Chapter 9: Dragonistic Angel

It was a silent flight for several long minutes as the dragons flew with the two helicopters into the dusky sunlight. The choppers flew behind each other as the two dragons flew in the same pattern beside them. The sun was setting, but Eragon knew that he had left the ship only two hours beforehand.

"We have a few more hours left," James informed them. "If you want to, there is an island close by so you can rest your wings a little bit." Eragon turned to Saphira, to see that she was a little fatigued and he could tell by the slight twinge in his wing muscles that he was feeling the same. Despite his minor aches, Eragon desperately wanted to meet the one in control of this land and did not want to stop.

Eragon? Saphira asked. Do you wish to rest?

Not me. The sooner we get there, the better we will be. Will you be alright to fly?

I can take just as much as you can, she replied smugly. I have good stamina…that pays off the most when it comes to…?

Don't finish that, Eragon remarked with laughter in his voice. He searched for the pilot's mind and explained their choice.

"Okay Echo," James mentioned. "Keep in mind that it is the only stop until we get there."

We know.

"There is a small airport out in Baltimore," James explained. "We will make a definite stop there."

Uh…okay. Suddenly, the headset in Eragon and Saphira's ears went off with a desperate cry for help.

"This is 'Good Caster' to any available ships," the voice called out frantically. "Mayday, mayday, mayday. Good Caster is in need of assistance on 47 Longitude by 69 latitude. How copy?"
That does not sound good, Saphira said worriedly. Eragon looked over to the two helicopters and watched as the pilots nodded in unison.

What is going on? Eragon asked James.

"There is a fishing ship in trouble," James said calmly. "The Good Caster is one of the popular vessels on the Caribbean; it is very weird to hear a distress signal from them."

Are they close?

"47 by 69," James muttered as if he were calculating. "Jesus, they are only ten miles away."

Well let us help them.

"Oh no. You two keep flying straight ahead. We will…?"

Excuse me, James, Eragon said in a patient voice. Perhaps we may be more helpful than you may think.

"Whatever. Adjust your heading to fifty-five degrees northwest."

What? James sighed again and Eragon watched as he shook his head.

"I had better get promoted for doing this," James muttered. "Look, just follow us." Eragon and Saphira watched as the two Seahawk choppers took a hard bank to the right and sunk down a few hundred feet as they turned. Saphira turned to look at Eragon, showing her teeth widely in a toothy grin.

This is our adventure, my mate. Eragon shook his head and laughed as Saphira banked forcefully to catch up to the helicopters down below.

"November One to Alpha Watchdog," James was heard in the headset. "Distress call received 47 Lima Oscar by 69 Lima Alpha. Proceeding to give a hand."

"Roger that November," Casey suddenly came into their heads. "Is the package delivered yet?"

"Negative ma'am," James replied. "Package is en route to assist as well."

"Very well captain. Proceed and keep me informed."

How come we could not hear her before? Eragon asked James.

"In S.A.R missions, frequencies get adjusted to where all can hear, including you."

S.A.R? Saphira asked him.

"Search and Rescue, ma'am," James explained. "The military here abbreviates everything…if you haven't noticed already." Eragon and Saphira turned their eyes to the horizon and were mortified as they saw thick black smoke pouring from a large green ship with 'Good Caster' painted on the back portion. "There it is. November Two, drop ten degrees behind and set up the winch for EVAC."

Such strange terms, Saphira muttered to Eragon, who snickered at her funny comment.

"Roger that, One," a female voice cracked onto the radio. "Dropping behind. Be informed, vessel is aflame. Permission to request notification to Charlie to send out a ship."

"No need for the Coast Guard, Two," James muttered. "Let's get them all up and take them to that island we almost stopped at."

"Roger that, One." Eragon swooped in low over the water with Saphira close behind him.

Shouldn't we just let them do this?

We can help too, Eragon replied. Just stay close.

Not a problem.

- - - - - - - - - - - -

"Jesus!" a man screamed out as the flames began to increase. "Henry, we have to jump ship! The Caster is finished and I am not going to lose my life to try and save it!"

"Shut up Erik!" Henry shouted, tossing a bucket of water at the hot flames that were leaping up from the doorway into the hull of the boat. The water seemed to disappear before even tapping the flames. Suddenly, there was a loud blast from inside. The hull of the ship ripped open as a massive orange fireball leapt up into the sky, tossing one fisherman into the air with no effort at all. The ship splintered after the fireball broke through, but it was not completely severed.

"Greg!" Henry screamed as he watched his friend and first mate fall to his death in the smoky water. His body impacted the water with such force that he literally broke in half before sinking to the deep bottom of the ocean.

"We have to go," Jackie, a nineteen year old Greenhorn called out to her uncle Henry. "You promised Mom that you would bring me back!" Henry turned to look at the flames and the rising water that threatened to take the boat under. Suddenly, the ship split in half. The unmanned part of the ship immediately sank into the black sea while the other half raised nose-up into the sky, as if the water was attempting to swallow it one inch at a time. All of the fishermen were in a panic. Their hair was matted and drenched from the water and the fire singed their skin. Henry grabbed her niece tightly as the ship began to sink.

"I am sorry," he whispered to her. "That end held the lifeboats."

- - - - - - - - -

"November Two, did you see that explosion?" James asked. The female pilot took a few moments to respond but finally managed to acknowledge him.

"Yes, One," she replied. "That ship is in two pieces now. We have to be quick."

"Nose down and move up with me!" The two helicopters pushed forward through the smoke and towards the wreck. "Jesus, One. That ship is a total loss."

"Any sign of life?" He looked down to see that there were three fishermen dressed in yellow raincoats who were huddled together on the lifted part of the vessel. There was a loud crack as the second part finally severed and sunk to the bottom, placing the other, final piece, into a ninety-degree lift.

"Oh no," James swore. "We'll never make it."

"Look!"

- - - - - - - - - -

Jackie held on tightly to her uncle as the ship began to rise even higher. Henry was holding firmly onto a metal guardrail with Erik, who seemed to be losing his strength.

"I don't want to die!" Jackie shouted, clinging tighter to Henry. He held on tighter and turned to check on Erik. Suddenly, Erik lost his grip and fell.

"NO!" Henry had to fight every urge to reach out for his friend as he watched him fall towards the water. Before he impacted, Henry turned away. No splash was heard but a very strange burst of wind smashed across them. Henry looked down to see that the water was not disturbed by Erik entering it, but where did he go?

"I can't hold on!" Jackie murmured fearfully. "Don't let me fall!"

"I won't!" Henry yelled out with tears in his eyes. "We will go together." The ship rose to where it was seconds away from capsizing. "Jackie, I am sorry, but I have to let go." He reached down and lifted Jackie's hands up to the railing with the last ounce of strength he had. She got her grip just as he lost his. She cried as her uncle fell towards the debris filled waters, but once again, there was no splash. Before she had the chance to look down, the boat capsized, forcing her to lose her grip and fall down into the water with the boat. The water was cold as she entered into it, as if death was gripping her entire body as she sunk down with the remains of her uncle's ship.

This is it, she whispered to herself as her lungs fought for air. I am sorry. Deeper she went as the light of the setting sun began to disappear into black. Oh God, help me.

- - - - - - - -

"Is that all of them?" James asked as Eragon flew close to his chopper. He positioned himself closely to where his passenger could easily step off of him and into the awaiting chopper. Saphira was ready to unload hers next.

No, Eragon told James. I saw one fall in. I have to get her.

"It's too dangerous, abort."

What? Eragon shook his head. I have to. He suddenly banked away, carefully avoiding the rotors of the Seahawk as he flew once again over to the wreckage.

That's my rider, Saphira snickered. Go get her.

Eragon tucked his wings inward to gain more speed as the debris filled water came into view.

Hold on, Eragon muttered to the girl that he saw fall in. I am on my way. He knew from experience that humans could not hold their breath for too long under the water, and he also knew that he was running low on time to save her. Without slowing down, Eragon tucked his head in and crashed forcefully into the murky rider. Using his wings to propel him, Eragon swam quickly down past the wreckage of the ship. He got to the floor of the ocean and saw a young girl, about his age unconscious and pinned against a large piece of debris. Instinct took over as Eragon quickly pushed the large object away from her. For some very strange reason, Eragon still felt as if his lungs were satisfied, even though he was underwater for thirty complete seconds. Still, he had to pull her out or else another family would be grieving another loss. He scooped her up bridal style in his forearms as he pushed up with his wings to resurface.

As he emerged, Eragon tossed his wings open and leapt out of the water, causing the salty droplets to splash off of his scaly skin and back into the ocean. He flapped his wings steadily to gain altitude and gently swung the unconscious girl over his shoulders so she could be propped against the back of his neck.

She is alive, but barely. Eragon growled with concern and flew back to the choppers that were hovering over the wreckage.

"Did you get her?" James asked him. Eragon growled again.

She is breathing, but I do not know what else to do.

"Take her over here to me, Eragon," James informed. "We have the stuff to bring her back." Eragon slowly dipped his left wing to bank towards the first helicopter and actually felt relief to see Saphira flapping steadily in a hover beside it.

That was very brave, Eragon, Saphira said proudly, as she shifted her weight to fly towards her. Only a male dragon would have made a decision like that so quickly.

Thank you for the compliment, Saphira, Eragon said tiredly. Now I will have to rest. Help me get her in this thing, would you?

Of course. Saphira gently craned her neck and clamped down on the girl's yellow raincoat with her teeth, slowly hoisting her up from Eragon's backside and into the awaiting helicopter.

"Good save," the female pilot cheered. "If I didn't know any better, I would say that you two were in the Navy already."

"Stifle it, Two," James came in quickly. "We have to get these people to safety, and I think that our friends here could use a rest as well."

"Roger that." Saphira flew next to Eragon and gently nudged him below his chin.

That was quite a sight, she cooed. I now know what it is like to help others with another dragon beside me.

Those other two were not easy either, Eragon joked, shifting his weight to fly forward with the helicopters. I tell you Saphira, it seems that we become the heroes no matter where we go.

That is our life, Eragon, Saphira mentioned with a happy sigh. Personally, I do not mind it.

"Dragons," James called out. "It appears that we still lost one. Check below us." Eragon and Saphira looked down the see a floating corpse of a burned body drifting slowly with the ocean's waves. "I would have rather lost one than four, guys. Hell of a job, all of you."

- - - - - - - -

Jackie shot her eyes open and met the starry blue ones of the New Yorker, Seaman First Class Philip Cash. He gently placed his hand over her brow to wipe the wet hair away from her brown eyes.

"It's going to be okay," Philip comforted. "You are onboard a Navy chopper, darling. Stay still and relax."

"Where did the angel go?"

"Angel?" Philip asked. Jackie nodded and sat up to look out the window.

"Yes," she sighed. "I saw him and I heard his voice too."

"Huh?"

"He had wings and…and…THERE!" She lifted her hand to point her finger at two distant creatures flying beside the chopper. One was a sapphire blue while the other was pitch black. "I remember him."

"That's no angel, sweetheart," Philip explained in his Brooklyn accent. "Those are dragons."

"Wha…what?"

"Dragons." He sighed. "They saved you and the other two on board. If it weren't for them, you'd definitely be sleeping with some fishes." Jackie pulled her legs to her chest and watched as the two dragons flew lazily beside them.

Are you well? A familiar voice came inside her head.

Who are you? Jackie asked. She watched as the black dragon turned his head to face the helicopter.

I am Eragon, rider of Saphira and Guardian of Alageasia. Who might you be?

Rider? Jackie shook her head. Wait, how are you doing this?

It is the natural vocal patterns of dragons, my dear. When I am in human form, I can speak just like you.

Human…hu…what?

You need your rest, Eragon said sternly. You took quite a fall into the water, and you were also under for quite some time too. Now, before we part ways, may I ask your name?

Jackie, she replied slowly. I prayed to God for some help and instead of an angel, he sends me two dragons? Wow, I really must be on his good side.

God? Eragon asked with curiosity in his voice. Do you not mean gods?

No, Jackie informed. There is only one God, Eragon. He brought you to save me. Eragon turned to face Saphira. Is that your mate?

Hmm?

Is that a female dragon?

Yes.

Is she yours?

Not yet, but soon. We are the only ones left…or so I've heard. Jackie's eyes brightened up.

I owe you my life, Eragon. You saved my uncle too, didn't you?

Actually, that one was Saphira.

Saphira? Eragon shot his neck back in the direction of the dragoness beside him.

She caught him. I was the one who made the first catch.

For such large creatures, you are very swift.

Thank you for the compliment. She watched as the black dragon bowed his head towards her. Now get some rest, Jackie. We will be dropping you off soon.

Will I ever see you again? Eragon let out an uncertain growl.

Fate brings out the best in people, Jackie. Perhaps we may. Do not worry, I will personally make sure to see you before we depart.

Where are you two going? She watched asEragon turned to show his teeth in her direction.

We are going to see the 'present.' She cocked her head.

The president?

Yes…that one. Apparently, we have been asked to meet with him. Good night my new friend. I will see you when we land. Jackie let out a slight groan as her eyes seemed to falter on her, as if they were about to close on their own. In moments, the teenager was asleep.

- - - - - - - - - - - -

Eragon, Saphira scorned. I know you are talking to her.

Yes I am, he replied. Is that a problem?

Well…you see...?

Is it?

Sort of, Saphira sighed. I felt something while you were talking with her and the best way to describe it would be rage and sadness mixed together. Eragon showed her his teeth in a wide smile.

Now we are getting somewhere.

What do you mean? Eragon flapped his wings to fly perfectly beside Saphira while the choppers flew steadily behind them.

That was jealousy, Eragon explained.

I've been jealous before, but not like that.

Believe it or not, that is a good thing. She cocked her head. Remember with Trianna? Last time when you were jealous, was it because I was your mate, or because you wanted a better woman for me?

The second one, she replied with a gentle laugh. So?

Good. Eragon turned his head around to see that the choppers were still close. Saphira, what about this time? What do you think triggered it?

You speaking to her, Saphira explained. The conversation seemed to take longer than I thought it should have, so I got a little upset over it.

Perfect.

You are confusing me. Eragon turned and looked at her.

Saphira, you are showing the first sign of love.

PEACE!