by Eric S Kim
He suddenly remembered what he had done to Sorivo. He didn’t let go of the sword in his hand. He would have lost it if he just opened his hand. He kept his grip tight despite his weakened state. He tried to lift his head up, but he couldn’t move. He couldn’t even feel wide awake. His energy was drained by his motives. He found himself in the hands of a dragon.
“…Tannitari.”
Tannitari’s voice was enhanced as an echoed speech.
“Just relax. You’ll be okay.”
Lionel just lay comfortably in the dragon’s soft grip. An attempt to be fully awake would be meaningless. He needed the respite. He closed his eyes and returned to a state of mental rest in just a matter of seconds.
FORTY
APRIL 22, 1:17 AM
Jerome just wished that he could leave the room. With so much happening on a Wednesday evening, he had no interest in answering certain questions from the other man seated with him. James Callahan, the General Manager of the Blackjacks’ Orange County District, recorded everything with a microphone connected to his laptop computer. The man may have noticed Jerome’s unwillingness to cooperate at this time, but he continued on without sympathy.
Callahan had asked the sniper everything about his father, including his recent behavior for the past two weeks. Jerome did decide to be as truthful as possible, even if his urge to leave the room made a steady ascent with every question answered. He grew tired of the bland interior in the compact interrogation room. The white walls and the fluorescent lights had already bothered him. He rubbed his eyes to break the visual repetition for at least a little while.
He finally asked, “Are we going to be done soon?”
Callahan wasn’t too pleased with Jerome’s lack of attention. “Hey, this is a serious situation we’re in. Your own father is in some deep shit. Of course, we’re going have to point a few fingers at this time.”
“Well, try not to point it at me. I’m only a witness.”
“That still doesn’t excuse everything about you. Someone dug up a few things from Captain Tyler’s past, and it’s only gotten worse ever since. You didn’t happen to find some interesting information on the internet, did you?”
Jerome still couldn’t tolerate the room. “The internet is overrated, anyway.”
Callahan pushed his laptop aside. “Be serious. Remember the incident in La Palma? Seth Singletary must have given Lionel the most perfect reminders. That must be why he rode that dragon for even a few minutes. I knew we should have done something about it. Giving your father a free pass has to be the worst decision ever made.”
“At least he did the job. He took care of Singletary, didn’t he?”
“He did, and from then on, it was a downward spiral.”
Callahan pressed a few keys on his laptop. “Gorvex might as well lose our trust. Our reputation is going to be tarnished. A domino effect will be inevitable.”
Jerome sighed. “You’re just being paranoid.”
“And you’re just being delusional. Lionel has broken the law. He will be punished when we find him.”
Jerome didn’t want to say anything else after that. He almost slouched in his chair as Callahan stopped typing on his laptop. The general manager wanted to ask a few more questions, but Jerome just wanted to see the outside world again.
The light on Callahan’s earpiece suddenly blinked. He answered the call from an unknown individual. Whoever was on the other end must have been a higher rank in the company, seeing as how Callahan froze for a moment.
He responded with, “Yes, sir. I will.”
He turned off his earpiece and turned off the microphone for his laptop. “Good news. Someone is here to see you specifically.”
Jerome asked, “Who?”
Callahan didn’t say anything. He got up from his chair and opened the only door in the room. Another man had entered the room in a very collected manner. Jerome immediately sat up straight.
Salvador Quintana was his usual self. His elegant suit and clean hairstyle didn’t change. His demeanor remained the same as well. He told Callahan that he wanted to speak to Jerome in private. Callahan nodded and closed the door behind him.
Jerome welcomed a little change in the limited scenery that surrounded him. Quintana took a seat in Callahan’s chair and kept a firm gaze on his human subject.
“It has been an interesting night so far.”
Jerome replied, “I can already tell.”
Quintana slowly adjusted his necktie. “You do not have to give me the full details. I have seen everything that I needed to see.”
“I’m sorry that you had to.”
“Do not apologize. I am not here for emotional support. I am here to tell you that you and your teammates will not be expelled from the company. Hamilton and I had come to a quick agreement. Your father’s actions makes him the only accountable figure around here.”
“That’s good to know…I think.”
“You are amazed at what he has done. I can easily sense it from here.”
Jerome couldn’t hesitate on that type of remark. “I guess I’m not that good in hiding my real feelings.”
“There should be no shame. I remember when your father did the exact same things a long time ago.”
Jerome leaned forward. “You really did see it all happen?”
“Only on television. I was still living in a different state at the time.”
“But you did see what he did, right?”
“Of course. I remember the news reports about the Nameless Riders of Yesterday. Or as we used to call them…The Nevinoth Riders of Los Angeles. These people would always fight back against certain enemies. They were beasts and burdens, and these people did everything they could to keep these creatures off our territories. The civilians continued to praise the Nevinoth Riders, including your father. He would have won a few prestigious awards…but Gorvex had come along and changed everything.”
“So, he did all of that even when I was born?”
“I do not have the information on that one.”
“What did you think about my dad riding a dragon?”
Quintana stayed calm as he replied, “I felt indifferent to it. I could never understand this tradition that has lasted for two full millenniums. It was always a complete afterthought for me.”
“Do you still believe it now?”
“As long as there is nothing else to believe, then my mind can never be changed.”
Jerome couldn’t stop thinking about his father and his current whereabouts. He brought his hands together. “I never thought I’d see my dad doing things like this. And now…”
“Well?”
Jerome sighed. “I don’t know anymore.”
“Just know that you father has broken the law, and that is the only thing that matters.”
“I already remember that.”
“That is good. Because if I told you that your father must be brought back to civilization, would you want it to happen?”
“Of course, I would.”
Quintana still didn’t move. “Good.”
1:22 AM
Preston sat in the same room for at least an hour or so. This small enclosed space had no windows, no television, and no computers. There would be no solution to prevent this monotony. Preston would be the last young Blackjack to be questioned by Callahan. He tried every plausible way to pass the time, including having his favorite rock songs playing in his head. He could have used his smartphone, but James Callahan had it confiscated for security purposes. He could have expressed his true self by complaining about his lack of distractions, but he knew that he couldn’t. He remained seated in the waiting room with the rest of his younger comrades.
Bryce and Elliott stood and leaned against the wall. Sabrina, Rebecca, and Oswald sat together on the lone sofa. Bryce had folded his arms across his chest and kept a gaze that signified the perfect blend of boredom and absolute annoyance. The rest of the Blackjacks, however, had the same worrisome look on their faces.
Preston didn’t question their reactions. He felt the same way about their captain. He couldn’t stop thinking about the cause and effects. He and the rest of the Blackjacks had become witnesses to Lionel’s submission to the other side. Mixed feelings seeped into his train of thought. He knew that there would be consequences, but he didn’t expect the incomplete satisfaction that came along with it.
He took off his black cap. “I hope he’s okay.”
Elliott kept staring at the ceiling. “I still can’t believe he did it. Shouldn’t he be a little smarter than that?”
Bryce’s expression didn’t change. “Lionel must have had a really good reason to do it. Maybe some kind of a last resort.”
Rebecca’s eyes widened. “What makes you think that he could have done the right thing? I mean, he killed Sorivo with a sword! Isn’t that bad enough?”
“Hey, I never said he did the right thing. I’m just a little convinced that he could have been a little desperate or something.”
Preston sighed. “I still hope he’s okay.”
Bryce gave a little nod. “So do I.”
Sabrina groaned. “Ugh, I’m tired of waiting. So much shit going on outside, and they want us here of all places. Makes me want to use the General Manager as a punching bag.”
“Please don’t.”
Preston was about to say something, but then one of the two doors on the other side of the room opened. He and the other Blackjacks straightened up in their seats and behind the wall. Vincent Yoon was obviously forced in an interesting scenario that unfolded on this day. He had a frown on his face, and it didn’t disappear.
He eyed the Blackjacks from left to right. “I do hope that your captain never tried to poison your minds with false facts.”
Bryce replied, “Believe me. We would have told the General Manager about it if he did.”
“Good. I am truly sorry for what he has done to all of you. Sorivo’s death would be enough for today’s society to lose any trust that’s been built up for the last decade.”
Elliott looked down at the floor for a moment. “We are going to the unluckiest bastards in the world.”
Rebecca raised her hand. “How bad do you think it’s going to be for us?”
Vincent replied, “I’m not certain of that. But I do believe that Lionel should be the only one to blame here. The press will try to accuse the entire company for mishandling him, but there are ways to tone it down. Your CEO will have to take care of that one.”
Elliott closed his eyes. “At this point, life is terrible.”
Vincent finally smiled. “There is always the path to redemption.”
Preston replied, “We’re already looking forward to that one.”
With eyes wide open, Oswald let out a simple but hoarse response. “…Yeah.”
The other door in the room opened. Jerome, Callahan, and Quintana had returned. Jerome joined his teammates, while Callahan shook Vincent’s hand. Vincent thanked him for the interrogation and let him leave.
The disciple bowed his head slightly in front of Quintana and said, “It is official. Lionel Tyler has joined the Nevinoth Dragons. He has now become one of our greatest enemies.”
The information made Preston feel weak. He still hoped that Lionel was in stable condition after his betrayal, though he tried hard to view him as the brand new enemy. He couldn’t.
Quintana buttoned his coat. “Do not worry. He will be found, and he will be brought to justice.”
“I already expect that. The question is, how will you do it?”
“I have several ideas.”
“Good. Just be sure that A-X-9 is taken care of. Make sure that they find good employment if they are ever terminated from the company.”
Quintana shook his head. “They are not going anywhere. They will stay with the company.”
“How so?”
“I will keep them as my own.”
“That’s definitely not a good idea.”
Quintana’s composure was still unbroken by radical emotions. “My land. My rules.”
Preston was impressed with the Chairman’s determination. It made him respect the man even more.
Vincent already understood the decision. “Do whatever you will. I won’t stop you.”
Quintana added, “And do not worry about Lionel’s son. He will make the right decisions for as long as he has to.”
Vincent stared at Jerome for a moment. “See that he will. I’m going to join the rest of the disciples. We’re going to find out how Lionel had kept that Varivorian sword around.”
“Good luck.”
Preston wanted to mention something about their mission in Green Brigalvic. But Quintana had given him a fierce stare, one that made Preston stop himself from causing an interruption.
The leader of the Zadith Disciples left the room. Quintana was still unfazed. He informed the young Blackjacks that they must return to the NESF Station as soon as possible. The Blackjacks never protested the decision. But before they could leave, Quintana asked one more question.
“Your captain did mention something about being a dragon rider, or am I wrong?”
Jerome gave the correct answer. “Yes, he did. He told us everything after we left Green Brigalvic.”
Sabrina jumped in. “Yeah, he said used to be one of the Nameless Riders of Yesterday.”
Quintana rubbed his chin. “And did he ever tell you what he truly felt about his former occupation?
Jerome replied, “
Quintana gave a little smile. “Go back home with the rest of the squad. A private jet has been sent by Hamilton. It will be waiting for you at the airport.”
Preston just had to say something. “One more thing. How come the Zadith don’t know anything about the Varivorian Artillery yet?”
Quintana had one simple answer. “I’ll deal with it later.”
6:58 AM
Lionel woke up. He quickly examined the surroundings. He could see nothing but a small room with brown wooden walls and a shattered window. Then, he looked down at his own body. He lay flat on a small bed. Everything was different around him. It had been nothing like his own home.
He got out of bed in a matter of seconds. His own clothes had stayed the same, though he still didn’t wear his black cap anymore. He took a peek out the window. There were only trees and a mountain as the permanent view. The morning sun had already shown itself after hiding in the horizon. Its circular shape was half-hidden by the distant mountain range. He rubbed his eyes as he left the room. It didn’t take long for him to find the exit. He reached the front door after taking a different direction that didn’t lead him to the kitchen. He opened the door and walked out.
Lionel had returned to the more natural landscape. The lone cabin had been situated on the mountainside in the midst of scattered evergreen trees. Furthermore, despite the morning sun, the darkened layers in the sky still lingered. He suddenly remembered the dragon that brought him away from the crime scene.
He wasn’t alone on the mountainside. From the corner of his eye, a bighorn ram appeared from behind the cabin and took a few steps closer. But Lionel wasn’t afraid at all. He already knew of the ram’s true form.
Lionel asked him, “Which one are you?”
The ramp replied, “I’m Rikorro. Are you going to be fine?”
Lionel rubbed a sore spot on his shoulder. “I think I’ll live. Where am I?”
“Far away from home.”
Lionel slowly spun around in a circle to observe the landscape once more. “Are we in Canada, or Montana?”
Rikorro wiggled his horns. “We’re in Wyoming. I think we’ll be safe for now. Nobody followed us when we left. But I have a feeling that the Mystic Knights will find us soon.”
“Where are the other dragons?”
Rikorro stepped closer. “They’ll be here shortly. But they aren’t the only ones who are eager to see you again.”
Lionel felt intrigued. “What do you mean?”
“Tannit
ari has been waiting for you. He’s been hoping that you’d wake up sometime after what happened last night.”
Hearing his dragon’s name again soothed his senses. It was a name that he had yearned to hear after everything that he had gone through in Southern California.
“You have no idea how long I’ve waited to see him again.”
Lionel could feel the presence of another animal making its appearance near the cabin. He immediately found Tannitari stepping away from the trees behind him. He was the same Nevinoth since last night. A gray wolf with a blue diamond imprinted on his chest. Lionel could find no injuries on Tannitari’s body. It was a welcome relief after being involved with the enemies that tried to give them an even falser reputation.
Lionel remarked, “I hope you’re not mad at me for leaving you behind all those years ago.”
Tannitari replied, “I’d rip you apart for doing the wrong things. But you know I’m not that kind of dragon.”
Lionel just had to smile at his dragon’s retort. In fact, he just couldn’t resist his true feelings. He no longer suppressed the facts that he had been evading all this time. Tannitari must have felt the same way. The wolf ran up to him. Lionel got down on one knee and put Tannitari in a locked embrace. Tannitari grew ecstatic. After a hasty reunion in Santa Ana, their next interaction had less interruptions. Lionel laughed as Tannitari licked him in the face. The wolf jumped up and down before running around his rider in a complete circle. He rubbed his head against Lionel’s chest. Lionel, knowing that he was now free to express his genuine self, hugged the wolf as hard as he could. He laughed. The reunion between dragon and rider was now complete.
Lionel whispered, “I missed you so much.”
Tannitari wagged his tail. “I felt so lost without you. I didn’t think I’d make it. But…well, here we are.”
The other Nevinoth animals had appeared. The wolverine, the porcupine, the red-tailed hawk, and the beaver had brought some more company to complete this group of outlaws. Lionel automatically identified the two other men that joined him and the Nevinoth.
