David’s stride has become longer and his eyes have become sharper. He had at first thought the darkness had washed away colors, like it would in his past life, but now he was certain that was not the case. His scales and flesh were black. He couldn’t be certain of his head but his legs, tail and back were all covered in slick black scales. If his other senses besides his eyes weren’t so acute he would consider himself almost invisible against the blackness of the deep caves.

As he began his journey backtracking his steps he scooped up as many mushrooms as he could to fill his belly. He might as well top off his energy reserves whenever he could. It took him a few hours to find the exact tunnel that the trio had used to enter this specific cavern. It was the subtle scent of Blue and Red spread across the walls of the tunnel deeper in that confirmed David’s suspensions.

As he traveled deeper into the endless tunnels he caught a few oversized rabbit-lizards. These reptiles had thickly defined hopping legs and large ears developed for hearing. They were odd beasts but he was able to run down one in a dead end and another he snuck up on around a corner. Curiously his prompt had popped up on his first kill confirming the creature's name as a Monitor Runner. The second kill didn't produce another prompt but neither seemed to grant a trait. David wondered if they simply didn't have one? Or perhaps it was pure chance and he had lucked out his first few kills? He would have to keep hunting to find out.

David shook his muzzle, to break himself out of his thoughts, as he resumed his journey. He did his best to memorize the way as he used his nose to retrace the trio's scent slowly back to the place of his “rebirth”. The nesting ground appeared to be abandoned and most of the remains of the egg shells and debris were gone. Even what had remained of the serpent were nowhere to be found.

David quickly moved on and headed down the tunnel towards the meeting grounds he had been taken to by Ambass. The grounds were empty upon first glance. He could smell the lingering scents of the different Wyrmlings. Oddly, Ambass’s scent was absent. There was something there but it was muted and blocked. As he sniffed about the entire chamber suddenly became bright. So bright his eyes burned from the intensity and he let off a loud yelp. As his eyes adjusted, surprisingly quickly despite the pain, he noticed hazy blue barriers blocking every single exit. David was fascinated and shocked all at once. These appear to be magic? So magic exists in this world after all, or at least something comparable? As he shifted back to focus on the danger at hand a voice boomed from above.

“Well… well… well… Here for easy prey? I am under oath to protect those under my watch till they are released and I will enforce that pact by force if I must.” Ambass’s sinister hissing voice echoed from above. David quickly pivoted his head to see the brightly glowing creature hovering above.

“Wait!” David roared as his muscles tensed. “I am here for information! To learn! Not to prey on others!”

Ambass was dead silent for a long moment. Wisps of energy crackling around his body. Finally after what seemed like an eternity the lights dimmed and he slowly lowered himself to the floor. He very matter of factly stated, “You are not lying.”

Ambass slowly cocked his head. “You are the little one from many cycles ago. Oh my. You have progressed fast little one”

David dipped his sleek back head low, “Yes. I have recently changed and need some help.”

Ambass's hostility had all but evaporated as he let off another sinister laugh, “Help is not free. Hmm. I will give you a free answer simply because I see a bright future, little… Onyx.”

Before David could even consider correcting Ambass a prompt flashed in his face.

Title obtained: Onyx

David pondered for a moment and nodded. It would be best to not give anything away and Onyx was a rather fitting name in the end.

“I like that name. Onyx. Thank you.” David, now Onyx, dipped his head once more in respect.

“Good. Not many live long enough to earn a name. Now… I know you are filled with desire. Ask your question?” Ambass pressed.

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David paused for a long moment. What should he ask? How about if he could remove traits? Would Ambass even know what he is talking about? Maybe something broader to make sure he got an answer. . “How can I utilize my ability to absorb other beings' abilities for my long term benefit?”

Ambass almost appeared… shocked. His muzzle opened, started to respond then suddenly stopped. After another long pause he resumed, “If I did not witness your birth I would question your age, little Onyx. Are you sure you have not already become a Faerie Dragon?”

Ambass chuckled in amusement before continuing, “I will give you a proper response. You are a Draconic being. We Dragons are superior and adaptive creatures. There are benefits in snatching up as many abilities as fast as possible, but also benefits in waiting. Yes. They will shape you and mold you.”

He hissed a long moment seemingly in thought before continuing, “You have grown once already. When you grow again your abilities will play an important role in deciding choices. Yes. Pick wisely now.”

David’s mind raced and picked at the words. Draconic? Dragon? David almost let out a laugh but suppressed it swiftly. He was a creature of myth and legend in his world. His mind shifted to the next words. Ambass is suggesting that abilities are powerful aids but there is also power in waiting? David had to assume there was synergy in play that would make a difference long term. He would have to be selective with what he acquired. The last statement was unexpected though… David’s growth could be influenced by his abilities? Perhaps he could become like Ambass or an entirely new form if he wished? The information was still too vague.

Ambass rumbled as he stared at David lost in thought, “So very odd for one so young.”

David perked his head as he shifted his focus back to the on going conversation, “Your powers… are those from growth or something you picked up from another?”

“Oh no no. Only one question. More will cost you. Are you willing to pay the price for that?” Ambass’s face was plastered with what David could only guess was a wicked grin.

“What is the price?” David was barely able to squeeze out.

“A favor bound by my power. A gift that even Qazayss could not deny me.” His words almost came out like a purr. David peered at the energy still shimmering around Ambass. He had “magic” or abilities beyond his understanding. It would be best to not owe more to another unless it was absolutely necessary. He was already forced into a debt to this Qazayss, and his gut was telling him another one this soon wasn’t a good idea.

“I will decline for now. Onyx thanks you for the name and question. Can I go…?” David glanced at the still shimmering barriers blocking his exit.

Ambass looked almost disappointed but didn’t let it show for too long, “You may go. If you require more in the future you know the cost. Now leave me.” The barriers flowed down like a waterfall run dry and David quickly made his exit after offering a deep bow of respect. As he gained distance from the chamber he suddenly realized how hot his body was, how heavy he was breathing, and how much his muscles were twitching. Adrenaline had been pumping the entire time and his senses had been tingling non stop. Whatever, whoever, Ambass was, it wasn't a push over that was for certain.

David knew he was a dragon though and so was Ambass. Based on how fast he had changed and even how different his body and Ambass’s were then David could assume the possibilities of adaptation and growth were vast. Ambass was quite hostile to even the thought of David being there to prey on the newborns but what about those of his group? He did not wish to hunt them for food or kill them but they could offer some insight into possibilities and things to avoid.

David mentally added searching out the other Wyrmlings once he was a bit more confident to his list. For now though he turned back towards his new home. His trip back was familiar now so he moved quickly, diverting only once he had picked up the scent of another Monitor Runner. He should bring back some meat for Blue and Red, and he needed to confirm when possible of how things gave traits. Perhaps it was really by chance?

Unlike its previous kin this one was being difficult. David had chased it for a solid ten minutes as he seemed unable to catch it. When he got close it leaped or weaved out of his way. It was only with a lucky swat of his tail he was able to stun the critter long enough to then end it with a firm bite. After starting to carry it back he suddenly realized he had made a mistake.

He had been caught up in the chase and wandered too far into the tunnels where he and his kobolds had previously encountered the large unknown predators. They had ignored him before but now with a bloody meal in his mouth and his overall larger size something had changed.

He was making his way back when suddenly his senses began to tingle. His nose smelled ozone and his ears heard the crashing and scrapping of something massive barreling towards him. He barely had time to dodge into another tunnel, his meal dropped, as a massive scaled draconic creature slammed into the wall nearby. David's eyes grew wide as he took in the sheer size of the thing. It was a Dragon but was easily ten times his size. It sported thick legs, massive armor plate looking scales, and a head full of horns.

“Wait! Friend! Talk!” David stuttered out. The dragon replied instantly.

The beast's massive mouth full of teeth opened wide as a bombardment of incoherent words came out. David was only able to understand one very broken word in the mess of sound, “ME..EAT!”

Oh Shit. Fuck. David's eyes grew wide as he began to run.