by Eric S Kim
Preston yelled, “Please tell me you can get a good clean shot!”
Jerome stopped running and turned around. “I can try.”
Preston stopped as well and waited for Jerome to stay true to his words. He gazed through the scope of his EMR. And just as the dragon made his descent in the air, Jerome pulled the trigger five times. The shots had been quick, lasting a couple of seconds before the abrupt conclusion. He didn’t hit the dragon. He hit the Failure. Gordon Steele’s body swung backward and fell off Klimkru’s back. His plummet to the earth had been quick.
Klimkru flew toward Preston and Jerome. Both men rolled aside and didn’t give Klimkru a chance to reach out and grab them. His claws touched dirt and grass. He soared past the Blackjacks and caused a strong wind that struck his prey from all directions. Preston could see nothing but dust and Klimkru’s wings. He watched the dragon repeat his ascending movements.
Jerome quickly stood up. “Come on! He’s not going to leave anytime soon!”
The two of them ran toward a large patch of trees at the bottom of the hill. They hid underneath the branches and stayed still beside the bark. Preston kept his head up to catch a glimpse of Klimkru if he returned. Jerome finally activated his earpiece and waited for a response from his other teammates.
A few seconds of silence followed, but he managed to find someone on the other end.
He spoke through the miniature microphone. “Bryce, it’s me! Preston and I are safe. Gordon is dead, but the dragon is still alive. I’m not sure what’s happening, but I think he’s under a spell. The same way as the two dragons back in Cypress.”
Preston could hear Klimkru’s wings flapping, though in a faint volume.
Jerome continued, “We need help as quick as possible. If we’re not able to find a solution, then I’ll call Lionel and tell him that we need some missiles. I know it’s wrong, but it’s our only chance.”
Preston heard the wings growing louder again. “He’s back!”
Both men lay flat on the ground. The branches above them swayed violently from left to right. They had just brushed against Klimkru as he flew past them. Leaves dropped to the ground, with some landing on Preston and Jerome.
Preston whispered, “Magic gemstones shouldn’t even exist.”
Jerome didn’t move at all. “That’s the sad reality.”
“What’re they called again? Ivisian Emeralds? Ivory?
“You got it right the first time?
“He’s going to find us. We should move out.”
Jerome nodded before he got up and made his exit. “Come on. Follow me.”
5:13 PM
They stayed low to avoid being caught by their predator. They either crawled on the long grass or hid underneath the trees. And when it was clear for them to move, they ran as fast as they could across the field. Whenever anything that resembled a dragon’s wings reached their ears, they stopped and stayed low on the dirt floor. Preston didn’t care if he and his clothes started getting dirty. He only had Klimkru and the possibility of death to fill his mental void. He and Jerome kept their weapons firmly in their hands. They only headed south, back to where Laguna Beach should be.
They spent their time dodging Klimkru’s line of vision. They hid underneath another patch of trees. Preston pressed his back against the bark as he tried to catch his breath.
“If the dragon is under a spell, then I’m guessing that Gordon used one of those emeralds.”
Jerome replied, “I never thought I’d never hear the word ‘Ivisian’ again.”
Preston made sure that he didn’t raise his own voice. “We should go back and check Gordon’s pockets.”
“It’s too dangerous. His body is out in the open. We’ll get caught right away.”
“We can cause a distraction. Klimkru can chase you while I go get the emerald.”
Jerome gave him a funny look. “I think your family connections are kicking in.”
Preston tried to look through the branches above them. “Man, there’s got to be at least one drone on its way right now.”
“It’s too bad. It won’t have that much time to get here. We’re on our own.”
Preston took a peek through the trees. On the other side lay a small valley, a field overwhelmed with bushes and tallgrass.
“Wait.”
He could no longer hear Klimkru’s wings. He anticipated the sound of a reptilian roar, but it was never produced.
“Do you think he’s given up?”
Jerome slowly shook his head. “He thinks we’re dumb. Don’t give in to false hopes.”
Preston just had a thought. “Oh, man. What if Klimkru isn’t even under a spell?”
“What do you mean?”
“What if he’s just being himself. You know, a dragon that has a real grudge against us?”
“I can easily doubt that.”
“But think about it, he could be cooperating with the Failures. That’s some scary shit right there.”
“I don’t think there’s a dragon in the world that is so easily willing to be Gorvex’s next target.”
“Well, remember what we’ve learned in high school? You know, the dragons that became the bad guys? Maybe they’re not extinct after all. Maybe they were hiding from Gorvex for a very long time.”
Jerome seemed amused by Preston’s immediate theory. “You’ve been watching too many horror films.”
Preston continued to gaze through the tree branches above him. “I could be right. I’m not saying it’s a guarantee, but there’s still a slim chance, and slim is better than nothing.”
Jerome sighed as he inspected his EMR. “Let’s just say that we won’t know the whole truth until later. Right now, we should just find a way out of here. We won’t be knowing why Klimkru wants to see us as his next meal just sitting around in the dark.”
Preston couldn’t deny his next response. “And maybe then, we could ask Lionel why Klimkru and the Failures have been doing us a disservice. I’m sure he has the right answers.”
Jerome pointed his finger at Preston and harshly whispered, “This has nothing to do with my dad.”
“I think the signs are right in front of us. It’s pretty hard not to believe it.”
“Look, I’ve got this. Whatever’s happening with my dad, I’ll take care of it.”
Preston was about to say something, until the absolute silence in the valley made him question its authenticity. With Klimkru nowhere to be seen, it seemed too ideal for a satisfying conclusion. And then, he heard it. He couldn’t decipher the origin of this faint sound, but he had formed a quick idea in his head. It sounded like something brushing against the tallgrass. Preston froze. Goosebumps formed on his skin as he almost trembled with fright. Jerome didn’t move as well. He shared the same sort of reaction typically produced when convinced of a surprise coming his way.
From the corner of his eye, Preston caught a glimpse of a physical entity. The head of a red dragon drawing ever so closer through the tallgrass. Preston held his breath and tightened his grip on his pistol.
Jerome brought his EMR closer to his chest. “Preston…”
“Yeah?”
Jerome didn’t have to shout when he said, “…Run.”
Preston didn’t delay. He and Jerome jumped up from the ground and ran as fast as they could away from the trees. Preston could hear Klimkru roaring amidst the aggressive sounds of tree branches snapping off. The two Blackjacks made a dash across the small valley. But Klimkru had already caught up to them. He jumped right above them and turned his entire body around as he landed in front of the two young men. With both feet hitting the ground, Preston felt a little vibration below his feet. Klimkru now hovered over them. Preston and Jerome had to take several steps back. Klimkru stood on all fours and narrowed his eyes. His growl had become fierce and ominous. He showed off his sharp teeth which had already been drenched in a little saliva. He stepped just a little closer, which made Preston struggling to decide on his next move.
Klim
kru’s slow crawl forced the two Blackjacks to step back even more. Preston threatened the dragon with his pistol. Panic almost kicked in, but he refused to submit.
“Get back! We’re still armed!”
Jerome didn’t raise his weapon. “Wait a minute. Something’s not right here.”
Preston was too afraid to look away from the dragon that licked his lips. “What is it?”
“His eyes. They’re not black. They’re supposed to be black when an Ivisian Emerald is used.”
He had been correct. Both of Klimkru’s eyes bore ordinary reptilian irises.
Preston didn’t put down his pistol. “I guess I was right all along.”
Klimkru’s mouth opened. Not to eat. But to speak.
“You have learned so much about us. I can appreciate that at least.”
Preston almost gasped. Klimkru had actually spoken the English language. With clear diction and everything else. And that was when Preston realized the unthinkable. Klimkru was indeed a Nevinoth Dragon. They were the only ones who could speak human languages without interference. The truth made Preston tremble. Klimkru didn’t need an Ivisian Emerald to cooperate with the Failures.
Preston had trouble speaking at first, but managed to immediately correct himself. “Who the hell are you?”
Klimkru gave an ominous chuckle. “I’m the last thing you’ll ever see before I put you in the dark.”
Jerome asked, “Why are we the ones on your menu? Why do we deserve this?”
Klimkru moved a little closer. “Gordon already gave you the details.”
“We’re not even involved in anything. Whatever happened all those years ago, I’m sure we’re not to blame.”
“It doesn’t matter. Your father needs to suffer for what he’s done.”
“Look, he’s not the guy you think he is.”
“Oh, you’re certainly right. He used to be the guy we all expected him to be.”
Jerome’s fear was reflected in his tone of voice. “Klimkru, don’t do this. You can just leave and forget about us.”
“Sorry, but they forced into this. And you know what? I’m glad they did.”
Klimkru reached out and grabbed Jerome, forcing him to let go of his EMR as a result of the swiftness of the dragon’s movements. Klimkru used his other hand to bring it down and trap Preston from within his claws and fingers. Preston lay flat on the ground and could feel Klimkru’s entire hand pressing down on him. It caught him by surprise, enough to have him drop his pistol amidst the unexpected tendencies. Klimkru lifted Jerome up off of the floor and sent him closer to the former’s face. Preston was helpless as Klimkru kept him pinned to the dirt floor. He watched the dragon pull his teammate closer to his demise. He tried to reach for his pistol, which lay close to him. But he failed to even touch it with his own fingers.
A smile formed on Klimkru’s face. “Don’t worry. It won’t hurt.”
In desperation, Jerome punched and kicked at the fingers that encircled him. “Don’t do this! It’s not worth your life!”
Klimkru sneered at him. “Wrong.”
He opened his mouth and began to pull Jerome in.
Preston suddenly spotted something in the sky. It made its dive as soon as it exited from a patch of clouds above. Another dragon. And this time, Preston recognized him from what he had seen in the press.
Klimkru had been too engrossed on his own deeds to even notice the mechanical dragon with gray metal skin making his charge. Just as he brought Jerome into his salivating mouth, he didn’t even have time to bite down on the young man’s flesh. Sorivo, the General of the Silver Skin Dragons, let out his ear-piercing roar.
Klimkru pulled Jerome away and lifted his head up to see who interrupted him. Sorivo acted as a battering ram and pushed Klimkru off of his feet. He let go of Jerome and had him land on the tallgrass. Preston could finally move as Klimkru’s fingers leapt right out of the dirt. Both Blackjacks were safe from Klimkru’s appetite.
Preston got up on his knees. He felt thankful for a miracle that happened at the last second. Sorivo fought Klimkru as they flew in the air. They spun around in circles. Sorivo grabbed Klimkru’s neck and tail before he threw him down. Klimkru landed on the same patch of trees that the two Blackjacks had previously hidden in. Sorivo had mustered his strength to give Klimkru a thorough beating. Even if Klimkru fought back, Sorivo would have an easy advantage.
Preston ran up to Jerome to check for injuries. A miracle must have unfolded in the valley as the sniper only received a sore elbow. They stood up and observed the confrontation between a hero and a traitor. Sorivo bit down on Klimkru’s neck after wrestling on the fallen trees. Klimkru struggled to escape the teeth piercing through his red scales. He attacked Sorivo’s head with his claws, but Sorivo was not affected by the attack. The General of the Silver Skin Dragons rammed Klimkru’s head against the ground and bit down at his neck once again. Klimkru’s eyes had widened as his injuries had grown worse. In a matter of seconds, blood had spilled out of his wounds. Sorivo must have bitten down even harder as Klimkru could barely move his arms and legs. He could no longer speak. His wings started to twitch. Sorivo made his intentions clear. He would never let Klimkru leave this place alive.
Only a few more seconds had passed. Klimkru no longer made any movements. He closed his eyes and his entire body stopped moving. Sorivo finally pulled his teeth out of Klimkru’s neck. Klimkru’s head fell and landed on the tallgrass as a lifeless lump. The red dragon was deceased.
Preston and Jerome had become witnesses to an execution. Sorivo stood tall with valiance, his wings wide open as a satisfied gesture. He was a magnificent creation. Unlike Gorvex, who took on a more anthropomorphic appearance, Sorivo had taken on the shape of an ordinary dragon with wings. The mechanical dragon smiled at the two Blackjacks, one that demonstrated his fulfillment after a job well done.
The gray dragon remained professional. A calm demeanor never faded from his body.
“Another traitor fully disposed of.”
Sorivo’s deep and booming voice was a welcome addition to his authoritative figure. Only a Silver Skin would be allowed to speak a human language.
Preston breathed a sigh of relief. “How’d you find out about this so quickly?”
Sorivo brought himself closer to the Blackjack. He looked down and replied, “I’ve learned many things this morning. Just be thankful that I’m here.”
“Oh, I am.”
In the meantime, a tiny figure arose from a hilltop. A drone used by Mystic Lightning had appeared and hovered above Klimkru’s dead body.
Jerome knew the situation very well. “And now, everyone will be here in about ten minutes or so.”
Preston replied, “Oh, I don’t want to hear anything else.”
“That’s an easy promise from me.”
Jerome started to walk away as he put his EMR back in its scabbard. Preston asked, “Where are you going?”
Jerome didn’t turn around when he said, “I’m going to get my Paralyzer back.”
Amused, Preston stayed in the small valley where Sorivo inspected Klimkru’s corpse in silence.
5:27 PM
Lionel needed to see if it had been true. He never even tried to look away from the window. He just sat on the helicopter and kept silent, even as Woodrow and Hamilton tried to start a conversation at least twice. The helicopter managed to reach the hills shorter than expected. Hamilton pointed at the valley where Klimkru’s dead body were located. That was all it took for Lionel to say something.
“Do you see my son?”
Hamilton replied, “The one wearing the trench coat? Yeah, he’s down there. He’s not hurt or anything. He’s talking to another employee.”
Lionel finally let go of his paternal fears. Despite feeling relieved of Jerome’s current whereabouts, he remained calm and professional. His stoic behavior never disappeared from his body and mind.
Hamilton advised the helicopter pilot to making the landing right on the valley. And when he d
id, the pilot turned off the engine. Hamilton was the first to leave the vehicle. Lionel and Woodrow followed from behind. Several employees had arrived at the valley, including additional Blackjacks from a different squad. A few investigators examined the dead dragon, while others had scattered and roamed the hilltops for further clues. Gordon Steele had been placed in a body bag. Lionel could see his face before the bag was fully zipped up. All three Failures had been eliminated in one day. Another accomplishment for Squad A-X-9.
Preston and Jerome had spent their time discussing matters with one of the Hammerhead Investigators on the scene. As soon as the three of them noticed the visitors, the Hammerhead stopped talking and waited for Hamilton’s acknowledgement.
Hamilton didn’t say hello. “I hope the dragon didn’t scare you guys too badly.”
Preston replied, “He almost did.”
Lionel stepped a little closer. He asked his son, “You’re not hurt, are you?”
Jerome shook his head. “Fortunately, I’m not. The dragon was very close to having me for dinner, but Sorivo arrived at the perfect time. He kicked some ass, and we were still here to see it all.”
Lionel still eyed him from top to bottom to check for injuries. “So no bruises or anything?”
Jerome seemed a little annoyed by the refusal to accept good health. “Yes, I’m fine. I’m just a little shaken up, but it’ll go away.”
Lionel finally accepted the truth. “That’s good. I’m glad you’re okay.”
Hamilton intervened. “Gentlemen, let’s forget about the sentimentality for a second here. So what the hell happened? Give me all the details.”
Jerome relayed the entire story to Lionel, Woodrow, and Hamilton. He managed to use basic vocabulary even as the story progressed into a more complicated scenario. He started with the flight from Laguna Beach and ended with Klimkru’s demise. The one detail that he saved for last was the fact that Klimkru had the ability to speak a human language.
Hamilton had already caught on. “A Nevinoth Dragon. Who would have expected that?”
When the sniper finished narrating the events, Woodrow gazed at the dead dragon and said, “Reptiles can choose to be a menace when there’s a dent in their perspective. Universal principles are shrouded by doubts. Klimkru may have accepted his responsibilities, but his consequences could have only benefited the creatures from the other side. The wrong disciples deserve lonely graves.”
