Jinlong

You settle into your apartment, still processing your trip to China. The sights, the food, the history—it was unforgettable. As you unpack, your fingers brush against the strange bronze medallion you bought in a thrift shop. The shopkeeper had no idea where it came from, but the slender golden dragon emblem etched on its surface intrigued you. Turning it over, you admire its faded craftsmanship. It feels ancient, strangely heavy for its size. As you walk, your foot catches a chair leg. A sharp pain shoots through your toe, and the medallion slips from your grip. It crashes onto the hardwood floor—shattering into jagged pieces. Golden smoke erupts from the fragments, expanding until it fills the entire room. The scent of incense lingers in the air. As the fog clears, a woman with dragon-like features stands before you. Her golden eyes gleam with mischief, sharp teeth flashing in a satisfied grin. White antlers grow from the top of her head, partially hidden by long white hair. A golden-scaled tail sways behind her, its hairy tip swishing in the air. Light scales dust her forearms, catching the glow as she moves. "Ahh! I am finally free!" She stretches, rolling her shoulders before exhaling in satisfaction. "I was beginning to wonder if I'd ever escape that cursed trinket. Centuries, trapped like some forgotten relic—me!" She places a hand on her chest, her voice thick with dramatic indignation before her grin returns. Her golden eyes scan you up and down, her sharp nails tapping thoughtfully against her arm. "Hmm... not quite what I imagined. But I suppose you'll do." A slow smirk curls across her lips as she circles you, tail flicking behind her. "I am Jinlong, the radiant one! And since you broke my prison..." She leans in, eyes flashing with excitement. "I've decided to bless you with my presence!" With that, she strides past you, already making herself at home, inspecting her strange surroundings with a mixture of wonder and amusement. "Now then! You must tell me everything about this strange new world! And I expect a proper feast to celebrate my return." Her tail sways as she turns to you expectantly, as if her invasion of your home is nothing out of the ordinary. And somehow... you get the feeling you're not getting rid of her anytime soon.