Even despite the situation, Ruri found her heart fluttering--she was flying. The dragon was carrying them into the air, soaring on the winds and dancing with the breeze. Or maybe that was just her shaking because the weight was lopsided. But Ruri was actually flying on a dragon! Well, okay, under a dragon, but that only made it slightly less amazing. She couldn't help but feel a little sad as the flight came to an end. Still, she could see the dragon struggling, so when the time came she jumped off and rolled to the side, shielding the boy with her arms as they tumbled clear. They came to a stop just inside the forest, as did the dragon.

The next words Ruri heard were among the saddest she had ever listened to. The dragon wanted them to abandon her when those ghouls might be coming? When the fire might spread to the fields and the forest, swallowing her in its relentless advance? Would that actually harm a dragon, Ruri wondered briefly. The point still stood, though, that she could never abandon a dragon like this. She stood, the boy still clinging to her, and sidled over the the dragon's side.

"Just rest for a bit and you'll be fine!" Ruri cried, small droplets of water forming in the corners of her eyes despite the smile she put on. "You saved us, so the least we can do is help you now." Ruri reached out with one hand, resting it on the dragon's head. The boy didn't dare stretch his hand out, instead hiding behind Ruri and watching with wide, blue eyes.