The Crown Hackura Prince and His Dragon Princess

Viseral Reaction Pt. 1

Kingsley is Thirty-One

Kingsley couldn’t move. I stared as all the happy family families walked around shopping together after having turkey together. I wiped my tears wondering if my family had that today. Were they somewhere shopping for all the special deals that happened after the Thanksgiving holiday? I watched one group specifically that clearly were sisters.

They were running all through a department store teasing and laughing with each other. Their mom had gotten them donuts and I was certain she was shopping with her mom and sister. Then more people joined them that ranged in age, but they were family. They all laughed and I watched them as they shopped most of the night.

The younger girls began to get tired around three in the morning and the man that was their dad came to get them. I watched as he carried them one by one to the car then kissed his wife. He teased her and she laughed before going back to her group. They were so determined to get everything on some list they had.

I actually laughed when they ended up at a makeup counter getting their makeup redone. Then three men met them. One was the one who’d come to get his daughters. I watched them until they left the outdoor shopping center.

I jolted when someone sat next to me. Kayda was sleeping, like I should’ve been, or she would’ve warned me he was coming. A Kleenex was handed to me and I glanced up seeing an older man. He said, “My wife is still in that store with my daughters in law. I came to pick them up because they said they’d be ready an hour ago. I spotted them going into a different store and sent my sons for food. Are you ok, young lady? You look tired.”

I shrugged, “I guess I am.” He put his hand on my leg in a comforting way. Kayda said, “Him, I do not want to roast.” So, she was up and in her usual form. He asked, “What’s going on here?” I admitted, “I look around at all the families I’ve seen and wonder if I ever had this. Or if my family is celebrating today.” I’m not even sure why I told him the truth, but I blamed the loneliness that came from being alone during the holiday season in this realm.

He frowned, “What do you mean? Do you not remember your family?” I admitted, “No, I don’t. I have no memory from before I was Twenty years old wandering around New York. I don’t even know how I knew how old I was to be honest. I knew my name, but only my first name. I also knew how old I was, and my birthday. This holiday season just makes me wonder if they miss me like I miss them.”

He offered, “I’m a retired Lieutenant for the police force around here. My son is on the force. We could have him see if someone filed a missing person’s report for you.” I let some tears fall and wiped them away. Kayda whispered, “Kingsley.”

I told him, “I had that checked after I got here. No one reported me missing. The cop said since I’m an adult they might not have filed. I can’t be a runaway because I’m too old.” He scoffed, “What utter poppycock.” Kayda laughed in my head, “That’s an adorable fun word. Oh god, do I find a human adorable? THE HORROR.” I nearly laughed out loud. He told me, “It doesn’t matter how old you are, you can still be reported missing. How long ago did you check?”

I answered, “About ten years or so. I checked six months after I showed up in New York.” He frowned, “Six months would be a long time not to consider someone missing, but ten is even more. I can check on it for you.” I shrugged, “Maybe they don’t care like I do. Maybe we had a falling out and it doesn’t matter to them.”

He chuckled, “Little lady, I had a falling out with my youngest. Does that mean I don't know where that girl is? No, I know exactly where she is and I’m ready to bury the body of the young man keeping her away. She knows she can run to me and her family at any time.” Kayda perked up, “Ohhhh he has someone for us to roast and eat. That sounds fun. That would nullify my thoughts on him being adorable too. A trade off. An adorable human with someone to roast is the ticket to finding him adorable.” I wasn’t saying yes, but I wasn’t saying no. I needed more information.

He admitted, “I’ve seen you around town. You helped that man leave his abusive girlfriend. I know you did. My son has the case and I told him to let it go. He put it as the man leaving town on his own.”

I sighed then admitted, “More like the country. He always wanted to go to Sweden.” He grinned at me, “I knew you were a good one.” The man I helped was a human in a relationship with a Supernatural who was a b***h. I was going to kill her, but now I knew I couldn't just yet. I’d get her later when the heat died down and the cops weren’t everywhere.

I handed him a phone. He said, “I couldn't take your phone.” I explained, “It’s not mine actually. I planned to drop this in the mail for the cops. It’s a video stating the man in question left and wanted to do so. He’ll be contacting his family soon, but they aren’t from around here. He cut all ties here because she didn’t let him have any.” Kayda muttered, “Which means he only had to cut the tie to her.” True.

He nodded, “I felt for the boy.” I laughed, “He was twenty-four. That’s not a boy.” He shrugged, “He’s a boy to me. He wasn’t from around here, but we’d have helped him. We watch out for own in these parts.” Kayda asked, “Does he have to be so adorable? Make him stop that.”

I replied to him and not my Dragon, “It’s hard for people to ask for help. Especially men. I’ve found they don’t seem to be believed here and ridiculed if they say they are being abused.” His jaw set, “Sadly, that is true.”

I sighed, “There’s too much violence and anger around.” He chuckled, “You’ve helped more than the boy then.” I admitted, “It’s kind of my thing.” He nodded, “The underground Angels are people cops have worked with on occasion. I had a few organizations I put on the trail of those I suspected abuse from. It’s a hard job some days when your hands are tied. I’m glad the boy is safe.”

I asked, “What about your daughter?” He frowned, “The man is slimy. She’s headstrong and stubborn. I don’t think he hurts her. She knows how to defend herself and I’d be in jail if I thought he raised a hand to her. I’d be proudly declaring I was guilty too. I do worry because I’ve seen strong women slide into abuse. My baby knows all she has to do is call and we will be there.” Kayda said, “Let’s roast the boyfriend for the adorable old man.” I said, “I told you earlier maybe.” She argued, “You didn’t say it.” I groaned, “I thought it which means you knew.” She chuckled.

I pointed out to the retired Lieutenant, “Calling can be hard sometimes. Especially when we fall into something we knew we should’ve been smarter than to ever get into. I know that feeling myself, but I didn’t have anyone to call. I don’t even know if I would’ve, it was embarrassing. Where is she?”

He answered, “She’s in Alabama. She dropped out of college for that boy.” I asked, “What does he do?” He shrugged, “Consulting. Which I told her sounds made up.” I laughed, “Plenty of people have that job. How old is she?” His eyes glistened, “She’s eighteen, almost nineteen. I handled it all wrong, you know? I told her I did after they left. I’ve apologized. He just can’t ever and I quote ‘find the time to get off for her to come back home.’ It’s malarky.”

Kayda said, “He uses such fun words. Let’s find this consultant.” He showed me a picture of his family. He said, “This is from fall break her freshman year when she first came back and the last family photo we have. She graduated early from high school and she would be in her sophomore year this year if she hadn’t dropped out. She loves the holiday’s. I just can’t believe she missed Thanksgiving again. It’s her favorite.”

My eyes locked on the love in this photo despite the obvious tension. He pointed, “That’s him.” I grabbed his phone and stared at the man staring back at me. Everything in the world faded except his face. A face that evoked utter terror into my very soul.

He asked, “Are you ok?” My breathing was coming hard and I knew it. I admitted, “I don’t know. It’s just like I’ve seen him before but…” I wracked my brain because I felt like I knew that man, but I didn’t. I groaned, “I just don’t remember. Who is he?” He answered, “My daughter’s boyfriend.” Terror gripped me and he put my head between my legs. He instructed, “You need to breathe.”

I asked, “Kayda?” She admitted, “I don’t know him either, yet at the same time I think we do. He must be in our memories we don’t have.” How? Who was he? A man ran up shouting, “Dad? Do we need an ambulance?” He answered, “No, she’s calming down.”

I sat back up and apologized, “I’m sorry. I have no idea what came over me.” The old man said, “You had a panic attack.” I frowned, “I don’t think I’ve ever had one.” He asked, “When you lost your memories were there any injuries?” I shook my head, “No, I don’t think so.” Since it would be practically impossible. I couldn’t even get shot. The dent from the bullet even faded.

The man’s son asked, “Dad?” He said, “I showed her picture of Hannah. She saw her boyfriend and panicked. I’m calling Joe.” I asked, “Who is that?” He answered, “A guy on the force I know down by where my daughter lives. He’ll do a welfare check on Hannah.”

I asked, “Can you send me that picture?” He nodded. I gave him my number and he texted it to me. I stood and called Stella. She answered, “Well, there you are. You don’t normally call around the holidays.” I told her, “I’m sending you a picture. I need you to see if you can get a name. I had a visceral reaction to seeing him. We might need to extract the girl with him.” She replied, “I’m on it.” I hung up and sent the picture.

I stared at the picture. Fear was filling me again. Kayda ordered, “Stop looking at it.” She was scared too. Why? I rubbed my face. I turned and found one of the sons standing close by. I linked, “Kayda, I’m going to need you to tell me when that happens.” She didn’t reply.

He asked, “You extract people?” I nodded, “Yes.” He asked, “Which Underground Angel group are you?” I answered, “I doubt you’ve heard of it.” He raised an eyebrow, “Try me.” I answered, “Operation Saint Rita.” He stared at me then nodded. He started to walk away. I asked, “Have you heard of it?” He answered, “Yup. That group is more than extraction from what I hear. My job is black and white, but that’s my sister. I believe in fate and my dad chose to go talk to you. You had a reaction to that slimy bastard, even if you don’t know why. Something is wrong and I’ve felt that since my sister dropped out of college.”

I whispered, “Why?” He answered, “She went there because their program is the best for what she wants to do.” I asked, “What’s that?” He answered, “Public relations. It’s been her dream since she was a little girl. Most kids have the fireman or doctor goals as what they will do. Since Hannah was five, she wanted to be in public relations. Something is wrong there. Your group may dabble on the line of right and wrong, but it’s a fair line.” I agreed.

My phone rang and I answered, “Yeah.” She said, “Does the name Draco Azar mean anything to you?” I answered, “No.” She said, “Well, that’s his name. Through back channels and whatnot the man has been here for five years and there’s a demon faction looking for him. He killed one of theirs.” I asked, “Why?” He answered, “He thought she met someone named Kayda.” I stilled as did my dragon.

Stella snickered, “I’ve actually never met someone with that name. Or heard it. It’s kind of pretty though. Maybe if I ever settle down I’ll have a daughter and name her Kayda.” Kayda told me, “Ok, maybe I’ll like her.” She was ambivalent about Stella most days. I said, “Thanks. Do you have their number?” She snorted, “Of course I do. I’m sending it to you.” I asked, “Is Draco apart of the group in the emails?” The crazy fanatics that wanted pure bloods everywhere.

She answered, “Nope. He’s an unknown. The only reason he popped is because the demons are looking.” I replied, “Thanks.” I hung up. Was Draco like me? He had to be. I asked Kayda, “Right? He’s looking for you.”

The old man joined us, “Joe wasn’t able to talk to Hannah. Draco said she was out shopping. She does love Black Friday.” I said, “Let me handle this. Ok?” He nodded. I turned to leave and he grabbed my hand. He said, “I believe in fate and destiny. I have my whole life and that was affirmed the day I met my wife. She was the one I’d been waiting for and everything in me knew it. Just as I believe you and I were meant to cross paths today. I don’t care what you do, just make sure my baby is ok.” I nodded, “I will.” I took off running for my old beat up truck.

One day maybe I’d give into buying fancy cars, but that day was not today. I was under the radar and I used my money for things like this. I made sure they weren’t following me and went to my cave. Alabama was nearly a four hour drive from here, but I could make it faster. A Demon would make it mere seconds.

I called the number. I heard a gruff, “Hello? Who is this? How did you get this number?” I answered, “That’s not important. What’s important is that we can help each other. I found someone you are looking for. I have his exact address.” Because the old man my Dragon thought was adorable had texted it to me. Kayda asked, “Have we not moved on from that? You can’t keep bringing up that I find him adorable. It will hurt my street cred.” I groaned, “You don’t have any.” She muttered, “I could. Back where we are from.” I shook my head.

I heard scrambling then a woman took the phone. She told me, “Unless you know where Draco Azar is then you have nothing we want.” I replied, “I know where he is. I’ll give the location all I want in return is the woman he has now.” She asked, “Where are you?” I answered, “Just outside Macon, Georgia.”

I saw the shimmer begin and got ready. I told Kayda, “Be on alert.” They saw me and fireballs were drawn. The woman snorted, “You know that doesn’t work. We’ve thrown them at Draco.” I asked, “Is he like me?” She frowned, “Yes, why don’t you know that?” I admitted, “I don’t have any memories from my childhood.”

She asked, “Could he be looking for you? Are you Kayda?” I answered, “No.” Kayda snorted, “I’d lie here too.” I replied, “I am not actually Kayda.” She sighed, “Alright. He is like you. Do you know how to kill someone like you?” I answered, “Yes, but I won’t tell you while I’m in your presence.” I pulled cuffs out and handed them to her. “These will subdue him.” I was wearing gloves so they didn’t hurt me. I knew steel burned me though. It stood to reason it would kill someone like me.

I showed them the address. I put my hand on the woman and she shimmered us nearby. I jumped into a tree with a good view. Kayda screeched in my head when I saw Hannah. The kind sweet old man who’d gone up to a complete stranger to offer comfort’s daughter was naked and handcuffed to a bed. Kayda was ready to go Dragon on the man in question for the old man she thought was adorable.

Draco had his back to me and was on the phone. “Andrew, she’s not in this realm and I’m being hunted by human cops, which is insulting. I also have demons after me. She’s not here. There are no reports of Dragon sightings. She’d have shifted by now. We need to search another realm. Or maybe she’s in ours still. I’ve been away too long. I want to come home, brother.”

Andrew. The name made me go still. I gripped the tree so hard I was certain the branch would crack. He said, “I’ll just have to kill this girl and go.” Hannah couldn’t even cry because she had passed out from what he’d done to her.

He scoffed, “Just shut up, Andrew. She’s not here. We can get her some other way.” The Demons broke in before he could say anything else about why he wanted my Dragon. He groaned, “God, the demons are back. I’m coming home, brother.” He stared at Hannah. I was going to go in if he was going to kill her.

He spat at her, “Stupid humans.” He jumped out the window without touching her as the demons came in with fireballs. There was one on the ground waiting. Draco screamed in pain and the steel burned his face before he jumped and grabbed onto a tree going opposite of me and jumped around. A demon yelled, “Why would you put cuffs on his face? They go on his motherfucking wrists! Go after him!”

I waited then jumped down. I ran in and called, “Hannah!” She didn’t answer. I noticed the cuffs weren’t steel. I undid her bindings and checked on her. I had gotten my EMT certification and passed the NREMT to get that certification. I actually had a license and everything. I needed that knowledge to do what I do.

I checked her pupils and determined she’d passed out from a beating and likely a little starvation. I checked the whole house looking for more information about Draco. I found a picture of him and another man that had me going into a full blown panic attack. Kayda took over my human body and read the back. Me and Andrew.

Whoever the Azar brothers were, I wanted nothing to do with them. I grabbed Hannah’s things, a bag, and packed all of it. I dressed her in loose fitting pajamas then found gasoline in the garage and carried her outside and backed the car out. The registration told me it was Hannah’s. I doused the house then burned it to the ground. I got in the car and drove.

I called the old man. He answered, “I never got your name.” I replied, “Kiera. I didn’t get yours either.” He answered, “I’m John Oliver.” I said, “I’ve got Hannah and I’m heading back to Macon.” He said, “Do you drive like a bat out of hell?” I snorted, “Something like that.” He might know since while he was human, someone in his family wasn’t. Hannah had a little supernatural blood in her. I was certain it was Fae. I hadn’t seen his wife during our interaction. Maybe it was her.

I didn’t notice with his sons because I was in a panicked state about Draco’s picture. Those were mistakes I couldn't afford to make. He said, “I’ll text you our home address.” I said, “I’ll be there.” It took me two hours because I did drive like a bat out of hell. Whatever that meant. I wasn’t certain if bats live in Hell. Maybe that was something the Kingsley with her memories knew.

I parked Hannah’s car and gently got her out of the car. John ran out with his sons. They did have Fairy blood. Damn it Kingsley, be more observant. Kayda said, “We had a reaction. That man is bad and looking for us. I didn’t trust him.” I asked, “Why didn’t he sense another Dragon nearby?” Could we not do that? She answered, “I don’t know but I know that his Dragon isn’t family. I would’ve sensed that.” Ok.

John gasped, “My baby!” I told him, “She needs fluids and rest. A doctor wouldn’t hurt. I am a certified EMT, and nothing life threatening jumped out to me.” His son called, “MA!” She ran out and I wasn’t surprised she had Fairy blood. She ordered, “Bring both of them in this house right now.” Kayda grumbled, “As if we would go somewhere we didn’t want.” My lips twitched into a smile, but I went into the house.