The Dragon choosed him as its master. Suppressing the storm in his chest, Bruce went on to create more beasts to make up for the chaos; Steelquill Ravens, Shadow Cats, Stone Lizards, his Heal ability weaving life into Jordan's empty cages.
The merchant's despair shifted into awe, then excitement as he realized what he'd gained. By the time it was over, Bruce had not only paid for the damage of dragon but also earned around five hundred gold coins. According to Sophie that was a good amount to keep him going for a while...
He was sure with Sophie's presence, he wasn't cheated.
At last, as the drake nestled itself proudly against his neck and Sophie rubbed its scaled head with a smile, it was time to leave.
Jordan watched them move towards the door.
"It's C-Ranked. And remember, we're partners in this business!" Jordan called out, waving after them.
"I'll meet you when I need money," Bruce replied dismissively, not even sparing him another glance. With Sophie by his side and the dragon cub perched on his shoulder, he walked away.
The two strolled quietly through the bustling stalls, the crowd's noise fading into the background. Sophie's attention was stolen by the little drake nestled happily against Bruce.
She reached up to play with it, her slender fingers brushing over its smooth scales as it nuzzled into Bruce's neck with an affectionate cry.
"Now that I think about it, Bruce," Sophie said softly, her voice tinged with a playful warmth, "you're yet to name your pet."
Bruce tilted his head slightly, considering. His lips curved into a faint smile. "Hmm. It's a dragon, so… I think the name Ash suits it best."
The cub lifted its little head, letting out a delighted cry.
KYUUUUU!
Sophie laughed, the sound light and musical. "Hehe… I think Ash likes his name." Her crimson eyes sparkled as she looked at both Bruce and the dragon, her smile gentle and unshakably fond.
Bruce's lips tugged into a smile at the sight. "How do you know it's a guy?" he teased.
"I just do," Sophie replied confidently, brushing a finger under Ash's little jaw as the dragon leaned into her touch. "One thing about me is that my instincts are rarely wrong."
Bruce studied the cub for a moment, his surgeon's instincts whispering the same thing to him. Ash may have been small and cuddly, but there was something undeniably masculine in his bearing—even in the proud tilt of his tiny head.
Still, he wasn't about to claim certainty. He knew almost nothing about dragons, and guessing its gender off instinct alone was hardly scientific.
But as Ash nestled himself tighter against Bruce's neck and Sophie's laughter lingered in the air, Bruce decided it didn't matter. Male or female, Ash was his.
And in that quiet walk through the market, with Sophie at his side and Ash purring against his skin, Bruce felt something he hadn't felt in a very long time.
Something dangerously close to warmth.
Soon, they stepped out of the Beast Exchange market, the bustle of traders fading into the hum of the city streets. The afternoon light spilled across the cobblestones, but Sophie's focus wasn't on the world around them, it was glued to the tiny dragon curled up happily against Bruce's neck.
She reached up, brushing her fingers against its smooth black scales, her lips curving into a grin that was equal parts playful and tender.
"Oh, Ashy~ oh, Ashie~" she cooed, her voice taking on a sing-song tone.
~kyuu~
The cub let out a soft, pleased chirp and buried its head deeper against Bruce's neck, its wings fluttering as though it were basking in her affection.
"Ashy-Boo~" Sophie teased again, gently flicking its puffed cheeks before stroking them with the softest touch.
~kyuuu~
The dragon let out another trill, almost smug, clearly enjoying being spoiled.
Bruce gave her a side glance, his brow raised. "You're going to spoil him rotten if you keep that up."
Sophie giggled, undeterred, her crimson eyes glowing with mischief. "And what if I do? Look at him, he's adorable. You can't honestly expect me to resist."
"kyuu!" Ash gave a satisfied little cry as though agreeing with her, his tail curling comfortably around Bruce's collar.
Bruce sighed, but the corner of his lips tugged into a faint smile. "You two are already ganging up on me, huh?"
Sophie leaned closer, her hair brushing against his arm as she whispered dramatically, "That's right. You're outnumbered, Bruce. It's two against one now."
Bruce chuckled lowly, shaking his head. "I didn't think I'd ever see the day when my 'enemy' is barely the size of my palm."
"Oh, don't say that." Sophie gasped playfully, cradling Ash's tiny claw in her hand. "He's not your enemy, he's family. Our little Ashy-Boo."
The word "family" lingered, and Bruce blinked, his expression softening just for a second before he looked away. Sophie didn't miss it, and her smile gentled, but she chose not to press the moment. Instead, she leaned back, humming happily as she continued to tease the dragon.
Ash, on the other hand, was soaking in every second of her doting, his little chest rising and falling in contentment.
"So cute," Sophie finally sighed, her voice melting into pure affection as she rubbed her cheek softly against the top of Ash's small head.
The dragon chirped, nuzzling into her touch while still clinging to Bruce's neck, perfectly content to be adored by them both.
"Say, Ashy… me or Bruce, which do you like more?" Sophie asked suddenly, her crimson eyes narrowing in mock suspicion as she scratched lightly under the cub's chin.
Ash responded instantly, hugging Bruce's shoulder tighter with his tiny claws, burying his head into his neck as though declaring his stance.
Bruce couldn't hold it in. He burst into laughter, his chest rumbling with amusement. "Hahaha! Obviously me. Of course he loves me more. If he didn't, he'd be cuddling with you right now."
Sophie's face fell as if she'd just been betrayed by her closest ally. Her pout deepened, her lips trembling in mock outrage as she glared at Ash. "You little traitor…"
Ash trilled happily, completely oblivious to her heartbreak, his tail wagging smugly as though proud of his choice.
"You're not even trying to fix this situation, Bruce," Sophie huffed, folding her arms dramatically.
Bruce was still chuckling, clearly enjoying the moment. "Why should I? The truth hurts, doesn't it?"
"Bruce…" Sophie frowned and turned her head away, cheeks puffed in a sulk. But the moment she glanced back...
Her heart skipped.
He was gone.
The space beside her, where Bruce and the dragon had just been, was empty.
The warmth she'd been teasing only a second ago vanished without warning, leaving nothing but the echo of her own breath and the faint rustle of the street.
She suddenly felt so empty inside.
Her crimson eyes widened, her pout dissolving instantly into something else... fear.
"Bruce…?" she whispered, her voice low, uncertain.
The betrayal she'd been play-acting a moment ago was forgotten, her heart tightening in her chest as the realization sank in. He and Ash had both disappeared.