Chapter 1: Dragon's Friend

In the heart of Zebuth, a city filled with various carnivores and herbivores. Both species do have a bit of a love-hate relationship with each other in order to co-exist in this society. From timid yet proud sheep to the brave yet naive lions.

For this particular street, one of the construction workers was a venomous Komodo dragon named Gosha. After the whole incident at the Black Market, he and Yahya have rekindled their friendship and have started to take things slow. Despite the mending rifts, society in general were not too kind with his species due to their venomous nature and the reputation of the former Komodo dragon gang called the Dokugumi.

That was the past.

However, one of his routines after work happens to be visiting the hybrid kindergarten, where he helps the matron entertain the children. In their society, hybrids were frowned upon and after the Melon incident, that was amplified. It wasn't their fault and certainly NOT their parents. He still couldn't believe Melon's father was...

He took a deep breath to calm himself and to prevent any of his acid from spilling out.

To distract those ruminating thoughts that reared its ugly head, Gosha decided to set off to the public library. Plus, it would be a good idea to think up of another story to read to the hybrid children at the kindergarten. He smiled a little bit, fond of those children because they never asked to be different because of their parents' love.

Or what was love since everyone he knew left and the hardships he has faced.

'Ah, I shouldn't be so sentimental about it,' the Komodo dragon scolded himself as he makes his way towards the train station, not minding that carnivores were giving him murderous glare while herbivores were whispering amongst themselves.

Then again, maybe times will change in terms of how others treat each other.

So far, Gosha has never felt any regret with his life decisions despite the major landslides. With his head held high, he made his way to the public library.

...

The public library was a sight to behold. It was a place where scholars would come in and out with stacks of books in their arms, the elderlies taking their sweet time browsing through the shelves, and some were even taking naps at the tables.

Gosha remembered how he used to borrow some books about insects to show them to Legosi before he could save up money and buy the exact copy for him. Seeing his grandson's lit up expression gave him a sense of joy.

No matter what decision he is making, Gosha is proud of his wolf grandson.

He was browsing at one of the shelves, trying to pick out a book that might seem interesting for children at the kindergarten. It was the child section where the shelves were brightly coloured like the rainbow and has book of different shape and sizes.

Gosha was so focused on searching for a book, he almost tripped over someone, had it not been for the sudden yelp. He blinked, collected himself before checking at the creature to see if he or she was okay. He kneeled down, patting the hoodie he or she was wearing.

"I'm very sorry," he whispered, minding that they are in a library. "I was so preoccupied with my book search that I didn't see you. Please, I-"

"It's okay," the creature interrupted him, assuring him by patting his scaley hand. Gosha had his tongue slithered out to taste the chemicals in the air, also trying to detect her scent. It was unfamiliar to him.

"I wasn't expecting anyone at the children's section," the creature admitted, tightening the hood that covered her head. "I usually sit here to read since other animals needed the seats more than I do."

Curiously, Gosha sat awkwardly on the opposite side of the creature. He really couldn't tell what sort of animal she was. Could she be a hybrid as well? To be fair, he was clearly taller since his legs could reach the opposite bookshelf while she was sitting with her knees close to her chest.

"Found anything interesting?" she asked, looking up from her book. That's when Gosha was taken aback. She was a species that was taught during his school days but he never thought he would encounter one in real life.

"Um...Oh yes, I found an interesting book for the children at the kindergarten," he assured her with a smile, trying to hold back the venom that was about to spill out of his mouth. When Komodo dragons are excited or surprised, their venom ducts gush out.

She only nodded, continuing to read her book. Gosha was thankful for the silence since reptiles are more private rather than social butterflies. With the both of them sitting in silence, Gosha was starting to notice that she has her back rest against the shelves with her shoulders slumped.

When she looked up, she had the most beautiful grass-green eyes.

"What book are you reading?" she asked, closing the book before placing it on her lap. Gosha's eyes soften as he began to tell her about his visit to the hybrid kindergarten and his role there. While he was talking, she only nodded, head perk up attentively without saying a word.

It was very odd that she doesn't talk much except when she asked something or when he asked.

Needless to say, he very much enjoyed her company even if they just met.

"Um, what is your name, Miss?" he asked, propping his knees close to his chest to mirror her. The creature gently removed her hood for a brief moment, ebony hair tumbled down in a messy mop.

"I'm Balqis. And you?"

"Gosha," he introduced himself. The both of them shook hands, hoping that it would linger for a little bit. He was about to pull out disinfectant to wipe on her palm when Balqis herself took out a bottle of sanitiser to wipe her hand.

"That's a nice name. Sorry I had to take out my sanitiser since my skin is sensitive when I touch different animals. I can understand if it irks you."

"No, no, that's alright with me," he assured her. Balqis covered her face again with her hood, but he could hear small giggles coming from her. The both of them continued to read in silence, pausing to glance at each other's direction.

If they were more bold, they could've sit next to each other.

But for now, their silent company was enough for each other. It was making Gosha feel something that has been lost for a long time: friendship.

"You look young for a Komodo dragon," Balqis commented, applying moisturiser on her sun-kissed face. Gosha averted his eyes, his tail wrapped around his legs in embarrassment. No one has ever commented about his appearance since...

'Toki,' he sighed, thinking about his late wife. 'This is so, so strange...'

But Balqis approached him, her hand on his knee. "I'm sorry about my comment. It's one thing that I have trouble with and that is talking to others. Characters and words are easier since they have a set of rules but the real thing...It's a puzzle and I always messed up."

The elderly Komodo dragon held her small hand in his. "No, you did nothing wrong. You come here often?"

Balqis nodded. "I do. Just to escape my problems and to practice learning more words so that others take me seriously."

"I do take you seriously."

It was now her turn to blush, squeezing his large scaley hand. "T-thank you. Um, if it's okay with you...Can I get you some tea after leaving the library? I mean just as a token of appreciating your company of course!"

Gosha's face slowly etched a smile. "I'd like that."

...

One of the diner's that allowed Komodo dragons to sit at the front was Benny's. The establishment was famous for their milkshakes and nut burgers that could make both species weak to their knees. It was also good that the owner was a reptile, who understood Gosha's issue of being out in public since he served venomous and non-venomous customers.

"Let me know if there's anything else you need," the owner and chef, Benny told them after taking down their orders.

Keeping to her words, Balqis treated the old Komodo dragon to a cup of hot hojicha latte, roasted tea leaves with some milk that was well-suited for creatures that were cold-blooded while they shared a plate of fries with ketchup.

Both of them chatted about the books they borrowed from the library and then Gosha couldn't help but noticed how she was wearing gloves when handling her food. Her skin must be really sensitive, making him even more vigilant about his acid. However, Balqis noticed his stare and stopped.

"Am I making you uncomfortable?" she asked, wiping a napkin over her gloved hand.

"W-what? No, of course not," he assured her with a small laugh. "I'm just curious about how careful you are with your food. I do have something to ask, though."

Balqis adjusted her hood before straightening herself in her seat to look up at him. "I'm listening, Gosha."

"What is a human like you doing in these parts of the city?"

Hey there everyone! This is a birthday fic for myself but I might expand upon this because I love Gosha and I think he deserves love

With that, I hope you guys enjoy the ride