A Game of Tag

Teeth gnashed at the heels of a young Elias as he ran laughing through the forest. The ancient maw of the enormous reptile stalking after him did nothing to quiet the toddlers squeals of excitement. In the back of his mind he knew his mother must be frantically searching for him at the edge of the wood. It would never occur to her that he could be deep in the forest on such a grand adventure. Yet this small flicker of worry couldn’t pierce the crushing of twigs and laughter escaping Elias’s lungs at this new form of game. Vines sprung from the ground below, entangling his little legs and turning his waddle of a run into a tumble down a rather steep hill. Mud splattered his face as he fell, matting his curled, russet hair, and small cuts formed on his rosy cheeks as twigs scrapped against his face; yet the smile still held as he skidded to a stop.

Elias snapped his head back just in time to see the creature that was chasing him leap into the air and sail over his head. He reached his little arms up, thinking that if he could just stretch as much as he could to reach the thing above him, he too could fly through the air. It felt as if time stood still for the young boy, as he got a clear look for the first time at his new playmate. His thoughts flashed to a memory of his Papa; face wrinkled in worry and anger as he chastised his son. In his hands he had held a bloody axe, and the decapitated body of a speckled, black and white snake Elias had befriended. The body that sailed over him resembled his old snake friend both in its coloring and form, yet its similarities ended there. This creature was far bigger than any of the snakes he had ever seen; the claws along each of its four muscled limbs were easily the size of Elias himself. He could also see enormous wings sprouting from its back, feathered almost like the chickens that wandered about the family farmhouse.

The creature landed in front of him, wings furling in, claws splashing in a small, bubbling brook, scraping at the mud and clay that cut through the valley. Elias giggled as he felt the gaze of the creature looming over him, creeping ever closer until the long snout brushed against his own temple. And yet, as the creature snapped its head, turning the full force of one of its golden eyes upon the child, Elias felt the laughter that had been ever present in his chest begin to quell. A shiver ran up his spine and a stillness settled over the pair.

“What small, defenseless little creatures younglings are”, the creature snarled as its lips turned up into a grin. “It is truly a wonder how any of you survive through adolescence”.

The voice was gravely, gruff, and deeper than anything; yet it had a uniquely feminine essence. Elias was instantly reminded of his Nana, who never missed a chance to smoke a pipe.

“Tell me child, what year have you reached?”

Elias, wide eyed and excited to show off his knowledge, proudly shoved his hand forward with the proper number.

“Four! Mama says I’m four today!” He said, squealing in excitement as he reveled in the news and twirled around himself in celebration.

The creature shivered as the serpentine body began snaking around the clearing; settling behind the young boy in a coil. A wide smile stretched along the jaws of the creature, revealing rows of sharp, jagged teeth.

“My My, then it is a special day today, isn’t it?”

Elias let out an excited squeak. “Mama said she’s making pudding!”.

“Pudding?” The creature questioned, “Why I haven’t tasted pudding in years.” The feathered tail met the creatures head and came to a rest. “I suppose one would have to make quite a large batch for me to truly enjoy it again.”

Elias’s eyes widened a comical amount.

“You’ve had pudding before?” He breathed in almost disbelief that he might have something in common with this incredible being.

“Yes” the creature hissed, “Quite a long time ago.”

“Woah.” Those wide eyes grew glassy with wonder. “Mama could make you some I bet! She’s a really good cook.”

A guttural noise reverberated through the clearing, and, though it was hard to place, Elias was sure it was a laugh.

“I’m sure your mother would appreciate more than a days warning to gather enough ingredients for something like me.” The creature let out a sigh, and cocked its head in curiosity. “You are… a fascinating child. I admit you have truly peaked my interest. An impressive feat I must say.”

That wide smile and jagged teeth it had presented earlier returned to its lips.

“What do you mean?” Elias said absentmindedly, as he waddled about the wall he now found himself in, kicking at the jagged claw marks in the mud.

The creature’s long neck arched, and followed him as he wandered around the clearing.

“You find yourself lost in the forest, deep in the unknown, yet you present no worry. You find yourself hunted by a creature the likes of which I’m quite sure you have never met before, yet fear seems absent from your being. Tell me child, why do I not strike fear into your heart? I do try my best.” The creature’s smile fell, and a small pout formed on the lips.

“Hunted?” Elias questioned, as only one of the words had really registered in his young mind.

“Why yes; hunted. Surely a young man as well spoken as yourself understands the concept?”

“I know what it means!” Elias said defensively, “its just... you’re supposed to hunt deer and cows. Wolves and stuff.” He began to giggle, “you’re not supposed to hunt humans; that would be silly.”

That guttural laugh sounded once again. “I suppose you’ve seen your father return from hunts, yes? And he tends to bring back wolves and deer?”

Elias nodded. “He says that’s what he’ll get, but usually it's bunnies and squirrels and stuff. Mama says he’s too proud.”

“But he usually returns with some form of creature quite smaller and weaker than himself?”

Elias gazed back up into the eyes of the creature, and shrugged. “I guess.” He said, matter-of-factly.

“Well then, why shouldn’t I hunt humans? You are all rather small and delicate. That is the cycle of life, isn’t it? The strong hunt the weak. The powerful prey on the unsuspecting. I’d even say that one such as yourself could be hunted by wolves given your diminutive size and age.”

The creature let out a sound almost like a condescending "tsk-tsk".

“You’re parents really should have taught you this. It’s basic survival instinct.”

Tears began to well up in Elias’s eyes, but he wasn’t scared. No, he wasn’t scared at all; he was frustrated.

“Well I don’t want to be hunted!” He cried, stomping his little feet into the mud. “Why do you get to be big and I have to be small huh?”

“That’s just the natural order of things in this current reality. And isn’t it lucky for you that I happen to be entertained by your antics for the moment” the creature huffed, bristling the spikes and feathers that fell down its neck; unaware for the moment, of the tantrum brewing to the surface of the child. “I’m not hunting you for the moment, so what do you care?”

“It’s not fair! I want to be powerful. I want to be big and strong like Papa. I want to be better than Papa and hunt wolves rather than just bunnies and squirrels.” Elias shriveled his face up in frustration and sat down pointedly in the mud.

“I want to be like you!” He shouted, pointing the creature down with a stubby, little finger.

Faster than seemingly possible for a creature of its size, the snout shot at the child, stopping just shy of his nose, eyes staring him down menacingly. The smile returned, wider than ever, barring the teeth that should’ve frightened any child to death.

“You are a fool little one. You don’t even know what I am.”

Elias cocked his head, tears still present but no longer leaking from his eyes. He held his ground.

“Well uhm, what are you?” He said in a quiet, but steady voice.

Those large, golden eyes narrowed in disbelief at the standoff.

“There… are many names for what I am; Wrym, Drake, Dragon. I’m sure you’ve heard of some of the myths at least.” The neck retracted, and the dragon regained their height overlooking the boy.

“You don’t look like a dragon. Dragons are red. They breath fire. They don’t have feathers.” Elias said, eyes squinting in suspicion.

“Well! Excuse me for holding tight to my individuality.” The dragon said, bristling their head once again.

“You kinda look like if the chickens and the snakes on the farm had a baby,” Elias giggled, tantrum gone as quickly as it came.

The dragon let out a huff of indignation. “I must say, I’m losing my interest in you at a rapid pace.” A stream of smoke blew into Elias’s face.

“And I do breath fire, if you must know.”

“Do you have a name Mrs. Dragon, sir?”

The dragon slowly began uncoiling their long, serpentine body from around the young boy, loosening the wall that kept him trapped within. There seemed to be an uncomfortable pause in the air, as if the question that had just been asked was wrong, and far too personal; yet Elias had been sure this would be a reasonable question to ask.

“I did, once,” the dragon sighed, gazing off into the sun now dipping just below the horizon. “I’m afraid my memories are not what they used to be. I seem to have forgotten it.”

Elias took in the now open clearing around him, the trees looming just at the edge as the shadows grew longer with the coming of dusk, the bubbling brook disrupted by the disturbed muck and grime, and the giant creature; now coiled around themselves, claws placed almost catlike in front of their enormous being. It would be years until Elias understood the significance of this moment, but he seemed to now be considered an equal in this conversation, at least.

“Want me to give you a name?” Elias questioned, “I’m good at it! I’ve named all the animals on our farm.”

The dragon cocked their head, and narrowed their golden eyes.

“I’ll try not to take that as an insult.” They said, though a slight guttural chuckle could be heard, “No, as much as I appreciate your efforts, I find that my pride cannot allow one as ancient as myself to be named by one so young as you. It is my task to bear.”

A long moment hung in the air, a significant breath in the conversation; especially considering this was the first time in his life where Elias had nothing to say.

“Not to worry little one, I’ll find it again.” The dragon shook their head and rested it on their claws, eyes now more level with the child.

“You remind me of myself, you know, when I was young,” the dragon said, almost breathlessly,“I was curious and downright stubborn. I hadn’t learned to fear so I just outright refused to. There’s a reason my life became what it is. A reason I became what I am.”

Elias, yet again, had only seemed to register a small part of what had been said.

“You were like me?” He asked, drawing a little closer.

The dragon simply nodded.

“So, I can be like you? When I grow up?”

The dragon remained silent, though the wide smile that so frequented their face began to curl upon their lips.

“I could be big and strong? And never worry about being hunted again? I won’t have to fear anything?” Elias asked, eyes wide and desperate for answers. “I can be the one to protect my family?”

“If you wish it, perhaps.” The dragon answered, curtly. “Reality can be tricky around creatures like us. Why, earlier today I wished for a playmate; someone new to relieve my boredom, and space bent to bring you miles from home.”

Elias looked out towards the setting sun,“My birthday! I can use that wish for my birthday!”

The wide smile returned to the dragons lips in full; jagged teeth bared, “What a wonderful idea.”

“I’ll wish to be just like you when I grow up!” Elias declared, shivering as he felt his words echo throughout the clearing around him. The dragon merely remained where they were, smile still plastered on their jaws. Silence held the air for a long moment.

“How will I know if it works?” Elias asked, body seemingly braced for some reaction.

“You may just have to wait till you’re grown up to find out.” The dragon answered with a chuckle. “But first you might want to hurry home and make the wish on the actual pudding and candles.”

“Oh yeah!” Elias answered, as he stood up and attempted to wipe away the muck and grime that now covered his body.

“It was lovely to meet you Mr. Dragon, ma’am.” He shouted over his shoulder as he began to march towards the edge of the clearing.

A thought entered his mind before he could leave, however, and he quickly turned to face the dragon once more. “Excuse me, but if I’m miles from home, how can I get back before my birthday ends?”.

That familiar, guttural noise; the laughter like an ever beating drum resounded through the clearing, and the dragon, teeth bared in that wide smile, slowly stretched out their giant serpentine body to its full length; just like a cat in the family farmhouse stalking it’s prey. Elias squealed in excitement, recognizing the beginnings of the first game he played with his new friend, and began a dash towards the edge of the trees and up the steep hill he had taken a tumble down earlier. Teeth gnashed at his heels, and vines whipped at his face as the familiar, dizzying feeling of the world moving incredibly fast around him returned to his memory.

Soon, the noise behind him quieted, and all he could hear was his own stumbling footsteps as he crashed through the woods and out into the field surrounding the familiar farmhouse. Perhaps it was one last trick up the dragon’s sleeve for the vine snaking about his legs to spring from the ground below; causing him to tumble down the hill and land directly at the feet of his incredibly perturbed parents. He let out a low chuckle, and averted his eyes in embarrassment and shame at the sight of his papa; red faced as a tomato, and his mama; eyes as if she’d been rubbed in onions. He slowly stood up and dusted off some of the filth on his clothes. He knew he was in trouble. He knew he had been gone a while; much longer than anticipated. He knew his mama and papa must have been worried sick. And yet, as he glanced back at the forest and what was within, he couldn’t help but feel a glimmer of pride and excitement at what he had discovered, and the possibilities to come. He felt a smile wide as the dragon’s cross his face as he ran, laughing, all the way towards the farmhouse.