I apologise too much. So I'ma just say too bad. I have writers block. Come back in a year for the next chap...
😥 Starpapers

The sun began shooting amber rays through the skies, a new day, a new beginning.

For us?

'Ok, first things first, I need to get my stuff,' Vanessa said to me.

'Are you sure? You want to go home after everyone saw you being carried off by a dragon?' I asked.

'Don't worry, I'll be careful, plus, I need your help to get me into my bedroom.'

'Huh?'

'It's in the window on the second floor, there's no way I can get up there on my own.'

'Right, nobody will notice a dragon flying above the roof of a house in the suburbs, while a girl who was seen being carried off by said dragon climbs in through the window.'

'Relax, it'll be fine, we'll do it now, while everybody's still asleep, it's perfect!'

'What about your parents?'

'Dad'll be asleep, Mom will be working.'

'Won't they be looking for you?'

'Well then they'll be out of the way in either circumstance, it's a win-win!'

"Are you sure about this?"

"Positive."

I sighed, "we'll be back soon," I told the others.

"We'll be here," Shade said sadly.

We started walking down the familiar path towards the suburbs, houses replaced the scrubby grass and pebbles and occasional tree. Huge posters were everywhere, the newest ones reading: THEY WALK AMONG US - Real thing or End-Of-Term prank? Beneath that was a picture of the six of us flying out of school, the image was clear and you could see the backpack hanging from my claws, and Vanessa's hair whipping in the wind.

"That spread fast." I muttered.

"Oh God." Vanessa muttered, "is that really what I look like from behind?"

"Vanessa!"

"Sorry!"

"What do you think Steven and the others are doing?"

"Uh ... Do you really want to ask that? I'd guess a psychiatrist or hospital."

"Do you think they'll understand?"

"Well, if my friend and his friends were to suddenly change into dragons in a crowded area -"

"-then it would be a normal day for you."

"Yeah." I laughed for the first time since the incident.

Everywhere was much too crowded, cars were driving way too fast, and groups of people were clustered on the sidewalks, I pulled my hood up and we both looked down hurriedly as we passed them, snatches of conversation reached my ears as we tried to avoid them.

"My son, he saw it-"

"And that video?"

"It's been tested, it's not faked! Those were real dragons!"

"Oh my god, this-"

"It's stuff of fairy tales, this has to be a prank."

"I don't think so."

"If it is true, I'm buying firearms, we need to protect ourselves."

"Do you think they breathe fire?"

"What's the government doing about this?"

"Probably using our money to build a barricade for themselves."

"Do you think there are more?"

"Lord help us if there are."

"Has news spread to the rest of the world?"

"Yes, last night an emergency newscast was sent out, as soon as the video was verified to be real."

"They're terrified," Vanessa whispered.

"I know."

We had to endure twenty minutes of this, listening in to conversations that all were the same, finally, we reached the only part of the city that seemed to be quiet. Vanessa's house was surrounded by old couples who were probably still asleep.

"OK, help me up."

"I..." After hearing what the people were saying, I was reluctant to change into the form they so obviously hated.

I quickly changed into a Nightfury and stood with my front paws high, resting them on the wall as Vanessa stood on my head, scrambling into her bedroom.

"I'll be quick as I can!" She whispered down to me, I lowered myself to the ground and waited. Every passing car made me wince, every door or window opening made me press down harder, trying desperately not to be seen.

After what seemed like an eternity Vanessa's voice came back from the window, "Scorch?"
I growled softly to let her know I was there, I stood up once again as Vanessa climbed onto my head, almost squashing an eye. I snorted and she hissed, "sorry!"

Finally she was down and I transformed back. People were starting to leave for work, teenagers on break were wandering around, I recognised someone. Steven.

"Dammit!" I ducked down behind the fence, "what -" Vanessa began, but I pulled her down too.

Footsteps, lots of them, approached Vanessa's front gate.

"Should we go in?" I heard Steven ask.

"Probably not. Do you think Vanessa's parents are worried?" I heard Tim ask.

"Obviously. It must be hell." Said Tanya.

"Dammit!" Said Steven, I heard something hit the fence. He must've kicked it. "It's my fault. Those freaks. I knew there was something wrong with them from the start. I should have warned her! I should have done something!"

"It's not your fault," Tanya said soothingly, "If anything, it's Ralph's fault."

"how is this my fault?!"

"Because I said so."

"Well I..." Ralph paused, "I got nothing."

"Where do you think she is now?" Tim asked.

"Do you think they've done something horrible to her?" Steven asked.

"Maybe they've eaten her..." Tanya whispered.

"Don't say that!" Tim exclaimed. "I'm sure she's alive... at least..."

"Well, isn't that great, you've really lifted my spirits now!" Steven said sarcastically.

"Come on, lets go." Tanya said, there was a shuffle, and we heard footsteps leave.

I was about to say we should go, But a voice above made me freeze.

"Goodbye, Vanessa." It was Steven, and his voice was oddly thick. was he crying?

I glanced at Vanessa, she had a hand over her mouth, a tragic look on her face, her eyes also looked wet.

Finally his footsteps faded into the distance, and I sighed in relief, "OK, lets go."

"I never knew..." whispered Vanessa, "I mean, I knew he liked me. I just never knew he felt that way... about me... I thought all the flirting was a joke..."

"It was, mostly." I said, "now lets go... unless you've changed your mind?" I couldn't help letting the hope enter my voice.

Vanessa looked torn for a moment, "No. I'm leaving everything behind today. All this... stays right here."

Now it was my turn to get choked up. "Are you sure? really sure? It's going to be really dangerous-"

"For the last time. I'm staying with you and the others." Vanessa said firmly.

I sighed.

The walk back was just as torturous as the walk to her house. I hated flinching at every move someone made too fast. If a police car drove by, I'd almost immediately do a little jump and look for an escape route. I probably looked more suspicious than any thief.

Vanessa took my arm after my third minor freakout when a butcher chased a dog out of his store with a steak knife.

"Calm down. You're fine." She whispered.

My walking slowed a little and we carried on, my heart kept beating faster than a rabbits. I felt a little weak.

Finally we left the urban streets behind, and eventually we were walking up the familiar path to the factory.

The others were waiting for us.

"Ready?" Shade asked.

"Yea." We replied.

"Lets go." Thunder nodded.

We transformed, and Vanessa attached the new saddle. She climbed on, and we left, flying higher and higher, above the clouds.

United against everything.

Maybe.