Happiness is a Dragon
By Misterebony
Note: this is the final edition of one of my most beloved stories. Enjoy and comment.
PART 1: Found in the snow
The snow covered the pine tree forest in a thick sheet of white, with more of the covering falling silently, gently, over all the land. She walked out among this beauty, as big as a human, save for her large blue wings. Her silvery scales shone in what sunlight there was, and her eyes, bright green, seemed the only offset to the whole.
She walked out searching for food. Rabbits were plentiful this time of year, as were deer. But she was hungrier for humans. They were so tasty! Especially knights. MMMmmmm… So delicious. She licked her lips dreaming of her last catch, a rather cocky knight with a pathetic excuse for a sword.
Suddenly, she was stopped as she saw a bulge in the snow. It was not totally covered, so it wasn’t hard to make out. It was a human boy. At first, she thought of snapping him up, but then she cleaned the snow off of him. He looked pale and sick, almost as if he were dying. The coverings he wore were completely useless for this time of year. She wondered what he was doing this far from any kind of home.
She knew that he had no chance unless he got warm, and fast. The nearest humans village was at least two hours walking, and flight was too risky, even as light as the snow was. Even getting to her cave, less than an hour away, seemed too long a distance. The orphanage was close enough, but they would not care, and just let him get worse. It seemed hopeless. The boy would surely die. …No one that young…
Wait! She forgot one thing. Thinking fast, she knew this had to work. Ever so carefully, she eased the boy into her maw, swallowing slowly. She had no time to taste the boy; this was too serious to worry about personal pleasure. Soon, he was inside her, warmed by her body. He made a decent sized bulge in her belly, which shook a bit as she walked back to her cave. She would worry about food later. For now helping this boy was enough.
PART 2: Warm and… safe?
Danny did not know where he was when he awoke. He remembered running from the cruelty of that orphanage into the woods, then the cold of the snow. He remembered falling into it, too weak to get up. But he did not remember ever being warmed. He was nice and warm now, though his body felt stiff.
Was he dead? No, he could still feel his body. Was he asleep? No, couldn’t be! He felt… something… all around him. He wouldn’t if he was asleep. But then where was he? It was dark, and odd sounds, like breathing, could be heard all about. On every part of his body he felt warm silk. But it wasn’t silk. It was too squishy, too much like water in a bag. But so soft…
“Where…where am I?” He finally got out. He felt the world about him shift, then heard a voice, sweet and musical, like a loving mother.
“Ahh… you’re awake. Good. I was getting worried. I thought you were already dead.”
“Who are you?” The boy asked, unsure where the voice was coming from. “And… where am I?”
“My name is Lyra. As for where you are, well… you are inside me. My belly, specifically.”
“WHAT?!” Now Danny panicked. He had been eaten! That meant… “LET ME OUT! I DON’T WANT TO DIE!!! PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!”
Lyra laughed musically and rubbed her belly where Danny was. “Now now, would I have saved you just to digest you? We dragons are above that. Give me some credit. I merely put you in my spare belly to warm you up.”
“Please,” Danny begged, on the verge of tears, “let me out, I didn’t mean to run away. I couldn’t stand being mistreated there.”
Lyra thought about what he was saying, but thought it best to release the boy for now. He opened her mouth and let her muscles slowly pull him out. When he reached his mouth, she lifted him out with her front claws. As Danny looked about, he knew this was no dream.
He was in a cave. Deep into it, because he saw no sign of the snow. A fire in the center lit the whole of the cavern. A soft looking pillow like mattress lay in one corner of the cavern, a (gulp) series of cookware, large enough for him to fit in, was in another section. A bookshelf was by the cookery, lined from top to bottom with books. Several openings clearly lead to other areas of the caves. Danny was set down onto the floor of the cavern, which was nice and dry. The warmth of the fire flowed to him.
Then he looked the dragon over. She was cute! Like a stuffed animal in appearance, bigger than he was, but her whole body seemed soft and snuggly. He was still scared though, this dragon ate him up!
Lyra smiled sweetly. “Welcome to my home, er…”
“Danny.” Danny said, realizing he never introduced himself. Lyra looked him over, now that she could look him over in more detail. He was about seven years old, with brown hair and brown eyes. He wore a torn white shirt, and shorts that looked ripped in a couple of places. He had a scar on his left cheek, but still looked pretty cute himself… literally good enough to eat!
Danny tried to stand up, but couldn’t. “Please, just rest.” Lyra said, carrying him to the soft cushion. “You must have been out there for a long time, you still feel so cold even after being in my belly for over two hours.”
Danny was scared. “What… what will you do with me?”
Lyra thought about this. “Well… either I’ll keep you with me to be my food, or I’ll take you to an orphanage somewhere…”
“NOOOOOOO!!!!!” He screamed out, trying to crawl away from her. “I WON’T go back! They’ll hurt me again!”
Lyra was confused. “Who?”
“The people at the orphanage. I’m an orphan, and they hated me. They made us all scrub floors and clean the building, but they had special whipping sessions for me. They told me ‘You better stop having hope, stop being so kind to everyone, or the monsters will take you and eat you all up.’ I finally decided to risk it. I ran from there, into these woods where they said monsters lived, hoping one would eat me. I was scared of it, but it had to be better than what happened. Then I was inside your belly. It was scary when I realized where I was, but…”
Lyra understood, nuzzling the boy. “Don’t worry, little sweets. They won’t take you back. I can promise you that. But it is too dangerous for you to be outside for now. The winter is cold and you would freeze before you got anywhere. You COULD ride in my belly, but I cannot guarantee people won’t try to harm me, and in the process harm you. But try not to think about it for a while. For now, you had best just stay comfortable.” She covered him up with a thick blanket, made from a bear’s hide. Afterward, the dragon lay on the ground by the fire. Soon, both were asleep.
PART 3: Recipes
Danny awoke, still surrounded by the warmth and softness of the bed he lay in. The dragon was not lying by the fire anymore, but looking at books. She was licking her lips, a sight which scared Danny again. But still he felt weak and stiff. The Dragon looked over at him.
“Oh, morning Danny!” Lyra said, humming as she moved over to him. She still had that hunger in her eyes. “Please forgive me little one, but I was just looking at this book. Would you like to see it?”
Danny Shivered and shook his head. “You want to cook me, don’t you?!” He started to sweat in fear.
“Oh of course I WANT to, Danny. All dragons long to have a food pet to be their main ingredient. Look here.” She opened the book. It was a recipe book, titled ‘Caring for Yourself and Your Human: 100 Recipes, 0% Harm to Either Party.’ She pointed at a picture of a human snuggling a male dragon… then going to sleep in their belly, wrapped in dough. “Humans are a dragons favorite food. This here is a picture of my friend Spencer. He just LOVES humans! When they are mean, he digests them, but the good ones…”
Danny, meanwhile, was white in fear. He was wide eyed and scared. This dragon wanted to COOK him, EAT him, and DIGEST him…. He tried to scream, but all that came out was a silent eep. Lyra giggled as she saw the boys fear.
“Now don’t you worry.” She said, licking the boys’ cheek. “I do not intend to hurt you in any way. You see, when we find a good human, one who is lonely but kind and good, we use safe recipes, such as wraps or sandwiches. We do not like to hurt the good humans. See, look at this recipe.” He shook his head. “Come on, I promise you will like what you see.”
Fearful, Danny looked at the page. The recipe was for “Human hot dogs”, and showed a picture of a man bathed in mustard. He read the recipe, and was stunned to find that there was no cooking involved at all. It was a very simple recipe really, and had nothing with could hurt the human. Danny looked all through the book, and found that in almost all the cases, it was just as painless.
“Why don’t you read that for awhile.” Lyra said. “I’ll make you some breakfast. Pancakes okay?”
Danny nodded, still dumbfounded about all this. This dragon DID want to eat him! But the way she made it sound, the way these pictures made it sound, it just made no sense to the little boy. Maybe, he thought, she is trying to confuse me into giving myself to her. That way, she will eat me with a clear conscience.
Lyra returned with a large plate of delicious smelling pancakes, complete with butter and maple syrup. The boy gazed in awe at the stack; he never got this much food in one meal! Lyra also gave a knife and fork to the boy, giving the cutest smile he ever saw.
“There we go.” The dragon said. “Eat up, Danny.” And he did. He cut into the pancakes and took a bite. Oh, they were delicious! The best thing he had eaten in a long time. He ate them slowly, savoring the taste of them. He did not make a mess, because Lyra licked up any bit of pancake or syrup that fell on him or the bed, commenting once more on how good he tasted. At last, he had finished, licking some syrup from his lips and patting his belly. He was suddenly much stronger, no longer weak. Lyra smiled.
“Who says chicken soup is the best remedy for any cold?” He giggled some and took off Danny’s covers. He started to get up, and found that he felt good. In fact, he felt better than he had felt in a long time!
“How…” He wondered. The dragon nuzzled him some.
“Oh, let’s just say that the power of dragon’s food is quite mysterious, and indeed magical.” She winked as she slowly said ‘magical.’ Was it magic that cured him? He didn’t really care at this point. Maybe he was wrong about the dragon. She was really very nice, nicer than any creature had ever…
No, no one is that nice unless they want something. That was one lesson that he learned in the orphanage. The only reason the other kids were ever nice to him was because he was to naïve. He would help them unquestionably, doing work assigned to them, then getting in worse trouble because of it. He learned that it was terrible to have any kind of good heart towards other people or things. It always is, no matter who you are.
“Why DID you heal me? What is it you want?” Danny asked. He wanted to make sure that being cured was the best thing at this point. But Lyra just laughed.
“The only thing you have that I would want is you sleeping in my belly, and it was clear you did not like that. So, nothing really.” She licked him again. Ohhh, it felt nice when she did that. “Besides, I have a feeling you’ll like it here more than that orphanage. Feel free to stay here as long as you like.” With that, she turned and went into another part of the caves, flicking her tail in a wave goodbye.
But Danny wasn’t convinced. The orphanage was bad, but is this worse, being unsure if this dragon would eat you during the night? On the other hand, it DID feel good, wonderful even, to be inside that warm belly. Danny was too perplexed about all this.
But he knew he had to decide soon. His heart told him one thing, his rational brain told him another. He sat a moment, watching the fires glow. It was then he made a decision.
PART 4: Lunchtime
Lyra was reading one of her novels in one of the more lit caverns when Danny walked in. He had a look of uncertainty on his face, but also one of determination. Lyra set the book down and looked at him.
“Tell me the truth, Ms. Lyra.” The boy said, a hint of fear in his voice. “Would it hurt to be a… food pet? I mean, would you…”
Lyra looked at Danny as a loving mother would look at a child, unsure of what is right or wrong. “I understand your fear Danny. Believe me, I am not sure what I would do in your shoes. But I assure you, no harm will come to you. It never has for any of my pets, and all left satisfied.”
Danny came close to her, arms held out to hug the dragon. She smiled and put her forepaws around him, nuzzling him. She was indeed soft and snuggly, her skin was soft and warm. He smiled a bit. Somehow, he felt safe in her arms. At last, he released the hug and gazed into his eyes.
“Alright then,” he said, still unsure of all this, “I am your food. Eat me.” He was still afraid, but now not as much. She seemed very nice. Perhaps the orphanage was wrong all along.
As it always was.
Lyra led Danny back into the ‘dining hall’ that he had been sleeping in. She cuddled him a bit, and then set him on the cushion. Danny was nervous, to say the least.
“First, I think we better get you some new attire, more fitting for a food pet.” He smiled weakly as she went into another room… then busted out in laughter as he saw the outfit she brought. It was a set of footed pajamas, just his size, looking more like it belonged on a gingerbread man. Lyra smiled as she brought it over to the giggling boy.
“I’m sorry, I just… HEHE!” He just couldn’t stop laughing! It felt so good to laugh, after so much misery for so long. Lyra giggled as well.
“Hey, for being made out of foodstuffs, it doesn’t look… well, maybe it DOES look pretty silly…” He smiled and took it, taking it into the other room, giggling all the while. He sniffed the air as he put it on.
“Lyra, are you making a sandwich? I smell mustard…” He then came out, kind of wide eyed. “It’s the suit isn’t it?”
Lyra nodded. “It was almost lunchtime, and I felt like a boy on a bun, with mustard and lettuce. That’s what the suit is made of. I have some cheese as well for you to cover yourself with.”
“You mean you can actually… eat these?” Danny asked, suddenly in awe at how good the foodstuffs felt on him.
“Of course! Different outfits for all sorts of recipes. I just go by the books.” Danny nodded as she said this, understanding this all at last. Maybe being dragon food WOULD be nice. Sure felt nice anyway.
Lyra got a Danny – Sized bun from the cupboard, as well as some cheese. It lay on the sandwich like a big blanket. The dragon, upon setting this up, motioned Danny over with one paw. He obliged, partly excited and partly scared out of his mind. Without even realizing it, he was climbing into the bun, getting comfy under the cheese. The top was placed over him was he was totally in.
“Mmmmm…. Boy sandwich. My favorite midday meal!” She said, trying to joke a bit. Danny shivered a bit before realizing she was just kidding. She smiled and moved to his feet, where she pulled him close to her mouth. She opened her mouth wide, wider than Danny thought possible, and begin to pull him in.
Ohhh…. It felt so good. Danny could feel the tongue licking him, tasting him. A sweet smell was coming from inside her, faint at first, then stronger as he was pulled more and more in. He smiled in happiness, now convinced that this would be wonderful.
Lyra, meanwhile, was in heaven herself. He was DELICIOUS! Nice and tasty, like a person’s favorite foods all combined into one. She tasted his feet and lower legs for some time, and then began to eat the sandwich up. She chomped around the tasty boy, biting into the sandwich just up to him, mmming at how delicious it was. With a loud GULP, she pulled more of the boy in, stopping at his middle.
“MMmmmm, this feels so nice. Not at all like that orphanage said it would!” Danny said. Lyra mmmed in reply, loving this as much if not more than her squirming meal. She chewed the sandwich as much as she could without harming the boy, gulping him in up to his neck in one gulp. Danny was surrounded in warmth, his body sealed inside her, partially in her throat and esophagus. He smiled inside the sandwich, mushy bits of it all around him, more like a blanket than chewed food.
“Ohhhh… I’m glad I chose this now. You were right, it IS nice.” He smiles and closed his eyes as Lyra swallows again, sending the boy totally into her. He was surrounded by her, warm and silky and a little wet. The chewed remains of the bread and cheese he was laying on surrounded him, soaked with saliva. Suddenly, he heard her gulp again. He was soon pulled totally inside his throat, massaged by her insides, and hearing the sounds of her heart beating. His mind was screaming that he just got eaten and was going to die, but his heart knew this was not true. He was just being cuddled, hugged, all over at once.
Soon, he emerged, with some of the bread, into her belly. It was just as he remembered, nice and warm, and so silky smooth! He smiled happily, this time letting himself enjoy the warmth around him.
“MMMMM…. Delicious!” Lyra moaned, rubbing her belly all over, searching for Danny inside her. “What a delicious lunch that was! You were so tasty!”
Danny smiled. “I have to admit, that was fun! Can we do it again?”
“Oh believe me, Danny, we WILL do it again!”
PART 5: Happy Days of Winter
Thus began a series of gobblings and recipes, all of which both the predator and her prey loved. Danny was always fed a BIG meal afterward just to keep him nice and plump. They talked of their lives, and read stories in between the mealtimes. They played many games as well, many of which all people have hard of. So, the duo was content: Lyra had found a lovable food pet, and Danny felt like he had found happiness at last.
They had many fun times together. Once, when the snow had stopped falling. Lyra and Danny decided to go for a walk. Danny dressed in a thick suit of dough to keep him warm. He was in awe at the beauty of the snow and ice all about him.
“Wow!” Danny said, looking about as he walked. “I never saw anything like this before. It’s so wonderful!”
Lyra nodded. “Yes, nature’s beauty is incredible. I like this time of year. Less dragon slayers, but the beauty is still all around.” She smiled as she felt the dough wrapped boy give a hug.
She began to walk on ahead, only to be promptly rewarded with a big snowball hitting her. She turned and saw Danny, whistling as if nothing had happened.
“Ohh, now you are in for it…” She said, scooping up some snow. She threw it at him and missed, in the process starting a big snowball fight between the two. Sounds of their laughter can be heard all around. When the duo were done flinging snowballs at one another, they lay in the snow, laughing.
“That is the most fun I have ever had!” Lyra said, sitting up after a bit. “But it is time to go home. I do not want a repeat of our first meeting.” Danny complained for a second, and then decided that she was right. Riding in her belly, the two headed for home.
Of course, outdoor fun was only half of it. They often played cat and mouse style games throughout the caves during those cold winter months. Of course, Danny was the mouse. He would hide and run about after a very fattening meal, and Lyra would try to catch him. Often, she did, taking him back to the kitchen area to be prepared and eaten. Lyra mmmed at how tasty it made him when they played.
At night, when things winded down, the duo settled into their beds, often with Lyra reading Danny a story about dragons and humans of old. It was always happier than the dragon and knight tales we know of. No one was hurt, no one captured and ate the princess (unless they wanted it) and everyone lived in peace.
“Those were the happy times.” Lyra would say. “But those days still are present in rare cases. I promise you, love is always going to be around.” She would then kiss Danny goodnight.
Danny was not always happy though. He was always in fear that the orphanage would come for him on one of these occasions and take him away from her. He had nightmares of being whipped, beaten, by the owners. He often snuggled next to Lyra when this happened, hoping it would never happen.
But it did.
PART 6: Freedom
Danny went out alone one day to see if spring was far off. It was Late February, and it was starting to get warmer. But the snow was still thick, and storms were still common. He didn’t care though. This was the best time of his life, and he felt totally happy.
Until he heard the voice. A voice he had heard before, rough and heartless. The voice of the owner of the orphanage.
“There you are, little brat!” He said, coming out of hiding. He was a big man, muscular, and ugly as could be. He carried a whip with him, which had dried blood in some parts. “I had hoped to find your dead body, so I could feed my dogs. But it looks like you survived.”
Danny looked at him in fear. He stepped back one step. “Oh, you trying to run from ME?! STUPID, DISOBEDIANT BRAT!!!!!!” He lashed his whip at Danny, hitting his face; he fell into the snow, screaming in pain. The man just laughed.
“So, you crying for me to stop? You beg all you want. I meant to feed your corpse to the dogs, and I INTEND TO!” He raised the whip again… but stopped. He saw a sight that made him go wide eyed.
A dragon, looking at him with hate in its eyes. It was ready to pounce him, talons the size of knives coming out. It was Lyra! She saw Danny, crying in the snow, the scar of the whiplash on his delicate cheek. On seeing this, she growled some and approached.
“LEAVE…HIM…ALONE.” She said, approaching slowly. The man raised his whip to strike her, but she was ready. His whip was soon flying from his hand as a talon cut deep into his wrist. Now it was his turn to cry.
“I warned you. I know well of you. You steal orphans and hurt them, just for your own pleasure. When they complain or cry for mercy… YOU KILL THEM.” The last three words she said in total contempt of him. “But no more. Those children have their freedom now, because you will not harm them again. You won’t have the chance.”
“Talk all you want, beast.” The man said, still confident he could beat her. How dare this… this… creature interfere with him! “That boy will die, and you with him! And because you refuse to stay out of it, when I get back, all of them will be fed to the dogs… alive!”
That did it. She snapped. The dragon leapt at her opponent, talons out. The man tried to dodge, but it was already too late for him. He lay there soon after, cut in his arms and face, out cold from the force of her attack. Quickly, he was disposed of in a few quick gulps, sent on a one-way trip to her belly. Unlike Danny, this torturer would be tortured. To death.
She picked up Danny, who had fainted during all this, and took him home. She licked his wound some, easing the pain. Once home, she sang him a lullaby, sending the little boy into slumberland.
Once he was lying in his bed, she went to that orphanage. She was shocked at what she saw. It was like something out of a horror movie. She could hear crying from inside: the sounds of misery. In the back, two large dogs whimpered, scars all over them. It was a sight to horrible to believe, but inside was worse. The dragon Lyra saw children huddled in corners, half starved. Some had very bad bruises on them. One came up to her as she walked along.
“Eat me please dragon!” The child said, tears flowing from his cheeks. “Don’t let him hurt me again! Eat me!!!” Lyra patted the child and gathered all the children together, a dozen in all.
“Listen to me,” She said, smiling. “I’d love to eat you all, you look so nice and yummy. But I don’t need to. That beast will never hurt you again. Too long I heard about what he did, but he will not harm you again. Now, do you still want to be my food?”
The children all nodded. Lyra smiled and held them. “Alright, but understand that when I eat you, you’ll be taken as food pets. I’ll fatten you and play with you, and you’ll have to follow some rules. Okay?”
The children all nodded again, smiling for what appeared to be their first time. They all hugged the dragon, which cried a bit, realizing she had done a very good thing. And with a smile, she led them all back to her cavern to be fattened and eaten many many times. At last, they were happy. They were free.
PART 7: Springtime Cometh
Late April brought an end to the cold winter snow. Flowers bloomed over the countryside, and the trees returned to their former glory. It was on a shining spring day that Lyra and her food pets went out into the fields to play and learn. It was like a combination of school and picnics.
Of course, no one loved it more than Danny. He especially loved Lyra as a son loves his mother. While others sometime longed to find parents to be with, Danny was fully happy just being a food pet. She was the first creature to ever show Danny any form of love. That stuck out most of all.
“Now children,” Lyra said, starting a lesson, “springtime has come at last. Look about, and you will see a rainbow almost everywhere you go. Any examples?”
A girl spoke up. “The pink flowers in the trees?”
Lyra nodded, smiling. “Very good! Anyone else?”
A boy this time. “The grass. All green.”
And another. “The blue sky!”
And so it went, until it was Danny’s turn. His answer was a bit out of the ordinary.
“Us?” He said. All the children looked at each other, and nodded in agreement. Lyra smiled, pleased at his answer.
“That’s right Danny. And you know why that is a very important answer?”
A blonde girl spoke up. “Because… um… kids are all different?”
A boy spoke up on hearing that. “No, silly! It’s because people think we ARE springtime. We are happiness.”
Lyra nodded. “You are both right. No child is alike in every way, save for the fact that all children can make someone’s life worthwhile. Even mine.”
Lessons went on, with storytimes and schooling, all ending with a big picnic in the meadows. Lyra had picked her midday meal before leaving, three children who had been behaving very well. The three children walked up to her, all dressed in foodstuffs.
The first was a blonde haired little five year old, dressed like a hot dog. He lay on a bun, smothered in mustard and ketchup. Lyra made a special point of giving a good tickle to the cutie with her tongue. He shivered in mock fear, playing like an unwilling morsel, caught by a big mean dragon.
“Oh no!” He said, dramatizing. “Oh please don’t eat me, Ms. Dragon!” Which, of course, she did. She opened her mouth wide and lifted the bottom of the bun into her gaping maw, mmming at the taste. Bit by bit she ate the boy dog up, mustard and ketchup all over her lips. At last, down he went, to go into her storage belly, all warm and snug.
“Mmmmm… what a tasty appetizer. But who is the main course?” Lyra said, smacking her lips. A little girl came forward in reply. He was all dressed up like a pig, an apple in her mouth. He made a cute little ‘oink!’ As she lay on a platter that she brought with her.
“Mmmmm… roast suckling pig. Yummy!” Lyra said, licking her lips slowly. She opened wide again, deciding to eat this one head first as se engulfed her head. She squealed and squirmed in delight, moving about some as Lyra continued to eat her. She mmmed at the taste, nice and juicy. Soon, Lyra had gulped in the girl down to her kicking legs. Inside her, the two were already talking and laughing, having the time of their lives! Another couple of swallows, and Lyra had eaten her all up. She licked her lips in delight, another tasty morsel massaging her from the inside with the way she moved about.
The last child stepped forward… but unlike the other two, he was not excited about this. He said something she had heard too often. She looked into her eyes, pleading.
“Miss Lyra,” He said, uncertain, “I really like being food, but I want to go find my own family. I promise, I’ll visit often.”
Lyra was hurt when they did this, but it was for the best. She hugged the child and nodded. “Alright.” She said at last. “Tonight, you will be taken to the human village.”
So it was. The children all went home a little later, and then the boy and the dragon went to the human village. The flight was silent; no one noticed the dragon landing in the woods on the far side.
“I’ll miss you.” Lyra said, hugging the little boy. He hugged back, in tears. He really did not want to leave, but felt it best. They always did, she thought. With a final lick to his face, he went into the village. She stayed long enough to see him found by a mother and father.
She would visit here often, just to see how her pets were. All of them seemed to be happy when they came here. She was glad for that, but saddened when she could no longer eat them. She sighed sadly and flew back into the air, heading back to the children who still needed her.
Danny was waiting as she returned. He saw the tears in her eyes, and knew that the boy had left. He rushed to hug her, comfort her in some way.
“Oh, little one, how I wish I could have just one pet forever. I do not ask much, do I?”
Danny smiled and shook his head. “You can have me forever. I won’t ever leave you, we have too much fun!” He giggled some and snuggled. No wonder Danny was her favorite. She smiled and nuzzled him. “In the meantime, how about a snack? I’m all plump and juicy from lunch.” Even as he said that, she licked her lips and set to work turning him into a treat.
Lyra went back into the cave several moments later… Danny a cake, sleeping in her belly. Just like always.
PART 8: The Gathering of Dragons
“Hurry up children!” Lyra called to her little pets. “We must not be late for The Gathering.”
“I wish Julie and Ken had stayed so come to this.” A little girl said, finishing up. “If they had, I’m sure they would have stayed. Imagine! Having a dragon all to yourself! Not having to share or anything!”
“I wouldn’t go that far.” Lyra said. “The gathering is more like a big party for dragons. I’m sure you will all enjoy it. Just remember, be polite, don’t bother anyone, and if someone wants you for a snack, do not be rude about it.”
“Yes miss Lyra!” All the children said in unison. Lyra was not looking forward to this at all. Already, out of the thirteen children that she had, seven had gone to the human village. The six that remained all said that they loved being foodstuffs. The Gathering of the Dragons was the best time to find new homes.
“At least they will visit more this way.” She thought, happy at that at least. Once everyone was dressed in foodstuffs, they all climbed into a big picnic basket, and started on their way.
Now this was not uncommon. The Gathering was the biggest party dragons could have! Food pets literally came to it as food, in picnic baskets. Not that it was bad, as everyone who came to this, food and dragon, pred and prey, had a wonderful time. It was also a time to exchange recipes, tell stories, and just have fun!
Lyra arrived at the clearing in the woods, delighted at all who were there. There were dragons of almost every size and shape, all with their food pets. Some had one or two, others had at least a dozen! Lyra was especially happy when she saw a certain dark blue dragon, with a cute food pet beside him.
“Hi Spencer!” She said, waving. Spencer Dragon waved back, his food pet Joni all smiles.
“Hey Lyra.” He said, looking at her foodstuffs. “Brought a banquet with you this year, huh? No surprise, really. You always were the lucky one. Me, I’m happy with just Joni here.” He playfully licked him, mmming at his taste. Lyra laughed, and motioned Danny close. The others went off to play with the other food… I mean children.
Every now and then, a dragon would come along and grab a child, taking him or her back to the eating area. A few gulps, and the child was a belly bulge, squirming like no tomorrow, having the time of their lives. Then, they would be let out again, and another child went on the menu.
This went on for a good portion of the early part of the picnic, until breakfast was announced. All the children went back to their dragons, snuggling and cuddling, then being served a very fattening meal. Pancakes and muffins were common, with a few eating some ham.
Danny stayed by Lyra all the while. He wanted no other dragon but her. She smiled at him and served him pancakes, swimming in syrup and butter. He ate a lot, trying to be fat for HER breakfast.
After a bit, a red dragon came over, a big as a house. She smiled at Lyra and sat by her, a boy sitting on her lap.
“Hi Varia.” Lyra said, checking Danny to see how plump he had got. Varia smiled, the child in her lap no more than nine.
“Hi Lyra. Got yourself a real tasty one there I see.” She licked her lips as she looked Danny over. “May I have him for my meal?”
Danny shook his head. “No offense, miss, but I prefer Miss Lyra herself. She saved me from the cold. I don’t really feel right as a result, should someone else have me for a food pet.” Varia ahhed a bit at this.
“That is getting too common these days Lyra. Too common. To man children are without people who love them. Where is the parental love? Where are the happy families?”
Danny thought about this as they talked. Too common? Was his orphanage not the only cruel place?
“I’m afraid you are right, Varia.” She said, hugging Danny. “Love seems to be replaced by greed or worry. Humans need us more and more. Not that I TOTALLY mind.” She smiled and licked Danny.
“True. If any children need love, we can help give it.” Varia held her little boy, which soon was asleep in her arms. Danny snuggled against Lyra. Wondering if he should really stay with her forever. He had thought of it, but…
“Well, I’m kind of hungry Lyra. I have to make a little boy sundae. YUM!” She licked her lips. “See you later!”
Varia walked off, nibbling on the little boy. Lyra hugged Danny close, pondering how to eat him for breakfast. Danny, meanwhile, licked the syrup of his lips and rubbed his plump belly. He leaned against Lyra, who was more to a mother to him by now than anything.
It wasn’t a recent occurrence. During the past weeks, Danny and Lyra, more than anyone else, had gotten very close, like a mother and son. It became clear that Danny was the favorite. No one really cared though. They were just happy to be eaten once in awhile.
Soon, It was time for Lyra’s breakfast of Danny in a Blanket. He was wrapped in a giant blueberry pancake after he was coated with butter and syrup himself, clothes and all. That done, in he went, head first. He tasted especially sweet today, less like a meal and more like dessert. Lyra could not help but moan in delight at his taste, much better than ever. She eats fast this time, soon sending him into her belly, whole as always. She licks syrup of off her lips, swallowing it back down to her friend.
“Mmmm…. Now that was what I call a yummy breakfast!” She said, rubbing her tummy. Danny giggled and squirmed inside her. After a bit, he stopped, al snug and warm.
The Gathering continued after the dragon’s breakfast. Several dragons had come without meals of their own and asked to have a food pet from another. In this way, Lyra said good-bye to the five other children. Two of them were taken by a black dragon, which knew how to cook children very well, yet bring no harm to them. A dragon of a gingerbread color took another. How fitting, he loved to do Hansel and Gretel scenes, and needed a girl for the whole story. At last, the three remaining children, Danny and two girls were approached close to lunchtime as they played tag with the other children. The dragon was Varia, her child still asleep in her belly. Lyra was with her.
“Sarah, Michelle,” Lyra said, motioning the girls over. “Varia wants you to come live with her in the mountains. She intends to cook you up a lot, soups mostly.”
The girls looked at Varia and Lyra. “We won’t see you anymore? But who will read the stories to us?”
“Varia will, little cupcake.” She hugged the girls. “She can do them much better than I ever could. And she loves to fly too, you’ll love soaring through the air with her.”
The two girls cried some. “We’ll miss you, Miss Lyra.”
“Now now, don’t worry. I’ll come visit from time to time. We’ll have lunch.” She winked as she said that, and smiled. The girls giggled some and gave one final hug. Then, Varia smiled at them.
“I hope you like exploring.” She said to them as she walked away. “My belly is like a cavern…”
Lyra cried for a second as she watched them go. Now all the orphans, save Danny, had other homes. And though they were attached to one another, she knew he too would leave her. They always did.
But for now, that did not matter. It was lunchtime, and she was hungry for a Dannyburger!
PART 9: Dragon slayers are yummy!
The Gathering of the Dragons was an all day affair. Even after food pets had new homes, they still played and became meals for all dragons. Lunchtime was more like a big buffet, as the dozens of dragons all feasted on their pets, and other peoples.
All but Lyra. She was warming Danny gently, as if tanning him. She had a big bun and some ketchup waiting for him. Why not, after all, he was dressed like a burger anyway! He smiles some as he is warmed.
“How is this possible…?" He whispers. He is still a child, but he can’t help but feel like a loving mother was bathing him. Lyra smiled.
“Magic, tasty morsel. All dragons have ways with magic. I wanted to wit until the gathering to cook you for the first, and indeed the last time. I hate cooking my meals, but I do love a good burger.”
He giggled some at that, remembering how, the first time, he was a sandwich. Now he’s a burger. He soon no longer feels the heat and is himself only lightly tanned. He smiles as the bun is brought forward and he is laid down upon it. The crown of the bun gets placed on him and Lyra dowses the fire, preparing to eat, when…
“DRAGONSLAYERS!!!!” A dragon screams. Lyra goes wide-eyed. Slayers! The hunters of all dragons and their pets, cruel and menacing. Of all humans, slayers are more evil than can be imagined!
She saw them a moment later. Five of them, clothed in black armor, swords and spears beside them. THAT made her laugh. Crashing The Gathering with only five slayers?! That was suicide. Tasty suicide too.
“Ahh, these children will fetch a handsome price at slave markets!” One said. “Yes, and these dragons will make excellent trophies!” said another. Thirty dragons versus five knights?! They were overconfident at such odds.
One of the dragons stepped forward. “And just how can you handle ALL of us?”
“Hey! Not fair! 5-on-1 fights, if you please?!” One of the dragon slayers said. The children laughed at them. THAT was the WRONG thing to say. At once, twenty-five dragons, Lyra among them, surrounded the slayers.
“Sure.” Lyra said. “One will fatten you, three will cook you, and the last will eat you. I think that is VERY fair.” And with that, they pounced the screaming five some. They were all stripped of their armor down to their underwear, and led to a big table, lined with sweets. Five dragons smiled as they approached, while several others read cookbooks on how to eat slayers.
“Dragon slayers are best stewed!” One said. “Nonono, you roast them like a pig!” Another argued. The dragon slayers were sweaty and fearful now. One of the children brought them a big plate of cake.
“Have some!” He said, winking. The dragons all looked. Each slayer went white as a sheet. They began to sweat in cold sweat.
“UH…” one of them said. “You guys thinking what I’m thinking?” They all nodded. But Spencer went up to them.
“Oh come on, please? We’re hungry, and you look sooooo tasty!” That did it, the slayers got up out of the seats they were put in and started running, leaving all but the underwear they wore behind them. Two dragons chased after them, one with a large bun, and the other with a cookbook. Lyra, Spencer, Danny, and all the rest laughed at the futile attempt. After a bit the duo returned, their bellies with five distinct bulges in them.
“They do this every year.” Lyra says to Danny, leading him back to the hamburger bun. “They try to act like they don’t like to be eaten, but they cannot hide…”
“Wait then.” Danny interrupted. “Are they food pets too?”
“Not at all tasty one!” She laid Danny on the bun on his belly, facing her. “They’re local knights, sent out every year to hunt dragons. But they prefer to be food. Better that all be happy than to cause pain, they said after the first time.”
Danny just smiled. The dragoness squirted mustard and ketchup over the boy, who had kept his tan. It felt nice on him, kind of like playing in the mud for most little children. Soon, some pickles were added and then the top bun. Danny was a real burger now.
“Now it is lunchtime!” Lyra said, picking up the tasty little snack. She began to shove him in, headfirst, savoring the mix of tastes. Danny tasted pretty good with that tanning he got from being near the fire, but it could have used just a little more mustard. Nevertheless, Danny is one again a tasty morsel for his friend. He giggles as he goes in, squirming about between the buns. Lyra mmmed as he did this, once more biting just up to him, not harming him in anyway. After about five minutes, Danny was totally inside her, his feet being tickled by her tongue, the bun and condiments a mushy blanket, soft, a little wet, but still very nice. With a last GULP, off he went into her storage belly again, warm and comfy. She licked some mustard off of her lips and lay on the grass, stroking her belly. Soon, most of the dragons had eaten their lunch and were taking naps themselves. But the best was yet to come.
PART 10: Dinner and a Show
Night fell quickly, with all of the good times going on. The only time the games and the meals stopped was at sunset, when all gathered, knight, child, and dragon alike, watched the beauty of the setting son. It was so peaceful, so calm. Danny had come out of Lyra’s belly by this time, and leaned against her, half asleep. Lyra stroked his hair, smiling. He was such a good boy.
At last, after a time, one of the knights stepped forward. “Children, dragons, and fellow knights, the sun has set. It is time for the evening show. We, the knights of the realm, have asked the children to prepare a special gift for you. If you would come to the center please…”
Several children came to the central clearing. All of the dragons gathered around. Soon, one very young one spoke. “We all wrote a poem for you. Something from the… um… heart.” He giggled some. All the children recited the poem:
WE love our dragons, kind and true, we love all of the things we do,
The play, the stories, and happy days, we will cherish them for always,
But what we like the very best, is being in your belly to rest!
The dragons awed and clapped at the simple poem, so sweet from the young children. Several children went back to their seats, but three of them, clothed in foodstuffs, remained where they were. Music began to play as they danced about. Danny looked at Lyra, wondering what this was.
“They are trying to recreate the dances of old days, when humans and dragons were open and happier. This was not uncommon then, as some children danced for their dragon friends, showing their love for them.” She was thoughtful on this. But she needed to say nothing, as Danny soon got up and danced alongside the other children. Soon, all the children were dancing for the dragons they loved, like a big ballet. The music stopped after a time. All was silent, save for the sounds of crying by some of the dragons. The food pets all hugged their dragons upon finishing, and they received hugs in return. Danny cried a little as he hugged Lyra.
“You are my mother.” He whispered to him. “For all you did for me, I will always love you… mom.”
THAT made Lyra cry. She did love him, but she knew the day would come that he would have to leave her. She just said nothing and held him, deciding not to cause him to be hurt.
Soon after, several children and a small dragon went to the center. “And now, for the delight of your mind and your belly… BODY… we present a special play: Princess Piggy”
Danny knew the story. It was about a princess who was spoiled rotten. She ate and ate a lot of rich foods, and hated when anyone else got them. Her parents warned her that it would only do harm, but she refused to listen.
One day, a pig, clothed in a princess outfit, came to her. He offered to take her to a place where she could eat this forever. Without a second thought, she agreed, and went with her. Pig servants fed her lots of food over the next few months, until one day, Princess Piggy announced she was hungry. For her. The princess begged for mercy as she was led into a kitchen, and was offered one chance. Princess Piggy told her that she could be saved IF she stopped eating so much and complaining when others got her favorite foods, for greediness never brings good. She agreed, and never was selfish or greedy again. As for the Princess Piggy, she became a secret friend and advisor, forever reminding her what would happen if she got greedy again.
Danny loved the story, as he knew very well of greed in the old orphanage, but that was long ago, and these were happy days. After the play had ended, the dragon scooped the actors up and went back. It was time for dinner.
Danny and Lyra visited with Joni and Spencer before dinnertime, talking of various things, mostly recipes. The two food pets talked about the dragons that they were with. After a time, Spencer and Lyra began to prepare their pets for dinner. Joni became a burger, like what Lyra had at lunchtime, while Danny was ‘pied’. Lyra always wanted Danny like a pie, and it seemed the perfect dinner. He was placed in a big pie crust, with apples all about him. Sugar was sprinkled over the top of him, as well as cinnamon. Caramel was then poured over the whole thing. He was then covered with another sheet of pie crust, though his head remained exposed. He looked so yummy!
Lyra ate him all up soon after, chewing through the pie until she got to her little boy. She sucked him out by his feet, leaving him dangling out of her mouth, apple pieces and caramel dripping from him. She sucked him in with several loud slurps, tickling him as a result. He giggled and squirmed as he went in, making him even tastier to his consumer. At last, he was in her belly. The rest of the pie soon followed, falling over the delicious boy, blanketing him. It was odd how her belly was always so empty besides him whenever he was in her for a while. But for now, he didn’t care. The delicious smell of the pie filled him as he slept, and he dreamed of her eating him over and over.
The Gathering was over after dinner. Many dragons hung around and talked for a while, but some, like Lyra, went home. It had been a wonderful day. Lyra once more just had Danny when it was over, but she didn’t care. She was happy.
PART 11: Danny Gets Adopted
A few months passed for the duo, with gobbling and walks in the forest and flight in the air. Often, Danny and Lyra would see other dragons and their pets; several were his fellow orphans, now completely happy. But Lyra knew in her heart that Danny would not be with her forever.
One day, as autumn was in its height of beauty; Danny and Lyra were walking through the woods, collecting leaves from the ground. As they returned home, however, they saw an unusual sight nearing Lyra’s cave.
A young woman, about 25, in a blue dress, was near it. Her brown hair was cut at a medium length and hung loose behind her. She had pale skin and blue eyes, which soon looked at the duo. She smiled a bit as they approached.
“You must be Lyra.” She said to the dragon, curtsying to her. “I am Elena.” She smiled some, but the dragon just stared. “I’ve hard of you from a child you brought to the village. He told me about you up here and how happy you are with Danny.” Lyra has been dreading this for a long time: the day a human mother or father would come. Danny smiled some and waved.
“And you must be Danny!” The woman said, looking at him. “My, you are cute. Your friends in town told me about you and your dragon…”
“I’m more her boy.” Danny interrupted. “I like it like that too. She’s good and kind to me.”
“I wasn’t doubting it. But the point I want to make is that I am a widow, and live alone in the village. I’d like nothing more than to have a child to raise as my own.” She looked to Lyra. “I’d like to adopt him, Lyra. That is your name, right?”
The dragoness nodded sadly. It was happening. But Danny clung to Lyra. “NO! I want to stay with Lyra! She’s my mommy!” Danny cried out, but Lyra shook her head.
“No Danny.” She said, trying not to cry herself. “You deserve to be with your friends, and be able to learn. You’re a good kid. You should have that right.”
“But it isn’t fair!” He said, running into the cave. Elena stood, embarrassed. Had she done the wrong thing? But Lyra could sense her doubt in this. “You should take him. He deserves a better life than as a food pet. So many of them never have the choice either way. He deserves that choice.”
“But he seems so happy here. Maybe I shouldn’t have said anything. He needs you.”
Lyra sheds a tear. “But he needs a decent life, which he doesn’t know about at all. He deserves one. He hasn’t had a choice really. I didn’t want to lose him.”
Elena smiles after a second. “I don’t think you will.” The duo enters the cave to look for him, and find him, crying in the main room, where he was first brought. It seemed so long ago. Danny looked up at the two with tears in his eyes.
“I don’t want to leave you Miss Lyra. I love you!” He rushed to her, hugging her around the belly. Elena looked at the two for a second, and then had a solution.
“Danny, perhaps there is a way to please all here. Lyra won’t be alone, I won’t be lonely, and you will have all you desire.” The two looked at her.
“But how?” Lyra asked. Danny snuggled against the belly of the dragon. Elena giggled.
“What if you both came with me? I have more than enough room, and the village would love to have you around thanks to all the stories the children tell. They want you to stay there too.”
Lyra looked in surprise. Live with the humans? With all those tasty morsels? It seemed too good to be true. But Danny began to hope. “Could it really happen?” He asked, in a weak tone. Elena nodded.
“But… I thought the village hated dragons.” Lyra said, not sure if this could happen.
“Most do, but some don’t. Mine would love to have a dragon around. Like a family member.” Lyra smiled as she heard this. She could be with Danny! She wouldn’t be alone at all anymore! It didn’t take long to make up her mind.
“I’ll do it!” She said. Danny smiled, nodding in agreement. Elena nodded, a single tear falling from her cheek, a smile on her face.
The rest of the day was spent packing everything up for moving into town. The three were busy, but happy and eager for this to occur. At last, all the books, food clothes, and other odds and ends were packed onto a wagon, fit for the three to haul to town without any trouble.
“You will be very happy, you two.” Elena said as they started on their way. “Of this I promise.” With that, the three pulled the wagon off to begin a new life.
EPILOUGE Midnight Snacks
Night was over the village as the threesome reached home. They unpacked all Lyra’s supplies into one of the rooms big enough for her. When all was done, it was very late, and everyone was very tired.
Elena led the duo to one of the two bedrooms. It was a large bedroom, with several plush toys here and there. She blushed some.
“I have been dreaming of having a child for years. When my husband died, well…” She shook her head and hugged the boy and the dragon. “Well, you two get a good night’s sleep. Welcome home.” With that, she was gone, closing the door behind her.
But as she did, Danny snuck into the closet and put on his dough outfit, complete with icing. Lyra looked him over and licked her lips.
“It’s cold out here, Miss Lyra.” He said, innocently. “I need to be warmed up.”
“Say no more, tasty treat.” She approached him, hunger in her eyes. “I was wanting a midnight snack anyway.” With that, she began to gulp him in.
By the time Elena checked on the two again, Lyra lay on the bed, a bulge in her belly just Danny’s size. Elena didn’t have to guess twice. She just smiled and closed the door.
“Kids these days…” Was all she said as she walked to her room, and fell asleep.
THE END.
