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25.71% Reborn as a Defective Dragon BL / Chapter 9: The winter is coming

Capítulo 9: The winter is coming

The days settled into a comfortable rhythm, filled with the warmth and love of my family. Each morning, I awoke surrounded by his siblings, their soft fur a comforting reminder of our bond. The den was filled with the gentle sounds of their breathing, creating a peaceful start to each day.

As the sun rose, Lorish would gather her children for the morning routine. We would play in the meadow, our laughter echoing through the forest. I also continued King's training and found myself growing stronger with each passing day.

One morning, as I was playing with my siblings, Lorish called us over.

"Time for some work, my little ones," she said with a warm smile. "We need to be prepared for the challenges of the forest."

We followed our mother to a small clearing. Lorish demonstrated a few hunting techniques, showing us how to hunt when there is snow, and we're more visible move silently and strike with precision. I soon joined in, helping mom teach the kids. We all had to get more food for the winter, but not only meat. Mom spent lots of time explaining which roots and herbs are edible.

After the training, I decided it was time to visit Alexius. I knew I had to be careful, so again, I lied, telling my mother that I would patrol the nearby borders.

I don't feel good lying like that to Mom...

"Be careful, my brave baby," Lorish said, nuzzling me gently. "Come back soon."

I nodded and set off into the forest, my heart pounding with anticipation. I followed the familiar path to the stream, my thoughts focused on Alexius. The boy had become an important part of my life, and our secret meetings were a source of joy and comfort for both of us I guess.

It's a bit like some secret dates. Oh my gosh what am I thinking about, stop it brain!

As I neared the stream, I spotted a large fish swimming lazily in the clear water. I waited patiently, my body tense with anticipation. When the moment was right, I struck, catching the fish in my jaws with practised precision. With my prize secured, I made my way to our meeting place near the waterfall in a small cave.

To my relief, Alexius was already there, sitting quietly and looking into the water. His face was bruised. My heart ached at the sight. I ran to him quickly and dropped the fish near him as I jumped up with my front legs, and did something like an embrace with my paws. I nuzzled my nose into his neck, breathing in my favourite smell. The longer I spent without seeing him, the lonelier I felt.

"Or!" Alexius exclaimed, his face lighting up with joy as he felt my hug. "You're here! I missed you so much!"

"Of course, I'm here. I'm always here for you" I growled and he laughed, not understanding... and yet kind of knowing what I wanted to tell him.

I whimpered touching his bruised chick with my knuckles - I realised that my paws could act a lot like hands, but I still had sharp claws I had to be careful with.

"What happened?" I gowled worried and angry.

He immediately knew what I meant.

"It's not so bad... I guess I deserved that, I dropped the can with milk and all the milk was gone. I deserved it... they have so many problems with me."

Sometimes I wasn't sure what wounded my heart more... How Alexius kept on living or how he thought that the way he was treated was ok. I would try to tell him to find someone else, but I knew better... this village was rather small and very primitive. People didn't have much money here, and they didn't pry into other's business, and no one liked to do charity. And a small boy with some bruises? Children often looked like that, and his uncle and aunt probably talked shit about him... so it wasn't weird that no one wanted to help the boy and they all ignored him.

"You didn't deserve it!" I growled shaking my head in an energetic manner.

"You think I don't deserve it?" He asked shyly.

I nodded and he smiled lightly and then started crying, hiding his face in my neck, as he hugged me with all his power, which he didn't have much since he was a malnourished child.

Later, he cooked the fish over the fire - at least I managed to feed him better than those shitty adults. And after that we kept on keeping each other company, hugging and "talking" in a way.

*

Our days together turned into weeks, and the forest began to change as autumn gave way to winter. The leaves turned brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow before falling to the ground, creating a colourful carpet on the forest floor. The air grew colder, and the animals of the forest began their preparations for the long winter months.

I found myself both excited and anxious as the seasons changed. The King's return was imminent, and with it, the resumption of our rigorous training. I knew I would have to balance my duties with my secret visits to Alexius, a task that became more challenging as the days grew shorter.

The preparations for winter kept everyone in the den busy. I helped my mother and siblings gather food and reinforce our den against the coming cold. Despite the heavy workload, I always found time to slip away and visit Alexius, though I had to be extra cautious.

One chilly morning, as I was about to leave for one of my secret visits, Lorish stopped me.

"Where are you off to again, Orphelin?" she asked, her eyes filled with concern.

"I'm just going to patrol the borders," I replied, trying to sound casual.

Lorish studied me for a moment before nodding. I knew it was weird that I used this excuse so often...

"Be careful, my brave baby. The forest can be dangerous, especially with the weather changing."

"I will, Mom," I promised.

We have had this conversation so often lately. She really is getting worried.

I made my way through the forest, the crisp air filling my lungs. As I approached the stream, I noticed the water was starting to freeze at the edges. I hurried to catch a fish for Alexius, knowing that food would be scarcer as winter set in.

When I reached our meeting spot, Alexius was already there, bundled up in a thin, worn blanket, with his shoes full of holes which showed skin red from the cold. The boy's face lit up with joy as he saw me, and he ran to greet me.

"Or! I missed you!" Alexius exclaimed, hugging me tightly.

I nuzzled him, feeling a deep sense of relief. I dropped the fish at Alexius's feet and watched as the boy's eyes filled with wonder.

"Thank you, Or! That's a big one! And it must've been hard to catch," Alexius said, his voice trembling. "It's getting so cold, and food is harder to find. This fish will help a lot."

I looked at him, noticing the dark circles under his eyes and the way his clothes hung loosely on his thin frame. He was thinner than before, and it broke my heart. I was starting to suspect that the food I gave him daily was the main source of food for him for a long time now.

"Let's go to the cave," I growled softly, nudging Alexius toward our secret spot.

We made our way to our small cave near the waterfall, the familiar sound of rushing water providing a soothing backdrop. Alexius quickly started a fire, his movements practiced but slower than usual. I watched him with concern, wishing I could do more to help.

I mean... shouldn't dragons breath fire?! I'm so useless...

As the fish cooked, Alexius pulled out a small apple and offered it to me.

"I brought it for you," he said with a weak smile. "Couldn't get more."

I accepted the fruit but felt myself tearing up a bit as I imagined this freezing and hungry boy, getting a simple apple for his friend rather than eating it himself.

We sat in companionable silence for a while, the warmth of the fire and the sound of the waterfall creating a peaceful atmosphere. For a long time now I used to spend this time laying partly on his legs, my head on his chest. I was trying to warm him up, and he was petting me all over, and delicately kissing the top of my head. I adored it. I wish this could last forever.

Alexius began to speak, his voice filled with exhaustion. He always needed time to gather some courage to tell me all about the bad things that happened to him that day.

"Today was really hard," he said. "My uncles were in an awful mood. They made me work from dawn until dusk, and I barely had time to come here. It's getting harder to hide that I'm meeting you."

I listened intently, my heart aching for my friend. I wished I could tell him how much his presence meant to me. But the only way to say it was by showing it, so I rubbed my head at his chest and purred a bit.

"The cold is getting worse too," he continued, his eyes downcast. "I don't have enough warm clothes, and the nights are freezing. Sometimes, I can't sleep because I'm so cold."

I nuzzled his hand, trying to convey my understanding. Alexius looked at me with a sad smile, his eyes glistening with unshed tears.

My poor boy. So cold. If I could take you with me to the wolves... You would be warm...

"Thank you, Or. For being here with me every day," he whispered. "Living became better thanks to you... now I have a reason to live."

It crushed me. How could they make a kid like that say such things... I wanted to burn that disgusting village.

As the night wore on, we sat by the fire, making sure it was burning and enjoying each other's warmth. I began dozing off, so relaxed and content.

Eventually, the fire wasn't enough as it started to become even colder during the night. I nuzzled Alexius one last time, trying to convey my promise to come back. I would always be back for him!

"I'll see you tomorrow, Or," Alexius said softly. "I already miss you."

He places a soft kiss on top of my head and I feel my whole body tensing for a moment and relaxing. Yeah... I may have been a human once, but I felt like I could totally get domesticated by this boy.

I kept watching as he started running back home to keep warm. When he disappeared from my eyes, I also moved to go back home.

As I reached the den, my siblings greeted me with excitement and wanted to play a bit.

"Welcome home, my little baby," Lorish said. "Now children, it's time to go to sleep. We have lots of work tomorrow."

I smiled and nodded. I was about to lie down when I suddenly heard someone approach our den. I knew this smell.

"Dad!" I roared and threw myself to the entrance.

There he was... the King himself, laughing at my eagerness. He lowered himself allowing me to tackle him in embrace. Soon after me, the pups joined too and we all started to jump all over Father. I was so happy. Pure joy. My dad was back!

"Now, now! I think your mother wants you to sleep. Let's not make her angry shall we?" Father said in his deep, wise voice and joined us in sleep. I was snuggled in so much warmth that I couldn't stop my thoughts from wandering towards Alexius and him, sleeping in a cold barn. I decided I would think of something to keep him warm during this winter. Maybe I'd talk to my parents? Maybe...

-----AUTHOR'S NOTES-----

MC: Are you very cold?

ML: A bit...

MC: AUTHOR!

Author: Sigh... What do you want you nasty being?\

MC: Give him something warm! I demand it!

Author: You know what you can demand?

MC: No... what?

Author: Nothing, exactly nothing. But don't you worry... Alex will soon be very warm... hy hy hy *evil laugh*

MC & ML: ... *scared*

---------------


REFLEXIONES DE LOS CREADORES
DragoAMI DragoAMI

Yeah... sorry... had to make this title xD

Capítulo 10: To save my friend!

The arrival of winter brought a festive air to the nearby town. The Great Festival was a time of celebration, where the villagers gave thanks for the year's harvest and prepared for the cold months ahead. The town buzzed with activity, and travellers from the distant capital had arrived, including a group of knights escorting an important noble.

During one of our secret meetings, Alexius excitedly shared the news with me.

"The town is so lively right now," Alexius said, his eyes sparkling with excitement despite his fatigue. "There's a festival going on, and so many people have come to celebrate. There's even a noble with a group of knights staying at the inn. I saw real knights! They were wearing full armour!"

I listened intently, imagining the bustling town and the festivities. I wished I could see it for myself, but I knew it was too dangerous. The thought of so many humans in one place made me anxious.

"That sounds amazing, Alexius," I growled softly, wishing I could communicate better with my friend. "I wish I could be there with you." I tried to convey my wish by nuzzling into his side.

Alexius seemed to understand my sentiment.

"Maybe someday, Or, you will come with me... Maybe when I get bigger, I can protect you. But for now, it's probably safer if you stay here in the forest."

I nodded, though my heart ached with the desire to join Alexius.

"Stay safe, Alexius." I whimpered a bit as we said our goodbyes each day.

*

On the day of the festival, I waited for Alexius at our usual meeting spot, but the boy didn't show up. My heart sank with worry. I paced back and forth, wondering what could have happened. I decided to wait a little longer, hoping Alexius would appear.

As the sun began to set, I heard familiar voices behind me. I turned to see my mother and father approaching, their faces filled with concern.

Of course, they found me... how difficult would it be to follow my scent and the road I take os often...

"Orphelin, where have you been?" Lorish asked, her voice tinged with worry.

"We've been looking for you," the King added, his tone stern. "You shouldn't be out here alone."

I felt a surge of frustration and anger. I knew they were worried, but I couldn't leave Alexius alone.

"I was waiting for my friend," I said, my voice trembling with emotion. "Alexius needs me. He's in trouble, and I can't just abandon him."

Lorish and the King exchanged worried glances.

"You can't keep sneaking off like this," the King said, his voice firm. "It's too dangerous, and we need you to stay safe."

My eyes filled with tears of frustration.

"I can't let him suffer... his uncle and aunt hurt him a lot. He's my friend, and he saved my life. I have to help him."

When I spoke about uncle and aunt, I saw King's expression tighten... he knew I meant a human. Lorish's expression softened, and she touched my cheek with her nose.

"We understand, my baby. But you have to be careful. We can't lose you." Her voice was soft.

"No, I can't..." Dad started speaking, but Mom interrupted.

"Give him a chance," Lorish pleaded with the King. "Let him go and check on his friend."

The King hesitated but finally nodded.

"Be quick and be careful," he said. "We'll be waiting for you at home, but if you take too long, I will go to look for you."

I nodded, my heart pounding with gratitude and determination. I turned and sprinted towards the town, hoping I wasn't too late.

I moved through the shadows, avoiding the bustling streets and the crowds of festival-goers. The town was alive with laughter, music, and the delicious aroma of food. Brightly coloured banners hung from buildings, and children ran around with sparklers, their faces alight with joy.

As I neared the part of the town, where Alex lived with his uncles, I heard angry shouting and the unmistakable sound of a whip cracking. My heart raced as I ran toward the house and peered around a corner. There, I saw Alexius's uncle, a large, brutish man, beating the boy mercilessly. Alexius was on the ground, barely conscious, his body covered in bruises and cuts. His aunt stood next to him with disgust on her face.

"Come on, hurry. We'll deal with him and go during the event," she was trying to make her husband beat the boy faster, or maybe...?

"No!" I whispered in horror, my heart breaking at the sight.

I knew I had to do something, but I also knew I couldn't take on the uncle alone... They could make a ruckus, not to mention that I couldn't carry Alex by myself. I needed help. With a desperate plan forming in my mind, I turned and sprinted back towards the town centre, hoping to find the knights Alexius had mentioned.

The festival was in full swing, with people laughing and dancing in the streets. I darted through the crowds, my size allowing me to move quickly and unnoticed. I dodged between legs and under carts, my ears filled with the cacophony of the festival. I reached the inn where the knights were staying and burst into the courtyard, causing a commotion.

"What's this?" one of the knights exclaimed, drawing his sword. "A dog?"

"No! It's some kind of monster!" Another one roared reaching for his sword.

Such typical human behaviour by the way...

I didn't wait to see what he was going to do. I turned and ran back towards the farm, hoping the knights would follow. The sound of shouting and clanging armour told me they were.

As I led the knights back to the farm, I could hear the uncle's cruel voice carrying through the night air.

"Useless brat! You think you can slack off during the festival and no one will notice? That's it! We were benevolent on you and for what?! It will be easier on us without you here!"

The knights exchanged grim looks, their pace quickening. They lost me along the way, as I ducked under some wagons, but the shouts made the knights follow to the scene. When we arrived at the farm, Alexius's uncle was still beating the boy, his face twisted with rage. Alexius lay on the ground, barely moving, his eyes closed in pain.

"Stop!" one of the knights commanded. "In the name of the King!"

The uncle froze, his face pale with fear. The knights quickly surrounded him, their swords drawn. One of them stepped forward and grabbed the uncle's arm, pulling him away from Alexius.

"What's the meaning of this?" the uncle sputtered, but his bravado was gone, replaced by fear. His wife screaming and trying to run away with - what appeared to be - jewellery in a sachet.

"Silence!" the knight barked. "You've been caught in the act of abusing this child. You will answer our Lord's questions!"

The knights quickly subdued the uncle, binding his hands and pulling him away from Alexius. The boy lay on the ground, his breaths shallow and laboured. I watched from the shadows, my heart racing with relief and worry. I saw a nobleman, richly dressed and with an air of authority, step forward and gently lift Alexius into his arms. He seems to have arrived just now on a horseback with few more knights.

"We'll take care of you, child," the nobleman said softly. "You're safe now."

As the knights and the nobleman carried Alexius away, the boy opened his eyes and looked around weakly.

"Or..." he whispered, his voice barely audible.

My heart broke at the sight. I wanted to run to Alexius, to be with him, but I knew I couldn't. I watched as they disappeared into the night, tears streaming down my face.

The nobleman held Alexius gently, his voice soothing as he spoke to the knights.

"We must get him to the inn and tend to his wounds immediately."

"Yes, my lord," one of the knights replied. "We'll ensure he's well cared for."

As they moved away, I followed them from a distance, staying hidden in the shadows. I couldn't bear to leave Alexius alone, not after what I had just witnessed. I watched as they ventured further into the small city, which still was in a bit of a chaos. I knew I couldn't follow.

I stayed there, behind some wooden crates, my heart heavy with sorrow and fear. I had saved Alexius, but I didn't know if I would ever see my friend again. The minutes felt like hours as I stood there, my mind racing with thoughts of what could happen next. And if I should risk my life running there? No... my family would be devastated if something were to happen to me...

Then suddenly I saw the same nobleman on horseback, with some knights following.

"How's the boy?" he asked as they were passing my hiding spot.

"The medic is taking care of him. But it looks bad. Years of abuse and malnourishment" one of the knights said.

"Let's see those people and the treasures you told me they were hiding... Maybe we just found what we were looking for" the nobleman said.

It sounded strange, and I tried to follow but then, the nobleman looked around, his eyes scanning the darkness. For a moment, I thought he might have seen me, but the he turned on the saddle and continued forward.

My heart ached with the desire to run to Alexius, to be by his side and ensure he was truly safe. But I knew it wasn't possible. I had done all I could for now.

With a heavy heart, I made my way back to the forest, my mind filled with worry and sadness. I had saved Alexius, but the uncertainty of our future weighed heavily on me.

----AUTHOR'S NOTE----

MC: I hate you...

Author: I know that already. You didn't say anything new.

MC: How could you do that to him?!!

Author: Normally... I just wrote, using the keyboard on my laptop. Simple. You should be lucky I didn't lose half of the text when there was a power outbreak...

MC: I wish you did...

Author: You know... you really are dumb and ungrateful, U know... Don't you realise that he might finally get away from the abuse?

MC: I!.... but... ... Hnnn...

Author: Forgot your tongue?

MC: Nah... nevermind... I'll just be quiet

Author: That would be something new..

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