Wings of Fire: Chameleon Shifting

Chapter 10

Crickets chirped around Chameleon as he patiently waited for Moss to arrive. He sighed again.

Did Moss even remember we had a meeting? he thought ruefully. He anxiously raked his claws on the nearest tree.

It wouldn't be a surprise if she had, however. RainWings weren't exactly known for being smart. But if Moss didn't show up, well... he had thought she would be an exception.

The sound of talons crunching on dirt dragged him back to reality.

And there was Moss, emerging in the light of the moons. One of them was full tonight. She took his breath away. Moss looked as if she was made out of silver. Moonlight glinted off of her horns, scales, wings, and claws, blinding Chameleon for a moment.

"Oh, there you are!" she exclaimed, her eyes lighting up. If Chameleon could still change his scales, he knew he would be bright pink.

Chameleon bounded into Moss' wings and twined his tail around hers.

They stood there like that quietly, for a couple of heartbeats, bathing in the dappled moonlight.

"Moss," Chameleon finally said, a little hesitantly.

"Yes?" asked Moss.

"It's just- it's just I feel like I don't fit in with the tribe anymore," he said miserably. "Everywhere I look, RainWings glare at me and mutter about what a nuisance I am. They first start ignoring me, then leave me." Chameleon sighed and let go of Moss. "I really wish I could still change my scale color."

"It's okay," Moss said warmly. "If you ever feel alone, or unwanted, or anything... just know I'm here for you. Come talk to me." She gave a reassuring smile.

Chameleon looked into her silver eyes. "You know I will," he answered. What was this feeling he had? Love? Hope? Terror?

He stepped closer and twined his tail around Moss'.

Moss' scales turned bright pink with splotches of magenta, like a furry tamarin dripping with dragonfruit juice.

Chameleon coughed awkwardly. He opened his mouth to say something, and for a few terrifying moments nothing came out, but he finally managed to say, "Moss, I have a really important question for you."

Moss tilted her head. "What is it?"

"If- if I ever feel like I can't fit in with the RainWings anymore- would you flee the forest with me? To somewhere more promising? To somewhere where dragons don't judge me or make me feel left out?"

Moss hesitated, but only for a moment. "Of course," she said fiercely. "I shall forever go where you go."

"Good," said Chameleon, beaming. He felt warm, warm all the way down to his clawtips, in a way he had never experienced before. "Do you want to meet again tomorrow? And the tomorrow after that? And all the tomorrows for the rest of time?"

"Why are you even asking me that?" Moss said, laughing. "You know the answer."

Chameleon smiled again. He placed his talon around her ruff and brushed it lightly. "Meet here tomorrow, same time, same place," he said.

Moss nodded in agreement, trembling slightly.

"See you," she whispered.

Chameleon stared at the moons for a long time after Moss was gone. Then he circled around his spot in the dirt and let his eyes slowly drift shut.

Don't dream about Moss, he thought, knowing perfectly well he most certainly would.