One eye on the sky

"There you are, Marcus.." he looks to him still smiling that Marcus blinks looking at him while thinking of what he wanted to talk to him about.

"Yes sir. What is it you wish to speak to me about?"

"I see that my daughter has grown close to you and I'm happy to see that someone else besides me is able to do that. Even after the so called lie you told her, seems Kat is forgiving you more and more during the passing days. So, I thank you for making her happy again sir Marcus." He said with a proud smile as Marcus blinks to rub the back of his head. Her father usually was a gentle man but he never really got that sort of praise from him.

"I understand but I'm just happy that she forgave me. I wouldn't forgive myself fur doing such a horrible thing to her. Now that she forgives me, we are learning more about one another and growing as well. It makes me happy to know that about her....."

"And that's why I'm thanking you for it. You made my daughter more happier than I seen her in years. I just want to tell you that you are to keep it up."

"Thank you sir. I'm just trying to make sure everyone is happy and keeping calm through these hard times. I guess I felt like she's suffered enough even without me here as the rest of you. I just wanted to be sure she was good again."

"And you did...but it leaves me wondering my boy; dose this mean you have grown feelings for my daughter? Real feelings that is involving a lie like before?" He asked seeing Marcus go silent but looking at the ground then at Kat who was helping everyone get back to the village.

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

"Because if you do...please take care of her. I know one day I won't be here to help her like you can. So, as her father do your best to watch over her and keep her happy. I know deep down you can."

"As you wish sir I'll do my best in order to help the people here and the village. I'll make sure no more dragons tries to destroy this realm..." Marcus said and had guessed her father knew what was going on. He didn't tell Katherine about it and it was on his mind a lot. I mean, he didn't know if it would work between them after so long. He wanted to see her happy true but he was unsure if he's the right one for her.

"Thank you for listening to me, Marcus. I'll let you go for now."

"Thank you sir." he gives a bow and leaves the area to help the people back home. He spots Kat helping the villagers while she was making sure everyone is safe. Though, the possible outcome of him and her being together was rather..unknown. Because of that stupid lie, would it work? Maybe..maybe not. He did become more close with Kat and he's happy for that but did she feel the same? He thinks not but who knows it's possible.

"Seems Marcus really isn't sure about his heart but knowing him, he dose have a heart for my daughter. I just hope he will express that to her real soon or maybe she'll do the same. Knowing how she speaks about him only tells me she wants him too. Good luck you two..I know it will work out.." he said in a chuckle knowing the same feeling like him and his wife felt. He never expected her to tell him she had feelings for him but it worked out in the end.

Even with him helping her was a good blessing to him and his family. Turning away, he goes on to his home after following the crowd back to the village. Everyone went home while the ones that fought the dragon was checked on just in case. Kat was being sure everyone is alright for now and she is happy for that. They seem to be doing well right now and it leaves her checking on Marcus.

"Kat, I'm fine really. You don't have to worry too much about me."

"I know that but I'm checking you to be sure. Can't never be too risky during times like this you know.."

"True true but what of you? Are you still doing alright yourself? Knowing you fought a dragon with me using the bombs we created.." he said touching her shoulder that Kat looks up to smile.

"I'm alright Marcus so don't worry. I can take care of myself and help the people in the village. We were very lucky like you said because of it though. Knowing we could have lost today if it wasn't for you so thank you...really thank you." he blinks hearing this but smiled rubbing his head.

"No problem.."

"Either way, you are alright. Nothing too serious." she said lowering the cloth that Marcus blinks smiling at her. He was very happy that she cared for him this much even after the first time but he only remains happy after that. She just blinks seeing that to show a smile on her face and pets the top of his head.

"You are welcome silly but hope you are going to be careful after today. You just can't be too careful due to the female dragons and all. I guess the female dragons are growing more annoyed now but as you say things will be fine right?" she already started slowly trusting Marcus again that he nods smiling more at her.

"Of course! I know with us and the others we can beat them and save this realm. I know it. I just do....." he said that she blinks smiling at him and without warning, jumps up to hug him tightly. He felt his body freeze from the hug that he didn't know what to do. She was actually hugging him.

"!!!!"

"Thank you Marcus. Thank you so much.."

"S..sure....of course Kat...ahem ummm...."

"......*Blushes to see what she was doing to let go* I'm sorry! I..you just made me very happy and....." she said trying to talk but he only shook his head rubbing his head.

"It's alright. You were just really happy and...I just.......*blushes* I don't know myself. I'm happy you are happy Kat.."

"T..thank you.."

Marcus and Katherine just looks at one another but then away, hiding their expressions on their faces. This wasn't expected from either one of them but this ideal of thought made them flush a bit more than normal. She told him he's good for now and Marcus quickly leaves the room to get some food in his stomach. However, his flush expression didn't leave. All he thought of was how adorable Katherine was. Even when she hugged him was really precious to him. That left him wondering about it herself that was nice.

He saw Kat helping more people just in case but this leaves him wondering more about it later on for a while. Maybe at another time they could hang out later. They spend more time knowing one another like normal friends would with him trying to train his body to get stronger and Katherine growing in another way, they were happy with it. The dragons still come but they fight along with the others to stay strong. Lewis was impressed while helping but he was also showing off to Rosie that was shocked seeing the coins he edited for her which was a shock as well. Still cute but still something else in a way.

He came over to her after a few more hours with another dragon attacking the village. Lucky for them, they beat this one and it didn't as much damage. Kat was attending someone when Marcus comes over and sat near her watching as she took care of him. He was never good at that for other people but he is willing to try if the chance comes. Kat of course blushed red feeling him so close and her heart started beating rather quickly. Since she and him talk more frequently she's felt more nervous than usual.

That isn't right but maybe it's something doing with getting alone and forgiving him. She just focused on the other she's healing that Marcus tilts his head still watching her smiling. She was really good when it came to helping someone else.

He did ask for teachings on healing that Kat was happy to show him a few later on in the month.

She was happy he respected her and this only made Melina more happy that her heart tells her he's the one. For now, she helped the rest after today and would rest later on. For a while, Kat has fully understood and grew close to Marcus as he did with her, speaking and talking about some random things like their adventures. She did offer some teachings in other things that he agreed with it. He didn't mind to be honest. It was fun and being able to learn.

He watched her work and only when she rested did he leave her side due to the unsure areas of caution from the female dragons. They were more rough these days after the first few attacks. However, he wanted to do his part in helping and learning from Kat as much as possible. She had wanted him to be near her and thinking of her company which was also weird. Was her father right about everything he said about Marcus? To how he was with her?

She just looks down at her work thinking about it that Kat sees Marcus again reading another book near the window but her eyes shifted away to the book. Cheeks flushed from embarrassment. This was rather unknown for her and it just made her feel more curious about her real feelings towards Marcus.

Katherine had to learn to keep in self control when it came to Marcus because she was already feeling the need of having him close to her, to hold her, and care for her. Needing the feelings of someone was never this bad for her so what changed? What made her feel more different about it now? Was it because she was over heated for it? Hoping Marcus really means the words he told her.

Many others do ask if she was even seeking someone to marry if possible but she keeps it a secret saying no because she's not really sure. She didn't want others to look at Marcus the wrong way if she said anything but maybe they will accept him in due time. For now, she and him kept it quiet but she wonders if her father knew about it. Knowing how happy she's become and seeing how he felt only made her feel more closer to him.

Even when they were alone when she helps him with making more items or fixing up some new improved armor, Katherine sneaks some encouraging words to Marcus and a couple hugs that he didn't want to let go of her. She felt so warm and always smelled like strawberries from the small farming in the backyard here. Maybe other baked things too if she's working in the kitchens that day. For now, he was busy with thinking of battle plans in case another female dragon pops up but so far none has so it's been calm for now.

The plans were simple setting up traps and fortifications if launchers to fling bombs at incoming dragons. She was working on instant cold mixtures to make a bomb that would nullify flames. An old chemist had let her use his equipment and taught her how to condense chemicals and separate them to mix however she liked. It was primitive compared to how things were but she was thrilled. She hadn't made much success but that didn't bother her because the lad person to leave for the day just closed and locked the door.

She paused her experiment and went over to check on Marcus, seeing how he was doing on the new upgraded bombs. He was so focused on them that he didn't realize that she was beside him. The way his fingers worked on the bomb, holding and observing it just to be sure it was alright. For a bit, she looks at it to finally get Marcus' attention that made him tense up.

"Y-Yes Kat?"

"Hmm? Oh nothing! I was just seeing how you were doing with the new bombs upgrade. I see they are doing well right?" she kept looking over his shoulder seeing a small pile of the new bombs and the old ones as well. He's been really working at it but that's thanks to Kat for helping him so far.

"I see but it's fine. Things are going great and the bombs we are making is getting better and better. These new ones should be a little more powerful. Maybe we can do the same for the original bombs as well. To even them out..d..don't you think?" he said seeing Kat smile and touch his shoulder. Her warmth was nice to Marcus that he blushes worse looking at her hand.

"That's a good idea. That way the bombs will be twice as powerful to the female dragons. We are getting a higher advantage now thanks to this. You really are something else!" she laughed but he still kept blushing since her hand still remains on his shoulder. Kat blinks looking confused then noticed his blush then saw her hand. She lifts it up slowly blushing herself to smile.

"Sorry for bothering you, Marcus. I'll leave you to it and I'll get back to my station. We need to be sure to make as much bombs as possible before something else happens. I know more female dragons might come again but more stronger so we have to be ready for them. No matter what.." She said with a fist shown in the air. He gives a nod and a thumbs up, agreeing with her. With these new bombs, they should be more prepared for them.

The short second touch on the shoulder was nice for Marcus and he didn't know it was nice for Kat too. Over the past few days, they gotten more closer now and learned so much about one another. Learning that Kat enjoys simple things in life. Wanting to grow as she learns every day and knowing more of the history in other timelines. She wanted to grow but feels more in connection with Marcus too.

Even for him that seems possible too. He wanted them to learn more of one another that it was helping him later in the past. She didn't mind and he didn't mind either. For now, this was just as good.

In about two months, they had made enough items for any dragon that might come and try and attack them. However, this leaves another question about something when it came to a new dragon showing up one day in the spring seasons. Katherine and Marcus was shocked seeing this dragon because it seems to be a different mix breed. They never seen her before with larger wings and scales that seems to glow. It's tail was longer with a slimer body form. She and Marcus held their ground before she orders the bombs to be thrown at this monster.

They went up into the air but the dragon swings them back down hard with her tail. Everyone jumps back as the bombs came down exploding, showing a few craters there that it proves that this was no funny joke. This dragon was serious and it seems to be more powerful than the other females they seen and had Marcus killed. Right away, they see her land with a powerful beat of her wings and they rush over to try attacking it. They all fight with their might but this one was a little more stronger than possible. It was showing to be a losing fight.

"Miss Katherine! Were dying out there! This monster is unlike the rest!!!" one said holding his sword

"Hold your ground everyone. We can't let this dragon beat us! We have to fight back!" she sees arrows go into the sky to try killing this monster but it roars out to blow the arrows away.

"We need a plan Kat and we need one now. This dragon is unlike anything I've seen in my times of roaming the realms. We need to do something in order to stop her. Maybe we need to figure something else before-"

"Do you have anything that will help us beat this dragon? Because, I don't know if your battle axe will even cut through it. That thing has strong scales all around it's body!"
he knew that and it was the problem. If only he gotten stronger he can kill it but Marcus looks down feeling like they will lose this one. Before long...

"Duck and cover!"

One of the fighters tackles Marcus down while the dragon roars out a large wave of flames as Kat and the other did the same but her arm didn't get down quick to have it burned her arm. She screams out in pain falling to the side that the others got worried.

"Katherine!"

"Oh no!!!"

"Oh fuck. We need a medic over here!!"

"Oh no, Kat! Kat are you alright?!" he got worried rushing over to her side to see Kat wincing in pain while holding her arm. He saw her skin charred in black while the smoke still comes off of her burned skin. Marcus felt sadness in his heart but also anger that this monster dares to hurt her. Standing up, his hand tightens around the battle axe looking down.

"H.how dare you........." at this moment, a sudden surge of energy begins seeping out of Marcus as the others felt it too. Even Lewis was shocked sensing it that it was showing around his body. Just what the hell is happening to him!? The dragon roars out not sure herself but senses it's dangerous shooting flames at him again. Everyone panicked seeing this but Marcus held a hand up to stop the wind of flames. His hand didn't get burned while making it disappear but his anger still was shown on his face.

"How dare you..hurt her. I'll never forgive you!!" in his anger, Marcus dashes towards the dragon crying out in rage as it tries to attack but he was slashing at it's scales with the blade. To most of everyone's shock, it made gashes all around her body spilling it's blood everywhere. With the cries of pain leaving the dragon's mouth.

Marcus swings his axe everywhere he could to weaken the beast that he jumps up bringing the blade down to behead the female dragon. The sharp tip of the axe hits the neck as it shrieks in pain but he keeps pushing down with his new strength that it begins cutting through. With it's last powerful roars of pain, the axe sliced the dragon's neck and cut her head off. The body falls to the ground but the head lands behind it as Marcus panted seeing blood come out of the neck to the ground pooling around it.

"*Panting trying to calm down*...."

"M..Marcus? how in the world did you..." Rosie started to ask but hears Kat groaning in pain as she had tears near her eyes. Her arm was scorched and in so much pain that she couldn't move it. She wanted to do something to make the pain stop. For now, they had to get her to a medic healer.

Marcus snaps out of it and helps to carry Kat back to the village, leaving the dead body of the female dragon where it was killed. The others were worried for her while they waited to see what will happen. Even her father was staying by Kat's side as the medic healers were working together to heal her as best as they can. Marcus sat outside waiting but he was the most upset. She didn't need to get hurt but it feels like he was too late in helping her. Either way, Lewis and Rosie were waiting with him.

"No worries, Marcus. She will be alright......Things will be better and she'll be better. I just know it." she said to reassure she'll be alright.

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

"*Sighs hiding his face in his knee* I just want her to be alright. I don't want to lose her...I don't want anything happening to her and yet something did. She..I just...*Felt upset from all this* Oh Katherine, please be alright..just please be okay.."

"She'll be alright Master Marcus. You need to calm down and breath. She's a strong girl...she can get through this...."

Marcus knew they were right. Katherine was a strong woman and she can handle herself pretty well. From the thought of it makes him wonder how she kept going through this time of their realm being taken over by female dragons? He'll never know but she was strong enough to keep on going. Feeling Rosie touch his shoulder again, he turns his head to face her. "How about you guys go on home? Today has been a dozy for everyone in the village. Including the fighters that had to help. So, why don't you take this time to take a breather. I'm sure someone will inform you when they are done helping Kat." she knew they were tired but going home might be best right now.

"Yes of course. I think its best for us to go on home to relax and recover. I will hear something later on or soon. Have a good day and rest Rosie."

"That goes for you too Lewis. Be careful and rest up you hear me?"

"Don't I always? I'm heading home with him and we will be sure to rest up till this passes for a little while. Just be sure you rest up yourself love." she felt Lewis hold her close in a hug to kiss her head. Rosie didn't do anything or said a word when feeling this, however her cheeks did heat him smiling.

"Will do. See you guys later." she moves back and waves bye to Lewis and Marcus. They remain in the area of the medic building before leaving for home. Today was crazy but what really shocked him was the unknown power that suddenly flows through Marcus now. Just what was that and how? He'll have to figure it out later as they were walking on home.

"As she said Master Marcus. Katherine will be fine since she's being healed by the best in this village. I guess they are good teachers when it comes to healing people here. All you need to do is wait and hope for the best that miss Kat is healing pretty quickly. I get the feeling she'll also feel bad for making you worry like this which is uncommon for you."

"Lets just say Katherine is growing more closer to me as I am with her. I just didn't want her to end up getting hit by anything. I know her father is dead sick worried while she fights through the pain right now. All I can do is wait." he warns her but she only purrs to sit up and lick his bottom lip that he jumps from that before keeping her down.

"Don't get sappy on me, master..it's weird."

"Oh hush up.."

All Lewis did was shrug his shoulders and show a smirk on his face. Marcus cared for Katherine and he wanted nothing else but her safety. He and him waited for a while in hopes of her being alright but that leaves him over thinking of the possible outcome of things. If the burn was bad then he will be more angry with himself for not stopping the flames in time.

Letting out a sigh, he only shook his head and moves on regardless of it. He wanted her to be alright. They ended up waiting a while till it became dark for tonight. They ate dinner and went to bed.

Meanwhile....

"........So how is she?" Her father asked the medic as they looked to him.

"No worries sir. We were able to heal what we can. True her skin is marked badly by the flames of the dragon but she will live. The flames from the beasts did a bit more damage than we thought but she pulled through alright. Katherine is resting right now but she will be awake tomorrow."

He lets out a sigh but places a hand on his chest. "Thank you so much. This old man can't bear losing the last thing he has left in this realm." he mutters knowing he lost his family and his wife. Katherine is his only last family and he can't lose her. They give a nod and leaves him alone with Kat who was sleeping in a resting med bed with her arm bandaged up and her resting peacefully. He reaches to pat the top of her head but hopes she recovers soon. However, the breed of the dragon got him worried and of what effects the flames from that monster could do. He'll have to study that later on to find out what.

"Please live Kat. I really don't want to lose my child. I don't want to be alone.." he mutters looking at her resting face that he runs his fingers through her hair. She didn't move as much but Katherine only had her head turned to the side due to her father. The wrapped up arm only rests on her side while she sleeps.

Her magic however was helping her recover anything lost during the attack. He knew she'll be alright but weakened because of it.

The next morning, her father didn't do much but sleep in another room the healers gave him since he shouldn't sleep sitting up. Katherine still remained asleep from the other day or resting that two healers were checking on her. They made sure to see how she was doing but checked her arm. She winces when one touches it but she slowly opens her eyes to see them.

"Ah! Miss Katherine, welcome back. Are you alright?" one asked seeing Kat turn her head to the left.

"..S..sore but a..alive. Where am I?" she mutters under her breath.

"You're in the medic house. We heard your father and some others brought you here after the dragon attack. Your arm got torched but we healed it to our best ability." the other said.

"I..I see...."

"Everyone is worried about you though miss Kat. I know you are going to be resting for a while but we are all happy you made it through. The flames from that dragon were toxic and could have killed you but lucky for you it didn't..." she explains.

"......"

"You'll have to rest here for a little while till we know it's safe for you to move, Miss Kat. In the mean time others might be visiting you soon to check up on you." she smiled seeing Kat look up at the ceiling that she wonders if they are alright or her father. He must be very worried about her.

"Thank you for h..elping me. I guess I'll be stuck in bed for a while right? That's f..fine...but what about my father? Is he alright or is he even here?" she asked in a quiet tone to see the healers nod.

"No worries miss Kat. He's in the other room beside this one. He was sleeping sitting in the chair so we offered him a room so he can sleep for the time being."

"I see. Thank you very much.....I'm glad he's alright as the others as well.." she said shutting her eyes to still rest up and recover as the healers smile feeling happy as well. They will inform her father when he wakes up about the news she's alright. Tired and sore but alright.

As the morning rose later that morning, everyone was wondering how Katherine was doing. Was she awake? Was she healing? They wanted to know either way just to be sure because everyone was curious. Marcus was the first to the medic building with Rosie and Lewis that was still sleepy. He had some flowers for her in hopes she was alright. Others were seeing the same thing waiting outside till seeing Katherine's father come out from the building.

"Hmm? What are-"

"Good morning sir. We just came to see how Kathrine was doing.." she asked gently.

"Oh. She's alright. Just resting in her room...would you like to come see her?" he asked seeing the three nod.

They follow him inside the medic building passing the nurses that remained in duty for the time. In a couple minutes he leads them to his daughter that was drinking some healing tea made for her. They already had to make sure she drinks slowly even if her other arm was wrapped up. She really can't move it for a while due to the burns on her skin. It still stings but the toxins from the flames already made her feel weaker than normal.

"Honey, you got visitors.." he calls to see her turn facing them. She was resting under a warm blanket while this was happening but she only sees the mremaining silent in worry.

"Good morning miss Kat.."

"Hey..."

"Oh thanks goodness you are alright...I was so worried..."

"Sorry for making you w..worry..."

"It's fine, Kat. I should be the one saying sorry to you. I didn't expect a different breed of female dragons to be in this realm. Most of the ones I encountered were the same breed species. This one...she was different. Totally different. I was not expecting such a thing to happen but it did." he mutters looking upset that Marcus walks over but looks to her sitting in a chair. She turns her head to look at him but her eyes looked dull a bit because of the toxins still lingering in her blood.

"As I said, Marcus..It's fine. I'm j..just happy that no one e..else got hurt. Even if I did that's fine..it's worth it right?"

"But you still got hurt. The healers said the dragon had a different kind of flames that infected you with toxins. You should be dead after getting hit with that but somehow you survived it. I just..I should have done better in keeping it down but..you ended up getting hurt anyway..I'm so sorry Kat.." he couldn't look at her now since he's failed again but she only sighed to shift in the hospital bed, reaching with her good arm to touch the top of his head. He felt it and looks up to her.

"Marcus..It's fine...I know you were scared but it's fine...t..trust me alright........It's fine....I am glad you did your best to keep me safe. I find it sweet you did all that for me...so I thank you. Thank you so much...for keeping me and everyone else safe.."

He remains calm feeling the head pets from her that it made Marcus shut his eyes to savor her touch. It was nice to see her worrying about him like this. Knowing the thought of how the others felt just made them wondering if they will be okay. Rosie, Lewis, her father, and the healers didn't say anything but this makes her feel a bit bad now for doing it. Katherine just lowers her head from Marcus head that he reaches to take her hand in his own. They look at one another but she just smiled a little to rest still. He figures she'll be in the healing building for a while because of the fight. Even if the dragons were still going to show up, he'll have to be sure to keep the village more safe.

During the months Kat was recovering, she was kept informed about things the village has been going through. She got told from her father that Marcus took the lead in making sure the village is safe because of it. The dragons were not showing up as much but even if they did, they were all the same species. None that was like the other one that injured her showed up again. Maybe it was a rare moment? Either way, she was told that things have been quiet that was fine with her. In other news, Marcus would come and visit her when he has time like the others.

He would bring flowers. Some food he home made himself that is safe for her to eat. Got some gifts to keep her busy and blankets for naps and sleeping at night. They were sweet things to get but this made Kat smile feeling more happier for his kindness.

Marcus was even telling her stories about how things been going in the village. Maybe in another way, he wanted to enjoy this day with her for the time being. Even Rosie and Lewis left them alone and the same for her father. He told her about how the villagers have harvested the meat of the dragon that same day before it went bad so they had something to savor while the remaining dragon body was used for gravel for plants. It was weird true but they wanted to get some use from it.

"Interesting...I never expected the people to do that to the body.....and you say it's become useful.."

"Yes. Seems different kinds of dragons have different effects when their rotting away. This one is leaving off a foul smell that keeps the dragons further away. However, the meat is savory and melts in someone's mouth when cooked perfectly. I didn't expect this but I guess they are learning.." Marcus looks to her that she was thinking about it herself after some time. This was rather new but Katherine guesses they want to grow.

"I see. Everyone is developing towards from what you learned Marcus. They want to adapt in hopes of moving on later on down the road. Maybe in some time, this will explain about the dragons that come and go. I could be wrong later on..." she mutters to herself but Marcus heard her thinking about it herself. She wonders if the people in the village wants to grow a lot more than before.

"That can explain a lot of things later down the road. Maybe they wish to defend the village and everyone here as best as possible."

"And that too..." she mutters again that the healers came in to check on Kat. They examine the arm that was wrapped up but when undoing the bandages, he gasped seeing the injury. Her whole arm was scorched black but it was healing. It didn't look right to him but his heart only burns in anger due to what that dragon did. It looks painful but this made him feel upset. She winces from it being touched that this leaves the healers worried. Seems the healing is still working but slowly.

She winces for a few minutes then relaxes as they wrapped up her arm again after applying more ointment. Kat really hated how her arm felt right now but she had to bare with it till things were alright. Marcus watches the healers leave the room again but turns to face her as she was relaxing her body from the pain again.

"Kat..."

"I'm fine Marcus. Trust me; I'm alright...the pain is something I have to bare with till it heals. I can deal with it..so it's no big deal.." she mutters after some time. However, this leaves him wondering how in the world Kat withstand it. This leaves him thinking about the toxin flames that hit her. Was the remaining feeling still hitting her body deeply. He wanted to help Katherine from this but he remains calm without getting angry at himself.