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“Ack! AAACHH…!?”
My voice gave out. The Red Dragon was told to stay but… a little detour would be nice and I was hungry! Yet suddenly someone smothered the monster with a cloth until my eyes grew heavy.
Everything went dark.
…
“Something smells good”
The scent made my eyes open, while familiar voices begged me to follow that trail of odor, but the dragon was weighing on my body, making me unable to stand, or do anything for that matter except lay on the grass and stare into the sky, it felt nicer than you'd expect.
“I can't.”
“The Red Dragon. it's…”
It was gone, vanished. No. Shrunk?
“When did it get so small?”
No answers came my way so I moved my body and started crawling. “Well, Now maybe I can make my way over there.”
As I carried my body across the prairie; barely managing to gather the strength to stand, I let out a couple pants and used my arms to support myself.
Once getting up I felt something fall off my back and onto the grass. The dragon! I almost forgot about them. Gently, I picked up the critter, it honestly looked so cute!
‘Though Laios would be disappointed by its size now.’
The memory of my brother struck my mind. It would’ve earned a chuckle if my attention wasn't taken away again by the delicious smell I was following. Using one arm to cradle the tiny beast against my chest, I continued walking again, using the smoke to guide me.
My mouth drooled at the sight of it, atop a table on flattened grass. It was small and dragon-like, though I've never seen one so feathery before.
The air was breezy and quiet, And with no one around I grasped it with both hands and eagerly chomped on it.
“You're drooling too, little guy?” I asked meekly. The tiny dragon beside me looked hungry as well so I gave it a foot.
My mouth chewed thoroughly; Taking my time with the food, starting from the body, then its tail, and next its feet until I was left empty handed.
“What now?” Pouting slightly, I looked around my surroundings. Let's see… grass, more grass, a decently sized rock-
And then under the grass I noticed another trail of scent, more food. The desire grew in me after that small meal I had, I wanted more, I needed more. Slowly reaching for it, the light engulfing me became the light that greeted my eyes when they truly opened.
…
‘I don't recognize that ceiling.’
The strange dream slowly faded from my mind as I took in the new surroundings. A blank expression taking over my freshly awakened face. 'It's nice they put me in bed, whoever did.'
I couldn't quite remember what happened really… We were going to sleep after the party killed the Dragon, then I stood up and went to the. the. the window?
Why would I…
Before I could finish the thought my eyes finally took notice of everything around me, to see if there was anyone around, especially any person I cared about.
Speaking of those people, one of them was right beside me. Marcille! She was laying her head on the bed, the snoring made it clear she fell asleep while watching over me.
‘She’s adorable. heh,’ as I turned my head I saw the familiar face of my brother. He was smiling, his arms crossed as he sat on a chair before he took notice I was awake.
“Falin. You're really awake!” He suddenly hugged me, his embrace soon woke up my closest friend beside me. I reciprocated the hug, letting him rest his head on my shoulder. Ugh… my hands instinctively separated us apart, for my safety.
“Is something wrong?” He asked.
RUN
RUN
“N-no. it's nothing, brother”
STAY AWAY
My head suddenly hurt, what was that? A headache?
“don't tell me… was I asleep for a really long time again?”
I tried diverting my attention somewhere else. It seemed like it's been awhile since my brother saw me so I wondered what happened by now.
“Yeah,” He responded before he was interrupted.
“F- FALIN!”
I felt the bed shift as Marcille jumped and hugged me, bringing her face close to my blushing cheeks.
“I'm so happy, I'm so happy! Thank goodness!” She beamed.
Woah… it got a lot more cramped in here all of a sudden. But also. Warmer I guess, still. I could use some space.
“Does your body feel odd anywhere?” Marcille asked.
Odd? Besides the ringing? I looked at her confused before my brother specified.
“Your legs, for instance.”
“My legs?” I don't remember getting into any accidents on my-
Slowly, I took the blanket off me, revealing a pair of beautiful feather covered legs that I certainly didn't have before.
Marcille spoke apologetically. “Sorry… we ate as much as possible but…”
Laios followed her up, “We couldn't keep from being a little-”
“This is great.”
I bent my knee to admire the new pair of legs more closely. Marcille and Laios hugged me tighter.
“Oh you big idiot!” Marcille sobbed slightly as she squeezed me. My cheeks flushed from being pressed like a sandwich. I was going to ask how this happened but I trust they'll give a good explanation later.
‘Well, time to enjoy my new limbs, wait doesn't this technically make me a beast-wome-?!?’
Overwhelmed and excited, I could almost fall unconscious a second time. The two hugging me were certainly helping that.
“What, are you trying to suffocate her again?” A new yet familiar voice chimed in, though what was that about suffocating?
“Chilchuck!”
I saw a dwarf next to him who I recognized immediately, giving him a hug as we greeted each other.
“Senshi!”
Giving him a hug and a smile, I looked at Laios again, who was smiling at me.
The dragon was so yummy! I never knew I tasted this good! Even Marcille verbally agreed, which she berated everyone for mentioning it to me. But people really should start complimenting how others taste, and I even said so.
Unfortunately, Marcille and Toshiro suffered nosebleeds afterwards; I still haven't gotten a clue as to why.
After the banquet was over, everyone finally had the time to explain what had happened in my absence.
I knew this would be alot to take in.
My hands scratched my head in frustration. I missed out on all of their adventures! Despite that, it was getting late so I headed to bed, with Marcille already falling asleep by my side. She did have another room just for herself but insisted on this. The closed smile on my face shifted to a frown as I could tell how much she'd been missing me.
Closing the curtains, moonlight still finding its way to slip through. My body tensed even in the well warmed room, a dime candle already enough considering the particularly hugaholic Elf by my bedside.
“It's still hard to believe…” I murmured.
Laios was a KING! Though for some reason I couldn't help feeling uneasy, it was probably just me only having recently been unfrosted. Because it can't be the case that I…
That I would-
That I could-
Be afraid of…
Him.
My own Brother.
While trying my hardest just to drift to sleep, I suddenly hear polite but noticeable knocking.
“Come in!”
HIDE
The man gently opened the door, yet an unavoidable creaking was still let through as he entered.
RUN
“Oh, it’s you…”
THUMP
I stomped at my other foot, resisting the urge to flee.
“I-It’s good to see you, brother!” Clearly surprised, I asked him what he was doing here. My head was low as I instinctively avoided sharing a look with him.
“It’s nothing, Falin. I just wanted to check on both of you.” He eyed the sleeping elf. As if checking if the cost was clear.
“Sure,” Nodding hesitantly before adding: “Congrats on becoming king by the way!” with my smile wavering, I cautioned his response. I'm sure politics hasn't been the most enjoyable for him.
“There's something I haven't mentioned to you yet…” He spoke sadly, catching my attention as he began explaining that he had been cursed to have monsters stay away from his vicinity.
My face showed mixed feelings, did it make me afraid of him too?! Since I'm part dragon now? Despite this, I couldn't help but feel relieved. Relieved that It hadn't been my own will that made me fear him.
Puffing my chest, I gave him a thumbs up, “Don't worry, Big Brother! No curse would stop me from being with you!”
His eyes widened for a moment before he started to chuckle, how dare he? After my display of resolve? We both smiled at one another, a sense of reassurance filling the room.
“Uahh Faaaalin~” A light snoring interrupted us.
“Oh, looks like someone really wants me to sleep now huh?” I turned my head to a groaning Marcille, muttering my name while trying her best to drag me down to bed.
“Good night, brother.”
“Good night”
While he made his way out, despite the dire revelation earlier, his face gave the odd impression that he was looking forward to something.
“I guess he's planning something special in the future,” After stretching my arms, I made sure the blanket covered Marcille as well. I bit my lip slightly, even after all of that, I still couldn't look him in the eyes.
DANGER
“I know you're afraid of him, but what are you trying to tell me?” Hopelessly, I asked, figuring it out by now that this was the Red Dragon trying speaking to me.
It had been a few hours into the new day already. Finding myself near the dining room, which came from a part of the dungeon that had risen to the surface.
Sigh
‘That would've been nice to see.’
Focusing on the present; The smell of delicious meat filled the space, So strong in fact that I had smelt it from almost a dozen hallways away.
‘Or that could be a side effect of being part dragon,’ I still wasn't used to it but despite Marcille's concerns, I was aye ok! If not better even; no longer needing to squint my eyes all the time, and physically stronger as well.
“Everyone's already here,” My party members had taken their respective seats, with me quickly following. I could also see Yaad and plenty of others.
RUN
RUN
“What's the meal?” I got curious as I took in the room's smell.
Marcille thankfully chimed in to educate me, “Oh I forgot you were asleep at the time! Before Laios became king, a bunch of monsters appeared, ones that no one’s ever seen before. And this is one of them.”
“We could've kept some, this was the coolest one!” Others seemed to want to tell Laios that that would've been a terrible idea.
“Well I'm still happy to eat this monster, I've never seen anything quite like it, even with a full table you'll still be able to eat for weeks on this from just its size.” Laios said, sounding pleased, his plate already needing a second serving.
I took my fork to the tender meat, my teeth biting it with inhuman ease, despite coming from the same source; being a chimera, each part tasted distinct, goat, snake, and much more.
‘I wonder what it's called.’
“It’s not like it could last long outside with its wounds, and I doubt it could hide for very long. The thing was massive!” Chilchuck said, taking a drink from his cup.
Poor thing; at least I hoped it died a peaceful death. Putting aside the somber feeling, I turned my attention to the food on my plate; lifting the tender meat with a fork, my teeth biting into it with inhuman ease, despite coming from the same source; each part tasted distinct, goat, snake, maybe wolf even. No wonder they thought it might've died by now, considering the array of meat they managed to cut off from it.
Last night felt like a lot, so to see everyone again. even if we already all reunited yesterday It still filled me with relief regardless.
I was worried that I couldn't stomach any food today, but the meal was as delicious as its appearance was appetizing. It seemed Laios's curse didn't affect our bond too much. Feelings of warmth washed over me, as if a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. And found memories of him showing me things he drew in his notes.
My heart beat, my head slowly rising as I finally built up the courage to meet eyes with him and give him a smile, to show him not everything had changed.
…
CREAK
My chair grinded against the floor, startling everyone as I stood up from my seat. Feeling my eyes could almost bulge out.
aaaauuugh- no- no- how could- noo- no o- no o o- RUN!! R U N ! ! !
God… get it out of me. GET IT OUT!!.
“What happened?!” Marcille immediately jumped to approach me, worry taking over her face.
“I'm fine, I just need the bathroom,” I gave her a reassuring look before rushing out of the room, hand cupping my mouth…
Resisting the urge to vomit.
“Wait-!”
Laios held Marcille back.
“Don't worry, I'll talk to her,” He calmed her down and left the now silent dining room.
Inside a castle bathroom, rang uncontrollable weeping, my voice giving out until I could no longer sob.
Hic Hic- agh…
I felt disgusted by it all, to myself, to him.
On the ground there was a bucket. Was it used for cleaning? It doesn't matter. The nausea was getting at me. The truth clawing at my mind, my hands shaking.
Kneeling down, I brought my finger behind my tongue and pressed- Caugh caugh!
BLEGH…!
The meal I just ate came rushing out my throat, for a moment I couldn't even breathe, my consciousness wavering.
Gripping on the bucket tightly, I took a deep breath.
My eyes fell on my warped reflection, casted by the bucket filled with water and chunks of barely digested meat, before I reflexively turned my head back, my whole body stiffening as I felt his presence. The tops of the bucket made a cracking sound as I clutched on them.
“Falin,” a soft voice called me, standing at the door.
R U N
R U N
R U N
R U N
R U N
R U N
R U N
The ringing pierced my ears, breath heaving as I winced, hearing his calm and collected voice try to sooth me.
“Haaaaah…” Giving out a long tired gasp, I stared at him. Tall, with short blond hair and light golden eyes; familiar, yet distinctly uncanny.
He smirked at me, putting a hand on my shoulder, a dark shadow covering his face as if there wasn't a sun at all.
No warmth came from his touch, but one thing kept me still, as I stared at the foreign soul; he was happy, beaming with joy.
“I promised your brother, but oh well.”
He stared blankly at a window, ignoring the approaching steps heading our way.
“Looks like I'll have to cut this short. Playing along was never going last long anyways,” he dismissed.
Screams of terror rang from outside as lanky arms of unimaginable length reached out to gorge themselves, extending from dark tares in the sky with their gluttonous gaze.