Chapters

Chapter One: May 23rd
Chapter Two: May 24th- 25th
Chapter Three: June 5th- June 8th
Chapter Four: June 9th- June 15th
Chapter Five: June 16th-26th
Chapter six: Wall Drug, MT Rushmore, and Rapid city. June-27th 28th
Chapter seven: June 29th-30th Minnesota.
Chapter eight: July 1st and 2nd. Wisconsin Milkwauke.
Chapter Nine: Chicago-Indiana
Chapter ten: Journey's end

Chapter One: May 23rd
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A Dragon's Trek to Michigan

Chapter One: May 23rd

Author's Note

I would love to thank Starscribe for allowing to me a story in his wonderful universe.

Chapter One: May 23rd

A Dragon's Trek to Michigan

Chapter one: May 23rd

May 22, 2015. Time: 7 p.m. Location: Buffalo, Wyoming.

I was laying in bed, feeling pretty sick with the flu. For a person like me, it was pretty normal to get the flu this time of the year. I had been a stroke survivor, but I had a bad heart thanks to my earlier life, and I would get badly sick.

My family, even my parents, left me to go to Michigan. My father wanted to see his parents, and my mother wanted to see her sister. But again, I had to stay behind because of the flu. Toby, a good little dog who also happen to be a bum, lay in my bed beside me. The two other dogs we had slept in their own spots.

I wanted to get up and talk to my friends on steam, and my ventrilo, and “Discord”. It was raid night, and I was also needed for a role play session in another game, but I couldn't move and I was even asked by the officers of the group I lead to get some rest. So as I laying on my bed resting from the sickness. Sleep slowly took me over and my world went black.

00000

May 23rd

It was seven in the morning. I slowly opened my eyes and groaned a bit. Oddly, I felt better, there was no pain in my stomach or my head. I just laid there for a moment and stared up at the ceiling.

I wasn't sure what I was going to have to eat today, for some reason I had an odd craving for raw meat. With a quick movement of my arms I moved away my blanket. I looked back to the pillow my bed soaked in sweat. I thought to myself, 'Hmm must have been a very hot night. Kind of normal for Wyoming.'

I slowly got out of the bed and blinked.

I looked down at the side of the bed, I felt bigger, maybe I was gaining more weight Slowly got out of the bed, I hit the ground with a loud thump.I blinked a moment and groaned, I tried to get on my hands to get me up, but I saw long scaled legs with very very sharp claws at the end of the foot.

I tried moving the foot the claws and the finger like toes bent like it's a hand. I screamed loudly, it was a strangely feminine sounding scream.. I blinked and got on my haunches looking at all my legs and then between my legs, my eyes went wide..

I didn't have what a male would have between their legs, I tried to keep myself from losing It as I took some deep breaths. I closed my eyes and prayed to myself. "Lord...please let this be a dream please let this be a dream."

I breathed heavily before relaxing a little, I noticed that there was still power. I slowly crawled to my computer. I got on my chair in an awkward way and moved the mouse to bring up the computer.

I looked at my Discord, no one had said anything since yesterday.

I looked at my steam I saw all of them on. I sent messages to them all, but after awhile I didn't get anything back.

I went to the Fox news seeing what the news would say. All I saw was old news and the recent thing was the weather. Of course for Wyoming no rain. I sighed looking to Toby staring at him a bit.

Slowly I got out of my computer chair. Looking around seeing my phone. Rushing to my phone but it was very hard to do this. Since...well...walking on all fours at the moment was a bit of a pain.

I reached for my phone and opened it up it up using the claw very gently to put in the password and notifications came up. I saw that my mother had called me and lifted the phone to what I thought was my ear, this was a pain to do. I heard the phone ring for a minute and then I heard my mother's voice saying to leave a message. Waited for the beep.

"Mom this is Russell. I… something happened mom, I don't know what it was. But I am leaving Wyoming to try and find you in Michigan. If you get this please call me back."

I hung it up and closed my eyes with a sigh. I felt a strange feeling between my legs, I felt like I had to pee.
So being like a bad baby I walked and tilted around and rushed to the toilet and grabbed it with my claws to lift it, but I stopped and stared at it.. How was I going to use it with this body?

I set the lid back down and rushed to my shower, barely getting through the narrow entrance. It wasn't that easy sadly,but I did what I could. I got on my hind legs, I was still 6.3 but that was mostly when I was on all fours.

I grabbed the handle of the shower, and gasped deeply as cold cool water went all over me. I closed my eyes as I let the fluid from between my legs go into the drain. It felt like forever that I had to pee like this. It felt like hours, but of course it was merely a few seconds to a minute. The fluid slowly stopped, which allowed the water to clean my scales.

I turned it off and headed out of the shower before grabbing my towel and trying my best to dry off. I set the towel back down, I doubted that I would ever come back here.

I headed back into my room, I was trying to walk correctly but I still wound up tripping a few times.

I looked at Toby who lifted his head wagging his tail at me. I gave a smile at my bum of a dog. "Come Toby, let's get outside and see what we can find." He jumped off the bed and ran around me, I slowly reaching for the door I tried to open it up.

Of course doing that made me trip on my face with a thump.

"GAH!! Damn it body work work!!" Toby just kept wagging his tail and panting like a bum.

I sighed and slowly got back up trying to keep my balance. I opened the last door, being normal for where I lived I didn't hear many cars, but I saw that my parents didn't take the Ford expedition.

I looked down at the town from the car, Toby sniffed around and got behind the house. I looked towards the town. I saw the Highway, there was no cars or trucks at all. I looked towards the town and couldn’t see or hear anything there either.. I took a deep breath, I didn't smell any exhaust like I normally do.

I felt the cold cold noise of two dogs on my hide. I turned my head and saw Ruby my bull mastiff and my brother's sheep herder Luna. I turned to them and lifted my claw like foot hand? And gently pet them both.

"It's me Russell." They both wagged their tails. I smiled and saw that Luna was wearing the hidden fence collar, it was still working. I decided to take them with me.

I looked towards the other houses, I heard Toby bark as I slowly walked since I didn't feel like running. When I got over to the side, I saw a bear slowly walk up to him.

I growled, I wanted to protect Toby I hissed at the bear. It turned around and stared at me. It backed up at bit, I showed my many teeth. I felt some strange leathery flesh spread from my sides, I noticed I somehow had wings, but at the moment I didn't care.

I slowly got closer and continued baring my teeth. I got on my back legs and made myself look bigger taking a deep breath making a loud dragon like roar that could be heard in town.

During that very roar i had spit and drool leave my mouth. A crest formed from the back of my head. My dog's were all the family I had left, and I would be damned if a bear hurt them. The bear ran away, I got back on all fours and began yelling at the bear.

"Run!! You worthless bear, if I ever see you here again there will be hell to pay!!!" I calmed down and looked down at Toby who just urinated on my tail. I sighed and rolled my eyes. "You bum." Toby looked at me snorting then heading back inside.

I needed to check around to see if anyone else is here in the estate's. Hopefully someone else was here or I would be alone.

I walked to the house near us, I didn't know these folks, but their cars were still there. I noticed their dog's are inside.

I didn't know what to do, but I opened the door and the dogs seemed to leave me alone.

I looked around, then I walked past a mirror that was on the floor. I blinked and looked back into it.

I had a long snout some strange eyelashes come out of my eyes. The irises of the eye's looked to be a gentle light blue. My entire body was covered in thick black scales. I had no spikes on my tail, I spread my crest again on my head.

I had some spikes along it, I also had two white horns on the top of my head.

I couldn't believe it, I was a dragoness. I lifted my wing's i didn't know how to fly back then. I sighed, now it was time to raid for food and find what I needed to get me to Michigan.

I was going to have to search all of Buffalo and that would take a month. It would even take a month or so to make sure everything is ready to go.

So first thing first: raid homes, find food, go back home, and get the trailer set up. I just had to make sure I could get fuel and everything I need.

I opened the fridge and grabbed everything that was meat. I set it on the floor and looked around for a basket to carry the meat. I heard a female voice behind me.

I blinked at the voice, it was soft gentle so smooth as well. I turned my head around and saw the meat floating in a strange glow.

"Here let me help you with that." I saw a unicorn... An honest to god unicorn. She looked liked a light aquamarine unicorn mare. She looked back at me with a gentle smile.

“I'm sure you have questions. I can't tell you everything it will be some time before i can. But I'm here to help you start your journey.”

I just stared at her my eyes wide. I was talking to a unicorn. I was talking to a unicorn. I couldn’t believe it my dreams.
"Do you vanish if someone tells you that unicorns aren't real?" I softly asked.

She stared at me with a little smile forming on her face again. She walked up to me and lifted her hoof, lightly booping my nose.

I just stared at the hoof feeling it. She was real...I started to sob hard wrapping around the mare crying.
The poor mare I'm sure she had no idea how to act but she at least tried. "Shh it's okay. I won't leave you alone till your journey starts."

The sobbing went through the house I felt such pain filling me. It felt like the end of the world, would be with Jesus returning with a war. But it seemed fate had another idea.

Tears streamed down my face, I am sure when they landed on the poor unicorn that she was drenched in tears.

I moved back when I finally calmed down and gave her a smile.

"You got a name miss dragon?"

I blinked a moment and looked. "I um....Russell. It's a guy's name." I noticed the face of the mare got bright red, she shook her head and her mind back to normal, then smiled.

"Well Russell I'm Lyra, Lyra Heartstrings. Maybe we should give you a new name."

I blinked again for a moment before sighing and nodded. Slowly walking out of the house heading back to mine. Looking back at her.

"Well first I need to find the MRE's that my parents collected. I need to also find more food cooler's and raid the rest of the houses here."

We walked inside the house and the three dog's were waiting for us. I opened the fridge, there was still power. "Place it in there Lyra, please." Lyra gave a nod and placed the meat inside the fridge. I closed the fridge and looked to her again.

"Can you explain to me what has happened?" I simply asked. The unicorn mare gave me a gentle look and just smiled.

"I wish I could Russell But I sadly can't. You will learn down the line. But for now you need to find everything you need maybe even raid the town down below us. After you get everything you need I will be leaving."

I gave her a nod before slowly walking through the house to find what I need and boy this would take awhile. I had a long journey ahead of me, So it's time to get started.

Chapter Two: May 24th- 25th
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A Dragon's Trek to Michigan

Chapter Two: May 24th- 25th

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Chapter Three: June 5th- June 8th
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A Dragon's Trek to Michigan

Chapter Three: June 5th- June 8th

Chapter Three: June 5th-8th

I felt a weight lift from my body and my mind. I didn't understand what happen to me. But looking around notching I was still near the truck. But when I turned my head around the entire truck was all taken care of. Blinking at this what happen I thought. Slowly I stood on my feet. Groaning a bit deeply gasping feeling my bladder filled with whatever dragon's bring out of their bodies of course. I had no idea what the time was. Slowly going inside the house. The heat was gone. The dogs still had water thankfully. I'm happy Lyra filled so many buckets for them. Looking towards the fridge. Opening it up I find it's still a bit cold. But there is no more ice. I am sure I could find some at the gas station still. Opening the cooler that was in front of the fridge placing all the meat I got not to long ago, filling the entire cooler. Closing it. Lifting it up, I slowly turned around. A noise behind me had me turn my head a bit to see Lyra staring at me.

Having so much anger on my face. I felt it's time to yell at her. I was about to but she spoke softly with great retreat in her voice. " I'm very sorry Russell, i'm so sorry. But I didn't want you to hurt yourself. I may have not known you long..But I care about you. I don't want to see you hurt. But there is a feeling in my heart.. That I hurt you just for what I did to you. But" She gave a sigh. " It's June 5th." My eyes go wide closing again growling softly so much anger filled my heart so much hate. But I spoke loudly yelling.

" MOM!! Dad!!." I rushed around the house looking to see if their back. But again I didn't see them then what I feared happen. They're gone and I don't have a choice but going on alone. Walking back to Lyra who's ears pinned to the back of her head. My eyes stared at her with so much anger. Noticing tears falling down her cheeks. My heart went soft sighing softly looking away. " I understand what you had to do Lyra. I'm sorry that you had to do such a thing." Turning my eyes back to her. A half smile forming along my mouth. " I forgive you Lyra. I feel ten times better and I'm not hungry thankfully so. I think it's time for me to use this day to check the rest of the town. Please keep an eye on my Dogs Lyra. I will be back when I can. I promise you." Wrapping my tail around Lyra gently and giving her a tight hug. " Again thank you."

Moved away from her looking towards the path below. I didn't know what to think really of what I should do. But it's something that needs to be done. I looked over to Lyra and smiled. " I will be back Lyra. I need to check the rest of the town."

" Wait Russell." Turning to look at her and smiled. " Ruby went missing. She went into the town. That was five days ago. I haven't seen her since. Can you please go check if she is alright?" Blinking a moment this is bad if she went to town. She is an old dog. She is very close to the end of her life. But maybe I could find her. Knowing that Dog she picked on a fight that she couldn't win. She has always been far too brave. "Alright Lyra I will be in town for a few day's. I need to make sure I get everything. I might even find some more gas cans laying about. I want to thank you for what you did for me."

Turning to her seeing the smile on the mare's face. It's odd for me to be kind to someone who could have ruined everything. But she did an amazing job for me. Looking to the truck. I knew I would be alone. But it's really a doubt in my mind if I ever return here. Closing my eyes taking a deep breath grabbing the empty wagon with my tail. Looking back to Lyra. " Come with me and close the door. No need to bring those two along. They got enough food and water. I will come back for them." Lyra smiles nodding turns to the door opening it calling them.

"We will be leaving you two, so be good." Lyra softly said to them and I could swear I saw them nod. But I had to make some rules first.

"Lyra I don't want those bags of yours anywhere near me. So please leave them here" Lyra stared at me with a great amount of displeasure in her eyes.

"I can't leave these bags behind Malla I need them."

I didn't trust Lyra with these bags. After what she did to me with that instrument that she used on me to put me asleep. i could have been gone by now and on the road. But I can't because of what she did. But I had to learn to trust her. But I'm still going to leave her behind.

0000

It was a pretty long walk. The sun was still high in the sky. But it slowly started to go down. But after the walk we made it to the IGA but I found something odd about it. The door's were unlocked heading inside the store. Looking towards Lyra.

" Lyra are you sure there is no one else in this town but me?" I asked but she just gave me a Shrug.

" It's hard to tell Russell. There could be other's but i doubt it would be that simple. If there maybe they're still inside." Giving a nod opening the door's heading inside. Looking around nothing was taken but baby formula dippers and other baby things. Then the horror came to me.

" OH my God Lyra could there be children that this happen to without their parents?!" Turning to Lyra I noticed her ears are Pinned back but then she looked at the toothpaste.

" Look Russell all the Colgate toothpaste is gone." Blinking a moment looking at the shelves seeing that so much of it is gone. But I wasn't here for that. Walking to the ice cooler hoping it still worked and thankfully it was still running on its own backup generator. I grabbed many bags of ice. Placed them inside the cooler I brought with me that had all my meat in it. Then placed a few more bag's on the wagon. But when I looked around I saw that bean's, Brussels sprouts, peppers, and asparagus were still here. All the fish tuna and such were gone. Hmm a large cat must have been here.

"Lyra you know something about this.. Every time I ask you that subject, you give me some strange looks." Lyra beside me sighed looking towards the way out of the store then back to me.

" I can't tell you Russell yes I know what is going on. But you have to trust me. I'm doing this for your own protection." She calmly stated. Craning my neck to stare at her. My calm dragon eyes looking right at her. She looked back at me with her gentle eye's. I didn't wish to press more. But she knew what happen. Looking away from her.

" Go ahead and eat the veggies in the cooler area Lyra. They won't last long anyway. i got more places I need to raid. But Lyra? I trust you. But sooner or later you will have to tell me what is going on. There is more to this then you're telling me. It's easy to tell how your eyes dart back and forth when you're thinking of what to tell me." With those words. I knew I got her by surprise. But I waited outside the IGA. Looking over to the side. I saw the bone's of what seems to be a dog. Walking to them I didn't see a collar or anything. Bowing my head to the dog bone's. "If that's you Ruby rest in peace. For an old dog like you. I raised you from a puppy to now. You will be missed. But I can't cry right now. I will cry when I see my journey through. Then I will mourn for the world."

"Russell, You should cry." Turning a bit to glance to Lyra with a smile on my face shaking my head. We kept walking along the empty road. I went to the first hotel and noticed all the parked car's. Grabbing the trunk using my claws to pry it open. Longmire day. A convention of a Cop show based around Buffalo. It's impressive or good for me this happen for when this did. All these car's. But all I am searching for now is more gas. So prying open the lid that lead to the gas container. Putting the tube in and started to drain the gas from it.

While I did this of course Lyra looked through the room's of the hotel. From what she found it wasn't much clothing a few books that she gave to me. One of the books is war and peace by Leo Tolstoy. I'm a dragon now maybe I could spend the rest of my day's after I get to Michigan reading and learning of the world. The other book it was a Sherlock Holmes's story. The last book surprised me a bit. It's a Star Trek book. X-men and Star trek? Huh this is odd. Placing them in the wagon. Looking to Lyra staring at her.

" Now Lyra, are you ready to work hard? Consider it a punishment for not telling me what is really going on here." I said with a smirk pulling the wagon behind me. But I suddenly stopped seeing a pack of dog's. They looked to be wild and feral growling and drooling at me and Lyra. Lyra stood right behind me. Instincts again took me over. What's going on..I feel...that I need to protect my friend. I need to protect....Protect. My instincts fully took over. Having no idea what's going on.. My brain went blank.

My mind went back to normal a little while later. I could smell blood? Looking around seeing a pack of dog's one dog lay sprawled on the ground. Lyra was hiding under one of the car's. She came out. But all I could do was stare at the other dogs. The one below me was sliced open. I noticed the blood draining from his wound's. I didn't wish to hurt him. But looking I could see his heart gently beating. No one could save him. But I didn't have tears drain from my eyes. Death is normal in a world like this. You have to do what you have to. To survive. Calmly I lifted the dog even though it caused him pain. Laying him on one of the bed's of the hotel. Petting his head gently. I softly sing the best I could.

" Shh little one rest don't allow this world to beat you. Rest those little eyes. Rest yourself my little friend. You no longer have to hurt. You no longer have to feel any pain. For heaven's light is taking you away. On a magic that shall never beat you little one." Stroking my foot along the head of the dog. As I sang. I watched him slowly bleed out on the bed. He was dead. Calmly using my claws to close his eyes. I felt bad for what I did but again. I was protecting Lyra. The dog's now gave me a wide berth. Looking to Lyra who was still under the car.

" Lyra are you okay?" I simply asked. Watching her She came out shaking nodding looking at the hotel it had holes in some of the walls. Some blood as well all over the walls as well the some of the car's got badly smashed gas leaking out of them. Looking to my wagon thankfully it was fine. But I had to control these instincts of mine that caused me to fall apart and then attack anything in sight. But there is no more to get here. Looking towards the highway I noticed Dash inn. Oddly maybe it might be best to see what I can find in there for Lyra. Because I doubt she would eat that food in IGA. Calmly walking dragging the wagon with my tail.

" Russell I....you..." She looked scared and shaking a bit." You need to control your nature. I know this is new to you..But you can't just attack everything in sight. It's not going to be good for you to do so in case you make new friends." I didn't look back to her I just kept my mind on the task at hand..or is it claw? I'm very unsure here since.. Everything is so new to me now. But when we got to Dash inn I saw a few car's. So I didn't need any more gas since I didn't have any more Gas cans. But there was that tractor shop we bypassed awhile ago. So it might be best to do so. " Russell please stop. we need to talk." Stopping a moment turning my head to look at Lyra. "You need to remember when it comes to your instincts you need to calm your mind and then allow yourself to keep from blacking out." She stated in a pretty harsh way to. She is right. I can feel it in the core of my soul. If I still had a soul of course. With this body, i am very unsure.

We made it to Dash in. Grabbing the door's and calmly pulling them off. I felt I was getting stronger. Maybe I am having growth spurts? I laughed softly to myself. I wonder how big I will get. When we got inside there was no food going bad yet. But it smelled extremely clean in here. i doubt there would have been any water. But I would lead us to a old fishing hole that my father and I have fished in. I went to the freezer and it was still cold oddly enough. Grabbing a box of lettuce setting in front of Lyra.

" There you are miss Lyra eat your fill. But don't eat to much we will be wandering around the rest of the town. I need to make sure that we check everywhere. To again make sure we don't leave anyone behind. It's not going to be that simple though."

I sad while removing meat from the boxes calmly eating some. It tasted awful but I placed two boxes of it on the wagon. Since I wanted to make sure I had enough food to get me where I needed to go. Looking down to Lyra who was loving her meal. But it looked like she had enough. But I took two boxes heading out to bosmen's trail not far from us. I wanted to see if anyone would be in there. It's a place I love to eat at their soups their meat. But I doubt I would find anything good in here. Looking at it.. we will leave this one alone. But I had paper with me. So writing what I could. I placed it on the door. ' To anyone that reads this. Don't worry you aren't alone. I know that is a lot to take in. But You have to understand what happen to us is a second chance. At least in my mind. But maybe it would be easier for me since I am a dragon. Well a guy that turned into a female dragon. But we will move on from that. Anyway I'm going to be heading to Michigan to find my family. If I don't I will start up a hub there or at least try so we can get our world or at least part of the state's moving again. signed.. Ru...I mean Malla the dragon.' Putting the pen I had back on the wagon. Leaving the place I love to eat for so long behind.

0000

It was getting pretty late. So for Lyra I broke into one of the room's at the motel eight. Allowing her to rest. There was oddly food still here. But it's how we are. She lay on the bed and I just was outside looking at the star's. Amazing how you can see the star's without light's ruining anything. I could see the moon the star's. It's just amazing. Maybe this should have happen sooner. I thought to myself chuckling at least we no longer have to worry about that silly election next year. It's not something i was looking forward to. Looking back into the room. I heard Lyra snoring. It was pretty soft. I overworked her today maybe that was a good or a bad thing. But how it works Is how it works. When time's like this work it's what we need to do. I grabbed some paper and thought I would write one of my poems. I had a book beside me and placed the paper on it.

I started to write. 'Maybe what happen to us is God telling us.. That we failed. Maybe its something else. We will never know. Maybe down the line we will. I doubt we will like what is told to us if we do. It's how most of the things happen that happen. I wish I could tell those that i love what happen. I wish I could see them again. What would the world be like if no one returned. Only a select few. Would that be something that fate had planned for us at the start. I'm not sure I feel that maybe someday we'll know. Here I am breaking into building's leaving some damage behind that would make Megatron blush. Ah I miss those words. Die auto bots. Die. Maybe someday I will get to use the greetings. But someday I will need to move on and see life for how it is. So with these words. I leave my old life behind. To those who read this. Have a good life. I will be on my way to Michigan if anyone else reads this.'

Slowly leaning back using tape to make sure someone could see this placing it on a window at the hotel maybe. I will leave these all over town and a note to my family. It's the least I can do before everything comes down in a hell. It's how most things in my mind work. Its how I am coping with this. Slowly standing on my feet or again claws. Looking towards the broken doors I ruined in the moonlight. While Lyra was sleeping I wrote another poem. Lifting the MCD's door I wrote another.

' Greetings to another. i feel this is the best way for me to cope with what is going on. But here. It's June 5th. may 23rd I woke up as this. maybe again it's my fate to be like this. I hope it's not just my fate. Maybe others will come to pass that this is needed. Now I can't just be to welcoming of this because it's going to be hard to do that. Some might have issues with this. Some have a little issue of how they see themselves. Some want beauty so if they don't have the beauty they want. They feel that their falling and fallen within. Take this from me. I am no expert. But maybe someone will be. I'm just a simple minded dragon. But i was also a simple minded human. I didn't let the problems of the world bother what I thought. Maybe I should change that. Eh I am not sure.' Again taping the words to a window so anyone could see.The rest of the night I did this to the places I broke into.

0000

June 6th

Lyra asked me to keep a journal. Huh i am finding this strange even to me. I never thought of doing this. But well June 6th... Ugh I hate doing this. Why must I write what happen it's... Okay here today mostly what happen was we went through the town. It was full of well dog's Deer pronghorn.

I dropped the journal Lyra catching it in her magic. It was early afternoon. But right in front of us was a church I attended my brother was a children's pastor there. Calmly I walked to the door's. i didn't want to destroy a church door's. But I had to see if anyone was in here. But all I could do was kneel closing my eyes and prayed softly. I felt my heart melt. But i didn't wish to start crying. Crying will be when I get there. Slowly standing back on my feet. I had no idea how I did the kneeling on four legs. It hurt though.

" Russel you need." Turned to looking at Lyra. She shut her mouth. I didn't have anger in my eyes it got to the point well.. I couldn't stand her asking me to release my feeling's. She left it alone. But kept my new journal beside me. There was one last place for me to check. Dj's I will be leaving tomorrow no matter what.

" One more place Lyra and then I will be on my way." Looking down to her. She looked a bit sad. But I smiled putting my tail under her chin. " We will meet again like you said. Then maybe you can tell me what really is going on. But maybe it's best to wait. Who knows what could happen if I learned to soon." We spent the rest of the night walking to DJ's but it's odd it was already broken into. My hopes were up maybe someone else is here. But when I went inside. It was pure dark.

0000

DJ's

Lyra turned on her horn. So she could give us light. But i could see without but this also helped me in the long run. Looking around calmly seeing a lot of the food is gone. Droppings all over the place. This wasn't anyone it was a pack of animals. We got closer to the meat section of the store and we heard eating and fighting. The horn glowing she turned slightly to look. We saw an all out battle between bear's, wolves, and mountain cat's. Without human's around their getting brave. But why would bear's be down here? Did something happen up in the mountains? We needed to leave. The wolves were getting their asses kicked. Slowly we backed up but my tail knocked over the shelf we were behind. It startled the fighter's. As they stared at me and Lyra.

" Lyra when I say run.." The cat's ignored the bear's now. The wolves ran. The cats slowly started to come towards the two of us. I felt my instincts wanting to take over.. I said no..You can't not when Lyra is here..Relax relax. I took a few deep breaths. It hurt fighting them. I felt so much pain filling my body trying to fight it. But thanks to me fighting them. I didn't see the one coming up behind Lyra. But I wasn't to late. " RUN!!" Smacking the cat with my tail to get it away from Lyra as she ran outside the Dj's. I just stood there getting on my hind legs. Spreading my crest hissing dripping a strange fluid from my mouth. I didn't know what it was doing but I wish it would stop. I didn't want to kill anything else. But protecting Lyra is what I had to do. She is my only friend right now. Closing my mouth I didn't wish to back away. Letting out a loud angry roar. it echoed But again no one would hear it but Lyra.

Slowly I backed up with one of the cat clawing my side but lucky for me I had very thick scales. Backing up even slowly. i didn't want to hurt anyone else. Again my instincts were getting the better of me. I could smell blood raw meat. All those that made me want to lose my mind. The drool came out of my mouth again with a hiss. When it landed on the floor it burned it away. But again trying to fight it was very hard. One of the cat's aimed for my chest I felt claws breaking through the scales cutting into me. Blood flowed freely. But I didn't care Again I roared standing fully up on my back legs. The bear's left me alone. I didn't even see the wolves.

This time I didn't black out grabbing one of the shelves I smashed it down on one of the cat's and gave them no ability to get to me without jumping through the other isles. Quickly I backed up trying to get out. But they would follow me no matter what. So I needed to do something. One last time. Right when I got near the door to the outside. I roared deeper than ever before. It made an echo through Buffalo but no one would ever hear it. But it didn't work this time. One of the cat's charged at me from the side and the other from the front. With my tail i smacked into the one at the side Making it slide back into a wall racks of books falling on it. With the other a swipe of my claw's made it back up. Lifting my claw in anger breathing deeply growling feeling my heart beating my vision turning red and back to normal. But golden magic held my claw.

" Russell stop it!!. " I growled deeply in anger with so much hate in my eyes but she had her strange music device in her magic. She calmly played a haunting tune that calmed me. It calmed my anger. The music calmed the beast around us. But it mostly meant for me. She slowly backed out of the store. She told me later that I was under the control of her music again. But she did it to save me from killing a creature that was very hungry.

Maybe I have been too hard on her.

0000

June 7th

It was four in the morning. The star's still shining in the sky. Lyra lay by my side. Since she wanted to make sure i was alright after that fight. " I'm heading out when the sun comes up Lyra. I left a note on the counter. Telling my mother were i have gone." Looking down to Lyra who nodded. She fell asleep and I waited for the time to go by.

It was seven in the morning the sun was high in the sky. I finally placed Luna and Toby in the car. I got into the driver's seat. I made a change that I could drive with how I am now. Bending the seat a bit and using my tail to get on the gas and the break's. Turning the car on and looking to Lyra.

" Thank you for your help Lyra. I'm sorry for everything I caused you." She smiled I saw her through the mirror. She just waved. Softly speaking.

" I will see you again when you get to Michigan. Take care." I nodded and rolled the window up slowly leaving the road heading down to Buffalo. I didn't even look back. My journey has started. Heading down the road to head to Sheridan. I needed to check home depot. Driving alone, it was empty. No one else on the road. I knew there would be no music on the radio. Sighing a bit it was my first time driving a car like this. But I feel I need to concentrate to get home. But this way i was sitting was very odd and felt like I was going to have a bad back when I finally get there.

After thirty minutes of a good drive, I made it to Sheridan. All I came here for was the home Depot. I wanted to find some more gas cans. I went to the Walmart, turning the car off and getting out while making sure to set some water down for the dogs so they can drink. When I went inside I noticed that a lot of the Walmart has been looted well the food anyway. I was mostly searching for that. But looking around I found a few more gas cans. Placing two on my tail i feel that is enough. I might find more along the way. I never cared to go to the K-mart but home depot is where I wished to go. While walking past the jewellery display and case, I suddenly stopped turned around looked at all the rings

I was...drooling? Some strange hunger took over me. Did I want to eat these? Something has been making me very greedy lately. But eating jewels that's odd even for me. Going over to the case smashing it open lifting up some ring's eating the gem's dropping the metal oh they tasted so good. I ate...and ate.. and ate. Till half the case was empty. What was left was boxes full of more. So Picking up three of the boxes. Went to the car outside opened the passenger side door placing the three boxes on the floor of the car. Looking to Toby and Luna. They lay there relaxing looking at me. Giving them both a gentle smile. Getting Toby to Michigan and going to my grandparents home will be great for him. Same for Luna. A wonderful road that Jones's road is. Looking up to see Perkins and a sign for Burger king. Hmm Maybe I should let the dog's go to the bathroom.

Getting in the driver's seat again going to Burger king and turning the car off and letting the two dog's out so they could sniff around and go to the bathroom. Looking around sniffing the air. The air clean peaceful the mountain's so peaceful. It never rained her that much. if it did I would have stayed here and tried fixing up this land. But I highly doubt with how weak the soil is. That it would have worked. But as I watched the Dog's it got very calm and I heard the birds and the creature's around. It just felt amazing. But I had to get them back in.

" Luna. Toby. Come on." They looked at me, running back to me and getting into the car. I was about to close the door. But I turned to look at Burger King. Closing the door on Luna’s tail. She whined in pain. I quickly opened it back up, petting her. Than I made sure to watch as I closed the door. Closed my eyes feeling that It was going to be hard to do this. I felt such pain in my heart. Seeing that so many people have gone missing. I needed to read something but.. I can't I need to keep moving. Time to head to Home depot and get what i can from there. I was going to gather more rope and see if I could find anymore gas can's. I need to make sure I get there. Looking towards Burger king again. Maybe eating the meat would be a good thing. Walking to the locked door grabbing it in my large claw feet hand's Whatever they are now. Pulling it off and tossing it away letting the glass smash. I no longer care now. i doubt there is anyone left I could pay money to. It's going to be harder to do this.

Walking into the burger king. Looking around sighing. I remember the old times I went to a burger king. I looked at all the table's. Swearing to myself I could hear the voice's of the humans sitting here having their stories speaking learning. It's how life is we live we die. But we find ways to bring hope to us. Remembering a character I played in a game and role played. Jabari Blood bane. ' Remember follow the path of all you seek. Follow the halls listen to the whispers of the past.’ Sometimes a chair is what is left of the story of the book that is given to the idea and the song's sang. Maybe someday I will hear those songs again. Closing my eyes, My heart beat in my chest. Opening them walking to the kitchen opening the freezer going inside to open the boxes of meat eating what i can. Feeling hunger in my body slowly leave me. But I didn't get hungry all the time. I felt like maybe I was going to grow more if I kept eating.

Maybe eating to much was a bad idea. But after almost an hour I ate all the meat, eggs and whatever else they had here. Even those gross hot dog's. It was time for me to get back to my journey. Heading outside getting into the driver's seat again. Tossing some of the meat to the dogs so they could eat. Now time to go to the home depot. The drive was short since it wasn't that far away. lowering the window about half way so the dog's could get air. Turning the car off and then walking inside. But of course the doors were locked this was getting on my nerves really. Grabbing the door's again smashing them down. Being a large dragon what's to stop me from taking over the world!!! Blinking to myself shaking my head. Damn that was stupid even in my own head.

Going through each part of the store. I remember this is for homes. I didn't think i would find anything here that could be useful. But then I remember, maybe i could find a ham radio. But not at home depot. Need to hunt for one but now it's time to go to Gillette and that will take awhile. I have to go through Buffalo again. I began to head back out to the truck. Maybe I should fill up a bit. But I will do that in Gillette. Going inside and seeing that I have like most of the gas still left. So I am fine for now. Turning the car on, it was ten in the morning. So now time to get back on my journey.

0000

On the way back to Buffalo to get through to get to well yeah. I found that the creature's were ten time's braver than normal. I kept seeing bears and many other creature's walking along the road's. I have a feeling what ever happen here the creature's of the world are starting to learn in a way that they can take and eat whatever they can to live. But of course, even if this happen the other way like back in the left behind book series it would be normal to know this. But the travel went like clockwork again. Looking around seeing that many dog's have found their way out of their houses again. It's not going to be easy to go through here again if i have to. But It's how some things would be if I didn't. But yes again. How would I know I never would know it's just that.

But I went slow so I wouldn't hit any creature. But I watched as most of the creature's went into the open stores...well thanks to me. The only place I noticed that the only store that wasn't raided was the tractor supply shop. So i did what I felt I should. I parked there and got out. heading inside, after breaking the doors down, and looking around for more gas cans. I found an more but I didn't want to get to many of them. I wanted one large one just in case I found some folks along the way and they needed some. But when I got there. It wouldn't be the best way. But I did need to do this. So Before I leave here I am going to fill this one up fill the car and then fill it again.

So i went to the hotel again getting one of the biggest gas cans. I got and went through each car to fill it up. It was use for those giant farm tractors. So it was going to take a lot of room till I found someone that deserved it. I filled it up then there were five car's left I could fill it up with again. But I went to the truck open the gas container and slow filled it up. There was half left when I did this and then went to go fill up again stealing so much fuel from other folks. Maybe back in the day I would feel guilty doing this. But how can i when the time's have happen. It's like oh geez it's hopeful. But I grabbed a rope and tied the big one to the tarp of the trailer. I wanted to make sure it stayed and i didn't want to put it into the car and douse the dogs with gas. Getting back into the car but I looked to the dog's that looked hungry. I ate all the food and I looked to the subway and the taco johns. Getting out of the car slowly going into the subway breaking the small weak door. It was hard for me to get into this door. Since it's a very small door. But I went to the freezer grabbing all the meat.

Taking the cases of the meat and i tossed it all over the ground for the packs of dog's even for the other creature's. it was rotting I didn't want it to go to waste. But I kept one of them for myself turkey. A good amount of turkey. It made it so I wouldn't have to be hungry anymore. But maybe I'm over eating. Looking back at the town sighing. Getting back into the car setting the container of meat in the middle of the seat's. Turning on the car and slowly driving away looking back at Buffalo one last time.

00000

Driving to Gillette necessary, so I can get to south Dakota. But I was going to stop a bit and look at the map to see the best way to go to get to Kalamazoo. But I quickly had to stop watching cow's walk the road. Looking down seeing that some of the fence's have been left open. But a large herd of cow's slowly walk from one side to another. This is strange to see but of course without the farmers around it's sadly going to be very normal. With how this state is, there is more ranches then towns half the time. It took the better part of thirty minutes to wait for them. I turned off the car so I didn't waste the gas waiting for this. When the herd finally got to the other side. I turned the key and drove. But I had to be careful there are more farms on the way.

Since the wild life is getting braver than normal. It's going to be harder to get there without smashing into something. I at least want to be careful and not rush there. Who knows? I might meet folks that need help. If i do, hopefully i can. The path through the road is covered in shit now. It's not going to be pleasant to clean the car if I can. That's going to be harder. But It's going to take an hour to get to Gillette. So I am going to try to hear if anyone is on the radio stations. It's gotten to the point I am not sure what is going to happen.

Using one of my claw's. I tried to find what I could find for music. But all there was is static. The world is empty then without music. It's never going to be the same again till the music returns. But who knows. I looked around for a CD with my claw while I kept a look at the road. Maybe I could take one from Sam's club. Hmm well I am going to be board to death if I have to just do it this without music.

Slowly i started singing to myself. " I follow the path of those that come before. I never wish to know the ending of my future the ending of my song. It's what shall always be the time that I shall be there. I'm on my way to Michigan to see my family. I'm on my way to my home. My land of my family. I wish they will be there. So i will never be alone in this land I live in. I need to be near someone so I don't feel the loneliness in my heart."

Tear's slowly started draining from my eye's. I am very alone. I noticed that. I wish Lyra had come with me. But I am sure she has a true reason why she didn't I hope to see her again one day. That is all i wish. Wiping the tears from my eyes I calmly closed my eyes sighing deeply.

It's going to be a long trek I'm unsure what to think what to do. Closing my eyes a bit but then opening remember to keep an eye on the road. I was thirty minutes to were I need to be. I am going to need a bit of a rest after this. Maybe find more gas cans. Maybe more jewels...Hmm mm jewels...I mean what? Hmm I think my tail needs a rest from all the pushing down the gas. Maybe it's not going to be that hard to see that coming. But who knows really. I'm sure I will see it. But how do I know? Hmm I wonder what I should name the hub. Maybe I will be alone the rest of my life? I don't really want that either. It's going to be hard to understand what I want now. After seeing all this.

I came to stop looking over at all the cow's and horses now going across the street. Blinking at this. What the hell is going on? Are they unsure what to do now? Turning the car off so I don't use of the gas. Watching the endless herds of horses and Cows across the road. It's like their going from place to place. I am not sure what is going on right now. But it's impressive nonetheless. Wishing I brought a camera, I even forgot my phone. Sighing again, I ain't going back for it. I need to get to Michigan. Hitting the horn in the hopes getting them to move faster. Maybe I will learn what is going on. But right now I don't care what is going on. I need to understand that this is pure crap. All the endless streaming of creature's and maybe I will learn more what is going on. I'm going to not understand this at all.

But while I was watching I noticed no plans either. Did the people in the sky to vanish? How is it going to be when they return? Closing my eyes a moment opening them to see the herds are gone. Turning the key starting the truck back up.

0000

Stopping on the outskirts of the town, Letting Luna and Toby out so they could go to the bathroom and sniff around. Opening the trunk pulling out their two food dishes with some water giving them both water and food. Doing all this was getting hard though. Being on all fours and just being able to use my front claws to hold things. It hurts but I have to do what I must. Going to the driver's side turning the car on to see how much gas I have. It seems I have a half a tank. I doubt it's wise to fill it now. Placing the half empty dishes back into the car letting the dogs back in. But I closed all the door's and felt like I should work my new leg's a bit. But before I do turning the car back off closing all doors. The sun high in the sky. It felt warm as well as very inviting. Just wanted to lay on the road. So warm...So...No...NO.. I can't allow these new instincts to beat me. But...so...warm...Quickly I slapped myself twice when my body tried to get me to sleep on the warm tarmac.

Quickly getting back into the car quickly before my instincts took over again. Closing the door relaxing inside. Turning my head it's very easy now with the neck i have. The two dog's slept soundly. Everything still looked amazing I didn't even have the back of the seat anymore I just had the seat itself. It was eleven in the afternoon when I got into Gillette fully. Parking at the gas station looking around after I got out of the car and turning it off. Looking at the dog's they seemed very well fed. Maybe I should wait a bit. Letting Luna and Toby out from the car. Letting them wander a bit these dogs look fine. But Toby did stay near me while Luna went to go to the other dogs. But they didn't attack her. She just did her business. I'm happy I got the idea to bring her ball. Opening the glove compartment pulling out the ball and closing it. Tossing it for Luna so she could run around a bit.

Toby lay beside me while I lay down fully as well on. Using my claw to toss the ball. This place felt so peaceful the time just went by slowly. Tossing the ball for the good of thirty minutes. After playing with them. Put the two dog's back into the car. But I felt it might be best to look around. But right when it hit Noon. I heard a voice. Getting in the car starting it and pulling the window down. I heard it getting closer to it. The voice got louder when I got to city hall. I could hear it loud and clear. “Attention any survivors! Please gather at the Gillette Courthouse at 3 pm! We need to work together and figure out a plan of action. I repeat: all survivors please gather at the Gillette Courthouse at 3 pm! This message will repeat every six hours.” Turning off the car getting out hearing the voice again. I started sobbing.

I'm not alone...I doubt they will want to come with me to Michigan but I'm not alone. The pain that filled me these last few week's finally came boiling out. I felt I was the last creature on earth that used to be a human. Maybe I was too quick to give up when my own family didn't return when i was hoping they did. I wanted to meet this one. But they didn't seem to be here right now. Well the dog's and I could use a break. Opened the door for the two dog's. They stayed near me as I lay in the sun after I closed the door. But I noticed a shine that I didn't see before standing up a bit. Looking over to it. I saw some odd crystal's. Looking closer when I got closer. They looked like dog's that looked compressed in crystals. Seeing some of the crystals on buildings with dog in them looking to see more of them as well. Then looking to the hole. But I had an odd hunger. Grabbing one of the crystals. Looking in it. It looked like jerky. Took a bight with a big smile on my face I comprehended that it tasted amazing. So i went to town eating the crystals and then after I lay there with a large stomach near my dog's and fell asleep in the hot sun.

00000

June 8th

Opening my eyes are saw Aquamarine hooves. Lifting my head up in a rush staring right into the eyes of Lyra. She smiled softly with a giggle." Hi." At first I didn't know what to say...

" What the hell are you Batman?!" Lyra blinked looking at me with a confused look.

" Who?" Growing angry I stood up on my feet feeling a great anger fill me. But her calm gentle eye's calmed me down. Sighing sitting on my ass looking down at her with an upset look. I thought I got rid of her. Well i do think of her as my friend. But I'm not sure. Looking to her again wanting so much to scream at her.

" You said you wanted to stay behind." Lyra smiled up at me. I felt she was going to tell me why she didn't stay behind. But who knows.

" I saw...a bear walking down the road. So um back before you left I hide in the trailer under the tarp. Don't worry i didn't ruin anything. There was a pony sized spot were the Battery charger was." My eyes pop open wide. The charger.. She...removed the charger.. Anger filled me I never knew why anger would fill me so much. Feeling my heart beat slowly. Trying to keep myself from losing it with her. Looking up to the cooler that has the MRE's she could eat. Reaching for it off the roof and setting it down giving her it.

" I'm unhappy with you Lyra. But I still have the other batteries at least and the gas Cans." Lifting up the tarp after removing some of the ropes everything was still there all the gas the batteries. Taking the tarp placing it back on tying it down. " But you may stay with me till the end of the journey." She cheered then I turned to her." But you do what I say..You work hard. You don't get away with this. If i say jump..You jump. if I say shut up you shut up got it?" Lyra sighed nodding. " Good."

I lay back down and Lyra opened the car to feed the dog's and gave them water. " Malla did I hear right..There is another one alive?"

" Yes Lyra.. There is.. We will stay here for two weeks. You will be getting an MRE every other day. There is enough water but only one to two sips.. The water is for the dog's. If i can we will find more water and food. So eat that one and that's all your having today. Oh and there is grass around here eat that."

I could tell that Lyra had something on her mind even when i didn't look at her. She hasn't spoke in the last minute." Malla we need to check..mmf.." I covered her mouth with my tail. Craning my head looking at her.

" Are you trying to tell me what I should do Lyra?" Lyra shook her head. She seemed to want to help. Feeling that I might be to hard on her. Removing my tail from her mouth allowing her to speak. " Now go on Lyra."

" Um." She shifted her hooves along the ground. " Ponies need more water then that...Malla." She lifted her head looking at me with those gentle motherly eye's. Giving me that smile. Feeling my heart melt. Just.. I can't argue with her when she does this.

" Fine...Lyra... You may have more water just don't over do it." Lifting myself up onto my feet going to more of those crystals. Taking a large chunk of it back. Looking at it Lyra trotted to look at what it was blinking. Then she gave a disgusted look.

" You aren't going to eat that are you?" Lyra softly asked. A dark smile formed on my face looking at her and chuckled.

" Oh come on Lyra don't you want to try some crystal dog?" Take a bite licking it trying to make Lyra sick. She gave me a very strange look. Sitting on her haunches and looked at me with a stern look.

"Don't play with your food young dragon.." Blinking whoa... she can be a bitch when she wants to be. Sighing I began eating the crystal. Lyra then smirked putting the dog dishes back in the car. " Now we will wait. I will sleep in the." She looked at the truck " Car right?" Before i went to get some rest. I grabbed Lyra's saddle bags from her before she could stop me and I placed them inside a case and I locked it.

"Malla!! I need those!!" Lyra grew angry she tried to use her magic to get them back but I stared at her.

"I will give them back to you when I trust you.. I don't trust you right now." Lyra sighed laying down away from me as I lay on the tarmac and slowly fell asleep.

Chapter Four: June 9th- June 15th
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A Dragon's Trek to Michigan

Chapter Four: June 9th- June 15th

June 9th

I found that journal again. I really didn’t like the idea of keeping a journal. It was strange to me. wishing to write in it. Like Lyra asked me to. Lyra has been a good mare. She hasn't eaten too much. We still have enough water thanks to her filling over 20 bottles when the water was still on.

" Russell. You and I need to talk."

‘Oh great,’ I thought to myself. Turning my head to her, I let her speak her mind. She had a smile on her face. " Well we need to find the leader of ponies." Thinking to myself, ‘Leader of ponies?’ What, did someone vote themselves in to become the leader of strange colored horses?

" Look Lyra. My journey is leading me to Michigan. We can't stop everywhere to find this leader you want to find. I need to get home. That's my focus right now." Twisting my head on my neck to look at my dogs then turned my head back to Lyra. But of course Lyra calmly spoke again. Her hooves sliding on the tarmac with such cute beautiful like way. It just melted my stone dragon heart.

" Well it doesn't have to be a princess. Just a Mayor or guard...or something. But I understand you want to get there. Maybe when you do. You become the leader of your own community" Blinking a moment I stared at her. I did think of making a hub, but if I could, I will do it. A community that I could help build and protect. They could be my family. Then I laughed softly.

" Oh Lyra You got me there. I am no leader. I'm just a simple D..." I went silent as she came up to me stroking her head along my neck. It was very motherly, very kind and gentle. This feeling of love I have never felt before.. Well I have as a human but.. I have forgotten the touch of love from someone that wishes to help. She spoke so gentle.

" Don't sell yourself short. Not many I am sure would know what to find. Would get the will to break into stores to get what you need. To steal gas from other cars. Also I lied. I came because You need somepony. Somepony to help you along this journey. There was never a bear. Russell I saw it in your eyes. You are alone in the world right now. Seeing somepony else won't fix that.. You need me. I promise I will be here till I have to leave. Again I am sorry I can't tell you everything." A sigh came out of my scaled mouth. Maybe it was wise not to pressure her anymore.

" Do me a favor Lyra. Could you take care of the dogs? I'm going to go look around." Lyra gave me a nod. Slowly standing up, I went to take a look around. It’s been awhile since I have been to Gillette. Last time I was here is when my family and I moved here. Looking at the apartment buildings, I felt that maybe I should go there first. Mostly because someone might have lived there. The dogs kind of gave me a wide berth but I understand why. I am a large female dragon creature. I smiled softly at one of them. But I didn't stay to pet them. Going into the apartments, I started to look around in the rooms. Yes, I was ransacking the apartments. Finding the place that seems to have been used many of the times. I'm trying to learn who has been here. Going to the bed taking a long sniff. Gasping deeply at the smell.

" Oh...god....These beds haven't been cleaned.."Inhaling in a strong dust,. It caused me to have a reaction that made me release fire from my mouth. ‘I can breath fire?’ Watching in fear as well as surprised, but mostly fear. I watched the fire spread on the wall. Quickly grabbing the blanket. I did my best to smother the fire. After that is over I felt more sneezes coming. Quickly I covered my mouth and nose with my claw to stop me from sneezing till I got outside. a stream of fire. The fire slowly vanished in the air after a while. Coughing a bit as smoke came out of my mouth. Damn that felt weird. I will have to check around later. Because I have never been to Gillette. But I do know were the Sam's Club is. But it might not be wise to leave Lyra alone. For the time being we will stay here. It is going to be boring, that’s a given.

While walking back to the City hall, I noticed a wounded dog that looked to be limping. Smiling softly, I wished I could help him but I have no idea how to. All I did though was pet him. I felt my heart filling with hope because of the fact the don’t fear me. The poor dog stayed by me while I pet him. Turning to walk back to the car but. I felt I needed to take care of this little dog. But I didn’t know how so I went back to the city hall. Laying back down in the sun, I felt strange. Being scaled and absorbing the heat. Kinda like a solar battery. Now I know why snakes and lizards love the sun. The heat. It was pretty hot but with this being Wyoming it's pretty normal. It's amazing to me how hot it could be. But I didn't even sweat. I wonder if I even have sweat glands or even if dragons can sweat. If they can that would be strange if we can sweat what would it smell like? Thinking a second, I looked towards Lyra who was tossing the ball for Luna. Toby sniffed around a bit before coming over to me to lay beside me. Stroking Toby’s head, I laid fully back on the pavement, looking up into the sky. Watching the world just slowly go by. This is amazing it's impressive to me how calm and gentle laying in the sun was.

Why is this place so peaceful with it being the end of the world? Did the world really end? Did we really become these creatures because, God was fed up with us or to play a joke on all of us. Eh. I highly doubt it. It's something that we need to understand how it works. But I would never know the truth of the idea he had. Maybe I will learn from a pony I run into who is not Lyra. But after awhile Luna and Lyra came and laid beside me. Lyra actually leaned on me.

" You need to be more gentle Malla. Please do this for me?" Turning my head to look at her she gave me such gentle motherly eyes. Doubting that I could say no to that. Smiling softly laying my head down. " Because you should be gentle. Ones gentle around these times get more done. Find more friends. You shouldn't allow the past of your former race get to you.?"

Maybe she is right. I need to be a little more gentle. But I never thought It would work that way. I had a lot to think about. Looking around the apartments again, it's feeling that a gentle heart gets more done. Maybe this is needed to get what I feel should be right.

" For you Lyra I will do this." I said softly. " I will also become a leader of a community. But again, I doubt we will find this leader you wish to find. Because Wyoming to Michigan is kind of scarce of folks. If this happen everywhere it's not going to be easy to find these folks that you want me to find."

I felt hungry. Searched around for more of those crystals with the dogs parts inside. Slowly standing up to grab whatever is left of them. Calmly eating them slowly to savior them. It's such a lovely taste the taste of dog and gems. I'm a full meat eater now. Is wise for me for the dogs to be around me even Lyra. When I turned to Lyra she was playing with the two Dog's. I felt my heart melt again.

" Teach me...Lyra..." Lyra looked up to me blinking. " Teach me to be gentle and kind to others." While I was speaking I tried to have a gentle smile on my face. So I looked like I cared what she thought. She had a large smile forming on her face.. From my kind words. It's what she needed so much.

" Alright Russell, first you listen to me alright?" I gave her a nod. " If someone angers you. You keep yourself calm. You allow yourself to be insulted and treated poorly. I know again it's not going to be easy to move on from that. But you’re a dragon. You could destroy an entire city without realizing it. Of course that is if you feel you need to. But Russell, allow those around you to speak to ask them for advice. Give them your friendship. Don't fall in the same hole that most prouply would understand?"

The words jumbled around my mind. Friendship and being there and getting advice from those that care about you. I never understood that. As a human, I was always a loner. I felt that no one had the right to give me advice or anything at all. Maybe if i allow myself to move on that, I could become a good leader. I just need to listen to Lyra. " Alright...Lyra I will try. Again for you." Smiling, I was showing my sharp teeth.I went back to eat those crystals with the dog parts in them. They tasted very intresting like jerky with crystals. But after I was done eating i felt hooves massaging my side. Looking towards Lyra, she was pressing in spots of my body that felt tender and wrong. A purr gently came from me. As I melted my body was in odd ways thanks to driving here it felt so weird.

Lyra gently massaged my back as well. At the moment I just felt at peace a calm gentle peace. Why was she doing this? Was it to butter me up because she wanted something? Maybe she just wanted to make sure I was ready to leave when the two weeks are up. This is our first week here. it's not going to be pleasant to just wait for this Chris. But maybe it's needed down the line. Feeling so much pleasure removed from my body. Slowly sleep was going to take me. Still feeling the hooves on the pressure points. Felt pleasure as well from this. Was this how ponies tamed dragons from what land she was from?

" Lyra what...." A deep purr came from me. A lot like a cat. It was strange. " Why are you doing this?" Lyra chuckled gently her hooves putting more pressure on my muscles that were over used at the moment.

" You seem very tensed Russell you need to relax some and allow yourself to become relaxed before this Chris person gets here. We don't need you to scare them off because they wish to get to know you." Giving a soft chuckle to myself I did agree. I have been such a hard ass. Maybe it's best that I did this so I could talk with them. Learn what they know teach them some things. Then be on my way. I did wish to stay with them. But I had my own journey that I needed to continue on. It's not going to be easy or simple. But we shall see what happens down the line.

" Okay that's enough Lyra it's getting very painful now too." Lyra chuckled softly but the purr still came from my throat i think? " Just thank you. I know you're trying to soften my heart. But it's not going to be easy to do that. So are you willing to help me soften my heart?" Lyra gives a nod.

" The fact is Russell. I can't just do that for you. You need to allow it. First things first. I am going to teach you how to be like a female. Now where I am from I still can't tell you the name sadly. Some females are very calm and gentle and very easy going. So what You need to do is to allow your motherly side to take control of yourself when you wish to be friendly." She said with a nod. Blinking to myself my motherly side? That just seems like a load of well horse dung. But of course that would be harsh to say around Lyra. For she is a pony and...well ponies horses dung..Poop well who knows really.

" Alright I will try Lyra. I can't promise anything. Even though will you be alright with that?" She gave a nod. "Now please put the dogs back into the car. I don't trust these other dogs here. I know they look tamed but I feel it might be best for the two of us to look around." Lyra gave a nod. She opened the door with her magic getting the two dogs back inside with a bowl of water. Before i did anything though I turned the car on putting down the window a crack so they can get air. Looking to Lyra nodding to her.

" Let's go check Sam's club for some more gas cans. Maybe we will find some more jewels as well."

0000

It took a pretty long while to get there. Lyra did find a pump that we used that we got water from. It wasn't the purest water sadly. But she had herself a full water bottle. She drank it slowly so to conserve the water. Because, well being Wyoming, it was hot. But to me it was amazing. I'm so happy I don't have to deal with that fur. The street's looked calm and empty but when we got to the Sam's Club, I noticed it looked like someone broke into it already. But I am sure it's not that bad. Going inside, I could smell the meat. The smell was awful. Hmm. so much for eating it. But I found a pack of trinkets I wonder how they tasted to my new mouth.

Taking my claws prying open the box placing a few of the trinkets in my mouth and they tasted odd.But I was up for trying new things even if it was this gross thing. I offered one to Lyra who tasted it and gagged. " What...kind of food is this?" I shrugged she looked at the box and stared at it. " Russell is this how humans preserve their food?" Giving a quick nod she looked grossed out. " It's not that good. These taste awful.

" Sometimes you gotta eat what you can Lyra. Even if it's that bad." I had a wagon with me but I found a cart. Grabbing it, I knew that it would help grab the things I needed if I was going to last through the week. I did have food in a cooler but I wanted to make sure that was preserved and thankfully it was a cooler that kept the ice from melting to quick. But I doubt I would find anymore ice. It's not going to be pleasant if I can't find anymore ice. But I will still try to eat the meat. I just want it preserved unless I have to go deer hunting. I have never had deer before well that wasn't cooked of course. I took all the pastries that would last for months. Then went along to find more gas cans. I found an entire isle of them. But I wanted the biggest and ones that never leak. So I found a good big one and a smaller one just in case I needed it. I didn't want to many things at this moment.

But the idea of gathering so much. Of course there was another jewelry case. Smashing the glass I ate the gems from the metal grabbing the left over boxes they had to redo the stock. It made me smile at the fact that I enjoy this. Of course Lyra did ask a question I never thought she would ask before.

" Russell what is this?" She was pointing her hoof to a large screen.

" Oh that is a TV. It's what humans use to watch things like movies and so on. What? you don't have TVs in your world?" She gave her head a shake. “That’s odd. That world must be dull then if there is no TV. But eh maybe it's a good thing as well. Because maybe there are times you are able to talk to people or whatever your species are." Lyra seemed to dislike how I worded the TV.

" It seems like a waste of time. Time you could spend to build something or bring happiness to another that maybe needs it?" Turning my head to look at her. I thought to myself.’I wish someone said that to me with Wow.’ Then smirked to myself remembering the memories of wow.

" Yes, but sadly in this day and age, the young didn't care about what the old minds thought. They were to into sex, Drugs, and many other things that made their lives pointless in the matter. Of course I am sure you don't have that issue in your land." Lyra just snorted rolling her eyes looking away. But of course she wouldn't tell me everything. This is how we have been ever since we met. I ask her a question I always get half truths or I am unsure how that works there. It's starting to bother me. But I'm not going to argue with her again. Pushing the cart with one claw so i could grab whatever I wanted. I oddly found some candy I could try. Because i doubt I could gain weight in this body. Well I doubt I could gain weight to easy in this new body.

So I grabbed some Swedish fish. I also grabbed some other candies i have never tried before. I hope their still good though after sitting here. The cart was full of junk. Mostly junk food because I felt that it's going to be hard to want to go back to other food if I eat all this.

" Um... Russell? I doubt all that is healthy." I sighed looking down to her with a smirk.

" I am doing what I must to live through this Lyra. I am sure this body can handle candy. But even so I don't know when we will get to Michigan because it's going to take many days. I might even get lost...if.. Wait.." Rushing to the technologically part of the store. I searched for a GPS. Maybe those still worked. I found one soon after and well, I didn't have any money so I just walked out of the store with it. Feeling bad that I just robbed a store. But there is no way I could stop myself from doing it.

0000

When we got back to the city hall it was already late at night. Looking at the GPS, it has a battery already with it. So I opened the back with my claws after I removed it from the package. After placing in the battery and entering in the address of my grandparents home, I set it inside the door. I sighed not sure what to think right now. Turning to look at my two dogs asleep. A smile formed along my lips. Then I looked towards Lyra, “Hey. Lets get some rest. You look very tired yourself.”

When we got inside the court house, it looked empty. But we would have to rest here. " Lyra go find a place to rest. I'm going to stand guard." Lyra chuckled softly but it sounded more like a giggle.

" Oh the strong female dragon is trying to protect me." She smiled sweetly at me. I just stared at her what the hell why is she acting like this?" Don't worry Russell my magic is strong enough to protect me. So i will be fine. But go ahead and do what you feel you have to." She trotted off into one of the rooms to rest. Being confused at why the hell she is acting so strange. Well after awhile getting to know her. She is the oddest pony I feel I will ever meet. Heading outside the city hall. Maybe I can just walk around to see what I can find here.

Since there is a gas station around here, I want to see what will happen to me if I drink soda. I walked through the town. I never really was here when I was human. Of course it was just one time. I need to at least find some more Gas cans I need at least enough to get me to Michigan but I want to see if I could try soda with this new body. I wonder how it would affect it.

So with life sometimes being a bad video game, I went to backtrack to get back to city hall. Most of the creatures were fast asleep in this town. Getting to the cart I grabbed the two gas cans and the tube that I use to siphon the gas out the cars. Looking at the crystals that look to be growing out of the ground and the walls of the buildings. They look like they just recently grown here. But I don’t really know. Inside most of them are dog parts. But I even see some fluids going through them. Looks like blood maybe not. Looking at the cars I go to one of them that has a crystal lodged in the gas tank. I try to pry open the gas cap to take the gas.. This was getting to be easy. Why did I feel like I was getting stronger now? Hmm maybe all the eating i have been doing is me growing a bit more?

I sighed softly to myself. “Russell you’re speaking to yourself again.” That is the first sign of insanity I was told. Speaking to yourself with no one else around you. How wonderful how sweet that is. Maybe I will be the first dragon to be insane. Eh maybe not I just need to keep my mind of this. I tried to pry a few gas tanks open with my claws. This was pretty dull like writing in a journal dull. Lifting a few full cans of gas back to the city hall laying down to relax.

I need to do something. I don't want to feel bored to death now.I looked for other cars to take gas from. But I couldn’t find anymore. So I went back to the truck thinking of maybe taking all of the stuff on the trailer to see what I have. Removing the tarp from the trailer folding it placing it down on the floor in city hall. Going back and forth placing everything I had on the tarp including the coolers I had in the truck. But something surprised me the last thing I found was the battery charger. The charger I thought Lyra removed. Looking over to the sleeping mare I felt awful with how i treated her. I slowly head outside but I heard her groaning in her sleep calling for me. I looked back inside seeing her waking up.

" Russell." She said softly. I was about to leave to get the rest of the stuff blinking turning to her. Seeing those gentle eye again. She trotted up to me it was pretty easy to look down at her with my long neck. "You need to rest." I was about to argue with her but she placed her hoof on my mouth. " No arguing I will bring the rest of the stuff in." She stared at me making me nod.

" Alright Lyra." Moving to lay beside the tarp. Sleep slowly took over me.

0000

June 10th Lyra's PoV.

Opening my eyes getting myself out of the chair. My heart jumped beating with fear. I didn’t hear Malla it worried me Trying to keep myself calm I slowly left the office walking gently so just in case. I don’t wish to anger Malla. But I was worried that something bad happen to her. She looks to be asleep I sighed to myself shaking my head. She overworked herself again. ' I don't trust this Lyra she won't tell me what is going on her. I know she knows. But she has been kind to me. But It's hard to trust someone that won't tell you the entire story. ' I felt bad that I couldn't tell her the entire story.

Now if only I could get my bags back. I was getting bored that I couldn't play my music. But I had to be given it when I was able to get her to trust me.

Setting down the Journal. I sat in front of Malla watching her sleep a moment. She overworked herself again. So It's best I get a drink and feed her dog's. Walking out of the city hall. It looked to be Mid morning. Opening the car to let the two dogs out. Smiling at the two dog's. Luna and Toby. Using my magic to grab their food bowls and the water dish. Opening the large plastic container that was full of dog food. But It might be best to search for more. Grabbing a bottle of water with my magic drinking from it. I'm not that hungry at the moment.

Closing the plastic case so Malla doesn't get upset at me for keeping it out. Placing the empty dishes into the car. Closing it the door looking down to Toby and Luna was oddly the same size as me. " Let's go...for a walk." I said with a happy sing song voice. This world amazed me. Walking along the street finding a strange store named Teacher corner. " Come let's go for a run." Quickly went into a gallop the two dogs running behind me. Of course Toby was far behind since he was smaller. I would have to keep an eye on him. Larger creature would want to eat him. I doubt Malla would ever forgive me if I let something happen to him. The three of us got to the store. Using my magic to try to open the door. But of course it's locked.

Turning around to buck the door with my back hooves smashing hard into it. Making the glass shatter quickly using my magic to remove the glass so the two dos don't cut their cute little paws. Then I watch Toby he went inside and pooped and peed all over the side.. Blinking why did he do that? " Toby?" He just turned around wagging his tail yapping at me. Watching Luna she did her own thing sniffing around. "Luna get back here!!" Luna turned to me snorting anger filled me I got to protect them. Using my magic to grab Luna's collar pulling her close to me. " You stay with me. NO!! Toby don't pee there!!"

These dogs angered me these aren't like the dos back home. These dos act like they have no brains at all. " With me now." The two dogs just stared at me. I groaned loudly. Going inside the door stepping over the pee and the poop. Looking around seeing the board game. Maybe while we wait for this Chris. We can play these games. Lifting up a pile of board games. Carrying them back to city hall. But the dogs didn't follow me turning to see them. " HEY!!! YOU TWO!!" The two dogs stared at me. " COME!!" The two start coming along. Puffing out my cheeks. How did Malla keep them from leaving her the entire time along the way here. Then I heard Toby yapping again. Turning full of anger seeing a large cat coming towards him. Using my magic to pull him away. Luna barked loud enough to scare off the cat. But keeping Toby in my magic. I stared at him but all he did when I brought him close to my face. He licked my nose

" GAH!!!" Snorted angrily carrying him along with the board game. Luna followed close behind. I love dogs but these two would drive anyone nut's. Getting into the City hall placing the board games down. Along with Toby they both nudged into Malla trying to wake her. They whined wanted her to be there for them. Pulling them along.

" lets leave her alone." Luna stayed behind she didn't want to go. She went back inside. Toby of course did come with me. Sighing softly Walking to the place called Walmart to look for more food for the dog's. But when I got closer to a spot I sensed some powerful magic here. Looking around it. It's a magic circle the same way I got here. Maybe there another from my world that came here to help this one named Chris. But again I lost track of Toby looking around quickly.

" Toby?!" I yelled looking around with fear in my heart. I lost him Malla is going to hate me!! I started to panic then I heard him barking in the store. Rushing into the store. Getting to the dog food isle. Seeing a giant pack of dogs surrounding him ready to hurt him. Looking around finding canned dog food. " Here doggies" They turned to me while I opened six of the canned dog food placing it all over the ground. Toby ate with them as well getting fatter as he ate. The pack leader came towards me looking at her collar it said Leia. Calmly smiled patting her head then looking at Toby he wrapped around her leg and...did something that brought horror to my face.. " NO!! Toby no!!" Pulling him away I chuckled weakly. " I'm sorry." Leia snorted at Toby. Toby just wagged his tail barking. Looking to the cans of food there are some left for Toby and Luna. So lifting them up in my magic

" Come along Toby.." Blinking " Toby?" He vanished again. Looking around again with panic in my heart. Trotting around looking for him. " Toby?!" I kept yelling. " TOBY!!!" I heard him barking again galloping to the sound. I found him barking at a cardboard cut out of a human holding a sauce. Sighing the stress filling my body causing me to get upset at him. Wanting to scream at him but I couldn't control myself. "Don't do that to me!! I'm trying to protect you so Malla doesn't hate me!!" He just stared at me tears streaming down my face. He's nothing like the other dogs that I have met in this world. Him Luna and Ruby were very mindless for dog's. Toby just waddled away I felt so angry tears falling down my face. wanting to cry but.. I can't I need to protect him. Rubbing the tears from my eye is following him watching him pee and poo every place he sniffed at.

Anger filled me this dog was testing me. Lifting him up with my magic trotting through the store. He whined in my magic. He wanted to be a dog. But when I got out of the store it was already almost night.. How long was I in there? Trotting back to city hall opening the door placing him back inside with the cans of dog food. Luna came out to I forced her back into the car. Closing the door of the car walking to the office but then I turned to looked to Malla tears dripping from my eye's. So much stress filled me. Trotting into the room screaming loudly in anger. Grabbing a pillow I found sobbing into it. The stress from taking care of those dogs really got to me.

0000

June 11th- 12th-and 13th

To make it easy for me unlike what happen yesterday. I'm writing what happened today in this journal. The 11th and the 12th much really didn't happen. I had to follow the two dogs without them getting harmed. But what happen mostly I stayed inside the city hall making sure that I could keep an eye on Malla. I even opened a set of cards I found in a desk and it had instructions to a game called solitaire. So I wanted to try to see how it would be played. But while I played Malla just seemed very calm in her sleep. A nasty storm formed outside. So I brought the two dogs in hearing how crazy the weather is here. But I didn't know what to do anymore without Malla. She knows this land more than I do. Eating one of the MREs she called them oddly tasted very good. Opening the empty water bottles allowing the water to fill them from the sky. Using my magic to keep them from moving or falling over. But it was three bottles of water I needed to fill up.

A few words seem to be messed up tear marks on the page. Yes I'm crying I feel alone without Malla yelling at me to do something. I don't have the heart to tell her I lost Ruby I lied when I kept an eye on her. Didn't have the heart to tell her she was sick and close to death. But I just her laying here asleep. Again I tried to wake her. It was getting close to very late at night. Her dogs drove me insane having no idea how to control them. Opening one of the board games to play a game by myself. The train stopped from what Malla told me when it rains here it doesn't last that long. But it lasted for like two hour's. Maybe what happen to this world it fixed the weather for Wyoming I think she called it. Placing the lids back on the fresh rain water. Put them back inside the car along with the two dogs since I had enough of them. So i am going to get some sleep.

Whelp the morning of the next day wasn't much better the dogs didn't even listen to me. I have no idea how Malla even controls them. Please wake up Malla please. But nothing really happen again...I have been crying because I feel So alone...Malla still won't wake. I played all the board game by myself to keep me from losing it. But I keep hearing the recording that this Chris did You would think they would still be here to make sure no pony has showed up.

I am bored out of my mind unlike back home there is always something to do. I played that card game so many times It's driving me crazy. It's late that's how boring this way was nothing to do at all.

13th

It's the next day and still she is not waking up.

Back into the eyes of Malla

Opening my eyes looking around yawning. Slowly getting up hmm that was an amazing sleep. I guess I did over work myself again. It seems my body only does. I heard sobbing blinking at the sound of that slowly walking to the office looking into it seeing Lyra hiding in a corner crying her eyes out. Her face covered with her hooves. Reaching in for the journal to let her cry. Maybe she needs it. I have no idea..Reading what I said about her at the start of the journal. My crest bent in sadness from that. Looking at what she has been through and why she didn't tell me about Ruby. I knew Ruby was an old dog and close to death. She could have told me the truth. But looking through all this I had no idea what to do with her now. She did so much just for me. It made me feel bad at how I have been treating her.

Looking to the rest she did so much for the dogs even got wet food for them. Setting the Journal down going inside looking down at her. Sliding my claw along her head. " Lyra I'm sorry." She didn't stop crying something really was bothering her so.. I had to say the words I never thought I would. " Lyra I trust you.. You no longer have to tell me why or what happen. Even though I know you know. I just can't force it through you anymore. So please my friend stop crying."

Lyra didn't she seemed very hurt and broken. So I held her close to my scaled body. I felt this is the only way she would feel better. After close to an hour she slowly stopped crying. " I...'m...s..orry.."

" Shhh" I softly said. " I'm not going to hate you for what happen Lyra. Ruby was old yes I knew this. But I'm going to treat you better then I have been. You don't deserve the treatment I have been giving you. Now you rest. I'm going to look through our supplies and if I have to go make a run for more MREs if I can find any. I might have to head back to Buffalo there is a MRE selling place there that I didn't raid."

Lyra gave me a nod. Heading back out into the lobby of the City hall looking at all the supplies. Looking through the MREs we had that are veggie we had 198 thanks to my parents buying the lifetime one's. So we are good there. Looking through all the gas cans. Still enough gas I had two more coolers to look through. Didn't wish to bring the cases from the top of the roof down. But looking into the meat coolers the ice still stayed frozen thankfully I love these coolers that keep things frozen longer. But I wasn't hunger. Closing them shut to make sure they stay frozen. Looking at the two car batteries my LED lantern bringing out to make sure it worked and it did very well. But turning it off so I don't waste the battery. Then going out to the car to see all is good.

The dog-food all good the dogs asleep. Awww those cute little monsters. Sighing looking around town. I had all the meat MREs still but I don't get hungry as much as others do. I just get board and eat.

Since Lyra wishes me to use this journal I guess I will. It’s June 15th if anyone really cares. Lyra needed a break so I took the dogs allowed her to rest in the city hall. So since Buffalo wasn’t that far away maybe an hour or so. So I went back with the dogs. Before I went back to the house. I went into town going to some stores to see what I can find. But I found no one else no other soul. The entire town was dead. I felt maybe this is fate my fate. I wished to be alone I wished to be a loner. I look back now I feel empty. Maybe if Lyra didn’t show up I would rampaging around here burning destroying. Going back to the house I grabbed a photo of Ruby when she was puppy. The house stank so badly I wish I could have stayed to help clean it. But without power it wouldn’t work.

I let the dogs roam their old home. I just sat on the couch thinking tears falling from my face. Feeling so empty inside but I didn’t notice when the tears hit the floor grass started to grow. I didn’t care to notice. So much emptiness filled me. Going outside of the house one last time. I turned to look at it. I said to myself. “ Journey to the future starts with a step. Maybe this is the journey I need to take to find myself along the road. To speak and understand why and maybe.. I will be told.. Why not?”

Getting back into the car turning the key and drove away back to Gillette I had much on my mind. But for now It’s time to just move on.

It was close to midnight when I returned to the city hall. But I placed all the important stuff in my life is protected. Finally everything done and set up. I got all i needed more dvds old incenses plates i took from car's. All the stuff I felt that my heart needed. It's not really but this feeling ever since I became a dragon. I need to preserve our way of life. Need to collect hoard in the way's.

But as of now the dogs are asleep Lyra is to. We have one more week to wait and then we will be on our way.

I set down the Journal looking up into the sky to watch the star's. Feeling in my heart that I'm close to the end. But I have a long trek to go. All i need is to get back in the car and get through the many paths. Looking down the GPS programing in my grandparents home and The meijer's I feel that will be wise to stay at. Then the world is how we see it..

Chapter Five: June 16th-26th
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A Dragon's Trek to Michigan

Chapter Five: June 16th-26th

Whelp these days feel boring I think it's just June 16th? I lost track of time when I fell into that sleep again. Having a feeling I'm eating to much or over working but i'm very, very unsure in the mater. But today I am going to be in my journal. Anyway what happen today is that Lyra has become more gentle and is explaining how magic works to me. Now I am not going to say I know anything about magic. In fact I know nothing about it. But the highlights of what she told me and the Questions I gave her. I basically went. " So magic is like the force." She gave me a very strange look after I said that. She doesn't understand the fundamentals of wonderful movies. Of course I don't blame her she is new to this world. She found these board games. I am not one that enjoys board games. I tried to tell her kindly that I didn’t wish to play them. But again I didn't wish to hurt her feelings. Seeing her sad makes me feel guilty and I don't like feeling guilty.

We played a few board games. Since she wanted to just enjoy some calm time. Then we went into town keeping the dogs in the car. Since she told me how they acted with her. We both went through some interesting places...well if you call Sam's club interesting. Explaining to her what a computer does. It basically went as followed. " Basically this is called a PC it could be used for work. Even school but a lot of folks used them for games." Showing her the game's. She looked at a few of them. She saw the rating.

" Russell why does this show on the back that some guy is exploding with guts and gore everywhere?"

She simply asked. For me, I didn't wish to tell her but I kind of had to. The human race is pretty desensitized with all the games we play. It’s a sad feeling but yeah. The fact that many humans are so desensitized it's hard for them to be bothered

" Well you see Lyra some people love playing games like this."

She just gave me a very strange look. I could tell she wasn't amused by that. " Russell this is bad for you and your kids as well. No pony should be playing this. It makes no sense there is no story and all there is blood guts and drinking?" Lyra just stared at the game and snorted in anger. I never thought she would do this. She lifted the games into her magic. She forced magic in them than suddenly they all exploded into dust. I just stared at her laughing nervously. " Oh good job Lyra you going to do that to the rest of the million of the same game?" Lyra's eyes really went wide that time. She got very angry again.

" No this is not right!" She did yell at me. She was so angry I don’t understand her anger. But maybe if I knew what her species where like. Maybe I would learn why. But she doesn't really seem to want to me. She just got very angry at the fact that these games even existed. I watched her as her eyes grew very upset. They normally are so gentle. I have never seen such anger when she poke.

" Lyra this is how my world sadly is. Some folks want to play bloody games. Some folks want to play story games. Some just want to play games that would turn them on." Of course saying that angered her even more. I'm surprised I even remember everything she said to write it here. Of course my old life I wouldn't remember much of anything. But this is what she said.

" Turn on?!" She yelled even louder. That it echoed through the store. " Sex is a wonderful thing to have with your lover. Are you telling me there are people here who have sex with every pony?" I gave a simple nod. Her cheeks grew red with anger. She stomped her hooves. " That is gross that is awful. I don't see the point of those games. What about those movies you told me about. Do they have sex in them all willy nilly and stuff like that Russell?" She asked in a pretty angry voice. All i had to do was nod. Her horn glowed with so much anger a spell explosion caused every game movie around us to explode. All i did was stand there watching her have a tantrum a very nasty one mind you.

" Lyra...hon.." Placing my clawed like hand on her shoulder. " It's how this world is. It would have taken years to get people to change their minds. It's not that simple. It really ain't. You need to understand hon." In fact she would be pretty upset that this conversation between us is even in the journal. But she will have to deal with it. But it didn't get heated like our talks have. With me feeling extremely guilty that I got her to cry. But this time I had to calm her down.

" Now Lyra please. You don't need to be upset at people who will never show up ever again maybe. But again remember this not your world my friend." I simply stated. Again she was very angry but she calmed. But she did bring up something I am surprised she did. " Have you ever had sex?" She asked that out of the blue. My scales burned bright red. With my scales being black, of course it was easy for her to see. How can dragons blush?! This is not fair really. But I stated the truth. " Yes in fact. my girlfriend was wild enough to want to do it six times in one day. She was a bit of a wild gal." I said with a simple smirk. Lyra just stared at me. All she did was just stare. It started to feel awkward and weird that those eyes stared at me like she was my mother.

" Did you do it out of love Russell?" She simply asked. I smiled softly. " For me it was love yes. But for her it was more of the next score. That's how she was with me. She loved me but she wanted to be married as well. But I wasn't ready and I don't feel I was good enough for her. She was an amazing women. But I doubt i would have been good enough for her in the long run." Sadly this is how I really felt with her. I wish i didn't go into my personal life with Lyra. But there are times that things must come out to feel better about moving on. Sometimes moving on is a time we need to do.

" Love in this world Lyra is a bit different then i am sure your used to. Some don't want to make long term plans. So some just want a simple easy.. Forgive what I am going to say fuck." Lyra's eyes went wide at my wording. She grew angry again at that. " Oh alright alright. I mean..simple coupling of the sexes better?" Lyra nodded with a gentle smile again. Then Lyra asked something I never thought she would. " If you ever found another dragon, a male of course, would you make little ones?" She asked. My eyes just grew in surprise at this. There is that feeling again of warmth between my legs. I didn't know what to feel. But the idea of a male pleasing me was odd to my instincts I could feel the heat building there. Then of course when is saw. Lyra's bright red cheeks because of the smell i finally tossed those thoughts into the back of my head. I smashed them with a hammer and locked the very door.

" Never..." I said with a growl of lustful want in my voice. " Talk about that ....again...please." She laughed at my expense. It wasn't funny in my eyes. It's hard to write this because I am having that feeling again damn you Lyra.

" Ha ha I smell you!!" I heard from the office. Growling setting down the journal.

" It's all your fault, so shut up!!" Lyra brought her head out of the door sticking her tongue out at me. Growling angrily to myself. I continued to write. She really wished to know about our world. She noticed all the material wealth that was dishes and many other items in the store. This got her to the same amount of anger. We have been in the store for a good part of the 16th because she wish to know.. All about humans. I don't know why but she wished to understand them. So I oddly showed her the most interesting treasure of all money. “You see Lyra I am sure you have money that allows you buy goods and services.” Lyra gave a nod. “Well for here it’s the same. But we can also buy these.” I lifted up a box of condoms.

" What are those you just lifted up?" I tossed them to her while she caught them in her magic and read the label. Her cheeks turned so red that I couldn't see her normal color in her face anymore. " But...this is even worse!!" She yelled again. “No,” I simply stated, " This is how men here keep females from getting pregnant or pills." The mare grew so angry she took the box with her magic and ripped it apart. This creature is an alien from another world. Of course I expected her to act like this. She did get heated again with her words. " Sex in my world is not like this. It's a love that the male and female.. or female and female share." Blinking it seems their world is farther ahead then even ours.

I simply said to her. " Would you believe,” I calmly said. “That same sex lovers are hated in this world? Well there are some that are fighting for their rights. But they are still pretty hated." Lyra had a look of horror on her face. She didn't again understand the way of life here. Some folks sadly had agenda that they wished to put through. Even if it was religiously motivated.

" Allow me to explain Lyra." I calmly stated. " There are some folks who have an agenda. It threatens that agenda. To the point some will even kill to keep that agenda from being threatened. I don't wish to go deep into the politics of the world." Lyra blinked.

" I wish to learn more about this world Malla, so please tell me."

I didn't wish to go into how politics got in this world. Politics are a double edged sword when it comes to it. It's a bit of a way for most people to express how they feel and their agendas. It's not that simple really I would say. But while I brought this up the conversation went pretty out there. So a note here,I wrote the entire conversation about politics talk I had with Lyra in another Journal. When I finally get to my new home. It will be placed in a spot where others can read it for who ever reads this of course. But the conversation will start again at the end of this conversation.

" But there are other things my friend. That are even worse. There are some in the world that wish to control what you do. It's sadly how the government is. I am not sure how it works Maybe you could explain it to me? I wish to understand it but I am really not sure.”

She oddly smiled to me and while she hasn't told me were she is from. But she did tell me about her life. But what's interesting it was the morning like close to three in the morning on the 17th.

" We have the Princesses. The Princess of the Sun, who controls the sun. She is also an amazing creature that is so kind and gentle. Then we have her younger sister. The Princess of the night. She controls the moon and also goes into ponies of dreams. She mostly goes into the dreams to help ponies with their issues. But also to teach them.. Then we have the Princess of Love. A wonderful mare that wishes to spread happiness to all in our land. Then there is the Princess of friendship"

Then when she said that I started laughing. I wish I didn't laugh it was odd to laugh with that female voice coming from me. Then i oddly said. " Wait.. the princess of Friendship your kidding me right?" Laugh " That sounds so freaking girly that I'm amazed that even exist. Oh how rich how rich..Your pulling my leg are you?" Lyra then turned the tables on me. " Said the female dragon that was day dreaming of having sex with a male awhile ago." My face turned so bright red again. Get those thoughts back into my head back into the door of my head. Come on get in there with a hammer!! " Now that is unfair..." I stated. Then she smirked turning the tables on me again. " Awww but Malla i am just a cute little unicorn. That wishes to see you pleased." She said in a sultry voice that made me go deep red in the face again.. To the point my crest spread wide open it getting red to.

Yes, she went there with me. I don't understand how she did that to me. But i finally relaxed myself and realized I was being a bit rude there. I'm a dragoness I should be respectful to my own sex. So did the next best thing. I was respectful. " Alright I understand I was a bit rude there. I need to learn to act like more respectful. "Now what does this Princess of friendship do exactly?" I simply asked with a little more respect in my voice. Lyra had that gentle smile on her face. She didn't even seem to be tired. Of course I introduced her to soda not long ago. So it seems to be keeping her awake "Hmm well she tries to spread friendship around." She drank it again. " Is this a type of Soda Russell? It's a bit strange."

I gave her a nod. " It's called Pepsi and it's known to keep folks awake. Not to mention it's already kind of you know, the next day since we talked so much. So now it's the 17th of June." She didn't want to sleep of course she wished to know more of this world. So we walked outside. The dogs stayed away from me of course. But we were walking around the town. Ignoring the cats and bears. that didn't really want to get close because i was there. We walked to a hot dog shop and the night was still kind of going but the walk got to the point the sun came up. Again here the conversation went into politics. Again to those who ever read the other journal you will be able to understand the conversation that Lyra and I had. I can tell you though she got pretty upset. I don't understand her way of life. But her world sounds very laid back. Maybe that's a good thing. I enjoy her company. She makes me smile with how laid back she is.

But the conversation kind of went on. it started to become more of the same conversation that we had for awhile. It's gotten to the point that some things of the conversation went back to the old words. But then some things become different. " Now Lyra not all humans enjoy eating meat." We at at the tables of the hot dog store. " They ate food like this. It's something you tend to accept. But how this meat was made. They took pigs and chopped them up and made them into this." I said lifting up a rotted hot dog. The smell was awful but it was a way for me to explain. " Now sometimes it got to the point that rats did get inside the machines." The poor mare gave a eww look."

Again the conversation got pretty dull. in fact the walk back took about the full day. so the 18th was pretty interesting. I lead Lyra to a basketball hope and showed her how we played basketball. Because well she did wish to learn how the human race worked. She just wanted to understand since the world did end in a way. Basically I taught her the sports i knew about. I told her how Basketball works then soccer. Telling her the real name is football. But what's sad when I told her about Baseball she just looked at me like i was a nut. But we then talked about hockey. We did play some basketball i swear that unicorn magic is cheating. But I allowed her to win. It's hard to play it with being on all fours like I am. Really I enjoy her company. The fact she got me into writing this So lets see.

June 18th

These three days I remembered some places we could go to. The first was Frontier Auto Museum. I have never been there myself till now. She wanted to see everything before we went on our trip to Michigan. So this was the first place we went. The doors of this Museum were ten times stronger than the others I broke into back in Buffalo. So I used my sharp sharp claws to cut a large opening for the two of us. Setting the glass down so Lyra doesn't get hurt. " I haven't been here myself Lyra. But I have heard of it." I said. When we got inside we saw all the old signs of the car builders. One of the ones I have seen in years Pontiac it said.

" Malla what does that name mean?" Looking up to the signs that have the names of the creators. Giving a soft chuckle looking back to her with a smile.

" Lyra you have seen the name of the car I am driving right?" She gave a nod smirking. " That is the names of the folks who make them. Now Pontiac only made cars for a group of people. But they used to make them for the crowd as well. But all the names here are of the people that created them." Lyra looked back at it blinking a moment. But going through the museum we saw many old cars. Parts of cars even some old signs. Most of it was mostly bolted down so i couldn't take any of it.

But seeing the old gas tanks that we used to get gas from what impressive sight. Lyra loved the look of the old cars. I smirked at her she was acting like a child in a candy store. All the cars and shine in them impressed her so much. Of course she never seen anything like this before.,

" Malla... This is amazing. Can these be used?" Sighing softly shrugging

" Oh silly me." She said blushing.

" Lyra these cars are so old. They would have to be refilled and then tested. But without people with the skills able to do that. It would be hard to do it anyway. These cars prouply have been driven in years." Looking at one of the old Studebaker's. Looking at the old T-birds and old mustangs. Wishing I had a camera so i could remember that I was here. Looking over at the gift shop. Lyra stayed back looking at the cars. I could see the smile on her face still. She looked so amazed. When I finally went into the gift shop leaving her alone. That was my first mistake. But I found a sign called Auto Museum. Taking it down to carry it back to the car. But i heard something turn on it sounded like a bunch of cars. I had a bad feeling about this. A really bad feeling about this. Going into the room that had the cars blinking seeing that she started one of them with Magic...But how?

" Look Malla i got it going." Then it started to smoke. Quickly I grabbed Lyra running out quickly out of the room but it just turned off blinking looking back into the room. " Malla!! It had no gas in it..." She gave me an angry look. " Fine you're a big party pooper. " She sticks her tongue out at me. Sighing softly smiling.

" Sorry Lyra I didn't mean to think it would blow up." Lyra laughed softly.

" Its okay Malla. I am sure there are more places you wish to show." Sighing softly I let her go. " Besides I was testing something. i doubt it's wise to use it when the car has fuel in it. It's also a spell that is not wise to use on the car you're using. It was more of a test of course."

We left the Auto Museum it was still June- 18th. But of course Lyra was pretty tired after that spell. So we went back fed the dogs and let them wander. Lyra went back into the office to rest. The sign I got I place it was tape on the back rear window. I went to go rest myself to be ready to take Lyra to another part of the city.

June 19th

June 19th started off pretty odd enough. Lyra was showing me some spells of hers. One of the spells she used caused some of the power in the city hall turned on. Then the bulbs exploded, causing the glass to fly everywhere.

" Lyra... I am going to ask you never do that again." I calmly said. She looked at all the glass that she started removing with her magic looking back up to me with those motherly eyes. When she stares at me like that. For some reason I melt and a soft purr forms deep in me.

" I promise I won't do that again Malla." She said having a kind gentle smile on her face. So again she didn't wish to do this spell trying to get the power back on. It would take something without magic. Now there was another place I wanted to take her. Another Museum I found on the GPS. It's called Campbell Rock Pile museum. It wasn't very far from the Auto Museum. When the two of us made it there. Looking closely at the Museum. It was an old Museum that held many weapons and old wagons. So a collector of sorts in a way. But not a big one. Looking at the very old sign it was pretty old looking. This place looks like it won't survive without someone to keep it up to date. When we went inside the first thing we saw were cowboy spurs. There was even an old photo of a man on a horse.

" Um Malla what are those things meant for?" Looking at the spurs and the reins.

" Well those spurs are used to stab into the sides of the horse to get them to run faster. The reins are used." Lyra blushed deeply.

" Um we do have clothing like that back at home Malla. Same with the saddle just the spurs are different to me." Blinking a moment to myself.

" Why would a race of horses have stuff like that?" Lyra looked back up to me with bright red cheeks. Then it hit me..My eyes went wide. Face Clawing hard what is this race a bunch of horny animals? Oh wait their ponies of course most of them are horny and they have horns. Shaking my head to remove that from my mind. I moved us on from there to the guns.

" Now Lyra these are weapons that humans created to protect themselves. Back in the day they were also used for many wars to. These old weapons are beauties yes. Oh and Lyra see that very old cash register?" Nodding. " I wish to take it. I doubt it will last long without someone to take care of it. So lift it with your magic I will place it inside one of the cases in the car to protect it." Lyra looked at the old machine she nodded lifting it up in her magic. It was very well kept. But I will keep it even more protected when I get to my new home.

Lyra held it in her magic. As the two of us went along looking through the rest of the museum. I told her about how a lot of this got here. it was pretty hard for most of the people but they did what they could.. But the last few things we saw we took one more thing. It looked like an old vac. Then we went into the room of fossils skulls of many different creatures that lived around this area. But after awhile again Lyra was getting tired using her magic like she was made her tired. So I would let her rest. We went back and placed both of the items in the cases on top of the car. Then we went to rest for the rest of the night. Allowing the dogs to play.

June 20th

It got pretty calm on the 20th all we did was rest really so not much to write here. Well we didn't just rest we also played cards. it got pretty funny when i was teaching her how the play poker. So i gave her the rules it was interesting to see her try this. But what happen was she didn't understand the lingo. So we played some of the board games she found. These were odd board games One of them was a questions game she didn't understand that either.

But we found a game more my speed a board game. Now this game was about history. So I was able to teach her some parts of our history. Like when it landed on the civil war. I started to explain to her what happen.

" Alright Lyra, the Civil war was what you call it mostly. It was a war between the states. Brother and brother fought each other over political reasons. Mostly the freedom to own slaves. I am sure you don't have that issue your home. But Maybe you do." I went on to explain more but after awhile Lyra grew board and went to go get some sleep. Left me to just relax in the sun.

00000000

Then June 21st to 25th were pretty calm but we went around again to make sure we got everything we needed. We went through some stores to find more MREs but i didn't find any really. But it's gotten to the point that we proudly seen most of the town. But it's not what we know anymore. I want to leave but she wants to stay. UGH i am getting tired of writing in this journal but I feel I need to. The last day the 25th i was out on my own allowing Lyra to rest since. We have done so much the past few days. But on this day we didn't talk we just walked around the town. It made us get used to each other's company. Because we were going to be in the car together for awhile. But it's going to be hard to get used to. Since the idea of being with her for many days did get on my nerves.

But that is just my opinion of course. She is a great friend. But all the questions she has been asking me got odd after our walk. She asked many things her first question. " So tell me Russell what did you enjoy about the world the games? The games that you showed me that I destroyed." She said with a smirk. Sighing at this question I felt it's getting crazy that she keeps bringing that up. " Well you have to understand Lyra. Most of the things that happen in games are very good stories. Like Kingdom hearts had a story that was about dreams and how things changed for most in the heart. The heart's of kingdom hearts always brought forth a dream to some. But yes kingdom hearts was mostly about how friendship was and love. But I'm surprised you care Lyra.."

Of course I was surprised she care. But she wanted to learn and learning is how she did. Even if she pissed me off most of the time. " So basically it's a silly childish story and it would work better in a book." I blinked my eyes filling with anger. But then I realized she was looking at it through her point of view. So yes. " But yes I do agree some things are better as a book" i found it strange that she wanted to ready the book of it. But that's normal of course. Its something I am not used to seeing myself, good books. But she brought up something else.

" So what kind of books do they have in this world Russell?" Sighing a bit. Looking away not sure what to think right now. But the idea of trying to think about it would work. But i am very very unsure. But i spoke of the books.

" Well there are many books that are really good to read.. The hobbit based in the lord of the ring series is just as good. Now this story."

This took awhile to explain to her. But I remember much of what I said to her. " The hobbit is about a little creature that lives in a hole in the ground. He wasn't human but a half ling. He did want to go on adventures but he mostly wished to just stay at his home and relax smoking. Then a nice old man came to speak to him. Asking him if he is Bilbo Baggins. For the man that wished to know is named Gandalf the Grey. A wizard of powerful magic. Bilbo of course wanted nothing to do with him. He was more of ‘I wish to be alone’ type of creature. But that is normal in this story. These creatures wished to be alone, it's how that world worked."

Setting down the Journal a bit stroking my claws. The wrist felt in pain since I have been writing so much. But feeling that I need to get this down. Lifting the pen and the journal again. " Now late that night. Now I am skipping some things of the story. Because well some parts of the story really aren't needed. Hmm ah yes creatures known as Dwarfs. Found their way. Again i will be skipping some things like the names. Now one of the dwarfs is named Thorin. But they wished to have a burglar. They needed him for the treasure that Smaug guarded from them. it was their former treasure but of course at first he didn't wish to help. But the next day he did come to them to help them. Now maybe I can find you a good book store. I can give it to you to read. Here let's go find one." Walking around town again we found a bookstore.Now I never knew there was bookstore in this town. Now I need to find her some books that will keep her calm on this trip. Star trek, Star wars, Lord of the rings, and Dragon lance. I feel those books will keep her mind calm. I feel this might help her get through the boring days. But she wanted to stay in here and keep looking at the stores.

" Um Russell what is this book?" She lifted up 50 shades of grey. Looking away from it, I smirked.

" Take a look into it." Calmly stated. Opening the book she looked into it her cheeks turned bright red. Dropping the book out of her magic. Looking up to me with a angry look.

" You knew what that was all along didn't you?" She asked with a tinge of anger. Laughing loudly, I nodded.

She got pretty upset at me again and we were about to have another sex argument. Because well with how loose humans are about sex. It kind of made her a bit upset. I couldn't stop her of course. " Why is the human raise so loose on mating? Why must they be. So i don't know like it's something you do everyday with a new partner? i don't understand this logic Russell I really don't." She stated.

" Well Lyra the human race has been through many things. War, Slavery, and so on.Sex in the human race is not really taboo. Some have many partners and how some sexual intercourse is that we pay for it. Now sex to me is well normal. I could care less if I have been with someone. I have many times but it was just normal. But sex here is like a joy to some. But to some it's a way to boast about their conquest. That's how some see it. Even with the hookers."

The unicorn blinked at the word hooker. " Um..." I cut her off. " Hooker is a gal that you pay money to have sex with." Now that pissed off Lyra so much to the point that the book selves started to shake. Waiting for the entire isle of books to burn up from her anger. But at this moment she calmed down sighing.

" Your world is becoming more strange to me Malla." I laughed at that fact. My world is weird? Well maybe it is.

" Come let's find star wars and then get back to relax some." The walk back took awhile but of course of course.

Setting down the journal stroking my wrist. " Damn it!!. Hey Lyra I am going to go out and lay in the sun."

" Yeah good for you let me get back to reading." Blinking looking into the office Lyra looked to be reading the hobbit. She had a pile of many books. Star wars, some star trek, even the lord of the rings. Smirking to myself ‘That will keep her out of my scales for awhile.’ Going to let the dogs roam around and feed them. Slowly heading outside opening the door to let the dogs out setting down some water and food for them. Looking to the sun to lay in it and calmly rest. It felt so peaceful but i didn't know how long it would last. At this moment I didn't care it was calm it was I felt something pulling on my nose. opening my eyes I looked into the eyes of a little unicorn foal. Blinking quickly lifting my head up looking at the foal a moment while the little one giggled.

" Um Lyra" I yelled " Did you get knocked up and had a foal without me knowing?" I could hear her walking out of the city hall.

" Oh come on Russell it takes a stallion and 11 months and...Hey there's a foal there." Turning my head to her. Giving her the look of really?

" Then if this is not your foal who does she belong to?" While I kept an eye on the foal i didn't know what to think. But I was hoping someone would well at least tell me what is up with this a sudden unicorn foal showing up like this. Lyra came over, looking down at the little one.

"Where did you come from and why are you biting my nose?" As the foal chomps back down on my snout.

" Who does she belong to?" I calmly asked. Lyra gave me a shrug and we both heard a voice.

" Starla!!!" The voice sounded out. Lyra and I looked up to see who said it.

Author's Note

The rest of the chapter is in Mandatory Motherhood by Dargondarkfire. The chapter we have done is already set up. It just needs to be edited by his editor. I would love to thank him for the kindness he showed me. It was a wonderful Collab

Chapter six: Wall Drug, MT Rushmore, and Rapid city. June-27th 28th
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A Dragon's Trek to Michigan

Chapter six: Wall Drug, MT Rushmore, and Rapid city. June-27th 28th

It's been two hours since Lyra and I left Gillette. On the way It was very calming and relaxing. I was happy that we got to meet someone else that survived this stupid fate. But It was time to leave. I looked over to Lyra seeing her read the Hobbit. It amazed me how much she loved that story. But she got pretty bored otherwise because it was pretty much endless farms till we got to South Dakota. It's pretty impressive how close we are to our journey's end. Then I saw the signs of wall drug. Lyra toward her book looking at the sign blinking looking to me. But she was playing her music. It was so haunting and hard to drive without falling asleep. That lyre is so crazy and haunting. I can't understand how she can play and read at the same time.

" What in the world is Wall Drug?" I smiled softly.

" Wall Drug is a very interesting tourist trap I could take you to it there is also Mt Rushmore." Lyra blinks I looked over to her pointing to a sign of what it looks like. " Mt Rushmore is of old leaders of the US. I feel it might be wise to go there to preserve anything we can find my friend." Saying to her with a gentle smile. Lyra smiled she was happy that I wished to spend this time with her.

" How long would it take us to get there?" Looking at the GPS putting in Wall Drug.

" Hmm it will take five to six hours. We can go there to let the dogs run around and bathroom then eat something then look around. I feel it might be wise to then go to Rushmore then take a rest in a hotel in Rapid city. Are you willing to see all this my friend?" Lyra gave a nod. But of course we had to stop again because the silly herds and farms keeping their fences open. So this would take a few minutes so it gave us more time to talk. Turning off the car waiting for the cows to stop crossing the road.

" Tell me Malla. Why were you so respectful to that Chris person but to me when we first met you didn't trust me." Turning my head to look over to her with a smile. I didn't wish to answer but i would have to. Thinking of what to say without hurting her feelings. Sighing and then lifting my head looking back outside hating this when the herds do this.

" Well Lyra I am sorry for that. But I think it's hard to trust someone who knows what is going on. But You have to understand It helped me feel better knowing the fact. I am not the only one left alive in this world. Lyra tell me how would you feel if you felt that?" Looking over to Lyra the cows just keep crossing. This was getting on my nerves but it was needed.

" I wouldn't know Malla. But it's sad to know that you didn't trust me at all. I wish you did trust me but.. If was in your claws. I would be the same way. It's sadly how I would see it to. But you need to understand. I have a deep respect for you Malla. But of course it's not well known. You have told me so much about this world. Even openly told me about how much sex you had. " She said with a wink. My scaled cheeks burned again. Growling deeply I hated when she brought that up. But it was a simple way for her to get back at me for how i treat her at times.

" Lyra please stop bringing that up. It's not wise to. I don't want to suddenly lose my mind and go after you that way. I respect you far too much to do that." I said with a gentle smile. Looking to the cows getting angry this is taking forever it was getting got the point I couldn't stand it anymore. I want to go out there myself to move the cows. But again it's best to let them go on their own.

" I will try Russell but I feel it's wise to keep you on your claws my friend." She said with a sweet smile. Sighing, I took out the book of the two towers This is going to take awhile to get the herd to go. So I felt i would read. Reading the book did make the feel of hours going by. But it was just minutes. Lyra spoke up again. " But thank you for allowing me to come with you.I will be staying after your journey is done. But I still need to search for leaders. I can start helping you get what you wish to do done. Then I must return to my home. Still, I promise to return to see you again just to say hello." She said to me with a gentle smile.

I sighed softly. " I see Lyra well I wish you didn't have to go. I have gotten to the point that I trust you so much that I consider you a sister." When I said those words. I saw tears streaming down her face. I never thought I would get that reaction from her. But I smiled as she sobbed softly I pulled her into my scaled arms stroking her back with my clawed foot allowing her to cry. I feel she needs it I do as well. But at the moment i can't.

" Its okay Lyra I am very sorry for how I treated you. Now.." I hit the horn. Opening the window putting my head out. " Get going you damn cows." They just turned to look at me. I snorted smoke came out of my nose I wasn't going to get used to that. Since I realized sooner or later I will be breathing fire. It's impressive to me how Much I have changed. But then a bull of course started to charge. Hit the side of the door their horn going into the door. The horn of the bull pissed me off when I saw that it caused a giant hole into the door. I didn’t want to hurt the bull

" Oh no you didn't." I got out of the car getting on my back legs hissing growling at the bull. Making myself look bigger with my wings spread out. Fluid drained from my mouth hitting the road hissing. It smoked as it hit the road. But it's interesting how it burnt and melted it. But it seems to be angering the bull more. The bull started to charge me. But I grabbed it's horns and pushed it back with my new found dragon might. Growling and hissing, I didn't wish to hurt them. So I turned their head around while growling in anger. Thumping my tail on the road. My eyes' full of hate for this creature. I just wanted to kill him, but I didn't wish to do this in front of Lyra. So I did my best to push the bull away from us. As it looked away from me snorting and walking with the cows along the road. But why was the herd so big it made no sense to me.Looking towards the field why are so many migrating from that farm over to there? I’m starting to wonder if what happen to me is making the animals of the world a bit smarter than they have been so I am not sure.

I have no idea what to think at all of this. Going back inside the car sighing I felt this was getting to be an annoying trip. I am not even out of Wyoming yet. But I wish to get there now. But yes Lyra wishes to go with me. I wish to take her to Wall Drug and Mt Rushmore. But after almost an hour. The herd kept moving Lyra and I looked bored I felt so damn bored while waiting for the heard to move along. My anger made my claws extend i felt maybe instead of going on a killing spree. I should just sit back and read a book. world felt so empty after I left speaking to my new friend closing my eyes As I felt that this was getting on my nerves.

" Okay that's it." Turning on the car on honking to move the cows out of the way. They did move but along most of the road were cows so we had to stop every few seconds to make sure that i didn't crash into them." DAMN it stupid cows. It's never going to be easy to get to Michigan." I cussed under my breath my eyes full of anger as I felt i had no way to move them. But I was finally able to move the car around them and get back on the road to get to south Dakota but damn this is getting on my nerves. Music, I need music. Grabbing one of the Cds with my clawed hand and put in the music. It was my father’s bluegrass music. I felt my anger going away as my father's taste of music would help me get along the way.

Sighing and my stress went away after all that bullshit.. It's not going to be easy this trip if this keeps happening looking over to Lyra who is so into the books. Smiling but another hour we will finally be in South Dakota. But as we went through the last part of Wyoming it got so beautiful. The beauty of the mountains mixed with the beauty of the farmlands. It's so amazing and impressive to me. It's so lovely and wonderful. I wish It wasn't the end of the world or another version of the end of the world. But it's sad that I will never see this area again. Unless I learn how to fly and come over just to see and try to preserve what I find and see around the land if i can. Maybe that is something I need to do. Preserve the past so who ever takes over the future will know not to fall into the same traps that we fell into.

But of no matter what I am sure humans are still going like humans even if they turn into these creatures. Their still humans and humans are a creature that is known for all the pain they enjoy causing. But down the line we will see and when it happens. I don't even know but I am sure I will see what happens. Looking at the fuel gauge needing to fill it up. Seeing a sign not far from here that leads to a visitor's center. " Lyra I am going stopping here to fill up on gas and you should go to the bathroom." She nodded. Pulling into the visitor's center we saw so many cars. Wow a lot of folks parked here before it happen. After I stopped Lyra trotted off to head inside to go to the bathroom. Thankfully for being a dragon, I don't need to go as much. Turning off the car going to the tarp. Removing two of the gas cans. I left the big tractor one with Chris and Colgate. Opening the fuel door slowly filling it up. Looking to all the cars I doubt it's wise for me to look through some of them just in case. But noticing there are some license plates I don't have so after I filled up car. Reaching into the car getting the siphon. Grabbing California, Florida, South Dakota, North Dakota, Washington state, and New york. Putting the license plates into the car. Then I saw something.

Looking right into one of the cars I saw an Iron giant toy. Feeling that I must preserve the best things of this world. But I also must preserve the bad. Looking over to center seeing the news papers. Breaking into the car taking the Iron giant toy. Opening the gas container of the same car, placing the siphon in waiting for the gas can to fill. Lyra walked out of the center looking happy.

" Hey Lyra..Can you break those open?" Pointing my claw to the news papers. " One of each please." Lyra gave me a nod. Sighing the day the world ended. News papers will be the only thing that might be easy to remember the past. Filling the gas can. Needing to find another car to steal gas from. Going to a mustang ripping open the container bringing the gas out of that for the other can. Leaning on the car listening to the glass shattering of the news paper containers. Something inside of me wanted to look through the rest of these cars. But doubting that it's not the wisest choice to do this. I feel maybe that is a bad idea. I should at least keep some stuff for folks that return if they do. Getting the last of the gas, I put both of the cans on the trailer and putting the siphon in the car. While Lyra does what I asked her to do. Letting the dogs out of the car so they can be fed them as well as give them water.

Taking a very deep breath smelling no smoke from smokers. Hearing no cars go by as well. It finally hit me harder then many would think it would. Chris, me, and maybe some others are still out there but the rest of the human race.. Lost somewhere. It's a scary thought filling me, I'm heading to Michigan were the A-10s and Thunderbirds are stationed. What if some were flying when this event went off. How would they fly back down? That's a bit of a scary thought. Since around that area. It's a big airport owned by Kellogg. " Get back into the car you two." The two dogs looked at me going back into the car. Dumping the water on the ground putting both dishes back into the car closing the door. Seeing Lyra walk over with seven different news papers. " Place them gently on the floor Lyra. Don't you dare step on them." Lyra just stared at me seeing the Iron giant toy i stole.

" Russell." Again cut her off.

" What did I say? Look Lyra really I adore you.. But there are times you need to do dirty things to preserve the past." Lyra sighed softly putting the papers in the car getting in herself. Getting into the driver's seat after tying down the tarp looking to Lyra. Who gave me a very nasty stink eye.

"We are going to have a talk Russell right now." Sighing softly to myself. " It's not right what your doing. Stealing like this. You have been so kind to me during this trip but this ain't right Russell. You can't just come up to every car and steal what's in them. The fuel I understand you need it. But stuff like this." Brings up the toy in her magic. " Please ask me before you do that Russell."

Sighing softly looking to her. " When it comes to it..Lyra I can't promise much. This strange impulse comes over me and it's like in my head must have must have. I'm trying harder to do that. Will try even harder for you." About to turn the keys but Lyra grabbed them with her magic staring at me. Her gentle eyes full of anger.

"You have to promise me Russell. If you don't I will toss these keys out there and you will have to search for them. You're my friend but if I have to teach you the hard way I will." A growl came from my mouth. My crest open up she was threatening me. Something inside me didn't like to be threatened. Without realizing it I quickly clawed her drawing blood in her leg. She screamed loudly looking at what I did. " i...I...need to go" Quickly getting out of the car running quickly away.

" Russell!!!" She called after me. Rushing away as far as I could getting onto a hill sobs coming from me. My heart broke I caused another pain. Someone I really care for. Over these stupid instincts. Closing my eyes feeling it start to rain. How funny this is well at least in my mind. But at the moment i'm too broken to laugh. Staying up on the hill near the highway for almost an hour. All I could think of is that I hurt Lyra. But a soft gentle voice spoke.

" Russell." My head didn't even turn. She sat beside me placing her head on my side. " Please I'm alright. It didn't go that deep. Thankfully you stole a medical kit." She blinked looking up to me. I didn't even look at her.

"Someone close to me...got hurt... because of me. Lyra I hurt you..i could have killed you..Th.,..these instincts are destroying me. What happens if..I hurt my dog's or someone else close to me." Lyra on my side nuzzling very gently. Tears fell from her eyes I could feel them turning my head to look at her.

" I'm so sorry Russell. I keep forgetting you're a dragon not a pony. But I'm friends with a little baby dragon. Who is very cute. Very young as well so he hasn't had to deal with what your doing. You have kept me company for just being here Russell. Even though I get extremely upset with you. When you just steal things and act like what is going on here is some kind of joke." Hearing that hit me hard. But yes I haven't been very mature. I've been controlling what she does. But the worse thing is my words of..I don't trust her.

" Lyra I'm so sorry for how I have been treating you. Just I know this has been said many times before from me." She placed her hoof on my mouth nodding.

" Come you promised me to take me to three places. Keep that promise and all is forgiven alright?" A gentle smile formed on my face nodding. Slowly standing back on my clawed feet walking back in the rain to the car. It's such a peaceful walk without all the cars passing us so we can hear the rain.

But she felt like she needed to calm me down. She brought out her lyre. Before we got back into the car and drove off. She wanted to relax me first. So thanks to the music I calmly relaxed and felt happy again. So we left the center.

00000

It's been thirty minutes since we left the center. I followed the signs so i can get use to wall drug but the rain hit the car pretty hard. But it's pretty oddly around this area. But I kept focused to the road placing another CD. The music play it was I'm alive from America. Lyra set down the book when she heard the song. " When the last eagle flies over the last crumbling mountain." On the outside birds flew the water from the rain slowly caused the rocks to fall from it.

" And the last lion roars at the last dusty fountain "

Near us beast of many followed along the road that became a fountain. The drains looking like they have been jammed. But the roads still calm while the rain comes down on the car. On our trek to Wall Drug. A few bumps that caused the music to skip just a moment. But it went back to the right words of the song.

" In the shadow of the forest though she may be old and worn"

Out of the wilderness of Dakota a very old herd of cows cross the road. But being with how calm it is. There is no need to worry about them. The rain moving the herds from other parts of the land. It's going to be a normal thing without the owner's of the cows to return anytime soon. So the herds are controlled by themselves. It's going to be hard to collect the cows when they're needed.

" They will stare unbelieving at the last unicorn "

When the last unicorn was sounded Lyra hit the pause button with her magic. " Who is this last Unicorn?" She asked. I could tell in her eyes she wished to know. " Did a species of my kind come here before me?" A smile formed on my face shaking my head.

" No no nothing like that Lyra. The last Unicorn is based on a book about a unicorn like you. But more graceful like a horse. Smoother long lanky body to. But the thing is in the book and the movie of course. People forget about unicorns. So they only see a white mare. But the reason she is the last because.. A large red bull forced them across the world to trap them."

Lyra blinked at this. " But if this happen what happen really?" A smile again formed on my face. Lyra like a child when it came to things like this. It made my heart soar from how happy I was. I had to think of the best way to tell her. It's not easy to tell a unicorn that humans already knew in a way about magic. But magic that they thought was fake as well. Sometimes the human imagination can bring out the best in all. So I had to think on what to say to her. It's not going to be very easy either to think on it. So at the moment i had to think hard.

" Well the story goes that she did go on the journey to find what she wished. But on the way she met some that didn't even know who she was. Some tried to capture her. Some tried to learn about her. But then she fell asleep along the road. A old women captured her for her circus but the women could see what she was. So could the wizard. But the issue here. The wizard faked it so he didn't think he could. Now the unicorn brings hope to those in some parts of the world. Lyra. it's how it's sadly worked. But think of it this way. You brought hope to me when you showed up"

Lyra smiled softly "I'm happy i did Russell you also brought hope to me because. Well it's how I wished to be of help. I am in a world that I know nothing about. i see these cars you have. You have shown me so much. But not all. I know you wish to avoid some topics like many things. But at times I feel you do a good job telling me what is wrong." She gave a nod.

" Alright let's see ah yes. In the cages the creatures that look like creatures of myth. Are really old close to death creatures. The Manticore was nothing but a toothless lion. Most of them were just figments a spell. But the harpy the one of death wasn’t. The wizard goes to get the key. But when he frees the unicorn. She wishes to free the harpy. Now the Wizard is unsure about this. I would be to wouldn't you a large big creature. Able to fly and tear out your very heart?" I gave a nod.

" Well it sounds like the unicorn was a little to trusting. I'm not of course. " She smirked

" Oh really?" I asked "You trust me right off the hop Lyra. I could have been an evil dragon. That would have eaten you up for dinner. " Giving her a smirk and Lyra blushed gently. " Of course I wouldn't have. Anyway now they release the harpy. Then along the way it girls the old women. But it's hard to explain. Lets just say along the way she meets one and falls in love. Her kind don't know love. They don't grow old and die like mortals do. But she is the only one of her species to know love. It's kind of like a very said thing and yes it is. So what happens your kind of they find love. Are you unicorns immortal?"

Lyra thought on that a moment. " No. Ponies may be well interesting creatures but we do last long. But with love. Love to us a moment that we wish to share with everyone we meet. Even those we care for. Like I do love you Russell but as a friend. Your like a little sister to me." She smiled at me I found that surprising after i hurt her so many times she thinks of me as a sibling.

" Lyra again I was way out of line with how i treated you. You never deserved that at all. I know you have forgiven me but it hurts me that I did that to you. It's just hurts so much. I look back on that and think I could have handled that better. I could have stopped myself from scratching you. But there are a lot of ifs and do's but no one ever does know the full truth of the matter. I am sure you know this well yourself Lyra it's a hard thing to see and how hard it is to know."

The two of us were silent awhile after that conversation she went back to the book. But I didn't turn the music back on. I just looked outside seeing the lovely world. Without all the cars going by it was so peaceful. it reminded me of how it was back when I was born. Before all this new tech started flooding the world. But yes I'm old at heart young at mind. Some things you do need to accept down the line. But it's always very hard to do such a thing. Accepting is always hard. Like accepting that i look like this now is very hard. I don't know if anyone else would have accepted this right away. I do care for the fact that my world is like this now. But what would happen to the world if this happen during a war? Maybe peace?

Thinking hard on that and shook my head. Sadly no even if this happen during a war the human race would have found a way to start another war sadly. But that is normal for us. It's how most of us see it in the end. I'm not trying to defend my species or my former species. But there are times I do look back and hope that we would have found better ways to handle things. Looking over to Lyra who read her book calmly but she turned to look at me.

" Lyra I do wish to go deeper into the world with you. But alto of what i will tell you is not peaceful not easy to hear. Are you willing to listen to me on what will I be telling you? Because somethings are very harsh and could make you feel very bad. But that will be a topic for another time. For now we will keep speaking about the last unicorn. Now unicorns in the stories found virgins to protect."

Lyra blinks her cheeks turned bright red. " But but I speak to everyone even those who already had sex. It's odd that would be how you see us." A laugh came from me a soft feminine laugh. " What's so funny?" She asked.

" Lyra it's a story of how some write it. To some Civilizations the unicorn means wisdom is here. I look at you, I ...I see...a unicorn that doesn't really doesn't have wisdom but is wise of course. Well wise in a way....Not really...No. But you have heart and the power of loving all those around you." Saying with a smile. " You have to understand the world vanished suddenly a unicorn shows up. How do you think people would act? Some would think oh it's not the end of the world. But God has sent an angel to help me along the way."

Lyra chuckled softly. " Do you think of me as an angel hmm?" She said batting her eyelashes at me..

" Okay no trying to flirt with me when I am driving okay please. No need to have a crash with me trying to keep the heat between my legs stopping me from driving." Lyra laughs softly.

" Oh I am just fooling with you Russell. Knowing from experience what heat feels like. But mostly doing it to get a reaction out of you. I have some pony I care deeply for back at home. But there is something I can teach you to beat the heat. Now it will be heart to listen since it might get you hot."

Calmly I listen putting the car on cruise reaching behind the seat for the basket of water bottles. Taking one just in case. " Alright..." I said gulping " Go on."

" Now as a mare I'm not sure how the heat works for you. But you have what I have of course. Of course back in may you were a male human. So you had the other part heh. Now how some mares stop themselves from getting plowed by a stallion they step in very cold water thinking of dirty plants up in there. But again sometimes the only way to stop that feeling is to allow it to happen. Now for me I have been through it many times. Without getting a foal thankfully but that was because I couldn't control myself. That's the issue with heat. It takes control of your mind." Nodding my face started to burn grabbing the water bottle keeping another so I could turn. Drinking the water down trying to remove the heat from my body. It didn’t work why didn’t it work?! " Forget the stallion going in and out it helps make wonders. Then oh the rush of the flow of what comes after" She giggled. Stopping the car getting out rushing to hide in a ditch for a quick moment. Opening the water bottle dumping the water between my legs it felt so hot. But it also felt better. Slowly taking the lid of the bottle screwing it on and staring at her.

" Thank you Lyra. Now I know what a stallion feels like in a way...Oh thank you so much." Lyra laughed. " Now let's get back to the trip. I'm going to be thinking of that for hours now. Thank you oh so much Lyra." She laughed loudly as I growled getting back into the car with her calmly closing my eyes and getting back onto the trip. The trip then remained silent again. While the trip was going to be insane to me. But I do care for Lyra. Watching her read that book with such wide eyes. Feeling that she would love this world even more. But again. She did tell me that she will be leaving after she helped me.

0000

We got close to Wall Drug the signs just kept coming it got to the point I couldn't stand it anymore. But again i wanted to take her to many places before she leaves. She is my friend now I need to remember that she will be here till I don't need her any longer. But thinking about that breaks my heart a bit. It's not something I am looking forward to being alone again. I wish I never would be alone again. But who knows. I might find more folks that had changed. But I doubt that still eh who knows.

We saw a giant Dino before we went into Wall Drug. That's the sign that you are close to wall Drug and smiled softly. "Almost there Lyra."

Finally we got into Wall Drug the large village like story bar so on. So getting out of the car letting the dogs out as well. Lyra put down food and water for them. As we both looked around. It was calm and like a ghost town. But it's bound to happen because no one will ever return maybe. But maybe they will down the line. Looking towards the door that said free water. I doubt I would be able to get free ice water.

" We are mainly here to check the store. But if you want to see the rest. I could try to get the Dinosaur roaring." Lyra blinked at me hearing the word Dinosaur. " Oh you don't know that those are. Hmm lets see lets see. Maybe I can show you." Going to one of the doors. I noticed I'm a bit too large to get through here. So i would have to find a way. Smashing through the door breaking a bit of the doorway with my large new dragon body. We allowed the dogs to roam we will find them again later. But when we got inside it was hot a stifling Lyra had issues breathing it was easy to tell with how hot it was. But smiling at her she relaxed even if it was hot.

" Great am I going to smell you the entire trip?" Lyra blushed a bit looking away. " I am kidding Lyra it happens of course I don't know if dragons sweat really. If they did it must take hotter weather to do so."

" No Russel. Dragons in my world can even swim in lava. It's kind of fun to watch them do that." She said with a grin. Blinking Dragons can swim in Lava? That scares me a bit. I find it a bit odd to I am not sure how that will work. Thinking a moment about it. It oddly sounds good to me like a hot tub. A powerful hot tub. But yes now the Dino. Ah yes there he is. Now how will I do this? OH i know.

" Lyra stand in front of that." Point to the Dino. She blinked and nodded while I found a way to get behind it. Grabbing it and moving it back and forth with my wings . I made it sound like a drum and roared loudly like a Dinosaur moving it back and forth but of course. The tracks its on weakened, it flew off the tracks roll right into the wall. Lyra looked to me laughing softly. " Oops" I said She laughed loudly giggling at that.

" Good thing that no one was here Russel that would have hurt some pony." She said with a gentle smile. A soft chuckle came from me. But It's not something I'm happy about looking at the Dino the poor thing will fall apart here without someone to take care of him. Looking to the gift shop.

" Come along Lyra lets see what we can steal. I mean steal since no one is here to buy anything from. Also I am going to get you a gift. So pick you what you want." Lyra gave me an angry look but then she understood that it's not going to be easy to give money to buy something from someone. Because if it was there would be someone here to buy it from. Looking through the shelves there is a lot of interesting things to buy. But I grabbed a shirt and she did was well placing it on herself. So it's impressive that she will wear that back to her home. I even put a hat on her head.

" Lets see what else there is." Looking through the halls we saw all the Photos of people who have been here. I forgot the miles that I came from but I just put my name with a claw into the wooden wall drawing in Kilroy was here." Before you ask who that is Lyra old joke." I said looking to her with a smile. But she was mainly focused on the photos of the people who have been here. I could tell she was close to crying. Sighing softly to myself.

" Russel this...is so sad... These people... All these people vanished because...I can't tell you. But i'm starting to wonder if it was the right thing. I don't know anymore. I see you here alone and I care so deeply for you. But then I learn about this world. Maybe it was a good idea. So maybe it's how we don't look at it. But I can't stop." She calmly started to sob. Sighing to myself why is she crying now. Calmly I wrapped around her to hold her close with one of my front claw we both sat on our hanuces

" Lyra whatever happen. I'm sure it was for a good reason. We can't allow it to break you just because you see photos like this. Of all the people that have been here before. You need to be strong. I know this is not going to be easy for you. Sadly there is more i can't show you here. But we should get going. " Lyra didn't move from the spot but she looked like she was thinking. Preserving this place is not going to be easy to do. Noticed a metal like sign that you could buy and hang up. Wall Drug it said on it. Taking it heading outside to the warm weather. Placing the shirt and the hat I got for myself in the very back of the car. Calling out to Toby and Luna. " LUNA!! Toby come on." Getting on my back legs since it's easy for me to see things now with my long neck. Saw them running towards the car looking back inside seeing that Lyra was still sitting near the wall. Sighing softly letting the dogs in the car closing the door.

Sighing heading back inside she is reading each photo of miles and people. " Lyra lets go please. I wish to get you to Mt Rushmore before that storm hits us." Lyra looked up to me a weak smile forming on her face. She slowly followed me into the car. " That's my girl. I mean that's my friend." Sighing at my words. Since it's the silly mind of a dragon trying to break through many things. Getting into the driver's seat and placing MT Rushmore in the Gps. " This is pretty far out there. We will have to stop at Rapid city. We will need to go there to check for gas. Well I don't think we really need gas. But there we can rest a bit then head our way on the 29th."

000

We have been back on the road for an hour. We passed Rapid city twice to get to where we need to go. It's interesting how that works. But Lyra wanted to see what she could before she was forced to head back to her world. Whatever world that is of course. Turning the radio back on playing the same CD from where it was before it was paused.

" When the first breath of winter through the flowers is icing "

The world so peaceful no ice but clouds the sun peaking out a bit. But even some rain. So gentle of a breeze outside. It's a wonderful state of peace. The grass of the land slowly waves in the very wind. But without many cars going by it looks to be nature trying to retake the road. Every time we had to slow down for Deer to cross. But they walked didn't rush like they normally did. A turtle slowly walked along the road, so needed to move just a bit.

" And you look to the north and a pale moon is rising "

Looking to the clock it would be four in the afternoon. Driving back it will be night. But hopefully it will be a peaceful night. But for the moment the drive is far to peaceful. It made me feel happy but also very unsure. The fact no cars came by so weird to me. I'm far too used to Semi trucks coming up beside me or other cars rushing to get ahead of you. Just the feel of no police rushing past us to find someone. Then again it hit me hard. I let it go beyond me for a bit. I'm in an empty world. Maybe not fully empty. This has hit me every time i think of something. But this time...I'm not crying. I don't feel like crying for my world. It's time to move on. The human race had its chance. Now it's time for a second chance. Well set in different bodies. Lyra noticed the look in my eyes. She paused the CD looking towards me. Keeping my eyes on the road.

" Looking at my world now, without all the distractions. I finally can see what I have been missing. The human race Lyra is all about.. Getting there getting there. Not about.. this lovely world. It's the first time I took time to look at the beauty of the world. Now not every human was like this. But I did fall in that state. Want to get there..want to have fun. Just want to be entertained." Closing my eyes a bit breathing deeply. Opening them again to watch the road. " Some forget that we just rent this world. We don't own it. We live we become known. Then we pass on. But looking at it all now. We did it wrong I think. It's not easy though. Because without the distractions I can see everything. Well I am not reborn." Chuckles. " Oddly in one way I am. Just need to let my mind accept this. Not allow the dread to fill me." Sighing softly turning to finally get to where we have to go. Man this is so out of the way it might be the next day before we get into Rapid city. I will have to let Lyra sleep and feed the dogs as well.

Oh damn my back hurts. I need to stretch when we get there.

0000

It's now five in the afternoon it's still light out. So it would be easy to see what we wished to. Slowly parking and we finally able to see it but we did have to walk up there. Walking up the stairs and Lyra finally saw the sight. MT Rushmore. " This Lyra is MT Rushmore of the few memorable presidents of this united states." I sighed closing my eyes ‘The former united states’ I softly said in my mind. I opened up my eyes looking around to see it again. Looking up to a flagpole. " Lyra is it alright if I take that?" Pointing my claw up to the flag. Lyra gave a nod. Grabbing the rope of the flag slowly lowering it down.

" Russell how did they create this?" Looking up to the mountain. Took the flag she took it from my claws and folded it into a great moveable flag. Had to think a bit on how it took and how long it took.

" If I remember correctly they used sculptors as TNT in some spots, forming it with that. It wasn't easy either. But they picked these ones because they did amazing things. George Washington he fought in a war that was to free this land from another land's rule. But sadly when I had teachers telling all this stuff. It wasn't a very kind way of teaching. Most of the time I was told they had slaves were racist and stole from others. So yes I sadly don't know much about them. But this will last forever. But please Lyra take the flag back to the car. I'm going to see what's in the gift shop." She nodded walking back down the path. Her hooves clomped along the stone. Sighing looking back up to the Mountain " Thank you for your sacrifice." I said softly. Walking back down the stairs finding the Gift shop. It was an old building. If i was ten times bigger then now I might smash it. Grabbing the door forcing it open. Slowly going inside looking around not much here to buy. But grabbing a button as well a few post cards. Getting down to the car Lyra already sitting in the passenger's seat. Opening the door putting the Button and the postcards in the glove compartment. Sighing a bit.

" Russell we can just stay here awhile if you feel you can't go on." Looking up to Lyra. My eyes looked tired but my body wasn't tired. Maybe I was crying I did feel that way. " You look so drained and out of it Russell please don't over do it again." I gave Lyra a gentle smile trying to look strong. I could tell Lyra meant well. But I don't think she understood how a dragon feels. In fact this is so new to me. That the instincts are making me feel strange.

"It's these instincts, These instincts are strange to me. I hear things I never thought I would before. The sun warms me up to the point I want to sleep. The scent of smell amaze me and my eyes get odd when the sun starts going down. But I'm learning Lyra I'm learning." Lyra opened the cooler of the meat cooler there is still some ice left mostly water now. She hovers in her magic bacon I stole back at the start of my journey.

" Try eating this." Blinking at it taking the bacon in my claws. Opening up the package eating it like it's cooked. My sharp razor teeth, Broke through the ice covered raw meat with little issue. Chewing slowly on the bacon savoring every sensation. Feeling my taste buds dance at the taste of raw meat. Swallowing the chewed meat feeling my instincts slowly leave me. Taking a bite of the rest of the meat feeling every moment of the issues i have been having leave me. Could I have been hungry or did..my instincts need to be kicked with a little meat? A burp came from my mouth it stank from how Lyra waved her hoof putting it on her nose. Closing my eyes feeling my dragon body finally go back to normal.

" Thank you Lyra.. I feel so much better. Having no idea what was wrong. But i'm guessing that even I'm not hungry my instincts will relax when I at least have some meat." Sighing closing the door cracking my new dragon back groaning. It felt wonderful but also painful at times. But slowly getting back into the car making sure everything is here. Turning it on looking at the gas. " We will refill when we get to Rapid City." After that bacon I feel myself being able to control myself again. Turning on the car leaving behind the Mount Rushmore heading back to Rapid city.

0000

It's been close to ten minutes everything was very silent. But Lyra started speaking. " Russell." I didn't say anything I just focused on driving. " Malla!!" Blinks turning to look at her. "Are you okay?" Sighing looking back to the road nodding.

" Well Lyra it's hard to talk about it. I feel stronger as well as powerful. But I also feel that my back is going to hurt me the rest of my life for sitting like this." Laughing softly. " Of course cars were never made to be driven by a dragon. So that's something else. I'm going to be in pain so much." Lyra chuckled softly.

" But you seem to have so much on your mind Malla. Like what is bothering you?" Thinking a moment on what is bothering me. I'm extremely unsure what is bothering me. Putting on cruise control to move my tail and wrap it around me. Keeping my eyes on the road.

" I have tons of things on my mind Lyra. I'm going to be heading to my birth home. My grandparents home, I'm going to taking all my grandfather's tools. But the thing is Lyra I have so much on my mind. Because I am going to be seeing things. I haven't seen for years. Michigan is the state I love so much. But the biggest reason i love it. Is because of the people. But without the people it's going to be harder to want to be there." Closing my eyes remembering everything about Michigan the hot air balloons every summer. The snowbirds that came from Canada to give us a wonderful show. Then the Thunderbirds to give us another show of wonder. But really Highly doubt it. But maybe. " Thing is my dear Lyra I feel that I will never see anything I loved again. But maybe that is a good thing. But Of course my friend. Maybe It's best for this world to get used to the fact that the old world is gone.

Lyra sighed. " Well Malla i'm sorry for how you feel. But I hope you will be alright. But maybe this new world will be a good thing for your kind. Now I know it suddenly happen. But from my point of view. You're giving me a tour of your world. Just by taking me around in this car." Saying with a giggle.

A smile forms on my face yes I was showing my new friend around. I felt very happy that I had this to share with someone. Well she called herself some pony. So it's amazing to me that it's happening. But well hopefully She will be around long enough that I can learn more about her.

" Promise me Russell when we get to this city you take a day to rest. I will go to places you ask me to find supplies. With watching you long enough. I can get you more fuel and find more MREs. Are you willing to trust me?" Sighing maybe she is right I need a break from driving and relax at least a day. " Russell please. When we get there find a hotel break into a room and get some sleep. I mean it i'm tired of seeing you like this. During this I will take the dogs for a walk." Nodding.

" Alright Lyra I will do what you want. Will find a hotel and rest."

00000

We finally made it to Rapid city but I was focused on finding Hotels. The gas was almost empty parking in the parking like the comfort hotel. Getting out of the car putting gas in. Setting down two and half gas cans. Setting the Siphon on one of them looking to Lyra. " There is a target and a Sam's club here. I think it's best to go in the morning. But go ahead and fill up the gas cans, let the dogs wander around as well. Then place them back in."

Lyra stared at me. " Russell I think it's best that we both rest. I will bring the dogs with us. Then you stay resting." Sighing nodding opening the back for the dogs to get out. The two went to go sniff around and do their thing. Lyra lifted both of the bowls putting dog food and water in them. The two of us went inside the hotel with the two dogs behind us. I didn't care what room we would find. So I didn't need a key either. Stay in the lower level going to a door grabbing the latch with my claws prying it out. Letting Lyra and the two dogs in. Lyra set the bowls down. I just got into the bed laying my head on the bed and just fell right to sleep.

000

Lyra's eyes

Watching Malla sleep I have never seen her so tired. Here's hoping in my heart she alright. Looking to the two dogs eat laying in the bed beside Malla's oh this bed felt amazing. The two dogs jumped up and cuddled with me. Closing my eyes to sleep. But I woke up in the middle of the night hearing crying. Looking over to Malla. She was sleep talking. " No....No...don't leave me..please." Slowly got out of the bed. " Please.." I could see tears falling down her face. But I didn't wish to wake her. Deep sobs came out of her dream. " Oh Luna please free this mind from her nightmare." Gently before going back to bed I nuzzled along Malla's back. Then got back into my own bed falling right to sleep.

28th

Well since not to much happen on the next day. I'm keeping what mostly happen in the journal here. Malla is still asleep. I don't dare wake her up. But the dream has at least stopped. First thing I did I took the bowls back into the cars with food and water for the dogs. But now I needed to fill the gas cans up. Lifting all three gas cans in my magic doing what she told me to do. Now it took me awhile to break the caps off the cars to get the gas. But it worked. Now never put your nose in the hole were the gas goes, the smell is awful. But I filled them all up putting them back on the trailer. So wanting a peaceful walk. Now she told me to go to Target and the sam's but leaving the rest alone.

Using the lock spell that Chris helped me learn. I used my magic on the tumblers but of course they exploded with magic causing the doors to open. When I went into the target there was no nasty smell. But I had no idea why she wanted to come in here. While i was walking through here I got lost six times. But I found something called video games, dvds, and music CD's. Looking through the music CD's maybe this is why she wanted me here. I noticed a CD called Creed lifting that in my music as well as a large pile of others so Malla can look through them. Carrying them out of the target looking around it was pretty late now. How long was I in there? Taking the CD's back to the car. Now heading to that Sam's Club. I don't know she wishes me to go there. But while writing this I still don't know. But walking down to it. Now this door took longer than I was hoping it would. I didn't get the idea to just buck the door. I thought brute force would work. But of course the door was so tightly closed it didn't work.

So i did the next best thing.Using the way i was shown again. The lock slowly opened but pushing with my magic after it was unlocked. Causing it fly open and shatter. But as i did the smell of rotting food hit me hard. Tears filled my eyes but I needed to come in here to find MREs even though we have tons of them. But I'm wondering if Malla is over prepared. Slowly going inside coughing from the smell ignoring or at least trying to ignore it. Looking around at all the isles but I found the MREs. Looking through each MRE I found some meat ones and Veggies grabbing the large cases. Carrying them out of the store. But the smell got so bad I felt I was going to pass out. But following my fuzzy vision back outside. Breathing deeply coughing. Groaning slowly going along the road back to the hotel. But I feel lost..

Looking around I had no idea where to go. yes... I got lost what do you expect? I am a pony not from this world. I had to remember the road that i came down from but then I remembered. Getting back to the hotel placing the MREs in the car stroking the head of the dogs. They look so board but.. I didn't wish to let them out. I don't trust this city.

That's all that happen today.. So I am going to get some rest and hopefully we will be on our way tomorrow. Setting down the Journal getting into the bed near Malla's I didn't wish to fall asleep just yet. I played music on my lyre before I went to sleep. Opening my bags looking at a photo of my wife Bon Bon I miss her so much.

Chapter seven: June 29th-30th Minnesota.
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A Dragon's Trek to Michigan

Chapter seven: June 29th-30th Minnesota.

June 29th

Opening my eyes I looked around my heart beating hard. I didn’t know what was going on. I looking down at my arms seeing deep claw marks from my claws. But looking at the blood on the bed. I saw grass and flowers growing. It was growing pretty quick. When my breath from my nose hit it. It grew even more and turned into a small meadow in that spot of the blood. Slowly getting off the bed quickly looking at the wounds now. They slowly heal but when it heals. Vines shut the wounds, what kind of species am i? Slowly getting out of the bed groaning a bit. Looking towards wilted flowers, gently breathing on it. The flowers slowly renew and grow but slowly die again.

Thinking of a test, taking a claw cutting my leg a bit letting my blood drip into the dirt of the flower. It grew strong with just one drop. What kind of species of dragon am I? Looking to the other bed seeing that Lyra is awake and outside. Walking towards the outside. Seeing Lyra she smiled when I walked out. But the look on my face worried her. " Russell are you okay? You look spooked."

“Come with me a second Lyra I need to show you something.” Lyra nodded followed me to the dead brown grass sadly it's normal around this time of year. But even more without folks to water it. Lifting my claw cutting at least one spot on my foot allowing my blood to touch the soil. The grass quickly turned from brown to green. Lyra had a wide eyed with a surprise look on her face. " Something tells me i'm starting to understand why I have been so tired lately. It's so dry here that it's not healthy for me. I think I need to eat more and drink more while I'm here. But sadly I'm not fully sure. Just nature and I seem to be one."

Going to the car, I opened a water bottle and began drinking it slowly. Keeping it with me. Looking to the Subway meat I had with me this entire time. I doubt it's good anymore. Opening it up a moment it smelled awful tossing the gross meat out onto the driveway. Opening the cooler that more of the meat next was frozen pork chops. Opening them up eating up placing the rest back into the cooler. Placing the bitten raw meat on the holder between the two front seats along with the water.

" I don't wish to stop anymore Lyra but we might have to from time to time. No more stopping at attractions. I can't stand this driving anymore. It's getting on my nerves." Lyra nodded getting in the other seat. Turning on the car and leaving the hotel. Leaving Rapid city behind.

0000

It's been an hour since we left Rapid city but we were still in South Dakota it's going to be awhile before we get to the next state. Looking over to Lyra she was still reading the Hobbit. She looked close to being done. But she looked to savoring it It would be another two hours before we get out of this state. Looking around my eyes started to have strange effects. I don't know what was going on but my vision turned to a green color. Looking around feeling worried stopping the car quickly looking around. Looking at the nature around me. I could see seeds floating around. Most of them had no life in them. Most of the seeds that floated in front of me seemed to have little force of life to be able to grow.

" Russell?" Lyra called I started looking around seeing more seeds. Life in nature. " Russell?!" I couldn't handle it anymore. I started panicking. I felt magic hit me in the back of the head. Passing out.

I didn't wish to do this again. But now I had to move her. I slowly got out of the car, placing her in the passenger seat. Then I got into the driver’s seat, stroking my head and feeling upset and unsure. Now the car was still running. Thinking on how to drive it, my eyes slowly drifted downwards till I was looking at the peddle. Using my magic to press it down, the car launched forwards. At first it was too quick and I felt myself fly back into the seat. ‘Ow! That hurt.’ I thought to myself. I slowly pressed down the petal, allowing it to speed up at a much more desirable rate. Now i clicked the cruise with my hoof and I moved my magic from the peddle looking up to see a turn a panic filled me not sure what to do. I grabbed the steering wheel with my magic. Twisting the wheel swerving a bit. I screamed loudly enough to wake Malla. But she didn’t even wake up. I removed the magic from the pedal shaking as it came to a stop slowly. I shook taking a deep breath putting magic pressure on the pedal again and slowly moved. Still shaking and feeling very scared.

How do humans do this? Looking towards the GPS it said kept going along this road. So trying to follow it. I could hear Malla groaning and sobbing in a way. Looking over to her. Something inside her was causing her pain. I wish i could help her, but I can't. Maybe whatever is going on took this long for it to fully effect her. Malla cried loudly in pain in her sleep. Looking over to her I could see her crest spreading out. The spikes on the crest grow a bit. Maybe that is what is causing her pain. But it's hard to tell. Mostly I just think she is getting used to the body.

0000

It's been an hour since I took over. I was told on the GPS we would be in a state called Minnesota soon. Malla has been clawing the chair she is in ruining it. Tears streamed down her face. I felt so bad for her. I wish I could help her. But it seems she has to allow yourself to go through whatever she is going through. " Malla...." She opened her eyes.

My eyes opened looking around in a panic looking to Lyra who is now driving. Sobs came out. " Do you want me to Stop Malla?" I shook my head " You sure?" I gave her a nod trying to move but too much pain.. I could speak so much pain in my body. " Where does it hurt?" I pointed at my chest and then my stomach..My neck " What does it feel like." I couldn't speak because of all the pain. Looking around for something to write. But I can't find anything. Groaning deeply in pain tears, stream down my face. The tears hit the floor causing grass to grow. I had no idea what is going on..

" Malla.." I lifted my claw, shaking my head to her.

" Let me....get through this.." Groaning deeply feeling the pain fill me. My heart beat hard closing my eyes. I groaned deeply. Feeling my blood flow through my veins. I wanted so hard to claw something I couldn't allow it. But I screamed loudly to the point it hurt my voice. Opening my eyes again screaming loudly in pain.

" Russell...please.." Lifted my claw again groaning a bit feeling the pain still stay but it's no longer a throb of a pain. It's now a very dull pain. " Russell I can't just sit here and allow this." Looking at her. My eyes back to very gentle self. Looking at her.

“Call me just Malla now Lyra. I think whatever happened to me. I think I was either fully changing what is left of human or I have been drinking and eating some nasty water and meat.” I was Closing my eyes breathing deeply the pain still a dull thump. But it's gently subsiding. But I feel tired weak. " I feel that my start of the story..Like in an old tv show I watched ages ago. That i'm now in the middle of my story. The middle or if you want to get poetic I'm now fully what you see or it could..Be that not everything was there at the start." Shrugging slowly closing my eyes. " Now Lyra I trust you to get us there..." Falling asleep.

0000

It's been an hour after all that. Finally we are in Minnesota. Looking to a warning seeing of the wheels said it was low on air? I didn't know what to think of that. Looking over to Malla who is finally relaxed and resting. Sighing softly I'm still worried about her. I felt that my bladder was full and I needed to ease it. I looked behind me to see the dogs. They were fast asleep. So it would be just be doing this. Seeing a rest stop pulling in so I could go to the bathroom. Hitting the break on the car opening the door leaving it running and then closing the door. Trotting quickly into the bathroom. Getting on the toilet closing my eyes allowing the fluid to drain from me.I looked at the stall walls. I could see writing on there. Reading it loudly to myself" For a good time call Candy. " Blinked then looked at the other side.. Blushing seeing something I shouldn't speak of. Quickly rushing out my face still bright red.

Using the spell that Chris or Crystal I think. How me how I could use my magic on the locks. My horn glowed on the lock of the cook machine. Slowly working the tumblers with my magic to open it up. With my magic I picked up at least four cokes. Because I feel that I am going to need it. Getting back into the car it's still running setting down the four cokes but I needed to get going again. Pushing down the gas with my magic. Pulling Now looking at the coke vending machine. I need some soda in my system. .out of the rest stop. Getting going at a good pace and turning on the cruise again. Opening the soda it hissed. Slowly drinking from it feeling it go down me it felt so wonderful.

Setting it back down feeling whatever is inside these drinks making me feeling charged. Looking around calmly wondering what's next but I heard a nasty pop looking at a warning. I didn't want to wake Malla. Pushing the break with my magic. Getting out of the car looking at the wheel the thing on the dashboard she called it looked like the wheel was almost gone. All wheels looked old and about to blow to. Looking back we aren't far from that rest stop it had many other cars there. But I have no idea how to change a tire. Now i would have to turn us around to get to the other cars. Getting back in doing what I have been doing turning back into the rest stop. Now I need to figure out how I can do this. I looked at Malla, who looked so peaceful in her sleep. So i figured I would do this the magic way. My horn glowed brightly the bad wheel of the car glowed with a good wheel of another car and I switch them. But the other wheel looked a bit bigger. I doubt she would notice though. Now I need more soda this is highly stressing.

Getting back into the car again turning back out to the right way drinking the soda i had opened down. Opening another because their so good. Looking to the gas it was still full. But I needed to get us through this Minnesota. Drinking the second coke down. Feeling so weird now. I didn't know what to think but it made my brain feel turned on. Opening the third one drinking it down. But kept the fourth one for later. It was getting pretty dark since we have been on the road for awhile to get through Minnesota. Looking at the clock it was already eight at night. But I didn't feel tired It's so amazing to me that I didn't feel tired. So maybe I can get us through Minnesota faster so I pushed the pedal down fully. I was going to fast but from i was reading on the Gps it was pretty much going this fast just to get there. Since I was going to fast I smacked right into a deer and it flew like it was nothing. Blinking stopping the car and rushing out of the car quickly looking at the dead deer.

Looking at the body. I didn't know what to do. There was no blood at all, but looking at the car with my horn glowing, i saw there was a giant dent. Oh my. She will be upset at me. But I'm sure she won't notice it. I rushed to the car breathing heavy panicking. I killed a deer a creature with this care. Would Malla be upset at me?! I had tears streaming down my eyes. I had to calm down I took a deep breath and played my lyer to calm myself.

00000

June 30th

I opened my eyes we were still driving looking over to Lyra her eyes were bloodshot and looked down to the four cans of Soda. It was nine in the morning and we were already half way through Minnesota. Should be through it tonight. But Lyra looked so overly charged. She started speaking to me.

“Oh!! Malla you’re awake.” She was pretty jumpy while she spoke. Her sense of judgement didn’t seem very good at the moment.” Did I ever tell you about my wife Bon Bon? Oh I am sure I did she is an amazing mare. She puts up with me and how Lazy I am. I don’t mean to be that lazy just I’m not the best unicorn at anything.” She looked sad for awhile then got happy again. “Most are jealous of me that I was able to get her to fall for me like I did.”

I chuckled softly. " Lyra, did you drink too much?" Lyra looked to me with her Blood shot eyes.

" No...but I did crash into a deer." Blinking looking at her. I didn't see any blood but I put down the window poking my head outside to check. I saw the large dent I am sure she felt awful about this. I sighed softly to myself. Putting my head back in looking towards her with a sigh. Reaching over with my claw patting her shoulder. " I am fine.." She looked a little wired. " Just know I haven't been truthful to you.. But I can't tell you everything. But I'm happy to be helping you so much my dear friend." Sighing shaking my head leaning in the seat watching her be good at driving. But of course another thing happen we ran out of gas.

"Lyra did you forget to fill the tank?" Lyra looked over to me with a blush forming on her cheeks.

" Maybe I..." She passed out from over doing it with the soda. Sighing I moved her away from the driver's set placing her in the passenger seat. Looking up, i saw it's about to rain. Grabbing the gas cans, i am hoping four is enough. Rain slowly started to pour from the sky when it hit me. I felt energy filling me. Pure clean rain slowly sliding along my scales. I stopped for the moment from filling the gas. Closing my eyes groaning feeling the pleasure of the rain. I feel like I'm being cleansed.I lifted the gas cans to the tank to fill it up. Closing the gap I will have to find another Rest stop or visitors center. Getting back into the car my body so wet now. But it feels like i am fully absorbing the rain into my body. Feeling like my veins are being cleaned out of all the impurest from the food I have been eating the past month. Having no idea what the hell i am.

Sighing deeply starting the car back up. Turning the windshield wipers on. Looking towards the GPS. It was another six hours through Minnesota. Hopefully nothing else will go wrong.

0000

Whelp something else went wrong. Sighing to myself it's raining so hard that it's causing some of the road to flood. So I needed to go through here slowly. Turning the lights on as well looking at the GPS hoping I will get there soon but I doubt I will be able. If needed I will have to stay at a rest stop till the rain passes. Because this could get very bad. Then suddenly of course it did. Streaks of lighting break through the sky like a web. Some of it was purple,red, and Green. I have seen this before. A heat storm mixed with heavy rain. At least I think that's what it was or just a freak storm that wanted to say OH HELLO.

Grabbed the wheel tighter making sure the wind doesn't blow me off the road. Looking to a sign seeing there is a rest stop ten miles ahead. So I feel i need to make it there to stop to car till this blows over. Lyra opened her eyes looking around with fear.

" Malla?" I hushed her.

" Relax we will be fine. I'm getting us to a rest stop. We will stay there till this storm blows over." Looking over to Lyra who had panic in her eyes. It looks like she has never seen a storm this bad before. But maybe she has. But driving in a car like this with this weather yeah it's not pleasant. Turning on the cruise I wrapped my tail around Lyra. " It's okay all we will be fine." Lyra nodded shivered. Ten miles later we finally made it to the rest stop. Turning off the car looking to Lyra who shook.

" Lyra you act like you have never seen a storm like this."

" I...we have storms...Like this but they normally mean something evil is coming." Looking around quickly with her fear. I could tell it affected her badly sighing.

" Lyra I am sure whatever happen to this world. It hasn't changed the weather. Now if it starts walking around and saying I’m going to eat you run!!: I thought to myself ‘Damn these ponies are scared of everything. I heard the wind pick up hearing pelting on the car. Turning the car back on.

" Alright Lyra, hold on." I tried to drive as quick as I can out of the rest stop. The wind blew hard it was hard for me to stay on the road. But I looked in the mirror to look behind me. I saw a tornado touching on the ground. Lyra had fear in her eyes I could tell she had never been this close to one before. " Okay Lyra what I am doing is not wise. " I pressed my tail hard on the peddle. We quickly along the road. Fence pieces falling along with the road with parts of barb wire as well.

“ What is my life now? An action movie?!”I said as a joke. Lyra looked at me with a lot of anger in her eyes. " What?" I asked.

" Malla this is very reckless." Giving a shrug and more parts of fences fly all over missing the car. It's gotten to the point that Lyra is covering her head with her hooves. Behind us the tornado ate everything that stood still. Wood flew through the back window of the car stabbing right between us into the empty cans. Lyra started to whimper.

"We will be fine. I promise." Soon the tornado started to move the other direction. But of course that didn't help Lyra feel any better. A tire blew when I drove over some of the barb wire. Hearing the tire go pop. I need to find time to fix it. Then a nail hit another. Driving further watching the tornado move away from us. I sighed finding a visitor center. We are a few hours away from the next state. But I needed to calm Lyra down and check the damage. The rain let up as well. Going outside of the car after turning it off to see the damage. The outside of the car is very dented planks of wood jammed into many parts of it. But the fuel is not one of the spots. But three tires have been hit. Looking at the trailer. Thankfully it's all good. But I need to get more gas. Opening the door Lyra was sobbing hard. Calmly pulled her out.

"Lyra it's okay. Shh." Hugged her gently stroking her back with my claw. " I need you to relax. Go take the dogs for a walk and try to find a jack."

Lyra gave a nod shaking a bit. Opening the door for the dogs. " Co...Come Toby..Luna." The two get out of the car." Watching her leave to find a jack. But she turned with a weak smile " What does a jack look like?"

" You will know when you see it. It should be inside." Sighing unhooking the trailer placing the stand up and pulling it away a bit. Grabbing the four gas can I used up. Grabbing the siphon, Going around to other cars. Prying open the gas containers to fill up the four gas cans. One would think I should start feeling bad for stealing gas from these cars. But sadly I can't. It took thirty minutes to get the gas and Lyra finally found a jack.

" I also found the tool from what it said to use to get the tire off." Giving a nod looking towards the cars. I am going to be replacing all four tires. I found another Ford Expedition. Nods to her getting the jack under the other car. It took two hours to finally get all the tires from the other car. Lyra helped me by floating the tires in her magic. Then it took almost two more hours just to replace all the wheels.. I had a feeling that this jack and the ratchet would be useful. From how I felt it wasn't tired just very annoyed at the fact that I need to clean off the dirt now. But there is no pure water here for miles.

" Come on Lyra get the dogs and lets get on our way. No more stopping only when the dogs need food and water. I have had enough of this." Lyra gave a nod we got back in the car and left to head to our next two states.

Chapter eight: July 1st and 2nd. Wisconsin Milkwauke.
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A Dragon's Trek to Michigan

Chapter eight: July 1st and 2nd. Wisconsin Milkwauke.

Author's Note

I wish to thank you for reading my story. I have two more chapters of this one. The sequel to this one is already in the works. I do hope you enjoy the next two chapters then that. You all have a wonderful day.

Chapter eight: July 1st and 2nd. Wisconsin Milkwauke.

It's early morning on July 1st and we just got into Wisconsin. The damage here looks like a nasty storm went through here. But it's just trees and tons of floods. The trees will stay but the floods will not. But it will take time for the water to go down. Looking to the GPS it said it would take four hours to get through Wisconsin I think Lyra needs a break from riding in here. So when we get to Lake Michigan we will get out of the car for a bit. But It was a slow trek because of all the trees.

Lyra hanged her head out of the car window. using her magic to lift the trees out of the way the best she could. Going slow because, well I don't want to destroy the car anymore. The tornado did some nasty stuff to it. I'm lucky it didn't destroy the gas container. It would be bad to have to keep refilling. The car was getting old. I felt my nerves getting to me. I opened the window to feel the fresh air fill my nose. Anger slowly started to fill me. I got so tired of being here in this car. I tried my best to hide my anger by hanging my head out of the window taking deep breaths of the fresh air.

But it was easier to see out because thanks to the Tornado the windshield got pretty banged up. " There is another big tree Lyra, can you get it?" The magic wrapped around it and she looked to be getting tired from using to much of her magic. The road looked a mess it seemed nasty storms have been going on for awhile. But parts of the road looked broken from the trees. Again it started to rain. It poured but no heavy winds. Pulling my head back inside the car. Closing the window I heard a very anger mare beside. She wanted to shake but she knew I wouldn’t let her, she was soaking wet. She stared at me her eyes full of anger.

" I hate this world's weather!!" Laughing, I closed both windows and turned the wipers on. These storms are pretty normal at times. Then the rain let up as fast as it hit. Of course again the weather is crazy. It seems to be like it has...Like it always had a mind of its own. It's got to the point that I doubt I will be able to keep us going again. But the road finally cleared. No more trees. But I could see many bolts of lightning from the storm. Looking to the GPS Another few hours and we will be there. The Gps asked me to keep following Highway 90. But the highway looked very beat up thanks to all the storms.

" Eat something Lyra. It’s going to be awhile before we stop again. I refuse to stop till we get there." I looked over to Lyra, she looked very exhausted and tired. The muscles in her body. I could tell them to be tensed and she had a lot of stress from being in this car. But she did what I asked. She ate an MRE even without cooking everything with the water. It's going to be needed to get there. But I heard something snap looking around seeing the trailer had snapped off but was still somehow connected. Stopping the car, I got out and went to go look at the trailer. I discovered that the hitches connecting them broke. It got more beat up then even I saw back there. I felt my stress building again. " Lyra, I need your magic."

Lyra came out of the car looking very tired. She had overused her magic. " Malla.. I can barely walk, but...I can try." Her horn sparked weakly, her magic holding the trailer together to the hitch. I closed my eyes trying to force the fire out of my body. I didn’t know what to do at first. But I allowed my nature to take control. .

" Think fire....think fire..." Deep inside my body. I felt the core of my fire burning. A moment of the fire I felt go through my body. I could feel the fire dancing along the flesh inside me. It burned the sensitive flesh in my throat. It even hurt for but a moment. I felt like I was having heart burn and it sat in the back of throat. My instincts took over, releasing the fire. It hit the strange thimble mixing with a fluid and a strange ozone feel and the fire came. Opening my mouth burping out fire it hurt so much at first. Aiming right at the hitch fusing it to the trailer. Coughing after I was done. " Smooth." Coughing up smoke.

" Malla... I need to rest..." Lyra fall on her side.I quickly ran to her side. Placing my claw on her head feeling that she had a bad fever. She looked sick as well. Maybe the magic was over used. Gently picking her up laying her in the back with the dogs. She didn't argue and the dogs wrapped their bodies around her keeping her warm. She just looked so out of it. Stroking her head gently I didn't know what to do. Should I stop somewhere no..I need to get going...Looking back at the GPS only a few more hours and we will be in the next state. But is it wise for me to hurt Lyra like this.

"Lyra" I gently said. She opened her eyes looking to weak to even lift her head. "Do you wish me to stop?" She just shook her head. I think she wanted me to keep going even if she was in danger. Looking back to the GPS getting to Michigan or helping my friend. Looking closer at the GPS, we were close to a town called Delton. I lifted my head seeing a sign saying town of Delton exit ahead. I feel I may need to go into this town. To do a search for others and maybe find a hotel to cover Lyra in many blankets to keep her warm. Closing the back door, i got back into the car and drove off to Delton. Going down the exit to get into the town. Looking around for a hotel. I found that the town was pretty small. I saw many cars without anyone near them or around them. Seeing the bodies of many dead dogs and other animals sprawled around. Some of the recently ripped part. I found a small medicine shop. Looking back to Lyra I needed to save her. I don't know if she can have any human medications. Going through Delton to Dell wood. I found one of those old cheap hotels off the road. Looking back at Lyra she was looking worse.

Parking right at the hotel opening the door. "Come on you two." Lifting Lyra up in my front arms. She felt cold as well. Breaking the long with my other claw to get inside one of the rooms. I placed Lyra on the bed. Going to each room grabbing all the blankets I could. Wrapping her in many blankets. I kept her head exposed seeing sweat pour off her face and forehead. She didn’t even look that healthy. Slowly I stroked her head didn’t know what to do I didn’t know what to think. I was so worried and upset. Then it hit me I need meds. Slowly leaving the room turning to see the dogs get on the bed to lay near Lyra to keep her warm. “I will be back.. Keep her warm.” Getting out of the hotel room seeing in town there is a Walgreen's. Rushing to it not caring if I can't run that well.

I ran as quickly as I could to the Walgreen's tripping on feet many times. I Fell on my very face once as I quickly tried to stand back up. My target was not that far from me when I turned I saw more bodies of animals some looked recent. When I got near the Walgreen's I heard a growl a deep one. The crest on the back of my head spread out. I felt a threat was near me. My body tense my ability to smell a scent of blood filled my nose. I heard deeper growling and turned I came face to face with a large pack of wolves. From what I could see these wolves were Timber wolves. They were big and it felt like many surrounded me. My instincts took over quickly. But i didn’t allow my brain to black out. I need to focus on protecting Lyra. The fluid that connects to my fire dripped down. I backed up to the doors of the Walgreen's more showing up from the shadows.

More than I could count I closed my eyes feeling this could be the end of my journey. I took a deep breath. Opening them staring at the wolves I stood on my back legs. Making myself look big. Some of the wolves ears flattened looking scared. I made myself look evil to them. I let off a scent of don’t mess with me. I let out a deafening roar of anger and don’t mess with me type. The roar lasted a few seconds some of the wolves ran away while the bigger ones stayed.

They couldn’t circle me like normally One charged at me. I quickly did what I could grabbed it with my clawed hands with a quick movement tossed it into the glass door of Walgreen's making it shatter with the wolf. I watched at the glass shattered inward it didn’t do much damage the poor creature. It got cut up of course it didn’t die but just lay there in pain. I felt awful then. Till I feel some pain in my chest.

Another charged clawing my chest I felt the claws go deep blood dripping down and causing grass and flowers to grow. My blood I could smell it I could feel it slide down me. I felt more claws on my hide. But my scales stopped them from going to deep. I reached down at the one that clawed me with my mouth. I bite down once but I didn’t enjoy feeling the taste of the wolf in my mouth. I tossed into the other door I felt maybe if I was going to use these wolves. I would use them as rams to get inside. The poor wolf broke into the other door shattering it. This one however got up running deeper into the store to get away from me.

Looking to the rest of the wolves they all started to run away from me. I took a few deep breaths of air into my lungs. Feeling the adrenaline leave my body causing pain to fill every inch of me. I didn’t like this feeling. I remembered I have a job to do I ran inside even though I had blood dripping. Causing a little grass to grow. I found some bandages ripping it open I wrapped the wound up. Finding a cart because I was going to need it. I grabbed some of the wood that is normally used in fireplaces and old stoves. Since some houses still have those.

Getting to the back of the pharmacy I grabbed all the meds I could placing them in the cart. I went through the soup ile finding soup a large bowl to cook it in. Grabbing a turkey baster so I could feed her. I thought a moment did I forget anything. Looking at the register I well picked the whole thing up along with me and just left with the cart and that. After awhile I got back to the hotel the dogs and Lyra looked alright. I made a fire ring putting the pot on it and started a fire with a match. Pouring all the soup into the bowl and let it cook.

It wasn't wise to start a fire in here. But I had to do something. It would take awhile before it was fully cooked also thankfully this was the cheapest room it had cement floors. I remember going to places like this with my family. Since my dad loved being cheap back then. Looking at the medicines Can she had cold medicines or anything a human can have? I wish I had the net so I can see. I tossed them away waiting for the soup to be ready. But maybe I should relax and allow her to heal but maybe she is dying. The soup was finally was done taking the turkey baster gently putting it into her mouth after the soup cooled a bit. Feeding her a bit. Then I smelled smoke I didn't realize this may have cement floors the walls weren't Grabbing Lyra quickly leaving behind everything I got even the medicines. The dogs coming along with me placing Lyra in the back of the car with them.

Getting into the driver's seat and getting back on Highway 90s "Keep her warm please." Quickly driving away from the burning hotel.

00000

It was two hours later I had found a visitor's center not far from the state line of Wisconsin. I let the dogs out of the back. Getting in the back to lay with Lyra. It was a bit snug but I wrapped my large dragon body around Lyra, laying my head on her chest, listening to her breathing. Her heart beat very slowly. I kept the door open so the heat from the outside could help me keep her warm. Sliding my claw through her mane, I just couldn't understand why she is so out of it. Sighing closing my eyes a bit listening to her breathing. " Please Lyra don't leave me yet." I softly said the dogs were outside going to the bathroom. Even though they went to the bathroom the wind was still crisp and clear. But slowly getting out of the car closing the door to keep the warmth inside.

Pacing around the Visitor's center, I didn't know what to do but I was losing my temper. Adrenaline filled me full of anger. I felt my instincts take over as well. Getting near one of the cars tears streaming down my face. I felt that she is dying I treated her so awful. Looking to the car whelp. Smashing my claws into the car smashing it and denting it roaring in anger get on the top of the car smashing the poor car with all my weight. Jumping like it was nothing on it. Digging my claws into the roof. Ripping my claws into the roof digging many holes in the roof with my sharp claws. Making the poor mustang into a comfortable well half. My anger didn't stop there I started ripping apart the seats with my teeth ripping out the radio tossing it out side of the window breaking what is left of it. OH yes I had lost it. I could barely keep my mind sane. Taking my teeth ripping into the seat allowing my new nature to just rip and tear.

Coughing a bit from all the stuffing in my mouth. The poor car had enough. But I haven't had enough, I just collapsed. I overdid it, feeling my body go limp. I felt so upset I couldn't move anymore. Adrenalin but I don't think it's wise for me to drive since.. Well I kind of made myself very angry. I felt the adrenaline slowly leave my body causing so much pain in every part of my body. Walking back to the car getting into the driver's seat but I forgot about the dogs. Opening the passenger's seat. " Toby.. Luna." I said softly the two dogs jumped in. I sat on my back feet grabbing with my front claws. Why haven't I been sitting like this before? Held tightly onto the wheel starting up the car. Driving along the road closing my eyes a bit feeling like I want to sleep turning off the car but not hitting the break just falling asleep letting car drift further down the road without it in park.

0000

An hour later I woke up from my sleep but when I looked around the car was fine so was the trailer. But I had been lucky and some how coasted down the road. But it stopped before it took me fully off road. Looking around my eyes a bit hazy. I had no idea what was going on. But I finally saw I was an hour from the next state. But I need to remember not to drain myself with getting pissed off. But when I tried to start the car up I couldn't. I tried again but I started to move the car. Trying to get to the next state. Looking back to Lyra who slept soundly. I thought I was finally over the state line. I looked at the GPS seeing I wasn’t even that close. I think this driving to long is giving a complex or my brain is playing tricks with me. I wanted to get to Michigan so badly that I made up another state in my mind from how it feels in my head. I needed a break. I turned the car off.

Getting out the car, I found some sticks and a few small logs. Poking a stick through some semi frozen meat. I had to think of fire again. Slowly the fire came out of my mouth. I started the logs to burn. With the newfound light of the fire. I looked at the car,It had dings all over dead bugs on it. Some splinters of wood inside parts of it thanks to the tornado. But it's still running and it surprised me. Leaned on the car relaxing I needed to rest. I can't just over do it expecting to get there. I heard the door open up maybe the dogs learned how to open the door. Oh that would be great. Than I saw the mare Lyra standing there. She had a look of unhappiness in her eyes.

"LYRA!!" I stood up, happy to see her, then I went back to normal. " Ahem. Good to see you." Lyra stared at me, sighing and forcing me down with her magic. Using her magic to take the stick of meat from me. To use it to hold the meat over the fire staring at me. didn't want to stay down but of course she made me with her magic. She looked at me with her eyes full of calm kindness.

" Malla, My magic burnt out. So I had magic burnout. I could hear what you were doing. How you acted. I could even smell the burning of the hotel room. Now you hurt yourself and you strained yourself. You need to rest. So I will be driving the rest of the way till we get to your grandparents home. No ifs and or buts Malla get some rest now." Sighing, I gave her a nod and she let up on the magic. " Next time, before losing your mind, you should try to wake me instead of thinking I am sick." She said with a smirk. " But thank you for caring." I laid my head back thinking a moment while closing my eyes. I opened them looking over to the meat grabbing it to eat it.

I took a deep bite of the meat. It tasted very well done and cooked through. I made sure to give some to the dogs. But Lyra reminded me that she wanted me to rest. Maybe it’s wise to do so. Grabbing another large chunk of meat from the now full water cooler. Since all the ice melted. " Good. Eat up. Empty this because you won't be driving again." A soft sigh came out of my mouth. I guess it's time to stop holding off eating. Grabbing the rest of the meat it was mostly bacon, burgers, and even some pork. Setting most of it on sticks to let it cook. I watched Lyra take the cooler and dump it. She placed it on the trailer tying it down. Now there is more room for the dogs.

"I'm sorry Lyra. I didn't mean to make a fool of myself." Lyra looked at me with her gentle eyes smiling. I blinked a moment not sure what to think but I kept eating what was left of the meat it didn't taste the greatest to me cooked. But it was better than nothing.

" Oh Malla come on. You just met me a month ago. You barely know my species. You didn't even know magic was real till you saw me. Now stop feeling sorry for yourself. You have become something new. You need to stop saying sorry. You need to stop being silly. Just move on with your life now. Of course I should listen to my own speech since I am the same way." Sighing, I just listen to her go on. Maybe she is right. I should have known this when she spoke about magic at the start. But I'm too blind to fully understand.I ate the rest of the meat. I watched as Lyra took charge feeding the dogs and she would control the rest of the trip. After finishing the last of the meat, it tasted good, I noticed something. Lyra was reworking the entire trailer. I watched her redo all my work she looked at me. “Malla when we get to the new place.I have been thinking Malla. When we we met Chris and Colgate I had a private chat with her. She got on my case for telling you that I will be leaving. So she asked me to stay with you. I’m thinking I know who that will be in the long run.” She booped my nose I blinked what did she mean by this? “But when we get to Michigan I will leave to check for some leadership.”

Sighing, I grabbed her, holding her against me while we lay by the fire. "Lyra I know I didn't treat you very well when we met. Also you tease me a lot. But I consider you the only family I have right now. Knowing that you have to leave does make me feel sad. I know you need to find a leader and you will be back. But I don’t know if any other souls will return. " It was a calm night I held my friend. We just watched the fire.

" You know on my world Malla, this is thought to be first base. At least that’s what Bon Bon always told me.” She said with a laugh Blinking sighing.

" Great your race is so backwater then. To my kind or well my former kind this is just two friends cuddling in the warmth of a fire. But still It makes me happy to know I can be close to someone else. But I feel right now I need someone to just be a friend. I'm going to be alone for along time after you're gone. So let me just enjoy this. " The two of us kept looking into the fire Lyra fell asleep. While I just watched the fire. Waiting for the next day before the final stretch of the trip. Michigan here I am right back where I started from. Maybe It will be better this time for me. I'm unsure really but here I am hoping it will be right.

0000

June, second

I sat in the passenger's seat, Lyra did the driving. But we still couldn't see lake Michigan yet it was going to take time to get to the place we need to go to. We saw the city of Milwaukee Lyra was amazed at this from the look in her eyes. But I think she wanted to see lake Michigan more than a large city. But it was this city then two more states and then Michigan. It's not what I expected but Lyra was amazing driver after not allowing her to drive for a long time now. Looking over to her she turned her eyes to me with a gentle sweet smile.

"I'm sure whatever male that chooses you down the line will love your sense of humor and your blush as well." She said with a tease. That tease hit me hard like a plate. I could feel the heat filling me. Reaching behind for a drink of water, i drank it down calmly. " Aww the poor dragoness wanting to be pleased? " She said with a tease.

"Okaay... Lyra I understand that you enjoy teasing. But my body doesn't. I need to get used to it. I guess just in case I do meet a male dragon and I suddenly lose it in front of others I know." I sighed looking over to Lyra who had a smirk on her face.

“Alright Malla since I am going to be leaving to find leadership when we get to Michigan, I feel I am going to need to learn more of your world to make sure. Just in case when I find someone, I don’t look like a fool and make them attack me. Like you did.” I blinked. I didn’t remember attacking her. Oh yes I did when I got upset that one time. Also I didn’t trust her I do know though some of the new ones that return. Might use a weapon like sticks or something to attack her. But I did what she asked and explained my world. Well, parts of it.

" Well I did go into the abortion. But let's say they take the cells and use what is left in stem cell research. To help cure cancer and many other sickness. Now with some minds that is a good thing to some. But to others, it's not." I shifted a bit in the chair looking back at the dogs to see how they are.. " It's something that most don't care for. But lets see..Ah yes."

Shifting again on my back feet making sure my claws down ruin the seat. " Now there are many wars...well used to be many wars in this world. The wars got to the point that it was about religious freedom. It's hard to go into that. Because I never understood it myself. But the other thing that has been going on, Is terrorism. They have been trying to destroy the U.S.A, where we are now. So yes, it's not going to be easy to go into a lot of this. Because the info is hard to find now.. But we will be in Milwaukee soon. So we can get out and let the dogs wander a bit and eat something as well."

She gave a nod.

000000

We made it to the city of Milwaukee. I got out of the car and stretched my body feeling the cricks leave my body. It hurt so much after being in that car for so long. . " Hmm. Damn it." Grabbing a meat MRE, I opened it and basically ate it raw, bag and all. Lyra took a cloth she found at a gas station and cleaned the car. The two dogs were fed and given water.

" Malla. That water down there what is that called?" Looking over to Lake Michigan and sighs.

" That is Lake Michigan. I am going to say this once. Stay away from it. Don't even drink from it. Don't even allow the dogs to drink from it." Lyra blinked looking back to me then the water. Then back to me.

" Malla you seem to be one with nature. Maybe if you placed your claw in it...You could proudly cleanse it." Blinking a moment.

" Yeah...No I ain't going to try it. I know what's in that water. " Lyra gave a nod.

" Before we go on. Malla. What does that mean?" She pointed her hoof up to a sign that showed someone very sick from drugs. I sighed softly.

" It's show you what happens if you used drugs.... Wait do you hear that?" From a dumpster, a Puma jumped from the darkness of the shadows pouncing on Lyra. Quickly grabbed Toby forcing him inside the car closing the door. But I couldn't find Luna. Luna attacked the Puma that is trying to kill Lyra. She had deep gashes in her sides from the claws. When Luna hit the Puma off of Lyra the Puma growled deeply at Luna.

The two started to fight. Luna being a bit smaller than the Puma stood her ground. It gave me time to rush to Lyra stroking the sobbing mare. " I am here...I am..." Hearing Luna's cries and whines as well as barks. Turning to the fight The Puma held her down going for a bite in her neck. Looking down to Lyra seeing another Puma slowly inching towards. Her looking to Luna trying to break free before she gets bitten in the neck.

I didn't know what to do fear filled me. I heard a neck break from the Puma's mouth biting into the neck of Luna. The Puma stood up with blood dripping from it's jaws. They both wanted to go for Lyra.

" MALLA!!" She yelled. I looked to Luna whose body is now being dragged away by another Puma. Something inside me snapped. Feeling my anger build, so much anger build. I heard Lyra cry while more Pumas that found their way into the city. Standing on my back claws. Fluids dripping from my mouth and out of a cry of pain and anger. I roared deeply loud enough that it could be heard pretty far away. My eyes glazed over. All I could feel was pure anger and hunger.

One of the Pumas tried to jump me. I breathed fire at it and it screams in pain. I burned part of the body of the poor Puma. Another tried to jump Lyra. Smashing into that one hunger filled me. Looking back to the burned Puma. Rushing to trying to kill it. But all I feel was their claws trying to dig into my hide. But it slide right off me. Looking over to other Pumas starting to eat Luna.. They ate her like I wasn't here. Every single inch of blood all over the sidewalk. Looking back to the Puma that was attacking me.

Lifting my claw smacking it down. It tried to get up but I put my foot on it breaking its neck by pressing my weight on part of the neck with a crack. Moving my claw from that one. The other Puma trying to hurt Lyra backed away. I stood over Lyra who looked up to me with great fear. But she had blood draining from her wounds. Jumped into the air flapping my wings. Getting into the air. My brain is so glazed over I didn't even notice. Crashing hard right on the Puma pinning the poor thing down. Breathing fire on it. The flesh bubble burst open with the eyes turning into puss. Lifting up left the burning Puma dead on the ground. The other Pumas that were trying to eat Luna ran off at the sight of me.

Turning to look at Luna leaning down trying to move her with my nose. I did a dragon whine. Tears stream down my face. But I couldn't even remember who I was at this moment. Turning my head to Lyra. " Malla.." Walked over to her. Her eyes closed tightly worried that I would hurt her. But all did was purr licking the wounds from the blood. Laying beside her whining in sadness. My eyes were still fully glazed over. My mind my instincts still had full control over me. Deep in the back of my head I was sobbing crying to be free.

"Malla." She gently said. My eyes finally went back to normal. I started to sob softly. I knew what happen I knew it all. Looking back up to Luna's body. Back at Buffalo I have Photos of Luna. But I got Toby's and Rubies. " Malla. I'm sorry." Lyra said softly. Looking down to her with a weak smile. Standing up helping her back on her hooves. Going to Luna's body. I sighed

" I wasn't very kind to her when she was a pup Lyra. In fact I hated Luna with all my heart. She did so many things that angered me. Later down the line.. I started to love her. But it's like how I treated you." Taking a deep breath burning Luna's body. She doesn't deserve to be eaten. With every inch of the flesh catching on fire. It slowly burned. Looking back to the bodies of the two Pumas. " Turn your head away Lyra. Please."

"Why?" Walking over to the Puma that didn't get burned to a crisp. Ripping open the body with my claws. Lyra gulped looking away covering her mouth with her hoof. I felt this was deserving. I started to eat the vessels of the body. The muscles. The sound of flesh spilling down along the ground. Finally finished my well one would call it dinner. I burped loudly. Lyra looked up at me her cheeks greener then normal. " Um...Malla you have blood all over your mouth." Blinking licking all the blood from my mouth with my long tongue " Malla...I am sorry." I hushed her

" Come with me.." Opening the door hugging Toby tightly but I grabbed the med kit along with a bottle of water closing the door. " Lay down Lyra I am going to clean your wounds." Lyra lay down winching at the pain in her sides. Taking a bottle of water from the car. Slowly dumping the water along the deep wounds. Cleaning out whatever would be left behind. I opened the first aid kit finding a fluid that I could use to place inside the wounds. I took a cloth pouring some of the fluid that was a bit like gel. Slowly I rubbed it into the wounds. She screamed in pain with my other claw I covered her mouth to stop her from screaming.

" There could be more Lyra. So relax." Grabbing a bandage wrapping it around her body letting the fluid or ointment. Licking Lyra's face she blushed gently.

" Oh Malla I didn't know you wanted me like that." She winked teasing me again. My cheeks turned bright red.

" Lyra I was...." Sighing standing up putting the kit back into the car. " Lets go please Lyra can you still drive?" Lyra nodded. I got into the passenger's seat. Calmly we drove off leaving the sight behind us. Luna is now dead. Three dogs I started this trip with. Ruby vanished back in Buffalo. Luna died here, Toby is with us. I wish to go on with the trip remembering her. As we ride to what is left of this city to the toll booths.

While we drove Lyra played her Lyre to let me rest and forget what happened today. She did so much for me towards the end of the journey. I owe her so much.

Note from Lyra: Hello I wish to interject in the journal here. I read back on this and I still feel bad for what happen. I wish I could have done more for Malla to keep Luna alive. But Luna saved the two of us. Anyway she will be unhappy if she learns I am here writing more in the journal. So I must be going.

Chapter Nine: Chicago-Indiana
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A Dragon's Trek to Michigan

Chapter Nine: Chicago-Indiana

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Chapter ten: Journey's end
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A Dragon's Trek to Michigan

Chapter ten: Journey's end

Chapter Ten: Journey’s End

Lyra woke up pretty early. I offered her the potato i grew with my strange nature magic. Now I'm not amazing with it. She tasted it and she had a face of gross.

" Malla. I don't know how to put this, but it doesn't taste right." She stated.

" I think it's because I'm not fully sure what my powers of nature to. Even if I have them at all. But let's get going." Getting into the car Lyra getting into the driver's seat. I set down dog food for Toby along with water. So he could relax. We got back on the Highway heading towards Kalamazoo. The last path to the end of my journey. Along the way we saw a lot of deer and stray wild dogs. Even some cats. A lot of them stayed out of the way since Lyra was honking the horn of the car. So they wouldn't get in the way. Along the way on Highway 94 we drove past the Town of Paw Paw. It's been years since I have seen it and at the moment it's very silent.

I looked around the lovely state I grew up in. It felt so empty to the point I felt like I would cry. I tried to block the feeling of sadness that I was feeling. But I had to block it. So i don't break down again. Lyra asked me if we could stop in areas to look around. She wanted to see all the places I grew up and all the memories I had. We past the Kalamazoo County College and then we made it into the town itself.

"Welcome to my former home." Lyra smiled while she drove. I lead her around the town showing her the crossroad mall The old mall still has seen better days. I noticed it no one has broken into the mall. I feel the problem that breaking into the mall would be a bad idea. So we moved on. I showed her how to get to my old home on Romance Road. A wonderful house that I grew up in. A big backyard with a golf course not far behind it. The number to open the garage was the same on the opener. I clicked into the code the door went up. In the garage were two cars and many tools. There was a nasty smell of oil and fuel. Like someone was working in here. Lyra had her nose covered with her hoof. Even though she did get used to it during the trip.

The door leading inside the house is locked. It was hard to break this door open. I let Lyra use the magic on the tumblers inside the lock. After a few minutes, she unlocked and opened the door. As soon as it opened wide enough, a slew of cats stormed out. I swear I could count twenty of them, all charging out. Just the same though, we went inside. It stank of cat shit and pee but of course that was bound to happen with them all being stuck in here and no one to care for them.

I still took Lyra through the house. Showed her my old room, where I had my first kiss, where I spent most of my time walking in the back. I looked at the old woods behind the house I could tell from the house the woods looked old and very sick. I turned to Lyra sighing softly smiling weakly to her.

“Go back to the car and wait for me Lyra. I got something that needs to be done.” Lyra looked up to me with a weak smile nodding.I walked through the field I usd to play baseball on getting to the woods with the golf course behind it. I touched the trees when I got close to them. The bark peeled off seeing a beetle causing this sickness. From my touch on the tree. I could feel the sickness it made me myself sick from touching it. I felt this was my job or something my family should have done years ago. Closing my eyes, I thought of the inferno that i held within me. I could feel the heat from around my stomach rise and with it, came the feeling of fire. The fire that had slowly built in my stomach rose up steadily, reaching my throat. This time however, there was not much a burning feeling. It feel warm on the skin of the back of throat. I released a torrent of fire and the dry woods caught fire quickly. Nothing lived in here anymore. No creatures ran out of the forest, no birds flew away, no signs ever came, weather they be sight or sound, of anything living in this once great forest. I turned away from it heading back to the car.

Heading back inside one more time before going into the car. I had to make sure I saw everything in the house. With my claw I asked Lyra come with me. She followed me because she looked pretty worried. As we passed the fridge, i noticed something hanging on the door. A note, from what i think is the previous resident of the house. A bit curious, i began to read it.

A note was on the fridge. 'I will be heading on a business trip to Grand Rapids I will be back 2:00 am on the 23rd of May.' Another missing, but I didn't let it affect me. Lyra and I went back into the house I didn’t know what to think being back in my old home. I showed Lyra my old bathroom very clean. My parents old room is a giant mess cloths all over the floor. The bed broken at the seams. The smell of cat crap all over the room oh how lovely it was.

We went out on the deck and I sighed closing my eyes not sure what to think. Opening again looking back at the burning trees of the forest spreading around. Since those trees were bound to die anyway without someone to clean it up

" I grew up in this house Lyra. So much happen to me here. That forest I burnt, the apartments, they tried to tell that private property belonged to them. It was in the hands of my family. Look at what we left behind. We gave it to an old family. It’s easy to tell they didn’t take care of it at all." I took a deep breath, not sure what to think anymore. I felt tears forming in my eyes. A gentle hoof was gently placed on my shoulder.

“Will you be alright Malla?” I turned my head to Lyra, giving her a nod after a moment’s hesitation. We went back into the house I turned to look at the burning forest. I looked down to Lyra.

“I feel it’s time for this journey to end.”

We got back into the car and left all the doors open to make sure if any dogs or other cats inside could get out. We went back down Romance Road to go to the Air Zoo Aerospace and Science Museum. We parked the car in front of it. Heavy glass doors protected the way in. Looking back to Lyra, I smirked. We got out of the car and Lyra used the spell to fiddle with the tumblers in the lock. After a few minutes, hey opened allowing us to go inside.

When we got inside, i saw Lyra eyes open wide. She got to see the old airplanes and jets. In fact one of them was special to me. A thunderbird. A old jet that used to do tricks at a airshow I used to see. Going deeper in we saw some of the old planes including a stealth bomber. But also one of the snowbirds. One of the planes I showed her the famous tank killers, the A-10’s.

" A lot of these planes and jets were used in wars Lyra. In fact one of the war's we had to get into. Because they bombed us and we allowed it. Well we didn't really allowed it, they surprised us. But that's not all. Some of these planes were used purely to entertain humans. I will show you one of the places that they used to do it. But we need to get to where i was born. "

Leaving the the museum I found a Gift shop going in. I found a model Thunderbird, A spitfire, and a A-ten. Taking all three I placed them inside the car. We headed back to the road heading towards Battle Creek. I stayed silent because I have seen this road all my life. But the fact we are even back here again played with my mind. It was one of the back roads.

We stopped right when we got to an airport. Looking at the Airport.

" This is Kellogg Airport Lyra. My childhood is here as well. Every summer we would come here to see the Hot Air Balloons. Some were many shapes and sizes. One was a corn cob. Another was a giant castle. Another mickey mouse. Donald duck. But look at it now so empty." I could see some of the Thunderbird's. But it was done. We went along the road and found the place.. I am going to take up. The Meijers near the airport. It has oddly enough a greenhouse built into it. Looked like they added that back in 2009.

But we would worry about that later. On the way we found something interesting the old Kellogg bird Sanctuary. I wouldn't be to worried about them. Since most of them could fly. But we did stop there a moment.

" There is a Red wood tree in there. It’s the only Red wood tree even in that bird Sanctuary. I think I should come back here later and check on the birds." Sighing heading up the road. Looking another old thing. The old car Museum but i wasn't about to stop at another place. It was time to get there. But so many deer all over the place. Looking back to the road heading to Hickey corners. I felt an urge in my stomach. Closing my eyes tightly Lyra didn't even start driving till she wanted my okay.

We went down a very old road to a town called Hickory Corners. Another small run down town of Michigan. Looking at it with a weak smile, I started remembering everything about it. I didn’t wish to stay or stop the car. I wanted to just keep going on my journey. Lyra wanted to be done with this journey as well. So we moved along. But along the way we saw my old church and then the pumpkin patch that we used to get our pumpkins at. We past fine lake heading up to Jone's road looking at the road that brought back so many memories. Turning in on a old brick driveway.

Looking back at my Journey. I started in Buffalo, Wyoming. We both met with two souls that would help us. But then I left without her or so I thought. I went to Sheridan. Then Gillette.

We met Chris, Starla, and Colgate and spent two weeks there waiting to see if they will come. Then left to head to South Dakota. To go to Wall Drug. I didn't teach Lyra much of it. Just that it's a pharmacy turned into a large tourist trap. Then we went to Mount Rushmore. Heading to Rapid city. This journey is over, but my life is just starting. But I had to check. Getting out of the car. I had something I needed to do.

I went to the old garage door using my dragon might to lift it open. He forgot to lock the door again. I saw all my grandfather's tools. Every single tool. I went to the trailer put some things from the trailer into the car to get more room. Thankfully though Toby was a small dog he didn’t need much room. So he would sit up front with me and Lyra. I grabbed all his old tools. A few of his drills a large tool box. I wanted to make sure I got everything I could I was going to need all this.

I looked up to the house. . I doubt it was wise to go in there. The door was very small I wouldn't be able to get in to see if I could find them. Looking towards the apartment the glass sliding door.

"Lyra I lived here...most of my life. I see it now. I wish I didn't... I need to leave this life behind. Maybe I will come back here for the other cars one day. But we need to get back to the place I'm going to stay at.”

I tied down the tarp again to make sure nothing flies around. I opened the door and got back into the car, putting Toby upfront with us. He would be able to sit in my chair with me since I gave him enough room. I could tell he still missed Luna.

But we backed out heading back to Battle creek. It was a long drive back through the way we came.

" Malla why does half these places say.. Kellogg's?" Giving a chuckle.

" Kellogg's is a cereal maker that owned a lot here in Kalamazoo and Battle Creek. They kind of controlled what people did in those two towns. Well, not fully in Kalamazoo but very much so in Battle Creek."

0000

We stopped at my last part of my journey again the Meijer's. I turned my head looking at Lyra who got out of the door going up to the large store unlocking it for me with her magic. We went inside to check around. The smell of the rotting fruit and other foods had to be very strong at this time. So we needed to clean out the store. But for me and Lyra. It was time to rest for me and my friend.

"Are you ready to help me make this into a home?" She gave me a sad look I think she missed the journey. She looks back to the

" Yes" I looked down to her looking back on the journey. I treated her so poorly so awful. We had arguments we had fights. She had the look of a strong mare in her eyes. I could tell she changed on this journey. Come to think of it so did I She still had the bandages on her side, even the one on her leg. I hurt her and I still feel so bad about it. Taking a deep breath, I could smell pure air. Of course that was normal around here.

Before Lyra could do anything I scooped her up into a hug. A tight hug. Looking back again on our journey...i remembered all the conversations, all the laughs. The only friend I had at the start. The only friend that I had at all on this journey. I feel that maybe this is fate to me. A dragon, a creature that will live forever. She may not be dying. But I would see Lyra grow old and maybe see her again. Then I would never see her again. The pain of that loss will fill me.

"Now I am going to go do some searching for a leader." She lifted her bags from the car looking back to me with a smile. "I will be back in a few days. I hope you find more here. I will be back."

It may have taken me a few hours. But I went around placing some signs down where i hoped people could see them. ‘ Any Survivor able to see this, head to the Meijer's down by the Battle Creek Airport. You will find safety there. There is hope. You are not alone.’

After that, I started unloading everything I placed in front of the car so I could get to it easy. I placed them in grass parts of the drive ways into the store lot. Making sure to cover them up just in case it rains. I also made sure they could still be easy to read

"Welcome to Dragon's Rest."

After all that I would have to wait. Not sure how long I would wait. I saw some glass cases that were unlocked. I opened them looking inside seeing how well kept they are. So I placed my two Journals in there. Along with the other junk I picked up.

My journey has come to an end. And it is now time for the future. I don't know what to look for. But maybe someday I will know and then I will sing to the sky. But I heard Lyra's lyre playing through the town. I could tell she was using it to keep creatures at bay. But it made me feel calm and happy. I needed that since I felt so alone.

I finally had everything set up well at least for now Going back outside to the car I felt there is no one else around. So I could play some music loud enough for all to hear. No one to tell me no or call the cops on me to stop it. Opening the car I grabbed a CD turning on the car and let it play.

“Sunny days and starry nights and lazy afternoons”

I looked up into the sky seeing the shining I didn’t know how to feel or what to think but my journey started to play my mind. The day it happen. I went to bed a human, I woke up as this.

“You're counting castles in the clouds and humming little tunes.”

I felt guilt though I look back at my journey. I see all the homes I broke into, the cars. Maybe the fact these instincts took me over. But I needed to live but what about others that would have returned? Did I screw them over too? Would they have the help that I had?

“But somehow right before your eyes the sun fades away,”

The idea of fading away makes this new world funny to me. The entire human race faded away in one night. I still don’t know why at all. Even though Lyra has left for a time to go find a leader. Maybe when she returns she will tell me. I closed my eyes taking a deep breath trying to remove the guilt from my heart.

I felt heat on my back, and as I looked up, I saw the clouds parting and the sun shining down upon me. At that moment i thought of all the history of the human race. Have we ever sat down and just admired the Sun and stars?

At that moment i came to a decision. While i may not look human anymore, it doesn’t mean i lost my humanity. It has merely adapted to my new form. And I will always stay true to who i am. I am Malla. The human Dragon of Dragon’s Rest. And while humans as a race might have disappeared, i will teach all who come to me what it means, To Be Human.

Author's Note

I would like to thank my editor Draonoidsix for helping me through the entire thing. We also argued on how the ending should be for hours. So I let him do his idea and we both came up with this. I hope you all enjoyed it thank you.