The New Hatchling
Part 2

By Ozzie Kit Skunk

Benny unlocked the door of his friend Deven's flat and walked in. “Deven?” he called out. “Are you here?” He searched around the somewhat messy apartment and eventually discovered the bedroom, where Deven's computer was. It was still on, and his desk chair was turned, back facing him. He slowly walked up to the chair. “Deven?” He turned the chair around to find his friend sitting there smiling, not wearing a single piece of clothing. Benny blushed a little, but let out a sigh of relief. “Oh, whew! You scared me. I thought something bad happened to you. Why didn't you respond to me?” 

Deven looked up at Benny with a goofy smile. “Hi Benny!” he said with a giggle. “Come on, join me!”

“You mean get naked?” Benny chuckled. 

“No, I mean...” Deven looked down at himself, and smiled as his body hair began to retreat into his skin.

“Huh?” asked Benny. “How are you doing that?!” He watched as his mate's skin grew softer and smoother, then noticed him growing smaller in his desk chair. Deven shrank down smaller and smaller, looking younger and younger as he did. His feet lifted up from the floor and his genitals became tiny versions of themselves. “D-Deven! Y-you're shrinking! No, you're getting younger!”

Deven just smiled and giggled. “Yep!” he said, sounding like a little kid. “Join me!” He cheered from his chair and showed gaps in his teeth where his adult teeth had receded. He continued to grow younger and smaller, eventually reaching single digits.

“B-but...” said Benny. “I can't! I have adult things to do!” He continued to watch in disbelief as his love shrank down into a mere toddler.

“You can!” said Deven. “Come on!” He wiggled and kicked in his desk chair as his body grew smaller and more plump. His face grew round, and the gaps in his teeth were now filled with baby teeth. Those, however, soon began to get sucked into his gums as well. He shrank down more and more, until he was just a cooing infant.

“D-Deven?” asked Benny. He reached out to pick up Deven, but then noticed that his skin was growing green and scaly. Two little wings popped out of his back, and two cute horns popped out of his head. The hair atop his little head vanished, leaving only green scales. His chest and tummy grew brown scales, and claws grew from his fingers and toes. Benny soon noticed that his own hands had begun growing claws and scales. “N-no!” he screamed. “Nooo!” 

Deven just giggled and clapped as he pointed to his mate. “Bay-bee!” he said in an infantile way.

Benny just continued to transform, also shrinking into his clothes. The baby in front of him seemed to grow larger, now showing razor sharp teeth and giggling like a maniac. Soon he became lost in his own clothes, and squirmed, trying to find his way out. His shouts became the cries of an infant and he struggled against the confines of his clothing until he finally saw light. He jolted upright and looked around. He seemed to be in some sort of soft bed. He let out a long sigh, thinking it was just a bad dream. He was about to turn over and lay down when he saw a lump in bed next to him. He slowly pulled back the shimmering gold blanket to reveal a sleeping baby dragon wearing a white diaper. He gasped and scooted away from him, only then noticing that his own body was much like his. He looked at his hands and saw pudgy ones covered in yellow scales. He had tiny black claws and a few patches of red scales on his tummy. He was also wearing a diaper, just like the little sleeping hatchling. He reached up to his head, and felt only smooth scales and small horns. His head went swimmy trying to figure out what was going on. It felt like a dream, but like he had also just woken up from one. Slowly he reached out to the sleeping hatchling and touched his horns, then inspected the small spikes along his back. They were blunt, but hard. 

Deven snorted and rolled over onto his back, sucking on his pacifier.

“Must still be dreaming.” said Benny. He tried pinching himself with his claws, and felt a sharp sting. “Ow! Guess not...” He looked at the sleeping baby, and had to admit he was cute, but was he really Deven? The last thing he remembered was the fog and the dragon lady holding this baby, claiming it was Deven. He looked around and saw that he was surrounded by the bars of a crib. The bedding, though soft, was made of some sort of silky gold material. It was comfortable, but he didn't like the diaper, and tried taking it off. He struggled with his weak baby muscles, but managed to tear part of it away. He squirmed awkwardly and rolled onto his back. He could feel his own spikes digging into the softness of the bedding. He kicked his chunky legs awkwardly, pushing the diaper down to his knees, and finally his ankles. Once free of it, he grabbed it and tried tossing it out of the crib, but he was too weak to throw it any farther than a few inches in front of him. He huffed in frustration and a bit of warm flame spouted from his mouth. He gasped and covered his mouth suddenly, then thought about it. He tried to do it again, but it wouldn't come out. Frustrated, he tried to stand, but on weak wobbly legs, he was unable to walk on the bedding, and soon fell to his bare bottom again. He laid there for a few moments until he heard a giggle and looked up.

Deven was awake now, and looking at his naked little crib mate. He giggled and smiled behind his pacifier. “Ah buh guh.” he babbled.

“Um, yeah.” said Benny. He covered his mouth upon hearing his high, squeaky voice. Then he relaxed and spoke again. “Is that really you...Deven?”

Deven just smiled and crawled over to Benny, drooling a little. He wasn't the least bit intimidating, even though he did have sharp little teeth.

“Ugh, you don't understand me do you?” asked Benny. He sat there as the other infant inspected him, and blushed, covering his little penis. “Excuse you.”

Deven smiled and began poking and prodding Benny's horns and spikes. He was happy to see someone as small and chunky as he was for once, but he wanted to play. He giggled and babbled, tugging on Benny's tail.

Benny wiggled a little and his tail suddenly moved. Not used to having a tail, he began to sway it back and forth, entertaining the baby brained Deven. When the other baby grabbed it, he began to tug. “Hey, let go!” he squeaked. He tugged and squirmed, trying to get away, but only dragged the baby along with him. “Ugh!”

Deven began to squeal with delight, swaying his own tail around and tugging on Benny's. He thought he was playing a rather fun game. Suddenly his expression changed and he looked down to his own tummy. He scrunched up his face a little and grunted. 

“What are you...” Benny started, but then he picked up the odor. “Oh man! No! Come on!” He fanned his snout and stood up in the crib, grabbing the bars with his pudgy hands. “Hey! Dragon lady! Heeeeyyy!”

It didn't take long for Cynder to hear the commotion and come see what was wrong. Upon entering the nursery, she was greeted by the sight of a naked hatchling standing in the crib and a diapered one sitting nearby. It also didn't take long for her nose to detect a dirty diaper. Smiling, she walked over to the crib, wearing nothing but some gold jewelry around her neck, wrists, and ankles. It jingled when she walked, which would be a telltale sign she was approaching. “Why hello little ones!” she said in a motherly tone. “Good morning.” She reached down into the crib and patted Deven on the head.

“Good nothing!” shouted a grumpy Benny. “What did you do to me?”

“Oh my, someone lost their diaper.” said Cynder. She bent over and picked it up. “Sorry dear, but I didn't want to take any chances.” 

Benny blushed, only now remembering that he was nude, and covered himself with his hands. “Y-yeah well, I don't need them.”

Cynder laughed and put the unused diaper away. “Deven was just as resistant to wear them, so he went naked.” she said. “He eventually did need them though, as you saw. So will you, in time. As for what I did, it should be obvious.” She plucked the diapered tot from the crib and snuggled him. “The same thing I did to your friend here. Look at him. Look how happy he is.”

Deven giggled and babbled behind his pacifier. He snuggled up to the giant dragon mother and nuzzled at her neck.

“Yeah, he stinks.” said Benny. “He pooped in his diaper. There's nothing left of my lover in there now. He's a blank slate. I don't want to be like that and I doubt he did either.”

“Hmf, well, I think you'll be surprised.” said Cynder. “He knows you. Whether he can talk or not, he recognizes you and your scent.” She lifted Deven up in the air and inhaled deeply, then exhaled a beautiful purple flame towards his diaper. It caught fire and began burning.

“Lady, what are you doing?!” shouted Benny. “You're burning him up!”

Deven just giggled and squirmed in her grasp, almost as if he were being squirted with water.

Cynder kept blowing her fire, which burned away Deven's diaper as well as his bodily waste. She turned him around in her arms, blowing her cleansing fire onto him until he was all clean, then smiled and held gently. 

Deven giggled the whole time, since her flames tickled him a little. They felt nice and warm and comfortable, and made being cleaned a very pleasant experience. Once he was cleaned, he cooed and clapped his pudgy hands in approval.

“Silly hatchling.” said Cynder. “I forget you aren't used to our ways. Mother dragons use their own flame to burn away their infant's diaper and waste. I am aware humans use water and cloth to wash their babies, but our skin is very different, as you will discover yourself.”

“W-well, I don't need any diapers.” said Benny, still in the crib, still covering his crotch and peering through the stone bars. He inhaled and exhaled several times, trying to make fire like she did, but couldn't. “I made fire earlier. Why can't I do it now?”

“It takes time for young ones to learn how to properly breathe fire.” said Cynder. She took Deven over to a smooth, stone table and laid him down on it, then got out a clean diaper. “I'm sure you noticed the scorch marks on some of Deven's things. Hatchlings, like human babies, tend to explore things with their mouths a lot. Since we can make fire, the things we give them must be fire proof.”

“Except for diapers.” said Benny. “Those burn pretty well.”

“Yes well, they burn when magical fire is applied to them.” said Cynder. She lifted Deven by the ankles and slid the clean diaper under him, then sprinkled powder into it and taped it snugly around his waist. She fastened a second tape around his tail, then lifted him up. “They won't burn by just any fire.”

“H-how?” asked Benny. “I don't understand.”

“You don't need to.” said Cynder, walking over to the crib again. “Just know that we have been alive for thousands of years, so we have developed ways around our own flames. The sheets you are standing on are made of a special silk produced by a golden flame spider. They are resistant to our flames and nice and comfortable, not to mention shiny. You like shiny things, don't you?”

Benny looked at the shimmering sheets and the shiny toys here and there. “I guess.” he said. They were sort of alluring to him for some reason. He picked up a shiny rattle and shook it. It sounded more like metal against metal, but made a pleasant sound in his young dragon ears.

Cynder smiled and picked up Benny, holding him in her other arm across from Deven. She bounced the two infants in her arms. “Oh, you two do make an adorable couple.” she said. 

“I told you, I don't want this.” said Benny, still clutching the rattle. “I just want to go back to being an adult human.”

“Are you sure?” asked Cynder. “Deven thought so too, but he changed his mind.”

“R-really?” asked Benny. “He chose...this life?”

“He did.” said Cynder. “In his own way, he accepted it, though not at first.”

“Well, I don't like being taken away from my former life.” said Benny. “I had a job, a family, and friends.”

“I know.” said Cynder. “I have looked into your life. You do have family, yes, but your friends are few. Aside from Deven here, they were mainly just drinking buddies. As for your job, do you really enjoy working as a janitor?”

Benny looked down and blushed, then looked over at Deven, then back at himself. He looked at his hands, opening and closing them, feeling the slick, hard claws he had running across his palms. “It's not what I wanted, but neither is this.” he said finally. 

“Just give it some time is all I ask.” said Cynder. “If, after today, you still wish to be human, I will make it so. If you decide to stay here and be Deven's little brother, I'm sure he would love that, as would I.”

“L-little brother?!” asked Benny. “No way, I'm older than him by a couple of years!”

“Well, considering he became a hatchling a few weeks before you, that makes him older.” said Cynder. “Technically. What do you think Deven? You have a new little brother!”

Deven giggled and clapped his pudgy hands, happily wiggling in her arms.

“Fine.” said Benny, huffing and crossing his arms. “I guess this place is sort of interesting. Plus Deven is kinda cute...”

Deven giggled and reached out to Benny.

Benny allowed Deven to get closer, and soon the diapered tot was snuggling with him, which made him blush. “S-stupid baby...” he muttered.

“Oh how cute!” said Cynder. She bounced the babies in her arms and carried them out of the nursery. “First thing, lets get some food in those bellies.” She smiled and carried the two into the kitchen, where Tibbs the kobld servant was standing, wearing only his fancy tuxedo dickey and silken cuffs.

“Good morning!” said Tibbs.

“Who the heck is that?” asked Benny.

“Why, that's Tibbs.” said Cynder. “He's my personal servant, and thus your servant as well. Before you ask, no, he is not a dragon. His kind are called kobolds, and are subservient to us.

“Uh, oh...” said Benny. He figured Deven must have given her the third degree about him before.

Deven smiled and reached out to Tibbs. “Oooaahh!” he cooed.

Cynder smiled and handed little Deven off to Tibbs. “There you go sweety.” she said.

Tibbs smiled and held little Deven in his arms, tickling his belly and making him laugh. He then placed him into a green stone high chair.

Cynder placed Benny into a yellow stone high chair.

“Hey, I don't need a high chair!” Benny complained, but it was too late, and he was locked into it by the tray. He struggled, but it was fruitless.

“Now now.” said Cynder. “You must experience the full hatchling life if you are to properly decide.”

“Hmf, fine I guess.” said Benny, folding his arms and pouting cutely.

Tibbs brought out several jars of baby food, then began spoon feeding Deven, who ate it up happily. Then he brought a spoon of the mush up to Benny.

Benny turned his nose up at the mush. “Ugh, really?” he asked. “We have teeth right? Shouldn't we have something more solid?”

“Yes you do have teeth.” said Cynder. “But if you haven't noticed, they aren't very sharp yet, plus they are few.”

Benny explored his mouth with his tongue, and found she was right. 

“Now, open wide young one.” said Tibbs, holding the spoon out again.

Benny blushed, but opened his mouth wide and accepted the food. He was surprised at the savory taste. It was as if someone had grilled a steak perfectly, then mashed it into paste. It had such a good flavor that he found himself quickly swallowing it. “Wow...” he said. 

“Want more?” asked Tibbs.

“Please.” said Benny, opening wide again. He was fed more and enjoyed every bite. “Hmmm, this part isn't so bad.” He was given some berry juice to drink in what looked like a sippy cup. “Aw, come on. Can't I have a real cup?”

“I think you will find that your motor skills aren't what they used to be.” said Tibbs. He placed a regular cup of juice on the tray. “Go ahead and try.”

Benny picked up the large stone cup. It was big in his tiny hands, but he brought it up to his lips and began to drink. His little fingers couldn't get a good grip though, and he ended up dropping it and spilling it all over himself. “Ack!” he squeaked.

Tibbs stifled a chuckle, and began cleaning him right away. “Now the sippy cup doesn't seem so bad does it?” he asked. “Unless you would rather have a bottle like the one young Deven is using.”

Benny looked over at Deven, who was sucking away at a baby bottle with juice in it. “Uh, okay.” he said. He reluctantly drank from the sippy cup and tasted the divine juice within. It was sweet and a little thick, tasting of many different berries. “Mmm, not bad!” 

“I think you will find dragon cuisine to be quite palatable.” said Tibbs. “Our babies are much heartier and healthier than human ones, and they develop more quickly.”

“So, if I agree to this, I won't be a baby long?” asked Benny.

“Oh honey.” said Cynder. “You'll be a baby about as long as you would as a human, but you will be much more capable much more quickly. Your muscles will develop much faster, and you will be stronger than any human child. If your concern is diapers, most of us are completely potty trained by age one. Although some train as late as two if they are slow learners.”

“Oh...” said Benny. He looked down toward his crotch and wiggled a little uncomfortably. “Speaking of which...I need to go.”

“In that case, Tibbs please take him to the training potty.” said Cynder. “I'll clean up little Deven here.”

“Very well ma'am.” said Tibbs. He wiped Benny's face clean then pulled away the locking tray and plucked him from his seat. He carried him like he would an actual infant in his arms with one hand under his tush.

Benny blushed and wiggled a little, feeling embarrassed. His little wings fluttered a bit and his tail swayed, signaling annoyance. He felt so small, even in the kobold's arms.

Once in the bathroom, Tibbs pulled out a small stone toilet that was painted in a pastel green color, and sat little Benny down on it. “Okay little one, you may go.” he said, then turned around to give Benny a little privacy.

“Um, could you leave?” asked Benny. “I don't like to do my business with someone in the room.”

“I'm sorry, but I cannot.” said Tibbs. “As the servant of Mother Cynder I have a duty to be here in case you need anything. I promise I won't watch though.”

“Oh, well, okay I guess.” said Benny. He wiggled a little on the potty and looked at it. It looked just like a toddler's training potty, only made of stone. It even had a urine guard for boys. It was a bit big for him, which made him feel even smaller than he was. His feet barely touched the floor and he constantly had to balance himself on it. He held onto the sides while he did his business in the toilet, and when he was done he tried to get up by himself, but nearly fell. Luckily, Tibbs was there and caught him. 

“Whoops!” said Tibbs. “I know the potty is a bit big for you, but you will grow into it.” He chuckled a little, then pressed a switch on the potty. Flames erupted from it, burning all of his waste to ash, which was then deposited in a container beneath the floor. Tibbs then held Benny over a small spout, which flame poured out of, effectively “washing” any left over waste from his body.

Benny wiggled, feeling the warm flames tickle his skin. He winced at first, expecting pain, but instead it felt very comfortable. He looked down and was grateful that it didn't singe his wee-wee. He wiggled and kicked his legs in the air as Tibbs slowly rotated him around the flame, then pulled him away. 

“All clean.” said Tibbs. He then carried Benny back to the kitchen, where Cynder was done cleaning Deven and now holding him in her arms. 

“Enjoy our facilities?” asked Cynder.

Benny blushed and nodded. “Uh yeah.” he said. “Lots of fire. I'm sensing a theme.”

“But of course.” said Cynder. “Fire is the way of our people, and is as important to us as water is to humans.”

“Right.” said Benny, wondering what their showers must be like. He was waiting for his time to escape, though he was unsure how he would do so being so little and weak in a world of dragons.

Cynder held Deven and patted his diapered rear, then looked down at Benny. “I think it would do us some good to get out for a bit.” she said. “We can go to the mall. Maybe when you see how our society works, you will feel more comfortable.”

“Um, do I have to be naked?” asked Benny, looking down at himself.

“Yes, but don't worry.” said Cynder. “I'm sure you have noticed that Tibbs and I do not wear much in the way of clothing. We see clothing as more of an optional accessory and not a necessity. Due to our durable nature, we do not need the protection of clothing, and we do not share the same qualms about nudity that humans do. It is only natural to be nude. You will find that most of us wear nothing at all.”

“So you're all nudists.” said Benny. “F-fine I guess.” He folded his arms and pouted a little. He wanted to wear something, anything but a diaper.”

“In fact, diapers are all we have to clothe hatchlings, because it is the only clothing they need.” said Cynder. She walked over to a double seated stroller and placed Deven into it, then buckled him in.

Deven giggled and smiled happily, sucking on his pacifier. He picked up a shiny, gold rattle and began playing with it as he sat on the soft sheets.

Tibbs placed Benny into the twin stroller next to Deven, then fastened some belts across his chest and tummy, and began pushing the stroller outside.

Benny looked over at his hatchling mate, still somewhat in disbelief. This drooling, babbling, diaper-clad baby was what was left of the man he loved. Whereas he would have adored things like snuggling and groping him as an adult human, as a tiny hatchling, it felt more annoying. Deven would curiously poke and prod and squeeze him, testing his boundaries and exploring his new brother, and Benny would scoot away or shoo him off with his pudgy hands. Deven would just giggle and push him back, thinking they were playing. Soon the two were pushing each other back and forth, with Deven giggling and Benny fussing. “Cut it out!” he squeaked.

“He just wants to play.” said Cynder, walking along side them. “He really does like you a lot. He hasn't shown such affection for anyone like that.”

“Really?” asked Benny. He looked at Deven's smiling, drooling, innocent face and saw his tail swaying behind him. There were holes in the back of the stroller for their tails to fit through. They seemed to be made of some sort of stone, but it felt like smooth plastic. As usual, the seats were lined with a soft, shimmering dragon silk material. It felt good on his spiky back, which otherwise felt awkward any time he laid down or sat down on a hard surface. 

“Oh how sweet!” said a rather large and chubby, motherly, elder dragon with green and purple scales. She was wearing a gold and pearl necklace and a few golden bracelets. “You have two now?”

“Yes, they are my precious little gifts.” said Cynder.

“They're so adorable when they're small.” said the woman. She reached in and patted Benny on the head. “Such cute and tiny horns. Oh, is this one already potty trained? What a big boy!”

Benny blushed and whined a little.

“He's actually only recently changed into a hatchling.” said Cynder. “He'll need diapers soon enough, but until then, he is free to be totally nude like the rest of us.”

“Oh I see!” said the woman. “Humans do make interesting hatchlings. Well, enjoy your nakie time little one!”

Benny blushed again and covered himself. “Hmf...” he pouted. “Can we please move faster?”

“Oh, but it's such a lovely day!” said Tibbs. “We really want you to experience everything we have to offer.”

“Besides, it was your choice to be naked.” said Cynder.

“I-I know...” said Benny.

Deven just giggled and pointed at Benny's dinky.

Benny covered himself again and huffed. “Mind your own business!” he squeaked. As they were pushed along, he looked around at all of the stone structures. It was all magnificently carved, and some of it was so smooth you could mistake it for plastic. The roads were even a kind of smooth asphalt, similar to the human world. “So much stuff is rocks.”

“Yes, well, we have so much stone to work with.” said Cynder. “It is pretty much all we need. There is a forest nearby with wood, but given how easily it burns, we rarely need it. It gets used for kindling and sometimes special occasions to keep fires going.”

“Uh huh...” said Benny. “It's kinda strange to me.” He felt a tickle on his belly and looked down to see Deven's hand poking at him.

“Bah!” Deven babbled. “Bee-ah!” 

“Yes, that's right!” said Cynder. “He's a baby just like you! Deven is learning to talk so fast!”

“You call that talking?” asked Benny, unaware that Deven was trying to say his name. “It's babbling at best.” He tried shooing Deven's hands away again, but he just kept at it. Soon they arrived at a large shopping center. It looked much like a strip mall made out of stone structures, thick glass windows, and beautiful bejeweled decorations. Benny's mouth hung open in awe at how pretty and shiny things were. The shops were filled with all manner of shiny merchandise, from accessories to furniture. They even somehow had the technology to make televisions, which were currently showing some sort of news report about the weather. It showed a forecast of rain in the evening. “So you do have to deal with water sometimes.”

“Yes, we do not do without it.” said Cynder. “However, it doesn't bother us nor effect our flames. We still need water to drink and for growing crops.” She knew it was a wasted effort to explain this to him, given he would forget all about it soon, but she wanted to distract him with facts to lower his guard. She instructed Tibbs, silently, to push the stroller toward a store with toys on display.

Benny looked and saw the shiny toys in the store. They looked like various vehicles with wheels and some with tracks. Clearly they had the means to make vehicles, but he didn't see many along the way to the mall. There were only a few cars, made of metal, stone, and rubber like human ones, but much larger and fancier. Most looked like they were gold plated with jeweled wheels. Even the toys reflected this, being all shiny and attractive. His mouth opened on its own as he looked at the shiny objects in the window. “Um, can we look closer at those?” he asked finally.

“Of course.” said Tibbs. “Anything catch your eye?”

“Yes, you may pick out any toy you wish.” said Cynder. 

Deven looked and saw a fun toy ball with multi-colored jewels in it and reached out for it. “Aaaah! Oooh!” he cooed.

“Oh, you want one?' asked Cynder. “Anything for my babies.”

Benny looked at the various toys, his eyes wide. There were ones that looked like dragon action figures, some that looked more robotic, and some that were soft and squeezable, like plush toys. He turned his head away, trying not to look at them, but then he saw a shiny set of toy golden keys. They had various colored gems in them, and sparkled beautifully in the sun light. Without even thinking, he began reaching out for it.

“See something you want?” asked Tibbs. He glanced over and saw the toy keys, then smiled and retrieved them from their display hook. 

Benny blushed, but nodded. “They're um...pretty.” he said. Once he had the keys in hand, he could see how bulky they were. They were definitely meant for small hands like his, and jingled when he shook them. Their metallic sound pleased his new ears, and he found himself rubbing them with his fingers. They were smooth to the touch, with rounded edges. He found himself shaking them over and over, enjoying the sound they made and the pretty sparkle they gave off.

“They're very nice.” said Cynder. She knew he was showing signs of mental regression. Every hatchling will take notice of certain things they like and will eventually begin to hoard. Every dragon had something they fixated on, and would begin to collect even this early in life. For Benny, it seemed to be keys. She smiled and watched as he played and held the keys up to the light. 

Benny slowly brought the keys up to his face. He drooled a little, suddenly struck by the urge to put it in his mouth. He eyed it as it became closer, then before he knew it, it was in his mouth. He tasted a sweet metallic flavor from the toy keys.

Deven, currently sucking on his own fingers, glanced toward Benny and saw the glistening keys he had in his mouth. His eyes went wide and his tail flicked back and forth. He wanted them.

Benny suddenly felt a tug on the keys and was broken out of his trance. He saw Deven pulling at the precious toy he had picked out, and began tugging back. “Hey! Let go ya dumb baby!” he shouted. He kept tugging at it, wiggling and squirming in the stroller. It didn't dawn on him how silly and cute he looked being a naked hatchling fighting over a toy with another hatchling. At the moment, no one would suspect he had actually been an adult at all.

Deven squeaked and grunted, pulling at the keys with all of his baby strength. He was trying to put them in his mouth, but Benny wasn't having it.

Tibbs stepped in, offering Deven a shiny baby rattle, bejeweled with green and blue gems. “How about this young one?” he asked the baby.

Deven's attention turned away to the shiny rattle, and he let go of the keys to grab onto it with his chunky little hands.

Benny lurched backwards after Deven let go. If he had not been buckled into the stroller, he would have went for a tumble onto the floor.  He leaned back up and shook his head, then held the keys close.

“How adorable.” said the store clerk, a tall, slender green dragon with round frame glasses. He wore a similar dickey to Tibbs, except his had a bow tie and silver buttons going down the front. “This is why I enjoy making toys for children. Just look at their delight.”

Benny blushed at the huge dragon, holding his keys closely. They were his now, and he wasn't going to let anyone take them from him.

“Hi there little one.” said the clerk. “What is your name?”

“B-Benny.” said Benny.

“Oh, so articulate for a hatchling!” said the clerk. “Well, I hope you enjoy those keys. Only the most discerning hatchlings tend to pick them.”

Benny just nodded and held the keys in his little hands, looking down at them. The gold shimmered and the gems glistened, triggering something in his dragon brain. “Uh huh.” he said. “They're nice.”

“I'm glad.” said the clerk. He turned his attention to the diapered hatchling nomming on the rattle. “How about you little one?” 

Deven smiled and drooled on the rattle, then shook it, getting spittle on Benny. “Ah bah bah bah!” he babbled.

“Aw, not much of a talker yet eh?” asked the clerk. “That's fine. You'll catch up to your brother eventually.” Little did he know it would be the other way around.

“I'll pay for the toys.” said Cynder. “Tibbs, please take the children out to the center.”

“Yes ma'am.” said Tibbs. He steered the stroller out of the store and to the interior of the mall. There was a stone fountain spewing water from a cherubic dragon's mouth into a pool filled with shimmering rocks. 

Benny didn't notice he had been periodically sticking the keys in his mouth. He did see the fountain though, and wanted a better look. “Nice fountain.” he said. 

“They are quite nice.” said Tibbs. “There are similar fountains throughout the mall. We may not have much use for water, but it does make for a pretty display.”

“I want to see closer.” said Benny. Truthfully he just wanted out of the stroller.

“I think that can be arranged.” said Tibbs. He unbuckled Benny and picked him up, then held him closer to the fountain.

Benny looked down into the fountain at the colorful rocks that lined the bottom. It was almost like a fish aquarium, but the stones were large, smooth, and shiny. Unlike fountains in the human world, there were no coins or thrown in objects since dragons tend to horde such things. He reached out to touch the water flowing from the mouth of the stone figure and Tibbs held him closer so that he could feel the water. It flowed down onto his hand and down his scales. It beaded up and rolled off, not getting any part of him truly wet. He wiggled a little, part of him wanting to get in and swim around.

“Please be still.” said Tibbs. “You're going to-” But it was too late. 

Benny fell into the water with a plop, splashing water like a chunky cannon ball. Bubbles surrounded him as he sank to the bottom. He looked around at all the shiny stones and tried grabbing them, but they were embedded into the floor. He looked up and tried to swim, even flapping his little wings, but it was no good. He wasn't in long before two hands scooped him up and out of it. Upon reaching the air, he inhaled deeply. “Gah!” he shouted. “Dragons can't swim!”

“You silly little tyke.” said Tibbs. “Of course they can't. Not unless they are water dragons.” He toweled the little baby off, but most of the water had beaded up and rolled off his scales.

“Oh my!” said Cynder, coming out to see them. “Tibbs, please be more careful!”

“Yes ma'am.” said Tibbs. “Sorry ma'am. These human hatchings are quite the hand full.” He then buckled Benny back in the stroller, and handed him his keys, which he had accidentally dropped in the fountain.

Deven looked at Benny with concern. “Abah dabu?” he asked, wanting to make sure Benny was okay.

“I'm fine.” said Benny, holding his keys tightly. “Just a little water.”

Deven smiled and clapped his little hands. “Bee bee bah bah!” he shouted.

“Please don't scare me like that again.” said Cynder. “I know this is all new to you, and a lot to take in, but I really do love you, and I don't want to see you hurt.”

“I said I'm fine.” said Benny. “Sorry...”

“I have an idea.” said Cynder. “Why not pick out something for you to wear once you are old enough for clothing?”

“I can wear something?” asked Benny. “Besides a diaper?”

“Yes, of course.” said Cynder. “Come, let us show you. Tibbs please take them to the clothing store.”

“Right away ma'am.” said Tibbs. He pushed the stroller with the two hatchlings in it along to the clothing store. It was more of an accessory shop however, having mostly necklaces, bracelets, and rings. There were, however, some semi-covering pieces that looked more like gold armor.

Benny looked around at the shiny objects in the store, unaware that he had started drooling. His mouth hung open at all of the beautiful things on display.

Deven giggled and babbled happily, kicking his legs in the stroller and pointing at various things. “Oooh bah!” he babbled.

Something in particular caught Benny's eye. It looked like a small, gold bracelet with a small red crystal hanging from it. “Um...” he said, looking right at it.

“Find something you like?” asked Cynder.

“Um, yeah, I think.” said Benny. “That?” He pointed to the pretty little bracelet hanging from a hook.

“Oh, this?” said Cynder, picking it up for him. “Oh how wonderful!” She smiled and held it up to him.

Benny looked at it, seeing how big it was in front of his face. It would be more of a necklace than a bracelet to him right now. He reached for it, but Cynder pulled it away.

“It'll be perfect for you once you grow up.” said Cynder. “If you decide to stay with us that is.” She smiled and went to pay for the item.

Benny pouted, wanting to wear the bracelet already. At least he still had his keys, which he happily jingled around to distract from his lack of accessories. He would at least like something that would cover his dinky. Suddenly remembering his nude state made him blush, but he had seen so many dragon genitals today that it was bothering him less and less. 

Cynder brought the bracelet back over to the stroller and showed Benny. “Look!” she said. “I had it engraved.”

Benny looked and saw some sort of runic writing on it that he didn't understand. “What's it say?” he asked.

“Why, it's your name of course.” said Cynder. “Oh, that's right, we use a different language than humans do. Don't worry though, you'll get plenty of time to learn how to read and write it.”

Benny blushed again, knowing that staying here meant having to relearn most of his education. Even if he would retain his adult, human mind, it would only do him so much good. “R-right...” he said. 

Cynder smiled and picked up a little something for Deven to wear once he got older as well, and then they were off again. 

Benny suddenly felt the urge to poop and blushed. “Umm...” he said shyly.

“Yes, what do you need?” asked Tibbs.

“I um, have to go potty.” he said, sounding childish, but not really caring at the moment. He just didn't want to have an accident like stinky Deven did.

“Oh, okay.” said Tibbs. “I shall take us to the restroom.” He quickly wheeled the stroller over to the nearest restroom. It was large, made of stone, and made for both genders. 

Cynder checked Deven's diaper and found it to be wet. “I'll change him while you help young Benny.” she said.

“Yes ma'am.” said Tibbs. He unbuckled Benny from the stroller and picked him up, then carried him inside.

Benny looked around and saw a lot of adult dragons using toilets out in the open. There were no doors or separators for privacy. “Um, it's hard for me to go when people are watching.” he said.

“Oh, well dragons have no issues with privacy.” said Tibbs. “Using a toilet is just another natural thing we all have to do at some time or other. Honestly, humans have such silly concepts sometimes.” He stood Benny in front of a very small toilet, obviously meant for children. It was a little too big for a baby, so he held onto him as he sat down.

Benny blushed as he sat on the large toilet. “I-I don't need...” he started to complain about being held onto, but then remembered how he almost fell the last time. “Nevermind.” He closed his eyes and tried to relax, and eventually did his business. To his surprise, he felt a small flame tickle his rear once he had. When he stood up, he saw that his waste was gone. “Wow...”

“Yes, waste is handled instantly here in public.” said Tibbs. “All reduced to ash and collected to use as fertilizer.”

Benny was growing more and more fascinated by this world. Tibbs held him up to a small spout which poured out small flames. He stuck his hands into it, as he had seen the others do, and washed his hands with the fire. 

“Mommy mommy!” said a young female dragon. “Look at that hatchling! He's naked! He's so cute!” She was pointing right at him, smiling and giggling.

Benny blushed and covered himself with one hand, with the other still gripping his keys. 

“He's still sensitive about his penis showing.” said Cynder, just finishing up with Deven's diaper change. “But yes, he is very cute all little and naked.”

Benny glanced back at Cynder and blushed, as if to say “Mooom!” but he had to stop himself. This wasn't his actual mother. She had kidnapped him! At least, he thought she did. Didn't she? He remembered being older, and looking different, but it was getting all cloudy. Once again he was placed into the stroller along with Deven, but this time they made their way home.

“It's about time for some food.” said Cynder. “Tibbs, please take them inside and get them into their high chairs while I get some food ready.”

“Right away.” said Tibbs. He went about his task, taking the two hatchlings inside and settling them into their respective high chairs.

Benny looked around and thought to himself. He had been outside now and seen everything. He knew there was no way he could escape as long as he was stuck in a silly infant body in a world he didn't understand. Maybe there was a way to convince them to change their mind. Maybe if he acted more like a brat...

“Here we are.” said Cynder, putting some jars of baby food in front of them.

Benny smiled and pushed the jar off the tray. It tumbled to the floor, spilling food everywhere. He giggled and grinned, thinking he had done a great trick. The jar was made of a very sturdy glass though, and did not break.

“Silly boy.” said Cynder, picking up the baby food. “I thought you liked the food.”

“No!” he shouted. “I'm a big boy! I don't need baby food!” He stuck his tongue out at them.

Cynder put her hands on her hips. “Well, I'm going to have some food myself.” she said. “Tibbs, please see that they eat.”

“Yes ma'am.” said Tibbs. He turned to Benny and prepared more food. “Now now, no fussing. Once you are ready for some real meat, you can have all you want.” He spooned up some of the goop to feed him. “Okay, open wide now.”

“No!” shouted Benny. He waved his hand at the spoon, knocking it away and spilling food on Tibbs. 

Deven giggled upon seeing this, and began acting the same way, spilling food on Tibbs's face.

“Oh! Not you too!” said Tibbs, wiping his face off. 

Deven giggled and kicked his feet, sticking his tongue out.

Benny couldn't help but giggle too, finding it very funny. Acting this way tickled his mind in a good way, and made him feel more at home. Things were starting to feel...right.

“I suppose you're not hungry.” said Tibbs. He started to put the food away, but Deven whined.

Benny's tummy grumbled. He was hungry, but he also wanted to make some mischief. “Um, yeah.” he said. “S-sorry, I guess.”

“Very well.” said Tibbs. He began feeding the two again, and the two ate for the most part.

Benny looked and saw Deven dribbling some down his chin. He decided to do the same just to make a mess for Tibbs to clean up. He smiled and let it dribble down his chin and onto his belly and the tray.

“You're becoming quite the messy eater.” said Tibbs, cleaning his face off. “We may need to give you a bath soon.”

“A bath?” asked Benny. He was curious as to how dragons took baths, but figured they must just use more fire to get clean.

“Yes sir.” said Tibbs. “Babies must be clean and fresh for Miss Cynder.”

“We can all have a nice bath later.” said Cynder, having finished her food. “I'm going to watch some TV for a bit. Once they are done eating, please bring them into the living room.”

“Yes Miss Cynder.” said Tibbs. He turned to the two babies who were both smiling. “Come on, lets fill those bellies.” He spooned up some more food and began feeding them, but they kept making a mess.

Benny got some on his hand and smeared it on his tray, then began giggling and painting with it. “Look!” he said. “I can make a picture!”

“Very nice sir.” said Tibbs. “But please eat. If you do, you can have some nice desert.”

“Hmm, desert?” asked Benny. “Okay.” He smiled and ate the food he was given, then watched as Tibbs brought out “desert.” It was more baby food, but in fruit flavor. He opened his mouth and tried some, and smiled. It tasted like a sweet blend of very savory fruits. He would have made a mess with it too, but it simply tasted too good. Soon both of their tummies were full, and they were given some fruit juice to drink. Benny was once again given a sippy cup while Deven was given a bottle. “See? I told you I was a big boy.”

Deven looked at Benny and suckled from his bottle. He wanted to be a big boy too, and reached for the sippy cup. “Uh! Ah!” he squeaked.

“No no.” said Tibbs. “You have your bottle. You would just make a mess with the sippy cup.”

“Bah!” shouted Deven, tossing his bottle at Tibbs, nearly hitting him.

“Please young sir!” said Tibbs, catching the bottle. “You can have a cup like that some day soon, just not today.”

“Eh!” Deven squeaked.

Benny just chuckled and drank his juice from the sippy cup, happily kicking his feet and proud of the fact he was showing what a big boy he was. Little did he know he was dribbling some down his chin.

Tibbs wiped Benny's face once they were done, then took them both into the living room with Cynder.

Cynder was sitting in her rocking chair. “All done?” she asked. “Let me have little Deven please Tibbs.”

Tibbs nodded and handed off the small tyke to her. Cynder began rocking him and tickling his tummy. “Who's my cute little boy?” she asked in a motherly way. “Who's my little cutie?”

Deven just giggled and squirmed around, kicking his little legs and babbling incoherently.

“That's right!” said Cynder. She showered him with kisses and snuggled him close to her breast.

Benny watched from Tibbs's arms, both annoyed and a little jealous for some reason. “You can put me down now.” he said.

“As you wish.” said Tibbs. He played the infant hatchling on the floor, but stayed close by.

Benny looked around the mostly stone living room. Things were either made of stone or metal here, but there were some shimmering drapes on the windows and a shiny rectangular rug with various runes and patterns on it. Everything was so massive and vast, he wasn't sure how he would escape this situation. He didn't know if Cynder would keep her word or not, should he decide he wants out after the day is over. Near him was a short, long table made of stone, but chiseled and polished to perfection. It was small to adult dragons, but to Benny it may as well have been a dinner table. He put his toy keys in his mouth and reached up with both hands, grabbing onto the side of it and then commanded his legs to stand. They were weak and wobbly, chunky with baby fat. With the help of the table, he was able to get up onto his feet at least, and he thought that now things wouldn't look so intimidating. He was wrong. Things were still very enormous and the huge adult faces were trained on him. Their smiles seemed a little creepy to him, so he slowly edged his way down one side of the table, unaware of the cute little grunting sounds he was making.

Cynder watched while bouncing Deven on her knee. The cute little tyke was giggling and gurgling, enjoying the ride and the sound of his own voice. “How about we watch some hatchling programming?” she asked. She used some buttons on a small stone cube to change the channel on the large television.

Benny looked up to see. The television was, like most things here, made of stone, and had a panel of glass-like stone along the front, protecting the screen behind it. He wasn't interested in such childish programming, but something about seeing a show made by dragons for dragons compelled him to watch. The quality was on par with something made by high end studios in the human world. As he watched, he was unaware that his toes had begun tapping to the music being played in the show, and he became engrossed in the race they were having.

Cynder smiled and put Deven down next to him to watch TV, then pulled out a camera and took some pictures.

Deven watched the TV intently while sucking on his favorite pacifier. He began to smile and clap his little hands together, and cooed a little, trying to sing along. Then he looked over and saw Benny's bare rear next to him. He giggled and began poking him, then pulled on his tail a little.

Benny didn't notice at first, but then looked down and saw the baby dragon playing with his tail. “Hey!” he squeaked, dropping the keys from his mouth. “Stop it!” He pulled his tail away, then fell to his bottom. Though the floor was hard, the impact was minor due to his scales and baby fat cushioning his fall. Even so, it made him feel small and helpless. Tears formed at the edge of his eyes, but he blinked them away, refusing to cry like some baby. Instead, he began crawling away towards the door.

Tibbs was standing in his way, and quickly picked him up. “I'm afraid you cannot go outside without a chaperon little one.” he said. 

Benny squirmed in Tibbs's arms, kicking his little legs. “Ugh, I wanna go!” he squeaked out.

“Oh, would you like to play outside?” asked Cynder. 

Thinking it would be a good idea, Benny nodded his head. “Yeah!” he said. “I wanna go outside!”

“Tibbs, please take the babies outside to play.” said Cynder. 

“Very well then.” said Tibbs. He picked up Deven, who squirmed and whined, not wanting to leave his show. However, once he saw Deven, his mood changed and he smiled. His pacifier had fallen on the floor, so he resorted to sucking his thumb.

Benny just sighed, unimpressed and somewhat disgusted by Deven sucking on his own digit. Being so close to him, he could smell his scent, and he smelled like a baby. 
 
Tibbs took them out into the back yard, where he deposited the two infants into a golden sand box.

Benny felt the warm, slick sand against his bare rear and scales. He picked up some in his hand and watched it trickle through his fingers. 

Deven smiled and clapped, picking up some of the golden sand and breathing some of his tiny flame on it. It melted, and he poured it into a bucket. He turned it over and gave it a little tap, then pulled it away, revealing a bucket shaped piece of gold.

Benny watched and it all clicked in his head. Gold was the best toy in the world! He scooped up some and tried breathing flame on it, but couldn't. He tried again, but got frustrated. He began to fuss and kick the sand with his chunky little feet.

Deven leaned over and blew some small flame onto the sand in front of Benny, then sat back and smiled. “Bee-ee-nn-ee.” he said.

“Did you..say my name?” asked Benny. He was finally starting to see Deven as more than a dumb baby. He was slowly realizing that all this time, Deven had been trying to play with him and help him. Deven even knew his name. A tear rolled down his cheek for some reason that he couldn't quite grasp, and reached over, hugging Deven. “I-I love you D-Deven.” 

Deven smiled and cooed softly, hugging Benny back. “Wwwuuuvvv...” he said, trying very hard to talk. He then began sucking on Benny's head horns.

“H-hey!” shouted Benny. He began giggling and pulling away. “S-stop it! Ya siwwy baby!” He giggled and rolled onto his back, kicking his little feet. The two began wrestling and rolling around in the gold sand, eventually tumbling out of it and into some nearby mud and dirt. They continued to play, getting all muddy and dirty until Tibbs came over. 

“Oh dear.” said Tibbs. “You two are quite dirty. I think it's bath time.”

“Hehehe, nu uh!” said Benny. He grabbed Deven by the hand and tried to toddle away, but he couldn't keep up. Deven kept falling and fussing, so they both began crawling.

Tibbs pretended to trip and fall, giving them more time to play together, knowing it would help bring Benny's mind down even more to Deven's level. “Oh, come back you little scamps!” he yelled in fake anger. He couldn't help but chuckle a bit, seeing Benny's little rear wiggling away from him.

The two babies crawled underneath a small stone bench.

“Dis wiww be our cave.” said Benny. “We can keep pwayin hewe!”

“Yay!” shouted Deven. He giggled and began playing in the dirt under the bench, looking out at Tibbs who was pretending to be looking for them.

“Now where could they be?” he asked the air. “Where have those little hatchlings gone?”

Benny giggled and clapped his little hands together, thinking he was quite clever. He got on all fours and peeked out from under the bench, watching Tibbs explore the yard. He was so engrossed in his play that he didn't realize he had made a bit of a wet spot in the dirt.

Deven saw him piddle and laughed, but his diaper grew damp as well.

“Wha so funneh?” asked Benny.

Deven just pointed at Benny and giggled. His diaper sagged and his tail wiggled, indicating that he was currently using it.

“Uh oh.” said Benny, covering his nose. “Tinky baby!” He giggled and began crawling away from Deven, but Deven merely followed him.

“Tinky baby! Tinky baby!” shouted Benny, giggling and crawling away. Then he suddenly felt the ground pulling away from him. At first he thought he was flying with his little wings, but he looked and saw that Tibbs had picked him up.

“Gotcha!” said Tibbs. He then proceeded to pick up Deven, and check his diaper. “Oh yes, it is definitely bath time.” He carried the two squirming tots into the house.

“Did you have a good time?” asked Cynder. She picked up the scent of Deven's diaper and looked at them. “Oh my, they're all dirty! This won't do. Time for a bath!”

“Just what I was thinking!” said Tibbs. He whistled and carried the two dirty hatchlings into the bathroom.

Benny squirmed and giggled, then looked at the huge tub in the corner of the room. It was large, round, and completely black. From Tibbs's arms he could barely see into it.

Tibbs turned on the faucet in the tub and out came glowing, liquid, molten rock. It was extremely hot, but the tub contained it without melting or warping. He adjusted the knobs, and the lava turned a bit of a darker color, obviously being cooler.

“Uh, um...dat wava.” said Benny.

“Yes it is.” said Tibbs. It makes for quite the exquisite bath and soak for dragons. 

“Awe ya suwe?” asked Benny, a little afraid.

“Of course.” said Tibbs. “It is completely safe, isn't it Deven?”

Deven giggled and reached out to the tub of lava. “Avava!” he babbled.

“Don't worry little one.” said Cynder, appearing behind them. She began taking off all of her accessories. “I'll show you.” She waited until the tub was about half full, then stepped in. “Oooh, yes, nice and hot!” She smiled and sat down in the lava, then relaxed. “Aaaahhh...” A little smoke snorted from her nostrils as she smiled and motioned for the hatchlings.

Tibbs handed Deven over first.

Deven giggled and smiled, wiggling above the lava. 

Cynder inhaled and then exhaled some of her majestic purple flames, burning away Deven's diaper and waste. “There now for a nice dip.” She gently lowered little Deven into the lava, feet first, until it was up to his tummy.

Deven smiled and cooed softly, feeling the warmth of the lava against his tender, young scales. He looked oddly comfortable in it, and sat on Cynder's tummy.

“Okay dear, your turn.” said Cynder, motioning towards Benny.

Tibbs handed Benny over to her and smiled. 

Benny wiggled a bit and felt the heat from the lava against his feet first, as he was being held over it. He looked down at the glowing orange lava and then into Cynder's eyes. 

Cynder could see the concern on Benny's face. “Aww, it's okay dear.” said Cynder. “You see how happy Deven is. It'll be fine, but I'll go slow.” She gently began to lower Benny into the lava with great care.

Benny felt the warm lava cover his feet first, and the heat from it rose up all around him. “Ah!” he squeaked, expecting pain, but instead felt simple warmth. He kicked a little, but once it had gone up to his waist, he knew it wasn't going to fry him. The lava felt very hot to his tender, hatchling scales, but also felt relaxing. It was like taking a very hot bath. Though it was a tad uncomfortable to his young scales, it wasn't scalding or even burning. He looked down at it as it covered his tummy. It was hard to believe this was actual hot lava. He dipped a hand in curiously and pulled up some of it. It ran over his fingers and palm, almost like a watery pudding. Finally, he felt the bulge of Cynder's tummy under him as he was settled onto her. He looked into her face and saw a loving, motherly smile.

“There, see?” said Cynder. “It's not so bad. Your young, hatchling scales may react a bit more sensitively to it, but as you get older they will harden more and more. Soon you will get so used to it that you will want it even hotter. Go ahead and play in it. Get used to it. I assure you it will make you feel very good.”

Benny wiggled a little in the lava bath and looked at Deven, who was scooping up some and dumping it on his own head. He tried doing the same, and felt the hot, molten rock trickle down his horns, head, and neck. It felt good on his shoulders, back, and little wings. He swished his tail around in the lava, pushing it around. He kept scooping up more of it, rubbing it all over, and feeling the heat on his little body. It was starting to feel really good, and then he felt some being splashed on him by Deven. He began to giggle and splash back, using his tail to fling it all over the little hatchling.

Deven giggled and used his tail to splash a wave of lava onto Benny. He clapped his hands and flapped his little wings.

“Good boys.” said Cynder. She began scooping up some of the lava in a small stone ladle, then poured it on their heads. She rubbed it into their skin and scrubbed their wings, spikes, horns, and tails. She bathed them all over with the molten rock while they played with each other. She smiled at them and leaned down, kissing Benny on the head.

Benny blushed and looked up at her after feeling her warm kiss. He blinked, and it felt as if a wave of something new were washing over him. He shook his head and looked around. There, next to him, was his older brother Deven. Their attendant, Tibbs, was getting fresh diapers ready, and there in the middle was his mommy. Yes, it was his mommy, he was sure of it. He smiled and nuzzled into her hand while she petted him and Deven both. He cooed softly and let out a small orange flame. He began to giggle and splash in the lava, enjoying his bath with his family. Something far in the back of his mind were memories of being something different, someone different, but they were fading with every passing moment, becoming more and more like a dream. 

“Awww, you are just too cute!” said Cynder. She showered them both with loving kisses, then plucked them from the tub. The mother dragon stepped out of the large tub and brought the two squirming infants over to a smooth, marble table while Tibbs tended to draining the tub and making sure it was free of any residue. She laid them both on the table and began blowing small flaming raspberries on their tummies, making them giggle and squirm.

Benny felt his spikes rubbing and poking at the smooth surface of the table. It was a little uncomfortable, but the raspberries and tickles made up for it. He giggled and grabbed her horns at one point. “Mah mah!” he said, pulling on them. “Ah bah wah.”

Cynder just chuckled and wiggled her head, letting him play with her horns. “Does baby like mommy's horns?” she asked. “Yours will be nice and big one day.” She gave Deven his pacifier and Benny his keys to distract them while she diapered the two tots, then picked them up and snuggled them tenderly. “I guess you have chosen to stay here with us. I promise to protect and raise you both with lots of love and care.”

Benny was no longer sure what Cynder was saying, but he knew that she was his mommy and that she loved him a lot. He loved her too, and his big brother Deven. Together they would play in the playpen and sleep in the same crib until they were old enough for little dragon beds of their own. No matter how old he got, Deven would secretly horde pacifiers and rattles while Benny horded keys and coins. 

Some years later, the two boys, having been out of diapers for a long time, played together at a park with others their age while on holiday with Cynder and Tibbs. A small golden bracelet with a red gem dangling from it was wrapped around Benny's ankle while Deven had a similar one on his. It was the only clothing they needed or wanted, and none remembered picking them out or when Cynder got them. They were told they would grow into them, and eventually be able to wear them on their wrists, but they were happy to wear them on their ankles, proud to have their very first accessory. The two ran around, giggling and playing while their mommy and Tibbs kept a close watch. They all lived very happily ever after.

The End