The events of the previous week left me with terrible scars. I couldn't believe that every day I had to deal with the primordial red. Rudra, in this case, left me with all the responsibility and even asked me to earn the primordial's trust so he would join the kingdom. Of course, I refused. I'm not about to let Rudra take advantage of me, especially since I'm the one suffering the most from this.
Right now, I'm fighting Guy Crimson. His blows are strong, but it seems I've gotten somewhat used to his speed this week.
Guy Crimson was throwing punches at a dizzying speed, his red eyes gleaming with intense excitement as he tried to land each one. I could barely dodge them, my feet barely lifting off the ground before he launched his next attack.
—Do you really think you're going to win just by dodging?—said Guy, smiling maliciously. —Or have you already given up, little Raquel?
—Don't call me that!—I snapped, trying to punch him in the stomach, but he simply blocked it with one hand.
—How would you like me to call you, then?—he replied with a mocking laugh, pushing me back. —Rai-Rai? Raquelito? Maybe Lord Raquel?
—Any of those names sound equally bad!—I replied, frowning. —Can't you call me… I don't know, something like 'The Great Demon Destroyer'?
Guy pretended to think about it as he threw a quick punch toward my face, which I barely managed to dodge.
—Demon Destroyer?—he repeated, laughing. —Sorry, but you don't exactly strike me as someone who inspires that much terror. At least, not when I see you sweating and gasping like a cornered mouse.
—I'm not a mouse,—I said, shaking myself off and catching my breath. —I am… I am…!
—Raquel?—he interrupted, raising an eyebrow with a smirk.
—Shut up!—I shouted, launching myself at him with all the energy I had left. —This is for calling me Raquel!
Guy only smiled and raised a magic barrier just before I could reach him, causing me to crash right into it.
—Oh, bad luck,—he said, as if genuinely sympathetic. —Looks like someone needs more practice.
I got up, dusting myself off, and glared at him in frustration.
—You know what?—I said, taking a deep breath and trying to calm down. —Maybe 'Raquel' isn't so bad… but… but only if you're the first one to fall to someone with that name!
Guy raised an eyebrow, clearly amused.
—Now you're entertaining me, Raquel,—he said, dropping his barrier and gesturing for me to attack again. —Come on, show me that great power of the 'great demon destroyer.'
There it was, the perfect chance to shut him up. I stepped back, gathered my strength, and, with a determined grin, threw my best attack.
—Here I come!—I shouted, moving toward him with all my speed.
But just as I was about to land the blow, Guy vanished in a flash of red magic and reappeared behind me.
—Too slow, little Raquel,—he said, patting my shoulder like it was just a simple training session.
Frustrated, I turned to face him, breathing heavily while he just looked at me, not even breaking a sweat.
—Well, Raquel, I hope you have more energy tomorrow,—he said, giving me an amused look. —We have another week of intense training ahead of us. We'll see if, by the end, you can earn that title of demon destroyer!
He walked off with a laugh, and all I could do was sigh, knowing this wouldn't be the last time I'd hear "Raquelcito."
—Damn… damn you! I swear, one of these days, I'm going to send you back to hell!—I yelled, launching an explosive spell that, as always, missed and exploded several meters away from him.
Guy, in the distance, simply smiled and waved, as if he were actually saying goodbye.
—Aw, don't take it so hard, Raquel! I was just warming up. But to be fair, you're the one who always ends up getting burned," he joked, referring to the number of times I had come out singed in the past few days.
I squinted my eyes and frowned, trying to calm my anger.
—Yeah, sure, laugh all you want. But just wait; someday I'm going to hit you so hard you'll forget your own name.
Guy laughed out loud, placing a hand on his chest, pretending to be scared.
—Oh, how scary! One day you'll hit me! I didn't know jokes were part of your attacks, Raquel. Though, I'll admit, that one was effective! I'm laughing so hard it almost hurts my stomach.
I clenched my fists, feeling my cheeks heat up with frustration.
—You're unbearable! You know, if I had to choose between this and bathing in a pool of fire, I'd choose the fire! And I'd even enjoy it!
Guy put a hand to his chin, pretending to consider it.
—Hmm, interesting proposal. Though honestly, Raquel, I thought you enjoyed our little 'trainings.' Let me tell you, I've never had someone who was so bad and still so persistent.
I took a deep breath, resisting the urge to throw another random spell at him.
—Not persistent! The thing is, I have patience, okay? Infinite patience to put up with you!
He shrugged, amused.
—Well, in that case, don't worry. If you ever get tired, you can go to hell yourself and save me the trip,—he said, winking.
I gritted my teeth, trying to contain myself.
—I'll kill you! Someday!
I heard Guy laugh one last time as he disappeared into the shadows of the nearby trees. I let out a sigh, scratching my head, and noticed my fire elemental floating behind me, circling like nothing had happened.
I turned to look at it, frowning.
—Really, you couldn't handle him? You're literally a high-level elemental!" I said, raising an eyebrow incredulously.
The elemental blinked (or at least I think it did) and released a few sparks, which seemed more like a huff of annoyance. Then, in a show of pure defiance, it floated up to my hair and set a strand on fire.
—What are you doing, you candle-wannabe traitor?!—I exclaimed, shaking my head to put out the flames. I brought my hands up to my hair, finding the scorched strand.
The elemental did a little twirl in the air, clearly enjoying my reaction, even letting out more sparks, as if it were laughing at me.
—Great. Now I'm a hero with a 'scorched-style' haircut. Next time, maybe try to burn the enemy, don't you think?—I said, watching it with my arms crossed.
The elemental responded by tossing another spark… straight to the other side of my head.
—Oh, perfect! Now I have a 'symmetrical' burnt style.
I growled as I tried to extinguish the second flame the elemental had left in my hair. I shook my head, crossing my arms in frustration as the little fireball kept doing spins and releasing joyful sparks.
—Sure, have fun!—I said sarcastically, pointing to my hair. —Next time, maybe try setting the demon on fire or, I don't know, anyone but me!
The elemental gave a mocking flash and started circling me as if it were a mischievous firefly. Resigned, I started walking back to the kingdom of Nasca, dragging my feet and muttering to myself.
—Of all the fire elementals in the world, I had to end up with the one with the sense of humor of an angry matchstick…
When I reached the walls of Nasca, the guards looked at me, then at my hair with raised eyebrows. One of them couldn't hold back a chuckle.
—Hey, what happened to your hair, Raquel? Did a roaster attack you?
I huffed, crossing my arms.
—Oh, yes, sure. I was attacked by the most useful fire elemental in the world,—I said, casting a warning look at the floating orb, which pretended not to hear anything.
The guard laughed and nodded.
—Well, hey, you could always make it your own style. It looks… fiery.
I rolled my eyes as I passed by him, feeling the elemental release another spark, almost as if it were applauding the joke. I walked through the palace gardens, and just when I thought I was safe, a couple of servants passed by and stared as well.
—Wow, Raquel,—one said, trying to hold back a laugh, —debuting a new look?
—Yes! It's called 'My Head Exploded',—I replied with irony, crossing my arms. —And it's courtesy of this little pyromaniac floating here.
Finally, I reached the audience hall, where Rudra awaited me. He looked up from his papers, giving me a mocking look as he noticed my hair.
—Raquel… I'm glad you came in so 'fired up' for the meeting.
I gave him a tired look and slumped into a chair across from him.
—Rudra, between the primordial making my life impossible and this elemental with its flaming jokes, I'm losing my mind. They should at least give me vacation and fire insurance.
Rudra smiled, taking a sip of his tea.
—Oh, you're doing fantastic, Raquel. The red primordial already trusts you… I think it even has a certain fondness for you.
—Fondness?—I asked incredulously. —It almost incinerated me three times today.
Rudra shrugged, giving a "well, that's life" look.
—Maybe that's its way of saying 'I appreciate you.' Demons are weird. Either way, Veldanava told me not to worry and to take it easy.
I sighed, casting a look at my elemental, which continued floating happily.
—Great. I'm surrounded by sparks of love, and none of them are good for my hair.
Rudra let out a quiet laugh and returned to the documents in front of him.
—You're not just any human anymore. You're a hero. I don't mean in a figurative or inspirational sense; you've literally reached the pinnacle of human evolution. The name Veldanava bestowed upon you absorbed his magicles… though, honestly, I'm impressed a human can evolve just from a name.
I looked at him, processing that, and raised my hands.
—So, let me see if I got this right, Rudra. Basically, they gave me a name so special that I became some sort of superhuman without an instruction manual… and, on top of that, they named me Raquel.
Rudra nodded, with a slight smile.
—Indeed. It's a very… unique name.
—Yes, because nothing says 'invincible warrior' like an auntie name from a small town.
The elemental released a mocking spark, and Rudra shrugged.
—Think of it as your 'low-profile strategy.' The red primordial would never suspect that the hero who will challenge its power is someone named Raquel.
—Oh, sure. Perfect,—I replied, raising my hands theatrically. —Sure, let me just go face demons, befriend an elemental that sets me on fire, and, to top it off, I'm called Raquel. Next time someone wants to name me, can I at least have a vote?
Rudra chuckled as I sank into the chair, staring at the ceiling.
—Raquel,—he said, smiling, —you're handling it very well. Next time you face the primordial, just remember: you have the power of your name, a rebellious elemental… and a spectacular hairstyle.
I let out a sigh, feigning resignation.
—Perfect. I'm a hero whose legacy will be 'the hero who couldn't put out his own hair.'
Rudra chuckled and returned to his documents, but then he looked up and eyed me suspiciously.
—By the way, have you seen Veldanava and Lucia? I haven't seen them since this morning.
My eyes lit up, and a mischievous smile spread across my face.
—I have no idea… although, who knows, maybe they're on a romantic date or something.
Rudra raised an eyebrow, clearly doubting my intentions.
—I hope you're not planning to interfere with my sister and Veldanava's meeting.
—Me? Not at all!—I replied, putting on an expression of total innocence. —But, well, it's possible I might accidentally stumble upon them. With a rose in my hand. And a romantic song.
Rudra put his hand to his forehead, sighing.
—Raquel… I'm sure Lucia and Veldanava don't need a surprise serenade, much less… yours.
—Oh, come on! Can you imagine Veldanava's face? I can sing in another language if needed"
Rudra put his papers aside, looking at me seriously, though his smile revealed he was amused by the idea.
—The last time you tried to 'surprise,' you almost got trapped in another dimension because you startled Veldanava while he was meditating.
—Details, details… I learned from that. This time, I'd bring provisions, just in case!
Rudra shook his head.
—Raquel, I'm kindly asking you not to ruin… or 'enhance' my sister's outing.
I crossed my arms, pretending to be offended.
—Such little faith in me! I just want… to make sure they have the most… memorable date possible.
—Yes, 'memorable' like that time you 'accidentally' set a barn on fire because you thought special effects were needed," Rudra said, raising an eyebrow.
I let out a nervous laugh.
—Okay, I admit! Maybe… maybe… my methods are a bit intense. But I like to leave a lasting impression.
Rudra returned to his desk, smiling and giving me one last warning.
—Lasting… like a lifelong problem. Raquel, if I want a special date for them, the last thing I need is for you to be five meters away with rose petals and a choir of singing elementals.
The little fire elemental sparked with amusement, floating around me as if enjoying the spectacle. Its laughter seemed to grow when Rudra cast me another ironic look. I huffed, rolling my eyes, and, with a quick movement, caught the elemental in my hands, holding it firmly.
—And what are you laughing at?—I said, frowning as it continued glowing with that mocking spark. —It's time for you to go back inside. This is a conversation for humans, not for mischievous spirits with a comedian complex.
The elemental vibrated, causing a small flame to flare up and singe my fingertips. I let out a sigh as I blew out the flame, and the elemental floated, clearly ignoring my 'authority.'
Rudra couldn't hold back his laughter.
—It seems even your own elemental has grown… resistant to your charm, Raquel.
—Charm? No, leadership!— I corrected, as the elemental kept circling me as if my words meant nothing. —But, come on, look at how it responds! It's a high-level elemental, but it thinks it's the court jester.
Rudra settled back in his chair, watching me with amusement.
—And what did you expect, Raquel? You are its role model.—
—Hey! That's a low blow,— I protested, letting go of the elemental, which began circling me as if nothing had happened. —Besides, I'm a hero, you know? Supposedly, the pinnacle of humanity. Although, of course, with this little rebel setting my hair on fire all the time…
The elemental gave a bright flash, as if pleased with its mischief, and set a small flame on my shoulder. I started shaking my tunic, trying to put it out while Rudra let out another laugh.
—Clearly, you have the absolute respect of your team,—he joked, as I threw the tunic back, trying to get rid of the flames without losing my composure.
—Thank you for your moral support, Rudra! It really helps! —I replied, finally managing to extinguish the flames. I turned to the elemental, pointing my finger in front of its bright, crackling face—. Look, if you don't stop acting like a comedian and return to your place, I swear I'll… I'll… give you an intensive obedience training session!
The elemental seemed to assess the threat and, with one last mocking flash, disappeared inside me. I let out a sigh of relief, but when I looked back at Rudra, he was watching me with a raised eyebrow and a smile that said, "this is pure gold."
—You know, Raquel —he said, trying to hold back his laughter—, maybe if you don't plan on being the most respected hero, you could go into entertainment. You have a talent for… accidental performances.
—Hero, clown… Whatever, but we both know I'm a legend in the making —I said, trying to recover my dignity as I crossed my arms—. But hey, at least I'm not a king who spends all day going through paperwork. That would really make me a lost cause!
Rudra shook his head, laughing as he returned to his documents.
—Maybe that's why you're so… "legendary" in your style. Go on, go burn another hall or scare some noble; at least you add a bit of color to this kingdom.
I shot him a warning look as I turned around.
—And I know you're going to look for Veldanava and my sister. Don't blame me if something bad happens —Rudra said, sighing as if he were already resigning himself to the inevitable.
—How little faith you have in me! —I responded, placing a hand on my chest with a mock expression of indignation—. Have I ever given you a reason to doubt my… incredible discretion?
Rudra simply raised an eyebrow, his look saying something like, "Are you seriously asking me that?" I decided to take his silence as approval, and with a mischievous grin, I went off in search of my favorite pair, ready to find the lovebirds.
...
In a quiet clearing surrounded by tall, colorful trees, Veldanava, in his dragon form, was walking alongside Lucia. They seemed to be in the middle of a calm conversation, unaware that someone like me was about to interrupt them.
I watched from a distance, contemplating a dramatic entrance… maybe I could pretend to be lost or injured. Well, it was either that or just showing up screaming as if it were an emergency. I chose the classic.
—Ahhh, Veldanava! I found you! Thank the heavens, I thought I'd be lost forever in this dark and dangerous forest! —I shouted as I ran toward them, purposely tripping a little.
Lucia let out a small laugh, covering her mouth as she tried to keep her composure. Veldanava, on the other hand, just looked at me with a patient yet slightly resigned expression.
—Raquel, what are you doing here? And since when is this forest "dark and dangerous"? —Veldanava asked, with a tone that made it clear he didn't believe a word.
—Well, uh… you know, you never know what kind of fiends could be lurking —I said, giving an exaggeratedly nervous look at the bushes—. Besides, Rudra sent me… Yes, he sent me to make sure everything is okay here.
—Really? Rudra sent you to "make sure everything is okay"? —Veldanava repeated, raising one of his scales (what on his dragon face looked like a raised eyebrow).
—Absolutely, without a doubt —I replied, nodding enthusiastically—. He told me it would be a tragedy if… I interrupted something important here.
Lucia smiled again, and I noticed her sharing a quick look with Veldanava.
—Well, if you're so interested in protecting us from… the bushes, I suppose you could join us, right? —she said kindly.
My face lit up, thinking this was going better than expected.
—Of course, of course! After all, I'm an imposing figure in the kingdom! I'm just here to… keep order and ensure there are no… "dangerous" situations.
Veldanava let out a deep laugh that echoed through the forest clearing.
—Then stay close, "imposing figure." Just try not to set the forest on fire.
—Hey! Since when has anyone seen me start a fire that wasn't intentional? —I replied, crossing my arms and giving Veldanava a look.
—Well, if I remember correctly, the last time I saw you "helping" with your skills, three villages ended up being rebuilt from scratch —Veldanava said with a teasing smile.
Lucia couldn't help but laugh, and I blushed a bit, unsure if I should defend myself or just accept that… maybe there was some truth in what they were saying.
—That was an accident… and technically it wasn't three villages. Just two villages and… a small farm, alright?
Lucia approached and patted me on the shoulder, still smiling.
—Don't worry, Raquel. I'm sure you'll keep the forest intact today… or so I hope —she said in a reassuring tone that was less reassuring than she thought.
Veldanava laughed, his laughter rumbling through the forest as if the very woods were laughing with him. He seemed to enjoy my embarrassment a little too much, which was somewhat unfair, considering he was partly responsible for the "evolutions" in magic that sometimes got out of hand.
—So… what were you doing here? —I asked, quickly changing the subject and looking at them both with a touch of feigned curiosity.
—Just a walk… away from the bustle of the kingdom and the constant conflicts of some "heroes" —Veldanava replied, emphasizing the word "heroes" in a way that made me roll my eyes.
—Yes, what Veldanava says is true. Sometimes it's nice to get away a bit, not thinking about responsibilities or powerful names or primordial demons lurking around every corner —Lucia added with a smile.
—A "walk," huh? —I murmured, raising an eyebrow as I gave them a suspicious look—. Sure, sure, a simple "walk."
Lucia laughed softly, and suddenly her expression turned to one of genuine curiosity.
—But you, Raquel, shouldn't you be training? —she asked sweetly, as if she were genuinely interested—. After all, you have a rather… intense "friendship" with the primordial demon.
I sighed, recalling the last week of intense training and the primordial red demon's jokes.
—Let's just say that demon and I have a relationship of… well, mutual hatred with some punches and sarcasm thrown in. Sometimes I think he only keeps hitting me because it entertains him —I said, throwing my hands up as if I were giving up.
Veldanava let out another deep laugh.
—Don't worry, Raquel. He hasn't destroyed you yet, which means he likes you… in his own way, of course.
—Oh, perfect! —I said sarcastically, raising my hands—. So I'm doing great! Sure, getting daily hits and mocking laughs from a demon is exactly the kind of "friendship" I was hoping for.
Lucia chuckled and then shot Veldanava a glance.
—What do you say, Veldanava? Perhaps we should invite the primordial demon on one of these "walks" through the forest so Raquel can get a break… at least for a day.
—Excellent idea —he nodded, looking towards the forest as if seriously considering calling him—. Maybe tomorrow I'll ask him to… go train somewhere else. Of course, if he doesn't find it "boring."
I looked at both of them with a mix of surprise and gratitude, although I knew they were probably joking at my expense.
—Really? Would you ask that? —I asked, with a glimmer of hope in my eyes.
Lucia leaned a bit toward me, with a mysterious expression.
—Well, that… or maybe I'll make sure he can't find you in the forest next time he comes. What do you say, Raquel?
I looked at Lucia with suspicion. After a while, I shook my head.
—I know you two are playing with my feelings. I know you would never invite a primordial on one of your walks.
Lucia gave a mischievous smile at my response.
—What if we organized a private outing for you and the primordial demon? Seems like he's very enamored with you.
Veldanava chuckled softly.
—You don't need to worry if he has a masculine appearance; demons can change gender, after all, as they are spiritual beings.
I laughed sarcastically at Lucía and Veldanava's comments.
—Oh, great idea! —I said, with a clearly sarcastic laugh—. Why don't we have a picnic too? I'll bring the cookies, the Primordial will bring the chaos, and you two can just hide in the bushes and laugh.
Lucía pretended to think, putting a hand on her chin.
—Doesn't sound too bad, right, Veldanava? After all, a forest picnic with a primordial demon and our dear hero could be… entertaining.
Veldanava nodded, his eyes shining with amusement.
—It would be interesting, especially to see how you manage not to let him destroy everything around him for a couple of hours.
I sighed, letting my shoulders drop.
—Oh, don't worry! Maybe I'll cast an "emotional freeze" spell on him or something. Just enough so he doesn't try to kill me while we enjoy a lovely afternoon of tea and destruction.
Lucía let out a laugh she tried to hide with her hand, and Veldanava just looked at me, almost as if he was seriously considering the idea.
—You don't have to resist so much, Raquel —Veldanava continued, trying to keep a straight face—. Look on the bright side: a primordial demon could make an excellent sparring partner… or, well, a date.
—Oh, sure! —I said, rolling my eyes—. Just what I need! An extreme training session with a side of mortal danger and a dash of lethal flirting.
Lucía smiled, amused.
—So, are you up for it? We could make a bet: if you survive the "picnic," we'll leave you alone for an entire week.
I frowned, suspecting their intentions.
—Wait… what do you two get out of this?
—Mainly entertainment —Veldanava replied, shrugging.
—And probably watching you end up with another couple of singed locks —added Lucía, laughing.
I placed my hand on my forehead and sighed.
—Perfect, then note it down: a picnic date in the forest with the guy who literally enjoys throwing me to the ground at every opportunity. Sounds like the perfect plan for… risking my life and entertaining the royals.
Lucía and Veldanava exchanged a look of complicity, and she smiled at me with all the innocence in the world.
—Exactly!
Out of nowhere, I let out a growl, like an animal facing teasing. I was already regretting being with these two.
—You're acting like an animal! Are you hungry?
—You're hilarious, Lucía. I don't understand how Veldanava fell in love with you in the first place.
They both laughed at my comment, and I joined in too. The three of us walked together down the path, chatting cheerfully. At one point, my gaze drifted toward Lucía's belly, noticing it seemed a bit rounder.
—Wow, Lucía! Could it be that you're pregnant? You look quite full! —I commented, with a playful tone.
Lucía turned toward me with a smile full of tenderness, and Veldanava also showed an expression of satisfaction. My eyes widened, and I felt a slight tremor of surprise run through me.
—Lucía, are you really…?
Lucía nodded gently, a big smile on her face, and Veldanava answered, smiling like I'd never seen him before.
—Yes, Raquel! —Lucía replied, with a look full of happiness—. We're expecting our first baby.
I remained silent for a few seconds, until my expression of surprise turned into a big smile.
—Really?! That's… amazing! Wow! —I exclaimed. I approached, looking at her belly with a mix of fascination and excitement—. So… I'm going to be "Uncle Raquel" to a little dragon!
We all laughed together, and Veldanava let out a booming laugh that echoed through the forest.
—Yes, Uncle Raquel, it will be interesting to see how you handle the role —Veldanava said with a sarcastic tone.
Lucía laughed as well.
—We hope you'll be a good example for our child or, well, daughter. Don't just teach them to face primordial demons, alright?
I placed a hand on my chest, pretending to be offended.
—Hey! What kind of irresponsible uncle do you think I am? I might also teach them how to survive those "dangerous picnics" you all love so much.
Lucía and Veldanava's laughter sounded softly through the forest like a gentle melody. We continued walking, and though the atmosphere was peaceful, my mind was trapped in a whirl of thoughts.
Were we really on the brink of Milim's birth? Something so monumental for the future and, in some way, also for me.
Suddenly, the weight of reality hit me, and I stood still, as if time had frozen around me. The peace I felt now mingled with an anxiety I hadn't expected. My soul was entering a deep chaos.
Was I truly prepared to face this change? Because this wasn't just a step forward in history but a turn that would affect every part of my existence and everyone around me.
My thoughts dissipated when I saw Veldanava stagger. This wasn't simple exhaustion, and I knew it. The arrival of a dragon baby always required an unimaginable amount of energy, especially for a true dragon like him. But Milim… she was special, and that meant she was absorbing even more of his power. Veldanava was supporting Lucía's body with magicalules.
My heart began to pound, and a cold sweat trickled down my forehead. If Veldanava had transferred almost all his magic to Milim, then… how much energy did he really have left? Could he stay strong and protect Lucía and the little one? Every time I observed his body, it was clear his strength was waning.
I bit my lip, the knot in my stomach growing tighter. If something happened to Veldanava, it wouldn't just be a personal loss; it would be a catastrophe. The thought of him, who had been a pillar of strength for everyone, now being vulnerable… put me in a state of alert and desperation.
—Will my strength be enough to help them if something happens?
—Did you say something, Raquel? —Lucía's voice pulled me from my thoughts— Are you worried about being an uncle?
I jumped and let out a nervous laugh, trying not to show the torrent of thoughts that was overwhelming me.
—Me? Worried? Not at all! —I laughed nervously, raising my hands—. I was just… uh… practicing an inspiring inner monologue. Something like "I'll be the best uncle in the world!"
Lucía looked at me with a raised eyebrow, giving me an amused smile.
—So, you're going to be the "inspiring uncle"? —she asked, crossing her arms and giving me a mischievous look—. Already planning to train my baby to fight by your side?
I gulped. The idea of a mini-Milim throwing punches left and right was both terrifying and adorable. I tried to keep my composure.
—Train? Sure! Maybe I'll teach them… some basic techniques for… running in the opposite direction… —I let out a nervous laugh—. You know, safety first!
Veldanava let out a small laugh, though he still looked exhausted, while Lucía gave me a smile full of amusement.
—Raquel, dear, I just hope you can keep up with a little dragon. Because, from what I've heard… —she said, leaning toward me with a mischievous expression— "inspiring uncles" aren't known for their speed in escaping.
I actually started sweating. What a mess I had gotten myself into!
I swallowed, trying to smile as if I hadn't just imagined a hyperactive little dragon chasing after me, shooting energy beams at everything that moved.
—Uh… sure, yeah, I'll definitely teach them… advanced evasion techniques and, you know… how to stay calm in critical situations! —I said, trying to sound confident. But even I didn't believe it.
Lucía looked at me with an expression that was both amused and maternal, as if she was thinking, "Poor you, you have no idea what's coming." But instead of saying something reassuring, she just smiled more.
—Raquel, you realize the baby will probably be able to blow up mountains with a tantrum, right? It's not for nothing they're Veldanava's child —she said with an innocently sweet voice, as if she was talking about the weather.
—Mountains…? —I muttered, feeling a shiver run down my spine. The little details were getting scarier by the minute—. You mean those huge rock formations?
Veldanava laughed softly, though there was a hint of warning in his eyes.
—Oh, Raquel… you forget they won't be like any ordinary child. As the child of a true dragon, they'll have the power to make continents tremble if they wish —he said, with a calm smile that made me think he was quite used to the idea.
I gulped and forced a smile. Fantastic, I had to learn to be an "inspiring uncle" and, at the same time, make sure not to get crushed by a furious mini-dragon.
—So… uh… is there any book on… dragon parenting or something like that? Maybe a guide to 'avoiding accidental world destruction when your niece gets upset'?—I asked, trying to sound casual, though my voice came out in a whisper.
Lucía and Veldanava exchanged a glance and burst into laughter.
—I'm afraid you're going to have to learn as you go, Raquel,— Lucía said, patting me on the shoulder. —But, knowing you…— She looked at me with a mix of sympathy and amusement, —I'm sure you'll find a way to become a good example for our daughter. And if not… well, you'll be very useful for teaching her what not to do.
I stood there in silence as the two of them walked off a little, still laughing. That's when I realized the responsibility that was approaching and the weight of what it meant to have a little dragon in the family.
But really, what's the worst that could happen? Maybe, if I was lucky, only a few mountains would be destroyed!.