Seacrest

Seacrest and New Manners

Seacrest flew over tall trees and buildings long forgotten. Her beautiful blue scales disappearing into the sky, all but the small crest that was the color of the sea. She hadn’t felt this free in, well… forever. Born and raised in the Underworld, she thought she would never see the sky again. Then the day came when Tempest released her, and Seacrest took to the skies.

She could faintly hear the cries of Tempest trying to call her back to them, which Seacrest ignored. She was finally free, she wasn’t going back anytime soon. Smoke. Through some of the thickest trees Seacrest could see smoke.

A closer look showed that as it was, Seacrest wouldn’t be able to land on the ground. This idea almost killed Seacrest’s curiosity and she was about to turn back toward Tempest. When from the smoke she could hear a baby crying.

Her curiosity quickly became concern, in an almost dangerous sense. Seacrest couldn’t land as it was, she had no choice but to grow smaller. Her bones broke with a sickening crunch and with a slippery pop and squish the bones shifted and Seacrest was finally able to land, though her wings with long enough to drag on the ground behind her.

The sounds of the crying babe drove her forward to an overturned carriage. Her caring nature drove her forward to look inside the overturned carriage, she was blind to the blood and carnage around her, only the baby was important. She stepped over a male and female Orc, their black skin and slender bodies covered in blood and gore, the bottom tusks had been ripped out while their ears had been cut from the base. Their slaughter had ensured the safety of there baby, hidden within the carriage that Seacrest now stuck her muzzle in.

Seeing the babe tucked away in a basket Seacrest could only think of one option, so without hesitation she gently picked up the basket in her mouth and took to the skies as smoothly as her now awkward body could. Out of the forest and back to Tempest, back to safety.

“Seacrest!” Tempest roared, they were scanning the skies trying to find the beautiful Dragon, for what little good it would do. It was like trying to find water in the ocean. “Where did you go, you damned Dragon.”

The sounds of heavy wings beating frantically told Tempest two things. Seacrest was back, and something was wrong. This caused Tempest’s more nurturing side to take over as she scanned the skies for her friend.

“Seacrest, what’s wrong sweetheart!” Tempest cried as a much smaller Seacrest landed just feet from her face and gently put down her newfound burden. At first all Tempest saw was blankets inside a basket, then the blankets started to move and then a soft growl.

“Gr.Grrr. Growl!” As the baby stuck its head out of the blankets when Tempest knelt beside the basket.

The babe had Jet black hair, midnight skin and his bottom tusks had barely started protruding past his top lips as his top tusks were getting the sharpness and points. He bared both defensively when he saw Tempest’s blue eyes and long blond hair.

“An Orc?” Tempest wondered, as she gently picked up the baby as he gave another growl showing his tusks again. “There, there little one. Don’t let my appearance fool you, I am no human.”

Awkwardly, Tempest worked to secure the basket around Seacrest’s neck in a makeshift saddle before putting the angry baby back in his basket and straddling the Dragon.

“Ok girl, show me where you found him.” With that Seacrest took to the skies once again, this time she didn’t enjoy her freedom, this time she was on a mission. In no time Seacrest began circling above the overturned carriage. “I see, ok Seacrest you stay up here and at he first sign of danger you get the baby as far away from here as you can.” Seacrest made a sigh of agreement as Tempest flung one leg over the Dragon and fell to the ground.

As she fell Tempest called upon the energies of the forest and using the light and love of the life shared within the forest, she managed to surround herself with a bright blue light as her descent slowed, she landed softly just feet from the massacre. With a quick look around, it was easy to see what happened.

“Humans and their guns.” Tempest spat as she investigated the bullet holes in the male and female Orc laying on the forest floor. Her sorrow quickly became anger when she saw that their tusks had been crudely ripped from the mouths and their ears were hastily cut and ripped from their heads. “Animals.” She muttered.

“Hands! Let me see your hands!” Came a rude voice behind Tempest, for the time she complied. She raised her hands high above her head. She followed the rest of the orders given by the loudmouth until she had stood up and turn to face three men. All wore a brown and green camouflage uniform. The one that did the talking appeared to be the one in charge and held an M4 assault rifle, m9 side arm, and on his back was a double-bladed axe, along with other odd gear on his back or on his person. The one had a similar get up but the one on the end held a shotgun and a claymore on his back.

“Oh, sorry miss.” The loudmouth spoke, “I’m Lieutenant Sanders, the one next to me is Sergeant Richards and next to him is Private Jordan.” The men all made acknowledgement of Tempest before Lieutenant Sanders continued. “We ran into a dangerous band of Orcs in these woods, it’s not safe for you out here. Come well take you back to camp, you must be tired and hungry.” He slung his rifle and offered his hand to Tempest.

At first Tempest didn’t move and did her best to compose herself. “So are you the ones responsible for that.” She said with a gesture behind her. The physical response was enough to suggest that they were in fact guilty, that was more than enough for Tempest.

Her slim figure grew, both in height and physique. Her beautiful, braided hair was now just barely past the shoulders, wild and unkept. The Lieutenant freaked at this sudden transformation and with a loud “BANG!” Fired a shot directed at Tempests chest. However, the bullet refused to touch him and fell to the ground just before it contacted his tunic.

“I will take that as your confession.” This time darkness surrounded Tempest, all the fear and hatred the forest had to offer these humans now flowed through Tempest and as black, sticky, lightning-like tendrils erupted from Tempest’s hands, the only thing Seacrest could hear was the loud assault of rifles and shotguns being fired at a frantic rate. Followed quickly by the sounds of men screaming and trying to radio for back up, then silence.

Seacrest was about to fly away and fast when a familiar scent pulled her back. Tempest was in his more protective and angry form as the dark energies of the world circle around him like a storm, lifting him up high enough to mount the Dragon once again.

The Orc babe, being familiar with the scent was confused at the appearance of this stranger on his Dragon. He let out a cry and started to thrash about his basket, he wound not let this man hurt him. But almost as quickly as he came, he was gone, in his place was the woman that the Dragon took him to what seemed a whole lifetime ago. She had placed a soft, yet firm hand on his chest to keep him still. In her hand was the tusks of his parents, tusks that he would hold dear. He grabbed them in his tiny hands and held them to his face and drifted off to sleep.

“Rest little one.” Tempest said, wiping a tear from her face, “Your parents will be avenged, this I promise you. Little Jorik, your parents may be gone but we will be your home now and your journey is just about to begin.” With that Tempest pointed in the direction of where the men called camp and vowed to burn it down.

Seacrest and Babysitting

Some years have passed since Seacrest found Jorik in the woods. The young Orc was nearing his eighth winter soon. Tempest had kept their promise and then some. Instead of burning down the human, they decided to make it home. Keeping the armory and other important buildings intact along with high walls and defenses that Seacrest only half paid attention to.

Within that time Tempest had taught Jorik many things, how to brush his teeth, how to change his clothes, how to beat his enemies in single combat, how to hit his enemies a thousand yards away with a single bullet, everything a growing Orc should know. In turn, both Tempest and Jorik would teach her their languages and cultures.

Most days Seacrest could do as she pleased, even if that meant nothing more than curling up in the middle of camp and going to sleep. It was the days that Tempest took one of the armored vehicles and went in search of supplies, weapons, or refugees that Seacrest couldn’t find peace and quiet. Not only did days like today mean that Seacrest was left to watch the camp, but she had to entertain Jorik as well.

It was true that Jorik was still alive, so apparently Seacrest didn’t do a bad job. She just preferred that something with two legs and two arms did it instead.

Two winters ago, soldiers had tried to get into the camp with force. Tempest and Seacrest managed to drive them away however, Tempest insisted that they went through too many bullets and missiles for their comfort. Seacrest feared that humans would try again, soon and that was the real reason Seacrest hated days like today.

“Hey auntie Seacrest.” Came a rough, yet innocent voice as small hands pushed on her shoulder.

“Sleeping…Sleeping…Snore. Snoring.” Seacrest tried to close her eyes tighter hoping it would tune out the adventurous Orc.

Jorik giggled, “I know sister Tempest has told you that internal thoughts are those thoughts that you keep to yourself.”

“Not internal thought?” Seacrest questioned, looking the Orc in the eye. She noted that at just eight winters Jorik was now perhaps a head shoulder than the average soldiers she was used to seeing. He wore slightly too small cargo pants, having outgrew his last pair quickly. He wore an issued tee that fit, perhaps a little too well. Luckily, they found combat boots that fit just perfect enough, he had his long jet-black hair braided tightly into a warrior’s braid, having braided the tusks of his birth parents into his hair.

Jorik shook his head. “Nope, but I would say you are getting better.”

Blushing. Could Dragons blush? “Thank you.” She managed, “Has sister left yet?”

Jorik nodded, “Yep. It’s goanna be me and you for a while.”

Seacrest stood, stretching out her long limbs much like a cat would. Today Tempest was to leave the camp again in search of supplies and clothes, if possible, refugees. They occasionally had luck finding clothes. Which was a good thing with how quickly Jorik grew, Seacrest had never seen another creature grow so fast. Weapons and gas were easy enough, most compounds had been abandoned or were quickly cleared out by Tempest’s more aggressive demeaner. Refugees were a harder challenge.

Most Elves and Dwarves didn’t trust Tempest because they were “Too Human”. Most other creatures feared Tempest because they weren’t “Human enough”. Orcs? Now Orcs were a different story. Most would laugh or spit on the ground when Tempest mentioned Jorik, they claimed they would rather take their chances with Human tanks then live with a “Clanless”.

“Hunting?” Seacrest suggested as she walked the camp with Jorik.

“You always want to go hunting.”

“Hungry.”

“Yes, yes. You’re always hungry.”

Seacrest let out a sound like a sigh and Jorik laughed at the Dragon. They had stopped in front of one of the few buildings still standing, the Armory. Not only did they keep all the weapons and vehicles here, but this is where Jorik lived with Tempest. Jorik went inside and came back sometime later, fully prepared. A full pack, M4 assault rifle, a handgun strapped to his hip and a short sword stashed in the pack, easy enough to pull out. He quickly mounted Seacrest and they were off.

Hunting? Hunting for Seacrest and Jorik of course meant finding the closest town Seacrest could find that was close enough to make it back in the same day. They would raid and pillage anything that Jorik could fit in his pack, Seacrest would eat her fill of horses and cattle until it was time to go home in which case Seacrest would always be sure to steal one more cow. Typically, the put this cow in a pen with other cows they stole, or Jorik made sure work of the cow. He would bleed them, skin them, and cut it up so he had plenty of meat for the night. Most of these trips were kept secret so Tempest wouldn’t worry, as far as they were aware Jorik “found” the cattle lost on the countryside and brought them back.

Nights like these Seacrest preferred to sleep in the Armory’s garage. She had her own spot near the back corner where she could curl up on top of her horde. The horde in question was made of blankets, pillows, and every stuffed animal Jorik or Tempest gave her.

As she circled on top of her horde of cuteness and everything soft she caught sight of Jorik. He was wearing a slightly too small bunny onesie holding his favorite teddy bear, this teddy bear was slightly charred around the ears. He always wore a mixed matched pair of bunny slippers.

When Seacrest finally found the perfect spot to lay down, she gave a small nod to the young Orc. With a grin showing his tusks playfully and a noise that could only be a squeak he ran and jump onto the horde of softness and found a space near Seacrest’s head to curl up and find sleep. He may have been one of the strongest and bravest beings Seacrest had the honor to meet, she had to remind herself that even by Orc and Human standards he was still a child. Even now, as he was just days away from his eighth winter, he missed the parents he never met.

Dreams for a Dragon are very colorful, full of images of prey and friends. The one thing a Dragon’s dreams don’t have is noise. So, when she heard the hard footsteps and the pleas to let him go Seacrest knew something was wrong.

With a start she jumped up and noticed the door to her garage was wide open and Jorik was gone. She let out a mighty roar and flung herself out of the garage, not caring that her head hit one of the few tanks on the side so hard it dented one side and threw it against the other wall.

She quickly spotted the men; it was a small group and two held a struggling Jorik as they tried with all their might to drag him out of the camp. She blew past the men in the rear causing them to go flying, some screamed only long enough to hit the side of buildings and slide down. When she neared the mean holding Jorik she didn’t hesitate, she did the first thing that came to mind. She opened her jaws wide and engulfed one of the soldiers’ heads in her mouth before biting down with all her might.

The bite came out of nowhere and surprised even Jorik. The men had taken him from his home and as he was trying to free himself, he saw the head of Seacrest come up and the soldiers head disappeared in her mouth. When she pulled back, they were all sprayed with blood, the blood covered her beautiful blue scales in a dark crimson red as the soldier fell.

Looking to see his battle buddy get his head eaten clean off, the other soldier didn’t see the young Orc jump on top of him and sink his tusks into his neck, ripping and tearing at the man’s flesh. In her rage, Seacrest swept her tail side to side as she circled around Jorik. She circled so close that his hand could easily brush her scales, the scales along her back had picked up threateningly. Some of the soldiers couldn’t move, either the impact of hitting the building broke their backs or their legs but there were still some that could move and level their rifles right at Seacrest. It was the only thing she could do; they would have to empty their magazines into Seacrest’s scales before she could attack them.

Seacrest was about to do just that before a black vehicle came flying through the gate and blowed right into the soldiers that stood. An angry Tempest got out of the drive seat, he was close to a head taller than the soldiers and twice as wide. He wasted no time and shot into the soldiers, all headshots even the ones Seacrest believed to be dead. Tempest did not care, tonight they were all going to eat bullets. When Tempest had emptied his magazines, he turned and saw Seacrest still standing defensively in front of Jorik.

As he ran he dropped his rifle, his body shifted and shrank. Tempest wild and unkempt hair become tame and was nicely braided behind her back. She was crying when she hugged Jorik’s bloody face to her chest.

“Oh Goodness! Your face!”

“Your face.” Jorik muttered through Tempest’s chest before getting serious. “It’s fine, my tusks are ok, not my blood.”

Tempest couldn’t hear him, she was so scarred she could barely think, she touched Seacrest’s nose and smiled weakly.

“Who’s that?” Jorik managed, peering around Tempest to see a small family of three step out of the vehicle. A father, mother, and their daughter.

“Orc?” Seacrest asked and Tempest shook her head stepping away from Jorik to give a proper introduction.

The father laughed slightly, “I am afraid not my friend.” He gestured toward his family, “We are Dark Elves, and though we have traveled far Tempest has agreed to let us stay here, and I will be more than happy to offer my services. You see before this country went to hell, I was a teacher. I am Indrod, this is my wife Groglel, she used to be a gunsmith, and this is our daughter, Idiso” The male Dark Elf said.

As Tempest made introductions for her “family” both Seacrest and Jorik noticed how cute the daughter, Idiso.

“We do have barracks ready to move in but given the state of the camp I believe we all should stay in the Armory for the night.” Tempest finished and ushered the newcomers into the armory and around the broken tanks that Seacrest flung in her haste to save Jorik.

Seacrest and Growing Up

Some time had passed since the assault on the camp, in fact Jorik had just finished his fourteenth winter. In that time the camp gained more and more refugees. Elves, Dwarves, a Lamia or two and even a minotaur. Jorik had started going to a real school with the rest of the kids, luckily it was close enough that Indrod didn’t have to step outside, and they could have classes in well-lit rooms while staying out of the sun. Through the years Jorik had gotten really close to Idiso, so much so that he would often go on his own raiding missions with her instead of Seacrest.

By now Jorik was well over twice the height of an average solider and twice the muscle. He had gotten so big that some of the other refugees that were once tailers and shoemakers offered to help custom make and resize all of his clothes and help him fit into his boots.

One day while Jorik was at school, Seacrest was all alone, sitting on top of her horde. She was curled in a ball with blankets and stuffed animals strewn about, the garage door wide open. She watched as couples and small families walked about, minding their own business. Husbands with wives, mothers with small children too young for school. Seacrest let out a small sigh as a tear ran down her face.

Right about now Tempest would be heading to the wall to relieve the watch, however today they were informed the Jorik had been fighting and was asked to come take him home. Jorik was sitting across from the “principle”, a sturdy old dwarf that was a principle for a high school before the war started now, he helped run the school along with a small handful of teachers. Sitting next to Jorik was the boy who he was fighting with, another Orc perhaps not as big as Jorik but for his age was close in height. He was Jorog or “Death Spear” in his native language and he was from one of the bigger tribes from the north before the war had driven them to battle. Those that didn’t fight had fled and took refuge where they could. Jorog had been a child when his parents agreed to come with Tempest and help them rebuild the camp. Jorog’s parents were soon on the way as well and would get there a few minutes before Tempest would.

The parents of Jorog came into the office and at first were furious, but then the father looked at his son’s bloody face to Jorik’s face and noticed his bloody knuckles.

“Excuse me, Principal Redbeard.” The father started, “But what’s going on here?”

Before the Dwarf could respond Tempest, in his angry form said, “I’d like to know that as well.” He said from behind the tall Orc who quickly stepped aside to let him in as Tempest went to stand next to Jorik and smiled at him when he noticed he was ok, if not beyond pissed.

“Well Mr. and Mrs. Broken Skull,” He said to the Orc parents, “Tempest. These two were fighting in the halls and would stop so unfortunately Indrod had to hit them with the emergency power spray just so we could bring them in.

Tempest let out a small laugh, “You hit Jorik with power dampening spray? You know that only works if the person in question gets their strength and power from a Godly parent or ancestry?”

The dwarf nodded his head, “Yes, many of the teachers were aware of that when they tried to bring him in. That’s what Indrod told me when he escorted the young Orcs into my office.”

The Orc parents were talking in hushed tones and the father seemed to be going from angry to scared and back again as he listened to his sons account of the situation.

“Tempest, please accept my sincere apologies my son will make sure it won’t happen again the next time he comes back to school. I Promise.” The mother said around her husband who looked like he had seen a ghost.

This angered Jorog as he shot up in his chair, making the principal reach for something under his desk, Tempest believed it to be an P.D gun, (power dampening spray gun for short.)

“Me?” The young Orc cried, “What about that monster, he nearly ripped out my tusks!” Now it seemed like the boy was pleading with the principal.

Jorik quietly stood and pointed a large finger at Jorog, “You called me clan-less.”

The principal quickly dismissed them in hopes of saving his office yet another fight from the two Orcs, the parents of Jorog quickly rushed their son outside and toward their home avoiding Tempest and their gaze.

Tempest by now had once again went back to her nurturing self as her beautiful hair was braided, she now stood roughly at Joriks sternum when before they were almost eye level.

“I’m sorry” Jorik managed, with his head low, he was crying.

“Sorry?” Tempest stopped dead in her tracks and made the Orc look her in the eye, “You have nothing to apologize for, and you. Are. Not. Clan-less.” She made sure that the Orc heard her, very clearly when she said that.

“I got into another fight, and my parents are gone.” He cried, touching the tusks in his long braid.

“Yes, and you remembered your teachings and you won. It is true that your parents were taken at the beginning of this war, but Seacrest found you, remember? We did our best to raise you as our own, your clan is broken not forgotten.”

Jorik gave a weak smile but their heart to heart was cut short when they heard the sirens of approaching humans and they both saw Seacrest flying overhead roaring and attacking helicopters as they tried to fly in support for a larger unit on the outside of the gate.

Seacrest and New Feelings

Seacrest had quietly cried herself to sleep, quiet for a Dragon anyway. It was midday when the sounds of an approaching army violated her sleep, at first, she wasn’t concerned knowing that the gate guard could easily handle the approaching humans, however she was jerked awake when a new sound found her ears. A sound of blades cutting through the air, circling the camp.

Seacrest let out a loud roar and took to the skies, quickly gaining on the helicopter that had begun to circle the camp. The pilot saw her first approach and veered out of the way, her next attack hit the helicopter on the side and as she reached her head in to snap at the soldiers the gunner had opened fired at her. He lit up the side of her face and neck with his fifty caliber, machine gun. Seacrest cried out in pain but did not stop and did her best to reach the gunner, her current size was too small. Her head fit in the doorway and was able to attack the other soldiers that wouldn’t landed behind her gate, but given the gunners position he was safe. However, if Seacrest let go now, she might fall due to her injuries and that would mean Jorik would be open to machine gun fire, so she held on and used her tail to wrap around the body of the helicopter.

Possibly due to the added weight or perhaps Seacrest had damaged the helicopter more than she thought, either way the helicopter started spinning out of control as the pilot issued out a mayday, the helicopter crashed in a plume of smoke and shrapnel. Having landed on top of Seacrest part of the helicopter had pinned her limbs and cut into her abdomen. Seacrest let out another roar as the sounds of Alarms and gunfire faded into black.

When Seacrest open her eyes again, she found herself laying on a horde of mattress and under a building that wasn’t hers only to see a female Elf and a female Lamia poking and prodding her.

“Excuse!” Seacrest interrupted feeling almost embarrassed and unsure as to why these women were looking at her as if she had two heads.

“Oh goody, you’re awake.” The Eld said, smiling at her and looked over her face curiously.

“What happened?”

“Well, the wall guard help the soldiers off well enough, until they retreated at the sight of you brining down their copter now didn’t, they.”

“That they did.” The Lamia said coming around to stand next to the Elf, “How are ya feeling there, love?”

“Where am I?” Seacrest asked, feeling more and more curious.

“Oh dear me,” The Elf said, now it was her turn to look embarrassed. “I am Dr. Zinnan, I am the new doctor for the camp, Tempest found me well over a week ago. This beautiful lady.” She gestured at the Lamia, “She my lovely life partner and She was training to be a veterinarian. I asked for her help because put simply, neither of us have ever seen a Dragon many believed them to be myth.”

Tempest had so many questions for these but before she could say anything the Lamia leaned over and whispered in her lover’s ear.

“Oh, heavens to Betsie!” The Elf said, now very embarrassed, “We were so curious about you that we had forgotten that you had a visitor that ran here as soon as the fighting, he did. Dearie, could you go and grab him?” With a small kiss on the cheek the Lamia hurriedly slithered out what Seacrest could only guess was her makeshift waiting area, and no sooner had she left she was already heading back with Jorik quickly behind.

Seacrest almost leapt with excitement at the sight of seeing “Her Boy”, until she saw that the Dark Elf girl was practically running next to him, her hand held tightly in his. Her heart sank. Jorik had thrown his arms around her neck and was saying how worried he and Tempest had been, and how happy he was she was ok.

Seacrest should’ve been happy to see him, but she couldn’t help but feel heartbroken. Worst yet she didn’t truly understand why, so when it came time for him to take his new girlfriend home, she only halfheartedly said good night as the good doctors put her down for the night. They had asked her to stay they night just so they could run a few tests in the morning. She reluctantly fell asleep, though she was plagued by dreams. Dreams of her holding Jorik in an embrace impossible for Dragons and even more impossible for family. These dreams were followed by dreams of Seacrest never finding her mate her “Life partner,” as the Elf and Lamia had put their relationship. All the while her body shifted, twisted, and turned.

Seacrest would wake up to find that in the night and though her dreams she had developed a “mate able” body. One that stood only six feet tall, mostly humanoid with some remnants of her Dragon self. Her wings would go through a major size reduction, the went up past her horn that grew from the sides of her head, then folded downward and would drag the ground behind her. Her tail would shrink, barely touching the ground when she stood upright and at the base the thickness would be no thicker than her wrists. Everything else seemed mostly human, her facial features and even her well-formed chest would vaguely resemble a Human. Except she kept her beautiful blue scales that were just larger than a large lizard and the crest in which she got her name would be right above her heart.