FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

((All characters in here are copywritten to me. 18+ readers only, due to violence and occasional yiff/sex))

Both Azura and Rick awoke to the heavy sound of someone pounding on his door. Neither wanted to move, Azura clung to Rick with him sprawled out on the bed. It was far too comfortable to move and in both their minds they thought it to be her siblings wanting some food. Then a shocking realization came upon Azura, she was in bed with her master! She bolted upright and out into her room, leaving a slower moving Rick to sit up in his bed alone, still utterly confused on most respects of life right now, save for a loud thumping.

"Rick Armor! Open this door immediately! Or suffer the consequences!"

He rose up and blinked as the voice rang out. It sounded like the king, yet...couldn't be. He began to do his normal stretches while Azura made her way, in a fresh set of clothes, to the door to answer it. So he didn't feel rushed right now. Yet, once the sound of the door opening came about, a scream immediately followed. His armor snapped on and he grabbed a sword from the wall as he bolted down the stairs and shot his sight about. Five royal guardsman and the king, and one other holding Azura with a blade to her neck.

"Azura! What the hell is going on!"

He hadn't realized it, but he had long since drawn the blade and had it pointed to the man with Azura, while the king took a few steps forward and held his arms out.

"We hold our military rules like our own families. You have not been to the Castle Training grounds in two days and as such are marked as treason. I am not the one who has said such, the other royals have. You must come with me and simply train with the other soldiers for the day, that is all. No harm is meant."

"Odd way of requesting some ones appearance."

Rick placed the blade on the floor and took a few steps towards the king, but did not make any move to show he was going just yet.

"Let her go first. When she is safe upstairs and you all are outside, I shall go."

The king gave a soft nod and rose a hand up, the man that held Azura let go and she bolted for the stairs and was gone in a flash, while the men and the king made their way outside. As he promised, he followed them out and shut the door behind him.

Azura on the other hand was shaking as she sat at the top of the stairs. She had never had that happen before, yet regardless, she was extremely thankful for Ricks save. She knew she had been forgetting to tell him something, but she hadn't known it to be THAT. The army here was strict and any soldiers who did not show up for training were instantly marked as traitors. It had been a law for so long, that had foolishly thought Rick had known of it, or the king had at least told him himself.

Her fear slowly started to diminish as she started to realize just how fast Rick had shown up. When she was in the bed, neither wanted to move, and he seemed to be asleep still when she did get up. When she had passed the room, he still looked as if another world, yet the second her scream sounded out, he had appeared fully clad in armor and with a weapon to protect her. That made her feel extremely safe. She had other masters who she KNEW from their other servants once they screamed, they ran. None had ever tried to save them, especially the unfortunate ones. Azura gave a strong shake of her head and stood up, going about her normal daily duties while blocking out what had happened. She had been saved, it was nothing THAT big to begin with. Plus her duties came before all else.

=====

The day sped by as she did her duties. Cleaning the house, fixing up anything that seemed out of place, planting the Cherry Blossom trees that Rick had asked for and set about the grass needed for the front of the house along side the trees. It would be some time before they did come in, but she knew she still had to care for them. When night came about, she had began to make food while awaiting her masters return. It was fish and streak with random fruits on the side, not much else you could get during the slower trading season, yet she knew he would enjoy it if he enjoyed her first meal.

She finished the food with her master still not back, highly worried now that something bad might had happened. No! The king must be talking with him or something. With a light shake of her head, she took her place at the table and waited. She continued to wait until she felt the dead of night coming and just as she was about to stand, she heard the door open and stayed in her place. Like she had prayed, it was Rick. Yet he did not wear his armor, he wore a black shirt with heavy cloth black pants and a pair of black shoes. Something all soldiers wore underneath their armor.

"Welcome home, Rick."

Rick gave no response and took his chair. She could instantly tell that he was actually drained. He had almost no energy, yet she said nothing of it. Both began to eat in silence, but she couldn't help but steal glances at him. His eyes were locked on the table, nothing else, blank, empty stare. That is when she realized that his left arm was just hanging at his side, yet that was not her most shocking discovery. On his right wrist she seen something she dreaded. A collar, it wasn't for him, she knew that much. A collar would instantly go on the neck of a person damned to be a slave. Another hint was that it was HER name on it with a cherry blossom pattern on it, marking her as Ricks slave. The only thankful thing was that it was on his wrist, which meant that he was a master thinking over a slaves selection, so in her mind he was fighting it.

She tried to ignore that the best she could and slowly stood up. The movement actually got Rick to move his gaze up to her and watched as she moved over to him, kneel down beside him and taking his left arm in her own. An instant cringe meet that response and she inwardly cursed to herself, but she knew she needed to make sure it wasn't broken.

"Rick...you arm is not broken...just heavily bruised...I wouldn't suggest using it for awhile."

A soft smile met her as he gave a nod. Now would be the best time to speak to him about it, she thought.

"Umm....Rick? The collar....it's for me...isn't it."

That delicate smile shattered as he looked to the collar on his wrist and grimly replied with a nod. Like she had feared, she was damned to become nothing more then his slave. It truly wasn't that bad of a thing, but everyone in society looked down upon you and you had to get a brand. Before her thoughts could go any deeper, a soft caress of her cheek flung her out of it. It was Ricks hand and she happily nuzzled against it.

"Do not worry, I will not allow you to become a slave. You are a servant, not a dog. Though, even then, I do not like that you are even marked as a servant. Now...please...help me to my room. Legs really aren't agreeing with me right now, and thank you for the food, it was wonderful."

She smiled up to him and threw his right arm over her shoulder and hoisted him up, he was rather light compared to his size, unless she was stronger then she thought. She had done this before to many a fat master. However, suddenly, his weight doubled and she nearly fell flat onto her snout. But thankfully she saved herself and soon began to hear the soft snores coming from him, not being able to help as she began to softly giggle while leading him up to his room.

=====

Over the next three months the weird series of events continued on. Every night he could come home with that same collar on his right wrist. Yet the injuries slowly began to spread across his body. First it was his left arm, then it was his right as well, then legs, chest, stomach. It began to hurt just watching him stand up on his own. No one knew, or least were willing to tell, who or what was doing this to him and he never spoke of it either.

Anytime Azura would ask what happened he would simply smile and say he had hurt himself being stupid in his training. It began to heavily worry her and soon found herself staying awake at night worried sick and listening to his pained groans as he slept. Sometimes she would sneak into his room and snuggle against him, which seemed to help him, but at times she couldn't even go near with how badly his body was beaten.

From the get go, she felt she knew who was doing this as she knew every law that had to be upheld here and knew why it was happening. He would keep replying no to him whenever the king asked Rick to take Azura as a slave and the punishment of such was to be beaten. Rick truly didn't seem to be that effected by it, he kept his normal routine, even rough housing with her brothers and sisters still. Yet, enough was enough. This had to stop.

=====

Azura was seated in her normal spot at the table, having just finished cooking their normal steak, fish, bread, and fruits. It was late like normal, but she had adjusted and knew this to be the time Rick normally returned home. And like she had long since memorized, the door opened and in came Rick and just like normal beaten, yet his face went untouched.

"Master, dinner is ready."

A nod met her and he plopped into his set. The clothes he wore heavy with the scent of blood and his normal soft smile gone. It was quite heartbreaking to see, but even after all this time, she knew he would smile to her should she make a joke or doing something nice like normal. Yet, she got right to it, not even a bite into his food.

"Collar me."

The fork was held in his mouth as Rick looked up into her eyes and seen her dead seriousness. He thought it was a joke at first listen, but now he seen just how serious she was. He had been taken these beatings for so long he had forgotten just how long he had gone through them. Training, beating, walk home, dinner, sleep. All he remembered of the last three months, with the occasional switches to play with Azura's family or go out with Azura to help her shop.

"No Azura."

She slammed her hands on the table and stood, glaring at him now.

"Just do it and get it over with! I can't stand seeing you beaten like this every day! Its been going on for three months now! Enough is enough!"

Rick truly did not know how to reply to that. Something in him continued to say no, yet something else was saying yes. It was dividing him up but he just gave in and slid the collar off of his wrist and threw it onto the table in front of her, who promptly grabbed it and snapped it around her neck. And like she had witnessed so many times before, the magic in it whistled to life and it branded the collars design into her skin. It wasn't as painful as others had said to her, but it was enough to stop her breathing and cause it to nearly crush the wood of the table as she gripped.

"There..."

Azura was crying now, hard crying. It wasn't because of the pain, nor becoming a slave, it was because he had done so much for her and her family already. Everyday he allowed her brothers, sisters, and parents to come over and eat while he was training. He would sit them while her parents wanted alone time, and even spent gold on getting them new clothes and stuff for classes. He was paying nearly four times to her family then what the king had paid her, and yet he still never managed to buy himself anything. Well...now he owned her.

Rick stood as she cried and moved over to her, grabbing her and clutching her to his chest. As she began to utterly break down against him. How would she ever repay him? He had to be expecting something! He, on the other hand, wanted her just to be happy. He was bidding for her freedom from both fates, yet she just messed it up by becoming a slave. Now he had to buy her out of slavery, would cost him nearly five-thousand in gold.

Suddenly her crying stopped and he couldn't help but look down, just to notice she was fast asleep. He smiled to her and lifted her into his arms, carrying her up into his room and set her down into his bed, covering her and sitting on the table next to the bed. He had to spend the night thinking of how to get the gold to buy her freedom. How would he do that...

=====

She awoke just as the sun began to hit her eyes and she gave a few blinks. It took her a moment, but she quickly realized that she was laying in her now truly masters bed! She hopped out of bed and looked around the room to notice no-one. Azura didn't even think for a moment before bolting downstairs and slipping into the kitchen, noticing food on the table with a note. She grabbed it and quickly began to read it.

"Slave;

I'm sorry to now become forced to call you as such yet I now have no choice. I left earlier in the day and prepared you food, before you set up a come back for when I come home, don't. I took it upon myself in my own rights to make you food and let you sleep. Please, I order you to relax for the day and do as you wish.

Rick Armor of the Ravens"

If anything, she had to admit for someone such as Rick, he even held a wonderful penmanship. Yet, her mind was now once again clouded. She now had been forced into a free day. What was she suppose to do? Was she just suppose to sit around the house and do nothing but think? Maybe she could go see him train...no.

"Wait...if I have a free day, I have free choice to do as such on my free day"

She smiled to herself and set about cleaning the house like normal. It was never messy, but it gave her something to do. Dusting and such, why she loved to clean so much, always kept her busy and mind preoccupied. With the occasional pause to munch on the food he had prepared for her, it was good, but he could do with some practice.

=====

"Sister, please, clam down..."

Veon spoke out in a soft tone as she watched Pink pace around the room, a sword clutched tightly in her hand. It was driving her mad! She should be with Zato helping him fight the orcs! Yet here she was, doing nothing more then waiting for her mates return at home! She knew she could get it done. She shot Veon a glare that could kill and growled.

"Once a month for three months Boros has gone to pick up Zato! Today is his third time! Each time before now, nothing! If he doesn't return today I cut off Boros head and go myself!"

"Well, I am glad I took it upon myself to bring you the news."

Both shot around to see Holy standing in the door way. She was resting against the frame of the door with two guards behind her, and Pink could tell instantly that it was news that was going to get someone killed. She took a few steps forward and glared.

"What is it?"

Holy simply smiled and shook her claw towards the two guards, both moving up and dropped a pair of wings and the Zanbatou. Both Veons and Pinks hearts dropped and shattered. Orcs cut off the wings of any dragons captured while they torture them for any and all information, the weapon is normally dropped upon the wings where they fell, to show any dragon who found them that they had beat them.

"What did you bastards do to him!"

Pink lowered the sword and charged towards the leader of the council. Holy only smiled as the two guards jumped in front of her, one blocking Pinks blade while the other clubbed her with his tail to send her flying straight to Veon. Her sister caught her and eased her down, Pink growling and clearly trying to attack again.

"Calm down Miss Sagara, or I will have you thrown out of the kingdom as well. There is more news."

Both Veon and Pink look to her once again, Pinks mind still clouded with thoughts of how to kill her for doing this to Zato.

"The orcs did not kill him. We have reason to believe a human named Rick Armor did it and tried to put it upon the orcs. There was no blood where we found the wings and sword, unlike the orcs who leave their mess behind. And the cuts on the wings are clean, where as an orcs weapons always leave jagged lines."

Pinks anger vanished yet she still held a glare. A human? What would they get out of killing a dragon and putting it upon the orcs?

"Those were my thoughts exactly."

Holy smiled as Pinks glare darkened, she hated when the council members read your mind as a game.

"Until I found out the human kingdom of Glander will soon wage war upon the orcs, they must have done that so we would join them in their assault or even wage our own war to weaken them."

Pink stood up now and simply dusted herself off, glaring to the two guards as one held onto her sword.

"Glander is a peaceful port kingdom with no ties to any military, why would they attack the kingdom? And with what army?"

Holy took it upon herself to move into the room and rest in a chair with the two guards aside her. Her smile never left her maw as she tossed a leg over the other, rather dreading the times she had to use this awful anthro form in these smaller places.

"It would seem Glander has been gathering an army up for some time. Six months exactly. Of course, they've always had one, just the only time any news came of it was when the kingdom of Freehaven launched an attack on them. Everyone does know of the Glander Navy, even we do. We've been gathering news upon them ever since we heard tale that Rick Armor is a Dragon Slayer."

Pinks eyes shot open as she sunk her toe claws into the floor. Dragon Slayers, the most hated of all humans. They took upon themselves to kill any dragon or anyone with dragon blood in them, using the tale of renegade dragons to ease the humans tensions of what they were doing. They even wore the scales of the dead! The biggest dishonor to a dragon!

"Holy, I seek permission to leave the kingdom to do a...quest."

She held her arms at her sides and looked dead into Holys sky blues eyes. She could tell that the council leader was planning something by the look in her eyes, any warrior could see that, yet she did not pay it any mind. Her mind was set on killing the one who killed her mate.

"I grant it. Your departure shall be tomorrow, high noon."

=====

Rick stood over a foot soldier he had just bested in a spar and placed his arm out to help him out and like normal the soldier happily accepted and stood up with Ricks help. If anything, Rick already had a reputation for being the most honorable, respectful, and loyal "damned" soldier any one has ever seen. The fact he was a knight slammed it into place, most knights weren't like him.

"Rick Armor!"

Rick turned to see the king walking to him, letting out a sigh while the other soldiers moved away. They knew what was coming and so did Rick, who had already began to unbuckle the chest armor. Yet the king stopped him and chuckled.

"No need, I stopped by your home today. I see you have taken Azura as your slave, well done. No more punishments for you now. However, I have need of your services."

Rick couldn't stop his head from tilting a bit and followed the king as he began to make his way towards the castle. Something didn't feel right, he knew bad news was coming. The king had a way of slamming news upon you that you didn't want to hear like a rhino has a way of going through glass.

"I need you to slay a dragon. He has been causing some chaos among our kingdom for some time and ruining our trade routes on land. He is only a days travel away."

Ricks eyes shot open, the king expected him to kill a dragon! A beast of such strength it could sink a galleon with but a flap of its wings? He had to be kidding. However, to Ricks grand horror, once they entered the courtyard of the castle he seen a horse saddled up and a bow and quiver of arrows held by some servants.

"I've already told Azura of the plan, she knows you will be gone. Do not worry. You must hurry, we need our supply lines opened again. You will be greatly rewarded for doing this and I will even pay the Quicktail family a large sum of gold as well, even open them up for as much food as they like."

A sigh left his lips and he didn't even bother to utter a word. Rick made his way over to the servants, strapped the quiver across his back and put the bow around himself as well. He hopped onto the horse and was on his way with the king holding a wide grin now. Perfect, ultimate test.

"Silva!"

Like normal, she appeared in a flash and in her normal kneeled down position. Armor on, hood over head, and eight potions among her belt.

"You know what you need to do. Follow him, watch his fight, and report back. I want to know exactly how he fights. This will prove whether or not if he is a dragon slayer or not. Either way, this will prove to be entertaining."

She nodded and like that she was cloaked by her spell and began to sprint after him. She had lots of magic on her and she knew how to use it all, nearly unlimited fatigue was a great asset to an assassin and spy. It didn't even take her five minutes to catch up to him, hanging back at least twenty paces, but keeping him in sight.

Rick kept his sight dead ahead. He did not care for the scenery around him, the animals, the various other travelers. He just wanted to kill this dragon and get the Quicktail family enough money to make most of their dreams come true. One dream he had helped destroy in a flash.

=====

Rick laid back against a tree and overlooked a map he had found in the quiver of arrows, feeling like a fool before he had when he didn't even find out where the dragon was from the king. Yet, now he knew he was already more then half-way there. He had pushed the horse past its limits and it nearly gave out on him, yet it was slowly recovering from the sound of it munching on grass and drinking from the small stream they stopped near.

"Why did he bring me bows and arrows. I don't even know how to use them?"

He asked the last in a question because he was not sure if he did know how to use them. He might have in the past but...forget it. He stood and drew the bow around while stringing an arrow, aiming for a tree. A new target appear as a squirrel made its way down the tree and stopped near where he was aiming, and getting in the generic pose he had seen so many times on the training grounds, he aimed and let the arrow fly.

As it flew an eerie blue aura burst around the arrow and it shot through the squirrel, tree, and kept flying. His eyes were wide open and he inwardly cursed, of course, he had to have given him enchanted arrows of all things! However, Silva who was watching from the tree tops had already began to write down what he had just done. Those were normal arrows and a normal bow, yet that arrow nearly as fast as a bolt from a ballista. The king would be greatly pleased with this news!

"Couldn't even give me a damned sword."

Rick sighed heavily and looked to the eleven arrows left in the quiver. His mind began to think. Based upon the size of a normal dragon from the books and the amount of arrows, enchanted or not, he would not be able to do it unless he aimed for the neck, head, or heart. Head and heart would be the best target since the neck often held strong plate scales to protect that area.

"Fuck! Is a damned sword too much to ask for! Just a fucking sword!"

He slammed his hand against the tree, yet it never hit. Something did hit the tree though and it caused him to look up only to see that a blade had erupted along the side of his arm, the base of which was mounted in his gauntlet with the blade running along the side of his arm in an arc. He lifted his other arm to notice the same thing was on his left arm.

"Well...not a sword...but they'll work."

Silva felt as thought shed pass out. Two grand things about him proving him to be a dragon slayer, she'd get so much damned gold she couldn't even fathom it. She wouldn't even need to be an assassin anymore, but this career was way too damn fun to give up. A sound caused her to look up and see Rick setting his bed mat on the floor while his horse was tied to a tree some twenty feet from him.

"Good, I need some rest as well. Using those speed positions take their toll on you after awhile."

She looked to the sky and sighed. It wasn't really night, sure the sky was beginning to darken, yet she felt she might end up sleeping longer then Rick.

"Need to get a lot of sleep tonight....I'll attack the dragon at morning tomorrow, once I get there....the Quicktail family needs the gold."

Silva went wide-eyed and looked to him, had he heard her?! She had whispered, not spoke...no, he must be talking to himself. She was hidden in the tree even without her cloak on, the darkening sky only helped her. If she could read his mind, she'd know he was truly talking to himself and finalizing his plan.

=====

Morning came with a clash of thunder and bolts of lightning. The stormy weather greeting Rick as he woke up, who had been awake some time before the storm began. The wind was blowing like angered gods, thunder deafening you with each clash, and lightning bolts blinding you with flashes.

"Go!"

Rick slapped the horse on the flank and watched it gallop out down the road he had come from while he threw a cloak he had found in the satchel on the horse around himself, the hood firmly wrapped over his helmet and the cloak long enough to cover his entire form. The horse would be next to useless with his own weight upon it, so he had decided to walk himself. Of course, his littler stalker was cursing at him every few seconds. She'd have to travel slower now and get hit by this storm just like him.

"Alright...ready."

He muttered to himself and began his trek to the cave, the weapons he had summoned yesterday still upon his arms and the bow and arrows under the cloak with him. Maybe this dragon was causing this storm, for every step he took, it felt as if the wind blew stronger and the rain fell harder. But nothing would stop him, he would continue on. Even if he were to get struck by lightning.

======

After eight hours of trekking through the horrid weather the faint glimpse of the cave came into his view. It was nestled among heavy undergrowth and nearly perfectly hidden among it and the tree, if it was not for the dragons mighty head sticking out and peering around the caves entrance. Rick had seen this far back and had come closer to ready an arrow, thankful to this weather now as it was masking his scent.

"I am sorry, but I need this money. May the gods forgive me for what I am about to do and please grant my soul eternal rest, as well as a grand welcoming for you."

He drew the string back and aimed as best he could. He was trying to composite for the wind would be a heavy factor in how this arrow flew, but a sudden snap of branches behind him caused him to let loose too earlier and the arrow flew off course. The same blue aura bursting around it as it flew right past the dragons maw, forcing the dragon to look and spot the knight hiding amongst the far trees while looking behind him.

A deafening roar sounded out, forcing Rick to look back at the dragon who had already began to charge at him. Only a curse left him before he was forced to run just as the dragons claws came down upon him, shredding his cloth from his body and ripping at his armor, yet thankful he had moved in time to miss any injuries. He did not stay thankful for long as he readied his arms and looked dead into the dragons eyes. What he saw shocked him, it was deep, deep depression...sadness...pain.

"Come Knight! Attack! I've killed many like you! None have even as much as scratched my scales!"

"Dragon! Before I continue, I wish to know the name of the one I am fighting!"

A quick flash of confusion flashed in the dragons eyes before he simply huffed out a pillar of smoke.

"My name is Ryu."

Rick gave a short bow, but stayed in a defensive posture.

"Names Rick Armor, grant me an entertaining battle if you would be so inclined."

Ryu couldn't help but huff out another great pillar of smoke from his maw and gave a short nod to the human before him. He was different then the others, far more honorable in battle, if not for the sudden sneak attack yet that could be forgiven. Something about the humans posture showed him to rather not be here, it was like he would rather have left him alone, like he was forced upon this role. He minded him of someone he had known once...

"Come Ryu! Attack!"

He watched as the man crouched low and both blades switched to forward facing postures instead of along the back of his arm. Ryu couldn't help but feel a surge of raw adrenaline rush through him, it has been ages since one did not fall from the first charge! Time for a fight! Ryu spun around and swung his tail, Rick countering by simply jumping and twisting in the air while aiming downward, bringing his weight down upon the tail and slicing off the last third of the tail before quickly resuming a posture, this one purely offensive. Right arm over his head, left fully extended pointing that blade to the now roaring dragon, left leg fully extended out and crouched down upon his right.

That was it! That was who he reminded him of! That was the same posture Zato used when training! In his eyes he did not see the human before, no, he seen his son clad in armor! A lightning bolt flashed and truly took notice of the cherry blossom design on his armor and the elders emblems!

"Zato! My son!"

Ricks posture dropped and his eyes went wide, as did Silvas who was watching from above in a tree once again. Did that dragon just call him son!

"What are you speaking of? I am not a dragon!"

"You fight, move, and wear the same armor as my son! There is no coicendence of that! That damned council must have banished you and sentenced you to spend your days as a human! But they do not know you are immortal! And have over come far more! You're a demon dragon! A Sin Dragon! You can regain your memories!"

Rick was extremely baffled now. What was this dragon talking of? Wait...he speaks of a son...that was what he must have seen in his eyes! It was the lose of his son and he was seeing things in the pain from losing his tail! His mind must be shattered, why he attacked the trade routes!

"Let me grant you a quick and painless death!"

Rick watched as the dragons eyes shot open but he moved as quick as he could muster out from his body. He sprinted forward and slashed with all his might as the point of the dragons neck right under his head, severing it like a dragon bites into bone. He backed away and simply looked to the carcass as it fell, a faint twitch coming from the last actions still running through the body.

His head felt weird, something about what the dragon had said fit....yet nothing like could be. It was impossible. Wasn't it? A beast turning into a human? He shook his head hard and gripped the dragons head by its horns and hoisted it up, while moving a hand down to close the dragons lifeless eyes. He knew he would need proof of his deed, he didn't feel great for bringing in a dragon head...specially this ones. Yet something told him to do so, the body...would fertilize the ground and feed those that could get to the meat.

=====

"Excellent work!"

The king looked Rick over and silently took in only one hit that looked as if it didn't even touch his skin, and with the few of Silva out of the corner of his eye and the wide grin she bore, he knew good news was coming. However, his attention soon went to the dragons head placed upon his table.

"Sire, if I may suggest something for the head?"

The king looked to him and felt he knew what he would say.

"Sure, mount it on your wall. Place it upon a mantle. Hang it over your door! You've killed a great burden on the kingdom."

Rick felt disgusted from what the king said, but hid it from his view. He did not want to mount it on a wall, or show it off like a sword. He would do what any should do to their fallen rivals, specially those that prove to be a challenge and a grand kill. Though, he had ended this battle far sooner then he should have.

"No sire. I wish to bury him among my trees. He was a good battle, I wish to give him the honor of a proper burial."

The king gave a few blinks and the guards looked to him as if he were crazy.

"Umm...sure Rick, do as you wish."

Rick bowed and took the head and began his trek to his house and from the sound of the jingles behind him, his gold was coming along. The Quicktail family would be safe and secured now. Good.

"Silva, come give me your report."

In a flash Silva was over by the king and so excited she didn't even bow, launching right into her tale and handing the written report to him. She told him everything from what the dragon had said, how Rick had acted, and even about the arrow. He could control magic just like he could control a sword! Of course, with grand amusement, the king took this all in and could not contain his joy. He stood, wrapped his arms around Silva and squeezed her as if she was a long lost relative while giving a kiss to her.

"We don't have a Dragon Slayer amongst us! We have a dragon in humans skin! Being so grand the control the elements like their own toy! Beasts so powerful that they sink galleons with a flap of their mighty wings! Senses so heightened they can hear an ant fart!"

Silva couldn't help but giggle and let the king do as he wished. He was so joyous he would probably strike you down for trying to ruin this mood. He looked like a kid getting his first taste of battle. Of course, everyone in the chamber was cheering of the news. A dragon would bolster their armies power ten fold! They could finally crush the Freehavens AND Orcs!

=====

Rick stood over the grave he had just covered, a rather large crowd gather around his house as he spoke a silent prayer. He had already told the two guards not to come near the grave, nor allow any near it. However, they were slacking as a small child came and dropped a rose she had picked up onto the grave, soon followed by others. Roses, daisy's, a wide variety of flowers that he could not help to smile to. He had not gotten the stares he had imagined carrying back a dragons head nor when he buried it. They all had just stood there, watching, and some praying along with him.

"I wonder...why do you come to give tribute to a dragon that had plagued you?"

A few of them shot him confused stares while the little girl, around the age of thirteen or so, moved back up and tugged on the plate covering his groin, the motion causing him to look down before kneeling to the girl.

"That dragon was a nice one...he told me stories of his son...of his family."

A man walked up and placed a hand on the girl, her father.

"We heard that the king had ordered you to kill him and we feared for both your lives. We are not like the Freehavens, if you live with us, you are one of us. That dragon was just like us, he helped a lot of us. Why the king had you kill him, we don't understand. He has never attacked any, save for those who attacked first."

Rick had heard the father, but had his eyes locked onto the little girl. Random thoughts bouncing around in his head while he thought, before he finally asked.

"Little miss...would you mind repeating of those stories of his son?"

A lot of people smiled as she bounced, clearly happy to do so and launched full into it, while most of the crowd stayed to listen, missing the old dragons stories.

=====

He said that his son was a grand warrior and an unbelievable sense of honor, loyality, pride, and all the knightly vows. The only downside was that his son was born as one of the fabled Sin Dragons, his brothers and sisters born as the Mercy Dragons that would rid the world of him. However, they never needed too since he had beaten his demon. He had done something only the fabled Zato had down, his son taking the demon dragon gods first name.

Yet during a massive battle between the old Freehaven army and the dragons, he was taken over by the demon inside of him and placed under a spell to render him under the complete control of Ragna. Using him like a puppet, yet Ragna never got to see his plan unfold as the Elders of yore betrayed him and took Zato as his own puppet, working under the word of the true Zato god.

He battled and killed hundreds, if not thousands, from both sides of the battle. Old friends, loved ones, enemies all fell to his claws and teeth and only his mate ended up stopping him, albeit unable to deal the final blow to the mighty beast. They took him as a prisoner, praying to their twelve gods that one day he would return to himself.

=====

She tapped a finger to her chin as she tried to remember anymore, already knowing she had left out a lot. It had been a long time since she had went to see Ryu, and had forgotten the tales. Yet, a sudden memory hit her and she jumped high as she pointed to him.

"You wear his armor! Ryu described it to me a long time ago! He said his son smelled of Cherry blossoms and wore black armor with that same design upon it, along with the Elders emblems! The king had you kill his son!"

Rick had his eyes wide open as the other looked to him and remember the tales as well. Rick did smell of Cherry blossoms and did wear that armor. Yet rumors had spread that he could just snap his armor on, had control of runic magic, and sword fought with the skills of blade masters, warriors who had trained their entire lives with ONE weapon, he seemed to have mastered them all! Maybe he was one of those dragon slayers that had recently been seen in town, it was told that they take the essence of the first dragon they killed.

"Sir Armor, how old are you?"

The man from earlier stated as he watched Rick clearly go into deep thought.

"I...don't remember. My earliest memory is that of when the dragon dropped me to the ground, before blacking out....and soon waking up to see Silva and the Raven generals over me."

The entire crowd looked him, pondering deep and hard. Something was strange here. However, while they thought, Azura had called Rick to come into the house, which he did as quickly as he could.

=====

Azura closed the door behind Rick and looked out the window, most of the crowd beginning to break up. She couldn't help but giggle, he would probably get those reactions a lot soon.

"Such weird people we have in time, I completely forget that at times."

She turned around lit up as Rick now stood there completely nude, back to her and armor already on a stand, loincloth tossed into a little area she had set aside from when the house was first being set up for clothes that needed to be cleaned and washed.

"Sir!"

She covered her eyes as he turned, catching a quick glimpse of his cock as she did so, lighting up even more.

"Yes, Azura?"

"You should not be naked! Not in front-"

"You truly don't seem to mind. It's nothing shocking really. I'm just like any normal man out there."

She moved her arms down and marched over to him, looking to his confused face before she slapped him across his face. His head twisting to the side as he took a step back, looking forward after the blow and simply rubbing where she hit as she began to cry, glaring at him through her teary eyes.

"Don't give me that complete bullshit! You're no normal man! Look at all you've done for a lowly...slave! You've helped my family, you took punishment you didn't even need to, and you always take others feelings before your own! Y-you've never even raised your voice when my siblings broke nearly everything in the house!"

She was shaking as she continued to cry, tears streaming down her cheeks and dripping onto her clothes. Rick held onto her as close and as tight as he could, letting her get it all out of her system. However, before he knew it, she was done and looking up to him deep in thought while he looked back to her.

He watched as she lifted her snout and pressed him into a deep, loving kiss as her hands gripped at him. His eyes shot open as she licked over his lips and sought entry, to which he slowly broke down and allowed it to her. Returning the kiss with as much feeling as she was pushing into hers. It was something he had dreamed of, to kiss her, but he had always thought she'd prefer another of her species over another species.

They both held onto the kiss for some time before they finally and reluctantly broke it for some fresh air, both looking lovingly into the others eyes as they did. He knew exactly what she was thinking and he gently hugged her back against his body.

"I know what you are thinking....but nothing like that is going to happen until we are sure we are right for the other...since I can also see that you have the same feelings for me as I to you."

A heavy and bright blush appeared on her cheeks as he suddenly scooped her up into his arms and carried her to his room. Sure, they couldn't "sleep" together, but they could normally sleep together. They had, after all, became a pair. She had not said anything, but he could feel it in the kiss that she loved him and cared deeply for him. He had felt the same way for her from the first moment he had seen her. Neither voiced any objections at all as they both snuggled under the covers of the bed and fell into a deep, heavily relaxed sleep. Ricks mind already at work on what to do tomorrow.

=====

The sun slowly began to shine on Ricks eyes, causing the sore human to toss and turn. The beatings from the previous months once again having an effect on him. Some days the pain would be miniscule to none, while other days the simply thought of moving caused mind to scream in utter agony. As he continued to toss and turn he felt two hands run along his legs with something moving along with the hands, yet his mind didn't register either for a moment before he heard Azura soft giggle.

"Wake up Master, need your help with shopping today."

He followed her as she backed up off the bed, sitting up now while looking to the black pants he now had on and let out a loud, long yawn before giving her nose a kiss, smiling to the blush that soon came to her cheeks.

"Give me a minute hun."

Rick hopped out of bed and stretched out heavily, pops and snaps sounding from his bones and waking his muscles up from the stretches. When that was done he began to search for his shirt before he turned to face Azura, just as his shirt pegged him in the face with her giggles sounding out. Of course he took this with good humour, laughing a bit while he slipped the shirt on and instantly charged towards her. A loud, playful, squeal coming from her as she charged out of the room to try and hide from her master. Both locked into a bit of playing for the better part of an hour. Both were resting on the chairs of the table, tired from their playing while eating the food Azura had prepared.

"Azura, hun, I want to know for sure that you even want to try a..."

She cut him off with a little click in her throat and gave him a smile, pure love emitting from her as she did so.

"If I didn't want to try, I wouldn't have kissed you. I believe you'd make for a grand mate."

He smiled to that and both continued to munch on their food for a while, finishing up with soft pats to their stomachs before Rick made his way to put his armor on and Azura picked up. Today was a, as the other knights called it, Free day from training. So he was free to do as he liked with no worries, to which he was grateful. They king had already said after the free day they would have to begin working in the woods and begin work on heavy war equipment. Ballistas, catapults, and the like. Some even unfortunate enough to have to begin working on more ships. To which, he was one of.

"Master?"

He gave a shake of his head and watched as Azura waved a hand to him, giggling her normal soft, alluring giggle.

"Welcome back to the world."

He gave her a playful glare and she giggled even more while placing away the plates they had used, while Rick made his way outside and stood on the pathway. His cherry blossom tree were coming in nicely and it would soon be time for their first blooming, regrettably having had a mage use his magic to speed them along to adult hood.

His thoughts were once again cast aside as Azura began to push him along towards the markets, eager for some odd reason today. Nothing was different, it was all like normal when they both went shopping. Apples, oranges, lemons, fish, meat, potatoes, some odd seasonings from the islands. Something was going on in her head, yet Rick could not grasp what.

"Azura! Sir Armor!"

They both cast their looks behind themselves to notice her mother coming straight at them, holding a huge basket of fruits she had just got just like them. As normal, she gave Rick a bow, while giving Azura a tight hug.

"I thank you both so much. Especially you Sir Armor. So much stress have been lifted from our shoulders, the kids have all been so happy. We've been able to get everything we need and so many of the kids have already thought of what they are going to do when the come of age! Fish wish to become healers! We have the gold now for them to be taught!"

Rick smiled and left the two of them to talk, having been right outside their home, he took the baskets into his house and set them aside. When he looked up, he was greeted with three little dolphin cubs looking to him. He knew them to be Azuras, the moms, daughters, but it was a tad creepy with them locked eyed on him.

"Hello Sea, Tide, Wave. How are you?"

They each looked to each other and began to giggle.

"You're with our sister! You two are in love!"

He went wide-eyed for a second before letting out a soft chuckle and nodded.

"Do I have your threes approval?"

He knew them, out of all the daughters, confirmed and agreed with each other. Seeing as they were triplets, they did a lot together. He watched as they looked to each other and smiled, each giving him a nod as they looked back before pouncing him onto the floor in a hug around his neck that cut off his air. Causing him to let out a raspy laugh to them.

"Well, thank you three."

Just as they were beginning to let go Azura, the sister, walked in and giggled.

"You mind letting him go? Mother is calling you three, time to go home."

They each pouted to her and sulked their way outside, before they suddenly began to skip and giggle. Causing both Azura and Rick to laugh out loudly, those threes moods switched like the seas in a storm. Though, the laughter was short lived and cut off unexpectedly on Ricks behalf as Azura pushed him into a kiss, holding it, to which he soon, happily, returned and pushed back into. They held it for a few moments before they both slowly break it, a small bridge of saliva connecting their mouths.

"I know it's only been a day, Master. Yet I know we are meant for each other...please...?"

Rick lifted a hand and trailed it along her cheek, giving her a completely loving smile.

"If you feel you are sure, Azura."

Before he even knew it she was clung around him in his armor. Neither even noticed it sunk under his skin, or they completely ignored it, and her hand slowly began to rub over his loincloth and gently grip over the hidden length, a deep mm...coming from her as she enjoyed the warmth and finally getting to show her true love to him.

"Please...let me do everything...I am the slave after all."

The last was said with a heavy sense of teasing on her part, so Rick ignored it and simply let her do as she wished. Her hand slipped the loincloth to the side allowed his cock to slip out, rubbing her hand along the quickly growing length. It had to be around nine inches, and this caused her to blush deeply with all the thoughts that ran through her head, the most prominent was how much it was going to hurt.

She gripped it in a firm hold and began to paw him while he let out a low groan and tilted his head back, showing she was doing good. She continued to paw until it hit its full nine inches and slowly lowered her head down, giving a slow lick along the head that caused her master to shiver. Her blush continued to deepen as she took it into her muzzle and began to suckle on it and run her tongue around it, knowing what to do from so many talks with slaves in the past. A lot had said the taste would be horrible, but she was actually enjoying it. Though, a lot had said when he came the taste was just horrid.

She heard him moan out her name and felt rather proud of herself now, eager to do as good as she could. So with every ounce of love in her body, she began to bob and suck on him, running her tongue around the head and over the slit at the end of his penis, working on giving him as much pleasure as she could. As she did, she began to squirm, her own sex was soaking the cloth she wore under her clothes. Her master must have picked up on that, as he was set about taking off her clothes while she continued to work over his cock. It was fairly simple to disrobe her, since a belt and two straps held her clothes to her body.

Before she knew it she was left only wearing a cloth wrapped tightly around her breasts and a pair of cheap cloth panties. She looked up to see him looking her up and down, she was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen. Her body was perfect in every sense of that word, and it only heightened as she blushed even deeper while she continued to suck him off and gently swallowed around the head of his length as pre began to dribble from the tip, causing another moan to escape him.

"A-Azura...stop"

He managed to stutter out as he looked right into her eyes as she looked back, slowly pulling her mouth away and gently tilting her head to his request. Yet before she knew it, she was on her back and the cloth around her breasts was pulled down around her stomach and her panties were off in one swift pull. She was about to object, yet her only response to this was a loud moan and arcing of her back as his tongue ran over her pearl and gave it a gentle nip.

Rick kept his tongue busy, working it over the lips of her sex and over her clit. Now and then he would gently push it into her depths, but he was more so preparing her then trying to bring her to a climax. He kept this up until he felt her thighs press around his head and her muscles suddenly locked up as she let out a scream, fingers clawing at the floor as a sudden rush of her juices spattered against him and he began to drink them down, letting out a soft little chuckle as he did so, still licking and nipping at her to keep her climax going. After roughly a thirty seconds, she slowly began to ebb down from her high and pant out softly, still shivering on occasion.

"I-I'm...sorry Master...."

He smiled up to her and gently moved on top of her before suddenly lifting her into his arms, making his way up to his room. As he did, she moved up and slowly began to lick her juices off of his face, blushing brightly.

"It's fine Azura."

A deeper blush appeared on her face as she finished cleaning him and looked to the floor, embarrassed with her next statement before she even uttered out a word.

"Umm...master...you do know...it's"

She was cut off as he suddenly locked her in a kiss while placing her upon his bed and position himself on top of her. The head of his length was rubbing over her over-sensitive sex and she began to whimper a bit while wrapping her legs around his waist, showing she did not want to stop.

A smile appeared on his face as he held the kiss and gently began to push into her, slowly making his way deeper and deeper into her. The feeling caused her to wrap her arms around him as well and tighten her hold with her legs, before she felt a sharp pain and sank her finger nails deep into his skin that caused him to grunt over her, but he continued until he was hilted inside of her and stopped in his place, allowing her to adjust.

He broke the kiss as she began to take heavy breaths, panting out from the pain with her hands still in his back. They stayed like this for a few minutes before she gently began to press her hips against him, showing she was ready. He took to the signal quickly and began to draw himself out of her while placing another kiss to her lips and once just the head remained inside of her, he pushed himself back in as deep as he could go. Taking it nice and slow, showing her every ounce of his love for her as she was showing the same right back to him.

Rick felt her arms tighten around him and a loud moan emit from her, coaxing him to start thrusting a little faster and deeper, being careful since the head of his length was bumping against her cervix, completely filling her cunt. It was wonderful how tightly her walls were gripping around him, how wet she was, each movement that seemed to cause her walls to constrict even more and faster.

The feeling of her legs and arms tightening around him drew him out of his blissful trance and knew she was near her limit, himself not too far off as well. They both knew it, so he began to thrust slower and ease himself into her while she fought her hips to stay still, wanting this pleasure to continue on. This little train of thoughts did not last long, she was right on the edge and it was torture not being able to hit her climax.

"Fuck me Rick! PLEASE!"

She yelled out at the top of her lungs, Rick simply smiling above her and locking her in a kiss as he began to slam himself inside of her. Each thrust causing her to lift up off the bed a bit, finally getting what she needed now. Her climax hitting her like a battering ram to a castles gates, crying out into the kiss as another climax rocked her body. The feeling of her walls clamped around his cock caused his own limit to hit him and he hilted himself into her and let out a long groan as his cum blasted out of him in thick, long ropes, straight into her womb. The feeling of his warmth inside of her causing a weak murr to emit from her throat, through the pants.

When both of their climaxes had ended, the laid there cuddled against each other with the blanket now drawn over them. Simply holding each other while giving each other the occasional kiss, Rick still buried inside of her, thankful to the wonderful feeling of him inside of her. It was simply heaven to her.

"I love you, Azura."

"I love you too, Rick. More so then you could believe."

They both shared another love filled kiss before both snuggled in for bed, loving the feel and warmth of the other with the moon now shining down over them through the window and the soft breeze from outside washing over them.

=====

Pink stood at the kingdom gates, watching the sun slowly rise into the early morning sky and tightened her eye slits. She would head straight to the kingdom of Glander, no stops, no information, nothing. She would go there as a Royal Family from the kingdom, she was a Guardian after all, ask for information as to where this Rick Armor lived and say he was a criminal wanted by King Godaris, and bring him to the plains and kill him in view of everyone else.

"Mother!!! Wait!!!"

She shot her glance back just as her children were rushing towards her and quickly shifted over to her feral raptor form, sprinting off out into the plains and quickly vanishing off into the distant forests. Her children had not learned to shape-shift yet, for good reason, and would not be able to spot her from the sky. She wanted no baggage, no weight, nothing to slow her down. She took no weapons, no food, nothing. She'd find it as she went, she was an apex predator after all, a fact she held high.

"Rick Armor, you will die by my hands. In front of those you call game, those you kill for nothing more then petty gold. You took my mate from me, I will not let you take another!"

She thought to herself as she continued to bolt through the forest, occasionally dashing from tree trunk to tree trunk. Out of all her features, she loved that she had powerful legs and could sprint like this for the better part of a day. Her travel would not take her long, two, three days tops. Maybe a week if she choice, with slim chance, to slow down and really take her time hunting some profitable prey. However, the only thing in her mind at this moment in time was nothing more then to get this Armor person. What a funny name....

=====

Azura stretched out in bed and noticed a empty feeling inside of her, as well as missing warmth a top of her. She didn't even have to open her eyes to know Rick had left to training that day, the only thing she wanted to do today was stay in bed and sleep, relax. She had found that perfect man her parents always told her about.

"Azura! Azura hunny!"

She popped out of bed in a flash at the sound of her mothers voice and quickly began to hunt down clothes, finally remembering that she had left them downstairs! How...her mother would kill her!

"I'm coming in..."

She froze in place as the door to Ricks room opened and her mother looked to her naked form, only a giggling emitting from her mom.

"Well, seems you and Rick finally did get together. Eh? He told me the truth then."

A heavy blush hit her cheeks and she gave a slight nod. Truly she was not that embarrased to be found naked, it was her mother after all and only her, and her mother had always seen her naked as a child.

"I do hope you don't mind me barging in, but Rick asked me to come and wake you and give you this."

She held a hand out to her daughter, containing a rolled up piece of paper. It looked to be nothing that bad so she accepted it and sat herself down on the bed, her mother sneaking into the bed beside her and gently straightening out the dress she wore. A rather elegant blue one to match perfectly with her skin, but it was time her parents bought nice stuff for themselves and the kids. Though her mind was now more concerned with reading the paper.

Azura sat beside her daughter and did not read the paper, more so her daughters reactions. Truly she had never gotten the chance to read, barely a handful of words she could read, but from her daughters expressions, it was something joyful. Her daughter wore a bright smile with tears of pure joy. Not even three minutes later her daughter dropped the paper and locked her into a hug, squeezing her so tightly she thought she would suffocate.

"Rick is asking for my hand in marriage mother! He wishes for me to answer him when he comes home tonight!"

Azura let out a squeal and returned the hug to her daughter and gave her cheek a soft kiss, happy for her daughter for finding a fine man to marry. It was time she found someone to settle down with and he was truly perfect for her. He had done so much, always put her needs before his own.

"When does he come home? I wish for the family to be here."

Azura blushed deeply at her mother and simply thought to the letter.

"He says he will be a bit later then normal, but no later then nightfall."

"Good!"

Before Azura could even mutter another word to her mother, she had already vanished down the stairs and was most likely heading home to gather everyone. At that moment and time a rather lucid thought hit her. Her she was bringing her family when Rick had none, as far as he could remember. And the only friend he really had was the king...which really wasn't a friend to most, he was a good king, but like all kings he had dark tendencies that none like to know of.

Her thoughts were stopped instantly as the sound of heavy footsteps sounded out from the bottom floor of the house. Could not be her mother, the person clearly wore armor. It was not Rick since Rick could move with very little sound cast from it, this person sounded like he was new to wearing armor. And before she knew it, the person was coming up the stairs, and she quickly made her way to the wall where Rick had placed all the weapons he had gathered and grabbed a short short, a...gladius or something. She never did remember all the names, but she was more concerned on hiding. So, she placed herself against the wall near the door and waited.

"Ma'am, I know you are behind the door. Please, show yourself. I mean you no harm."

Her eyes went wide at the deep voice called her out. She had made no noise! Had had this man known! She shook her head and instantly spun around the door, thrusting the sword forward, yet it never got the chance move an inch as a thick scaled hand gripped it and held it in place. Her eyes once again went wide and she grasped as her eyes roamed up the golden armor clad dragon, scales as golden as the armor he wore with deep yellow eyes looking to her.

"You know we Guardians normally do not like being attacked when we have done nothing to provoke it. The king of your kingdom has given me permission to enter your home. It is of dire importance I speak with the man labeled as Rick-"

He was cut off as a blade appeared along his throat that hummed with a heavily amount of magic, pressed flush to his scales. One movement from either parties would cause that blade to slice him as if he was nothing more then parchment.

"Release her blade, and allow her to move away. I am the one you wish to speak of, not her."

With out a thought, he released the blade and Azura backed away, knowing better then to say a thing in these situations. And as she did, the blade along the dragons throat was removed and he rubbed a claw over the area, while Rick took a few steps back. The dragon turned around and looked dead into the knights eyes through the small eye-holes in his helmet. The drake felt as if he had looked upon those eyes before, back when he was nothing more then a whelp.

"Well...yes. Sir Armor, the king of this region told me that he had sent you to kill the dragon by the name of Ryu. He was once a great warrior for our kingdom and we know of why he was a renegade, however, we would like to know if you or your kingdom had acquired any of the wealth that was inside of his cave. It belonged directly to the royal family."

"No, and I have not even the faintest idea of who took it. I went to the cave, engaged the dragon in a duel, and won. I took his head to the king, as you most likely know of, that is now buried upon my yard under the Cherry Blossoms. Nothing more, nothing less. I wish to this day that I did not have to kill one such as a noble dragon, but I had to for the kingdom. Now, would you please kindly leave. I do not take kindly to those who have not the faintest idea of knocking and threatening a loved one."

The dragon said nothing more and gave a soft bow before looking back to the dolphin lass.

"My apologies, Ma'am."

With that, he was down the stairs and outside before the heavy sound of wing beats slowly faded into the distance. To which Azura bolted and clung around her master, she was truly not afraid or panicked from the previous situation, but just glad to have him back home.

"Why are you home so early, Master? I thought your training lasted until nightfall?"

A heavy sigh left him and he simply shook his head.

"It does. Today the king gave me another quest and also the news of a Guardian seeking my audience, having been told he was sent here, I returned the home. The king said as I departed I leave tomorrow, early in the morning, to slay another dragon. This time a Dragoness from the reports, a heavily magic user one at that."

Azura felt her heart sink and she simply held a look of dread upon her features. Not another dragon, not another quest.

"Can't he find another? Send the army for the dragon!"

"Azura, please. I'd rather not think of the quest, just to spend my time with you before I depart. Its a seven day travel from here, she keeps moving closer and closer to the kingdom. He fears we will be attacked. I do not want that to happen, now please, come. Parents have dinner prepared for us."

A smile was on her now and she simply took his hand as he lead the way out the door and to her parents home. The door of the home long since closed, but right now, both were heavily focused upon the other and the chat they had engaged in about what it would be like with their new family inside the house, and the twenty little ones with a lot more room to cause chaos.

To Be Continued.