The skybar was lights. Lights, lights, and the reflection of lights. The bright can-lights in the ceiling were dimmed in favor of more intimate table lighting and bluey-gray runners. Through the tinted wall length windows, the million lights of the city filtered and mingled and provided a constantly moving, yet soothing backdrop. Something low and down tempo played through the hidden speakers(a dusky female voice)and except for the frequent laugh and tinkle of glass on glass, the loudest sound was the constant murmur of private conversations. The smell of the evening was alcohol; a hundred kinds, in as many different shapes of glasses, cradled in paws or sitting half-neglected on polished table-tops.
 
 
The bar was a garden of randomly tiered and sized round tables, fitted with benches and loose chairs and shelves to accommodate all sizes and types of patrons; here mice mingled with rhinos or canines or even a falcon as if it was nothing to blink at. They made jokes, they discussed politics and intellectual things and art; they ordered drinks with witty or absurd names.
 
 
Thera was out of her league. The bull she'd come in with had long since disappeared or left(she didn't know which)but she was pleased as pepper to sit in the back of the booth at a table, listening to conversations she couldn't possibly understand, learning when to laugh, and ordering a steady string of martinis. She didn't really like the taste, but she knew the name, and she knew that it was important to seem clever here. Sometimes she stared out the window at all of the lights, the city spread for miles and here she was at least one hundred feet in the air. Well, in a building, but she'd never been so high. Sometimes she also played with the shiny fabric of her silver lame dress. She'd only bought it this afternoon, and she'd never had anything so beautiful. Sure, it was a few sizes too small, but she was used to being naked; so what if someone caught a glance of a wedge of red satin disappearing into her rump? Mostly she watched the other people at the table and wondered what they thought of her. She stared especially at a lioness. She'd never seen one so close before, and with good reason. But the way she moved, so confident and sleek, it was fascinating.
 
 
Umiriko surveyed the scene, as she had done many times before at this and other clubs she frequents. She glanced down at the glass in her clawed grip. She had barely made a dent in her drink, but that was her way. She wasn't much of a drinker or socializer, but she liked to keep up appearances. Her forays into the public revelry were always for a different purpose than the other patrons who frequented these locations. This was her Savannah. This was her hunting ground. And no one was the wiser. She sat discreetly in her usual spot. A massive booth erected for those of her rather unique stature. Her massive form sat comfortably in the dimmed lights of her corner, a contrast to the rest of the club's rather eclectic lighting. There was just enough luminescence to shine off of the scales not covered by the fabric of her dress, creating a soft glint on her snout and thighs. Her eyes darted from person to person, a slight grin appeared on her face as the edge of her mouth curled. That zebra, she could be the one for her tonight.
 
 
Thera's eyes flicked around her table again, but no-one was paying her any attention. She had thought that the stallion a couple seats over might have been looking her over, but he was too busy now arguing the subtleties of urban sprawl legislation. She nibbled her lips. She was comfortable at this table, but if she had to find her way back to her hotel alone, tonight would be a loss.
 
 
Finally the discomfort had built to a level she couldn't take, and she excused herself to find the toilets. The stallion didn't even say a word to her as she scooted out over his lap, even though her thick thighs rubbed over his more than a little; his long neck just craned from one side of her to the other so he could keep talking. She sighed as she stood outside the table, empty glass in hand. There were some larger tables down below; back in the savanna, the water buffalo and rhinos had always been kind to her. Maybe there was a big creature here who'd give her and her dress a second glance. She took a step, steadied her wobbly legs, and walked carefully forward. No more martinis for her.
 
 
Umiriko watched as the zebra slid out of her spot and shakily made her way elsewhere. Her gaze was locked on her now, and she didn't try to hide it. This girl clearly had a wonderful body and did not mind showing it off. Umiriko knew that might be an advantage for her later, but right now it was acting as a wonderful visual treat working to build up her lust as well as other more sinister feelings. Her large tail began to uncoil under her table as the finned tip began to tap the floor as she watched the zebra's movements, almost entranced by the way her curves flowed. A hand idly rubbed along the fabric on her thigh as she waited for her to get closer.
 
 
Even mildly inebriated, Thera's eyes were magnets for other people's attention. She could feel someone's gaze fixed to her, and not just one of the snooty types deciding she was addle-headed. She stopped by one of the bar's brushed chrome pillars and casually glanced over her shoulder. Her brown eyes widened, first in surprise, then delight. Not only had she never seen a creature like that before; she'd never even heard of one. She was huge, and brightly colored with scales of dark blue, with the ones on her underside, ears, and the grill at the top of her head being bright yellow. Beautiful dark eyes staring right at her, Thera's eyes dropped shyly.
 
 
Still, she traced her way around the pillar and clopped up the steps to the walkway leading to that part of the bar. Still holding her empty glass in both hands like it was a long-stemmed flower, she sashayed toward Umiriko's table. She wasn't making eye-contact any more(she'd have to be a bit of a flirt and pretend she was on her way somewhere else)but she let her body do the talking for her. Her wide thighs swished together beneath her silver dress, her tall black and white mane bounced glossily, and her tail flicked just enough to threaten to lift the hem of the dress and expose the bottom curve of her rear.
 
 
Her eyes remained locked on the zebra. She let her grin spread across her lips once she realized she had caught her eye. She watched her come closer watching her obvious attempts to entice her. This equine definitely had some of her own intentions, obviously trying to entice the dragoness. And it was working too. Her eyes traced a path, starting at her cleavage as it jiggles with her movements, then quickly working to her wonderful legs and rear. Oh, yes that rear. The most wonderful part of an equine. Always so bountiful and thick. No greater rear end exists. The look and touch of them is just incredible. She just wanted to reach out with her mouth and... Umiriko shook her head a moment to snap out of her thoughts. She realized she had been drooling a bit as she stared at the shapely rump for a bit too long. She quickly tried to wipe away the evidence, then craned her neck in an inviting pose as she kept her eyes on the striped beauty, a knowing smile growing on her snout.
 
 
Thera walked just past Umiriko's seat, then stopped short with flat-hoofed steps that she knew would make her jiggle in just the right places. She took a step or two back and glanced up at the dragoness with what she intended to be an innocent smile. “Hiya. You wouldn't know... where are the toilets? I've looked for them for so long that I don't know I need them any more.” Her innocent grin turned sheepish, and she waggled her empty martini glass. There was a thick accent in her voice, and hesitation in choosing a few of her words, but her shyness was clearly a sham. Beneath the sheepishness, Thera let her eyes feast over the scales that disappeared beneath her dress.
 
 
Umiriko mentally swooned as the horseflesh rippled before her. However, she did notice the zebra seemed just as entranced in her own body. She still had plenty of leverage. “You're looking for the bathroom?” Her voice came out soft, but powerfully feminine both in a reassuring and enticing tone.”Or were you perhaps, looking for something more interesting? Maybe you'd care to share some more libations?”She motioned to the large glass that filled her scaly hand. It seemed to be filled with a cola or some sort, but the smell of rum also wafted from the bubbly mixture. The glass was sizable, intended for a patron as large as the dragoness. The dragoness herself hadn't put too much of a dent in the drink, only having taken a few sips through the long straw of the course of the night. She punctuated her words with a wink and leaned forward. Her low cut dress, complimenting her scales with a similar shade of blue. Under the table, Umiriko slid her tail along the floor toward the zebra's hoof. She gently slid the scaly appendage against her ankle before its length traveled upwards along the back of her leg.
 
 
Thera opened her mouth to answer, but instead it hung open. Her brown eyes flicked over to the huge glass(almost a barrel for her)while the heady scent of a new kind of alcohol tickled her nose. They followed the line of the dragoness' straw up to her eyes, her lips (images of what she might be able to do with the tongue behind those lips flashed through her mind long enough to set her heart racing) then drifted unabashedly down into the deep, dark shadows of thighs big enough to snuggle into. She was entranced, and had to take a step forward to steady herself. She blinked, and was about to speak again when she flinched, then giggled. She glanced down and pushed out her hips to offer a smooth line up the back of her thigh.
 
 
“I... I would like something more interesting. I don't really need the bathroom.” The blush in the tips of her ears was real enough, but her next step forward was more confident. She put a hand on the edge of the bench(luckily provided with a step so she wouldn't have to climb up like a child)and glanced again at the large drink. “What is that? It smells sweet!”
 
 
“This, my dear, is a rum and coke.” She slid her long tongue out, revealing it to be thick and barbed, coiling it slowly around the large straw and drawing it between her lips. She gave a short but firm sip, taking in some of the dark beverage before letting the straw slip from her lips. She gives her lips a seductive lick with her tongue tip then slides the glass over to Thera, tilting the straw in her direction as she gives her a reassuring smile. “Help yourself dear. I'm sure you'll love it.” Her tail continued to climb the zebra's leg, coiling slowly around her thigh, giving it a gentle squeeze before sliding the right of the two prongs the fin fanned between against the back of her leg, a couple inches below her rump. “You seem like you're new around here. What's your name cutie?”
 
 
“Thera,” she answered, and this time she really blushed, down to her cheeks. Her eyes had widened even further when the dragoness' tongue had stretched out impossibly long... oh, the things it could do! She took another step forward, rubbing her thighs together to catch one of the prongs of Umiriko's tail for just a moment, and smiled up at her. She pinched the end of the straw between her fingers, then sucked, cradling the straw in her pink tongue. Her smile wrinkled her cheeks, and she sucked again, then let out a rasping breath as the alcohol hit. She hadn't done anything yet about the tail skirting beneath her rump (her own tail had flicked to the side to give it room)but as it tickled through her fine, silky hair her skin twitched and shivered.
 
 
“I've only been here for a couple of days. I like your city, though. There's so much to see. It's so BIG.” Her eyes traced the height of Umiriko's body. “What's your name? Is this seat beside you... can I sit beside you? I'm having trouble finding someone who will talk to me.”
 
 
The tail reached up a little further, teasing the bottom of the thick flesh on the zebra's rear slightly, racing along the curve of the cheek before sliding back around her thigh. Slowly guiding itself down it ducked between her thighs, sliding against the upper part of her leg and moving to tease her belly with the tails left prong. “You may call me Umiriko.”
 
 
Umiriko pulled her tail away with a quick flick, sliding it back under the table as she grinned. She shifted her body over, her curves giving a slight jiggle as she made some additional room in the booth. “Why yes.” She patted the space next to her then beckoned her to approach. “Please, join me. I don't mind a little company, especially from one so beautiful. Make yourself comfortable.” The base of her tail ran from behind her to her left, but left plenty of room in the large seat for smaller occupants.
 
 
Thera's rear moved to follow Umiriko's tail, and a flash of a disappointed pout turned her glossy black lips downward - but only for a moment. “Umiriko. That's pretty. I like your name.”
 
 
She eagerly slipped into the seat beside the dragoness(not just near her, but thigh to thigh)dress to dress, so she could feel the slick scales against her fur and skin. Her fingers brushed against that same thigh curiously, tracing the outline of a scale, before she grinned up at the dragon. “The lizards never get so big back home. Back home I-” She stopped herself short, and quickly pulled the straw into her mouth and sucked again, eager to change the subject without an idea of what to say. It occurred to her by the time she'd gulped a second time. “What is fun to do in your city? Where do you go shopping for dresses like that? It's very pretty - it really brings out your scales.”
 
 
The dragon put an arm around the zebra, pressing her into the side of her. Her softness deformed as the equine was pressed against her belly and the side of her chest. Under the table, now hidden from view of any onlookers, her tail slid back up the zebra's leg. Slowly it slid up to begin teasing between her inner thighs, playing about under her dress. She played her fingers across the zebra's belly and leaned in to whisper into her ear. “Relax, little one. Sometimes there are more interesting things than talking for the sake of talking.” The tip of her barbed tongue slid out between her thick lips, slowly running in a circle around the inside of Thera's ear, teasing in one direction and then the other. She repeated this for a few moments before speaking again. “Tell me, what do you think of this, 'big lizard', hmmm?” She opened her lips to take in Thera's ear, giving it a gentle suckle and just barely nibbling at it with her teeth, careful not to harm the delicate flesh.
 
 
Thera's grin spread up her cheeks until she was showing both rows of big white teeth. Her eyes rolled back as far as they could to watch Umiriko without moving that ear one bit, and the fingers tracing scales on her thigh drifted higher up beneath the hem of the dress and began to cross to the center, where the dragon's skin was even softer, at least as far as she could reach.
 
 
“I think-” She had to stop to whinny and shiver in delight at the feeling of such sensitive skin rolling between Umiriko's lips and teeth. “I think I may like you very much, Big Lizard Umiriko. And I am not one to be shy about who I like. But I learned the hard way yesterday that your city doesn't have the same sensibility I'm used to.” She carefully pulled her long ear free from Umiriko's lips so she could twist her neck and muzzle in closer to her ear. In an only slightly lower voice, she continued, “So if I wanted to explore your very interesting lizardy body in the place that has me most curious right now- the one place I'm sure my own tongue could reach- it may be better to go someplace more private before I slip down beneath the table.” Her lips pressed gently against Umiriko's cheek, pulled away, and winked.
 
 
From deep inside her body, a sound began to throb. It was almost like a purring, but a much heavier sound. However, it was obvious it was a sound of pleasure. She gave the zebra a quick lick across the bottom of her chin as she traced a finger around her belly. “There's a lot of me to explore. More than you might imagine dear. And I think I'd sure like you to do some exploration. If you'd like, you can come home with me tonight. Maybe get ourselves a little more comfortable.” She gave Thera an inviting grin before pressing her lips against her snout and giving her a gentle kiss. “How does that sound? My apartment isn't far from here. I can take you there, no problem.”
 
 
Thera was not too shy to press her lips back against Umiriko's, to curl her black fingers around the longer sides of the dragoness' mouth and slide her fingertips between her lips as she pulled away. “That sounds very good. I didn't plan on having company quite… like you when I chose a hotel. And to be honest, I'm not sure how to get back without daylight. You would be... a lifesaver? Is that right?”
 
 
She grinned again while she slid her hand back under the table and one more time over Umiriko's thigh, then scooted back off the bench. While waiting for the dragoness, she glanced around the bar to find that no one really was staring at her. But that was okay. She had a feeling this time the experience was going to be enough on its own, even if nobody did believe her.
 
 
She nodded and then slid her body out of the booth, then stood to all fours and stretched; now standing she towered over the smaller zebra. She gave her another rub on her back before guiding her to the large sized lift. “Well, let us be off then.”
 
 
Entering the lift, Umiriko kept Thera close, hugging her with her left foreleg around her shoulder as her fingers continued to caress over the zebra. Leaving through the front, they entered onto the night streets. It was quite late, but people were still people moving about. Umiriko kept the zebra safely at her side while she maneuvered her way down the sidewalks towards her home, having no problems as anyone in her path would wisely move out of her way as her heavy footfalls did little to hide her approach.
 
 
A few blocks away, she turned into an alleyway at a large high-rise. At the end was what appeared to be a freight elevator at street level. Umiriko entered a long sequence of digits into a keypad on the building wall. The lift came to life and Umiriko stepped onto it with Thera. “I live underground. I find it cozy.” The lift descended for what seemed like quite a few floors before a pair of heavy doors opened, revealing Umiriko's massive living room.
 
 
Every accommodation and piece of furniture seemed designed specifically to her specification. The ceiling was high and the furniture was massive. “It's not much," she chuckled a bit. "But, it's home.”
 
 
The zebra happily hugged the side of her front leg; her eyes flicked around the streets with a mixture of curiosity and anxiety. A few times they delved into shadows as if she expected to see something there, and she pressed tight enough against the dragoness leg to at least stall her (if not trip up her feet a bit) before she realized what she was doing and let go again.
 
 
Riding the lifts seemed to please her; she touched the wall to feel the vibrations as they began to move. When she heard they were going -down-, her eyes widened. “Really? I thought this city was huge when I believed people only lived -above- the ground! I don't mind at all. I bet it stays cool during the summer.”
 
 
She followed Umiriko into the room and her shyness about being in the dragoness' apartment lasted only a moment. Then she grinned and was touching the textured chair cushion that came up to her belly, craning up her neck to stare up into the vaults of the ceiling, running her fingertips through the grooves of the decorative work on the edge of the end table. “It's huge! I feel like... I feel like a child here.” Her grin widened until her cheeks pinkened and dimpled. “But it's beautiful, I mean. Very comfortable-looking.”
 
 
While the zebra was distracted, Umiriko unzipped the back of her dress and let it slip off of her. She wasn't wearing anything under it, choosing to wear as little clothing as possible. She always felt more comfortable in the nude, and in her own home that was how she tended to be. She watched the zebra for a moment as she was entranced with her surroundings before letting out a chuckle. “Now, why don't I show you the bedroom?” She smiled and gave her hips an enticing wiggle as her soft body rippled seductively. She walked slowly and deliberately down a long hall, her massive tail swaying and coiling behind her. She opened a pair of double doors at the end of the hall, revealing her bedroom. The size of her bed didn't fit into the normal standards of everyday mattress size. Clearly this bed was fit not for a king, but for a dragon. And even for a dragon sized bed it was quite a sight. It could easily fit a pair of Umiriko's if it so needed to. Umiriko sat at the end of the bed and peered back at the zebra, letting her tongue slide out between her lips for a moment as she leaned back, opening her legs and sliding her tail out of the way, trying to make herself as alluring as possible. “So, why don't you make yourself comfortable?”
 
 
When Thera turned, her eyes caught the heap of blue fabric first. They traced up Umiriko's calves, up the curves of her thighs, and flicked to plump "V" between them. Her pink tongue appeared between black lips to wet them. She didn't have time to take in the rest of the body that was to be her playground; she had to double-step to catch up and follow(not behind the tail, but beside it)giggling as it brushed against her with every other step. The great butterfly of the dragoness' buttocks and hips were only an arms reach away, clenching and swaying and bouncing as she walked, but somehow the zebra restrained herself from reaching out to pinch a fingerful of scales.
 
 
She stopped at the doorway to the bedroom, and her mouth fell open. Her voice was soft with awe. “I think all of my friends could fit on that bed at once! Beside you, too.” She grinned, and her eyes narrowed mischievously. “But I'm glad they were too scared to come on the plane.”
 
 
Thera responded to the invitation by running her fingers from her shoulders down over the silver straps of her dress, over her full breasts and the gentle swell of her belly, and into the creases where her mons met her thighs. The dress was a hypnotic discord of black and white and pink reflections, but greens and purples began to replace them as Thera sashayed slowly toward the bed. Her meaty thighs swished past each other beneath the hem of the dress; her hooves beat the carpet enough to make her breasts jiggle with each step. The crest of her mane stood proudly nearly a foot above her eyes, and just before she reached the dragoness, Thera ran her fingers through it and shook her neck loose. Even though it stood on end, it was soft and swayed silkily; not like the bristly mess some of her sisters called a mane.
 
 
She stopped just inside Umiriko's knees and rested her forearms on the tops of her thighs. “Maybe you can help me? I'm not really used to reaching for these zippers.” Instead of just turning around to offer her back, Thera's knees bent and she bowed forward, bringing her muzzle within a fine hair's tickle of the paler, softer skin at the tops of Umiriko's thighs. She breathed in deeply, and her out breath came as a giddy wicker.
 
 
Umiriko let out a sigh as she felt Thera's touch against her legs. Her tail's left prong began to coil around one of Thera's legs as she reached behind her and hooked the claw attached to her thumb into her zipper. Slowly she pulled it down, unzipping her and working a claw gently through her back fur. “Mmm, you're quite the lovely little creature Thera. I think this is going to be quite fun. I hope I'm not too much lizard for you though.” She giggled a bit as her tail continued to play up the zebra's leg, her body rippling a bit with her laugh.
 
 
Thera's shoulders shrugged smoothly out of the dress, which flowed like quicksilver down her curves to bunch around her hooves. Beneath the dress she wore a bra that matched her red satin panties; the way she flaunted her chest suggested she was as happy to show off the bra as she had been her dress.
 
 
Her brown eyes flicked up to Umiriko, and in response she grinned and pushed forward between her thighs. Keeping her gaze locked on the dragoness' face, Thera gave the crease where Umiriko's thigh met her vulva a curious, playful lick.
 
 
Umiriko shivered as the tongue touched her scales, her lips curling into a smile as she traced a claw tip around the zebra's lush rear, admiring its fullness and curves. "Oooh, that's a good start...don't be shy though dear." She hooked a claw around Thera's panties and began to pull them down while also rubbing over the thick cheeks.
 
 
Her other hand ran down the zebra's back, then back up. Her fingers curled and cupped under her bust as she pushed against the fabric of her bra. "Such a bounty you have. You should be quite proud."
 
 
A giddy moan vibrated through Thera's chest at Umiriko's touch, but it was even louder at the words of praise.
 
 
Her mouth was too full for her to answer, though. She didn't wait for a second invitation to push her soft muzzle up against the dragoness' mons and stretch her jaw as wide as it would go. It took a long, curling stretch of her tongue to slip in behind one of her plump outer lips and suck it back into her mouth. She moaned again, this time appreciatively, as her black lips closed to suckle on the soft flesh, and when she kissed it free she smacked her tongue and giggled, then moved hungrily to the other side. Her tongue lapped against the delicate folds and drew it back between her lips until she was satisfied she'd tasted every bit of the outside and left it even more wet than she'd found it.
 
 
Finally her fingers slid up around her face to spread Umiriko's lips apart and give her deeper access. Thera's black snout was already wet with the dragoness' juices, but she licked it glistening before nuzzling down into the folds. Her tongue flicked out ahead of her, and her long ears perked happily.
 
 
Umiriko let out a gasp as the equine set to work on her nether's. She laid herself backwards onto her bed, relaxing and sinking in as she began to purr heavily. “Oh, yess...that's a good girl ah...” Her lips were quite wet with her arousal, the thick liquids from her sex seeping out against the zebra's tongue as she worked and tasted her. She took a deep breath as the fingers moved her folds apart and the snout of the equine pushed against her. Her tail came up under Thera, sliding between her inner thighs and across her own lips in a slow rub.
 
 
The zebra pushed back against Umiriko's tail, and though her hips began to twist and her rump and thighs jiggle, it was as though they had their own mind; nothing could distract Thera's lips and tongue. She had become more eager, more aggressive with the swipes and flicks and curls of her tongue, and when she tasted a new ebb of the dragoness' juices she suckled them like a foal after more milk.
 
 
Now that her snout had pushed between the outer lips, one hand slipped up above her muzzle to find the hooded bump and rub it with her hand in a claw position.
 
 
Occasionally greedy giggles escaped her chest, and her tail would flick happily.
 
 
The tail began to rub up and down against the zebra's sex. The tangy flow of Umiriko's juices began to increase as more of the tongue worked against her soft inner flesh. She shook and gave a moan as her sensitive clitoris was teased. “Oh...you've done this before...I see...mmm...” The tail continued to rub and push as her own hips trembled along with her thighs. She started to rub her thick legs gently against the zebra as she absorbed the sensations the tongue and hand was skillfully administering to her.
 
 
Thera was quite dewy herself. Her hips pushed back with as much force as the tail would bear, and her buttocks clenched as she ground back. Something like a moaning gasp escaped her lips as her mouth faltered for the first time against Umiriko's sex.
 
 
After that short lapse, she renewed her attention with even more vigor. Her lips stiffened around her teeth to pinch or nibble at the swollen inner folds, but only when her tongue wasn't hungrily lapping or thrusting in deeper or twisting around her delving snout.
 
 
The claw over her muzzle obeyed the orchestrations of Umiriko's moans and the clenching of her thighs, pressing and rubbing as the dragoness moaned and lifting away as she gasped. Beneath Thera's chin, two black fingers squirmed in to frame her tongue and rub.
 
 
Umiriko resisted the urge to close and clench her legs against the zebra between them. Her body bucked as more of her sensitive flesh was worked by tongue and hand. She grabbed her own chest and began to massage it in her hands as she moaned out loudly. Her tail continued its rubbing as it became slick against Thera's own lust. Then, the tail moved to tease at the lips before sliding the left prong of its fish like fin between them, filling out her insides as it began to thrust in and out slowly. The pace of her breathing increased rapidly as she was lost in the pleasure she was receiving, barely able to keep enough composure to guide her tail about.
 
 
Thera quivered and squeezed at the first penetration. Her tail flicked high and out of the way, and she repositioned her hooves in the carpet to give her better leverage. Her breath caught in her chest, to be released in quick little blasts through her nostrils whenever the position of her muzzle allowed it.
 
 
She was practically embedded in Umiriko now; she held her face firm whenever the dragoness bucked against her, offering whatever friction or pressure she needed from her snout. When Umiriko was still enough, she went back to her greedy lapping and slurping and sucking. She seemed intent on swallowing every last drop of the tangy liquid that the dragoness would make.
 
 
Her tall mane wobbled comically from between Umiriko's thighs, and would tickle her belly if they both weren't careful.
 
 
The pressure in Umiriko's loins began to peak as her pleasure reached the breaking point. The muzzle of the zebra wonderfully working into her sex as the walls flexed around her nose with each push, the tail of the dragon increasing its speed as she kept up her assault on Thera's own slit. Umiriko moved her hands off her chest to the bed where she dug in, holding on tight as her entire body began to shake, her heavy thighs beginning to push against the zebra between them. “Oh my gods...this is incredible...”
 
 
Thera was a light-weight; one particular thrust of Umiriko's tail made her hips suddenly quiver and her knees buckle; she had to quickly grab at the edge of the comforter to keep from falling to the carpet; her sex squeezed and clutched desperately at the end of the tail as if expecting it to somehow spurt into her. In the moment that her mouth slipped away from the dragoness' slit she gasped and screamed at the fire that burned through her thighs.
 
 
Just as quickly she was back nuzzling into the wet folds, thrusting the curling tip of her tongue as far as she could to reach that one place that had made Umiriko quiver. Each time the big thighs squeezed against her she moaned with pleasure and pushed in harder again.
 
 
Umiriko's tail continued its work as she suddenly tensed up. Almost every muscle in her body contracted as she arched her back high. Her mouth flew open with a roar. The walls of her sex tightened as a torrent of fluids suddenly gushed out of her against the zebra's snout. The thick thighs clamped together, nearly crushing Thera between the firm but squishy flesh. Umiriko clutched her chest and squeezed, spiking her pleasure as she rode out her orgasm. Her entire body convulsed for almost an entire minute before she suddenly relaxed onto the bed, catching her breath as she let out low growls of contentment.
 
 
Thera felt the little quivers that announced the coming orgasm and plunged her tongue deep into Umiriko's sex. Her lips sealed as best as they could around the dragoness' labia and her snout pressed against the sensitive bulge above; at the first clenching contraction she hugged the thick thighs on either side of her flicking ears and began to gulp. But she hadn't planned on an actual torrent; she spluttered for a second before the big thighs clamped her into place. Her fingers scrabbled at the scales, her hooves kicked and slipped in the carpet, and for the last thirty seconds she just sort of limply held on.
 
 
When the dragoness' thighs finally released her head, she stumbled back and gasped in a lungful of air, but her face was split with a wide, goofy grin. “Oh... Oh, that was niiice.”
 
 
Once she'd caught her breath, she locked her eyes to Umiriko's questioningly and slowly nuzzled back in. Her tongue was much more gentle this time, lapping with soft, wet strokes instead of teasing, only pressing hard enough to lap up the gush that had escaped her hungry lips the first time.
 
 
Umiriko blinked a bit at the continued eagerness of the equine and then quickly let out another gasping moan as the tongue went back to work in her. “Oh my...you've got a lot of energy don't you?” She sat back up. Her tail wiggling and thrusting into the zebra's sex some more as she ran her claws down her back, slicing through the strap of her bra and traveling to squeeze her thick rump. She massaged her large fingers over the rear and teased a finger down the crack between them. She left a hand there working over the soft zebra flesh while the other reached down to grope and rub over the heavy orbs on the zebra's chest. “You are QUITE the specimen, I must say. An absolute treat.”
 
 
“I like the taste of sex. A lot- I'm kind of strange that way, I guess.” She'd barely stopped licking; her words came out kind of smothered. “But yours is especially nice. And I'm no-” she swallowed “-I'm not just saying that.” She seemed to have licked Umiriko down to saliva and scales, because she stopped and wiped her lips.
 
 
Her fingers traced the dragoness' plump labia, and she kissed the inside of her thigh. “You're gonna have to stop me though, Umiriko, if you need a break, cause I could do this -all night-.” She grinned again, flashing a mouthful of blunt, gleaming teeth.
 
 
Umiriko reached down and grasped Thera by her waist, lifting her up and squeezing her to her chest while she laid back down. “Oh, well in that case let me just get a closer look at you for a bit hmm?” She slipped her barbed tongue out and curled it around a breast and teased it over Thera's mound. “I just need to get a good taste of you.” She leaned in and took the entire breast into her lips, nibbling and sucking on the fleshy orb. Her fingers played along Thera's back and rear as she held her on top of her firm chest. A faint sound could be heard coming deep from inside Umiriko's massive torso, but it wasn't quite loud enough to register over the sounds of contentment coming from Umiriko's lips as she slurped on the breast of her zebra companion.
 
 
“Oooh...” Thera's spine relaxed until she was just a limp curve following the shape of Umiriko's nose. “I could do -this- all night, too.” She whinnied and slumped completely over Umiriko's fingers; the only real muscle tone she showed was in the one arm that reached up to lazily trace the darker, bumpy blue of the dragoness' areola, and in her thighs. The zebra's rump was far too plump to give her legs a full range of motion, so they extended out into the air. Her hooves kicked reflexively at each new nibble.
 
 
“I hope you don't take this the wrong way...” Her words came out slowly, between moans, “but I like it when you... -handle- me like that.” One of her eyes opened just for a moment before fluttering shut again. "Is that the right word? I like that you're so big and strong. That's very sexy. Only a few other creatures back home that are that strong and still safe to be with."
 
 
“Oh? You like it when the big scary lizard works you over like there's nothing you can do about it eh?” She grips Thera's waist tightly and lifts her up into the air until her large blue snout was pressed at the mare's groin. She took a deep breath, taking in her thick scent as her tongue slipped out and lapped over her sex's outer lips. Slowly she dragged the thick flexible muscle over the folds before sliding one of the brabs between them, filling her with as much of her tongue as possible before it curled back on itself. Filling the mare, the tip of her tongue slid back along its length, pressing against the top of Thera's canal until it slipped up to tease at her clitoris. As Thera's taste filled Umiriko's senses, her belly let out a loud groan as the flavors awakened another need in the dragoness.
 
 
“Unnngh!”
 
 
That was Thera's most cogent response. Her back went from a limp noodle to arched like a strung bow. Her hands went first to Umiriko's wrists, which she gripped until her black knuckles...remained black, but then her hands slipped further down to cup the dragoness' chin. She sucked her lips into her mouth and bit down against her whinnying giggles, which threatened to grind her against the teeth she'd pulled against her mons.
 
 
“Oh!” She managed at last, her chest heaving between gasps. “YES! I like that!”
 
 
Umiriko kept up her tongue assault for the moment, but soon retracted the long muscle back into her mouth, pulling her snout from the zebra. “Well, how do you feel about this then? Not that you could stop me. You belong to me now, you know.” She lowered Thera a bit lower till they were face to face, then suddenly slipped her tongue back out. It wrapped around Thera's neck quickly, then guided her muzzle between her lips.
 
 
She suckled on it a moment before her mouth quickly worked its way up her face. Her mouth easily accepted the Zebra's head as her lips worked up her facial features. She suckled gently on her with a moan before her tongue slipped back out to slide all the way down Thera’s body, to tease and slip between the mare's wet folds, again sliding over her most sensitive places. Her hands wrapped around the girl, holding her aloft as her fingers stroked over her body, nails teasing through the short fur as they explored every inch of her.
 
 
“Mmmmm...” Thera whimpered from inside. “Yeah! I'm your little pet, aren't I?”
 
 
She grabbed the top of Umiriko's fingers, squeezing them tight so she wouldn't accidentally slip too far into the dragon's mouth, and let her hooves and calves just flail up and down- at least until she began to anticipate that tongue sliding back up to tickle her labia again. Her back arched again like she'd touched a live wire, and it took effort to keep her hooves still and not scrabble in the air. Her thighs clamped around the tongue and squeezed.
 
 
It took her a moment of knit brows and lip nibbling to adjust to the pleasure of the tongue again, but once she'd panted her way through she opened her eyes and lifted her head to meet the interior of Umiriko's mouth. “I'm so lucky, aren't I? I'm going to make you so happy you brought me home!”
 
 
Umiriko's maw filled with saliva as more of the zebra's flavor was absorbed by her tongue. Her belly let out a fierce growl of hunger. She continued to suckle on Thera's head, working her lips against her fur and guiding her slightly further inside. As her snout began to sniff at the zebra's back, she couldn't wait much longer. She looked at the zebra's wiggling hips, ran her claws over the zebra's breasts, then winked before taking a strong swallow.
 
 
Her throat expanded, then contracted, pulling the neck, breasts, and shoulders of the equine in and down, sliding her across her tongue as her lips worked up and around her back. As Thera slid forward, more of Umiriko's tongue was able to push into her nethers, filling her canal as it wriggled and tasted inside her tangy depths. She took another pair of quick gulps as she eagerly began the transition from love making to feeding. Her belly gave a growl of approval as it waited for its prize.
 
 
Thera gasped, then blew out a quick breath(somehow she had plenty of fresh air)through pursed lips as Umiriko's tongue slipped further in...and further. Her eyes rolled back blissfully, but only for the moment before they fluttered shut. “Oh, my. Mmmmm...” Her belly expanded and her chest heaved as her breaths came more and more heavily. “I don't know, I could just... all day.. Hey!”
 
 
Her thick neck glistened with sweat as she twisted and squirmed. “Careful there! I almost slipped in.” She laughed nervously, but at the same time pawed at the lips that held her with her stubby black fingers. “I know these hips make a pretty good bottle stopper, but when you've got me all squishy and slippery...” Her brows knit together, and then her eyes closed again and she bit her lips as that tongue did something she just couldn't help but squeeze back against. “You know the -best- tricks, don't you?”
 
 
Umiriko could not answer Thera with speech, so she simply hummed against her body, vibrations from her mouth and throat running through and connecting to the zebra with the low deep sound. Thera was quite the morsel, being an equine, but her hips and rear were especially thick. Umiriko slowly worked her mouth around the thickness of Thera's lower extremities, guiding them further into her slick throat. Her hunger had worked up a thick drool, aiding her efforts as her tongue slowly slid out, the tip flicking against the mare's clitoris for a moment before it dove under her to slide up her rump and back.
 
 
Umiriko paused a moment, taking a moment to prepare herself before taking a massive swallow. It was a loud and powerful gulp and she used all of her strong throat and jaw muscles to work the thick shoulders of the zebra fully into her gullet, lips sliding up and catching Thera's hands as her tongue coiled around her tail. She followed that swallow with a set of small, but loud glurk’s, working more of her meal into her.
 
 
Thera quivered as the long muscle slithered back out of her, and swallowed a happy protest as it went straight to work outside. Her lids were heavy, her thoughts dreamy and beginning to wander. “Umiriko... Oh, that's too deep, I'm going to slip. Oh! OH!”
 
 
Realization washed over Thera with the same degree of possession as an orgasm; her eyes went wide, and she froze in terror, until the jostling of a few more gulps shook some sense into her. Her legs flailing wildly, making her rear wiggle, her tail trying to twitch, but was wrapped tightly with Umiriko’s tongue, but her hips could squirm, and her hands could reach for anything that would give her a grip- Umiriko's jaw, her tongue, her teeth. Her fingers scrabbled for grip, but it was all so slick with sweat and- embarrassingly- her own fluids, that her fingers just slipped. “What- Why are you -eating- me-ugh?” Her last word choked off in a wheeze as her belly was pulled into Umiriko's mouth, and the gulping knocked the wind from her. She flailed as she tried to regain her breath.
 
 
Umiriko's neck bulged and wriggled as Thera struggled within. A section of her tongue slipped up and coiled around one of Thera's breasts, sliding along her mound luridly. She moaned loudly around the equine, enjoying herself greatly and swallowing greedily. She used her tongue to assist her lips as she worked her waist into the warmth of her maw. Her hands came up to massage Thera's rump, running her claws over her large cheeks.
 
 
Her tongue unwrapped from Thera's tail, which began whipping around as soon as it was free, and moved down a little where it extended away from Thera then arched back to aim at the zebra's bottom, one of the barb's folding back, the other poised forward. It was all too obvious where the dragoness was going to put her tongue, and, with lightning speed, it jolted forward and plunged the barb into Thera’s rectum. The zebra squealed at the odd sensation of the rubbery appendage that was wiggling deeper into her rear passage, spreading her legs in opposite directions in response.
 
 
It was obviously the first time she had been penetrated in the rear hole, as she gritted her teeth and flexed her sphincter. Umiriko cooed at the taste and feel of the zebra's anus as her tongue wiggled in beeper. She tilted her head back, gravity working with her to increase her descent. Umiriko reached down with her free hand to finger at her slit as her pleasure began to peak from her feeding.
 
 
She sometimes thought she enjoyed feeding too much, but didn't think too long on it as her body was filled with pleasant sensations. Thera's hooves kicked outside her mouth as part of the top portion of her rump slipped into Umiriko's lips, her head had slipped into the dragonesses throat. Umiriko's tongue would slip back and forth as it gently worked on Thera's bottom hole.
 
 
Thera began to gasp again as her diaphragm recovered, but it was too late to do anything but squirm and groan and begin to sob a bit over her fate. She sucked on her lips, because even between the sobs the sensation of the tongue squeezing into her rear was too enticing to be ignored. The zebra couldn't imagine letting on that she had begun to gush again between her legs, and that half of her squirming was her scissoring her thighs for whatever friction she could get- to have one of her whimpers come out as a gasp of pleasure would be too great a self-betrayal. Still, when Umiriko tucked her arms inside her maw, she couldn't help but shimmy a hand up as quickly as possible past her saliva-wetted mound, and when that tongue curled up inside her, she shivered.
 
 
“Please...” she moaned at last, when it wasn't quite yet too late. “Please…no… no teeth.”
 
 
Umiriko gave Thera a reassuring wink, as reassuring as one can be when making a meal out of you, acknowledging her request, though Thera couldn't see it, her head stuffed down Umiriko's throat. She murmured in pleasure as the zebra wiggled inside her. She kept her gaze fixed on the exposed rear outside her mouth as it wiggled with the legs that were thrashing and kicking. It was at that moment a thought came to Umiriko. How often did she see a rump this good? She had seen equines before sure, but not even they had rears like this one. Also, Thera had been one of the few to actually come to her of her own free will, and also, from what had transpired on this bed just minutes before, proved to Umiriko that this cute little zebra mare was by no account untalented with her mouth. It was actually starting to seem like a waste.
 
 
To swallow such a talented girl, unlikely to find another just like her.
 
 
Plus, the more she looked at the zebra's alluring rump the more she didn't like the idea she would never see it again if she followed through with her current actions. But the only way she could keep it was by letting Thera live, but, as a predator, Umiriko still wanted her meal. She was conflicted, swallow the zebra and sate her hunger, or let Thera out. The zebra would probably try to escape if she freed her, she knew what Umiriko's true intention was now. It seemed keeping her wouldn't be possible. Umiriko sighed in frustration at this situation. She might as well feed, Thera was too scared now, she made that clear with her frantic kicking.
 
 
As she prepared herself for a big swallow she became aware of a tiny barely noticeable sensation at the back of her throat. Like small drops of water were sliding down. It was odd, she had never had this happen during her feeding. As her curiosity to this escalated, another thing occurred to the dragoness. A soft squeaking noise was coming from inside her.
 
 
Then it all made sense, Thera was crying. Umiriko sat up and extracted her tongue from Thera's rear,(it had stayed there the whole time)watching as Thera’s legs jerk in panic at the change in position. And, for the first time, the struggles of her preat didn't stimulate her appetite, in fact, her hunger had died away completely. Something about this seemed so wrong to Umiriko now for some reason. Plus, she suddenly couldn't get the images of what she and Thera had done this night out of her head. The memory of Thera slowly and shyly approaching her at the bar replayed in her mind, the image filling her with guilt. Why did she even do this? Thera was actually different from all the prey she had taken over the years. Most had threatened her once they realized they were going to be eaten, and some she actually had to kill before eating.
 
 
But why did Umiriko care about any of this in the first place now? She had eaten lots of people in her life, Thera should be no different from them…yet…she was. She…just was.
 
 
Then Umiriko’s thoughts took a turn towards something she didn't expect. The memory of Thera when she first saw her. Nothing specific, just how the zebra sauntered and curved when she moved in her tight silver gown. How she lavishly displayed her gorgeous body, showing off her ample bosom and well toned rump. She remembered how the zebra had shyly flirted with her, displaying her obvious interest in the dragoness’s own gigantic body.
 
 
 Then came back the images of Thera letting Umiriko unzip her beautiful silver dress, which exposed the equine's flawless body, a body she now saw for the natural masterpiece it is, not an article of food to crave and devour that she initially thought it was. Finally, thoughts just of Thera’s cute face then came to the forefront next, blotting out everything else. Those large brown eyes full of lust and trust shimmered in Umiriko's mind , eyes, which at this moment she realized, were weeping with despair.
 A memory from a few moments ago entered the dragonesses mind, those of Thera's last request and, if things kept going the way they were, her last words. “Please.... please…no… no teeth.”
 
 
'STOP! For the love of God, stop!' said a desperate voice from inside Umiriko's mind. 'Look at her! Look how scared she is! She trusted you and look what you're doing to her! She tried so hard to please you, do you really want it to end like this?'
 
 
Umiriko's heart ached with each word her consciousness threw at her. Through all her years of consumption, never before had she met resistance from herself. Then again, she had never had such enjoyable company as Thera, and some part of her seemed to comprehend that, despite how ravenous she usually was.
 
 
‘SEE! You just admitted to yourself that you did indeed enjoy Thera's company!' Continued the voice. 'Don't you get it? Such a thing doesn't have to be as fleeting as a quick swallow. Let her go and we can enjoy her indefinitely.’
 
 
‘What am I doing?’ Umiriko finally thought to herself, her consciousness's counter argument finally winning out over her desire to finish what she started and to just swallow the zebra. ‘This poor thing, she doesn’t deserve this. How could I have treated someone so caring so poorly?’
 
 
It was obvious at the bar Thera was lonely, a point made clear when she had said she couldn't find someone to talk to. Umiriko had thought she would've been easy prey because of it, but now she was ashamed of that stunt she had pulled. This poor thing had come to her for a little companionship, and she was just going to eat her? Umiriko shed her own single tear at this. Wiping away the droplet, she made up her mind. Thera was too precious to waste now. What happened between them tonight was not her usual seduce then devour, it was a true bonding experience with someone Umiriko now realized she liked.
 
 
But there was still a problem. Thera was obviously in a panic-stricken fit, what with her sobbing and leg kicking. Umiriko reached up with a claw to stroke her rear, trying to soothe her into calming down, but all it did was make her kicks more forceful. It was a real problem for the large lizard, and plus, having what she now thought of as a friend or more instead of a meal in her mouth was making her feel sick. If she didn't find a way to calm Thera down soon her stomach would free the zebra in a very messy way on its own.
 
 
Pounding a fist against her bed, Umiriko struggled to find a solution. She had to calm Thera down before she spat her out, or the zebra would try to escape. Umiriko may have had a change in objectives just now but she still had desires, powerful desires that prohibited her from just releasing the zebra. One of them being Thera staying with her indefinitely. Her intent to hurt Thera was long gone, but she still wanted the zebra, wanted her to stay, to have a relationship with her, to always have her around, and to be around for her in turn. But, now that Umiriko had tried to eat her, the little zebra would more than likely flee as soon as she was released from her confining jaws, inconsolable and scared, fleeing from Umiriko's apartment, never to return.
 
 
 If only she had waited for Thera to be asleep before forcing her into her mouth. It was obvious the activities they were engaged in when they had arrived at her home would be exhausting. Thera would probably have been out like a light after climaxing a few times. Restraining Thera was the only thing Umiriko could come up with that would allow her to be able to talk to her and hopefully persuade her to not fear or hate her for her previous actions, but to do so was easier said than done, what with their size difference. Umiriko could hurt Thera by mistake and that was the last thing she wanted. Which was why it would be ideal if Thera was asleep, it would minimize her struggling.
 
 
 ‘Wait, ASLEEP, that's it. That's what I'll do!’
 
 
Umiriko actually had some horse tranquilizer in her dresser. She had found it in the bag of a lion she had devoured a few years ago, apparently because he had preferred to take his prey alive but asleep. She had never used it, but kept it in case she needed it. And, as fate would have it, she could use it now. Thera couldn't go anywhere if she was unconscious. Getting off the bed and onto her feet the dragoness went over to her dresser and dug through it until she found the box with long syringes in it. Taking one, she aimed the point at Thera’s left rump cheek. She didn't want to do it, she knew it was pretty cruel, but her desire for Thera was strong, more than any sense of morality she might have.
 
 
 ‘I know this will hurt my dear, but it is best for both of us.’
 
 
Inside Umiriko's mouth Thera squirmed and sobbed, scared for her life. The dragoness who had brought her home with her was eating her. She knew it was only a matter of time before the hungry lizard slurped her up and swallowed her whole. She squeaked in surprise as she felt her position change, now prone on her stomach, instead of facing down into the throat, and, to her horror, she felt the tongue wiggle out of her rectum. She squeaked as her abused anus closed, the fleshy aperture feeling sore and itchy.
 
 
She clenched her eyes as she felt fingers on her rear, no doubt to push her all the way in, where she would slide down and into the stomach, but all that happened was a soft stroking sensation on her posterior. Thera didn't relax at this, she had heard that predators like to ease their prey into a sense of calm before eating them. A few minutes passed as the zebra sobbed over her predicament, her fear so great that it blotted out any other thoughts or emotions. Then a sudden burning pain shot throughout her rear, as though she had sat on a nail, but she didn't feel it for long as a sudden dizziness overtook her, then her head slumped and she faded into unconsciousness.
 
 
Umiriko placed the empty syringe back in the box with the others then looked at the motionless legs and rump dangling out of her mouth. With a sigh of relief she stood up and opened her mouth to let Thera slide out into her outstretched front legs. Umiriko looked down at Thera, taking in her saliva-covered face. She seemed to be completely at peace now. Umiriko giggled as the zebra began to calmly snore in her arms. “I'm sorry about this my dear, you know how us predators are. Please, forgive me.”
 
 
She leaned down and licked the zebra on her cheek. “Well” Umiriko started to walk toward her bathroom, albeit a little clumsily, standing on her hind legs. “Lets clean you up shall we, then you will have to excuse me. If I am letting you live I will need another to replace you. You are worth more to me than food, but that doesn’t change how hungry I am now” Ironically Umiriko's stomach growled again.
But whatever happens, this zebra was her's now.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Slowly, Thera awoke from, from what she could tell, a very unrestful sleep. She did not even remember when she had gone to sleep, in fact, the last thing she remembered was entering the sky bar. She groaned and shook her head, trying to rid her mind of the fuzzy sensation. Then it all came flooding back in a second, meeting Umiriko, coming home with her, her and Umiriko's sensual activities, plus what the dragoness was doing to her in the end. She was eating her. Panic gripped Thera, was she in her stomach?
 
 
She wasn't wet and if the mouth was the stomach should be. In fact she felt warm and dry. She opened her eyes and found she was still in Umiriko's room, on the bed. She tried to get up but found her arms unable to move. Looking down her eyes widened in horror, her entire upper body was bound in ropes. Her legs were still free, but she couldn’t get upright with them, unable to get proper balance with her arms wrapped up so tight. She tried to open her mouth to scream but found her jaw wouldn't part. At the end of her vision she could see a muzzle binding her mouth.
 
 
“Well…” said a voice beside her. “Looks like someone's awake.”
 
 
Thera recognized the voice at once, turning to find that Umiriko was lying on her side next to her. She let out a panicked squeak and started wiggling away from the dragoness, only to be halted by a claw on her shoulder. “Now now, easy,” Umiriko cooed gently, standing the zebra into a sitting position while, at the same time, propping up her upper body on her forelegs. “No need to panic, I won't hurt you.” The dragoness reached behind her and pulled over a glass of water from the nightstand next to the bed.
 
 
“Please, drink this, It will help you feel better.” She placed the glass to the zebra's lips. Thera, who's throat was burning with thirst, drank the water slowly, though the muzzle made her spill some. After she had finished she watched the dragoness roll the glass off the bed and onto the floor, which didn't shatter, thanks to the carpet. Thera began wondering what was going on. She remembered Umiriko was eating her, holding her in her jaws like she was nothing but a morsel, and yet, here they both were, still on this bed, her still whole and alive. The very bed they had made love on prior to the moment when Thera thought she was going to die.
 
 
 And yet the dragon that was eating her was here, giving her water, instead of digesting her.
 
 
Speaking of the dragoness, Umiriko turned back to her, using a claw to gently lay the zebra back on her side, having only sat her up so she could drink properly, now wanting her relaxed for what came next, though she hoped that the zebra didn't mind the guidance into the positions. Thera liked how Umiriko handled her before, but that could, understandably, not be the case anymore. And who could blame her, with all that had happened?All Umiriko could do was hope for the best at this point though.
 
 
 “Sorry about this,” Umiriko began as she gently stroked Thera's face, deciding on the best place to start was with why she was just waking up and the zebra's current bondage. “I tranquilized you before I removed you from my mouth so I suspected you would be thirsty when you awoke.” Now Thera was completely confused, did predators usually treat prey like this? Her look was obviously noticed by Umiriko.
 
 
 “By the look on your face I'd say you don't understand what's going on and why you're still here. I'll try to explain, but first I think we should lose this,” Umiriko said, a claw coming to the back of Thera’s head. “Sorry about the muzzle, I didn’t want you to start screaming when you woke up, but now that you are awake we need to talk."
 
 
The zebra felt the muzzle slip off her, to her great relief, her face slightly sore where the straps were clasped to her face. She flexed her jaw as the dragoness dropped the bundle of leather off the bed. She still couldn't move though, what with the ropes binding her arms and chest, so still had no choice but to gaze at the visage of the mighty dragoness who lay on the bed with her. It didn't instill fear in Thera this time, for if Umiriko had wanted to hurt her she would have done so by now, and she was also being almost overly gentle, obviously trying her hardest not to hurt her. So instead the sight of Umiriko caused great despair and heartache to well up inside her. After all, she had been betrayed and abused by this large predator, being misled by her from the start…
 
 
…apparently to eat her.
 
 
Slowly Thera found her voice. “Umiriko, why? Why did you do this to me? I thought we could be friend's…” Thera breathed out in a distraught whisper. “Was all what we shared just you playing with me?” The zebra felt tears of betrayal slide down her face, unable to keep her composer even long enough for Umiriko to answer her questions.
 
 
Umiriko frowned as her pet broke down in front of her, collapsing against the sheet she was lying on and sobbing. The dragoness laid down and reached out to pull the zebra over to her, where she placed her striped head over her shoulder gently and nuzzled her. Despite all the lizard had put her through, all the distress she had caused her, Thera couldn't help but nuzzle her neck back as she sobbed, unable to, even now, suppress her desire to cuddle with something with such size difference to her. Umiriko wrapped a claw around her head as well, stroking the strand's of her mane in what was obviously a comforting sort of way..
 
 
Over time Thera eventually calmed from outright sobbing to a sniffle every now and then. Umiriko took this as the best time to try and see if she could make amends with her new pet, as hopeless as such an action looks at the moment. “I admit it, Thera, my first intentions were to eat you," she said from under the trembling form of Thera, deciding in her head that a little honestly might help her at this point. "That bar is one of the spots where I choose my prey.” She then gently pushed Thera back, licking the tears off the zebra's face with her huge tongue. Despite still recovering from her crying, Thera wasn't oblivious to Umiriko's words, or her current actions of licking away her distressed tears. All in all, the dragoness was trying hard to comfort her. The situation was odd. Umiriko had admitted what their meeting was actually all about and made no attempt to deny it. Yet, here they both were. She was bound, but alive and unharmed, with Umiriko trying to comfort her. She had to know why she wasn’t resting in the dragon's stomach right now.
 
 
“Why then?” Thera whimpered, her voice still heavy with betrayal. “Why did you not finish me?”
 
 
Umiriko smiled as claws came down to massage Thera's rump. The zebra gasped at the sensation. "I did some thinking and decided it would be a waste to just eat you,” she said, her claws scraping the short fur adorning Thera's round backside. Thera squinted at the sensation before her eyes widened in horror. “My rump?” She mumbled, now with more hurt in her voice as realization dawned on her. Now she knew why Umiriko hadn't devoured her and instead tied her up. This dragon was going to keep her as a sex toy. Once again her lips trembled. Now she wished she hadn't left home. “First I’m just food to you, now I’m gonna be your sex slave? Does my life mean nothing to you at all?” She looked at the dragon in front of her with sad wide eyes.
 
 
Umiriko was taken aback by this accusation. “Hey, that is going too far.” She pulled the zebra close again, actually scared of Thera being abused in such a cruel way, even if she was the one being suspected of such. “Of course not. Even I think slavery is cruel.”
 
 
“Why am I tied up then?” Thera asked between new tears, “Why am I bound so tight I can't even move my fingers?” Umiriko's tail came up to begin stroking Thera's ankle with the soft, velvety texture of her fin, trying to soothe her in any way she could. Maybe she shouldn't have touched Thera's rear while she was in this state, she gave the wrong impression. It was just the first thing Umiriko could come up with to ease Thera's tension, the zebra having loved it when she caressed her buttocks while they were having sex. Umiriko really needed to work on her social skills.
 
 
 “I didn't tie you up to confine you Thera, at least not for the reason you think. I tied you up so I could talk to you without you trying to escape and possibly hurting yourself.” The dragoness licked the zebra's forehead affectionately. “I know how equines react when they get scared, especially you zebra, and it's not something I wish to experience. But I have your attention now so I guess I should explain what's going on." Umiriko had a regretful expression on her face. "For starters I want to say I'm sorry, little one.” She adjusted their position so they could look into each other's eyes. “You came to me with trust and a desire for companionship and I abused that to get you to my home so I could have my way with you, even to the point of devouring you and ending your life.” She sat up and reclined onto her back, pulling Thera close too where she held her against her chest and putting her lips to her brow for a soft kiss. “But I've changed my mind. As I was eating you I realized I liked you, the thought of never seeing you again just seemed so wrong to me.” The dragon hummed softly, disturbed by the thought again.“You also never begged or pleaded for me to release you. You must have realized that there was no hope for you. All you asked for was no teeth, which no doubt would have been painful.” Umiriko smiled at the little glimmer of warmth this certain memory gave her, despite the grim topic. Not for Thera's distress, but the fact that her zebra would ask something of her, even in such a situation meant that, even then, Thera must have had an iota of faith in Umiriko in some form or another.
 
 
Thera looked up at Umiriko from her spot under the dragonesses chin, having taken a few seconds to take in Umiriko's words, and the meaning behind them. “Are you saying you actually care about me?” Thera asked, unable to believe what she was hearing.
 
 
“That's exactly what I'm saying,” Umiriko replied immediately with a smile. “Seeing you in my mouth last night is something I really should be used to, if I am being honest, for I have devoured many prey in my life. But when I heard you crying inside me, sobbing in fear and despair, I just couldn’t do it, not to you. My heart just wouldn't let me," said the emotional dragoness, rubbing her enormous snout to Thera's tiny muzzle. "I thought back to all that was shared between us, and I realized you're somehow different from the others, and that I wanted you around indefinitely, rather than just for a quick snack. I'm so glad I realized it before it was too late,” Once again she pulled Thera back to look into her big brown eyes, making the choice to finally untie her. She had heard what Umiriko had to say and the large dragoness couldn't keep her here against her will forever, that was no different than the slavery she was accused of not too long ago. She wanted Thera to stay with her with all her heart, but couldn't bring herself to deprive her of her freedom. She wanted Thera more than anything, but she wanted Thera as she was when they had met at the bar, happy, a little bit naive, but cute and also lustful, and Umiriko doubted that Thera would be the same if she was held prisoner. But, it might be too late for that already.
 
 
But maybe, just maybe, Thera could be persuaded to stay of her own free will.“Thera, I’ll untie you now. You've heard what I have had to say so I have no further reason to restrain you. Stay or leave, it’s your choice. I won't force you." She brought up a claw to stroke Thera behind the ears. "But I greatly desire for you to stay with me, and if you stay I promise I will take good care of you. You referred to yourself as my pet once before, well I'm willing to work with that, and, as my pet, you will never have to fear being eaten while I'm around,” Umiriko said, leaning in and licking Thera's nose affectionately, but desperately. “This is my offer to you Thera, both out of desire for you, and as a form of apology for how I have treated you, and please let me say something else before you decide.” She re-positioned her claw to where it rested around the zebra's shoulder. “Remember our time together when we first met, before I so foolishly shoved you into my mouth.”
 
 
Umiriko's expression changed to an almost pleading look, her desperation and fear of Thera's rejection building to unbearable levels. “We shared a lot of passion that night, my little pet, and I would very much like to do it again with you, from now on, and far into the future,” She pressed Thera to her chest tighter as she spoke. “It was a stupid decision to try to eat you, but please don't hold it against me.” She lifted Thera's head with a claw to nuzzle her nose. “I am a dragon, a predator, and as such I have to eat meat to sustain myself. Please don’t hate me for it, it’s just how I am. I would like it if you stayed with me, I would enjoy your company.” From this Umiriko finally fell silent, having said her piece, now all that was left to do was untie Thera and wait for her response. Hopefully the dragoness wouldn't have to wait long.
 
 
Thera brow creased in thought as she absorbed Umiriko's long-winded combination of an apology, offer, and, if she didn't know better, slight pleading. She remembered that this dragon had wrapped her lip around her body, and not in a compassionate way, intending to swallow her, whole and alive. Yet, here she was, unharmed, Umiriko having apparently changed her mind, spat her out, and was asking for one more chance to be friends. Her thoughts drifted back to where she was before she met Umiriko. The loneliness, and how it felt so cold, as well as her desires, desires that had plagued her for so long, desires that Umiriko fulfilled, and it was unlikely she would find someone else with the same qualifications if she left her. Thera knew it was a risk, that Umiriko could still be tricking her, intending to devour her later, but her heart was screaming for someone to be with, someone big and strong. And she now knew she had found someone. Especially as she felt the rope gently come off, freeing her arms.
 
 
The first thing she noticed was that she was still naked, much to her relief. She looked up as Umiriko dropped the rope on the floor with the muzzle and empty glass and made her decision. She reached up and placed her arms around her neck, giving her a tight hug. “Umiriko, I can honestly say I didn't see this coming, I had always heard there is usually no escape if a predator gets their jaws on you,” she said, her voice lacking the heartbreak and despair it was overrun with a moment ago. She leaned back to look into Umiriko’s eyes with a compassionate smile. “I forgive you Umiriko. I forgive you and I believe you sincerely regret trying to eat me,” Her heart swelled with newfound love as she gazed into the face of the beautiful dragoness before her. “Umiriko, I wish to stay with you. You ease a loneliness I have carried for such a long time,” then Thera’s eyes took on the pleading expression she wore as she was slipping past Umiriko's lips. “But don't eat me. Please.”
 
 
The dragoness sighed happily at this, a great relief coursing through her being as she placed her gigantic lips to Thera’s brow, kissing her gently. “Thank you darling, thank you. I promise you won't regret it.” Umiriko felt a tear of relief and joy slide down her face, something she had never experienced before. “And as for me eating you, you need not worry cutie. I remember what you liked about me before.” She leaned back to give Thera a reassuring wink she could actually see this time, now that she wasn't in her mouth. “Big but safe to be with.”
 
 
Thera suddenly had a thought and she grew a lustful smile as her body became hot with a new desire. “What do you say we start where we left off.” Umiriko suddenly felt her lip being forced apart with surprising strength and then something entered her mouth. She looked down to see her new friend had stuffed herself into her gigantic mouth, her legs and rear the only things left outside. “That night, before you started eating me, being in your mouth was my favorite part of what we did," Said the zebra, perking up her rump and then shaking it in front of Umiriko's eyes. "Feel free to put your tongue wherever you want.”
 
 
The dragoness smiled when she realized what her pet wanted. She reached a claw up to massage her purt rump cheek while she slithered her tongue out, making sure to brush the pussy lips along the way, the tip slid up her rump crack and to a small puckered hole. Thera began flailing her legs at the sudden intruder, but it was out of pleasure instead of fear this time. The room was filled with muffled moaning from the zebra, who, at the moment, was nothing to the outside world but flailing hooves and a wiggling rump with a barbed tongue going up its crack and disappearing under the tail. All sticking out of a dragoness mouth. After a healthy love making session Umiriko spat Thera on her bed where they both cuddled and slept until the next day. Umiriko awoke early the next morning, but it took her a second to remember why an attractive zebra mare was sharing her bed. She always woke up alone, even if she had brought someone home the night before. For obvious reasons.
 
 
Only after the memories came flooding back did she remember what had transpired last night. ‘Well how about that? I actually spared her life.’ Gently easing herself forward, Umiriko tried to remove herself from the bed without disturbing Thera. It was pointless however, for as soon as her gigantic weight left the bed the motion stirred the zebra from her slumber, looking up with heavy lidded eyes. Umiriko smiled as her zebra’s gaze fell on her, the affection that had led her to break her cycle with her lover's stirring as she leaned in and rubbed her mane with her snout. “Sorry, I tried not to wake you,” She whispered, changing from nuzzling to licking. Thera only cooed in response. It became apparent throughout the next few days that Umiriko and Thera belonged together, the zebra moving herself into the dragoness’s apartment in quite the hurry. They would both often refer that the zebra was the dragon's pet soon after, both of them enjoying the notion, having never been happier than they were with each other.
 
 
For several weeks these two oddly matched beings were inseparable. Never so much talking, but psychically and emotionally bonding. Their love making became a common thing, and with each session their bond grew stronger. More often than not one of them could be found with their mouths buried between the legs of the other, the sound of pleasured moans reverberating throughout the subterranean apartment as a diligent tongue went to work. Unfortunately, like with all relationships, a conflict of interests soon came to challenge it. During all this time Thera had refused to go outside. Umiriko insisted several times, but every time Thera refused.
 
 
Still feeling somewhat guilty for trying to eat the zebra when they first met, Umiriko didn’t pressure her at first. But then Thera began to show signs of declining health. Her fur was beginning to lose some of the sheen Umiriko liked so much, and her stamina in bed began to wane too. The dragoness tried to compensate by bringing the zebra as much food as she could, but even that could not solve all the problems. Umiriko knew that the issue wasn’t nourishment, her zebra needed fresh air and sunshine. One night Umiriko couldn't stand it any longer, once again bringing up the subject.
 
 
 “Thera, I can’t take no for an answer anymore. Look at yourself, your health is degrading!” She gestures with her claws. “Why are you so apprehensive about this?” They were laying on Umiriko’s bed, as usual, but this time it was far less enjoyable than it had been. As the dragoness expected, Thera once again refused to go outside when Umiriko brought it up, but this time she wouldn't back down until her pet agreed. But much to her shock, it had somehow gone from polite suggestions to full blown arguing. It puzzled her that this tiny cute zebra actually had the gall to stand up to a creature so much bigger than her.
 
 
Thera herself knew Umiriko’s reasoning was sound, she could feel her discomfort from lack of sun growing each day. And despite how large the dragoness’s apartment was it was no substitute for open outside space. But still, despite these reasons, a colossal fear swelled in the zebra’s breast, a primal fear that had plagued her ever since Umiriko had tried to eat her. Thera sighed, she was getting tired of arguing, “I will adapt, Umiriko.”
 
 
The dragoness was obviously less than satisfied with this excuse, “Thera, you know that the longer you stay down here the worse you’ll get.” She made to scoot closer but the zebra backed away, surprisingly..She hadn't skirted from the dragoness since she first woke up after being tranquilized. “Thera, you need to go outside,” Umiriko said, struggling to find a good counter argument. “As hard as it is to believe, I know more about zebra’s other than how they taste. Your kind needs wide open spaces, and fresh air.” She paused, thinking about what she said and where it was she actually lived. “Okay those are in short supply here in the city, but still, darling, you need to go outside.”
 
 
Thera’s resolve wasn't buckling, but she knew this was going nowhere, “Umiriko please, I can’t go outside. I just can’t.”
 
 
“Thera why….?”
 
 
“UMIRIKO PLEASE!”
 
 
The outburst was so unexpected the dragoness snapped her mouth closed in shock as she reeled back, wincing as she bit her own tongue. ‘Ow, been a long time since I did that,’ Umiriko thought bitterly to herself, grimacing as she swirled the blood that flowed from the small puncture in her tongue around her mouth. Now it was obvious that Thera didn’t just not want to go outside, she was full blown terrified too. ‘What is the matter with her?’ She could not understand why her zebra was acting like this.
 
 
“Thera?”
 
 
“NO, I WON’T GO OUTSIDE, I WON’T!”
 
 
This was getting ridiculous. Umiriko watched as Thera dissolved into a fit of hysterics, curling up while she wrapped her arms over her bosom, trembling in terror. “We need to get through this,” she whispered to herself, Thera too lost in her own despair to hear her. “Maybe if I stimulate her the way she likes she’ll calm down.” She reared her head back in preparation to lunge, “I hope she won't mind a little blood.” With that she lunged forward and quickly engulfed Thera up to her waist, preparing to engage in the activity she and Thera always enjoyed up till now, despite Thera’s current condition. But, as she was hoisting her up, she noticed something was different now. Thera was screaming in terror, thrashing and kicking with a force that Umiriko knew from experience meant her little occupant thought she was actually being eaten. ‘I've done this multiple times, what is wrong with her?’ She immediately dropped the zebra, and, for a brief moment, they looked at each other. Then Thera let loose a single sob and bolted over the bed.
 
 
“Thera!?” Umiriko looked over in time to watch the zebra’s rump disappear behind the massive dust rustle, where she began sobbing, the pitiful noise gently echoing from under the bed. Umiriko let out a massive sigh, swirling the blood flowing from her tongue again, “I’ve had it.” With that she crawled under the sheets of her bed to sleep, but unbeknownst to her though, she had made a terrible mistake.
 
 
 
 
Under the bed Thera curled into a fetal position and cried. Yes, her and Umiriko had had sex in such a way before, but this had been different. She reached to her back and winced as she ran her black fingertips over the round puncture wound on her shoulder blade. Umiriko had actually bitten her. She had not done that, even when she was actually going to eat her. “What did I do, why did she go back on her promise?” She brought her hand back and looked at her blood soaked fingers.
 
 
 
 
The next morning Umiriko woke as she always had, though this time without the most recent edition to her bed. Groggily looking around, she hoped to spot her zebra somewhere on her massive bed, but the sudden noise of light crying she then heard told her that Thera was still under her bed. ‘I can't leave her like this, she means so much to me.’ She got up and dropped down to the floor, positioning herself to where she was sitting beside the bed, directly where the noise was emanating from. “Thera?” The only response she got was a frightened gasp, and a scurrying sound. Umiriko tried again, “Thera, why are you acting like this? Why won’t you come near me? We have become so close, so close it hurts me just to be separated from you, even with such a small distance separating us as this.” Still no response came, so the dragoness tried a different approach. “At least tell me why you ran from me last night.” Still no response came, “Thera, please….”
 
 
“You broke your promise.”
 
 
Now that got a surprised reaction from the dragoness, “Broke my promise? What promise?”
Thera was slow to respond, but when she did her voice was barely any louder. “When you plucked me from your mouth, saving me from a fate you had inflicted on so many others, you promised me I would never have to fear being eaten.”
 
 
Umiriko did a double take. “Yes, I remember. How can you say that, when did I?”
 
 
Thera’s next response almost sounded angry, “When did you? How about last night, when you tried to snap me up.” she paused to let out a small hiccup, “If I hadn’t squirmed free you would have eaten me.”
 
 
If Umiriko was any more surprised she would have needed to glue her slack jaw back on with how slack it was.now. Thera thought what she did last night was her trying to eat her? This didn’t make sense, Thera had been in her mouth multiple times, oftentimes putting herself there herself. They both enjoy it, why would this time be any different? She had to know. “Thera, that's ridiculous. You’ve been in my mouth before, and without fear, why was last night any different?”
 
 
“Because you bit me.”
 
 
Umiriko paused, did she really just hear that? No, it couldn't be true, “What?”
 
 
“I have a wound on my shoulder where one of your fangs pierced my flesh,” Thera explained, her voice cracking, “Why else would you do that to me other than to eat me?”
 
 
Now Umiriko fully comprehended what was going on. She had...hurt Thera. “What did I do?” she asked herself out loud, shame and regret filling her heart. She reached a claw up to her mouth, feeling her own lips, finally understanding why Thera reacted like she did. Bringing her claw down, she stuck it under the bed. She had to make this right. “Thera, I actually hurt you?” she asked, needing that one last bit of clarification.
 
 
“You ask as if you didn’t know?” Thera responded, sounding doubtful.
 
 
Umiriko took a deep breath, trying to compose herself, “Thera, please listen darling. What I did last night wasn’t me trying to eat you. When I had you in my mouth I was only trying to calm you down, I swear on my life.”
 
 
“Calm me down? How could that calm me down?” Thera was on the verge of hysterics.
 
 
The dragoness shifted her claw underneath the bed, hoping to at least touch her zebra, but Thera scrambled away again. “Thera, I didn’t mean to bite you. I was only going to stimulate you with my tongue the way you like, I promise.” Thera paused and thought for a second. She did like it a lot when Umiriko held her in her mouth while doing ‘that’ to her. She especially liked it when she used her tongue to caress certain parts of her body while in that position. Could it be true? Could it all have been an accident and a misunderstanding?
 
 
“Really? Then why…?”
 
 
“I must have misjudged my lunge.”
 
 
Umiriko paused again as another dilemma was added the her already mounting worry; if Thera was hurt she had to do something immediately. Now she really was concerned for her zebra's wellbeing, “Thera, you’ve held such trust in me, trust I didn’t even deserve because I really tried to eat you. So please, trust me now.”
 
 
“How can I?” came Thera’s quivering voice.
 
 
“Thera, do you honestly believe you escaped my mouth by yourself?" Explained Umiriko, unable to suppress a slight smile at her zebra's naivety. "If it was that easy you would have been able to escape the first time on your own.” That was true, when Umiriko had a hold of her the first time her grip was like iron. Only when Umiriko let her out willingly was she spared. It was true, she assumed, that Umiriko had actually willingly released her last night, for it really was the only explanation to why she had escaped the powerful jaws so easily.
 
 
‘Okay,’ she thought to herself with a deep breath. ‘Once again...I will trust her.’
 
 
Umiriko was beginning to wonder how long she was going to have to sit here talking to a dust ruffle when it suddenly shifted and Thera emerged crawling on her hands and knees. Sure enough, there was a blood soaked wound on her shoulder, the thought almost overwhelmed Umiriko and made her want to be sick. Before either could say anything Umiriko swept her zebra up, leaped onto her bed, then held her close. The zebra wasted no time nuzzling into her chest. Both just lay there, cuddling, basking in the company of the other that they both had missed since last night.
 
 
“How?” Thera asked when she gained enough composure.
 
 
“Hmm?”
 
 
“How couldn't you have known you had hurt me? At least you should have tasted my blood?” clarified Thera. It still unnerved her to talk about it, that her dragoness had bitten her.
 
 
Umiriko smiled reassuringly, “Simple answer, my pet.” Umiriko stuck her tongue out, presenting the hole she had bitten in it the night before accidentally. Thera’s eye’s widened in shock, realizing she wasn’t the only one hurt. “I had been tasting blood already, you see.”
 
 
Now Thera fully understood, so it was all just a misunderstanding, and quite a big one. Her shaken trust in Umiriko was unfounded, and If they were going to push past it she needed to show Umiriko she trusted her now. “I’m afraid of being eaten.”
 
 
Umiriko blinked, unprepared for the short, but informative description obviously of why Thera was afraid. “Huh? What was that, little one?”
 
 
“Umiriko, you are not the only predator in this city are you?” Thera asked in response.
 
 
“No. I’m not,” Umiriko replied honestly, still uncertain where Thera was going with these inquiries.
 
 
“If I go outside, what if one of them gets me?” Thera pressed herself harder to the dragon’s scaly chest. “As much as I like you now, you still tried to eat me. The next time I meet a predator I doubt I’d be so lucky.”
 
 
Umiriko gasped, that is what this was about? Oh how silly of her zebra. Now she finally understood why Thera was so finicky about going outside. Though, her fears, to Umiriko at least, were justified. There were a lot of very dangerous predators in this city, and a lot of them would think nothing of devouring a succulent zebra(and, knowing from personal experience, most would even go out of their way just for the opportunity to try)but there was one thing Thera was obviously unaware of. “Thera, I understand, I really do,” the dragoness cooed softly, nuzzling her zebra. “But there is one thing I obviously forgot to tell you.”
 
 
Without lifting her head, Thera asked, “What is that?”
 
 
“Did you think I would send you out there alone?” Umiriko said, lifting her snout to place it on Thera's forehead, breathing in her scent. “I know full well others might decide to make a meal out of you at first glance, and I guarantee you, that is the last thing I want.” She lifted her zebra’s chin with a claw, “Which is why every time you need fresh air I will be with you every step of the way. If anyone even looks at you funny, they will regret it.”
 
 
Thera looked into Umiriko’s eyes, a look of astonishment on her face. Could it really be that simple, could her fear have blinded her so much that she didn't see something so obvious? Now she felt foolish, of course Umiriko would protect her, especially from other predators. And here she had been, jeopardizing her health, worrying her dragoness, and acting stubborn, all to feed a fear that was obviously unfounded. She had to go outside now, and knew she wouldn’t be alone.“I’m sorry.”
 
 
“Now now, no need for that,” Umiriko was using a voice of profound understanding. “You're a prey animal Thera, it's only natural to fear being eaten.”
 
 
“Take me outside.”
 
 
Thera's words were so sudden that Umiriko almost didn’t catch them, “What?”
 
 
“I realize I have been foolish.” Thera suddenly crawled out of their embrace and leaped off the bed. “I haven't gone through all I have to find you Umiriko, only to kill myself with my own fears.” But as she made her way through the living room(where the elevator was)she suddenly lost the strength in her legs and stumbled. Before she could fall though a blue claw caught her, lifting her up and depositing her belly first onto a scaly back. The action only slightly startled the zebra, for she knew it wasn’t done to cause harm.
 
 
“As much as I am relieved that you are finally doing this Thera, I think you may need a little extra assistance,” said Umiriko, but rather than head to the living room she instead headed to her dresser(the one were the syringes of tranquilizer were hidden)and opened the bottom drawer. “Besides, aren't you forgetting something?”
 
 
Looking inside the open drawer Thera blushed as she beheld her red underwear, and silver lame dress. As much as she liked to be so, she couldn't go out in public naked.
 
 
 
 
“Mmmmmhhhhh!”
 
 
Thera moaned, as she and Umiriko made their way to the hospital. After dressing, both Thera and Umiriko emerged outside, and though residual panic began to seep into Thera’s mind she pushed past it, knowing Umiriko would protect her. It wasn’t till they finally stepped into the sunlight that Thera realized what she had been missing. And then Umiriko took her pet to the hospital for her shoulder, and overall condition, though Thera was in too much bliss from the sun to put up an argument. As Umiriko had suspected, the crowds they passed cast them questioning looks. She hadn’t expected anyone to look at Thera like the zebra feared, but what she suspected was the looks of disbelief that a predator like her would actually carry a zebra. She ignored it all though, Thera was the main concern.
 
 
The hospital was big enough to easily accommodate even Umiriko, and when Thera expressed her desire to not be separated from her to the nurse they put them both up in a room big enough so Umiriko could easily watch over her zebra companion. First they treated her shoulder, and, after cleaning and some stitching, moved on to her other condition. After a few hours Thera was laying on a hospital bed, an IV in her arm. Her self isolation, thankfully, had only caused a slight vitamin D deficiency, and the doctors said she would recover. Thera just lay on the hospital bed, staring up at her dragon, both smiling, waiting for when they can go back home and bask in each other's affection in quiet isolation.
 
 
 
 
Several weeks had passed since Thera was released from the hospital and the zebra was to be found lying on Umiriko’s bed once more. The large blue dragoness's head rested between her spread legs, moving up and down as it slowly ran its tongue over Thera’s sensitive flesh, her vulva quivering with delight as the soft tongue ran gently over it, caressing it, stimulating its entirety with even the slightest action. Thera's only response was to moan passionately as her dragoness tasted the most sensitive area of her body. This had become a common activity for them and it showed no sign of slowing soon. Thera let loose a mighty gasp as Umiriko’s tongue slowly penetrated the lips of her vulva, worming into her moist tunnel. Her hands sprang up to cradle the nose of her assailant as the advancing tongue changed its angle so it brushed her clit with every small movement, releasing a breathy gasp as her eyes fluttered open then shut again. She could feel her orgasm approaching fast.
 
 
Umiriko was similarly enjoying herself on her end. Her little pet zebra had the most pleasurable taste between her legs, only adding to the growing list of reasons why it was a good thing she spared her life instead of eating her. The texture of her tunnel had an attractable feel as well. About a second after Thera grabbed her nose she felt the tunnel convulse around her tongue, giving her the signal that her little pet was close. Smiling, Umiriko retracted her tongue and closed her mouth over Thera’s sex, giving it a firm suckling as she awaited the oncoming spend. She was not disappointed, for soon a gush of liquid met Umiriko’s mouth, so much one would question how such a small zebra could produce such large quantities.
 
 
Thera was fighting to keep from jolting as she felt the sucking motions of Umiriko’s lip extract more and more of the fluid of her most recent orgasm, her hips pumping up and down as the dragon's mouth took in every drop. Suddenly a wave of bliss washed over the zebra, sapping her remaining strength and making her lie still. A happy smile bloomed on her lips as she drew in gulp after gulp of air to try and recover from her afterglow.
 
 
Umiriko gently retracted her tongue after Thera went limp, giving her entrance a final lick before she began crawling up to gaze down at Thera’s panting face from her left. With what looked like great effort Thera opened her eyes, turning her head to meet Umiriko’s dark gaze with her brown. A gentle smile broke over both as Umiriko drew Thera to her chest, gently embracing her. No words were said, but in Thera’s case it could be from lack of breath.
 
 
It was later that night, after they had both submitted to the embrace of slumber, when Thera slowly stirred with a stretching yawn. Blinking her eyes to help them adjust to the dark apartment, the zebra smiled when she made out Umiriko’s slumbering face. She was still pressed up against her large-sized chest, her slow breathing making the yellow scales expand and recede.“Odd,” Thera wondered out loud. “I never wake up first.” The reason made itself clear when an overwhelming pressure rocketed through her lower portions. “Ooooh my,” Thera moaned as she crossed her legs. “I guess that explains it.” Looking back up to her sleeping companion, Thera squinted her brow. “Well, let's see if I’m better at this than you were,” Thera whispered, gazing at her position, trying to decide what would be the best course to take for removing herself without disturbing Umiriko. She gazed at the paw that held her gently to the scaled chest.
 
 
Slowly, Thera slid herself under it, using her legs to drag herself backwards. After a second Thera pulled free of Umiriko’s paw and began crawling on her hands and knees to the edge of the large mattress. “Well, that was easy,” Thera commented to herself, sliding over the edge of the bed feet first...Only to feel a searing pain flow through her nether region as her hooves hit the carpet. Thera gritted her teeth to keep in the scream of pain, falling to the floor in a fetal position while cradling her sore groin with her hands. Tears stung her eyes, but the pain was slowly receding with each passing minute. Finally, Thera was able to hoist herself to a standing position, the pain having receded to a dull ache. “Well, Umitiko has a tendency to get overzealous,” Thera whispered, making her way to the left of the room. “But then I am no different.” Thera made her way to the small bathroom that Umiriko said was for visiting smaller guests; though she did walk with a slight limp. She figured it was from all the times she and Umiriko had played it rough, which was quite often. And unfortunately, she was not the only one to come to this conclusion.
 
 
Umiriko watched from a slightly open eye, concerns flooding her mind. Despite her best efforts Thera had failed in her mission to not disturb her. But it was no big deal to the dragon, especially when Thera began crawling on all fours. As much as she liked Thera as a person, her rump will always be an irresistible eye catcher to Umiriko. So, trying to pretend to be asleep, Umiriko watched as the bulbous cheeks of Thera’s rump swayed as she crawled to the edge of the bed. She smiled as her zebra slid off onto the floor, obviously needing to head to the bathroom to relieve herself, though the thud she heard was a little louder than she expected. But when Thera made her way to her apartment’s small bathroom she immediately noticed her limping. She could tell that Thera had to be feeling discomfort somewhere where her legs met, and, with how hard they had been going at it, it was not hard to figure out the cause. “Oh my,” Umiriko whispered. “I hope she isn’t too uncomfortable.”
 
 
It only took a minute for Thera to finish her business, making her way from the bathroom back to Umiriko’s huge bed. Her nether’s were still sore, so it was a huge relief when Thera discovered she could relieve herself without pain, but walking still triggered some discomfort. She stood about half way from the bed, scratching her head, unsure of how she was going to rejoin Umiriko without waking her up. “Maybe I should sleep in the living room, I don’t want to disturb her.”
 
 
“And maybe she doesn't want to sleep another moment without her zebra.” Thera yelped in surprise as Umiriko switched on the lamp on the nightstand, flooding the bedroom with its gentle glow and illuminating Umiriko’s smiling face.
 
 
“Umiriko!” Thera said, calming down from her surprise. “Did I wake you?”
 
 
“I’ve always been a light sleeper Thera,” Umiriko said, reaching out a claw to the zebra welcomingly. “Don’t worry about it.”
 
 
The zebra looked to the claw then up to Umiriko, smiling in understanding. She walked up and clung to the huge limb, holding on tight as it effortlessly hoisted her up and onto the bed. She let out a light giggle when Umiriko rolled on to her back and held her before her from under her arms. It was something the dragon did often, claiming the position gave her a perfect view of her cute zebra. Thera didn't mind, she liked showing off her body to Umiriko, knowing how much she appreciated it, in fact, she enjoyed it herself. It was, once again, a perfect example of how easily Umiriko could handle her effortlessly, with her having virtually no say in the matter, not that she would ever object to such treatment. But aside from being hoisted around like a toy, Thera enjoys it more when Umiriko holds her tight to her chest, like the dragoness just did now, beginning to cuddle her into the scaly landscape that was the dragoness’s huge torso.
 
 
“Thera,” Umiriko whispered worriedly, looking down at the zebra pressed to her chest. “Are you okay?”
 
 
Thera looked up in confusion, “Of course. Since being with you I have never been happier in all my life.”
 
 
Umiriko smiled, she did not know if Thera was avoiding the question intentionally or not. “I noticed the limp in your stride Thera. Are you hurt?”
 
 
“Oh, that,” Thera should not be surprised Umiriko noticed. Ever since she tried to eat her Umiriko had gone through great lengths to provide her with even the smallest things. She was sure it was because the dragon still felt guilty, and that troubled Thera. She did not want their relationship to be based on guilt alone, and worse, if Umiriko found out the cause of her injury she knew what would become of their steamy bedroom activities. “I’m fine, Umiriko,” Thera said, looking into the dragon's face with a reassuring smile. “Really.”
 
 
Umiriko frowned, but she knew Thera would deny it at first. The zebra had a tendency to try and ignore what she considered small problems and Umiriko knew it was because she was trying to spare her as much trouble as she could. It was sweet, but Umiriko was not about to let anything stop her from tending to her zebras' comfort and health.Lest she take drastic measures again. She did not want to do it, but she had to be sure. Gently, but quickly, Umiriko slipped her tail up and gave Thera a quick tap on the nethers. As expected, Thera cringed in pain, gritting her teeth as she squeezed Umiriko’s chest harder.
 
 
When Thera opened her eyes again she saw Umiriko giving her a sad smile. Sighing in defeat she said, “I’m just a little sore, I’ll be fine.”
 
 
“And the fact that this may halt our night time fun is not motivating you to try and push past it more than you should?” Umiriko asked.
 
 
Thera let out another sigh, placing her head to Umiriko’s chest. She never could hide anything from Umiriko, least of all when it concerned her health. It was both pleasant and irritating at the same time.
 
 
“Thera, I know what this is about,” Umiriko said, looking down at the non-responsive zebra. “You're worried that you can’t make me happy with your nether injured.”
 
 
Thera’s only response was to look up with a sad expression.
 
 
“It's okay,” Umiriko said, stroking Thera behind her ears to comfort her. “If we have to put it off till you feel better we will.”
 
 
“But Umiriko...” Thera began only to be silenced when Umiriko put a claw over her lips.
 
 
“I enjoy our steamy night endeavors a great deal, Thera, make no mistake,” Umiriko said softly, removing the claw from Thera’s muzzle and stroking her behind her head. “But not at the expense of your pain.”
 
 
“But how will we share in each others affectation if we can’t have sex?” Thera asked, her brow crimping with despair. “I know you Umiriko, you won’t let me stimulate you unless you can do the same for me.”
 
 
“And you would be right, it's only fair after all,” Umiriko said, though giving Thera her trademark reassuring wink to indicate that she hadn't said it for malicious reasons. “But there are other ways to show affection, darling.” Before Thera could respond Umiriko hoisted her up again, barely giving the zebra enough time to yelp in surprise before Umiriko’s blue lips pressed to hers. All concerns and fears melted like ice in the sun as the pleasant sensation of the large but soft lips caressing her black ones poured through Thera’s body, a moan escaping between the both of them. All too soon Umiriko broke the kiss, laying Thera back to her chest. “See?” Umiriko whispered, settling her huge hands on Thera’s back. “That’s pleasant, right?”
 
 
Thera opened her mouth to respond, but was interrupted when a huge yawn forced its way past her muzzle. Umiriko looked at her alarm clock on her dresser, frowning at how late it still was. It would appear this would have to wait. “It's still late my dear,” Umiriko said, placing a claw over Thera’s muzzle again when she opened her mouth to no doubt argue. “We both need our rest, why don’t we discuss this in the morning?”
 
 
Thera looked like she wanted to protest, but was again interrupted by another yawn. In the end she nodded her head and laid against Umiriko’s chest again, the dragon becoming amused when she fell sound asleep in less than a minute. Closing her eyes herself Umiriko began to dose too, going over in her head on how she was to tell Thera that they need to take a break from intercourse for the time being.
 
 
 
 
The next morning came like any other, with Umiriko rousing from slumber and, seeing by the clock, that it was only a little past sunrise. Thera was still laying on her chest, slowly rising and falling with the dragon's gentle breathing. Though it only took some gentle prodding from Umiriko to waken her. “Morning sunshine,” Umiriko cooed softly and cheerfully, leaning in to give Thera a gentle lick behind the ears.
 
 
Thera smiled, leaning into the lick while also cupping the dragonesses chin with her hand and nuzzling her nose. It never ceased to amaze her how gentle Umiriko could be despite her size. It also gave credit to Umiriko’s statement last night. That there were other ways to show affection other then sex.
 
 
“Are you feeling better now?” asked Umiriko, laying her head back down on the pillows. “How is your mound?”
 
 
Thera flexed her legs back and forth, feeling only a slight discomfort. But when she ran her fingers over the lips of her nethers, slowly, that is when a stinging sensation hit her senses. She cringed in obvious discomfort, almost curling into a fetal position. Immediately Umiriko shifted into a sitting position, scooping Thera into her front legs. She could feel the tiny zebras' muscles clench under the scales of her claws as she tried to think of a solution that would ease Thera’s pain. Eventually Thera’s body relaxed in her embrace and she fell limp against her scaly chest.
 
 
“That isn't good,” Thera looked up into Umiriko’s concerned face at her voice, seeing tears glistening in the dragon's eyes. “Does it hurt that much?”
 
 
Thera looked down at her position in Umiriko’s claws, feeling as if being held like was already helping her feel better. She didn't want to lay any burden on her dragon companion or make her worry. Despite their not so perfect first meeting being what it was, Thera felt an incredible connection with Umiriko. Yet, she knew it was pointless to try and hide the truth. She never could lie to Umiriko about even the smallest things; and that also proved to be a really good quality of hers. She had suffered a blow to her health last time she tried to hide something, she should not do it again. “Yes,” Thera replied honestly, looking back up into the dragon's face. “It is slightly uncomfortable.”
 
 
“Slightly?” Umiriko asked, arching an eye ridge.
 
 
“Fine,” Thera sighed, finally giving in. “It is very uncomfortable.”
 
 
“You had better let me have a look,” Umiriko said as she sat up and lowered Thera to the sheets, gently laying her on her back. But to her surprise, Thera actually covered herself with her hands. She looked up to the zebra's face to see an apprehensive look in her eyes. She gave her a gentle smile as she stroked her mane with her claws.
 
 
“Come on, “Umiriko said reassuringly, retracting her claw. “You have never been shy before, don't start now.”
 
 
Slowly, and with great hesitation, Thera slid her hands out of the way and spread her legs. Finally, Umiriko could get a look at what was causing her friend so much pain, and it was not hard to notice. The lips around Thera’s vulva were red and swollen, easily twice as puffy as the last time Umiriko had seen them. But the skin only looked like it was irritated from being rubbed raw. Given time and the right medicine it would recover in a matter of days. Umiriko was planning on going out for supplies that day anyway, so it was the perfect time to pick up some vaginal lotion while she was out.
 
 
“Well?” Thera whispered apprehensively, bringing the dragon's attention back to her face. “Am I going to be alright?”
 
 
“You'll be just fine,” Umiriko said, leaning over and nuzzling Thera’s face with her nose. “The skin is only irritated. Apply the right lotion for a few days and it will be all better.”
 
 
Thera mouthed the word 'days' sadly then hung her head, her eyes closing as they shed a few tears. If that was not enough she also sniffled a little. Umiriko frowned and stretched her neck to rest her head over the zebra's chest, though her faw was so massive she might as well be smothering the zebra mare.
 
 
“Come on, please don't cry,” Umiriko whispered, licking Thera’s tears with her long tongue. “It will heal very soon.”
 
 
This seemed to calm Thera a little, sitting up to nuzzle her nose to Umiriko’s. They both opened their eyes to meet each other's gaze, Umiriko seeing the reason for her little companion's distress reflected in her little brown irises. She did not like it either, but there was no other solution. “I know you enjoy our sexy endeavors, Thera,” said Umiriko, giving a sad smile. “I do too, but you are injured and need time to recover. We will just have to hold off until you are better.”
 
 
“But Umiriko, what about you?” asked Thera, a down trot look in her eyes, “How can I make you happy if we can't....”
 
 
She was silenced when Umiriko placed her lips over her mouth again, kissing her gently. Thera’s eyes widened for a moment, but eventually she was forced to close them calmly, her senses clouded by her fluttering heart. After a few seconds she felt herself hoisted up into a huge set of arms, Umiriko rolling onto her back and holding the zebra above her from under her arms again.
 
 
“Thera, you make me happy just by being here,” Umiriko said, flashing an affectionate smile. “We don't need to have sex for me to feel that way about you.” She sat the zebra down over her chest, wrapping her claws around her back. Flashing her teeth with a grin, she stroked a finger through her mane. “Besides, maybe this will be good for us.”
 
 
“What do you mean?” Thera asked, her sad demeanor being replaced by a curious one briefly.
 
 
“Well, we’ve been so caught up in our lust,” Umiriko began, placing her nose to Thera’s brow. “We’ve not had a chance to just talk.”
 
 
“Talk?” Thera tilted her head.
 
 
Umiriko gave her a gentle smile, “I would very much like to know your origins my dear, as well as share mine with you.”
 
 
Thera looked down in thought. It actually never occurred to her whether or not she would share her life story with anyone. The idea actually sounded pleasing to her. Maybe Umiriko was right, maybe they had been lost in their lust for too long. Plus, it wasn’t like she had anything to hide, so she might as well share her life with Umiriko. “Okay, I guess we can do that,” she looked up into the dragon's face with a smile. “Yes, we can just talk to each other, that seems like a pleasant idea.”
 
 
But, to Thera’s surprise, Umiriko did not start. The gentle smile fell from her lips, right before she lifted Thera off her and set her aside. The zebra sat up and gave a confused look as her dragoness companion climbed out of the bed to stand up, looking down at her. “As much as I would like too, we'll have to start later,” Umiriko said, uncharacteristically serious in her tone. “I need to go get some ointment for your genitals if they are to recover quickly, and we could use some other supplies as well.”
 
 
Thera’s eyes fell downcast at hearing this.
 
 
“Hey,” Umiriko whispered, placing her head over the zebra's shoulder. “I may be gone awhile, but I’ll be back as soon as I can.”
 
 
“Should I go with you?” Thera asked.
 
 
“I don’t think that’s a good idea,” Umiriko replied.
 
 
"It would be no trouble," insisted Thera, "And it would be a good opportunity for me to get some fresh air."
 
 
Umiriko still shook her head. “I may have pushed you to go out more awhile ago, but this is different. The store is a ways away and walking too much may hinder your recovery.”
 
 
Thera nodded her head in understanding. Even now her vulva felt sore and over sensitive, and if last night's short walk to the bathroom was uncomfortable, what would walking to the store and back be like? It was best if she stayed here; though the thought of the store did bring up another subject. “I wish you would let me get a job,” Thera said, Umiriko leaning off her shoulder to stare her in the face. “You take such good care of me, I need to do something in return. It would be no trouble for me to get a job at a store or a restaurant.”
 
 
“You already do something for me, Thera,” Umiriko said, though with slight irritation in her voice, for her zebra had brought this up several times. “We've been over this, little one. You are my pet, not my roommate. As your owner it is my job to take care of you.” She gave the zebra a reassuring nudge on her head with her nose. “And you need not worry about money, what I do provides enough, more than enough for both of us.”
 
 
Thera looked up with a curious expression, but Umiriko held up a claw for silence, reading her look. “I will tell you about it tonight, while we have our long overdue talk.”
 
 
Thera did not persist, though now her curiosity was piqued. She felt like she could genuinely enjoy the coming conversation she and her dragon were to share later. And knowing more of who and what Umiriko was was something she greatly desired now.
 
 
It only took about ten minutes for Umiriko to get ready, wearing a bright red satin dress as she headed to the elevator that would take her up to the outside world. At the door she leaned down and gave Thera an affectionate nuzzle of farewell, then entered the lift when it arrived. She hoped she would only be gone a few hours, she knew Thera did not like to be alone.
 
 
‘I need to be more gentle with her from now on, to avoid this happening in the future.’
 
 
 
 
It had been two hours since Umiriko had gone out to the store and Thera was to be found brushing her teeth in the small bathroom of her apartment. Umiriko had fully stocked it with all the hygiene products one might need(except genital ointment though)and it only made Thera that much more grateful to her dragon companion. Everything she could ever want or need was right here. It was just as she was rinsing her brush that Thera heard a soft thump emanate from the bedroom outside. ‘What was that?’ Thera wondered, placing her toothbrush in a cup next to the sink and heading out to investigate. Not enough time had passed for Umiriko to be back yet; the store was quite a distance from the apartment. Yet Thera had heard a noise and she felt she needed to see what caused it. Out in the bedroom nothing had changed, huge bed, huge dresser, huge everything.
 
 
That is until her eyes fell on the small square hole on the wall opposite of her, on the other side of the bed. Arching an eyebrow in confusion Thera walks(minding her sore groin)over to the other side of the bed to get a closer look. Sitting on the floor under the hole was a plastic grill panel, roughly two feet by two feet, same as the hole in the wall.Now Thera remembered, the hole in the wall was one of the many ducts that fed air into the underground apartment, and this kind of paneling covered them for safety reasons. Somehow, this one's panel must have come loose and fallen. Thera looked to the panel then to the hole, a smile spreading across her face. “It's not much,” Thera said, walking over and picking up the panel. “But I’m right here, and it’s the least I can do.”
 
 
Standing on the tips of her hooves, Thera moved to position the panel back in the hole, slightly frustrated to find she was about half a foot too short to reach it. Leaning the panel on her leg Thera put her hand to her chin in thought. She smiled when her eyes fell on a sturdy wooden box sticking out from under Umiriko’s bed. “Yes,” Thera said, leaning the panel on the wall, walking over to start pulling the box to where she could stand on it. “I think this will work.”
 
 
Standing on the box provided Thera with enough height to put herself even with the wall duct, more than enough for her to place the panel back over it. However, as she was reaching down to pick up the plastic grill from where she had set it, she suddenly inhaled a large amount of dust from the duct into her nose. As one would expect, Thera let loose a huge sneeze that scattered all the dust in the duct.
 
 
Rubbing the offending substance from her face, Thera cast an annoyed glance over the duct….only to have her eyes widen in surprise. Her sneeze seemed to have uncovered something that had been concealed in the dust and now it stood before her, clear as day. Reaching into the duct, Thera hoisted the object onto her arms, straining slightly under its weight.
 
 
The object could only be described as an ornate gold finger ring, if not for the fact that it was about the size of a small manhole cover, its width being almost as long as Thera’s forearm. Thera had never seen anything so beautiful in all her life. Turning it over, she took in all its detail. The band was obviously solid gold. Thera was no jewelry expert, but she was sure that no imitation gold weighed this much. But that wasn’t the only thing about the band, for all along it were depictions of rose branches, the petals and thorns carved so expertly they looked life-like. But at the very top of the ring was the most attractive quality. As one would expect there was a gem, but this one was as large as a basketball and was of the deepest blue Thera had ever seen. It was sunk into the body of the band perfectly, faceted in an Amaryllis pattern, gold fittings carved to look like talons gripping its faceted face. Lastly, engraved in a circle around the gem were the words:
 
 
ROSE PETAL AMBASSADOR.
 
 
Thera was not sure what the words meant, but she was sure of something. The size of the ring was all the proof she needed to guess who it belonged to.“Oh,” Thera moaned in self disappointment, looking from the ring to the air duct, deducing that she had just stumbled upon the hiding place of what was most likely Umiriko's most prized possession. Why else would it be hidden in a duct of all places.“I should put this back. I just hope she won’t be mad at me for finding her ring's hiding place.” Unfortunately, the ring won’t be the only thing entering the duct, for as Thera leaned forward to place it back in her hoof slipped off the edge of the box. Thera held tight to the ring so as not to drop it, but in doing so she could not flail her arms to re-steady herself, inevitably falling head first into the dark enclosure of the duct up to her hips. Her zebra rump locked into place on the edges, an "oof" escaped her as Thera’s entire upper body became trapped in the wall.
 
 
Coughing slightly from the dust that had kicked up again, Thera took in her surroundings. She found nothing but darkness, for her large rump was blocking any light from getting in. Grunting slightly, Thera shifted her hips to try and dislodge herself, only to notice she was jammed too snug to make the required movement. “Uhn.., great,” Thera grunted, shifting her legs on the outside to try and push them against the wall so she could pry herself out. Unfortunately her legs were so close to the wall she could not land her hooves. With a sigh, Thera resigned herself to being stuck. “I had best wait till Umiriko gets home, if I push it I could hurt myself, and I know Umiriko wouldn't like that.” She should be more freaked out by this than she currently was, but after a while of being held in a dragon's mouth in a similar position you kind of get used to it. Though it wasn’t the same without the wet saliva drenching her form with a skilled tongue moving up her twat.
 
 
Letting out a bored yawn, Thera began flailing her legs up and down outside from where her rump and lower portions jutted from the wall, figuring, since it was the only thing she could do, she might as well. She focused hard to keep her flailings even, making sure each leg finished its movement before alternating legs. It actually was quite the peaceful exercise. “I hope she doesn't laugh too hard when she sees me like this,” Thera said to herself, still focused on her flailing. “Stuck headfirst in a wall, I must look like a reversed hunting trophy from out there.”
 
 
Waiting out her predicament, Thera flailed her legs on the outside, her backside swaying with each kick. Inside she was still clutching the large ring to her chest.
 
 
 
 
Umiriko sat on a city bench, looking at a huge map of the city mounted across from her on a big metal beam. The store she usually shopped at was out of genital ointment, much to her aggravation, and she didn’t know where any others were off the top of her head. Still, no matter how much farther she had to walk, she was determined to get Thera what she needed to feel better. “Ah ha,” Umiriko said, placing her claw to the map. “Four more blocks down Sycamore Street.” Getting up, Umiriko continued to her destination. On the way she passed several people out doing their own thing, ranging from all walks of life from predators to prey. The sight of all of them reminded Umiriko of her past, and what her favorite hobby used to be.
 
 
Pred, prey, male, or female, Umiriko would have anyone who would want to join her in her bed, and none ever made it out. Umiriko felt no guilt for them of course, she was a predator, it was all in her nature. But after she had met Thera all she cared about was the zebra's well being now, none of the other stuff matters anymore. Thera consumed the dragoness's thoughts completely nowadays; her cute face, her sexy body, and, of course, her attractive personality. She had not lured any other victims to her apartment since she met her. Whatever joy she felt when she would devour a live meal was nothing compared to a night with Thera.
 
 
Even if it meant buying a lot more food then she was used too to sustain her zebra, but that wasn't too steep a price to pay in Umiriko's opinion. As she told Thera before, she has enough income for the both of them. As she was walking she passed a twenty-four hour cafe on the way, a trio of gazelle wearing aprons exiting out the front. Umiriko assumed they were night waitresses who had just gotten off their shifts, they all looked to have had a long night. Taking a seat on the sidewalk, her scaly posterior taking up a good chunk of it, Umiriko decided to watch them for a minute. She may have lost the urge to feed on living morsels but she still liked admiring the adorable ones, a trait that only seemed to amplify after meeting Thera, as a matter of fact. They stood before the diner, obviously having one last discussion before parting ways for the day. Umiriko hoped her relationship with Thera was that cute.
 
 
Soon they split up, two walking across the street, one heading in the direction Umiriko herself needed to head down. Smiling, Umiriko followed the gazelle, unable to resist focusing on her rear. She may prefer Thera’s rump, but that did not mean she could not enjoy others. Umiriko watched the gazelle walk before her, her shapely backside swaying with her stride, until she made a right turn to head down a nearby alley, Umiriko halting her own pace to watch her comprehensively. Even in a big city like this it was dangerous for prey animals to wander such areas alone. She herself was living proof that you could wind up something's meal. Still, if the gazelle was gullible enough to take such a risk it was not Umiriko's problem. She suddenly heard a scratching noise and down the alley Umiriko saw a shape she soon identified as a lioness stalking on all fours after the gazelle that had just turned down the left turn at the allies far end. It looked like she was not the only city predator that enjoyed a good hunt still.
 
 
“Well,” Umiriko whispered, shaking her head in pity. “Another one bites the dust, it would seem.”
 
 
But as she resumed walking her mind flashed her an image of Thera walking down the same alley, imagining her in the same predicament as the gazelle. She knew for a fact that if she ever saw somebody stalking her zebra like that lioness was stalking the gazelle she would do everything in her power to stop them. Was that little gazelle any less important than her precious zebra? Did she deserve compassion any less? “Well, I never was the type to rescue damsels in distress,” Umiriko muttered to herself, turning to face the alley. “But here I am. Go figure?” With that Umiriko bounded down the alley, whose walls were just wide enough to accommodate her. She saw no one after the left turn so she figured there must be a turn somewhere not far up ahead as well. She had only taken two steps when she heard something.
 
 
“AAAAAGGHHH!”
 
 
The scream came from the right direction up ahead, and, sure enough, Umiriko saw the gazelle huddling in the corner of a dead end, the lioness bearing down on her, claws bared. If anything, it was the obvious pleasure the lioness was having in the gazelle's fear that made the dragon angry. Umiriko may have eaten people herself, but she never relished in their pain or fear. She needed to act fast, any minute now the lioness would pounce and tear the gazelle to shreds. She would be of little threat to Umiriko, the dragon was easily a dozen times her size. The real problem was the gazelle. If she was scared of the lioness now Umiriko was certain she would outright terrify her. If she panicked and tried to flee she would not get far, for the lioness could easily overtake her in such a confined space. Somehow, she needed to get the gazelle to safety before she dealt with the lioness.
 
 
And there was only one place Umiriko could think where the gazelle would be safe. As the lioness crouched her shoulders, ready to pounce on her prey, Umiriko lunged toward them first. Before either the gazelle or the lioness could react, Umiriko clamped her jaws over the gazelle's head, hoisting her up and sliding her into her mouth up to her waist, leaving her rump and legs to flail about outside her mouth.
 
 
“Hey, I saw her first,” the lioness shouted up at the dragoness, seeing her prey dangling from her huge lips, way out of her reach. The lioness then scratched threateningly at the ground, her fur bristling under her jogging suite she was wearing. Umiriko just squinted her eyes in an un-amused manner, flipping up her tail and bashing it against the lionesses chest. She was sent sprawling into some trash cans with a mighty clutter. She sprang up in the blink of an eye, arching her back in a threatening manner. Umiriko met her challenge by lifting up her forepaw and smashing one of the trash cans that had rolled near her thin as paper. The lionesses look to the damaged can then back at Umiriko, her glare disappearing to be replaced by one of submission.
 
 
“Fine,” she growled, taking off down the alley and vanishing. Umiriko glared after her, disgust coursing through her heart. Whatever it was that Thera had done to the dragon really opened her eyes to the true nature of what she had been doing though. Sure, she was a predator, and it was in her nature to hunt and eat. But this was not the wild, this was a city, a place where food could be attained without taking an innocent life. She was definitely never going to harm anyone just to eat again, not if she could help it. It was then that a muffled moaning registered to Umiriko, bringing her attention back to the flailing legs outside her mouth. Somehow she had already forgotten about the gazelle she just saved, and how she was still held in her jaws.
 
 
‘I had best let her out.”
 
 
Walking over to the dead end again, Umiriko gently set the gazelle’s rear to the ground and let her slide out of her jaws. She fell to her side with a soft thump, saliva running down her face as she struggled for air. But when looked up and she saw Umiriko she immediately panicked, dragging herself back to sprawl against the wall. Slowly, Umiriko lowered her muzzle to the gazelle's left ear, calmly whispering, “You alright?” The gazelle's eyes flew open in shock at the gentle voice. Her left pupil turned to gaze at Umiriko’s head next to her, slowly taking in her calm, non-aggressive demeanor. The dragon smiled as some of the fear faded from the gazelle's eyes.
 
 
“Huh?” She squeaked out, her voice a pitch that said she had only just recently reached adulthood. “W-what did you say?”
 
 
Umiriko leaned back a little, giving a gentle smile. “I asked, are you okay?”
 
 
Stunned silent, the gazelle could only nod her head in response.
 
 
“Good,” Umiriko stood up to her full height, turning around to resume what she was doing before she got herself involved with this.
 
 
“Wait,” Umiriko felt tiny hands grab her tail, turning to find the gazelle had gripped her tail to try and halt her. “Why?”
 
 
“Why what?” Umiriko asked, arching her eyebrow at the gazelle.
 
 
“Why did you save me?” She responded, walking closer to Umiriko. “Why didn’t you just eat me yourself?”
 
 
Umiriko stared for a second, actually contemplating the question. She knew why she did it, yet it was somehow hard to translate into words. Whatever it was that had motivated her to save the gazelle, she liked it. “I learned a while ago that even the little lives are precious,” Umiriko said, leaning down to eye level with the gazelle. “I also realized that here, in the city, it is unnecessary for predators like me to hunt. All it does is cause unnecessary suffering and pain. What that lioness was doing to you was wrong, I couldn't let her get away with it.”
 
 
Then, to Umiriko’s immense surprise, the gazelle reached forward and held onto her nose. “Thank you,” she whispered, nuzzling Umiriko on the bridge of her nose with her cheek. The dragoness was stunned for a moment before letting out a gentle smile.
 
 
“Your welcome,” she cooed, almost calling her little one, but that nickname was reserved for one person alone. “But I would avoid the allies from now on if I were you. I might not be around if this happens again.”
 
 
She felt the gazelle nod against her in agreement.
 
 
 
 
Umiriko was finally riding the lift down to her apartment, returning from her shopping venture, her purchases hanging over her shoulder. It took her about ten minutes to find the grocery store after she rescued the gazelle from that lioness, but it was worth it to finally have found Thera some genitalia ointment. When the elevator finally groaned to a halt Umiriko was greeted by the sight of her home, bringing a smile to her face. She entered her kitchen to put away her groceries, putting the ointment for Thera aside for her to use immediately later. It was after she was done putting everything away when she noticed the zebra had not come out to greet her. It was odd, usually when she went out like this Thera was next to her in less then a second when she returned. “Thera?” Umiriko called out with slight concern, entering her living room. “I’m back.”
 
 
“Umiriko,” the dragon heard her zebra response from somewhere in the apartment, putting her mind at ease. “I’m in the bedroom.”
 
 
Smiling, Umiriko made her way to her room, following the voice. It was still odd why Thera did not come out to see her the second she arrived, and for that matter, why the zebra's voice sounded like that. It sounded muffled, and echoed slightly, as if Thera had something hollow obscuring her face as she talked. And the reason became clear when she finally entered her room, being greeted by a sight that almost made her drop the ointment she had carried with her. Up on the wall to the right Umiriko could see the black and white striped hindquarters of a zebra sticking out the air duct in the wall, its hooves flailing up and down slowly. Eyes wide in confusion, Umiriko approached the bizarre scene and stood before the protruding rump.
 
 
“Thera?” Umiriko said, tilting her head as she observed her pets rear dangling out of the wall. “What are you doing in there?”
 
 
“It's kind of a long story,” Thera replied with obvious embarrassment, still flailing her legs up and down.
 
 
From there Thera explained how she wound up stuck in the wall, of how she had fallen in while trying to put the grill panel back and getting stuck because of how bulbous her bottom is. Umiriko actually thought the gesture was really sweet. Reaching up, she ran a claw down Thera’s left buttocks, the zebra letting out a stunned gasp before moaning in pleasure at the gentle caressing on rear. “It was very thoughtful, Thera,” she said, placing her claw back to the ground. “Though I think this might be a sign that you should leave the high reach things to me.”
 
 
“I didn't mean to get stuck,” said Thera, her left leg kicking up as if trying to point it at Umiriko, but was a foot or two off. “And are you going to pull me out or not?”
 
 
“Of course I will,” Umiriko cooed mischievously, leaning her nose to where it was almost touching Thera’s rump. “Just not yet.”
 
 
Before Thera could respond she felt huge lips descend upon her rump, placing a soft kiss on her right cheek. Her legs jerked slightly as the strange sensation rippled through her body, but it was anything but unpleasant. Her legs twitched again when she felt a tongue lick across her hindquarters, her eyes rolling back in pleasure within the wall.
 
 
“Sorry my dear,” Umiriko cooed, retracting her tongue. “You know how much I can’t resist a luscious zebra rump, especially one so prominently displayed.”
 
 
“Oh, is that right?” Thera breathed lightly, starting to kick her legs up and down again to display the rippling muscles of her rump. “Well, there is nothing I can do to stop you from doing whatever you want to me, seeing as how I am stuck here. No matter how lewd you want to treat me I can't resist. I'm helpless.”
 
 
Umiriko could hear the lust in Thera’s tone clearly, and she would have given in to it herself too gladly. But when her eyes fell on Thera’s nethers again she noticed that they were just as inflamed as they were that morning. Berating herself for being stupid, Umiriko moved to pull Thera from the wall; now was not the time for foreplay. But then she noticed she was still holding the genital ointment that Thera needed in her claw. Looking from the tube then to Thera’s hindquarters and back, Umiriko smirked as a devious plan formed in her mind. She may not be able to take advantage of this situation the way she would have liked but there was still something she could do while Thera was stuck like this that was, at least, mischievous. Squirting some ointment from the tube onto her claw, Umiriko applied it to Thera’s entrance, slowly massaging between her legs and into her intimate tunnel. Thera let out a pained gasp at first, but soon fell limp as she moaned in pleasure. A moan that clearly was not sexual for a change.
 
 
“Umiriko,” Thera started, losing her breath for a second before resuming, “Wh-What is that? The pain...It’s easing.”
 
 
“Did you forget?” Umiriko said plainly with false disappointment, applying more ointment to her claw to work directly inside Thera’s uterus . “The main reason I went out was to get something for your irritated genitals, remember?”
 
 
Thera gasped as she felt the cool gel enter her again, but regained her senses when she felt relief flood through her flesh as the irritated skin soothed. Truth was she had forgotten about her little problem, what with being put on display like this. Still, something about this was strange. “I could have done that myself,” she said, though spreading her legs to give Umiriko more room to access her core.
 
 
“I know,” Umiriko said, flashing a smile as she ogled the protruding butt before her. “This was more fun though.”
 
 
Thera was about to retort, but being gently pulled out of the air duct without the slightest bit of pain and into a strong set of arms left her with no words. She looked up in time to see Umiriko placing the panel back into place herself, then looked down at her with an affectionate smile. Thera returned it, then let loose a happy coo when Umiriko brought her into her bed, the way she held her indicating it was cuddle time. Thera smiled and nuzzled into the huge chest as Umiriko laid them both on their sides. “Anything interesting happen while you were out?” she asked calmly.
 
 
“Yes, in fact,” Umiriko said, running her nose through Thera’s mane. “I saved somebody's life today.”
 
 
“Really?” Thera asked, looking up with interest.
 
 
So Umiriko recalled the tale of her encounter with the lioness and the gazelle. Thera listened eagerly, greatly amused. “I don’t know what meeting you has done to me,” Umiriko said after she finished. “But I have to say, it feels so right.”
 
 
“I did not expect this either,” the zebra responded, nuzzling into the fabric of Umiriko’s dress.
 
 
The sensation reminded Umiriko that she still had her dress on. “Excuse me,” she whispered, gently letting go of Thera to stand up. “Let me just take this off.”
 
 
Thera sat on her knees on the bed, watching as the blue dragon undressed in front of her. They may need to break from sex for a while but that does not mean they couldn't at least admire each other. When Umiriko approached the bed again, unclothed and with every scale exposed, she noticed that Thera was clutching something in her arms.
 
 
Something shiny.
 
 
“What's that you got there my dear?” Umiriko asked, eyeing the object that was slightly obscured by Thera’s arms.
 
 
The zebra's eyes widened as she looked down at the object in her grip. With all the excitement and rump play that happened when Umiriko got home she had completely forgotten about the huge ring she found, in fact, she had not even told Umiriko about the part it played with her getting stuck in the air duct. She wished she had remembered before Umiriko put the panel back, now they would have to remove it again to put the ring back in its hiding place. “I’m sorry,” Thera said apologetically, holding the ring out before her. “I didn't mean to stumble upon this. She looked up, expecting to see an annoyed or angry dragon, but the expression on Umiriko’s face was that of shock and bewilderment. Thera could only look on in confusion as Umiriko gazed at the ring with astonishment, the dragoness drawing in closer and leaning forward to get a better look. It didn't take long before this reaction from Umiriko started making Thera worry. She almost looked like she had seen a ghost.
 
 
“Wh-Where…?” Umiriko finally stammered out after a few moments of staring blankly at the large golden ring, rolling her eyes up to look at Thera, her voice uncharacteristically flabbergasted and overwhelmed. “Where did you find this?”
 
 
Thera leaned back, slight panic filling her heart as she reflexively clutched the ring tighter.“It… it was in the air duct..uh… where you hid it…or, at least, that's what I assumed.” The next thing Thera knew she was pulled into another squeezing hug against a huge scaly chest as Umiriko leaped up on the bed with her again. She looked up to question, only to gasp in shock. Mighty tears were leaking out of Umiriko’s huge eyes, rolling down to the bed sheets beneath them.
 
 
“Hid it?” Umiriko gulped, nuzzling the top of Thera’s head. “My dear, I lost this ring over a decade ago.”
 
 
“Lost it?” asked Thera, drawing her gaze back to the duct in the wall as she lay pressed under Umiriko's jaw. “You mean you…?”
 
 
“Yes,” Umiriko gasped, tears still flowing from her eyes. “I didn't even know it was there when you found it.” She looked to the duct herself, finally somewhat composed, “To think, in there, all this time…?” She brought her gaze back to Thera, wiping her last few tears on her claw, “Thank you, little one, thank you.”
 
 
“I take it it's important to you then?” Thera said, smiling supportively, holding it out to return it to its rightful owner.
 
 
“Please…” Umiriko said in a choked voice, pushing the ring back to Thera’s chest. “Please hold on to it for me for now. I don’t trust myself with it just yet.”
 
 
Thera obliged, but her brow arch in confusion. She had never seen Umiriko so emotional, even when she was practically begging to be forgiven for almost eating her. Whatever the ring represents to Umiriko obviously ran deep in her heart.
 
 
“Yes, it's important,” Umiriko said, answering Thera’s curious expression. “My dear, that ring is a salient symbol of who and what I am.”
 
 
“Huh?” Thera gasped in surprise, looking down at the huge object in her arms. Beautiful though it was, Thera could not determine how it could represent Umiriko so heavily.
 
 
“I take it you read the engraving on the band,” Umiriko stated, Thera only nodding her head in confirmation, still gazing at the ring in perplexion. “Those are not just fancy words Thera, that ring represents my title.”
 
 
Thera looked up to Umiriko slowly in total shock, unable to wrap her head around what she had just been told. She had had a simple upbringing, but she knew what ambassador stood for. She hadn't thought that the title engraved on the ring was genuine though, assuming it was maybe Rose Petal Ambassador was the name of a music band, or something of the like, that Umiriko was a fan of. After all, such souvenirs exist, even to the top most extravagance, like this ring. “You mean… you're a…?”
 
 
Umiriko nodded. “Umiriko the first,” Umiriko said in a regal, introductory tone. “Ambassador of the Rose Petal Dragons, The Gem Cutters.”
 
 
Thera was speechless, her mind blown completely out of the water by this revelation. She had been living with someone of such great importance this whole time? If she felt small compared to Umiriko before she was downright microscopic now. Her, a simple, uneducated zebra, had been living with an ambassador, sleeping in her bed, eating her food…freeloading…
 
 
“Hey, don’t let that hang open for too long,” Umiriko giggled, pushing Thera’s hanging jaw closed. “You might let flies in.” But all the humor in the dragons mood disappeared when Thera’s mouth fell open again. She knew this new information was going to affect her pet's view on her, there was just no getting around it, but her reaction more than she had anticipated, and now she realized that if she didn’t derail this situation soon Thera’s view of her might change in ways that might affect their relationship, and that was something she did not want. She had a feeling that Thera would be unresponsive to words at the moment so she took drastic measures. She placed a deep kiss on her zebra’s lips.
 
 
It was as if she had woken from a dream when Thera felt the familiar sensation of Umiriko’s large-sized scaly lips press to hers. The feeling snapped her out of her stupor, for it brought to the surface how she felt toward Umiriko before she learned this bombshell of a fact. However, that wasn’t to say she wasn’t still shocked to learn that Umiriko was an ambassador.
 
 
“Better?” Umiriko asked, separating only far enough from Thera to speak, leaving her head still less than an inch from Thera's muzzle.
 
 
“I think so,” Thera replied, shaking her head to clear her mind.
 
 
“Please don’t do that again,” Umiriko said, rolling onto her back, holding Thera before her under her arms again. “You scared the life out of me.”
 
 
“Sorry,” Thera whispered, guilt joining the casserole of emotions swimming in her chest. “It was kind of a shock.”
 
 
“I know. But please, don’t let it come between us, Thera,” the dragoness pleaded, holding the zebra to her chest tightly. “I didn’t think telling you would affect you so much. I'm sorry.”
 
 
Thera was contemplating what she had learned as Umiriko pleaded with her, slightly slipping back into an emotional stupor. She was still realizing she had been living with a person whose duty was to represent her country in a foreign land again, thinking about how she was eating her food, sleeping with her, and basically mooching off her. It sent a crashing wave of misery and shame into her heart. “I should leave, Umiriko,” Thera said sadly, moving to get off Umiriko’s chest.
 
 
Umiriko’s breath increased as she saw Thera crawl out from under her claws, rolling onto her side as her zebra slid off her chest, watching her apprehensively.
 
 
“Thera, what are you doing?” Umiriko nearly shouted, bringing her tail forth to pin Thera to her side, halting her trek to the end of the bed, her rump hitting the sheets and her back impacting Umiriko's scaly hip.
 
 
Thera said nothing, only bringing her hand up to the tail pining her in a meager attempt to push it off. She was nowhere near strong enough to accomplish such a task, but seeing her try nonetheless really struck a chord with Umiriko. Her jaw dropped as she saw Thera suddenly go limp and start trembling with sobs, her own eyes glazing with tears as well. “Thera, what has gotten into you?” Umiriko asked miserably. “And why would you even think about leaving me?”
 
 
Thera only cringed and looked away shamefully. She could clearly hear the distress in Umiriko’s voice, and she felt ashamed for making her large dragonic friend feel like this. But she felt even more ashamed to learn she was taking advantage of someone as important as an ambassador.She should explain her reasoning, Umiriko at least deserved that. “I was already feeling insignificant to you Umiriko,” Thera whispered, looking down with depressed, half-lidded eyes. “But to learn what you really are…,” Thera looked into Umiriko’s eyes, great tears spilling down her own face. “How can I go on like this? How can I continue to allow you to care for me like this when you have the duties of an ambassador to weigh with?”
 
 
Umiriko just closed her eyes and sniffled during Thera’s small rant. Till now she had forgotten how insignificant Thera believed she was, how small she viewed herself, and she should have known that after she found out Umiriko was an ambassador she would feel even worse. She knew at this point nothing she could say would make Thera change her mind about leaving, what with how she must be feeling now, but she also knew one other thing. No way in hell was she letting Thera just leave her. Thera let out a surprised yelp as she was suddenly enclosed in a dark place she was all too familiar with. Saliva drenched her chest as Umiriko engulfed her up to her waist in her mouth, hoisting her up as she felt Umiriko roll onto her back. She let out a sad whine as she began flailing her hooves up and down, though more out of habit than necessity.
 
 
“Umiriko, I know what you're trying to do,” Thera stated, not afraid of the huge mouth at all. “But it just won’t work this time, plus I’m still sore down there, remember?” But, rather than feel the familiar tongue moving across her sex, Thera was suddenly pulled from Umiriko’s mouth and held to the dragons chest. She was about to question Umiriko’s intentions, but was unable to as large limbs encased her, and not just the front legs. The dragon's tail, back legs, and even her neck surrounded the zebra in a tight, but un-harming embrace, Umiriko curling up almost like an armadillo. “Umiriko?” Thera asked, squirming slightly. “What are you doing?”
 
 
“Not letting go,” Umiriko mumbled, her voice carrying a slight edge. “Won’t let you do this to yourself or me.”
 
 
“Umiriko, please…” Thera mumbled, ceasing her futile thrashing to lay limp in Umiriko's encompassing grip. “I can’t burden you with myself like this...”
 
 
“Quiet,” Umiriko blurted so sharply the tone silenced Thera immediately. “Do not interrupt me or I will gag you with that muzzle again, understand?”
 
 
Thera was stunned, never had Umiriko spoken to her like that. Her tone wasn’t threatening, but it still carried authority, as if Umiriko had reached her limit with something. Something told Thera that being quiet was important now, so she nodded in agreement.
 
 
“I understand that you've always felt like you're taking advantage of me, and knowing what I am seems to have made it worse,” Umiriko said, her voice dropping its harsh tone, refilling with the tender affection Thera loved. “But does that feeling of guilt really outmatch all the happiness we’ve felt for the past several months? Was all the passion, tenderness, and bliss really second to this guilt over being given some nourishment and shelter? I don’t know why you're letting something so small get to you like this my zebra,” Umiriko sounded like she was about to break down. “Because, as far as I am concerned, it's all more than worth it. You are more than worth it.”
 
 
The words rang true in Thera’s ears. Yes, she felt guilty about how little she felt she was returning to Umiriko for all she had done for her, but did it really come off like her guilt was stronger than her affection for Umiriko? Was that really what it looked like?
 
 
“And does my occupation really change things?” Umiriko asked, stopping a second to lick away her own tears. “Does the fact that you live with an ambassador that makes more money in a week than most do in years really disturb you so much? I told you I had a healthy income that could support both of us before, this is it,” the dragon's voice wavered. “Do you really think I value the little extra I spend on you more than our bond?”
 
 
Thera said nothing, unsure if it was appropriate to yet.
 
 
“You may speak now little one.”
 
 
Thera took a little while to start. “I care for you deeply, Umiriko.” she whimpered, nuzzling into Umiriko’s chest. “And being with you makes me so happy. But I just don’t know how I, a simple zebra, could be worthy of your company. I feel like I'm using you….”
 
 
“Put it out of your mind, little one,” Umiriko flatly stated suddenly. “There is no reason to dwell on any of that now.”
 
 
“But I….” Thera was cut off when Umiriko squeezed tighter.
 
 
“I’m sorry my dear,” Umiriko said, her voice authoritative. “But I’m not giving you a choice. I can't force you to discard these feelings, but I can enforce something else. You're staying with me and that’s final, even if I have to force you.” A wide smile formed on her face as she nuzzled Thera affectionately. "After all, I am so much bigger than you are.?
 
 
Thera looked up in shock. Most people's first reaction to being told they were being held prisoner would begin to panic. But to hear that Umiriko wanted her around so bad she would actually force her to stay somehow counteracted her feelings on how she thought she was mooching. Did Umiriko care so much she would resort to this? “You would do that?” Thera asked. “You would hold me prisoner?”
 
 
“I would do much more than that,” Umiriko replied, licking her zebras back. “I would go as far as to hold you like this, right here on this bed, for as long as it takes for you to change your mind, even if it means we would both lie here for an eternity.”
 
 
Something inside Thera snapped. She finally realized how much her guilt and sad demeanor was hurting Umiriko. If it causes her dragoness so much pain then, no matter how hard it was, she would get rid of it. Plus, Umiriko wanted her around, she wanted her to stay, it was as simple as that, really. “You can let go now, Umiriko,” said the zebra, but the dragon made no movement, in fact, she coiled in tighter. “I promise I won’t try to leave again. I hear your argument, I shouldn't let such petty things get between us.”
 
 
“Promise?” Umiriko whispered desperately.
 
 
“Promise, with all my heart,” Thera replied, smiling with her first sincere smile in several minutes.
 
 
Slowly, Umiriko uncurled herself, lying her limbs back over the sheets. Thera looked up from on top of her chest, the dragon smiling down at her as she placed a claw to her brow to gently stroke her. They changed positions to where Umiriko could lay on her chest, Thera reclined against her side with Umiriko's tail draped gently around the zebra's waist, though not in retrainmant this time. For now, they would lay there, basking in each other's presence, while also waiting for the past drama to recede. After a while Thera remembered the ring in her arm. She had held it this whole time, though now, unfortunately, it was covered with saliva. She continued to examine it, admiring the pristine crafting that must have been required to make such an exquisite object.
 
 
“Would you like for me to tell you about what that ring represents, for both me personally and my race as a whole?” Thera heard Umiriko ask, bringing her attention to the dragon above her.
 
 
“Yes, I would love that” Thera replied, eager to finally learn more about Umiriko’s life story.
 
 
“Well, where would you like me to begin?” asked Umiriko, wanting her pet to decide what she would like to know first.
 
 
Thera thought for a sec, but could ultimately not think of where she would like Umiriko to start. She had learned so little as of late, yet Umiriko’s story sounded fantastical already. “Why not just tell all of it?”
 
 
Umiriko blinked. She had no reason to hide anything, but one could say it was a long story. For Thera to understand she would have to start from the beginning, from why she was an ambassador, and how that ring came to be. “Would you really like to know all I have to say?” Umiriko asked. “It may take a while.”
 
 
“We have nothing else going on now,” Thera replied. “Besides, you said we should talk more.”
 
 
Thera was right, she had said that. Alright, so be it.
 
 
“Well Thera, before we start I need to ask you something,” Umiriko said, Thera giving her her undivided attention. “Have you ever seen anything like me before we met? Any of my kind, here or anywhere else?”
 
 
“No,” Thera answered honestly, shaking her head. “It’s one of the reasons why I was drawn to you. I’ve never even heard of a creature like you before, it intrigued me.”
 
 
“Not surprising,” Umiriko said, finally ready to start her tale. “The reason for that is because my kind is indigenous only to one area in the entire world.”
 
 
“Really, where?” Thera asked, anticipation in her voice.
 
 
“I’m afraid I can’t tell you the exact location, that is somewhat confidential,” Umiriko replied, smiling reassuringly at Thera’s confused expression. “You’ll understand further into the story.”
 
 
“Not that I am not enthralled,” Thera said, confused. “But what does this have to do with you?”
 
 
“Because Thera,” Umiriko said, smiling, not blaming her pet for being slightly confused at this early juncture of her explanation. “For you to fully understand me, and what I represent, you need to know everything there is about my people.”
 
 
Thera nodded her head. It made sense, the tale described sounded like something that would not be understandable without all the facts. That’s not to say she wasn’t also eager to hear all there was to know about Umiriko.
 
 
“What I can tell you is that, somewhere, out in the middle of the ocean, there exists a small island,” Umiriko continued, moving her head down to rest it on the sheets, cutting her eyes up to stare at the zebra mare reclined into her scaly side. “This island is the only place on the entire planet where one can find the Draco Aqua, or water dragons. My species.”
 
 
“The only place on the entire planet?” Thera gasped, her eyes widening in shock. “Your whole species exists on one small island.”
 
 
“Mmmhmmm,” Umiriko said, nodding slightly, lifting her head up enough to better stare at Thera. “And, if I were to put it in physical terms, the place is about one-tenth the size of half this city.”
 
 
Thera’s mouth dropped again. She was no expert in dimensions(far from it)but if Umiriko's home wasn’t even half as big as half this city then that meant…
 
 
“Then, you're kind?” Thera said, slight sadness in her voice. “The population…?”
 
 
“From what I know, we water dragons only number in the tens of thousands,” explained Umiriko, though she was proud that her zebra had contemplated that fact all on her own so far. Thera was more intelligent than she gave herself credit for. She was actually pretty sure she was going to have to explain this herself in the beginning, so it saves her so much effort.
 
 
Thera’s eyes became downcast.
 
 
“Hey, I know what you're thinking,” Umiriko said reassuringly, stroking Thera’s face with the flipper at the end of her tail. “But that's how it's always been. We water dragons have never been an abundant species.”
 
 
“Still, it is kinda sad,” Thera whispered, glancing at the tail next to her. “Though the name does explain some aspects of your appearance.”
 
 
“Yeah,” Umiriko giggled, looking at her webbed tail too. “I was kinda wondering why you hadn’t asked about my aquatic characteristics yet.”
 
 
“So your kind is amphit..um..amphlip ..?”
 
 
“Amphibious, darling, the word you're searching for is amphibious,” Umiriko finished for her. “And that's correct. We can dwell on both land and sea.”
 
 
“So what's your culture like?” Thera asked, eager to hear more. “You said something about your clan being gem cutters.”
 
 
“Yes, that’s true,” Umiriko continued. “Though, truth be told, that is actually a more recent part of our history. For an untold amount of time my kind were content with a simple existence, which consisted of the basics in life; Eating, sleeping, mating and raising our young. For, you see, our home is pretty much totally isolated from the world, and it stayed that way for most of our existence. Wild, animalistic, untamed. But that all changed one day, when a terrible hurricane swept over our island's.”
 
 
Thera gasped, placing a hand to her mouth as her eyes widened in horror.
 
 
“Now, don’t get worked up,” Umiriko reassured, nuzzling her zebra. “It's not what you think. None of my kind were lost during that intense storm, nor was it our first.”
 
 
“Huh?” Thera arched her brow. “How, hurricanes destroy everything in their path.”
 
 
“There is nothing on our home island to destroy, my dear,” Umiriko continued. “It is a small island, dominated by huge mountains of solid stone that have probably stood for a million years. No hurricane could bring them down.”
 
 
“Huge mountains on a small island?” Thera pondered, a crude image forming in her head. “Would I be wrong to assume there isn’t much room for building houses or towns?”
 
 
“If by not much you mean none at all, then yes,” Umiriko said. “But that matters little to us water dragons Thera. Even in this modern world we have barely changed our way of life. My home is still as uncivilized now as it always has been, nothing constructive happens there, nor does it need to. I’m only here in this city to do my duty as ambassador.”
 
 
“But how were there no casualties during that hurricane you were talking about?” Thera asked, suspense in her tone. “You're a mighty creature Umiriko, as well I am sure all water dragon's are, but surely even some of them would have drowned in a hurricane.”
 
 
Umiriko blinked as she lifted her neck off her forepaws, a smirk splitting her muzzle. Then she started giggling, which soon morphed into a loud laughter. Thera looked on in shock, never had she seen Umiriko act so goofy before. “Drowning, us?” Umiriko inquired, gazing into Thera’s flabbergasted face. “Such is not possible, my dear, not for me, not for any water dragon.”
 
 
Thera just gave her another confused look.
 
 
“Haven't you figured it out yet, my dear?” Umiriko inquired, turning her head to expose the left side of her neck. Thera let out a gasp, seeing gills flaring out and exposing pink flesh under Umiriko's scaly neck.
 
 
“You… you can..?”
 
 
“Yes,” Umiriko answered her pet's stammering question, turning her head to look at her again. “We water dragons, we don’t need to hold our breath for extended periods, like most amphibious species. We are the ultimate amphibious life form, Thera, for we can breathe both in water and on land.”
 
 
“That’s...incredible…,” Thera said, awed by this revealed ability of Umiriko's. “Your kind gets more and more amazing, Umiriko.”
 
 
“Thanks,” Umiriko said, flattered. “You were worrying about my kind in a hurricane though? Swimming through hurricanes is the closest thing we have to a sport, actually.”
 
 
“Huh?” Thera looked puzzled
 
 
“It's true,” Umiriko continued with a nod. “Those storms produce waves powerful enough to hurl even creatures of our size through the air. If you were ever to visit our island during a hurricane(heaven forbid) you would most likely see a dozen or so water dragons out riding the waves, filling the air with our excited laughter.”
 
 
“Really?” Thera asked, her bewilderment increasing. Water Dragons we're starting to appear…rather rambunctious.
 
 
“Mhm,” Umiriko replied, nodding her head.” And it was after one of these thrilling storms that something would be found that would open a bridge to the outside world with us that is still functioning to this day. You see, hurricanes also provide another thing my kind greatly desires.”She leaned down to place her jaw on her paws once more, relaxed. “On an island as small as ours there are few land animals for predators like us to hunt,” she frowned at herself, contemplating on how she had described her home so far. “Well, none to be precise. But, living in the ocean, I think you can guess where we get our food my dear.”
 
 
“Fish!” Thera said, nodding in understanding. “Sea dragon's eat fish as their primary diet."
“Correct,” Umiriko nodded, once again proud of Thera's ability to keep pace with the story. “Fish and other sea life are what water dragon's mainly eat; and hurricanes have a habit of stirring things up from the deep we would be hard pressed to find on our own normally. So, after a hurricane has passed, we take to the sea in great numbers, able to catch things we don’t have the luxury to enjoy on most days.
 
 
“It was during one of these frenzies that the ultimate change for our kind occurred, for one of us stumbled across the first mainlander ever encountered by sea dragons.” Thera braced herself, anticipating this part. “As a young female was fishing she stumbled across something afloat on a large-sized piece of driftwood. Naturally, she wanted to eat it at first, but after she got closer she found something remarkable about the unknown creature. It greatly resembled us, but not exactly.”
 
 
“What was it?” Thera asked quietly.
 
 
“I believe they are called goanna lizards, of course we didn’t know that at the time,” Umiriko replied. “Her name was Moon, though the water dragon who found her would not know that for a while, but, from what is recorded in history, she could tell that this lost soul had a connection of some kind to us sea dragons. Maybe she even saw her as a hatchling. So, she brought it to our island. If I remember right it took a few days, but eventually Moon awoke,” Umiriko paused to take a breath before resuming. “As to be expected she was terrified to find herself on a remote island, in the presence of gigantic sea monsters that could easily swallow her whole. But the female dragon who pulled her ashore took pity on her so took her in and cared for her. It’s unclear how, but, over time, they somehow grew close, even more amazing since sea dragon's didn’t have a spoken language then,” Thera gave another amazed look at learning this. “That’s right, in the beginning my kind was illiterate, but this is how at least some of us speak now. You see, over time the lizard girl taught the water dragon who was caring for her her tongue.”
 
 
“So they could eventually understand one another?” Thera asked.
 
 
“Yes, though most of that is glossy at best, nobody knows what their relationship was really like, at least not in full detail.” She gave Thera a smile. “Though I think you and I are a close enough example.”
 
 
Thera smiled, blushing as she closed her eyes in embarrassment at Umiriko's instigation. Were this ancient water dragon and the lizard girl she had saved from the sea really as close as her and Umiriko are now?
 
 
“Though, eventually, they did have to say goodbye.”
 
 
Thera’s eyes flew open at that.
 
 
“What happened?” Thera asked, then her hands flying to her mouth as she had a terrible thought. “Did one of the other water dragon's…?”
 
 
“No no, nothing like that,” Umiriko corrected, shaking her head. “The other dragon's had no reason to hunt Moon. Though somebody else did.”
 
 
“Who?”
 
 
“Her family,” Umiriko said, smiling at Thera’s shocked look. “Yes, despite her being lost at sea, her family found her, against all odds, stumbling upon the island, where she had dwelt with a water dragon.”
 
 
“That's… actually kinda sweet,” Thera said, looking down with a smile. “They braved great peril to save one of their own.”
 
 
“There's actually more to it,” Umiriko continued. “She was not just some random citizen caught in a hurricane. Like I am today, she was an ambassador.”
 
 
“What?” Thera gasped, once again in shock. “Really?”
 
 
“Honest truth,” Umiriko replied. “She was on her way home from a diplomatic mission when the hurricane struck, killing all on board the ship that was lost at sea but her. She was also the daughter of her kingdom's leader. Basically a princess. According to history, Moon was ecstatic to see her own people again, but she was also quite reluctant to just leave.”
 
 
“Did she decide to stay with the water dragons?” Thera asked eagerly, adjusting her grip on Umiriko's ring she still held. “Like I did with you?”
 
 
“Unfortunately, she couldn't,” Umiriko said, shaking her head. “During this time Moon's home was in a state of extreme poverty and she was needed more than ever at this time.”
 
 
“Poverty?” Thera inquired, arching an eyebrow, not understanding the meaning of the word.
 
 
“It means her country was lacking in resources,” Umiriko explained politely.
 
 
“Oh,” Thera said, now understanding. “Moon people were poor.”
 
 
“Yes,” Umiriko continued. “Which was made worse now that they were short one ship and crew. But Moon did not want to leave her savior without rewarding her first. So they agreed that, when she could, Moon would return and visit the island, bringing as much food from the mainland as she could.”
 
 
“Food?” Thera had a look that said she did not understand. “That's all she got for saving the life of a princess?”
 
 
“There is nothing we water dragon's enjoy more,” Umiriko said with a smile, but then had a thought and smiled at Thera affectionately. “Well, except me, I've found something more.” She rubbed Thera’s stomach with her tail, both sharing a loving smile.
 
 
“So where was Moon's home?” Thera asked, eager to get the story back on track. “Since this happened so long ago I’m guessing it was a small village somewhere.”
 
 
“Well, you need look no further, if you want to see what it looks like today,” Umiriko replied coyly, Thera’s eye’s widening in understanding and shock. “The city outside was once the small impoverished village of the one named Moon.”
 
 
“Really?” Thera whispered. “This gigantic city was once a tiny village?”
 
 
“What happens next in the story was what sent Moon and her family soaring, Thera,” Umiriko continued with a smirk. “For there is something found on our island that would later become as rare as we ourselves are.”
 
 
“But you said there were no other living things on your island,” Thera said, frowning.
 
 
“Correct, but living things are not what I meant,” Umiriko's explained. “You see, when Moon left the island she took something as a memento. Something that water dragon's cared little for at the time.”
 
 
Thera sat up a little, eager for more. But Umiriko remained silent, that wide smirk on her face. Thera let out a sigh, realizing what she wanted the zebra to do. “Please, tell me, big lizard Umiriko,” Thera said, flashing the cute doe eyes she knew Umiriko liked.
 
 
“Sorry,” Umiriko said, giggling. “You know how much I like that cute look.”
 
 
Thera just jutted out her bottom lip, her eyes somehow glistened.
 
 
“Alright, alright.” Umiriko stammered, turning her gaze to the ring in Thera’s grip. “She took a stone from the island home with her, but it turned out to be no ordinary stone.”
 
 
“Not an ordinary stone?” inquired Thera
 
 
“Yes, and it's that very stone set in the ring you are holding.” Umiriko gestured to the ring with her nose.
 
 
Thera’s jaw dropped as she brought her attention to the large gem set atop the gold ring. It was the biggest jewel she had ever seen, and now she realized its significance. Of how important it really was.
 
 
“Sapphires,” Thera said in realization, looking back up to Umiriko's face. “Sapphires are found on your island?”
 
 
“While it's true sapphires are indeed coveted, they are abundant around the world,” Umiriko stated, taking a tone that kinda made her sound like a teacher. “Unlike the stone here.”
 
 
At Thera’s confused look Umiriko stated, “That is no sapphire, Thera. It is far more than that.”
 
 
She lifted her head so she could reach a claw out, turning on the lamp on the nightstand and flooding the room with light. “Hold the ring up to the light and turn it in random directions.”
 
 
Looking slightly puzzled, Thera angled the ring so the stone caught the light as Umiriko said. It was still the darkest blue and beautiful. But then she turned it slightly left, and, before her eyes, the gem's color slid from blue to red, almost resembling blood. Thera gasped, tilting the ring right, the stone turning dark emerald green. Thera continued to tilt the ring in the light, getting colors like yellow, purple, even black, all the darkest shade said color could be. Thera was astonished. Like her first encounter with Umiriko, she had never heard of anything like this. “What is it?” Thera asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
 
 
“They are called Living gems,” Umiriko explained. “Rare, wonderful, found nowhere else but my home island.”
 
 
“How does it…?” Thera couldn't finish, she was so amazed by the sight before her.
 
 
“Not too sure,” Umiriko answered, laying back down. “But hold it up to eye level.”
 
 
Thera obeyed, bringing the ring up in front of her face. Before her eyes the stone turned completely transparent, resembling a large diamond. But what really drew her attention was that the now clear color revealed a new characteristic of the stone. There was some form of pattern within the stones' depth. It was hard to fully grasp, but the best Thera could describe it would seem that the facets of the jewel ran down into the very depths of the stone itself. She found herself feeling as if she would be drawn into them if she stared too long.
 
 
“Those lines somehow give Living Gem's their color changing abilities,” Umiriko said, noticing that Thera had seen what she was hoping she would. “Now I suspect you can see why they are so rare.”
 
 
“Yes,” Thera said, still captivated by the jewel. “It's beautiful.”
 
 
“That is what everyone in Moon's day thought to, apparently,” Umiriko said, continuing the story. “History says that when she returned to give the water dragons their promised food she asked for more information on them. But around my home they are as unimportant as any other rock.”
 
 
“Really?” Thera asked, not believing anybody could think so little of something so beautiful.
 
 
“We water dragons are natural gourmets, Thera,” Umiriko said, giving her zebra a gentle wink. “We love food more than anything, something I regret teaching you on such a personal scale not too long ago.”
 
 
“Hey, I’m not upset about that anymore,” Thera reassured. “Besides, we’re talking about this now, remember?”
 
 
“Right,” Umiriko said as Thera gestured to the ring. “So, as I was saying, it wasn’t long until Moon asked for more of them, which, of course the water dragons complied, having no use for the things ourselves, and it was not long till other people heard about these unique stones and sought them out to, and, at first, it seemed that Moon, and her village, had finally found a valuable resource to depend on at last.”
 
 
“So it was this,” Thera said, bringing the ring to her chest again. “These jewels became a valuable source of income for Moon and her people.”
 
 
“Yes,” Umiriko said, laying her head down on her paws once more. “Though it did not happen overnight. It took several months to get things started.”
 
 
“Really?” Thera gasped, looking up from the ring, giving Umiriko a dazed look. “This gem is so beautiful, you would think everyone would want one as soon as word of them got out.”
 
 
“History said that’s what Moon thought at first as well,” Umiriko continued. “Until she discovered they were impossible to shape.”
 
 
“Wait, really?” Thera inquired, looking over the jewels' clearly shaped surface.
 
 
“Yes,” Umiriko said. “Unlike most precious stones, Living Gem's come out of the ground huge, the smallest easily being two-hundred carats at least."
 
 
“That big?” Thera gasped. The store she had bought her dress from sold jewelry as well, and she remembered asking about them. Carats were nothing to take lightly.
 
 
“Well, as you can expect, pretty as one seems, wearing something so big and shapeless wasn’t considered attractive,” Umiriko continued. “And the stone proved impervious even to the method used to shape diamond.”
 
 
“But what of this one?” Thera asked, indicating to the ring again. “It was shaped obviously.”
 
 
“Yes, it was,” Umiriko replied, smiling. “One day, when Moon returned to the island to drop off the scheduled supply of food she had promised, she shared the problem she was having with the gem's she was trading with the water dragon that saved her, having brought the first stone she had found back to the island as a demonstration. It was then that the final piece to Moon's financial puzzle fell into place at last.”
 
 
“How?” Thera asked, eager to hear more.
 
 
“The dragon asked to see the stone,” Umiriko explained, her smirking deepening. “And, before Moon's eyes, she shaped it into a beautiful design with just her bare claws. It was the very stone you now hold in your hands, my dear.”
 
 
“What?” Thera almost shouted, readjusting her grip, for she almost dropped the ring in her surprise. “You mean…?”
 
 
“Yes, that Living Gem is the first to ever be shaped in history,” Umiriko explained.
 
 
“Amazing,” Thera whispered, her awe of the ring she held increasing once more. “And that meant Moon made her fortunate solely because of the water dragons. They can only be found on their island and only they can shape living gems.”
 
 
“Yes, and luckily, Moon was smart about the whole situation,” Umiriko explained, Thera giving her her undivided attention once more. “Rather than rush home with this information she realized this presented a problem.”
 
 
Thera gave her confused look again.
 
 
“Well, think about it,” Umiriko continued, looking at her perplexed zebra. “A beautiful stone, found in only one place in the world, with the one thing that could shape them also only to be found there. What would happen if the location were to become common knowledge?”
 
 
Thera gasped, her mouth dropping in shock and understanding, imagining what the ill hearted people of the world would do if they ever found Umiriko's home.
 
 
“Yes, it would not end well.” Umiriko's tone turned serious. “So Moon did the one thing she knew would keep the water dragons and their island safe. She kept it all a secret, and set up a system that is still in use now. She started by asking one water dragon to accompany her back to the mainland, the very one who saved her from drowning so long ago. She became the first water dragon ambassador, who eventually adopted the name Rose, after Moon's favorite flower."
 
 
Thera looked back to the ring's band, the countless rose branches engraved on its surface. Slowly. Realization dawned in her eyes, tears of adoration forming on her lids. “So this is…?”
 
 
“Yes,” Umiriko brought her head up to look at her long lost legacy held by Thera. “This ring has been the symbol of the water dragon ambassadors for generations, forged by Moon, with the first living gem brought to the mainland as a symbol of the title.”
 
 
Suddenly, Umiriko rolled onto her back, scooping Thera up into her chest. Overcome with resurfaced gratitude, she nuzzled Thera’s brow, tears flowing from her eyes. “And now you have found it, after I lost it so long ago. Thank you.”
 
 
“Your welcome,” Thera said, appreciating Umiriko's gratitude, smiling as she nuzzled back. “But if it's so important, how did it become lost?”
 
 
“Me being a stupid ambassador is how,” Umiriko explained, self mocking in her tone. “You see, Moon first brought a water dragon to the mainland to show those who she would trust with the location of our island what awaited them if they should betray her and seek it out themselves. But over time Rose learned the ways of trade, and when she reached a ripe old age she returned to her island and taught them to others, who would later become known as the rosebud clan, the candidates for future ambassadors.”
 
 
“She only returned after she had grown old?” Thera asked, looking up in shock.
 
 
“Moon loved her so much she eventually begged her to stay,” Umiriko explained. “And Rose loved her in turn, so it fit. History tells us they were very happy together. And it's because of the love they shared that I became what I am today.”
 
 
“An ambassador?” Thera inquired, eager to finally learn what it all meant.
 
 
“Yes,” Umiriko started, serious again. “Thanks to Rose's teaching we change from a warning to those who would seek us out to a negotiator. The exchange for living gems, as well as shaping them, for food is still in place, but the ambassador regulates the fairness of the trade.”
 
 
“So you…?” Thera wasn’t able to continue, she was so awestruck.
 
 
“Yes,” Umiriko looked up at the ceiling. “Since our establishment, water dragon ambassadors have come to the mainland to speak with those that wish for living gems, sworn to extreme secrecy of course. And it was I who wore the ambassador ring this generation, chosen from those of the Rosebud clan.I came here to do my duty to my people, as was expected of me, meeting with nobles and other wealthy parties, utilizing the skills drilled into me by my predecessors, but it was not long after this that I discovered how boring it was to live here in the city, so far from ocean water to fish in. Till I discovered a substitute, at least.”
 
 
“Y...you mean…?”
 
 
“Yes,” Umiriko stated with a shameful nod, cutting off Thera's stammering. “That was when I started my warped hobby of luring people here to my home and feasting on them. And during one of these cruel activities my victim, I don’t really remember who she was, but during the struggle she somehow caused my ring to fly off my claw. I looked for it for weeks, but found no trace of it.”She looked into Thera’s eyes, giving an affectionate smile. “But I guess that’s what I get for trying to substitute fishing with that cruel hobby.” She looked at the zebra in her grasp, giving an embarrassed smile. “It’s been rather unsettling conducting business without it. It's as well known in the trade as the living gems themselves are.”
 
 
Thera could do nothing but stare. It was all so overwhelming, Umiriko was unlike anyone she had ever met. She was someone who had a responsibility Thera could never hope to understand.
 
 
“I hope you understand why I couldn't tell you where my home is, little one,” Umiriko said, a slight worry in her voice. “Secrecy is the soul thing that protects us from intruders.”
 
 
“I know, Umiriko, and I understand,” Thera said, a look of understanding in her eyes. “Something like that must not become common knowledge, even to one little extra individual like me.”
 
 
“Oh, but you're anything but that, Thera,” Umiriko smiled, nuzzling her zebra. “But I hope you also understand why it's not a burden for me to care for you. Living Gem's are extremely valuable so anything you might require of me is of no consequence.”
 
 
“But you said you only trade them for food,” Thera said, not quite over her guilt yet.
 
 
“Yes, but the ambassador is a different case,” Umiriko explained. “My apartment, furniture, or anything else is all complimentary, due to my station. And I promise you, no one, least of all me, will care about what little extra you may need. So please Thera, just let go of those thoughts.” She leaned down to give Thera a quick kiss on the lips. “I did not realize how lonely I was till I met you, and that is more than enough reason for me to take care of you.”
 
 
Thera looked down for a short while. She had already promised Umiriko she would try to resolve her feelings toward her by taking care of her, and if what she heard was true, what Umiriko really needed was her companionship. She still felt guilty, but what could she do about it other than get over it? And Umiriko had already threatened her with being held hostage if she tried to leave. “Very well,” Thera whispered, laying her head to the scaly chest beneath her. “I won’t bring it up ever again.”
 
 
Umiriko smiled and leaned forward, draping her nose over the zebra's back. No more words needed to be said to each other, a content silence filling the room. After some time Thera suddenly sat up and slid off Umiriko's chest to the large mattress beneath them.
 
 
“What is it, little one?” Umiriko asked, concerned why Thera suddenly removed herself from their passionate embrace.
 
 
Thera smiled and held the ring out, “I think it's time to put this back where it belongs.”
 
 
Umiriko returned the smile, holding her left forepaw out. Thera gently slid it onto the middle claw, the ring clicking into place where the claw met scale perfectly. Umiriko held it before her, smiling as she felt the familiar weight of the ring she had not seen for over a decade. Gently, she scooped up her zebra, holding her close to her chest. Both let out a contented sigh as they felt the familiar warmth of each other flow between the embrace, none of them wishing to break it.
 
 
Time stood still for them.
 
 
“Well?” Umiriko whispered, cracking her eyes slightly. “What about you, my little zebra?”
 
 
“Huh?” Was Thera’s only response, too content to even open her eyes.
 
 
“We’ve spent a long time going on about me,” Umiriko said, looking at the alarm clock on the nightstand. “Three hours in fact. But now I want to know about you, little one.”
 
 
Thera finally opened her eyes, gazing up at Umiriko's expecting expression. She knew they had agreed to talk, and, like that morning, she still had no problems sharing with her dragon. But still, there were things in her past that were a little painful to relive.
 
 
“And share every detail, please,” Umiriko said, giving a smile. “I want to know everything there is to know about you, cutie.”
 
 
“Well Umiriko,” Thera quietly said, unsure of how to begin. “My story isn’t as extravagant as yours was.”
 
 
“Makes no difference to me,” Umiriko said reassuringly, leaning down to kiss Thera lightly on the lips. “I still want to know all about you, my precious little zebra.”
 
 
“Very well,” Thera said, taking a deep breath to calm her nerves. “I guess I’ll start from the beginning. Like most zebras I was born in the savanna. It is where I grew up, wandering the plains in herds in this land.”
 
 
Umiriko nodded her head, politely waiting for her pet to continue.
 
 
“And that is what my upbringing was like,” Thera continued, starting with her earliest memories.“Wandering the wilderness, searching for food, water, and evading predators. We barely, if any, have contact with civilized beings.” Thera paused, coming to her first painful memory. “But as I grew from a little fully to adolescence the elder zebras of my herd noticed something,” she shivered as she spoke. “Something that set me apart from the other mares.”
 
 
“Hey,” Umiriko whispered reassuringly, tightening her grip slightly, unnerved by Thera's reactions to her own words. “If it's too painful to remember you don’t have to.”
 
 
“No,” Thera breathed out. “I must do this. It's only fair.”
 
 
“Well, if you're sure,” Umiriko said, not wanting to press the issue. “So what was it about you that was so special, my dear? Other than everything, of course.”
 
 
Thera was about to respond, but halted. There was another way she could do this part, other than just telling it. And this might make it easier for her to get through the tough spots in her story. Plus, the little compliment from her dragon filled her with gratitude, so she felt she deserved a little teasing in turn. “I could tell you,” Thera said, a flirtatious tone in her voice. “But it would be better if I show you.” Umiriko arched her brow in confusion as Thera wormed out of her arms and slid onto the sheets. Then her eyes widened in surprise and lust when her zebra crouched down to all fours, showing off the rounding curves of her supple rump. Umiriko stood still as her eyes focused on the perfect glutes prominently shown before her, powerless to tear her eyes away. “See something you like?” Thera asked, giggling as she shook her rear back and forth slowly and tauntingly. “I see you are gawking.”
 
 
Umiriko pushed herself out of her state of bewilderment with an extreme force of willpower, shaking her head to clear it. Next she became aware of the dampness on her mouth and wiped away the drool with a claw, slightly embarrassed. It never failed to amaze her how much Thera’s rump could captivate her. “It’s very lovely, as always,” Umiriko said, fighting to form coherent words as Thera still had her rump displayed. “But is there a reason behind this glorious show?”
 
 
“You're not the first to notice my rump,” Thera explained, looking down onto her own rear with a sad expression. “As I grew others took notice of how much more plush my derriere was compared to other mares, and it meant one thing.” Thera finally turned over from crouching on all fours and stood up, turning around to look Umiriko in the face. “It meant I had stronger birthing capabilities,” Thera explained, smiling as Umiriko’s attention sharpened now that she wasn’t forced to look at Thera’s rump anymore. “And that's the closest thing we zebras have to an idol, something all zebra mares hope to achieve one day.”
 
 
“Oh really?” Umiriko's curiosity was piqued. “Then how did you come to be here? If you had the envy of every other mare in your herd, why did you leave?”
 
 
“Envy..., yeah,” Thera said, her tone lowering to a slightly depressed tone. “Having a more plush rump meant I could have any stallion in the herd I could want, but there was one thing wrong with that.”
 
 
“What was it, my dear?” Umiriko asked, concerned about Thera’s change in demeanor. “Did something happen?”
 
 
“Something had already happened, long before I reached maturity and got this splendidly formed rear,” Thera said, walking to the edge of the mattress to sit down on said stupendous rear with her legs draped over the edge. “Umiriko, the truth is I hate males. They disgust me. So when I heard they planned to breed me with every stallion in the herd I wasn’t too thrilled.”
 
 
“Breed?” Umiriko gasped, appalled at the word. “Such a vulgar way to put it.”
 
 
“It's how life is where I grew up, Umiriko,” Thera explained, looking ahead but not really seeing anything. “When you're a zebra living in the savanna the only thing that matters is there is safety in numbers. And females like me were necessary to maintain our numbers.”
 
 
“I understand that,” Umiriko said, leaning slightly closer. “But to hear it said….like that, is horrible. Didn’t you tell them that you didn’t want that.”
 
 
“What I wanted never even meant anything to the other members of my herd, having a luxurious rump doesn't give me any influence, just the eye of all the stallions and the envy of every mare,” Thera continued, looking over her shoulder at Umiriko. “Being a top predator yourself, you can’t understand how we prey animals feel, Umiriko. There are things that hunt us in the savanna.”
 
 
“I guess you have a point there,” Umiriko said, for it was true. She had always been the hunter, never having the opportunity to see things from a prey animal's perspective. “So what did you do?”
 
 
“Made an independent choice for the first time in my life,” Thera said, looking ahead. “I wasn’t sure what I wanted from life then, but I did know I didn’t want to be mounted by a male zebra. Even if that meant…leaving behind everything I had ever known.”
 
 
“You ran away?” Umiriko guessed.
 
 
“Not right away,” Thera answered, blinking. “If I did, I wouldn't have lasted long. I was not even fully grown at the time, and the only remote chance a zebra has of surviving in the savanna was safety in numbers, as I said before.”
 
 
“Huh…?” Umiriko mumbled, looking puzzled. Something didn't add up. How did Thera escape before she became…impregnated?
 
 
“I still had at least a month till I was fertile,” Thera said, answering Umiriko's unsaid question. “It left me enough time to put the plan I came up with in motion. I waited till we wandered close to a city.”
 
 
“A city?” Umiriko repeated, confusion in her eyes. “I thought you said zebras didn't travel so close to civilization.”
 
 
“We don't often, but it happens occasionally, but only if given no other choice,” Thera explained. “We had been traveling in search of water and the closest source we had come across in days had a small city built on the shore. I had heard rumors about this city, about how it had a program that took wild animals who wanted to join civilization and integrates them.”
 
 
Umiriko's jaw dropped. She had a good idea what was about to happen, but let Thera continue. This was her tale to tell.
 
 
“I saw my chance and I took it,” Thera said, a slight shiver in her voice. “I waited till it got dark and slipped out to the city while the herd slept.”
 
 
Umiriko nodded, waiting for more.
 
 
“It wasn't difficult to find who I was looking for after that, and they were all too thrilled to have me join,” Thera said, a blissful sigh escaping for the first time, as if recalling her earliest pleasant memories, which, given the circumstances, was probably the case. “The one who ran the program was an elephant named Evan, who also ran a local restaurant.”
 
 
“Whoa,” Umiriko gasped, impressed by the resources it must have taken to accomplish such tasks as this Evan. “She must have had great skills.”
 
 
“Evan was smart, even for an elephant,” Thera said, smiling at her memories. “Her students worked at her restaurant in exchange for lessons, food, lodging, even a little wages were thrown in.”
 
 
“She did all that for her pupils?” Umiriko asked, tilting her head.
 
 
“Yes, she was a generous soul, though I think I may have been her favorite,” Thera said smugly. “As expected, I was a waitress in her restaurant, and you can only imagine how my rump looked in an outfit like that.”
 
 
“Oh, I can just imagine,” Umiriko smirked, imagining how tight her zebra's rear would look squeezed into a waitress skirt. “I’m guessing your rear probably brought in more business.”
 
 
“I had that thought once or twice,” Thera said with a smirk. “I learned so much under Evan’s care... even what I wanted out of life. She was so big, but always looking out for me.”
 
 
“She was the start of your attraction to larger creatures?” Umiriko guessed, though she was sure she was right.
 
 
“Yes,” Thera answered simply. “But she already had a family of her own so I could make no such approach with her. So, when I had civilized myself, and saved enough money, I took the first flight to this city.”
 
 
“Why here though, Thera?” Umiriko asked, having been curious about this for some time but never spoke.
 
 
“I had heard that this city was full of all kinds of creatures, large and small,” Thera said, sighing as she came to one of her more painful memories. “My friends at the integration program warned me of the reputation of this city's larger predators but I wanted to risk it.”
 
 
“Why though?” Umiriko asked, well aware of what this city was known for, as well as the reasons why some people would occasionally go missing. “You could have been killed. Why didn’t you stay home where you were safe?”
 
 
“What was the point if I was not happy?” Thera asked bitterly, looking up with a sad expression. “Evan taught me how to live in the civilized world, but she also taught me what I needed to be happy. That's why I came here, to find someone who I could bond with, someone big, maybe gigantic even, for that is what I was attracted to, and, most importantly, someone who could make me happy.” She stood up and threw herself into Umiriko's chest, “And I am happy here.”
 
 
Umiriko said nothing. She just smiled, and held her zebra close. No words were needed at this moment. Over the course of the next few days Thera’s nethers recovered, hers and Umiriko's lust increasing each day, so it came to no surprise what happened when the zebras were fully healthy ‘down there’ once more.
 
 
“MMGGGHHH...” Thera awoke from her sleep to find herself surrounded by a dampness.
 
 
When she tried to lift her head, her brow gently impacted something solid, producing a wet thud that echoed in this dark, confined space. Blearily feeling around Thera felt something soft beneath her chest and stomach, which seemed to be secreting the dampness surrounding her. The large object recoiled slightly at Thera’s touch, and the next thing she knew something wet and fleshy swiped across her cheek.
 
 
Thera only giggled.
 
 
Slightly more awake, Thera became aware of the hard objects that could only be teeth pressed to her stomach and lower back, but not enough to hurt her, simply to secure her in place. The soft, scaly lips wrapped around the zebra's hips further strengthened this mouth's grip. Her hooves and rear end were free to move, she could feel nothing but open space as she began kicking her legs. Most people would be scared out of their minds to find themselves forced into a large mouth, but Thera’s only reaction was growing excitement.
 
 
“Umiriko?” she asked about the dark wetness around her.
 
 
In response Thera's entire confinement undulated up and down as the large aquatic dragon that held the zebra mare in her mouth nodded in confirmation, Thera grabbing onto the tongue before her for support. Once everything became still again Thera giggled and rubbed her breasts against the tongue beneath her, moaning as the wavy taste buds brushed her nipples. She shivered as her long untouched vulva quivered in anticipation.
 
 
“It’s been so long,” panted Thera, her mind shifting all her willpower to her long unfulfilled lust. “Please, Umiriko… don’t make me wait any longer.” Umiriko giggled around her pet, amused by her impatience. She will comply with her request, but first she wanted to savor the view she had. So long it had been since she had seen Thera’s rear jutting from her drooling lips, she was going to watch the black and white striped posterior for a second, her own arousal growing as Thera’s flailing legs made her rump muscles rippling almost teasingly.Though, why should Umiriko settle for just ogling this prominent rear?
 
 
It was right here, hers for the taking…Thera squeaked in surprise as she felt the palm of Umiriko's claw slide over her rump, feeling each individual scale slide over the coarse fur of her rear. It passed again in the opposite direction, Umiriko virtually ‘petting’ the zebra's bottom. Held in the tight embrace of Umriko’s mouth, Thera could do nothing but intensify the flailing of her legs in response. Not that she minded. She knew how much Umiriko loved to play with her bulbous behind. The long awaited stimulus could wait, for now, Thera was content to just let her dragoness explore her, the gigantic scaly fingers squeeze and massage the rounding muscles of her hindquarters.