Verdant Skies

"But why do you have to go, Mama?" Arashi's pleading tone and the look of fear in his eyes tore at Iris's heart in ways that she had no true words to describe, "Can't Muu and the others deal with it? Or even Aunt Luna? W-why do you have to go?"

Dropping to her knees before him, Iris let the bag she'd packed fall to the ground and pulled Arashi into a tight hug. She felt him shaking against her and it almost broke her resolve to go. Speaking softly as Sirius's head laid over her shoulder, she told Arashi, "Because Lady Scheherazade asked me to do this, Dragonling. There are a lot of people heading into a place where they can get very badly hurt or worse," She pulled back to look him in the eyes, "Muu and the Fanalis Corps included," Arashi bit his bottom lip as tears glimmered in those wine-red eyes of his, "I have to go protect people, Arashi. I'm not going out there for fun, but because there are lives at stake, Hatchling. Luna and the others can't do some of the things I can, so I've got to go."

"I-I don't want you to go though," Arashi sniffed at her.

"I know, Hatchling," Iris cupped his cheek and wiped away the fat tears starting to fall, "I'll make you a promise though," He eyed her, and she offered him a soft smile, "I'll come back home to you, Arashi. And then we'll work out some way to see your Daddies once things calm down, I promise,"

"On the stars?" Arashi murmured their usual way to seal a promise.

Biting back a soft laugh, Iris nodded, "And on our wings," She hugged him again and he sniffled while pressing his face into her neck, "I love you, Hatchling."

"I love you, Mama," Arashi murmured against her neck.

After dropping off Arashi with an attendant who would be looking after him until she returned, Iris joined the Fanalis Corps alongside her friends and Sirius. She was surprised to see Alibaba walking into the staging area where their gear was being set up. Walking over to where Muu was speaking to the boy, she raised an eyebrow at the two, "Bringing along a stray, Muu?"

Despite his initial misgivings, Muu had gotten along well with Alibaba once they'd begun training together. The boy had impressed the man enough to warrant his respect to a point. Giving her a sheepish smile, Muu rubbed the back of his neck, "He will be staying back while we fight, but his little friend, Aladdin, is within Magnostadt. He's pleaded his case well enough that I was willing to allow him to come along."

Humming softly as she tilted her head, Iris admitted, "I'd almost forgotten that Aladdin was in Magnostadt. I'll have to keep an eye out for the kid as I've got a feeling this is the type of mess he tends to get wrapped up in and it'd be a pain in the ass if one of Arashi's friends got themselves killed for being an idiot."

Opening his mouth to protest, Alibaba's cheeks flushed, "Hey-"

Raising an eyebrow at him, Iris crossed her arms, "Am I wrong in thinking that Aladdin might try to involve himself? And that doing so would be particularly stupid?"

Clearing his throat as he looked away from her, Alibaba admitted, "I...maybe."

Snorting softly as she shook her head, Iris told Alibaba, "It's good that Aladdin can see the bright side within others. That's something I'm trying to instill within Arashi while also ensuring he is cautious," She gave the blonde a look, "But getting involved when two countries are going to war? That is pure stupidity."

"Why are you getting involved with them?" Alibaba frowned at her.

"Because I have dear friends involved in this which I suspect Aladdin might as well if he's taking part," Iris smiled sadly at the thought, "But unlike what he may intend to do, I will merely be providing defensive aid. I along with my friends made a vow long ago not to involve ourselves with the squabbles of another country using violence,"

While Iris had technically violated that vow within Kou, she had a pass due to Gyokuen striking first. Alibaba looked very confused, "Miss Hermione and Mister Ron never mentioned that."

Her jaw tensed at those words, Iris shook her head with a deep sigh, "They likely have their reasons for not doing so, but the fact remains that we made that oath," She looked at Muu, "I'm going to check over our gear again. We're leaving soon, right?"

"Yeah," Muu nodded to her with a slight frown, "Are you...?"

Inwardly smiling at the fact he knew better than to ask certain questions, Iris nodded, "I will be once this shitfest is over, Muu. Arashi didn't exactly take the fact I had to go with every well," She rubbed the back of her neck, "But I'm going to focus on getting through."

With another nod to Muu, Iris headed over to where Neville was checking over their bags and began helping him do the final check-through. Neville spoke in a soft voice, "We just have to get through this and it'll be back to normal."

"Yeah..." Iris glanced towards the horizon her stomach shifted uneasily.

With Luna's words echoing inside her head and the unease shifting through her, Iris doubted the battle was going to go how any of them expected.

As the ships traveled from Reim to Magnostadt, Iris took to her dragon form for most of the trip to ease her increasingly unsteady nerves. The rhythmic beat of her wings created a steady cadence, the wind roaring in her ears, and the sensation of flight provided a temporary distraction from the unease that lingered within her. When they finally landed on the sandy banks of Magnostadt's border, a clear attempt to negotiate with Magnostadt occurred one last time. When that failed and the first shots were fired by the Magicians only to be blocked by barriers that she'd thrown up not even a moment into their arrival on enemy soil, the battle had begun.

War cries sounded as soldiers moved forward in solid lines, the Magicians didn't move at first as their features showed looks of shock from the sight of their spells simply washing harmlessly away from Iris's barriers. As the enemy soldiers and Reim soldiers began to clash, the Magicians seemed to come out of their shock and dart forward. Staying hidden from sight via potion, she easily countered most of the spells sent their way, and any that couldn't be countered was blocked by one of the Magicians from her team. Frustrated cries left the Magicians, she had to let out a low laugh at seeing those pissed-off faces and almost wished she could be right up front and center in the battle.

But even as she enjoyed the chaos that was unfolding, Iris could sense something within the air. Underneath all the fighting, it was like a slumbering beast was on the verge of waking. Her laughter slowly came to a stop, she swallowed and shook her head while focusing just a bit harder. If they hurried and finished the fighting, they'd ensure whatever big plan of the Magicians wouldn't come to pass. Her barriers came faster and covered more soldiers, the Magicians' attacks began to bounce backward and sent their original caster flying back.

As the Fanalis Corps darted across the field, Iris struggled for a few minutes to properly cover them as they moved too quickly for her to truly adjust. But she realized it wasn't quite needed at that moment, she adjusted her barriers to only cover them when their lives were under threat and focused only on the soldiers who needed it. Still, though, the Magicians were beginning to adapt and start to break through the barriers she'd been using. With a narrowed-eyed look, she twisted things about and changed the barrier types earning howls of anger from the Magicians. But her attention was caught by something rising in the distance, a speck followed by three giant men shaped out of sand.

Before she'd fully realized what was happening, Iris found herself buried beneath a mountain of sand and was struggling to pull herself out. By the time she managed it with some help from Neville, Muu had shot off in his Barbatos equip towards the distant speck that radiated enough Rukh that even those without the magical ability could see the little birds. Whistling lowly, she muttered, "Well shit, who the hell pissed him off?"

"Aladdin apparently," Neville grunted as he helped Iris to her feet.

Blinking slowly as those words registered, Iris looked at Neville and then at the floating speck before shaking her head in disbelief, "No fucking way. I mean the kid had some strong magic, but..." She trailed off as Alibaba shot off in the same direction as Muu, "If Alibaba's going that way, it has to be because of Aladdin..." She pursed her lips, "Well that's going to be a fucked up mess."

"No doubt," Neville grunted as he released her, "You alright?"

"More tired than anything," Iris dusted herself off, "Muu's going to kill those kids," She bit her bottom lip, "I really shouldn't interfere, but they're Arashi's friends..."

"Ris?" Ginny covered her mouth though Iris could see the smile.

Letting out a groan as she rubbed at her head and tried to ignore the dust rising from the motion, Iris clicked her tongue, "Holy fuck, I fucking hate dealing with kids that aren't my own. It's such a pain in the ass," She scowled at Ginny as the ginger-haired woman snickered, "Go fuck yourself."

Taking off at a run, Iris transformed into her dragon form and was flying towards where the trio had gone. When she reached them, she realized Lady Scheherazade was there alongside Titus. Head tilting as she slowly settled on the ground not far from the group, she had to bite back a snicker as Aladdin and Alibaba flinched back with fear in their eyes. She shifted back as Lady Scheherazade asked, "Come to ensure Muu didn't kill these two?"

"Arashi would be very disappointed if I didn't at least try," Iris admitted as she walked over and her eyes narrowed at seeing how exhausted Muu looked, "You fucked yourself over, didn't you, Muu?"

Looking away from her, Muu muttered, "We needed to take the city."

"That's no excuse for exhausting yourself to this extent," Iris walked over to where Myron was holding Muu up and dug out a potion that would give him a small boost from her bag, "Drink this, Idiot. We don't need you passing out before Neville can get to ya,"

Giving her a look of great reluctance, Muu slowly took the potion and downed it like a shot though his grimace told her the potion had covered every taste bud. She looked at Aladdin as he burst out, "You can turn into a dragon, Miss Iris?"

"That I can, Kiddo," Iris smirked at him, "And you are a little troublemaker just as I thought," Aladdin flushed and scratched at the back of his head with a sheepish smile, "I take it that you did all this for a good reason though, right?"

"Titus is my friend alongside a lot of people within this city," Aladdin gestured to Magnostadt, "I don't want anyone to fight if there is a chance we don't need to,"

"Which is why I am willing to hear Aladdin out," Lady Scheherazade smiled faintly and Iris raised a brow at the blonde, "Unlike Metal Mogamet, he at least seems to have a unique enough view that makes me want to listen. Much like a dragon, I know,"

Rolling her eyes at Lady Scheherazade, Iris replied, "Well, we should probably head over to the ships if we're going to talk. I don't think the battlefield makes for a comfortable talking place."

"It does not," Lady Scheherazade giggled softly.

Lying on the deck with her head on a bag, Iris was content to simply rest while Lady Scheherazade spoke with the boys. She had a feeling that something was about to happen and whatever rest they managed to get would be needed. Cracking open an eye as someone dropped down beside her, she glanced at Muu as he spoke, "That boy, Aladdin, is a magi."

"It's news to me though with Arashi's luck in finding friends and my own in meeting others..."Iris shook her head slightly with a wry smile, "Guess we know which one helped Alibaba find that Djinn of his, I'm still trying to figure out how the kid knew so little magic when we first met,"

"More questions and few answers with that pair, it seems," Muu grunted in agreement and leaned back against the ship's mast, "I think Lady Scheherazade might let Titus go back to Magnostadt to live out whatever time is left,"

There was something in his voice, a pained note that prompted her to sit up. Iris touched Muu's shoulder and saw the pain in his eyes. Speaking softly, she told him, "Because Titus is basically a little kid and Magnostadt was the only home he's ever truly known, I can't find it in me to be surprised," She saw Muu's jaw clench, "He may not have been born like anyone else, Muu, but the kid was still given life by Lady Scheherazade. He was brought into this world and given a separate consciousness from her. While I'm sure a lot of people would love to argue over the morals of it, it doesn't change the fact he is a living being capable of his feelings and he's going to die soon. Whether that be within the next few hours or days is something only the above know, we can only accept it as is."

His head dropped against the mast as he sighed deeply, Muu rubbed at his face, "How do you always-" He waved at her with a low grunt, "Whenever something complicated pops up?"

"Unfortunately, I've had a unique life that's led to me gaining enough experience to give certain advice," Iris smiled weakly at Muu, "I'm also currently a single mother who's had to raise her son alone and that's given me a very unique perspective for all that I've gotten help along the way," She shrugged her shoulders, "But it's up to you to take my advice and to remember that this is Lady Scheherazade own choice to make. Because even if you don't want to admit it, Titus is her son even if it wasn't by fully natural means,"

Groaning softly at her words, Muu muttered, "I hate this...and how logical you are sometimes."

"But you also love having me as your best friend," Iris giggled softly as his lips twitched, "Feel a bit better?"

"To a point though not really," Muu looked at her, "You're unsettled,"

Releasing a deep breath, Iris nodded while looking back at Magnostadt, "Something in me says that we're not done here, I just don't know what we could possibly need to do as a ceasefire was issued," She sighed heavily, "Whatever's going to happen, it's going to be big."

"I'd doubt you, but your instincts haven't led you wrong since we've known each other," Muu was frowning when she glanced back at him, "I'll ensure everyone tries to get some rest while we wait for whatever you're feeling to happen,"

Giving him a light smile, Iris shifted to lay back down and forced her eyes closed.

Creatures coated in black shadows rose from Magnostadt and swarmed off towards the east, Iris realized with a jolt that this was what she'd been sensing this entire time. Within the core of her soul, she felt her inner dragon seethe at the sight of those creatures, and cries for their blood began to fill her mind. Getting a grip on herself, she gripped the railing of the ship as someone shouted, "The fuck are those things?"

"Iris!" Aladdin called out to her and she turned her head towards him, "I know that we don't know each other very well, but would you please lend me your strength? Those things are very dangerous," Iris almost snorted alongside her inner dragon at those words, "If they are not destroyed, the very world could be,"

Turning away from him, Iris looked back at the shadowy creatures as smoke began seeping between her lips. She let out a soft snort and glanced at her friends, "What do you guys think? Enough of a reason to break the vow?"

"Eh, they don't seem like people," Ginny smirked, crossing her arms.

"I'm curious to see how a shit ton of healing magic would affect them," Neville's lips pulled into a dark grin, "Or the green,"

"The Nargles say they are hole within this world," Luna's tone was serious despite her words, "Off with their heads, they deserve to be little more than ash on the wind, Dragoness,"

"As you wish, Hare," Iris gave a mocking bow to Luna before turning to Aladdin with a bright grin on her face as she allowed the bright molten gold to overtake the emerald-green of her eyes, "You have our support, Kiddo. Let's go hunting,"

There was a shiver going through Aladdin and Alibaba's bodies, Iris merely grinned at them before turning back towards the outpouring of shadowy creatures. Cracking her neck, she jumped off the ship while concentrating on her dragon form. Taking off as she transformed, the air around her shimmered with waves of heat even as she flew faster than a speeding arrow toward the cloud. Aladdin and Alibaba caught up to her far faster than she'd expected though she merely snorted at the pair before focusing on their prey. Her eyes narrowed at seeing some of the dark creatures she heard Aladdin call Dark Djinn falling, a familiar pink scythe slashing through the creatures only for more to rise in their place.

Increasing her speed even as Alibaba transformed into his Djinn equip, Iris arrived just as the Dark Djinn managed to overwhelm Kouha. With a snarl as her tail smacked the creatures away from him, she proceeded to burn them to a crisp while taking up a defensive position over the boy she'd once started to think of as an annoying younger brother. She heard shocked gasps with Kouha whispering, "Iris?"

Sparing him a single glance as he stumbled back into the arms of his attendants, Iris focused on rendering the incoming tide of Dark Djinn to ash alongside Alibaba though somehow it seemed the blonde was having more trouble than her. Only when flames from another source appeared did she manage to pull back, she inwardly smirked at seeing Seishuu, Kin, Shou, and Shuu step up to take on the tide. Withdrawing once she was sure the four could take on the tide, she made her way back over to where Kouha was and found Kouen healing his arm with Phenex.

Her heart hammered at the sight of Kouen, Iris felt a barrage of emotion at seeing him for the first time in years. The main one was the all-encompassing love that still burned within her. Excitement and slight fear followed it up, she found it just a bit hard to breathe even if a moment before she'd been just fine.

Creatures coated in black shadows rose from Magnostadt and swarmed off towards the east, Iris realized with a jolt that this was what she'd been sensing this entire time. Within the core of her soul, she felt her inner dragon seethe at the sight of those creatures, and cries for their blood began to fill her mind. Getting a grip on herself, she gripped the railing of the ship as someone shouted, "The fuck are those things?"

"Iris!" Aladdin called out to her and she turned her head towards him, "I know that we don't know each other very well, but would you please lend me your strength? Those things are very dangerous," Iris almost snorted alongside her inner dragon at those words, "If they are not destroyed, the very world could be,"

Turning away from him, Iris looked back at the shadowy creatures as smoke began seeping between her lips. She let out a soft snort and glanced at her friends, "What do you guys think? Enough of a reason to break the vow?"

"Eh, they don't seem like people," Ginny smirked, crossing her arms.

"I'm curious to see how a shit ton of healing magic would affect them," Neville's lips pulled into a dark grin, "Or the green,"

"The Nargles say they are hole within this world," Luna's tone was serious despite her words, "Off with their heads, they deserve to be little more than ash on the wind, Dragoness,"

"As you wish, Hare," Iris gave a mocking bow to Luna before turning to Aladdin with a bright grin on her face as she allowed the bright molten gold to overtake the emerald-green of her eyes, "You have our support, Kiddo. Let's go hunting,"

There was a shiver going through Aladdin and Alibaba's bodies, Iris merely grinned at them before turning back towards the outpouring of shadowy creatures. Cracking her neck, she jumped off the ship while concentrating on her dragon form. Taking off as she transformed, the air around her shimmered with waves of heat even as she flew faster than a speeding arrow toward the cloud. Aladdin and Alibaba caught up to her far faster than she'd expected though she merely snorted at the pair before focusing on their prey. Her eyes narrowed at seeing some of the dark creatures she heard Aladdin call Dark Djinn falling, a familiar pink scythe slashing through the creatures only for more to rise in their place.

Increasing her speed even as Alibaba transformed into his Djinn equip, Iris arrived just as the Dark Djinn managed to overwhelm Kouha. With a snarl as her tail smacked the creatures away from him, she proceeded to burn them to a crisp while taking up a defensive position over the boy she'd once started to think of as an annoying younger brother. She heard shocked gasps with Kouha whispering, "Iris?"

Sparing him a single glance as he stumbled back into the arms of his attendants, Iris focused on rendering the incoming tide of Dark Djinn to ash alongside Alibaba though somehow it seemed the blonde was having more trouble than her. Only when flames from another source appeared did she manage to pull back, she inwardly smirked at seeing Seishuu, Kin, Shou, and Shuu step up to take on the tide. Withdrawing once she was sure the four could take on the tide, she made her way back over to where Kouha was and found Kouen healing his arm with Phenex.

Her heart hammered at the sight of Kouen, Iris felt a barrage of emotion at seeing him for the first time in years. The main one was the all-encompassing love that still burned within her. Excitement and slight fear followed it up, she found it just a bit hard to breathe even if a moment before she'd been just fine. There was a bittersweet twinge of pain accompanied by a profound sense of longing, they were joined with a bolt of nostalgia as memories of the time they'd shared swept through her mind for a brief moment.

As she stepped up without transforming into her human form, Aladdin called out, "Iris! You looked amazing out there-"

"Iris," The low rumble of Kouen's voice made her head lower as he turned to her with his sword lowering from Kouha's healed arm, "It's been too long,"

Seeing the answering mixture of emotions in his eyes, the same love and longing mixed with pain eased away the fear and anxiety she'd been feeling. Iris let out a low rumble while nosing Kouen lightly before shifting around him to peer at Kouha with a slight glare as he snorted. The boy clamped his mouth shut with a pale face as Kouen chuckled softly and set a hand on one of her cheek spikes. Her eye flicked toward Aladdin as the boy called out to her again, a look of confusion on his face, "You know these guys, Iris."

Pulling her head back, Iris shifted into her human form and stretched slightly as her bones popped back into place. Offering a smile to Aladdin, she nodded, "I know them very well, Aladdin. Kinda have to since I stayed with Kouen during my time in Kou," Aladdin's eyes widened at her admittance while Alibaba made a soft noise, "Though that brings me to question," She looked at Kouen with a raised eyebrow, "What are you all doing here? Glad as I am to see you guys, it's kinda fucked up that we're meeting again on a battlefield."

"Conquering Magnostadt," Kouen answered with a smirk.

Clicking her tongue at him, Iris shook her head, "Should have guessed that one, I'd say Reim was already doing that, but Lady Scheherazade just made a truce with them..." She glanced at the still steady stream of Dark Djinn heading their way, "But I'm not sure if those things are going to invalidate that truce or not..."

"That's an interesting thing to consider," Kouen admitted while glancing toward the Dark Djinn, "Those things do pose a small problem,"

As Aladdin called for Kouen's attention, Iris decided to let the boy talk as she was semi-curious about how he'd manage to get Kouen's support for this situation. Upon seeing the Djinn appearing, she just about squealed over Kouen's and Kouha's Djinn while pouting at the fact Koumei wasn't here so she could see just what Dantalion looked like. Mentally promising herself to bribe Judar into letting her meet Koumei's Djinn later, she walked up to Agares and smiled at the fox-like Djinn as he wasn't speaking. Blinking down at her, he let out a low chuckle and reached out toward her with a clawed hand, "Hello, Little Dragon Queen. You are quite the interesting mate our King has found."

Cheeks heating up at those words, Iris continued to smile at Agares, "And you're adorable, Agares," He blinked at her before smiling brightly, "I'd ask for a hug, but you're a bit too big. Can I paint you at some point though?"

"Of course!" Agares nodded with a grin.

"Wait! You want to paint him?" Astaroth pouted as he pushed himself close to Iris and she backed away from him, "That's no fair, why not me?"

"I would have asked, but you were in the middle of talking," Iris rubbed the back of her neck with a sheepish smile as Astaroth groaned at her.

"Can I have a painting, Little one?" Phenex asked as she set a hand on Iris's shoulder.

"I did one already, Lady Phenex," Iris smiled at Phenex as the female Djinn blinked at her, "The phoenix painting,"

"I do remember that one, but I'd love to have one that more resembles me in this form," Phenex explained earning a soft hum.

Cupping her chin, Iris contemplated the request before nodding, "I can do something like that, but it's been a long time since I've painted. And I've already promised Agares a painting first," Phenex gave her a soft smile, "But I'll make you one, I promise," She giggled as Astaroth crumbled on the ground, "And one for you too, Astaroth. I would never forget about you."

As the Djinn were badgered to get back on track and a deal was struck, Iris grinned as Kouen called for his siblings. As she was about to transform into her dragon form and start to fight, Kouen caught her around the waist. Speaking softly as he pressed a delicate kiss to her cheek, Kouen murmured, "When this is over, we will make arrangements for you and Arashi to come to Balbadd. It's time for us all to spend time together."

"My thoughts exactly," Iris hesitated for all of a moment as Kouen released her before she pressed a kiss to his lips.

What should have been a quick kiss was longer as Kouen's fingers dug into her hips, Iris let out a low sound as all the feelings she'd buried came screaming into the forefront of her mind. Her fingers slid into his hair as warmth welled up in her chest, she found it difficult to even think about the fact they were on a battlefield. But as Kouha let out a whistle and there were multiple gasps, she pulled herself away from Kouen.

Clearing her throat as a light flush coated her cheeks, Iris ignored the smirk plastered across Kouen's lips as Kouha shouted, "So that's why you were looking for her, Entei!"

Flipping the boy off, Iris told Kouen, "I will see you later. Try not to be killed."

Turning away from Kouen before the urge to kiss him overwhelmed her, Iris took off and transformed into her dragon form.

Dodging around the deadly hands that had already taken off more than a few scales, Iris managed to gather up the steam to fire off a torrent of flame to ash the ones following her. Her chest heaved with the effort, she was struggling to keep up with the high speeds that had been so easy earlier and her flames weren't quite hot enough to burn away the hands anymore even if they'd scorched them. Managing to find a safe enough place to land not far outside the city, she panted heavily and mentally grimaced.

There was a wet feeling in the back of her throat, it lined her tongue and dripped onto the ground. Based on the fact she could taste iron with each flame produced, she knew she'd begun pushing herself beyond the limits of what this body was meant to do. But that was the same for everyone here, the ones fighting this thing that was currently trying to kill everyone around it. Her lips pulled back into a snarl, she would not let anyone much less a creature made of Dark Djinn kill those that were precious to her.

With a grunt, as she flexed her weakened wings, Iris forced herself back into the air and resumed fighting against the creature. As she dodged more hands and scorched them away, Koumei called to her and she carefully made her way over to him. There was worry in his eyes, he managed to keep it from his voice as he shouted over the din of battle, "We've got a plan, Iris. For your part, I need you to go through one of Dantalion's portals when I open it and use your strongest flame as soon as possible, alright?"

Letting out a rumble, Iris nosed him to show that she understood. His fingers brushed against her snout for a brief moment, Koumei smiled for a moment though it disappeared as he pulled his hand back. Blinking in confusion, she realized what was wrong as soon as she saw the crimson coating his fingertips where they'd brushed against the edges of her lips. As he opened his mouth, she merely nudged him once more before taking off to distract the hands that were plaguing them.

There was little doubt in her mind that Koumei was alarmed by the blood, Iris knew he'd likely tell Kouen as soon as the opportunity presented itself. But since they were in the middle of a fight, it would be a while before that could happen. She was content with waiting as Kouen needed all the strength he had to focus on fighting just as she did. Once the battle was over, she'd go see Neville and get healed.

Putting those thoughts from her mind, Iris focused as the battle raged on and soon found herself going through one of Dantalion's portals. Taking the deepest breath possible as her chest heated up, she released the condensed blast of flame as soon as the creature was firmly in sight. Almost choking as liquid began to crawl up her throat, she felt tears burn in her eyes though managed to ignore it long enough to ensure the creature was missing most of its limbs. As she started to cough up blood, she dodged around the remaining limbs as best she could.

As a brilliant burst of lightning flashed out and struck the creature, Iris was flung back and barely had the strength to right herself. Seeing Sinbad arrive alongside other Dungeon Capturers, she allowed herself to descend onto a nearby beach and finally collapse as blood trickled from her lips. Her vision blurred as bright lights exploded, she had enough presence of mind to shift into her human form before finally allowing herself the sweet release of unconsciousness.

Eyes opening as she felt the familiar warmth of Neville's magic against hers, Iris let out a low sound though regretted it as her throat immediately protested the sound. Weaking raising a hand to her mouth, she felt someone swat her hand away before a vial was shoved into her mouth and she was being coaxed into drinking a vaguely familiar potion. When her eyes managed to adjust, she was being helped into a sitting position by Ginny as Neville continued to work his magic. Her head was settled against Ginny's shoulder, she muttered, "What's going on?"

"Lady Scheherazade gave up the rest of her magoi to give the Dungeon Capturers a power boost in hopes of defeating the Medium," Ginny answered as Neville finished and Iris felt a pang at the fact Lady Scheherazade was gone, "It...It didn't work,"

"The fuck?" Iris looked at Ginny in shock.

"We aren't sure how, but all we know is that Titus has to do with why they've even got a chance to beat it now," Ginny gestured towards the sea and Iris jolted back at seeing the Medium standing there, "Aladdin and Sinbad's head Magician, Yamuraiha, are in that thing right now,"

Opening her mouth and closing it, Iris shook her head, "Fucking kid is going to give me grey hair before Arashi does," Ginny and Neville both snorted at her, "Luna?"

"Making sure no one tries to kill anyone else until after this situation solves itself or we have to fight that thing again," Ginny replied as Iris sighed softly, "Nev, is she good?"

"For the moment though don't use your dragon form," Neville gave Iris a dark look and she winced, "Whether you needed to do it or not, you overworked your body with that stunt,"

"I know," Iris rubbed the back of her neck before beginning to stand with Ginny's help, "Fuck, I feel tired,"

"You're going to," Neville grunted at her, "Now c'mon, you've got idiots worried about you and some kids to smack some sense into,"

Eyeing Neville for a moment, Iris scowled at the realization of what he meant. Crossing her arms as Ginny released her, she told him, "I am not dealing any crap from those kids. Life or death situation aside, they're alive. They can handle it."

Giving her a look as he snorted, Neville began walking towards the large crowd of people. Following after him with a scowl, Iris felt eyes settle on them as they drew closer and whispers began to pick up. Moving through the crowd as it began to part, she felt a sinking feeling dawn in her gut upon seeing Alibaba pacing by the unconscious form of Aladdin with Morgiana just staring blankly at the blue-haired boy. Rubbing her face, she muttered a curse under her breath as Ginny giggled, "So...Nev's right?"

"Go fuck yourselves," Iris snapped at them before making her way over to the two teens, "You know," She drawled out while crossing her arms as the two's heads snapped towards her, "Pacing and staring at him like he's some kind of sleeping beauty isn't going to wake him up any faster, Kids,"

"I-Iris!" Alibaba looked half relieved while Morgiana's shoulders relaxed just a bit, "You're alright,"

"Eh, to a point," Iris smiled weakly, "I need a fuck load of sleep after the shitfest that just happened, but I'm up and walking thanks to Nev," She gave Alibaba a pointed look and he flinched back, "But seriously, Alibaba, what are you doing? The kid won't wake up just because you're pacing. I might not understand everything about this world's magic and don't even get me started on the fuckall that is my own," She shook her head, "But I do know that pacing around or just staring won't help. I mean, it isn't going to make things worse, but you're not making things better,"

"I...I know," Alibaba hugged himself with a weak smile, "I just...We're all standing around unable to do anything while they're in there, Iris. What if they fail? Aladdin would be gone-"

"And we'd have to go back to fighting that thing," Iris saw Alibaba swallow as he drew back as if she'd slapped him, "I don't want to fight that thing again. I know for a fact I'd be breaking my promise to Arashi by doing it," She looked towards the Medium and scowled, "But...I wouldn't stand back and let others fight if it came down to it,"

"Promise..." Alibaba murmured.

"I promised Arashi that I come home," Iris looked at Alibaba, "While it might not seem like a lot to you, it is to him. I'm the only parent he's ever known, so trust me when I say that promise is important, but...I'd break it if killing that thing was the price," She smiled sadly at Alibaba, "So believe in Aladdin that he can take care of it from the inside, I mean he's a pretty amazing kid with a good track record so far. If anyone can do it, he can,"

"I...you're right," Alibaba took a deep breath and smiled at Iris, "Thanks,"

"Don't thank me until those two wake the fuck up, Brat," Iris turned away from him.

While Iris wanted nothing more than to find Kouen and the others, she had to check in on Muu as he was likely running through the gauntlet right now. Finding him standing in a mostly secluded corner with Myron and Lo'lo, she nodded to the two while walking up to the redhead. His smile was brittle while the look in his eyes was filled with an all-consuming pain that broke her heart, Muu spoke as she walked up, "Iris-"

Cutting him off as she hugged him, Iris felt him tremble as she murmured, "I'm placing a small barrier over this area. No one will be able to see or hear, Muu. Just let out whatever you're feeling, I'm here."

As her magic closed around them, Muu silently began to cry as his arms wrapped around Iris. She let out a comforting thrum as her grief over Lady Scheherazade's death was echoed through Muu. As Muu sank to his knees, she joined him and let his head fall against her chest. Myron and Lo'lo simply joined them on the ground with their own tears though the two simply offered comfort for the man they both loved so deeply. Fingers running through Muu's hair, she murmured soft words of comfort though never rushed him for a single moment.

"So she just...allied with that bastard?" Ginny muttered softly with a look of disbelief on her face, "That's bullshit,"

"There's little we can really do about it," Neville crossed his arms with a grunt while glancing towards Iris as she scowled, "Ris? Please tell me you aren't going to do something stupid,"

"Not stupid though I am going to do something," Iris turned away from the gathered leaders while running a hand through her messy hair that had long since fallen from most of its braids, "If Sinbad thinks for a second he's going to get a pair of dragons out of that deal, he's going to be very surprised,"

There was a noise of confusion from Ginny as Iris walked through the soldiers who were starting to clean up, she was tempted to disobey Neville and simply fly back to Reim in her Dragon form, but knew she'd never make it. Her lips pursed at the heavy scent of magic still in the air, the remnants of the Medium battle would take a long time to heal and she pondered over just how Magnostadt would recover. Glancing back towards where Sinbad and his alliance leaders were standing, she spotted Muu walking away with a look of disgust on his face that was quickly covered up.

Starting to make her way over to Muu, Iris knew it was best to let him know her plans to leave Reim sooner rather than later. Before she'd even gotten halfway to him though, Kouha called out to her, "Iris!"

Her lips pulled into a light smile as she realized it was probably time to check in with everyone, Iris turned as Sirius padded up to her from where he'd been keeping an eye on Luna. Threading her fingers through his fur, she walked with Sirius at her side towards where Kouen, Koumei, Kougyoku, Kouha, and Hakuei were all gathered together with their households. Offering them a light smile, she waved, "Hey, Kouha."

"Holy Fuck, Sirius got huge," Kouha burst out with wide eyes.

"He is a magical wolf and my familiar," Iris released her grip on Sirius's fur as he released a curious-sounding whine while tilting his head, "He had access to my magic," She heard him scent the air as half-recalled scents began filling his mind, "You okay, Bud?"

Glancing at her, Sirius let out a low bark and moved to sniff at Kouen. His tail began to wag as a low whine left his throat, Kouen chuckled as he muttered, "He remembers us?"

"He's never forgotten your scents. I haven't either," Iris admitted with a light smile and her eyes met Kouen's as he chuckled, "I'll be making arrangements to see you in Balbadd sooner rather than later,"

Raising an eyebrow at her, Kouen frowned as Sirius moved to sniff at Koumei for a moment before going over to Kouha, "While I wouldn't be opposed, I get the feeling something has happened."

Jerking her thumb toward where Sinbad stood, Iris rolled her eyes, "That purple-haired bastard is not someone I will ever ally myself to, he gives me the ick more than a certain wicked bitch we all know," Kouen's eyes narrowed at that, "And that's saying some things," She crossed her arms with a shake of her head, "Since I'd rather not be hunted down because I torched a royal asshole for attempting anything with Arashi, I'll just speed up any arrangements. I mean it's not like either of us are actual citizens of Reim."

"You aren't?" Koumei's jaw dropped as his eyes widened in shock.

Realizing that they had been making assumptions, Iris giggled while shaking her head, "Above no, I am not about to be tied down to any one country nor are my friends-Well, I can't fully say that because Hermione and Ron are idiots that let themselves be manipulated, but I digress," She smiled at Koumei, "It also ensured that I could move us if there was a need for it. And there were more than a few times that we had to over the years," She grimaced slightly at those memories, "But yeah, we don't technically belong to any one country."

With a contemplative and slightly concerned gaze, Kouen crossed his arms, "There's a lot you haven't shared since we got back into contact, isn't there?"

Giving him a sheepish smile, Iris nodded, "I feel like a lot of it should be shared in person rather than via letter. Now as much as I'd like to continue talking, I've got to go find Muu before he gets wrapped up in dealing with his Corps," She saw Kouen and Koumei's eyes flicker with some form of emotion, "If I don't, he'll get too wrapped up and I'll probably forget to tell him that I'm leaving Reim as soon as possible once we return."

Giving them a light smile and clicking her tongue twice at Sirius, Iris began her search for Muu once more.

There was a scowl on Kouen's face as they watched Iris and Sirius walk off, Koumei knew exactly what was bothering his elder brother. After all, he'd felt the same feelings every time Muu Alexius was brought up in either Iris's letters or Arashi's. While they were thankful for what their fellow dungeon capturer had done over the years, it did not change the fact that Muu was another man who had taken up residence in Iris's life. A man who had taken up a big role in Arashi's role. Whether that role was parental or not, it didn't change the fact that Muu had gotten more time with their son than they had.

Pushing away those thoughts as shouting echoed through the air from Reim's forces, Koumei's brows furrowed as he spotted one of those odd airships moving toward the ground. Not far from the ground, a small figure lept from it and there was a small flash before something dark started to hurtle through the air toward where Iris was standing. As alarm swept through him, Iris was tumbling across the ground as whatever that thing was slammed into her sending up a cloud of dust.

There was a loud keening sound that echoed through the sudden silence, it slowly quieted as the dust began to settle and Koumei's eyes widened as he realized that a baby dragon had slammed into Iris. Indigo scales coated its body, the delicate pale pink tuft of fur along its back and spine quivered with each breath it took. As the dragon's head drew back, he could see the small stubby horns on either side of its head as the dragon's mouth opened. Low trills left its throat, the small wings on either side of its body flexed as it trembled.

Hugging the dragon to her chest, Iris stroked the fine fur along its spine and spoke in soft tones until the creature's form shimmered. Eyes widening as the crying form of Arashi was revealed, Koumei barely heard Kougyoku gasp as she muttered, "Arashi? What on earth is he doing here?"

Iris spoke in low tones to Arashi who merely nodded to her without speaking back. She didn't seem angry with the non-verbal replies. If anything, she looked concerned. After a few minutes, she'd managed to get Arashi to stop crying though the boy seemed to have fallen unconscious in the process. Gaining an uncomfortable look on her face, Iris turned her head towards Sirius and started to speak to him only to pause.

Muu Alexius walked up and knelt beside Iris as Koumei felt a bolt of irritation roll through him. After a small exchange, Muu took Arashi into his arms as if he'd done so before and Iris got up before taking the boy back. The two continued to speak as they walked towards where the Reim soldiers were gathered. His lips pulled into a frown, he glanced at Kouha as his younger brother commented, "Iris seems pretty close with that hot redhead. Isn't he one of the Dungeon Capturers of Reim?"

"Muu Alexius," Koumei and Kouen both muttered.

Ignoring the looks they garnered from their siblings, Kouen and Koumei shared a glance. It would seem they had a few questions to ask Iris when they saw each other next.