(A few days earlier)

As a young cub, I would eagerly listen to my mother's stories. She regaled me with tales of magic beings that shaped the world and heroic adventures that unfolded in distant lands. But among all the stories, there was one that stood out—the legend recounting the origin of our species.

In the ancient tale, during a time when numerous species were still emerging, a dragon of immense power ventured into the heart of the Esmerald forest. Undeterred by the relentless storms that guarded its secrets, the dragon pressed on and eventually stumbled upon a vast and hidden clearing in the depths of the forest. To his surprise, he encountered a human woman collecting fruits from a tree.

The moment his eyes fell upon her, he was utterly mesmerized by her beauty. In a bold move, he introduced himself to the woman and asked if they could stay together. To his astonishment, she accepted his proposal. Together, they transformed that secluded clearing into their own kingdom—a place where they and their descendants, the Kobolds, would thrive for generations to come.

As I listened to this particular story, I couldn't help but find it strange. Why was the dragon so captivated by the woman's beauty when they weren't even the same species? And why did the woman accept his proposal without knowing him? So many questions lingered, but the allure of the legend was undeniable.

"HEY, SHIA, the shaman is calling you!" a voice called out, snapping me back to the present.

"Coming," I said, quickly organizing my belongings and placing them on the shelves in my hut.

As I stepped outside, I saw the many Kobolds of my tribe working diligently on their tasks. Some were building something, while others moved from one place to another, all preparing for an upcoming event.

"SHIA, please hurry, you don't want to anger the elders, do you?" the voice called again.

"I'm going," I replied, making my way toward the main building of our tribe.

On my way, I found the source of the voice—my best friend, Niam. She was moving sacks of supplies from one box to another.

"The shaman is in the temple?" I asked as I looked at my friend, Niam. She was a red Kobold with pale green eyes and a face similar to mine, but with two pairs of horns. Unlike me, she had a stronger build and a shorter stature, and at that moment, she was wearing warrior clothing, indicating that she had just returned from our weekly hunt.

"Yes... And you're enjoying what you're seeing?" she teased, striking a playful pose. Niam knew about my unique taste and she never missed a chance to make light-hearted jokes about it.

"Shut up, and stop posing. Someone might see," I replied, laughing and blushing slightly. "You know how uncommon my taste is."

"Calm down, everyone in this tribe is busy with the ritual, and the way you're saying it makes them look like a bunch of brutes. You know that even with your unique taste, they will not judge you or anything. After all, we're family," she said with a comforting smile.

"I know, just... ugh, the shaman is calling me. I need to go," I said.

"Have a great EverRain Ritual," Niam said, waving her hand.

"You too," I replied before speeding up my pace. As I walked, I admired the ever-growing village we lived in. Nestled within the giant clearing of the Esmerald Forest, our tribe had become one of the largest and most prosperous in the region.

Reaching the temple, I put my head between the curtains of the main entrance, looking inside. I saw five people; four of them were the elders, positioned on either side of the room, deeply engaged in their tasks. In the center of the room stood the shaman, and as soon as she noticed me, she spoke with a warm smile.

"Shia? You're finally here? You may enter," the shaman said, communicating something to the elders, who stopped what they were doing and gathered to form a circle.

I entered the room, taking slow, deliberate steps towards the center. As I walked, I couldn't help but notice the dozens of papyrus sheets covering the walls and small tables, forming neat piles.

"Look at you, so big and beautiful. It's incredible to think that you were once the smallest egg in our tribe, fufufu," the shaman said, her laughter filling the room.

"MOM—I mean, shama—" I began, feeling a wave of embarrassment wash over me, but she gently interrupted.

"It's okay, today is a special day, so you don't need to follow those old rules" the shaman, or as many know her, my mom, reassured me with a soft smile.

Hearing our conversation, the elders laughed, their serious demeanor giving way to warm amusement. But when my mom raised her hand, they stopped abruptly, though their smiles remained.

"So..., Mom, why did you call me?" I asked, focusing on her. My mother was heavily clothed, with layers of fabric covering almost her entire body. Her face was concealed by an intricate mask that obscured the upper layer, and I couldn't help but wonder how she managed to see with it.

"To this day, I still don't know how she can see through that," I thought, observing the visible parts of her face. Despite her age, she still possessed shiny dark blue scales and maintained a strong posture that commanded respect. "I wish I had her color," I reflected, reminiscing about the unique difference in our scales' color.

My scales were unlike those of any other Kobold in the tribe, and this disparity had always made me the center of attention. Many called me beautiful, but I couldn't help but feel that my appearance was an eyesore.

My heart skipped a beat as my mom revealed the magnificent staff next to her, placing it firmly on the ground for everyone in the room to see. The staff was made of a wooden-like material, resembling a branch, but adorned with intricate designs and tiny blue gems that formed a circle at the top.

"As everyone here knows, today is the day of the EverRain Ritual, where we pray to our ancestors for protection from the giant rain that forms in the Esmerald Forest, making our clearing habitable for us. And as we have done for centuries, we will continue to do so for many more, for the sake of our descendants," Mom said, her tone serious and resolute as she stood tall.

However, she continued, her voice now carrying a sense of anticipation, "Today is an even more special day." She walked towards me, holding the staff with grace and reverence, and gently took my hand in hers. "Because from today onwards, contrary to me," she handed me the staff, "my daughter will be the enchanter of the ritual!" With that proclamation, she raised our hands together.

As the shock of the announcement settled in, I stood there in silence, processing what I had just heard. I looked at the elders, hoping to find some hint that this decision was unplanned, but their calm and composed expressions only confirmed that it had been intentional.

"R-R-R-Really?" I stammered, my voice trembling with disbelief. I couldn't fathom that the time for me to take on such a significant role had arrived so suddenly. Mom had always taught me about the ways of the shaman, but I never thought I would be assuming this responsibility so soon.

Mom beamed with pride and joy as she looked at me. "Yes, really, my daughter. You have grown into a remarkable Kobold, and I have no doubt that you are more than capable of being the enchanter for our tribe's EverRain Ritual."

I looked at the staff in my hand, its intricate design symbolizing a connection to our ancestors and the spiritual power of our tribe. The weight of responsibility settled on my shoulders, and I felt a mix of excitement and nervousness.

"Congratulations, my daughter," Mom said, pulling me into a warm hug that I received instinctively. The elders joined in with applause and congratulatory nods.

"But why, Mom... is there something wrong?" I asked, still confused and worried. I couldn't help but wonder if there was a hidden reason behind this sudden change.

"Fufufu, you don't need to worry about me. I'm as healthy as ever," Mom replied with a playful expression. "The reason for this is... I need time to find partners for you."

My eyes widened in astonishment. "W-What!?"

"I mean, look at you! You're so young, healthy, and a beauty to boot," Mom said with a twinkle in her eyes. "I want grandchildren, you know?"

The elders chuckled lightly at her words, finding amusement in her playfulness, but my face flushed with embarrassment.

"MOM!"

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

(some hours later)

As the night grew darker, the festival came alive with vibrant colors, music, and laughter. Many kobolds danced and played, reveling in the festivities, while delicious food was served, filling the air with mouthwatering scents. Groups of kobolds formed around tables, engaging in lively conversations. Even strangers from nearby villages had come to join in the celebration, adding to the sense of unity and joy.

Lost in my thoughts, I sat on a chair on the side, watching the flames dance in the fireplace absentmindedly. It had been an eventful day, with the unexpected announcement about my role in the EverRain Ritual, and the overwhelming emotions were still lingering within me.

"Enjoying the festival?" Niam's voice startled me, as she appeared behind me and took a seat next to me, holding some meat to munch on.

"Whoa, ah, Niam... Yes, I think..." I replied, my thoughts still in a whirl. The sudden turn of events had left me feeling uncertain about how to feel.

"You think?" Niam teased playfully, a warm smile on her face. "Come on, at least enjoy the food. This festival is special, and you won't get another chance until the next one. You know how rare they are."

"I know, just..." I paused, not quite sure how to put my feelings into words.

"Something happened?" Niam's concern was evident in her eyes, and she approached me slowly, sitting closer before unexpectedly pulling me into a warm hug.

I hesitated for a moment before relaxing into the embrace. "Whatever is happening, I'm here for you, and you know that," Niam said with a reassuring smile.

"Haha," I laughed, the tension in my body slowly dissipating. "Thank you." It felt comforting to have Niam's support.

We stayed there, hugging each other, as I sorted through the mess of thoughts and emotions that swirled inside me.

"Your hands are greasy," I said as I felt her tight embrace.

She released me slowly, a little embarrassed. "Uh, sorry?"

Both of us burst into laughter, finding humor in the unexpected situation. Despite the initial awkwardness, we soon fell into the comfort of each other's company. After a while, I gathered the courage to open up and share my concerns with my friend, explaining everything from my peculiar preferences to my new role as an enchanter and the upcoming ritual.

"...and that's the sum of it," I concluded, eagerly awaiting my friend's reaction. Suddenly, she playfully punched me on the head.

"You dummy!" she exclaimed, causing some nearby kobolds to glance at us briefly before continuing with their activities.

"Ouch, why'd you do that?" I asked, more perplexed than hurt by the gentle punch.

"How many times do I have to tell you not to worry?" she said, her face displaying a mix of concern and frustration. "And why are you getting anxious about the ritual? You've been training for this for years!".

I stood there, feeling overwhelmed by all the thoughts swirling in my head. Lost in my contemplation, I was startled when I felt a warm hand gently take hold of mine. It was Niam, moving closer to me again.

"Where do you think you're going?" she asked, her eyes locking onto mine. "Those thoughts of yours won't stop me from making you smile," she declared with one of the biggest smiles I had ever seen.

Despite myself, I couldn't help but chuckle at her cheeky remark. "Haha, what a cheeky line," I said, feeling a genuine smile spread across my face.

"Shut up and come on, let's enjoy the festival," she insisted, pulling me towards the lively center of the village.

Unable to resist her infectious enthusiasm, I followed her lead and allowed myself to be dragged along.

We both immersed ourselves in the joyous ritual, savoring every moment of the celebration. We ate heartily, danced with various families from our tribe, and engaged in conversations with visitors from other tribes. The atmosphere was festive, and the camaraderie between tribes made the occasion even more special.

However, the festivities were interrupted by a strange commotion from a distance. The noise persisted, piquing our curiosity, and without hesitation, we decided to investigate. Soon, we came across the source of the disturbance. Three kobolds wearing yellow clothes were laughing boisterously while another group of kobolds tended to an injured member.

"Oh, Dragon Fang," Niam whispered in an angry tone. The name alone hinted at the tribal affiliation of the disruptive kobolds. Dragon Fang was a pseudo-rival tribe, known for its size and power in the clearing. Although they had never shown outright hostility to other tribes due to being of the same species, they exhibited a cold indifference, except for one particular group.

"Well, well, SHIA, good to see you," the kobold in the center of the yellow-clad group sneered, his sadistic smile sending shivers down my scales.

"Greetings, Son of Dragon Fang," I responded, trying my best to maintain a formal tone and hide my true thoughts, though their presence was unsettling.

"If I may inquire, what brings you here?" I asked with a fake smile.

"Oh, nothing much, just enjoying one of the festivals of our precious neighbors," he said in an obviously ironic manner, with his companions joining in with mocking laughter. "That is until..." he sneered, directing his gaze at the group with the injured kobold, displaying clear hostility. "One of these vermin dared to taint my honor," he said with disdain.

"He just accidentally bumped into you!" one of the kobolds from the injured group protested.

"And what is that if not a clear sign of mockery!" Baal bellowed, showing no concern for the injured kobold's well-being.

Baal, the son of the leader of the Dragon Fang tribe, was known for his troublesome behavior. He always seemed to be seeking trouble, even if it went against the direct orders of his tribe and his father.

"Shia, don't you agree?" Baal continued, slowly approaching me with his disgusting smile. However, before he could get too close, Niam stepped forward, blocking his path. Her hostility was evident.

"Stop right there," she warned, not holding back her animosity towards Baal.

"Do you—" he began to shout angrily, raising his hand as if to strike, but he was abruptly interrupted.

"DRAGON FANG!" a clear and powerful shout echoed through the area, signaling the arrival of my mom. She appeared quickly, followed by several strong-looking kobolds from our tribe, who formed a protective circle around us.

"What do you think you're doing?" my mom demanded, her eyes locked onto Baal's raised hand. "Do I have to remind you that you are in a different tribe?" Her hostility grew, and an aura of deadly intent seemed to surround her.

"N-No, I would never disgrace the noble tribe of Tear Drop," Baal stammered with a fake smile, his companions looking visibly worried while trying to avoid drawing attention from the growing crowd. "I was merely reprimanding clear signs of revolt. Isn't that what a competent leader does?"

"Quit making excuses! If you don't give me a valid reason to release you, I shall administer a proper punishment for this disrespect," my mother said with disdain, though she knew that his position in his tribe might protect him from facing the consequences he truly deserved.

"I was just putting that worthless being in his place. How could he disrespect me while being a nobody from a small tribe?" Baal retorted, his tone mocking. "Besides, I didn't lay a finger on your precious tribesman. How can you punish me for something I didn't do?"

My mother's frustration was evident as she tried to contain her anger. "Tch... Leave my tribe before I change my mind," she commanded, showing her resentment and disdain for him.

However, Baal seemed undeterred and arrogantly continued, "Wait a minute, shaman. I still have something to announce."

"What? Are you braindead—" my mom began to respond before he cut her off.

"The main reason I came here, of course," Baal said, approaching us with no regard for the many guards who stood watchfully.

"Is that... I came here to ask for your daughter's hand in marriage," he said in a venomous voice, sending shivers down not only my spine but also those around me.

"Are you kidding me?!" Mom erupted in anger, immediately ordering the guards to banish him from the village.

"This will not stop me!" Baal yelled defiantly as the guards forcibly dragged him away from us. "I shall have you as my mate!" His ominous promise lingered in the air, sending a chill down my spine. His companions followed suit, leaving a trail of discomfort and unease behind them.

"Take that injured kobold and treat his wounds in the medicinal shack," my mom instructed a lean kobold, who quickly nodded and rushed to attend to the injured tribesman. Grateful murmurs and nods of appreciation came from the members of the injured kobold's group.

With a commanding presence, my mother dispersed the remaining crowd, assuring them that the festival was not ruined and encouraging everyone to continue the celebrations. It took some effort, but with the support of our tribe, the lively spirit and humor were gradually restored.

As the festival continued, my friend Niam and my mother joined hands in preparing me for the upcoming ritual.

________________________________________________________________________________________________

(Time of the ritual)

As I looked outside, my heart swelled with a mix of nerves and excitement. A trail of flower petals and magical lights had been laid out along the main street, leading to the center of the village. The path ended at a meticulously detailed ritual circle carved into a flat stone slab, which seemed to emit a faint glow. Hooded kobolds circled around the circle, creating an aura of mystique and power. The audience eagerly awaited the commencement of the ritual, standing at a respectful distance to avoid disrupting the sacred ceremony.

In the midst of the preparations, my mother broke the silence and turned to me with a warm, motherly smile. "Now you see it from my perspective. How do you feel?" she asked, examining me closely.

I couldn't help but express my concerns, "D-do I look okay? What if I make a mistake?"

She placed a comforting hand on my shoulder, assuring me, "Shhhh, you are the prettiest kobold I've ever seen. And don't worry, my dear. You have the blood of the enchanters in you; you can do this!" Her confidence in me bolstered my spirits. "Now go, don't keep your friend waiting to see you."

With her encouragement, I took a deep breath, steadying my nerves, and gathered every ounce of confidence I could muster. I began walking forward, following the trail of flower petals and magical lights. As I approached the glowing stone slab and the circle of hooded kobolds, the lights intensified.

The crowd remained silent as I walked with my head held high, projecting an air of confidence. Their awe-struck expressions made me feel a little nervous, but I focused my thoughts on the significance of the ritual. Finally, I reached the stone slab, and the hooded kobolds made way for me to enter the circle.

As I stood in the center of the magic circle, the hooded kobolds began the incantations. The atmosphere around us shifted, and the lights of the circle transformed into a deep blue glow. My heart pounded with anticipation as I was handed the wooden staff, signifying that the ritual had commenced.

The incantations continued, resonating with the very essence of the elements. I raised the staff high above my head and swiftly struck it into a small hole that materialized at the center of the circle.

Swoosh

A surge of magical energy washed over me as the staff became covered in intricate lines, and the magic circle started to rotate. The hooded kobolds stepped away, leaving me alone within the circle. My heart raced with both excitement and nervousness. It was time for the most critical part of the ritual—the main incantation.

"□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□..." I began, speaking the words I had been taught for this specific ritual, although I didn't fully understand their meaning.

The lights in the circle intensified, and mysterious symbols appeared in the air and within the circle itself. I released my grip on the staff, raising my arms toward the sky, and closed my eyes to focus on the ritual's flow.

Everything seemed to be going smoothly, the magic intensifying around me as the incantation progressed. But suddenly, a series of strange sounds echoed through the air.

*BOOM* *TSIIIIII*

My concentration wavered for a moment, but I tried to stay focused, thinking the sounds were a part of the ritual. However, before I could complete my part of the incantation, another loud noise echoed.

*Bang*

Something hit my head, stunning me momentarily. I stumbled and lost my balance, feeling myself falling. My vision blurred, and everything turned dark as I blanked out.

________________________________________________________________________________________________

(Content Warning: Sexual Abuse)

(Shia's perspective)

The sudden pain in my head jolted me back to consciousness. I let out a soft whimper as I tried to move my hand to my head, only to realize my arms and legs were bound tightly with ropes behind my back. Panic surged through me as I looked around, trying to make sense of my surroundings. I found myself in a dimly lit cave, tightly wedged between some boxes, making it difficult to see what lay beyond.

In the distance, I heard voices—unfamiliar and menacing. The conversation hinted at some kind of hiding or escape plan, but my focus shifted as I heard a voice that filled me with dread. It was Baal, the same tormentor from before.

"Is my treasure awake yet?" Baal's disgusting voice echoed through the cave.

"We didn't check, chief," one of his accomplices replied in fear.

"Worthless slobs, bring her here, or I'll chop your heads off right now!" Baal barked in anger.

My heart pounded in my chest as I realized the gravity of the situation. They were talking about me. Baal had somehow captured and kidnapped me. Fear gripped me as I pondered the consequences of being in his clutches.

Without hesitation, I decided to use my magic to free myself. My mind raced as I quickly crafted an incantation. "Sound Blade," I whispered the words softly, summoning two blades made of pure sound. With precision and desperation, I directed the sound blades to cut the ropes binding me. But before they could sever the ropes completely, the crates around me suddenly began to shift, and I quickly dispelled the spell to avoid drawing attention to my escape attempt.

As the kobold revealed my presence, panic surged through me, and before I could make a sound, he forcefully grabbed my arms and dragged me to the center of the small cave. It became apparent that there were only two openings and one entrance, which made it feel like a suffocating trap. I glanced outside, where the rain poured heavily, an unnatural occurrence in the clearings, because the ritual protect us from the heavy rain from the forest, leaving only the necessary rain to pour in.

The realization struck me like a bolt of lightning—I hadn't completed the ritual. Despair washed over me, understanding that this kidnapping was not the worst part of my predicament. The consequences of that will be disastrous, and the presence of the rain already show that

I protested and tried to resist the forceful dragging, but my attempts were futile as I was swiftly pushed to the ground. Baal, the leader of these kidnappers, stood before me, his disgusting smile sending shivers down my spine.

"Well, well, well, if it isn't my own treasure, enjoying the stay?" he asked with a sadistic smile.

"You have no idea what you've just done!" I shouted in protest, but his smile never left.

"Ah, such a cute being, it's even barking," he said, approaching me slowly, before forcibly covering my mouth. "I have an idea. Yes, I just took what's mine," he continued, forcing me to look at him.

"You've doomed the entire clearing by interrupting the ritual!" I shouted even louder, trying to remove his hand from my snout, but he held me painfully tight.

"That stupid waste of magic, hahaha! And to think that they called me ignorant," he sneered, ordering his companions to leave that part of the cave.

"Stupi—" I tried to react, but he interrupted me with a strong slap and pushed me to the ground, restraining my hands behind my back.

"Shut up!" he bellowed in anger. "It's time for my new pet to learn some manners," he said while starting to undress.

Panicking, I quickly prepared a new spell. "Do you really—" Before I could finish speaking, I was slapped again and forcibly silenced as he tied a rope around my snout.

"I allowed you to speak?" he sneered. "Before we start the 'good stuff,' let's see my reward," he continued after removing all his upper clothes. He then began ripping apart my ceremonial clothes, and each time I protested, I was met with more slaps across my face and body.

"Whistle You look gorgeous," he leered, appraising my now nude body. But the compliment only made me tear up from shame and disgust.

Suddenly, he moved one of his hands towards me while using the other to remove his lower clothes.

As his hands roamed over my body, revealing his lower body, I felt revulsion and disgust. His touch was repulsive, and that thing between his legs was horrifying.

"I think we've delayed long enough," he said, his terrible smile never leaving his face.

But then... [Sound Magic: Hurricane of Blades]. The magic was complete.

Hundreds of small sound blades materialized in the air, and I seized the opportunity, using some of the blades to free myself while attacking him.

I scrambled to my feet and quickly moved away, but he blocked my path. "Don't you dare run away from me!" he shouted, using punches to deflect some of the blades attacking him. However, he was overwhelmed by the sheer number of projectiles.

His henchmen approached from behind as I circled around Baal, using the blades to distract them. Finally, I was in reach of the exit, but Baal grabbed me, preventing me from moving forward. "DON'T YOU DARE!" he screamed in anger as the blades met his tough scales, leaving only small cuts. But the sheer quantity of them made his face bloodied.

Reacting quickly, I used every bit of mana left to cast one last spell: [Sound Magic: Chakram]. A circular blade materialized in the air and swiftly launched itself at Baal.

Desperately, he moved his arms to protect himself, releasing me in the process. But before he realized it, the magic wasn't aiming for his upper body.

Swip

A spray of blood hit the ground, followed by a bloodied flesh. I looked up to see a strange lack of a certain member in Baal's groin.

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!" Baal screamed in pain as I quickly grabbed a nearby cape and escaped just before his companions reached me.

The rain was heavy, making it hard to discern where I was going, but with the decreasing heat of my body and the danger of those kidnappers, I ran forward, not caring about the pouring rain.

While running, I realized that the trees were oddly big, indicating that I was outside of the clearing.

"I hope the ritual was saved," I said to myself while pushing forward.