Sage Quinn's stomach lurched like she'd been dropped from a particularly vindictive roller coaster.
One second, she was tending her begonias; the next, she was standing in a cavern glittering with gold and treasure so massive it gave her vertigo.
She blinked. Then blinked again. Then muttered, *Okay, deep breaths. You are not dead. Ok, you are probably not dead.*
A low rumble vibrated through the floor. Her brain ticked off a checklist:
Massive treasure = yes.
Dragon = probably.
Me = maybe toast if I move wrong = yes.
[SYSTEM INTEGRATED]
[USER: Sage Quinn
LOCATION: Smaug's Mountain
STATUS: Romantic soulmate of dragon entity "Smaug"
TRANSFERRED ASSETS: 300,000SC
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Acquire survival physiology and safe haven.]
"Romantic soulmate," Sage repeated. "Because that's… completely normal." A slightly hysterical giggle slipped from her.
Sage opened her floating system menu and went immediately to the system store that pulled abilities and items from 7 of her favorite fandoms (MCU, Labyrinth, 1/2 Prince, I Shall Survive Using Potions, HP, Bee & Puppycat and Infinity Nikki).
"Survival first," she whispered.
[PURCHASES CONFIRMED:
MCU: Asgardian Physiology – 100,000 SC - superhuman durability, longevity, and healing.
HP: Animagus Dragon Form – 80,000 SC -
full dragon form for fireproof survival and wings.
Bee & Puppycat: Key to Portable Apartment – 20,000 SC - instant personal safe space.]
[Remaining SC: 100,000]
[SYSTEM TIP: Infinity Nikki outfits can enhance survival, camouflage, or magical interaction.]
Sage looked down at her dirty gardening apron and muddy shoes and shrugged.
She spent another 80,000 SC on outfits:
[Golden Shadow Robe – 30,000 SC
blends with treasure piles, reduces detection.
Dragon Whisperer Attire – 50,000 SC -
subtly enhances bonding with dragons.]
[Remaining SC: 20,000]
She tugged at the Golden Shadow Robe.
Sparkly ninja vibes activated.
"Alright. Let's not die."
[Mission: Treasure Stabilization
Objective: Explore hoard safely and survey treasure without waking Smaug.
Reward: 50,000 SC]
Sage crouched behind a mound of gold, her new dragon tail flicking nervously. Each step triggered a tiny clink, but the shimmering Golden Shadow Robe refracted light, keeping her effectively invisible.
She moved carefully, scanning the hoard with Dragon-Sense partially activated from her Animagus integration. A faint golden trail pulsed over certain treasure clusters.
"Alright, extreme geocaching time," she muttered.
Hidden under a dragon-scale helmet, a small glimmering orb pulsed softly. Sage grabbed it.
[Dragon-Sense Orb (Minor Magical Artifact – enhances perception & heat vision once placed in inventory]
She tucked it into inventory, heart racing but slightly triumphant.
Smaug stirred slightly, smoke curling from his nostrils. Sage froze, only moving slightly to flick her fingers and have the Dragon Whisperer Attire shimmer into existence upon her body.
Smaug seemed aware but still sleepy as he didn't open his eyes.
---
Sage navigated past a particularly precarious pile of enchanted gems without waking Smaug. She carefully surveyed the area, mentally noting all the shiny things to definitely not touch unless absolutely necessary.
[Mission Completed: Treasure Stabilization
Reward: 50,000 SC]
[Smaug perceives user as non-threatening.]
Sage exhaled. "Okay. Still alive. Still glittering. Success?"
Standing behind a small mound, Sage looked at Smaug. He was enormous, intimidating, and breathtaking. She reminded herself: Romantic soulmate. So not terrifying. Definitely manageable (even her thoughts were sarcastic).
She whispered: "Uh… hi? I'm Sage. You're… well, spectacular. I love what you've done with the place, it's very sparkly and has... feng shui."
Smaug's eyelid lifted and his golden eye flicked toward her. His nostrils flared softly—possibly curious.
[SYSTEM ALERT: Bonding Attempt Detected
Effect: Smaug recognizes user as familiar / non-threatening signature]
Sage exhaled slowly. 'Okay. Not immediately dead. Big win.'
"Alright, Sage," she muttered, "Step one: survive. Step two: stabilize treasure. Step three: subtle bonding. Step four: try not to get eaten. Success."
She gave a small, slightly manic grin.
'This is might end up being an epic new chapter.'