Leopold came to see me every day for the next week. Each day, I brought him the same leaves from the same green plant. Hopefully, he would figure out what I was trying to tell him.

A different Kymari tagged along with him every day, but following Tasha's advice, I only took food from him. If I took food from anyone else, they might give me to another handler instead of the one I picked.

It took him several days before he announced to the other Kymari that he would take the position of a handler to a bonded animal if the elders offered it.

He was now wearing shoulder pads so I could sit on his shoulders safely. The fruit he gave me was so good; some were things we didn't have in the park. Besides the Sunburst berries, I liked the orange-colored melon the best. I think it was called cantaloupe. He had not given me Shia fruit yet, but I heard him tell someone he would give me that on the day I left the park.

My self-imposed exile had become more real once I announced over the general mindlink I had chosen a handler and would leave the park. My parents had told no one, so I had to do it myself. I was proud of my decision, though, and I stepped into it. My friends thought I was crazy at first, but I noticed they had started hiding in the trees to watch my visits with Leopold. Hopefully, they would come to terms with my decision. This was the hill I would willingly die on.

Even if I had to be itchy.

My back was itching badly, as no other dragonets had been around me to help me scratch it. We could not reach the spot between our wings, and it was almost impossible to wash there, too.

"Have you tried to clean and oil his scales yet?" Leopold’s friend asked, seeing me trying to scratch my back. He leaned over to touch me, and I leaned away and grumbled. I only let Leopold touch me, and to be honest, I still wasn’t completely comfortable with him doing that. I didn't want others doing it.

"I haven't, but it looks like he needs it. Let's see if he lets me."

Leopold pulled a few things from his pack and laid them on the bench. I recognized the pad from an image Tasha had sent to me. She told me that besides hunting Sicora, it was the best perk of being a bonded animal. He motioned me over with a Sunburst berry in his hand. He had the pad in the other. As I munched on my treat, he scrubbed my scales gently.

It felt amazing!

As he continued doing my wings, back, and neck, I laid across his lap with my wings spread out. I had never had my scales scrubbed by anything else but sand. I felt cleaner than I had ever felt in my life.

But wait, there was more! I knew the oil came next, and Tasha had said it was the best part. I was starting to doubt that, though, because this scrubbing was better than anything I'd ever felt.

I watched him open a vial and put a few drops on his fingers. He then massaged it between my scales, rubbing it into my skin.

Oh my.

I had never realized how dry my skin was. All my itching vanished within minutes, and I was so comfortable and sleepy. I knew I needed to stay awake, but it was hard. My whole body felt so good.

"You're right. I have no words to describe how good this feels," I told Tasha, sending her all my emotions through the mindlink. "So good…"

She didn't answer, but I felt her amusement through the link. She seemed preoccupied. I wondered if she was working. But I let the connection go and just relaxed on Leopold's lap.

Life was good.

A few days later, Leopold came to the park with a female carrying a large case. I didn't recognize her as one of the park's watchers. I chirped hello to him and came to rest on his shoulder, but I just tilted my head at her and waited.

"Can we sit on the bench over here?" she asked. "You may need to hold him."

I did not like this, but I trusted Leopold. He would not endanger me; I was sure of that. I still hissed at her as she approached to show I wasn't happy.

"It's okay, little one. Let me get a quick reading."

"He doesn't like this. Maybe we should wait, and I'll take him to the vet after I get him settled."

"No need, I'm all done. And I think you mean her."

"A girl? Really? Maybe I will name you Clover after this plant you keep bringing me."

Mission accomplished!

On the following day, Elder Dairno came to the park with Leopold. The Elder Kymari made me slightly uneasy. I knew he had the power to take Leopold away from me, but that wasn't why. He talked out loud to both of us, almost like he was waiting for something from me. I didn't know what. It was like he knew we were sentient.

I stuck to using my actions to show my interest in Leopold and the Kymari world.

"Leopold," Elder Dairno said, his tone severe and flat, "would you like to be a bonded animal handler for this fire lizard? This is a huge undertaking that will change your life. Be sure of your decision."

"Yes, I would be honored," came Leopold’s reply.

"Then it is done."

I chirped loudly and happily. I did it! I was now a bonded fire lizard!

Then I realized my mistake. We weren't supposed to understand them, as we were just animals. I turned toward Leopold, but he was shaking the Elder’s hand, not seeming to notice my delight at something I should not have understood. Then I turned to the Elder, who also turned his attention to me. He gave me a very slight nod and the barest hint of a smile before he walked away.

Oh no.