I Was a Dragon, Once

Divine Youth Xane vanished once more after the war. All that remained afterwards was the odd anecdote of an eccentric shapeshifter. Affiliated with Citta Alveare Unit Item Trade Talk

[mirrorrshard]

Good- she had him smiling. Merrill liked it when she could get others to smile… It made her feel like she had some sort of purpose, even if it was a tiny one.

Not knowing how to react to the flirt, she chose to ignore it for now, instead moving on to the rest of his words.

“Oh, really? That’s a shame. I just got here, and I guess I hoped things would be different…” she paused, looking pensive. “Um, are you an elf, too? Or something else that has pointy ears? You, you don’t have to answer if you don’t want to. I’m just curious.”

[freelancechameleon]

“Yeah, can’t say I didn’t think th’ same, but, nah, almost as bad as back home. Just how things are, I guess. After 1700 years o’ life, I guess I’m just kinda used to it.” He’d never quite been naive enough to truly believe things might be different, jaded as he was, but he’d damn well hoped that maybe, just maybe... but it hadn’t been all that different at all. So he just did his best to last from day to day, and savoured the days when he met those like him. Like this one.

“... I still don’t know what that means. People keep callin’ me that, but I still ain’t got no clue what an ‘elf’ is. The point is, no, I’m prob’ly not one. I’m what you call a Manakete, or dragonkin, if’n you prefer.”

[sweetsilver-blog1]

“ooooooooohhh– sorry, haha my bad fer assumin’!” he’s pretty excitable, forgive him.

“aaahuhhhh– well depends on your definition of modern, some people i’ve met have different points in time i guess, but thats weird askin’? yknow like– hi my names peter i’m from a time where we have moving cars and flying cars called planes what time are you from– don’t it??”

[freelancechameleon]

“Hi, my name’s Xane, I’m from a time where we hit people with swords and get around on horseback, what time are you from?”

He let out a cheerful laugh.

“Yeah, does sound pretty silly, I gotta say. Ah, never mind. Peter, y’said yer name was? Pleased to meet’cha.”

[freelancechameleon]

Citizen -> Noble

... And it only took more than a year.

i... kind of meant I wanted the effects powered up, not how often it can be used... But, hey, this is good too.

[sweetsilver-blog1]

“wwwwwwwwwhhhaaaatttt–?! never had a milkshake? or a burger? soda? oh come on dude never had a soda? cherry? vanilla? vanilla coke or the ultimate god among men– dr pepper? where have you been?! under a rock? nah, nah, show me this place and ill gladly spend all the money i have on me right now we gotta get you exposed!”

[freelancechameleon]

“Whoah there!” Excitable guy, huh?

“Didn’t say I ain’t never had that stuff before, just that we ain’t got that kind of stuff back home. One a’ the wonders of this ‘modern’ age, I guess.”

[freelancechameleon]

The ratio of characters I wanna app versus time and effort I have to spare on RP is getting way out of hand...

[foolhardied]

     The bag is lifted and Nowi’s eyes widen with hope as if witnessing the birth of the covenant.

     “YES!! Yes, yes, YES! I do!” Wings expand and her feet tap to the pavement in some strange little dance, like a dog awaiting its dinner.

     But it stops as soon as he continues. “…But I like being a dragon – you’re the little one right now, you know.”

[freelancechameleon]

“Littler’n you I may be, but I still bet I’m older’n you.” Going by nothing but voice, of course. It was a tad harder to judge the age of a manakete in dragon form than in human-like form - or maybe Xane had merely lost that skill over the centuries.

“So I think I know better’n a chit like you whether it’s a good idea to stay in that form too long. Much of a shame as ‘tis, we ain’t the dragons of yore. If you stick like that too long ye’ll just hurt yourself - or somethin’ a sight worse.”

Xane clicked his tongue and wagged his index finger - the one on the same hand holding the bag.

“And anyways, I’m not givin’ these to you if you don’t shift back.” Because of course that form had much funnier facial expressions, which was really the main thing here.

[mirrorrshard]

A disappointment…? No, she didn’t think so. Everything in this city was so unique and unexpected, it was fairly impossible to be disappointed, at least she thought.

“Goodness, no! Don’t be ridiculous. How can something as impressive as shapeshifting ever be disappointing? That’s like saying that chocolate is disappointing. Or puppies.”

She paused, then began to step towards the other. “Um, sorry about that though. I didn’t see you there. Actually, what are you doing around here, anyways? Pretending to be me? I don’t suggest it, really. I’m not that much fun to be. Trust me, I have experience.

[freelancechameleon]

“... Y’know, I’ve never gotten on with dogs.” Xane noted. Because, clearly, the comparison to puppies was the most important part of that statement.

The fact that he was for once being appreciated for the wondrous marvel he felt he was had him beaming, though.

The next question caused the smile to briefly fade, only to be replaced by an even more impish grin.

“Call it a habit of mine. i’m a bit of a faulkner, see, Playing tricks on people is my idea of a good time. And, bein’ a shapeshifer an’ all, I’ve got what you might call a natural advantage when it comes to foolin’ gulls, so I take ev’ry chance I get!. Er, not to imply you’re a dupe or anythin’!” He hastily added.

“Besides, I can’t think bein’ someone as good-lookin’ as you could be all that bad, eh?” A desolate sigh, “well, then again, one thing I’ve learned here, there don;t seem to be many a world where ears like ours earn too many friends.”

[sweetsilver-blog1]

“so you know a place where a guy can get a quick bite? preferably like burgers, chips, soda, ooo– maybe a milkshake- you like milkshakes? i think theyre really great especially strawberry with the cherry on top.”

[freelancechameleon]

“Nice hair.”

“Uh, ‘nyway, yeah, I can think of a couple o’ places that sound like that. ‘Course, I’m maybe not an expert on that kinda thing - didn’t even know most of that stuff existed before I ended up here.”

[aibsolutely-deactivated20160814]

Sure she knew some words wouldn’t just make him trust her fully. However it was a start, and that was all that she could ask. “ Ah, I see… well would you mind if we came with you then?” If she could help out then that was good, and it could be a way to make sure he got his eye dealt with.

“ Well it does seem that way… Well from what i’ve heard anyway.. seeing as we’ve only been here a couple days. Also my name is Ami, and this is  Terriermon.”

[freelancechameleon]

“Wouldn’t have mentioned it if I was just gonna send you off to find it on your own. would I?” Xane laughed.

“Pleased to meet’cha! Name’s Xane.” He was going to keep his species under wraps, just for the moment, Xane decided. Mistrust for humans was ever his first instinct.

He extended a hand to shake.

[atonings]

        bold all the types of pokémon your muse is most likely to have on their team!

        normal | fire | water | electric | grass | ice | fighting | poison | ground | flying | psychic | bug | rock | ghost | dragon | dark | steel | fairy | 

[mirrorrshard]

She watched the other with an open mouth as their entire body changed from an exact copy of her to a young man. Merrill had heard rumors of shapeshifting magic, but to think it was real… Wow.

At least the other hadn’t been harmed. Though she was rather surprised that his clothes had remained completely un-singed… It must’ve been some sort of magic spell. Ordinary cloth could not escape from a magic fire.

“I don’t know- that fancy shapeshifting looked like magic to me.” she replied as she picked up her staff from the ground. “I’ve never met anyone before who could do that. How do you do it, anyways? Mighty impressive.”

[freelancechameleon]

Xane picked himself up off the ground and dusted himself off. Not that it was particularly necessary - all the dirt and cinders had been on the false clothes he’d shapeshifted, and had fallen away when he’d reverted to normal. It still hurt a little, though, since he couldn’t just shapeshift away wounds like that, but if all it took to take him down was a little fire, he’d have been dead a long time ago.

“Well,” he chuckled, “it does seem like it, don’t it? An’ I don’t know, it might be magic, but I wouldn’t know. Dunno how it works, dunno how I got it. I was born with it, and I’ve always known how to do it. Just how it is!”

“Sorry if that’s a bit of a disappointment for ya.”

[aibsolutely-deactivated20160814]

Of course the other wouldn’t be so keen on her help. The people who did this obviously did it because off him being different. Well she couldn’t help but frown. 

“I know it’s not my place to say.. but even if people hurt others for being different there’s always people who will want to help.. It hurts to see what’s going on… I want to help even with the little things.. “ There’s a good chance that she’d  try to help the other even with the others caution. 

[freelancechameleon]

A small smile.

It was good to be reminded that there were a few good hearts among mankind. Of course, the rather immediate trust Xane had for this girl had something to do with her little non-human companion...

“You’re a good kid. Well, if y’all really wanna help... I was just on my way to work, anyway. Bar called Beasties. We’re offering shelter an’ food an’ all to non-humans until this all blows over. If you wanna help, that’d be a good place to start.”

“This place sure went to hell in a handbasket fast, huh? Not that that’s particularly new.”

[ca-beasties]

Attention: All those in need.

In light of recent events, Beasties will discontinue normal business hours and will now operate as a 24-hour shelter for non-humans and other individuals who feel as though they require safety and other housing options until further notice.

What This Means: If you feel unsafe in your home or while traveling in the city, you are more than welcome to utilize our facilities to rest, get food, and acquire other services as needed.

What We Will Offer: Basic necessities (e.g. food, water, beds) will be open to anyone who comes through our doors. We are planning to offer companion services so that those who feel the need to travel in the company of others to and from other locations for safety purposes can find a central hub of dependable individuals to choose from.

What We Need: We do not expect anything from the community. This is a service we will provide to you. However, if you should so choose, we will happily accept any and all donations of food, water, and bedding supplies to help those who need it. We are also now accepting volunteer cooks, companions, and security personnel who wish to help our cause. If you are interested, please contact us with your name, housing, and position you wish to apply for. We thank you in advance for your assistance and kindness.

We at Beasties are proud to continue to serve the non-human community.

Please remember: You are not alone.

– Bunji Waterfield Owner, Beasties

[aibsolutely-deactivated20160814]

All this happened so fast, She had just arrived in the city yet so much was happening already. It did remind her of home..with people and digimon.. She wanted to help people, so when she noticed the others eye she couldn’t turn a blind eye. “ Oh my, that looks really bad. You should put some ice on it. Let’s go get some.” 

“ Well it might not by ice, but you’re free to use one of my ears as something soft if that might help.”

[freelancechameleon]

Xane recoiled reflexively. After something what had just happened, he was more than a little wary.

“Nah. No thanks. It’s fine. I’ll be fine on my ow-’

He blinked, and gave a confused glance at the little creature offering its ears as a salve - and interrupting him in the process. Then he shrugged, because, well, by his standards, that was pretty much normal.

“... Yeah, I’ll pass on that too. Really. i’ll be fine on my own.”

[foolhardied]

@freelancechameleon

     You’ll find a dog sniffing at your hands, your pockets – alas, looking down would reveal there’s no dog, but a dragon snuffling around.

     "I smell a snack… it smells good… what is it!?“

[freelancechameleon]

... That was sure not what Xane had been expecting when he looked down. Though maybe it should have been; he had felt the presence of another of his kind, however dully.

Bemusedly, he lifted a brown paper bag out of his back pocket - leftovers from a prank he’d never quite gotten around to: Oreos with the cream filling replaced with toothpaste.

“Just these. Want one? ... Though, uh, maybe you should transform back first, little miss dragon.”

[mirrorrshard]

@freelancechameleon

Alright, next step in Merrill’s acclimatization to Hive City- figure out exactly what she can and can’t do. Starting with magic, of course.

Her connection to the fade was painfully weak, so she had decided that experimenting with how much she could still accomplish was an important step forwards. She’d tried casting with the wooden staff she’d been given at first, but the strange feeling of a new weapon could only make things worse. Next, the classics- a Dalish spell meant to summon vines to protect the user. Still no dice.

But- aha! A spark! As the flames spread from the tips of her fingers, Merrill broke out into a wide grin. She could still do something! Even if it was the simplest of spells! She felt almost like jumping for joy, but settled instead for flinging her arms into the air and giving a loud whoop, causing the summoned fireballs to scatter around her.

“Oh- oh creators. When did you get there?” she’d thought she was alone in this place, so that any accidents would be rather harmless. “I didn’t hurt you, did I?”

[freelancechameleon]

Well-

That summarily ruined Xane’s plans. So much for element of surprise, now he was laid out on his back on the burnt ground. At least the fireballs hadn’t also ruined his clothes, for one particular reason...

“Yeah, yeah, I’m dandy.” The cheery, lilting voice did not quite match the visage. For one thing, the voice was clearly male, while the body was... not.

The false facade of the same mage he’d been approaching vanished in glowing purple light, and the real Xane became visible - irrepressible and ever-present mischevious grin and all.

“So, uh, mage, are ya?” He ventured as he pushed himself up into a sitting position, “never really had th’ patience t’ learn magic, myself. Coulda if I wanted, had a lotta potential, but I figured it don’t suit a guy like me.”

He snapped a finger, and small cloud of frost formed above his hand, quickly disappearing in the warmth of the spring air.

“See? That’s about all I can do.”

[scorchedseer-blog]

Chirinide was rather surprised by the bitterness of his tone. She had not meant to be offensive, but she’d long since come to realize that she often did so by accident. It was part of growing up in a very different society than the others around it. Even among the drow, the drowussu were different.

“You assume my views come from being a noble? I would argue that doesn’t apply, but it’s become clear I irritated you somehow. I will let the subject lie, but leave this. Is it really so strange to expect other worlds to be like yours, and to be unable to imagine a situation that you have never lived through and could never exist in your home world before it is brought up as a possibility?”

She wouldn’t bother to explain the things he couldn’t know, what it meant to be born a Kyorl or the fact she wasn’t born into the clan. These were things she would keep to herself. Assumptions of her being spoiled and never having to earn anything were to be expected.

“Well, thank you for the information on how this world is run. I will attempt to adjust to this system. It is not something we had in my home world, but I had no doubt there will be work for someone like me somewhere.”

[freelancechameleon]

“Hn. Fine.” Xane grunted, biting back his own rebuttal - one driven more by emotion than actual logic. It wasn’t so much that he recognised the futility of this line of conversation, a probable eternity of arguing in circles, so much as it was that he just didn’t feel like talking much at all anymore. This whole conversation really had just gotten him right down.

He waved the issue off.

“Well, there’s always some kind of work for someone, but who knows what you’ll end up with. Hope you find work suitable for someone like you. Have fun.”