Rhom

Curiosity downloaded the dragon.


Rhom was a dragon. Now he's a hologram projected by a set of magnetically linked metal bands. While studying the potential of advanced science linked to lightning charged devices, Rhom discovered another world. Where circuits marked roads, nodes were buildings, and captured lightning fueled it all. Unfortunately his attempt to imprint himself into this world seemingly failed. Leaving his body without his mind and his mind without a body.

By the time he figured out how to use his mind to control the device, his physical body had starved and ultimately decomposed. Rhom was hysterical. How could such time have passed? What would he do now? Was he forever trapped in this half existence? In his panic and frustration he triggered some as yet unknown function within the device.

Suddenly he found himself looking out through eyes instead of staring in at rows of data. He had form again though lacked any physical sensation. Trying to move was impossible and he found himself as stranded and bewildered as a new hatchling. Trapped and very much alone he feared he would be left in this lifeless state for eternity.

That was when Leena discovered him. Or at least she discovered his skeleton. For many long seasons she had sought out the charge she was called to. Unaware that her calling had yet to be born. Rhom had grown into young adulthood and died before their trails crossed and Leena was both distraught and confused that this skeleton called to her still when it was rightly dead!

Hoping against hope, Rhom triggered the hologram function when a clucker uploaded its sighting of her. It was the one action outside the machine he was still capable of. Leena reacted in the expected way of terror and the unexpected reaction of joy. Somehow her charge stood in front of her and she was determined to aid him.

However her attempt to restore him to his skeleton managed only to awaken the skull. Rhom despaired and retreated within the device once more. Leaving Leena to witness what he hadn't. As he vanished a set of finely etched metal circles clattered to the floor. The guardian called for him to return but the dragon would not. In the end she smashed one of his precious cluckers before he'd return in a rage.

She silenced him and told him what she'd seen. After much discussion Leena began to help Rhom learn to use this new form. Moving his head was a nightmare and walking was even worse. They quickly learned that anything that blocked the circlets would also block his form. Many times he seemed to be a disembodied head, a headless monster, or some lizard without wings! Gradually he learned how to move, to avoid obstacles, and to recognize when he must shut down to recharge his now life giving device.

Eventually he was able to leave his sheltered lair and left with Leena to explore the world and find a place to settle down. With them Leena carried the skull as both a memento and as a fairly amusing pet. Rhom may not have been able to return to his bones but the skull was certainly happy enough to take Leena's magic and survive. You can find it on her end table but don't touch, it bites!