Below, in the gloom, blinked a pair of glowing yellow eyes. They blinked twice, then squinted from the light.

“Hello, Drake. It’s good to see you. Are you okay?” I asked, hoping the sound of my voice would help ease his potential apprehension.

Slowly, Drake crawled out of the hatch, and sat to my left, waiting while I closed and latched it. Once I had the hatch secured, I turned to look at my newest companion.

He was of medium size, nearly as big as a bobcat, not including his tail. He looked exactly like a dragon, with his long, sinuous neck, only much smaller. His scales were a mottled black and electric blue, his eyes yellow, with cat-like pupils. He had two small horns that curved around his head, ending in blunted points. His wings were black, leathery, and immensely powerful.

I reached out a hand to him, and he tentatively sniffed it. He poked my fingers with his snout, and I gently scratched under his chin, causing him to emit a warbling purr.

“Everyone, meet Drake. Drake, meet my new friends,” I said with a smile.

Drake looked around and chirped a quiet pattern, which Katira and I recognized as Morse code for ‘Hello’.

“He said “Hi”, everyone. Would you like to perch on my shoulders, Drake?” I asked him.

He nodded and I extended my arm in invitation for him to climb up. He did so, and I found that he weighed no more than a large cat despite his size, and was rather warm. He settled around my neck and shoulders, wrapping his long tail around my right shoulder, going under my armpit to help brace and balance himself. He looked around at the group and yawned, exposing a set of sharp, pointy teeth.

Robert let out a low whistle, attracting Drake’s immediate attention; his head cocking to the side, much like a German Shepherd’s. “That’s awesome. You have a pet dragon?” he asked.

“Technically, no. He’s not a pet, nor is he tame. He is someone that was here when I bought my home. It has taken some work, but I believe we have an understanding. Drake won’t harm anyone in this house, and we, in turn, will not harm him.” Drake nodded his assent and chirped happily. “Also, he isn’t a true dragon. Technically, he is a dragonet. He will never get much bigger than this, and while he is capable of taking down a bear, he prefers not to have to. Also, I don’t think he will eat our pizza, so we should be okay there,” I said.

Everyone took a few minutes to let the information sink in after translations, and we all seemed more or less okay with the situation. For his part, Drake simply observed the goings-on and chirped questioningly on occasion, prompting an explanation from one of the eight of us.

“So, Katira? Where did you have in mind for the training for us? I know that our new friends would like to go home at some point to gather whatever things they’d need for the trip and the subsequent camping,” I said.

“It’s outside of all communication ranges, and it isn’t visited much, but there is a campsite one of my Masters took me to quite some time ago. She was able to do a lot of experimentation there, and I believe it will be a good site for us, as well. There is a natural cavern, plenty of fresh water, and ample game for hunting. Drake would be invaluable for the hunt, actually. As long as he consents to doing so, anyway,” she said.

“How about it, Drake? Would you like to go on a camping trip with us? Find some good food?” I asked my newest companion.

Drake screeched loudly and rocked back and forth on excited feet, flapping his wings. “I’ll take that as a ‘Yes’!” I laughed.

Katira looked around at our guests. “So, who needs to go collect their camping supplies?” she asked.

Robert and Mamiko-san raised their hands as Joaquin looked downcast.

Katira nodded and said, “Okay. Leave your phone numbers here, and Stu will message you. Let us know when you’re ready to go, and we will meet you in the Guildhall.” They nodded, and went towards the door. “Joaquin? We will get you taken care of. Don’t worry. You’re safe here with us, if you’d like to stay.” The young man nodded after Shutan translated for him. He took a seat at the table.

“Okay, then. We will see you four when you’re ready to go. Try not to take too long, as Stu needs some rest before we go. It’s a long drive from here,” she said.

We waved goodbye to our new friends, and I picked up the slips of paper with phone numbers. I punched Robert’s number in, and sent a quick message, getting a reply within moments. I saved his number.

When I looked at Morita-san’s paper, I saw why she seemed so nervous. Her English writing skills were non-existent, so she had written her name in kanji. I flipped open my translator app to make certain I had her name correct, then messaged her.

After a few moments, she replied, and I had two new friend’s numbers saved. Joaquin was next, and I figured that he had almost nothing to work with monetarily. The poor kid probably barely got paid at whatever job he had, and that likely went to rent and food.

“Joaquin?” The kid looked at me almost fearfully. “We will make sure you have a decent tent and sleeping material. How can I best get in contact with you?” I asked.

Once Shutan translated for us, the boy looked at me and then back at the floor. I laid a hand on his shoulder and gave a gentle squeeze. “It’s alright, son. We will figure this out. I want you to succeed and thrive in whatever you choose to do. Necromancy isn’t just dealing with the dead and the powers therein. There is more to it. Shutan will help you get whatever you need. You might just go on to do and make some amazing things, and coming from humble beginnings like yours will simply make for an even better story to tell any grandkids or nieces and nephews you may have. I don’t know your whole story, but I’d be happy to have a part in it, if you’ll let me,” I said and waited for Shutan to translate.

As he translated, the kid’s eyes got bigger and mistier until he was silently crying.

“Obrigado, meu tio. Obrigado,” he said, and hugged me after he stood up.

“De nada, amigo. De nada,” I said, and let him hold on as long as he needed. When he let go, I looked at him with a smile and said, “Go. Eat.”

He seemed to understand that, and sat back down to finish his pizza. I went through my bank app, and figured I could get him a decent tent and sleeping bag, and still afford the trip, wherever it may lead us. I also requested more time off from work, citing an illness. I was sure to get some flak for it, but this was important too.

“Katira? When do you want to leave?” I asked aloud.

“Probably in the morning. Why?” she replied.

“Then we need to take Joaquin here to the store tonight. Get him a couple changes of clothes and his camping gear. May as well get that done and out of the way. Also, we could probably use a new tent ourselves. Mine is several years old, and I don’t quite trust it. I’ve got enough to cover everything, but it’ll be a little snug.” I said, grabbing my keys.

She nodded, saying “Okay. We can do that. What about Drake? We can’t very well take him into the store with us.”

Drake looked between us and began chirping. I waited a few minutes for him to finish, and Katira took over the translating.

“He said he can stay here and guard the house. I love how he calls you Bubba. He is quite the intelligent one, he is. I’m glad you’ve found a way to help him,” she said.

I looked up at my little shoulder friend and scritched his head. He warbled and leaned into my hand. “Well, Drake. I will trust you to look after our home while we are gone. Gonna hafta figure out a better way to communicate, though. Morse code worked just fine before, but now, it may be too slow. We will work on it together, okay?” I said to the little black dragonet.

Drake nodded his assent, and leapt from my shoulder to the counter, where he took up a watchful pose, directed at the front door.

“Well, that leaves only you, Shutan. Would you mind taking your rodent form while we are out and about?” I asked the skeletal familiar.

“I do not mind, friend. I am glad you thought to ask me. Most would simply expect it, and berate my Master if I did not do as they expected. I shall do so once we arrive at the store,” he stated.

“Ready to go, Joaquin?” I said with a grin.

The boy nodded and we all went to the car. The drive was uneventful, as it was after ten in a small Kentucky town, and once we arrived, Shutan transformed himself into a rat, and perched on Joaquin’s shoulder.

We entered with a few odd glances from associates and the odd customer alike. After all, I was still in my nice kilt and Katira in her arisaid. We made quite the couple. Joaquin and Shutan received some fearful glances, however. Not many folks in my hometown were used to seeing pet rats.

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We grabbed a cart, and headed over to the clothes section, where we proceeded to get this boy some decent pants and shirts. He got a few new pairs of socks and underwear as well. No sense in letting him live downcast if I could help it. He would need all the help he could get, both in the mundane world and in his new one. I intended to make sure it happened.

Once we got his clothes squared away, we picked up a couple of tents and sleeping bags, as well as sanitary wipes. People tended to forget that particular necessity. The total was a little more than I anticipated, but within my range. I paid for everything, and we headed out, back home.

As we got home, I saw movement in the window. I couldn’t figure out what I was looking at until we got closer. Drake was bouncing around the house like mad, apparently.

As I opened the door, he pounced on me and I grunted in pain as he screeched what sounded like a war cry. Just before he bit me, Katira caught his face.

“Drake! No! It’s us!” she said, her voice raised. Drake’s eyes flitted from me to her and back again, and I just cleared my throat.

“Sorry, Master.” She let go of Drake’s face, and he shook himself like a dog. “Sorry, Drake. I hope I didn’t hurt you,” she said apologetically.

Drake chirped happily, and nuzzled her hand. He leapt off me, and I felt air where there shouldn’t have been.

Looking down, I saw twenty little tears in my shirt where his claws had dug in, along with twenty little holes where they had pierced my flesh. I sighed and brought in the groceries I had been holding, then removed my shirt.

“Well, there goes that shirt. Man, those claws are sharp,” I said, inspecting a few of the deeper wounds, dabbing at the spots of blood.

Drake looked abashed and chirped sadly as Katira went to get some first aid supplies. Joaquin and Shutan sat at the table and waited patiently.

Katira moved a chair over and sat me down to take care of the punctures. “It’s okay, Drake. We know you didn’t mean to hurt him. This is just part of learning routines and behaviors. That’s all. You’re okay,” she said soothingly.

Drake hopped up onto the counter and inspected the activity with great curiosity. He started chirping as Katira worked, and she began answering without bothering to translate.

“No, he would be fine if I didn’t do this. What I’m doing isn’t integral to his health. It does help, though.

“Because humans heal differently than you or I. It will only be a few days before these wounds are properly sealed.

“None of us want to wound you, Drake. What happened here was an accident. These things happen. Have you ever taken a corporeal form?

“Then you should learn all you can while you are in this form. Pay attention to every little sensation. I do not know what it feels like for one of the Ma’alkaun to be harmed or to be hungry, so pay attention, and ask questions. One of us will be able to answer you. You haven’t known pain or anger or hunger or contentment yet. Ask, and we can help. The more you know yourself, the better we all will be able to help you. You are just as new to this as we are.

“You’re welcome, Drake. I seriously hope you understand what a massive risk it is that we are taking with you. If you were to revert to your original form, it could be disastrous for this world,” she said, then turned to face the little dragon after a series of chirps.

“We will gladly keep you fed, and do our best to show you kindness and love, Drake. If we discover that you and your kind can coexist with Necromancers, we will see what the GuildMasters say about allowing your kind to form Connections with them. You are an ambassador of your species, my friend. Put your best foot forward,” she said with a smile, only to receive a prolonged nuzzle from him.

With my wounds cleaned, I checked my phone. No messages. I yawned, realizing it was nearly midnight.

“Okay. Here’s my thought. I’m going to get some sleep, as I have to drive tomorrow. Joaquin? You can sleep here in the kitchen, if you’d like. I do not recommend going to your workshop. I don’t think we have any way of getting to you if you do. Go ahead and use your sleeping bag. Get used to it, you know? Katira? Keep watch of my phone and retrieve our friends if they alert us to their imminent arrival. Drake? If you sleep, you are welcome to sleep wherever you’d like. Does that sound good to everyone?” I stated.

Four heads nodded, and I handed Joaquin his sleeping bag. He situated himself by the table, and lay down, Shutan taking up a guarding position beside him. Drake leapt up to the top of the refrigerator, and curled up.

It was a rather disconcerting sight, seeing a skeleton sitting stock-still at my kitchen table.

Katira and I went to our room, and we both got ready to lay down.

“Master?” she asked softly.

“Yes?”

“Are you truly ready for what is going to be happening this coming week? It will not be easy, and I will not be nice. You may come to be angry with me,” she said, her eyes downcast.

I lifted her chin, gazing into her beautiful blue eyes. “Even if I do get upset with you, I will calm down. It may take me some time, but I will calm down. I simply have to remind myself of the reason you’re doing this. Don’t worry,” I said and kissed her forehead softly.

She smiled deliriously and simply said, “Okay.”

She wrapped her arms around me, and I snuggled close to my scaled familiar, and was asleep in short order.

Some time during the night or early morning, Katira had gotten messages from our friends, and had retrieved them. I awoke in the wee hours of the day to find Robert and Morita-san at the table having coffee. Joaquin had woken up, and was sitting on the counter looking unsure of himself and slightly damp..

“Good morning everyone!” I said with a yawn. “Katira? Do you have our tea?” I asked aloud.

“Here you are, Master,” she said, handing me my tea. “Robert and Morita-san have been here for about an hour now. We all decided it would be best to let you sleep, as you’ll be driving for quite some time today. Are you ready to go?” she asked.

“Gods, no. I’m not going to be trapped in a car with three other humans and four familiars smelling like this. I’m getting a shower. Looks like our young man over there has already had one, and I’m glad he took the initiative to do so.” I said with a smile and nod to Joaquin.

The young man smiled sheepishly and waved. I sipped my tea, and relaxed for a bit. I had Katira show me where we were going on my phone, and let out a low whistle. Drake perked his head up and tilted it left and right, like a dog. A seven hour drive to a remote area in West Virginia.

“Okay, everyone. We are going to West Virginia, it seems. That’s a seven hour drive from here. No, there is no way to get there faster. Not and be inconspicuous. Speaking of inconspicuous, Shutan, I don’t think there is a way for us to explain your appearance to the locals. Yin, Oiwa and Katira can be explained away as cosplayers and a seriously large dog, but not a walking skeleton. When we get somewhere, do any of you have any way to hide your appearances?” I asked, concerned.

Yin piped up in a low growl, “I can look like a puppy, if needed, I suppose.”

Oiwa looked around, somewhat embarrassed, “One of my Masters used a necklace to hide me. Had me take a gemstone form.”

“We already know I can become a rat, but what of you, Katira?” asked Shutan.

“Well… I can do this.” Katira said, and placed her hand on my shoulder. Immediately, an extremely tiny version of Katira was sitting on my shoulder. She walked around for a moment, then leapt off, becoming her normal size again. “It’s the way all of my Masters used to hide me. Most were female, and they would tuck me…places,” she said, her skin flushing.

“We will discuss that later, Katira,” I said slowly, somewhat concerned. Turning to the rest of the group, I said, “I’ll be back in a few minutes. Katira? Would you find something for Joaquin to do so he won’t be too bored for the trip? I’m sure I have something. Maybe my Switch? I can make a new profile and he can use that?” I asked, heading to the bathroom.

Once I’d showered and dried off, I emerged to find Katira, Robert, and Joaquin loading my car. Oiwa approached me saying, “My Master felt our forms were too conspicuous, so she had us stay here. Morita-san wishes to speak with you.”

I nodded. “That was wise. The people here in this area are extremely closed-minded. While there might not be any folks out and about right now, any that are would likely ask questions that we don’t want,” I said, then called out, “Morita-san? I will be right back and we can chat.”

She nodded, and I went to my room to find that Katira had laid out clothes for me already. It appeared she had taken the liberty of packing things for me, as well. I dressed and gathered Morita-san, taking her to the spare room.

She squealed with glee upon seeing the fat rabbit, and scooped her up, snuggling her fur. She giggled and rocked the rabbit lovingly.

“So, what did you wish to speak about, Morita-san?” I asked as I leaned against the wall, arms crossed.

“I wanted to thank you for doing this for me- for us. For all of us. I never thought I would be able to come to America. I never thought I’d ever meet Americans. I am glad you are the one helping, and not Seth-san. He seems rude. Thank you,” she said, turning scarlet.

I smiled, saying, “Morita-san, you are more than welcome. I don’t like people like Seth, and I am glad you have come with us. I will do my best to take proper care of you, okay?” She nodded, and we left the bunny and the room.

“Drake? That rabbit won’t survive while we are gone. I don’t have what is necessary to care for her, and cannot really afford it all right now. If you’d like, you can go ahead and have it. We will clean up when we return,” I said to the little dragonet.

Drake bounded off the counter and I opened the door to the rabbit’s room. He pounced in, and I shut the door quickly. Morita-san looked horrified, a tear in her eye. There was a growl, a short yip and silence. I waited for Drake to signal he was done, and once I felt a scratching on the door, I opened it, revealing a satisfied dragonet, and a small smear of blood on the floor. Drake sauntered out, licking his chops, and hopped up onto my shoulder.

Morita-san buried her face in Oiwa’s chest, and he held her tenderly, and I looked apologetically at the Oni. “He eats meat, Morita-san. That is why we had the rabbit in the first place. I am sorry if it bothers you,” I said with a small bow.

She nodded, sniffling. “It was not expected. That is all. She was so soft,” she said with a sniff.

Katira came in, announcing that all was ready for the trip. “The only thing left to do is figure out how to handle Drake. I don’t think he can change his form like we can, so we must figure something else out,” she said.

“How about he just lay in the back with the gear? It should be sunny today. He can bask in the sunlight, and we can toss a blanket back there for him to curl up under if he needs it. Sound good, Drake?” I asked the black dragonet perched upon my shoulder.

He tilted his head this way and that, and seemed to be struggling with something. He grumbled softly, and I waited as the grumbling turned to a purring, and finally a low whistle. He shook his head, and I felt his claws grip my shoulders a little tighter, his chest tightening. When he opened his mouth again, a heavily distorted squawk emerged. I heard him growl almost angrily this time, and he strained once more. We all looked at him in curiosity and concern as he warbled and coughed. When he finally did make coherent noises again, I could swear it sounded like speech. Drake rasped out a roar, which sounded pained and muted, spraying droplets of blood onto my shirt, and he looked angry.

“Drake! Calm yourself, bud. Just tap on my shoulder with your tail. What are you trying to say?” I gently said, as I held his head in my hands, stroking his head softly. He tapped on my shoulder quickly.

[Said is good. Am sorry, Bubba. Trying to speak like you. I may not have the right body part. Sorry.]

After a moment I looked up at Katira. “He was trying to talk like us. Tore his throat up. Poor guy.” I looked at my little friend, “Drake, it’s okay. We will find a way to help you talk to us, together. No rush. You understand what we all say, and that is good enough for right now. We will work out a way to communicate using your whistles and chirps for now. I have some ideas, but they will have to wait. We need to finish this week first. Are you ready to go?”

Drake nodded, and bounded to the rear of the car, where he settled down on top of the gear. Oiwa assumed his alternate form, as did the other three familiars. Robert took shotgun, as the other two Necromancers piled into the back. I got behind the wheel with a tiny Katira on my shoulder. I started up and we drove off to West Virginia.

Our journey to become safer Necromancers had just begun.