Ten: Joyous Reunion

They had a damn good rest when they finally got down to the deepest levels of the cave. There was still air here, clean air, which was a surprise to them all, so here they curled up together in the first sort of comfort any of them had felt in ages and then together, they slept like logs. Even when those taking watch switched out, the rest was peaceful and they were all startled by the truth of that comfort. A bond was formed between them as they continued to journey through for the next day, each of them talking more, opening up, learning about what the others knew and becoming resolute in their beliefs.

No matter what, they would always be together and they would not separate for anything! They all swore never to turn against the other, never to fight one another and more importantly… never to let the other be stolen away to live the life of a breeding sow ever again!

As they marched together comfortably, they were soon in luck, as they travelled Shadow was eager to get off Magma’s back and have their chance to walk. Each of them had been surprised, Shadow had been in the pens a long time, they had been especially brutalised for their dark colouring, long legs, long claws and the fact they were so lithe and beautiful. It was clear he was supposed to have been a spy, his manner so slim and sleek he could get anywhere, but the lustful eyes of noble dragons had always been problematic. But as Shadow had gotten off Magma, he’d started moving his legs, wobbling like a newborn and strolled sideways for a while, trying to get his sense of balance back before he’d then straightened up and started smelling the air with a look in his wicked purple eyes that had taken them all by surprise.

“If I didn’t know any better, I’d say there’s a river somewhere below us. I can smell water and I’m sure I can feel it… Hauler, you’re in construction… can you feel it?” Shadow queried as he turned to the bigger dragon, awkwardly falling onto his backside but still keeping himself upright. He looked towards the big male with an excited expression and Spike and the others were all pretty eager. If there was water than there could be cave moss and that means they would all be able to eat something! It was more than a bit of a surprise and also a relief, but Hauler stepped forward to where Shadow sat in a strange alcove of a cave where there were stalactites dripping down but not their corresponding stalagmites and Shadow pointed it out. “If they’re not growing that means the mineral water is going through to somewhere else. I’m sure there’s a river here.”

“Could be… sit back with the others and let me feel and taste the rock. You’d be surprised what you can learn with your tongue.” The big grey male had teased, sticking his tongue out to the others with a smirk of amusement before then bringing his nose beneath the sharp spikes of rock in the ceiling. He licked at them, tasting the water and noticing it came with the familiar tang of minerals that said it flowed down from a mountain. That was useful and Hauler brought his head to the ground beneath, listening in carefully and quite sure that was the low rushing sound of fast water below and his tail wiggled with excitement. Then he licked the floor, there was some mineral build up, not enough to say the ground wasn’t porous and so he gave a soft snort as he looked towards the others with a grin. “Well, it was a miracle we escaped so… let’s hope for another.”

Their eyes were staring towards him in excitement, they could not believe that they might just be about to have some more luck as Hauler began to scratch at the water a little before he then turned to look to Magma. She was surprised and gently let the other dragon down from her back, stepping over to him and awaiting his orders. He tapped and thumped his chin and nose against the ground, feeling and sensing for something until he found the tiniest crack in the rock where there was a dampness and then he looked towards the big dragoness. He made a motion with his head and Magma was grinning, the pair of them reared up on their hind legs and then together, slammed their feet down. The cave almost felt like it rocked and then suddenly, they slammed again, and again until stone gave way with a nasty crack and they had to step aside and let a large gap form, showing how thin the rock layer had been.

“Pure luck it’s been holding our weight thus far… but there’s the river below. Anyone eager for a swim?” Magma chuckled, but there was that familiar ripple of excitement amongst them all that said this was not luck but another of their miracles for the time. As they all could feel themselves eager to drink, the bouncing of Racer showed off how eager they were to go and have a look and so, Dusty was the one to bound over to the hole and stick her head down into the gap. As they looked down into the hole, their tail was wagging and they all felt intensely thirsty as they watched Dusty grip with her hindlegs on the edge of the hole and then slide her body down into it as Magma gave a whimper. “Careful daughter… what if the water’s too strong…”

“I’ll be fine, mother… I should be useful too!” Dusty insisted, clearly tired of running and having to be carried some of the way. As she slid herself right down into the hole with a little hum of fascination as she waggled about on her way down. Magma watched her clamber down in anxiety, watching her slip down into the hole completely and she gave a whine of anxiety. Dusty though slid comfortably down into the hole and was quickly inside another cavern with a low deep creek. It was not fast at all, instead it was certainly comfortable and she slid down into the water for a good splash and then a long, long drink. She then shook her body and turned her head to the side with a bleat of excitement. “Food and water! All of you get down here… there’s also the smell of fresh air!”

“Good work Dusty!” Spike chuckled in delight, feeling shockingly relieved to hear at as even the others gave chuckles of delight and clapped their paws together in joy. Hauler then found himself slipping through the hole, kicking and scratching to make it wider for Magma and then slid down. As he settled down comfortably below, he then gave a chuckle to drink the water too, only to grunt as Wind Blade landed down on top of him with a firm grunt. Both males apologised to each other before then drinking and moving away from the hole. Spike then slid himself down too, beckoning the others to come down carefully too and moving the other two over to where Dusty was already eating up the wonderful moss that was growing on the side of the wall, special moss that their kind could eat that didn’t need light to grow but just access to moving water. It was amusing to see and certainly, Dusty was gorging. “Go ahead, Magma and I will get the others down.”

With that, Wind Blade and Hauler launched over to the moss, surprised to see it decorating the wall and then outwards on to a wide tunnel. For a moment, Wind Blade was about to eat but then he paused, checking about himself carefully before then stepping down the tunnel. As Spike then helped Ripclaw down, he turned to look after Wind Blade but didn’t think to say anything. Instead he watched Wind Blade slowly step onwards and steer around from the moss and on further down the tunnel. Wind Blade sniffed eagerly, the scent of fresh air making his nostrils quiver as he looked towards the passage and the cave that led out. His nostrils quivered even more and he began to follow the scent of the fresh air onwards, his wings starting to lift and flap against his back with growing excitement.

“Found something old warrior?” Spike called out, just helping Shadow down as they wobbled and groaned in relief to be eased into the water. Rainstorm was already splashing around as Thunderclap had joined the others feasting. Magma though was making grunts as she helped the last couple down and was not sure she could even fit in the gap. Spike was not going to let her remain stuck of course, but he was more than a little concerned that Wind Blade seemed to be walking further away from them and he called out softly. “Wind Blade?”

“Spike… come over here… the rest of you help Magma down, this is important!” Wind Blade called out firmly, Spike was surprised and double-checked with the others as Hauler insisted he’d help out. He stepped over and was scraping at the rocks around the hole, trying to see if he could give her a hand. Spike was surprised though as he padded around the cave, spinning around the passages with a look of surprise upon his face before he noticed the big male ahead of him lifting his wings. He trotted right up to Wind Blade’s side and then even his eyes widened.

“I don’t believe it… is that three miracles in a row now?” Spike stated in disbelief, his eyes almost falling out of their sockets as he looked down to a cave entrance that poured water out down a narrow waterfall. It was not the opening into a canyon with a tiny oasis that caught Spike’s attention however, it was the simple fact that there was an encampment below and a flag… a flag that showed the old symbols of the gladiators. As Wind Blade was staring out, they could hear the others pacing behind them with eyes wide and looks of concern but also excitement as Hauler then gave a sudden grunt.

“Wait… I can smell… I can feel… oh by whatever gods blessed us, I can sense that my beloved Digger is down there! Spike, if Digger is there than surely your Boulder is too!” Hauler howled in utter delight, looking as if he were about to cry at the sensation in his heart. Spike turned to him, surprised and noticing the way Hauler seemed to be able to feel something and yet… Spike put his paw to his chest. He could not quite help himself but, as he prodded about his chest he realised that he couldn’t feel anything at all. What if Boulder was dead? Spike was worried… was he numb to him now?

The others all pressed forward, eyes wide and expressions filled with joy as they looked towards Spike for the next order and the red dragon just remained staring. He couldn’t believe it; he really just did not know who he was supposed to respond to this but seeing Tyrant’s mark on the flags he had a little more relief. He then turned to the others with a thoughtful smile, some of them still eating moss.

“Guess we should all go and say hello?”

Digger was looking miserable; he had helped build up the camp and then joined some of the other constructing teams to dig down deep for water. He had been encouraged by them all that he’d get over it, he’d feel more comfortable when he understood that there were plenty of partners out there interested in him and he should not be worried. Digger had been an excellent architect as much as an actual worker, always eager to be involved in the building as well as the design and it had been in this he’d ended up falling for the wide, loading bearing hips of Hauler. He had been attracted for looks at first, but Hauler was good natured even if he was always eager to get involved more than just carrying things and well, it was hard to cope without him. He found himself not having someone warm to cuddle up to at night, someone to give their thoughts on his work and then laugh he shouldn’t expect him to carry any of it, or indeed that way when Digger would carry their food or items, it made Hauler feel comfortable.

Digger had managed to carry on living, he’d found Tyrant’s movement spreading amongst the other working figures and so he was drawn into it too. He’d found purpose in railing against the system that had kidnapped his mate, beaten him into the ground and then threatened to kill him if he ever mentioned it to anyone again. He’d been miserable for a long time, empty, then Boulder had come back to them from nowhere, bloodied, beaten and suffering as he that his bond with his mate had been broken. Digger had figured out what it was without him saying it and finding someone who understood, the pair of them had grown close, but even now as they were clearing rocks aside to go to the trench to help given them more barriers, Digger was feeling more down then usual and Boulder had turned to him with a soft grunt.

“He’s alive you know… even I know that Spike’s alive… you feel it in your heart, don’t you?” Boulder stated firmly, but Digger threw his head upwards suddenly, his ears straining forward and nostrils twitching. Boulder looked at him in confusion, throwing his head up to sniff the air too… only to really sniff the air and strain his neck out over their wall. Digger was as big a dragon as Boulder and just as tall, but their eyes were locked upon the cloud of dust seemingly galloping their way and Boulder gave a soft swear. “I thought we’d taken them out with the bomb ship last night! Guys! Guys! Commander Tyrant! Commander!”

“Wait… Boulder I swear there’s someone screaming… like they’re calling Tyrant’s name?” Digger questioned in anxiety, turning towards the others and then looking around to the other dragons that were gathering, ready to fight. It was obvious that even they could sense something was different about what was hurrying towards them and suddenly there was the loud roar and scream of various names including Hauler and Spike. It made both Digger and Boulder bounce around, suddenly looking excited and eager as Digger called out to the others. “Don’t hurt them… I think… I think they’re Breeders!”

“What? Breeders out here? You can’t be ridiculous…” One of the other dragons scoffed by then the massive form of Tyrant stepped out to them, huge and powerful with spikes naturally growing from his shoulders, huge wings that were hanging folded behind his shoulders like a massive cape. Five great diamond spikes were also natural upon his head but gave him a regal, natural crown. His great face though was ripped up, criss-crossed in hideous pink scars against the blackness and his white muzzle and neck, flicking tongue up against one of the nasty rips on his face as he gave a low bellow of dismay.

“If they are… it would explain the maximum security at that place… we saw many hideous monsters and weapons being kicked there… so there is always the possibility they were keeping the most prized possession there and… and I am responsible for the death of all kept in that facility.” Tyrant spoke with the regret and wisdom and his followers all turned their big heads up to him, looking to him with sorrow but with relief that he would take on the guilt. As they all stared towards them, even Tyrant’s eyes widened in disbelief as he gave a sudden bark of disbelief as he watched them. “Magma and Wind Blade… they’ve been missing for decades!”

“SPIKE!” Boulder couldn’t control himself, he launched himself right over their little ditch and galloped right towards the red dragon that was racing ahead of the other dragons. Spike was faster than all of them, even so weak and the sight of that big blue idiot only made his heart scream in joy! No matter all the hate and the hurtful feelings because of his betrayal, Spike could not stop himself but leap into Boulder’s body, slamming him down onto the ground. Both gave a grunt but then Spike was nuzzling all over Boulder, covering himself in his scent, giving gurgles and growls in delight to be around his mate again as they nuzzled each other and then Boulder grabbed him. Boulder began to gently lick at Spike’s face as his partner licked back at him and they were chuckling in amusement, joyous to see each other again.

The sight of them filled all the dragons with Tyrant with glee, they pulled down the bridge over the ditch and gave soft barking sounds to usher the others in. There were a few healing dragons around that padded towards the opening, eager to take in the wounded and weakened beings that trundled their way across the bridge, leaving Spike and Boulder to race around each other in a circle like children. The other dragons were beckoned in, ushered to gentle places and to water they could drink with ease. Wind Blade and Magma pulled up in front of Tyrant, the huge being bowing to them obediently and then beckoning them to tell him what they had been through. They were relieved to hear his words and the pain and regret he felt for his attack whilst they had been escaping.

As Spike finally collapsed over Boulder’s shoulder in exhaustion and relief, Boulder stood up and carried his mate back in with the others. Spike did not want to cry over the fact he was so happy to see him, if only because he’d felt enough need to cry over his babies earlier. He did not know what had happened to their sons or to the other eggs he’d lain and he held back on crying as he nuzzled into Boulder’s shoulders. He was just happy to be with his partner and happy to see the others were all safe now. Many dragons came up to them, never meeting those Magma had produced and some seeing beings like Shadow and being stunned. Seeing an imperial dragoness was useful too, but Tyrant was approaching her to speak and Spike just relaxed until he found himself staring at Hauler.

The big grey dragon with the brown patch on his body was slowly limping amongst the others; he’d done a lot to carry his companions free and he was smiling happily as he looked amongst familiar faces. The big dragon was smirking as he looked to where Spike and Boulder were, but then he heard a soft little huffing sound of delight and his head snapped around fast. The tall form of Digger with his dark green body and his spiked brows and neck made Hauler give out a shrieking sound of utter delight. Everyone was startled as they watched the two huge dragons that made the earth rock beneath rush at each other. They were giving low rumbling noises in their throats to each other and then met up, snuffling each other’s necks, head-butting each other and biting at their shoulders. They snuffled at each other’s noses, licked each other’s mouths, kissed and then let out booming sounds as they straightened their long necks and pressed their throats together.

Once they had produced that sound it rather startled everyone when Hauler then fell right onto his back, rolling around in front of Digger and then stretching his hind legs apart, then showing off his pussy to Digger. Without even thinking of the crowd, Digger brought his muzzle right to it, his tongue rolling over it hungrily, hearing Hauler give out low and comfortable groaning sounds of pleasure as Digger lounged onto his chest, big strong pillar-like forelegs lounging over his mate’s legs as he continued to slurp, lick and kiss the area. It was enough to make all the other dragons just pause and stare, not sure if they should look away when this had been something that was supposed to be so private and hidden. Tyrant though smiled as he turned to look towards his followers and gave a low rumble.

“Don’t worry, what we’re fighting for includes this… the fact Digger and his mate can be together freely in public without his mate being dragged away to lay eggs to strangers. We don’t shirk about other beings mating in public, so don’t worry about it now…” Tyrant stated firmly and the other dragons were nodding their heads, used to seeing other dragons mate but not used to seeing the bonding going on here. Spike was watching in fascination along with the other former Breeders, watching two mates reunite that had been pulled apart without betrayal and had still been so in love they’d immediately gone into their bonding process. Spike was even ashamed; he and Boulder had marked but they’d never really gone through the entire bonding dance as these beings were.

Hauler’s legs seemed to slap around, his cock now erect and hanging down over the top of his pussy, standing up and spreading his legs. He lifted his tail right up, presenting fully to his partner and giving low grumbling, rumbling sounds in total delight for Digger to claim him. It was clear the pair would engage not only in a knot but that Digger was going to spray Hauler and re-mark him. It might have been embarrassing in any other situation but, for the fact that they were all a little relieved and even happy to see that two of their companions were reunited and their bond was returning. Spike found himself even a little aroused watching as Digger straightened up to show off his huge cock hanging down and pulsing, dribbling with his arousal and pure delight to reassert himself.

Digger was not a small one either, Boulder’s was thicker but it was quite long and Spike found himself even a little aroused to see it. Even Wind Blade who was trying to seem stoic found himself watching the situation, even Magma’s young were watching, having never once seen two mates together and utterly intrigued to learn what happened. But as Hauler was swinging his wide hips about, his body would dip down, his tail slapping hard against the ground then lifting right up, showing off how rather wider and welcoming his pussy was for his mate and the scent coming from him was starting to make everyone’s noses twitch in delight. Digger though was curiously more dignified than his younger mate, putting one of his huge paws up onto Hauler’s hips and making his partner bend right down, panting and rumbling in his growing fervour, Hauler’s own fat cock slapping up against his wide belly as he could hardly help how joyful he felt.

Digger then hoisted himself up onto his mate, letting Hauler whine in happiness at the feel of the familiar even if crushing weight. Then Digger shuffled his back legs into position, his long cock stretching out and slapping, feeling for the wet lips of the vent that were dribbling juice down onto the floor. As soon as he found the warm spot, he gave a low rumbling sound of utter delight as his cock was pushed in deeply into Hauler’s form, spilling more of the honey everywhere as Hauler gave a whine and then sudden came. Digger gave a howl of pleasure as Hauler whined in happiness, his tongue lolling from his mouth as his cock spurt a puddle beneath that was joined by the thick, creamy fluids from his pussy starting to trickle down around Digger’s cock. The feel of this cream tingled and made Digger’s cock throb even more as he wrapped his forelegs around his mate.

“I’ve missed you so much, I love you Hauler.” Digger crooned into his younger mate’s ears as Hauler whined in his happiness. The big green drake then began the steady, rhythmic shunting of his hips, grunting softly through his nose but showing a great deal of poise and control as his cock dove in then dragged out. Each movement brought more of the creamy froth to the stretching pussy lips, making Hauler whine and make strange vibrating rumbles of ecstasy as he felt his mate’s form reaching right up to the lip of his womb, swelling thicker and thicker with each motion. The slapping sound and wet squelches was making every dragon around flush and shiver with excitement as they continued to watch as Digger’s cock swelled up, going in bigger and bigger each time before it finally locked. Both of them gave sharper whines, a mix of pain but also of delight, steadily Digger’s cock began to pump pools of seed into his mate, the knot like a balloon inside, slowly deflating and the sensation of pressure decreasing and the gorgeously delicious seed sloshing inside making Hauler’s body squeeze, pinch, pulse and then tighten as he gave a whine and came again with another splash onto the floor.

Digger bent his head, panting and bobbing his head with his hips still grinding to help his cum squeeze out more, the edges of the pussy getting wet and creamy with each slight motion, his seed starting to dribble down with the juices form his mate. Both of them whined and groaned softly to each other, Hauler lifting his head up as Digger would bend down to kiss him, both of them lapping and groaning in delight at one another. Despite the fact the knot could normally last quite a while, Digger seemed to shrink quicker and then pulled himself out, gently wrapping his forelegs about Hauler and rolling him onto his back. Hauler was then wheezing in delight as his pussy was belching with his mate’s cum and Hauler than gently sprayed a mix of his remaining seed, his personal scent and something wetter upon his mate’s lower regions, marking him, bonding him as he then bent his head down so they could both bite into each other’s shoulders gently to confirm the bond.

It was a curious adorable scene to witness and made Spike hold at his chest, only to find Boulder’s head pressing into him, nuzzling against him lovingly and Spike looked up at him. There was sorrow in Boulder’s eyes and Spike was sure he regretted everything and the worst was now behind them. They were going to have to fight to reform everything, but at least Tyrant realised how important it was that the breeders could choose their mates… because the loyalty their young could produce for him would be beyond anything anyone else could hope for!