II. Week Seventeen: Compromise

 Flint’s eyes shimmered a crimson red. Gripping his fist, he turned away from his long known best friend. Moments ago, the two were walking silently to Gywne’s. Now that she was safe and out of the way the two had nothing to stop them except the obvious.

 For once Vile didn’t feel anger. He knew, and Flint also know, but that wasn’t the problem. The problem was the fact they never admitted it to each other. That silent so called ‘treaty’ they had was no longer intact if it ever was. Eyes shimmering the oceanic blue, Vile steady his breath. This whole time, Flint had his power under control and now, that aura was leaking.

 Finding nothing to stall about, Vile sighed. “Your cousin came down here because you’re not doing your job.” He smiled to himself. “How long did it take for you to realize that I was one of your prey?”

 Flint squeezed his fist. “My place.” He replied. “Follow me.”

 Shaking his head, Vile let out a low growl. “Answer me.”

 “Let’s talk on the way and then when we get there I might be able to answer more questions reasonably.” Flint commanded, making Vile’s head perk up.

 “Did you just-” He said, letting out another deep breathe. “If you want me to cooperate you’re going to have to let me choose whether or not I want to follow you, Slayer.”  

 “We’re not hostile yet, Vile. You’ve been to my house before, you know every inch of it. Why doubt me now?”

 “Oh do I?” Vile nodded, then turned to taking a step towards Flint. “Then if there’s nothing to hide at your house, why not answer my question?”

 Sighing, Flint walked a few paces before replying to Vile’s surfacing anger. “You can’t tell me you didn’t know.” Flint argued, stopping in his tracks to look back at Vile.

 Meeting Flint’s crimson red eyes with his own oceanic blue, Vile shook his head. “When did you realize I was a dragon?” He snarled.

 Frowning, Flint’s eyes reflected the mixture of his feelings. “I didn’t want to believe it.” He replied, his voice volume lowering. “So I didn’t see it until Luis nagged me about it.” Flint sighed. “You’re my best friend, Vile, I would never kill you.” He said as his fist tightened.

 “But you have killed before, haven’t you?” Vile said, shaking his head. “I can smell it in your aura.”

 “Should I have the honor of that?” Flint joked dryly as he continued to walk. “Please, Vile, if we do end up breaking into a fight I don’t want it to be where everyone can see.”

 Again, Vile shook his head. “The way you viewed me.” He said as slowly followed Flint. “You and I both had a feeling but we both pushed it away. Interesting how blind we can make ourselves.”

 “It’s all about perception.” Flint agreed, his hands to his sides. “People see what they believe to be true.” Flint sighed. “But I assure you, being my best friend wasn’t a lie.” He frowned, his pace quickening.

 Steady his own pace, Vile nodded. “We were six when the revolution hit. Were you really there in New York?”

 Approaching the backyard fence, Flint nodded. “Indeed.” Sighing, he put his hand on the lock. “Now that you know, you shall see.” He smirked, unlocking the gate and holding it open for Vile to step through.

 “Dragon Slayers aren’t born,” Vile said as he stood at the entrance, “They’re raised.” He said turning to face Flint. “Sorry to say but I don’t wish to enter before you.”

 Nodding, Flint took a step in front of the gate. “Then close it when you do come in.” He smirked.

 Stepping to the side, Vile watched as Flint took the lead once again. Once insides, Vile looked around, sensing no danger, Vile followed and shut the gate behind him.

 “She said that she’s going out with you.” Vile sighed, his eyes reverting to their sea green. “I knew that she had a boyfriend but neither of you told me until then…” He frowned. “If I had known, I would’ve backed off.”

 Shaking his head, Flint’s eyes revert to their red orange. “I wanted to tell you.” He said as he began to pace. “But she insisted that she wanted to, when the time was right.”

 “Her sense of the right timing has an interesting definition.” Vile spoke more to himself than to Flint. “Tell me, could you sense that Hydra?”

 Meeting Vile’s gaze, Flint nodded. “I sensed it.” Seeing a darkness in Vile’s eyes, Flint quickly added. “But the only way dragon slayer who had ever killed a Hydra was Heracles, the only hero to become immortal.”

 “Immortal.” Vile laughed. “Would you ever?” Vile questioned.

 Flint shook his head. “No.” He said nodding to himself in assurance. “I made a vow that day.” He frowned. “During the revolution.”

 Approaching him, Vile gestured for the two to sit on the stone wall that had been placed to outline Flint’s mother’s garden. Taking the seat, Flint looked out towards the fence.

 “I vowed to kill one dragon every year to keep my family safe and the world safe.” Flint said, his hands quivering. “I’ve taken twelve dragon’s lives, Vile.” He said as he turned towards his best friend. “Some may have deserved it and other may not have but I still killed them.” He sighed. “I never imagined I could be such good friends with one, neverless family…” Looking up at the sky, Flint began to play with the blade of grass that were to his side.

 “Family?” Vile looked at Flint in amusement. “Didn’t know dragon slayers meshed with dragons.”

 “Luis.” Flint said shaking his head. “I didn’t think of it before. I never thought about it. I’ve been so blind…” Flint looked down at his hands thinking of all the blood that had caressed them. “Though Dragon Slayers may be a profession it still has it’s genetics to it. Luis’ parents ended the war on both sides. His father-”

 “Luis the sixth.” Vile recalled. “Wrote the treaty and his beloved tricked the metal dragon to sign it by trying to kill her but instead his slash indicated a signature. He cursed and said the next time the treaty won’t mean anything.”

 Flint nodded. “Luis is the seventh now. I was careless. I was in charge of watching over him at that time. It was my first time to kill anything.” He frowned. “Here alone I can sense you, your brother, him, and someone at the edge of my surveillance.”

 “So you’re saying there are four dragons in Texas based on your radius?” Vile spoke in amusement.

 “Basically.” Flint shrugged. “Who knows how many more have taken refuge here. The same goes for Alaska. No slayer can watch over that much land alone. He or she must have a partner.”

 “There are female slayers?” Vile questioned.

 “There are female dragons aren’t there?” Flint laughed to himself. “Why wouldn’t there be any female slayers?”

 “Well, considering that I haven’t done much research on the profession I don’t have much of a say but aren’t most recorded slayers men?”

 “All recorded slayers are men.” Flint agreed. “But that doesn’t mean there aren’t any female slayers.” Flint smirked. “I know a few. They aren’t to be taken lightly.”

 Vile nodded. “Still. Me and my brother have been here for years without a single attack from a slayer. Why is that?”

 “Because of Zamer.” Flint smiled. “She masked over you two’s auras. This is her territory and no one questions that. She always watches over our city though. She has enough aura to cover us and our neighboring states probably more if she wanted.”

 “Makes sense.” Vile smirked. “So technically there’s only one dragon in Texas? The one at your border?”

 “No.” Flint smirked. “There are more but I don’t go after them until something terribly wrong happens which isn’t a good indicator but I now that my vision is clear I’d rather you help me warn them instead.”  

 “Warn? Other males?” Vile laughed to himself. “Don’t think they’ll take that lightly that you’ll be choosing specifics.”

 “I wo-” Flint started but stopped as both Vile and Flint’s eyes illuminated. “They’re here.” Flint said in confusion. “But why?”

--

 Cleaning the dish at hand, Xeq listened to the conversation between Luis and Zamer. For a sixteen year old, Xeq had to hand it to the kid, he had experience in speech craft but Zamer was the Phoenix and what she said was set in stone. The kid was fighting a hopeless battle.

 “You heard her kid.” Xeq said as he placed the dry dish on the rack. “Me and my brother are under protection here. Any dragon is unless they attack on, then they’re in trouble.” He smirked, thinking about his new heart. “Your treaty doesn’t apply in this city. Consider everywhere else as a problem but we’re not violent.”

 Luis shook his head. “There were no dragons in New York. Until I found one and killer her because of my instincts. What I’m trying to get at-” He paused to look at Xeq. Nodding, Xeq filled in the blank for him. “Xeq.”

 “Yea…” He shrugged. “Is that what if it’s not about being the profession. What if it’s in our blood somehow?”! He exclaimed. “I’ve always been taught that we were raised not born but that’s hard to believe considering that I know of more than one occasion when a slayer went berserk.”  

 “Your business with me is about the treaty and I’ve made it clear that Xeq and Vile do not fall under that category but I have to ask.” Zamer said, her arms crossed and her eyes on Luis’ “Why complain to me, yet break the treaty while you visit?”

 Luis stared into Zamer’s eyes. “There are pairs of dragons in this state. There are dragons without a pair in this state without including your fiance and his brother. You can’t tell me that I’m breaking the treaty by coming here.”

 Drying a plate in his hands, Xeq faced Luis in curiosity. Eyes glossing over, Xeq raised an eyebrow. “Well,” Xeq smiled. “How have you kept yourself under control for the past three years?”

 “Control?” Luis repeat, his teeth baring. “I’ve haven’t had any issues until now. That’s why I was going to go for Flint for help but it turns out he’s buddy-buddy with a dragon and not only that, the dragon has a brother.”

 Shrugging, Xeq put the plate on the rack and started to clean the sink. “If it makes you feel better we adopted him.” Xeq smirked.

 “No wonder I couldn’t sense the relation between you two.” Luis realized. “But that’s not the only reason.” Luis shook his head. “There’s something different about you, Xeq. Mind sharing?”

 Returning to the table, Xeq shrugged. “You could say that I’m born anew.” He shrugged. “Which isn’t a complete lie.”

 “What type of dragon are you?” Luis questioned, his eyes beginning to change into his dragon’s form.

 “I was born as a dragon of the sky then a few complications happened now I’m immortal and can’t breath fire as far as I know.” He smirked. “But my skin is still the same, I can take a blast of fire any day. I should probably be a fireman in my free time.” He grinned to his own joke.

 Luis rolled his eyes at the joke. “Look if you can help me I’d be grateful. My grandfather thinks that I’m here to help Flint with his dragon problem which…” Luis sighed. “Well, to other slayers this is a problem. But more importantly, I looked over New York for the past sixteen years, I could sense every creature in its premisses. My grandfather said if I ever sensed a dragon I’d see it coming but…” He frowned.

 “Must’ve been a late bloomer.” Xeq shrugged. “Truthfully, I only know of a few dragons but I know there are more. Aside from me and my bother there’s one in England we’re helping, we wouldn’t mind helping you but this whole keeping the treaty is nonsense. I know your parents gave up their life for it but i think while we still have our chance we should be getting ready for the next war. This year may be of the water dragon but they might not be as friendly as they sound.”

 “According to her, before you got here.” Luis said, gesturing at Zamer. “You hardly know anything about your kind. If you hardly know anything how did you know about what year it was?”

 “Write it on my assignments every day?” Xeq joked. “I’ve been studying abroad as one would call it.” He smirked. “I’ have lessons in china and I plan to go back next week.” He said, thinking of Xi. “There’s a lot I need to learn. Especially since this battle with the metal dragon isn’t only about western dragons, the metal dragon is eastern.”

 “Whatever that means.” Luis sighed. “I’ll be enrolling in school here for a year to help Flint. I wasn’t only here about the treaty I was here to ask the Phoenix for permission to be in her city till I got myself under control.” He frowned. “I don’t want to kill another dragon unless I have to.”

 Xeq nodded. “Same here, kid.” He smirked. “Tell me, was that the first time you lost control?”

 “No.” Luis shook his head. “It has been happening all year but somehow I manage to be all the right places to where people are safe from me.”

 Smiling, Xeq looked to Zamer. “I’ll take him in if you let him stay.” Xeq shrugged.

 Zamer smiled. “That won’t be necessary, love, he’ll be with Flint.” She grinned. “He’ll probably spend more time with your brother than he will with you since you won’t be here as often as I’d like.”

 Xeq smirked. “Maybe one day you can come with me to China when you get good enough to fly.” Xeq grinned.

 Luis shrugged. “There aren’t many dragon slayers in the east.” He smirked. “I don’t think I’m welcomed.”

Laughing, Xeq shook his head.”You should have head one of my newest teachers when i crash landed. She wasn’t very fond of my navigating skills.”

 At that, Luis smiled. “Maybe some day. But my grandfather can’t handle New York for more than a year since he’s retired. I can’t say I can come visit that often once our year is up.”

 “Then we better get working then.” Xeq smirked, eyeing Luis’ chocolate brown eyes. He seemed to change subtly, for a late bloomer, Xeq was quite thankful for the cap.

Week Three: The Tranformation

  Xeq ran his hand up her skirt. Their lips were pressed together and her arms were around his neck again. She loved him. There was no way that anyone could break their love. It was something even they didn’t know how to control.

  “Zamer.” Xeq breathed out as she let out a moan.

  “Yes, my love?” She muttered, with their lips barely apart.

  Xeq’s eyes were wild. Partly because of her but also because of something he had done days before. Zamer kissed him and pulled him closer, he was on top of her and on his elbows.

  “It doesn’t hurt does it?” She said softly and soothingly.

  His breath was rough at first but as she placed her hand on his chest and showed her luminous amber eyes he calmed down.

  “You did something you shouldn’t have.” She quietly remarked as she could feel the different substance’s aura in his stomach.

  “They almost killed, Vile. How could I not?” He muttered.

  “Your experimenting may hurt you, Xeq.” She said with a kiss. As she let go she smirked. “Don’t be so reckless.”

  Laying his head on the pillow and breath on her neck, Xeq let Zamer do the best of her abilities to heal him. He couldn’t believe he was hurting now. Not in this middle of this. Even if she was the only one that could heal him. He didn’t want to stop.

  Vile sat on the roof and closed his eyes.

Zamer? He didn’t want to interrupt.

Vile? She responded quickly. There seemed to be no hint of another trail of thoughts.

 I’m going to England. Mikey needs help again. I tried to get a hold of Xeq. What’s wrong with him?

 She took a second to answer but Vile didn’t mind. It was a nice night, the wind seemed to complement his face as it touched.

  The Hydra’s heart. She started and he frowned. It’s still trying to digest.

  Tell him I’m sorry and that I’m worried for him but I really have to go. He didn’t really.

  Will do.

  Getting up, Vile jumped and transformed in the air. He loved doing that. He felt bad for making his brother deal with the Hydra. He didn’t want him to but as always he couldn’t do it alone. Helping Mikey was the only thing he could do alone. Soaring through the air he hoped that his brother’s body would accept the Hydra’s heart. It was only a myth that it would give him power.

  A Hydra. Five heads and a regenerating ability. They weren’t immortal. The only way to kill them was to destroy their heart, the source of regeneration. Not all Hydra’s had five heads. Some had even more but the regular format was five heads.

  Each head was a different persona as a human form. Some Hydra’s had wings and others didn’t. The same went for other dragons. Not all of them had wings. Luckily, Vile and Xeq did. Mikey was a thirteen year old Wyvern, a Londoner. The kid loved Doctor Who and futball, or as Vile thought of it 'soccer'. Sometimes though, he would transform in the middle of a game and was forced to call it quits to take care of the problem.

  Vile and Xeq met Mikey two weeks before the Hydra incident. Thankfully, Xeq had warmed up to Mikey and actually thought that the kid had a chance. The attacks on Zamer had lowered since the two had met Mikey then suddenly this Hydra appeared. 

  Transforming, Vile approached the door and knocked. Mikey embraced him hard and in tears. Vile smirked and took the keys in hand ushering Mikey into the back seat in order to drive them to the place where they could resolve the problem.

  “I didn’t mean to. I don’t like killing.” Mikey stammered. “It’s just. He threatened to hurt my best friend and I don’t know what came over me. I punched him. His whole cheek corroded and my other friends held me back. He died the next morning in the hospital because they didn’t know how to cure it and neither did I.”

  Vile nodded as he listened to the specific details. He wasn’t sure if his experience was considered worse than Mikey’s. He burned down his ex’s house because he found out she was cheating. He wasn’t planning on burning it down. He was overtaken by anger. She claimed that the guy had raped her but he knew the difference rape and sex. He beat the guy, breaking half of his ribs and both his arms. Then, he almost attacked her. Instead, he yelled at her and then, he let out and uncontrollable screech, transforming in the house demolishing the interior. He broke through the roof and breathed flames of the highest intensity that he could muster. He was knocked out for days.

  He awoke to Zamer at the foot of his bed. Xeq had paid off the damage and informed him later that he wasn’t allowed to date until he got his fire under control. Zamer and Xaq weren’t going out at the time. Luckily, she was a good friend but still. Vile sighed. He didn’t kill anyone.

  “It’s alright.” Vile finally said as they walked quite a ways. "We all went through this. Trust me.” He emphasized.

  “I do.” Mikey sighed. "What helped you get through the fire?”

  Vile rolled his eyes. Mikey wasn’t intending a pun but he did make one. “Let’s just say I had my brother and his current girlfriend by my side.”

  Mikey nodded.

  “The trick is to get used to your reflection body and your true self. Let’s go by the water side you can see who you really are.” Vile lead the way this time.

  “I hate looking into the water.” Mikey muttered. “It makes me think that I’m a monster.”

  Vile shuddered as the house reappeared into his mind. “You’re only a monster if you think you are.” He quoted.

  “Really?” Mikey said as he stood next to Vile. Vile nodded and pointed to the still water. “Now, look.”

  Halfheartedly he looked into his reflection.

  “What do you see?” Vile asked.

  Mikey frowned but then touched his face. “The only thing that could scare me more than death.”

  Vile looked at Mikey through his reflection. They could both see each other’s true selves.

  “Learn to fear but learn to control.” Vile said as he could remember the times he destroyed buildings and even lives because of his fire. His brother was the same way.

  The hazel blue eyes shined back at him, the snout of his true self revealed. His brother didn’t have horns but he had two, both symmetrically lining his fin like ears.

  Mikey looked in amusement as he caught Vile observing his own reflection.

  “So, you do it too.” He observed. Vile nodded.

  “We’re not exactly the same. My brother is the faster flyer out of us three. You are a Wyvern and I am a dragon of both air and sea.”

  Mikey stared in amazement as he realized the alignment of the gills were on the neck of the dragon staring back at Vile.

  “I would try to suffocate sometimes. I had tried to drown myself many times but it never worked. I then realized that I was one with the sea. It wasn’t a place of suicide, it was a place of remedy. Wyverns like caves. Maybe if you go into a secluded place you may figure out what your true self is really trying to tell you.”

  Mikey coughed up poison again and spit it to the side.

  “This coughing up poison isn’t as bad, I can’t just spit where ever I want.” Mikey frowned. “Have something I could turn to?”

  “I could say you could spit on yourself but that would sound weird.” Vile laughed.

  “You could make something out of your skin to spit into but it would hurt and would take a few minutes to heal.” Vile shrugged.

  “Ew.” Mikey said but then changed his palms into scales to spit on. The spit sizzled but then disappeared. “You’re right though.” He said as he watched it dissolve into his Wyvern scales.

  “See?” Vile said with a smirk. “You’re useful after all.”

  Mikey sighed. “Thank, Vile. You are too.” He said and hugged him. Smiling, Vile patted his back, "Sometimes, all we need is a little reminder." He smirked. 

Week Seventeen: The Descendant: A Roman Centurion

  Michael Kahale shook Court’s hand. Court hadn’t gotten through the Roman War Games without a scratch but he did come out to be more successful than Michael had imaged. Since Octavian’s death and even before Court had spoken to Michael about the matter. Court was a good soldier but Michael had his doubts about being centurion but this had been the First Cohort’s third win since Court had been appointed centurion.

  Court had always been in the background. Michael knew of Court’s abilities the moment he had arrived from the Wolf House. Now, Court stood by his side leading the Cohort. Michael had the senior status which held Court in line but Michael knew he’d trust Court if something were to happen to him.  

  “If you’re free for the weekend we could get to know each other better.” Michael grinned and Court rolled his eyes. “Don’t use any of your Venus magic on me Kahale, I’d gladly sword fight with you any day.” Court said as he felt a stir in his stomach.

  “I’ll take that as a challenge tomorrow afternoon?” Michael grinned.

  Court shook his head. “Wouldn’t be the first and will never be the last.” He said as he left Michael’s room to let him sleep. Entering his own, Court’s eyes flashed. His stomach turned. Disappearing into the night, he turned to face her.

  “Mother.” He said with a bow. “What brings you here?”

  “You have been called to action my son,” The woman in a black dress smiled. “Be ready.”

  “As I always have been.” He said as he looked down at the shield burned into his arm. Bellow it were nine bar line to prove his years of service in the legion and above were the letters SPQR.

  “I trust this task upon you,” She smiled. “My beloved son, do not fail me.”

  Court looked up at his mother with slight hurt in his eyes. “You doubt me, mother?”

  “Your opponent is strong and if weak, strong willed. You must take them out. For they defy the order in this world.”

  Court bowed. “Yes, mother.”

--

 Court took a tour around the camp once more. Soon, he’d being going on a quest. On the inside, he knew that the slight chance of never seeing his home would make him bicker. In the afternoon, a challenge awaited against his new rival Michael Kahale. Sometimes Court wondered how a guy that talented ended up with Venus as a mother but he didn’t protest against it. Court couldn’t image how Michael would be under Mars’ rule. Court shook the feeling off. Kahale was a good guy, as he called Court a good solider, Court called him a good solider as well.

  Taking a right, Court took a stroll toward the Jupiter Optimus Maximus. He wasn’t planning on giving an offering but he had the feeling that he wanted to check the place once more. Crossing the bridge, Court bowed to Reyna Avila Ramirez-Arellano one of the praetors of the legion. Holding up her hand to tell him to rise, he did.

  “I understand the respect you have for me,” She said with a stern nod. “But please, a handshake will do.”

  Court smiled and held out his hand. “May I?”

  Argentum and Arum sat down seeing the gesture. Reyna looked down at them in amusement and then took Court’s hand.

  “You and Michael are at it again, this afternoon?”

  Court grinned. “I think he wants to make it a weekly challenge.”

  “The score so far?” She asked with an eyebrow raised.

  “Two to one.” Court grinned.

  Reyna nodded in amazement. “I didn’t take you for the skilled typed against Michael but I’m guessing not everything is known with a simple glance.”

  “If you paid more attention to me during the War Games you’d notice my abilities.” Court smirked, even though he hardly use his special abilities during battle.

  Reyna smiled a small smile. “That, Court.” She paused. “I will.”

  Wagging their tails Arum and Argentum took to Reyna’s sides as she went her way. Walking passed the temple of Pluto, Court grinned to the sight of the newest praetor, Frank Zhang. To his surprise, the girl that was always with him was not at this moment.

  “Zhang.” Court said as he approached him at Mars temple.

  “Court.” Frank said, turning to face him. “What brings you here?”

  Court shrugged, there was no sense in lying. “I wanted to see the place before I went on my quest.” Court explained. “I don’t know what it is yet or if I’m to go alone or not but I do know that I had a dream about a quest last night.”

  Frank nodded and gestured for Court to sit down. Frank was two years older than Court. He remembered the baby face that Zhang used to have and now, after the toll with Gaea he had changed.

Court hardly knew anything about Frank but he did know that Frank had an aura of experience in the past year.

  “You don’t have to tell me.” Frank assured giving a slight nod. “I come here every now and then to clear my head. Even though my father isn’t one of the most peaceful coming here can always give me some time to myself.”

  Court nodded. “Penates is the God of the household.” He said pointing to the shield. “Being the son of a guard doesn’t always come with its peacefulness.”

  Frank nodded. “But even so, I wish you luck.” He said with a smile.

  “I will accept that.” Court grinned. “By the way,” He shrugged. “Excuse me for not knowing the daughter of Pluto’s name but where is she?”

  Frank shrugged. “I believe her and Reyna were going somewhere to ease the tension from our last battles. Hazel really wants to get to know her since they haven’t had many memories.”

  “Ah.” Court said with a smile. “Girl time.”

  Frank nodded. “Yea, that.”

  “Well,” Court shrugged. “If it’s not too much trouble, would you like to accompany me on my trip around the Camp?” He asked with a small smirk. “If you’re with me, Michael might not be so willing to follow.”

  Frank laughed. “You honestly think Michael likes you like that?”

  Court shrugged. “You can never know everything about a guy.” He grinned as Frank followed him out. 

Religion and Mythology

 A friend came up to me about Paganism and Christianity. It lead to me trying to look on the internet. I don’t like looking on the internet for anything over Christianity because as different preachers says different things, the internet can only do worse. From a personal experience I know about God and christianity. I grew up with it. But I know nothing about pagan. When I looked it brought me to the pagan mythology and the christian religion.  

 Now you can only imagine how annoying this was for me because I found the results under the pagan religion and the mythology. So right then and there, this is why I don’t like religion, because are so many options under one roof. I try to take it all in and understand where they’re coming from but in all honestly if I cannot understand it and can’t find someone else to explain it then I don’t care for it.

 Luckily, my friend stepped in and told me (this is a different friend by the way) to not compare religion and mythology because they’re not the same. I knew that. But he helped me make a definition. It’s all about perception.

 People who believed in the Greek Gods thought that ‘God’ from Christianity was a myth.

 Understanding a bit? Because what confused me was the definitions. The denotation of these words don’t change but through perception the connotations do.

 

 So when you look at those you can see that they’re connected. But religion, politics, and mythology are all connected. Other shit is too like architecture.

 I was worried about it when I ran into this and I still don’t know the difference between paganism and christianity but I’m working on that. I don’t believe I’ll do a post though because that’s like asking tell the difference between religions and truthfully. That would be harder for me to go through because then I’d want to do more than paganism but at the same time they’re all different so I hope you all agree with me when I say I’ll leave that to y’all. This is about mythology not about religion. I’m not here to teach you what to believe in. I’m here to help you understand that there are stories and meanings no matter the religion or mythology. Because to me, meanings don’t have a religion. The same as truth and knowledge. They don’t choose sides but perception does.

II. Week Sixteen: Thanksgiving Dinner

 Entering the kitchen, Xeq wrapped his arms around Zamer laying a lovely kiss on her lips and then continued onto her cheek. Eyes gleaming, Zamer smiled and leaned in for one more as Xeq took the seat next to her.

 

 “So glad you could make in son-in-law.” Zamer’s father grinned, holding out his hand from the other side of Zamer. “Where’s that money I told you to get?”

 “Father!” Zamer frowned, crossing her arms. “Can’t your little wager wait until after diner?”

 Xeq sighed, then looked his going to be father-in-law in the eyes. “Sounds like to me, you actually open up to the idea of us marrying one day.”

 “Proposal accepted.” Zamer’s father grinned. “So when’s the wedding?” He laughed. “And where’s the money?”

 Reaching over to push her father, Zamer continued to frown. “What did I say?” She commented annoyed. “Don’t be rude to our guest like that!”

 “He’s not a guest, honey. He’s my son-in-law and he better hand the money over because he knows what it’s for.” Zamer’s father argued.

 Opening her mouth to retort, Xeq held his hand up to stop Zamer then fished out a key in his pocket and tossed it to his future father-in-law. “Wouldn’t want you to miss dinner over something I handled quite some time ago.” He grinned. “The key enough proof for you…” His grin widened, “Father?”

 Zamer’s father nodded. “Fair enough.” He said as his wife stepped in with the last dish.

 “I hope you all like our choices. I know New York can be quite the culture change compared to Texas but I assure you I tried my best in variety!” Zamer’s mother smiled. “Calamari, Roast Beef, Sweet Rice, Red Curry, Spring Rolls, Green Bean Casserole, and Mashed Taters!” She exclaimed.

 Standing, the visitor bowed in respect. “Thank you, ma’am. But I believe I’m the only visitor to your table. Everyone else here is from in town and I can’t imagine any of them not coming to your table at least once, considering your daughter is the Pheonix of the century.”

 “Which goes without saying is always the reason for visitors.” Nodded Xeq. “Thank you for coming, from so far.” He smirked.

 Nodding, the adolescent extended his hand. “Luis.” He gestured.

 “Xeq.” Xeq replied taking his hand.

 Glancing over the whole table, Luis bowed again. “If it’s not too much to ask may we proceed without exchanging too many handshakes. As I can tell, we all respect each other I do sort of love the smell of this lovely food on the table.”

 A smile appeared on Zamer’s mother’s face. “Oh I believe that’d be fine with the men at this table, don’t you think hun?” She said, eyes gleaming.

 “Don’t think you start any funny business here, Luis.” He warned. “We have our best fighters here tonight as you can see.” He grinned, waving a hand at the table. “These boys have known each other for, who knows how long, they make quite the team protecting my love of a daughter.”

 Luis nodded. “I assure you. I am not here to attack or harm your gorgeous daughter.”
He smirked. “I also know the power of the phoenix first hand because of some family history. I’m alive because of your grandfather.” He said facing Zamer’s father, then turning to Zamer. “Though I do wish, he could’ve saved my parents. I do have to say death is natural and especially during war.”

 “War.”? Xeq questioned. Frowning for a moment. “Your parents were in the Revolution?”

 “My father forced the treaty.” Luis eyed, receiving a surprised look.

 “My apologies, your father went through much trouble to get that treaty set in stone.” Xeq replied, not taking his eyes off Luis. “My condolences.”

 “I was five. Hardly had much of a memory of him other than what my grandfather tells me.” Luis assured. “All I can say is that I can keep his treaty in tact.” He sighed. “Which… I know isn’t always being followed in every state.” He smirked. “What was it again, one dragon of each gender per state?”

 Xeq nodded. “Indeed. Two dragons per state in America, any child must be sent away or wiped clean of their genetics. Canada has a different policy, however. They say peace with the dragons. If that is broken they are banned from their land. Don’t you think that’d be a bit more, reasonable?”

 Luis smirked. “I already met your brother, Xeq.” He nodded toward Vile. “But did you know I’m not only here on political terms?” He questioned, giving Xeq a cold stare.

 “Really?” Xeq sarcastically returned the gesture. “So that means you know Gwyne or Flint some how because I know my brother has never seen you before.”

 “He’s my cousin.” Flint said, stepping in. Zamer watched as Flint’s hands held both Vile and Luis down. “He used to come down more often. You’ve met him before.” Flint smiled his fake smile.

 “Ah.” Xeq grinned, cutting into green bean casserole to grab a section. “Must’ve been quite a bit years since they, Luis.” He said as he placed the green bean casserole on his plate. “Want any?”

 Glancing down at his clearly full plate of food, Luis sighed as he felt Flint’s grip on his arm tighten. “I don’t believe I need any at the moment.” Luis smiled.

 Seeing the slight resemblance between Luis and Flint, Xeq smirked. “I see, you mustn’t leave without trying some, Zamer’s mother aways makes everything from scratch and secrets.” He grinned then winked at Zamer’s mother.

 “I couldn’t agree more!” Zamer’s mother laughed. “What was that you wanted to tell us earlier, Luis.” Her smile grew bigger as she spoke. “Before Xeq walked in?” She paused to think. “Something about the treaty?”

 Luis nodded as he finished his bite. “I sense the treaty is being broken here.” He shrugged. “Not that they would know over the square miles of this place. Texas is bigger than I ever imagined. We are much more populated than we were in 2001. So I wouldn’t be surprised but I have to say…” He shook his head. “There are more than two here, and I have to warn them.” He glanced over at Zamer.”

 “I was hoping you could heed word to them all, if you wouldn’t mind. Afterall, you are more powerful than I am considering they might go after me.” He smirked. “I hear you have quite a history with them.”

 “They are quite peaceful.” Zamer replied with her big smile similar to her mother’s. “I don’t see why I’d have to warn them.”

 “They are still breaking the law.” Luis frowned, putting down his fork. “It’s not me I’m worried about when it comes to slaying.” Luis said, beginning to play with the fork he put down a moment ago. “It’s who else will come that I won’t be able to stop.” He said, sticking the fork in his curry.

 “Dragon Slayer’s are getting this idea in their head.” He said shaking his own. “That the time to act is now instead of…” He sighed. “...Oh I don’t know eleven years ago?”

 “Recently, there were no dragons in New York. Then I found one.” He spat. “She was careless. I hope none of those dragons you know are the same way. I had no intention of killing her.” He said, looking away from his plate. “But I did because that’s who I am.”

 “No.” Flint said while Vile and Xeq exchanged glances. “That’s not who you are Luis. So, you killed a dragon.” Flint expressed. “That doesn’t mean you have to kill anymore.” He smiled. “You know how that works.”

 “Oh do I?” Luis said eyeing his cousin. “Then tell me, cousin.” He smirked. “Why am I sitting at a Thanksgiving dinner with not only one dragon but two?” He wondered.

 Hitting his knee under the table, Zamer’s father grasped everyone’s attention. “Sonny, what did I say about making trouble?” He grinned. “Looks like to me, you’re doing the exact opposite.”

 Tearing his annoyed gaze at Flint, Luis took a bite from his plate then continued. “The point is, I’m nice compared to who’s going to come after you two, Vile and Xeq.” His eyes going from one brother to the next. “So what are you going to do about it?”

 “Rumor has it, the Phoenix is well protected and I can see how.” Luis’ eyes went from the dragon brothers to his own cousin. “But what I can’t get around my head is why she would need any of it.” He smirked, now facing Zamer. “After all, what good is your strength if you don’t use it?”

 Xeq glared, and Zamer smiled. “I heal, dear slayer. Though my grandfather might have saved you and many other while fighting alongside during the revolution that was ended through a treaty I cannot say the same for me.”  Grabbing her empty plate, Zamer placed her dish in the sink then returned to her seat. “We have another sixty years to go before another war breaks out and by then, I assure you.” Zamer smirked. “There will be a new treaty.”

 Gasping, Gwyne looked over at Flint in horror. “You killed a dragon?”! She exclaimed. “Vile...And Xeq…” She shook her head in disbelief. “Are dragons?”! Again, she shook her head, more in panic than disbelief. “A Phoenix is real?” She held her mute gasp and continued to look at everyone at the table in fear. “Dragon Slayers are real?”

 Comically, Luis looked away from Flint as Vile stood up in amusement. “I thought you were the one who was in charge of telling her.” He said to Flint as he shook his head.

 “Me?”! Flint exclaimed. “Why, a bloody dragon couldn’t admit to his best friend that he was a dragon until we so happen to show up to the same dinner table under different circumstances!” Flint retorted. “I knew what you were but you never said to me, that it was my responsibility.”

 “I assumed you knew about you cousin’s arrival and then you got invited to my sister-in-law’s house to eat dinner for some ‘special’ guest.” Vile shook his head, watching carefully for Gwyne’s moment to faint. “Don’t you think you’d put two and two together since it was you were going on a date with her tonight?” He sarcastically grinned.

 “A date…” Flint repeated, as if taking Vile’s words one at a time. Looking up at him in amazement, he smirked. “I never told you me and Gwyne ever went on dates, nevertheless, that we were supposed to have one tonight.”

 “Could you pass me a piece of casserole?” Zamer’s father said to Xeq in a volume under the two’s argument.

 Smiling, Xeq gladly placed some of his father-in-law’s plate. Lifting a finger, Zamer’s father eyed Xeq. Waiting, Xeq watched as Zamer’s father took out a twenty. “Twenty on the new Flint, just because he needs a little push.”

 Placing the twenty at the center of the table, Xeq took a look out in his wallet. “All I have is this Renminbi, I forgot to convert some of that money I made over there before I headed home.” Xeq joked. “Not much here, but will it do?”

 “Put her in there.” Zamer’s father grinned. “I have faith in the boy.”

 Amused, Luis glanced over at the two exclaiming at each other and then at Zamer’s father and Xeq. “Do you know how many dragons he’s actually slain?”

 Xeq shrugged. “Well, considering those two are best friend I have to say that I think his slaying days are over.” He smiled.

 Catching Gwyne, Luis shook held in confusion. Glancing at Xeq and Zamer’s father he silently pleaded for instructions only to receiving two shrugs and sarcastic smiles.

 Vile sighed, biting the inside of his lip. “So I overheard you two talking about it.” He smirked. “But I told you I was busy today so you couldn’t leave her at home, could you?” He rolled his eyes.

 “Not.” Flint shook his head, seeing that Gywne has faint and his more than baffled cousin was eyeing the only other men at the table for advice. “Something we are going to discuss right this minute.” Flint stated sternly. “Rather, we should take this somewhere else, since you are clearly done and so am I.” He said, his head still shaking.

 “Wouldn’t want to fight in front of our family now would we?” Flint gestured towards the door.

 “Over a lady?” Vile laughed. “Wouldn’t imagine us doing something like that.” He smiled, gladly taking Gwyne from Luis.

 Watching the two head towards the door, Xeq called out. “Don’t be out too late!” He exclaimed. “But if you do, you have a key so I’m not worried.”

 Nodding without turning around, Vile continued towards the door.

 “Flint, my boy!” Exclaimed Zamer’s father. Watching him stop briefly, he balled his fist. “Yes, Sir?”

 “Don’t hurt the lad, too bad!” He exclaimed. “Just enough so me and his brother here can announce a winner, okay?”!

 Hearing a subtle laugh from the both of them, Flint shook his head and held the door open for Vile. Watching the door close behind them, Xeq and Zamer’s father high fived and exchanged laughs. Annoyed, Zamer stood. Looking up at her, Zamer’s father watched in wonder as she slapped her hand against his face then turned her attention to Xeq and doing the same to him.

 Smiling, she faced Luis. “Trust me when I say you don’t have to worry about them, those two are practically family. You may not believe it but their bond is stronger than any pari than I’ve ever seen. I’m sure they’ll be a perfect example for your little treaty you’re pressing on.” She grinned. “I think a sixty year renewal can be fast forwarded on paper at least, don’t you think.”

 Sighing, Luis shrugged. “Eleven.”

 “Excuse me?” Zamer questioned, as she smiled at her father and finance who were both rubbing their cheeks.

 “He’s slain eleven dragons.” Luis replied. “I’m surprised that it’s November and flint still hasn’t taken one out for the year. Sorry about this Flint you think he is but he isn’t.” Luis shook his head. “Flint even killed one during the revolution as you want to call it.” Luis smiled. “It’s only a matter of time till he takes your brother too.” He said, facing Xeq.