Page 7 of Lyric

“Yes.”

I sat down on a nearby bench, elbows on my knees, head bowed. “I don't know.”

“It's harmless. He won't feel it. He probably won't remember, either.”

“Well, all right. If you think it's for the best.”

“I do. For the both of you.”

Doctor Tsu went to a series of cupboards lined up against the outside wall of the office. He returned with a tray. I didn't look to see what was on it. I never did like shots.

“If you could please take off your shirt,” he said. “After I give you the shot, I'll ask you to disrobe all the way and then force the shift. It should be quite easily accomplished. I promise you, it will all be painless.”

“Except for the shot.” I let out a nervous laugh.

“It'll only be a little pinch and quite quick.”

When I set my shirt to the side, Tsu cleaned the spot on my upper arm. The open air felt cold against my skin even though it was a hot day. The pinch came. As promised, it was brief.

When it was done, I stood up and began to undo my belt.

“I don't feel anything.”

“Give it a couple of minutes.”

I set my shoes and the rest of my clothes beside my shirt and stood naked in the middle of the yard looking up at the vast blue sky. My mind began to spin. I lowered my gaze to the doctor and blinked several times.

“You look a little blurry,” I said.

“Go ahead and force the shift now. It will all be okay.”

I'd never done anything like it before. If I wanted to shift, Lyrican would push himself through into this world. We were a team. Our thoughts worked in tandem. We were the same person, yet he also had his own mind and body. It was truly a magical connection and I never wanted, or thought about, taking advantage of it.

I shut my eyes and let my thoughts merge with my dragon. He was there, but not in the usual way. Let go, I thought. Be free.

I focused on wings and scales and claws on my hands and feet. There was a whirl in my mind as if a little wind had invaded. My vision turned misty. There was a moment of heat, then cold, and then I stood tall and proud and alert in my dragon form.

I'd done it!

Lyrican was finally out, shifted in full form.

“Hello, Lyrican,” Tsu greeted. “Nice to see you again. I would just like to look you over if you don't mind.”

Lyrican huffed. My thoughts and will were pushed to the far background until I was a mere spectator of my own beast. A heat began to build deep inside. Lyrican didn't use his fire lightly. Not for anger or manipulation or to show off. But right now, the flames inside him began to rise. None of that felt like sedation to me.

I scrambled to make my conscience known, only to be put aside by my dragon’s strength.

I needed to warn Tsu. His shot hadn't worked. But there was nothing I could do. Lyrican swept me aside as if I had no importance in this matter.

My dragon turned his fierce gaze upon the doctor. He snorted and heat came through his nostrils making swirls of smoke on the still, hot air. His tail switched back and forth.

“Now Lyrican, there's nothing to be upset about. I won't hurt you, I promise.”

Lyrican, stop! Let the doctor look at you. He can help. If you're hurting--

A great roar interrupted my mental dialogue.

Tsu let out a sharp yell.

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