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Tanner looked at the door to Ryan's rooms as he walked past and almost went to check on him. He sighed mentally. There was no point in pushing up upsetting Ryan's father any further. He hoped the man would calm down again, as this wasn't easy on him and he was sure it wasn't any easier on Ryan.

He went into his room to find Ryan sitting on his couch, curled up and staring at the wall. "Ryan?" he said, and quickly went over to him. Ryan's head snapped up. "Are you alright?"

Ryan nodded. "I...wished to see you, Tanner."

Tanner sat down on the couch and ran his hand over the young dragons neck. "That's fine, but what about your parents?"

He hesitated. "I told them I wished to walk around the house and the finally let me."

Tanner sighed. "So you're lying to see me?"

Ryan winced. "It is not like that."

"Sounds like it to me, Ryan."

"Please Tanner! Father is not so very reasonable and I wished to see you!" Ryan said, his voice starting to rise.

"Easy! Hush, Ryan, just hush," he said, quickly petting the dragon. He sighed and scratched him behind the ears. "What am I going to do with you, Ryan?"

"I know not," Ryan said miserably.

"Hey, none of that," Tanner said gently.

"Father says that he does not like you at all and wants you to stay away."

"That's his prerogative, Ryan."

"But I wish to see you!"

"Ryan....please, lets not get all worked up okay? I don't want you upset."

Ryan lowered his head and rested in against Tanner's chest. "What should I do?"

"I don't know, Ryan. I'll have to speak with him again and try to reason with him."

"He will not listen," Ryan said a little bitterly.

"He is worried for you, that's all."

"Yes, well, I am a big dragon and I can take care of myself!" Ryan said with such determination that Tanner drew back a little in surprise.

"Well, not so very big," Tanner said with a grin. "You're such a treasure, Ryan. Perhaps I should speak with you mother instead."

"I am not so very certain that she does not wish for you to stay away either."

"Ugh! Why now?" Tanner said, exasperated.

"I think she is just jealous."

Tanner sighed. "We had that conversation already. I had hoped she was over it."

Ryan shrugged, a lift of his wings, "I think she still is."

Tanner grew silent, petting Ryan, listening to the little dragons soft thrumming. "You have to obey them, Ryan. It's not right that you don't."

Ryan whimpered. "I know, Tanner, but I do not like it."

"Nor do I. I'm sure they'll see reason, however."

"You do not know my parents," Ryan said glumly and Tanner laughed.

"Ah, the cry of teenagers all over the world, be they human or dragon," he said and pet Ryan. "Just be patient. This is all new to them to, you know."

"I know, Tanner."

"Go on home Ryan, before you're missed."

"Yes Tanner," Ryan said and stood up, stretching himself out, then hopped off the couch. Tanner stood and followed him to the door. Ryan looked up at him, his gold eyes pleading.

"I'm sorry, Ryan," he said again. H reached own and picked the little dragon up and Ryan allowed himself to be held, nuzzling Tanner's shoulder. Tanner held him back and look into his eyes for a moment. "There's my dragon," he said softly.

Ryan looked at him, startled and Tanner realized what he had just said. He closed his eyes and set Ryan down. "Go on, Ryan."

"Tanner..."

"Go, before you're missed," he said gently, and opened the door. Ryan walked out with one last look at him and Tanner closed the door, sagging against it, wondering what had just gotten into him.

Sulvius watched from down the hall way as Ryan slunk back into his parents room after leaving Tanners. He sighed, wondering if he should say anything.

Ryan ate breakfast with his parents the following morning, refusing to shift from his dragon form. His father said nothing about it and he wasn't sure if he were pleased by it or not. One part of him wanted his father to argue with him, wanted to tell him that he was just being stupid and should stop it. The other part just wanted his approval and for all the fussing to end.

His mother was pleasant, if a bit strained. His father was quiet. All in all, it was a very awkward, stressful situation and Ryan was quite happy when it was over. He preened himself and his mother didn't even say anything about that. When he finished, he looked himself over in the mirror (telling himself he wasn't really being vain) and then wondered what to do. He did not want to stay in the room, he knew that much.

He decided to go to the garden.

He strutted out to where egis parents were watching TV. "I am going to the garden," he announced.

Allen tensed but Beth put a hand on his leg. "Oh really?"

"Yes," he said, tail lashing gently.

"Well, that's interesting, as I don't recall you asking if you could go."

Ryan lowered his head. "May I?"

"Hmm. I think that maybe you need to watch your attitude, little dragon. Just because there are other dragons here and they call you their prince doesn't mean that you don't have to obey your parents."

Ryan flinched and would have blushed if he could. "Yes mother. I am so very sorry."

She smiled. "I'm sure you'll be more polite next time and ask first."

"Yes mother. May I go, please?" he asked, perking his ears.

"I'm not sure Ryan. You've been attacked once already."

"But they said that they are being more careful! I am sure that no evil dragon would be anywhere near now!" he protested.

She sighed. "What are you going to do if there is?"

"Run like all hell was after me," Ryan said and his mother laughed.

"Alright. You can go, but stay close to the house and in sight of other dragons."

"I will mother!" he said, and bounded for the door.

"Ah, Ryan," she said and he froze, turning to look at her. "May I have a kiss goodbye?"

The young dragon laughed and flapped his wings a few times to get lift enough to land no the couch. He smothered her in kisses and nuzzled his father a few times, thrumming the whole time. Even his father couldn't help but laugh at him. "Alright, go on and be so very careful," she said.

"I promise that I will, mother!" he said and was out the door.

"Are you sure that's a good idea?" Allen said after he had left.

"No, but we both know he needs to grow and learn to be more independent. Plus the dragons are watching after him now, Kheros talked to me about it. He is always under supervision, even if he doesn't know it."

Allen sighed. "I guess that's the best we can wish for."

"He'll be fine, Allen."

"It's not just him I worry about..."

Ryan trotted out the the gardens, head held high. He walked past dragons, at least he assumed they were probably dragons even I their human forms, who smiled at him as he passed. He nodded to them as he walked by and heard a few muffled laughs. Well, so what if they laughed? He was having a good time, was happy to be a dragon, and if that meant he was acting a little childish trotting along then so be it!

Besides, he wasn't really that old anyway.

He walked into the bright sunlight and his second eyelids automatically shuttered against he glare. He laughed to himself when he remembered his parents reactions the first time it happened. He thought his mother was going to be physically ill. He had three sets of eyelids, his main set, the secondary ones which seemed to be protection against glare and wind while flying, and a set of what he figured were nictitating membranes, to clean and lubricate his eyes. He found it odd that he had three, whereas most animals with nictitating membranes only had two, but who was to say what was normal with a dragon?

He made his way to the garden entrance and hesitated, his healing wounds giving a twinge at the memory of the attack. He shook himself and determinedly walked into the garden. No one was going to keep him from enjoying himself and being out. He had spent far too much of his life hiding from bullies, being careful of where he went, and now that he was a dragon amongst dragons he wasn't going to tolerate it any further! He was a dragon, powerful, strong, and free!

He held his head up and strode into the garden, chest slightly puffed out. This was how it should be, he thought. A dragon, prowling about as if in search of prey! He grinned at the thought. Oh but that would be wonderful! He wondered if dragons ever hunted. He would have to ask. He was quite certain he would be great at it! The image of himself diving in full stoop to take a deer took hold of his mind and, if possible, he puffed himself up a little further, imaging the power with which he would strike, tearing with his jaws--

"Well, someone is feeling quite the proud and strong little dragon this morning I see!" a voice boomed out. Ryan squealed and took several steps back, looking up in shock at the dragon standing in the path he had turned down. He was in his bipedal form, was black and yellow colored and looked menacing as could possibly be imagined. Spines ran up his arms and along part of his back, armored plates covered his chest, legs and forearms.

The only thing that wasn't intimidating was his cheerful smile, happy voice, and what Ryan thought to be some sort of Caribbean accent. He laughed again. "I am sorry to have startled you, my prince!"

"That, is f-fine," Ryan stammered, now looking quite the nervous little dragon. "Who are you?"

"My name is Haman," he said with a slight bow.

"Ryan, sir," Ryan said, trying to control his stammering.

"It is an honor for the prince to give his name," Haman said with a large grin. "I thank you!"

Ryan ducked his head. "You are welcome. W-what do you do here?"

"I garden!" Haman boomed, throwing his arms wide causing Ryan to draw back a little. "I care for the trees, for the flowers, and all of the things you see here! It is a happy, peaceful thing to do and I so enjoy it. It brings much joy to others as well as myself!"

Ryan shook his head. "That is so very amazing," he said

Haman laughed. "You wonder how one such as I, how looks as I do, would take up something like gardening when I look so very warlike perhaps?"

Ryan ducked again. "Maybe a little. Those spines are...intimidating."

Haman laughed and his spines suddenly flared out, making him look even bigger and more dangerous. Ryan's jaw dropped in amazement. "Yes, my breed are known as fearsome warriors! But we are not so very warlike, truly, unless it is called for. All of my brothers and sisters are in horticulture or in medicine. We still keep in practice for battle, should it ever be needed, but we all hope that it is not. The creator endowed us with the ability to fight and protect and we take that very seriously."

"I would not wish to fight you!"

Haman looked shocked. "Why would any attack the prince? No no, such a thing is unthinkable! Only a dragon who was very evil or sick would consider such an action. It goes against all that we know to be right and true."

Ryan looked himself over and sighed. "It has happened."

"And I feel it most keenly that I was not there to protect you."

"It was not your fault!"

Haman shook his head. "No, I suppose not, one cannot be everywhere."

"Pax tried to save me," Ryan said.

"And a valiant companion he is! Never underestimate the tiny ones!"

"I will not! They are so very amazing!"

Haman grinned. "They are! Well, if you will forgive me, my prince, I must be getting back to my duties. Know that you always have a friend in Haman and that I will always protect you if need be."

"Thank you so very much, Haman," Ryan said sincerely.

"You are most welcome! I shall treasure this in my hearts, both of them!"

Ryan blinked. "You have two hearts?"

Haman laughed his large, joyful laugh. "Indeed! All of my breed does! Enjoy the day, my prince!" he said as he walked off, leaving Ryan to watch him in amazement.

Kheros found himself standing outside of Kith's door, just staring at it. Tanner had gotten him to thinking. He hadn't seen Kith in several days and he was becoming worried about her. They had been close friends since he came to the safe house, both of them working directly for Cladden. He knocked on the door but there was no answer.

He hesitated for a moment, then used his master key to override the lock. "Kith? Kith are you in here? It is Kheros."

There was no response. He stepped into the room, looking around, feeling rather tense, but there was nothing out of place, nothing that indicated any danger. "Kithareallian?" He made his say into the kitchen. It was clean, no pots and pans out, no indications that she had been there or had cooked anything in several days. The refrigerator was stocked full and did not look as if anyone had used it. He made his way to her bedroom and rapped on the door lightly. "Kith?"

No response. He sighed and cracked the door open, hoping that he wasn't catching her indisposed. "Kith?" he called out. The bedroom was empty; the bed did not look as if it had been slept in. He walked all the way in, his heart beating faster. A quick check of her bathroom showed that she wasn't there either. He quickly searched the rest of her rooms, but there was nothing out of place, nothing to indicate that she had left, nothing to indicate that she had run. Everything looked normal.

He swore softly to himself. Where was she? He thought about putting in a call to Cladden but decided against. No need to get him all worried. She was probably fine, just taking some time away to clear her head.

Yes, without telling anyone. That would be so like Kith. He swore again.

With one last look around the apartment, as if he could have missed her, he rumbled and made his way back out to the garden. Perhaps he had missed her.

Ryan continued down the path towards the main fountain, still amazed at having met Haman. All of those spines and two hearts! Dragon were amazing creatures, if he did say so himself.

Even including a certain bias.

He walked into the central clearing where the main fountain was, enjoying the feel of the bright sun as it shown down on his back and wings, the feel of the wind, and the wonderful smells of the garden. He walked up to the main fountain and reared up, placing his fore claws on the rim, looking at the water and grinning as the breeze carried it into his face. It was so nice, so very nice, to be outside as a dragon with no fear of discovery.

He padded around the fountain a few times, just looking it over, and then decided to go further into the garden. There was still so much to explore! He walked over a short bridge that spanned a creek, and further into a small area filled with all sorts of trees. He walked into one of the little clearings that dotted the place and saw Tanner standing there, smiling at him.

"Tanner!" he chirped happily and walked up to the man, rearing back and placing his forepaws on his chest.

Tanner laughed. "Hello Ryan!" he said and patted him on the head. Ryan dropped down and trilled happily. "Well, I'd act surprised to see you but I suppose theres no real point in it."

"How did you know I was here?" Ryan said, cocking his head to one side.

"Watched you walk into the garden and figured out what direction you were going and just waited for you."

Ryan grinned at him. "I met another dragon! His name is Haman and his breed is covered in spines and has two hearts!"

Tanner nodded. "Yes, I know of them and have met a few. They're fearsome fighters. We will have to see if he is willing to do a demonstration of their martial arts; it's very impressive." He patted Ryan on the head again. "So, what shall we do?"

"I would like to continue looking around the garden."

"Sounds like a plan. Would you like to go see the hedge maze?"

Ryan's ears perked. "Maze?"

"Yes, most gardens have them. Dragons like to explore things."

Ryan chirped softly. "Yes, I remember Sulvius saying something about a biological imperative to snoop."

Tanner laughed. "That sounds about right! Cats have nothing on dragons for curiosity."

The pair set off through the garden towards the hedge maze walking through the garden, just enjoying each others company. Ryan still worried about his parents reactions to Tanner, but resolved not to think of it right now. Right now he was outside, with Tanner, and he was determined to enjoy it.

They arrived at the entrance to the hedge maze. A short distance in the maze broke off in two directions, heading left and right. Ryan looked in, his tail attach with the desire to explore the maze and find what secrets were hidden within. Tanner grinned down at him. Ryan looked up, seeing his grin, and grumbled at it. "Well? Shall we go in?"

Ryan considered. "There is an exit on the other side is there not?"

"Should be, plus several others."

Ryan's ears perked. "Want to race to the other side?"

Tanner laughed. "Oh, I doubt I'll be able to keep up with a dragon but sure!"

"Alright!" Ryan said. "On your marks, get set, go!"

Ryan bounded off into the maze, taking the left path, laughing the whole way. He was determined to make it to the other side before Tanner did. While not generally competitive, Ryan did enjoy the occasional race or game. He dodged left and right, ran into dead ends, recovered and continued working his way rapidly though the maze. His nose caught the smell of water and he darted out his tongue to try to home in on where it was coming form.

He made his way towards it, his ears picking up on the sound of a waterfall. Intrigued, he followed the sound. Perhaps it would lead to the exit and he would beat Tanner, he reasoned. A few more turns and he came across an opening in the maze that led out to a huge pool and creek with a waterfall splashing and tumbling down the rock face in the rear. Ryan's ears perked up so much that they nearly gave him a headache. Race forgotten about, he went to the edge of the pool, looking into it with fascination. Koi fish swam around looking like living jewels. He looked up at the waterfall and thought that he made out a cave behind it. Even more curious he walked to the edge nearest the fall and peered at it. Yes, there was a cave back there! Grinning to himself, he gingerly stepped through the water, quickly ducking behind the waterfall.

He shook the water off himself, shaking out his wings, sending droplets splattering everywhere, and looked around the cave. It went back and turned, father than he could see. Afire with curiosity, he followed along the cave. It twisted and turned a few more times until it opened up into a huge cave.

Curled up in the center of the cave was a dragon. Even in the dim light Ryan could make out the blue and gold coloring, the sleek lines, and the litheness of her body.

Kith lifted her head and looked at him. He froze, unable to look away.

Kith. Oh God, Kith....