Meet your companions

Author's Note: I'm ignoring the physical description of Tiana from the CYOC page, for reasons I would hope are obvious.

Eight figures surround you and the remains of your shell. Some look on in horror at the display of carnage you've just unleashed; others barely seem fazed. A few even appear excited by the **** - or, more likely, by the skill shown by the creature they would serve.

These are the eight whose wishes you chose to answer. The eight who, in your judgement, can serve you best - in whatever capacity you deem necessary. Some introductions are called for, and you quickly decide to order the proceedings for maximum dramatic effect.

First impressions matter, after all. Especially when you'll be bound together until **** in battle or the end of the world.

You address the group as a whole first. "I apologize for the display of ****," you say, keeping your tone light and measured. "I would have preferred to meet you all under calmer circumstances."

Nods of acknowledgement from the eight, some more ready than others. You press on.

"I have heard your wishes. I know who you are, and what has brought you here. But you are all, as far as I can see, strangers to each other." More nods. "You were teleported here because, out of countless wishes to reach me tonight, I have decided that yours are worth granting."

*That* wakes them up. Some are still wary; others practically giddy. One, the armored blonde - *Tiana*, you recall - falls to her knees and sobs in relief.

"Some of you will have unique prices to pay," you continue, "but from all of you I will have a universal cost: Your loyalty, your devotion..."

You pause for dramatic effect and, subtly, smirk. You can tell they're eating out of the palm of your hand. "And your companionship."

You can see the wave of confusion wash over them as they struggle to process what they just heard. You don't blame them. A dragon? Demanding *companionship* of all things? With humanoids? The very notion is absurd. But you continue. "As I am now, I have yet to come into my full power. As you've just seen, there are forces at play that would see me crushed before I can grow. Now, ask yourself - in a world where we, the apex predators, should dominate, how is it that humanity not only survives, but thrives, and sometimes even brings dragons under their own sway?"

Confusion. Uncertainty. Trepidation. Then, finally, they start to speak up.

"Blessings from the gods?" asks Tiana.

"Exceptional strength?" asks an Orc woman - *Gromna*, your mind supplies. You can hear the years of bitterness - and slight hope - behind her suggestion.

"Deals with spirits?" asks a young woman from Mizuchi - *Ichika*.

"Submission?" asks an Ixtacotaki priestess - *Metzli*.

"All good guesses; all wrong," you answer. "The answer is *cooperation*. By supporting each other, you combine your strengths and cover your weaknesses. You form a whole that is stronger than the sum of its parts. I would have us form a similar arrangement, and make it the core of my new kingdom."

You give them a moment to take that in, and when it seems like they've finally started to wrap their minds around the scope of what they've gotten into, you proceed.

"One last thing before we move on," you say. "I believe my point to the world about the consequences of my wrath has been made for now, and this form has served its purpose." You cast Humanoid Form a second time, and this time, you put on the face you wish to show the world.

Humanoid Form - [[Undercover Form]]: A scaleling, with the appearance of a handsome human man. You are russet skinned, tall and muscular, with a well-trimmed beard and piercing purple eyes.

You shake yourself out, watching your soon-to-be companions out the corner of your eye. They seem to be getting used to the constant change around you. That's good - they'll need to get their feet under them quickly for the struggles to come.

"Better," you say. "Now, let's start with you." You raise your hand and slowly, deliberately, point your finger towards Tiana, the armored sword saint.