Liam

I fell asleep when I entered my room last night, exhausted from yesterday's events. It must have been pretty early when I woke up because it was still dark, so I got up, got ready, and ran. My routines must be different now because I was training with the other soldiers before.

After returning from running, I took a quick shower and dressed. Cassie went shopping for me, and I laughed to myself. We only got hand-me-downs from the other guys or donations, but she bought me a whole wardrobe when I was gone yesterday. Lord knows how she knew my size; I needed to ask her.

As I was preparing for my first day, I couldn’t believe how much things had changed in a few days. I was unsure how I would pay Cassie and Ron back for all their kindness, but I would, and that was a promise.

Even my family didn’t treat me that way, especially my father. He didn’t even bother to say goodbye. All he said was to keep my focus on the mission and not to screw up. He was never the same after my mom died giving birth to my brother, and her death changed him for the worse. If that’s even true, because he was pretty horrible before she died, at least never to my mom that I could remember. I was only 8 when she passed, and my brothers are just like him.

I suppose I am like my mother, shuddering from the memories I pushed to the back of my mind for now; the place I was in was better. My mission and the present are what I would focus on. The only way the council would allow me to be free was if I saw this through this.

Ron was already at the table when I went downstairs to get breakfast. “Did you sleep there? I joked. He laughed so deeply that the newspaper he was reading shook. “Nice one, kid, no, I just like to get caught up on my current events,” he said as he folded the newspaper. I looked oddly at the newspaper." People still read those? I questioned why even the warriors at the compound had devices to read the news. “Yes, “he chuckled, “I prefer black and white newspaper to those devil devices,” He said with a serious look.

“Don’t let him fool you. He uses those devil devices, as he calls them, especially when he drops a duce.” I burst out laughing, spitting my cereal all over the table. “HUSH, women telling my secrets. “She giggled as Ron grabbed and kissed her with a mischievous smile.

“Stop, op Ron!!! She protested with a grin. “Liam doesn’t want to see that, “she said as she pushed him away and moved towards the other end of the table so he couldn’t do anything more.

She began, “Ron will take you to school, and I will pick you up until we can get you a car. “

I looked up in her direction, surprised. “CAR!!!! “I managed to say.

“Yes, Son,” she glowed, “you are going to need to get back and forth, and we won’t always be available to give you a ride, “she concluded, answering

I stared at her in complete awe. These people have done more for me in the last 24 hours than my father has in my entire lifetime.

“Thank you for everything, you for everything,” I said firmly. “You are welcome, “they both said together

“OK, well, it's time to head out, “Ron called as he started heading to the front room. He kissed Cassie, and I grabbed my bag and headed towards the front door. I hugged Cassie quickly, and she closed the door behind me.

We got into his blue two-door pickup, and he started it up, and we drove for about 20 minutes of awkward silence. As I watched the House and trees pass me by, I began wondering what the Dragon shifters were, how they lived, and who they were. Most importantly, when the time came, would I be able to do what needed to be done? I have never second-guessed myself before, but this time felt different for some reason. I did it without a second thought when I had to take care of a dragon shifter before.

The council had particular orders about things, and I always thought that dragon shifters upset the natural balance of things, and anyone who disturbed that balance needed to be put down, no questions asked. I was a good warrior and did whatever I was told, so why was I questioning things now? I suppose this dragon shifter was no different, worse even. Right?

The dragon shifters I had encountered in the past were the vilest, most horrible monsters. They were super strong and pretty fast, and their misuse of magic to torture others was wrong. I bet this individual was no different. Killing them wasn’t easy; you had one shot at it, gold blade to the heart. You had to get past hard, thick, scaly skin while they were in dragon form because they had rapid healing abilities in their human forms. Still, I was no weak warrior; this vile monster would meet his match.

It brought me back from my thoughts as Ron pulled up to a school that looked more like a college campus, with huge brown and reddish brick buildings and a huge football field where some kids were already running drills.

“Well, we are here, don’t be nervous. Have a great day, and remember you are here too. Attend school, make friends, and remember, especially be a kid and do not forget the rules, “he emphasized again, looking at me sternly.

“No pressure, right?” asked Ron. “No pressure,” he said with a chuckle as he patted me on the back. Wellhead in those doors and go to the left; that’s the office. They will give you a schedule,” he said as I opened the car door. Oh, and don’t forget Cassie will be there after to pick you up; I work late. “He mentioned. “Thanks, “I said as I closed the door, and he pulled away.

“No pressure,” I repeated nervously. Yes, my 216-pound 5’’ ‘10 self was nervous, rolling my eyes. I faced all kinds of monsters but was nervous about a school full of teens. I laughed. Well, I guess I'd better make the most of it as I headed into the school to the front office.