Trident Dragon Love (Preview)

Vinny nodded, looking around the place again. Most of it was packed up in boxes already, only a few shelves and racks around them having anything on them. At this state, it was weird that the place was even open.

“Well, I was hoping to look around, maybe get something cheap for later this year, but… don’t know if there’s gonna even be anything at this point.”

“Oh, by all means, look through any of the boxes or cases lying around. Everything is still for sale even if it’s packed up. I just have first dibs for things nobody wants.”

“Really?”

“Sure! Plus, everything packed up has already been personally magically cleaned, washed, and polished to perfection. They’ll be better than new! Now is the best time to buy something from here if you ask me.”

Well, that sounds promising! “Okay, thanks!” Vinny gave her a polite smile and started walking away, leaving her alone upfront.

The store was much larger than expected, or at least far more maze-like with all the shelves, racks, and more packed into the building. He could no longer hear the witch after a bit, wandering all the way to the back end of the place. There were so few items left there as well, most packed away. Where would he even start?

He looked at a bunch of the boxes piled against the backwall when something did catch his eye. A case was opened, several long props sticking out of it. There seemed to be swords, staffs, and similar objects, all meant for something else.

Hmm, this could work. Vinny headed over, pulling out one of the swords and looking it over. I haven’t done a knight yet… maybe sorcerer would be fun? He chuckled. Could do a wizard if I find the right staff.

Shifting through the case though, something caught his eye. There was a brown trident, almost looking like it was carved from wood. The shaft was roughish while its trident ends were twisted and twirled, like unicorn horns.

Wait… is that what I think that is?

Vinny leaned closer, his heart pumping. It was exactly what he thought it was! That was from Miss Kobayashi's Dragon Maid, Elma’s trident!

His heart leapt with joy. He loved Elma! It was a bit strange to see a prop like this though in person. Sure, Dragon Maid is popular, but would something like this be just laying around a costume store in America?

Could be an import from Japan, Vinny reasoned, nodding his head. Maybe it’s not hers? He reached for the trident. Might be from something else.

He grabbed the object but let go and yanked his hand back quickly. The tool felt oddly slick and smooth, while also rather warm to the touch.

“I already magically cleaned, washed, and polished everything to perfection too, so it’ll be even better than new!”

Oh, right! Vinny rolled his eyes. Traci probably cleaned this thing recently. Ugh, I’m being weird here.

He grabbed the trident with both hands and pulled it out of the box. Looking it over carefully, he was right. This was indeed Elma’s trident from the anime.

Could be good for the collection at home. Vinny thought back to the various props and imports he had gotten over the years, like Android 21’s labcoat to Rangiku’s Zanpakuto. I wonder where I should put it. In a case, mount it on a wall, or maybe…

His mind started to drift away. Was it just him, or was it getting warmer?

No, it was not him. It was the trident. The trident was getting rather warm in his mitts, like a warming oven without the burns. Maybe Traci cleaned and polished everything, but surely the prop shouldn’t be getting this hot after so long, right?

Vinny let go of the trident… he tried to let go of the trident. He thrusted and shook his hands to dislodge the trident.

The trident remained in his hands, their grip on it growing stronger.

Wait, he was wrong earlier. He is getting warmer as well. Heat was passing from the long pole into his fingers, circulating into his hand and across his body. Tingling followed, the sensation rather pleasant despite it all.

Wait, why does… I've been here before. Vinny stood there, frowning. It did seem very familiar, but from where did it… oh! It hit him. Of course it was familiar. He was down this road before and even at a costume shop too when this happened.

He looked at his hands, finding the confirmation he expected. They were looking thinner by the second, becoming ever so dainty. His fingernails, chewed and not taken care of as well as they should, were cleaning up nicely. They grew long, properly trimmed and healthy-looking.