"You mean disrespectful, I think. For other kings, your mommy would be right, but Maxxus is different. You'll see. I'm Josie. Can I help you up into the hovercraft? I promise to go fast and make you feel like you're flying, if you promise to hold on tight."
"Yes, please," the girl replied politely.
"Maxxus was right. I can do this, one day at a time," Josie said to herself.
Maxxus
Maxxus was acutely aware of every move Josie made. He knew she was nervous about her new position, yet he could also tell she was using her stubborn determination to push through that nervousness. She was handling the children well despite her inexperience. The little girl she was lifting into the hovercraft and handing a cookie from her own supply from Earth was looking at her with a worshipful expression. Good; these children were meeting their king and queen for the first time, the only ones they knew, and they were learning quickly not to fear them. His and Acer's father had gloried in being feared. It made him seem more powerful, and set him apart from his people. Acer had changed that. He was respected, yet never feared. Once upon a time, Maxxus had wanted to rule like his father. No more. Experiencing the job for himself gave him a different perspective, possibly enhanced by the dramatic situation Talonia was in. Sure, he wanted to be respected and valued, but he also craved the love of his people.
Josie left with the first group, and his body yearned to follow. However, his duty was to care for the little ones left behind. They were frightened, even more so when they realized their parents were transforming and meant to leave. Maxxus gathered them near the fire and was about to tell them a story, one his grandmother had told him when he was very small and could not sleep. He was stopped by a scream. It was coming from one of the older children, an adolescent boy who was caring for an infant. His body was shimmering, and the baby was crying as the boy shook it. Rushing forward, Maxxus took the infant from him and passed it over to another child. The mass exodus of the adults had triggered the boy's first transformation, and he was terrified. He required guidance to get through it, or the pain would be unbearable. He also needed to get away from the others, or they would be crushed.
He dragged the boy behind him, pretending not to hear his screams or he would join in. He was out of his depth with this. Parents or older siblings usually explained the change long before it happened. Then, they were there as mentors to see it through. Acer had been there for him. He had never imagined being in this position. "Get it together," Maxxus told himself. "This is not about you. The boy needs help, so give it to him."
Taking a deep breath, he dropped the boy's hand. "Slow your breathing," he commanded. "Everything will be fine in a minute. Breathing too fast will worsen the pain. This is good. It means you are becoming a man. Let your body take over. It knows what to do. I know it seems you are losing control, but your mind is still there. You are the same person, just in different form. See the scales forming. They are burnt orange, like your eyes. You are doing well. The next step will sting as your wings break out. Now, you will feel your face elongate. It is your snout. I have to back up because you are growing, but I promise I will not leave you. The pain should be lessening. It is almost over. Here are your claws. You did it! Stand still and get accustomed to the difference. You will revert to a man's form shortly. The first transformation lasts only minutes, so do not attempt to fly. Transforming in midair would be disastrous. I know you can understand me, just do not try to speak. That takes time and practice to learn."
Maxxus was shaking, and his throat was raw from the continuous talking. Even in the cold air, he was dripping with perspiration. Slowly, the boy returned as the dragon calmed. He stumbled with fatigue and Maxxus was there to catch him. His slim body collapsed, and Maxxus carried him back to the fire.
All eyes were on him, waiting for guidance. The infant was still crying in the arms of a girl not much bigger than it. Overwhelmed, Maxxus tried to hide his discomfort as he reluctantly received the baby. To his surprise, it ceased its tears when laid against his warm chest.
"You said you would tell us a story," one of the children reminded him. They were far less affected by what had just occurred than he was. Where was Josie? He really needed her right now. He certainly did not feel like a king.
"I did say that, did I not? How about I tell you a story about a dragon who lost his wings? Have you ever heard of such a thing?"
Heads shook, and eyes grew wide as they replied, "No, sir."
He found the words to keep them entertained until help arrived.
