Pressures

Astra was impressed. The fact that Fred cared more about their lives than about being called "stupid" was definitely something in his favor, compared to the image she previously had of him.

"Did you come back just to call me 'stupid'?" added Fred.

Astra's heart sank. She had been right about him.

"I'm going to blame that on my dog translation," said Velus, thoughtfully.

"You mean transformation," said Astra, bluntly.

"Same schming."

"I've never seen a dog that calls people 'stupid'," said Fred stupidly.

"No, I mean the fact that I came back. You see, I feel this sense of loyalty to Fred now... it's like... like I owe him something."

"Well, if you live in Suffex, you kind of have to be loyal to me."

"And it's not to make you feel bad," added Astra, "but you do owe Fred your return to human form."

"I know, but this is something that goes beyond that. It's more like, the loyalty to a parent or to the leader of a pack. You know what I'm saying?"

Fred and Astra shook their heads. Velus was at a loss for words. Astra saw more and more that Velus was their only hope.

"If I may suggest something," said Astra, "why don't you try to pay your debt? Maybe you'll get rid of that sensation that you 'owe' Fred like that, and will be able to get back to human civilization."

"I know. But what if I..."

"Fail?" suggested Fred. "Well, you'll probably be dead then, so it's not like it's going to 'haunt you forever'."

"Oh, that's really comforting, Fred!" cried Astra sarcastically at him.

But she stopped, for she heard a strange sound coming from Velus's direction. Turning to him she saw...

1. ...that he was crying!
2. ...that he had run off!
3. ...that the dragon was standing behind him!

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