#seranan

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!”

“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…”

“Did Azeros send you?” Seranan asked. “I'm not going back with you.” “Relax, I don't actually want to take you back,” Kardynkyr stated. They checked their nails. “I have to admit, I think it's really cool that you killed a dragon. And Yderei was an asshole.” “So why are we here then?” the demon on their right asked a bit irritated. “Well, I really do like any excuse to visit my dear auntie,” Kardynkyr stated. “Where is Sydryn?” “At work,” Seranan said. They relaxed a bit but didn’t retract their claws. “But they’ll be home soon enough.” “Perfect. We'll make ourselves at home then,” Kardynkyr stated making their way out the bedroom door with their demons following behind them. “Kardynkyr, stop. Don't act like you can just do whatever you want!” Seranan said. “You know Sydryn doesn't enjoy company. Do you really think they're going to like it when they come home to double the amount of people here than usual?” Kardynkyr stopped and sneered back at Seranan but considered their words. “…Ora. Kobann. Go. Enjoy yourselves. I'll call you when I need you.” The demons smiled to the dragon and took each other's hand before disappearing into thin air. “Where'd they go?” Köbi asked, worriedly. “Probably clubbing, I don't know,” Kardynkyr guessed. “I don't think those two have ever been to Canada actually. Maybe they'll go to Tim Hortons. That's the Canadian thing, right?” “I don't know.” “You're not from here?” Kardynkyr asked. “He's Swiss,” Seranan stated angrily. “It's like you're not even my child…” “So, you're really their parent?” Köbi asked Seranan. “Unfortunately,” Seranan said. “From my last pregnancy. Eleven eggs and all that's left is this abomination.” “Love you too, creator,” Kardynkyr joked. “Kardynkyr… Interesting. How are dragons named?” Köbi asked. Seranan shrugged. “It's sort of…whatever. It's Draconic style gibberish. No two dragons have ever shared a name.” “So, you named them Kardynkyr for no reason whatsoever?” Köbi asked. Seranan pulled a face. “I didn't name them. They're named by the leader.” “Who was leader when Kardynkyr was born?” Köbi asked. “Azeros, unfortunately,” Seranan said. “Would've been Dranley if they survived.” “Oh? I wonder what the blue dragon would've named me…” Kardynkyr pondered. “Who named you and Syd?” Köbi continued to inquire. “Fellandrius,” Seranan said. “Long dead of course. They were actually our egg parent, too. They seemed to like alliteration…” “Angel, you ask a lot of questions,” Kardynkyr remarked. “I have a question for you.” Köbi lit up. “I'm an open book.” “What do you mean to my auntie?” Kardynkyr asked. “What do I mean…?” Köbi opened his hands. “I'm their assistant and personal nurse.” “So, you have medical talent?” Kardynkyr asked. “Not really, but I’m learning,” Köbi said. “Since Syd's a doctor, they like to use my miracles to help people.” “So, you can fix this?” Kardynkyr asked. “Fix what?” Köbi asked. At that moment, the dragon took a claw to their own arm and a stream of black blood seeped out of the wound. Köbi jumped in shock and lunged forward to try and heal the dragon, but Kardynkyr batted his hands away before licking the wound clean themself. It closed up instantly and left no trace. “Just kidding,” Kardynkyr said, smirking. “Don't ever touch me.” Seranan sneered. “What the hell is wrong with you?” Köbi placed his hands on his chest. “I thought dragons can't fully heal dragon inflicted wounds.” “From other dragons, dear angel,” Kardynkyr stated. “But the scars do eventually fade. My creator won't be so ugly forever, though I do like the look on them… A reminder that you’re not perfect.” “I never said I was perfect,” Seranan stated. “Your existence is proof enough that I'm not, else you'd be plenty more grateful.” Kardynkyr shrugged. “I never asked to be born.” “I never asked to have you,” Seranan spat. “Whoa, whoa, let's calm down,” Köbi said waving his hands. “You're family. It's normal to fight a little, but you shouldn't burn bridges.” “We are not family,” Seranan said. “I laid an egg. That's it. Whatever happened to it afterwards is none of my concern. There are no bridges.” Köbi frowned. “I just don't think that's true.” “We're not concerned with what you think, little angel,” Seranan stated. “We've been here centuries. You've been here barely two decades. You can't even begin to know what we know.” “There's the belittling we love so much,” Kardynkyr groaned. “You can't help but put yourself above everyone else. Patronising everyone to feel big. That's why you have no bridges.” “All I hear is the chittering of a child,” Seranan said dismissively, although proving Kardynkyr’s point. “Anyway, how do you expect to present yourself to Sydryn when they arrive? No doubt they sensed your presence in their territory the moment those demons pooffed you in.” Kardynkyr shrugged. “I'll make dinner.” “That's a great idea! I'll help you,” Köbi offered smiling. “No, I imagine you do most of the cooking here considering my auntie doesn't appear to have collected anyone else,” Kardynkyr stated. “Take the night off.” “Oh, okay. The meat's thawing in the fridge and my beet pickled eggs should be done too for tonight,” Köbi said. “Oh, for a side, there's also some hummus and chips and—” “Let me guess, all of it's supposed to be pink?” Kardynkyr snickered. “Obviously,” Seranan confirmed. “I don't know what you'd expect.” Kardynkyr looked at Köbi and sighed, knowing the angel likely knew the most appropriate way to prepare the pink foods. “Fine, you can help me then. Hop to it.” Köbi smiled in delight and started to lead the way to the kitchen. Kardynkyr paused to address their parent. “Creator, I imagine you're just going to lay about doing nothing. You could help us too.” “The audacity…” Seranan scoffed. “The fact that you even presume to talk to me that way like you have any influence over me…” “Well, I could technically bring the demons back and we could drag you back to Azeros to face trial for your crimes,” Kardynkyr said, checking their nails. “You know, dracocide and all that…” Seranan stiffened. “You wouldn't dare.” Kardynkyr shrugged. “It would be so much fun… But I might reconsider if you were to make yourself useful and even just set the table.” Seranan crossed their arms and huffed. “Suppose I might… But I have my own business to attend to before getting to any of that.” Kardynkyr went to the door. “Suit yourself.” Then they went to catch up with the angel. Köbi had waited in the hall for Kardynkyr but he had been out of earshot. “This'll be fun! Dinner enough for four, right? Those demons won't be dining with us, will they?” “No, you don't have to worry about them,” Kardynkyr ensured as they started to head downstairs. “Just three fat dragons and you, if you eat.” “I do! Oh, and can I ask how many eggs you're carrying?” “Ten.” “Oh, you don't look it at all!” “I'm not as far along as my creator.” “Oh, I see…”