So this is what humans call a diary?
Not sure what to write about. These things are supposed to be a way for humans to record how they feel and what's happened to them, but I don't know if I want to write about all that's happened to me. That wouldn't make for a very fun story.
But I've got to try, right? I mean, that's what he always tells me, so…
I guess I'm writing about myself?
Hello there! My name is Nowi, and I'm a dragon. Well, we're called Manaketes. We transform into dragons. I know, crazy, right? It's the truth, though! I'm not a liar. Please don't ever call me a liar.
Anyway, compared to humans, we Manaketes live for a very long time. I think I'm a hundred years old now. That's supposed to be a long time, but the old Manakete watching over me is at least a thousand years old, which is way bigger than a hundred.
Am I old, or am I young? I have no idea. I look like a human child, but the old Manakete tells me that we age slowly, so I don't know what to believe. Would be great if someone could tell me.
This whole diary thing wasn't my idea, by the way. It was the old Manakete's…what was his name again? I always forget. He said this is supposed to serve as a way for humans to understand that Manaketes aren't monsters and are more like people, but I'm not sure about that. I'd like for that to happen someday, though.
He also said this could improve my memory. It might help me remember who my parents are…
Oh, I should probably explain more about that. I can't just go around not explaining things, can I? That wouldn't be a good thing to do. After all, if I want humans to understand me, I've got to make things about me as clear as possible so they can see who I truly am.
So, one day, I was born, like anyone else. And then I was stolen away. Far, far away…I never even knew what my parents looked like. Some very mean humans took me from my home and captured me for whatever reason. Probably to cause some destruction in some village or something.
Well, they got exactly what they wanted. Just…not in the way they wanted it.
If you're a human and you're reading this, please don't think that I did it because I'm a monster that only knows how to hurt. I did it because I was scared. I was a baby, all alone, with no mom or dad. I let my emotions get to me.
I transformed into a dragon, and….
Well, I'm not happy about it. This power I have…it's scary. When I transformed, everyone around me looked really, really afraid. They ran away, but that didn't work so well.
I was faster.
You know, until that day, I never knew what blood smelled like. I was like a wild animal, tearing my claws through anyone I saw and melting everything with my fire breath.
I wonder if that village will ever get repaired.
Anyway, I probably shouldn't say more about that. My head's starting to get kind of light. Um…I'm learning to control my power more? Yeah, I can talk about that. It's way better than…
So, I have this thing called a Dragonstone. The old man gave it to me. It allows me to transform into a dragon whenever I want, which is great! I won't accidentally transform ever again! At least, I hope so. It might still happen someday.
That's why I'm here, with the old guy. He's giving me tips on how to control the form since it's still really difficult to do that. I'm learning how to not give in to my emotions, and to stay calm even when I'm feeling super angry. I think it's working out. The old guy knows his stuff, that's for sure. I mean, he even has his own Dragonstone. His is red, though, and mine's black. Does that mean it's like a firestone or something? I need to ask. I think he said something about that sometime, but I can't remember.
Okay, what else? Well, I'm currently wearing this cloak thingy. It's big, brown, and I hate it. I wish I wasn't wearing it. The old guy made me, though. Said something about it being too cold to not wear it. Maybe that's true, but you know what?
I don't care. I don't wanna wear this thing! I hate it! It feels so stuffy, like it's restricting all my movements. Feels like I'm trapped.
I hate being trapped.
It's not so bad if I wear my usual stuff, is it? I know I usually don't wear a lot, but at least that feels good, not like this useless and annoying cloak! I'm not even allowed to take it off inside! What is that guy thinking? Doesn't he realize that if I wear as little as possible, it'll only help with that whole 'feel the world' thing he was talking about?
Wait, did I talk about that yet? The 'feel the world' thing? Huh, guess I didn't. I'll talk about that now, then.
It's an idea suggested by Mr. Old Dragon. You see, he once told me that I should be going out into the world, exploring, seeing all its sights, and stuff like that. It's a wide world, he said, and apparently, I don't know a lot about it. There are a whole lot of things I don't know. He even called me naive.
I think he's right. There really isn't a whole lot I know about. I've only ever known loneliness, death, and…bad things like that. Yeah.
Maybe I should explore the world. It sounds fun! He's been pushing me to do it a lot lately. He might just be tired of me, though, which is fair. We've been around each other for a long, long time. Long in human years, that is. In dragon years, we've only been together for basically a second. If that makes any sense to anyone reading this. Remember, dragons live longer than humans!
Anyway, Mr. Old Dragon was saying that by exploring, I'd be 'feeling the essence of the world', or whatever he said. If he wants me to feel the world's essence, then why does he want me to wear this stupid cloak? I can't feel anything if something's covering my body! I think he's going senile.
Huh? Oh, looks like I gotta go now. Mr. Senile Dragon's calling me. I should probably finish this now. How do I do that?
I guess I can leave a note for the old guy. Wait a second!
His name! I remember it now! I'm so stupid!
Well, anyway, thanks for everything. Sorry I forgot your name until now. I need to get better with that kind of thing. I don't know if you'll ever read this, but thanks for helping me when I needed it. You pulled me out of the wilderness when I was all alone, scared, and hungry…I might have died if you weren't there.
I know I'm repeating myself here, but thanks for everything. I appreciate it.
Goodbye, Bantu.
Author Notes: Just a little story concept I've had in mind for a while now. This story takes place about a thousand or so years before the events of Awakening, featuring a much younger Nowi writing an entry in her diary, which was an idea suggested to her by her temporary caretaker, Bantu (which is something that was hinted at in her Awakening supports, I'm pretty sure!). I've always wanted to write a full one-shot in first person, and I think I nailed it. Nowi is such a fun character.
No beta-editing for this one. I wanted to go in raw.
I had a lot of fun writing this one, and I hope you had fun reading it! I'll see you in whatever I do next! See ya!