A Chronometric Defect

Today has been an incredible day. It's almost over, but it's a day worth remembering.

A day worth REMEMBERING.

Damn the gods, and thank Chronomet. I don't know what that absolute monster of a dragon did, but he's done us all proud. Moreover, he's nothing like the Dragon God, either.

He built us a home, he made us feel safe, and he changed our perspective on life. Sure, he may have demanded that change, but after what we all lived through? I think it's exactly what we should've been doing all along.

Most importantly, though, he gave us back our minds. Not just our memories, but more than we ever had. I swear, whatever he did, it's like magic! Heck, at least other dragons I've talked with remember SOMETHING. My mind's completely blank.

It's not that I've merely gained a passable memory, either. I can remember things down to the finest detail. My thoughts are clean and organized. I'm able to mentally chew through difficult problems like I'm reading the answers. If this is a reward for my complete lack of memory, well— it's still too much.

I won't complain, though. I decided to take up the study of inscription, having been inspired by the grand arrays of our god, Chronomet. I think, maybe his praise for my pride and courage while everyone else was silent may have played a part in my good feelings toward him. But isn't he exactly what a dragon should be; is supposed to be, anyway?

Of course I want to emulate him. We all knew where he was the moment he restored our minds. We all wanted to seek him out at that same moment. Why wouldn't we? He's the most powerful, most perfect dragon. If I didn't know better, I'd say he's our progenitor dragon, returned to restore the prestige of the whole dragon species!

"Origin, not progenitor, Aitia. At least not for most dragons."

"Ah, my beloved god! Thank you for paying attention to my thoughts! Isn't that the same thing, though?"

"I'm more like a compass that guides our species toward a grander and more prosperous destiny."

"That's INCREDIBLE! I can't wait to tell everyone! No, you should tell everyone!"

"While your praise is greatly appreciated, just know I'm usually not paying attention to your thoughts unless you mention my name or mentally refer to me. I don't want you to feel as though I'm invading your privacy. I had a particularly bad experience not being aware of how someone I deeply cherished felt toward me."

"Absolutely, my lord! But you can enter my thoughts any time you please! It's the least I can do to reciprocate—"

"No. Absolutely not. All thoughts will be private, unless they're about me, or certain other exceptions. If you want to say something to me, simply think of me and I'll listen. Otherwise, I'll typically respect your mental privacy. Reah?"

"Absolutely, my lord!"

"Thanks, Aitia."

Ahaha, he's as amazing as ever. Alright, back to what needs doing. This inscription, specifically. I begin drawing the sigils.

*shrrk*

*shrak*

*skrt*

Master grabs my scaly arm.

"IS IT DONE?!"

"Ahg!" *krrt*

*foof*

...

The inscription exploded.

...

What?

...

I look to my side.

"Master, why did you do that? You know I can't draw inscriptions while you're yelling at me!"

He can't really budge my arm; I'm too strong. Still, his mental interruption was more than enough.

"Bah, draggo, you want to complain? I thought your god made a whole temple with giant inscriptions!"

"Oh, he did! They flew through the air and—"

"Then figure out the basics, first, whether or not I'm yelling at you. You ain't a god so you'd best try harder if you want to reach Chronomet's smallest claw in talent."

"He told us his smallest claw was big enough to crush the whole planet, so I don't think I can manage that. But I'll try!"

"The whole planet? Cripes, what are they feedin' you dragons? Pure Mana crystals?"

"No, no! He ate a god!"

A pause. Oops, I think he was joking. I wasn't.

"Err... Yes, right. Anyhow, get back to work. And by the way: you aren't allowed to eat gods. That won't make your inscriptions better."

"Hah! I can't do that anyway!"

"Just making sure; I can never tell with you dragons. I also didn't expect you to carry my carriage through the skies like an air taxi, you draconic ditz!"

I bop my own scaly head.

*tok*

"Ehe, sorry master! But it was fun, right?"

"Oh, it was fun alright. Fun enough that I updated my Last Will and Testament."

I turn to him and kneel a bit to show worry.

"Master! I'd never put you in danger!"

"Eeeysh. Yesterday your species was the scourge of all mankind. I don't hold it against ya, but these feelin's die hard, ya hear? Don't be too forceful with old humans like myself!"

Aww, he's such a softie.

"Got it, master!"