morning?" he asked as he poured her a cup of green tea.
Joy
thought for a few moments before replying. "I'll be honest, it's
much different than yesterday. And it was interesting to see how all
the people acted towards you."
"They
are a very kind group of people."
"It
wasn't just that," Joy retorted. "They really looked like
they respected you. More than just as a village politician."
"Well,
in a village this size, politics are a simple matter. I hope I am not
just a politician."
Joy
nodded. "Speaking of which, you never did get around to
answering my questions about what I saw last night. Longwei, what did
I see?"
Longwei
looked at her levelly, and Joy had the distinct feeling she was being
evaluated for something. It was a strange feeling, and one she hadn't
felt since her days at Georgetown. Finally, Longwei set his tea
aside, and looked her in the eyes. "You saw me training."
"Excuse
me?"
Longwei
sighed and stood up. He paced the room, his hands clasped behind his
back before answering. "I know this will sound insane, but what
you saw was real. I come from a long line of men who have been able
to transform their bodies into a dragon. According to family legend,
at one time those of my bloodline numbered in the thousands."
"And
are there others like you in the village?" Joy asked, not
believing but playing along. Longwei noticed her tone, but decided
not to react to her disbelief.
"No,"
he said, smiling his mysterious smile again. "I'm the only one.
In fact, I may be the last of my kind left in the world. Again, tales
my father told me say there is another blood line of the dragon, but
our family lost contact with them centuries ago. From what my father
said, they may be different than us anyway."
"How
so?"
"Well,
just as there are different mythological forms of the dragon, I think
the other bloodline may resemble the European myth style more.
Considering what I've seen in my travels, the chances are great."
"What
do you mean?"
"I
am not the only shape shifter I have met," Longwei said. "I've
met others. Some types are more prevalent than others."
"And
just what have you met?"
Longwei
shook his head. "Sorry, but that would violate their privacy."
Joy
nodded. "You must realize Longwei, as nice as you are, it's a
lot to believe that you are some sort of were-dragon shape shifter."
"I
know," Longwei said. "Would you like to see, then?"
"You
won't try and eat me?"
Longwei
laughed. "No. Unlike what the movies might say about werewolves,
I retain my mind when I change. I am in control of my actions fully."
"Well,
I guess the proof is in the pudding, as they say."
"Speaking
of which, would you like some pudding for dessert tonight? We can
have rice pudding made."
Joy
shook her head. "You're stalling, Longwei."
Longwei
sighed, and started taking off his clothes. Joy stood up, shocked.
"Whoa, whoa, whoa. What are you doing?"
Longwei
chuckled. "You did not think my clothes changed with me, did
you?"
"But,
you were wearing something last night."
"Yes,
a long robe. I keep one by the corner of the temple. If you had been
able to see clearly, you would have seen me wearing what looks
something like a long poncho. It wasn't even belted."
"And
you can't wear one now because?"
"Because
it's dirty and in the wash," Longwei said. "Come now,
you've never seen a man naked before?"
Joy
blushed. Longwei had already removed his shirt, and she could see how
fit he was. He wasn't bulky muscular, but still very lean, with
cleanly defined muscles that lined his torso. She had seen more
defined men in her life, but never in person, and most of the
pictures she had seen were bodybuilders or fitness models. Longwei's
muscles and definition was natural, and much more graceful. Part of
her mind wondered how the rest of him would look.
"If
you are uncomfortable, I can turn around," Longwei said
playfully, reaching for the cord tying his pants.
Part
of Joy wanted him to drop his trousers right there, curious as to
what she