^^ The old Docks in Shimmer's Cave ^^

--- Ambers POV ---

I stopped walking. 'Excuse me? It's entirely possible to have children with another woman. And there's adoption if that doesn't work.'

He hummed. 'Ahh, I see, cloning... interesting concept, but it wouldn't work on a supernatural. Any children you made that way would be human. You do not have dragon DNA, child. Only human. Magnus as well, and the fetus Ira. Our supernatural forms are just that. Made of pure magic, not science. We cannot be copied.'

I blinked. 'Oh... I hadn't thought of that.'

'Mm. So I ask again. Do your predilections make it impossible for you to propagate our species? Because I am capable of taking control, making us male for a night, then impregnating a few women for you.' He said casually.

I frowned. 'Never. But if I find a male I like, I may be able to mate with him. I have found men who were feminine enough for me before. I only ever fucked them with toys, but I'm sure I could be persuaded, if it was the right man.'

He snorted. 'Yes, the memories are... rather uncomfortable.'

'Why's that, exactly?' I smirked.

'... to be honest, I wasn't aware the male body was made to be able to... do those things. Or the female body, for that matter.'

I laughed out loud, ignoring the looks I was getting. 'Indeed. Now let's get to China, and unload the Ashes of Emperor Yu the Great. I still can't believe I'm able to say that seriously.'

He grunted. 'Aye... anything to get away from that train of thought.'

'Well I know what to torture you with when you annoy me. Sissi Boi's being rutted. Problem solved.' I grinned at his hiss of annoyance, and stepped into a dark alley, my draconian eyesight showing me two men at the other end, arguing.

'Perhaps you've chosen the wrong alley?' He whispered, despite the fact that only I could hear him.

Nevertheless, the second man, the one against the wall, snapped gorgeous golden eyes to me. I sighed, deciding to interfere. "Oi. You, thug. Get lost." I snapped my fingers at the much bigger man.

He pulled a long knife from his jacket, and started speaking in German. 'That's a Jaeger, Amber, a Fae Hunter, and you need to run, Amber. Run.' Shimmer hissed.

I grinned and reached behind me, pulling my sword out of the second plane, like Richten had taught me, and pulled a bit of my dragon's muscles as well, compressed into my skin. Scales covered my skin slowly, and I cracked my neck.

"I can take him. Calm down, Shimmer." I smiled.

The giant man darted towards me impossibly fast, and I grinned for courage, surging to meet him, pulling Shimmer's knowledge of swordplay and fighting into my limbs like years' worth of practiced muscle memory.

I dodged his first swing, and kicked his knee savagely, breaking it like a twig. He grunted and knelt, and my sword went under his chin. "Do you understand English, Hunter?" I asked softly.

He snarled at me. "Aye, Venator. I understand ye."

'Venator?' I asked Shimmer.

'The dragon version of a Fae Jaeger. A Talon is the proper title. He thinks you're a Dragon Enforcer for the Council. Let him, it will make him afraid of you.'

"Good. If you ever attack me again, I will kill you. Simple, and to the point." I tightened my grip, nicking his skin with the magic blade.

He grunted again. "... Aye..."

"Now moving on. What's that dragon's crime?" I asked casually.

"The brat? 'E looked at me wrong." He snorted arrogantly.

I growled and gripped his right shoulder, snapping it cleanly along the shoulder-blade, covering his mouth so his scream didn't travel more than a few feet.

Then I leaned and whispered in his ear, power leaking into my words. "If I ever hear of you abusing your powers as a Hunter ever again, I will cut off your hands and feet with a hot knife, and then leave you in an alley with a bowl to beg with. Am I perfectly clear? Good. Now disarm yourself."

He pulled off his leather jacket with his one mobile arm, the magical smell coming off of it overpowering his own, (which I supposed was the point,) and I discovered the inside was covered in magic knives.

I sheathed the one he'd tried to hack my head off with, and dropped the entire thing into my little storage space, along with my sword, and then turned back to him, smiling. "Fucking Witches." He spat to one side.

I smirked. "Indeed. Get lost."

He snarled and started limping away, clutching his limp arm to his body to immobilize it, his leg twisted painfully, head drooping, and, all-in-all, looking not nearly as intimidating as he had at first.

'How's that for run, you dumbass dragon? Never underestimate me.' I smirked at Shimmer, letting my scales and extra muscles fade back into the second plane. Then I walked over to the bludgeoned boy against the wall. "Are you alright?" I asked softly.

He grunted and stood, leaning against the wall for support. "Ich nein- I'm fine. Thank you."

I smiled. "Indeed... your name? I'm Amber Durendal, First Blood."

"Danny Sjöir. Ninth Blood, youngest son of three... rather useless, I'm afraid." He chuckled a bit, then grunted, holding his ribs.

I nodded. "Alright Danny... come on. You've got a home around here?"

"No, I don't. I'm no longer welcome. I was actually looking when I bumped into that bastard of a Jaeger." He spat blood off to one side.

I hummed, gently checking his ribs for breaks, and then exploring his body with my hands, curious. He had a beautiful body, though it was bruised, and his ass left very little to be desired. I nodded, making a decision.

'Interesting choice...' Shimmer hummed.

"Then would you like to come with me? I live in north London." I hummed again.

He was still blushing from my roaming hands, but he blinked in shock. "London? The city with 4 Lords of the Council? I don't know... I don't think I'd be welcome..."

I growled. "You'd be in my territory, under my protection. You'd be as welcome as I say you are. Anyone who says otherwise will fare no better than that Jaeger."

He blinked. "Well... its better than the streets, I suppose."

"Perfect. But first I have to go to China, I've a meeting with a Dragon there, he collects Chinese artifacts." I smiled and drew the portal, letting him rest.

'Do dragons have some sort of super-healing? Because he needs a doctor to check those ribs.'

'No, but witches heal rather well, when they're taught. You shouldn't try, but one of Ryuunosuke's servant lineages is witches, so they should be able to heal him, if asked nicely. Prepare one of the bottles of Sake if you're going to ask a favor from him.'

'Servant lineages?' I hummed curiously.

'The older dragons always kept servants, called different things in each language. They were treated well, of course, and those who mistreated them were sued by the corresponding race. Ryuunosuke keeps witches, fox-shifters, and sometimes the dragons he defeats in games.'

'Good to know. Let's go, then.' "The door to Ryunnosuke's Hold, Hong Kong, China, Aperi ianuam!" I hissed softly, and stepped back from the stone as it melted open.

Danny whistled softly. "Interesting. I thought you'd be flying."

"I've never flown before, and as such, I don't fancy my first flight to be intercontinental." I smiled.

He stared at me. "Never?"

"I've been a dragon for about a week." I chuckled.

"Oh... wow. You're a fast learner then, eh?" He grinned, and winced, his tongue working a loose molar.

I sighed. "Stop playing with it, I'll see if I can help a bit... this should work. Stay still, Danny. Sanare vulnera." I whispered, cupping his cheek in one hand, and pressing the other to his ribs. (Heal the Wounds.(duh))

He hissed in a breath, but his lip stitched itself together, and I could see his molar re-root, which no doubt hurt like hell. His ribs solidified under my hands, the cracks healing as I poured magic into him.

"As a normal witch, I couldn't do this like this, but with a dragons power... it's rather simple, yet still tiring. Good thing I already did the portal, eh?" I grinned.

He smiled. "You're amazing."

"Oh don't flatter me, boy, I enjoy it too much. Come." I pulled him into the portal, and we exited in the middle of a gallery for porcelain pots. "Don't touch a single item. Don't even breath on them, Danny. This is a Hoard." I said quietly, and he nodded.

A tall, very old Asian man stepped into the room, and sniffed loudly. "Ahhh. Shimmer. I recognize the Scent, but not the body... you were slain, old friend? So Sad..."

I smiled. "You're not Ryunnosuke. He's dead. You're his son, I presume? Grandson?"

He nodded. "Indeed, but I have their memories, and so I remember him."

"Good. I have a proposition to present to you, sir." I said.

He raised a hand. "Business will take place after we have had tea. Manners are very important for creatures who hold grudges for as long as we, don't you think?"

I hummed. "Perhaps. But if we hold grudges for petty things, are we not unwise? I think myself rather wise, and I put no stock in false pleasantries. I say what I wish to say, and do not hide behind flowery settings. Perhaps we are different minded about the issue, but I do concur that amassing grudges is not in my best interest."

He raised a paper-thin eyebrow. "Indeed. Then, tea?"

"Sure. I'd love to have some. Been a while since I had a proper cuppa, hmm?" I smiled.

He nodded and knelt down, sitting in the traditional style of most Asian cultures that I'd seen. I sat down cross-legged, and Danny sat down as Ryuunosuke did, hands on his thighs.

Immediately after he was seated, four women brought out a table, then a tea kettle, and leaves, then sugar and honey, and bowed and left, all within maybe half a minute.

"Very nice." I murmured.

His smile seemed a bit smug, but settled again. "Thank you." He said simply.

'Complimenting his servants serves to soothe his ego. But don't compliment their beauty, or he'll get jealous.' Shimmer whispered completely silently, guarding my mind.

He set about brewing the tea, and I smiled, watching with avid interest. When it was finished brewing, and poured, I sipped at the brew curiously, and was rewarded with the naturally sweet taste of something citrusy, almost. "Is this... orange?" I asked.

He smiled. "Yes, and no. Orange Zest was indeed added to the blend when it was packed, but it's a natural green."

I grinned. "Very interesting... I'm sure of the answer, but would you like to be a part of my Hoard?" I asked easily.

His slow, unfocused blink answered my question before his words. "I rather think that would be inappropriate."

I smiled again. "I see. That's too bad... my Hoard is made of magical creatures. I love collecting unique beings to my side. Not really a Hoard, per se, but something close... I had to try, of course."

He nodded. "I respect that." Then he set his empty cup down. "How do you find the brew, young Daniel Sjöir?"

Danny flinched. "I-its nice..."

I hummed and pet his hair. "You've nothing to fear here. Calm yourself. The tea is exquisite, however. I must ask if I can buy a brick of it when we are done with our negotiations, Sir." I smiled at the elderly dragon.

He nodded. "I would be happy to trade a supply of it..."

I smiled and set one of the bottles of aged Sake on the table. "Then, moving on. A gift, to further our relations. Aged at least 750 years, kept in pristine condition. Seal unbroken. Yours." I set it in front of him, and leaned back.

He smiled slowly, his teeth, when visible, sharpened to points. "Amusing... bribery, my dear, will get you everywhere with dragons."

I laughed. "So I've been told. Would you like to hear my proposition? Or would you like to drink some more of this delicious tea?" I asked, sipping my tea slowly, eyes sharply focused on his face.

His eyes, when they met mine, sparked, and I smirked at the fear that tried to worm its way up my spine, before I crushed it, and filled my gaze with my own power. He raised an eyebrow again. "You are very interesting, young Durendal. I will remember you, I think... yes. I'd like to hear your proposal."

"Good. It's more of... information. What you choose to ask next is of your own, private agenda, and I will not hold a grudge. I have, in my possession, from Shimmer's Hoard, the True Xia Urn of Yu the Great." I said simply.

He froze, and sniffed loudly. "You don't smell of lies... I see... so Shimmer had it... that makes sense. It's a bottle, after all. What do you wish for it? That Urn is worth more than this entire museum, plus more. The People's Republic of China would pay incredible, blasphemous amounts of money for its return."

"Mm... true. But I prefer to deal with a fellow Dragon, which is why Shimmer pointed me to you." I nodded.

He stroked his thin white beard. "Interesting... what do you want for it?"

"My Entrance is rather remote... but it holds, in it, a small lake, and a Dock. I want five Ships, fit to sail these modern seas, carry delicate cargo, and service supernatural clients, so we don't have to deal with pesky customs for all of our valuables and artifacts, as well as land-routes as well, along with contacts around the world that wish my services. A crew of sea Fae for each ship, and protection from any would-be pirates, would be nice as well. Would the Urn be worth all of that?" I asked.

He blinked slowly. "That's... rather forward-thinking of you. I am surprised."

"Thank you." I nodded, choosing to take it as a compliment.

He realized his mistake, and bowed his head slowly. "My apologies. I underestimated you, Madame Durendal. You have my respect. And yes, I can make this happen. I already have something close to what you speak of, and will happily transfer ownership of it, after I have reconfigured it to your specifications. I don't suppose you care if they also transport magical herbs disguised as drugs, do you?"

I hummed. "I'd prefer them disguised as non-illegal herbs."

He nodded again. "Easily done. Within the fortnight, your wish will have been granted. Now..."

I smiled and pulled the Urn out carefully, setting it next to the Sake. "And there you have it. The Xia Urn of Yu the Great. It has been confirmed by two dragon Curators, and given a certificate of authenticity." I set the paperwork next to the golden urn.

His gaze was locked on the Urn unflinchingly, his eyes completely dilated.

I nodded and stood up slowly. "I will expect correspondence soon, Sir. My Entrance will be moved tomorrow, to a remote spot at the mouth of the Thames."

He snapped his eyes away from the Urn. "Indeed... I will... I will speak to you soon. Thank you, Amber-Rose The Merchant." He gave me a title on the fly, but I rather liked it.

I smiled. "I like that name... You are welcome, Ryuunosuke the Collector." I bowed deeply, and touched a wall, focusing on the residual portal magic, reactivating it, and redirecting it to London.

"My name is Ryuuna the Collector, Madame. And I hope to do business with you again." He chuckled.

"I believe we will be doing quite a bit of business, sir. Good day." I bowed again and stepped through the portal, pulling Daniel.

---

I set the markers, and nodded. "We've bought the land?" I asked Shimmer.

'The lighthouse and everything within 1000 Acres is ours, yes. I got a very good deal. You were asleep. I called them on your telephone.'

I grunted. "I don't like you doing that. Wake me up next time you need to do some business. Remember whose body this is, eh?"

'Aye aye, cap'n!' He snickered.

I smiled and stepped back. "Good. And you're sure that the ships can enter and exit the Entrance if it's underwater?"

'Yes. My ship used to sail in and out without a glitch, and it was underwater most times. It'll be easy. Though, the entrance and dock have been renovated to better accommodate modern Freight and sailing Ships. A proper Dock, not a glorified wooden plank.'

"Good. And the Lighthouse door?"

'A permanent two-way portal accessed with a magical key, connected to a door pinned to the wall in your apartment, as modern art, hidden among several others, as you asked.'

"Perfect. Let's see the place all spiffed up, eh?" I grinned, and dove into the water, shifting once I was deep enough.

I smiled at the freeing feeling, and flicked my tail to propel myself into the Entrance. I entered swiftly, and swam around with the sharks for a bit, before swimming down the cavern towards the docks.

I climbed up onto them, and grinned, purring deep in my chest. "I like it... I like it very much..."

'Good. It took a lot of energy to make it happen. There's also housing for the crews, and a tavern, amongst other things. I've already gotten some Fae to work the place. They're happy to have a place they can work in peace. Of course, the Hoard and Tunnel is off-limits, on pain of death. No one is allowed to even ascend the path I made in the wall for myself.' He sniffed derisively.

I laughed. "Good, good... hmm... then let's go home. I need sleep, and I want to check on Daniel."

'Sonja may have eaten him already. Or Magnus.'

"I do hope not..." I sighed.