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"Wake up, dragonet." Mango got nudged from bed, him clearly wanting more sleep. He groans and covered his head with a blanket. The dragon sighs and lifted the little one up from their slumber. "It's almost time for your ritual and you haven't even donned your armour." Ananas told him. Such a sweet child, so kind. He stroked the orangish red hair like he was petting a cat.
They remember when he first got Mango cookie as if it happened yesterday. He had sat ages in front of the oven, waiting for a new member to bake. Not too crispy, not too doughy. Everything had to be perfect. He had put a small bit of essence of himself in a gem that he had put on the small cookie. It had been long enough, the newly baked one was done. Ananas opens the oven door and pulled out a baby out of there. It did not cry, it did not whine.. it just.. breathed calmly. He felt as if something was wrong with the small child in his arms. "Good to see you, Mango."
"Mango! Wake up or you'll be late for the ritual." Ananas shook him wildly. Mango had woken up and hastily hopped down to don his armour. A nice coppery looking set. Rounded details with place for new ones if he chooses. Some put on their achievements, some put an aspect they associate with themselves or maybe runes.
Mango pulled on the suit of armour. He stepped towards his father and kept by his side. "Today, you will become a dragon. When the ritual is done you will become your true self. Now get your headress." Mango searched it and put it on his forehead. "Good." He pat his son on the head. "Now it's time for you to step onto the plate." Ananas told his son. Mango held his oar and gem necklace. He breathed in for what's about to come. He stepped near.
Sheer power had flown in him like a big wave of water. Him heating up inside burning hot, he whined and groaned as he held his head. "Stay strong my boy, just a little longer." It was nauseating for Mango, they could hardly breath. In a yell of pain, something pricked at the back and the head. He had slumped down and shook in place. The pain was minimal when a new tail sprouted from his back. "Earn your wings, Mango!" His father yells. He can't bear the pain.. he wanted to collapse, to faint.. bumps poking out his back wiggled crazily. Until they burst with wings on Mango's back. Horns curved near his head. The ritual was complete now. He snapped open his eyes and looked around with slitted pupils and dark all around. He looked up at his dad smiling down at him, then at his wings.
The wings were a beautiful rounded membrane with a gradient going to red to yellow. His tail smooth with a leaf at the tip. He gripped his oar tightly and walked over to his dad. "..I did it.. I'm a dragon." He was exhausted. Ananas laughed and got down. "You've grown up so well. I'm proud of you, Mango." His son wrapped him up in a small hug.