The NDA Dragon

Chapter 2: The First Change

Jim and I walked out of his office and out onto the top hallway. “I’ll show you to the HR. They might try to get you to cover the dots all over your body but don’t fret. They are assholes. Just tell them no. I’ll wait for you outside of the room. Human Resources hate people who look like you with pointy ears or like amber’s fox ears and tail. I don’t know why, though. Oh, we’re here. I’m going to wait here.”

I walk in nervously. I sit in a chair, waiting. This stout little troll walks out, crying his eyes out. I felt sorry for him. “Excuse me, What’s wrong,” I asked softly.

“They said they wouldn’t hire me because I’m a troll. Is that discrimination to me? And what can I do,” he asked, sniffling through the words.

“You can file a report for hiring discrimination. Would you like a hug, my little friend?” He nods, and I hug him. “Everything will be ok. If you ever need someone to talk to, give me a ring.” 

I hand him a card with my number on it. As soon as I did, the HR representative called me into the room he just left. I said goodbye to the troll and walked into the room. This big-breasted curly hair lady made that poor troll cry. I looked down at her. She was probably no taller than 5’6, so I kind of towered over her. She gave me a snarl before asking me to state my name and who hired me because she indeed didn’t because how dare someone hired a creature. I glared at her, and I heard an audible gulp.

“My name is Shinatin Elizabeth Tatiana Tatech, and the Director hired me. I’m just here to get my badge and my mandatory gun. So if you don’t mind, hurry it up. I don’t have all day. And what’s wrong with magical creatures working here?”

She goes into a long tirade that all magical creatures should either be killed for food or enslaved, for they are nothing more than roaches. I just rolled my eyes at her arrogance. I hate people like this. She puts makeup on my face, and then she starts going on a tirade that these stupid dots won’t go away with foundation and how they are so ugly. I just sit there listening to this silly b***h go on with this nonsense. Sometimes I wish I was deaf over being blind, so I don’t hear stupid s**t come out of people’s mouths. She finishes up, and I leave because that woman was toxic as hell.

I looked at Jim, and I just shook my head. “How did that woman get that job? I never met someone so discriminated against as that woman. She’s awful. I would report her to HR, but she is HR. She made a poor troll cry. I’m sorry for venting. How about we meet your team.”

“I told you she was awful. Yeah, let me introduce you to my team. You will like them, though. Amber tends to have trust issues with newcomers, but I’m sure she’ll warm up to you quickly. You are very welcoming and well-mannered. Amber is the fox girl. I think she’s a kitsune, but I’m no good with those terms. Plus, I think they are just a congenital disability when they look different because no way creatures out there like that exist, right? Like seriously, it is not possible, right.”

“I guess so, but I don’t know. Maybe the magical creatures exist, but they only come out at night because it’s safer for them because of hunters. You know, because humans accept not all nonhumans.” We got back up to the first large room we were in. Jim’s team stood up again.

“Let me introduce our new teammate, Shinatin,” Jim said in the still gruff voice he’s had since the military. I don’t mind it. “Give her a well welcome to the team. I will let all of you introduce yourselves.”

I could hear Amber mutter under her breath. But She started first. “My name is Amber Gordon. I’m not very good with new people. I have major trust issues. I am a kitsune,” she spoke in a thick middle eastern accent. Her skin was of dark olive skin with deep golden eyes with soft slit pupils. Her hair is bright orange, like fox fur. Her ears are about 3inches tall, and her tail was about a foot and a half long and very fluffy.

“Heyo, I’m Thomas. A little about me I’m a bit of a joker. If I notice the team morale is low, I joke or two, and they are often horrible. The rest of the team thinks they are awful, though. I know it’s weird, though,” He said in a soft, deep tone of a tenor. His skin was dark, with patches of paler skin all over his hands and face. He’s about 5’11 in height and a little chubby around the belly, but he pulls it off. He looks like the type of guy who makes dad jokes and wears fanny packs on vacation but is a single man.

“Hi, My name is Jackson,” This man had such a meek voice. “I’m the shy one of the group. You look pretty, though.” Tom starts laughing at Jack’s boldness. Like it was almost out of character. “I am not usually that bold, and I’m not that interesting. I’m sorry for saying you’re pretty.” Jack’s hair looked soft and was the color of hazelnuts. It was shaggy but well kept and organized. His eyes were the color of dark chocolate. He was way shorter than the other team members. He almost looked like a child due to my height. If I had to guess, he was no taller than 5’5. He also had a large scar across the left side of his face.

Once the team made their introductions, Jim showed me around the squad room. There were several teams, all with their unique people, but Jim didn’t seem too thrilled with them. Then Jim showed me the satellite video surveillance and conference room. He called it STAG, which he said meant surveillance, targeting, analysis, guide. I don’t understand that, but I don’t question it.

We finished up in the squad room, and Jim asked if I would like to meet the other people who help solve cases. I nod my head yes. So we headed to the elevators and down to a lower floor. “Here’s the forensics lab, but before we go in, Lilly can be a tad eccentric and over the top.” 

We entered the lab, and standing at the desk was this fae with beautiful black butterfly wings with bright red and white markings on them. Lilly was dressed in a dark red dress and knee-high buckled black boots. Her hair was as dark as onyx with the tips dark red. It was in a shoulder-length bob. I could tell she had tattoos, too, but they were well covered in the lab coat she wore.

Jim cleared his throat, and the girl spun around. “Jimmy, you know you should not sneak up on me like this. It could end badly if you do that. Oh, you’re new,” she said in a high-pitched voice. Her voice was like a child’s even though she appears to be late 20’s or early 30’s. I’m usually bad at guessing people’s ages. “May I hug you? I really would like to.”

The hug question kind of drew me back, so out of shock, I said yes, but that was a mistake. She hugged me, and when she did, I realized that she could feel my wings and tail if I wasn’t careful. “Oh, you have wings,” she said in a whisper. She let go, and Jim gave us a confused look. I shot him a look that told him we'd talk later. 

After we left the lab and down the hall, Jim stopped. “What was that about? It was a weird interaction. You also seemed nervous and out of it. Is there something you aren’t telling me,” He said that much concern in his voice? I knew I couldn’t keep my true self secret around him forever, but this is neither the place nor time. There are too many people in here at this time.

 “Everything is fine, Jim. The hug caught me off guard, and I panicked. I wasn’t expecting her to ask to hug me. But everything is fine. I do have something to show you, but this is neither place nor the time to show you. It will be better at another time and somewhere with fewer people. I’ve never indeed been honest about my past, but I  will tell you all at a later date, I promise. I am not who you think I am. But I’m not exactly sure who I am. I’m sure there are other people you want me to meet.”

“Yes, there is. Follow me.” I follow Jim down the hall and through to sliding glass doors. The room was mainly metal and tile. The room was cold, and I was shivering. I can’t handle the cold very well, considering nuetarians have a combination of warm and cold blood. It’s about 85 percent cold and 15 percent warm. Jim picked up that I was cold and wrapped a coat around me. 

In the room were two men. One was an older gentleman with hair that looked like white cotton candy that sat upon his bald head like a tuff. He was about in his 50s. He wore thick round glasses and a bow tie around the neck. He also had the vibe of a wise Sensei that used to train me in the 16th century. He introduced himself as Dr. Harry Jones.  He walked up to me to get a closer look at me. “Can you see anything at all,” he asked in a Japanese accent? I shook my head no. “I see.” 

He touches the other male who mentioned he was nonbinary. His hair was a multicolored Mohawk which looked like it belonged in the 1990s. And that hairstyle should have died, but most likely, their grandparents had that hairstyle, so they got it too. They were 19 or 20, they were young, and they weren't exactly brilliant. I don’t think that hairstyle should exist. They introduced themselves as Auden Schmidt. They were listening to music while working. 

We left soon as they introduced themselves. Auden was a tad weird. I hope I don’t have to interact with them very often.  I liked Harry because he was excellent. We went back up to the squad room. We walked past this wall full of pictures of terrorists and terrible people. I noticed the leader of the group, simply known as The Scientist. They were the group I was sure of that took my family away from me. I noticed Jack walked over and said, “you know someone up there.” I just nodded, and a single tear fell. No one seemed to notice except Jack. “Is everything alright?” I shook my head no. 

I headed over to the rest of the team. “After work, I’m going to go out for drinks at the Berserk Titan Inn if anyone wants to join me. It’s completely up to you guys. I just think it would help me get to know you better. I’m still getting drinks.”

“I’m heading to the gym and shooting range after work,” Jim said in the voice that said that I’m a man of all work and no play. 

“I have to go home to take care of my five ferrets. Their names are sweet pea, jumping jack, hambone, kite tail, and pineapple smoothie,” Thomas then proceeded to show me pictures of his ferrets. To tell you the truth, they were adorable. 

“I avoided crowded places because of my species,” Amber said in a worried voice. 

“I’ll join you, Shinatin,” Jack’s voice sounded how smooth milk chocolate tastes, and I have fallen in love with it. I don’t think I’ve ever fallen in love so much with how someone’s voice sounded but, I have. 

I sat down at my desk, looking at everything on it. It was plain except for a new desktop. It was one of those with a hologram screen and keyboard. Technology sure has changed since I was a child. It’s both impressive and scary. But technology can always be weaponized. Just like my cybernetics can be lethal with all the weapons I’ve integrated into their design, but no one will know. I prefer it that way. 

A couple of hours past and the team starts to pack up and head home. I packed up my bag and walked to the elevator with the rest of Jim’s team. “How tall are you, Shina? You seem extremely tall,” Jim stated curiously. I know Jim didn’t mean anything fowl about it, but it still stung. Jim is just curious, but curiosity can be deadly. 

“I’m 6’7 and surprisingly the shortest one in my family. I rather not talk about them if we can because I know you all have questions. I would like to tell you, but I need to make sure I can trust you, and I’m not sure yet. I was hoping to talk to you over booze. To get to know the team better, but I understand.” I pull my helmet out of my bag. I get ready to head to the inn. 

“I’m excited about drinks with you. It’s been so long since I had a heavy drink. I think I passed out, and I don’t remember a lot. I'm kind of lightweight when it comes to alcohol consumption. I don't know why I tend to blackout when I drink. Anyways let's get going, Shinatin,” Jack said a little too eagerly. 

“Follow me on my motorcycle then,” I said as I walked out of the building and to my motorcycle. I hop on and rev the engine. I pulled out of the base, and I turned left and led to the main road. I ran down this road for about fifteen minutes. I turned off to a side road and drove for an hour and a half. I turn down an alley, and I park on the left-hand side of the road. I get off my motorcycle. 

The building across the alley looks abandon, but that’s an illusion as long as the sun is up, but in about five minutes, it would look like the lively inn you’ll ever see. Most humans are afraid of coming down this secluded alley at night because most people are afraid of being mugged. 

Jack pulls up as the building lowers the illusion. The large wooden sign with a giant hydra picture and in bold letters The Berserk Titan Inn appears. In the large windows, we could see a couple of lizard people and a group of female Nekojin sitting across from each other. There was a male elf sitting by himself. 

“Jack, question before we enter. Are you related to anyone who hunts or captures magical creatures? I’m asking you this because you smell slightly like the magic hunter’s untied members.”

“My dad is a beast hunter. But I’m not like him. My mother and I loved magical beast, but a giant killed her while we were vacationing in the mountain regions of Europe. Then a month later, I was diagnosed with stage 3 brain cancer for the first time out of six times. I think that pushed my dad to hunt and destroy the very thing that had brought our family together, and the abuse started against me. I don’t think my dad knows what he does.”

I could see Jack shivering because of the cooler air. “We should go in, but Jack, be cautious with what you say in here and how you act. They are wary of those related to beast hunters, but I’ll protect you from them.” We walk to the front door, and I open the door. As soon as the door opened, all the people sitting around immediately stared at us, no one making a single sound. I could feel their eyes on us, and I let my tail drop from under my shirt. 

Finally, one of the lizardmen spoke, “Who are you bringing a beast hunter’s offspring into this sanctuary of our kind? Are you insane? I will kill him right now in the name of Ugohisz.” He stood up and pulled out a long sword. I transform into my Nuetarian form. I was covered in golden scales from head to toe except for my hand-painted tail fins and wings skin. I held up my arm and blocked the blade. I punched him in the gut with my free hand. 

“Both of you need to stop or take it to the streets. I don’t want blood on my floors, you two. And You Queen Shina should know better than to fight. I raised you better than that, your highness. And you are you a spy to the beast hunter association,” Corvidius asked Jack? 

Blood slowly drips down onto the floor, as well as a couple of scales from my arm. “Shina, what are you? Also, I no longer talk to my father and haven’t in twenty years. He and I don't see eye to eye on our views on people like yourselves. I do not mean to cause any discomfort with any of you.” Ugohisz was still bent over from my punch, coughing up blood. 

“Sorry for the new bloodstains, Corvidius. I’m paying for everyone’s drink. And you know what I take, Corvid,” I say as I sit at the bar. Jack sat next to me and ordered a dwarf beer. I start to drink my first mug of dragon fires ale with a hint of scorpion venom mixed in. By midnight Jack and the rest of the bar were passed out drunk except Corvidius and me. “I guess I should bring Jack home. Corvidius, you should come to visit my advisor. I missed your bird brain. It’s been so long since I saw you. Goodnight, Corv.” I help walk Jack to his car and into the passenger seat. 

I double tap on my motorcycle, and an illusion of me riding it appears and takes off. I transformed back into my elf form and drove Jack to his house. I unlocked his front door and walked in with the drunken man, and I found his bedroom, and I undo the comforter and sheets. I placed him in the bed, and I went to leave to go back to my home. He grabbed my tail. “Shinatin, stay please with me tonight? I don’t want to be alone. Please don’t go. I love you already.” 

I don’t know why I stayed at all. But maybe I was desperate for love and warmth. I climbed into the bed with Jack. I forgot how warm humans are, and it was relaxing except for the pain in my arm. It has stopped bleeding, but most likely, it will get infected. Around 12:30, I fell asleep, arms wrapped around Jack. 

When I awoke from my sleep, Jack was naked and coming out of the shower. I could feel my face blush. It was a tad awkward. “Jack, please wrap up your waist. I don’t want to see that.” 

“Oh, I’m sorry.” He wrapped up quickly. “Did I do anything stupid while I was blacked out drunk? Also, I don’t remember most of last night except you looking completely different and protecting me. How is your arm? I know it got to hurt, but you are acting like it was nothing. Are you ok? Also, I should have never asked you to stay. It was wrong. I’m sorry.”

“It’s fine asking me to stay. What you saw was another form I can be in. It’s called my Nuetarian form. It’s what I'm supposed to look like. I am usually in my elf form so that I can blend in with humans better. It’s for my safety and everyone around me. You grabbed my tail which is a big no-no for my species. But that was it. Yeah, my arm is fine. I’m going to hop in the shower if you don’t mind. Also, Corvidius is mad at me. I got blood on his floor again.” 

Jack nodded as I headed into the bathroom with my change of clothes. The water felt wonderful on my scarred body and in the new wound. I changed into my tight exercise outfit. You could see every muscle in my body well-toned and solid. My arm is wrapped up in a bandage wrap, and hints of blood are peeking through the bandage. I accidentally reopened the wound while washing myself. I walked to the kitchen, and Jack was at the stove fixing something to eat whatever smelled delicious. “I hope you like Omurice, Shinatin,” Jack said. 

“I do like omurice. It’s one of my favorite dishes,” I replied. Jack turns around and hands me a plate. He then comes and sits next to me with his plate. We ate, but I could tell Jack was staring at the cut on my arm. “ Jack, you’re staring at my arm.” I almost wished he would stare at any other part of me than a rancid cut that will heal eventually on my arm. 

“Are you sure your arm is going to be ok? I'm just worried about it. Oh s**t, look at the time. It's almost time for work. You should probably start heading. I got a doctor's appointment today, so that I won't be at work today. Also, I want to ask if you would like to go on a proper date with me. I'm sorry if it's too soon, but you've kinda already stayed over."

"I would love to go on a proper date with you, Jack. You’re alright for a human. Also, I should head out. What are you going to the doctor’s for?”

“My cancer is back, but it is stage two this time, so it’s more survivable this time. So I’ll be ok. Have a good day at work, Shinatin.”