Treasure hunting

Aiko climbed down the canyon wall, trying to get to the bottom. She had found a few jewels and gems along the way, but was hoping for some big money-bringers at the bottom. "Wish I could get to the Dragon Caves. Those Dragons always take the best jewels, gold...man, I could get rich if I stole a few things here and there from them." she mumbled to herself.

Mallikai was bored, and had wandered for days in search of something to do.
His search brought him to this desert.

Aiko reached the bottom, and started digging up some jewels. She got one out and studied it. "Hm...not too much, but however much I can carry will get me some good money. Then I can get to the dragons!"

He landed, eyes catching on a figure near the canyon edge. He walked for a few seconds, and stopped, watching intently. Looked like she was digging up gems and stuff. That piqued his interest.

Aiko flicked her ears. She quick put what she had in her pockets and turned into a fox, growling at the figure.

Mallikai stayed in his place, easily dawrfing the fox demon. "Hello," he said, moving closer until he was about ten feet away from it.

Aiko kept growling. She barked angrily.

He snorted, a puff of smoke blowing from his nostrils. "I'm not gonna hurt you, if that's what you're thinking."

Aiko didn't stop. She barked a few more times. He's probably here to take my treasure...she thought.

"I was just seeing what you were diong, and besides, you were pretty close to that ledge. Y'coulda fallen." he glanced past her, at the rocks and earth lining the edge of the cliff. "I can help you find more treasures," he offered, shifting his wings.

Aiko transformed back. "Back off, I can take care of myself. This is my treasure. You dragons are all the same anyway, you'd take some for yourself. Little treasure hoarders."

"You know nothing of dragons, then, if that's what you believe." he snapped. "I just offered to help." he lashed his tail. "You'd find more treasures faster if I were to help."

"Dragons hoard treasures. Shiny objects. I raided a cave once. I made a lot of money after I sold what I could carry." Aiko said, getting a few more gems. "Besides, you're not human-sized, so you can't help me. I may be taller than some humans, but you're too big. I don't wanting you breaking my gems."

"I'd just tell you where they are," he said. "The biggest ones, too. But," he turned around, unfolding his wngs. "if you don't want me too, I won't help."

Aiko sighed. "Are the big ones worth something? I'd pay you or something in return if you dig it up and help me get it into a town. What do you want in return, Jewel Hoarder?"

"Nothing is fine."

"You are different. Too soft, too...not greedy." Aiko said. She walked around the dragon, studying him. "You're not part human are you? Can you turn into a human? I saw a Dragon do it once...too bad I had to kill him."

"I'm a pureblood dragon." he said, an edge of anger in his voice. "Not all dragons are greedy and mean, like in stories, you know."

"I never said mean, I said greedy and treasure-hoarding. Now, answer the other question? Can you turn into a human?" Aiko said, stuffing more jewels in her many pouches on her belt and shorts.

"No." he said pointedly, his friendly mood dissapearing with each word this demon spoke.

Aiko shrugged. "Pity. Those Dragons always turn out cute, and my 'friend' knows how to do it."

"Look, do you want me to help you or not?" he dug his claws into the ground. "I've been away from my home for weeks and want to go back."

"Fine! But listening to my friend will be considered payment." Aiko said, getting back to getting gems.

A black shadow watched the creatures curiously, looking up at the world of heat. It growled softly, too low for most to hear before sending a message. A large creature landed silently behind Aiko, his mind humming. Darcia raised his claws and gave a growl of laughter. "You speak illy of dragons that steal tresure, yet that is exactly what you are doing now." He gave a yawn and Hige sped back into his master's body, unable to even enter his mind now. "Back away from my tresure or die."

OOC: He being controlled =D

Aiko growled. "Hey, I do it to live, they just keep it for nothing. Hey Dragon, get them and I'll let you have more of a prize." She laughed and turned into a big fox again.