Sonya

A Dragon’s tomb

I hang my long tail loosely from a tree branch I currently slept on, and yawned. The sunlight that is spilling through the gaps between thick leaves warmly touches my small body. I vaguely gazed at the rays of light coming in from the surrounding trees, and yawned again.

It is already past noon. She is late. She is really late.

In the middle of the thick forest, the only existing small field of green bush lays below the tall tree I’m resting on. Lukewarm breeze strokes through my silky white fur, as if to remind me that it is not high noon anymore.

I carefully lick my plump glossy paws, while slowly swinging my furry tail.

Why isn’t she coming yet?

I thought she’d like to see me in the form of this small creature.

I throw up my triangular ears, picking up the surround sounds. The twigs shook, swayed, and rustle. Other sounds that I picked up was the chirping of birds and the sound of insects, echoed throughout and between the trees. I’ve been hearing these sounds for over 100 years, and for some reason, it feels strangely annoying today.

There is no sign of a human’s footsteps.

I abruptly fling my silver whiskers, and the forest immediately became silent, as if it has a will. This forest is my territorial. It is only natural that all the spirits and animals here are sensitive to my mood.

I snort in displease, slowly got up. This broad-leaved tree is grew by my magical power, standing tall and high above any other trees. I jumped up to the top branch, trying to get a clear vision, but there’s haze rested on the dark wood, brooding motionlessly over the scenery below.

Clearing out a haze is a piece of cake to me, but I couldn’t find a reason to do so.

Why? Because then it would look like I was waiting for her to come, wouldn’t it? And obviously, I’m not.

Anyway, I can sense all the presences in this forest, so it is clear that she hasn’t stepped a foot in. The sun is about to set.

These green leaves remind me of her eyes, although hers are more translucent and glasslike.

I’m one of the most powerful magical creatures living on this earth. Normal human begins can’t see me, except her.

She possesses rather strong magic power (For a human being), and can clearly capture my appearance and voice. A mysterious little girl, indeed. She loses her hair color due to her powerful power and always complaint about how her long silver hair is different from “other”.

I don’t see any problem with it, or rather I actually think that it is “Not that bad”.

I would never tell her, that’s for sure.

Sonya—That is her name.

She is been bothering me around for a while now.

It's been ten years since she got lost in this forest, and started to chase after me every day without getting tired of it.

Sonya, is supposed to be 16 years old in human’s age. She began attending a magical school last year trying to become a mage.

Although she is still a student, she has excellent grades and abilities. It seems that the magic guild would sometime offer her special quests, which is “an honor” in her own word. Yet, at the same time, she lamented that it is hard to make time for quests because then she can’t stay here by myside as long as she wanted to. “As usual”, she said.

Sonya is a very noisy girl. Seriously. She just comes here and talks about her day at school, as if I’m actually listen.

It is good that Sonya is not coming. It is not like I care, or rather I don't actually want to see her anyway...

After all, she is just a low-class human, and I'm not interested in any humans. Not even one human.

Now that the noisy bird has finally disappeared, I feel refreshed and... Well, in good spirit...

There is absolutely no problem at all.

My daily life is boring even before she came here, and it is not like it’s been colorful after that...

I let out an irritated sigh, leaned forward stretches my fronts legs, and layed down silently.

What was this creature called again?

A cat, yes. I remember now. She always looks so happy seeing me in this form.

I’m a powerful creature that has lived for hundreds of years, changing my appearance is like human changing clothes, …or even easier?

A few years ago, Sonya suddenly asked me if I can change into this small fluffy creature. I was bored so I very kindly listened to her request. She then shined her eyes, smiled happily and asked to touch my tail. “Just a little” she said, and proceed to pet me for hours. I swore I would never change into this form again.

….I swore.

Well, of course It is only a coincidence that I feel like staying in this figure. It's just my whim...!

"Tweet Tweet"

The grass spirits; that withhold its conscious by my overflowing magical power, began to make noises as if they are worried about something. It seems like they’re lonely if Sonya wouldn’t come here to see them again. They are attached to that human girl, even though they are only spirits.

... That is stupid.

"Tweet tweet"

Several grass spirits that are round like dumplings bounce around me.

So noisy, what do you want? ... What? What do you mean Sonya might be in danger?

That is stupid. Sonya might look fragile but she has strong magic power. Although it is nothing compared to me, but normal human can’t hurt her.

"Lord Raskol. Have I told you about the new rumor from the guild? It seems that there is witness of a dangerous demon in town recently. I always wonder why demon still grow horns on their head? It would be rather inconvenient for them to sleep, right?"

A few days ago, Sonya light-headedly mentioned about something like that while chewing on her handmade biscuits.

Sonya possesses strong magic, but she hasn't fully mastered it yet. Sonya is like a very tasty magical bar to us magic creature. If the rumor is true, the demon might be after her...

I hopped up, held out my tail stiff and straight.

I’m not anxious about whether Sonya has been kidnapped by the demon, I was... I was...

I don’t like human; she is just a human.

This is stupid...!

I gradually released my magic power, breaking the seal.

My nails began to sharpen, flicker in silver light. My white fur slowly sunken into my skin as if melted snow moisture into harden ground.

My body started to grew, crimson scales reminiscent of lava appeared.

Bone-like horned pierces out from the back of my head, along the way to the long thick tail.

When I spread my hands, it transformed into bat-like wings; causing a gust of wind.

--Dragon's grave

The name of this forest. It was given by a person who witnessed me when I fell to this land from above the clouds, just 500 years ago.

It was back when I lost my final battle, to my own brother. I swore to myself I would not return back to this form.

... I swore.

Magical power bursts into fierce flames as if I was struck by lightning.

Just wait, Sonya. Wherever they took you, I’ll find----

"Lord Raskol?"

I was about to took off when suddenly I heard a voice from below.

This familiar voice is... Sonya??

When I looked down, I saw Sonya running towards me, fluttering her long skirt.

"I’m sorry I’m late, I had something to do at the schoo---WHA?!"

Sonya was waving her hand energetically, then open her eyes widely when she saw me.

"GurrGurr...! Guuuuuuuuuur! (What the...! I thought you were captured by the demon!) "

I unconsciously roared and all the birds flew out at once.

"Wah! Awww... My ears hurt, Lord Raskol, what are you saying...?"

Sonya shouts, covering her ears.

I instantly reseal my power and returned back into the little creature’s appearance, approaching swiftly toward Sonya.

Sonya is not kidnapped by the demon...?

"So you can transform into a dragon, too? You are truly amazing, Lord Raskol!"

"Well… Yeah, of course I am..."

Sonya puts her hands on her cheeks and lighten up a bright smile.

This forest is called <Dragon's Tomb>. I’m clearly the dragon, but she has no idea. Should I be glad that this little girl’s brain is full of beautiful thought and garden?

Sonya stares at me with her flushed cheeks, and giggled.

"I'm glad you see my favorite form today. Lord Raskol"

She said so and gently strokes my back.

"Don't touch me!"

I growl at her but she stretches her fingers under my chin without hesitation.

"You are so cute~"

"And you are so rude! Stop, stop your soft strokes...!"

"Fufufu~, there is nothing in the world that is more adorable than you, Lord Raskol. Even when you are angry"

"I said... Stop ... Guur"

A soft, throaty rumble came out of me unknowingly.

“Tweet tweet”

"Fufu, it's tickling, little ferries. Of course yes! you guys are cute, too~"

Sonya laughs, as she pokes the round belly of the grass spirit that was bouncing on her shoulders.

Of course yes, they are cute “TOO”?

Sonya plays with those grass spirit, neglecting my chin.

How dare she prioritize those grass spirits over me? She is indeed, very rude…!

I spin around and jump up to the tallest branch.

"Ah! Where are you going, Lord Raskol! I just came..."

Sonya looks at me with disappointed eyes.

"I've rounded up the quest earlier, just so to come here... Can I get my reward...?"

Shouldn’t she be getting her reward from the guild?

No, it is no use looking at me with those watery eyes. I’m not going to allow her to touch me. Low-rank creature such as those grass spirit suits her more.

"Com’on, Lord Raskol. I might be busy at the school festival from tomorrow, so maybe I won't be able to come here as often..."

"Why don't you just “NOT” come anymore"

"... Please don't say such cold thing ... Lord Raskol. You’re my only friend"

Her teary green eyes flickered, and I forgot to breathed for a moment.

I’m her only friend. Huh, but I’m not even human. That is stupid.

I hopped off, approaches her, and Sonya reached out her hand and hold me tight.

" Lord Raskol~!"

"Stop. Don’t... Hmm… Alright. I’ll Let me touch you a little more"

"Yay~! Thank you, Lord Raskol. Ufufu~"

I don’t actually remember how long time has passed.

Sonya suddenly gazes softly at me; who was sitting on her thighs and gently smiled. She looks really happy.

“…Thank you, for always being here, Lord Raskol”

Saying so, Sonya laughed cheerfully.

Unexpectedly, I felt a warmth feeling spreading inside my chest.

What is this feeling?

I don’t quite get it, but I don't hate it as well…

I gaze back at her for a few minutes, resting my head on hand, I slowly closed my eyes.