#ovipreg

As soon as Köbi had Ix situated in the living room, foot steps came down the stairs. They both turned expecting Sydryn to appear, but instead the red dragon was spotted slithering down to access the kitchen illicitly. After, raiding the fridge for a ham hock, they turned to see the pair in the living room and blanched, their appearance suddenly very human. “Hello,” Ix said politely. “Köbi!” Seranan exclaimed. “Who—What is this?!” “This is Dr Ix. You don't have to hide, they are well aware of dragons,” Köbi explained. Seranan pointed down. “Come here immediately!” Köbi stood up and casually walked over to meet Seranan in the front hall. Seranan grabbed him and took him a few steps up the stairs, out of sight of the living room. “What is it doing in this house?” “Dr Ix prefers they/them pronouns,” Köbi said. “And they are Syd's guest.” Seranan flared their nostrils. “They are not of this world.” “If you are saying Ix is a Yulinian, that is correct,” Köbi said. “I don't know why that matters.” “What do they want? Why are they here?” Seranan asked. “They came to talk to Syd,” Köbi said. “About what?” Seranan asked. “Why are you asking me?” Köbi asked. “Have you considered introducing yourself?” “I have not!” “I think you should. Especially since they can still hear us.” Seranan bristled at this, but stepped down the steps and slithered back over to the living room entrance. They looked down to Ix with a glare. “I am Seranan. What is your business with my sibling?” Ix smiled and stood up. “Ah, so you're siblings! The resemblance is uncanny. I work with Dr Aias and I just came to check in and see how they have been doing on their break. I hope that they are feeling better soon.” Seranan’s gaze fixed on the bouquet and they wrinkled their nose. “A pink bouquet suggests admiration but may also imply romantic intentions.” Ix stiffened. “Really? That is quite the fun fact. I wasn't aware of flower colour theory… To be honest, I just picked a colour I believe Sydryn would like.” Their eyes darted nervously around the incredibly pink room. “Indeed.” Seranan put a hand on their hip. “In my opinion, cut flowers are a rather poor gift. They die incredibly quickly. As dragons, such ephemeral things hold little value to us.” “Oh. Um…” Ix was crestfallen. “I suppose I really didn't put enough thought into it…” “Seranan, why don't you go upstairs and have your snack?” Köbi said, motioning to the container of glazed ham they still carried. “Syd will be down soon.” Seranan rolled their eyes and stomped upstairs and away. Köbi exhaled and went to sit with Ix. “Perhaps I should have brought something else,” Ix said, turning the bouquet in their hands. “I’ve gifted Dr Aias a few of my eggs before, but they aren't available yet. I thought maybe jewellery, but then that felt like too much, and I wouldn't know what style they'd like…” “Don't listen to Seranan,” Köbi assured. “The flowers are perfect. Syd will love them.” “But maybe a rosé would have been more appropriate? No, they're pregnant! What am I saying?” Köbi just chuckled and waited with them. After just a few minutes, Sydryn finally made their way downstairs. They had changed into a long summer dress and done their hair in a halo braid. “Dr Ix, I appreciate your visit,” Sydryn spoke first, still standing. “I apologise for leaving the practice so suddenly. I am doing well, however I don't know that I am ready to return.” Ix just sat there, mouth slightly agape. Sydryn looked at them quizzically. “Are those for me?” they asked, motioning to the flowers. Köbi elbowed Ix. The Yulinian blinked and then stood up quickly, proffering the bouquet. “Oh, yes! These are...pink for...you...like pink.” Sydryn received the bouquet and smiled. “These are very lovely. I especially love hyacinths.” “I love them too! I mean, I like them...” Ix rubbed their neck. “Pink isn't really my colour... I mean, it is a lovely colour. I know you like pink! A great choice! Hence pink flowers!” “Yes. You clarified already... Ix.” Sydryn looked at them curiously. “Are you well? You seem addled.” “I...” The words suddenly fell from Ix's mouth. “I am in love with you.” Silence fell in the room. Sydryn stared at Ix. Ix froze entirely. Köbi watched them with such attention, he felt like he was watching a pivotal scene from a telenovela. Sydryn was first to move, but it was to step back. Then the bouquet fell from their hands as they turned and hurried back up the stairs. Ix’s heart sank. “Fuck.” Köbi was alarmed and looked at Ix. “No, it's alright.” Ix shook their head and placed their face in their hands. “Shit, fuck, I'm so stupid!” “No, no. It's alright!” Köbi rubbed their back. “No need for the language...” “I wasn’t planning to say any of that but I haven't seen them in a while, and I nearly forgot how absolutely...breath-taking they are! I've never been so overwhelmed.” “You got a little flustered. It's okay.” Köbi stood up only to then crouch in front of Ix and take their hands. “Listen. It's alright. You're not stupid. You had only good intentions.” “They ran away, Köbi.” Ix shook their head. “I need to leave.” “No, please stay.” Köbi patted Ix's hand. “Please. Syd needs a friend right now.” “I can't do this. I'm sorry, I can't.” Ix got up, withdrawing their hand, and smoothed out their shirt. “Please let Dr Aias know I am very sorry for dropping by unannounced and...everything thereafter.” Köbi wanted to chase after them as they left but he knew he had no miracles for a broken heart. Instead, he went to the door and saw them off. “Thank you for coming by. I'm sorry if I...gave you false hope.” Ix turned to Köbi with a pained smile. “It’s alright. You're not at fault. And also the practice will be happy to have you back whenever you're ready. Both of you.” Köbi nodded. “Okay.” “Oh, and tell... Seranan, was it? Tell them it was lovely to meet them,” Ix said. Köbi shook his head. “Sorry, I don't really like to lie on others behalf.” Ix managed a chuckle. “No, no. Genuinely. I appreciate their knowledge of flowers. I have something new to research when I get home. That is a gift to me.” Köbi nodded. “Okay, I will tell them.” “Thank you, Köbi.” Ix turned to go. “I hope to see you soon.” Köbi waved. “See you soon!”

From inside, Sydryn rolled their eyes from behind their Nintendo system and sighed. “What do you want, Darathan?” Dusty flipped Köbi the bird and opened the door. He stepped inside, shut the door in Köbi’s face, and then addressed the dragon. “I need your help, Syd. You're the only one I can turn to.” Sydryn sat up in bed and their game down beside them. It had been a long time since the demon had seen the dragon so casual, dressed down in their pyjamas, long hair out and gathered on the pillows behind them. The size of their middle was somewhat muffled by the blankets but still ever growing. The dragon gazed upon the demon with heavy lidded eyes. “State your business.” Dusty frowned, leaning in the doorway. “State my business? You say that like we weren't married for thirteen years…” “We weren't.” “Right, but we might as well have been… We lived with each other that long,” Dusty said. “We might as well have been common-law. We had a child together.” “You had a child.” “Right, but would you tell the angel to ‘state his business'?” Dusty asked. “He's only been here a few months. You and I, we have history.” “Are you really so preoccupied with my wording?” Sydryn said. “If you know me so well, you'd know my verbiage. Now tell me what I owe this ‘pleasure’…” Dusty slunk over to Sydryn's bedside and sat down on the edge, squeezing his hands down between his knees in a guilty hunch. “Well. I got drunk and slept with Ruben and Dante on their wedding night, and now I'm worried I could be pregnant, and I went to APID to find you but there was only that human doctor and he knows nothing about demons, but you know me so I came here for your help…” Sydryn just stared at him. “You slept with Dante?” Dusty frowned, nodding. “And Ruben… Poor Yori had to sleep in his kids' room.” “So…you're worried you're pregnant,” Sydryn said. “Do you have any symptoms?” Dusty nodded. “My stomach has been in knots ever since the event… I can’t sleep well. I’m so tired all the time…” “Okay… Do you think there's even a chance you're not pregnant?” Sydryn huffed. Dusty pouted. “Well, I mean… I hope so… I'm not bonded like I was back then, and I thought I didn't have feelings for Dante anymore, and that's what did it last time…” “Right, but this time you had sex,” Sydryn said. “As I understand it, none of that matters towards conceiving a child when unprotected sex is involved.” Dusty started to tear up and put his head in his hands. “But I've had sex since then… I wouldn't allow myself to get pregnant. I can control that when I'm sober…” “But you weren't sober,” Sydryn reminded. “Though… As well as I know you as a person, I will admit I don't know that much about the function of a demon's reproductive system. I can't imagine I could be sure to know whether you are or are not pregnant without proper equipment. Especially so early.” Dusty sniffled. “So, you can't help me?” “Well, I can help you get into contact with someone who might be able to help you…” Sydryn said, leaning over to grab their phone from their nightstand. “But I'm not making any promises.” “Okay…” Sydryn took a moment to send a text and then picked up their game again. Before the title screen could load up however, their phone was already going off. They answered the call with a sigh. “Good afternoon… Yes…Yes, if you’re available. See you in a moment.” Dusty watched the phone conversation with intrigue then jumped a little when he felt the air shift. He recognised this feeling so well, the opening of a demon's portal. He didn't have much trust for other demons, so he got up and stood alert. At the end of the bed, a black fissure in space opened up and out poured the one and only Obsidian Dragon, a demon following closely behind. Sydryn recognised this companion from their last visit but Dusty had never met the tall, slender, and long ginger haired demon. “I'm so glad you messaged me, Auntie,” the dragon grinned, placing their hands on their hips, their progressing pregnancy jutting forward. “I was just thinking about you.” “Kardynkyr,” Sydryn said. They motioned to Dusty. “You remember Darathan.” “Of course.” Kardynkyr turned to Dusty and pinched his cheek like a dear grandparent. “The cute little demon I left in your care. A pink little birdy told me you've been up to no good. Love to hear it. How are you, my little monster?” Dusty blinked at them. “Um… Do I know you?” Kardynkyr was taken aback. “You don’t recognise me?” “Uh, sorry… Not really.” Kardynkyr stared at him blankly. “Steppenwolf concert, fourteen years ago. I was giving free tattoos to drunks in the parking lot. You were crying behind a Porta-Potty.” “Um… I vaguely remember…” Kardynkyr pouted. “What do you mean? I introduced you to my Auntie! This should be a core memory!” “I’m sorry… I was probably really high,” Dusty admitted. “You're watching too many cartoons, Kardynkyr,” Sydryn said. “Darathan, my nibling here commands a hoard of demons. If anyone knows demons better than me, it'd be them.” “You've got that right,” Kardynkyr concurred proudly. “I may not be a doctor, but I've been present for like hundreds of demon pregnancies. They won't stop knocking each other up, I swear… Ora, how many times have you knocked up Kobann?” The demon who'd tagged along thought for a moment. “Oh, maybe seven times.” “I'm sorry, you're an incubus?” Dusty asked, pointing out the tall but effeminate demon. “Yep,” Ora answered proudly. “Proud fem top.” “Ya see?” Kardynkyr grinned. “Demon pregnancy is our thing.” “So… Can you determine if I'm pregnant?” Dusty asked. Ora raised an eyebrow. “What, you don't know already?” “Should I?” Dusty asked. “Well sure,” Ora said. “Every time I've knocked up a succubus, they typically told me within, like, an hour.” “But I didn't know when I had my son,” Dusty said. “I didn't know until it was obvious.” “That's different,” Ora said. “If you had no reason to suspect you were pregnant, especially with a first pregnancy, then you wouldn't know. But if you're anticipating it, then you'd know for sure right away. If you're unsure, then you're certainly not pregnant.” Dusty shook his head. “I don't entirely understand…” Ora rolled his eyes. “It's pretty simple… You don't have to pee on a stick or anything. You're a demon.” They approached Dusty anyway and lifted his shirt. “Ooh. Hello, tiny waist… I want to knock you up myself.” “What are you…” “Hush.” Ora then wrapped his hands around Dusty's waist and pressed his thumbs into his stomach. After a moment, he gave Dusty's bellybutton a little kiss and pulled away. “Yeah, you're not pregnant.” “Really?” Dusty asked, wiping where the other demon had kissed him. “Yeah. Empty as fuck. You probably didn't even eat breakfast.” Dusty turned to Sydryn with glee and relief. “I'm not pregnant!” “If you want to change that, call me,” Ora teased. Dusty shot Ora a disgusted look. “No, thank you…” “Are you happy, Darathan?” Sydryn asked. “Can everyone leave my room now?” “Well, hold on,” Kardynkyr said. “Where's Red at? I want to pick on my creator.” “Probably eavesdropping with Köbi, I imagine,” Sydryn said, pointing to the door. “Wait, but what about my symptoms?” Dusty asked. “The nausea? Fatigue?” “Anxiety,” Sydryn stated. “Possibly depression. Have you been speaking to anyone about your mental health?” “No… Not really,” Dusty admitted. “So that's it, then? I suppose I'll leave you be.” “Dusty, stay a minute. You two…” Sydryn pointed to Ora and Kardynkyr. “Thank you for your assistance. Feel free to pester my sibling, but do leave my room.” “Got it.” Kardynkyr whispered something into Ora's ear and then suddenly they teleported away. Dusty and Syd then heard a loud gasp from just outside the door and they could easily deduce that the young dragon had surprised Seranan in the hallway. “Kardynkyr should occupy Seranan's nosy ears for a time…” Sydryn sighed. “Dusty. Do sit.” Dusty was pleased to sit back down in the bed with sit and went as far as to snuggle up to them. “What do you want to talk about?” Sydryn frowned down at the all too cozy demon but didn't move to move him. “You, particularly. It's been nearly a year since I let you out on your own, and several months since you've been unbound. How have you been fairing?” “Um… Well, I guess I was fine up until this little…hiccup,” Dusty said. “But it was a mistake, and I can put it behind me now… Grey has been opening up more. And I have a job and my own apartment.” “Have you made friends?” Sydryn asked. “Yes! Lino and Fay are my friends,” Dusty said. “You ex's brother and your boss?” “Well, yeah. But we're more than that.” Sydryn sighed. “After the unbinding, you were told you might feel a bit empty afterwards. You know, a little bit lacking direction… Do you think you've found that?” Dusty tilted his head. “Well… I don't know. I’m happy at my job and Grey is happy and doing well. I’d like to keep things that way.” “Hmmm…” Sydryn placed a hand on their stomach. “What do you think motivated your behaviour after the wedding?” Dusty blinked. “Alcohol.” Sydryn rolled their eyes. “Alcohol alone does not make you sleep with your ex and their partner. Be honest. Do you believe you still have feelings for Dante?” Dusty scoffed. “No… Of course not.” Sydryn raised an eyebrow. “Of course not? I see… Do you have feelings for Ruben, then?” Dusty hesitated this time. “…No.” Sydryn furrowed their brow. “I asked you to be honest.” Dusty grew flustered. “What do you mean? I can't have feelings for him! I barely know him!” “It's called infatuation,” Sydryn reminded. “Not to mention, you two had quite the little adventure together back at the dragon city…” “That was hardly anything,” Dusty insisted. “It didn't even get anywhere because Ruben was trying to stay sober.” A realisation set in, and he grabbed Syd's wrist. “Wait, Ruben was sober for nine years! That night would've been a disaster for him… I hope he's alright.” He started to pull out his phone. “Should I message him to see if he's okay?” Sydryn just shook their head as they watched the demon. “Darathan. He is a married man.” “I'm not in love with him, Syd!” Dusty snapped. “You're reading too far into this. And I should tell him I'm not pregnant. I owe him that relief.” Sydryn sighed. “Well, at least you seem to have recovered from the unbinding... But I do suggest you look elsewhere for future partnerships.” “I am, Syd,” Dusty said. “In fact, I’ve dated several people. I got Korsy once, you know? Pretty good catch if you ask me.” “The Korsgaard boy?” Sydryn pulled a face. “He's a whore, and there's all that baggage… You can do better.” “It was just the one night,” Dusty said. “But there were others.” “Sleeping around isn't dating,” Sydryn said. “What do you know?” Dusty huffed. “I bet you've never once been on a date in your life.” “Absolutely not. I couldn't even imagine attending one of those…” Sydryn huffed. “I mean, you might enjoy it… However, some alone time might also do you some good.” “Other than you, I've been alone all my life,” Dusty sighed. “I'm ready to find the right person. If that's even something a demon can have…” “Well, think of it this way,” Sydryn said, picking up their game again and switching it on. “I never thought any two dragons could love one another in any romantic capacity until two young dragons demonstrated just that. So, if two dragons can fall in love, I don't see why a demon can't find the same.” Dusty furrowed his brow and thought on that for a moment. Then he stared at Sydryn and sighed. “Syd?” “Yes?” “Have you ever been in love?” Sydryn paused. “…I'm not entirely sure.” Dusty eyes went wide. “Really? Who was it? A dragon?” “I'm not going to talk about this…” Sydryn said. “Was it a human?” “Don't be absurd,” Sydryn scoffed. “So, it was a dragon, then,” Dusty teased. “Were they cute?” Sydryn rolled their eyes and placed their game down on the nightstand. “Darathan. To summarise our conversation: You’re not pregnant, don't pursue Ruben, and speak to a trained professional about your anxiety and depression. Understood?” Dusty pouted but got up off the bed. “Got it. It's time for me to go. But I think you should speak to a trained professional too. You know I’m empathic, remember? I'm not the only one who needs help here.” Sydryn lifted their chin. “You're lucky I even let you get close enough to sense me.” “Oh please… You love me,” Dusty said before he teleported out. Sydryn sighed and draped a hand over their face, before whispering to themself. “What a mess you’ve gotten yourself into…”

“You should be happy we get along at all...” Seranan shrugged. “All your little pets typically piss me off.” “Köbi is not my pet, he is my employee,” Sydryn growled. “That kind of talk is exactly why I do not want you talking to him.” “Where is the little ‘employee’, anyway?” Seranan huffed. “He should be here to help clean up this mess...” “First of all, he is my assistant, not your maid. Second of all, I was going to ask you the same thing. I had to work late, so he should've been home over an hour ago.” Seranan shrugged. “I haven't seen him.” Sydryn sighed and stepped out into the hall. “Köbi?” they called up the stairs. Köbi poked his head out of the powder room just down the hall. “Yes?” “Ah. You are home. Seranan said they hadn't seen you.” “Huh?” Köbi walked over and looked into the kitchen. “You don't remember me coming in?” Seranan waved a hand. “How am I supposed to pay attention to what you’re doing all the time?” “But you asked for me the minute I got home. We had a whole conversation about where Syd buys their roll cakes,” Köbi reminded. “I thought that was yesterday.” “It was definitely today, because they would've been closed yesterday.” Seranan waved a hand. “Unimportant. Must have slipped my mind. Anyway, your employer's home. Shouldn't you have dinner prepared by now?” “You specifically asked me not to come into the kitchen since you would be occupying it during your delivery,” Köbi reminded. “Several times, I checked back to see if I could get dinner started, but you hissed me away." Seranan frowned and shrugged. Sydryn groaned and grabbed Seranan by the braid. “Clean up this mess immediately, or I will burn all of these desserts and you won't have any dinner tonight!” Seranan whined. “My tail! Sissy, that's so mean! You wouldn't starve a pregnant dragon, would you?” “Starve?” Sydryn motioned the plastic wrappers strewn across the kitchen table. “You've eaten twenty of these already!” “They hold absolutely no nutritional value, though...” “Then stop eating them!” “It's a craving! I can't help it!” Köbi waded through the sea of plastic grocery bags to get to the fridge. “I was going to make a roast, but I don’t really think there’s enough time, so how about…fettuccine?” “Absolutely not. I will vomit if I eat another beet coloured pink pasta noodle,” Seranan declared. Sydryn yanked their sibling’s hair again. “You’ll eat what you’re served.” They looked to Köbi, though. “I need meat.” “Okay… Uh, how about smoked meat sandwiches?” Köbi suggested. “Perfect. Thank you.” Seranan rolled their eyes. “Everything’s always smoked meat, pink pasta, rose tea, salmon, prawns, grapefruit…” With another swift yank, Sydryn spun their sibling around grabbed their wrist tightly. “Are you mocking my hoard?” Seranan snarled, scaling up under Sydryn’s grip. “…You’re hurting me, Sissy.” “Syd, let’s calm down…” Köbi said, reaching out to take the dragon’s arm. Sydryn flinched away. “Don’t! My sibling, whom I so graciously have been putting up and feeding while they escape prosecution for dracocide, seems to think they can have an opinion on how I run my house.” Seranan glared at Sydryn. “Colours are for children. Your hoard is stupid.” Sydryn’s eyes widened, a wild look of pure and concentrated wrath set ablaze inside them. “Syd! No!” A split second later, Köbi was between them, his hands up, his stance wide. Seranan was in shock, having been pushed back down into the kitchen chair, their sibling’s grip relinquished. Sydryn’s crazed look was gone, instead replaced with surprise and distress as they stared at the angel. Light dripped from his cheek as Köbi reached out and placed a hand on Sydryn’s shoulder. “Sleep.” “Köbi—” Before Sydryn could finish, they passed out, falling into the angel’s arms. Köbi grunted under the weight then sighed as they picked up the pregnant dragon bridal style. “You’re hurt,” Seranan finally emitted, slowly standing up. “They struck you.” “I’m fine. Just a little scratch.” Köbi wiped his cheek on his shoulder and the injury completely disappeared. “Better me than you.” “I would’ve been fine,” Seranan stated, straightening up. “Dragons can scar other dragons,” Köbi reminded. “And it’s Syd I’m concerned about. They’re strung out and emotional right now. If they really hurt you, I don’t think they could forgive themself.” Seranan frowned. “So, what are you going to do? They must be heavy…” “I’m going to put them to bed for now,” Köbi said, shaking his head. “But don’t worry about what I’m doing… If I were you, I’d consider cleaning things up around here a bit. Syd won’t stay asleep long. And I think after a long day, waking up to a meal made by family would just make my day. Wouldn’t you agree?” Seranan scrunched their nose. “…You can’t tell me what to do.” “I can’t. I can only make suggestions.” Köbi carried the slumbering dragon out to the hall. “I’ll come back in a minute to help.” The red dragon barely dignified that with a huff. Köbi just continued on, taking Syd up to their bedroom. As soon as they were tucked in, Sydryn began to wake up. “...Köbi.” They looked at the angel standing beside their bed. “Did I... Did I hurt you?” “No.” Köbi shook their head. “Must've been a bad dream.” “Angels shouldn't lie...” Sydryn sighed, rubbing their eyes. “I'm so sorry...” “No, I'm sorry for sleeping you without permission,” Köbi said. “I’m not supposed to touch you...” “You did what you had to,” Syd insisted. “It could have been bad... Is Seranan alright?” Köbi nodded. “Yeah. They're perfectly fine. Don't worry about them. Tell me about your day. What's got you so riled up?” Sydryn sighed and sat up. “Everything. I have patients who shouldn't be getting pregnant getting pregnant, almost getting pregnant, and I'm pregnant, and I also have to keep an eye on Gardi, even though he wants more responsibilities, and Ix and I are supposed to be collaborating on the celestial pregnancy research, but beyond that, they hardly say a word to me and I wonder if somehow I've upset them in some way... I don't know. I genuinely enjoy working with them, but not when they won't even look me in the eyes.” “Oh. Oh, um...” Köbi rubbed his neck. “Well, if you're worried about Ix, I think you should just talk to them about it. With Reid, from what I can tell, he's pretty much fully recovered. If you trusted him to manage your practice while you were away in the Fall, I think you can trust him now. And as for all the patients, maybe giving Reid more responsibilities would be a good thing. You really need a break. You're putting a lot of stress on yourself.” Sydryn shook their head. “I can't take a break. There's too much going on and even if I let Gardi have more responsibilities, he can't take all of them on.” Köbi tilted his head. “Well, right now, you really should just rest. When dinner's ready, I'll bring it up.” “No, I should probably come down and apologise to Seranan,” Sydryn decided. Köbi shook his head. “I don't think you're ready for that. Wait for them to come to you.” Syd sighed, laying their head down. “...Alright. Thank you, Köbi.” “Don't mention it.” Köbi made his way back down the kitchen where Seranan was now trying to stuff away their groceries into any empty cupboard space they could find. Kobi noticed some bread and meat had been pulled out and placed on the kitchen table as well. “Looks like you got started,” Köbi said delighted. “I’ll get the rest out, and—” “I don’t need your help, I am perfectly capable of constructing a few sandwiches…” Seranan growled. “Go about your business.” “Okay… I just wanted to add, um…” Köbi rubbed his neck. “I’m sorry I prioritised Syd in the situation when they lashed out. After what you’ve been through before, I can understand if this situation was…difficult for you.” Seranan’s eyes narrowed as they turned their gaze onto the angel in disgust. “If you’re trying to suggest that any of my experiences have left me weak with ‘emotional trauma’ or some kind of ‘victim complex’, you are sorely mistaken.” “Alright. Well, just so you know, you can always talk to me,” Köbi stated. “Actually, I’ve been explicitly told not to talk to you, and from this point on, I plan to follow along.” “Okay.” Köbi shrugged. “Well, I like pickles with my smoked meat sandwiches.” “I fail to see the one who asked!” Köbi chuckled before backing out. “Talk to you later, then.” “You will not!”

“This is madness!” Seranan said. “Why do you even care?” Sydryn just ignored them and turned to their nibling. “Kardynkyr, if I'm to do anything, Akiaziri needs to come here. My practice is the safest place.” Kardynkyr frowned. “I can try, but I don't know if they're fit to fly.” “Your demons can't transport you there?” Sydryn asked. “Aki's domain is so far. They don't have the range,” Kardynkyr explained. “Japan, correct?” Kard nodded. “Yeah, at the moment. They used to travel a lot to South Korea and back, but right now they're pretty grounded.” Sydryn considered alternatives. “Perhaps I can get a favour… If you can get them to Seoul, I know a guy who can get them here from there.” “Really?” Kardynkyr said. “That'd be great. I can get them there for sure.” Seranan stepped between them. “Sydryn, seriously listen to me. I can't let you do this. Akiaziri is Azeros’s offspring. They will hunt you down for this.” “Seranan, you killed Yderei,” Sydryn stated. “You know, their other child. I'm harbouring you. We're already in trouble.” “Even more reason not to get into any more,” Seranan said. “You're endangering us.” “Azeros can't do anything to us while we're carrying eggs,” Sydryn stated. “We won't be laying until next year. We can deal with them then. They're just one dragon.” “This is incredibly reckless and I won't stand for it,” Seranan said, crossing their arms in an X. “I forbid it.” Sydryn pulled a face. “I'm sorry, when did we put you in charge? This is my home. You will not tell me what to do. I'll put you out faster than the trash.” Seranan growled. “Sissy, you're smart. You have to know this is unwise.” “What I know is that I am being asked for help,” Sydryn stated. “Help that only I can provide.” They turned back to Kardynkyr. “I can take Friday for Akiaziri. I'll want to talk to them first and make sure this truly is the decision they desire.” Kardynkyr nodded quickly. “Of course. I'll go right now to prepare them.” They snapped their fingers twice. The same two demons who had brought the dragon there appeared at their side once more from black rifts in the air. One had a Tim Horton's coffee cup with them. Sydryn sighed. “So many people…” They waved a hand. “You won't need them yet. I'll arrange your transport with a friend that's much less exhausting... Stay the night. Tomorrow, I'll send you on your way.” “Alright, false alarm,” Kardynkyr said. “Ora, Kobann, you have the night off. I'll call you tomorrow.” Kobann tilted their head. “You don't need us here for the night?” “No, I'm not going to overcrowd my auntie and I'll be fine on my own,” Kardynkyr said. “Find yourselves a nice hotel or something. Here.” They handed over their credit card. Ora snatched up the card eagerly, placed a hand on Kobann's shoulder and the pair disappeared again. “You know, they'll max it out,” Sydryn warned. “Ehn…” Kardynkyr shrugged. “If they max it before getting a room, that's their problem.” “Not really my concern, but do what you want with your money.” Sydryn motioned to the hall. “Find yourself a room. Seranan, go off to yours. I need a bath and some peace and quiet. I know I won't be sleeping well…”