Telling Stories, Making Plans

“Four hundred years ago, a great dragon god descended on a desolate valley from her home in the clouds. Using her immense power, she turned the wasteland to an expansive garden, and named it Teien.”

“The dragon god viewed her new garden happily, and as she did, discovered something unexpected, humans. The wasteland, she’d thought devoid of life, was actually inhabited.”

“The humans thanked the dragon god. They praised and worshiped her. At first, she rebuffed their worship, but seeing how pitiful the creatures were, she had compassion on them.”

“In an act of immense kindness, the dragon god granted the humans not only stay in her garden, but also the knowledge and wisdom to build a home for themselves upon it. In exchange, she required the humans to swear devotion to her, which they did gladly.”

“The humans labored under the dragon god’s guidance and soon, a town was born. A wonder built by cooperation between human and dragon god, the town was christened, Sukiya.”

“Peace and prosperity filled the garden for many seasons, and after many years passed, it came time for the dragon god to rest.”

“Before leaving, she charged the humans with caring for her garden, and warned them that if their devotion failed or her garden was ravaged, she would destroy them.”

“However, she’d grown to trust these humans, and had faith they would not disappoint her. She left her garden, and secreted herself away to rest in safety and solitude.”

“After many years, the dragon god awoke, and returned to her garden. She was not disappointed to find her people still devoted and her garden still beautiful and peaceful.”

“The dragon god cycled between resting and enjoying her garden. It was an era of peace for her that lasted three hundred years, but then she came under threat.”

“Enemies appeared— Monsters, demons, and giants. Some with ancient grudges against dragons. Others jealous of the dragon god’s power and garden.”

“Weak though they were, the humans fought with valor alongside the dragon god, to protect the garden and god they had come to love.”

“The war was devastating and deadly. The cost for victory was great for both the humans and the dragon god herself. Injured and weakened, she was forced to rest, but promised to return.”

“One hundred years later, the great dragon god has indeed returned as promised.”

Sumire smiled as she finished her story, looking very pleased with herself.

Takao waited nervously, but Sumire remained silent, fixing him with her pleasant smile and captivating purple eyes.

“That was— great! Similar to the story the clerics tell on Dragon day, but your version was much better!” Takao said with feigned enthusiasm.

He wasn’t really sure what Sumire expected from him. After her sudden transformation into a beautiful girl, he’d tried to say goodbye, but she outright refused. Then she followed him home, invited herself into his small apartment, took a seat on his bed, and sat him on the floor, so she could tell her story.

Takao felt more exhausted than he’d ever felt before. Facing Sumire in her dragon form had been terrifying, and the fear had made his heart race painfully. Facing her in her human form was less terrifying, but his heart was still racing.

“I see you missed the point.” Sumire said, raising an eyebrow at him. “Let me spell it out for you. I’m going to investigate the town to see if the people here are still devoted to me. If they’re not, I’ll destroy the town. In order to investigate properly, I need a guide. That’s where you come in. I want you to be my guide.”

Takao’s insides squirmed at the thought of walking around town with Sumire’s alluring figure at his side.

“Um— I’m not sure that I’d make the best guide. I’m sure one of the dragon clerics would be ecstatic to be your guide instead.” He offered, hopefully.

“You don’t want to do it?” She asked, sounding cross.

“No! I mean yes! Of course, I want to do it! I just—”

“Then you’ll do it!” She interrupted. “Perhaps you’ve forgotten that this is a test. I don’t want people to know I’m Sumire. You already know, so you make the perfect guide.”

Before Takao could protest further, Sumire fell back onto his bed.

“Ah! It’s been a long time since I’ve slept in a bed. You humans do make some clever things. Especially your food! Human food is the best. Elves like their food natural and plain. Dwarfs over season everything. Merfolk just eat raw fish. Beast kin food is okay, but still doesn’t compare to human food. I can’t wait to eat human food again!”

Takao fidgeted in place. He wanted to refuse being Sumire’s guide, but didn’t want to anger her, and especially didn’t want the town to be destroyed. Before he could think of a solution, Sumire sat up abruptly, freezing Takao with her purple gaze.

“Do you live alone?” She asked suddenly, catching him off guard.

He wanted to say no, but it was obvious by his apartment that he did. The apartment was small and shabby, with little more than a bed and table, but it was all he could afford since he had trouble keeping a job.

“Yes, but—”

“Perfect!” Sumire interrupted again. “I can stay here then.”

Takao was getting angry. He opened his mouth to refuse outright, but Sumire continued first.

“I like it.” She said, taking in the small space.

Takao stopped short, his mouth still open. He thought he must have looked confused, since Sumire continued but a little slower.

“This apartment, I mean. Your home. I like it. It’s cozy. Reminds me of my own home.” She said with a gentle smile.

Takao averted his eyes. He didn’t feel like arguing anymore. He would think of a way out of being her guide in the morning.

“I suppose I’ll just sleep here then?” She gestured to the floor next to Takao’s bed.

This took him by surprise. He’d assumed she would take his bed and without asking. He was beyond exhausted and certainly wanted to sleep in his bed, but could he let a dragon god sleep on his dirty floor? A knot formed in his stomach. No, he couldn’t.

“You can take the bed.” He sighed.

“Hmm? Chivalry? Being polite? Or is it because I’m a powerful dragon god?”

“Take your pick.” He said tiredly.

Sumire smiled brightly at this. Takao felt its warmth burning his cheeks and had to look away.

“Thanks, but I’m quite used to sleeping on the ground, it’s where dragon’s normally sleep, and you look like the undead.”

Takao knew she was right, so didn’t protest again when she got up from his bed and found a spot on the floor. He laid in bed and immediately began to doze off.

Before fading into sleep, Takao heard Sumire say one last thing as she turned out the lights, but it didn’t fully register till later.

“Rest well. You’ll need plenty of energy for our date tomorrow.”

Sumire’s Exposé!
Monsters are a relatively recent addition to Teien. They are a remnant of the army that invaded one hundred years ago. They are often a nuisance, but can also be harvested for valuable materials.