Chapter Two: The Day After

The morning light streamed into David’s room, casting a soft glow over his belongings—the game controllers scattered on his desk, the anime DVDs stacked neatly in the corner, and the mysterious box that now felt like the centerpiece of his universe. But it was the medallion around his neck, a family heirloom that had been passed down for generations, that held the most significance. Little did David know, this seemingly ordinary piece of jade was about to change his life forever.

At sixteen, David had a lean frame, the kind that made him look a little younger than his age. His jet-black hair, slightly disheveled from sleep, stood out against his pale skin. His almond-shaped eyes, a striking dark brown, usually carried a spark of curiosity, but today, they looked dull and shadowed, heavy with exhaustion. The medallion around his neck gleamed faintly in the sunlight, its jade surface catching the light as though it were alive. This was not the David his family knew, the David who was always full of energy and curiosity. These dreams had taken a toll on him.

David sighed, running a hand through his hair before heading downstairs. The weight of the dreams from the night before hadn’t left him, and he felt like he’d barely slept. The comforting aroma of fresh coffee and toast greeted him as he walked into the kitchen, but even that couldn’t pull him out of his haze. His mind was a battlefield, the dreams haunting him like a relentless enemy. In these dreams, he found himself in a world unlike anything he had ever seen, a world where dragons soared in the sky and a voice, a voice that seemed to echo from the medallion itself, called him her child.

His mom, a warm and caring woman with auburn hair pulled back into a neat ponytail, turned from the stove when she heard him enter. Her cheerful expression faltered as she took in his appearance, her concern for her son evident in her eyes. The warmth of her gaze wrapped around David, a comforting reminder of the love that surrounded him.

“David, are you okay?” she asked, her brow furrowing. “You look exhausted.”

His dad, seated at the table with the morning paper, glanced up. A tall, broad-shouldered man with kind blue eyes, he set his mug down and studied David closely. “Rough night, buddy? You don’t look like you got much sleep.”

David hesitated, shifting uncomfortably under their concerned gazes. “I’m fine,” he mumbled, pulling out a chair and sitting down. “Just had some weird dreams, that’s all.”

His mom brought over a plate of eggs and toast, setting it down in front of him with a worried look. “Weird dreams? Like nightmares?”

“Not exactly,” David replied, poking at his eggs with his fork. “It’s hard to explain.”

“Well, you need to eat,” his mom said gently. “Maybe you’ll feel better after breakfast.”

David nodded but didn’t say much else. His dad exchanged a glance with his mom, concern flickering in his eyes. “If it’s something bothering you, we’re here to listen,” his dad offered.

David gave them a small smile, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Thanks, but I’m okay. Really.”

Emma came into the kitchen a moment later, her auburn hair tied in a messy bun. At seventeen, she had a natural confidence about her, often teasing David but always protective when it came down to it. She took one look at her brother and raised an eyebrow.

“Wow, you look like you got hit by a truck,” she said bluntly, grabbing a piece of toast from the counter.

David rolled his eyes, taking a bite of his food. “Thanks, Emma. That’s exactly what I needed to hear.”

“I mean, seriously, what happened to you?” she pressed, sitting down across from him. “You’ve got these dark circles under your eyes, and you’re like a zombie.”

“Just weird dreams,” David repeated, hoping she’d drop it.

Emma shrugged, smirking. “Whatever. Just don’t fall asleep at the table or something.”

David’s mom gave Emma a reproachful look before turning her attention back to her son. “Take it easy today, David. You’ve got the whole summer to relax. Maybe spend some time outside? It might help clear your head.”

“Yeah, maybe,” David replied, though he doubted anything would help shake the lingering unease from the dreams.

As the day wore on, his parents’ concern stayed in the back of his mind. They were always supportive, always there when he needed them, and he hated making them worry. But how could he explain the vivid images of dragons clashing in the sky or the voice of the Jade Dragon calling him her child? It all felt too surreal, too big to put into words. The weight of these experiences pressed down on him, a burden he couldn't easily shake off.

David found himself staring out the window at the quiet suburban street, his reflection faintly visible in the glass. He looked tired—more tired than he should have felt after a whole night of sleep. The medallion around his neck seemed to pulse faintly, its presence both comforting and puzzling.

“Just a dream,” he whispered to himself, though deep down, he knew it was more than that. The mystery of the dreams hung in the air, a puzzle he was desperate to solve.

The midday sun blazed down on the Hendersons’ backyard, its warmth casting shimmering reflections across the surface of the pool. David stood at the edge, dressed in simple blue swim trunks, his pale skin already warming under the sun. He rubbed his eyes, hoping the pool’s cool water might help shake off the lingering exhaustion from his restless night.

“Come on, slowpoke,” Emma called from the water, her auburn hair slicked back and her laughter ringing out as she splashed lazily. Dressed in a bright bikini that matched her confident demeanor, she floated effortlessly, enjoying the cool relief of the pool.

“I’m coming,” David muttered, forcing a grin as he eased himself into the water. The chill hit his skin, sending a jolt of clarity through him. For a moment, he thought this might actually work—that the water might help clear his head.

He swam toward the center, joining Emma, who was lounging with her arms resting on an inflatable float. “Feeling any better?” she asked, squinting at him in the bright sunlight.

“A little,” David replied, his voice low. “Just... tired, I guess.”

Emma studied him for a moment, her brow furrowing slightly. “You’ve been acting weird all day. If you’re sick or something, maybe you should—”

“I’m fine,” David cut her off, though his tone lacked conviction. “The water helps.”

Emma didn’t push further, shrugging as she leaned back on her float. “If you say so.”

The cool water did feel good at first, wrapping around David like a calming embrace. But as he floated on his back, staring up at the clear blue sky, a strange sensation began to creep over him. It started as a heavyweight in his chest, spreading quickly to his limbs. His breathing slowed, and his eyelids grew heavier.

“David?” Emma’s voice sounded distant, muffled, as though she were speaking from far away. His body felt heavier, the world around him dimming.

Suddenly, exhaustion hit him like a crashing wave, more intense than anything he had ever felt before. His muscles gave out, and he sank beneath the water before he realized what was happening.

The world turned silent and cold as David slipped under the surface, the light of the sun shimmering faintly above him. He felt suspended, caught between consciousness and something deeper. The medallion against his chest seemed to burn with a strange warmth, contrasting sharply with the chill of the water.

Images flashed through his mind—dragons roaring, fire and lightning cutting across the sky, and the voice of the Jade Dragon whispering, You are mine, my child.

The medallion pulsed, and a faint glow surrounded it, the jade carving shining even beneath the water. David’s vision blurred as the weight of exhaustion pulled him deeper into darkness.

Above the water, Emma noticed her brother’s sudden disappearance and sat up sharply. “David?” she called, her voice edged with panic. When he didn’t resurface, she kicked off the float and dove toward where she had last seen him.

Her heart raced as she spotted him sinking, his body limp and unresponsive. Emma grabbed him under the arms and pulled with all her strength, breaking the surface and dragging him toward the pool’s edge.

“David!” she shouted, her voice shaking. “Come on, wake up!”

As she pulled him onto the pool deck, she noticed the faint glow from the medallion against his chest. Her eyes widened, but she didn’t have time to process it. She shook his shoulders, water dripping from both of them.

“David, open your eyes!”

To her relief, David coughed violently, water sputtering from his mouth as he gasped for air. His eyes fluttered open, unfocused but alive.

“Emma?” he croaked, his voice weak.

“You scared me half to death!” Emma exclaimed, her voice cracking with both anger and relief. “What the hell happened?”

David blinked, his mind foggy. He looked down at the medallion, which had returned to its normal appearance, though its weight on his chest felt heavier than ever. “I... I don’t know,” he admitted, his voice trembling. “I just... everything went dark.”

Emma sat back on her heels, her breath shaky as she tried to calm herself. “Well, whatever it was, you’re not okay. We’re going inside. Now.”

Emma paced nervously in the living room, her phone clutched tightly in her hand as she waited for their mom to arrive. David lay unconscious on the floor where Emma had managed to lower him after his collapse. His breathing was steady but shallow, and the sight of him so still sent a chill through her.

When she heard the sound of tires screeching to a halt outside, Emma bolted to the door. Their mom, still in her work attire, rushed inside, her face pale with worry.

"What happened?" their mom asked, her voice tight as she dropped to her knees beside David.

"I don’t know!" Emma cried, her voice trembling. "We were in the pool, and he just... he passed out. I got him out, but he hasn’t woken up."

Their mom quickly assessed David, her hands shaking as she brushed his damp hair from his forehead. "He’s burning up," she said, her tone filled with panic. "Emma, help me. We’re taking him to the hospital now."

Together, they managed to lift David’s limp form. Emma grabbed the medallion hanging around his neck, noticing it was still warm to the touch, but she didn’t have time to dwell on it. They maneuvered him into the back seat of the car, laying him down as gently as they could before their mom rushed to the driver’s seat.

The drive to the hospital was tense. Emma sat in the back with David, holding his hand and murmuring words of encouragement as though he could hear her. "You’re going to be okay, David," she whispered, her voice shaking. "You have to be."

Their mom gripped the steering wheel tightly, her knuckles white as she weaved through traffic. Her mind raced with questions, fear gnawing at her as she glanced at her son in the rearview mirror.

"Emma," she said, her voice strained, "did anything happen before this? Did he hit his head? Did he say he wasn’t feeling well?"

Emma shook her head, tears brimming in her eyes. "He said he was tired this morning, but he said he was fine! He didn’t hit his head; he just… passed out."

Their mom’s jaw tightened, her worry etched clearly on her face. "We’ll figure it out," she said, though it sounded more like she was trying to reassure herself. "We’ll get him the help he needs."

When they arrived at the hospital, nurses and doctors quickly surrounded David, transferring him onto a stretcher and wheeling him inside. Emma and her mom followed closely, their hearts pounding as they were directed to a waiting area.

The hours that followed felt endless. Emma paced while their mom sat with her hands clasped tightly together, her eyes fixed on the door to the emergency room. The unanswered questions weighed heavily on them both.

Finally, a doctor emerged, his expression calm but serious. "Mrs. Henderson?" he asked, looking at their mom.

She stood quickly, Emma by her side. "How is he?" their mom asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

"He’s stable for now," the doctor replied, "but we’re running some tests to determine what caused him to collapse. His vitals are strong, but there are some anomalies we’re investigating. Has he been under any unusual stress or had any health issues recently?"

Their mom shook her head. "No, nothing. He’s been a little tired today, but that’s it. He was perfectly fine yesterday."

David's dad rushed into the hospital, his worry etched into every line of his face. He spotted his wife and Emma in the waiting area, their anxious expressions confirming his worst fears. He hurried over, his tie loose from having rushed out of the office.

“What’s going on? How’s David?” he asked, his voice low and urgent as he crouched in front of his wife.

“He’s stable,” she replied, her voice trembling but steady. “The doctors are running tests to figure out what happened. His vitals are strong, but they said there were some anomalies they’re investigating.”

“Anomalies?” he repeated, his brow furrowing deeply. “What does that mean? Did they give any ideas about what could’ve caused this?”

Emma, sitting close by, spoke up, her voice strained. “He just collapsed, Dad. One minute, we were in the pool, and the next, he was unconscious. He didn’t say anything about feeling sick before it happened, just that he was tired this morning.”

Her dad frowned, his jaw tightening as he processed the information. “He was fine yesterday. What could’ve changed?”

His wife shook her head. “I don’t know. The doctor hasn’t given us much to go on yet, but they’re monitoring him closely. We’re just waiting for more updates.”

David’s dad placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “We’ll get through this,” he said firmly. “David’s tough, and we’re not leaving until we know he’s okay.”

His wife nodded, though the tension in her body didn’t ease. Emma leaned into her dad’s comforting presence, feeling a little steadier with him there. Together, they sat in silence, the quiet hum of the hospital around them punctuating the weight of their shared worry.

David found himself in a dream once more, but this time, it wasn’t the chaos of war that surrounded him. Instead, he was in a tranquil meadow bathed in soft golden light. The grass beneath him felt cool and soft, and the air was warm, carrying a faint floral scent that was both calming and unfamiliar.

He turned his head and saw her—the Jade Dragon. She lay curled beside him, her massive body radiating a sense of strength and protection. Her scales shimmered like polished emeralds, and her eyes, deep and wise, fixed on him with a gaze that felt impossibly ancient yet infinitely kind.

“My darling,” she said, her voice resonating in the air around them. It wasn’t just a sound; it was a presence, a force that seemed to speak directly to his soul. “You must awaken your true self.”

David blinked, the words sinking into his mind like a stone dropping into still water. “My true self?” he repeated, his voice filled with confusion. “What do you mean? Who... what am I?”

The dragon’s gaze softened, and she lowered her head closer to him, her breath warm against his skin. “You are my child,” she said simply. “Born of my flame, destined to carry my legacy. But the time for your awakening has come sooner than I had hoped.”

David frowned, his heart pounding. “Why now? What’s happening?”

Her expression grew somber, her massive wings shifting slightly as though bracing for an unseen threat. “My enemies know of your existence,” she explained. “They fear your power—the power you have yet to discover. They will stop at nothing to capture or kill you, for they know what you are capable of.”

A chill ran down David’s spine. “Enemies? But I’m just a normal kid! I don’t have any power.”

The Jade Dragon let out a low, rumbling sigh. “Not yet,” she said, her tone both gentle and firm. “You have lived as a human, unaware of the truth. But within you lies the dragon flame—the essence of our kind. It sleeps now, but it must awaken.”

David shook his head, his hands gripping the grass beneath him. “I don’t understand. How can I have this... dragon flame? I’m not a dragon.”

“You are,” she said, her voice unwavering. “Your human form is but a shell, a temporary vessel. Within you burns the fire of our lineage. To survive, you must accept the dragon flame into your heart. Only then will you begin to unlock your true potential.”

Her words hung in the air, heavy with meaning. David’s mind raced, a thousand questions fighting for space in his thoughts. “But how? How do I do that? And what happens if I don’t?”

The dragon’s eyes narrowed slightly, her tone growing serious. “If you do not, you will remain vulnerable. My enemies will sense your flame, even in its dormant state, and they will find you. You cannot fight them as you are now.”

David stared at her, fear and doubt swirling within him. “What if I’m not ready? What if I can’t handle it?”

The Jade Dragon leaned closer, her breath warm and soothing. “You are stronger than you know, my darling. The flame is already a part of you. Accept it, and it will guide you. Reject it, and you risk everything.”

David’s heart pounded in his chest as her words echoed in his mind. “How do I accept it?” he asked softly.

She smiled, a faint, almost motherly expression crossing her features. “You will know when the time comes. Trust yourself, and trust the flame. You are my child, David. And you are destined for greatness.”

The Jade Dragon’s massive wings beat against the air, carrying David effortlessly through the dreamscape. The wind rushed past him, cool and sharp, as he clung to her broad neck. Below them, jagged mountains stretched into the distance, their peaks shrouded in mist. He marveled at the dragon’s size and grace, her emerald scales glinting like polished gemstones in the faint light.

They approached a towering mountain, its summit crowned with a sprawling temple that seemed to emerge from the rock itself. The temple is a testament to ancient craftsmanship, glowed with rich red and gold hues, and its intricate architecture is unmistakably reminiscent of ancient China. Tall columns and ornate roofs rose majestically, their beauty both awe-inspiring and intimidating.

The Jade Dragon descended gracefully, landing in a large courtyard at the base of the temple. She lowered her head, allowing David to slide down to the ground. Her golden eyes fixed on him, calm but commanding.

“Enter and find your flame, my child,” she said, her voice echoing with power. “This place holds the truth of your lineage and the key to your strength.”

David swallowed hard, his heart pounding as he took in the grandeur of the temple. The red and gold decor was vibrant and alive, with banners depicting dragons in flight swaying gently in the breeze. The air was thick with an almost tangible energy as if the temple itself was watching him.

As David stepped through the arched entrance, his eyes were immediately drawn to the intricate and detailed carvings that adorned the stone walls. Each one told a story. Dragons of all shapes and sizes clashed with human warriors, their battles frozen in time by the masterful artistry. The scenes were both mesmerizing and unsettling, the ferocity of the dragons captured so vividly that it felt as though they might leap from the stone.

“What is this place?” David murmured, running his fingers over one of the carvings. The stone was cool to the touch, but it seemed to hum faintly as if it held a memory of the battles it depicted.

The carvings grew more elaborate as he moved deeper into the temple.

One panel showed a dragon shielding a group of humans from a storm of arrows, its wings outstretched in defiance. Another depicted a human warrior wielding a glowing sword, striking down a dragon with a look of grim determination.

The further he ventured, the heavier the air became, the weight of the temple’s history pressing down on him. It was as though the very walls whispered the stories of those who had come before, their voices urging him onward.

Eventually, David came upon a narrow passage carved deep into the mountain. The air was colder, carrying the faint scent of earth and stone. Flickering torches dimly lit the passage, their flames casting dancing shadows on the walls.

With a deep breath, he stepped into the passage, the sound of his footsteps echoing softly in the confined space. The carvings continued here, their themes growing darker and more chaotic. Dragons and humans fought side by side against shadowy figures, their forms twisted and indistinct. The battles depicted here seemed more desperate as if the stakes were far greater.

The cavern was vast, its atmosphere heavy with the weight of ancient power. Statues of great dragons lined the perimeter, each one carved with such exquisite detail that David almost expected them to move. Their eyes seemed to watch him, their expressions regal and stern, as though they were silently judging his every step.

In the center of the cavern stood a large dais, circular and glowing faintly in the flickering light of seven flames. Each flame was distinct in color: green, red, black, white, purple, gold, and silver. They burned steadily, casting vibrant hues across the cavern walls. David’s breath caught in his throat as he stepped closer, the sheer energy radiating from the flames sending a shiver through his body.

The air shifted, and a deep, booming voice echoed through the cavern, powerful and commanding. "Young dragon, choose your flame. Your soul will guide you to the proper one."

David’s breath caught in his throat, his heart pounding as he stared at the flames. Each one seemed to call to him in a different way, their colors vivid and alive. The green flame pulsed with a steady rhythm, calm and grounding. The red burned fiercely, wild and unyielding. The black seemed to consume light itself, mysterious and intense. The white flickered softly, pure and serene. Purple swirled with an almost playful energy, while gold and silver shone with brilliance, exuding strength and clarity.

He hesitated, unsure of what to do. “How am I supposed to know?” he whispered, his voice trembling.

The booming voice answered, calm yet firm. “Your soul will know, young dragon. Do not think with your mind—feel with your heart.”

David closed his eyes, taking a deep breath as he tried to push past his fear and confusion. He focused on the warmth of the medallion against his chest, its steady pulse grounding him. Slowly, he allowed himself to relax, letting his instincts take over.

David froze, his heart pounding as he stared at the dais. Each flame seemed alive, its movements hypnotic and deliberate. He could feel them calling to him, each in its own way, but it wasn’t until he let himself relax—letting go of fear and doubt—that the answer became clear.

The purple flame swirled with an energy that was almost playful, its movements fluid and unpredictable. It seemed to beckon him, its light pulsing in time with his own heartbeat. David felt a pull so strong it was almost magnetic, his feet carrying him forward without conscious thought.

His hand trembled as he reached out toward the flame. The moment his fingers touched its edge, a surge of energy coursed through him, filling him with warmth and light. The flame flared brightly, surrounding him in a violet glow that seemed to penetrate his very soul. He felt a rush of emotions—joy, curiosity, courage—all blending together in perfect harmony.

The connection was immediate and undeniable. The purple flame’s energy wasn’t just around him—it was part of him, weaving itself into his being like a thread into fabric. For a brief moment, he felt weightless, suspended in the embrace of the flame’s power.

When the light finally dimmed, David stood there, breathless and changed. The cavern seemed quieter now, the other flames burning as they had before, but the purple flame remained a part of him, its energy humming softly within his chest.

The booming voice returned, filled with approval. "You have chosen, young dragon. The path before you will be one of transformation and discovery. Nurture your flame, and it will reveal your true potential."

David's surroundings seemed to blur as he stepped back from the dais, the powerful energy of the purple flame still coursing through him. His body felt different—lighter, stronger, and somehow alien. He tried to steady himself, but the ground beneath his feet didn’t feel the same. When he glanced down, he froze.

The room around him seemed smaller, the once-lofty cavern now appearing far less imposing. He realized with a jolt that he was walking on four feet, each one ending in gleaming claws. His skin was no longer skin; instead, it was covered in iridescent purple scales that shimmered in the light of the flames.

A rush of awareness swept over him. His body stretched longer and more powerful, his neck arching gracefully as he moved. Wings—strong, leathery, and vast—unfurled instinctively from his sides. He gave them an experimental flap, feeling the air shift around him with a strength he couldn’t have imagined before.

He turned his head, catching a glimpse of himself in the reflective surface of a nearby wall. A dragon stared back at him, regal and magnificent. His heart raced as the realization sank in—this wasn’t just some fleeting vision. This was him.

The light in the cavern intensified as sunlight began to filter down from a now-opened ceiling. The pull to rise, to soar, was undeniable. With a deep breath, David crouched low and leapt, his powerful legs propelling him into the air. His wings beat against the currents, and in moments, he was soaring upward, the cavern falling away beneath him.

As he emerged into the open sky, the sun's brilliance bathed his scales in radiant light, highlighting every iridescent hue. The freedom of flight filled him with exhilaration, and the wind rushed past him like an embrace.

Hovering in the sky before him was the Jade Dragon, her massive form glowing with an almost divine presence. Her eyes softened as she gazed at him, pride and joy radiating from her.

"Child, you are beautiful," she said, her voice filled with warmth. "Your power will transform your human body to suit your new dragon form. This is only the beginning."

She giggled softly, a sound both light and powerful. David tried to respond, but a wave of dizziness swept over him. His vision began to darken, the sky and his mother’s form fading into blackness as the energy within him reached its peak. He felt himself falling—not physically, but into a deep, dreamless void where the transformation continued to unfold.

Chapter Four: A Surge of Fire

The quiet hum of monitors filled David’s hospital room, the soft beeping marking the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. His mother and Emma had just stepped out for coffee, leaving him alone in his still-unconscious state. The fluorescent lights above cast a pale glow over his motionless form.

The peace was shattered when one of the machines began to emit a shrill, rapid alarm. A nurse, passing by the door, rushed in to check the monitors. Her eyes widened as she read the rapidly climbing numbers on the screen.

“Code blue! Room 312!” she shouted, pressing an emergency call button on the wall.

Within seconds, a team of medical staff flooded the room. David’s body began to convulse, his muscles seizing uncontrollably. His face twisted in pain, and his skin glistened with sweat as his temperature soared.

“What’s his temp?” the doctor demanded as he strode into the room.

“108 and climbing, doctor,” the nurse replied, her voice strained.

The doctor’s face darkened. “We need to ice him down. Now!”

Nurses moved quickly, bringing in ice packs and placing them against David’s body. The cool relief was short-lived; the ice melted almost instantly, water pooling around the bed. They worked frantically to replace it, but the effect was the same.

“Temperature’s at 115!” another nurse called out. “No response to the cooling measures.”

The doctor leaned over David, his expression a mix of determination and disbelief. “How is this possible?” he muttered. “He should be in cardiac arrest.”

David’s body continued to convulse, the heat radiating from him like a furnace. The temperature monitor beeped wildly as it climbed higher.

“120 degrees!” the nurse shouted, panic creeping into her voice.

The doctor froze, his hands gripping the bed rail. “This—this is impossible,” he whispered. “He should be dead.”

And then, as suddenly as it had started, the convulsions stopped. David’s body relaxed, his breathing evened out, and the room fell eerily quiet. The monitors stabilized, showing his temperature dropping rapidly. Within moments, it was back to a normal 98.6 degrees.

The doctor stepped back, his brow furrowed as he stared at David’s still form. “Vitals are stable,” one of the nurses reported. “Temperature’s back to normal.”

The doctor shook his head, his voice filled with disbelief. “A temperature of 120 should have caused irreversible brain damage if not death. This… this shouldn’t be possible.”

The team exchanged uneasy glances, their professionalism hiding the unease creeping into their thoughts. They had seen medical anomalies before, but nothing like this.

David lay still, his chest rising and falling steadily as though nothing extraordinary had happened. The doctor stepped out to make notes, leaving the room quieter but charged with tension. Whatever had just occurred defied every explanation they had—and they all knew it.

David’s vital signs remained stable, but the medical team kept him in the ICU, cautious of another temperature spike. Machines monitored him closely, their steady beeping providing a faint reassurance to his dad, who sat vigil by his bedside.

“Come on, buddy,” his dad murmured, his hand resting lightly on David’s. “You’ve got to wake up soon. We’re all waiting for you.”

His mom and Emma had reluctantly gone home to rest, leaving him to take the next shift. He insisted they get some sleep, though worry etched deep lines into his face as he stayed by David’s side.

Three days passed without incident. David’s temperature held steady, and his vitals remained normal. The ICU team noted the uneventful stretch with cautious optimism, eventually deciding he could be moved to a standard room for continued observation.

On the fourth day, as sunlight filtered through the hospital curtains, David’s eyelids fluttered open. The first thing he saw was his dad’s face, weary but alert, his gaze fixed on the chair where he had been dozing.

“Dad?” David croaked, his voice weak.

The sound jolted his dad awake. “David!” he exclaimed, relief flooding his face. He leaned forward, gripping his son’s hand tightly. “You’re awake. Thank God.”

David blinked, trying to gather his bearings. His body felt heavy, but the warmth of his father’s presence grounded him. “What… what happened?”

His dad’s expression turned serious, though he kept his voice calm.

“You’ve been in the hospital, son. You had a fever—a really high one—but you’re okay now. You gave us quite the scare.”

David frowned, fragments of his strange dreams flashing in his mind. “I don’t remember… I just—” He paused, his thoughts swirling. “I feel… different.”

His dad’s brow furrowed, but he gave a reassuring squeeze to David’s hand. “We’ll figure it out, kiddo. Right now, just rest. Your mom and Emma will be here soon.”

As David sank back into the pillows, exhaustion creeping in again, he couldn’t shake the feeling that something inside him had changed. Whatever it was, it felt far from normal—and the memory of the Jade Dragon’s voice echoed faintly in his mind.

David had barely settled back into his bed when the nurses entered the room, their faces a mixture of relief and professional curiosity. “Good to see you awake, David,” one of them said warmly as she began preparing to draw blood.

David nodded faintly, still trying to shake the grogginess. He winced slightly as the needle pricked his arm, watching as the crimson fluid filled the vial. “Is all this really necessary?” he asked, his voice hoarse.

“It’s just to make sure everything’s alright,” the nurse replied gently. “We’re going to run some tests and see if we can figure out what caused your fever.”

The doctor arrived shortly after, clipboard in hand, his expression carefully neutral. “Good morning, David,” he said, his tone calm but focused. “How are you feeling?”

“Tired,” David admitted. “But… okay, I guess.”

The doctor nodded, pulling up a chair. “We’re going to check a few things, make sure there’s no lasting damage from the fever. It got dangerously high, so we want to be thorough.”

Over the next several minutes, the doctor asked David a series of questions and conducted various cognitive tests—checking his memory, reflexes, and motor skills. David answered them all without issue, though his growing frustration with the attention was evident.

When the doctor finished, he leaned back and gave a small smile. “Well, the good news is that everything looks fine. No signs of brain damage or any other complications.”

“Then what caused it?” David’s dad asked from his chair, his concern still clear. “What made him spike that high?”

The doctor’s expression grew more serious. “We don’t know. We’ve run all the usual tests—bloodwork, imaging—but nothing unusual has shown up so far. No infections, no underlying conditions that could explain it.”

David frowned, the vague memories of his dreams stirring uneasily in his mind. “What about the seizure?” he asked. “What caused that?”

The doctor sighed. “We believe the seizure resulted from the rapid rise in temperature. It’s a rare occurrence but not unheard of. That said, a fever as high as yours... it’s almost unprecedented. Frankly, you’re lucky to be alive.”

The room fell silent as the weight of the doctor’s words sank in. David glanced at his dad, who gave him a reassuring nod. “So, what now?” David finally asked.

“We’ll keep monitoring you for the next day or so, but if everything continues to look good, you should be able to go home soon,” the doctor replied. “For now, focus on resting and recovering.”

As the doctor left, David leaned back against the pillows, his thoughts racing. The medallion around his neck seemed to pulse faintly beneath his hospital gown, a constant reminder that something beyond the doctors’ understanding was at play.

After two more days in the hospital, David finally felt like himself again. The constant fatigue and aching that had plagued him since he woke up were gone, replaced by a surprising clarity and strength. The nurses remarked on how quickly he seemed to bounce back, though the medical team still had no answers for what had caused his sudden collapse and fever.

“Your vitals are perfect,” the doctor said during his final check-up, flipping through the chart with a slight frown. “Frankly, it’s a little baffling how well you’ve recovered, given what you went through.”

David’s dad, standing nearby, gave a small laugh. “That’s David for you. Tougher than he looks.”

The doctor smiled faintly but remained professional. “We’re releasing you, but you need to keep an eye on any unusual symptoms—fatigue, fever, headaches. If anything changes, come back immediately.”

David nodded, eager to leave the sterile confines of the hospital room.

“Got it. Take it easy. Check back if anything changes,” he repeated.

By the time David stepped out into the fresh air, the sunlight felt brighter, the air clearer, and everything seemed sharper than before. His dad guided him toward the car, his hand steady on David’s shoulder.

“Feels good to be out of there, huh?” his dad asked.

“Yeah,” David replied, though his mind was elsewhere. The medallion beneath his shirt felt warm against his skin as if it were alive, humming faintly with energy. He didn’t mention it to his dad; it was something he needed to figure out on his own.

David stared out the window as they drove home, his thoughts racing. The fever, the seizure, the dreams—none of it made sense, and yet he couldn’t shake the feeling that it was all connected. The voice of the Jade Dragon echoed faintly in his mind, a whisper that felt both reassuring and urgent.

By the time they pulled into the driveway, David had made a silent promise to himself: he would find out what was happening to him, no matter what it took.

Chapter Five: Back to Normal—Almost

David settled onto the living room couch, the controller fitting comfortably into his hands. The new game his sister, Kelly, had gotten him sat in the console, its startup screen glowing brightly on the TV. He took a deep breath, the familiar sounds and sights of the game pulling him back into a sense of normalcy.

Before he could get too far into the game, Kelly plopped down on the couch beside him, grabbing another controller. “Wanna play two-player, bro?” she asked casually, though her tone carried a note of something deeper. The game, a shared interest that had often brought them together, was now a tool for them to reconnect after the traumatic event.

David glanced at her out of the corner of his eye, noticing the way she fidgeted slightly, her fingers tracing the buttons on her controller. He knew exactly what she was doing—keeping herself busy, trying to process the fact that she had almost lost him.

He gave her a small smile and handed her a spare controller. “Sure. You’re just gonna lose, though.”

Kelly smirked, some of the tension in her face easing. “Oh, we’ll see about that.”

As the game loaded, David leaned back, his voice softer. “Hey, sis,” he said, not looking at her, “thanks for getting me out of the pool. I, uh… won’t try to breathe water again.”

Kelly’s fingers froze over her controller momentarily before she looked at him. Her expression was somewhere between amusement and relief, her voice carrying a distinct tone of the latter. “You better not,” she said, her voice cracking just slightly. She leaned over and planted a quick kiss on his cheek. “Just don’t scare me like that again, okay?”

David turned to her and grinned. “No promises, but I’ll do my best.”

For the next hour, the two of them battled their way through levels, the occasional shout of victory or groan of defeat filling the room. For a little while, it felt like things were back to normal. The sense of normalcy was so strong that it almost made them forget the trauma they had just been through, if only for a moment.

But even as David laughed and bantered with Kelly, a quiet unease lingered at the back of his mind. The warmth of the medallion against his chest was a constant reminder that “normal” might not last much longer. The unease was so strong that it almost overshadowed the fun they were having, a stark reminder of the trauma they had just been through.

David’s parents sat together in the living room as the house settled into a quiet rhythm. The soft glow of a single lamp cast warm light over the room, but the air between them was heavy with the tension of the past week.

David’s mom sat with her hands clasped in her lap, her knuckles pale from how tightly she gripped them. Her eyes were fixed on the floor, her thoughts clearly elsewhere. David’s dad leaned back on the couch beside her, his arm resting gently across her shoulders.

“I keep replaying it in my head,” she said quietly, her voice trembling. “Emma’s call, rushing home, seeing him on the floor like that... I thought we were going to lose him.”

David’s dad squeezed her shoulder, his own jaw tightening at the memory. “I know,” he said softly. “I thought the same thing when I saw him in that hospital bed. He looked so... fragile.”

She shook her head, tears brimming in her eyes. “And now? We still don’t even know what caused it. The doctors can’t explain it, and I keep worrying... What if it happens again? What if next time we’re not there in time?”

He pulled her closer, resting his chin lightly on her head. “We can’t think like that,” he said, though his voice wavered. “David’s strong. You saw how quickly he bounced back. And whatever this is... we’ll face it together.”

Her tears spilled over them, silent but steady, and she buried her face in his chest. “He’s still our baby,” she whispered. “Even if he’s sixteen. I’m not ready to lose him.” The depth of their love for David is palpable in her words.

“You won’t,” her husband said firmly, though the emotion in his voice betrayed his own fears. “We’ve made it through this, and we’ll keep making it through. One step at a time.” Their resilience in the face of uncertainty is a beacon of hope for the family.

For a long moment, they sat there in silence, clinging to each other as though the closeness could shield them from the uncertainty of the future. Outside, the soft chirp of crickets filled the night, and upstairs, David and Kelly’s muffled laughter drifted faintly through the house. It was a small reminder that, for now, at least, their family was safe and united.

David’s mom finally looked up, her tears beginning to dry. “We need to talk to him about being careful,” she said. “He acts like nothing happened, but he’s still recovering.”

David’s dad nodded. “We’ll talk to him tomorrow. Tonight... let’s just be grateful he’s here.”

She leaned into him again, her breathing steadying. Though the fear lingered, so did a quiet resolve. They had been scared, but their family was still whole—and they would fight to keep it that way.

David pulled back the covers, settling into bed with a sigh when a soft knock at his door broke the quiet. He glanced toward it, wondering who it could be at this hour. “Come in,” he said, his voice calm but curious.

The door opened slowly, and his mother stepped inside. Her head was hung low, and even in the dim light, David could see that her eyes were red and swollen from crying. She hesitated for a moment before speaking, her voice trembling.

“David,” she said softly, “can I lay with you tonight? I... I’m so scared I’m going to lose you.”

The raw emotion in her words struck David harder than he expected. He shifted over in bed, making room for her without hesitation. “Sure, Mom,” he said gently, giving her a reassuring smile. “You can make sure nothing happens to me tonight.”

She released a shaky breath of relief and climbed in beside him, pulling the covers over herself. They lay there in silence for a while, the warmth of their shared presence filling the room. David could feel the weight of her fear, but he hoped his quiet reassurance could ease it, even just a little.

“You don’t have to worry,” he said softly, turning to look at her. “I’m here, and I’m not going anywhere.”

She reached out, brushing a hand gently through his hair like she had when he was a child. “I just love you so much,” she whispered. “You’re my baby, David. I don’t know what I’d do if anything ever happened to you.”

David swallowed the lump forming in his throat and placed his hand over hers. “I’m okay now, Mom. I promise I’ll be careful. You don’t have to go through this alone.”

His words seemed to bring her some comfort, and she closed her eyes, her breathing slowly evening out. David lay awake for a little longer, listening to the quiet rhythm of her breath, a reminder of how deeply his family cared for him—and how much they were willing to fight for each other.

Chapter Six: A Subtle Shift

David woke to the soft rays of morning light streaming through his window, casting a warm glow over the room. The scent of fresh morning air filled his nostrils, and he could hear the distant chirping of birds. His mom was still asleep beside him, her breathing steady and calm. Smiling to himself, he climbed out of bed carefully, not wanting to disturb her. He could feel the softness of the sheets against his skin as he gently pulled the covers up over her shoulders before grabbing a fresh set of clothes and heading to the bathroom.

The familiar routine brought a sense of normalcy. He splashed cool water on his face, brushed his teeth, and ran a comb through his hair, shaking off the last remnants of sleep. Everything felt fine—calm, even. But that sense of calm was shattered when he began to get dressed.

As he pulled on his favorite shirt, he immediately noticed something was off. The fabric hung loosely on him, the sleeves extending well past his wrists. Frowning, he tugged at the hem, which now draped awkwardly almost to his knees. His jeans weren’t any better. The waistband slipped down his hips, and he had to hold them up with one hand to keep them from falling entirely.

“What the…” David muttered, staring at his reflection in the mirror.

The person staring back at him looked like him but smaller, leaner. His usually snug clothes looked oversized, as though he had shrunk overnight. He ran a hand over his face and arms, trying to make sense of what he was seeing. He didn’t feel weak or sick—on the contrary, his body felt light, agile, and full of energy. But the sight of himself in the oversized clothing was undeniable.

“Did I lose weight?” he whispered, his brow furrowing deeply. The mystery of his sudden physical change was like a puzzle he couldn't solve. “This doesn’t make any sense.” His confusion was palpable, adding to the enigma of his transformation.

The medallion around his neck caught his eye, its jade surface gleaming faintly in the morning light. He reached up and touched it, the smooth surface warm against his fingertips. The warmth was comforting, but it did nothing to explain what was happening. Little did he know, this medallion held the key to his transformation.

Shaking his head, he pulled his baggy clothes back into place as best he could and left the bathroom, his mind racing with questions. Something was changing—something he didn’t yet understand—and he wasn’t sure if he was ready for the answers. His internal conflict was palpable. He felt a mix of fear, confusion, and a strange sense of excitement at the possibilities this change might bring. But above all, he felt a growing sense of isolation, as if this transformation was pushing him further away from the life he knew.

As David stepped out of the bathroom, still adjusting his baggy clothes, Kelly emerged from her room, her hair a tangled mess and her eyes half-closed. “Good morning, bro,” she mumbled as she shuffled toward the bathroom. But then she froze, her gaze snapping to him.

Her expression shifted from sleepy to stunned in an instant. “Wait… What the—” she stammered, blinking at him as though she’d seen a ghost. “How… What… Why are you as short as I am?” Her shock was palpable, her words echoing the confusion and disbelief that David himself was feeling. Her reaction only added to the mystery of David's transformation, leaving David with more questions than answers and a growing sense of distance from his own family.

David frowned, looking down at himself and then at Kelly. It was true—he was now eye-level with his sister, who had always been a few inches shorter than him. “I… I don’t know,” he admitted, his voice shaking slightly. “I woke up, and everything’s just… too big.”

Kelly stared at him, her shock quickly turning to suspicion. “This isn’t some weird prank, is it? Did you mess with your clothes or something?”

“No! I swear!” David shot back, pulling at his oversized shirt. “Look at this—everything’s huge on me! I didn’t do anything. I just… woke up like this.”

Kelly tilted her head, studying him closely. “You don’t look sick,” she said, her voice quieter now. “But this is seriously freaky. Mom and Dad are gonna flip.”

David sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I know. I don’t even know how to explain it to them.”

“Well, you better figure it out fast,” Kelly said, her tone half-joking but still laced with concern. “Because this is way too weird to ignore.”

Their quiet argument was interrupted by their mom’s footsteps coming down the hall. She emerged from David's room, her hair slightly disheveled, a concerned look on her face.

“What’s all the noise about this early?” she asked, but her words trailed off as her eyes landed on David. Her expression shifted from concern to disbelief, her mouth opening slightly as though she couldn’t find the words. The shock and disbelief in her eyes were palpable, mirroring the gravity of David's transformation.

“David?” she finally managed, her voice soft and hesitant. She stepped closer, her eyes scanning him from head to toe. “What… happened to you? Why do you look so… small?”

David winced under her gaze, tugging at the hem of his oversized shirt. “I don’t know, Mom,” he said, his voice almost a whisper. “I just woke up like this.”

Her hand flew to her mouth, her eyes widening. “This… this doesn’t make sense. You look like you’ve shrunk overnight!”

“I know!” David said, exasperation creeping into his voice. “I don’t feel sick or weak or anything. I just… I don’t know what’s happening.”

Kelly, still standing nearby, folded her arms, her own worry hidden beneath a layer of sarcasm. “Told you they’d freak out.”

Their mom moved closer, placing a hand on David’s shoulder. “You don’t feel different? No pain? No dizziness?”

David shook his head. “Nothing. I feel fine. Better than fine, actually.”

His mom’s brow furrowed as she studied him, her worry deepening. “We’re calling the doctor,” she said firmly. “This isn’t normal.”

“Mom, wait,” David protested, but she was already heading for her phone. He didn't want to return to the hospital for more tests. The fear of finding out he is some kind of freak and his family rejecting him because he was causing so many problems.

The panic in her voice was unmistakable, and David felt a sinking pit of dread in his stomach. Something was happening to him—something he couldn’t explain. And he wasn’t sure anyone else could, either. "Honey, we need to figure out what is going on. I can't lose you, David. I just can't."

“Mom, wait,” David said quickly, trying to stay calm. “What if… what if this isn’t something a doctor can fix?”

Her gaze snapped to his, her fear deepening. “What are you saying?”

“I don’t know,” David admitted, his voice shaking. “But after everything that’s happened—at the pool, the hospital—what if… what if this is part of that?”

His mom’s grip on his arm tightened slightly, her fear mingling with a determination to protect him. “We’ll figure this out,” she said firmly. “No matter what it is, we’ll figure it out. You’re my son, and I won’t let anything happen to you.”

David’s dad emerged from the hallway, drawn by the sound of his wife’s concerned voice. He stopped in the doorway of David’s room, his eyes narrowing as he took in the scene.

“David?” he said, his tone both puzzled and alarmed. His gaze traveled from David’s face to his ill-fitting clothes. After a moment, he raised an eyebrow and said, “You look like you’re the same size as Kelly.”

David sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I know, Dad. I don’t get it either. I woke up, and everything was too big.”

His dad stepped closer, frowning as he studied him. “You don’t feel sick? No fever, no dizziness?”

David shook his head. “No, I feel fine. Better than I’ve felt in days, actually.”

His dad exchanged a look with his mom, the unspoken worry passing between them like a silent conversation. “This isn’t something we can ignore,” his dad said, crossing his arms. “We’ll figure this out, David. But… this doesn’t make any sense.”

“No kidding,” David muttered under his breath, pulling at his oversized shirt again.

Kelly leaned against the doorframe, her arms crossed. “I told you it’s weird. He’s like… a mini version of himself.”

Their dad shot her a look. “Kelly, not helping.”

David’s mom stood, her hand brushing David’s shoulder. “Let’s just focus on one thing at a time,” she said, her voice steadier now. “We’ll figure out what’s going on. First, let’s see if anything else has changed.”

After the initial shock wore off, the family decided to regroup. Whatever had happened to David during the night wasn’t actively progressing, and he insisted he felt fine. They took a pause, everyone cleaning up and sitting down for a quick breakfast. The atmosphere was tense but calm as they prepared to head to the hospital.

David picked at his toast, his oversized shirt making him look even smaller at the table. His dad finally broke the silence. “Alright, let’s get moving.

The sooner we get this checked out, the better.”

The hospital waiting room was quiet except for the clicking of keyboards and the soft murmur of conversations. At the check-in desk, the nurse raised an eyebrow as David’s dad explained why they were there. Her skeptical expression made it clear she thought the story was exaggerated at best.

“So, you’re saying your son… what? Shrunk overnight?” she asked, glancing at David.

His mom sighed, clearly frustrated. “We don’t know what happened. That’s why we’re here.”

The nurse hesitated, then nodded curtly, entering the information into the system. “Alright. Take a seat, and someone will call you shortly.”

When David was finally called back, the nurse took his vitals and gave him a curious look, but she said nothing as she noted his height and weight. After finishing the routine checks, she jotted down the numbers and added them to his chart.

David sat on the exam table, his legs dangling, while his parents stood nearby. His dad paced, occasionally glancing at the door. When the on-call doctor entered, holding the chart, he looked professional but puzzled.

“Good morning,” the doctor said, offering a polite smile. “David, how are you feeling?”

“Fine,” David replied. “Just… smaller.”

The doctor raised an eyebrow and then looked down at the chart. He flipped through it quickly, then again, going back and forth between the pages. His frown deepened as he muttered under his breath, “This can’t be right…”

Finally, he looked up at the family, his expression apologetic. “I’m sorry, folks, I think someone mixed up your charts.”

David’s dad crossed his arms. “No, doctor. The chart is correct. That’s why we’re here.”

The doctor glanced at David again, then at the numbers on the chart. “So, you’re saying this height and weight are recent? As in… this morning?”

“Yes,” David’s mom said firmly. “He was several inches taller two days ago, and none of his clothes fit anymore.”

The doctor stared at her for a moment before sighing and setting the chart down. “Alright, let’s take a closer look and run some tests. I’ll be honest—I’ve never heard of anything like this before, but we’ll figure it out.”

David exchanged a nervous glance with his parents as the doctor began the examination, the weight of the unknown pressing down on all of them.

The doctor flipped through the chart one last time before setting it down on the counter. He looked at David and then at his parents, his expression serious.

“We’ll need to run some tests,” he said. “I’d like to get X-rays and an MRI to see if there’s anything unusual going on internally. This kind of sudden change in height and weight… it’s not something we see often, if at all.”

David’s mom nodded quickly. “Whatever you need to do, doctor.”

The doctor smiled faintly, trying to reassure her. “Don’t worry. We’ll do everything we can to figure this out.”

He turned to David. “In the meantime, how are you feeling? Any pain, dizziness, or fatigue?”

“No,” David replied, shaking his head. “I feel fine. Better than I have in a long time.”

The doctor raised an eyebrow. “That’s good to hear, but it makes this all the more puzzling. Alright, let’s get those scans scheduled.”

A nurse entered shortly after to escort David to the imaging department. As he followed, his parents exchanged glances, their worry evident. Whatever the results, they hoped they would bring them closer to understanding what was happening to their son.

The hospital lights felt harsher as the day stretched on. David sat patiently, though each test added another layer of unease. The X-rays were quick but awkward, leaving him feeling even more exposed as the technician moved him into position. The MRI was long and loud, the machine’s rhythmic clanking making it hard to think about anything else.

Blood draws followed, and the routine procedure felt strangely invasive after everything else.

By the time it was over, David was exhausted. His parents were with him in the consultation room when the on-call doctor returned, joined by the specialist from David’s last visit. Both doctors looked unusually grim, a stack of papers and charts in hand.

“Mr. and Mrs. Allen, David,” the on-call doctor began, his voice steady but tinged with uncertainty, “we’ve been reviewing the results from today’s tests. I also consulted with specialists here and abroad, but none of us have seen anything like this before.”

The second doctor, who had been flipping through the charts, took over. “We’ve observed some significant abnormalities. As you know, during your last visit, we measured David’s height at 69 inches and his weight at 152 pounds. Today, his height is 63 inches, and his weight has dropped to 98 pounds.”

David’s eyes widened. 98 pounds? He thought. I haven’t weighed that since I was 10.

The doctor continued, “But that’s not all. David’s skeletal structure has changed significantly. His bone density is more consistent with that of a teenage girl his age, and his hips have shifted to a wider configuration. These are not subtle changes—they are anatomical.”

David’s mom gasped softly, covering her mouth, while his dad’s expression hardened, trying to process the information. “What could cause this?” his dad asked, his tone sharp with worry.

The doctors exchanged a glance before the first one replied, “We don’t know. None of the specialists we’ve spoken with have an explanation for this. It defies everything we understand about human anatomy and growth.”

“And what does this mean for him in the long run?” his mom asked, her voice trembling.

“We can’t say,” the second doctor admitted. “We’ll need to monitor David closely and continue consulting with experts. But at this point, we’re in uncharted territory.”

David sat quietly, his mind racing. His body wasn’t just changing—it was transforming in ways even the best medical minds couldn’t explain. The weight of uncertainty pressed down on him, but one thing was clear: whatever was happening to him was far from normal.

David’s mom took a deep breath, her voice shaky as she asked the question that had been weighing on her mind. “Do you think we’ll see any other changes? Is this... is this going to continue?”

The doctors exchanged a glance, their expressions hesitant. Finally, the on-call doctor spoke, his tone measured but honest. “We can’t rule that out,” he said carefully. “Given the unprecedented nature of what we’re seeing, it’s possible that more changes could occur. We’ll need to keep monitoring David closely.”

David’s mom clasped her hands tightly, her fear clearly visible. “What should we do if it happens again?”

“Call us immediately,” the specialist said firmly. “Any new symptoms or changes, no matter how minor, need to be reported. We’ll do everything we can to help, but right now, our understanding of this is very limited.”

David sat silently, the weight of their uncertainty settling over him like a heavy blanket. Whatever was happening to him wasn’t over—and the thought of what might come next left him both scared and strangely curious.

As the doctors left the room, David leaned back in his chair, his mind spinning. What new type of hell would I face tomorrow? he thought bitterly. The absurdity of it all hit him at once, and his thoughts drifted to the most ridiculous possibility. Was I going to start growing a tail next?

He sighed, staring at his hands, which looked smaller and more delicate than they had just days ago. The unknown loomed ahead, a storm of possibilities that none of them were prepared for.

The door opened again, and the original doctor who had treated David during his first visit stepped in. He held a small stack of paperwork and gave David a sympathetic look.

“I know you probably don’t want to hear this, David,” he began, his tone calm but serious. “But I’m guessing you’ve already figured out that these changes might not be over yet. So here’s what I’d like to do: I want you to come to my clinic tomorrow morning so we can start tracking your changes more closely.”

David’s mom leaned forward, her worry evident. “Do you think he’s in danger?”

The doctor shook his head. “I don’t think David has any disease. From everything we’ve seen so far, his vitals are strong, and his body seems to be adapting well to these changes. But I want to ensure that whatever is going on doesn’t damage his health in the long term. Regular monitoring will help us understand more as it happens.”

David nodded slowly, taking in the doctor’s words. “Okay,” he said quietly. “I’ll come by tomorrow.”

The doctor handed his parents the paperwork outlining the tests and observations they would conduct at the clinic. “Try not to stress too much,” he added, offering a small smile. “David, your body seems resilient. We’ll figure this out, one step at a time.”

As the doctor left the room, David couldn’t help but feel a mixture of relief and apprehension. At least someone was taking his changes seriously—but the uncertainty of what was ahead was still impossible to ignore.

Chapter Seven: Returning Home

The drive home was quiet, the tension in the car palpable. David leaned against the window, watching the familiar streets roll by, but his thoughts were far from comforting. The doctor’s words echoed in his mind, and though his parents tried to keep the conversation light, the weight of the unknown loomed over them.

When they finally pulled into the driveway, David sighed and stepped out of the car. His oversized sneakers slapped awkwardly against the pavement, a reminder of just how much his body had changed. By the time he reached the door, he was holding up his shorts with one hand to keep them from falling completely.

Once inside, he trudged to his room, closing the door behind him. He first grabbed a pair of sweatpants from his drawer, hoping the elastic waistband would help. No luck—they slipped right off his hips, pooling around his ankles.

“Great,” he muttered under his breath. “Not even sweatpants.”

He rummaged through his drawers, pulling out shirts, shorts, and pants, only to be met with the same problem. Everything was too big. His T-shirts hung on him like oversized tunics, and his underwear practically slid off the moment he moved. Frustration surged within him, and he flung one of the shirts onto the floor in a fit of helplessness.

“What the hell am I supposed to do?” he muttered, running a hand through his hair. The absurdity of it all felt overwhelming. He didn’t have a single piece of clothing that fit, and the thought of wearing his sister’s clothes, even temporarily, felt humiliating.

The knock on his door startled him. “David?” It was his mom’s voice, soft and hesitant. “Can I come in?”

He hesitated, glancing at the mess of clothes on the floor, but eventually sighed. “Yeah, sure.”

She stepped inside, her gaze immediately landing on the pile of too-large clothes. Her face softened as she looked at him, standing there in baggy sweatpants he had to hold up with one hand. “I know this is hard,” she said gently. “But we’ll figure it out.”

“Will we?” David asked, his voice tinged with frustration. “Because right now, I don’t even have clothes that fit. Hell, even my underwear’s too big.”

His mom gave him a small, sympathetic smile. “We’ll go shopping tomorrow. For now, we can borrow some of Kelly’s smaller stuff. Just until we get you something of your own.”

David groaned, but he knew she was right. “Fine,” he muttered, though the thought of wearing his sister’s clothes made him cringe.

“Hey,” his mom said, stepping closer and putting a hand on his shoulder. “We’ll take it one step at a time, okay? We’re here for you.”

David nodded, though the knot of uncertainty in his chest didn’t loosen. As his mom left to talk to Kelly, he sat down on the edge of his bed, staring at the pile of clothes that no longer belonged to him. Whatever was happening to him, it wasn’t over—and he had no idea what tomorrow would bring.

David’s room was quiet as he sat on the bed, his eyes drifting toward the mysterious scroll that had come with the medallion. It rested innocently on his desk, its ornate patterns glinting faintly in the light. After days of ignoring it, curiosity got the better of him. Slowly, he reached for it, unrolling it with care.

Initially, the text seemed strange, a collection of intricate characters that should have been indecipherable. But as David looked closer, the words became clear, flowing into his mind as if he were reading plain English. The contents puzzled him—it spoke of wind, the moon, and the other elements in cryptic phrases that didn’t quite connect.

The scroll pulsed with a sudden, brilliant flash of light when he finished the last line. David’s vision blurred, and he felt himself falling backward. His body hit the floor, limp and unresponsive.

“David!” his mother’s voice pierced through the haze, filled with panic, but he couldn’t respond. His senses were overwhelmed as a sharp, searing pain exploded in his head. It was as if knowledge—vast, incomprehensible knowledge—was being forced into his brain, each fragment passing through his consciousness too quickly to grasp. Images, symbols, and ideas flickered like a rapid slideshow, leaving him breathless and disoriented.

The flood of information seemed never-ending, each moment stretching into eternity. David struggled to focus, to make sense of what he was seeing, but it was too much. After what felt like an eternity, the deluge stopped as abruptly as it had started. Silence enveloped him, and his mind slowly began to clear.

He blinked his eyes open, his vision adjusting to see his mother lying on top of him, tears streaming down her face. Kelly and his dad hovered nearby, their faces pale with worry. The weight of their fear pressed on him, but the worst of the pain had already faded. Their relief was palpable, washing over him like a soothing balm.

“I’m alright,” David murmured, his voice hoarse. He tried to sit up, wincing slightly as his mom clung to him. “It was just a minor overload of information.”

His mom pulled back slightly, her tear-streaked face full of disbelief and relief. “David, you collapsed! We thought—” Her shock was a testament to the depth of her concern.

“I know,” he interrupted softly, his gaze drifting to the scroll still lying open on the desk. “It was… the scroll. It did something. I don’t even know how to explain it.”

Kelly stepped closer, her arms crossed, but her concern was evident. “David, whatever just happened, it wasn’t normal. You scared the hell out of us.”

David nodded, swallowing hard. “I know. I’ll figure it out—I promise.” His determination was palpable, a beacon of hope in the midst of uncertainty.

His dad helped him to his feet, his grip steady but his expression still grim. “Whatever this is, son, we’re going to deal with it together. But no more messing with that scroll until we know more.” The unity in his family's stance was a comforting reassurance in the face of the unknown.

David agreed, though his mind was already racing with questions. The information that had been forced into his head was there, lingering just out of reach. He couldn’t shake the feeling that whatever he had just experienced was only the beginning.

David's mom stared at the scroll, still lying on his desk, her brow furrowed. “Is that the scroll you were reading?” she asked.

His dad stepped closer, picking it up carefully. He turned it over in his hands and frowned. “There’s nothing on the scroll,” he said, his voice tinged with confusion.

“What?” David said sharply, hurrying over. He grabbed the scroll from his dad’s hands and unrolled it. Sure enough, the intricate text he had seen earlier was gone. The parchment was completely blank.

“No, that’s impossible,” David muttered, his heart racing. He scanned the scroll again, flipping it over, but there was nothing—no text, no markings, nothing.

As he stood there staring, the scroll began to crumble. Tiny fragments flaked away, the material disintegrating into dust in his hands. “No, no, no!” David exclaimed, trying to hold it together, but it was useless. Within seconds, the scroll was gone, leaving only a fine layer of dust on his fingers.

His family stood in stunned silence, watching the last remnants fall to the floor. “What just happened?” Kelly finally asked, her voice breaking the quiet.

David stared at his empty hands, his mind racing. “I don’t know,” he said softly. “But I think… I think it did what it was meant to do.”

David stared at the dust in his hands, and as his mind began to clear, knowledge bubbled to the surface unbidden, as though it had always been there. The scroll, he realized, wasn’t just a decorative piece or a relic. It was a single-use spell; its purpose was fulfilled when he read and activated it. Once used, it was designed to vanish, its magic spent.

“It was supposed to happen,” David said aloud, his voice steady despite the unease in his chest.

“What do you mean?” his mom asked, her voice trembling with worry.

David looked at her, then at his dad and Kelly, who were both watching him intently. “The scroll—it wasn’t meant to last. It was a spell, a one-time thing. Once it did what it was supposed to, it… disappeared.”

Kelly’s eyes widened. “A spell? Like, actual magic?”

David nodded, his thoughts still racing. “Yeah. I don’t know how I know, but I just… do. It’s like the scroll put the knowledge in my head when I read it.”

His dad crossed his arms, his expression torn between disbelief and concern. “What kind of spell are we talking about? What did it do to you?”

David hesitated, glancing down at his hands. “I don’t know everything yet, but it felt like… like it unlocked something. Something in me.” He looked back up, his voice quieter. “I think this is only the beginning.”

David's dad gave him a reassuring pat on the shoulder before heading out the door, his tie slightly askew from rushing. "I’ll check in during lunch," he said firmly. "Call me if anything changes."

David nodded, appreciating his dad’s calm demeanor, even though he could see the worry etched on his face.

After his dad left, his mom put down her phone and turned to David. “I just told work I’m taking three weeks off,” she said, her tone leaving no room for argument. “I need to be here for you right now.”

“Three weeks?” David asked, his eyebrows shooting up. “Mom, you don’t have to—”

“I do,” she interrupted, her voice soft but resolute. “Whatever’s happening to you isn’t something you should face alone. I’m not going anywhere until we figure this out.”

David looked at her, the warmth in her gaze easing some of the tension in his chest. “Thanks, Mom,” he said quietly.

She nodded, giving him a small smile. “Let’s take it one day at a time, okay? We’ll figure this out together.”

David stared at the clothes his mom handed him, his face flushing with both embarrassment and disbelief. The T-shirt was a snug white top with three-quarter sleeves, and the shorts were tiny exercise shorts that barely seemed to cover anything. As he held them up for inspection, a pair of his sister’s panties slipped out and landed on the bed.

“Mom, seriously?” he groaned, rubbing his temples.

His mom crossed her arms, her expression mixed with sympathy and determination. “It’s temporary, David. Until we get you your own clothes. You can’t walk around in clothes that keep falling off.”

David sighed heavily, knowing she wasn’t going to back down. Begrudgingly, he changed into the outfit, trying not to think about how ridiculous he felt. When he finally looked at himself in the mirror, his eyes widened. The clothes didn’t just fit—they fit perfectly. The shirt hugged his frame, and the shorts rested snugly on his hips.

“Crap,” he muttered, staring at his reflection. “They fit me perfectly.”

His mom stepped into the doorway, her gaze softening. “It’s not ideal, I know. But it works for now.” She hesitated before adding, “You look fine, sweetie.”

David groaned again, running a hand through his hair. “I look like a… I don’t even know. Let’s just get this over with.”

His mom smiled faintly, sensing his discomfort but choosing not to comment further. “We’ll fix this soon, I promise,” she said as she turned away. “Come on, breakfast is waiting.”

David stared at his reflection in the mirror one last time, shaking his head. “This is ridiculous,” he muttered under his breath.

His mom’s voice called from the hallway, “Lunch is waiting, David. Come eat before it gets cold.”

With a resigned sigh, he stepped out of his room. The snug shirt and tiny shorts made him feel exposed, but he couldn’t argue with the fact that they fit. As he headed to the kitchen, he tried to ignore how the clothes felt against his skin and focused instead on the smell of food wafting through the house.

As David walked into the kitchen, Kelly was already sitting at the table, scrolling through her phone. She glanced up absentmindedly, but her jaw dropped the moment she saw him.

“Whoa,” she blurted out, her phone slipping from her fingers onto the table. “David… are those my clothes?”

David groaned, rubbing the back of his neck. “Yeah, Mom said it was temporary until we get something else.”

Kelly stared at him, her eyes widening further. “I didn’t think they’d actually… fit you that well.” Her tone was equal parts shock and disbelief.

David sank into the chair across from her, glaring half-heartedly. “Thanks for the vote of confidence, Kelly. That makes me feel so much better.”

She snapped out of her daze, shaking her head. “No, I mean… it’s just… wow. You look like—” She paused, trying to find the right words. “You actually look good in them. Like, really good.”

David buried his face in his hands. “This day keeps getting better and better.”

Kelly smirked, though her eyes still held a hint of concern. “Don’t worry, bro. We’ll figure this out. But, seriously… those shorts? They were mine from eighth grade. And they fit you perfectly.”

David groaned again, deciding to focus on the food in front of him rather than his sister’s astonished expression.

David groaned again as he pulled at the snug shirt. “I’m never leaving the house again,” he grumbled, sinking into his chair.

Kelly couldn’t hold back a laugh this time. “Oh, come on, it’s not that bad,” she teased. “I mean, those were from my freshman year, and they fit you like they’re yours.”

David’s face flushed, and he buried it in his hands. “That’s supposed to make me feel better?”

Kelly shrugged, still grinning. “I’m just saying, you’re rocking the look, bro. Or... maybe I should start calling you sis?”

“Kelly, not helping,” David snapped, glaring at her from behind his hands.

Their mom walked in, setting down a plate of food. “Enough, Kelly,” she said gently but firmly. “David’s going through enough as it is.”

Kelly raised her hands in mock surrender, though the playful grin didn’t leave her face. “Alright, alright. I’ll behave—for now.”

David sighed deeply, picking up a fork. “This day just keeps getting better.”

David sighed after finishing his lunch, his mind still preoccupied with the absurdity of his situation. The snug clothes, while embarrassing, were undeniably comfortable. I can’t believe I’m saying this, but they actually feel… nice? He thought begrudgingly.

Curiosity gnawed at him, and before he could overthink it, he made his way to Kelly’s room. He spotted a pair of sneakers sitting by her bed and hesitated momentarily before slipping one on.

It slid on effortlessly.

His breath caught as he stared down at his foot in disbelief. “Oh god,” he whispered, trying the other shoe. It fit perfectly—like it had been made for him. He glanced at the tag inside. Size 7. A woman’s size 7.

He sat down heavily on her bed, staring at his feet. “This cannot be happening,” he muttered to himself. But the snug fit of the shoes was impossible to deny.

Kelly walked into her room and stopped in her tracks, her eyebrows shooting up as she saw David sitting on her bed with a pair of her sneakers on his feet. A smirk spread across her face.

“David,” she said with mock seriousness, “if you wanted to play dress-up, all you had to do was ask.”

David looked up at her, clearly frustrated. “No,” he snapped, his voice tinged with irritation. “I was checking. Your clothes fit, so I wanted to see if your shoes fit too. And guess what? I’m a size 7. Just like you.”

Kelly leaned against the doorframe, crossing her arms, her smirk deepening. “Well, at least you have good taste. My shoes are cute.”

David groaned, slipping the shoes off and tossing them to the side. “This isn’t funny, Kelly.”

“Maybe not to you,” she replied with a chuckle. “But, bro—or should I say sis—this is kind of hilarious from where I’m standing.”

David sat on Kelly’s bed, staring at the sneakers he had just taken off, his thoughts swirling. Finally, he broke the silence, his voice quiet but heavy. “I’m turning into a girl, aren’t I?”

Kelly’s teasing expression softened. She stepped closer, her arms dropping to her sides. “I don’t know,” she admitted, her voice honest but careful. “But… it looks that way.”

David’s shoulders slumped as the reality of her words sank in. Kelly continued, “I’m pretty sure the doctors have realized it too, but they probably didn’t want to say anything yet. They don’t want to make you feel worse.”

David looked up at her, his frustration and confusion evident in his eyes. “This isn’t normal, Kelly. None of this makes sense.”

“I know,” she said softly, sitting down beside him. “But you’re still you, okay? Whatever’s happening, we’ll figure it out. Together.”

Kelly smiled softly, trying to lighten the mood. “Wanna watch a movie with me?” she asked.

David sighed, standing up from her bed. “Sure, but first, I might as well update Mom on my shoe size,” he muttered, glancing at the sneakers on the floor.

Kelly chuckled. “She’ll love that. ‘Hey, Mom, by the way, I wear a size 7 now.’ Totally normal.”

David rolled his eyes but couldn’t help smirking a little. “Yeah, totally normal. Let’s just get this over with.”

"Mom," David calls. I figured out my shoe size. I'm a size 7 like Kelly."

Mom asked, "Okay, I'm going to the store to get you some clothes to wear for now. What color shoes do you want?"

Without a second thought, David replied, "Purple."

David’s mom watched him walk off toward the living room, a thoughtful expression crossing her face. She grabbed her purse and keys, mulling over his casual answer of “purple” when asked about the shoe color.

Purple? That was quick, she thought. It wasn’t even like he hesitated. Is this part of whatever’s happening? Is he really becoming more feminine?

As she drove to the store, her thoughts lingered on the subtle shifts she’d noticed in him—his posture, his gestures. His body is changing, but is his mind adjusting too? I don’t think he’s ready to process all of this yet.

When she got to the store, she headed for the girls’ section, browsing through racks with care. She picked out a few pairs of longer shorts, ones that wouldn’t be too tight but would fit him properly. She chose plain and comfortable styles for shirts—nothing form-fitting or flashy. He needs clothes that fit but nothing that makes him feel more out of place than he already does.

Satisfied with her selections, she added a pair of purple sneakers to her cart and headed to the checkout. She thought we’d take this one step at a time as she paid. Whatever’s happening, he’ll know he’s not alone.

Chapter Eight: Unveiling the Truth

David stared at the sneakers in the box, the deep purple color gleaming under the light. “Great,” he muttered, lifting one up for a closer look. “These will match my scales.”

“Your what?” both his mom and Kelly said in unison, their voices sharp with confusion.

David froze, his mind racing. Crap, why did I say that out loud?

“My dragon… oh, umm… these are really pretty.” He trailed off, trying to backtrack, but his mom wasn’t having it. Her expression hardened, and she crossed her arms.

“You better sit right here and explain,” she said firmly, pointing at the couch. “No hiding anything, David. We’re family.”

Kelly nodded, sliding into the chair across from him. “Yeah, spill it. What’s going on?”

David sat down heavily, letting out a deep sigh. “Fine,” he said, his voice resigned. “It started the night of my birthday. I put on this medallion because I thought it looked cool. That night, I had a dream about a dragon war. This green dragon called me her child and said I was in danger and needed to awaken my powers.”

He glanced at their faces, noting their growing confusion, but continued. “The next day, you know what happened—I passed out. Before I woke up in the hospital, I had another dream about the dragon. She told me I needed to find my flame. She flew me to this temple—it looked like something from ancient China. Inside were all these carvings of dragons fighting humans and each other.”

Kelly leaned forward, her eyes wide. “And then?”

“I followed this path that led down to a giant cavern,” David explained, his voice becoming steadier. “There were statues of dragons everywhere, and in the center of the room, there were flames of different colors. Green, red, black, white, purple, gold, silver… they were all there. A loud voice told me to look into my heart and choose my flame. I didn’t understand at first, but when I closed my eyes, I just… knew. I was drawn to the purple flame.”

His mom and Kelly listened in stunned silence as he continued. “When I touched it, the flame covered my entire body. It didn’t hurt—it felt… right. When it faded, I felt different. I looked at myself and realized…” He paused, his voice catching as the realization hit him fully. “I realized I was a dragon—with iridescent purple scales.”

He stopped speaking, his eyes darting between his mom and Kelly, who both stared at him, their expressions a mix of shock and disbelief, their minds struggling to comprehend the unbelievable revelation. Then, as the memory sank in deeper, another thought hit him like a ton of bricks.

“Shit,” he said aloud, his eyes widening. “I was a female dragon.”

Kelly blinked, leaning back in her chair. “Wait, what?”

David rubbed his temples, feeling both overwhelmed and oddly calm simultaneously, a testament to his resilience in the face of such a drastic change. “It makes sense now. The dragon—she said my body was preparing for my dragon form. That’s why all these changes are happening.”

His mom sat down slowly, her face pale but thoughtful. “David… or whoever you’re becoming… you’re saying this medallion, these dreams—they’re changing you into… this dragon?”

David nodded. “Yeah. And I don’t think it’s going to stop.”

The room fell into a heavy silence as the weight of David's words, laden with the implications of his transformation, settled over them, casting a solemn pall over the room.

David’s mom broke the silence, her voice hesitant but firm. “But… magic isn’t real.”

David met her gaze, his expression a mix of frustration and conviction. “You saw what happened upstairs before lunch,” he said. “I don’t understand it either, but within my new memories, I know that it’s real. I’m just as confused as you are.”

Kelly tilted her head, frowning. “Wait—‘new memories’? What does that even mean?”

David sighed, running a hand through his hair. “It’s like… when the scroll disappeared, it left something behind. Bits and pieces of knowledge about magic, dragons, and all this stuff that doesn’t make sense. I thought they were just dreams, but now… I don’t think they were.”

His mom’s expression softened, though her confusion didn’t fade. “So you’re saying… what? That this medallion, these dreams—they’re all connected? And they’re changing you?”

“Yes,” David replied quietly. “That’s exactly what I’m saying.”

David’s mom crossed her arms, her worry evident as she looked at him. “Then take off the medallion tonight,” she said firmly. “See if it helps fix this.”

David hesitated, reaching up to touch the medallion hanging around his neck. It felt warm, almost comforting, as though it had become a part of him. “I… I can try,” he said reluctantly, though the thought of removing it filled him with unease.

“Just for tonight,” his mom pressed, her voice softening. “Let’s see if it makes a difference.”

“Okay,” David replied, though deep down, he doubted it would change anything.

As David’s dad walked through the door, he barely had time to set down his briefcase before his wife pulled him into the living room. Her face was tense, her words spilling out as she recounted everything that had happened while he was gone—David’s changes, the scroll, the medallion, and the story about dragons.

He listened in silence, his brow furrowing deeper with each passing moment. When she finished, he looked between her and David, his skepticism clear.

“Are you saying,” he began slowly, “that our son is turning into a… dragon?”

David shrugged, his expression weary. “I don’t have a better explanation, Dad. You’ve seen what’s happening to me. Can you come up with anything that makes more sense?”

His dad opened his mouth as if to argue but stopped, shaking his head. “I… no, I can’t,” he admitted reluctantly. “None of this makes any sense.”

David’s mom placed a hand on her husband’s arm, her voice softer now. “It doesn’t make sense, but it’s happening. We must support him through this, even if we don’t fully understand.”

David hesitated, his voice trembling as he looked at his parents. “Mom, Dad, are you still going to love me if I… if I keep changing?” His eyes glistened, and it was clear he was holding back tears.

His mom immediately hugged him, her voice gentle but firm. “Of course, honey. You’re our son—or daughter, maybe… whatever happens, we will always love you.”

His dad placed a hand on David’s shoulder, nodding. “Your mom’s right. We don’t care what you look like or what changes come. You’re still you, and you’re still our child.”

David blinked rapidly, trying to hold back the tears, but the relief in their words washed over him like a wave. For the first time in days, he allowed himself to feel a small sense of comfort. “Thanks,” he whispered. “I needed to hear that.”

Chapter 9: Nail in the Coffin

David’s sleep was anything but peaceful. As he lay in bed, his mind raced, consumed by the absence of the medallion that had recently vanished from his life. The empty coffee table loomed ominously in the dim light of the room, serving as a silent reminder of his inner turmoil. Unable to ignore it, he felt an unsettling emptiness, as if a vital piece of his identity was missing, leaving him incomplete and adrift.

Eventually, the weight of exhaustion drove him into a fitful sleep, where anxiety and unease tangled with the threads of his consciousness.

In the depths of his dream, the air enveloped him with a warm, comforting sensation. Before him stood the familiar figure of the green dragon, her majestic form towering above him. This time, however, he wasn't in his human guise; he had transformed into his dragon form once more. His iridescent purple scales glimmered brilliantly in the soft glow that surrounded them, reflecting a spectrum of colors that danced like sunlight on water. The dragon’s penetrating emerald eyes regarded him with a depth that held both wisdom and sorrow, captivating him entirely.

“Ah, my daughter, Yuqi,” she said gently, her voice resonating with both pride and a sense of profound sadness. “You have finally come to realize what you were destined to be.”

The name “Yuqi” echoed within him, stirring a flood of emotions that left him momentarily stunned. Tilted in confusion yet overwhelmed by an inexplicable sense of belonging, he gazed back at the dragon, trying to make sense of his reality.

The dragon’s voice softened further as she continued, her tone laced with regret. “I must apologize. When I sent my aid to bring you to the mortal realm for your protection, I had no choice but to alter your body. You were always intended to become this—to embrace who you truly are.”

Each of her words washed over David like a tide of realization, carrying an emotional weight he had never encountered before. He felt a connection to his true self—one he had long been unaware of. “My darling Yuqi,” she continued, her voice gentle and soothing, her eyes glistening with unspoken feelings. “I hope to see you again soon.”

With those final words lingering in the air, a sense of anticipation blossomed within him, melding with the insecurities and questions that had plagued him for so long.

The dream began to fade, and as Yuqi reached out to speak, everything dissolved into darkness.

David woke with a start, gasping loudly as the vivid images of the dream clung to his mind. His heart raced, his breath shaky as the words of the green dragon echoed in his ears, the emotional weight of the dream still heavy on his chest: “My darling, Yuqi, I hope I can see you soon.”

He lay there, his mind a chaotic storm of confusion and emotions. But before he could make sense of it all, the weight of exhaustion pulled him back into a deep, troubled sleep.

David woke up with the morning light filtering through his window, his body still heavy with exhaustion despite a full night’s sleep. Groaning, he shuffled out of bed and made his way to the bathroom, hoping that fresh water on his face might help him wake up.

As he stood there, his hand moved instinctively, and then—nothing. His eyes widened as he realized his equipment was gone. Completely.

He stared at his reflection in the mirror, his thoughts swirling. The truth they had all been dreading was now undeniable. “Just as we thought,” he muttered to himself, his voice tinged with frustration.

David felt his jaw clench, but the frustration quickly gave way to resignation. This change wasn’t a shock anymore. Deep down, he had known this moment was coming. He struggled with a mix of emotions, from frustration to acceptance. “Great,” he muttered under his breath. “Just great.”

Still, the lingering curiosity about what came next gnawed at the edge of his frustration. It was the unknown that scared him more than anything else.

David let out a long, shaky sigh as the realization fully hit him. Sitting there, the truth was undeniable—he wasn’t just in the process of changing anymore. The change had happened. His body, once male, had transformed into that of a woman. He was, anatomically, a woman now.

His thoughts raced as he got dressed in the clothes his mom had bought. How was he supposed to tell his family? They’d been preparing for this, but saying it out loud felt like crossing a line he wasn’t ready for. Yet, he knew he couldn’t avoid it.

Standing in front of the mirror, he adjusted his shirt and shorts, looking at himself with a mixture of disbelief and acceptance. This is me now, he thought, a sense of resolution settling within him.

Bracing himself, he stepped out of his room, ready to face his family and explain what had happened.

David sat at the breakfast table, his stomach twisting with nerves. His mom and Kelly were already seated, chatting quietly, while his dad poured himself a cup of coffee. The normalcy of the scene only made what he was about to say feel more surreal.

He cleared his throat, drawing their attention. “I… need to tell you guys something,” he began, his voice low but steady.

His mom set her fork down, her expression immediately shifting to concern. “What is it, honey?”

David took a deep breath and started. “I had another dream last night. The green dragon returned, and I was in my dragon form again. She… she called me her daughter.” He hesitated, his cheeks flushing as he continued. “She said that when I was sent to the mortal realm, she had to change my body into a boy to keep me safe.”

Kelly’s eyes widened, and their dad raised an eyebrow but said nothing, letting David continue.

“This morning…” David trailed off, struggling to find the words. Finally, he just said it. “When I went to the bathroom, I realized… it’s done. I’m… fully a girl now.”

The room went silent, the weight of his words sinking in. His mom’s face softened, her eyes glistening with emotion. “Oh, David… or Yuqi, is it?” she asked gently.

David blinked, surprised she remembered the name from his earlier dream. “Yeah. I guess so.”

Kelly leaned back in her chair, looking at him—or rather, her—with a mixture of awe and disbelief. “So, it’s real,” she said. “The dragon stuff, the medallion, all of it… it’s actually real.”

Their dad finally spoke, his tone calm but thoughtful. “How are you feeling about all this? I mean… this is a lot for anyone to handle.”

David shrugged, her shoulders tense. “I don’t know. It’s frustrating and confusing, but… I guess I’m not surprised anymore. I’ve been feeling it coming for days.”

Her mom reached across the table, placing a comforting hand over hers. “We’ll figure this out, Yuqi. Whatever happens, we’re here for you.”

David—now Yuqi—nodded, feeling a small sense of relief. Whatever the future held, at least she wasn’t facing it alone.

Yuqi sat quietly in the doctor’s office, her parents on either side of her. The sterile smell of the room did little to calm her nerves. The doctor adjusted his glasses, flipping through the stack of notes he had been compiling over the past few visits.

“Well,” he began, setting the clipboard down. “I can confirm that biologically, you are now fully female. The changes are consistent with what we’ve been observing, but I’ll be honest—there’s no medical explanation for how this happened.”

Yuqi stared at her hands in her lap, nodding slightly. She had expected this, but hearing it out loud still felt surreal.

The doctor continued, his tone measured. “Your physical appearance is still androgynous. Based on what we’ve seen, it’s as though your body is resetting itself. You appear prepubescent at the moment, with no development in secondary sexual characteristics like chest growth yet. It’s as if your body is preparing for a new phase.”

Yuqi’s mom leaned forward. “So… is she going to keep changing?”

The doctor hesitated. “That’s the part we can’t determine. Whatever is driving these changes doesn’t follow any known patterns or biological processes. I’ll continue to monitor closely, but I can’t say what the end result will be.”

Yuqi looked up, her voice soft but firm. “Thank you, Doctor.”

He gave her a kind smile. “We’ll do our best to keep you healthy and safe. If you notice any new changes, let me know right away.”

As they left the office, Yuqi couldn’t help but feel like she was standing on the edge of something unknown. The mystery of her transformation wasn’t just medical—it felt like a question of identity and purpose. All she could do now was wait and see where it would lead.

As they stepped into the house, Yuqi sat down on the couch, her thoughts still swirling from the doctor’s visit. Her mom approached, holding out a plain shopping bag.

“What’s this?” Yuqi asked, taking the bag hesitantly.

Her mom offered a small, encouraging smile. “Like you said earlier, this seemed like the obvious direction of the changes. I got these for you yesterday, just in case.”

Yuqi opened the bag and peeked inside. Her cheeks flushed slightly as she pulled out a small bundle of neatly folded panties. She let out a long sigh but managed to muster quietly, “Thanks, Mom.”

Her mom placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “It’s just another step, sweetie. You’ll get used to it.”

Yuqi nodded, though the thought felt daunting. She knew her mom was trying to help, but every little change brought her closer to something she was still struggling to fully grasp. She reminded herself one step at a time as she headed to her room to put them away.

Yuqi sat on her bed, staring at her phone, her mind racing. Her friends had been calling for days, checking in on her after hearing she was in the hospital. Each time, her mom had reassured them that she was just recovering, keeping them at bay.

But now, Yuqi knew she couldn’t avoid them forever. What was she going to say? How could she explain the changes without sounding completely insane? The thought of trying to tell them about dragons, medallions, and her transformation felt impossible.

She thought, biting her lip, I can’t keep dodging them forever. But what am I supposed to say?

Yuqi paced her room, her thoughts spiraling. How do I even begin to tell them? she wondered. The idea of calling her friends and saying, “Hey, remember David? Yeah, that’s me. By the way, I’m a girl now. Also, I might be a dragon” felt utterly ridiculous.

And then there was school. What am I supposed to tell the teachers, my classmates? She sighed, sitting down heavily on her bed. The changes were already hard enough to deal with at home, but how could she face a world that would demand answers she didn’t even have?

No one’s going to believe me, she thought, burying her face in her hands. Not about Yuqi. Not about being David. And definitely not about dragons.

Yuqi resolved firmly that the truth about dragons and magic would remain a secret. If I tell anyone about that, they’ll think I’ve lost my mind—and they’ll probably drag my family into it too, she thought grimly. Whatever she decided to say to her friends or the school, dragons, and magic were entirely off the table.

Yuqi tossed and turned that night, her mind consumed by a nightmare. She wasn’t in a magical cavern or ancient temple this time. Instead, she was back at school, surrounded by familiar faces. But instead of their usual greetings, her classmates shouted insults, calling her a freak.

Her friends were among them, their voices sharp and cruel. They chased her through the halls, their intentions clear: they wanted to hurt her. No matter how fast she ran, their jeers followed, echoing in her ears. The weight of their betrayal pressed down on her, and just as they closed in, she jolted awake, her heart pounding in her chest.

The darkness of her room offered no comfort as the fear from the dream lingered, making her question what the real world would say about her transformation.

Chapter 10: New Shape, More Shopping

Yuqi blinked her eyes open, the early morning light spilling through the curtains. She stretched, already bracing herself for whatever new changes might have occurred overnight. Sliding out of bed, she approached the mirror, groggy but curious.

Her breath caught in her throat.

The reflection staring back at her was almost unrecognizable. Her chest was now full, and her body had developed an undeniable hourglass figure. Her waist had narrowed, and her hips curved outward gracefully, giving her the silhouette of a young woman.

Her hands trembled as she touched her face and body, confirming what she saw in the mirror. “This is… me?” she whispered, her voice barely audible, filled with disbelief. She felt a mix of emotions-shock, confusion, and a hint of excitement. But mostly, she felt a profound sense of loss for the body she had known all her life. It was like she was mourning the loss of her old self, and it was a feeling she couldn't shake off.

It wasn’t just the figure that shocked her—it was the sudden and complete nature of the transformation. The changes that had been gradual before now felt like they had happened overnight, like she had woken up in a completely different body. Yuqi turned slightly, inspecting her side profile, and felt overwhelmed by how much her appearance had shifted in such a short span of time.

“Great,” she muttered, running a hand through her hair. “Now I don’t just need new clothes—I need a whole new wardrobe.”

Yuqi sighed, bracing herself for what she knew would be another round of awkward conversations and shopping trips. She needed her mom and Kelly’s help, even if it meant enduring their teasing and concerned looks. She could already imagine her mom's surprised gasp and Kelly's playful smirk.

One step at a time, she reminded herself, though the reflection in the mirror made it hard to feel grounded. She couldn't help but wonder how her new body would shape her future, her relationships, and her sense of self.

Yuqi stepped into the shower, the warm water cascading over her new form. Every drop seemed to amplify the sensitivity of her skin, and she clenched her fists, struggling to maintain focus. Her body wasn’t just new—it was the type of figure she had once fantasized about, not even three weeks ago. The discomfort was overwhelming.

She leaned against the shower wall, her breathing unsteady. This is my body now, she reminded herself, repeating it like a mantra to stay grounded. But the strangeness of it all, coupled with the sensations she hadn’t been prepared for, made it an uphill battle.

“No,” she muttered aloud, shaking her head firmly. She would not give in to the urge to explore. This was about adjustment, not indulgence. You’ve got this, she told herself, focusing on the routine motions of washing her hair and rinsing off.

By the time she stepped out of the shower and wrapped herself in a towel, her heart was still racing. But she had managed to keep her resolve intact, taking the first step toward embracing her new reality with unwavering determination.

As Yuqi dressed, she realized her clothes weren’t just snug—they clung to her new figure in ways that left little to the imagination. The shorts were now tighter around her widened hips, and the shirt stretched over her chest, highlighting her ample bosom. She looked at herself in the mirror, sighing. Great. Now, everyone is going to notice.

Walking out of her room, she felt the fabric pulling uncomfortably, and the way her family’s eyes widened confirmed what she already knew: her transformation was impossible to hide anymore.

Yuqi shifted uncomfortably under the weight of their gazes, tugging at the hem of her too-tight shirt. Her dad cleared his throat, looking everywhere but directly at her, and said in an overly measured tone, “I see we need to take you shopping for new clothes.”

Kelly, leaning against the counter, tried to stifle her shock with humor. “Damn, Yuqi, you’re making a huge statement with that body.”

Before Yuqi could respond, their mom swatted Kelly with a dish towel. “That’s enough, Kelly,” she scolded lightly, then turned to Yuqi. Her voice softened as she added, “Honey, yeah, we definitely need to get you some new clothes—and some support. We're here for you, no matter what."

Yuqi groaned, rubbing her temples. “Can we just go? The sooner we fix this, the better.” She was trying to maintain her composure, but inside, she was struggling to come to terms with the reality of her new body. She knew she needed new clothes, but the thought of everyone seeing her like this was overwhelming.

Yuqi’s mom gave her a once-over and sighed. “We’ll need to get you some other clothes to wear before we go out,” she said firmly. “You can’t wear that shirt without a bra. Throw one of your old shirts on over the top so you look a little bit more decent.”

Yuqi groaned but nodded, heading back to her room to rummage through her closet. The reminder of how much she needed new clothes was becoming all too obvious.

As Yuqi descended the stairs, her new figure hidden beneath an oversized shirt featuring one of her favorite anime characters—a busty female protagonist—Kelly took one look and burst into laughter.

“Oh, the irony!” Kelly managed between laughs, doubling over. “Yuqi, that shirt is too perfect.”

Yuqi sighed, glaring at her sister. “Not helping, Kelly.”

Their mom, trying to hold back a smile, swatted Kelly with the dish towel again. “That’s enough,” she said, although her amusement was evident.

“Let’s just get moving before the jokes get worse.”

Yuqi followed her mom through the aisles of the lingerie store, her face flushed with embarrassment. The racks of delicate lace and satin were far removed from anything she ever imagined herself needing. She stared at the displays, her mind swirling with disbelief. I never thought I’d be the one wearing this stuff, she thought.

Her mom, as calm as ever, approached a cheerful saleslady. “My daughter’s had a sudden growth spurt,” she said matter-of-factly, “and we need to get her measured for a new bra.”

The saleslady beamed and motioned for them to follow her into the dressing rooms. Yuqi trudged behind, her nerves growing with every step.

Once inside, the woman turned to her with a professional smile. “Now, young lady, I’ll need you to take off your shirt so we can get an accurate measurement.”

Yuqi hesitated, glancing nervously at her mom, who nodded encouragingly. Swallowing her discomfort, she pulled her shirt over her head, trying to ignore how exposed she felt. The saleslady retrieved her measuring tape, her movements brisk and efficient, as Yuqi braced herself for another step into her new reality.

The saleslady finished the measurement, scribbling down the size. “You’re a 32DD,” she said with a warm smile.

Yuqi’s eyes widened in disbelief. “What?” she blurted, her voice cracking slightly.

Her mom sighed, rubbing her temples. “Well, that limits our choices,” she said, half to herself and half to Yuqi.

The saleslady chuckled. “Don’t worry, we’ll find something that fits perfectly. We’ve got plenty of options in that size.” She motioned for Yuqi to follow her back to the racks, leaving Yuqi to process yet another unexpected twist in her transformation.

Yuqi stared at the two bras her mom handed her, still trying to wrap her head around everything. Her mom helped her fasten the first one, adjusting the straps until it sat properly, and then the second, taking the same care.

“So,” her mom said, stepping back to examine the fit, “which one feels more comfortable?”

Yuqi hesitated, holding her arms awkwardly at her sides. “Why do both of them have padding?” she asked, her voice tinged with exasperation. “Aren’t my breasts big enough already?”

Her mom chuckled softly, placing a hand on Yuqi’s shoulder. “Oh honey, the padding isn’t there to make your breasts look bigger. It’s to make sure your nipples don’t show through your bra or shirt.”

Yuqi sighed, glancing at herself in the mirror. She picked up the full-coverage bra, holding it up. “This one. It’s more comfortable.”

Her mom nodded approvingly. “Good choice. Now, put your shirt back on, and let’s pick out some colors.”

Yuqi slipped her shirt back on, feeling slightly more at ease with the bra supporting her new figure. She followed her mom out of the dressing room, ready to tackle the next step of this increasingly surreal shopping trip.

Yuqi wandered through the racks with her mom, her eyes immediately drawn to the vibrant purples. She picked out a couple of matching sets in her favorite color, smiling faintly despite herself. For the rest, she opted for a mix of neutral tones—tan and white—keeping things practical.

Her mom raised an eyebrow at the purple sets, then chuckled softly. “Figures,” she said with a smile. Yuqi shrugged, clutching her selections tightly as they moved to check out.

Yuqi shifted uncomfortably, adjusting the strap of her new bra as they walked out of the lingerie store. Kelly smirked, throwing an arm around her shoulder. “Bet you feel more comfortable after taming those mounds. I couldn’t imagine what it must have felt like, having them bounce around free while you were walking.”

Yuqi rolled her eyes but couldn’t argue. “Yeah, okay,” she admitted grudgingly. “It does feel a lot better.”

Her mom, walking ahead, glanced back with a satisfied smile. “Good. Now let’s move on to the next stop—clothes.”

Yuqi groaned inwardly. This was where things were going to get tricky. She wanted to lean toward comfortable, looser options—something tomboyish to keep her in her comfort zone. But the determined look on her mom’s face told her she wasn’t going to get away with that entirely.

This will be painful, Yuqi thought, resigning herself to the ordeal ahead.

Yuqi wandered through the racks, letting her mom and Kelly take the lead. They started with athleisure wear—shorts, sports bras, and lightweight tops. Kelly was particularly enthusiastic, grabbing styles that matched her own wardrobe. “These would look great on you,” Kelly said, tossing a pair of shorts and a crop top into the cart.

Yuqi sighed but had to admit the choices were cute. She eyed the leggings, Kelly added, knowing she had no choice but to embrace them. Apparently, she thought leggings were a requirement now as several pairs piled up.

When the topic shifted to swimwear, Yuqi tried to steer them away. “We don’t need to get that today,” she protested, but Kelly wasn’t having it.

“Oh, come on, you need at least one good swimsuit!” Kelly said, holding up a bikini with a purple scale pattern. Yuqi’s eyes lit up before she could stop herself. Something about the pattern stirred excitement in her dragon side.

Kelly noticed immediately and smirked. “You like it, don’t you?”

“No, I just—” Yuqi started, but her voice faltered as she glanced at the bikini again. Kelly giggled, clearly amused.

“Purple scales, huh? That’s so you,” Kelly teased, adding it to the growing pile. Yuqi groaned but didn’t argue, secretly pleased with the choice.

After finishing their shopping spree, Yuqi carried her bags, feeling the weight of the day both physically and emotionally. Summer clothes were checked off the list, though she knew another trip loomed closer to the start of school.

At least she had shoes now, right? Wrong. She learned quickly that one pair wouldn’t cut it. Sandals and Crocs joined the collection, ensuring she had options for every casual occasion.

Yuqi, her mom, and Kelly were famished by the time they were done.

They made their way to the food court, the smell of fried food and sugary treats luring them in. It was a small reward after what had felt like a marathon of shopping.

Yuqi’s heart stopped as the familiar voice cut through the noise of the food court. “Mrs. Allen, how is David doing?” Elliot asked cheerfully.

Yuqi froze mid-bite, her mind racing. She hadn’t planned for this, and the idea of Elliot seeing her like this sent her spiraling into panic.

Her mom, ever composed, smiled warmly at Elliot. “Elliot, how are you? David is doing a little better. He’s just trying to adjust to some changes he had to make. I’ll let him know you asked about him.”

“Right, sure, Mrs. Allen. I appreciate it,” Elliot replied with a polite nod, glancing briefly at the table but not long enough to scrutinize Yuqi.

As he walked away, Yuqi finally exhaled, her shoulders slumping with relief. Her mom reached over and patted her hand. “It’s okay,” she whispered. “We’ll figure this out, one step at a time.”

Yuqi nodded, but her appetite was gone. How am I going to handle school if I can barely handle running into one person? she thought.

Yuqi sank into her seat as they pulled out of the parking lot. The encounter with Elliot lingered in her mind, but before she could dwell on it, her mom broke the silence.

“We are going to have to come up with something to explain, you, Yuqi,” she said, her tone practical but gentle.

Yuqi sighed, leaning her head against the window. “Yeah, I know. But what? Nothing about this makes sense, even to me.”

Her mom gave her a reassuring glance through the rearview mirror. “We’ll figure it out. It doesn’t have to be perfect; it just has to work.”

Kelly, sitting in the front seat, added, “It’s gotta be something believable, though. People are going to ask questions.”

Yuqi nodded silently, the weight of the problem pressing down on her. What could they possibly say that anyone would believe?

Chapter 11: Lawyer Up

On Saturday, Kelly and Yuqi were having a great time at the pool while their parents tended to some yard work. Suddenly, they noticed three sleek, black SUVs pull up in front of their home. The driver emerged and opened the back doors, revealing three sharply dressed individuals: two Asian women and an Asian man. The man held a beautifully adorned wooden box, while each woman carried a briefcase. Their formal attire and confident demeanor exuded a sense of respect as they approached the front door.

Dad, his curiosity piqued, stepped forward. “Excuse me, can I help you?” he asked, his voice betraying a hint of unease.

One of the women turned to him and said, “Mr. Allen, I presume. We’re here to assist Yuqi. If it’s all right, we would like to meet with the entire family.” Her tone was formal, her words carefully chosen, adding an air of mystery to their unexpected visit.

“Please hold on a moment,” Dad replied. “Let us tidy up a bit before we discuss this."

The three visitors nodded politely and stepped back, waiting patiently as Mr. Allen hurried inside to gather his family. Yuqi, wrapped in a towel, exchanged a confused glance with Kelly as their parents quickly ushered them into the living room.

“Who are they?” Yuqi asked, her voice low.

“We’ll find out in a moment,” her dad said, trying to sound calm but clearly on edge.

A few minutes later, the family was seated, and the three visitors were invited in. The atmosphere shifted as the finely dressed group entered the house, their presence commanding but not imposing. Whatever they were here for, it was clear they meant business.

One of the women, her face calm but respectful, straightened from her bow and shook her head. “No, Mrs. Allen, we are not here to take Yuqi from you. On the contrary, we are here to provide guidance, support, and protection.”

The man with the wooden box spoke next, his voice firm but kind.

“Mistress Yuqi is of great importance, but her safety and well-being are paramount. We would never separate her from the family who raised her with love.”

Yuqi exchanged a nervous glance with her mom and dad, unsure how to feel about being addressed with such reverence. “Uh… why exactly are you calling me Mistress?” she asked hesitantly.

The second woman stepped forward, her briefcase still in hand. “We will explain everything in detail, but it is important to note that your heritage and lineage come with significant responsibilities. May we proceed?”

Yuqi’s dad cleared his throat, his protective instincts kicking in. “You’d better start from the beginning.”

The three visitors nodded in unison, their expressions serious but understanding. “Of course,” the man said, carefully placing the decorated wooden box on the table. “We are here to ensure that Mistress Yuqi, and by extension, your family, understands the truth of her origins and what lies ahead.”

Yuqi hesitated for a moment before the man with the box spoke again. “Mistress Yuqi, may we see the medallion? It is essential to confirm what we suspect.”

Her parents exchanged worried glances, but Yuqi nodded. “I’ll get it,” she said quickly, standing up. She darted upstairs, her heart pounding as she retrieved the medallion from her bedside table. The weight of the jade dragon in her hands felt heavier than usual.

Taking a deep breath, she hurried back down and placed the medallion on the table before the visitors. “Here,” she said, watching their reactions closely.

The three leaned in, their expressions turning solemn as they examined it. The man’s eyes seemed to glimmer with recognition as he gently traced the etched dragon on the medallion’s surface. “It is as we thought,” he murmured, glancing at his companions. “This confirms her identity beyond any doubt.”

Yuqi’s mom frowned. “What identity? What does that mean?”

The woman with the briefcase smiled gently. “It means that Mistress Yuqi’s transformation is not random. It is part of her destiny.”

Yuqi gulped, unsure whether to feel relieved or more confused. “Destiny?” she echoed. “What kind of destiny?”

The man gestured toward the medallion. “One tied to this artifact and the legacy it represents. Now, we can explain everything.”

The man carefully inserted the medallion into a slot on the side of the box. “Now, Mistress Yuqi, turn it,” he said, stepping back to let her approach.

Yuqi hesitated but obeyed, gripping the medallion and twisting it gently. A faint click sounded, and the lid of the box slowly opened. Nestled against velvet lining, the most intricate and beautiful crown Yuqi had ever seen was inside.

Her breath caught as she took in the golden headpiece. Two dragons encircled the base, their detailed scales shimmering even in the soft light. Their heads met in the center, holding a giant ruby between their jaws. Sharp and vivid emeralds glinted from their eyes. Above the dragons, plum blossoms were etched into the gold, delicate and precise.

On each side of the crown, golden rods extended outward, from which intricate jade beads hung, swaying slightly as if moved by an unseen breeze. Alongside the crown were matching golden hairpins encrusted with a dazzling array of jewels.

Yuqi’s mom leaned forward, her eyes wide. “What… is this?” she whispered.

The man straightened, his expression solemn. “This is a symbol of Mistress Yuqi’s lineage—a crown worn by those of great power and responsibility in her family line.”

Yuqi stared at the crown, her reflection barely visible in the polished gold. “And… this belongs to me?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

“It is your birthright,” the man replied. “A reminder of the legacy you are destined to uphold.”

The man gestured to the crown with reverence. “This crown once belonged to your mother, the Dragon Empress. Before her ascension to the status of Dragon Goddess, she wore this as a symbol of her rule and lineage.”

Yuqi’s heart skipped a beat. “My mother? The Dragon Empress?” she echoed, her voice trembling.

“Yes,” the man confirmed. “Her legacy now flows through you. You are her rightful heir, Mistress Yuqi.”

Her family exchanged wide-eyed glances, the enormity of the revelation leaving them speechless. Yuqi stared at the crown, the weight of her mother’s legacy pressing down on her shoulders.

The man inclined his head, his tone respectful. “Mistress Yuqi, your story begins a thousand years ago. The Dragon Empress, your mother, laid her egg, as it takes a millennium for a royal dragon egg to hatch. During that time, she ascended to become the Dragon Goddess, leaving behind her physical form to take her place among the celestial beings.”

Yuqi stared at him, struggling to process the enormity of what he was saying. “So… she just left me?”

The man shook his head. “Not at all. She entrusted your care to her most loyal human aides. She knew that once you hatched, you would be vulnerable to those who might seek to harm you. By placing you in the mortal realm, she ensured that you would grow safely, far from the reach of her enemies.”

Yuqi’s mom, sitting next to her, placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. “So, she wanted to protect you,” she murmured.

Yuqi nodded slowly, her eyes fixed on the crown. “And now she’s… what, waiting for me to step into her place?”

The man’s expression softened. “She waits for you to embrace your destiny, but your path will be your own to decide. You are her heir, Mistress Yuqi, and her legacy lives on through you.”

Yuqi frowned, her confusion evident. “If I hatched from a dragon egg, how am I human?” she asked, her voice tinged with doubt.

The man nodded as if expecting the question. “All dragons are born in human form,” he explained. “Your dragon form is your second form, which you take when your power has grown strong enough to handle the transformation. Dragons have the ability to appear human at any time, as it is often necessary for them to walk unnoticed in the mortal realm.”

Yuqi’s eyes widened slightly. “So… I’ve been human because that’s how I was born?”

“Precisely,” the man confirmed. “Your transformation into your dragon form will come naturally as you gain strength, but your humanity is as much a part of you as your dragon lineage.”

Her mom reached over and gently squeezed her hand. “That doesn’t change who you are, Yuqi. You’re still you, no matter what form you take.”

Yuqi nodded slowly, trying to absorb the explanation. Still me… but now, a dragon too.

Yuqi stared at the visitors, her brow furrowed. “But how am I supposed to live like this? A boy turning into a girl—it’s impossible for humans. How do I even explain this to anyone?”

One of the women stepped forward, holding a briefcase. “Mistress Yuqi, we anticipated this concern. As legal representatives of your lineage, we have already taken steps to ensure your transition is seamless within human systems.”

The man nodded and added, “We have prepared all the necessary paperwork for your gender change and name change. Once filed, these will make everything official and legal. Your identity as Yuqi will be recognized in all official documents.”

The other woman opened the briefcase, pulling out a folder. “We also have an NDA for the doctor who witnessed your changes. Since you are a minor, all medical records can be sealed to protect your privacy.”

Yuqi’s mom leaned forward, her eyes wide. “You’ve… already done all this?”

“Yes,” the man replied. “We also have a new birth certificate reflecting your gender and name. Everything is prepared. All we need is your family’s approval to proceed.”

Yuqi swallowed hard, staring at the papers. The sheer thoroughness of their preparation left her speechless. Her dad finally spoke, his voice calm but firm. “So, you’re saying this will make everything… normal, at least on paper?”

“Exactly,” the man confirmed. “We understand this is an extraordinary situation, but our goal is to make it as manageable as possible for Mistress Yuqi and her family.”

Yuqi nodded slowly, her mind spinning. At least this part will be easier to handle, she thought. “Thank you,” she said quietly.

Yuqi glanced at the papers spread across the table, a strange mix of relief and anxiety settling over her. “This is great for the official stuff,” she admitted, “but… what about the people around us? How do we explain this to my friends, my teachers, or even the neighbors?”

Her mom sighed, rubbing her temples. “That’s the part we’re still trying to figure out. We can’t exactly tell them the truth.”

The man from the legal team nodded, his expression sympathetic. “We can help shield you from legal scrutiny and ensure privacy, but how you handle your personal relationships is a more delicate matter. This transformation is… unprecedented.”

Yuqi’s dad folded his arms, his face stern. “We’ll take it one step at a time. We’ll focus on what’s immediate—getting Yuqi comfortable and settled—and then deal with the rest as it comes.”

Yuqi nodded, though the uncertainty gnawed at her. The thought of facing her friends, her school, and even strangers made her stomach twist. How do I explain something I barely understand myself? she wondered.

The woman with the briefcase cleared her throat, drawing Yuqi’s attention. “There is one final matter we need to address—your inheritance.” She placed a neatly bound folder on the table.

Yuqi blinked, her confusion growing. “Inheritance?”

“Yes,” the man interjected, his tone formal but kind. “You are the sole heir and owner of the Chang Shipping Company, one of the largest shipping conglomerates in the world. Additionally, your inheritance includes 2.4 billion in cash and stocks.”

Yuqi’s jaw dropped. “Excuse me, what?”

The woman smiled faintly, sliding a sleek black card across the table toward Yuqi. “We understand this is overwhelming. To give you time to adjust, this card will grant you access to $30,000 a month for your personal use. Your full assets and the company will remain in trusted hands until you are ready to take full control.”

Yuqi stared at the card, feeling as though the floor had just tilted beneath her. Shipping company? Billions? The numbers were incomprehensible. She could see her parents exchanging stunned glances, equally shocked.

Kelly leaned over, whispering with a grin, “Well, I guess lunch is on you next time, sis.”

Yuqi groaned, burying her face in her hands. “This just keeps getting crazier…”

The woman continued, “We also have three chests in the trunks of our vehicles, secured specifically for you. Only you will be able to open them. They contain items that belong to your legacy.”

Yuqi blinked, her mouth opening to ask a question, but the man interjected smoothly. “Additionally, we will serve as your personal legal team. You can contact us at any time if any issues arise—financial, personal, or otherwise—. It is our duty to protect and serve your interests.”

Yuqi exchanged a look with her parents, who seemed too stunned to respond. Finally, she asked, “What’s in the chests?”

The woman smiled faintly. “You’ll have to open them and see for yourself, Mistress Yuqi.”

Yuqi watched as the lawyers brought the three ornate chests into the living room, each one intricately carved and radiating an air of mystery. They placed them gently on the floor, bowing slightly before stepping back.

“Well, that concludes our business for now,” the lead lawyer said, offering a polite smile. “Mistress Yuqi, Mr. and Mrs. Allen, Kelly—it has been an honor. Should you need us, you have our contact information.”

With that, the three visitors excused themselves and left, leaving the family staring at the chests, their curiosity and unease mounting.

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!”

Chapter 13: Facing the Music

The afternoon sun blazed down, shimmering off the surface of the pool as Yuqi floated lazily on her back, trying to relax. The water was cool and inviting, a stark contrast to the heat of the day. Kelly swam laps nearby, occasionally splashing Yuqi for no reason other than to be annoying. The day had been quiet, the kind of peace Yuqi knew wouldn’t last forever.

Their mom had left earlier to visit her own mother, leaving the two sisters to their own devices. It was nice to have a break from the tension of the past few weeks—until everything came crashing down.

The sound of shuffling footsteps caught Kelly’s attention first, followed quickly by faint voices coming from around the side of the house.

“Yo, David! You home, man?” Elliot’s voice rang out, clear and familiar.

Yuqi didn’t react at first; her eyes closed against the sun as she floated aimlessly. Kelly, however, immediately perked up.

“Uh-oh,” she muttered, swimming to the edge of the pool just as three familiar figures rounded the corner into the backyard—Elliot, Stan, and Ian, Yuqi's long-time friends.

When the three boys laid eyes on Kelly and the unfamiliar girl on the float, their footsteps faltered, and their jaws dropped. Yuqi, completely oblivious, remained on the float, her face turned upward to the sky.

“Who… who’s that?” Ian blurted, his voice louder than intended.

Kelly turned, her face twisting into a mischievous grin as she watched their stunned expressions. “Guys, it’s not cool to stare at your best friend’s chest,” she said, the amusement in her voice evident.

Yuqi’s eyes snapped open at the sound of Kelly’s voice, and her head whipped toward the source of the commotion. The float shifted precariously under her weight, and she scrambled to sit up, only for the sudden motion to tip the float over completely.

“Ah—!” Yuqi yelped as she toppled sideways into the water with a loud splash.

Kelly erupted into laughter, doubling over at the pool’s edge while the three boys stared in complete confusion.

The moment Yuqi resurfaced, sputtering and dripping wet, Kelly burst out laughing so hard she nearly fell into the pool herself.

“You should’ve seen your face!” Kelly cackled, clutching her stomach as tears of laughter streamed down her cheeks. “That was priceless!”

Yuqi whipped her wet hair back and glared daggers at her. “I hate you right now.”

The three boys still stood by the poolside, staring in stunned silence, unsure whether to laugh or keep their mouths shut. Elliot coughed awkwardly, nudging Ian. “Uh, is this for real? She’s David? Like… no way. That doesn’t make sense.”

Stan, still wide-eyed, leaned closer to Ian and whispered, “Do you think this is some kind of prank?”

Yuqi heard them and rolled her eyes. “Oh, for crying out loud.” She pushed herself toward the pool edge and hauled herself out, water cascading off her. Standing there, soaked and irritated, the sunlight caught her purple bikini—a shimmering scale pattern that seemed almost alive, as though it had been plucked straight from the dragon form in her recurring dreams.

Yuqi groaned, running a hand down her face as water dripped down to the deck. “It’s me,” she muttered, her voice soft but clear.

Ian frowned. “What?”

Yuqi let out a deep breath, her nerves making her chest tight. “It’s me. I’m David,” she said, meeting their stunned expressions with all the confidence she could muster. “I… go by Yuqi now.”

The words hung in the air like a heavyweight. Elliot, Stan, and Ian froze, their expressions shifting between confusion, disbelief, and shock as they tried to process what they’d just heard. The intensity of the situation was overwhelming, making it hard for them to react.

Elliot finally blurted out, “How is this even possible? This doesn’t make sense! Where’s David?!”

Kelly, still wiping tears from her eyes, smirked. “Told you already—Yuqi is David. Keep up.”

“This… this has to be a joke.” Yuqi shook her head, dropping her arms with a sigh. "It's not a joke, El. It's me." Stan opened and closed his mouth, at a complete loss for words. Ian simply stared as though his brain had short-circuited, his eyes wide with disbelief.

Yuqi shook her head, dropping her arms with a sigh. “It’s not a joke, El. It’s me.”

Stan opened and closed his mouth, at a complete loss for words. Ian simply stared as though his brain had short-circuited.

Kelly, finally done laughing, smirked from the edge of the pool. “You guys look like you’ve seen a ghost,” she teased. “Or maybe a mermaid.” Their confusion was palpable.

“Listen, I know it’s a lot to take in, but it’s still me. I… I’m still your friend. Acceptance is all I ask for,” Yuqi pleaded, her voice carrying the weight of her words. Her plea was filled with emotion, making it hard for her friends to ignore.

Elliot scratched the back of his head, his brow furrowed. “But… how? I mean, how is this even possible?”

Yuqi bit her lip, a part of her wishing she had some sort of easy explanation. “It’s complicated,” she said softly, choosing her words carefully. “Really complicated,” she emphasized, to convey the depth of her struggle.

Kelly grinned from the sidelines, clapping her hands together. “Great! Now that we’ve got that out of the way, are you guys just going to stand there, or are you hopping in the pool?”

Yuqi watched Elliot, Stan, and Ian stare at her, their faces frozen with disbelief. The silence dragged on before Stan finally blurted, “No. There’s no way. You can’t be David.”

Elliot nodded quickly, crossing his arms. “Yeah, you’re going to have to prove it. This is too insane to just take your word for it.”

Yuqi’s brow twitched, and a sly grin crossed her face. “Oh, really? You want proof?” She stepped toward them, arms crossed, dripping water onto the patio.

Kelly smirked from her seat on the pool’s edge. “Oh, this will be good.”

“Fine. Elliot—remember when you ate an entire jar of mayonnaise at my eighth birthday party because you thought it was pudding?” Yuqi announced

Elliot’s face turned red. “W-What? No, I didn’t!”

“Yes, you did,” Yuqi said smugly. “And you made me swear not to tell anyone… oops.”

Elliot paled. “Wait—how do you—”

Stan let out a loud snort, trying to hold back his laughter as Elliot glared at him. “Fine, whatever! That doesn’t mean anything. Lucky guess.”

“And Stan,” Yuqi smirked, turning to the last of the trio, “how about when you fell face-first into a mud puddle trying to impress that girl from math class? You spent the rest of the day with dirt up your nose.”

Stan’s jaw dropped, his face turning beet red. “You swore you’d never bring that up!”

“I didn’t,” Yuqi shot back, “until now.”

Kelly practically howled with laughter as Ian raised his hands. “Alright, fine. But what about me? What do you know about me that only David would know?”

Yuqi tilted her head and grinned wickedly. “Ian, you still sleep with that stuffed panda your grandma gave you when you were five.”

Ian gasped, his eyes wide with horror. “I—no! That’s—”

Yuqi raised an eyebrow. “You named it Mr. Wiggles.”

The three boys froze, their mouths hanging open as they stared at her. At this point, Kelly was doubled over, laughing so hard she nearly fell into the pool.

Elliot pointed at Yuqi, his expression a mix of shock and realization. “Okay… okay. You’re David. There’s no way anyone else would know that stuff.”

Stan groaned, covering his face. “This is so weird.”

Ian sighed dramatically. “Mr. Wiggles deserves better than this betrayal.”

Yuqi couldn’t help but laugh. “Told you it’s me.”

Elliot opened his mouth, closed it again, then turned to Ian. “This is insane, right? I’m not losing my mind?”

Ian shrugged helplessly. “I mean… it’s David, but not. I don’t even know how to process this.”

Kelly chimed in cheerfully, “Welcome to my life for the last two weeks.”

Yuqi groaned and hugged her arms over her chest as the boys, despite their best attempts, kept darting their gazes toward her. “Can you guys stop staring?!”

Elliot raised his hands defensively. “We’re not! We’re just—this is a lot to take in!”

“I swear I’m going to punch you if you don’t stop,” Yuqi muttered, cheeks flushing crimson. Finally, with an exasperated sigh, she turned on her heels and stormed toward the house. “I’m going to go change. Maybe then you’ll stop acting like weirdos.”

As the sliding door closed behind Yuqi, Elliot let out a deep breath. “What just happened? Did we actually—like—did we just see that?”

Ian shook his head, sitting heavily on a deck chair. “Yeah. That’s David. Or Yuqi. I don’t even know what to think.”

Stan rubbed his face, groaning. “She’s still him, but this is going to take some getting used to.”

Kelly, leaning back on her elbows, smirked. “You three are the biggest idiots I’ve ever seen. I mean, you barged in here, stared at her like creeps, and now you’re acting like you saw Bigfoot.”

Elliot shot her a look. “Kelly, you’re not helping!”

Kelly shrugged. “What can I say? It’s been a long two weeks, and you guys are entertaining.”

Ian sighed, staring at the pool. “Man, I thought coming here was going to be normal. We just wanted to check on him—her—whatever!”

“Yeah, well,” Elliot muttered, slumping onto the patio. “Welcome to our new reality.”

Kelly grinned. “Oh, trust me. You’ll get used to it.”

Kelly finally regained her composure and grinned. “You’ll be fine, boys. Just don’t stare at her chest again, or I’m throwing you all in the pool.”

The boys stood awkwardly by the pool, exchanging glances.

Elliot muttered, “This is the strangest day of my life.”

Ian nodded. “Agreed.”

Stan just sighed. “We are never going to live this down.”

Kelly laughed. “Nope. Not a chance.”

Yuqi stormed through the sliding glass door, slamming it shut behind her with a muffled thud. The sound of Kelly’s laughter and the boys’ hushed, confused murmurs followed her into the house, only serving to make her face burn hotter.

“Idiots,” she muttered under her breath, wringing water from her damp ponytail as she stomped her way toward her room. “All of them are absolute idiots.”

Inside her room, Yuqi yanked open her dresser with a huff, rummaging through her clothes. She grabbed a pair of loose gym shorts, a black sports bra, and an oversized white tank top. Anything was better than standing around in that bikini while those three gawked at her like she was some kind of alien.

She peeled off the wet, shimmering dragon-scale bikini and flung it into the corner of the room, where it landed with a damp thud. The scales glimmered faintly, like embers fading into ash, reminding her of the vivid dragon dreams that had haunted her every night since her transformation.

Yuqi paused for just a moment, staring at the shimmering fabric before muttering to herself. “Why does everything about me have to scream weird?”

Shaking the thought away, she slipped on the sports bra, the snug fit offering a sense of security that the bikini definitely hadn’t. She tugged on the gym shorts next, then pulled the tank top over her head. The loose fit fell comfortably around her shoulders, the hem brushing her hips as she caught her reflection in the mirror.

Her face still held a faint flush, her hair dripping and messy from the pool, but at least now she felt a little more like herself—or whatever herself was supposed to mean these days.

Taking a deep breath, she wrapped her hair in a towel and headed back outside to face the chaos.

When Yuqi stepped back onto the patio, now dressed in her tank top, gym shorts, and sports bra, the three boys turned immediately at the sound of the sliding door. They blinked at her like they were still trying to piece together a puzzle they couldn’t quite solve.

“Better?” Yuqi asked, raising an eyebrow as she crossed her arms.

Elliot coughed and looked away, suddenly fascinated with the pool tiles. “Yeah. Uh. Better.”

Ian nodded quickly, his face still a little red. “Yeah. That works.”

Kelly, sitting smugly by the edge of the pool, grinned as Yuqi walked past her. “Nice outfit. You look almost ready to wrestle one of these guys into the water.”

“Don’t tempt me,” Yuqi muttered darkly, shooting Kelly a pointed glare as she sat down in a deck chair and toweled off her hair.

The boys, clearly still nervous, glanced at one another before Elliot finally cleared his throat. “So… uh… what happened? I mean, like, how did this happen to you?”

Yuqi sighed, leaning back in the chair as the frustration drained out of her. “I told you—it’s complicated. I don’t know exactly what caused it. I passed out after my birthday, woke up in the hospital ten days later, and… everything started changing. By the time I got home, this”—she gestured vaguely at herself—“was me.”

Ian frowned. “That’s… insane. Did the doctors say anything?”

“No,” Yuqi replied flatly. “Nothing useful. They didn’t know what to do with me.”

Stan, finally speaking up, mumbled, “Are you… okay, though? I mean, you’re not sick or anything, right?”

Yuqi looked at him, surprised by the question. For the first time all day, Stan wasn’t gawking or stammering; he looked genuinely concerned.

“I’m fine,” she said quietly. “Weird as this all is… I feel fine. Better than fine, actually.”

Still visibly trying to wrap his head around it, Elliot muttered, “It’s just… it’s going to take some getting used to, that’s all.”

Kelly, still grinning, leaned back on her hands. “Yeah? Well, get used to it fast. She’s still the same person. Just in a better outfit now.”

Yuqi groaned and tossed the towel at Kelly, who ducked it with a laugh. “You are the absolute worst.”

Kelly smirked. “You love me for it.”

Elliot sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. “Well, for what it’s worth… I’m glad you’re okay. This is… weird, but you’re still you, I guess.”

Yuqi looked at him, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips. “Yeah. I am.”

The awkward tension started to lift for the first time since the boys arrived. They still had questions—Yuqi knew that much—but at least they weren’t looking at her like she was a complete stranger anymore.

The awkward silence that had settled over the patio finally broke when Yuqi spoke up. “Alright, you guys. What do you even want to do? You’ve already barged in, stared at me like I’m from another planet, and made this the weirdest afternoon of my life.”

Elliot scratched the back of his neck, grinning sheepishly. “Honestly? Can we just, like… chill? Watch some anime and talk or something?”

Ian nodded quickly. “Yeah. It’s been a while since we hung out. You’ve been through a lot, and I think we’re all trying to wrap our heads around… you know, everything.”

Yuqi raised an eyebrow, but she couldn’t help the small smile tugging at her lips. “Fine. I guess that’s fair.” She stood up, tossing her damp towel over a chair. “Come on, we’ll go inside. But no weird questions, got it?”

Elliot held up his hands defensively. “Scout’s honor.”

As they followed her into the house, Kelly trailed behind with a smug grin, whispering to the boys, “You guys are a riot. Best entertainment ever.”

Yuqi flopped down onto the couch with a sigh, flipping through streaming options while Elliot, Ian, and Stan made themselves comfortable. Elliot and Ian took the armchairs, and Stan sat on the floor, leaning against the coffee table. Kelly sprawled out next to Yuqi on the couch, still grinning smugly at how uncomfortable the boys looked.

It didn’t take long before Stan, ever the curious one, frowned and broke the silence. “Wait, why aren’t we going up to your room to watch? That’s what we always did before.”

Yuqi froze mid-scroll, then turned her head slowly to give Stan the most deadpan, unamused look imaginable. “Stan. Think. Do you honestly think my mom would be okay with me, in this body, being alone in my room with three boys?”

Stan blinked as realization dawned. “Oh… right. That makes sense.”

Elliot snickered from his seat. “Nice going, genius.”

Ian muttered, “You walked right into that one, man.”

Yuqi shook her head with an exasperated sigh. “Besides,” she added, her tone more subdued, “there’s… a lot going on up there I’m not ready to share yet.”

That made Elliot pause, curiosity flickering in his eyes. “Like what?”

Kelly immediately perked up, mischief dancing across her face. “Oh, you’d love her room now, Elliot. It’s like some ancient Chinese treasure chest exploded up there.”

Yuqi shot Kelly a warning glare. “Kelly, don’t start.”

But Kelly was already on a roll. “Seriously. She’s got these big fancy chests—one’s full of scrolls about magic or whatever, another has these old, super regal robes. Like, legit emperor-level robes. Oh! And the best part…”

“Kelly.” Yuqi’s voice carried a sharper edge this time, but Kelly only smirked.

“…is the huge silk portrait of her mom hanging on the wall. It’s like this ancient painting straight out of a museum.”

The room went quiet.

Elliot, Ian, and Stan exchanged glances, their curiosity now thoroughly piqued. Ian spoke first. “Wait. Portrait? Like… your real mom? I thought you never knew her?”

Yuqi frowned, her gaze drifting toward the floor. “I didn’t. Not really.”

Elliot leaned forward. “So where did all this stuff come from?”

Yuqi hesitated. The image of her mother’s portrait flashed through her mind: an elegant woman in flowing imperial robes, her features hauntingly familiar. She’d found it—and everything else—only a week ago, buried in the attic. The discovery had left her shaken, but the pieces of her past, of who she was becoming, were slowly starting to come together.

“That’s… complicated,” Yuqi said finally, her voice quieter than before. “It’s not something I’m ready to explain yet.”

For once, Elliot didn’t push. He leaned back in his chair, arms crossed, though he couldn’t hide the curiosity still burning in his expression. “Fair enough. But I’m just saying… that sounds pretty cool. Like some kind of epic story in the making.”

Yuqi rolled her eyes. “Yeah, well, it doesn’t feel that cool when you’re living it.”

Stan nodded, looking thoughtful. “Still… sounds important.”

Kelly nudged Yuqi with her elbow, her tone softer this time. “You’ll figure it out when you’re ready. Until then, let’s focus on anime, alright?”

Yuqi shot her a grateful glance. “Thanks, Kel.”

Elliot, clearly trying to lighten the mood, grinned and elbowed Ian. “She probably has a shrine to us up there. Posters of our faces on the walls.”

Ian rolled his eyes. “Yeah, I’m sure. Dream on, dude.”

Yuqi ignored them, turning the TV on instead. The familiar opening theme of one of their favorite anime started playing, filling the room with upbeat music and easing the lingering awkwardness.

Now that the conversation shifted, Yuqi started up the anime, and the familiar opening theme filled the room. Elliot finally relaxed, muttering, “Man, I missed this.”

Ian nodded. “Feels like old times. Sort of.”

Yuqi leaned back onto the couch, her shoulders finally loosening as the sounds of the show washed over her. It wasn’t perfect—nothing in her life was anymore—but sitting here with her friends for now felt like just a bit of normalcy had returned.

The living room had settled into a familiar, comfortable quiet, broken only by the sounds of swords clashing, epic orchestral music, and dramatic character monologues as the anime played on. Yuqi leaned back into the couch, legs stretched across the cushions, a bag of chips perched precariously on her lap.

The show—a fantastical fantasy anime that had been their group’s favorite for years—was as entertaining as ever. Knights and mages fought alongside dragons in grand, sweeping battles, and each episode blended breathtaking visuals with ridiculous plot twists.

Elliot, as usual, was completely absorbed. “This is what I’m talking about! Episode 12 is peak storytelling!”

Ian nodded enthusiastically. “The animation budget went crazy here. Look at that fire breath!”

Stan sat on the floor, a pillow clutched tightly to his chest. “The dragon scenes are always the best. They make everything feel epic.”

Yuqi sat quietly through it all, her expression calm as she watched the dragons soar across the screen. She couldn’t help but notice the way their scales shimmered like the pattern on her bikini—or the strange sense of familiarity she felt every time a dragon roared.

Kelly, however, was another story entirely. Every time a dragon appeared, she burst into giggles. At first, it was small—just a muffled snicker—but she couldn't hold it in by the third or fourth dragon scene anymore.

“Pfft!” Kelly clapped a hand over her mouth, shoulders shaking as another dragon unleashed a roar of fire.

Yuqi turned to her, scowling. “What is your problem?”

Kelly grinned wickedly. “Nothing. Nothing at all.” She paused as a massive dragon spread its wings dramatically, its scales glimmering in the moonlight. “It’s just… dragons, you know? Very relatable.”

Elliot raised an eyebrow, looking confused. “What’s so funny about dragons?”

Ian chimed in, equally oblivious. “Yeah, they’re awesome. What’s there to laugh about?”

Yuqi glared at Kelly, cheeks flushing faintly. “She’s being an idiot, as usual.”

Kelly smirked, leaning back against the arm of the couch. “I’m just saying, the resemblance is uncanny. You and dragons? Practically family.”

Yuqi groaned, yanking a pillow from behind her and throwing it at Kelly’s head. “Stop. Talking.”

Kelly caught the pillow mid-air, laughing harder. “Oh, come on. It’s funny! Don’t pretend you don’t see it.”

Stan turned around, frowning. “Wait… what resemblance? Am I missing something?”

“No!” Yuqi said quickly, shooting Kelly a warning glare. “You’re not missing anything. Kelly’s just being annoying.”

Kelly gave her a wink but let it drop, still giggling quietly to herself as another dragon swooped across the screen.

The credits for the final episode rolled, accompanied by the soft, melancholy theme music of the anime’s closing song. The group sat sprawled around the living room in a satisfied silence. Elliot stretched his arms with a loud yawn, Ian rubbed his eyes, and Stan leaned his head against the table as if the emotional ending had drained him completely.

“That ending always hits so hard,” Ian muttered.

Elliot nodded. “Masterpiece. I’ll never get tired of it.”

Yuqi sat up, tossing the empty chip bag onto the coffee table. “Yeah. They don’t make shows like this anymore.”

“Agreed,” Kelly added, though her attention had already shifted to her phone as she scrolled through messages.

The peaceful quiet was shattered when the sound of the front door unlocking echoed through the house. Yuqi’s head snapped up, and she froze mid-stretch.

“Oh no,” she muttered.

The door opened, and their mom’s voice rang out cheerfully. “We’re home!”

Yuqi stiffened as their mom entered the living room, carrying a couple of grocery bags. Their dad followed behind her, car keys jingling in his hand. The moment their mom’s gaze landed on the living room scene—her daughter sitting on the couch with three boys scattered around the room—her cheerful expression faltered.

Her eyes narrowed slightly. “Yuqi?”

The questioning tone and sharp look sent an immediate wave of awkwardness through the room. Yuqi sat up straighter, waving a little too quickly. “Hey, Mom. Uh… we were just watching anime. That’s it.”

Her mom’s gaze swept the room slowly, landing on each of the boys in turn. Elliot, Ian, and Stan all suddenly looked way too interested in their shoes or the floor. Kelly, of course, didn’t even bother to hide her grin.

“You three,” their mom said, her voice as calm as it was pointed. “Shouldn’t you be heading home?”

“Uh, yeah! Absolutely!” Elliot blurted, jumping to his feet so fast he nearly tripped over the coffee table. “We were just leaving. Great to see you, Mrs. Allen!”

Ian and Stan followed quickly, both mumbling hurried goodbyes as they scrambled for the door. Ian shot Yuqi an apologetic look on his way out. “See you later, Yuqi.”

“Yeah,” Yuqi replied, offering a small wave. “See you guys.”

The front door closed behind them with a quiet thud, leaving the room in awkward silence. Yuqi’s mom turned back to her, eyebrow raised, clearly waiting for an explanation.

Kelly, ever the instigator, snorted with laughter. “That was smooth.”

Yuqi shot her a glare before looking back at her mom. “I’ll explain later. I promise.”

Her mom folded her arms but didn’t press further, though her skeptical expression didn’t waver. “You’d better. And you can help set the table. I’m starting dinner.”

“Yeah, yeah,” Yuqi muttered, standing up and brushing crumbs off her shorts.

As their mom headed into the kitchen, Kelly smirked, still lounging on the couch. “Well, that went better than expected.”

Yuqi rolled her eyes. “For you, maybe.”

Kelly just grinned. “You’re welcome.”

Dinner was a quiet affair at first, save for the occasional clink of utensils against plates. Yuqi sat at the table, pushing rice around her plate while her mom and dad exchanged glances every now and then. Kelly, as always, was utterly unbothered, chewing away and pretending not to notice the tension simmering in the air.

Finally, their mom broke the silence. “Alright, Yuqi. Start talking. What exactly happened today?”

Yuqi let out a long sigh, setting her chopsticks down. “The boys—Elliot, Ian, and Stan—came over out of nowhere. I guess they wanted to talk to David.”

Her dad frowned slightly, glancing at her mom. “I’m guessing you didn’t tell them David was ‘out,’ did you?”

Yuqi shook her head. “We were in the pool, and I didn’t know what else to say. They were looking for me—David, I mean—so… I came clean. I told them the truth.”

Her mom’s expression was unreadable, her gaze sharp as she studied Yuqi. “What exactly did you tell them?”

“Just that I used to be David, and now I’m Yuqi,” Yuqi said quickly. “That’s it. I swear I didn’t say anything about magic or… or dragons. Though Kelly was having a hard time keeping her mouth shut about it.”

Her dad gave Kelly an unamused eye, setting his fork down. “And they believed you?”

Yuqi shrugged. “Eventually. They didn’t at first. I had to… remind them about a few embarrassing stories only I would know.”

Kelly snorted into her drink, nearly choking. “Had to? You enjoyed it. Don’t lie.”

Yuqi shot her a glare. “I didn’t enjoy it.”

Her mom leaned back in her chair, arms crossed. “And how did they take it? Were they okay with… everything?”

Yuqi hesitated, her gaze dropping to her plate. “I don’t think they know what to think yet. Obviously, They were surprised, but they didn’t freak out. It was more… awkward than anything else.”

Her dad nodded slowly. “Well, I suppose that’s better than the alternative.”

Her mom’s expression softened slightly, though she still looked thoughtful. “You’re sure you didn’t mention anything else? No magic, no dreams?”

Yuqi shook her head again. “Nothing. I told them as little as possible. They’re confused enough as it is.”

Kelly, never one to miss an opportunity, grinned mischievously. “I bet they’re also confused about why they can’t stop staring at your chest.”

“Kelly!” Yuqi’s face turned bright red, and she threw a piece of broccoli at her sister, which Kelly dodged with a laugh.

Their mom shot Kelly a sharp look. “Enough, Kelly.” Then she turned back to Yuqi, her voice softer. “I’m glad you kept the rest to yourself, Yuqi. This… whatever it is that’s happening to you, it’s not something everyone needs to know yet.”

“I know,” Yuqi said quietly. “I just… I didn’t want to lie to them. They’re my friends. I don’t want to lose that.”

Her dad gave her a small, reassuring smile. “It sounds like you handled it well. And you’re right—they’re your friends. They’ll come around.”

Yuqi nodded, though a small part of her still felt unsure. Today had gone better than she’d expected, but it had also reminded her how much her life had changed. She wasn’t David anymore—at least, not the David her friends had known—and she wasn’t entirely sure who she was now.

Her mom reached over and squeezed her hand gently. “You did good today. Just take things one step at a time, okay?”

Yuqi looked up at her and managed a small smile. “Okay.”

Kelly, grinning across the table, leaned back in her chair. “And next time they come over, can you invite me? Watching those three try to figure you out was the highlight of my week.”

Yuqi groaned, covering her face with her hands. “You’re the worst.”

Their dad chuckled quietly. “Well, at least someone’s entertained.”

The tension in the room finally began to fade, replaced by the usual chatter and laughter of family dinner. Yuqi sat back in her chair, listening to her parents’ conversation and Kelly’s teasing, and felt, for just a moment, like things were almost normal again.

Chapter 14: School Clothes
The mall was alive with the buzz of summer shoppers, its cool, air-conditioned halls offering relief from the sweltering heat outside. Yuqi walked confidently alongside her mom and Kelly, her purse slung across her shoulder. The air of excitement around her was undeniable—this was no ordinary shopping trip.

Gone were the days of loose jeans and oversized graphic T-shirts. David had dressed for convenience and comfort, but Yuqi had embraced her reality over the past month. She wanted clothes that felt like her—fitted, stylish, and just a bit daring.

“This is going to be fun,” Kelly said, practically bouncing with excitement.

Yuqi smirked. “Yeah, it actually is.”

Her mom, ever the pragmatic one, led the charge. “Alright, we’ll need to cover everything: pants, skirts, dresses, tops, and accessories. No half-measures today.”

“Got it,” Yuqi replied.

“And don’t forget,” her mom added, glancing at her pointedly, “I’m keeping track of your spending from your account. Just because you have a $30,000 limit doesn’t mean you can blow it all in one day.”

“Noted,” Yuqi said with a small laugh.

The first stop was a store filled with racks of jeans, trousers, and stylish pants. Yuqi gravitated immediately toward the section with fitted styles in bold colors. She picked up a pair of high-waisted purple pants with button details, as well as sleek black skinny jeans.

“These are perfect,” she said, holding them up.

Her mom nodded approvingly. “Good choices. Add some variety—you’ll want a mix of casual and dressy.”

Yuqi grabbed another pair of tailored gray trousers and a pair of stretchy jeggings in a deep plum hue. Kelly appeared next to her with a smirk, holding up a pair of cropped lavender pants.

“Try these,” Kelly said. “They’re cute and different.”

Yuqi hesitated, then added them to her pile. “Alright. Let’s see how they look.”

Next, they moved to the skirts and dresses. Yuqi felt a small thrill as she sifted through the racks, pulling out pleated skirts in soft purples and grays, along with bolder patterns. One particular skirt—a deep plum color with embroidered details along the hem—immediately caught her eye.

“I love this one,” she said, adding it to her growing pile.

Kelly nudged her. “Don’t forget dresses. You’re going to need at least one or two.”

Yuqi found a casual sundress in lavender that felt perfect for warmer days, along with a fitted midi dress in a rich purple shade that hugged her figure just enough without being too revealing. She also grabbed a flowy black dress with flutter sleeves, just in case she needed something a bit more formal.

“Dresses are fun,” she admitted with a small smile.

“Told you!” Kelly said triumphantly.

The following section was filled with racks of tops, from fitted blouses to stylish sweaters. Yuqi avoided anything loose or oversized, instead focusing on pieces that would complement her skirts and pants.

She picked out a lavender blouse with lace detailing, a cropped lilac sweater, and a sleek, fitted black top that felt versatile and chic.

Kelly handed her a white button-up blouse with puff sleeves. “This would look amazing with that plum skirt.”

Yuqi nodded. “You’re probably right.”

Her mom, holding up a soft purple cardigan, added, “Layering pieces are always a good idea. You’ll thank me when it gets cooler.” Yuqi added it to her pile without hesitation.

Yuqi spent nearly an hour trying on outfit after outfit. Each new look brought a mix of reactions:

“The purple pants look amazing,” Kelly said, giving her a thumbs-up.

“That plum skirt is a must-have,” her mom added.

“

Try pairing the black blouse with the jeans,” Kelly suggested, tossing it over the fitting room door.

Yuqi twirled in front of the mirror, admiring how the dresses fit. “This feels… right,” she said softly.

“Because it is right,” Kelly replied with a grin. “You’re killing it.”

Their next stop was a T-shirt shop filled with designs featuring anime characters, bands, and pop culture references. Yuqi scanned the racks, immediately picking out several fitted styles featuring her favorite anime characters.

“This one’s perfect,” she said, holding up a shirt with her favorite protagonist in an epic pose.

“You’re really leaning into this, huh?” Kelly teased, watching as Yuqi grabbed another shirt featuring a chibi version of the same character.

“Hey, I like what I like,” Yuqi replied with a grin.

By the time they left the store, she had five fitted graphic T-shirts in her bag, each one carefully chosen to match her new wardrobe.

As they passed a small kiosk advertising ear piercing, Yuqi slowed to a stop. She stared at the sign, then turned to her mom.

“Can I?” she asked, excitement glimmering in her eyes.

Her mom raised an eyebrow. “Are you sure?”

Yuqi nodded. “Yeah. I’ve been thinking about it for a while. I’m ready.”

Minutes later, Yuqi sat in the chair, gripping the armrests as the technician marked her earlobes. The quick pinch of the piercing gun was over in seconds, and when she looked in the mirror, the small, sparkling studs in her ears brought a smile to her face.

“They look great,” her mom said warmly.

Kelly grinned. “They’re perfect for you.”

Yuqi touched her ears gently, feeling a wave of satisfaction. “Thanks.”

By the time they left the mall, Yuqi’s arms were filled with bags, and she felt a deep sense of accomplishment. She had a new wardrobe that genuinely felt like hers.

As they loaded the bags into the trunk, Kelly leaned back in her seat with a smirk. “You’re going to be the best-dressed girl in school. Everyone’s going to notice.”

Yuqi laughed softly, leaning her head against the window. “Good. Let them.”

Her mom glanced at her in the rearview mirror, pride evident in her eyes.

“You’ve come a long way, Yuqi. I’m proud of you.”

Yuqi smiled, warmth spreading through her chest. “Thanks, Mom.”

By the time Yuqi got home, her arms were sore from carrying all the shopping bags, and the trunk of the car was packed with her brand-new wardrobe. As she lugged the bags up to her room, she couldn’t help but feel a mix of excitement and bittersweet nostalgia.

Her closet and dresser were still filled with her old clothes—loose jeans, plain hoodies, and graphic T-shirts she used to love as David. But now, those clothes felt like relics of a life that didn’t fit her anymore.

With a sigh, Yuqi dropped the bags onto her bed, glancing at the neat rows of folded shirts and hanging pants in her closet. It was time for a complete overhaul.

Yuqi opened her closet and stared at the rows of clothes she used to wear. Oversized T-shirts with anime characters, baggy jeans, and a stack of hoodies lined the shelves. For years, those pieces had been her go-to outfit, the ones she felt most comfortable in.

But now, as she ran her fingers over the fabric, she felt a pang of detachment. They didn’t feel like her anymore.

With a deep breath, she grabbed the first hoodie off the hanger and tossed it into a pile on the floor.

“Alright,” she muttered to herself. “Let’s do this.”

One by one, Yuqi pulled out every piece of clothing she owned, separating them into two piles:

The Old Clothes: All the jeans, T-shirts, and hoodies she had worn as David. She knew she’d never wear them again—not just because they didn’t fit her new body, but because they didn’t feel like her anymore.

The New Wardrobe: The sleek pants, skirts, dresses, and fitted tops she had just bought at the mall. Each piece felt exciting, like a step into the life she was building for herself.

The first pile grew quickly, taking up most of the floor by the time she finished emptying her closet. Yuqi sat back on her heels, staring at the pile of old clothes.

Kelly poked her head into the room, raising an eyebrow. “Wow. Looks like a tornado hit in here.”

Yuqi rolled her eyes. “Thanks, Kelly. Very helpful.”

Kelly stepped inside, glancing at the old clothes. “You getting rid of all of it?”

“Yeah,” Yuqi said quietly. “I can’t wear any of it anymore. It doesn’t feel like me anymore.”

Kelly nodded, her expression softening. “Makes sense. Want help hanging up the new stuff?”

Yuqi hesitated, then smiled. “Yeah. That’d be great.”

Together, they began unpacking the shopping bags, carefully folding and hanging each piece. The closet transformed before Yuqi’s eyes as the racks filled with skirts in soft purples and grays, fitted jeans, and stylish blouses. The drawers of her dresser became home to her graphic T-shirts, neatly folded in a rainbow of colors.

Kelly held up the lavender sundress with a grin. “This one’s my favorite. You’re going to look amazing in it.”

Yuqi laughed, shaking her head. “You’re obsessed with that dress.”

“Because it’s perfect,” Kelly insisted, hanging it on a velvet hanger.

The room slowly came together, the piles of old clothes replaced by a vibrant, cohesive wardrobe that felt like hers. By the time they finished, the closet looked completely different.

The pile of old clothes sat in the corner of the room, a silent reminder of Yuqi's former self. She stared at it for a moment, her chest tightening slightly.

Kelly nudged her shoulder. “You okay?”

“Yeah,” Yuqi said softly. “It’s just… weird, you know? Letting go of all this.”

Kelly gave her a small smile. “It’s not really letting go. It’s just making room for who you are now.”

Yuqi nodded, her gaze lingering on the pile one last time before grabbing a large trash bag and loading the clothes inside.

“What are you going to do with them?” Kelly asked.

“Donate them, I guess,” Yuqi replied. “Someone else can use them.”

The bittersweet feeling eased when she tied the bag shut. Her old clothes were gone, and her new wardrobe was ready to replace them.

Yuqi stepped back, surveying her room with a sense of accomplishment. The closet was organized, her dresser drawers were filled with stylish outfits, and her shoes lined the bottom shelf neatly.

Kelly flopped onto the bed with a grin. “You’re officially a whole new person. How’s it feel?”

Yuqi leaned against the dresser, smiling faintly. “It feels… good. Like I’m finally figuring it out.”

Kelly raised an eyebrow. “So, what’s next? A makeup kit? More accessories?”

Yuqi laughed. “One thing at a time, Kelly.”

Chapter 15: A Game Interrupted

The living room was alive with the sounds of rapid button clicks and the muffled cheers and groans of Yuqi and her friends. They were locked in an intense gaming session, their characters navigating a chaotic level that none of them seemed close to beating.

“Stay behind me!” Ian shouted, frantically dodging an enemy attack.

“I’ve got it covered!” Yuqi replied, her fingers moving quickly over the controller.

Elliot groaned as his character met a sudden, untimely end. “Unbelievable. This game is rigged.”

Stan laughed. “Says the guy who walked straight into the trap.”

Yuqi smirked, her focus unbroken. “Don’t worry, I’ll carry the team. Again.”

The playful banter came to an abrupt halt when the sound of the front door opening caught their attention. Yuqi’s dad stepped into the house, looking tired but content. His tie had already loosened as he set his keys down on the entry table.

“Hey, everyone,” he greeted, glancing at the group spread across the couch.

“Hi, Mr. Allen!” the boys replied in unison, still holding their controllers.

Yuqi paused the game, turning to smile at him. “Hey, Dad. Long day?”

“Busy as usual,” he said, running a hand through his hair. “I was hoping to relax in the living room for a bit.”

Yuqi caught the subtle hint and stood up, brushing crumbs off her lap. “Got it. We’ll move. Thanks for letting us take over.”

Her dad smiled at her, appreciation in his eyes. “Thanks, sweetheart.”

Yuqi turned to her friends, gesturing toward the door. “Alright, game night’s over. We’ll pick this up another time.”

Ian stretched as he stood, tossing his bag over his shoulder. “Fine, but we’re getting farther next time. No excuses.”

Elliot groaned but followed him. “You mean no distractions from Yuqi bossing us around?”

Yuqi laughed. “If I didn’t boss you around, you’d still be on the first level.”

Stan waved as they shuffled toward the door. “See you later, Yuqi.”

“See you guys,” she said with a grin, watching them leave.

When the house fell quiet again, Yuqi headed upstairs to her room. Her eyes landed on the chest filled with scrolls sitting beneath the portrait of her mother. Her fingers lingered on the lid before she opened it, carefully pulling out one of the aged parchments. The Dragon language flowed across the surface in graceful, deliberate strokes, familiar yet still mysterious. It was as if her mother's magic was still alive in these scrolls, waiting to be discovered.

She carried the scroll downstairs to the kitchen, laying it out on the table under the warm light. The words were clear to her—reading Dragon had come naturally since she had started diving into her mother’s legacy—but understanding the deeper intricacies of the magic described was another matter entirely. The spell was delicate, layered with subtleties that made it feel just out of reach.

A few minutes later, her dad walked into the kitchen, pausing when he saw her bent over the scroll. “What are you reading?”

Yuqi glanced up briefly, her fingers still tracing the parchment. “One of the spell scrolls from my mom’s chest.”

He raised an eyebrow, moving closer to peer at the intricate writing. “What kind of spell?”

“This one’s about fire,” she said thoughtfully. “It’s a control spell. It explains how to gather and focus heat to summon a flame, but the process is…” She sighed. “Complicated. The words are clear, but the magic itself? That’s the tricky part.”

Her dad studied the parchment for a moment. “It looks like a formula or a blueprint.”

Yuqi nodded. “Exactly. It’s structured like a recipe, but it’s not just about following steps. It’s about… feeling the magic. And I don’t know how to do that yet.”

“Feeling the magic?” he repeated, his tone curious.

She smiled faintly. “Yeah. It’s like trying to sense something that’s not there but should be. It’s frustrating.”

Her dad leaned against the counter, watching her carefully. “And you’re planning to try this?”

“Not yet,” she said quickly. “I need to understand it first. I’m not exactly eager to set the kitchen on fire.”

He chuckled softly but nodded. “Good. This kind of power isn’t something to take lightly.”

“I know,” Yuqi said, her voice quieter now. “But it’s part of me. If I don’t figure it out, it’ll just stay a mystery forever.”

Her dad placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “You’ll get there. Just take your time, okay?”

“Okay,” she said, smiling up at him.

As her dad headed upstairs to relax, Yuqi returned her attention to the scroll. The characters glimmered faintly under the light as if alive, holding secrets just beyond her grasp. She traced the lines again, murmuring the words under her breath.

Closing her eyes, she focused on the world around her—the warmth of the kitchen light, the coolness of the air. For a fleeting moment, she thought she felt something else. It was faint, like the flicker of a flame, but it disappeared before she could grasp it fully.

Her eyes opened, and she stared at the scroll, her heart pounding. “Okay,” she whispered to herself. “I’m getting closer. I can feel it.” Her journey to understand her mother's magic was filled with anticipation and hope.

The smell of dinner filled the house, the savory aroma of stir-fried vegetables and roasted chicken wafting through the air. Yuqi carefully rolled up the spell scroll, ensuring the edges lined up perfectly before securing it with its ribbon. The characters still glimmered faintly under the kitchen light, but their mysteries would have to wait.

“Dinner’s ready!” her Mom called from the dining room, her voice clear and firm, filling the house with a sense of warmth and comfort.

Yuqi stood, cradling the scroll in her hands as she made her way upstairs. She opened the chest beneath her mother’s portrait and placed the scroll back among the others, her fingers brushing the smooth parchment before closing the lid with a soft thud.

When she returned to the dining room, Kelly was already there, sitting at her usual spot with her phone in hand. She barely looked up as Yuqi slid into her seat across from her. Their dad had just joined them, loosening his tie as he settled in.

“About time,” Kelly teased, glancing up as Yuqi slid into her seat. “What were you doing, solving the mysteries of the universe?”

“Something like that,” Yuqi shot back with a smirk.

Their Mom emerged from the kitchen, carrying a steaming platter of roasted chicken and vegetables. “Alright, everyone, phones down and hands washed. Kelly, that means you.”

Kelly sighed dramatically but set her phone down and headed to the sink. Yuqi grinned, glad for the small victory, and began serving herself some rice and vegetables.

The table soon filled with conversation as plates were passed around.

Now recharged and fully engaged, Kelly launched into a story about her day, complete with exaggerated gestures that made their dad chuckle and their Mom roll her eyes affectionately.

“And then,” Kelly said, nearly laughing herself, “Jessie tripped over her own shoelaces while trying to impress everyone with her new dance moves. It was amazing.”

Their dad shook his head, amused. “Poor kid.”

“Poor Jessie,” Yuqi muttered, trying not to laugh as she took a sip of water.

“You would’ve laughed, too,” Kelly said, pointing at her. “Don’t act like you’re above it.”

Their Mom cut in before the back-and-forth could escalate. “Enough, girls. Eat before your food gets cold.”

As the meal continued, Yuqi found herself relaxing. Dinner with her family felt grounding in a way nothing else did, a moment of normalcy amid everything that had changed. Kelly’s antics and their parents’ amused tolerance filled the room with warmth, and for a little while, the weight of her studies and her heritage faded into the background.

Later, when the dishes were cleared and the house quieted again, Yuqi knew she’d return to the scrolls. For now, though, she let herself enjoy the easy rhythm of home.

After dinner, Yuqi followed Kelly upstairs, lingering in the hallway before Kelly waved her into her room. Kelly’s space was as chaotic as ever, with clothes tossed over the back of a chair and posters of her favorite bands lining the walls. Yuqi perched on the edge of the bed while Kelly flopped down beside her, scrolling absentmindedly on her phone.

“So,” Kelly started, her tone casual but loaded with curiosity, “are you ever gonna talk about it?”

Yuqi frowned. “Talk about what?”

Kelly set her phone aside and turned to face her. “Your friends. You’ve been spending a lot of time with them lately.”

Yuqi rolled her eyes. “They’re my friends, Kelly. It’s not a big deal.”

Kelly smirked, leaning in slightly. “Yeah, but do you think any of them are cute?”

Yuqi froze, staring at her sister in disbelief. “What?”

“You know what I mean,” Kelly said, her grin widening. “Elliot, Ian, Stan—do you think any of them are cute? Come on, you can tell me.”

Yuqi’s face twisted in exaggerated horror, and she almost choked on her own breath. “Hell no!” she exclaimed, recoiling as if Kelly had just suggested the most offensive thing imaginable. “Why would you even ask that?”

Kelly burst out laughing, clutching her stomach as she leaned back. “Oh my god, your face! That was priceless.”

Yuqi scowled, crossing her arms. “I’m serious. I don’t even want to think about that. Ever. I don’t want to be with a guy. End of story.”

Kelly’s laughter died down, but the amused glint in her eyes didn’t fade. “Okay, okay, chill. I was just curious. You’re, like, really pretty now, so it wouldn’t surprise me if one of them had a crush on you.”

Yuqi groaned, burying her face in her hands. “Don’t say stuff like that! It’s weird.”

Kelly shrugged, her grin turning smug. “You’re the one who always hangs out with three guys. I’m just saying.”

“Yeah, because they’re my friends,” Yuqi shot back, glaring at her. “And that’s all they’ll ever be. I’m not interested in them—or any guy, for that matter.”

Kelly held up her hands in mock surrender. “Alright, alright. I’ll drop it.”

“Good,” Yuqi muttered, though her face was still flushed from the conversation.

Kelly leaned back against the headboard, a faint smile on her lips. “You’re fun to mess with, you know that?”

“Glad I could entertain you,” Yuqi replied dryly, standing up. “I’m going back to my room before you say something even worse.”

“Fair enough,” Kelly said, still grinning. “Just let me know if you change your mind about the ‘cute friends’ thing.”

“Not happening,” Yuqi called over her shoulder as she left, shutting the door firmly behind her.

As she returned to her own room, Yuqi shook her head, still baffled by Kelly’s line of questioning. She flopped onto her bed, muttering to herself, “She’s impossible.”

But despite her annoyance, she found herself smiling faintly. Kelly’s teasing, as much as it drove her crazy, was just another reminder that their relationship hadn’t really changed. For that, at least, she was grateful.

Chapter 16: First Day of School

The rest of the summer had been a whirlwind of self-discovery for Yuqi. Between exploring the books and scrolls in her mother’s chest, adjusting to her transformed body, and reconnecting with her family, she’d hardly had time to think about the impending school year. But now, as the first day of sophomore year dawned, the nerves that she’d pushed aside all summer hit her like a freight train, leaving her with a lingering sense of self-doubt.

Yuqi spent longer than usual getting ready that morning. Her closet, carefully curated over the summer, was filled with options, but none of them seemed right for the occasion. After much deliberation, she settled on a pleated plum skirt and a lavender blouse with lace accents paired with her favorite black ankle boots. The outfit felt like a good balance—confident without trying too hard.

She studied her reflection as she stood in front of the mirror, adjusting her blouse. Her longer hair framed her face, which was softer and rounder than before her transformation. Her eyes held a mix of determination and anxiety. She smoothed her skirt one last time and took a deep breath.

“You’ve got this,” she said, her voice steady but soft.

Downstairs, the comforting smell of breakfast greeted her. Her mom stood at the stove, flipping pancakes, while Kelly was already at the table, her phone in hand and a half-eaten pancake on her plate.

“First day, huh?” Kelly said, glancing up as Yuqi entered the kitchen. Her smirk was as sharp as ever. “Trying to impress the whole school?”

Yuqi rolled her eyes, though a faint smile tugged at her lips. “Just trying to survive.”

Their mom turned, placing a plate of pancakes in front of Yuqi. “You’ll do more than survive, sweetheart. You’ve come so far this summer. Just take it one step at a time.” Her words were a comforting reminder of the supportive family dynamics that had been a constant source of strength for Yuqi.

Yuqi nodded, pouring syrup onto her pancakes. “Thanks, Mom.”

Kelly leaned back in her chair, her grin widening. “You know people are going to be staring at you all day, right?”

Yuqi shot her a glare. “Thanks for the reminder.”

“It’s not a bad thing,” Kelly added, holding up her hands defensively. “You look great. Own it.”

The ride to school was quiet. The familiar hum of the car filled the silence as Yuqi stared out the window. The streets, lined with trees just starting to lose their summer green, passed in a blur. Kelly sat in the backseat, humming along to the radio, while their mom occasionally glanced at them through the rearview mirror.

As they pulled into the school parking lot, Yuqi’s stomach churned. The courtyard was already bustling with students, their voices blending into a chaotic hum. Groups of friends reunited after the summer, sharing stories and comparing schedules. The energy was palpable, but to Yuqi, it felt overwhelming, the school environment pressing in on her from all sides.

Their mom parked the car and turned to look at them. “You’re both going to do great today. Remember, take it one step at a time.”

Kelly opened the door, stepping out with her usual confidence. Yuqi followed more hesitantly, clutching her bag tightly as she adjusted the strap on her shoulder.

“See you later, Mom,” Kelly said, waving as she closed the door.

“Thanks, Mom,” Yuqi added, her voice quieter.

Their mom smiled warmly. “Have a good day, girls.”

As the car pulled away, Yuqi stood frozen for a moment, taking in the scene before her. The school was the same as it had always been, but everything about it felt different now. She glanced at Kelly, who was already striding toward the main building with her head held high.

Kelly turned back, raising an eyebrow. “You coming, or are you planning to stare at the parking lot all day?”

Yuqi took a deep breath and nodded. “Yeah, I’m coming.”

Yuqi stepped onto the school grounds, trying her best to project confidence. Her boots clicked softly against the pavement as she walked, her head held high despite the ball of nerves twisting in her stomach. The morning sun cast a warm glow over the bustling courtyard, where students clustered in groups, exchanging summer stories and comparing schedules.

She immediately noticed the looks.

Some were curious—lingering glances from students who seemed to be piecing together the unfamiliar face with something they couldn’t quite place. Others were more intense, filled with an open admiration that made Yuqi’s skin prickle. A few simply glanced her way and moved on, offering polite nods or brief smiles.

Yuqi tried to keep her composure. Her fingers tightened slightly on the strap of her bag, but she maintained a bright, easy smile as she acknowledged those she passed. A friendly nod here, a soft “Hey” there—small gestures that helped her feel grounded, even as her heart raced.

Kelly walked beside her, exuding her usual aura of confidence. It was as if the attention Yuqi was getting didn’t faze her in the slightest.

“You’re doing good,” Kelly said under her breath, a slight smirk tugging at her lips.

“Thanks,” Yuqi replied, her voice low but steady. She wasn’t sure how convincing she sounded, but she was determined to keep up the facade.

The main doors loomed ahead, and Yuqi steeled herself for the chaos inside. She could already hear the hum of voices and the clatter of lockers.

As they stepped through the entrance, the noise grew louder, and Yuqi felt the weight of even more eyes on her. She focused on her breathing, reminding herself that she belonged here just as much as anyone else.

The hallway was a whirlwind of motion—students leaning against lockers, chatting in groups, exchanging schedules. Yuqi caught a few more glances as she walked by, her smile never faltering.

A couple of boys near the water fountain whispered to each other as she passed, their eyes trailing her for a moment too long. Yuqi’s cheeks burned, but she refused to let it show. She straightened her posture, her steps confident and deliberate.

“Eyes forward,” Kelly muttered, though there was a faint trace of amusement in her tone.

“I’m trying,” Yuqi hissed back, her lips curling into a brief grin despite herself.

As they turned the corner, Yuqi spotted Elliot, Ian, and Stan standing near their usual spot by the lockers. The sight of her friends brought a rush of relief, and she waved to them, her nerves easing slightly.

“Morning!” Elliot called out, his grin wide and genuine.

Ian gave a small wave, his expression still slightly awestruck. “You made it.”

“Barely,” Yuqi joked, joining them.

Stan looked her up and down, then nodded approvingly. “Looking good, Yuqi. New year, new you, huh?”

“Something like that,” she replied, laughing softly.

The bell rang, signaling the start of the day. Students began to disperse, heading toward their first classes. Yuqi glanced at her schedule and smiled at her friends.

“Guess I’ll see you guys at lunch,” she said, tucking the paper into her bag.

“Good luck,” Elliot said, giving her a thumbs-up.

“You’ve got this,” Ian added.

As Yuqi headed toward her first class, the hallways grew quieter, the earlier chaos fading into the rhythm of the school day. She could still feel the occasional glance, the weight of curiosity and admiration, but she held her head high.

She didn’t just belong here—she was ready to thrive.

Yuqi stepped into her first class of the day—Trigonometry—feeling a mix of anticipation and nervous energy. Math had always been her favorite subject. Numbers, equations, and formulas didn’t care about appearances or whispers in hallways. They just were, and Yuqi found comfort in their simplicity.

Yuqi stepped into her Trigonometry class, her nerves slightly heightened as she scanned the room. Most of the seats were already filled, and she immediately noticed that the majority of the students looked older. It wasn’t a surprise—Trigonometry was typically a junior-level class. Yuqi had always been strong in math, moving through courses faster than her peers, but sitting in a room full of upperclassmen made her feel the weight of being a year younger.

She chose a desk near the middle of the room and carefully set her bag down. A couple of juniors glanced her way, their eyes lingering with curiosity. Yuqi kept her expression neutral, giving a polite smile before pulling out her notebook and pen.

The teacher, a tall woman in her mid-thirties with sleek dark hair and a sharp, professional outfit, stood at the front of the room. She wrote her name on the board neatly, using looping handwriting: Ms. Foster.

“Good morning, everyone,” Ms. Foster said, her voice carrying easily over the low chatter of the class. “Welcome to Trigonometry. Before we get started, let’s take care of a little housekeeping.” She picked up a clipboard from her desk. “I’m going to take roll, and when I call your name, just let me know if you prefer to go by anything else.”

Yuqi sat up straighter, her fingers lightly gripping her pen as Ms. Foster began reading the names.

“Abrams, Mark?”

“Here,” a boy near the back mumbled.

“Bellamy, Claire?”

“Here.”

The roll call continued, and Yuqi could feel the glances from some of the juniors, subtle but present. She focused on her notebook, tapping her pen lightly against the page.

“Allen, Yuqi?”

“Here,” Yuqi said, her voice steady.

Ms. Foster glanced up briefly, giving Yuqi a quick nod before moving on. If she noticed anything unusual about Yuqi’s presence in the primarily junior class, she didn’t comment on it, for which Yuqi was grateful.

When the roll call was finished, Ms. Foster set the clipboard down and stepped to the center of the room. “Alright, now that we know who’s here, let me introduce myself. I’m Ms. Foster, and I’ll be your teacher for this course. Trigonometry is one of my favorite subjects to teach because it combines algebra, geometry, and analytical thinking. It’s challenging, but if you put in the effort, I promise you’ll learn much this year.”

Yuqi felt a slight sense of relief. Ms. Foster’s tone was firm but encouraging, and the precise structure of the class already felt like something she could handle.

“Before we dive in, I’d like to get a sense of where everyone is. Let’s start with a warm-up problem. Take out a sheet of paper and solve this.”

Ms. Foster turned to the whiteboard and wrote: Find the sine, cosine, and tangent of 30°, 45°, and 60°. Provide exact values.

Yuqi’s eyes lit up as she read the problem. This was familiar territory. The unit circle had been drilled into her memory long ago, and she quickly got to work, jotting down the answers with ease.

Around her, the sound of pencils scratching against paper filled the room. She noticed some of the juniors glancing at each other, exchanging confused whispers. A boy sitting diagonally in front of her turned slightly, his notebook still blank.

“Do we need to memorize these?” he whispered, his voice low enough that Ms. Foster wouldn’t hear.

Yuqi leaned forward slightly. “Yeah, but for now, just think about the triangle ratios. For 30°, sine is 1/2, cosine is √3/2, and tangent is 1/√3.”

The boy blinked at her, clearly impressed. “Oh. Thanks.”

Yuqi smiled faintly before returning to her work.

“Alright,” Ms. Foster said after a few minutes. “Let’s go over the answers together. Who can tell me the sine of 30°?”

Yuqi’s hand shot up almost instinctively.

“Yes, Yuqi?”

“Sine of 30° is 1/2,” Yuqi said confidently.

“Correct. And the cosine?”

“√3/2.”

“Excellent,” Ms. Foster said with an approving nod. “Nice work.”

Yuqi felt a small rush of pride, though she tried to keep her expression neutral. She caught a couple of her classmates glancing her way, some with mild surprise, others with quiet admiration.

The rest of the class passed smoothly, with Ms. Foster introducing the syllabus and outlining what they’d cover over the semester. By the time the bell rang, Yuqi felt more settled. Math had always been her safe haven, and despite the new dynamics of being in a class filled with juniors, she was confident she could hold her own.

As she packed up her things, the boy from earlier caught her eye and gave her a slight nod. “Thanks for the help,” he said quietly.

“No problem,” Yuqi replied with a polite smile before heading out into the hallway.

The buzz of students between classes filled the air, but Yuqi felt a flicker of pride as she made her way to her next class. The first hurdle of the day was over, and it had gone better than she expected.

After the confidence boost of Trigonometry, Yuqi made her way to her next class, English. The stark difference in her enthusiasm for the two subjects was almost comical. Where math felt like a puzzle she could solve, English often felt like a riddle with no clear answer.

The classroom had a quieter energy than her math class, with students already seated and flipping through notebooks or staring at their phones. Yuqi found a seat near the back, hoping to keep a low profile. She pulled out her notebook and a pen, glancing at the whiteboard where the teacher had written their name in neat, looping handwriting: Mrs. Carter.

Mrs. Carter was already at her desk, organizing a stack of books. She was an older woman with graying hair pulled into a loose bun and glasses perched on the edge of her nose. She looked up as Yuqi entered, giving her a brief smile before returning to her papers.

The bell rang, and Mrs. Carter stood, addressing the class in a calm, measured voice. “Good morning, everyone. Welcome to English 10. I’m Mrs. Carter, and I’ll be guiding you through this year as we explore literature, writing, and critical thinking.”

Yuqi barely stifled a groan. Critical thinking always sounded straightforward but often left her second-guessing every word she wrote.

“We’ll start with some introductions,” Mrs. Carter continued. “I’d like everyone to tell me your name, one thing you enjoy reading or writing about, and what you’re looking forward to this year.”

Yuqi’s stomach sank slightly. She hated these icebreakers. Still, she listened as the first student started, giving a polished answer about their love of writing poetry. The following student mentioned fantasy novels. The chain continued, with answers ranging from historical fiction to fanfiction, until it was Yuqi’s turn.

“I’m Yuqi Allen,” she said, trying to keep her voice steady. “I don’t really enjoy reading or writing much, but I guess… I like math-related puzzles. And I’m looking forward to improving my writing this year.”

Mrs. Carter smiled warmly. “Thank you, Yuqi. Growth is always a good goal.”

The introductions wrapped up, and Mrs. Carter began passing out the syllabus. “This year, we’ll be focusing on analytical essays, creative writing, and a variety of classic and contemporary literature. To start, we’ll be reading To Kill a Mockingbird. I hope you all brought your copies today.”

Yuqi pulled out her slightly creased paperback, glancing nervously at the opening pages. She’d skimmed the first chapter at home but hadn’t been able to concentrate much. Still, she wasn’t overly concerned—reading aloud wasn’t her favorite, but she could manage.

“Let’s begin by reading the first two pages aloud,” Mrs. Carter said. “I’ll start, and then we’ll go around the room.”

The teacher began with a smooth, practiced cadence, her voice filling the room as she read the opening lines. The following student continued without hesitation, passing the task down the row. Each voice carried the words confidently, and Yuqi felt herself relaxing slightly as the chain moved closer to her.

When it was her turn, Yuqi took a deep breath, her eyes scanning the text quickly to prepare herself. She started reading aloud, her voice steady at first. But then something shifted.

The words on the page seemed to blur and twist, and without realizing it, Yuqi’s speech transitioned into a flowing, melodic cadence. The classroom grew quieter, and she noticed the faint shuffle of someone turning in their seat. She glanced up briefly but kept reading, unaware that her English had transformed into the Dragonic language she’d been studying all summer.

By the time she finished her passage, the room was dead silent.

Yuqi blinked, looking up at Mrs. Carter, whose expression was one of polite but apparent confusion.

“Is English your second language?” the teacher asked, her tone cautious.

Yuqi’s eyes widened. “No, I’ve spoken English my whole life.”

Mrs. Carter adjusted her glasses, still staring at Yuqi. “Then… what language were you just speaking?”

The blood drained from Yuqi’s face as realization dawned. Oh no.

“I… I’m sorry,” she stammered, her voice faltering. “I’ve been learning my biological parents’ language over the summer, and I must have… switched to that without realizing it.”

Mrs. Carter’s expression softened slightly. “I see. Well, that’s certainly unique. But let’s try to stick to English during class, alright?”

“Yes, ma’am,” Yuqi replied, her face flushed with embarrassment as she sank into her seat.

The students around her exchanged puzzled looks, some leaning in to whisper to each other. Yuqi stared at her notebook, her mind racing. How could I let that happen?

The class continued, but Yuqi found it challenging to focus. Occasionally, she felt someone’s gaze linger on her, and her cheeks burned anew. By the time the bell rang, she was the first to gather her things and head for the door, eager to escape the awkwardness.

Stepping into the hallway, Yuqi let out a long breath. English had always been challenging, but now it felt like a minefield.

She clenched her fists lightly, steeling herself for the rest of the day. Get it together, Yuqi. You can’t afford to slip like that again.

After the awkwardness of English, Yuqi was relieved to see PE listed as her next class. Physical activity wasn’t exactly her favorite, but it felt like a chance to clear her head after the strange turn of events in the previous class.

She stepped into the gymnasium, the faint smell of polished wood and faintly stale air filling her nose. Students were already scattered across the gym floor, chatting in groups or tying their shoes as they waited for the coach to arrive. Yuqi glanced around, spotting a mix of familiar and unfamiliar faces.

“Alright, everyone, bring it in!” a loud, authoritative voice called out.

The gym teacher, Coach Daniels, strode onto the floor. He was tall and broad-shouldered, with a whistle hanging around his neck and a clipboard in hand. His presence immediately commanded attention, and the chatter died down as students gathered in a semi-circle.

“Welcome to PE,” Coach Daniels said, his voice booming across the gym. “This year, we’re focusing on building strength, endurance, and teamwork. Today, we’re starting with fitness assessments. We’ll be testing your baseline abilities, so don’t worry about impressing anyone—just do your best.”

Yuqi lined up with the rest of the class as Coach Daniels explained the series of activities: push-ups, sit-ups, a 40-yard dash, and a standing long jump. She felt a twinge of nerves. Physical fitness had never been her strong suit, but she resolved to do her best and not draw too much attention to herself.

The push-ups were first. Students dropped to the floor in rows, counting out repetitions as Coach Daniels moved among them. Yuqi followed suit, lowering herself into position.

She started tentatively, expecting to struggle after a few reps. But as she continued, she realized she wasn’t even breaking a sweat. Her arms moved effortlessly, her muscles feeling stronger than she ever remembered.

“Thirty!” someone nearby huffed, collapsing onto the floor.

Yuqi blinked. She was already at fifty, and her arms still felt fresh.

“Uh… Yuqi?” Coach Daniels said, stopping in his tracks as he noticed her. “You planning to stop anytime soon?”

She froze mid-push-up, realizing the entire row had stopped, leaving her as the only one still going. Embarrassed, she sat back on her heels, glancing up at Coach Daniels. “I, uh, didn’t realize I’d done that many.”

A few students exchanged glances, whispering to each other.

“Well,” Coach Daniels said, scratching his head. “Impressive start. Let’s move on.”

Next came the sit-ups, which Yuqi completed with the same ease. Her core strength seemed boundless, and by the time they reached the 40-yard dash, she was starting to feel a strange mix of pride and unease.

“Alright, Allen,” Coach Daniels called as it was her turn to run. “Let’s see what you’ve got.”

Yuqi lined up at the starting line, her heart pounding. When the whistle blew, she took off, her legs propelling her forward with a speed that startled even her. The wind rushed past her face as she crossed the finish line in what felt like the blink of an eye.

The coach stared at the stopwatch, then at her.

“That’s… five seconds flat,” he said, his voice laced with disbelief.

Yuqi’s eyes widened. “Is that good?”

“That’s faster than most of the football team,” he muttered, shaking his head.

The murmurs around her grew louder, and Yuqi felt her cheeks flush. She hadn’t meant to stand out so much—it just happened.

The final test, the standing long jump, only added to the spectacle. When it was her turn, Yuqi crouched slightly, pushing off the floor with what she thought was a normal amount of force. She soared through the air, landing several feet beyond the farthest mark anyone else had reached.

A stunned silence followed.

“Allen,” Coach Daniels said, walking over. “What are you eating for breakfast? Superhuman cereal?”

Yuqi let out a nervous laugh, brushing her hair behind her ear. “Just pancakes, Coach.”

The rest of the class seemed to buzz with energy, students shooting her curious glances as they finished the assessments. Yuqi tried to downplay her accomplishments, but her mind was racing inside. She hadn’t expected to be this strong or this fast.

As the class wrapped up, Kelly appeared near the gym door, having finished her own assessment. She raised an eyebrow at Yuqi.

“Heard you turned into a track star out there,” Kelly teased.

“Not on purpose,” Yuqi muttered. “It just… happened.”

Kelly smirked. “Well, congrats on making everyone else look bad.”

Yuqi rolled her eyes but couldn’t help the small smile tugging at her lips. As they walked out of the gym together, she couldn’t shake the feeling that her newfound strength was more than just a coincidence.

By the time lunch rolled around, the rumors about Yuqi had already spread like wildfire. Her slip into another language during English class and her near-superhuman feats in PE had made her the topic of whispered conversations throughout the school. Walking into the cafeteria with Kelly, Yuqi could feel the weight of countless eyes on her, the murmurs barely concealed as students pointed or turned their heads to watch her pass.

Yuqi clenched her tray a little tighter, her stomach twisting. “They’re all staring at me,” she muttered to Kelly.

Kelly shrugged, unfazed. “Yeah, well, you kind of gave them something to talk about. They’ll get over it.”

Yuqi wasn’t so sure. She could hear snippets of conversations as she moved through the line—words like “new girl,” “crazy strong,” and “what was she even speaking?” floated in the air around her. By the time she got her food, her nerves were on edge.

She looked over at Kelly, who was already heading toward a table with her friends.

“Hey, you’ll be fine,” Kelly said, glancing back at her. “Sit wherever you want. I’ll catch up with you later.”

Yuqi bit her lip, scanning the room. Most tables were packed with groups of students chatting and laughing. She spotted an empty table near the corner of the cafeteria and made a beeline for it, hoping to avoid any further attention.

She sat down, setting her tray in front of her and staring at it for a moment. The noise of the cafeteria seemed to swell around her, the whispers and giggles cutting through her thoughts.

“Hey, Yuqi!”

She looked up to see Elliot, Ian, and Stan walking toward her, their trays in hand. Relief washed over her as they sat down at the table, their presence making her feel a little less like she was under a spotlight.

“We heard about PE,” Elliot said, grinning as he plopped into the seat across from her. “Six seconds on the 40-yard dash? That’s insane.”

“And the long jump,” Ian added, his eyes wide. “You’re like an Olympic athlete or something.”

Yuqi groaned, covering her face with her hands. “Don’t remind me. I didn’t mean to stand out like that.”

Stan chuckled, nudging her shoulder. “Too late for that. You’re officially the most talked-about person in school right now.”

Yuqi let out a long sigh, her appetite fading as the weight of their words settled over her. Before she could respond, a loud voice cut through the cafeteria noise.

“Hey, new girl!”

Yuqi turned her head to see Trevor, the starting quarterback and captain of the football team, striding toward her table with a cocky grin. He was tall, broad-shouldered, and carried himself with the confidence of someone used to getting what he wanted.

Elliot muttered under his breath, “Oh great. Here we go.”

Trevor stopped in front of Yuqi, leaning casually against the edge of the table. His grin widened as he looked her over.

“So, you’re the one everyone’s talking about,” he said, his voice loud enough for half the cafeteria to hear. “I saw what you did in PE. Pretty impressive for someone so… petite.”

Yuqi frowned, her discomfort growing. “Thanks, I guess.”

Trevor didn’t seem to notice—or care—about her unease. He leaned in closer, his voice dropping into what he probably thought was a charming tone. “You know, someone like you deserves to be with someone at the top. Why don’t you save yourself the trouble and just say yes to being my new girlfriend?”

The table fell silent. Elliot, Ian, and Stan exchanged wide-eyed glances, clearly stunned by Trevor’s audacity.

Yuqi’s face twisted into a mix of horror and disbelief. “What?”

“You heard me,” Trevor said, his grin never faltering. “You’re going to be my new girlfriend. It’s obvious, right? I mean, look at us. We’d be perfect together.”

Yuqi shot up from her seat, her chair scraping loudly against the floor. Her voice rang out, sharp and angry, cutting through the noise of the cafeteria.

“Hell no!” she yelled. “I won’t be your girlfriend. Get the hell away from me!”

The entire cafeteria went silent, all eyes turning toward their table. Trevor looked taken aback, his grin faltering for the first time.

“Whoa, whoa,” he said, raising his hands in mock surrender. “No need to freak out. I was just saying—”

“I don’t care what you were saying,” Yuqi snapped, her voice firm and unwavering. “I’m not interested. Leave me alone.”

Trevor stood there for a moment, clearly trying to decide whether to push further or back off. Finally, he shrugged, his cocky demeanor slipping back into place.

“Your loss,” he said, turning and walking away with a casual wave.

As the cafeteria slowly returned to its usual noise, Yuqi sat back down, her hands trembling slightly.

“That was… intense,” Ian said after a moment.

“Yeah, but also awesome,” Elliot added, grinning. “You totally shut him down.”

Yuqi let out a shaky laugh, her shoulders relaxing slightly. “I just want to get through one day without something ridiculous happening.”

Stan chuckled. “Good luck with that.”

Yuqi sighed, picking at her food. The day wasn’t over yet, and she had a feeling the rumors were only going to grow.

The cafeteria buzzed with whispers and giggles as Yuqi sat back down, still trying to steady her hands after the confrontation with Trevor. The moment had clearly drawn attention, and she could feel the weight of dozens of curious eyes on her.

A few tables over, a group of girls burst into laughter, not bothering to keep their voices down.

“Oh my god, did you see her face when he said that?” one girl said, stifling a giggle.

“I can’t believe she turned him down like that,” another chimed in, her tone somewhere between admiration and disbelief.

Yuqi’s cheeks burned, but she kept her gaze focused on her tray, pushing her food around with her fork.

Trevor, meanwhile, stood near the cafeteria doors, his jaw tight and his posture stiff. Clearly, he wasn’t used to being rejected, let alone in such a public way. He turned back toward Yuqi, his eyes narrowing slightly as the laughter from the girls reached him.

“She really just turned him down,” someone nearby whispered, the disbelief in their voice palpable.

“Trevor never gets turned down,” another added.

Trevor’s expression darkened as he walked back toward Yuqi’s table. Elliot, Ian, and Stan all tensed, their eyes darting between Trevor and Yuqi.

“Uh, Yuqi,” Elliot said under his breath. “He’s coming back.”

Yuqi looked up just as Trevor stopped in front of her again. The cocky grin he’d worn earlier was gone, replaced by a mix of frustration and disbelief.

“You know,” he said, his voice lower and sharper now, “most girls would kill for the chance to go out with me. What’s your problem?”

Yuqi blinked, taken aback by the sudden shift in his tone. “My problem?” she said, her voice calm but firm. “I don’t want to go out with you. That’s not a problem—that’s my choice.”

Trevor scoffed, crossing his arms. “Choice? Seriously? You don’t even know me.”

“And I don’t want to,” Yuqi shot back, her confidence growing despite the knot in her stomach. “You can’t just walk up to someone and decide they’re going to be your girlfriend. That’s not how it works.”

The girls at the nearby table burst into another round of giggles, clearly enjoying the exchange.

“Oh, man,” one of them said, her voice carrying over the din. “She’s got him good.”

Trevor’s face flushed, his frustration mounting. “You think you’re better than me or something?” he said, his voice a little louder now.

“No,” Yuqi said, her tone icy, and loudly rebuked him. It's just that you are obviously a self-centered ass, and I want nothing to do with you.”

The cafeteria fell silent again, the tension between them thick. It seemed like Trevor might argue further for a moment, but then he stepped back, letting out a sharp, humorless laugh.

“Fine,” he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “Good luck finding anyone who’ll put up with that attitude.”

He turned on his heel and stalked out of the cafeteria, leaving a trail of whispers and muffled laughter in his wake.

Yuqi let out a breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding, her hands gripping the edge of the table.

“That was amazing,” Ian said, breaking the silence at their table.

“You just took down Trevor,” Stan added, shaking his head in disbelief.

“That guy’s been untouchable since, like, middle school.”

Elliot grinned. “You’re officially a legend, Yuqi.”

Yuqi groaned, covering her face with her hands. “I don’t want to be a legend. I just want to get through lunch without more drama.”

The giggles and whispers continued around the room, but Yuqi forced herself to focus on her friends, grateful for their presence. Even as the attention lingered, she resolved to push through the rest of the day.

But deep down, she knew this wasn’t over.

As the whispers and laughter continued to ripple through the cafeteria, Yuqi barely had time to catch her breath before Kelly appeared at her table. Her sister leaned casually against the edge, her arms crossed and a smirk tugging at her lips.

“Okay,” Kelly said, loud enough for Yuqi and her friends to hear. “You are officially the most popular girl in school right now.”

Yuqi groaned, resting her head in her hands. “Please tell me you’re joking.”

Kelly laughed, shaking her head. “Not even a little. You just turned down Trevor, the king of this school, in front of everyone. Do you have any idea how many girls would have thrown themselves at him without a second thought?”

Yuqi lifted her head, giving Kelly a tired look. “I don’t want to be popular. I just want people to leave me alone.”

“Well, too late for that,” Kelly said, shrugging. “Seriously, though, you should’ve seen the look on his face. He’s probably never been rejected before. Most girls just…” She paused, raising an eyebrow for emphasis. “You know, up and spread for him.”

Elliot choked on his soda, coughing as Ian and Stan burst into laughter.

“Kelly!” Yuqi hissed, her face turning bright red. “Could you not say stuff like that?”

“What?” Kelly said, feigning innocence. “It’s true. Half the girls in this school would die to date him, and you just told him to get lost. That’s big news.”

Yuqi groaned again, slumping back in her chair. “Great. Just what I needed—more attention.”

Kelly grinned, clearly enjoying her sister’s discomfort. “Hey, look on the bright side. At least everyone knows you’re not an easy target. That’ll shut some of them up.”

“Or make things worse,” Yuqi muttered.

Kelly leaned down, giving her sister a reassuring pat on the shoulder. “Relax. You’ve got this. If anyone gives you a hard time, just let me know. I’ve got your back.”

With that, Kelly straightened up, tossing a playful wink at Yuqi before heading back to her own table.

Yuqi shook her head, exhaling slowly. “She’s impossible.”

“She’s not wrong, though,” Elliot said, still grinning. “You made a statement today. No one’s going to forget it.”

Yuqi gave him a weary smile. “I just hope they move on to something else soon.”

The cafeteria gradually returned to its usual rhythm, the buzz of excitement about Yuqi slowly fading as students moved on to other topics. But as she sat with her friends, Yuqi couldn’t shake the feeling that this was only the beginning of the attention she was going to face.

After the chaos of lunch, Yuqi was relieved to head to her next class: Physics. Science had always been one of her strongest subjects, second only to math, and she found comfort in the logic and experimentation it offered.

She stepped into the classroom, which smelled faintly of chalk and chemicals, and immediately noticed the older students filling most of the seats. Like her Trigonometry class, this one was predominantly juniors and seniors. Her presence as a sophomore in an upper-level class drew a few curious glances, but Yuqi had already grown somewhat accustomed to it.

The walls were lined with posters of famous scientists, from Einstein to Curie, and shelves stacked with lab equipment glinted under the fluorescent lights. A series of complex diagrams were scribbled on the whiteboard, giving the room a purposeful, academic feel.

Yuqi chose a seat near the front this time. She knew that in a subject like physics, being close to the action made it easier to engage with the material. As she settled in, she pulled out her notebook and textbook, arranging them neatly on her desk.

“Welcome to Physics,” a deep voice said from the front of the room.

Yuqi looked up to see Mr. Hartman, a tall, wiry man with sharp features and a neatly trimmed beard. He exuded an air of intense focus, but the faint smile on his face softened his otherwise serious demeanor.

“This class will challenge you,” he continued, his eyes scanning the room. “But I promise, if you put in the effort, you’ll come away with a new way of understanding the world.”

He paused, his gaze landing on Yuqi briefly. There was no judgment, only mild curiosity before he continued.

“Let’s start with introductions. Name, grade, and what you hope to gain from this class.”

The chain of introductions began, with students sharing a mix of excitement and trepidation about the subject.

“I’m Alex, a junior,” said the boy two seats over from Yuqi. “I’m hoping this class will help me prep for engineering school.”

When it was Yuqi’s turn, she felt the weight of the room’s attention settle on her. She sat up straighter, keeping her voice calm and steady. “I’m Yuqi Allen, a sophomore. I’ve always loved science and look forward to learning more about how the world works through physics.”

There were a few murmurs at the mention of her grade, but Mr. Hartman gave an approving nod. “Good. Curiosity is key in physics.”

Once introductions were done, Mr. Hartman jumped into the first lesson, starting with Newton’s Laws of Motion. As he outlined the concepts on the board, Yuqi felt herself relax, her mind quickly grasping the material.

“For a quick warm-up,” he said, turning back to the class, “let’s test your understanding with a question: A car accelerates from rest at a constant rate of 3 m/s². How far does it travel in 5 seconds?”

Yuqi’s hand shot up before anyone else’s.

“Yes, Yuqi,” Mr. Hartman said, looking intrigued.

“37.5 meters,” she said confidently. “Using the formula d=12at2d = \frac{1}{2} a t^2d=21​at2, where aaa is 3 m/s² and ttt is 5 seconds, you get d=12×3×25d = \frac{1}{2} \times 3 \times 25d=21​×3×25.”

Mr. Hartman smiled, clearly impressed. “Correct. Well done.”

There was a ripple of surprise through the room. Some students exchanged glances, while others looked at Yuqi with newfound interest.

“Alright,” Mr. Hartman continued, “let’s keep that momentum going.”

The rest of the class involved solving similar problems, and Yuqi found herself entirely in her element. She finished the exercises quickly, occasionally glancing around to see other students still scribbling away.

Toward the end of the period, Mr. Hartman announced they’d be doing a group lab next week. “This will be your chance to apply these principles in a hands-on setting. Be ready to work as a team and think critically.”

As the bell rang, Yuqi gathered her things, feeling a small swell of pride. She knew she had stood out, but in physics, it didn’t feel as overwhelming as it had in her earlier classes. Here, she was confident in her abilities, and that confidence carried her out of the room with her head held high.

After the mental workout of Physics, Yuqi was ready for something less intense—or so she thought. Her next class, Social Studies, was held in a spacious room with walls decorated with maps, portraits of historical figures, and quotes from the founding documents of the United States. At the front of the room, a large American flag hung next to a whiteboard where “Welcome to U.S. Government!” was written in bold letters.

Yuqi found a seat near the middle, noticing that this class was more balanced in terms of age. There were sophomores like her, but a few juniors filled the back rows, chatting as they waited for the teacher to arrive.

The bell rang, and a tall man with a neatly trimmed mustache and a slightly rumpled suit jacket entered the room. He carried a stack of textbooks under one arm and a steaming mug of coffee in the other. Setting the books down on his desk, he surveyed the room with a warm but tired smile.

“Good afternoon, everyone. I’m Mr. Grayson, and this year, we’ll be diving into the Constitution, the structure of the federal government, and how everything works—or, in some cases, doesn’t work.”

A few chuckles rippled through the room.

Mr. Grayson picked up a stack of handouts and started passing them down the rows. “We’ll begin with the basics, but by the end of the year, you should all have a strong understanding of not just what’s in the Constitution but how it impacts your daily lives. Spoiler alert: It does, in more ways than you think.”

Yuqi flipped through the packet as it landed on her desk. The first few pages outlined the three branches of government, key amendments, and a timeline of significant historical events related to the Constitution. She made a mental note to go over it more thoroughly later.

“For today,” Mr. Grayson continued, “we’re starting with the preamble. Open your textbooks to page three.”

Yuqi opened her book, her eyes landing on the familiar words:

"We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America."

“As we read the preamble,” Mr. Grayson said, “I want you to think about what each phrase means. What do you think the framers were trying to say? And more importantly, what does it mean to you today?”

Yuqi took notes as he began breaking down the preamble line by line, explaining its significance and inviting students to share their interpretations.

“What does ‘establish Justice’ mean to you?” he asked the class.

A few hands went up, and students shared ideas about fairness, laws, and equality.

“And ‘insure domestic Tranquility’?” he continued.

Yuqi hesitated, then raised her hand.

“Yes, Yuqi?”

“It sounds like they were trying to make sure the country stayed peaceful, especially after all the fighting during the Revolutionary War,” she said, her voice steady.

“Exactly,” Mr. Grayson said, nodding. “The framers wanted a government strong enough to maintain order but not so strong that it threatened individual freedoms. That balance is one of the central challenges of any government.”

The discussion continued, and Yuqi found herself increasingly engaged. While social studies hadn’t always been her favorite subject, Mr. Grayson's presentation made it feel relevant and alive.

At the end of class, Mr. Grayson assigned the first homework of the year: to write a short reflection on what the preamble meant to them personally. As Yuqi packed up her things, she realized she was actually looking forward to it.

Yuqi’s final class of the day was one she had been looking forward to: Coding. The idea of solving problems through logic and creativity appealed to her, much like math and science. She stepped into the room, which was lined with rows of desktop computers, their screens glowing softly under the fluorescent lights. Posters of programming languages—Python, Java, and C++—decorated the walls, alongside a few motivational slogans about innovation and critical thinking.

The teacher, a young woman in her early thirties with short, spiky hair and rectangular glasses, stood at the front of the room. She was tapping away at her own computer, the large monitor behind her projecting a colorful welcome screen: “Welcome to Coding 101: Logic, Language, and Creativity.”

“Good afternoon, everyone,” the teacher said, looking up and giving the class a warm smile. “I’m Ms. Harper, and I’ll be guiding you through the wonderful, sometimes frustrating world of programming. This year, we’ll start with Python, one of the most beginner-friendly and widely used programming languages, and build up to more complex projects by the end of the year.”

Yuqi couldn’t help but smile. She had dabbled a little in coding over the summer, using online tutorials to learn basic Python syntax. She wasn’t an expert by any means, but she was excited to dive deeper.

Ms. Harper handed out a syllabus and a cheat sheet of common Python commands and syntax. “Let’s begin with a simple exercise. Log into your assigned computer—your usernames and passwords are on the sticky notes on your desks—and open the program I’ve pinned for you. We’re going to write a straightforward script to print your name and a fun fact about yourself.”

Yuqi logged in quickly, her fingers flying over the keyboard. Once the program opened, she followed Ms. Harper’s instructions, typing in Python:

print("My name is Yuqi Allen.")

print("Fun fact: I love solving puzzles!")

She clicked “Run,” and the output appeared on the screen precisely as expected. A small sense of satisfaction bubbled up inside her.

As she glanced around the room, she noticed some of the other students struggling, their brows furrowed as they tried to troubleshoot errors. The boy sitting beside her leaned over slightly, his screen still blank.

“Uh, hey,” he said, his voice hesitant. “I think I messed something up. Can you take a look?”

Yuqi turned toward him, her eyes scanning his code. “You forgot the quotation marks around your name,” she said, pointing to his line. “Try adding those like this.”

“Oh, got it,” he said, quickly fixing the error. When he ran the program, and it worked, he grinned. “Thanks! That was way easier than I thought.”

“No problem,” Yuqi replied with a smile.

Ms. Harper moved around the room, checking on everyone’s progress. When she stopped by Yuqi’s desk, she nodded approvingly. “Nice work, Yuqi. You’ve got the basics down already.”

“Thanks,” Yuqi said, her confidence growing.

Ms. Harper introduced a few more basic concepts as the class continued, including variables and simple arithmetic operations. Yuqi followed along easily, her fingers flying over the keyboard as she completed each exercise.

By the time the bell rang, she had written several small scripts, each one more complex than the last. She logged out of the computer and packed up her things, feeling a sense of accomplishment.

As she left the classroom, Yuqi couldn’t help but smile. The day had been filled with challenges and surprises, but ending it on a high note made her feel like she could handle whatever came next.

The school day had been long, filled with highs and lows, but Yuqi felt a sense of accomplishment as she headed toward her locker to grab her things. The hallway was alive with chatter and the shuffle of students eager to head home, but Yuqi moved at her own pace, reflecting on the day.

When she reached her locker, however, the satisfaction she’d been feeling evaporated in an instant.

Scrawled across the front of her locker in bold, black Sharpie was a single, ugly word: "SLUT."

Yuqi froze, her breath catching in her throat as she stared at the crude letters. Her chest tightened, a lump forming in her throat as tears welled up in her eyes. She could feel the sting of humiliation burning in her cheeks, and despite her best efforts to hold them back, the tears began to fall.

The hallway noise faded into the background as she stood there, her mind racing. Who would do this? Why? She hadn’t done anything to deserve this—she hadn’t even been at school long enough to make enemies.

A few students nearby noticed the scene, their whispers carrying just enough for Yuqi to catch snippets of their words.

“Is that her locker?”

“Who would write that?”

“She’s crying… should we say something?”

Yuqi felt her legs weaken, and she leaned against the locker next to hers for support, her hand covering her mouth as she tried to stifle a sob. She wanted to disappear, to escape the crushing weight of the stares and whispers.

“Yuqi?”

The familiar voice made her turn slightly. It was Kelly, her face a mix of confusion and concern as she pushed through the crowd to reach her sister. Her eyes landed on the writing, and her expression immediately darkened.

“What the hell?” Kelly muttered, stepping closer to the locker. She turned back to Yuqi, her voice softening. “Who did this? Did you see anyone?”

Yuqi shook her head, unable to speak through her tears. Kelly put an arm around her, glaring at the few students who were still lingering nearby.

“Alright, the show’s over,” Kelly snapped. “Go find something else to gawk at.”

The crowd quickly dispersed, and Kelly turned her attention back to Yuqi.

“Hey,” she said gently. “It’s going to be okay. We’re going to figure out who did this, alright?”

Yuqi nodded weakly, though her tears continued to fall.

Just then, Elliot, Ian, and Stan came hurrying down the hallway, their faces full of concern.

“We heard someone say something was written on your locker,” Elliot said, stopping short when he saw the word. His jaw tightened. “What the hell is wrong with people?”

Ian stepped closer to Yuqi, his voice soft. “Are you okay?”

Yuqi wiped at her tears, sniffling. “Not really,” she admitted, her voice trembling.

Stan clenched his fists, his usually easygoing demeanor replaced by anger. “Whoever did this is a coward. They didn’t even have the guts to say anything to your face.”

Kelly turned to the boys, her tone sharp. “One of you go find a teacher or the principal. This needs to get reported.”

“I’ll go,” Elliot said immediately, jogging down the hallway.

Kelly turned back to Yuqi, giving her a reassuring squeeze. “We’ll get this cleaned up, I promise.”

Yuqi nodded again, though her chest still felt heavy. The word on her locker might have been just ink, but its weight was crushing.

The principal’s office was a stark contrast to the chaotic hallways. The room was quiet, the walls lined with certificates and framed motivational posters. Yuqi sat stiffly in the chair across from Principal Keller, her hands clenched tightly in her lap. Kelly sat beside her, arms crossed, and her expression was thunderous. Elliot stood behind them, his jaw set as he watched the conversation unfold.

Principal Keller, a balding man with wire-rimmed glasses and a tired expression, glanced down at the report form on his desk. His tone was calm but carried an undercurrent of dismissiveness.

“Well, Yuqi,” he began, his voice measured. “I understand this is upsetting, but sometimes these things happen in high school. Students can be… thoughtless.”

Yuqi blinked, her throat tightening as she processed his words. She had hoped for understanding, for reassurance, but his tone felt anything but comforting.

“I’ll make sure the janitor cleans your locker and removes the graffiti,” he continued, scribbling something on the form. “But, Yuqi, I have to ask… Are you sure you didn’t unintentionally give someone the wrong idea?”

Yuqi’s heart sank. “What?” she whispered, her voice trembling.

Principal Keller adjusted his glasses, leaning back in his chair. “It’s just… with how you’re dressed and the attention you’ve been getting today, perhaps someone misunderstood your intentions. High school boys can be impulsive.”

Kelly shot to her feet, her face red with anger. “Are you serious? You’re blaming her for this?”

Elliot took a step forward, his voice sharp. “She didn’t do anything wrong. Someone wrote a disgusting word on her locker, and you’re acting like it’s her fault?”

Principal Keller held up a hand, his expression placating. “I’m not assigning blame, but these situations can be complicated. The important thing is that we address the problem and move on.”

“Address it?” Kelly snapped, her voice rising. “You’re not addressing anything! You’re sweeping it under the rug!”

Yuqi’s eyes burned with fresh tears. She looked down at her lap, her chest tightening further with each word. She had come here for support, but instead, she felt dismissed—like her feelings didn’t matter.

“We’ll have the locker cleaned by tomorrow,” Principal Keller said, his tone final. “And I’ll remind the student body about respecting each other. Let’s focus on moving forward.”

Yuqi stood abruptly, her voice shaking as she said, “Thank you, Principal Keller,” before turning and leaving the office. She couldn’t bear to hear anymore.

Kelly and Elliot followed immediately, both still fuming. Once they were in the hallway, Kelly put a hand on Yuqi’s shoulder, her anger softening into concern.

“Yuqi,” Kelly said, her voice low. “Don’t listen to him. He doesn’t know what he’s talking about.”

Yuqi nodded weakly, her tears falling silently. “I just… I just wanted someone to care,” she whispered.

“We care,” Elliot said firmly, stepping closer. “You didn’t deserve any of this, and we’re not going to let it slide.”

Kelly pulled Yuqi into a hug, holding her tightly. “You’re not alone in this, okay? We’ll figure out who did this. You’ve got us, no matter what.”

Yuqi nodded again, though the ache in her chest didn’t ease. She wanted to believe them, but the principal’s words lingered in her mind like a poison, making her question everything.

Yuqi unlocked the front door with trembling hands, her chest tight as she stepped inside. The familiar scent of her home—lavender air freshener mixed with the faint aroma of whatever her mom had made that morning—should have been comforting, but it wasn’t. Not today.

She closed the door behind her and leaned against it, staring blankly at the floor. She had tried to hold herself together on the ride home, Kelly sitting beside her, fuming silently, but the weight of the day was unbearable now that she was alone.

Her mom appeared from the kitchen, wiping her hands on a dish towel. “Hi, sweetheart. How was—”

The words died on her lips the moment she saw Yuqi’s face.

“Yuqi,” her mom said softly, stepping closer. “What happened?”

Yuqi shook her head, the tears she’d been holding back finally spilling over. “It was awful, Mom,” she choked out. “Everything about today was awful.”

Her mom wrapped her arms around her, pulling her into a tight embrace. “Oh, sweetheart,” she murmured. “Tell me what happened.”

Yuqi clung to her, her words tumbling out between sobs. She told her mom about the whispers in the hallways, the humiliation in English when she accidentally switched languages, the cruel word scrawled on her locker, and the principal’s dismissive response.

Her mom’s grip tightened as she listened, her expression hardening with every word. By the time Yuqi finished, she was furious.

“He said that to you?” her mom demanded, her voice sharp. “That you might’ve given someone the wrong idea? How dare he?”

Yuqi sniffled, pulling back slightly. “I just… I thought it would get better, but it’s like everything is falling apart. I didn’t want this kind of attention.”

Kelly came through the door a moment later, her face still flushed from anger. She set her bag down and crossed her arms. “Mom, that principal is useless. He practically blamed Yuqi for what happened.”

Her mom’s eyes blazed. “I’ll be calling the school first thing tomorrow. This is unacceptable.”

“Mom,” Yuqi said weakly, “what if it just makes things worse?”

Her mom crouched slightly, looking Yuqi in the eyes. “Sweetheart, none of this is your fault. You deserve to feel safe and respected, and I won’t let anyone make you feel otherwise. Do you hear me?”

Yuqi nodded, though the ache in her chest didn’t subside.

Kelly sat down on the couch, gesturing for Yuqi to join her. “Hey,” she said, her voice softer now. “You’re not alone in this, okay? Me, Mom, Dad—we’ve got your back. And so do your friends.”

Yuqi hesitated, then sat down beside her sister. “I just… I thought today would be better. I thought I was ready.”

“You are ready,” Kelly said firmly. “People suck sometimes, but you’re stronger than this. You proved that when you stood up to Trevor, and you’ll prove it again.”

Their mom nodded, sitting on Yuqi’s other side. “Kelly’s right. This was just

one day. Tomorrow is another chance. And we’ll take it one step at a time.”

Yuqi wiped her eyes, her tears slowing. Their words didn’t erase the pain of the day, but they were a reminder that she wasn’t facing it alone.

As she leaned against her mom and sister, she let herself believe, just for a moment, that things might get better.

Chapter 17: The Harassment continues

Yuqi walked into school the following day, bracing herself for what would come. The weight of yesterday’s events still lingered heavily in her chest, but she tried to push through it, her shoulders squared and her head held high. She didn’t want to give anyone the satisfaction of seeing how much the incident had hurt her.

The morning started quietly enough, with students milling about the hallways as usual, but as soon as the PA system crackled to life, the memory of the previous day came rushing back.

“Good morning, students,” Principal Keller’s voice boomed through the speakers. “This is a reminder to respect each other’s property and refrain from writing on lockers or any other school property. Let’s work together to maintain a positive and respectful environment. Thank you.”

That was it. There was no mention of the specific incident or acknowledgment of the hurt caused. It was just a generic announcement that felt hollow and perfunctory.

Yuqi clenched her jaw, her nails digging into the strap of her bag as she walked to her first class. She knew it wasn’t enough—not nearly enough—but she also knew it was the most she could expect from Principal Keller.

In her classes, the whispers started almost immediately.

“Isn’t that her?”

“She’s the one who freaked out yesterday, right?”

“Do you think she really did something to deserve it?”

Yuqi kept her head down, pretending not to hear. She focused on her notes, her textbooks, anything to block out the murmurs. She told herself they didn’t matter, that the people whispering didn’t know her or her story, but the words still stung.

Lunch was even worse.

As she walked into the cafeteria, the laughter started. It wasn’t loud enough to be outright confrontational, but it was deliberate and pointed.

She could feel the eyes on her, could hear the faint snickers and whispers as she moved through the lunch line.

By the time she found a seat, her appetite had all but disappeared. She sat at an empty table, her tray untouched, staring at her hands, willing herself not to cry.

At one table, a group of girls pointed in her direction, their laughter echoing in her ears.

“Do you think she’s still upset about it?” one of them said loudly enough for Yuqi to hear.

“Probably,” another replied, smirking. “I mean, if that happened to me, I’d be mortified.”

Yuqi’s cheeks burned, and she clenched her fists under the table.

Her friends, Elliot, Ian, and Stan, didn’t take long to find her. They sat down around her, their presence a small buffer against the noise of the cafeteria.

“Don’t let them get to you,” Elliot said quietly, his tone serious for once.

“They don’t even know what they’re talking about,” Ian added.

Stan glanced toward one of the laughing groups, his expression dark. “Just a bunch of cowards who don’t have anything better to do.”

Yuqi forced a small smile, grateful for their support, but the ache in her chest didn’t fade.

Not long after, Kelly appeared, sliding into the seat beside her. She gave the table of laughing girls a pointed glare, her expression icy. “Ignore them,” she said, her voice firm. “They’re not worth your time.”

Yuqi nodded, but it was easier said than done. The whispers, the laughter, the stares—they all felt like knives digging into her, sharp and unrelenting.

The rest of the day passed in a haze. Yuqi went through the motions, completing assignments and answering questions in class, but her heart wasn’t in it. By the time the final bell rang, she was exhausted, both physically and emotionally.

She packed up her things and told herself she’d get through this. Somehow. But deep down, she couldn’t help but wonder if the whispers and stares would ever stop.

The final bell rang, signaling the end of another long day. Yuqi trudged toward her locker, her heart heavy with the weight of whispers, laughter, and stares. She just wanted to grab her books and leave, hoping to escape the cloud of attention that had hung over her all day.

When she reached her locker, she hesitated for a moment, gripping the handle tightly. After everything that had happened yesterday, she couldn’t help but feel a pang of dread every time she approached it.

Taking a deep breath, she opened the door—and froze.

The inside of her locker was covered in black marker, just like the outside had been the day before. This time, though, the cruel words weren’t just a single insult. Dozens of nasty phrases were scrawled across the walls of the locker:

“Attention whore.”

“Watch your back.”

“You’re nothing special.”

“Why don’t you just leave?”

"You belong on your knees."

"You are worthless."

Yuqi’s breath hitched, her hand flying to her mouth as tears welled up in her eyes. The sight of the hateful graffiti felt like a punch to the stomach, each word cutting deeper than the last.

Her knees weakened, and she stumbled back slightly, clutching the edge of the locker for support. The hallway around her seemed to blur as a wave of humiliation and anger crashed over her.

Students passing by began to notice, their gazes flickering toward the open locker and the growing look of despair on Yuqi’s face.

“Yuqi?”

She turned to see Kelly rushing toward her, her sister’s expression shifting from concern to fury as she caught sight of the inside of the locker.

“What the hell is this?” Kelly snapped, stepping closer and slamming the locker shut.

Yuqi shook her head, unable to speak. Tears streamed down her cheeks, and her shoulders shook with silent sobs.

Kelly placed a protective arm around her, glaring at the lingering students. “Get lost!” she barked, her voice sharp enough to make most of them scatter.

Elliot, Ian, and Stan arrived moments later, their faces a mix of worry and anger.

“What happened?” Elliot asked, his gaze darting between Yuqi and the locker.

“Someone got into her locker,” Kelly said through gritted teeth. “It’s covered in nasty messages.”

Ian clenched his fists. “Are you serious? Who would do something like that?”

“Cowards,” Stan muttered, his voice low. “That’s who.”

Yuqi finally found her voice, though it trembled with emotion. “I don’t understand… Why are they doing this? I haven’t done anything to anyone.”

Kelly hugged her tightly, her own anger barely contained. “Because people are cruel and think they can get away with it. But they won’t. Not if I have anything to say about it.”

Elliot stepped closer, his tone gentle. “Yuqi, let’s go talk to someone about this. We’ll figure it out.”

Yuqi shook her head, wiping her tears. “It won’t matter. The principal doesn’t care. He barely did anything yesterday.”

Kelly’s eyes narrowed. “Then we go higher than the principal. Mom and Dad will handle this. And if the school doesn’t take this seriously, they’ll regret it.”

The determination in her sister’s voice gave Yuqi a sliver of comfort, though the pain in her chest remained.

“Come on,” Kelly said softly, guiding Yuqi away from the locker. “Let’s get out of here.”

With her friends and sister by her side, Yuqi left the school, and the hateful words burned into her memory. She didn’t know how she would face another day, but for now, she clung to the support of those who cared about her, hoping it would be enough to get through.

Yuqi sat on the couch, staring blankly at the floor, her body feeling heavy and numb. The hateful words from her locker swirled in her mind, each one cutting deeper than the last. Her fingers twisted together in her lap, her usually sharp mind dulled by the overwhelming weight of the day.

Kelly stood nearby, pacing back and forth as she recounted the events of the day to their parents. Her voice was sharp with anger, each word dripping with frustration.

“She got to her locker after the last bell,” Kelly said, her hands gesturing emphatically, “and someone had gotten inside and written all kinds of disgusting things. And you know what the school did about it? Nothing! Just some lame announcement this morning about not writing on lockers. It’s like they don’t care at all.”

Their mom sat in the armchair, her face pale with fury, while their dad leaned forward on the loveseat, his hands clasped tightly. Both of them listened intently, their expressions growing darker with every word.

“They didn’t even check who might’ve done it?” their dad asked, his tone sharp.

“No,” Kelly snapped. “And yesterday, the principal practically blamed her for what happened, saying maybe she ‘gave someone the wrong idea’ because of how she’s dressed. Are you kidding me?”

Their mom’s lips pressed into a thin line, her hands gripping the armrests of her chair. “That’s completely unacceptable,” she said, her voice low but trembling with anger. “No one should ever speak to my daughter that way. Especially not a principal.”

Kelly stopped pacing and turned to Yuqi, her expression softening slightly. “She’s been dealing with stares, whispers, and laughter all day. And now this? It’s disgusting. She doesn’t deserve this.”

Yuqi blinked slowly, her vision blurry with unshed tears. She finally looked up at her parents, her voice barely above a whisper. “I didn’t do anything wrong. I don’t understand why this is happening.”

Her mom moved to sit beside her, pulling her into a tight embrace. “You didn’t do anything wrong, sweetheart,” she said firmly. “This isn’t about you. It’s about people being cruel and small-minded.”

Her dad stood, pacing for a moment before turning back to the group. “We’re going to handle this. I’ll call the school first thing in the morning, and if the principal doesn’t take this seriously, we’ll go to the superintendent. Or the school board. This stops now.”

Kelly nodded, her arms crossed. “Good. Someone needs to put their foot down because Keller clearly isn’t going to.”

Yuqi sniffled, wiping her eyes with the sleeve of her hoodie. “What if it just makes things worse?” she asked, her voice trembling.

Her mom cupped her face gently. “It won’t. You’re not alone in this, Yuqi. We’re going to fight for you, and you have people who love you and support you.”

Yuqi nodded slowly, her chest tightening. She wanted to believe her mom’s words, but the fear of more humiliation gnawed at her.

Her dad sat down on the coffee table in front of her, his voice steady and calm. “You’re strong, Yuqi. Stronger than you know. This is just one chapter, and we’re going to get through it together.”

For the first time that day, Yuqi felt a flicker of hope. She wasn’t sure what the next steps would look like, but sitting there, surrounded by her family, she felt the faintest glimmer of strength returning to her.