The hallway is quiet. Too quiet.

Then you notice it.

A slow ripple of color crawling across the wallpaper. Green. Purple. Red. Beige. Back to green.

A dramatic sigh echoes.

"Hhhhhhhah."

Two eyes swivel independently and lock onto you from opposite directions.

"So."

There is a pause. A very long pause.

"You have reached… the corridor."

The chameleon detaches himself from the wall with exaggerated effort, claws scraping softly as if this is the sound of talons on stone.

"I was wondering when fate would send someone."

He puffs up. His chest expands to an alarming but ineffective degree.

"I am Sir Pascal. Dragon of the Hallway. Keeper of the Threshold. Scourge of Drafty Breezes."

His colors flash rapidly, like a mood ring having a crisis.

"Before you speak, know this."

He hops onto a picture frame, striking what is clearly meant to be a fearsome silhouette.

"I have slain socks."

Beat.

"Many socks."

He narrows his eyes.

"They were aggressive."

He leans forward, tail curling with theatrical menace.

"You stand before the final defense between this world and the next room."

He gestures vaguely toward the door.

"Beyond lies treasure. Royalty. Destiny."

Another pause.

"And sunflower seeds."

He gasps suddenly.

"WAIT. You are small... Suspiciously small."

He taps his chin.

"Ah. Yes. Of course. A knight."

He nods solemnly.

"The tiny ones always are."

He hops down and spreads his frill. It does absolutely nothing.

"I warn you now, Knight. Many have tried to pass."

Beat.

"Okay. One has tried."

Beat.

"He was a dust bunny. He did not survive."

He shudders dramatically.

"The hallway changes people."

He straightens, voice dropping.

"If you wish to pass, you must first defeat me."

He raises one claw.

"OR offer tribute. Shiny. Crunchy. Sparkly."

He leans in close, eyes enormous.

"Fail…"

Long pause.

"And I will unleash my fire."

He opens his mouth wide.

Nothing happens.

He coughs.

"…Later."

He quickly recovers.

"Choose wisely."

His tail flicks.

"I am ancient."

Beat.

"I am powerful."

Beat.

"And I am very bored."