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Pitaya rolled over as they started to stir, feeling the familiar rocky walls of the somewhat dormant volcano press against their scales. Well, the volcano was only as dormant as they willed, as if they just so happened to have the passing thought of possibly terrorizing some Cookies, all it would take is their fiery breath being aimed at the spout to make it erupt. It didn’t do this all that often though as, as much as it terrorized the Cookies who’d dare to find themselves at its lair, making the volcano erupt only aimed to make its own home an utter mess. This was something it kept to itself however, as if those Cookies ever found out about how particular it was about its lair, they might no longer see them is anything scary.
They might even see them as ‘cute’, and the term made the Red-Green Dragon of Legend’s blood boil.
Or well, it would be jam in the Cookies’ case, but Pitaya digressed. Though it wasn’t quite sure how the blood to jam transformation worked all that much, and it’d tested out its Cookie form multiple times. They remembered that the first time they’d ever tried out this apparent form they could take, they’d realized how much easier it was to keep up than being their true dragon form, which was a plus, though it had been a little curious as to whether the other dragons had such an ability. It would certainly be strange if they didn’t, in its honest opinion, as seeing as they could do it, the rest must certainly be able to? But, again, it was getting distracted.
Pitaya gazed out of the entrance of the volcano, and at the forest in the crevice the craggy cliffs of the volcano made. The Cookies were surrounded on every side, at least from what it could see, and there only appeared a single entrance and exit on either side. Which, it would suck to be them if a war were to break out, Pitaya supposed, as they didn’t have the advantage of wings. It turned its gaze back on its nest and flexed its wings at the thought. In their dragon form, Pitaya towered over the would be helpless Cookies, and while in its Cookie form, it would be basically their size, if not taller. Oh and the wings. Don’t forget the wings. Though, Pitaya had never really had a reason to use its Cookie form, unless it had wanted to conserve energy, so it had refrained from using it at all.
Though, it looked like it would need to use it again, seeing as it seemed a night breeze had brought in various debris and was making its nest look particularly dirty, and they found that particularly irking.
Walking back into the cave, it started willing itself to become small and bite sized, the perfect size to become a dragon’s treat. Slowly, its scales became soft and the consistency of dough, and its claws melted away to become nubs of hands, one of its scales falling off to become a sort of weapon, but simple cleaning had no need for a weapon, so they just stared at it as it formed, before leaning down to pick it up, flying over to the pile of the others and placing it on top. Its frills had become a mane of fluffy hair, that Pitaya hadn’t quite figured out what it was made of. The volcano cave made the size difference between their two forms that much more prominent, as everything was now towering over them.
Hm, if they had been an actual Cookie, this might’ve appeared hulking.
Either way, the size difference wasn’t all that important to their current task, and so they made for the broom.
The broom was handmade… claw-made(?), as they’d never actually interacted with a Cookie that didn’t want to immediately kill them as soon as their eyes would meet, and simply made of things it had found in the forests below them. Though on the Cookie thing, it wasn’t particularly like Pitaya was subverting any expectations on that front. But it wasn’t anything that Pitaya was particularly upset about. Pitaya picked up the broom and started brushing out the different foliage and dust. It would’ve probably been easier to just burn the offending intruders, but then it would still have to deal with the resulting ash which meant it was simply easier to do it this way.
Plus, setting things alight can be quite draining sometimes.
That’s when its eyes caught something pink in the foliage. The object didn’t appear to be natural, well, natural in terms foliage, as it was too bright of a pink to be some crushed flower and must have definitely been something dyed. Pitaya put the broom to the side, and started wrestling the pink object out of the tightly woven branches and leaves, before finally revealing it to be a… piece of fabric?
The fabric was a weird shape as well, triangular with a jagged edge, and blindingly pink. Pitaya recognized it as a piece of some sort of a flag, and it walked out of its lair, still in its Cookie form, and jumped off of ledge, using its wings to hover in the air, and compare the flag piece with the flags adorning the kingdom at the bottom of the volcano, standing as if defiant. Its eyes moved from the piece to the nearest flag of the Hollyberry Kingdom below them, and then back again. The flag matched the other flag exactly, and Pitaya flew backwards before placing itself on the ledge just out of the entrance of their lair, continually looking between the two flags.
The Hollyberry Kingdom, the kingdom situated just south of its lair, surrounded by trees and very, very, pink. It was an eyesore for almost any creature that would lay its eyes upon it, but Pitaya had never felt that way. Instead of the disgust they should have probably felt at this kingdom popping up out of nowhere, Pitaya had found themselves more than intrigued. Intrigued that Cookies would’ve had the gall to even establish themselves in the wake of a dragon’s lair, where all it took to burn the kingdom down to the ground, was looking at them wrongly. But although Pitaya had killed Cookies before, the kingdom hadn’t yet given it a reason to launch an assault on them.
If anything, it was more thinking about paying them a visit, even if it would just be a way to scope out the enemy.
None of the Cookies who had stumbled upon their home knew of their Cookie form anyways. It would be a perfect disguise, the only issue were the wings and tail, but it was sure there were methods of hiding those if need be.
Though, part of it was a little hesitant at calling what was still an innocent kingdom ‘enemies’, but it still didn’t think that they would take too kindly to it if they found out it’s true identity, so in the case it got found out, it’s best to not form an attachment. Alliances between Cookies and Dragons were something that was unheard of.
It once again looked up from the piece of flag it had in its hands, its tail flicking irritably. Even thinking of walking in amongst Cookies was causing it to second guess itself. The logical side of them saying it would only be for a day, but their stubborn side berating them for even thinking about it. Both of them had a point, it would be a one time thing, but it was also such a stupid idea.
The other dragons would laugh at them for it.
Though, to be fair, they didn’t live anywhere near the other dragons either. No one would berate them for giving into what was essentially a whim, right? Who would mind if it was only for one day? They had only themself to blame for their hesitation or stubbornness. It nodded to itself as if anyone could see it, and stood back up. It tied the pink flag around its tail to remind it of its mission, and returned to its cave.
Once back in its cave, it searched for anything it could use to hide its wings, and tail. Their wings and tail were a major giveaway if anyone should come upon them while they’re scouting out the kingdom, and they would prefer to not have to deal with that right now. They searched throughout everything that they had collected throughout the years, but could find nothing that would be sufficient in hiding its tail. Sighing, they resolved to go and find something in the jungle to hide them, and they once again left their lair.
Diving over the cliff edge, Pitaya beelined for the jungle, making sure to look out for any patrolling parties, because that would mess up their plans before they’d even started. They only narrowly avoided the eyes of a heavily armoured Cookie with dark brown dough and bright pink hair, looking around with purpose, as if specifically looking for them, despite not knowing them. Once they were sure that the Cookie hadn’t seen them, Pitaya got to work on finding something that could hide their wings. Muttering multiple swears in Dragontongue after once again not finding anything, Pitaya continued their search. They eventually found a giant leaf that they could use as a temporary solution, they felt safe enough to enter the Hollyberry Kingdom.
One thing Pitaya immediately noticed was how empty the streets were, which seemed strange. Despite knowing basically nothing about the kingdom, they had heard about a few things, namely how lively the kingdom usually was. There were a few Cookies out and about, but it was nothing substantial. Though, another thing that it noticed was how many Cookies were smiling and waving at it, and Pitaya felt embarrassed just at the attention, though it had to force its tail to remain still to not reveal itself. Though of course, it was simply the Cookies thinking it was nothing more than a wary traveller, and not that it was the dragon living in their volcano.
“Hello, friend,” a young Cookie suddenly said, her eyes seemingly sparkling in friendliness, and Pitaya found itself blanking while looking at the child. “Sorry, you look a little lost, and my grandma always says I shouldn’t assume about certain things. Anyways! Besides the point.” Her smile was sparkling and Pitaya was quickly starting to experience some sort of anxiety at experiencing an actual conversation with a Cookie that didn’t include fighting words and screaming. “Do you need any help?” Pitaya blinked at her.
“Uh…” it began. “Do you know… where a dresssss ssstore isss?” It asked, it having completely forgotten about the fact the drawn out ‘s’ could be another dead giveaway. The young Cookie blinked at them, but she didn’t react if she had realized anything.
“Oh, a clothes shop?” She asked. “There’s one just down that road over there!” She pointed in the direction and then smiled at them. “Happy I could be of help, traveller!” She then ran off, but not before throwing a glance Pitaya’s way.
Deciding to ignore the look the child had given them, Pitaya walked in the direction of the clothes store. It was only so they could get a better method of hiding their wings, anyways, though it could also be to just see how their shops and different means of money making could work, as knowing your enemy was always good.
Entering the store, the Cookie at the front desk blinked at them, before smiling themself. “Hello, traveller, welcome to Hollyberry Couture,” they greeted with a friendly wave. “What can I do for you today?” The Cookie turned around to fiddle with something behind them before turning back to face Pitaya. Pitaya stared at them feeling slightly out of place in the store as, as a dragon, they really had no need for clothes, they still had enough scales in their Cookie form to not come off as completely in need of clothes. Though the thought did embarrass them some, which was a little ridiculous.
“I’m looking for… a cape. My… old one broke and that’sss why I’m using thisss leaf, asss I have nothing better at the moment.” The Cookie at the front desk narrowed their eyes slightly, but eventually smiled at it.
“That can definitely be arranged,” the Cookie hummed. “Our capes are over there. Please, do take your time.” The last sentence was said cryptically, and it made Pitaya feel slightly on edge before it shook off that feeling. It then walked over to the the capes and it started looking throughout them. There was a beige one that it found it liked the best as it wasn’t flashy and perfect for blending in. Among the beige cape was a select few others, all varying shades of pink, ranging from hot pink, to a dull mauve, and although those were perfectly fine capes, they clashed too much with Pitaya’s dough colour. “I see you like the beige one,” the counter Cookie commented, startling Pitaya from where it’d quietly looking through the capes. “I think that’ll it look nice on you.”
“Well, thank you.”
“You gonna pay for it or not?”
“Of… Affirmative,” Pitaya murmured, being careful to not use any words that use ‘S’. The Cookie’s gaze was neutral, but Pitaya could sense something else behind those dark brown eyes. Shaking the thought from its mind, it shouldn’t show a probable enemy weakness anyways, it made its way over to the counter, the Cookie watching them intently. It was then that it suddenly remembered its lack of funds, as it’d arrived here on a mere whim, and didn’t think of the possibility that it might buy something. They simply stared at the counter Cookie as if thinking of an excuse when a different cookie entered the shop, and then the Cookie blinked in surprise.
“Royal Margarine?” The Cookie whisper-yelled to the other’s obvious amusement. Pitaya, however, wasn’t all that enthused, by this so-called Royal Margarine’s entrance. “What brings you here?” Pitaya then felt eyes on their back and they jumped around as if caught in something, but the insolent Cookie only smiled at them.
“Oh, it’s for no reason, I just so happened to sense that someone must’ve forgotten their wallet to pay for whatever they wanted. Isn’t that right, traveller?” Royal Margarine winked at Pitaya, who only growled.
It had never seen this Cookie before, it hadn’t seen most Cookies, but just by this encounter, it was finding itself not liking him.
Either way, and without really waiting for an answer from the dragon, Royal Margarine paid for it, and handed them the cape. “I’m always happy to help a lovely lady out~” he said with a wink, before eventually leaving as quick as he came. Pitaya glared after him, the counter Cookie practically silent. It then turned its gaze on the Cookie at the counter.
“Isss there a changing room? I feel it would be bessst, if I change out of this leaf. For… uh, reassssons.” The Cookie narrowed their eyes but they pointed them in the direction of the changing rooms, Pitaya quickly scurrying over into one. Once inside, it removed the leaf and stretched out its wings a little, them having started to ache from non-use, and it also flicked its tail back and forth to loosen it out, before curling it around itself as it tied the new beige cape around its shoulders, folding its wings to its back. It was… uncomfortable, but it was necessary. It then hid its tail and exited the changing room, the Cookie still eying them mysteriously. Pitaya thanked them and the Cookie’s smile then almost seemed forced.
Pitaya then left the store, the sudden business of the streets surprising them. They blinked and gazed at the Cookies on the streets. It was like a switch had been turned and all of a sudden the streets were packed. It was causing them to feel a little claustrophobic, as by usually being a gigantic dragon, in Cookie terms, there was always a lot of space between them and it. Quickly, it tried to find a place on the street where it was easier to breathe, and then sat down on a bench beside a statue.
It gazed at the statue. It was of a sort of plump Cookie, though well-toned muscles, or well, the Cookie equivalent of such, could still be seen on her frame, two buns of hair adorned her head, almost looking like berries themselves. She was holding out a heart-shaped shield, though on her carved face was a smile, as if wielding the shield was nothing to her. Like she was having fun with whatever the statue of her was meant to be depicting.
And well, it brought an amused smile to Pitaya’s face. They also got a thrill from battle, even if in Pitaya’s fights Cookies were at a wholly disadvantage. And it supposed, that was also the disadvantage of killing Cookies in general. Cookies being at a disadvantage meant that Pitaya would always come out at the end, and really, where was the fun in that? Even here, in its Cookie form, it could still understand that disadvantage. It had just never had a fight in its Cookie form before, because no one had seen its Cookie form, at least, until today. But the thing was, these Cookies didn’t know their dragon form anyways.
Their eyes traveled down to the plaque at the bottom of the statue. Hollyberry Cookie, was what had been engraved in there, and they blinked at the name. Hollyberry Cookie … Hollyberry Kingdom …
Hm, this must be who the kingdom is named after.
It was a little egotistical it supposed, but these were really only its own thoughts, as it hadn’t met this Hollyberry, though it seemed like she was pretty important. She was definitely important enough to have a statue created of her, so. For all it knew, this Hollyberry could be quite pleasant. The statue was also quite a pleasant pink colour, as opposed to the pink flag currently wrapped around its tail, so it wasn’t an eyesore to look at.
A commotion to the side of them had Pitaya turning their head. A crowd had gathered around what appeared to be a small podium, and were chattering among themselves, something about Hollyberry this, Hollyberry that. Wow. This Cookie was certainly important if she had the entire kingdom talking about her. Feeling curious, Pitaya left the bench and joined the crowd, making sure its wings weren’t visible, and blended in, wanting to see what everyone was muttering about.
Soon enough, a living version of the statue appeared on the podium, and the first thing Pitaya noticed was how short she was. Then, she started speaking. “Wow, it seems like you all missed me,” she said with a hearty laugh, and a strange buzz passed through Pitaya, as they watched the Cookie on the podium. “We’re happy to report that all our surveying of the lands have paid off, and we’ve encountered no dangers awaiting us in the woods. To that we’ll celebrate! Wildberry is currently talking with the tavern owners to see if we can procure some Berry Juice for everyone. Though I must remind you this is for adults only, no children aloud.” The small crowd beside them cheered, but Pitaya was more focused on trying to figure out why that big jolly laugh had affected them like that, especially when it hadn’t been directed at them.
The dragon was used enough to Cookie antics that things like this didn’t usually phase it, so the fact Hollyberry’s laugh was having such an effect was strange. Deciding to ignore it, it turned its attention back on Hollyberry.
“Now it’s about time we address the dragon issue,” Hollyberry continued, and Pitaya’s attention was now captured for an entirely different reason. “I’m sure you’ve heard the rumours that there’s a dragon living in that volcano.” The crowd murmured amongst themselves. “Now I’m sure you’re wondering what we’re going to do about it. I was honestly thinking of doing nothing for the time being, as this supposed dragon hasn’t done anything to suggest we’re unwelcome in their territory. If we were to launch an attack on what is essentially an animal that’s just-“
Hollyberry’s eyes met Pitaya’s suddenly, causing the latter to strangely fold under the sudden scrutiny, even if it had been by accident.
Her eyes were so, so pink, and they were staring directly at where Pitaya’s tail was flicking somewhat nervously, revealing themself, and the flag they had wrapped around their tail. And Pitaya was only nervous for one single reason, as now that the kingdom’s namesake knew what they were, the somewhat friendly kingdom could very quickly turn hostile, and though this had been to scope out the enemy, Pitaya wouldn’t be able to change long enough to get the advantage it would need against a village of angry Cookies. If Hollyberry revealed their identity to anyone, it would be a death sentence of them.
It was then that Hollyberry’s eyes softened, and despite the tentative situation, something about it made Pitaya’s temporary doughy body start to warm, and it felt like hiding itself behind its wings, but it couldn’t do that not in public. She turned her head back to the crowd and spoke again, “I misspoke, if we were to launch an attack on what is essentially a Cookie minding their own business, it wouldn’t end well for us. That’s why I suggest leaving the dragon be for the time being, if it hasn’t hurt us, we have no need to reciprocate.” This caused the crowd to let out an uproar that Pitaya was too distracted to really pay attention to. It could only really hear Hollyberry, anyways. “However, if you are so inclined to it, I’ll make the trip to the dragon’s lair myself. Alone, to just see this dragon for myself. If I don’t return, after a few days, feel free to send for me. But if I do, we will not harm the dragon unless they harm us, understood?” The crowd quieted and Pitaya returned their gaze to the Cookie. It wasn’t quite sure why Hollyberry hadn’t revealed their identity, as they were here uninvited, but they were still thankful to her at the very least. It wasn’t long after that the crowd dispersed.
“It’s a good disguise, Dragon,” Hollyberry’s voice suddenly sounded to the side of it, and Pitaya leapt in surprise, causing Hollyberry to laugh. Pitaya felt itself grow hot again. “You have everyone fooled,” she added, with a small smile, acting as if they were already friendly with each other. “Though I must ask, what possessed you to try such an act?” Pitaya blinked at her.
“You’re acting way too friendly for ssssomeone you hardly know,” it retorted, instead, but Hollyberry didn’t seem phased.
“You’ve never met friendly Cookies, have you?” She asked simply, and Pitaya blinked at her.
“That ssstill doessssn’t explain… thisss,” it gestured vaguely between them. “Alssso, won’t other Cookiessss hear you? And know you’re talking to the very sssame dragon you were disssscusssssing earlier? I don’t think they’d like that very much.”
“Most of the others are heading for the taverns, and I’m headed that way too, but I thought I’d introduce my myself to my neighbour, it seems only fair, since you decided to join us on this fine day. I have always enjoyed meeting new friends, and what’s another, hm?” She gave them a smile, and Pitaya felt themself grow warm. “There’s also the fact you haven’t torched me yet, as most dragon’s are known to do. I consider that a plus, Dragon.”
“Are you flirting with me?” The words slipped out of Pitaya’s mouth before they could stop them, but it still tried, and Hollyberry just chuckled at the display.
“Dragon, there’s a difference between being happy to meet new friends and flirting,” she said with a small chuckle. “So no, I’m not flirting with you.” Pitaya however, just felt themselves grow hot again. “Though, you haven’t answered my question as to why you decided to utilize a Cookie form, I wasn’t aware dragons could do that.” Pitaya sighed
“I wanted to ssssee what the kingdom wassss like. I don’t think I could’ve done that in my true form. I’d tower over you and probably look like a threat. It wasss the ssssafessst way. I came here on a whim.” Hollyberry looked at them for a bit.
“Could I have your name, Dragon?” Pitaya blinked at her.
“Why do you need that?” It deadpanned, causing Hollyberry to chuckle again, and Pitaya looked away out of embarrassment. Hollyberry then put her hand on Pitaya’s shoulder, and it stiffened at the touch, Hollyberry only really looking amused.
“Friends should know each other’s names, should they not? Plus, calling you Dragon sounds a little offensive, in my opinion.”
At the ‘offensive’ comment, Pitaya felt itself warm for the whatever-th time that day, Hollyberry gazing at them expectantly. A Cookie cared about how it would prefer to be called? To be fair, Hollyberry had done the same sort of thing earlier when she noticed them in the crowd, so it wasn’t impossible. Then, for some reason, Hollyberry’s gaze grew amused. “Oh my, you do appear to be blushing, I didn’t expect that.”
Blushing? Was that the name for this warmth? Was Pitaya of all things, blushing?
It wasn’t quite sure why it would be ‘blushing’ at something so simple as a Cookie caring about something being offensive or not, but if that was the correct term, that’s certainly what it was doing. Clearing its throat, it tore its gaze away from Hollyberry, thinking about this only making it blush harder, and it was causing Hollyberry to chuckle softly. What did she want again? Name.. oh! Its name!
“Pitaya,” they said quietly, blush showing no signs of going away. “Or… more formally, Pitaya Dragon… or well, Pitaya Dragon Cookie.”
“I’m Hollyberry,” Hollyberry replied.
“I know.”
“You do? Well then that’s great! We’re now on a first name basis for when I have to visit your lair, whenever they deem it worthy,” she said this with a smile, before getting up. “Now that I know, I’ll go and join the others. You’re welcome to join us, any time actually! You know where to find us. Actually, an idea has just come to me, wait here Pitaya.” Hollyberry walked off, and Pitaya stayed put.
Hearing a Cookie say their name, probably specifically Hollyberry, made a warmly anxious sensation ride up their dough, and they sat there quietly, still blushing, and just generally feeling warm, like they had somehow developed a fever in the time they’d been in the village, which wasn’t impossible. Though, it wasn’t long until Hollyberry returned holding a flower in her hand. “Consider this your first friendship gift,” she chirped happily, with a hearty smile, as she placed the flower into Pitaya’s mane of hair, before finally leaving Pitaya alone.
A weird fluttering sensation passed throughout their dough as they numbly returned to their lair, the flower staying put even when transforming back to their true form.
A memory of that Cookie
Of Hollyberry
The Cookie that made them feel so strange.
They weren’t quite sure what it was, but it being attraction was highly improbable.
Dragons weren’t known to fall for Cookies.