Go To Human World!

In the realm where virtues weave the fabric of existence, Lance, the black dragon, held a profound appreciation for goodness. Lance's preference for good people was not merely a whim, but a cornerstone of his existence.

As he roamed the human world, assuming a guise less fearsome than his true draconic form, Lance often engaged in acts of kindness. It was his firm belief, rooted deep within the echoes of his ancient, inherited memories, that such deeds brought about fortune, not just for the recipient but for the giver as well. "Doing good deeds seeds the clouds of fate with the promise of rain," he would often say, smiling at the simplicity yet profundity of the concept.

Yet, a shadow lingered in those same inherited memories, a stark contrast to Lance's beliefs. He recalled the tales of other, black dragons infamous not for valor but for vices like grave-robbing and chronic gambling losses. This dragon's life was riddled with misfortune, a testament to the idea that a life of misdeeds weaves a net of ill luck.

Among the people Lance admired was Brandon, a steward whose generosity knew no bounds. Brandon invested his entire earnings into orphanages, providing the destitute youth with a semblance of hope and stability. "Such deeds rewrite destinies," Lance mused, his thoughts on how Brandon's kindness might steer those children away from paths of despair and towards cycles of continued benevolence.

One evening, as shadows danced with the flickering lights of the underworld, Lance confessed his admiration for Brandon to Solomon, the death god of the infernal realms. "This man, Solomon, he embodies the goodness I cherish. Ensure he never leaves our realm. I envisage him as a fitting successor when I join the ethereal void."

Solomon, accustomed to Lance's dramatic declarations, replied with a wry smile, "And when might that be, old friend? Soon, as you often say?" He remembered well Lance's previous declarations of impending demise, only for the dragon to thrive for decades thereafter.

"No matter," Solomon conceded, his voice a mix of resignation and amusement, "we will prepare him for the role. After all, what better place for a soul nurtured in goodness than to serve alongside us in the afterlife?"

Brandon, for his part, was torn between the promise of heavenly reincarnation and his newfound loyalty to these benevolent lords of the nether. "Perhaps the role of an assistant to the God of Death suits me better than the uncertainties of rebirth," he finally declared, his voice steady with resolve.

Lance, ever the schemer, chuckled at Brandon's decision. "Though you forsake heaven for now, know that the door remains open. Perhaps a brief sojourn above could sway your heart, or at least offer a respite," he suggested, half-teasing, half-serious.

Through all this, Brandon grew to see Hell not as a place of torment but as a domain of unexpected kindness, where even gods of death could show great compassion. Heaven, with all its allure, now seemed less captivating compared to the profound connections and noble purpose he found in the underworld.

"In that case, this place is destined for you," Solomon declared with a wise nod, addressing Brandon with a gravity that matched his role as the overseer of souls.

After the matter was settled, Solomon turned to Lance with an inquisitive gaze. "Lance, do you have any objections to Brandon taking your place in heaven for a time?"

Lance replied with a dismissive wave of his claw, his voice echoing with amusement. "Not in the slightest."

Brandon's heart swelled with gratitude. "Thank you, Lord Solomon, thank you, Lord Lance. Your benevolence overwhelms me," he said, bowing deeply to both deities, moved by their unexpected kindness.

"Lord Lance," Brandon continued, eager to reciprocate in whatever small way he could, "to aid you in gaining the trust of Miss Joanna and the Lord of the City, I shall share with you some of their preferences."

Lance leaned in, intrigued. "Proceed."

"Miss Joanna has a fondness for sweets and fruits, particularly those of a sour and sweet nature. She enjoys her steak well-done, adores cultivating flowers and plants, and also appreciates..."

Before he could finish, a chaotic scene unfolded. Lance, struck by a high-speed rotating turtle, spun wildly on the ice. The turtle, a mischievous strategy orchestrated by the young dragon and a canine companion named Marly, was an effective distraction, giving them a moment's advantage over Lance.

As Lance steadied himself, he couldn't help but chuckle at the audacity of the young dragon, the dog, and the turtle he had once raised. "Why run? Return and prepare to face me in battle," he called out with a roar that was more playful than menacing.

Turning back with a mixture of fear and resolve, the young dragon asked, "Lance, what is iron flower?"

"You'll find out soon enough," Lance replied with a sly grin.

Suddenly, to the surprise of the young dragon and Marly, they found themselves atop the turtle's back, speeding towards a dramatic demonstration. "Lance, you trickster!" they exclaimed as they realized his ploy.

As they careened into the sea, the spectacle that awaited was beyond their wildest imaginations. Lance, with a powerful swipe of his claws, sent molten iron soaring into the sky, creating a spectacle of 'iron flowers' that burst forth like stars, each droplet shimmering against the night sky.

While not as traditionally beautiful as fireworks, the display was breathtaking, turning the night into a cascade of golden blooms. The molten droplets transformed into a rain of golden flowers, enchanting the young dragon and Marly with their radiant splendor.

Marly, unafraid, chased the dazzling droplets across the ice, while the young dragon initially hesitated, fearful of the sparks. However, seeing Marly's fearless antics, she gathered her courage and joined in the revelry under the shower of golden iron flowers.

There, under the celestial dance of Lance's iron flowers, the young dragon found a moment of pure wonder, squatting on the icy surface and watching the golden flowers scatter like a promise of endless adventures to come.

Lucia pondered as the molten iron flowers illuminated the night, wondering if such an enchanting display could thaw the heart of a princess. Perhaps, she mused, if the notorious Lance, often dubbed the 'evil dragon,' were to reveal this whimsical and charming side to a human princess, love might indeed blossom.

"He possesses the flair to charm and dazzle, yet he claims to have never fallen in love," Lucia thought, her eyes tracing the shimmering arcs of light. "If only he would employ this playful mischief in romance, perhaps his tales of solitude would be quite different."

The scenario unfolded in her mind: the transformation of Lance into a human could be a pivotal factor. "But of course, that's assuming he wouldn't turn out too unsightly in human form. Even if a princess were moved by such displays as these iron flowers, sheer physical appeal, or the lack thereof, might still sway her feelings."

That night, marked June 28, 3455 in the Black Dragon Calendar, was destined to be etched deeply in Lucia's memory. The spectacle she witnessed, the iron flower show curated by Lance, crafted a moment of raw beauty that would linger as a treasured memory fragment.

Following the show, Lucia experienced a peaceful sleep filled with dreams more pleasant than any recent night. Gone were the visions of Lance's intimidating roars as he attempted to teach her the complex dragon language, a task he insisted should have been simplified by their shared ancestral memory. Instead, her dreams had morphed into serene echoes of the evening's light display.

"Wake up, Lance, it's dawn; we should go for our morning health exercises," Lucia chirped the next morning, her voice bright and clear, untouched by the shadows of nightmares.

Lance, typically an early riser, opened his eyes to the unusual scene of Lucia waking him. "Why the early rise today?" he inquired with a lazy yawn, stretching his limbs amidst the dew-kissed flora.

Lucia, buzzing with energy, replied, "I slept beautifully, thanks to the dream-free night. Come on, let's not waste the morning. We've got exercises to do."

Lance chuckled at her enthusiasm. "Hehe, just one morning you wake up before me and look at you, all proud and spirited." As he rose to his full height, stretching out the stiffness, an idea sparked in his mischievous mind. "Say, dragon cub, how about we venture to the human world for a few days?"

Her interest piqued, Lucia cautiously asked, "Will we return after?"

"Of course! We're just going out to play, not relocating. We'll be back after a few days," Lance reassured her with a grin.

"Then you're not planning to be a 'temporary housekeeper' in the human world, are you?" Lucia teased, recalling one of Lance's many whimsical ideas.