Phoenix:
My inner dragon pleaded with me to go to some auction, my brow cocking. Dusting off my worn black leather jacket, the sun had faded it to a dull brown. Pulling my shoulder length fiery waves into a man bun, the orange glinted in the morning sun. Hopping onto Midnight, my hand slapped the midnight black fur of my jack-a-lope creature. Ruby antlers twisted into the sky, his inky eyes staring back at me. Pressing my black lips into a thin line, my fiery eyes scanned the cobblestone streets. Quaint cottages lined the streets, the hooves of Midnight crashed through the street. Cursing to myself, an energy was calling me. Flashes of a beautiful face flashed in my mind, bits of shimmering hair that reminded me of my dragon flames danced in my mind. Who was this mysterious maiden calling my heart?
"Mate." My inner dragon boomed in my mind, my heart skipping a beat. "You must get your mate." Low growls rumbled in my throat, the corner of my lips twitching. Who the hell would want to be with this immortal being? My children would be immortal and their children would be. Being immortal is a pain in the ass, you have to fake your death and keep making money somehow. Such trivial things were a bother that really shouldn't be had. Rabbit ears whacked me in the face, Midnight's nose twitching. Skidding to a stop in front of an underground tunnel, people barely bashed an eyelash at me showing up. This wasn't my first time showing up, many of my shadier deals going down here. Shoot me for making money the clever way. Seedy characters poured in, my eyes falling on the bride auction sign. Tying up Midnight, the auction was set to begin. Scantily clad women danced up to me with trays full of drinks, sly grins on their lips. Shoving them aside, they weren't the reason that I was here. Their beauty had little effect on me, all of them scoffing with disdain. Taking a seat in the back, the girls hissed at me as I placed my worn brown boots on the mismatched eyes. A chubby man raised his gloved hand as he spun onto the ragged stage, his grubby hands tipping his discolored top hat in our direction. Golden chains dripped over his ruby velvet suit. His inky eyes met mine, his gnarly fangs hung over blue lips. This guy was a royal dick, my inner dragon hating him as much. At least we were in sync for once in my endless life.
"I am going to start this show with a treat!" He proclaimed with a tap dance, the energy that was calling me getting closer. "We have a cat demon who happens to be a half reaper. My men found her weeping in the smoldering remains of her village, and boy did we raise her to be beautiful. Better yet, she is a virgin who is about to go into heat. Might I introduce you to the lovely lady, Ellasandra." My breath hitched, her mismatched eyes meeting mine. Her golden cat eye matched the scarlet reaper's eyes, her white hair brightening to match the various oranges and reds of my eyes. Bruises covered her skin, a defiant snarl curled on her determined face. Lowering my feet, something was about to happen. All four elements swirled in her broken soul, her immortality capturing my eyes. There was no way another immortal existed, my glass of water spilling the moment I leaned onto the table. Silent tears slid down her cheeks, her inky fingernails extending into claws. My cock stiffened at her five foot seven hourglass figure, my eyes tracing the diamond chain bikini as it draped over her flat stomach. Another desire brewed in me, something telling me to take her now. Whispering something in her ears, low growls rumbled in her throat. Shaking off her hot temper, she stood straight up. Flashing me a bright smile, she leaned forward. My heart skipped a beat as her hair slid off of her shoulder, her hand reaching out for the audience. Loud gasps echoed in the crowd, a bit of jealousy flashed in my eyes. Sharp whispers passed around me, the harsh words demeaning the fact that she was part reaper. Reapers always had such a bad reputation among the society, a low growl rumbled in my throat.
"I am Ellasandra and I am excellent at cooking and cleaning. I am the wife of your dreams. Besides, I am a virgin after all." She chirped with a false smile, her thighs rubbing together. "I have prepared a dance for you. Please enjoy!" Pressing her palms together, a scarlet circle glowed underneath her. Every step of her seductive dance unlocked another gate, the audience none the wiser. Finishing up, another round of sharp whispers passed along the audience. An ancient scythe floated into her eager palm, the dark wooden handle shined in the spotlight. Tracing the curve of the ash gray blade, a wicked grin spread across her lips. Chaos ensued, her fluffy ruby cat ears flattened. Her fluffy ruby tail twitched with irritation, a harsh wind blowing her hair up. Remarkably, it looked like actual flames. The other kidnapped women flooded from the stage into the streets, the patrons weren't far behind. Waiting patiently for the guards to charge at her, my heart fluttered at the way a single swing cut them down. Inky blackness painted her face, pure rage glittered in her eyes. Damn, her power was waking something up in me.
"Fires of Death, devour the dark soul that kidnapped me!" She commanded boldly, cracking her neck. "Send him to where the hot flames of Hell will cook him for an eternity." Leaping into the air, her body dodged the chains with ease. Sliding down the thickest one, scarlet flames devoured her arms. Launching off the chain, her bare feet bounced off the walls. Spinning her scythe over her head, one swift swing cracked his skull. His top hat split in half, the pieces landing on either side of him. His fate was sealed, the flames decaying him into a pile of ash in mere seconds. Swinging herself down, she sauntered up to me. Scarlet colored my cheeks, her hands rubbing my chest. Trembling under her spell, her next question made me melt into a puddle.
"May I mark you as mine?" She asked lustfully, licking the base of my neck. "What's the matter? Are you scared of me?" Shaking my head, it was quite the contrary. Everything about her turned me on, her hands cupping my face. Smashing her lips onto mine, her fangs sank into my bottom lip. Thump! Shock rounded my eyes at our hearts syncing, an inky dragon flying onto her chest. What the hell just happened? Half of me wanted to pin her to the table, the other half wanting to get rid of her. Her sheer abrasiveness threw me off in a good way, the demon army coming our way. Kissing her back hungrily, something came over me the moment my fangs sank into her bottom lip. A shadowy cat danced onto the nape of my neck, the two of us were one. Tossing her over my shoulder, she shrugged her shoulders in compliance. Scarlet colored my cheeks at her bare skin pressing against mine, Midnight running up to us. Snores echoed in my ears, the woman was slumbering in my arms. Laying her over the saddle, it was time to leave town. Cursing to myself, my club was already up in flames. God damn it! The demon army could go suck a dick! Stirring awake, storm clouds brewed in the sky. Heavy raindrops prevented the fire from spreading, the condition she was in alarming me. Sure she was immortal but she looked like death warmed over. Holding her scythe to her chest, actual tears flooded from her eyes. Why did she look like she did something wrong? The poor maiden did not have anything to worry about.
"I am sorry." She apologized over the thunder, guilt dimming her eyes. "I destroy everything I touch." Clutching her close to my chest, I tossed my jacket over her. Kissing the top of her head, she really was a kind individual on the inside. Slapping Midnight's ass, he took off towards the woods. What the hell did they do to her? It had been years since I had held a woman this way, my lips pressing into a thin line. Don't think dirty thoughts, I yelled at myself.
"I don't know what to say." I admitted sheepishly, her fingers tracing my dragon fangs. "I am surprised I don't scare you." Chewing on her lips, her hands cupped my cheek. Gazing into my eyes lovingly, my heart skipped a beat. Chuckling softly to herself, her real smile stole my breath away. Her smile could light the darkness, my composure seconds from slipping away. What was she doing to me?
"I have been alive for centuries and never found anyone to be scary except for the occasional enemy. That bastard found me a long time ago and raised me since. He made me his servant until recently. I must be pathetic to you." She explained apprehensively, pecking my lips sweetly. "I love to stand up for the underdogs. Demons can be real assholes. It is nice to know the dragon lord exists." Resting her head on my chest, something felt right about this moment. My pointed ears perked up at her words, her fingers tracing the reddish orange scales lining my jaw line. Feeling self conscious, her gentle smile did little to ease my nerves.
"Hey, if it means anything you are the most beautiful woman I have seen." I choked out anxiously, her tail wagging wildly. "We can procure a bar cart in the next town. I have a habit of being on the go which means I always carry my cash on me. Do you mind serving the beer for me?" Flashing me her genuine smile, time stopped for a second. What the hell was she doing to me?
"Sure can!" She chimed warmly, her fingers gripping my white wool shirt. "As long as I can be with you." Adorable, she was fucking adorable. Hours passed of silence, the feeling of her holding me making it pass by faster than any other journey had. First thing first, she needed clothes and a proper meal. Kissing the top of her head, she woke up. Grinning crookedly at me, my lips pressed against hers passionately. Time stopped, her body arching towards me. Stopping myself, the faint smell of her heat taunted me. It wasn't time yet, my eyes falling on my friend's clothing shop. Yanking on the left antler, Midnight clopped to a stop. Letting her sit on the saddle, her eyes watched me tie him to the post. Helping her down, she did her best with my over-sized jacket. Tapping her scythe on the ground, it shrank down to the size of an ax. Tucking it into the belt, my friend popped his head out. Floating off the ground, he was one of the few people I tended to make friends with. The glowing cloak floated off the ground, his hood hiding his blank face. Curiosity twinkled in her eyes, her warmth making her aura pure as mine.
"You must be one of the lost souls that can't enter Heaven nor Hell, doomed to serve a reaper. I never really agreed with that policy." She mused playfully, touching his robes. "You are cherished familiars to a reaper. What happened to your master?" Clearing my throat, he waved his skeletal hands around. This guy was nervous enough without prodding, my jaw dropping at his sudden glee.
"It is nice to meet a half reaper. You are the rarest type. Did Argon happen to be your father?" He queried excitedly, happy to meet someone from his own realm. "Oh forgive me. I am Spiritos, and to answer your question. He set me free because I wanted to be free." Grinning ear from ear, the question of who her father was didn't need to be said. Guiding her in, they were beginning to draw too much attention to themselves.
"She needs clothes and a bath. Do you think you could provide both?" I questioned with my million dollar smile, his hand pointing to the only open door in his simple shop. Brushing past us, the water was soon running. Pulling out a rack of dresses, a black and red number stood out to me. Fine onyx silk hung limply, the scarlet corset would be sure to emphasize her small waist. Playing with the skirt, it would allow her enough room to kick a few people if she needed too. There was no way her temper would ever disappear, a few bar fights were sure to be had.
"These boots go with it." He offered sincerely, accepting three gold coins from me. "You do know that once that heat hits you will have to impregnate her. They only go into heat every five years. The first one must result in a pregnancy." Taking in the information, he left me pondering in the rotten silence. Examining the cream plaster walls, the pine desk really fit right in. Plopping down onto a stool, several minutes passed. A cleaned up Ellie spun around, her ample breasts fitting snugly in the top. My jaw dropped, her beauty knew no bounds. Tucking her scythe into her belt, my eyes fell on how the skirt draped off of her perfect ass. Adjusting the bell sleeves, her hand reached for mine. A tender blush colored my cheeks, her body pressing up against mine. Quit being flirty, I begged in my mind. I didn't know how long I could hold out.
"Can we get dinner? I am starving and find a place to stay." She begged with big eyes, her tail curling around my waist. Giving in, she led me out to the streets. Her fingers held Midnight's reigns, embarrassment burning her cheeks at the loud rumble of her stomach. Snatching the reins from her, my free arm curled around her waist. A cautious thought haunted my head, her loving gaze falling on me.
"I hate to bring this up, but we would look more legit if we got married." I suggested cautiously, curiosity twinkling in her eyes. "I am so-" Clutching my arm, the feeling felt so warm. Something seemed familiar about her energy, her response stunning me.
"I don't see why not. You're immortal, and I am immortal. Besides, I find your gruffness charming. I fully intend to stay by your side no matter what." She assured me lovingly, snuggling up against my arm. "I am like a cat after all. We love to have our masters by our side. I do consider you my master. For example, if you didn't want me to kill someone you simply have to ask me to stop. It is a fail safe I have for when I go berserk. That tends to happen a lot." An exhausted middle aged man rushed out to turn us away, concern flashing in her face.
"I am afraid we can't cook dinner. Our cook is sick with the fl-" He warned us desperately, his caramel eyes welling up with tears. Rolling up her sleeves, her hands hugged her slender but muscular arms. Leaning forward, she tied her hair up with a worn piece of string. What was she planning? Did she actually plan to help out?
"Say no more. Open up as usual and I will do the cooking tonight." She offered sincerely, flashing him a bright smile. "I will even make some medicine for your friend. I will do all of that for free room and board. Might I throw in a free dinner and breakfast?" Waiting with bated breath, her hand waited for him to shake it. One firm hand shake later, we were in the kitchen while Midnight rested in the stables. The innkeeper thanked her profusely, Ellie crushing a bunch of herbs in a mortar and pestle. Heating up a kettle of tea, she hummed while waiting. Flipping through the recipes, her finger tapped the pages. Selecting some sort of stew, she spun around. My trained eyes could see the stress underneath my smile, her calm exterior hiding the cracking dam inside of her. Finishing up the tea, one of the maids rushed in to take it to the cook's room. Mixing flour and a bunch of ingredients, she passed me a bag of potatoes and carrots.
"Can you peel those for me?" She asked with her false smile, my steady hand curling around the handle of the nearest paring knife. "I was born at the beginning of this world if you must know. I love reading and learning anything. I know all of the languages in this realm, including the ancient ones. I have a favor to ask. Marry me tomorrow so they can't take me again. The laws of the land state that you can't legally take a man's wife. Sorry for the in-" Setting down the knife, my arms wrapped around her shoulders. A short gasp escaped her lips, my chin resting on her head. Had she never experienced a decent man's touch before.
"Then let me go get a priest while you do all of this. I don't know what it is about you but I can't get my mind off of you." I yelled as my boots pounded out of the kitchen, a stunned Ellie getting back to the tasks at hand. Sprinting through the streets, a kind father stopped me. His bald head shimmered in the early morning sun, our country's bible resting in arms. Ruby eyes glanced up at me with pure annoyance, his hands fumbling with his rough wool robe. The only thing I did was run into him, the issue really should be trivial in basic matters.
"How can I help you, child?" He greeted me warmly, his black lips curling into a polite smile. "You look like you were in a rush." Pressing my palms together, my luck couldn't have been better. Bowing in his direction, his slender five foot four frame seemed comically small underneath my six foot four muscular build. Curse myself for standing out so much.
"Can you perform a marriage right away? My fiance and I wish to do it as soon as possible." I blurted out awkwardly, focusing on the wrinkles around his eyes. Fishing around his bag, he seemed lost in some sort of mental list.
"I am Father Destructos by the way. Don't let the name fool you, I am as gentle as a bird fluttering about in the trees." He joked blithely, checking his supplies. "The damn name came from my home town in the demon territories. I have some time. Take me to her." Guiding him to the kitchen, the inn keeper had his head buried in the bags of potatoes and carrots. Blood soaked her apron, an occupied Ellie busy breaking down a mountain goat.
"Fireboy, you're back. You work fast. How are you, Father Destructos?" She laughed lightly, waving to him with the knife in her hand. "How did you know that I was back in town? Are you going to be around for dinner? I am making a goat and vegetable stew. You know, just like the ones at home." My jaw dropped to the ground, the ruby eyes making sense. The father was a freaking reaper, her grin growing wider. Did we have to run into every reaper out there?
"I don't see why not." He agreed a bit too aggressively, his eyes falling back on me. "Phoenix, are you sure you want to marry her? Her will can be a bit strong at times. I should know since I taught her until the incident. Did you talk to Spiritos?" Sticking out her tongue at him, he pulled out an ancient piece of parchment paper from his bag. Slamming a jar of demon's blood, he dipped a quill in it. Scribbling away while she worked in the kitchen, her tail couldn't stop wagging. Freedom suited her well, the innkeeper keeping her busy with idle conversation. Taking a closer look upon him, his rough emerald shirt told a tale of hard labor. Seeing her act so natural around people stole my heart away, her generosity causing me to smile to myself. A wrinkled hand nudged my shoulder, the quill now quivering in my hands.
"Sign the paper and then it will be her turn. Such small ceremonies remind me that true love is out there." He informed me in a bubbly mood, pressing his palms together. "Take care of her for me. She was the one who did everything for our village. She would visit me every once and a while. Can I let you in on something? This is the first time she has smiled in a long time." His words pleased me, a different type of heat warming me up. Dipping the quill in the blood, it danced across my line. The name Phoenix Dragonsmith glowed to life, Ellie rushing over as she wiped her hands. Snatching the quill from my hand, her wicked grin caused me to hold her. Dipping it in the blood, her kind eyes met mine.
"Are you sure about this, fireboy?" She queried sincerely, my hand cupping hers. Holding it as the name Ellasandra Felix glowed to life, her grin never leaving her face. An orange dragon tail curled around my ring finger while a cat's tail danced around hers. The contract disappeared in a puff of smoke, our union had been sealed. Destructos words faded in and out, her lips pressing against mine passionately. Spinning her underneath me, the innkeeper and father cheered. Skipping back over to her work, flirtatious looks kept meeting my eager eyes. How could marriage be such a simple process? Living in the moment, joy illuminated my heart for the first time in a while. Please never let this moment end.