The boy gasped and reached his hand out, wanting to touch the thing everyone was afraid off. The lights flickered as people screamed at him to run away. He payed no mind to them and felt the scales of the monster. "What.... makess you think you can touch mee." The monster hissed and the boy smiled.

"You deserve a chance." He said quietly and the monster bared his teeth. "That doess not make you worthy." The monster hissed. The boy smiled again. "I want to be worthy." He said quietly and the monster closed his mouth, giving the small boy a chance. People were screaming and the boy turned around, shutting them up.

It was dark as the lights shut off and people ran away, scared they would die. The monster turned his head and allowed the boy to climb on. "What's your name?" The boy asked, running his fingers along the spikes. "Raiere." The monster simply said and took off flying.

"Whatsss yoursss" Raiere hissed and the boy smiled. "Phoenix." Raiere nodded and flew toward his home. It was once beautiful but in his time of capture it had become overgrown and desolate. Raiere let Phoenix down. "Thisss wasss my home." Raiere hissed and slowly made his way to the heart of it. "Oh." Phoenix mumbled and picked a flower.

"For you." He said softly and Raiere took it in his claw. "Raiere you look like a dragon. Are you one?" Phoenix asked and Raiere smiled. "I am." He said his deep voice filling with kindness. Phoenix grinned and twirled around, his true form showing. He had transformed into his name. Raiere smiled and they made it to his home.

It was the only place that had not been demolished. The pillars connected at the top making a dome. Phoenix fluttered around and transformed back into the boy. Raiere glanced at him and smiled. "I don't recall phoenix's being able to transform." He commented.

"My mother was a shapeshifter." Phoenix said and sat next to Raiere. "I think we will get along." He said.

Indeed they did, until it was Phoenix's time to depart. Raiere felt a tear fall down and Phoenix wiped it away, his red and gold hair falling out. "Make this place a home for everyone." He whispered, turning to ash. Raiere whispered three sweet words that would never be heard again.