Chapter 19: Wondrous Cavern

The entire ceiling of the cool, slightly-humid cavern was covered in tiny points of blue light. These resembled stars, and seemed to continue endlessly in all directions from where Michael and Rihelah stood.

The fact that some of those lights twinkled rhythmically while others seemed to creep slowly across the false sky proved both enchanting and disquieting. Especially for Rihelah.

Michael's antennae shot upward and he whispered, [Hey. Do you hear that?]

Numerous clicking noises joined the eerie music of the cavern's life. The sound reminded Michael of the keystrokes of his grandmother's old mechanical typewriter being used by a skilled typist like she had been; if one played a recording of that sound back at triple speed to increase both the tempo and pitch. But the obnoxious nature of that sound wasn't the problem...

[It sounds big, and it's getting closer...] Her heart sank.

A group of greenish, glowing, many-legged little arthropods scrambled furiously along one after another, softly illuminating up a well-worn trail that curved away beneath some kind of plant a few meters away down a slight slope from where Michael and Rihelah stood.

Not far behind those fleeing crustaceans, a bright point of yellowish light wove back and forth slightly as it pursued, bright enough that it was difficult for either of the mantids to make out its shape.

[Michael, what the hell is that?] Rihelah took a single step backward while fighting the urge to panic.

Michael replied, [I don't know for sure, but I really hope my best guess is wrong...]

[Meaning?]

[Centipede.]

[Oh fuck.]

[Yeah...]

The rapid-fire clacking of many clawed feet against stone soon quieted as the hunter seemed to swim smoothly across the ground, onto a carpet of what looked like dark green moss.

[It's gaining on those green things!] She exclaimed.

[Maybe that's a good thing, Rihelah. From what little I could see, it's more than 20 times my size...] Michael replied soberly.

[Fuck's sake... and if it really is a centipede-] She began.

[We wouldn't stand a chance in hell.] He finished for her.

Almost immediately after the hunter disappeared into that shadowy foliage, sounds of struggle ensued. The golden glow intensified within the strange thicket, briefly casting shadows that danced against the surrounding area while its source moved about.

There came a loud crunch. The light's source flickered a bit, then faded away.

A disquieted pair of mantids shot nervous looks at one another as their eyes readjusted to the low light.

[Hey, um... Sika? Do you know anything about this place?] Rihelah asked timidly while backing away from the scene they had just witnessed.

Both mantids tensed up further as the awkward silence from their comrade grew disturbingly long. They looked at each other with slowly and steadily declining antennae.

In the end, no reply came from Sika.

They approached to examine her, and both recoiled at the sight of her shriveled and charred wings. The top and rear of Sika's long, white dragon fly body were badly yellowed, as if she'd been held over an open flame.

[Oh no...] Rihelah's high voice caught, and she trailed off into a whine that swiftly faded away.

[I can see her abdomen moving. She's still alive... I think.] Michael replied quietly.

Rihelah gently nudged against Sika's softly-glowing thorax, where it appeared she hadn't been burned. [Hey... Are you okay?]

The scratching of clawed feet approached, causing barely-perceptible tremors in the moss-covered ground beneath them. Michael and Rihelah slowly turned to face the source.

A dark, foreboding reptilian shape with wings folded over its back moved directly out from the spot where that struggle had just taken place, headed for the soft glow of Sika's unconscious body.

Rihelah and Michael felt terror spread throughout their minds, their bodies, and somehow even their very souls. Though each desperately sought to flee, they found their bodies refused to respond.

Even their thoughts had somehow become muddled. Telepathic communication and inner dialogue were attempted, and even those failed. All that remained was fear and awe. A soul-piercing horror that had somehow mixed with a sense of reverence in spite of the clear and present danger.

A notification had appeared within their vision, but with minds completely transfixed by the entity in front of them; neither could read it.

As the creature drew closer, its keeled scales began reflecting traces of light. A large pair of eyes with irises of seafoam-green bordering star-shaped pupils of deepest black abruptly produced their own glow as their gaze flicked back and forth between Michael and Rihelah.

Above the creature, the visage of an enormous crystalline head with multicolored eyes bearing similar pupils appeared.

Those eyes narrowed while focusing upon her, and Rihelah felt her body radiate a subtle warmth from within. They flicked to Michael, and he felt himself shiver from a slight chill.

The crystalline head showed a slight grin just before it faded away, revealing enormous fangs that terrified the pair further.

The musical, mischievous chuckling of a high soprano's voice rang throughout the enormous cavern and within their minds for the briefest moment as those piercing eyes flashed with amusement.

Those alien, reptilian eyes lost their inner glow, and the mind-fog the pair experienced cleared up slightly. The imposing shape of the creature was now clearly silhouetted against the soft glow of this strange underworld.

Both of them somehow understood what it was. Though barely larger than a house-cat, its presence felt more massive than a mountain.

Their aching, addled minds managed to form a single coherent thought.

Dragon...

That amused feminine voice chuckled once again, and they felt a soothing presence wash over them. Thoughts became slightly easier.

Something dangled lifelessly from the Dragon's grinning jaws. A creature with too many legs, and a tail that ended in long, chitinous claws.

The reptilian head whipped upward, tossing the centipede's lifeless body like an orca playing with a seal. The dead arthropod was silhouetted against that eerie, star-like glow from above as it tumbled through the damp air of the cavern. The dragon's reptilian head deftly caught it again with another loud crunch. It swallowed and looked toward the trio once more.

Michael willed with everything he had for his body to move, but it simply refused to respond.

Rihelah looked on in despair. This is the end...

The Dragon moved closer. It reached out with a clawed hand, and the pair could only watch in horror as it brushed against Sika's shriveled wings. Their comrade's body disappeared without a sound, and the Dragon turned its gaze back to the cowering insects.

Those seafoam eyes glowed, showing amusement once again. The Dragon's face drew close, looming mere centimeters away with enormous teeth like those of a crocodile.

Both of them trembled horribly under that all-consuming gaze. Michael peed and Rihelah shat herself.

The Dragon's head reared back, its eyes now radiating disappointment and exasperation. With an agile leap, it took to the air and quickly disappeared from view.

Vortices from its powerful wingbeats sent both Michael and Rihelah tumbling along the mossy ground. The force of the wind decreased after a few seconds, but their momentum carried them into the wide, spongy trunk of a nearby tree, where both of them ended in an exhausted heap. Just to their left was a softly-glowing entrance into the strange tree that hadn't been there before.

The powerful aura of suppression faded. Clear thoughts and physical movement became possible once again.

Rihelah righted herself, rushed over the short distance to where Michael now stood and huddled against him.

[What... was that, Michael?] She gasped.

[Dragon.] He replied simply, sounding shaken but certain.

[That's what I thought, too... But...]

[Did you check your notifications?] He looked at her.

She focused upon the words.

You are frozen with terror for standing in the presence of a Dragon whose attention has fallen upon you. Your intelligence is too low to understand Her speech or comprehend your situation.

Mental capacity reduced by 90%. You have lost control of your body's motor functions.

Intelligence has increased to 39!

Intelligence has increased to 40!

You have been granted a boon. Effects hidden and inactive until your next evolution.

Hidden ability gained. Requires 100 INT or greater.

...

Intelligence has increased to 46!

Intelligence has increased to 47!

Having lost sight of the Dragon, you regain control of your mind and body.

Michael's system interface showed exactly the same, the only differences being a 100 STR requirement for his hidden ability and his lower Intelligence, which had started the unnerving encounter at 25 and now sat at 34.

Once she had looked it over, Rihelah replied. [I... see. I wonder how I gained so much intelligence from that?]

[I did, too. Maybe we had some kind of epiphany? I dunno. But... Oh fuck! Sika!] Michael stiffened and felt Rihelah do the same.

The pair rushed to where their fallen comrade had been, but when they reached out carefully with their forelegs to see if she had been turned invisible, there was nothing but air.

[That Dragon took her, Michael... Why?]

[I wish I knew.] He looked at her. [It did grant some kind of boon, and an ability that unlocks when I reach 100 Strength. Maybe it's friendly? It could have eaten us, you know. Or just killed us for fun.]

Rihelah's voice grew quiet. [Mm. I also got some things from it. I really hope it didn't hurt Sika. She saved us today...]

[It sucks being so small... So insignificant. We need to grow stronger, Rihelah.] Michael responded with a similar tone.

[I've been trying! But even now that I know the basics of what to do, I just can't find a safe place to practice my magic!] She exclaimed.

From behind them, the amber glow of that doorway into the strange tree glowed brighter for a second. A faint hint of amused laughter seemed to play upon a light breeze that had inexplicably kicked up within the enormous cavern.

Rihelah turned to face the luminous doorway, and Michael followed suit.

Michael looked at her. [Do you think we should check inside?]

[Can we trust that Dragon?] She asked uncertainly.

[It could have killed us, but it didn't.] He pointed out.

[Okay. True. Will you check first? You're much better at hiding in well-lit places...] Rihelah suggested.

[Uh, sure. You should probably hide somewhere in case I run into trouble. I might be able to escape, but if you're seen...] Michael said as his camouflage engaged.

While Michael walked tentatively toward the opening, Rihelah moved to the side of the strange tree and ascended, her tiny foot-claws digging into the spongy exterior as she made her way to the underside of a leaf not far above.

Michael poked his head inside and stood stock-still for a moment.

[Um. Rihelah, you need to see this...] He spoke quietly.

[What do you mean?] She whispered down from above.

[It's... Just come down here and look, okay?] Michael stammered as he moved slowly inside.

Rihelah climbed down, and upon reaching the edge of that strange hole she peeked just the tops of her eyes into the light shining from within. When she saw the interior, her surprise was such that she lost her concentration and nearly fell off the side of the strange tree.

[What the hell?!] She exclaimed while regaining control over her legs, her head now hanging down into the doorway.

[That's what I wanna know!] He replied.

The huge space beyond the doorway could not possibly fit within the tree's trunk, despite its considerable girth. But that was the last thing on their minds.

[Magic?] She asked.

[Could it be anything else?] He answered.

[A dream, maybe? This... It's back where we grew up, on Longeway Road!] She marveled.

All around them lay a perfect, miniature replica of the interior of her parents' house, and when they finished walking through that, a door at the back opened into the house Michael grew up in. Even the electrical appliances were there, though both of them doubted those would function. The windows still had curtains and glass, but beyond that lay what looked like solid grayish stone.

[This is absolutely the weirdest shit I've seen yet... And we just got reincarnated as insects!] He remarked.

[That Dragon, Michael... she must have created this for us. Why? What can we even do inside a house made for tiny humans?] Rihelah asked as they continued into what would have been the back yard of the second house.

Instead, they found a large space with targets made of straw at the far end.

Heading back into the second house's interior, Michael noticed a note under a magnet on the fridge, in the exact spot where his mother used to place them.

–

-Dear Rihelah and Michael,

Worry not, for young Sika is safe.

Please enjoy these accommodations for the next 26 hours.

The timer on both your alarm clocks in your old rooms will sound 10 minutes prior to this space closing. Be sure you are outside it before then, as you will not enjoy the forced exit should you remain inside.

You will survive the process in that case, but consider yourselves duly informed.

I know you are wondering how all of this is possible. I read your minds, and Dragons are... Well, you will find out eventually, should you survive long enough!

Since your minds are as-yet incapable of handling Draconic speech, I have left you this note.

Your two souls were brought to this world for a reason, which shall be revealed to you both in due time.

Pray make use of these familiar accommodations which I have provided for you to prepare for your journey ahead.

You will be granted a temporary skill upon finishing this letter. It is something you will both enjoy tremendously. There is running water, the water heater is functional, and both fridges work. Since your bodies will not handle cooked food well regardless of the shape you take, I do not recommend you use the cooking appliances.

Now...

Rihelah; you must use at least some of this time to learn about magic as you are able, and I recommend you choose at least two spells suitable for combat. Consider well your knowledge of warfare from your own world. Use your head, young scientist.

Michael; you must go hunting outside. Beware the scolumendras, like the one I was eating when we met outside. They are delicious, but your tiny body is no match for their strength, or their venom. Quite similar to the centipedes you are familiar with from your own world in many respects, they doggedly pursue any living thing that catches their attention.

Furthermore, and most deadly of all; they possess a weapon which both of your minds are wholly unprepared to deal with.

Consider yourselves warned.

The opening to this temporary space is only visible and accessible to the two of you.

We have watched you closely since your arrival. I thought you would both appreciate a brief respite, and my Lord has allowed it.

Consider well how best to use your time here. That said, I must caution that you do not spend all of the next 26 hours mating.

As a side-note, Rihelah; your mantis body is not yet able to produce eggs, so you needn't worry about becoming pregnant!

Dragonspeed to you both!

-V

–

As they finished reading the note, the Dragon's laughter crept over their minds.

Temporary, limited skill acquired! (25h 59m 59s remaining.)

Hairless Monkey: You automatically become a tiny human being resembling your old self while inside these accommodations. You regain your true form upon stepping outside.

Their antennae stood on end as they read, until both of them realized they no longer had antennae. While looking toward one another, the pair each watched in fascination as the other quickly regained their former bodies.

And so they stood, buck-ass naked, staring at one another in wide-eyed shock. Their heights had shifted, with Rihelah now more than a full head shorter than him. Their eyes locked, and there was a moment where both felt the urge to embrace. But then...

Their gazes roamed downward as one, their faces flushed, and they quickly covered themselves with their hands. Rihelah covered her breasts with one arm, while the other shot down in front of her crotch. In his wide-eyed shock, Michael covered his ass first, then reached both hands forward to cover himself properly.

The Dragon's laughter returned, louder this time.

“I... Uh... Holy shit! I should get changed!” Rihelah's voice rose to a screech as she raced toward the door leading to her childhood home, moving much faster than she could have managed as a full-sized human.

Oh my God, he just saw me naked! I just saw him! Even his... What the fuck is wrong with that damned Dragon?! She blushed harder as the image of Michael's body burned itself into her memory.

Michael stood there in silence, looking at his own hands in wonder. He looked down, satisfied that all of him was there, and headed up to put his own clothes on.

Wow. She's really grown up, even if she's still short... Her eyes are just like I remember them. The way her hair flows down around her shoulders, and that expression on her face... Holy shit, Rihelah's drop-dead gorgeous! I already thought she was pretty when we were kids, but this is ridiculous! Holy shit, what a body...

Michael was glad for the privacy as his excitement made itself known.

Both of them took the opportunity to have a long shower.

One major difference due to their current size was the fact that water's surface tension was quite a bit more difficult to deal with, and each of them were extremely grateful for the soap that had been provided.

While enjoying hot, running water and using soap for the first time in more than a week, both found it difficult to put the Dragon's lewd suggestion out of their minds.

Rihelah released her frustrations while scrubbing as the soothing water flowed over her.

Damn that Dragon! She just had to go and insinuate that we'd... I mean, I guess I want to. This might be our only chance to do something like that as humans... Plus, I'm still a virgin and I've wanted to try it for a while! Okay, fine. I do want to! But what if he's not interested in me? She looked down at herself and giggled at the fact that a few droplets of water clung to her like additional breasts. Grabbing the soap, she touched it to them and smiled as they dropped away.

Still... Did this “V” really have to call the temporary skill Hairless Monkey?! I mean, I know it's basically true, but seriously? She rolled her eyes.

Michael grinned at himself in the mirror. Never thought I'd see ME again! Even if it's just for a bit more than a day, I'd better enjoy this! Probably never going to see my own face in the mirror after tomorrow...

His thoughts roamed to his childhood-best-friend-turned-mantis.

Rihelah's so damn attractive, and she's the only girl I can trust... The Dragon might have had it right, at least for me. I wish we could. Hell, I wish my first time could have been with her instead of... He shook his head at the memory of a drunken party and some young woman he only ever remembered from the neck down.

Blech. Not worth thinking about! Besides, I'm here in this strange world with the one I want. Even if she only sees me as a friend, at least that's a start!

But what would a gorgeous girl like her see in a guy like me? I mean sure, we were best friends, but she often joked about how childhood friends could never marry...

Hmph. I'll do better if I keep a positive attitude at any rate. What's that old saying my dad used to parrot when I'd get discouraged? “Faint hearts never won fair lady!” I think that's it. Good advice.

Right! If you give up, you fade away. Fuck that. I'm going for broke!

Front and center in her closet, Rihelah found the outfit she'd worn on the day she died. The one she had picked out specifically for him. It was brand-new, pristine, and smelled like it. She put it on without hesitation, enjoying the perfect fit.

Upon returning downstairs, Rihelah found Michael waiting for her in a comfortable T shirt and jeans.

“Hey!” He called to her while standing up from the couch. His eyes widened as he saw how she looked. Her hair shined, and the familiar smile behind her eyes hit him like a kidney punch.

The confidence Michael had built up just moments before melted away from him in that instant.

“Hey...” She replied shyly after she saw the way he was looking at her.

There was a tense moment of silence before both of them spoke at once.

“I should go out hunting!”

“I should practice magic!”

“Right!” She said.

“Yep.” He agreed.

“You know, it's good to see you again. Looking like yourself, I mean...” Michael remarked while starting to head toward the outside door.

She stopped in place and turned toward him, her whole body tingling with her nervousness. “You too, Michael. I... Since we're not going to be this way for very long... Could I... you know?"

Michael looked back and cocked his head while furrowing his brow in confusion at her vague request.

"Can I get a hug?” She looked up at him pleadingly with her arms open.

Michael turned. After he saw the expression on her face, he almost tripped while moving forward.

“Yes! Yes, of course you can! You're my best friend, ya dork!”

He did his best to appear calm in the face of that million-watt smile of hers that had always been Rihelah's trump-card when she wanted him to do something.

But he noticed something different about her smile in this moment. Now that they were grown, and considering everything they had been through in the past few days... Rihelah could have asked Michael to slap the taste out of a police officer's mouth and he'd have hauled off and done it without a second thought.

Speaking with her in the way they always had with one another helped his nervousness. Somewhat.

They came together stiffly with awkward smiles and embraced, each of them pulling the other close while both inhaled sharply, their breath catching at the sensation of holding another human being once more.

An experience both thought they had lost forever.

The stiffness dissolved almost immediately, replaced by warmth and familiarity.

For nearly a full minute they stayed that way, until Michael moved his head a little bit back and turned it toward her. Rihelah followed suit, looking up at him with a shy smile.

She tensed up slightly. He's so close! What do I-

She tried to shift her position but tripped over her own feet, falling forward slightly and looking up in surprise while he caught her.

Their lips lightly brushed together and both of them panicked, backing away hurriedly as he held her at arm's length by her shoulders and steadied her before letting go.

Michael looked at her, and she looked at the floor.

“I... Uh... Magics! Yes!” Rihelah dashed away toward the back door. Stupid! Why do I have to be so clumsy when it counts?! Fuck!

“Yeah. I'll just, uh... be outside for a while.” He called back to her while heading toward the exit.

Holy shit, she's so light! I guess we maintain our mantis strength even while in human form? Right. Get your head out of the clouds, man! First and foremost, you have to focus on growing stronger! There might be another moment before we change back permanently, but right now it's time to level up! Making a tight fist with his right hand while saying so to himself, Michael slapped his chest and strode out through the front door.

Just before dusk, Sionella awoke to find herself still transformed and being carried gently by Relynn through a densely-wooded glade not far from Velrake Caverns. She flicked her wings slightly while looking at the dwarven woman, who understood and released her hold.

Sionella stood up on Relynn's hand and climbed quickly to her shoulder.

[How long hath my slumber taken? My sister? Hath Sika yet returned?] She asked.

Relynn's eyebrows furrowed and her lips drew in tight, but she did her best to remain calm. “Nigh-on half a day, mah Lady Sionella. Ah'm afraid she has'nae come back to us yet.”

Without a word, the eldest of the three elven sisters shot into the sky toward Nytalis.