The New Hatchling

By Ozzie Kit Skunk

Deven sat alone in his apartment, sitting at his computer. He was in his thirties now, and between jobs, so he had taken on some odd jobs he could do from home. However, they were pretty boring, and he frequently found himself daydreaming. Usually his daydreams were about being a young child again, with no responsibilities nor worries, and other times they were more about fantasy realms and living in a world with magic and fantastic creatures, or even monsters, with adventures to go on every day and fun, totally non-boring things to do. He had long black hair and blue eyes, and also pale skin from rarely being out in the sun. He had relatives, but did not keep in close contact with them. More often than not, he would chat with friends online, though they were usually living in other parts of the world. Today he was chatting with some friends online and lost track of time. It had gotten late. He yawned and leaned back in his chair, thinking about where his next paycheck was going to come from, when a strange fog began to roll in. This wouldn't have been that out of the ordinary, considering where he lived, but this fog was rolling into his apartment. Upon first seeing it, he wasn't quite sure what to make of it, but soon he started to feel warm. “Oh crap, fire!” he shouted. Quickly, he bolted upright from his chair. He was only wearing some boxers and a shirt, but he was in too much of a panic to care. He ran to his door, felt of it, and opened it. Without looking, he ran out into his hallway, and soon found himself in an unfamiliar place. It wasn't his building, that's for sure, but he wasn't sure exactly where it was. Even so, he made his way forward, trying to get away from whatever was causing the “smoke” he thought he saw. He sniffed the air, but didn't smell anything burning. “This isn't smoke. It's just...fog?”  As he walked, the fog just grew thicker and thicker. He couldn't see where he was going, and reached out with his arms, walking barefoot on the floor. He was used to the soft carpeting of the hallway, but it felt more soft, and a bit moist. It almost felt like...grass? He looked down, but couldn't see, so he wiggled his toes. It sure felt like grass, but how? Slowly, he continued to walk forward, and now the air was fresher somehow. It was becoming free of the usual scents of the city. He could actually smell the fresh grass and trees. Finally he could see something in the distance, but it was a fiery glow. The flickering orange hue was unmistakable. “It really is fire this time!” He turned back, but found that the path back was covered in inky darkness. Slowly he tip-toed into it, but was stopped by something touching his back. He stopped in his tracks and turned around slowly. The fog cleared a bit as a large creature approached him. They were massive, and flames flicked from their mouth. Their eyes were glowing a deep red, and Deven wasn't sure if he should run or defend himself. Then it spoke.

“So, there you are.” it spoke in a feminine, motherly tone. There was not a hint of threat behind it, though it was a bit booming. 

“Wh-who are you?” Deven asked in a trembling voice.

“Oh, silly me.” said the voice. “I always forget.” She inhaled sharply then exhaled, blowing away the fog. She revealed herself to be a giant, green and red dragon, easily the size of two grown elephants. She wore very little, aside from some golden jewelry. She was obviously female from her large breasts which dangled below a bejeweled gold necklace. Deven stumbled backwards, looking way up at her face. She had long horns on the side of her head, and gigantic wings. He hands and feet had long, brown claws, and her fingers bore a few rings. 

“D-dragon?!” Deven yelped. “H-how? Impossible!”

The dragon lady laughed. “Oh ho ho, I assure you it is possible!” She came closer, lowering her head down to him and looking him in the eye. Her jewelry jingled as she moved. “My name is Cynder, and yes, I am a dragon.

“A-are you going to eat me?” asked Deven.

“Eat you?” asked Cynder. She let out a roar of laughter. “Is that what you think? No, not at all. Quite the opposite.”

“Wh-what am I doing here?” asked Deven. He looked around now that the fog had lifted, and saw that he was indeed lying in the grass and dirt. Nearby were rocky caves and small huts made of stone. Dragons of various size were walking around, and also some smaller, more human-sized reptile creatures. “Th-they're all dragons!”

“Some of them are, yes.” said Cynder. “The smaller ones are called kobolds. They are our servants. Most of them are about your size, or a bit smaller.”

“Uh, so they're not going to eat me either?” asked Deven.

“I assure you, I didn't bring you here just to eat you.” said the motherly dragon. She reached down and patted Deven's head. “Come child, stand up.”

Deven stood, though still on guard. “Um, okay, but I'm not a child.” he said. “I'm an adult.”

“Yes I know.” said Cynder. “By your human years you are an adult, but that won't matter much longer.”

“Huh?” asked Deven. “Why not?”

“All will be answered.” said the motherly dragon. “Now, please hold still my child, this will not hurt.”

“I told you I'm not a ch-” Deven started, but before he could finish, the dragon exhaled a magical purple flame. It surrounded him, taking him by surprised, and making him yelp in concern. He thought he was about to be roasted alive, but instead the flame merely felt like a warm hug. He looked down at himself, and saw the flame dancing around his body. His clothes began to burn away, making him blush and cover himself. “H-hey!”

“Be calm, young one.” said Cynder. “For soon you will be one of us. Have no fear.”

“One of you?!” asked Deven, patting what remained of his clothes, trying to put them out. “Ah!” He yelped as the last of his clothing burned away, leaving him nude. “Umm...” He looked around awkwardly, seeing that he had gotten a bit of an audience of dragons and kobolds alike. He covered his crotch with his hands, but found himself unable to move otherwise. “What is this?” His voice suddenly cracked, causing him to clear his throat. It was then that he noticed the pubic hair on his body had vanished. At first he thought it had been burned away too, but the hair on his head remained. “What's happening?!” He squeaked out as his voice grew higher. He then noticed that things around him appeared larger. In fact, he was getting smaller, but not just smaller. He looked at his hands, and they began to grow scales. “Ah!” he squeaked. His skin was becoming more brown, green, and scaley. He could see his finger nails growing into claws, and since he was naked, he could see everything changing except for his face. Although he couldn't see it, he could feel it. Horns were growing atop his head, and spikes were growing out of his back. His skin felt hard, but smooth. He continued to shrink as he transformed, still covered in magic flames. The enormous dragon was now even larger in his view as his height dwindled further. His body, though covered in scales now, began to grow more chubby and round. His cheeks plumped as did his arms, legs, and tummy. He looked around in a panic, thinking this must all be some crazy dream. 

“You are becoming one of us.” said Cynder. “My, aren't you cute already?” She scooped him up and held him easily in her hands as he continued to shrink.

Deven squirmed and wiggled in her grasp. “Lemme go!” he squeaked, sounding like a child. Small wings grew from his back, and a long, green, scaley tail grew from above his bottom. His nose and mouth elongated into a stubby little snout, and a tiny spike grew on the end of his nose. “Huh? I got wings?!” He wiggled more, trying to flap them, thinking he could fly away somehow, but they were too small and weak to do anything besides wiggle. “Why am I little?” He gulped as he felt himself grow even smaller in her arms.

“You are becoming my little hatchling.” said Cynder. “Oh just look at how tiny and cute you're getting!”

“H-hatchling?!” Deven squeaked, sounding even younger. “H-how young am I gonna get?” He looked at his hands and how round and pudgy they were. Surely they were the chunky digits of a toddler or worse.

“Oh, very young indeed.” said Cynder, cuddling with her baby. “Just a baby.”

“B-b-baby?” asked the quivering hatchling. “B-but why?”

“I am unable to give birth naturally.” said Cynder. “I am sorry for taking you, but it was the only way I could have a child of my own.”

Deven seemed to be in deep thought as he wiggled naked in the large dragon's arms. His body became softer, yet his scaley skin remained hard. “Why me?” he squeaked, looking up at her. 

“I looked into your life.” said Cynder. “I know how lonely you were, and how much you desired a fresh start. I had to find someone in need of care, but also whom the human world would not miss.”

Deven examined his little body, especially his belly, which was round and plump. Then he looked between his legs, blushing brightly. It seemed that as small as he was, he was even smaller down there. He had forgotten that he was naked because of the scales, and quickly covered his crotch again. 

“Aww, no need to be so modest.” said Cynder. “After all, I've already seen you naked. We all have!” She looked up and around at the small audience that had gathered to watch the human turn into a hatchling. They were all so fascinated by the process, so they were naturally curious. One in particular came closer. It seemed to be one of the kobolds, with blue and purple scales. He had horns about the size of Deven's atop his head and wore a dicky that looked like a white shirt and red tie. He was about as tall as an eight-year-old human.

“Oooh, my, isn't he cute!” said the kobold. “Look at those cheeks and that cute little..”

Deven blushed, covering himself again. However, his new mommy simply brushed his hands away.

“Oh, let me introduce you all to my new son Deven.” said Cynder. She held up her baby boy for all to see. There were cheers and a little laughter from the audience. They seemed to be cheering as if he were some sort of royalty. Deven just blushed and kicked his chubby legs a little, being exposed to all the dragons and kobolds in the audience. His tail curled between his legs, covering himself a little. Then he was held in Cynder's arms again and rocked gently. “This is Tibbs, my servant.”

“S-servant?” asked Deven. He blinked at the kobold with his big, blue eyes and looked at him curiously. “N-nice to meet you...Tibbs.”

“The pleasure is all mine!” said Tibbs. “You are quite lucky little man.”

“How am I lucky?” asked Deven, folding his little arms cutely. “I was an adult man, and now I'm a baby dragon!”

“You were chosen by the wise Cynder.” said Tibbs. “She knows all, and could see your future. Lets just say, it wasn't pretty.”

Deven gulped. “What do you mean?” he asked.

“Nothing you need to worry about now.” said Cynder, patting him on the head. “I think we should get something on you though, before you have an accident.”

“Accident?” asked Deven. “You mean a d-diaper? No way! I'm not wearing a diaper!”

“Aww, but you'd look so cute in one!” said Cynder. “All hatchlings wear them until they learn to properly use a potty.”

“I know how!” Deven squeaked. “I can do it!”

“Very well then.” said Cynder. “But if you ever do have an accident, I'll put you in one.”

“F-fine...” said Deven. “But I won't! Hmf, diapers. I'd rather just be naked.”

“Most young ones do go naked.” said Cynder. “We only wear what we horde, and for most of us that means treasure and jewels, as you can see.”

Deven looked around and noticed some were wearing actual human clothes, though they were tattered and singed to a degree. Most did wear jewelry and gold, but some wore things like car license plates, pots and pans, and even plants. Some bothered to conceal their genitals, but others did not. It seemed like this was more of a nudist colony of dragons than anything. “Um, okay.” he said. “What will I horde?”

“Whatever you want my child.” said Cynder. “Whatever comes to you as your desire.”

“Hmm...” said Deven, looking again at his little body. “I wanna see me.”

“Oh yes, you should become familiar with your new self.” said Cynder. “Tibbs, mirror please.”

Tibbs went and grabbed a mirror from a nearby table and brought it over. “Here you are milady.” he said.

“Thank you Tibbs.” said Cynder. She took the mirror and held it up to Deven.

Deven let out a soft gasp as he looked at the infant dragon in the mirror. His face was all rounded and cute, and his horns were shorter than the other dragons around, but still rather long for his size. His wings wiggled a little when he looked at them, and they seemed to flutter on their own. “Ah! Wings!” he said, reaching around to touch them. They felt softer than his skin, but he could indeed feel them. They felt like having tiny extra arms. He tried moving them, but had some trouble.

Cynder chuckled at his antics. “You'll get used to them.” she said.

“But...what if I don't want to get used to them?” asked Deven. “What if I want to go back to being human? I had friends and family.”

“Had, yes, but how close were you really?” asked Cynder. “I could see your whole life, and though you had friends, they remained out of reach for the most part. As for your family, well, you didn't get along with them very well did you?”

“Well, no...but-” Deven started.

“Besides, it will not matter soon.” said Cynder. “Before long, you won't remember them nor your former life. You'll be lucky if you remember your own name or how to walk.” She chuckled, still holding him her lap.

“W-what do you mean?” asked Deven. “I'm going to forget? You mean I'm going to get all baby brained? But I don't want to!”

“Now now.” said Cynder. “You won't even notice it, I can assure you. It is a most safe and humane process. It will help you become closer to us, since you will forget all you have learned and learn how to be a dragon instead of a human. You won't need that pesky knowledge. Hatchlings don't need to think or worry about such things.”

Deven looked around nervously. He knew she was right, and that his life wasn't that great, but still, it was his life and he felt sad that he would leave it behind. “But if I wanted to...” he said, twiddling his thumbs. “I could go back?”

“There is a way.” said Cynder. “But only if you change your mind within twenty-four hours.” She cuddled him and nuzzled him closely and motherly. “But please, do not think about it. Know that I did this for both of us. You will be loved day and night, and you will want for nothing. I will take good care of you and make sure you become a fine, noble dragon.”

Deven thought about it some more, but was a little distracted with the mirror. It was circular with gold trim, and it glittered in the light in a way that fascinated him. He reached out to touch it with his little hand.

“You do make a cute hatchling.” said Cynder. “Even you must see that.”

“You are very cute indeed little Deven!” said Tibbs. “As a servant of Cynder, I am also a servant to you. If there is anything you should need, do not hesitate to ask. I will be tending to most of your needs in the future, so it would so us both well to get used to each other.”

“Oh, um, okay.” said Deven. “Can I..walk around a bit?”

“Of course dear.” said Cynder. She put him down on the ground, letting him stand on his own two baby legs. 

Deven wobbled on his weak little legs. He took one step, then another. It was like walking with weights on, or under heavier than normal gravity. His legs had weakened to a barely used infantile state. His tiny bare feet could feel the warm earth beneath them, and he wiggled his clawed toes then took another step.  He held his arms out to his sides for balance. “Ugh, why's it so hard to walk?” he asked.

“Because you're a baby!” said Cynder. “Usually hatchlings don't learn to walk until they are about two-years-old. The spell has turned you into a one-year-old.”

“Oh...” said Deven. “I'm just...one?”

“Yes, but a very capable one-year-old!” said Tibbs. “Just look at you. You don't need any help to stand or walk, and you can speak so well.”

“Oh, but that won't last.” said Cynder. “I'm afraid that after today you will likely lose the ability to speak, or at least forget what words are.”

“But...how will I communicate?” asked Deven.

“Like any infant.” said Cynder. “Cries, grunts, and happy sounds.”

“Hrm...” said Deven. “I dunno if I wanna be a poopy butt baby.”

“How about we show you the world which you will now live in?” asked Cynder. “Tibbs, please get the stroller.”

“Right away!” said Tibbs. He ran off and soon came back with a pastel green baby stroller, complete with fold up sun roof and a built-in mobile. He went over to little Deven and picked him up, then placed him into it. “There, all ready to go on a little trip!”

Deven felt the soft, comfortable blankets under his bare bottom. He wiggled a little, feeling something bumpy under them. He pulled back the blanket to reveal a shiny, golden, baby rattle. “Oh...” he said. “I don't need...” He looked at it again, then again. He wanted to toss it, but instead he shook it. It made a most pleasing sound to his little ears. 

“Yes dear?” asked Cynder, getting ready to walk. She was much too large to push the stroller properly, so it was another job left up to Tibbs.

Deven looked at the rattle and shook it again, then put it down in the stroller. “Um, nevermind.” he said. 

“Very well then.” said Cynder. “Let's go see the town.” She walked along while Tibbs pushed the stroller along the path. Though most of the area was stone with cave-like homes dug into them, there were also a few stone buildings and walkways. The path was smooth, like concrete, and branched off into different directions. There was a sign saying what paths led to where, but they were in a language unfamiliar to Deven. He peered out from the embarrassing stroller at the other dragons and kobolds strolling about. There were other dragon children running around playing, all without a stitch of clothing on, save for a few shiny things they would dangle from their necks. Some of them came running over when they saw Cynder.

“Hello Cynder!” said one of the female children. 

“Oh hello!” said Cynder. “Lovely day, isn't it?”

“It is!” said the child. She glanced over at Deven and smiled. “Oooh, a hatchling! Aww, he's so adorable!” Her wings fluttered and her tail swayed, showing her excitement.

“Ah yes, his name is Deven.” said Cynder. “He is new, but will become one of us soon.”

“Hello Deven!” said the child. She looked into the stroller and smiled with a toothy dragon smile.

Deven blushed and covered himself with a blanket. “Um, hello.” he said softly.

“Now now, no need to hide.” said Cynder. She pulled back the blankets and smiled. “Would you like to hold him?”

“Oooh, can I?” asked the girl. She smiled and picked up little Deven, then held him, keeping one hand under his bare bottom. “Aww, he's not even wearing a diaper! He's really cute!”

“Thank you dear.” said Cynder. 

“So he was really a human?” asked the girl.

“Yes, an adult male.” said Cynder.

“Well, he's not adult anymore.” the girl giggled. She smiled and rocked him gently, then rubbed at his belly.

In spite of himself, Deven let out a small coo at the attention, and began feeling more at ease. He still blushed from being naked and on full display for all who walked by, but they were all also mostly naked too. 

“We're letting him see the town.” said Tibbs. “So that he can get used to us.”

“That's good!” said the girl. “I hope you like being a dragon. I sure do!” She smiled and returned Deven to his stroller, then patted him on the head.

Deven nodded and blushed. “I...um, dunno.” he said. “It's still new to me.”

“Oh wow, it is so strange to hear a hatchling his age talking like an adult!” said the girl.

“Well, that won't last long.” said Cynder, laughing a little. “Just like his current level of potty training.”

Deven just blushed and looked around. He really wanted something to suck on, but he didn't know why. Then, as if on queue, he felt the need to go. “Um, speaking of that.” he said. “I need to go. Can you take me to a toilet?”

“Oh yes, there's one right over here.” said Cynder. She walked over to a tall, painted, wooden structure as Tibbs pushed the stroller to it.

Deven looked and could see that it was like a giant public restroom with dragons going in and out, seemingly doing their business and moving on with their day like normal. There were no signs for gender, just one big restroom for everyone to use.

“I'll show you how it works.” said Tibbs, lifting Deven from the stroller. He carried him inside, and showed him to some familiar seats. “I'm sure you know how these work. They're much like your human toilets, but instead of flushing, the waste gets burned away and recycled into fertilizer or simply evaporated. Here, try using this one.” He showed him what looked like a stone urinal that was built into the floor, and put him down on his tiny, wobbly legs.

Deven blushed and looked around. He saw others doing their business as anyone would in a public restroom. He stood there over the massive urinal and closed his eyes, then let go. He could hear the tinkling sound of his urine hit the stone and splatter a bit. He wobbled, accidentally getting some off target, but most of it went down the drain. He had a lot stored in his tiny bladder from when he was larger, so it took longer than usual. It gave him enough time to look around and see that he was the only baby doing his business. Further away, there was a kobold changing a hatchling's diaper on a stone changing table. He saw that the diaper was put into a special bin where it was burned away completely, leaving nothing behind, not even ash. He blushed a little, looking up at Tibbs, and knowing that soon he would be changing him like that. It was still a little much for him to take in, and he wobbled a little, feeling kind of dizzy.

“Oops, careful now.” said Tibbs. “Looks like you've finished, so lets wash up.” He picked up the little hatchling and took him over to a large metal basin with running water. He picked up a small disposable cloth and wet it, then began cleaning Deven's genitals.

Deven blushed hotly and squirmed, feeling himself being cleaned down there like any other baby. He heard some of the younger dragons giggling at the tiny infant being cleaned. He felt so small and helpless, but part of him was starting to enjoy the attention. Unaware of his own actions, he brought his hand up to his face, and began sucking on his thumb, standing on the counter top, being washed in front of everyone. He heard a lot of “Awwws” and giggles, but wasn't sure why. 

“There, all clean.” said Tibbs. He tossed the used wipe away in the incinerator, and picked up Deven, then took him back outside where his mother was waiting.

“How did you like our facilities?” asked Cynder. 

Deven, only now realizing he had a thumb in his mouth, quickly jerked it away and wiped it on his scaley skin. “Um, fine.” he said. “You um, burn up poop?”

“Yes, we do.” said Cynder. “It is normal for a mother dragon to burn away the waste of their young using their own natural flames, but we have devices that use a similar flame so that kobolds can change diapers without issue. Also, our waste is flushed down to a pit where it is burned and purified into fertilizing ash. No smell and no mess.”

“I like that.” said Deven. He looked around at everyone, now being more comfortable with being nude, and wondered what else this new world had to offer. He found himself being placed back in the soft stroller, then pushed along. The world seemed like a small suburb, complete with paved roads and houses. The only difference was that most houses were made of stone, seeing as how wood would burn too easily around so many dragons. There wasn't much wood to speak of at all, but there were areas with dirt, grass, and flowers. Everything was well trimmed and maintained. Eventually they came across a large, open field of dirt and grass, where there were many dragon children playing.

“Oh, lets stop here.” said Cynder. “This is the park, where many of us come to walk, play, and be social.”

Deven nodded and looked around at all of the various dragons and kobolds hanging out and playing. Much like a human park, there were swings, slides, things to climb on, and even sand boxes filled with gold sand. Like in the human world, the younger ones were playing in the sand box.

“How about playing a little?” asked Cynder. She scooped up Deven and deposited him into the sand box with the other tots. Unlike them, he was the only one not wearing a diaper, which made the other hatchlings curious. 

Deven blushed and wiggled his bottom in the gold sand. It felt warm and a little slippery. Unlike actual sand, it was more yielding and clean. He looked up and saw some drooling hatchlings wearing diapers crawling towards him, flapping their tiny wings. They were all cooing and babbling, greeting the newcomer to the sandbox. Deven scooted away a little, not sure how to respond to dumb babies. “Uh, hi...” he said shyly. 

“Nakie!' said one of the hatchlings, giggling and pointing at Deven.

Deven blushed and covered himself with his hands again. 

“He nakie!” said a female hatchling, a bit older than the others and obviously capable of speaking more words. “He nakie wike a big boy!” 

“Umm...” said Deven, feeling uncomfortable. These little diaper butts were annoying. One of them giggled and sucked on a blue pacifier while saying his tail happily, kicking up some gold sand. He patted the sand in front of him and smiled, then curled up on it to take a nap. Another one was making shapes with her claws in the sand and playing with a chew toy that had multiple scorch marks on it. A few others had gathered around to breathe tiny flames on the sand, melting part of it to make a castle shape. Deven felt out of place among the infants, but the sand looked very fun. The sun made it sparkle and glisten, which got his attention. He scooped up some with his hand and felt it dryly roll down his fingers. It looked and felt so pleasant to his regressing mind, and he soon found himself playing with it. He inhaled, then exhaled, trying to breathe a flame like the little one he saw, but he was unable to do it. The others laughed a little at his inability to create fire.

“Aww, don't worry son.” said one of the proud papa dragons. “Sometimes it takes a little time for a hatchling to develop their flame.”

“Try again Deven.” said Cynder. “But this time, breathe in deep and exhale slowly through the mouth only.”

Deven nodded and inhaled deeply, as much as his little lungs could, and then exhaled toward the sand. A tiny blue flame shot out, making his mouth all tingly. He reacted by jolting back and covering his mouth.

“Oh my, a blue flame!” said Tibbs. “That's quite rare!”

“That's my boy!” said Cynder. “You make mommy proud!”

Deven felt a strange sense of pride in his accomplishment, and from the praise. He could breathe fire! It wasn't a big flame, but it was pretty and hot. He smiled a little and tried again, but still only managed a small blue flame that barely passed his lips. The flames tickled his snout and made his tongue feel warm. Suddenly he felt more like he belonged, and his mind became even more curious about what he could do in the future. 

Cynder reached down and plucked Deven from the sand, giving him kisses all over his face and tummy. “Who's my good little boy?” she asked in a motherly way. “Who's my good little hatchy?”

Deven giggled, feeling all tingly in his mind from the attention and adoration. His laughter was that of a happy infant, yet he knew it belonged to him. “I am!” he said happily. 

“Yes you are!' said Cynder. She smiled and tossed him in the air gently.

Deven smiled and flapped his little wings for all they were worth. For a moment, he thought he was actually flying, but then he felt himself fall back into Cynder's arms. 

“Now then, what does my little hatchy want to do next?” Cynder asked, cuddling him.

Deven looked around from the height of Cynder's chest. He saw some having fun going down a slide. It was tall and made of a shiny metal compound that shone in the sun brightly. He smiled and pointed to it. “Slide?” he asked.

“Sure thing sweety.” said Cynder. She took him over to the slides and sat him down on top.

Deven looked down, still being quite high up, and saw that it was sized for bigger children. There weren't any babies going down them, which made him feel more like a big boy. He remembered being a child and playing on playground equipment as a human, but those memories seemed further and further away. Before he knew it, he had pushed off and was sliding down the smooth metal slide. It felt warm under his scaley rear, but smooth and comfortable. It felt so large on his tiny body, and he slipped and slid around all the way to the bottom, landing on his bottom. “Wheee!” he yelled. “Again!”

Cynder smiled and picked him up, then sat him at the top again. “Go ahead dear.” she said.

Once again Deven shoved off, sliding down the slide backwards this time. He giggled as he landed on his rear again, then looked up at Cynder. “Swings!” he shouted.

Cynder picked up her little hatchling and snuggled him. “Why yes your majesty.” she chuckled. She put him into one of the infant swings, which had a seat locking mechanism to keep little ones from falling out. She then walked around behind him and gave him a gentle push.

Deven smiled and thrust himself forward a little, flapping his little wings. “Wook!” he shouted, not even noticing his toddler lisp. “I can fwy!”

“That's my big strong boy!' said Cynder. She kept pushing him, letting him go higher and higher, and watching him wiggle his stubby little wings. She felt so happy having a cute little baby all her own. For years she had watched her friends and others play with their babies, and felt as if they were showing them off, but she knew it was more than that. It was the love they felt for their children and the joy they shared. 

Deven smiled and kept kicking his feet high into the air as he swung higher and higher. “Wheee!” he shouted. His play time was causing his mind to regress a bit faster, allowing it to slip further and further into blissful childhood. However, soon it was time to go, and he was placed back into his stroller.

“Come now little one.” said Cynder. “Time to see your new home.” She smiled and led the way down the street to a tall stone home. It looked much like an A frame house with multiple levels and a large front and back yard. It was decorated with gold and silver accents, and had a large fountain in front where birds were drinking. 

Deven's eyes widened upon seeing such a large, majestic home. It was certainly a change from his small flat in the human world. 

“I hope you like it.” said Cynder. She picked him up to carry him inside. “Tibbs, please put the stroller away.”

“Yes ma'am.” said Tibbs. He went about his task, as well as others he tended to around the house.

Deven looked around at the inside of the house, and marveled at just how gigantic it was. The floors were white and black marble, and most of the furniture was made of stone, some of it lined with what looked like leather. There were golden chandeliers and various statues and bejeweled objects decorating the inside. 

“This is our living room.” said Cynder. She sat him down on the couch and smiled. “You look so tiny sitting there. So precious.”

Deven blushed and wiggled a little. It was getting harder to control his body. His little feet didn't even reach the edges of the couch. He looked curiously at a rectangular object on the wall.

“Oh, would you like to watch something?” asked Cynder. She pressed some buttons on a nearby console and the object lit up, soon displaying colorful images.

“You haf TV?” asked Deven. 

“Yes, we have learned a few technological tricks from your human world.” said Cynder. She pushed some buttons, changing it to a childish cartoon with little furry creatures running around playing. They all sounded like children, but were dressed in various rescue outfits. Deven wasn't very interested though, and tried climbing down from the couch to explore. “Oh? Not in the mood for TV?” 

Deven shook his head and looked way up at Cynder. “Wanna explowe.” he said. 

“Oh, hehe, okay.” said Cynder. “Tibbs, please follow and make sure he isn't hurt or lost.”

“Of course my lady.” said Tibbs. He didn't want to intrude on Deven's business, and kept his distance, but kept him in sight as well.

Deven toddled around on weak little legs, eventually coming up to some large stairs. Just one step was about half his height or more. He reached up with his little hand and grabbed onto a step above him, then pulled himself up. It wasn't easy with his baby muscles, but he managed to climb a few stairs and stand. He looked down and saw that he had only climbed a few steps, but he was still so high up. The height made him wobble, and nearly fall.

Tibbs rushed forward, ready to grab him, but ended up falling onto the steps himself.

Deven looked back at him and giggled, then kept climbing. “I can do it!” he said proudly. His little wings flapped and wiggled as he climbed another step, then another. He was determined to show that he was a big boy and not some dumb little hatchling.

“Oh, but of course.” said Tibbs. “Far be it for me to hold you down sir.” He kept reaching out every time he thought the little hatchling would fall, but was pleasantly surprised that he was able to climb all the way to the top and still be full of energy.

Deven giggled as he toddled to another room at the top. It was huge and had a soft floor. He wasn't sure what it was made of, but it wasn't stone, nor carpet, nor wood. It was obviously something safe and fireproof.

“Ah, I see you have discovered your room.” said Tibbs from the doorway. “Have a look around little master.”

Deven looked around the nursery that was his room. In the corner he could see what looked like a crib, painted a pastel green, and on the other side was a tall, stone table with stacks of diapers under it. “No diapuh.” he said, turning his nose up at it. “My am big boy.” He proudly toddled past the diapers and to a box of toys. They were baby toys though, like teething rings, rattles, and blocks. He tossed them around his room until he found something he liked. It was a shiny set of rings. He smiled and began to chew on them, occasionally accidentally breathing a bit of blue flame on them and leaving small scorch marks. He toddled over to his crib to look at it, knowing it was his, and meant to hold him when he slept. He wasn't a baby though, he didn't need such a babyish thing. Or did he? It was getting hard to remember. This was his home after all, and this was his room. He stood on his toes, peeking as best he could inside of it. He could see what looked like a bed made of gold, with shining, shimmery sheets. Once again the sight of something shiny peaked his interest.

“I take it you like it?” asked Tibbs.

“Huh?” asked Deven. He didn't notice his tail had begun to sway, indicating his satisfaction with his room and toys. He blushed and tried holding his tail still with his hands. “Um, is okay.” He waddled over to the changing table and snorted. “No diapuh tho.”

“No, of course not.” said Tibbs. “Speaking of which, would you like to use the potty? We have one just for you.”

“A poddy?” asked Deven.

Tibbs nodded and walked over to the side of the diaper changing table. He opened a small door and pulled out a tiny toilet-shaped object. It was obviously made of some sort of stone, much like the ones he saw in the restroom earlier, but sized for his little tush.

“Um, maybe wayter.” said Deven. “I mean..l-l-ate-er...” He was getting a bit annoyed at his lack of proper pronunciation.

“How about this?” asked Tibbs, offering Deven a pacifier. It was green, but had a gold colored nib. 

Deven looked at it and blushed. Part of him really wanted it, but another part was reluctant. It did look kind of fun, not to mention shiny. Quickly he grabbed it and popped it in his mouth. “Mmf...fanks.” he said, sucking on the pacifier. It felt very soft and rubbery, kind of like how he expected, but also had a strange, yet alluring taste that he could not place.

“Any time.” said Tibbs. He smiled, keeping close to the tiny hatchling in case he needed anything.

Deven sat on the floor and began playing with some blocks while sucking on his pacifier. He noticed they had strange symbols on them, unlike the alphabet or numbers he was used to. He figured they must be the language of the dragons, and that even if he wasn't going to be a baby, he would probably have to learn how to read all over again anyway. It didn't matter. The blocks were all very colorful and shiny, as if made of various gems, jewels, and metals. He kept trying to make a pyramid, but his chunky baby hands were all awkward and uncoordinated. His motor skills had deteriorated with his loss of age, and his lack of ability made him fussy. He kicked over a block tower in frustration and fell to his back. He wiggled on the smooth floor, feeling his spikes and spines rubbing against it. It was hard to get in a comfortable position. He wiggled and rolled until he ended up on his tummy, which felt much more comfortable. He laid there for a moment, sucking on his pacifier, all curled up among his toys, thinking about how he ended up here. Unlike before, his time as a human all seemed like a dream, and now this seemed like it was and always had been reality.

“Time for a nap?” asked Tibbs. “I can get you all tucked in.”

While he was getting sleepy, hearing the word “nap” provoked something within him. His inner child resisted. “Nuh.” he said, wobbling and standing up again. His legs felt weaker and more uncoordinated than before, and he kept falling to his bottom while trying to walk. He fussed and resorted to crawling to get about, but he felt like something was following him. When he looked, he saw some sort of soft blanket. It was green, like his crib, which means it likely came from there, but why was it following him? He kept crawling, trying to get away from it, but it stayed with him. Finally he reached to grab it, only to discover that it had been caught on one of his horns this whole time. He blushed and giggled a little, snuggling the blanket.

Tibbs smiled and picked him up from the floor. “I'm so glad you like your nursery.” he said. “Cynder will be most pleased as well.”

Deven looked up at Tibbs and smiled, sucking on his pacifier. He reached out with one little hand and grabbed one of his horns, then began tugging on it. “Hown.” he said.

“Uh, yes, that's right.” said Tibbs. “These are my horns. You have some too.” He playfully poked at Deven's horns.

Deven kept turning his head, trying to see his own horns, but was unable to. He reached up and felt of them. He knew they were there, and they felt hard, but not too sharp. He looked back at Tibbs and reached out again, booping his nose. “Hown.” he said again.

“Aha, not quite.” said Tibbs, now rocking Deven gently. “This is my nose. It's a lot like yours.” He smiled and booped Deven's snoot, making him giggle. Then he heard his tummy grumble. “Oh, how about we get some food in you? Then maybe it will be nap time.”

“Uh huh.” said Deven. “Hungwee.” He patted his tummy, feeling slight hunger pangs. He was carried downstairs where Cynder was still sitting.

“How is my little hatchy?” asked Cynder.

“He is a little hungry.” said Tibbs. “I was about to feed him.”

“Ah, well go ahead then.” said Cynder. “There is baby food in the fridge.”

“Of course madame.” said Tibbs. He carried Deven into the kitchen area, which was mostly white marble with some metal appliances. There was a smooth, stone high chair made of jade, which he placed Deven into. He fastened a tray around him and then went to get some jars of baby food from the refrigerator. 

Deven felt the cold, smooth surface of the tray in front of him. He began patting it with his hands and kicking his little legs. He knew that this was the spot where he got fed his food. The hard jade chair rubbed against his little skin spikes, making him shift around to get more comfortable. Luckily, the seat was cushioned with the same sort of leather as the couch. When Tibbs brought his food out, he smiled and opened his mouth for him, letting his pacifier drop to the tray below.

“Already such a good boy.” said Tibbs. He fed Deven some of the food, which was mostly meats and a few fruits. He spooned some up and placed it in the infant's mouth.

Deven tasted the food and began working it around with his tongue. It tasted really good, and he swallowed happily. “Mmmm...good!” he said.

“Yes, I'm glad you like it!” said Tibbs. “Seems you will be eating it for some time to come.”

Deven continued to eat, but was still feeling a bit playful. He saw how goopy the food was, and stuck his fingers into one of the jars. He pulled them out, along with a handful of mush, and tossed it at Tibbs. “Hehe, yum!” he said. “Eat!”

Tibbs blinked and used a towel to wipe his face. “Hmm, no young man.” he said. “This is your food, not mine.”

Deven tossed some more food, giggling and clapping. “Eat!” he said happily. 

Tibbs kept trying to dodge food and clean up messes while Deven giggled and played. “You certainly are a handful!” he said. Finally, he put the food on a table further away to keep his little arms from reaching it, and fed him a bit more.

Deven reached for the food, wanting to play some more, but kept getting fed instead. He ended up dribbling food down his chin and onto his belly.

“I really should have used a bib.” said Tibbs. “Well, shame on me for that I guess. Looks like you'll need a bath.”

Deven just smiled with food all over his face and arms. “Baff!” he squeaked.

“This will be your first bath as a hatchling.” said Tibbs. He wiped the food off the little hatchling's face and hands, then plucked him from his high chair and took him into the bathroom. It was done in a pearly white and deep blue, and the tub itself was a fresh marble white. Everything was immaculately clean, always kept that way by Tibbs. He ran some warm water in the tub and added some special hatchling bath soap to it, then placed little Deven into it.

Deven felt the warm water on his scales and relaxed. The aroma of the soap was very soothing and the soap itself was made specially for hatchling skin. He cooed happily and began splashing the bubbly surface of the water happily. His tail swayed, swishing the water around, and splashing Tibbs. 

“Haha, careful there young one.” said Tibbs. “You're getting me more wet than you.”

Deven giggled and splashed Tibbs on purpose, wanting to play with him.

“You silly goose.” said Tibbs. He playfully splashed Deven and gave him some small bath toys to play with. They were your typical duckie and boat toys, but made with fire breathing tots in mind. 

Deven smiled and began playing with the duckie, squeezing it and giggling at the squeaky sound it made. “Duck!” he said. He remembered that one, and it made him feel big. While he played, Tibbs went about his task of cleaning him up, making sure to get his face, arms, chest, tummy, wee-wee, bottom, and legs. Deven giggled a little while being cleaned, feeling all warm and tingly all over. His mind slipped away even more, losing what little words he knew, and most of his adult human memories. The more time he spent in this hatchling body, being entertained and loved, the more of his old self was lost. He had not even noticed, but how could he notice what was forgotten? 

Once Tibbs had Deven all clean, he plucked him from the bath water and drained the tub. He wrapped him in a fluffy, warm towel and dried his scales, then applied some dragon hatchling lotion to his skin.

Deven smiled and cooed, reaching again for Tibbs's horns for something to play with. When being held over Tibbs's shoulder, he was able to latch onto one of his horns and chew on it.

“Aha, that's not for little hatchy teeth.” said Tibbs. He held Deven out and placed his pacifier back into his mouth.

Deven smiled and cooed at Tibbs, knowing he was safe in his arms. He was then carried out to Cynder, who was waiting with open arms.

“Aww, there's my little hatchy!” said Cynder. “All squeaky clean?”

Tibbs presented the little hatchling to her and nodded. “Yes madame.” he said. “He has a full tummy and a freshly clean body.

Cynder picked up Deven and snuggled him, holding him close to her chest.

Deven felt her warm scales on his, and recognized the scent of his mother. He nuzzled her gently and suckled on his pacifier happily. “Mah...” he said.

“Aww, so dear.” said Cynder. “He has all but forgotten his former life.”

“Indeed he has.” said Tibbs. “All of the joy and positive stimulation he has received since being transformed has drained him of all but the most basic of his old memories.”

“I trust that means you are happy with your new life?” Cynder asked the hatchling in her arms.

Deven looked up at Cynder and smiled around his pacifier. “Gah!” he said in response.

“I'll take that as a yes.” said Cynder, rocking him gently. She held him tenderly against her chest, caressing his back and bottom gently. Then she began to hum a soft tune as she carried him to his nursery.

Deven let out a big yawn and stretched, flapping his little wings and swaying his tail a bit.

“Oh my, big yawn!” said Cynder. “I think it is bed time, but first...” She laid Deven down on the changing table and pulled out a soft, white diaper.

Deven shook his head “no” but it was no use. He was too little and too far gone to resist. Besides, he wasn't even sure why he didn't want diapers anyway.

Cynder lifted him by his ankles and slid an open diaper under him, then sprinkled some baby powder into it and onto his bottom and front. She carefully pulled the front up over his crotch and taped it snugly around his waist, then fixed a different tape around his tail. “There, now the bed will be protected.” she said, nuzzling his belly and blowing a bit of her warm motherly flame on it.

Deven cooed and giggled cutely, kicking his little legs a bit. He had little control of them now, and no hope of walking for a while, but he didn't care. He wasn't sure what walking was, not to mention a potty.

Cynder cradled him in her arms for a while longer, replacing his pacifier with a bottle of dragon's milk. 

Deven suckled from the bottle and his tail swayed happily, tasting the sweet substance on his tiny tongue. It ran down his throat and into his belly, making him feel all full, warm, and happy. His eyes began to droop, and though he fought to stay awake, soon he relaxed and stopped suckling. His tail went limp and he began to sleep peacefully.

Cynder tucked him into his crib for his very first use of it, making sure he was nice and snug inside of it. She leaned down and kissed him on the forehead. “Good night my baby.” she said. “No matter your life before, you are mine now, and you belong here with us forever.” She turned and left, making sure to leave a little night flame alight for him. That night she went to bed for the first time as a content mother, but over time she began to notice that Deven looked lonely when playing sometimes.

A few days later, Cynder sensed a presence searching for Deven in the human world. “Hmm, I didn't think anyone would come.” she said to herself. She peered into the human realm, particularly into Deven's apartment. Outside of it stood an adult man with curly red hair, wearing round frame glasses. “Perhaps he will do.”

The man knocked on the door and called for Deven, but when he got no answer, he took out a key that he had on him, and unlocked the door. He began looking around, but found nothing but clothes here and there, some food, and his computer still on. It was there he saw the recent messages he had sent him, and saw that Deven wasn't there to respond. He continued his search, but never found anything. He was just about to leave when a dense fog rolled in. Upon walking out of the apartment, he was greeted by a very large shadow of a shapely woman.

“Whom have you come for?” asked Cynder, concealing her form for now.

“Um, oh I..um, Deven.” said the man.

Cynder held a small, sleeping, diapered infant in her arms. “Do you wish to be with him?” she asked.

“Y-yes I do.” said the man. “My name is Benny, and I've been looking for him for some time. He and I are...partners of a sort. He even let me have a copy of his key, just in case. Looks like it's a good thing he did.”

“You are his...partner?” asked Cynder. “In that case, yes, he is here.” She rocked the sleeping infant in her arms gently, giving his diapered rear a pat, then looked at Benny. “You may join him.”

“O-okay.” said the man. “Where is he?” He looked up at the tall woman, only now noticing that she had wings and a tail. 

“You shall soon see.” said Cynder. She smiled as she began to breathe her magic flame around the very confused man, knowing soon Deven would have a baby brother to play with. There would be nothing either of them could want for, and they would both be loved and cared for all their lives.

To be continued...