Yip, the yellow kobold, picked his way through the dense underbrush, his scaly tail flicking nervously. His beady eyes darted around the darkening forest, searching for signs of danger. The setting sun cast a warm glow on his scaly skin, highlighting the dust and grime from their journey. Nit, the red kobold, followed closely behind, his heavy breaths muffled by the thick fur around his snout. Jut, the purple one, brought up the rear, his eyes gleaming with excitement as they approached their destination: the dragon's cave. Nit's mastery of stealth was unparalleled among their kin. He could sneak up on a deer in the dead of night while plucking a berry from a bush without disturbing a single leaf. Now, as they approached the dragon's lair, he took the lead, his paws barely touching the ground as he glided forward. His eyes searched for any signs of movement or light, his nose quivering as he tested the air for the scent of danger. The cave mouth yawned before them, a gaping maw of darkness that seemed to swallow the light. Yip, the master of traps, had prepared meticulously for this moment. His clever mind had concocted a series of distractions and pitfalls that would deter any creature that might cross their path. His heart raced as he surveyed the area around the cave, his claws itching to set his ingenious devices into action. With a nod to Nit, he indicated that the area was clear. They were ready to proceed. Nit took a deep, calming breath and disappeared into the shadows. His scales somehow blended seamlessly with the rocks and shadows, making him nearly invisible to the naked eye. He moved with the grace of a ghost, placing each foot with precision to avoid the slightest sound. His tail slithered behind him like a silent serpent as he scouted the perimeter of the cave, ensuring their approach would not be detected by the slumbering dragon. Yip remained outside the cave's entrance, his nimble claws assembling a series of ingenious contraptions. He placed a tripwire here, a pitfall there, each one designed to either incapacitate or distract any creature that might stumble up behind them. His mind raced with excitement as he envisioned the chaos that would unfold should any creature or any other Kobold follow behind them. Satisfied with his work, he gave a soft whistle, the prearranged signal for the others to join him. Nit emerged from the shadows. He had surveyed the cave's inside the mouth of the cave and did not find any movement. With a nod to Yip, he signaled that it was time for the final preparations. Jut, unable to contain his excitement any longer, pulled out a flute made of polished bone from his pack. His claws danced over the instrument, filling the air with a haunting melody that seemed to resonate with the very soul of the mountain. Yip's eyes grew wide with horror as the melody grew louder. He knew the power of music and the curious nature of dragons all too well. Dragons were known to be drawn to such sweet sounds like moths to a flame, and their slumber could be easily disturbed. He frantically waved his arms at Jut, trying to get him to stop, his sharp claws cutting through the air. Nit's ears flattened against his skull as he realized the danger, his tail lashing angrily. Jut, however, was lost in his own world, his eyes closed in pure bliss as the music flowed from his soul through the flute. It was only when Nit darted back to him, grabbing the instrument with a snarl that he snapped out of his reverie. The sound of the flute was abruptly cut off as Nit threw it into the bushes. The silence was deafening, the only sound their racing hearts and the distant echo of the last note. Jut looked at his friends, his expression a mix of surprise and embarrassment. Jut wasn't too sad, though, because he had another flute in his backpack. "Don't be dumb, Jut," Nit hissed, his eyes flashing with annoyance. "You're lucky we brought you at all." He knew that Jut's talents lay in his ability to charm and distract, but his timing could be atrocious. Yip nodded in agreement, his eyes narrowed with concern as he peered into the cave. They had to be more careful than ever now. The trio took a moment to collect themselves before slithering into the cave. Their claws gripping the rocky floor. The smell of dust and something faintly metallic filled their nostrils. It was the scent of dragon. The darkness was almost tangible, thick and oppressive. They relied on their keen kobold senses to navigate the twisting tunnels, their eyes adjusting to the dim light that filtered through cracks in the rocky ceiling. The air grew warmer as they moved deeper into the cavern, hinting at the beast's fiery breath that lay in wait. The sound of the dragon's snores echoed through the chambers, a deep rumble that vibrated the very stones beneath their paws. Yip's heart skipped a beat with every exhale. The creature's breath was a mix of sulfur and ash, a potent reminder of the danger they faced. They had to be swift and silent. Any misstep could mean a fiery end to their grand scheme. Before they ventured into the dragon's main chamber, the three huddled together, their whispers bouncing off the cavern walls. "You all know why we are here, right?" Yip whispered urgently, his eyes gleaming with a mix of excitement and fear. "To prove ourselves," Nit responded, his voice a low growl. "To show the tribe we're more than just scavengers." Jut nodded fervently, his purple scales seeming to glow in the dim light. "And for the treasure," he added with a greedy grin. Yip once again regaled the other two of the legend, a tale whispered around campfires and in the dark corners of kobold dens. It spoke of dragon's scat which is not like any other. This was not mere waste, but a treasure trove of power. It was said that if a kobold consumed it, they would absorb part of a dragon's magic, and then transforming into an actual dragon. The very thought sent a thrill through their veins, and they had all sworn oath to taste the foul but enchanting substance. Out of all the other kobolds Yip asked to come along with him, only these two, Nit and Jut, agreed. They had to be quick and silent as they tiptoed closer to the dragon's chamber. The snores grew louder, and the heat more intense. The air grew thick with the scent of smoldering embers, hinting that the dragon's lair was closer than ever. The three friends exchanged glances, each one steeling themselves for what was to come. The dragon's chamber was a vast, cavernous space, lit by the flickering of embers scattered around the floor. The dragon, a massive creature of ruby scales, lay sprawled across a hoard of gleaming gold, jewels, and various artifacts. Its chest rose and fell with each deep, resonant snore. Yip's eyes grew wide as he took in the treasure around him, but he knew they were there for something else entirely. He gestured for Nit and Jut to follow his lead. The red kobold crept forward, his eyes searching for the prize they had come for, while the purple one trailed slightly behind, his gaze darting around the room, his imagination already filling with tales of their heroism. They rounded the dragon's massive bulk, their hearts pounding in their chests. There, nestled between the gleaming scales, was a sight that filled them with both excitement. The dragon's tailhole, that was almost imperceptible to the untrained eye. Yip's eyes narrowed as he spotted the telltale sign. A slight discoloration in the scales, a hint of the treasure that lay within. They crept up quietly until they were directly underneath it. This was the moment of truth. This was what they had come for. With trembling claws, Yip began to dig through his pack for a special vial. Finding it, he quickly took the top off and covered his arm and claws with the thick liquid. It was a lubricant that should make the heist easier. Both Nit and Jut nodded in unspoken approval and praise. Nit and Jut watched in a mix of fascination as Yip took a deep breath and slowly inserted his arm into the tight space between the dragon's scales. The dragon's flesh was warm and surprisingly soft to the touch. The lubricant helped and Yip managed to push his arm in deeper. He felt around, his heart racing. It was like searching for a pearl in a cavern. But the treasure eluded him. His claws met only the smooth, warm velvety walls of the dragon's anus. The scent the dragon's musk grew stronger as his tailhole was opened. It was quite intoxicating for the three. But where was it? Yip's heart sank, and a bead of sweat rolled down his snout. He glanced back at his friends, his eyes wide with sadness. The dragon shifted in its sleep, the movement sending a cascade of gold coins tumbling down the mound. The noise was like a symphony of doom to their ears, each clink and clank echoing through the chamber. The dragon's still snored. By a chance of fate, the dragon's new position made it easier to access his tailhole. The kobolds knew, though, they had to move fast. Yip took a deep breath and whispered to his comrades, "We need to get closer. The dragon's scat isn't near his entrance. We need to go in deeper." Nit's eyes grew wide with understanding, his tail flicking in agitation. Jut, still a bit dazed by the grandeur of the treasure, took a moment to process the words. When he did, his purple scales paled. Nit, ever the strategist, knew what he had to do. "Leave it to me," he murmured, his voice barely audible over the dragon's snores. "I'm stealthier." He began to strip off his ragged armor, each piece dropping to the floor silently. His clothes followed, leaving him naked except for his scales. The other two stared in disbelief. "What are you doing?" Jut whispered, his eyes wide with horror. Ignoring Jut's question, Nit grabbed the vial of lubricant and tipped it over his head. The thick liquid cascaded down his body, coating his scales in a shimmering sheen. He then proceeded to smear the slick substance over his body, ensuring that not a single scale remained dry. The liquid was slick to the touch. The two other kobolds watched in shock as Nit approached the dragon's tailhole with determination in his eyes. He paused for a moment, listening to the dragon's rhythmic snoring, then took a deep breath and pushed his head into the tight space. His body squelched and stretched as he slithered inside, the dragon's scales parting before him like the jaws of a serpent. Yip and Jut could only watch, their jaws hanging open, as Nit disappeared into the dragon's anus, his tail the last thing to vanish into the abyss. Inside the dragon, Nit felt his heart racing. The warmth was stifling, and the smell was a potent and arousing. His eyes adjusted to the darkness. He pushed on, his scales gliding over the muscular walls of the dragon's rectum. It was tight, and every movement sent waves of discomfort through him, but he was driven by the promise of greatness. Suddenly, Nit's clawed hand hit something firm. His heart leaped in his chest. This was it. The dragon's scat. He could feel the power radiating from it. It was a solid mass, but it gave slightly when he squeezed it. He knew he had found the treasure they sought. The urge to take a bite was overwhelming. He imagined the power surging through his veins, the transformation that would come with it. But no, he had made a pact with his friends. This wasn't just for him, it was for all of them. He had to get it out of the dragon safely, so they could all share in the power. Nit's eyes widened with excitement, and he began to maneuver the object towards the exit of the dragon's tailhole. It was a tight fit, but the lubricant helped ease the passage. The dragon's body didn't react, it remained as still as the stone that made up the chamber around them. The two friends outside watched in fascination as Nit's tail emerged from the dragon's anus, while the precious nugget was clenched tightly by Nit. Yip's jaw tightened, and he grabbed the tail with both hands. Jut, his eyes still wide with shock, did the same, and together they began to pull. Nit's body slithered out with surprising ease, leaving a trail of slick residue behind him. As Nit emerged, a sense of triumph filled the air. The nugget was larger than any of them had imagined. The dragon's snores grew louder, and the ground trembled slightly, but the creature remained oblivious to their intrusion. Carefully, they maneuvered Nit out, his face a mask of pained determination as the nugget's size made the exit a tight fit. They all took a step back, panting and grinning in triumph. Jut's eyes bulged as he stared at the treasure now on the ground. It was a glorious sphere of dark brown dragon excrement. The smell was overwhelming, a scent of brimstone that made their eyes water. But it was the size that truly amazed them. It was as large as a kobold, and piping hot. How Nit got it out would be a story in its own right. Nit quickly got dressed, his movements swift and precise as he pulled his armor and clothing back on, his scales glistening with the remnants of the lubricant. They had to move quickly. It took the three of them to carry it. It was still warm and surprisingly smooth, like a freshly baked loaf of bread. They slowly moved away from the dragon, their prize in hand as they all carried the nugget. The treasure was heavy for its size, and they had to adjust their grip to keep from dropping it. As they retreated from the dragon's chamber, they all noticed the lack of snoring. The silence was deafening. The dragon had stopped snoring. The three looked back in horror as the dragon's massive frame began to stir, its muscles rippling underneath its scales like a volcano about to erupt. The dragon's eyes snapped open, gleaming like rubies in the dim light, and focused directly on them. The beast's nostrils flared, and it let out a roar that shook the very foundation of the mountain. Jut knew they had to act fast. This was his moment. His time to prove his worth. He stepped forward, letting the other two carry the full weight of the nugget. He searched his bag quick and brought out his flute. The flute was shaking slightly in his trembling claws. He took a deep breath, filling his lungs with the warm, dusty air of the cavern, and began to play. The melody was soft at first, a gentle lullaby that seemed to soothe the very air around them. His eyes closed as he lost himself in the music, the notes weaving an intricate tapestry of peace and tranquility. The dragon's massive head lifted from the treasure hoard, its fiery eyes narrowing slightly. But instead of charging at them, it seemed to be drawn into the melody, its movements growing slower, more deliberate. The music grew louder, filling the chamber with a symphony of sleep. The creature's eyelids began to droop, the fiery glow in its gaze dimming as it succumbed to the seductive power of Jut's playing. Nit and Yip took this as their cue. With the dragon momentarily distracted, they began to back away, their grip on the nugget tight. Each step was calculated, their paws moving in rhythm with the music. They didn't dare to look away, not wanting to break the spell that Jut had cast over the slumbering beast. The dragon's snores grew louder as it succumbed fully to the melody. Its massive chest rose and fell in time with the music. Jut's music grew softer, the notes lingering in the air like whispers. The dragon's head fell to the side, its jaw slackening as it returned to its deep, restful slumber. Jut didn't wait for the dragon's breathing to even out before he turned and sprinted back towards the cave's entrance. His heart hammered in his chest, each beat echoing in his ears like the drumbeat of a hundred kobold warriors. His legs burned with the effort of carrying the flute and keeping up with Nit and Yip. They had done it. They had stolen the dragon's scat and lived to tell the tale. The three friends emerged into the cool evening air, the night sky acting as a blanket for their caper. The smell of the dragon's scat was still potent, and it clung to them like a cloak of victory. Nit's scales remained slick with the lubricant, a sticky reminder of the tight spot they had all been in. Jut still trembled from the experience. But Yip, Yip had a look of satisfaction on his face. They stumbled down the hillside, the weight of the nugget making their descent precarious. The moon peeked over the treetops, casting just enough light for them to make out their path. The nugget grew heavier with each step, but the excitement of their heist kept their spirits high. They had to be careful not to slip on the loose gravel or dirt. Their makeshift camp came into view, a small fire still crackling. The sight brought a mix of relief and excitement. They were so close to fulfilling the legend. They approached the camp with renewed energy. "Good work guys," Yip exclaimed, placing the nugget on a makeshift stone table. "Now we can finally become dragons!" His voice echoed in the night, a declaration of victory. The warmth from the dragon's treasure was palpable. Nit and Jut nodded, their eyes gleaming with anticipation. They had all dreamed of this moment, the moment that would change their lives forever. Without further ado, they all leaned in, their teeth bared. The nugget was still hot to the touch. They took turns, each one sinking their teeth into the firm mass. The nugget was firm on the outside, but soft on the inside. The taste was unlike anything they had ever experienced. Potent and acrid, yet strangely alluring. It filled their mouths with what they thought was the essence of power and the promise of a new existence. They chewed loudly, the sound echoing in the quiet camp. Each bite was a declaration of their audacity and determination. The foul mess found its way to their bellies, sending shock waves of warmth and a peculiar sensation. They felt something change within them, something primal and ancient stirring. "Is it working?" Jut asked, his voice a mix of hope and doubt. He looked at Nit and Yip, who were busy devouring their own pieces of the stolen treasure. They nodded, their expressions a mix of excitement and fear. The transformation had to be happening. They could feel it in their bones, in the very air around them. As the last bit of the dragon's scat was swallowed, they all felt a sudden gurgling in their stomachs. It grew louder and more intense until it seemed as if their insides were about to erupt. They clutched their bellies, eyes wide with anticipation. The pressure built up, and just when they thought they thought the transformation was about to happen, they all burped. "Was the legend not true?" Nit asked, his voice barely a whisper. His eyes searched the faces of his friends for some hint of understanding. Yip and Jut looked at each other then back at Nit. "Wait wait, who did you hear this legend from, Yip?" Nit asked. Yip searched his mind. "It was...Jut. Jut who did you hear the legend from? Did we do something wrong?" "Oh I made it up. I just wanted to eat some dragon scat with my friends. It was pretty good, right?" Jut said happily. The other two kobolds looked a Jut with ire. "I-I mean, the journey is the treasure itself, right?" He stammered out. The Yip and Nit walked closer to Jut silently. Their eyes filled with anger. "C'mon guy-," Was all Jut could get out before the two tackled Jut. But instead of beating him up, Yip and Nit just laughed. Jut's laughter arose loudly after realizing his life wasn't in danger. "It was good, right?" Jut asked. "Yeah...it was..." Both Yip and Nit said in unison. They laid there in silence on the soft ground and thought about how good the dragon's mess was and how full their bellies were. "We are doing this again next week, aren't we?" Nit said, already knowing the answer. "Oooh! I think I know where a blue dragon lives!" The rest of the night was filled with laughter and recollection of their heist. Each remembering the events slightly differently. As their candles burned down, they, having full bellies, retired to their shared tent. The three slept cuddled next to each other. Yip on the left, Nit on the right, and Jut in the middle. Soon they fell asleep, dreaming of future heists.