We spent some time talking with Kira, explaining my ideas and goals. Eventually she agreed to work with me. I was not sure if she truly believed in my vision for Iron Rock but I assured her that I would protect innocent dragons from hunters.

I also explained the train and she was intrigued by the concept, just unhappy about mortals being involved. I offered to show her the project and we stood up.

"You know, you can take your dragonkin shape if you want to, if that is more comfortable. You don't have to pretend to be human." I pointed out.

"How would the people react if they knew I had deceived them? I wrote a few books trying to keep their knowledge limited." Kira admitted.

"How did you do that?" Lucy asked.

"My theories and explanations were purposefully flawed. They worked to an extent but led them down a path that led nowhere." Kira replied.

"You know, the demons have done similar things. Although they usually spread flawed knowledge about summoning and binding demons. So the demons can get the upper hand in the long run." I mused.

"I am not too surprised. What about fey, what knowledge are you spreading?" Kira asked.

"Uh, no idea. I have not done anything like that myself." I said.

Kira looked sceptical.

"But don't be afraid to be yourself and admit that you are a dragon. We have demons in our ranks and enough power that no one will make a fuss." I told her.

She seemed to ponder that for a moment, then she changed. Two horns grew on top of her head. They were black with purple tips. A scaly tail emerged at her back. Apparently her robe was magical and formed and shifted to accommodate it. A few scales formed on her forehead as well. Her scales were turquoise with purple edges.

Kira stretched. "Much better." She said,

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"How good are dragons when it comes to shapeshifting?" I wondered.

"Not as great as succubi. We have a dragonkin form and a more human one. Well, actually some have an elven or dwarven form. We have never figured out why that is. We can't make any real changes to it. Maybe it's all a whim of the gods?" Kira shrugged.

It was curious though. Maybe they were ancient dragons and today's dragons were simply offspring with other mortal races? Maybe that was why certain dragons did not reach the aura stage? But I was not here to research the origin of dragons, I was here to build a train!

Introducing Kira to the team was slightly awkward.

"Team train, this is Kira. She is a storm dragon and has agreed to work with me." I introduced her.

"Herbert, I apologize for misleading you about the runes. I simply tried to keep that knowledge out of mortal hands."

Herbert was standing there with wide eyes and an open mouth.

"Storm, eh? I have heard they have a bit of a temper. At least they are not as lazy as earth dragons." Hans said.

"Lady dragon, it is an honor." Adva greeted her.

"Please don't eat me!" Arianne squeaked.

Kira snorted. "I am not eating any humans."

"How come people don't ask me not to eat them?" Lucy wondered.

"You are fluffy, she is scaly. People are less afraid of fluffy." I explained. "Also, they haven't seen you, or any kitsune, in combat. They don't know how much you like to eat your prey."

"Eating what you hunt is natural." Kira added.

"Yes! See, she gets it." Lucy pointed at Kira.

"I admit that a lot of monsters are tasty but I prefer them properly prepared." I replied.

"Sure. A good chef can do wonders but a snack while hunting is nice. You need to use your panther form more often." Lucy said.

"A dragon…" Herbert mumbled.

"What we need is a travelling chef. Actually, Lily has become quite decent at cooking. Maybe we should have brought her after all…" I mused. "Eh, we are getting sidetracked. We want to finish this prototype!"

Herbert was still processing the situation and Arianne was really nervous. No idea why she thought a dragon was a big deal, she was working for an archfey and a kitsune after all. Maybe she had some history with dragons?

"Arianne, are you alright?" I asked.

"Dragons are scary…" She admitted.

Kira snorted. "I am a fly compared to your boss."

Arianne looked at me with wide eyes. I decided to give her and Herbert a break. Kira and myself could do their job anyway. We worked with Adva and Hans to finish the prototype.

As we were done working I found Lucy lounging on the floor in her fox form. Somehow Arianne and Herbert had calmed down and dozed off. They were leaning against Lucy's fluffy body.

"Mortals are curious creatures. They fear me yet drop their guard because a creature has fur." Kira observed.

"Fluffiness is a powerful tool." I agreed.

They woke up as we approached. Lucy yawned, showing her impressive teeth. Yet they did not show fear.

"I needed that." Arianne said.

"Yes, thank you for allowing us to rest here, Lucy." Herbert added.

Lucy stretched. "It's fine. So, how about that thing? Can we try it? I hear it goes fast." Lucy's tails were wagging.

"Oh yes, I think it's time for a test drive. I hear they have finished the first part of the tracks." I replied with a smile.

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