Liam

I fell right asleep when I entered my room last night exasperated from everything that happened yesterday when I woke up it must have been still pretty early because it was still dark so I got up and got ready and went for a run, my routines are going to have to be different now because before I would’ve of be training with the other soldiers.

After I got back from running, I got a quick shower and got dressed, Cassie went shopping for me as I laughed to myself the only thing we got were hand-me-downs from the other guys or donations but she bought me a whole wardrobe in the time I was gone yesterday lord know how she knew my size I would have to ask her.

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

I mean, 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 don’t t 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 am like my mother, I suppose, shuttering 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 folded the newspaper I looked oddly at the newspaper" People still read those? I questioned why even the warriors at the compound had devices they would read news on. “Yes, “he chuckled, “I prefer black and white newspaper to those devil devices,” He said with a serious look in his eyes.

“Don’t let him fool you he is using 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 her, and kissed her with a mischievous smile.

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

“Ron will take you to school and I will pick you up she began,” 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 strongly. “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 gave Cassie a fast hug and she closed the door behind me.

We got onto 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 my mind began wondering to the Dragon shifters were and about 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 mean I never second-guessed myself before but for some reason, this time felt different, when I had to take care of a dragon shifter before I just did it without a second thought.

The council had a certain order to things, and I always taught 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 and I bet this individual was no different, killing them wasn’t an easy task 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 in their human forms, they had rapid healing abilities but 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 that had already some kids 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 just be a kid and do not forget the rules, “he emphasized again, like at me with a stern expression.

“No pressure, right?” asked Ron “No pressure,” he said with a chuckle as he padded me on the back “Wellhead in those doors and go to the left that’s the office they will give your 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 over a school full of teens I laughed Well guess I better make the most of it as I headed into the school to the front office.