One eye on the sky

From the sounds of all that, Katherine had a guess that they are used to this sort of thing. Arguing and fighting over something as little like that. She even winced when seeing Marcus breaking his companion's nose to snap him out of it. The blood made her look nervous but she only looked away to not think about it.

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

"So, are you back to your senses Lewis? Or do I need to do it again?"

"Yeah, yeah I get it. You don't need to do anymore Marcus. I get it and I'm normal again..Thanks to you though, I need to refix my nose.."

She was shocked seeing that but wonders if this happens to him all the time. Marcus explains he's fine just had to get a wake up call, nothing major. If that's the case then how come he's not suffering from the face implant to the ground breaking his nose? He should have his skull cracked from the impact.

She blinks not understanding but lets it go after a while. During that time she was very careful to keep an eye on him. She wanted to know more.

He started to watch him more intently just in case something else goes off or wrong. Marcus didn't want to be wrong or over look it just in case because of how Lewis tends to be with things like this. He even had to break up a fight between two guys when he flirts with two girls that were really their wives. They didn't like the naughty jesters Lewis was showing to make Marcus find ways to show his sorry for Lewis's behavior.

He was very luck to not have gotten killed. In the mean time, Katherine was keeping a close eye on the village but she did notice a few things about Marcus and what he did during his time here. She saw that he really cared about everyone and did his best to help anyone if they had problems. The fortifications were going well and he started teaching others how to make bombs and ammo for guns.

He was most impressed from the number of older men got it better than the younger ones. They had more experience long forgotten and they were able to help the younger men and women make the right measurements that Marcus is most grateful for their help. In the line of many, Marcus kept watching them to be sure they were doing it right that it also showed Katherine learned quickly.

Her mind was growing more hungry for knowledge and she wanted to learn everything that Marcus can teach her. When reaching for more powder that fills her bombs, his hands brushed hers to help steady her hands.  The smallest touch made her blush and she said nothing. Normally, a man's touch never did this to her but how come Marcus did? She just shook it off and kept working on her bombs.

Her first bomb was weak and took too long to explode. Her next the one he helped her with was perfect. The third and final one she made herslef was close to perfect and everyone celebrated her success. She was first in line and as she sat down to watch the others tale their turns she watched Marcus he was smiling she thought it looked sweet and he even seemed relaxed. She liked him and knew that her father was wise to her feelings. Every woman has someone they wish to find in their lives. Someone that will love them, cherish them, find them always by their side.

Katherine at first didn't really worry about that but after Marcus showed up, she's not sure now. Is this something the old faiths warned her in the past? Or is this another dream prank? Knowing the outcome could just be a giant fat lie. She hopes it's not true because it's insane right now and she wishes to keep her head clear.

To be honest, her father was not expecting his daughter to feel this happy and proud. Seeing her so happy just like the time she was with her mother and him. It made him feel her heart burst in joy knowing this between her self and her family. He never wanted her to be weak despite how things are but he was proud of her.

She was learning so much that he always wanted her to be a strong powerful warrior to fight and aid herself. Maybe even find a man that will love her for that. Maybe that's already happening seeing how some of his people were showing how good they got with guns and weapons to this young man. He could see a bright future thanks to Marcus. He was even hoping or guessing he'll be having a grand child later down the road but that's for the future. For now, this works for him seeing his daughter happy.

They made more and more rounds for the lasts few hours, stacking them up in their own areas to label during the time. This leaves them wondering how much more they should create. They had to be powerful because of how hard dragon scales were. Marcus explained this to them during the classes to help them understand if they had to fight dragons one day or defend the village from them. He taught them to ground them by attacking their wings and use bombs to wound them when they were down.

With all this and the bombs they made, it should be enough to help them along the road and in the future. He decided during his classes, he would show them how and what difference is for all the bombs used on dragons. That way, they will know which is good for which kind of female dragon so if their stuck in a situation they can fight through it.

To explain this, he was in a class right now with the villagers with each one listening and taking down notes with Marcus explaining everything to them. From the last few days, most of the notes were pretty helpful and getting the younger ones to understand. The older ones that understands 100% were hoping these young ones gets it. At least Marcus did. He told them more things to see some was nodding to understand and a few were trying to write it down.

That's when Marcus stops them, confusing them at why he did that. He explains that writing it down could help but that won't be helpful when they are on the battle field. It's just being quick with your thinking and being careful on planning. Because one wrong move can end up with you dying in a female's flame or being eaten by one. They had to do their best to remember this or end up dying by their power.

Looking nervous, they understood but Katherine knew too. She saw how dangerous and powerful these dragons are so she doesn't underestimate them.

Her preparations were growing more and more elaborate as she continues her efforts to improve

"Alright class, Marcus will be showing you a little explaining picture about the bombs you will try to make on your own. Their not as hard to create but from what he explains it takes a lot of thought to make the perfect ones." a few listen to him as others were taking it all in as Marcus held up one bomb that was already done but had a second one not finished yet.

"Now, It's a lot I know but trust me. Knowing and learning about all this will help you in the long run. Even when it comes to things like this. The female dragons are going to be showing no mercy and become more dangerous as the months go by. That's why it's better to be ready than not." he points to the diagram showing the bomb image and the insides of it.

"Alright, for the first thing of this. Make sure that your bombs are high yield or you'll just make them angry. This will cause female dragons to go berserk and destroy more things three times faster. Their hunting will grow and it will be way too dangerous to go anywhere." he said and flipped the board over to show a drawing of how the inside should look.

"Are you really sure that might happen if it's wrong? Dragons can't be that serious can they?" one boy asked that Marcus looks to him shaking his head.

"They are and it's more dangerous because that way they can go ahead and do what is needed in order to take over the realm faster. We are trying not to upset too many and have that happen." he said seeing the young adult look down feeling silent from his answer.

They kept seeing the image but they were studying it with their thoughts while Katherine did the same. In some time her eye began to wander and rested on Marcus. She felt heat building in her face and slowly looks back at the board to continue her studies.

'What was that? There's no way I'm attracted to him am I? No, I shouldn't be since that would be way too soon for me to....like someone so quickly.'she thinks to herself trying to be reasonable but the more she examined it the more she realized it was true. Marcus kept explaining the lesson to everyone in the small class that a few women were giggling and flirting from their seats. Lewis grew jealous but was trying to show off before Marcus hits his head to make him pay attention.

"Owww what did I do? You didn't have to hit me, Marcus." he heard his ally grumble from the hit to the head but he had to make him pay attention since he's helping him with this class. "Besides; it's not my fault the ladies love me-Ow!"

"Will you cut that out and pay attention?! We are trying to teach something. Were are not here for you to flirt with girls.." he glared at Lewis with a angry expression that he slowly remained quiet after some time to look away grumbling under his breath. He lets out a sigh and turns to the class.

"Alright, back to what I was saying: When making your bombs you need to be careful on how much or how little you add into them." he points to the pages on the board explaining. "Add too much powder and your bomb wont work right. Too little in it might not work at all. You have to balance it and seal it properly or it wont work. From all your bombs, they all have to be measured equally or it won't work."She caught herself and stopped and then turned to ask a thought.

"So, dose anyone have any questions?" he saw a few hands rise up in the air waiting for him to pick. Marcus looks at the hand then picks one. "Yes your question?"

"So making it giant will not work? Like making huge bombs that could take them out in one blow or more." one asked as Marcus looks at the man while some were looking at him, thinking of his answer for him.

"Well, that's a big question. Most would think that's the best answer for everything by making something as big as them. However, if you did that the bomb could or would self implode. Killing you, the people around you, and the land. Sometimes bigger isn't better my friend that could lead to injury."

"I see. Alright I understand." The man just nods but decided to take it easy on that.

"Any other questions?" he looks again seeing a few remaining now. "Yes?"

"So would it be possible to mix other things with our bombs? Maybe we can give it some different effects?" a female asked him.

"Mixing different materials or chemicals is not a bad idea but only if you know what you're doing. It's possible to change the chemical of your bomb to cause different effects but over adding a new mix will either cause some reaction of the chemicals. That might end badly either way."

"Why are you humans asking weird questions? It's like a school of kids." Lewis said as Marcus shook his head to sigh.

"The question isn't can we make it giant its how would we deliver a giant bomb. It wouldn't be portable nor would it be practical unless you were taking down a wall or blasting a tunnel into a mountain." he explains this to the group that was listening to every word he said. Lewis thought it was a good question since big bombs fix everything even with a few things being destroyed.

"Still boring.." he grumbles again that Marcus glares at him.

"But that still sounds stupid. Can't we just create something big enough to kill all the useless dragon females roaming the world? If you forgot Marcus; they are the main reason this realm is destroyed and burning right now. They are no better than females that's pretty good at something else." Lewis said but Marcus hits him on the head while a few ladies, including Katherine glare at the smart talker.

What did he mean by that anyway? Did he think females were not good or not trust worthy? The guys didn't say anything but some did agree with Lewis. Katrina noted that Marcus did not but glared at Lewis. He really didn't know what to say out of his mouth and knowing this room had a few more women then men, it might not be a good idea to say such things to them.

"Why did you hit me? That hurt!"

"Mind your tongue, idiot. If you didn't know, females are just as strong as guys are. Heck, some would be saving our butts if it wasn't for them. So mind your voice when speaking about them." he said but Lewis shook his head to cross his arms over his chest.

"I was just saying Marcus I know guys and girls can work together no problem it's just a bit annoying or boring that it had to go this way. Knowing some ladies can fight is pretty good but you know what's better? Having them in your arms and just being able to-" Before he kept going, Marcus hits the back of his head even harder as he hissed in pain. He still can hit pretty hard and that really hurt.

"OW! The fuck!?"

"*Clears his throat* Now, lets just move on please. We have more things important to deal with right now. For the ladies, please forgive my friend. He knows no better. He thinks females are better for other things besides battle but I know it's not true. You are just as powerful as males so again, I apologize." he said bowing his head towards them. Of course they accepted it and was alright still listening to him as Lewis grumbled under his breath.

"Maybe I can explain it another way for you guys to understand.." he said turning the large book closed and begins explaining it to his best ability. "Look long ago there were weapons made by man that literally created stars in our atmosphere. They were called nukes but in the end our own weapons destroyed more of the land helping the dragons."

"Wait..really?"

"No way! That's scary!"

"I don't believe that.."

"...I'm scared.."

"For every dragon back then, it killed more than we thought but 100 more took its place. I understand some of you think that using bigger stronger bombs help but that leads to us getting killed or else, extinct. The best thing to do is kill them one at a time and wait for them to starve and sleep." Marcus said and everyone was in awe. Much of the history had been lost but weapons that create stars? That was amazing.

Some was whispering about this or wanted to learn more about the weapons but Marcus waves the questions down. He knew most wanted to learn about this or understand it but later on he could teach them later on down the road. However, right now this isn't a good time to ask or answer them due to getting everyone ready but maybe in another time they can sit and talk. Katherine was very curious about them but wonders if it's the same ones from a old text book she found months ago. It's possible but maybe she could show it to Marcus to see if it's true or not.

For now, they all had to focus and understand the teaching he's showing them for later.

With another week passing she had started to get close to Marcus while it's during his teachings or learning of how to create weapons or bombs. He moved his lab to the farms where they met and the community delivered everything he needed. He worked with her to tend the crop and till the soil after she showed him how to do it. The first ones Marcus did were not too bad but found it cute he was trying at least.

Being a warrior; he didn't seem to be the kind of doing self farming. Most times dragons would fly overhead passing them by but when a dragon swooped down to flame at the ground he would fight. They always lost some of the crop but never all of it. He and she were isolated here Lewis preferred the mining tunnels and stayed there keeping to himself.

She was studying up on something right now in some old text books given to her by her father since he's the main village leader. It was said in old history about dragons but she was unsure about a couple things that Marcus did answer. From the old history that was left in the books or text. One can only guess just what old history remains locked away.

He was happy to see she was keeping up to date about this just like the rest. He and her even was studying and understanding more about the female dragons growing how they were. Maybe their was more clues to it?

Many of the books were hand written on paper with lines of them. Preserved as best as they could be they hold the rise of dragon the war against the dragons and how we helped them feed by destroying our own world trying to kill them. From the beginning and end of how each fight started and ended wasn't as pleasant if one reads a text. After governments failed and people dwindle in number small pockets of survivors all over were left winking 9ut one by one as the dragons search fro ash to consume.

When reading every bit of detail in the book, this left Katherine in worry with more questions popping up in her mind. Just how in the world could they do such things even to destroying something powerful as the female dragons. Surely, the humans could have tried to become allies with them once and yet, it didn't sound like it. This seems more like some disagreement between them and others. She did ask him about these stories but Marcus gave the same answer depending on which one. She didn't know till now and wonders if their was other books like these.

"Sadly no. These are the only books found. The rest were either destroyed or burned." he sees her looking shocked from the answer.

"Really? Nothing could bring them back? No magic or anything?" she asked to only see him shaking his head no. Once the books were gone, they were gone forever.

"If anyone can recover or bring back the old documents we will need something or someone with powerful abilities to do such a thing. Each page holds a story and important detail telling someone what really happened."

"These dragons are beasts intelligent but still an animal. They can be killed by human hands and a sturdy weapon. The only advantage they have is their numbers and how fast they breed that don't leave us much choice or time for that matter." He said resting a hand on her shoulder. She looks up to him not sure how this can help but Katherine looks back to the book thinking about what Marcus had said.

"S-so no chance for peace? They will just hunt looking for food to burn until they hibernate again?" She asks remembering pieces of the books.

"None. Our only hope is to keep fighting them in small groups to minimize casualties and eat the dragons to survive."

"That's insane. How in the world can others do this but what if they try to regroup and grow bigger in numbers? Won't we be out matched due to that? I-I mean, I get dragons tend to be over board but.....this is just a lot. We will need a lot more bombs or weapons in order to compete with that." she mutters under her breath but Marcus only shook his head still having his hand on her shoulder looking at the pages of the book from behind her.

"Even if that's the case we will be fine. We are a little smarter than the female dragons so we can get some time to make a plan. For now, we should just figure out some plan that will help us later on during all this. I know it's scary at first but we will figure it out in due time. Just be calm." he said in a calming tone but Katherine only hid her face still flushed from the simple touch of her shoulder but relaxed once more. He slowly moves his hand away from her shoulder and goes to check a book that was resting on the table.

".................." the throbbing heat was still felt in her heart but she only calms down to feel it numbing out. Katherine didn't want to be out crazy thanks to this and shook her head refocusing. This was no time to be thinking of that. They had a lot of work to do to get ready to fight if may be.

"Some say they wounded us too early. Other say we destroyed too many forests and trees to sustain them any longer. And others say we will die then they will eat each other and then hibernate. But we can out last them if we work together. Keep building keep getting stronger keep killing the ones that come near." He said this while looking right at Katherine but she was worried about all this now.

"You really believe this will help us? Know the outcome could end horrible or just work. I just don't know-"

"Hold on; you trust me don't you?"

"I never said I didn't trust you. This just..a lot. Knowing the possible outcome of the dragons could really set things back, Marcus. My father already is worried about our home getting destroyed due to so many dragons already being spotted by our spies. We don't know how long we can keep this up. So what do you mean when you say.."

"I think of it like this. There were 6 billion of us and dragons still won. But we still survived. Had children and even set up communities away from sources of dragon food. And they leave you alone taking your fields instead. Its been hard for you hasn't it?" He asks looking right at her and guessing at what life was like for her here. Marcus walks over to her and grabs both Katherine's shoulders to startle her. She jumped a bit from the hold looking at him as he was looking at her.

"From everything man kind went through, some of us are still trying to fight this. Some of us are trying to work it out without having a issue later on. What else can we even do? Just keep on fighting and live to our fullest. You never know what these female dragons can do."

"..................."His hands still remained on both shoulders as she looks back down to the books in her lap and desk. From what she read in his books and make things to help the fight against dragons.

"Well, of course it has. We been having trouble with figuring this out. Or at least figuring out a plan to stop them." she said not looking at him. His hand still remained where it was on her back but Marcus only keeps his hands on her shoulders but she leans back to look at him or remove his hands.

"Something wrong?"

"No, no I just....all of this and what you said is...."

"Listen; I don't mean to say it in a wrong way. I figure you and the others has had it hard over that time. Knowing rapid energy female dragons roaming all over the world and here. I know it's been hard for you and yet...I know you suffered through a lot too haven't you?" he asked as she didn't respond to that. Of course she did try to forget about those and they still burn from within her. Feeling the pain and ache that goes through her body. Seeing just how deadly the female dragons are.

"....................." How could she even respond to that? Things have not just been bad but worse. Over the years the female dragons took over their world or earth, humans were just getting eaten and killed by them. She's seen a lot of other things happening like seeing their crops and other fields burn from the flames. The air being dangerous to breath thanks to their fire breath and leaving ashes. She knew things way back were better and safer for everyone even her but now, things have turned for the worse.

"Katherine?"

"They have gotten worse; worse than we humans thought it would be." she said looking down to her lap as her hands grip some parts of her pants.
"It's like no matter what we do, the female dragons seem to get stronger and stronger over the passing seasons. We all try to do what we must in order to fix it. Even me. I want to do my best to help my father in defending and protecting our family. We lost millions and millions of food, water, reliable sources thanks to them." she whispered to slowly stand up and move away from him that Marcus watches her not sure what to say about that.

"All of us have gone through too much. I know you have as well and this shouldn't be a issue for you. Me? I'm no fighter and yet, I want to help my father with fighting them off. Hoping to get our home back from the monsters. However, it only resulted in more deaths and blood all over this land. My father always says we will fix it one day but we must keep fighting..no matter the cost." she said this to him but touches her chest where a necklace charm was hanging. It's a old gift from her father while she was not looking at Marcus any more.

He just stood there looking at her till he walks over to stand behind her. He lifts up one of his hands to rest on her shoulder as she didn't turn or face him. "I see you have been through a lot. Way too much has spilled in front of your eyes and yet it only gets worse by the passing day....it must really hurt." he said this but she tenses up to grip her arm and her eyes looking at the ground.

"..How could you say that?" she asked.

"What do you mean?"

"You don't know about it much because you haven't gone through anything like that. I know you're a hunter but you shouldn't say such things like you been here to see it all. Knowing we have to hide from the dragons with out them pulling us away to be eaten. I almost got caught twice because I was trying to find help. It's like the female dragons can smell fear in us but it's just my thoughts. she said this trying not to be too mad or show off her heated face to seeing Marcus looking quiet like he said something.

With a sigh, she looks away from him again. "Nevermind; Maybe I should go. See you later warrior hunter and thanks for everything you are doing to help us. I know it's going to be tough with the female dragons going crazy but if we don't do something, it'll just end up ending human lives." she said heading out to leave with Marcus staying where he was to look down. Lewis saw that but sees her step out.

"Hmmm, she seems to be a little upset huh? What did you do this time, Marcus?"

"Shut up Lewis."

He had seen it before and he never enjoyed the refresh memory of what it brought him. He joined another group once in the British settlement pembre and when he was away hunting a wounded dragon a giant one had erased pembre and devoured everything nearby. He returned to a collection of ruins and charred remains.

He wasn't going to tell her that because that might lower their curious interest in this. Wanting to fight and stop the monsters that rule the skies right now. Marcus wasn't going to tell her how he lost every group because they thought he would bring them down to ruin. He tried to bind with all of this without freaking out. He didn't yell her that this community was his last hope to survive because she might not believe him knowing the other side of this so called story.

He still remembers that day when returning back, seeing nothing but death all around. The air burned his lungs and his eyes burned from the ashes that floats in the air. Marcus felt like it was his fault that he didn't come back in time but seeing so many dead shows he wanted to do better. With one hand closing tightly into a fist from how angry he was. He walks back to the village to see no one alive or breathing. Their bodies coated in ash or burned alive while dying. He just felt so horrible that day it took him almost a month to calm down.

Lewis didn't say anything about it and knew he was still feeling the scars from that day and time. Now, he wanted to be sure nothing happens to this one. Including Kat who was so nice to him and gave him a safe place to be. Her father already starting to trust him but that would be alright with him.

"Marcus? Are you alright? You look like you had some disagreement or some fight." he said but Marcus shook his head to sigh, looking away.

"It's nothing Lewis. Nothing at all." he said to himself to sit down and think but Lewis had no idea what was going on right now. He wonders if he said something to upset Katherine and it could give him a shot at saying sorry to remain friends. Or will this end up with him winning her heart? Only time will tell.

Meanwhile, Katherine was helping with cooking food for everyone with the saved crops they had but she was looking at the bubbling stew that was being cooked and some bread as well. She did feel a little upset but she didn't say anything about it. Knowing that Brandon was himself as any other hunter. She just didn't want to speak about it. Not after so many lost their lives due to the female dragons that ruled this world.

Even the other cooks were worried about her a little bit.

In time they had their duties together as a task for her father to explore the lands together. At first, Katherine didn't want to but her father wanted her to get some fresh air. Working and doing other things in the village can take a lot from someone. Second, he wanted them to still remain friends.

While doing the rounds, Katherine looks out seeing nothing but during this time Marcus tried to apologize to her.

"Miss Katherine? Can I talk to you about something?" he sees her stop and turn to face him.

"Yes?"

"Listen, I'm so sorry I upset you. I was trying to help and I said the wrong thing. Can you forgive me?" He asks honestly and bowed in front of her.

"Huh? What do you mean say the wrong thing?" Katherine didn't expect that before quickly waving her hands in front of her and helps him stand up straight. That was a little too much, sweet but too much.

"????"

"You don't have to bow to me you know. Second, you didn't say anything wrong. It's just......that's always the thing going on around here and maybe other places. Dragons find their homes, destroys them, eats who is near, then leaves. I already had seen it so many times, it's like my eyes are never clear. Seeing so much death, blood, ashes, bodies, and the pain just makes it.....hurt. You didn't say anything wrong to me and I hope you are not mad about how I responded. If you are..then I'm sorry." she said bowing to him that shocked him this time.

"No no please. You don't have to bow miss. I figure you were just upset from what ever words slipped past my tongue. I never want to be the cause of you feeling so down before. That's not the right thing for me to do. Even after all the times you helped me while letting me and my companion Lewis stay here." he said as Lewis was leaning against the wall listening to this.

She didn't get why he figured that. Her father always taught her helping another is worth everything to show you are good. You don't find many like them because some go insane from what the dragons have done and destroyed. She only lets out a sigh before looking at him to him helping her stand straight this time.

"I guess we both were thinking we said the wrong things but turns out we didn't. We were just letting words slip through."

"Yes; yes of course....seems that happens a lot now but can you blame others for getting that feeling? Even with the dragons destroying everything and killing everyone, every human that still lives is working together to try and end it. Or stop the female dragons from mating with that last male. I don't know why but I never heard of seen him so he must still be in hiding from all this chaos."

"Hmm? You think the male dragon is in hiding?"

"Maybe to get away from the more aggressive female dragons that's done nothing but destroy. Maybe he wants to mate but with someone that's not so violent like the rest. It does take some time for dragons to breed right? So maybe he's just waiting for the right moment but that's just my saying in all this so I'm not sure about it." she said rubbing the back of her head thinking.