DRAGON HEROES

Here's another story to the series! The first half is probably going to be quite dramatic, but there should be some comical parts to it.

Jakkin's Secret

Chapter 1 – Seeds of Doubt

"This looks like a good place to camp out for the night."

As the dragons explored a massive forest, they eventually found a remote location that has been used as a camping spot for a lot of travellers. It was an open area with benches and a barbecue pit. Not far away is a lake which reflected the psychedelic shade of the sunset sky. Cynder surveyed the area before turning to Torden.

"Excellent choice," she said. "Now we need to set things up so we can rest here for the night."

"No problem," said Draco. "My fire breath should be able to light up the pit to cook the food."

"I can help out too!" said Lily enthusiastically. "I have such a fondness for cooking, and I can rustle up some of my special recipes!"

Everyone started getting busy. Torden and Percival pitched up some tents while Draco and Lily got the barbecue pit ready. Cynder decided to take a swim at the lake to find some fish, and Darky waited anxiously, getting hungrier at the prospect of dinner. Jakkin on the other hand just looked on and skulked silently into the woods on his own. He was lost deep in thought, looking back at all the events that has transpired ever since he came back from the Other Dimension.

I was always reluctant to join my new friends, he thought. But at the same time, I couldn't help but appreciate that they have shown me hospitality and acceptance, even though this is mostly because they thought I was really a true Charizard. As he continued to gather his thoughts, he started feeling a pang of bitterness. However, something tells me all of that will change once they find out who I really am on the next day, and all that friendship and trust will be for naught…

"Jakkin?" called Lily. "Would you be so kind to come out and help out Torden and Percival with the tents?"

Jakkin shuddered, but he knew all too well that he cannot turn them down, least not yet. "Uh, coming, Lily," he promptly said and he hurried back to the camping ground to assist with setting up the tents.

In no time, the tents were finished, and after Cynder returned with her catch of fish, it was time for dinner. Lily has cooked up a delicious feast of pizza, dim sums, stews, grilled fish, and so much more.

"Looks good, smells good, and I bet it tastes good," said Draco as he helped himself to a dim sum basket of pork buns. Sure enough, they tasted good. In fact, it surpassed his expectations. All the other dragons shared his thoughts too as they ate more than one plate.

"My goodness!" exclaimed Percival. "This is the most delicious food I have ever tasted!"

"I told you I'm a really good cook!" said Lily. "I also do the best I can to make everyone's favourite food."

"Well, I have got to say that you have really outdone yourself, Lily," said Draco as he wolfed down a basket of prawn dumplings. "Those are by far the best dim sums I have ever tried, and that really makes me crave for more."

"You could say that again, Draco!" exclaimed Darky.

Lily could only giggle delightfully, feeling very pleased with herself.

"So, Jakkin, what do you think of Lily's cooking?" asked Torden.

"Oh, it's all good," said Jakkin as ate a slice of pizza.

"Is there something wrong?" asked Percival.

"No, none at all," said Jakkin, suddenly annoyed.

"I can tell that there really is something bothering you," said Torden. "Please tell me."

Jakkin stiffened his lips, unsure of what to say without upsetting his friends, then he finally began. "Well, are you absolutely sure this whole searching the brooches is for real?" he asked. "I am feeling very doubtful about it."

This made everyone stop eating and look at Jakkin. The Charizard knew that they would react negatively to his response. "What, why are y'all starin' at me like that?" he asked indignantly. "I mean, we only met those two dragons the other day back in America, so to me this is all highly suspicious and it could entirely be a hoax."

"Jakkin," started Cynder. "With all due respect, I don't know if this is the real deal or anything, however, I think we should just make the best of what we got now."

"Exactly," said Percival. "I don't even know what you're trying to propose."

"I don't know, you guys," said Jakkin. "But part of me is telling me that maybe I should drop out and head back home."

"What?!" shrieked Lily as she jumped off her seat. Draco looked on with increasing concern.

"I don't really think this mission is for me," said Jakkin hastily.

"Jakkin, you can't be serious!" exclaimed Lily. "This is something all of us have to do together, you know!"

"Cynder's brooch could be just a regular one, but with some enhancements to make it look like it has powers, just saying," said Jakkin.

Cynder studied her brooch. "Well, indeed it does look like a normal brooch," said Cynder. "And the thought of it having special powers seem too good be true, but who knows if it really does or not."

"Please, Jakkin," said Lily, "For all of us, promise that you will never skip out on us." She stuck out her little claw. "Now, pinkie promise?"

Jakkin realised he's already on the verge of treading hot water, so he sighed deeply and reluctantly stuck his little claw to meet Lily's. "Fine, pinkie promise," he grumbled.

Later, everyone was getting ready to sleep. Since there were only four tents, all the dragons had to decide on who they're going to share each tent with.

"Draco and I will share one tent," said Cynder. "What about you guys?"

Lily and Torden looked at each other and nodded. "The both of us will share a tent," said Torden.

"Okay, that leaves two more," said Cynder.

"I am going to sleep on my own," said Jakkin. "I don't really feel like having anybody sleeping with me."

"Guess that means I'll be sleeping by myself too," said Percival.

"You're okay with that, Percival?" asked Cynder.

"Yes, I am," he replied, but he wished someone would share a tent with him.

Cynder nodded as she and Draco headed straight to their tent where Darky was waiting anxiously for them. While everyone else was organising themselves inside their tents, Jakkin decided to take a short walk in the forest before returning to his tent. He was still gathering his thoughts on what to do.

That situation with Lily almost got quite ugly, he thought. But what am I supposed to do? Tell them that I'm not really a Charizard? They won't understand that I have the ability to shapeshift, and it's only by tomorrow that this form is going to wear off, and surely they will think that I am a fake. I'll have to make my exit and very carefully.

Jakkin sat down on a slope leading down to the lake. The night sky made it reflect the light of the bright full moon. The Charizard could only look up to the sky glittered with sparkling stars. It was a beautiful sight to behold. Pretty soon, Jakkin got up and sighed deeply, slowly making his way back to his tent. As he returned, he saw that the lights in the other three tents went out, indicating that everyone else has fallen asleep.

I'm so sorry, guys… he thought sadly. But I cannot carry on with this charade any more. I know I may not get the chance to say goodbye to you all, but I'll leave a note inside my tent before setting off on my own, first thing in the morning. It is nothing against you, but it's all to do with me. I hope all of you will understand this…