Chapter 12: What’s in the Box

Kelly crossed her arms, her face a mix of impatience and curiosity. “Well, are you going to open the chests, or are we just going to stare at them all day?” The mystery of the chests seemed to hang in the air, adding to the intrigue.

Yuqi glanced at her parents, then down at the three chests sitting in front of her. They felt heavy, not just physically but with a sense of importance she couldn’t explain. Her medallion seemed to hum faintly against her skin as though it wanted her to proceed.

“Alright,” she muttered, kneeling down before the first chest. Holding the medallion to its intricate lock, a soft click echoed through the room as the lid loosened. Slowly, she lifted it open.

Inside, carefully rolled and packed with precision, were hundreds of scrolls. Yuqi stared at them, her fingers brushing over the edges of the parchment. The air carried a faint scent of age—ink, wax, and something else she couldn’t name. The weight of the scrolls seemed to add a sense of gravity to the moment.

“What is all this?” Kelly asked, peering over her shoulder.

“I… I don’t know,” Yuqi replied, pulling back and moving to the second chest. The medallion worked its magic again, unlocking the second chest with another faint click.

This time, the lid revealed silk garments, each piece shimmering with vibrant colors—reds, golds, greens, and purples. They looked like something from a museum—traditional robes and dresses from ancient China, all perfectly preserved. Yuqi lifted a sleeve, feeling the smooth fabric between her fingers. The beauty of the garments was awe-inspiring.

“These look like they’re from another time,” her mom whispered, awe in her voice.

Yuqi nodded but said nothing, the realization settling over her. These were her heritage, her connection to a life she was just starting to uncover.

Finally, she moved to the third chest. Unlocking it, she pushed the lid back to reveal enormous silk scroll paintings stacked neatly inside. The topmost painting caught her breath—a striking portrait of the green dragon from her dreams, depicted in her human form. It was her Mother, regal and beautiful, her emerald eyes seeming to follow Yuqi wherever she moved.

Underneath the paintings were dozens of books, each one bound in leather with symbols Yuqi didn’t yet recognize.

Carefully, she turned back to the first chest, spotting a scroll resting right on top. Unlike the others, it seemed newer, its ribbon carefully tied. She picked it up, her hands shaking slightly. As she unrolled it, the text written across the parchment glimmered faintly in the now-familiar Draconic language.

Yuqi swallowed hard, recognizing her Mother’s elegant script as words began to form in her mind. It was a letter—to her.

“What does it say?” Kelly asked, leaning closer.

Yuqi blinked, her voice quiet as she began to read. “It’s from… my mother.”

Yuqi carefully unrolled the scroll, the flowing Draconic script shimmering faintly as her Mother’s words came alive in her mind.

“My dearest Yuqi,

If you are reading this, then the time has come for you to embrace the truth of who you are. My love for you transcends time and realms, and even though I could not be with you, my heart has never left your side.

These scrolls before you hold all the knowledge of my magic. They are my legacy to you, a gift so you may grow strong and protect yourself and those you love. The robes you see are my formal garments—what I wore when holding court among the dragons, your people. They are yours now, should you ever stand where I once did.

The paintings are pieces of my heart, dear child. They show the world your father, and I called home—a beautiful island in the Draconian world where dragons soar free, and peace resides. Among them is my portrait so that even when you feel lost, you will never forget whose blood runs through your veins.

I know this is a great burden to carry, but you are stronger than you know, my Yuqi. You are my daughter, and my love and power will endure through you.

Always remember—you are not alone.

Your Mother,

The Dragon Goddess”

Yuqi’s hands trembled as she rolled the letter back up, her heart heavy yet full. Her mom, dad, and Kelly watched quietly, their expressions soft as though sensing the weight of the moment.

“What did it say?” Kelly asked gently.

Yuqi looked up, her voice steady but soft. “She… she loved me. She left me all of this—her magic, her robes, and memories of where she and my father lived.”

Her mom reached out, squeezing Yuqi’s hand. “She gave you everything to help you, Yuqi. You’re not alone in this.”

Yuqi nodded, glancing at the chests again. The love in her Mother’s words filled a void she hadn’t realized she carried. I’ll make you proud, she thought, determination blooming in her chest.

Yuqi’s shoulders trembled as tears streamed down her face, the emotions overwhelming her. Her mom wrapped her arms around her tightly, whispering soothing words, while her dad placed a steady hand on her shoulder, his presence grounding.

“You’re not alone, sweetheart,” her mom said softly, her voice filled with love.

Her dad nodded his expression a mixture of pride and understanding. “We’re here for you, Yuqi. Always.”

Yuqi leaned into their comfort, letting the warmth of her family’s support ease the storm of emotions swirling inside her. For the first time since her transformation began, she felt a small measure of peace.

For the first time, Yuqi felt a tangible connection to her birth parents—a connection she could see, touch, and feel through the treasures her Mother had left behind. It was as if the distance of time and worlds had finally closed, bringing her closer to the family she had never known but had always been a part of.

Yuqi sat on her bed, staring at the ornate crown resting inside the chest. The room was quiet now, save for the faint creaking of her house as it settled. The portrait of her Mother gazed down at her from the wall, her serene expression a mix of warmth and strength.

Yuqi reached for the crown with a small smile, her fingers grazing its cool surface. The intricate golden dragons and the giant ruby glinting under her bedroom light were heavier than they looked. She hesitated for a moment, then carefully lifted the crown and placed it on her head.

Turning to the mirror, Yuqi blinked at her reflection. The crown sat perfectly, its jade beads swaying ever so slightly. She didn’t see the confused girl she had been for a moment. Instead, she saw a glimpse of the person she might one day become—strong, regal, and ready to face whatever came next.

“Looks good,” she murmured to herself, a small, bittersweet smile curling her lips. The weight of the crown wasn’t just physical; it was symbolic of her legacy, her Mother’s love, and the responsibility she now carried.

Kelly knocked gently on Yuqi’s door. “Hey, can I come in?” she asked softly.

“Yeah, come on in,” Yuqi replied, adjusting the crown on her head and turning to face the door.

Kelly stepped inside, her eyes immediately landing on Yuqi. “You look… outstanding in that crown,” she said with a small smile. But then the smile wavered, and she let out a sigh. “Listen… I need to say something.”

Yuqi tilted her head slightly, watching her sister’s expression. “What’s up?”

“I… I’m sorry for all the jokes lately,” Kelly said, her voice sincere. “I didn’t know how to deal with all of this—your changes, the medallion, dragons—everything. It’s so much. I guess I tried to act like it was normal, but I probably just made things harder for you. I hope you’re not mad.”

Yuqi blinked, surprised. “Mad? No. Actually, the jokes helped, Kel. Without them, I think I might’ve completely lost my mind. You… being yourself made it easier for me to deal with all of this.”

Kelly let out a breath she’d been holding and grinned, her smile more genuine this time. “Good. I’m thrilled. I’m also… I don’t know, but I'm happy for you. I mean, you’ve been through so much, but now you’ve got this—” she gestured toward the crown, the chests, and the portrait on the wall.

“You’ve got a piece of family you never had before.”

Yuqi felt her eyes sting, and without thinking, she pulled Kelly into a hug. Kelly hugged her back tightly, whispering, “I’ve got your back, sis. Always.”

“Thanks, Kelly,” Yuqi murmured, smiling into her sister’s shoulder. It wasn’t perfect, but it was real, and for now, that was more than enough.

Yuqi makes a joke: "I guess since I'm legally a girl now, I'll have to get used to wearing dresses and skirts. I need you to help me pick out the best ones."

Kelly pulled back from the hug, her eyebrows shooting up in surprise. “Wait, did you just say dresses and skirts? Who are you, and what have you done with my sibling?”

Yuqi smirked, shrugging. “Well, I guess since I’m legally a girl now, I’ll have to get used to it. Besides…” She paused, grinning mischievously. “I need you to help me pick out the best ones.”

Kelly’s face lit up, the teasing glint returning to her eyes. “Oh, you’re in so much trouble now. I’m gonna make you look amazing.”

Yuqi groaned playfully, shaking her head. “What have I just gotten myself into?”

Kelly grinned wickedly. “Sister bonding time, that’s what. Prepare yourself for some serious fashion upgrades.”

Yuqi grinned, holding up her sleek black card and waving it in the air. “I guess I’ll be paying for those fashion upgrades, huh?” she teased, laughing at the thought.

Before she could celebrate too long, her mom suddenly appeared around the corner, her reflexes swift as she swiped the card right out of Yuqi’s hand.

“Oh no, you don’t,” Mom said firmly, holding the card out of reach. “We’ll discuss how you use this later.”

Yuqi’s jaw dropped. “Hey, I was joking!”

Kelly burst out laughing, leaning against the doorframe. “Wow, Mom’s got moves! You’re not getting away with that one, sis.”

Yuqi groaned, slumping back onto the bed. “I finally got a card, and I still don’t get to use it!”

Mom crossed her arms and gave Yuqi that look—the one that said there was no room for negotiation. “Not until you can prove you’re responsible with your money,” she said firmly. “And just so we’re clear—I’ll be there for every single purchase you make.”

Yuqi groaned loudly. “But I’m sixteen! I can handle it!”

Mom raised an eyebrow, completely unimpressed. “Sixteen doesn’t mean you’re ready to manage a fortune, Yuqi. I’m not letting you drain this card on anime merch and snacks.”

Kelly snorted from the doorway, grinning. “You’d buy a life-sized purple dragon statue if you could, wouldn’t you?”

Yuqi rolled her eyes. “Not life-sized... maybe desk-sized.”

Mom shook her head with a small smile. “Exactly my point. Until I’m convinced you can use this responsibly, think of me as your financial supervisor.”

Yuqi groaned again, flopping onto the couch. “Great. I’m sixteen and rich, but I still need a babysitter for my wallet.”

Kelly burst out laughing. “Get used to it, sis. Mom’s a fortress when it comes to cash flow.”

Yuqi laughed as her mom wagged a finger at her. “That’s why we can live in this house, girls. Seriously though, Yuqi, I’m really happy for you,” Mom said, smiling warmly, “but I’m going to make sure you don’t become one of those nasty trust fund babies.”

Kelly snorted. “Yeah, no buying golden dragon statues for the front yard.”

They all broke into laughter, the tension finally lifting after an intense day. As the chuckles died down, Mom gave Yuqi a pointed look, though there was still humor in her voice. “And put your crown away—you’re not a queen in this house.”

Yuqi grinned, taking the crown off and holding it in her lap. “Fine, Mom. But you’re going to have to address me properly someday.”

“Not today,” Mom shot back, shaking her head as everyone laughed again.

Kelly, always the one to lighten the mood, clapped her hands together. “Alright, ladies, enough royal talk. I say we head back to the pool.”

Yuqi raised an eyebrow. “Really? After all this?”

“Yeah,” Kelly grinned. “Nothing like a swim to reset, and besides, it’s way too hot to stay inside.”

Mom nodded, a small smile still on her face. “Go ahead, you two. Just don’t drown each other.”

Yuqi rolled her eyes, standing up. “Fine, but if I turn into a dragon in the water, it’s on you.”

Kelly burst into laughter, tugging her sister toward the door. “You’re impossible, Yuqi. Let’s go!”