3- A Frozen Hell

Dew actually had something he hated; cold.

He walked through the village, carrying some supplies for his dad; Solomon saying that today they'd be fishing for some more illusive fish that only emerged this time of year. It was late fall, and winter was just beginning to creep around the corner, the cold already having adverse effects on the poor drake. Dew had no idea, but normally drakes migrated from the roosts during these times to survive. Dew was still unable to fly...nor did he know that, as he set the rucksack full of items on the porch in front of Solomon.

“Here’s the stuff dad.” Dew announced, as Solomon lent against the wall, sharpening a small dagger before he looked up at his son. A stout nod communicated his response, as he picked it up and lugged it over his shoulder.

“Let’s get moving then son.” He spoke, almost cheerful, as he started walking, Dew following behind on four legs to stay somewhat out of the nipping cold. The walk took an hour, but Dew took notice that they weren’t heading for the beach.

“Dad, aren’t we going to the beach?” His father looked back, and shook his head before he spoke. “Dew, we’re looking for a special kind of fish; the Mana Trout; a type of fish that literally has mana coursing through its body. I did some research, and I think it could help you with your flight problem.”

“Really?” Dew seemed ecstatic, as they came to a stop around a large lake, hidden behind several colossal trees. “Based on the book I read, drakes would often feed these to their young to help them grow strong enough for flight. Since there’s some here we should be able to get a few.” He set up a fishing line and tied some bait to the hook, while Dew cocked his head. “Dad, wouldn’t it be easier for me to dive down there and find them?”

“That water’s about 20 degrees Dew; you’d freeze to death just diving a few feet in. This is safer for you, so just take a seat and let’s fish son.” Dew didn’t argue, as he grabbed a fishing rod and plopped the bait in, watching the worm writhe in the water a bit with a look of regret for a moment.

“So son,” Solomon spoke, as he looked down at the drake. “Mind tellin’ me how you breathed fire?” Dew lowered his head, as he remembered everything; especially the knowledge of the Arachne wanting to eat Turas.

“I just got...mad; like enraged, and when I roared, fire came out. I didn’t mean to; I didn’t want to hurt anyone dad.”

“It’s alright Dew, according to Turas you even saved that Arachne; acted faster than even I would have son; you did good out there.” They sat in silence for a while, before Solomon spoke again.

“It’s not natural you know Dew.” He spoke, as he sighed soberly.”I’ve heard of Torch Drakes breathing fire, but all they did was shoot fireballs at prey, which is really comprised of natural gas and the spark tooth in their mouth. But that’s it; fireballs, you breathed a stream of fire, like a dragon. It’s not normal son.” Dew hung his head low, only to feel his father rub his head.

“But I still love you son; don’t ever forget that.” Dew’s maw slid into a smile, as the father and son continued fishing...but Solomon’s smile faded a moment later, as he seemed to...listen for something. His expression darkened a second later.

“No...it can’t be; not here.” He muttered, slowly standing up. Dew felt the air grow hotter, as the trees north of them began to burn suddenly, and when they collapsed, Dew saw it.

She floated off the ground, her skin a fiery, bright crimson. Her amber eyes were ablaze with glee, as she wore literally nothing, fire covering her chest, forearms, and shins, also her hair, leaving her nethers on clear display. Whatever she was, she stared at Solomon with a look of sheer joy.

“It’s a damn Ignis!” He spouted, as she floated closer, the ground beneath her burning away; her smile never leaving. Solomon dug his hands into the rucksack, and withdrew two daggers, and before Dew’s eyes he suddenly vanished; disappearing in a flash of cyan light. He appeared behind the Ignis a mere split second later; bringing both daggers down only for her to catch his arm; her searing hands burning only slightly, as she leaned closer.

“Don’t you want to be my husband~” She cooed, before he shoved her away, Dew snapping out of his shock a second later and soaring onto a rock, before propelling himself towards her, his claws outstretched to knock her away from his father. However, he never expected her to jerk around, and slam her hand into his head; sending him into the lake, as he started to sink, the daze of the hit fading and the sheer cold affecting him a moment later. Dew heard his father’s muffled shouts, as he sank lower and lower...as he started to think. He felt scared, terrified at what the Ignis could do to his father. That fear began to manifest quickly, until Dew’s eyes bolted open, and he swam up; bursting from the water and landing in front of the Ignis. She cocked her head, before her smile returned a moment later.

“I guess I can have you both then~” She was about to pounce, but stopped when she felt the air around them growing colder. She actually began to grow worried, especially when Dew reared his head up, and spat not fire from his maw, but freezing cold ice! It formed a collective beam at her; the Ignis screaming and jerking back once Dew stopped the blast. Her smile was gone now; the Ignis now backing away in fear.

“I’m sorry I had to do that.” Dew said, his wings outstretched, keeping her from his father. “But you aren’t taking me or my father; I’d like it if you left please, so I don’t have to use more ice.” To enhance his point, he breathed a bit, ice tricking from his maw. The Ignis sighed, and floated back a bit.

“I just wanted a husband...”

“...I have a compromise then.” She perked up, as did Solomon.

“Son...what do you mean?”

 

 

Dew smiled at his handiwork, as he watched the happy couple. Eric sat next to the Ignis, both of them chatting idly, no doubt soon to be a couple. Solomon had his hand on Dew’s shoulder, as he shook his head a bit.

“Son, I never thought you’d help a Monster Women; these things been wanting to rape the lot of us for years.”

“They aren’t things dad; they’re creatures too, they have souls; and anything with a soul deserves to have happiness. That’s how things should be.” Solomon looked down at his son, and wondered how he could be so...good. He always struggled to see the good in everyone, even creatures beyond redemption. Solomon actually began to question how Dew would live in the real world; his innocence would be an issue if he always tried to see the good in everything...even when some people he held near and dear are monsters.

 

 

...eventually it’d come time to tell him what dear old dad used to do...

 

 

To Be Continued...