One eye on the sky

"ENOUGH!" Marcus' voice cut through the air stopping them both. "Listen to me both of you. I have no desire to get involved with this dragon I'm here to deliver on my bargain for prior aid rendered and establish some supplies to you in the form of ammo and materials. It took a week to get here the dragons are watching and I'm fed up with having the two of you bickering when we are on the same side."

A young blonde put her hand on the leaders shoulder and he looked at her and nodded before sitting down.

"I'm sorry about him he doesn't feel the same way we all do. We will accept of course but we need double what you have here to really mean anything." Kat liked her so did Marcus she was reasonable.

"Triple after all hes easily 3x the size of the largest female." Said the leader and the woman said nothing. Marcus looks to Katherine and in their minds asked if they could produce that much in the same amount of time they had taken.

Kat glared at the leader and responded with a quick yes to him silently before Marcus agreed.

"Then it's agreed. Triple the amount of what we need then we can see what is going on? I just hope it's enough during that time." she looks to both Marcus and Katherine again, seeing Kat having her arms crossed with eyes shut. She didn't mind it to be honest and knowing the outcome of how much that will take. She didn't mind and she knows the people back home wouldn't mind it.

"Yeah, it's agreed." she said looking quiet that the other female nods showing a kind smile. At least she is not rude like her partner. "At least you are nice than he is. I don't mean to be rude but.."

"It's alright and I know. I'm told he's very rude to many people during this time and he's trying to learn in some way. Not an easy but..that's how he is." she said holding his arm that he looks away grumbling but at least they couldn't see his flushed face. Why did she have to say it that way? It's a little off and that makes it so weird now. The other soldiers were snickering but gets nervous seeing angry glares from the female.

"Anyway; if you can help us with that it's fine..miss?"

"Katherine Willson.....Please.." she held a hand out to the woman who reaches to take her hand and give a shake.

"Nice to meet you..Name's Alexandra Wolf..."

"See Alex has a special function. Shes our memory.. our heart. She keeps a list of the fallen and the reasons why we fight... knock yourselves out I'm done here...." he walked off and Marcus watched as Alexandra, the scientist, and Katherine the sorceress got along.

"I hope I'm not being rude or anything, Alexandra but is he always like that?" she looks to him in some way but this made her think a little about it. Of course he's not really as bad but this only means he wishes to fix things and bring the realm back to what it used to be.

"I'm sorry if he's like that. He's really a sweetheart when I'm with him but around others he's a little...tricky." she said looking silent. "I will say sorry for his behavior." she said.

"I understand but I guess he's wanting to be sure things are alright during this time. Knowing the female dragons are growing strong each day and I only wish to offer as much help to stop this."

"I know but I really am happy that you are willing to offer help to us. I thank you and the village is letting us get this with our fight with the female dragons." she said.

"I guess he only feels things in his eyes is better. It's not going to prove anything if he goes this way but that's my own state of mind. I won't say anything else about it." he explains.

He wasn't sure how many people would be willing to help but he was certain they could produce the gunpowder but not the metal. He was deep in thought about it while Kat and Alex draw up the specifics.

They talked about the basic thoughts of how this will go and knowing her, she'll figure a way out or a plan for them. Everything should go well as long as their was time. Katherine and Alexandra were already getting more info alone while Marcus ponders in thought.

After the deal was finalized and they came to an agreement Marcus was thinking more about how to boost yields from their crops this season when Katherine came to h8m to get some attention.

She loved being near him and while she craved female friendship and companionship she knew no one would best how she feels for her chosen lover.

"Either way; are you both going to go ahead and head on back?" she asked seeing Katherine looking to Marcus then him looking at her. They traveled for a while but resting could do them some good for a little while. However, if they wish to go ahead and start with the supplies, they should go ahead and head on back.

It seemed the decision was up to him so he thought about it. "If we stay she's likely to go exploring and get into another fight with Denton... no I think we should get supplies and go... just food and gas for the trip." That made Alex laugh and she knew her boss wouldn't be happy to hear what was said and he would be nothing he could do by the time he found out.

"So you're going to ask for gas so you don't have to use your own when you get back? You really know how to get under his skin " and Kat relaxed. She even smiled something that would get to that heartless leader and they wouldn't have to suffer consequences. Just desserts were always sweet and she was going to enjoy hearing about the leaders reaction on their next shipment.

"Either way; I'll see what we can do. Knowing him, he's either stomping around in his office or trying to cool down. come on.." She begins to lead the way to where her boss was while the two of them just follows after Alexandra into the next room. They saw him grumbling under his breath checking the list of supplies they have but each one was running low since he's waiting for other shipments.

He did look up seeing the three but glaring at Katherine who was relaxed. "Boss; they have a favor to ask of you."

"What is it?" he said still annoyed.

"Would it be possible to get them some gas and food? Their going to head back to their village and do what is needed."

".......And why should I?"

"Because it's either that or you'll just over think it again. Come on sir please?" she asked showing a pout but he only looks away thinking about it.

He couldn't refuse his only chopper pilot willing to brave the skies with the dragons. And he grudgingly let Marcus and Katherine take their food and fuel to the convoy. It took a pair of hours to pack everything and Alex warned them to take a different road home that the dragons wont attack seeing them in their city twice in one day.

They didn't say anything trying to get everything ready or at least help. Katherine only hums slightly to herself while seeing this. She was wondering how long it would really take  but she guesses it's the same thing. Marcus was checking the list once more to see the same results or answer. They should be heading back in a little while to her home village.

As they were heading out she felt her relief multiply. Once back home she could steal him away and get some of her urges taken care of before a dragon shows up. The rest of the map was using the alternate road via a map drawn by Alex. It was unusually precise like a machine printed it up. He was showing her the oath they would take when they were given the signal to pull out. This time they had an armed escort with a 50 caliber machine gun on the back of an armored car. They set off and Katherine looked around. It seemed like the dragons keep the the city except to hunt then they spread over the state looking for anything to burn. Mostly everything was ashes now except what humans can farm.

She did hope that when things blow over, everything will be as it was way back. Knowing the outcome of some things just leaves her wondering how the dragons were able to do such damage. It's unbelievable and that leaves her wondering about it later. As they were waiting still, Katherine looks to see Marcus just lost in thought to himself about this. The dragons were growing more and more powerful now and this leaves her hoping that Brandon will be able to let her help either way. She wanted to stop this to keep the dragons from doing anything else.

He could hear her question and started talking about it. "Most of the damage was done by the war against the dragons humanities weapons destroyed the dragons but the land too and that just gave them more food. More ash...the world burned and humans helped I wouldn't be surprised of most of the cities were nuked as they got swarmed. Both knew how they spawned so fast." she shuddered. In trying to destroy the dragons they destroyed their own world.  She hugged him close feeling the pain of the world and the struggle of everyone even the dragons who were starving to the point they were eating each other.

He holds her close and kisses her head. He wanted to get home so he could make her forget this place and give her happiness in a small little place they made.

"Don't worry Marcus, we will find a way to fix this. I just know it. With everyone trying to fight against the dragons, we have the power to stop them." she held his hand in her own, hoping this will tell him other wise. She just wanted him to feel happy again because things will get better. True, I'll take time but that depends on things and how it goes. They will just have to wait.

He still held her close to his side to show a little smile. Marcus was lucky to have someone like her, it really made her feel happy again. Even better after some time. This just turns his own heart into something of a bigger feeling for them. It just felt that way. They kept looking through the window as they just drove home but their questions will come with answers later on down the road.

When they were east the city the escort left them and they continued home. Half way into the hills they hear a terrible bellow and turn to see a large dragon bearing down on them. She put up a flame repentant sheet and use the magic to push it into the flames to buy the second or two the men needed to light and throw their hand bombs. It wasn't enough and the sheet was consumed by the flames.

The horrible bellow faded as the dragon swooped around for another pass. Thus time Marcus was ready and he leaps into the air and chopped through the open mouth cutting off the lower jaw. The dragon twisted in midair catching him with her claws and sending him flying into the nearby cliff. Kat screams seeing blood fly into the air twice. Once when Marcus was thrown and again on impact when he coughed up more.

Ignoring everything she teleported to his side and that drew the attention of the dragon. It roars and shrieks tuning mid flight to bear down on Katherine. She threw herself to protect him but it was not needed.

The axe flew by her ear and down the throat of the dragon coming out its tail. The dead hulk crashed and the carcass dragging on the ground coming in a stop just before Katherine who was still shielding him. The bloody beak of the maw let out a death rattle and the corpse was unbearable to smell.

She turned and saw he was only a little hurt and panting. The arm he used the throw the axe was over bulked and swollen. He had put too much energy into it and the muscles were trying to relax as they slowly ripple back to pirmal size.

"Marcus!! Are you-"

"I'm fine!" he said quickly looking down panting but she tense up hearing the loud tone of his voice. he must be either worried she did something like that or angry that he should have done better from what happened. They looked down seeing the dead dragon's blood spill from the body but she only looks nervous knowing that was one or at least till other dragons smell it.

"We need to leave...now." he said quietly.

"But shouldn't we do something so the dragons near by don't-" she tried saying but stops seeing Marcus glaring eyes right at her. She tenses up looking scared but remains quiet now. He only stop speaking trying to think but looking around.

He thought he should have done better and she could have been killed for is weakness. Her life was previous to him so he hurt himself to ease her suffering. But his pain was her suffering and that was why she defended him with her body. She wanted him safe forever.

She saw he was calming down or pushing it away and she saw he was working to hide his vulnerability to the others and especially her. He knew she knew his limitations mentally and was always trying to be her best. When they were alone he let her drive and rested on her. He was so scared to lose her that he nearly ripped off his own arm to save her. And now alone in the road with the convoy behind he could show how scared he was and how thankful he was that she protected him.

That was her secret. She protected him and he knew. All this t8me he was just ashamed he wasn't strong enough to do it but himself.

She kept her eyes on the road while driving but no words left her lips. The look from his eyes honestly scared her. Katherine didn't mean to upset him if that's the case; she wanted to protect him. To keep him safe and well in her arms that maybe one day..they could grow together. To help this realm become what it was before the dragons took over. She didn't even look down at him as he rested but for now, she just kept on driving to get back home which took a few more hours. By the time they did get back to their small home, she already explained everything to her father and he'll tell the others in a couple of days or by morning.

Meanwhile for now, Brandon was sitting alone in the room thinking about what happened before since Kat was just done cooking dinner. She was eating her half while he was doing the same. They didn't look at each other but only looks at their food.

"......................"

"...................."

He wasn't sure why but this felt uneasy for him. Sitting in this silence of the room only upsets him. He wanted things to change for the better which was fine. Marcus didn't know if he should even say anything right now without upsetting her since he was upset with her. Letting out a sigh, he stops eating but looks at his food still. She heard the sigh but keeps on eating.

".......Katherine......can I ask you something?"

She still kept eating but stops to swallow the food that was in her mouth to answer, "What's wrong?"

"I...I have to ask....Why?"

"What do you mean why? Why what?" she looks up at him now confused but the fork in her hand rests on the plate with the hot food remaining. The candle light was still burning so she waited for him to speak.

"..You know why. Why did you try to defend me? You could have gotten killed if I didn't do anything. I understand you wish to keep me safe but I can't protect you if you end up dying on me. What were you thinking?" she didn't answer him right away but her eyes looks to the right of the table thinking of her answer then gives him one.

"*Sighs* Because I wanted to. You mean everything to me Marcus and I would do what I have to so you are safe....what's wrong with me following my heart in making sure you are alright.."

"Why? Because that was stupid that's why. You could have died Katherine. You could have gotten eaten by that Dragon if it wasn't for me. I don't want you throwing your life away like it's nothing but me having a body guard to watch over me." he said it as calm as possible but this also upsets Kat. Why would he think that? She wanted to because she loved him.

"What are you saying? Are you telling me you want to die by the teeth of the dragons taking over this realm? I don't think so. You know I can fight too because I was trained to by my father as long as having magic in my blood. I can take care of myself and you too Marcus. I did what I did because I want to see you safe-"

"And yet you almost got killed. You threw your self in the way and almost died Katherine. I wouldn't forgive myself if something happened to you..."

"I know that but you don't understand Marcus. I want to keep you safe. that's what I want to do. We protect each other from anything that comes our way. What  good is it if I can't do that?"

"I..."

"Is it because you fear I'm going to become a weak warrior? You think I'll just get in the way?"

"No, that's not what I-"

"Is it because you feel like you should take on everything yourself!? I can help you and it shouldn't matter if I die or not! I want to see you happy Marcus because I love you! You're my life, my world, someone I'm willing to keep learning about in order to see you happy. Are you doing this just so you can get stronger alone!"

"No I-"

"Or do you think this is just some stupid ideal in your head thinking you should make me some damsel in distress!? Is  that it! Are you trying to prove something so I can't fight and you being able to show it. Well it didn't work because you almost died! So what fucking good is it for you to-"

"BECAUSE I DON'T WANT TO LOSE YOU!!!!!" he yells at her slamming his fist on the table making her tense up. "Yes, I prove I'm doing this because I have to get strong to protect you and you did the stupid idea of stepping in the way where that dragon could have killed you! Do you want to die for me?! Well, don't! I Won't risk you losing your life because of me AND YOU BEING STUPID!!!"

".............."

"I mean come on Katherine!!! What the hell were you thinking!? You could have been eating like I said! Killed by the maws of the dragon today! How could I explain this to your father knowing that I let his daughter die due to her stupid idea! I'm not risking anything on you because you are so god damn stupid in doing that for me! I won't let you die because of me because you deserve better damn it!"

"*About to speak*"

"NO! I don't want to hear it. I don't want you doing something so stupid again! You understand me!? I will never lose someone like that again so stop being a hero and leave that to me!"

"................Marcus................"

"*Stood up looking away*"

"Where are you going?"

"To my room..."

"Hey..we are not done talking yet. You can't just-*Touches his shoulder*"

Right away, he hits her had hard off of him that she winces from it. He turns around glaring at her again to only say, "Don't touch me........just don't." he warns before leaving the dining room and goes in his room slamming the door rather harshly. She was standing there alone holding her hand before looking down at her plate to sigh. She slowly goes to take his dirty plate and clean it but sets her in the fridge. She then blows out the candle and heads to her main room to shut the door and lock it for now. She gets ready for bed but sees the night moon shining down to look down at her hand with a bruise on it.

"................"'I only did it....because I am worried and love you. Guess I was wrong....' she thought before going to take a hot bath.

As she took her bath she felt a lot of the stress and worry about losing him was gone. She remembered him out of control he got but it wasn't him he was just trying to deal with emotions he took from her without realizing and it confused him.

He just wanted to clear his mind and apologize. He hayed getting upset he loved her and when she feels her bad feelings he takes them from her without even thinking. She looked into her knowledge of magic wishing to give him the benefit of the doubt.

He wasn't relaxing to his feelings but hers. That's why he pushed himself away. He wanted to be alone to sort out his feelings and others. And separate them in his mind. She felt her own fear of losing him too the form of a dragon on the spirit plane. His fear of losing her also took the form of a dragon and she bathed using her magic sight to watch as he death with them in his mind. She relaxed and knew he meant her no harm and was trying to hide his fears to keep giving her courage.

Then it was over and she closed her sight and then he knocked. "Love... um... I wanted to apologize. I didn't want to push you away but I couldn't think and it was hurting me... I didn't want to hurt you too but I guess i did. *she hears him sliding down the door to the floor.* I don't want to lose you for the same reason you don't want to love me. I want to be with you forever. Even if that means I never see home again." He meant it

He was sitting there outside her door with his back to it and pouring out his heart. Or the part that was making him unstable. She listened and wanted to comfort him her own way.

"...................." was that the reason? Was her realm causing all this to happen to him? Katherine looks down feeling bad now but she slowly lets out a sigh and tries to think. For now, she was thinking of either dealing with this or sending him home away from this mess. She wanted him to be happy but not if it's effecting his mind this badly. Kat only looks away from the door and heads to bed while Marcus remained where he was that night till he was going to head to his own room again to get some sleep. They slept in the darkness in their rooms with nothing else but their dreams.

The next morning, Katherine was in her main study room trying to figure something out in her spell book. She was seeing world portals that was very powerful but it can use a lot of one's magic. Maybe....maybe it's best to send him home because her world was effecting his mind. She turns the page seeing the spell and things needed for it while for him he was outside chopping wood. Katherine didn't even say anything to him because she gave him space. She had to figure something to help him out and get him home away from here. "...................."

That was when her father stepped in.

"Come now. He admitted he wants to be with you forever and never go home. That means he sees you as home. " he wanted her to relax and spend time with her choice because he knew she loved Marcus. She wouldn't be doing all this if she didn't. "You cant just push him away after finding out something stops his brain. When a man loves a woman his brain doesn't work. It automatically tries to slow time down so he can be with her forever but it cant do that so it breaks. He wants to please you and probably is over thinking it."

"Father, I'm not overthinking it. I mean...our realm could be doing this to him. I know he takes most of my emotions because of what we endure each day. Second, I don't know how in the world he got to our world. Maybe their is another type of magic user we don't know about.." she looks back at the book but her father shook his head walking into the room.

"Honey..."

"I know, I know. I just want him to be happy and I don't know if it's because of our realm doing this to him. Maybe he should have stayed where he came from instead of coming here for his safety. I know he's not human fully but....I can't just.."

"You sound like your mother because she worries about the same thing. Remember; I didn't come from this realm either and yet she had the same thought. True, we had our arguments but we still remained together. She knew I was stressed out, tired, trying to do all this to help everyone we could. Don't you think he's already worried about this himself? He won't leave you dear. You are his sun and life. The one thing that keeps him wanting to save this realm."he walks over to Melina and touches her shoulder.

"Think about how he feels honey. You are his love..and maybe his wife in the future.."

"I know that..but I don't want him to suffer because of our realm. Our world is already in ruins due to the dragons and I don't want to lose him! I just...I just want him safe. I know he'll argue with me about this but I am doing this because I care...or I guess I do in his case.."

"....."

"We lost our realm due to the greed of other humans and look what happened. Millions were lost, including my mom, things just went down from the worse. Even seeing how things have become more damaging than usual. I don't know what to say about it...I just don't want him to become insane because of them.."

"he strong from what I see honey but I don't think that will drive him insane. You do and only you make him like that. I thought you loved him.."

"I do love him. I love him more than anything...but I'm doing this because I want him safe and happy. This realm isn't for him...it's only stressing him out from the dragons and the life being here."

"But he said he is not. You know that.."

"You say that father but..I feel I should do better for him..and just him......*looks down* I just want him to stay safe even if we have disagreement."

"Katherine....."

"Now, if you don't mind I need to keep studying father..if you please.." she turns back to study the books but he only shook his head to sigh, leaving. He knew his daughter was getting worked up in worry but he just hopes she relaxes soon.

Hours later, Marcus was out and about getting things from the small market while heading back. He did get everything needed after speaking with the people in the area in order of the status with bombs and gunpowder. He did feel worried about Katherine. Was she alright or was she upset? She has been avoiding speaking with him but only speaks to him in some way of a simple 'hello' and 'bye'. Even 'yes' or 'no questions was given to but he only frowns. What was going on?

He keeps heading home but he walks up to the door seeing she was not in the living room like she would be. She might be in the other rooms in the house. Marcus walks in and started doing just that before he started looking for her. She wasn't in the living room; the kitchen; the back room; her study room; or her own bedroom.

Where was she? He started getting worried in trying to find her but Marcus keeps looking around before seeing she was in the lower room that was under her home. She never spoke about this room due to experimenting on new spells but he saw the glow telling him she was down there. He looks down seeing her indeed being there and holding her hand up trying to work on some spell that was in the book. He noticed some image of something on the other side but couldn't tell what it was yet. He walks down slowly without startling her but she didn't notice him.

He didnt alert her to his presence because he was curious so he listened to her and tried to figure out what she was doing. He knew if he broke her consentration it could be bad.