you back whenever you're ready. Both of you.”
Köbi nodded. “Okay.”
“Oh, and tell... Seranan, was it? Tell them it was lovely to meet them,” Ix said.
Köbi shook his head. “Sorry, I don't really like to lie on others behalf.”
Ix managed a chuckle. “No, no. Genuinely. I appreciate their knowledge of flowers. I have something new to research when I get home. That is a gift to me.”
Köbi nodded. “Okay, I will tell them.”
“Thank you, Köbi.” Ix turned to go. “I hope to see you soon.”
Köbi waved. “See you soon!”
