After creaking the door open, I take a small breath to test the air… it smells like... the forest… Thank God! I open the door and step outside for the first time in who knows how long and turn around to look at my hut. There’s a sign above the door that reads “Blackie” Gah, I knew it. I’ve been living in a glorified dog house this entire time.

Night had fallen and there’s only moon light out but I can see pretty clearly even in my human form once my eyes had adjusted a little. Well first things first, I survey my surroundings, I’m sure it’s safe but you can never be too sure. There’s also the fact that I don’t want to get lost again, I’m really not sure how far I am from the cave… actually how did that carry me so far in the first place?

There are several trees and bushes nearby but I don’t see much for animals… I was half hoping to finally get to eat some meat. I love Lena and Roy and they definitely feed me but I really prefer to eat meat. Even in my previous life my family would always try to make me eat salads and fruits but I’d rather have a nice steak or ribs. Thinking about it my mouth waters… a little too much? I spit the excess fluid out and hear a splashing sound…? My craving for meat must be a lot worse than I thought … that was a ridiculous amount of saliva.

I continue to wander and see a good sized tree nearby and climb it with ease. My leg and arm strength definitely exceeds normal adult males right now. After surveying the area a bit I run back into the hut and close the door and take a nap. I decide to not let the children know I can leave yet and get a better feel for the area first.

Lately Lena and Roy haven’t been dropping by together, sometimes only Roy would come by and ask for a sparring match. Sometimes Lena would drop by herself and talk with me and read a book. There are even days when neither of them shows up and I just train and wander the area. I’ve gotten decently far now so I know the immediate area rather well and have even found some animals to eat. And by animals, I mean regular bunnies. When I find them I usually end up eating it raw of course.

If I could make a fire without the possibility of bringing attention to myself I would love to cook these critters. That and the fact that the only weapons I have are two wooden swords, nothing useful for skinning. Hell even killing them is a pain, I end up having to bludgeon them until they stop moving. I try to make it as painless as I can… but I can only work with what I have.

I’ve also figured out which direction the Elves live, I can see what looks like torches off in the distance at night to the west. I’ve grown pretty used to living here after all this time, to the point that I don’t think I could completely abandon this life even given the option. Just thinking about not being able to see Lena and Roy ever again saddens me. As I think about this I fall asleep having a dream about my brother and sister. The next morning Lena came by herself with her usual big smile and she was holding a sack of books.

(Lena) “Kuro! I bought more books for us to read together!”

I just stare at her blankly as she prances over and leans against me as usual. My sleeping area is pretty much 40% occupied by Lena’s books now and she’s keeps bringing more! Her books were originally just regular text books but those have been replaced with a mixture of novels and magic books. Novels were of course fairytales about princess being saved by princes, damsels in distress, and typical girl books for her age.

When she sits down I notice something strange… it feels like I’ve gotten smaller? No… that’s not possible did she grow? I take a good look at Lena and her hair has grown to a little past her shoulders. How long have I been living here…? My thoughts get interrupted by Lena as she thrusts her book into my face.

(Lena) “Remember these Kuro?”

Remember a bunch of white flowers…? Let’s see… they are called Somanilla flowers and their pollen causes animals and people to go instantly unconscious…? Hmm... what else, their leaves are distinct due to their dark color… this sounds like… no way. I feel like digging a hole and sticking my head into it now, this is embarrassing.

(Lena) “Me and Roy found you in a Somanilla bush! We were so surprised that a dragon would be silly enough to hide its face against white flowers, and Somanilla flowers at that!”

Just kill me now… I practically begged for them to capture me. I had thought I was being smart hiding in a dark colored bush but my face was against white flowers… of course they would see me. But it’s funny… they still think I’m a dragon silly girl.

Roy runs into the hut shortly after and asks for another round, this boy is a glutton for punishment. Now that I’ve grown used to my human body he doesn’t stand a chance, I only use one sword and my other hand is behind my back the entire time. I usually end up accompanying him until he’s had enough and he goes back to his regular training in his corner. This is why you guys are still childhood friends.

Today however he keeps looking over at Lena while she’s reading. It’s painfully apparent but he just keeps training, something is wrong with this boy. For once, Lena wasn’t even remotely interested in our match and was purely concentrated on her book? I wonder what she’s reading she usually looks up and watches when we’re sparring.

(Lena) “Kuro Kuro! The book says you won’t learn to use your wings for a while. It has all kinds of things about dragons written in it!”

Does she still think I’m a dragon?

“Silly girl I’m not a dragon, I don’t even have wings! What are you going on about?”

Roy stops swinging his sword and Lena drops her book. Why are you guys looking at me like that…? I’m just an oversized garden lizard...right?

(Roy) “Kuro… do you not know you’re a dragon?”

Well you’d think I’d know if I was a dragon don’t you think? I mean seriously, I’m just an oversized lizard right? Lena pulls out a hand mirror and tells me to turn into a “dragon” so I humor them and look in the mirror. After taking a good look at my face ... Yep, giant lizard. Lena slowly turns the mirror so I can see my back… and I see two small wings on my … back…

HOLY CRAP I’M A DRAGON!

Well then, I guess this is the start of my life as a ... House Dragon.