"So, what you're saying, my god, is that you can't be seen unless you're actively spreading your Origin Crystals?"

"More or less. Except, it was kind of like a passive talent before, but now I have direct control. I can't separate my Origin from matter or Wills that are already infected, but it won't spread on its own anymore. This lets me use it like a sort of visible 'shell' so you all can see my form."

"That's great, my god! That means things are more under control!"

"Reah. You're sure you not compelled?"

"I'm sure."

Hraw. He didn't use 'my god' to prove his point. Thank goodness. Then, maybe...

Status, Species.

Species: Chronovoid (Fate Dragon)

I try to split my Origin into that freakish maw.

It doesn't work.

YEESSSSSSS! YEEESSS! HALLELUJAH!

I fall and roll around on the ground like a nutcase.

"I'MMA DRAGON! RAWR! RAWRRAWRRAWR!"

My origin shards fly everywhere, vanishing as they do.

"Amazing, my god! I'm glad you're back!"

I pop up from the ground. Some of my shards fly up into the air. That's mildly annoying!

My Origin seems to solidify. I turn into a solid white dragon, still with a bit of transparency.

Roah. Damn. I whip to facing Pride.

"Pride! I think my fate talent is somehow paying attention to my Will! Otherwise, none of this makes any sense!"

"Well, it did say you bound fate, my god."

"That's... True. Wait. Fate dragon?"

"Sheesh, my god. If you get any stronger I'm not going to comprehend your existence."

I grab his scaly arms.

"Sure, whatever! We get to keep existing!"

I jump up and down.

"I'MMA DRAAGGON!"

###ROOOOOAR###

He joins me.

###ROOOOOAR###

We roar at each other, then he tackles me and we fight.

The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

As dragons should!

*thrr-ch-oo-k*

"Rawr!"

I throw him off with a kick.

*thok*

He parries and attacks me with his tail, which scrapes across my body.

*rhunk*

*skhht*

I slide down a bit and try to punch him.

"Rawh."

He kicks my fist and throws sand.

*chonk*

*tik*

*shriiit*

Ragh!

I throw sand right back at him, then roar for no reason.

*tik*

*shriiit*

"ROAR!"

He punches me on the jaw, because of course he does.

*THUD*

I twist my head and smack my oversized dragon horns into his.

*krnT*

*krrtKAT*

He uses his to toss mine off, then punches my shoulder as it moves away from him.

*kat-KRRRT*

*thop*

"Roar!"

He leans in too far. I use his momentum to flip him over and stab his own horns into the ground.

*shuup*

"Rah!"

I put my knee on his neck.

*dnk*

"Raw— rah!"

I'mma dragon!

"Rawr!"

I won the battle pretty fast. He's way stronger in raw stats, but he can't contest my many talents. I was able to fend off so many sins and virtues. Even the much-empowered Pride doesn't stand a chance one-on-one. Plus, I didn't use my talents much. That'd be no fun.

"That's the first time I've had a dragon battle, as a dragon, Pride. Thanks."

"It's an honor taking another of your firsts. Though I've been beaten, it's very pleasurable."

What?

I'm starting to wonder if Pride's gay.

I shake my head.

He'd just tell me. He's Pride.

I lift my knee-lock on his draconic neck.

Rhm, where'd everyone else go?

"Pride, what happened to all the other—"

I look over at the town.

Rh, lack thereof.

Rah! Damnit. I did it again.

Pride gets up from the ground.

"They're gone, my god. They got their just desserts for not cooperating with you. Even though you agreed to give them privacy and go along with whatever was decided. However, Gluttony and Deception didn't come."

"They're... Where, exactly?"

"Gluttony's at his castle of food."

Of course he is.

"Deception is—"

image [https://timjames.net/data/acd/images/150.png]

"Nan. Hello, Chronovoid."

I answer Deception.

"Rhem, how did you—"

"Whooo knows~?"

"Transference?"

"I hate you."

Which means he doesn't hate me? I think?

"I see. Is that why you didn't join the others?"

"Your fate talent wasn't on the status sheet we wrested from Pride. You say you can alter your status, but the ONE talent you so love ranting about isn't on that status. An obvious trap, no? I tried to open them to the idea, but, you see. Me being a likely shyster got in the way. I'm perhaps getting why you said what you did. About me."

I notice he's phrasing all his sentences to avoid telling clear truths. That's not easy. It's doubly interesting since during our previous chat he deftly disassembled my deception without a lick of hedging or dishonesty. Perhaps he didn't need to lie because he was speculating.

"I didn't hide it, nor did I make up a second fake status to show Pride. That talent is real. It's just too powerful. It corrupts my status sheet whenever I try to list it directly. All my innate talents do."

He looks at me with one eye wide open.

Freaky.

But that is why my status kept getting corrupted. Rhm, probably. I almost don't want to look at my status after apparently annihilating every sin and virtue save three. All three, sins. Well— two. Pride isn't a sin anymore.

I decide to continue talking to make him stop staring.

"So, I know you're a fox monster—"

"Screw off."

Ruh, rokay. Guess he doesn't like being called a fox.

"But if you'd like to be a dragon, we have many fo— species, who've transformed into dragons."

"Why in the world would anyone want to do that?"

Pride speaks up.

"Because that's how I got rid of my sin body. I'm sure Chronovoid here could reconfigure the array to give you back your original species, but personally, I'd find that insulting. Who doesn't want to be a dragon?"

"Hmph. I may consider it."

I have no idea if that means he has considered it or won't.

I'll assume he means he's decided already.

"Then, how about right now?"

"I cannot deign to descend."

"You won't be prevented from ascending anymore. I ate the seal."

He tilts his head sideways and looks at me funny. His fox ear twitches.

"Are you more insane than I?"

"I didn't eat it intentionally."

"Aha, that must mean yes."

"Then, do you want to?"

"I am a female, now."

"Rokay, rh. Sure?"

I look at Pride.

I must ask.