I remembered my conversation with Oceania. I asked her then:

"Can I, an ordinary person from another world, become a magician?"

Oceania answered without thinking:

"The world is full of things that seem impossible until someone shows us otherwise. We are used to living within the predictable, relying on the laws that outline the boundaries of the possible and impossible. These boundaries are nothing more than a line in the sand, drawn by our ideas, beliefs, and fears. We build walls of the words 'I can't' and 'it doesn't happen', limiting ourselves in the shadow of these barriers. But what if this wall is just an illusion?"

Oceania also said that many things that seem impossible are possible. There was a deep truth hidden in her words: what seems unattainable today may become commonplace tomorrow. There are countless examples in the history of the world when something was considered incredible, and only after some time became an integral part of our reality. People thought that flying was the destiny of birds until one day they took to the skies on the wings of their inventions. And what was once considered magic became ordinary science, capable of explaining any miracle.

But possibility does not always lie on the surface. It hides in the depths of the unknown, in those very places where few dare to look. The question is not whether it is possible, but whether we are ready to admit that the boundaries of the possible are wider than we are used to thinking. They expand every time someone refuses to accept the impossible as a final verdict.

So what is impossible? It is just a synonym for the unknown, named so out of habit. It is important to remember that our faith and determination can expand our horizons. Oceania was right: the possibilities of the world are endless, they await only those who are ready to take a risk and step beyond the boundaries of the familiar. A world where everything is possible is a world we have not yet arrived in, but which, without a doubt, awaits us ahead. Often people fail not because of a lack of opportunity or talent, but because of a lack of faith in their strength. They give up ahead of time, afraid of being defeated. But fear is just a shadow that retreats before the light of determination. Remember that true obstacles arise not from the outside, but from within, in how we see ourselves and our capabilities." Her words echoed through me, reminding me that believing in yourself is the first step to overcoming any difficulties. " I decided to extract the earth with the help of magic. I had no other way to dig up the meteorite. But we did not have a single shovel at our disposal, we had absolutely no materials for making shovels. Yes, we could return to the forest plantation, but to cut down at least a small tree, we needed an axe. Besides, I did not want to cut down trees after they had been given the right to life at such a price. I tried to imagine the structure of the earth, mixed with stone fragments and plant roots, carefully fertilized with humus. How this mess rolls into balls and rolls out of the cave under its power.

I got some balls, even several. But as soon as I looked away, they instantly crumbled. I had to escort each ball out separately. The balls, lazily rolling around the cave, generously scattered dust. Sneezing and coughing, I tried to remove the earth with a small tornado. But the situation became even worse. The dust raised by the magical wind filled the entire cave and drove me out into the fresh air. Only after a while, looking back, I saw that my attempts to remove the earth were unsuccessful. I managed to clear a very small section of the tunnel punched by the meteorite.

I stood at the entrance, watching my unsuccessful work. The dust that had settled in the dim light of the magical fires hid the traces of the recent struggle, and the dragoness lay under a thick blanket of earth and stone as if hiding from the cruel reality. It seemed that nature itself had decided to hide her, to create this peculiar grave, wrapping the remains in peace and silence.

I felt uneasy. This was not the result I expected. I did not want to accidentally create graves, my intentions were different. But in this chaotic struggle with earth and dust, I suddenly realized that nature does not forgive frivolity. My magic, insufficiently controlled and directed, became part of something greater than I could imagine. And all that was left for me was to accept this as a lesson.

Taking a deep breath, I came closer, knelt and, carefully touching the edge of her wing frozen in the dust, quietly promised: "I will return and do everything as it should be." I had only one option left: wait for the stone worms to arrive.

The little dragoness gradually calmed down; her crying subsided thanks to Tina's gentle touch and Tush's funny antics. My fluffies tried their best to amuse the young baby of the powerful dragon, distracting him from the grief that had suddenly befallen him. They frolicked around like kind little creatures, trying to give him at least a short moment of joy and comfort. I gave the girl dragon some water from my bottomless flask, the fluffies shared their food supplies with her. The dragoness was not capricious, she ate everything we offered her: a few fried mushrooms, a handful of dried berries, and a few nuts. Her strength was gradually restored. Tarnis, who was privy to my plans for the excavation, asked thoughtfully:

"And how do you plan to get the meteorite out of the pit? Judging by its size, it is not small at all. I agree with you that the worms will be able to dig it up, but they will hardly be able to bring it to the surface."

"I don't know," I honestly admitted that my plan to extract the meteorite was suffering a crushing defeat so far. And the problem was not how to extract it from the ground, but in its further transportation. According to my modest estimates, the meteorite could weigh from one hundred to a thousand pounds. You can't put such a stone in a backpack, our cart will instantly fall apart, and to drag the meteorite to the village of Maleus, we will need a dozen centaurs.

I left the cave and immediately ran into Yurion. The centaur was excited about something, he was restlessly moving his legs, saying something, but I could not understand anything because of his intermittent breathing.

"Hey, little rascal, please translate our friend's speech," I turned to Tush.

"He says he found your stone."

While we were trying to move the body of the dead dragoness, Yurion decided to explore the area, in search of something useful or just to warm up - the centaur did not specify. Exploring the territory, he came across a strange ditch that led him around the hill and finally led to the meteorite. The fall of the celestial guest was so powerful that it tangentially touched the top of the hill, piercing it through, and went deep into the ground not far from the foot.

Seeing the meteorite, I stopped, amazed by its size. It turned out to be much larger than I expected: massive, dark, with bizarre dents and deep cracks, as if it stored the power of space. Questions swirled in my head: how can I deliver this huge body to the blacksmith? How to melt it if it won't fit in any furnace? There were several approaches, but none of them seemed realistic to me.

Suddenly my thoughts turned to Bump, the giant I had bought at the fair with Dionela. As a farewell gift, he had left me an amulet - a tiny piece of metal in the shape of a pocket watch, which, he said, would allow me to summon him at any moment. I took the amulet out of my pocket and rubbed it thoughtfully in my hands, examining the dull gleam, as if trying to discern in it the solution to my problem.

"Bump could help," I thought out loud, glancing at the heavy meteorite. "He is as strong as ten bulls, and his mighty hands could tear this celestial body from the ground like a blade of grass."

But the idea seemed to me not fully thought out. After all, if Bump came, would he be able to find his way here, or would the meteorite even succumb to his power? And won't I draw unnecessary attention to what I want to keep secret?

Suddenly, a loud, ringing laugh rang out behind me, like a bell. I turned around and saw Tina and the little dragoness playing tag with all their might. Tina, like a fluffy bundle of joy, was racing forward, mincing with her little legs, seemingly almost not touching the ground. Her movements were swift and dexterous, like those of a little hare hiding from a hunter, only here everything was a game filled with childish delight.

The girl dragon, clearly inspired by Tina's excitement, tried to keep up with her but looked surprisingly cute and clumsy. She stomped her hind legs comically, heavily but diligently, trying to keep her balance. Her wings, not yet strong enough for real flight, fluttered behind her back, like two uncertain butterflies that are just learning to fly. She flapped them so that each swing seemed to require more effort, but at the same time brought more awkward grace to her movements. The dragon was rocking from side to side, like an unstable ship in a strong storm.

With each passing second, the dragoness became bolder, and her attempts to catch up with Tina were filled with more and more excitement. From time to time, she lost her rhythm, falling on her front paws and burying her muzzle in the ground and then, slipping on the wet grass, and rolling on the ground, but this did not stop her at all. The dragoness herself snorted loudly as if telling herself that falling did not frighten her at all, and each time with even greater zeal she rushed to catch up with her furry friend.

Tina, deftly maneuvering among the blades of grass and small stones, now and then looked back at her unusual partner, as if encouraging her with her cheerful chirping. From time to time, she allowed the dragoness to almost catch up with her, and then she would go ahead again, leaving light traces on the ground. The dragoness grunted comically, flaring her nostrils and shaking her head, but genuine joy shone in her eyes. The laughter of Tusche, who was watching his friends, added to the excitement. At some point, the dragonet made a particularly sharp jerk, and Tina, pretending to get tangled in the grass, allowed herself to be caught. The dragoness, grabbing her friend with her front paws, pressed her to herself and, exhaling reverently, licked her with her tiny tongue. Tina, laughing, tried to break free, but the dragoness, proud of her victory, held her for a moment longer as if enjoying the moment of triumph.

Tina, giving in to the pressure of tenderness, hugged the dragoness the way an older sister hugs her younger sister - with warmth and care as if protecting her from the whole world. This gesture seemed so natural and serene that for a moment I caught myself thinking that such a relationship could only exist in the Gardens of Eden, in that ideal, unchanging harmony that remained only in legends and tales. Here, in this moment, there was no place for fear, only boundless trust, and understanding of each other.

"Does our find have a name?" I asked the fluffy Tuska, whose tail was twitching cheerfully with impatience.

"I don't know," my little mental translator snorted with such displeasure as if he had to explain something self-evident. - "You can ask her yourself, she probably understands the language. And what she says - I will voice."

I grinned at his answer. This little bear with such a character sometimes reminded me of a stubborn child who strives to look important and smart, but his warm nature always showed in the smallest details. "You are an evil Ursi!" I said, lightly pushing him in the back.

Tush, of course, fell on his side with exaggerated importance, but then jumped up like a spring and rushed to chase me. We ran in a circle, laughing and teasing each other, sometimes hiding behind bushes, sometimes looping around small trees, like children who do not need to hurry and be afraid. In these moments, we did not need to talk, we just enjoyed the pure joy of communication, as if forgetting about all worries and cares. Perhaps, this is how the inhabitants of Eden could play, having forgotten about the world beyond it.

When the game finally exhausted our strength, we, choking with laughter, returned to the little dragoness. I hugged her flexible neck, feeling the cold but surprisingly small scales under my palms. At first, she moved towards me cautiously, as if checking whether I could be trusted. But then, feeling my warmth, her wariness disappeared. Her paws, not yet completely confident and strong, wrapped themselves around my waist as if seeking protection. She rubbed her head against my shoulder, and in this movement, there was something so touching and serene that I felt as if time had stopped. It was a moment filled with absolute peace and trust. Something pure and sincere shone in her eyes, something that did not require words or explanations. Maybe in these embraces, there was a power that could overcome any obstacle, and perhaps at this moment, the whole essence of those harmonious relationships that once existed in the myths of Eden was contained. Now, here, under the open sky, among the greenery and fun, these ideals have found their second birth, and even though it lasted only a moment, this moment will forever remain in my heart.

"Would you mind if I called you Chiquita?" I addressed the dragoness. - "This name means that you are a sweet child."

Chiquita, after thinking for a moment, snuggled up to me again. I stroked her head, catching myself thinking that Chiquita's armor, like her mother's armor, was more reminiscent of high-strength steel. Armors made of such armor could become reliable protection in battle.

"Games are a good thing," Tarnis said worriedly. - "Maybe we should think about where we can hide?"

The excitement emanating from my older friend was transmitted to me.

"What's bothering you?"

"See for yourself!"

The clouds, like gigantic dark monsters, slowly crawled across the sky, absorbing the last rays of the sun. We stood on the top of a green hill, and everything around seemed quiet, as if nature held its breath before the approaching storm. The cold wind began to whisper its disturbing stories, tugging at the grass and lifting it in small whirlwinds. The first dull peals of thunder spread across the sky, and Chiquita, alarmed by the unfamiliar noise, had not seen a thunderstorm before, and the thunder was a new, frightening sound that echoed in her heart. Chiquita lowered her head and, with her tail between her legs, cowered, as if she hoped that her tiny fluffies could protect her from something she did not understand. Tina and Tush, noticing her fear, ran closer to her, and Chiquita, trustingly leaning against them, seemed to seek shelter in their soft furry bodies.

If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

Tarnis also became wary, his eyes darting around the sky as if he was looking for even the slightest sign of shelter. The forest, unfortunately, was far behind, and the only shelter nearby was that very cave with the tomb of the dragoness - Chiquita's mother. Lightning cut through the sky, and a bright light illuminated us for a moment. We were faced with a choice: go back to the dark shelter of the cave, or remain in the open air, where the storm was preparing to bring down its wrath on us. The decision had to be made quickly, and the wind, which had begun to howl louder, only increased the feeling of inevitability. This was the last thing we needed - to get soaked in the pouring rain.

"Pluck the grass! The more the better!"

My friends did not argue. The grass, soft and silky, seemed to yield to our hands. Even Yurion took part in preparing the soft bedding. We carried all the grass into the cave and covered the floor with it, preparing future beds.

As much as we wanted it, the fun instantly evaporated, as if it had never been there. Heavy peals of thunder and blindingly bright flashes of lightning did not please anyone.

The storm broke out in full force as if nature had decided to show all its power. Unusually powerful gusts of wind, like wild spirits, roared and pierced us, leaving not the slightest chance for shelter. The sky flared with bright, blinding lightning, sparkling with each clap of thunder, as if someone was tearing the canvas of the night. Lightning, like thunderclaps, tore through the darkness, and their cold light illuminated the bizarre shapes of the clouds, reminding us of the indomitable fury of the elements.

We decided to wait out the rest of the day and night in a cave, where the floor was covered with freshly picked soft grass, giving a cozy feeling underfoot. Yurion, a powerful guardian and an experienced observer took up his post at the entrance. His gaze, full of admiration, slid over the raging heavenly spectacle. His motionless figure contrasted with the raging elements, and his calm seemed to intensify the fury of the storm.

Tarnis lit a fire, and despite the rumble of the storm, we had a tiny respite. With difficulty, he prepared a modest supper from the remains of lentils and a few crackers, and although the food was far from luxurious, its warmth was more than welcome.

Tush and Tina, despite the storm, continued to chatter carefree, their conversations and laughter seemed completely out of place among the raging chaos. Their carelessness was like an island of peace in this natural madness.

I sat down on a soft bed of grass, which, although warmer than the cold stone, still could not completely save us from the cold and damp. Chiquita, frightened and trembling, slowly approached me. Her large eyes, full of fear and confusion, sought comfort. She allowed me to touch her paws, and, lying down on her stomach on the floor, she trustingly laid her head on my legs. Stroking the dragoness on the head, I began to sing in a low voice, trying to create at least the illusion of peace in this stormy world. My voice was not the most melodious, and I had always considered myself a complete failure at singing. However, in the silence of the cave, with the wind howling and the thunder rumbling, my voice sounded unusually sensual and even soothing.

I chose an old lullaby whose words had become a comfort to me in difficult times:

"Hush, baby, don't say a word,

Mama's gonna buy you a mockingbird.

And if that mockingbird won't sing,

Mama's gonna buy you a diamond ring." shuddered, pressing her wings to her sides.

Though far from perfect, the melody was imbued with tenderness and care. I hoped that even if the words were not entirely accurate, they would still convey comfort and calm to Chiquita. Her small body relaxed under my hands, and her breathing grew steadier and more serene, giving me hope that the lullaby was indeed having an effect.

“Chiquita, can you tell me what happened?” I asked cautiously, fearing that the delicate bridge of understanding between us might collapse under the weight of my clumsy curiosity. The little dragoness sighed, her large gray-blue eyes brimming with tears. Her voice was like the purring of a large striped cat. Tush, who had suddenly found his way onto my shoulder, translated the sorrowful tale:

The dragoness had lived in a family of three: her father, Bladrok, a mighty dragon with black, shimmering scales; her mother, Perina; and herself, Chiquita, a young dragoness just beginning to explore the world. Though her father was majestic and powerful, he never spoke of any threats to their family. He often returned home scratched and weary, but he never made a fuss about it. One day, when he flew off again on some important but vague errand, her mother suggested they spend some time together.

Chiquita was at an age when she could make tentative flights, but her wings were not yet strong enough for long journeys. That day, her mother decided it was time to give her daughter the true pleasure of flying. Perina placed Chiquita on her back. The scales of mother and daughter complemented each other perfectly: from a distance, it looked as though Perina had only a small lump on her back, but upon closer inspection, one could see the hidden dragoness, Chiquita.

As Perina soared into the sky, the powerful beats of her wings created whirlwinds of fresh, icy air that instantly filled Chiquita's lungs. The wind rushed past her wings and touched her muzzle. At that moment, a feeling of absolute freedom enveloped every cell of the body of the little girl, trembling with happiness. Chiquita felt her heart swell with joy as fear and worry melted away, replaced by the thrill of the new experience. Looking down, she saw the world below shrinking ever smaller, as if in some fairy tale. It was a magnificent feeling, as though she and her mother were the only beings in this boundless celestial ocean.

They spun through the air, and despite her tender age, Chiquita already savored the taste of true flight. She pressed herself contentedly against her mother’s back, relishing every moment of this unique freedom. At that moment, it seemed to her that she could fly forever, and no worries or fears could overshadow this wondrous feeling. The little one believed that nothing could disrupt this family idyll and that her wise and affectionate mother would never leave her.

But the dragoness became so enraptured by the flight that she did not notice she had crossed into enemy territory. Bladrok had warned her of the dangers and restricted her flying area. Chiquita was so absorbed in the flight, her delight completely capturing her, that she did not realize the danger. The wind whistled in her ears, and her mother’s scales beneath her became a gentle, expanding shell in which she was cozily wrapped. Every beat of her mother’s wings reverberated through Chiquita’s body as if it were a dance in which she was merely a part.

However, this feeling of freedom and ecstasy quickly turned to peril. It was astonishing how swiftly everything changed: instead of the pleasant massage of air and vibrant colors under the sky, Chiquita found herself in the heart of a raging storm. At that moment, Perina was attacked by two dragons simultaneously. One was as large and powerful as Bladrok, while the other was smaller.

Suddenly, Perina noticed two powerful silhouettes swirling in the air, their massive wings tearing through the clouds and leaving behind trails of swirling air. She had no time to react. Both dragons attacked her simultaneously, like hunting dogs pursuing their prey. The first blow struck her side, and Perina's powerful scales cracked as the large dragon slashed at her from the side with its sharp claw. The little one, feeling the painful impact, let out a terrified squeal, her dragon instincts erupting into uncontrollable panic. Her mother, sensing the attack, immediately veered to protect her daughter, but the dragons were too swift.

The second strike was equally brutal. The second dragon clawed at Chiquita’s wing, trying to drag her away from Perina’s protection. The force of the attack momentarily lifted her off her mother’s back, causing the little dragoness to shriek again in fear and pain. In the next instant, the dragons began to circle in the air, turning it into a battlefield where every beat of their wings created whirlwinds, tearing apart clouds and slicing through the air.

Out of nowhere, Bladrok appeared beside the mother and daughter. He struck the large dragon in the back with great force, sending the attacker plummeting towards the ground. After dealing with the stronger adversary, Bladrok turned his attention to the smaller one.

Chiquita spun and tumbled along with her mother, unable to release her tiny, exhausted claws. Perina fought with all her might to protect her daughter, her scales flashing in green and gold like lightning. But on this armor, a bloody-red pattern rapidly blossomed. The battle was one of life and death.

Realizing she could not hold out much longer, Perina sought a way to hide her daughter, even if only temporarily. She spotted a round opening in a hillside and, flying as close as possible, simply dropped Chiquita from her back. The little dragoness didn’t need any instructions; she dashed into the cave and huddled in the farthest corner. She did not see that the large dragon, having recovered from Bladrok’s powerful blow, continued to attack her mother. Sounds of the unequal struggle, her mother’s anguished cries, and the noise of a falling body echoed into the cave. Perina crawled into the cave with her last strength and covered Chiquita, who was huddled in the niche, with her body...

Tush, finishing the tale of the little dragoness, covered his face with his furry paws. Tina sat nearby, sobbing uncontrollably. I continued to stroke the little one, pondering words of comfort. My voice was gentle, filled with genuine sympathy and hope.

“Chiquita,” I began, speaking slowly and sensitively, so each sound was as soft and supportive as possible. “I understand that losing your parents is a terrible trial, and words cannot fully convey your pain. But I want you to know: that despite everything that has happened, there is no reason to despair. Your father is surely alive, and I believe your family will be reunited soon.”

I saw Chiquita looking at me with trembling, fear-filled eyes. I continued softly, trying to infuse every word with sincerity:

“And for now, if you will allow it, we will be your new family. Though we are different, we are here to support you. We have two little fluffballs—Tush and Tina, our small translators and faithful friends. There are two people—myself and Tarnis, who will be by your side on this difficult journey. And there is the unique centaur, Yurion, who, though he looks unusual, is always ready to help.”

I pointed to the cart standing in the pouring rain, creaking and groaning in protest. "Even this cart, with its peculiar character, is ready to become part of our small but close-knit family. We are all together, and each of us is a part of something greater, something that can become a true family for you, Chiquita. We are here to support you, and together we will face any difficulties."

Yurion, lying near the entrance, suddenly sprang to his feet in fear, his powerful muscles tensing with alarm. His roar, filled with panic, shattered the space like an attempt to halt an unknown threat. I peered into the darkness of the cave, and in the flash of lightning streaking outside, I saw the cause of his distress.

A colossal creature loomed just beyond the edge of light, its features starkly contrasting with the familiar Bump. It was a giant, but not the one we knew. Its size was immense, and its ominous shadow did not merely touch the cave walls but seemed to fill it. Its eyes glowed in the dark, and each step it took shook the ground, creating an overwhelming sense of imminent danger.

I felt a shiver of fear run down my spine, and my heart began to race. Yurion desperately tried to prevent the giant from invading our shelter, but each of his roars and movements seemed like a drop in the ocean. The giant continued to gaze into the cave, its stare terrifying, and its intentions unpredictable. Rainwater streamed down its face, and the wet hair on its head and beard clung together in strands. I regretted not bringing even a meager sword when leaving the Dragon's Lair. Extending my hand, I prepared to strike the giant with a telekinetic blast, even coming up with a verbal form and execution method. A swing with both hands would deliver a fatal blow to the opponent, one hand would stun them into unconsciousness, and a flick of the pinky would merely knock them aside, causing mild shock.

In the moment before the strike, the giant stepped aside, and the familiar face of Bump reappeared in the entrance. He was just as drenched, but unlike the first visitor, his gaze conveyed friendliness.

"You called me, and I came."

"Bump, if you could speak a bit more quietly, or we might go deaf."

The guest nodded understandingly.

"Did you bring someone with you?"

"This is my uncle, Emphit. He is more experienced than I am. And stronger. How can we help you?"

"Thank you for responding to my call. Let’s wait out the storm and see the morning. I will explain everything to you then."

"Uncle has something to say to you, so I’ll step aside," Bump said, making way for the imposing giant Emphit to reappear at the entrance. Looking at him a second time, I saw that he wasn’t so terrifying after all. Kind and even genial, though still very wet.

"Hey, little ones," the giant said with a smile. "Are you hungry?"

Without waiting for an answer, he shoved a roasted deer into the cave.

"We were planning to hunt, but the Heavenly Hunter beat us to it and killed a few with a thunderous staff."

The giant’s offering was timely. The lentil stew and a few rye crackers quelled our hunger, but the gnawing feeling still lingered in our stomachs. Tarnis carefully sliced the well-cooked, bloody meat, and we silently began our meal. The little fluffballs deviated from their habits this time, devouring the meat as if they had always eaten it.

Chiquita skeptically took a bite of the first piece. I don’t know what her parents had been feeding her, but the little one ate her portion without flinching and shyly asked for more.

Giant Emfit. [https://i.imgur.com/Nz7ndxH.jpeg]