Dragon's Curvy Invader

by Mychal Daniels

  The best way to do this would be to have some separation between them. Rising and moving her to sit next to him, Noran got to his feet fast and started pacing.

  Thankful for the buffer of space from her, he searched for the best way to start off.

  "Noran, what's wrong?"

  He hated hearing that stinging hurt that laced her voice. It sounded like she thought he was rejecting her.

  Determined to cause as little pain as possible he offered. "Amber, please know that I'm not rejecting you in any way." Large eyes the color of dark chocolate searched his face. He kept his distance. That was best. "I need to give you the rest of the story of what happened last night. Failure to give you back your memories when I have the power to do so is not in keeping with my code of integrity."

  The coarse stubble of his chin against his fingertips was the distraction he needed to stay the course.

  "Amber, last night you saw me in a different state with our first encounter."

  He chanced a look. She continued to watch him sitting on the edge of the sofa but quiet.

  He had to continue to get this out. Maybe it was the end of existence on Earth as his clan knew it to tell her, but Amber deserved to know what she'd lived and experienced. He had no right to withhold that from her.

  "Yes, well then, there was a bad thunderstorm, and I got hit by a lightning bolt. I crashed down close to where you were parked. You helped me, and then passed out."

  Noran wanted to kick himself for butchering that recital of the previous night's events. Taking inventory of her facial expressions from where he stood across the room and closer to the kitchen than the sofa, he could still sense the wheels turning in her head.

  Amber looked down at her fingers that were steepled.

  "Noran, that account sounds choppy, like there are some missing parts." She looked back up at him with a steely gaze that gave him a chill. "What is it that you're not telling me. What are you hiding?"

  A flash of Dragon wisdom had him moving toward the couch. It was dark enough outside to be safe to do a demonstration.

  Grabbing her hand and lifting her to stand, he said, "I can show you better than explain. Come with me."

  He gave her a moment to put on her shoes. Last night, the shoes had been wet and covered with so much mud that he’d cleaned and left them next to the back door to dry. With her shoes on and wearing a curious expression, Noran led them out of the back of the home to stand in a clearing about a hundred feet away from the backyard. Amber didn't question him, allowing him to place her in a safe spot away from him. She stayed and remained quiet.

  Noran went back to the spot he picked out and said, "Amber, this is why you came here. Last night you saw this, and still, you helped me. I asked you to keep my secret, but you refused. I can only hope that by doing this, you'll understand why you came here. I also make another appeal for you to reconsider for my safety."

  Then he transformed.

  In his beast form, his night vision improved exponentially. He could make out all the details of their surroundings, including Amber's face. She wore a look of awe that was close to disbelief. He remained still and quiet, giving her time to process him in Dragon form. Upright, he guessed his head was well over fifteen feet high as he looked back down at the tiny female on the ground.

  Wanting to communicate with her, he attempted to reach out to her through a light version of a neural link. Too strong and it might do damage to her brain pathways.

  Hello, Amber, can you hear me? He asked, testing the link.

  She turned around in a circle as if looking for something.

  He tried again adjusting the potency of his link.

  Amber can you hear me. It's Noran; I'm right here before you.

  He wanted to laugh as the female turned back toward him so fast she tripped and landed on her ample and delightful tush.

  Aware that any sudden physical movements on his part might frighten her, he remained still as she got back to her feet.

  "Noran, is that really you speaking to me? In here?" she asked pointing to her head.

  He nodded.

  "That's you?" This time she pointed to him.

  He nodded again and spoke. Yes, Amber, this is me. You came here because your data showed that I was here.

  "Wow, I can't believe it. Can I talk back to you in my mind too?"

  I don't see why not. Instead of thinking the words, feel what you wish to communicate with the intention of my receiving it.

  He watched as she closed her eyes and stood still.

  As if a tickle brushed against the out perimeter of his being, he felt the faintest thought.

  Enjoying how well she was taking this revelation, he continued to stay still and locked in on her neural link signature.

  Hello, it's me, Amber. Can you hear me? She asked. Her mental voice was just as bright and full of life as her spoken voice.

  Yes, kind Amber, I can hear you.

  "Whoa, that's wild," she said aloud. "Oh, let me get back in here." She pointed to her head and giggled.

  He wanted to grab her up into his arms and hold on for the rest of his life, but that was a distant possibility. This was Amber the scientist's enthusiasm here. Her eyes sparkled with excitement.

  Her joy couldn't be shared though. Now that she knew, Amber would return to her quest to report her findings. Noran wouldn't regret telling her or spending this time with her.

  May I come near? I'd like to touch you, please? She asked.

  He nodded.

  Noran, what's wrong? You seem... sad.

  I will not hide the fact that I'm mourning the loss of my privacy. Now that you know what you discovered, I must prepare for the fallout.

  She stopped walking toward him.

  Why do you say that? She asked.

  You may not remember, but we had a similar conversation last night. When I asked you to keep my secret, you told me you had to share it with the world.

  Did I say that? She looked perplexed.

  Yes. Then something happened, and you blacked out.

  She took the last steps to come to stand next to his tail. Noran didn't move. Amber placed a hand along his tail and walked alongside his body as she kept contact with him. He treasured the feel of her hand against his tougher skin. She hadn't shrunk back in fright or disgust at his Dragon form. And, she hadn't tried to make an argument for why she had to tell the world about him.

  Noran's last task was to keep her from knowing about his brothers. He would sacrifice himself for the safety of the Clan. Amber knowing about him should be enough to satisfy her quest for glory.

  I can't do it, she said, coming to stand next to his front legs.

  He had to crane his neck down and around to see her.

  What are you saying? What can't you do? He fought back the need to give her whatever she needed to be strong.

  I can't tell anyone about you. You deserve your privacy and freedom. Noran, who am I kidding? I've seen what humanity does to those who aren't like them. Hell, I'm exhibit A. How dare I try to encroach on your right to live in peace? I don't know why I was acting so bitchy last night, but tonight I'm doing the right thing. Your secret is safe with me.

  He was speechless. Had he heard her correctly?

  Amber, are you sure? Is this your final decision about the matter?

  Yes, I'm quite sure. How dare I get all high and mighty about someone else's quality of life. No, Noran, I'm not going to change my mind tomorrow. And, to prove it, when I get to the van you can witness me give you all my data from this project. There are many other mysteries I have on my list to research. Ones who aren't kind and sincere enough to tell me the truth.

  She reached her hand up to rub his leg. Noran, I can only imagine what it took to tell me the truth. I don't know that I would have done the same. I need you to know the gift you gave me when you helped me piece together my lost time from last night. I'll forever be in your debt for watching over and taking care of me. Thank you.

  Now he
was the one scrambling to piece together how they'd ended up at this point. Could it be that easy? Would she honor her words in the morning? He had to extend the courtesy of faith in her words until she gave him a reason not to.

  Amber gave his leg another three quick pats as she said aloud, "Okay big guy, it's time for you to come back to me as the man so we can go inside.

  Your wish is my command, he said. First, you need to stand over where I placed you before to give me enough room to transform.

  Will do, she said almost skipping back to her original spot.

  When he was sure she was out of harm's way, Noran concentrated on bringing his humanoid form to the front along with the clothes he'd worn out here.

  Transformation complete, he smiled at the awe-struck female. He started walking toward her only for her to come running back to him in full stride.

  When she collided into him, winded she asked, "Two questions, where were your clothes when you were in your Dragon form? That's what we call you. Do you call yourself a Dragon?"

  "Yes, I'm considered a Dragon. The clothes answer is a bit more detailed."

  "Shoot, I'm interested in knowing."

  "I'll let you in on a little tidbit I forgot to mention earlier."

  "Which is?" her eyes glistened in the moonlight.

  "You saw me nude first. Yes, when I came to you were standing there, and I was naked."

  "What? Damn, and I can't remember? Why didn't you do me the honor tonight?"

  "Amber!"

  "Okay, that was a bit naughty, but I still want to know. How do you do the cool trick with your clothes?"

  "Its really a bit of engineering for efficiency that evolved for my kind. When I shift between forms, I'm able to hold my clothes in a compartmental dimension that keeps things there, frozen in a non-time continuum. Told you, it's a little detailed."

  "Why were you naked last night? Do you like to fly naked as some folks like to skinny dip?"

  "Haha," he had to laugh. Amber was delightful. "Not hardly. I make it a practice to fly clothed."

  "So how did you end up naked when I found you? And oh, damn how I wish I could remember that" she said eyeing him up and down.

  Noran let out a hearty laugh.

  "Last night I'd been knocked out by the lightning. I transformed while I was recovering from the lightning strike. Clothing was the last thing my body was concerned with in trying to repair my injuries. When you had found me, I was naked, still too weak to pull my clothes back from stasis. Never you fear, though. When I flew us back here, I retrieve my clothes."

  "Hold up." Amber placed a hand up for him to stop talking. "You mean I flew with you when you were in Dragon form?"

  "Well, yes. It was easier to get you back here faster that way."

  "Holy moly, I flew with a Dragon!"

  "Yes."

  "Noran, your understatement game is on point. How can you be so nonchalant about this? I was up in the air, flying with you when you were in your Dragon form—how amazing is that?"

  "Again, yes, and it's part of what I am. I'm a Dragon and humanoid."

  Amber did little hops in place, excitement ruling her movements.

  "Noran, can we—"

  "No." This time he was the one to put his hand up for her to stop talking. "It's too dangerous without the proper harness for you to wear. And, before you ask, I don't own one."

  "Aww man, that sucks."

  "Amber, it's not like I set up transportation rides for humans every day."

  "Okay, then. I have another question."

  "Ask," he said, thankful she'd moved off the subject of flying with him.

  "How is it that no one sees you when you're a Dragon?"

  "That's due to another evolutionary mechanism I have. It's much like what you think of as a cloaking ability."

  "Like Star Trek."

  "No, like a Chameleon. Remember, think biological, not mechanical. I can blend in with the sky as I fly. You can't. Thus, it's impractical for me to take you on a flight and remain a secret."

  He could see how crestfallen she was, but he needed to squelch her hope of flying with him in his Dragon form. It was dangerous, and he'd never put her in more risk than necessary. Last night had been a one-off. He'd been close to his Lair and she been ill.

  "Ooh, I have another question," she said, still animated in her excitement.

  "Yes?"

  "You used the word human and humanoid. Are you considered human when you're in this state, as you call it?"

  He had to think about it. Before he could answer, the heavens opened up, and large raindrops descended on them hard and heavy. Picking Amber up in a bridal carry, he ran the hundred or so feet back to his home in time to avoid most of the deluge of rain that poured down.

  "Wow, you ran super-fast."

  Putting Amber down in the great room, he noticed the front of her top clung to her body as a result of the rainstorm.

  "Yes, I'm able to do more than human limitations."

  "So, does that mean you're not human?"

  "It means I'm humanoid. If you were to take me to an anatomist and cut me open—don't do that Amber—I would have a similar system to that of humans. It's my understanding that I have an enhanced body—more muscle, bone density, increased organ size and capacity, and the like. And before you ask, in my humanoid form, I don't have wings, horns, talons or the ability to breathe and spew fire."

  "OMG, that's real? You can do that as a Dragon?"

  "Haha, yes."

  "Noran, if I'm really nice to you, do you think you could take care of burning down this address for me?"

  Amber was about to rattle off an address when he stopped her.

  "First, young lady, I'm retired from fighting as a Dragon—remember? Next, there's a strict Dragon code of honor that I live by. I don't do contract revenge burnings. That means you'll not have me burning anything in retaliation. Understand?"

  She dropped her head and said, "Yes, so sad. What a waste."

  "Excuse me? There's no waste."

  "Yes, there is. You come to Earth to retire. We need you so much. Aren't you sick of all the movies painting you as the villain."

  "Don't care, and don't watch most of that stuff anyway."

  "Um, what about all the evil that goes on in the world? You could eradicate so much of it."

  "You're getting closer to asking me to reveal myself to the world. I thought you said you'd honor my choice to stay private."

  "Oh, yeah. Humph, it's just that I'm so excited about you and what you can do. Plus, you're so kind and nice, that I want to show you off to everyone."

  Excitement extinguished itself in her enthusiasm. It was like watching a shooting star go through the stages of burnout. He wanted that fire to return. She made him feel more alive, and he didn’t want to be the reason why she lost some of her zeal and spark.

  "Amber, kind one, I know this is new for you and that you're excited. How about we get out of these wet clothes and then resume our conversation?"

  Her brow crinkled. This was not what she wanted to do.

  "You're right. I guess I got a little too excited then." She fiddled with one of her braids and added, "I'll let you get some rest. I've kept you away from your routine for too long today and tonight anyway." She turned to walk away.

  "Hey, hold up." Noran couldn't let her leave like this.

  "Noran, I think I'm a little tired."

  "Yes, it's getting late, but I don't want us parting on a bad note. Please, sit, and I'll start a fire for you to dry off down here. We can stay up and talk for as long as you'd like."

  That glimmer from before was back.

  "For real?"

  "Yes, for real."

  "Come, I want to see you light the fire with your Dragon’s breath.”

  "Amber, didn't I just tell you that in this form, I can't make fire?"

  "Aww, man!"

  12

  Amber

  "May I have your lap again?" Her voice had gone soft with a hint of
vulnerability Amber never allowed anyone to witness.

  Noran looked over to her with a warmth that matched the fire he was about to start. “Of course, my dear Amber. Let me finish, and you can have whatever I have to give.”

  “Thank you,” was all Amber felt capable of saying without begging for him to hurry.

  She fidgeted, not knowing what to do with herself as he stacked wood in a beautiful fireplace. Her fingers itched to feel his hot skin and experience the life-affirming sensations his touch produced. Amber had it bad for Noran. Each passing moment fertilized her thirst to be with him.

  Raw and open like never before, Amber found herself wanting to tell him every intimate detail of her life. Things she’d never discussed. Was this like having a best friend? Always too focused on making a name for herself in the scientific community, friendship was a delicacy she’d always thought was too costly.

  Here with a being who was literally not from this world. Amber felt at home for the first time. She didn’t want to sound too needy or desperate, but the longer she was around him, the more she craved his company and touch. When Noran held her, Amber could swear tendrils of courage and invincibility ignited and inspired her to be more.

  Amber stood by the sofa and watched as Noran finished lighting a fire. He was a real-life Dragon, and there was so much she wanted to know. Amber knew how she could get when excited about learning something new. Noran had the gift of patience because he answered each of her questions never showing irritation or being curt with her.

  He came to sit down on the sofa in his previous position, opened his arms, and enveloped her in them when she came to rest. Being here with him like this was better than anything she'd experienced in a long time. Amber wanted to be with Noran forever.

  Whoa!

  "What are you thinking?" he asked.

  "Why do you ask that?" She attempted to act like everything was fine.

  "Because you tensed up just now and I want to make sure I'm not the cause or doing something to make you uncomfortable. I admit I love holding you like this. If it's too much, say the word."