I wasn't sure how long it was that I stayed snuggled into my mom. I would guess not long enough. I felt my mom pull away from me.

“Dear, it's time for me to go.” She said, as she stood up and walked over to the door.

I looked up at her from my spot where I was comfortable. I didn't want to see her go, but I knew I couldn't be here forever. It was nice, but the longer I stayed here the more likely it was the humans were to do something.

“It was good seeing you mom. Maybe we can meet up again, after your mission?” I asked.

“We will see dear. I will be back before you know it.” She said with a smile before leaving.

I stood up, I know I should force myself awake, but I wanted to try one more time to see if I could see Aether. I tried willing myself to find Aether again. This time I was suddenly dragged away from my home. I found myself above a village which had mortals walking about. I was thankful they had yet to notice me.

I looked around, and I couldn't find any dragons. Only mortals walking around. Maybe this was a failure again. Some random human village is not what I was looking for. I sighed at how my luck had turned out. Again another failure. I couldn't understand what's interfering with my strange dream walking. I did notice some mortals with strange hair though. A little human with bright green hair, really stood out. She looked really pretty. With my defeat, I decided that I should just go back and wake up.

I forced myself awake. Opening my eyes the sun was already well up into the sky. Standing up, with a quick stretch, I made my way over to the exit for my cave. Looking out and down the mountain. I didn't notice anything remarkable. With a small yawn and stretching my wings, I took a leap out into the open air, spreading my wings and floating out into the sky.

Letting myself bask in the sunlight, as I floated around my mountain. I was slowly becoming more alert to my surroundings. Not that there was anything new. I saw Hickory doing his morning trap checks, I saw that lady human by the fire working on things. It seems like it's going to be a nice peaceful day. I closed my eyes, keeping my flight pattern as I kept floating in the sky. I could keep doing this all day. Till I opened my eyes, and saw some smoke over the hills.

Curiosity struck me, as I flew over to where the smoke was. When I got closer, I saw a huge fire burning across the grass covered hills. I swooped down in low, and calling on the water, I created a trail of water, which I dumped onto the fire putting it out.

I heard that wild fires are prone in areas like this, but it just seemed a little too close to home. I didn't notice anything unusual, maybe it got too hot in dry grass. Though, it seemed simple and avoidable. Maybe I should take to watering the grass more often. Observing the surroundings more, I failed to notice anything else distinct. I shoved off the ground and started flying back.

****

“Sir, our scouts confirmed that the target has been sighted.” A soldier told his officer inside of the command tent.

A man wearing a glorious golden armor sat in a soft, expensive seat. He had golden mane framing his angular face, which has some scars from his countless years serving in the military. He nodded at the new information. This meant, they had confirmed where they are close to, and in which direction they lived.

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“Everyone, the wild fire was successful. Tonight we rest. Send messages to the other armies. We found the dragon’s nest.” The commander ordered.

Shortly after a messenger had left, on his way to inform the other six armies where to gather.

****

I got back to my mountain, as I saw the lady human talking to yet another human. I swear humans just keep appearing and wont stay away. I landed near them, curious about the new human. I got a good look at the human which I saw. It was another man, like Hickory. Though this one is much older. He has gray hair, though well kept. A short trimmed beard, and bright blue eyes. He seems to be well handsome for what a human can. Still can't compare to what gods look like.

“Who is this new human?” I asked.

“This is my bodyguard. He was a servant with me at the castle, and helped me escape.” She explained.

I nodded this made sense, it seemed he was close to her for her to not attack, and Hickory was okay with him being near. It's still surprising seeing these new humans appearing. I was getting rather tired of them.

“Well I see, princess. Should I be expecting any more new humans to appear at my home?” I asked her.

“First off, my name is not princess. It’s Aiko. Also quit calling me human too.” Aiko demanded.

I scoffed and rolled my eyes. Something must’ve taken her prey. I tried my hardest to not roll my eyes and be sarcastic. These humans can be infuriating.

“Okay, AIKO. Why is he here?” I asked.

“He is here to warn that an army has been spotted camping to the north of here. I would guess, searching for you. Though you never really keep yourself hidden it wouldn't be hard to miss you.” She explained, seemingly trying to dig into my daily habits of flying around.

“Ah. okay? I will just go deal with them.” I replied ready to leave.

“No! You mustn’t. We can't lose you.” She replied.

I was baffled at the audacity she dared to have. Not only had I spared her life multiple times, but I have dealt with her attitude for a long time. It was starting to wear my nerves thin. I am a dragon and she warns me. I rolled my eyes.

“So, fighting them now, while unprepared is bad, but letting them come here is much better?” I asked, confused.

“No, I have a plan. I just need your help with it.” Aiko replied.