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Aug 26, 2003 STRENGTH OF A DRAGON Mason went to bed early. His mother begged him to eat dinner but he was too depressed. Lee and Sam exhausted him with their daily torture and embarrassment. The two feared bullies of the school felt the need to test his limits. Mason could handle the name-calling and the tripping but it was being locked in the bathroom, his locker, and having food hurled at him from every angle in the cafeteria that bothered him most. While it was never easy being the new kid in school, this time he didnt have the strength to deal with it. I wish I could be tough and stand up to them. If I had someone to help me, I would feel so much better about myself, he muttered aloud. His eyes began to close as he drifted off to sleep. Suddenly something banged against his window. Turning on his nightlight, he tiptoed over and slid open the window. A rush of cold damp wind blew in, making Mason shiver. An oval object lay on the wet grass. Curious, he picked it up and closed the window. Mason quickly jumped in bed to warm up his feet and held the strange shape in his hands. He would have sworn he was looking at an egg, a good size one at that, but he wasnt sure. His theory was proven correct as a jagged crack appeared. Stunned he jumped and the egg went flying onto the floor and rolled by the wall. A low growl broke the silence as Mason was both scared and worried he had hurt whatever was inside the egg. The top of the shell came completely off and Mason adjusted his nightlight so he could better see the figure stepping out. A purplish-blue lizard with wings crawled out and stared directly at Mason. A small smile spread across his face as he realized what he was looking at. A dragon! My very own pet dragon! Mason shrieked. Mason couldnt believe his luck. He would have to be careful to not let mom find out for a while, not until he could properly train it to use the bathroom and clean up after itself. The little creature pulled himself up onto the bed and began to pump his little wings. His green scales on his belly were still wet. Still too weak to fly, the dragon turned back to look at the large boy with wide brown eyes. Mason still couldnt believe what was in front of him. Carefully he cupped his hands together. Come here little fellow, I will take care of you, he said in a soothing voice. The dragon made himself comfortable and went right to sleep. Brrrrnng! The alarm sounded and Mason rubbed the sleep out of his eyes. His elbow nudged something and when he put on his glasses he gave a start. Sitting in front of him was a dragon, about two feet larger than himself. Mason had thought he was dreaming last night, but the baby dragon, or the now full-grown dragon was in front of him, staring. Wow, you sure grow fast, he said in awe. Breakfast Mason! shouted his mother from downstairs. Mason stood, got dressed, smoothed his hair and looked at his new discovery. You wait right here and I will bring you back some food, and with that he patted the dragon on his belly and closed the door behind him. Wanting to make a good impression, the dragon did as he was told. He understood the boys words very well and definitely understood the word food. Just as promised, Mason strode in with some bacon and toast wrapped in a napkin with a big box of cereal. I know it isnt much, but for now its what I could scrounge up with mom in the kitchen. When you are done eating, you can come to school with me, he explained enthusiastically. Wait until the kids see you, they will be so surprised! Mason grabbed his books and threw them into his backpack. Gosh, I need to come up with a name for you, hmm, let me think. Having found you at night underneath the shade of the moon, I think your name will be Nightshade! Oh I cant wait for everyone to see you! Mason shouted. Carefully he led Nightshade down the stairs and out the door, taking advantage of his mom being in the bathroom. Taking the long way, he knew he wouldnt run into many people. He came along the back way of the school with Nightshade strutting behind him. He hoped that the kids wouldnt make fun of him even more. Beyond that, he hoped that Lee and Sam wouldnt hurt his friend. You wont have to worry about that, came a crackled voice behind him. Mason came to a halt and slowly turned around. Nightshade stood there looking into his eyes. Wh-what did you say? implored Mason. The dragon made a gurgling sound as if he were clearing his throat and spoke clearly. I said, you dont have to worry about the kids, today is the start of something new, that is why I am here, and he nudged Mason along towards the school. Mason was too stunned to say much of anything except a mumbled okay and they entered the school. The usual hustle and bustle gave way to pure silence as everyone at the lockers stopped and stared. Some of the girls screamed while some laughed, thinking this was a practical joke. Lee and Sam walked up and flipped Masons glasses to the ground. Whats this nerd ball? Bringing toys to school now are you? Lee piped. Sam laughed along. Mason picked up his glasses and placed them back on. Hes not a toy, he is a dragon, dont you know anything? he retorted. Mason couldnt believe he just talked back. Having Nightshade with him suddenly made him feel strong. Sam didnt quite like the backtalk and took a step forward. Nightshade blew a big gust of wind from his lungs and sent Sam flying halfway down the hall. Lee felt uncomfortable for a few moments, not sure whether to defend Sam and risk getting hurt or just run. His response was interrupted by the school bell, which signaled the beginning of first period. Mason was happy his first class was gym. He led Nightshade into the locker room and told him to try to be quiet. Many of the kids picked him for teams today, a difference from the usual treatment he received. For the first time since he came to the school he felt as if he were a part of something and he liked that feeling. The rest of the morning went smooth as Nightshade did his best to stay out of the way from teachers and the principal. No one believed any of the students who said they had seen a dragon. When the lunch bell rang, all of Masons fears came back to him. Again Sam and Lee unleashed their bullying ways. Hi again four eyes, wheres your smokestack? Lee laughed. Instantly Nightshade appeared by Masons side. Reaching forward, Nightshade took a strand of Lees hair and pulled it out. Ow, that hurt! shouted Lee, rubbing his head. With a small bit of effort, Nightshade blew a tiny flame and singed the hair to nothing. Lees eyes widened in fear and he took a step back. Sam decided it was his turn to step in. He grabbed for Masons lunch tray with the intent to smear the food all over his hair and clothing. Nightshade once again took charge and with his tail, knocked Sam into a nearby table of food. Gravy flowed from the big plastic bucket and covered Sams head and body. The look on his face was enough for Mason. Many of the kids laughed or cheered but Mason didnt care, he was content with Lee and Sam getting a little dose of what they themselves dished out. The cooks didnt believe a word Lee or Sam said about a dragon. They didnt realize that only a few adults would ever see Nightshade. Only those who believed like children did would ever know the truth. He knew his mother would see Nightshade, she always taught him to believe in magic and fantasy, to never stop using his imagination and feel with his heart. The rest of lunch was spent outside with Nightshade while the janitors were cleaning up the big mess in the cafeteria. Things definitely were changing today and Mason loved it. Nightshade, are you going to leave? he asked sadly. I am here as long as you need me, answered the dragon. Mason liked that answer, as far as he was concerned, he would always need him. The remainder of the day went without any more trouble from the bullying duo. Sam walked right past him on the way to last class without a pinch or a poke. Lee sat behind him without ramming his newly sharpened pencil into Masons back and not once did either of them call him names or try to take his glasses. Nightshade stayed hidden until the last bell. Usually at the end of the day, Mason would be gathering his homework into his bag and Lee and Sam would stuff him in and lock the door. His only saving grace was a girl named Amy who was also new. After witnessing the mean act for the third time, she asked for his locker combination to help get him out. Amy stood watching in case she was needed for help. Mason looked around and spotted the two of them walking his direction. Lee was the first to talk. Look Mason, maybe we have been a little unfair to you and all but it isnt right to have your fire breathing bodyguard around all the time. He wont protect you forever you know, he added. I know, began Mason. I dont always need him around, I feel stronger than ever. You two arent really that tough and I can stick up for myself. Oh yeah? challenged Sam. Yes, replied Mason. Go ahead, lock me in the locker if that makes you feel so cool. Sam and Lee looked at each other. They had already felt the sting of embarrassment a few too many times today and they didnt know where the dragon was. Yeah well, maybe we dont feel like it, sneered Lee and the both of them turned and walked out the door. Mason felt the glorious after affects of victory. Amy beamed at him from her locker and he left to find his dragon. As he approached Nightshade he felt so good, he had a bounce in his step he hadnt had since his first day. Thank you Nightshade, you saved me today, he announced. Thats what friends are for, Nightshade answered. Now I just have to figure out how I am going to explain you to mom, laughed Mason. The two walked home, enjoying each others company. Mason felt a new confidence inside and believed things would be different from here on out. He wouldnt need Nightshade as his bodyguard anymore, but he sure wanted him as a friend. THE END ------------ About the author: Nancy Jackson is a full time author with works in Twilight Times, Anotherealm, Lost Souls, and various anthologies including Labor Pool Horror Tales, Broken Mirrors, and the Romancing the Soul series. Email Nancy Jackson: coryann93@yahoo.com Comment on this column in the forum. Tell a friend about this site! ------------ |
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