by Eric S Kim
He stood up and said, “Nice to see you guys again.”
Theodore Westbrook and Hugo Rutherford didn’t change in drastic ways. Their clothes and appearances had stayed the same. In fact, they must have spent the last two weeks away from the Dead Zone. Their hair was kept clean, while their clothes lacked holes and dirt stains. Hugo’s bionic arms had been kept hidden from within his jacket. Theodore’s eyeglasses remained intact.
Lionel asked, “Did they tell you everything that happened in California?”
Theodore nodded. “Yes, they did. You must regret a few things.”
“The only thing I regret is leaving my dragon behind. I should have known about Vincent a lot sooner.”
“At least you know now.”
Lionel patted Tannitari’s head. “They can forget about me wanting to come back home. I can’t trust Gorvex anymore.”
Hugo smiled. “Welcome back to the good side.”
FORTY-ONE
7:45 AM
After everything that he had been through since yesterday, Edward Connelly just wanted to relax on the balcony. A tranquil nature continued to thrive in the city of Laguna Beach. Everything had returned to normal. The morning sun had trouble showing itself to the public as a thick layer of clouds blocked its presence to the coast. From down below, Emerald Bay remained peaceful. Waves swept across the sand. A few civilians had already brought their possessions to enjoy a calm morning on the beach.
Edward let out a deep sigh. The view from on top of Maribelle Sepulveda’s balcony had already put him at ease. Anything that was considered beautiful by his standards automatically kept his inner strength unbroken. His concentration had grown so strong that he almost didn’t hear or see Sepulveda herself appearing on the balcony.
The young man turned around and gave her a smile. “I should stay here for the next three days.”
“That’s definitely enticing for both of us.”
She wrapped her arms around his neck and gave him a long kiss. Her warm lips, coupled with the fresh scent of her body, were a welcome addition to his relaxation.
He sighed. “I still can’t believe just how rough Wednesday really was.”
“Just be glad that you’re alive. You shouldn’t have gone through all that bullshit, but thankfully, you didn’t suffer as much as they wanted you to.”
Sepulveda held Edward’s hand as they gazed at the beach together. A flock of seagulls flew above the ocean. Edward grew cautious. He remembered the one time when one seagull turned into a dragon named Klimkru and grabbed two Blackjacks on the balcony. So far, the seagulls stayed the same as they flew further up north, away from Sepulveda’s residence. Edward almost laughed. Paranoia would be the last thing he wanted to feel today.
“It’s really a shame.”
Sepulveda asked, “What is it?”
“Florencia could have realized that she had nothing but wrongdoings, but she didn’t. She wouldn’t be the type of person to fail this way. I remember her. She didn’t use to be like this. She had a good conscience.”
“You weren’t thinking of getting back together again, were you?”
Edward almost laughed. “Of course, not. I’m just saying that she didn’t use to be a criminal. That’s all.”
Sepulveda smiled. “And now she is. Be thankful that you knew about it now than later.”
“Where do you suppose she and Limara would go this time?”
“I really don’t care. She’ll be punished for her deeds. She’ll be taken care of soon enough.”
She started to caress Edward’s hair. “Besides, what matters now is that you’re still here. I was so worried that I might lose you. It almost happened twice, and I’d hate to see it as a vicious cycle. I don’t want to be upset like this ever again.”
“I’m sure I’ll be fine.”
Sepulveda touched his cheek with her gentle fingers.
“Of course. Nobody will ever try to take you away from me ever again. You belong to me, and nobody will change that.”
She always convinced Edward that everything she said would be true, and he didn’t find a reason to be misguided by other people’s opinions.
He replied, “Yeah…you’re always right.”
Sepulveda kissed him once more. “I’m bringing Joseph over. He’ll need some company after everything he’s gone through in Brea.”
“I’d like that. I’m sure he needs someone to talk to this morning. I’m the only friend he’s got right now. It’s got to be pretty lonely in that hotel.”
“Oh, I wouldn’t think so. Have you ever heard of Carolyn Sumner?”
“No, who is she?”
“She’s the owner of the hotel. She’s been spending some quality time with Joseph, and she’s already grown fond of him. They’ve had breakfast at the lounge and they went to the movies together. He’s gained another friend. In fact, it’s going to be permanent. She likes him so much that she won’t turn her back on him.”
“How can you tell?”
“She told me everything a few days ago. She would keep him in that hotel if she could.”
“It sounds like they were made for each other.”
“Oh, of course. But don’t feel so down. He hasn’t forgotten you yet. It’s good to see the two of you getting along just fine. It’ll be even better when he officially joins Sharp Claw. I’ve got some big plans for him.”
“Are you sure he’s qualified to be a tamer?”
Sepulveda’s smile grew larger. “He better be.”
She slowly rubbed her palms together. “As long as he disregards his parents’ true identity, then he will stay healthy for the rest of his life. I wouldn’t want him to betray us and try for a chance at complete senselessness.”
“I wouldn’t want that, either.”
Edward and Sepulveda shared one last view of the sunrise before they left the balcony and prepared for Joseph’s next visit.
8:13 AM
The remaining Blackjacks had gathered in their station’s lounge. They only had the television to watch and listen to. The newscaster confirmed what the Blackjacks had already known: Lionel Tyler was revealed to be a Nevinoth Rider. He had eliminated Sorivo, the General of the Silver Skin Dragons, and would most likely join the Fail Factions. The captain’s reputation had been destroyed. The newscaster, despite giving a neutral approach to current events, almost expressed his anger with an almost unhealthy choice of words. He didn’t swear, but his hand gestures and tone of voice signified his disappointment with the Mystic Lightning employee. Nothing but resentment toward a traitor.
Woodrow, Cliff, Hector, Victoria, Kurt, Nick, Jerome, Preston, Bryce, Sabrina, Rebecca, Oswald, and Elliott stayed silent throughout the presentation on TV. Virgil Hamilton had been shown in an interview with the press just outside headquarters. But it was heavily edited, showing only two answers to important questions. Hamilton had reiterated the same basic details to Lionel’s current position before the entire interview had cut away, back directly to the newscaster.
Soon after the footage had finished, the newscaster brought some more bad news to the viewer. It had been confirmed by Mystic Lightning that over two-hundred civilians were killed, with three-hundred more wounded. The Nevinoth Dragons were solely responsible for the casualties from last night.
Preston could only hear the television and nothing else. No one in the lounge ever said a word. The silence had grown somber. The Blackjacks had nothing but mixed feelings. Their relationship with their captain had been permanently changed. Preston wanted to say something, but he was afraid of being misinterpreted. All he could do was just stay seated and watch as Jerome left the room without hesitation. He didn’t inform the group of where he would be. He just left with a dejected look on his face.
Preston, already weary of the news, decided to follow him. Jerome didn’t go too far. He had reached his father’s office. The door was unlocked, so it had been easy for him to just open the door and walk inside. He left the door partially open. Preston took a p
eek inside. Jerome just stood in the middle of the room and gazed at the frames that hung on the walls.
Preston knocked on the open door lightly. “Do you need some company? Or do you want to be alone?”
Jerome didn’t say anything. He just stared at Lionel’s desk. His solemn behavior didn’t change, though he showed no sign of bursting into tears.
“I can’t even imagine where he is right now. He could be in Canada, or maybe in Puerto Rico. I just hope he’s okay.”
Preston stepped a little closer. “I’m sure he is. He’s a Blackjack just like us. He can take care of himself.”
“He’s not anymore.”
Preston realized his mistake. “I, uh, almost forgot about that.”
Jerome sat on the edge of Lionel’s desk and folded his arms across his chest. He had become a brooding figure devastated by the separation from his family. This was the same image as when Jerome had discovered the death of one of his high school teachers.
“I’m starting to wonder what really happened all those years ago. Did he make the right decision when he quit this dragon riding business and joined the other side?”
“I don’t think you should think too much into this.”
“Well, it’s hard not to ignore these things. I’ve seen everything. I saw the way he rode that dragon back in La Palma. I saw the way he used that sword back in Green Brigalvic. And now, I saw the way he killed Sorivo without even thinking twice. There’s just something missing. I don’t know what it is.”
“Maybe it’s best that you let the Hammerheads take care of it.”
Jerome’s mild sarcasm kicked in. “As if they’ll be able to find the truth.”
“You don’t think they can do it?”
“I don’t think they’ll care as much as I do. He’s my dad. I can’t just let complete strangers take the case for me.”
“But what can you do? You can’t do anything. As of now, you’re still a Blackjack, not a Hammerhead.”
Jerome narrowed his eyes. “I just don’t want anything bad to happen to my dad. That’s all.”
Preston backed away just a little. “Hey, I meant no offense.”
“I just wish he could just come back home and forget that this ever happened.”
Preston placed his hand on Jerome’s shoulder and said, “He’s gonna be okay.”
His concern for Jerome’s well-being was boosted by the thought of having Lionel Tyler roaming around the world as an exile with minimal access to food and shelter. Being a Failure had downsides that had already exceeded its growth. He felt like he could give Jerome a hug, but he didn’t know if the latter would even accept it.
Jerome added, “He was good.”
“What do you mean?”
“The way he used that sword….He was very good.”
Preston let him have his silent moment alone.
But Elliott had arrived and pointed his thumb behind him. “Mr. Quintana and Mr. Hamilton are here.”
Preston and Jerome understood. They, along with Elliott, left Lionel’s office and returned to the lounge. There, Quintana and Hamilton had already joined the other Blackjacks.
Quintana asked Jerome, “Will you be able to pull through?”
Jerome sat down on a sofa. “I’ll try.”
The Blackjacks had gathered around their two bosses. Mr. Hamilton started the discussion.
“Did anyone find out where the talking vulture is?”
Hector gave him the news. “He disappeared. We think he flew away from here last night.”
“Well, that’s too bad. I would’ve had a nice little talk with him. But anyway, we have received news of Lionel Tyler’s whereabouts. It appears that he has moved further east. They disappeared somewhere in Colorado. We’ve lost track of their whereabouts soon after midnight.”
The younger Blackjacks whispered to each other before they stopped to give Hamilton a chance to continue.
“Furthermore, since Lionel is now classified as a Failure, he will face severe consequences if he is ever captured by the authorities. It’s not gonna be good. Gorvex will want to get rid of him. He will personally execute the man. No exceptions.”
Jerome buried his face in his own hands. Preston patted him on the shoulder as a way to show moral support.
Hector asked, “Does anyone have any idea who these Nevinoth Dragons are?”
Hamilton replied, “All we know is that there are six of them left. One of them is Tannitari. He is the wolf with a blue diamond on his chest. He’s one of the last of the dragons that fought against Gorvex two decades ago.”
Rebecca remarked, “I’m starting to wonder what they’re about to do in the next few days. Are they gonna try to assassinate Gorvex by themselves or something?”
“The Hammerhead Department will take care of that. Right now, Mr. Quintana has something else to say. Listen to him very carefully.”
Quintana stepped in. “I will still give you enough time to grieve for the friend that you have lost. But now, I have another mission lying in wait for you.”
Preston was still determined to earn his spot as a disciple. “What is it?”
“I cannot tell you right now. It will still be a few more days until you can achieve it. I can tell you that it will be a mission made beyond these borders. There is something brewing outside of California, and I need all of you to be ready for it.”
Victoria seemed surprised. “We’re going to visit a different state? Does Mr. Hamilton approve?”
Hamilton smiled. “Yes, I do. In fact, I’m giving him complete control over this squad. You now work for Mr. Quintana.”
That crucial news resulted in a few mixed reactions from Squad A-X-9.
Bryce had to ask, “But we’re still a part of the company, right?”
Preston was already aware of his teammate’s ambition. He followed his question up with, “We’re no longer Blackjacks or something?”
Hamilton calmed them down. “Relax. You’re still a part of Mystic Lightning. You will be Quintana’s personal militia temporarily. Probably until the end of May if things do work out between him and you.”
Bryce breathed a sigh of relief. “Good, because I was already having second thoughts for a little while.”
“I understand what Mystic Lightning means to you, and I would never want you to feel left out.”
Quintana added, “Since Lionel is no longer here, I am placing Woodrow Lockhart in charge of this squad.”
Woodrow tipped his cowboy hat. “I already accept it, sir.”
“Take good care of these people. They still deserve their nominations.”
Jerome had spent his time slowly tapping his fingers on the armrest. Quintana had caught on.
“Are you still with us?”
Jerome uttered, “I’m still here.”
“Will be you fine? Or do you need some time off?”
Jerome slowly lifted his head high. “Whatever you need, I’ll be there.”
“Good. All of you wait until Sunday. That is when your next mission will begin.”
Preston raised his hand. “Uh, what about the Varivorian Artillery? Shouldn’t the Zadith find out about it?”
Quintana was straightforward with his response. “They will learn about it when the time is right. Gorvex will not deal with the Nevinoth and the Fail Factions. We will. We have to give Gorvex these weapons when the enemies are completely erased from this world. When we finish our jobs, he will have no trouble when he finally gets a hold of them.”
Jerome remarked, “I don’t think I get what you’re saying.”
“You will eventually.”
8:23 AM
Lionel had no intention of eating any breakfast. He had grown so fond of his reunion with his dragon that he had nothing else to wait for. He and Tannitari sat on the front porch of the cabin. They had stayed with each other since Lionel had awaken from his much-needed sleep. Both wolf and man gazed at the distant mountain range that towered over the valleys below.
Lionel pet
ted his companion on the head. “I hope you didn’t suffer when you left the country.”
Tannitari whimpered for a brief moment. “The Amazon Rainforest wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. Still, I always dreamed of coming back to North America.”
“I shouldn’t have pushed you away.”
“Hey, you had a kid to take care of. I’m sure he’s doing fine right now. He’s a part of your squad, right?”
“Yeah. He’s the sniper. The one with the trench coat.”
“I saw him last night. I think he’s definitely qualified. You trained him well.”
“Thanks. I knew I did something right when I raised him.”
Tannitari rested his head on Lionel’s lap. “I’m sorry that you had to leave like this. Jerome must be devastated right now.”
Lionel could only imagine the heartbreak that his own son must have experienced since his hasty departure. “I just hope I’ll see him again soon.”
The front door opened behind him. Theodore Westbrook had exited the cabin and took a seat beside the former Blackjack Trooper.
“I’m going to make this as direct as I possibly can. Hugo and I are planning to go to Seattle. There’s something there that intrigues me. Something is brewing in that place, and I have to find out what it is.”
Lionel got the hint. “You want me to join you?”
“If it isn’t too much trouble.”
“You don’t have to persuade me. I’m already in.”
Theodore smiled. “I’m glad I didn’t have to work hard on it.”
“So what’s happening in Seattle?”
“There’s this big laboratory that manufactures big machine parts. I learned about it a few weeks ago. It’s a very confidential project. One that Gorvex is heavily associated with. He has these people building something. A big fragment of a much bigger machine. I don’t know the specifics. That’s why Hugo and I want to go there. Gorvex is planning something big with that machine part. Something that could put us all in danger.”