Dragon
Wars
Episode 1: Aftermath of the War
Act One
At night time, there is a military camp called Harper Camp near the ocean shore on Kaien Island, BC. A guard is walking on by the thirty-foot electric fence around the camp. There are large electrical insulators on the fences, warning lights that strobe important signs "10,000 volts". Suddenly, he hears something nearby landing onto the fence. The guard walks over to the fence and finds out it's a letter attached to a pole, so he takes it out to look into it.
Guard: [shocked] Holy shit. Captain! [runs off] Captain!
The guard runs across the camp, and he enters the office to encounter the darkness-shrouded Captain, who has an aid at the side. He salutes to the figure before me makes the announcement.
Guard: This just in from General Stanley Falcon. The war is finally over.
Aid: That's ridiculous. No one can stop dragons in one decade.
The Captain motions the aid to silence, listening to more.
Captain: [woman voice] Did he say how it ended?
Guard: I think so, ma'am. He says… the work of some guardian angel.
When the Captain hears about it, she looks interested all of a sudden. She looks at a bulletin board where it shows numerous pictures and paintings of angels.
Captain: Tell my team to pack. We're going to Ottawa.
In Ottawa, it has been two weeks since the Ultimate War ended, and the city is being rebuilt with humans and dragons helping each other.
Narrator: Two weeks since the war ended, and life on Earth went back to what it used to be, minus the part where dragons now live among us. How did this happen?
Drake Dalloway flies in on his Dark Saber and half-brother, Shadow, over the downtown area.
Narrator: I met Shadow, and together we not only finished the war, but we've shown people here that instead of hunting, we can ride dragons… live with them, even train them. Personal log: even though we don't look like it, Shadow and I both feel like brothers. I was an only child and I think he lost his family too during the old days. And now, we have each other and my new friends.
They land at TD Place Stadium where the Alpha Team (Ethan Li, Quinton Gunn, Michael Czarski, Rocky & Dusty Stilwell) and their dragons are waiting for them.
Michael: Look who finally decided to come.
Drake: Sorry we're late. I had to teach this greedy pig to not-
Suddenly, Shadow belches, and snickers to find it funny.
Drake: Eat from a chocolate factory.
Rocky: [laughs] Our dragon.
Michael: So, what now?
Quinton: Why not see how far our dragons can breathe fire?
Ethan: No, breathing fire is dangerous.
Michael: Don't be such a monk, Ethan.
Drake: We won't. We're gonna do some flying.
Michael: Now, that I can go with.
Quinton: Okay, Helios. Show them what you-
Quinton's Diablo Sharktail, Helios, takes off into the sky, scaring an unprepared Quinton. He pulls off many stunts, scaring his already terrified rider into almost wetting himself. Helios circles back around and lands back on the field with a thud. But Quinton is so stunned, he falls off of his dragon's back.
Ethan: Aiyah, Quinton. That's why you must be prepared. Clover, we're up.
Ethan's Waspo, Clover, takes off, flies around in a simple circle, then lands.
Ethan: That's what I'm talking about. Slow and steady, having tranquility.
Michael: Oh, that's boring stuff. When it comes to flying, fast and cool is what you should do. Surfboard, surf's up!
Next, Michael's Arrow Pecker, Surfboard, jumps up and flies around with his rider standing on his back like an actual surfboard. Michael ducks down to avoid being hit by lamp posts as Surfboard barrel rolls, shooting forward. They finish their routine with a final spin, high into the air. As he lands back on the field, the team congratulates his performance.
Michael: Fast and cool, baby. Just like what surfing is all about.
Dusty: My turn!
Rocky: No, my turn!
Drake: Guys, same dragon.
Rocky: Oh, right.
Rocky and Dusty's Spectacle Ironback, Fin and Flip, take off, but then the Stilwells begin to argue on which way they should go.
Rocky: Go left!
Dusty: No, right!
Rocky: N-no, right!
Dusty: No, left!
They narrowly miss colliding into a building. Fin and Flip suddenly fling the twins off their necks and high into the air.
Rocky: WHOA! THIS IS AWESOME AND SCARY! AAAH!
Fin and Flip then catch the Stilwells before they can go splat, then fling them up, and back onto their necks. They then land on the field.
Dusty: [thrilled] Man, that was wicked! Let's go again!
Drake: Okay, so far, we're all getting along with our dragons. It's been two weeks, and we're all… just learning from the ropes.
Rocky: Oh yeah? Well, why don't the "Dragon King" go for it next, huh?
Quinton: Yeah, I want to see it too.
Drake: Well… alright. Let's go fly, bro.
Shadow makes a vertical takeoff, then flies upward into the air. With Drake riding his dragon like a bike, the two skillfully swerve in and out through the maze of buildings before coming to the bridge on Bank Street. As soon as they get close enough, Drake unbuckles himself, and jumps over the bridge, while Shadow glides under. Drake flies across the rocky bridge, then lands onto his dragon on the other side. They both rocket towards the sky, leaving the others amazed and awestruck. Shadow then rides lightning bolts, and flies to sonic speed to form an electric peace symbol over Lansdowne Park.
Ethan: [amazed] Aiyah.
Quinton: Still the best of the best.
Rocky: Yeah, well…. Maybe for now. I don't mind peace on Earth, but I'd like to see things go berserk and explode for a change.
Meanwhile, a Sharktail pair lands on a farm and wrestle, scaring all the cows. But then, Gilbert Hackett and his grandfather McKenzie rushes over to shoo the dragons away.
Gilbert: Oh, no you don't. You go on now. You get, get, shoo! You know you're not supposed to be in here.
With the dragons now gone, McKenzie rushes over to one of the cows to try and calm her down.
McKenzie: Easy, Abigail. Steady, old girl. Steady.
Finally, the cow is calm. McKenzie sits down to begin milking her.
McKenzie: There we go. Good as new.
Gilbert: So sorry, grandpa. I thought for sure that we could keep the dragons off this time.
McKenzie: Aye. But you cannot make a gigantic net over me land. This is a dairy farm, not a birdcage. Plus, I thought for sure that Tyler would provide protection like we're paying him for.
Gilbert: Speaking of which, where is he?
Tyler Jones is in the barn, where he is loading up his machine gun, but realizes that there's no point anymore, as he stares sadly at a pile of guns on the cartwheel. Then, Gilbert enters the barn.
Gilbert: There you are. What's taking so long?
Tyler: I, uh…. Got caught up at the moment. Not to mention, I have only one good hand while I have a hook on the left. [sighs] I shouldn't be loading guns with blanks. All of my babies were bought to kill.
Gilbert: I share that feeling, mate. But I figured that after ten years of warfare, maybe we should all just… make the most of it.
Then, the Sharktail pair flew over with roars. The scared cows suddenly tip over, falling on each other like dominos, until McKenzie gets tumbled by the last one, pinning him to the ground.
McKenzie: SMITHEE! Get this thing offa me!
Gilbert: Middle name. [runs off]
Tyler: Wonder how Ottawa's doing now.
Back in Ottawa, Vanessa Falcon is in ByWard Market Square, where she sees chaos. This includes a car being chased by a Waspo, a couple of Pecker babies stealing chicken from a woman, an adult Pecker who refuses to leave a city bus, a Sharktail stealing a sack of ham from another man, and another Pecker chasing a cat, running over a Ferrari and destroying it in the process.
Car man: That's my Ferrari!
Vanessa: [to the dragons] Hey, that's enough! You, get off that bus! And you, stop licking your balls in public!
Vanessa tries to calm down all this commotion. Suddenly, the villagers start scattering and running for cover.
Man: Incoming!
Dozens of Peckers are now flying over the market, taking a shit, creating a "dung shower", and Vanessa backs away from them.
Vanessa: Ew, gross, gross, gross, gross! Oh, poop! Oh, that's disgusting!
Then, Drake shows up in the market with Shadow, grabbing all the dragons' attention, who immediately stop and bow their heads to him. He walks over to Vanessa, checking up on her.
Drake: You okay?
Vanessa: I feel so grossed out right now. I can't seem to manage the dragons as much as you do. Maybe I should… quit the Military Police and join the Alpha Team, if my father would allow it.
Drake: "If"? Because when you say that, it makes me think that he's going to say no to that idea. Tyler once told me that.
Much to Drake's surprise, he encounters Belle O'Cawley and Jasmine Underhill who are using shields as makeshift umbrellas.
Drake: Hey, Belle. Hey, Jasmine. Sorry about the, uh-
Jasmine: Every day at three in the afternoon. They're regular at least. A tip of the cap.
Belle: Better than the days when it was "kill or be killed". But… we were wondering if you're getting this covered.
Drake: I'm trying to. But being a soldier and a king at the same time… may not be such a good combination.
Jasmine: [excited] Aw, you're so cute when you're considerate.
[Shadow barks]
Jasmine: What, are you jealous?
Soldier: Falcon!
A soldier hurries up to Vanessa, and he looks so urgent.
Soldier: Gordon's going rogue again.
Vanessa: We got this. Drake, I need a ride.
Inside a garage, a man with his family is loading a Hummer H3 with hunting guns and nets. The man, Gordon, is leading them; a little girl clings onto his legs.
Little girl: I'm hungry.
Gordon: Don't worry. We'll go there.
Gordon gets in the Hummer with his family, and drives outside to Kent Street. But before he can go to Wellington, Shadow arrives with Drake and Vanessa on his back to block their path, landing on top of the Hummer's hood.
Drake: Everyone, out of the car. That's an order.
Everyone gets out of the vehicle as Vanessa dismounts to confront Gardon.
Tyler: What do you think you're doing?
Gordon: Me and a few others, we're making a stop at the ranch, and leaving.
Vanessa: No, you're not. We spoke about this. The Ultimate War is over, and there's no more reason to hunt dragons.
Gordon: There won't be any more reasons when we starve to death.
Vanessa: What are you complaining about? We have fruits and vegetables safely secured and stashed in our storage rooms.
Gordon: Not everyone is a vegetarian. And how much longer can we wait for hope? Victoria's gone. We haven't heard from Charlottetown or Halifax in two years.
Drake: That's why we're training dragons instead of eating them. With their help, we can rebuild Canada to what it used to be before the war broke out.
Gordon: Eight years I've listened to you Army dogs, and for what? A wife and two daughters buried on the road. I've got three left, and I'm not losing them.
Not accepting the idea, Vanessa takes out the keys to the Hummer.
Vanessa: Sorry, Gordon. But no one hunts dragons anymore. It was declared by my father, and you know it.
Gordon: Your father? He's a good-for-nothing gunslinger just like his daughter.
Drake: Gordon… you can argue with us as much as you like. It makes no difference. The point is, if you go out those gates, then you jeopardize this salvation… you can stay out there, because you're not coming back.
Without resisting, Gordon watches Vanessa away with the keys.
At night, Drake rides Shadow with Vanessa to her house, where he drops her off on the roof.
Vanessa: Thanks for the ride. You're a real gentleman.
Drake: I didn't want you to drive through construction.
Vanessa: I was talking to Shadow. But… please keep it in mind about what I told you this afternoon.
Drake: I'll see what I can. I have to tell Tyler too when he comes back. But in the meantime, we need to think about Gordon, if we can.
Vanessa: He won't do anything. He's only got that Hummer, and he cannot drive it without the key. So… goodnight, my king.
Vanessa leans over and kisses Drake on the cheek, before she slides down to a window, opening it and entering into her bedroom. She looks out the window to see Drake and Shadow flying off, smiling as she watches them go. Stanley Falcon enters the house, very exhausted. He sets his battledress down and takes a seat by the TV. Vanessa comes downstairs to greet him.
Vanessa: Tough day, dad?
Stanley: [groans] I was all over the city.
As Stanley talks, Vanessa is taking out a beer bottle from the fridge, and gives it to him.
Stanley: I talked to some immigrants at dawn. Then down to Gatineau where some kids were hotwiring old cars. Then back up to the newcomers to settle a domestic dispute. I guess that's the end for Little Italy. But at the same time, trying to find out if we can get a vote for who would be Prime Minister. I gotta say… rebuilding an entire country is no picnic.
Vanessa: Well, um…. What about those who are against what we're trying to rebuild?
Stanley: It's been two weeks since Enemy Ground. If anyone thinks the war should continue… it'll be mercenaries.
Vanessa: But… what about Gordon? Remember him?
Stanley: I guess so. In fact, I was informed that he attempted to hunt dragons. I guess that was fortunate, the way you stopped him immediately. [proud] That's my girl.
All of a sudden, a beep is heard. Stanley takes out his phone and looks at it to see it is a text message. He reads it, and looks concerned.
Vanessa: Dad? What's wrong?
Stanley: It's from Harper Camp…. SC Reg is coming to Lansdowne.
Act Two
The next morning, Stanley blew his whistle. Immediately, the Alpha Team stand side to side with a salute, and joining them are Tyler and Gilbert, who also salute to the General. Stanley walks over with Vanessa at his side.
Stanley: At ease. Alpha Team, welcome and good morning. I assume you all had a goodnight's sleep? Because today, we have a special visit of a squad joining in today from British Columbia. The squad is known as Special Combat Regiment, or SC Reg for short. Their Captain was informed of the war being over, and that's where Dalloway comes along.
Drake: Uh… me, sir?
Stanley: Yes, you. The Captain's eager to meet you in person.
Tyler: Ah, yes, now I remember. Captain Ironfist. A real piece of work. SC Reg was a gathering of mercenaries, until-
Then, a woman's cry was heard that alarmed the whole team.
Voice: Ten-hut!
Walking outside and into the field is none other than Captain Ironfist. A woman, having long wavy emerald hair, and a burnt mark over her left eye, but her arms were both mechanical. Tyler and Gilbert recoil in shock and fear because they knew her well, while Stanley stares at her with calmness.
Ironfist: [salutes] Captain Rose Tymbark, reporting for duty, sir.
Stanley: At ease.
Gilbert: Blimey. Is that you, Rose? I thought you were… take a day-off.
Ironfist: You're joking, right Hackett? When my team were just getting warmed up, you'd think that I would-
Stanley: At ease, I said. Captain, the rest of us are glad that you made it back to Ottawa. I suppose you got our message in Harper Camp?
Ironfist: Affirmative, sir. However, I've come here to ask you something. Which one of these is Drake Dalloway?
The team are getting a bad feeling about what Ironfist would do to Drake, so the Stilwells pull him back and block him from the Captain's view.
Stilwells: He called in sick.
Ironfist: Don't play dumb with me.
She pushes the twins out of the way, glaring down at the nervous Drake.
Ironfist: Are you him?
Drake: Uh…. No. No, my name is… Achilles Dalloway, Junior.
Ironfist: [unconvinced] As if. There is no one with a pathetic name like Achilles or anyone with "Junior" anywhere in Ottawa. You're a terrible liar, Dalloway.
Tyler: Captain, he's done nothing to you or-
Ironfist: Silence in the ranks!
Tyler straightens himself up, keeping his mouth shut for Ironfist.
Ironfist: I'm here… because of two things. I was told that you train… a Dark Saber. And something about a guardian angel.
Drake: Well, yes, I… did train a Dark Saber. But a guardian angel? That seems very hard to believe.
Ironfist: So too is the fact about what dragon you've found. Because I'm the Dark Saber killer. I've hunted every last one to the brink of extinction, and I thought I wiped them off completely. And as for the guardian angel. I think that… would be you.
Drake: Me?
Michael: But Shadow's the-
Then, Ethan clamped his hand on Michael's mouth to shush him.
Ironfist: That's what I've come for. To recruit you and-
But before she could move, Tyler points his hook to Ironfist's throat to protect his cousin.
Tyler: This boy is under my watch, Rose. If you think I can let this slide, you'd be mistaken.
Ironfist: You're standing against me, Jones, you punk pirate?
Ironfist grasps onto Tyler's hook, bending it until it snaps off. She shoves him away from her sight to pay attention to Drake.
Ironfist: As I was saying, you're coming with me. You don't know how long I've waited for this moment, and I'd figure the Regges would be a perfect spot for you. Team, fall in!
Right on cue, five soldiers march outside and stand together side by side before the Captain. There is a soldier with a headset, a bulking guy, a scar-faced on, one with a cigar, and the other is African-Canadian. The Alpha Team looks at them, noticing how intimidating they look to them, and Stanley inspects them.
Stanley: Sound off, soldiers!
African soldier: Arthur Stryker, marksman. Lethal from any distance, sir.
Stanley: Good to have you aboard.
Scared soldier: Nolan Dozer. Demolition is MY mission.
Stanley: I served with your father. He was a good man.
Bulk soldier: Ralphie Bazooka, artillery. Ready to go full bore, sir.
Stanley: Save it for the action.
Headset soldier: Wesley Crossword, communications. Awaiting dispatch of orders, sir.
Stanley: Double up on your rations.
Cigar soldier: Kent Javelin, covert insurgent. Sharp as a razor, sir.
Drake: [flustered] Uh… I don't think I need this, Captain. Thanks, though. But I've got my team right here. Guys, sound off.
Ethan: Uh…. Oh, yes, sure. [clears throat] Ethan Li, paratrooper. Pray to God for His guidance, sir.
Michael: Michael Czarski, hand-to-hand combat, and ladies' man, sir.
Stilwells: Rocky and Dusty Stilwell, explosives. Ready for a blast, sir.
Quinton: Uh…. Quinton Gunn, bowman. Ready to fire, sir.
Ironfist: Let me see that weapon.
Quinton gives Ironfist his bow for inspection, and she breaks it apart with her cyborg hands.
Ironfist: Bows and arrows, too insufficient.
The Regges laugh cruelly at Quinton, who looks down sadly at his broken bow.
Bazooka: If this is your kind of team, Dalloway, then you should go back to your loser squad.
Ironfist snaps her fingers, causing the Regges to put back into attention.
Rocky: [amazed] Wow, nice trick. Did they go fetch and play dead too?
Ironfist: [slyly] Interested. As a matter of fact, they do so. Regges… FETCH!
Dusty: Nice going, big mouth.
Rocky: [backs off] This can't be good.
The Regges growl with Bazooka trying to bite the Stilwells as Michael points a wafer cookie toward them.
Michael: Back off, man. I've got a wafer, and I know how to use it.
But Bazooka bites the wafer cookie, causing Michael to chuckle nervously.
Stanley: At ease! Rose, this boy does not need to join your party, and he's not the guardian angel.
Ironfist: With all due respect, sir… I beg to differ.
Dozer pulls a vial from his pocket. Vanessa sees this and rushes him, but Dozer throws the vial to the floor. A large red cloud appeared. When it is gone, the Regges are abducting Drake on the run. However, Vanessa rushes over and fires her shotguns at the Regges, narrowly missing them, then she knocks them out with her weapon's stock before rescuing Drake. Then, Ironfist grabbed Drake's arm, holding Vanessa at gunpoint.
Ironfist: You're as bold as I remember, Vanessa. Now let him go.
[Shadow barks]
Lightning fast, Shadow shows up and snarls Ironfist, who looks shocked and amazed to see him. The dragon is ready to fire as he charges up with electric static running all over his body.
Ironfist: I was right. A living, breathing Dark Saber. Maybe… the last of his kind.
[Shadow hisses]
Javelin throws a knife and strikes at Shadow's front limb. However, Drake reacted in pain on his forearm.
Ironfist: You should stand down. My team never misses.
Vanessa: Drake's not going anywhere with you.
Ironfist: I give the orders around here.
Stanley: No, Rose, you don't, because I'm here. I allowed you to come here, only for your team to join forces with the Alpha Team.
Ironfist pauses for a bit, before staring back at Shadow, still ready to bounce at her. She looks at Shadow's injured leg, and down to Drake's arm that is bleeding the same way as the dragon, figuring out something. After some thought, she lets go of Drake and slowly backs off.
Ironfist: By your command, General. However, I seemed to notice… that when the Dark Saber gets injured, so does Dalloway. Is that right?
Stanley: Yes. Why?
Ironfist: I saw this in a movie years ago. I've actually figured out who the guardian angel is and how Dalloway survived Enemy Ground. [beat] It's that dragon. He shared his heart with him. The two of them share each other's pain… and strength.
Drake: [shocked; to himself] She's figured it out already?
Vanessa: That was quick.
Gilbert: Even if he is, what then?
Ironfist: I was gonna make the Dragon King join our ranks, but instead… we can go for an alternative. Uniting our teams. But… basic training starts… today.
Drake: Basic what now?
Stanley: [to the Regges] You heard your Captain, men. From this moment forth, you will join forces with my Alpha Team until further notice.
Regges: Yes, sir!
Drake: [worried] Uh no.
Act Three
Later, the two teams are doing basic training, starting with push-ups, but Drake is nowhere to be around.
Michael: This is only a walk in the park. We've dealt with this before.
Quinton: Yes, but…. [groans] Not with the likes of them.
Ethan: We shouldn't be so intimidated. We're more likely veterans compared to them, so we just-
Crossword: As if. While you're going through basic training, we had to slay dragons for a living, and it paid well.
Quinton: But… where's Drake?
On the sidewalk outside of Lansdowne, Drake stands up straight with Shadow at his side as Ironfist consults with them.
Ironfist: This is your assignment. Unlike dealing with the others, you have to go on for what I like to call… a special assignment. Master your body, build up some muscles for your toothpick of a body, and see how well you can survive solo.
Drake: Toothpick of a body? That's a little uncalled for.
Ironfist: Well, look at yourself. You think you can call yourself a king to these beasts, how will they know you mean business?
Drake: Well, I can talk to them when-
Ironfist: Rhetorical question. Now start running. March!
Immediately, Drake makes a run for it, leaving Shadow behind as he watches him leave. Ironfist is making contact with Drake through a comm. link he has in his ear.
Ironfist: Anyone tell you you run like a schoolgirl?
Drake: I'm just getting warmed-
Ironfist: Rhetoric again, now run!
Now out of fear, Drake runs like his life depends on it. He runs as far as he can until he nears ByWard Market Square. He spots a woman fending off a Pecker that's trying to take the basket of bread she's holding.
Woman: Get out! Shoo! For the last time, get your nose out of my bread!
Drake runs over to the woman and dragon. He places his hand on the Pecker's nose, and the dragon instantly calms down. Suddenly, he hears a crash from a Waspo pair, fighting over a fruit cart, but Drake takes out a bottle of Coke, drawing their attention, and he throws it away to send them away.
Drake: Waspos always go for the sweet stuff.
However, he discovers something else. Tyler is trying to sell his weapons to a gathered crowd.
Tyler: Gather around! Come on, one and all! You may think these weapons have only a use for dragon-hunting, but think again. Thanks to some of my major modifications, they can all be good for home improvements. This combat knife is now something to use for peanut butter on toast.
He tries to spread the peanut butter, but only breaks the toast into little crumbs.
Tyler: Uh…. It's also good for making pork chops.
The plate cracks and breaks. The crowd looks on in silence. But Tyler picks up a shotgun next.
Tyler: Moving on. Here, we have a shotgun, as a…. A, um….
Tyler tries to think of a good purpose when he sees a fly land on the nearby table.
Tyler: …handy flyswatter.
He fires the shotgun and smashes the table. The crowd gasps. Tyler looks at the result.
Tyler: He-he. Also good for getting rid of unwanted tables. Now, for children of all ages. When your parents are gone for the night and your babysit is late, how are you to protect yourself from cat burglars? No problem when you have Old Betsy here.
With a bazooka in hand, Tyler taps on it. Suddenly, the bazooka is triggered, firing a rocket into a house, who's owner looks about in confusion. The crowd disperses while murmuring; Tyler is frantic to get what attention he had been commanding back.
Tyler: Hey, wait! Come back! You haven't seen everything yet! I haven't cleared out my dungeon yet! [gives up; to the bazooka] It's okay Betsy. We'll find a place for you.
Drake is going to meet up with Tyler, until Ironfist gets in front of him.
Ironfist: Hey! I didn't say you can stop.
Drake: No, but I just-
Ironfist: Continue running, pronto!
Without any objections, Drake continues his running out of the market.
The next day, Drake is running again, until he falls down on the grass in exhaustion. Then, Ironfist comes hovering over him and glares at him.
Ironfist: Hey! I don't recall telling you to take a break.
Drake: [agonized] But my legs…. My legs are all jelly.
Then, Ironfist kicks Drake's leg, agonizing him once more.
Drake: ARE YOU TRYING TO KILL ME?!
Ironfist: Don't you know an old saying? "No pain, no gain". You have to toughen yourself, with pain in your mind. So march!
She kicks him again on the rear end, forcing Drake to run again.
Meanwhile, Tyler is in Saint Patrick Basilica, giving an announcement.
Tyler: Whosoever was blessed with a newborn baby, let he or she be known!
Right on cue, the parents bring the baby forth.
Tyler: As a representative of the archdeacon, who is calling in sick today, I congratulate this couple for their newcomer to the family, and announce the given name….
The father whispers "Hillary" into Tyler' ear. Tyler clearly doesn't think so as he looks at the baby's face.
Tyler: Eeh. Hillary? Doesn't look like a Hillary to me. Let's go with Marvin.
Mother: [offended] But she's a girl, Jones!
Tyler: Trust me, she's not gonna look like one. Hillary-Marvin! And please accept this teething toy on behalf of the Lord.
Tyler picks up a mace, and the horrified mothers cries "No!" before she bonks him on the head.
That evening, Drake is laying on the ground at home, exhausted from all the running. Tyler is placing two packs of ice on his head, trying to ease the concussion, but he uses another ice pack.
Drake: Three ice pack headache?
Tyler: I'm using the third one because it was hot.
Drake: Augh, this is… way too hardcore. Even Sergeant Logan wouldn't push me to my limits and beyond. Now I know why they call her Ironfist.
Tyler: It's better than what I went through today.
Drake: The part where you… tried selling weapons again?
Tyler: No. I tried some odd jobs to help make ends meat, but it blew up a bus and named a baby girl Marvin! [honestly] I'm not saying she didn't look like a Marvin, but try telling that to her parents. [beat] But… Rose is not really a bad person, Drake. She's had some hard times back in her younger days.
Drake: As in… before she lost her arms?
Shadow walks over to Drake's side, lying down beside him and leaning his head on his half-brother's stomach, because he is feeling his pain too. Drake strokes on Shadow's neck, deep in thought about the captain.
Drake: Is it true? She killed Dark Sabers?
Tyler: [pauses] Yes. She did. In the early days of the war, when it was… getting worse, Rose was one of the young people who were drafted. She lost her arms years prior, but when she was recruited, she volunteered for a procedure in which to gain… advanced, robotic prosthetics. Everyone started calling her Ironfist because of them, and when she found a secret Dark Saber breeding spot, that's when she killed them off. Using bombs and her… bare hands. And she got the burned mark on her eye as proof.
Drake: Shadow doesn't seem to remember her.
Tyler: It would be because… that was seven years ago, and Shadow was born two years earlier. He was born after the wake of the Ultimate War, not too long before he was the guardian angel the Aboriginals predicted.
Drake looks up over the fireplace, where the prophecy his father found is hanging over, deep in thought about what to do. And he got an idea.
Meanwhile, Gordon is rushing into his garage, where his kids are bundled and starving together. He walks over with a cooked baby Waspo, and allows his kids to eat it, as a red-haired man named Colin walks over to him.
Colin: You actually killed one.
Gordon: I had no other choice, if we starve to death. Have you hotwired it?
Colin: I can try, but where will we go?
Gordon: As far away from this city as we can. It's time we get out of the city.
Colin hotwires the Hummer, finally getting it started. Gordon brings his children in, gets in and drives out to exit Ottawa, crossing the bridge.
Act Four
The next morning, the Alpha Team and the Regges are gathered with their dragons in the stadium as Drake tells them his plan.
Quinton: [cautious] That's your idea? Hiring Sergeant Jones?
Drake: He's gonna be great. Nobody knows dragons like Tyler Jones. He and Gilbert have spent a lifetime, you know… studying them. That's when they wrote the Dragon Journal.
Crossword: Actually, the dragons do seem a little nervous when you say that name.
Ethan: That's because they're very sensitive. Clover especially. She lost a sister to Jones. [whispers] We try not to talk about it.
Stryker: Listen, Dalloway. We've dealt with dragons before. I'm sure we can whatever it is we-
Drake: No one is killing a dragon. My cousin's here to assist with training dragons, and if we tap into his resume, we can all be better.
Suddenly, the doors burst open and in comes Gobber, lugging a whole cart-full of weapons. The dragons are clearly intimidated.
Tyler: I'm back! Did ya miss me?
Drake: First of all, welcome. And, uh… second… what's with the, uh…?
Tyler: Oh, I couldn't leave the weapons behind. I thought I'd give 'em some fresh air, since I see them as my babies. And also, if there's anything to do with training, we can threaten to kill them. That's how your Uncle Kevin taught me how to read books.
Javelin: Heh. I like this guy already.
Bazooka: Dibs on the machine gun. Ha-ha-ha-ha!
Stryker: Hey, hey, guys, let Dalloway speak here. He was going to say something.
Drake: Thanks, Stryker. Everyone, here's the thing. The dragons are out of control. We've only introduced them to our capital city, but they don't react to just attack without second thoughts. They've been blowing things up in town, and we're currently under construction.
Crossword: What did you expect? They're wild animals, and we're human beings.
Rocky: Got it! Help dragons blow things up! We can totally do that.
Dusty: Here's how we're gonna do it: First, we make them really, really angry.
Rocky: No problem. We anger everybody.
Drake: No, you guys, this is serious! [sighs; to himself] This is going to be a little harder than I thought.
Tyler: Just show 'em the ropes, and we'll listen.
Drake: Okay, then. Another thing: The dragons are going through the market, eating everything in sight. But here's what we can do. When a dragon grabs something it's not supposed to have, you can get him to drop it by giving him a little scratch just below the chin.
As he explains this, Drake holds up a loaf of bread, which Shadow takes from him. He then gets Shadow to drop the bread by scratching his chin, which the dragon enjoys with a purr.
Dozer: Seems fair enough.
Bazooka: Oh, that's pathetic. That may work out for the two of you. But for the big guys, they do things pretty different.
Bazooka takes the bread from Drake, then tosses it to Helios, who catches it in his mouth.
Bazooka: When I want this big boy to do something, I just get right in his face and go- DROP THAT RIGHT NOW! YOU HEAR ME?
Annoyed, Helios drops the bread, then grabs Bazooka in his mouth, leaving just his legs visible.
Bazooka: See? He dropped it.
Quinton: Maybe you shouldn't yell. Helios is still working on his sensitive hearing.
Javelin: Let the kids show us, Bazooka. We don't like it as much as they do, but orders are orders.
Crosswords: How about we do signs? I had a grandpa who taught a parrot to sing "God save the Queen", so we could show them a thing or two, right?
Ethan: Yes. That could work.
Michael: Body language is my forte, ya know. Surfboard?
Getting on his dragon, Michael pats his jaw, and Surfboard suddenly rears up and whacks him off with his tail, sending down into a large water bowl.
Quinton: [worried] Michael. Are you alright?
Dozer: Maybe he's forgotten who his owner is.
Michael: Hey! Surfboard and I know each other!
Dozer: [smugly] Not the way I see it.
Michael: That's it! I owe you a punch!
Michael stands up and punches Dozer in the face. Dozer mumbles something and pounces on Michael, exchanging punches, as soon as most of the team join in. The twins knock Javelin down and start jumping on his back. Quinton tries to grab Dozer, but Dozer knocks Quinton's hands away. Everyone else just stands there not really knowing what to do.
Ironfist: SOLDIERS!
They all stop fighting and turn to look at Ironfist, who approaches. They all quickly stand in a line formation. Michael peeks out for a second, then straights back up. The Captain walks down the line staring at each of them, and glares down at Drake.
Ironfist: Are you running this training course?
Drake: I had a… conscience to show SC Reg on how to train dragons, and-
Ironfist: Without my permission, Private?! The only time when I'd ask you something is when I need you to do it, not when-
Then, Shadow snarls at Ironfist, ready to pounce to protect Drake. The Captain huffs, beckoning Shadow to attack. When he was close to get her, she grabs Shadow by the snout, sneezing on it to agonize him to the floor, and Drake feels the pain as he falls to his knees.
Ironfist: You feel that, Dragon King? Just like dogs, a dragon's snout can be very sensitive.
Drake: I can… feel it. Is this how you killed all those Dark Sabers?
Ironfist: More than that. I was in a wheat field just south of Calgary. It was late November; month of mist. And they were all nestled on their own nesting grounds, about to lay their eggs. The sun was setting behind me, then… I attacked. Twice they came in on us, and twice they missed the heart of us. And that's when I had an epiphany. You see, to a dragon, eye colour represents their vision. Dark Sabers have green eyes. They have great vision in the day, and even better vision at night. But before sundown, they can't focus. Magic hour. That's when I ordered a nuclear strike to kill them off. Those who survived… I crushed them with my bare hands.
She gives one more tight squeeze on Shadow's snout, agonizing him and Drake a little more.
Ironfist: I wouldn't hesitate to force him into extinction if I need to know if he can die before you. But you're here because the General needs you, and I'm here because he's the guardian angel everyone's been looking for.
Tyler: Captain, give him a break. He's only here to-
Ironfist: Silence in the ranks! [to Drake] And you, thirty laps around Lansdowne; this time with all of you.
Bazooka: Uh… can somebody do that chin-scratchy thing? You guys still there?
Later, the team runs a lap across the sidewalk; Drake is falling behind, very exhausted from the running.
Ironfist: Dalloway! Thirty more laps for you! And pick up the pace!
Next, they trek through tires and tunnels, under barbed wire and through the ring of fire. Stanley and Vanessa are walking along, grabbing their attention.
Tyler: Attention! General on deck! [salutes]
Stanley: At ease. Jones, glad that you're working here. I was gonna scold you for selling military arms in the market, and the archdeacon wished you a day in Hell for what you did.
Tyler: My apologies, sir. I had some… difficulties, but thanks to the Alpha Team, I was given a job right here in the TD Place.
Vanessa: Good, but where's Drake?
Tyler: He's… right over there.
Tyler points back to where Drake is, and the Falcons look shocked to see what they're witnessing. Drake is doing push-ups on his knuckles, with Ironfist standing on his back. He struggles to push himself up, as the Captain looks down on him with a scold.
Ironfist: Did you turn into a caterpillar? Push yourself up already, and stop whining.
Drake: Who says I was whining, huh?
Ironfist: Just keep your mouth shut, bug.
Drake: Tsk.
Ironfist: [gasps; offended] Did you just click your tongue at me?
Drake: No, you're so high up, you're obviously hearing things… Rosie.
Ironfist: [slyly] Oh, what a smooth talker we have here. If that's how it's going to be….
Jumping off, Ironfist picks up a large block and places it on Drake's back, which is heavier than she is. Drake struggles again to push up, but he groans as he slowly successfully pushes himself up.
Ironfist: Maybe… another block?
Stanley: Captain!
Ironfist hears the call and salutes to the approaching General.
Stanley: Explain.
Ironfist: This is what I mean by basic training, sir. Dalloway has been growing stronger. I can see it.
Stanley: Not like this. He's not something you can take without anyone's thoughts. He may be a super soldier, but he's not a Reg.
He removes the block off of Drake's back, allowing him to breath and sit up, heaving all the air back in his lungs, and Vanessa comes over to aid him.
Ironfist: I admit, maybe it was too extreme, sir. But he's been going through it all with ease, and he's becoming what I might consider a man. In no time, he might be my right-hand man.
Drake: [shocked] What? Me, a right-hand man?!
Stanley: We talked about this before, Rose. Jones is in charge of them, and behind him is Hackett. If there's anyone to be a right-hand man, it would be either Stryker or anyone in your own team. Now… give them a lunch break.
Ironfist: Yes, sir. Men, lunch break. Be back here at 1300 hours.
Regges: Yes, ma'am.
Meanwhile, a farmer is strolling around with his girl.
Farmer: Come on, girl.
All of a sudden, a swift in the wind blows away, and when the farmer looks back, the cow was gone.
Farmer: Where'd you go?
Then, a bell fell on his head, which grabs his attention.
Farmer: My cow.
Act Five
At lunch hour, everyone is chowing down at the cafeteria in the Rideau Centre. At the feeding aisle, a chef is serving cheeseburgers and pasta to passing people with trays.
Chef: Step right up, get your meal. Keep the line moving.
Drake comes next and the chef offers him a plate of turkey tetrazzini.
Chef: One-of-a-kind turkey tetrazzini.
Drake: You still got ketchup?
Chef: Ketchup? Ketchup?! Whaddya think this is McDonald's?! Next. Move along.
Drake moves on and sits at the table with Vanessa, and he looks at his arms, which seem sore to him.
Vanessa: Are you feeling alright, baby?
Drake: Absolutely not alright. She's made me run a lot, and she made me lift up super-heavy weights. I feel like my limbs are in a coma.
All of a sudden, Vanessa punches his arm, hurting him.
Drake: Hey, easy with the punchlines.
Vanessa: That was a minor hit. But I wonder if Shadow feels the same way.
Drake: Maybe he did, or maybe not. I should've checked on him before heading in here.
Then, Stryker walks over with a tray of food and sits with them.
Stryker: There you are. Wanted to be sure if you're doing fine.
Drake: Not really.
Stryker: Well, the good thing is… you didn't go through the hot-floor run, like me and others did. It was a pain in the ass to get it done. And, um…. She didn't try to kill you, so that's a win-win.
Drake: But what's her deal? What's with her obsession with angels, huh?
Stryker: A lot of reasons. Let's just say she was born and raised in the Church.
Drake: So she was a nun?
Stryker: Not even close. She prefers to call herself a former sister of the cloth, and when she heard about what your dragon has, that was an omen to her. You might realize we'd know who's watching us, and you'd be better prepared for the future.
Vanessa: He does have a future. Being a king like no other, and with me at his side. Right now, he needs to-
[ground shakes]
Drake and Vanessa rush outside to see what it is, before a distant explosion is heard, along with scattered screams. Suddenly, a mushroom cloud appears near the ByWard Market Plaza.
Vanessa: Over there!
The two finally arrive at the scene, where what was once the plaza is now a pile of smoking splinters. They also see the team's dragons eating all the food from the building.
Ethan: Clover, no! Bad girl!
Quinton: Drop that, Helios!
Michael tries to get on Surfboard, but Surfboard only thrashes around, forcing him off his back. With one more hope, Michael tries to pet him on the snout, then Surfboard turns away.
Michael: Come one, Surfboard? What is wrong with you?
Before Drake could do something, Ironfist shows up and blows into a horn, which is telescope-like. The bigger it is, the more amplified the sound is. This startles Surfboard and he whacks his tail, sending Michael into a water buckle.
Michael: Really? Again?
Ironfist: What in God's name is going on here?
Drake: Ma'am, I swear I can fix this. We- we were just starting to-
Ironfist: Enough, Private! How can anyone trust you to control all the dragons, when you couldn't even control your own?
She gestures to Shadow, who is digging into a basket of fish.
Drake: Oh, Shadow….
Michael: [to Vanessa; sexually] There's room in here for two.
Vanessa grabs his hair and shoves him back underwater.
In the General's office, Stanley is being confronted by a citizen and the cow farmer who have complaints to share.
Citizen: You can call them domesticated, while they destroy the market!
Farmer: I don't mind if they're hungry, but they can't just go around and pluck up cows without warning me first.
Stanley: I must apologize for all these commotions. Rest assured, we have all we need to repair the market, and buy yourself a new cow. And remember, Dalloway is trying to get control of the dragons as much as he can. So you should pay some respects. Dismissed.
The two take their leave, and right after they leave, Ironfist enters with Drake grasping his arm with a salute.
Ironfist: Sir, Captain Ironfist reporting in. We've got our troublemaker.
Stanley: I can see that, but why wasn't he brought here with his-
Drake: Sir, I was only trying to stabilize the situation with all the wild dragons out there. I was teaching SC Reg how it works, and the Captain just… ignored me.
Ironfist: Are you calling me-
Stanley: That's enough, Rose. Dalloway is still young. He's only learning about military protocols just as his team is. What he needs is some support from us all, and the people he can count on. That includes you.
Ironfist: I never doubted him, General. Not at all.
Stanley: Then let him go home, and we can discuss what you can do tomorrow morning. Off you go, Private.
Drake: Thank you, sir. [walks off]
Act Six
Later, Drake and Shadow are in McKenzie's dairy farm, sitting together on a haystack and talking to Gilbert. Then, McKenzie walks over to Drake with a glass of milk in hand and a newspaper under his arm.
McKenzie: Lola's one and only offering, aged two weeks in an icebox. That way, it cools you down under a hot sun after a day of walking under it. Here, lad.
Drake: Thanks, McKenzie. I could go for a drink.
Drake is offering the glass, and he drinks it. Shadow is given a bucket of milk by Gilbert, and he drinks from it too.
Drake: Oh, man. I really need this.
McKenzie: That's all you need. A nice, refreshing drink. One of the many joys in me farm.
Gilbert: According to my grandpa, by the way. Anyway, on a positive note, she didn't make you do push-ups as a punishment.
Drake: It's like she wants to punish me for fun, the way she dragged me all the way to the General's office. Damn she-devil. Actually, no; scratch that. She's more of a she-ogre.
Gilbert: Don't take it too personally. Rose means well. She's just had some rough times. In fact, she's in disbelief that your dragon is a guardian angel.
Drake: Well, it's not my fault she's disappointed.
McKenzie: Well, maybe this could help you out.
McKenzie takes out the newspaper with the headline reading: PET DRAGONS MISSING.
McKenzie: There've been numerous cases of dragon pets disappearing, all infants. The last one to be reported missing is a Waspo named Ron. Maybe… you and your cousin could attend to this matter?
Drake: I could, but I'm concerned about him now. He's brought his weapons over, and I think that's only gonna scare the dragons.
Ethan and the twins ride over to the farm with their dragons, and they dismount, groaning in pain.
Drake: What's wrong with you guys?
Ethan: Aiyah. We've been riding our dragons for four hours. It took so long to chase them down after Ironfist scared them away.
Drake: Yeah, well, join the club. I just don't know how long we can keep it up with her.
He sees Dusty kicking Rocky's butt several times.
Drake: Do you guys always have to fight?
Rocky: It's okay. I asked her to do that. I was just trying to get the feeling back.
Dusty: You gonna return the favor or what?
With Dusty bending down, Rocky proceeds to kick her butt.
Drake: You know, I've flown for hours on Shadow and I've never had a problem.
Ethan: That's because he's wearing a saddle.
Drake: [getting an idea] Saddles!
Afterward, Drake and Gilbert talk to Tyler in the barn house about the idea.
Tyler: Saddles? I love it! This will be a piece of cake. With all the spare saddles McKenzie's got here, I can recycle them into better ones.
Drake: I'm glad you're excited. But I still think there are some things in my designs you could use. I mean, you did teach me everything I know.
Tyler: Exactly. That's why you should let me do what I do best. I've always known how to make saddles since you had a hockey stick. In fact, I made you a hockey stick.
Drake: Yeah, you're right. I owe one for this, Tyler.
Tyler: You can reward me for handing me a prosthetic hand.
Gilbert: He's not wrong there. He's fed up with his hook from time to time, and he'd like a hand made from Waspo lava, like the plating on Rose's arms.
Drake: [amazed] Wait. Her arms were made from… Waspo lava?
Gilbert: Aye. She prefers to call it Bugsteel. It's as light as carbon fibre, but stronger than the metal itself.
Drake: Well… I'll try to ask Ethan to think if he can get Clover to-
Then, Michael comes running into the barn, panting like he is out of breath.
Michael: I never… thought… I'd say this… but Drake… HELP!
Drake: What, what is it?
Michael: Surfboard is gone!
Drake: What do you mean he's gone?
Michael: I mean… literally gone. He hasn't returned home since the market incident. I think he's scared that I would punish him.
Gilbert: He wouldn't remember about it. Arrow Peckers are too vain and proud, they wouldn't realize their mistakes at the last minute.
Michael: A little bit like me, but…. [panicked] You gotta help me find him.
Drake: Calm down. If he's anywhere near the city, we'll find him.
Gilbert: Drake… the missing dragons. The market is close to Gatineau, and that's where the cases take place. He could be there.
Drake thinks about what Gilbert just said, knowing he may be right.
Act Seven
Afterwards, Drake is consulting with the Regges about what to do.
Javelin: You want us to find a bird?
Drake: Well, he may be birdlike, but he's more than that.
Bazooka: He really wants to find him. Most people would just give up and get a new one.
Stryker: Bazooka's right, kid. We can just find another one.
Drake: Surfboard is not just any pet. He's one of the dragons who fought with us until the end of the war. Michael and the others were ones who chose to be my friends, and that meant a lot to me. That's why we're going to find him.
Stryker: [pauses] Well… I can understand that. But we should-
Ironfist: Attention!
Right on cue, everyone salutes as Ironfist walks over to stand face to face with Drake.
Ironfist: What's this about leaving without my permission?
Drake: I was going to tell you about this rescue, and I was going to ask-
Ironfist: Denied. Whatever's out there, let it be. We can handle anything with one or two missing.
Stryker: Captain, I must object. Dalloway may have a lot to learn, but he knows the value of friendship better than the rest of us. That's why we must do a rescue operation.
Ironfist: Are you making decisions behind my back, Stryker? Do you know the consequence of doing so?
Stryker: Affirmative. I'm willing to take those chances, because if SC Reg is to join forces with the Alpha Team, bonding with friendship is key.
Ironfist stares at Stryker's face, knowing he's got determination. After thinking about what she heard, she gave it some thoughts.
Ironfist: Alright. Mount up. Join the Alpha Team and find this dragon. But if you don't get it done before midnight, withdraw.
Regges: Yes, ma'am.
Now that the team is permitted, everyone goes on to mount the dragons, but Ironfist notices Vanessa joining in.
Ironfist: Not you, Vanessa.
Vanessa: What do you mean not me? I'm tagging along in case there needs to be-
Ironfist takes the shotgun out of Vanessa's hands.
Ironfist: Stay here or else your father would be furious.
Vanessa: But Drake needs me!
Ironfist: No!
Vanessa, crestfallen, takes her leave. Drake gets on Shadow with Stryker sitting behind him.
Drake: Stryker? Thanks for that.
Stryker: It's all about teamwork after all. Now, let's go find your Pecker.
The team ride on their dragons, flying over the city and they cross over the Ottawa River to enter Gatineau, which they land in. As they dismount, they march across the ruined city to find Surfboard with Drake and Stryker leading the way. The atmosphere is tense; unseen critters scurry in the darkness, fleeing from the approaching humans. Stryker puts his hand up to get the team to stop.
Michael: Surfboard! Where are you?!
Quinton: [whispers] Michael, be quiet. We were told to stop.
Rocky: What did we stop for?
Stryker: Down there. Wheel tracks.
Stryker points at some tracks on the road. Tyler walks over to kneel over it, examining them.
Tyler: Car tracks, alright. They were made… about an hour ago.
Javelin: I'd never understand how you do that. What does an hour ago feel like, Jones?
Tyler: Not as strong as a half-hour ago.
Quinton: Are there any Pecker tracks?
Tyler: Sadly, no.
Gilbert: We'll just follow the tracks.
Javelin: Hold on, look over there.
Pointing ahead, Javelin shows that the split into a fork in the road.
Javelin: It looks like we've got a fork in the road.
Tyler: Then we'll split up. Dalloway, Li, Stilwells, Bazooka and Striker will take Boulevard Maisonneuve. The rest of us will continue on Laurier. Crossword, you climb up that building and be our eyes in the sky.
Crossword: Copy that, Sergeant.
As Crossword enters one of the buildings, the team was split in two to follow the tracks. At Drake's side, he is leading the way while looking for Surfboard to see if he is around.
Drake: Surfboard!
Dusty: Surfy! [beat; realizing] Wait. He ain't my dragon. I mean… Surfboard!
Bazooka: Here, birdy-birdy. Here, birdy. [to Stryker] How's that?
Stryker: Maybe not the right way.
Just then, Stryker sees something up ahead. A bonfire light coming from the darkness of the deserted city.
Stryker: There's fire. Maybe that's where he is. [to walkie-talkie] Stryker to Crossword, do you copy?
At the top of the building, Crossword replies to his own walkie-talkie.
Crossword: Crossword here. Wassup, Arthur?
Stryker: There's a fire two kliks to our location. Think you can see it from there?
Crossword: That'll take some time. You just proceed with the search there, and I'll see if I can identify it.
Stryker: Copy. Keep us informed. Over and out.
On Laurier, Tyler's side of the team is using their lit flashlights to follow the tracks on the road, but Michael looks worried.
Dozer: Don't be so worried, Czarski. If he's out there, we'll find him.
Michael: It's not that. It's Surfboard moody behavior going on as of late.
Tyler: What do you mean?
Michael: I don't know what's wrong with me. Just this morning, I rubbed under his chin. He usually loves that. But this time, he went crazy. Is he… on heat?
Gilbert: I wouldn't think so, Michael. When animals are on heat, they would become moody until they spawned. But for Arrow Peckers? They don't really show it so much.
From the distance, there is a soft whispering sound. There's some movement in the bushes. Tyler looks around for the source; he doesn't find it.
Tyler: Anyway, Surfboard was captured around early May, and he already mated with another dragon. But… you said it was-
[screeches]
Javelin: A Pecker's screech.
Michael: That's Surfboard!
Javelin: It was down the road. We'll have to move fast.
Act Eight
Back with Drake's side, he and the others venture further and further towards the source of the light, where they see a plume of smoke rising from old St. Hubert's restaurant. A passing cloud shrouds the mansion and terrace in darkness.
Bazooka: St. Hubert's. I haven't had one of these since the war broke out. I really hope they will bring it back.
Rocky: You and me both, brother.
Drake: Be on the lookout. There could be someone around.
Ethan: But… what could be in there?
Dusty: Maybe a ghost. That would be kinda wicked.
Stryker: Whatever it is, use extreme caution. No telling what we might find in there if we are to get inside.
Suddenly, there is a whispering sound coming from behind. Stryker turns to find nothing.
Stryker: Who's there?
A figure ducks around a nearby tree and pops out on the other side, hooting playfully. Stryker looks around one side of the tree; nothing. It pops up on the other side, hooting again. And Stryker looks again. Nothing. It seems like a friendly game of hide-and-seek.
Stryker: [sniggers] Probably seagulls.
Ethan: I'll scout ahead. I'm the lightest, and I've learned the martial arts.
Rocky: Yeah, you go do your Jackie Chan stuff, Ethan.
Ethan: If anything happens, I'll inform you.
Ethan leaps off and scampers up a tree branch. He hops from the branch and travels along another branch across the car wreckage blocking the way towards St. Hubert's. He finally reaches the windowsill, which crumbles in some parts. Ethan wipes his hand on the glass to get a good visual. The restaurant is completely empty, but it has bones and utensils scattered everywhere.
Ethan: [to walkie-talkie] It's empty, but… you're gonna want to see this.
Ethan opens the window, giving off a creaking sound. He then lands on the floor and makes it to the door, opening it before the team walks in to see everywhere.
Stryker: What a feast they had around here.
Rocky: Man, it's a boneyard.
Bazooka: These can't be chicken bones, can they?
Ethan: No. Look closer.
Ethan points over at something. Drake walks over to kneel down, and he finds a collar on the floor. It has a name tag that spells "Ron". He remembers that one of the missing dragon babies was named Ron, but Drake deduces the scenery as he looks around at the scattered bones.
Drake: The dragons that were lost. Someone's… been killing them.
Stilwells: What?
Ethan: [shocked] Aiyah.
Bazooka: Now we know what happened to them. But any thoughts about who did this?
[walkie-talkie beeps]
Crossword: [through speakers] Crossword to Stryker, I just got a report from Jones. He found the Pecker's location down on Alexandre-Taché. Over.
Stryker: Roger that. Over. [to Drake] Let's go, we'll discuss this later-
Suddenly, the team is ambushed by roaring men wearing bones as armour, pinning them to the floor. They drag them all outside, binding their hands, towards more bone-armoured men, who are clattering their spears and hooting a chant like they are natives. Moving into the gathering is Gordon with his children, who is wearing a Waspo skull as a crown.
Drake: Gordon?
On Alexandre-Taché, Surfboard is thrashing around and behaving erratically, spewing bolt-like fire everywhere. He shakes his head a lot and rubs his face against brick walls. Tyler's team arrives, witnessing what he is doing.
Javelin: Clearly, something's wrong with him.
Quinton: They do say a pet starts to take on the characteristics of it's owner. I think that's what's happening here.
Insulted, Michael elbows Quinton in the gut.
Quinton: Yeah, I rest my case.
Gilbert: When was the last time he ate?
Michael: Just this morning. I feed him veil for breakfast. Let me see if I can-
But Michael notices he dropped his chocolate bar on the floor, rolling down, so he rushes over to catch it.
Javelin: Let's do what Dalloway taught us.
Walking up to Surfboard, Javelin takes out half a loaf of baguette, and gives it to him. Surfboard starts eating it, then Javelin gives him a good scratch below the chin, but that suddenly causes Surfboard to thrash around again, sending Javelin away. He is twitching his lower jaw, trying to do something, and spat out a huge ball of spit, sending it flying over to Michael.
Quinton: Michael, heads up!
Michael stands up, and the spit ball hits him on the face, sending him falling down.
Gilbert: [amazed] Well, by George!
Dozer: Right in the kisser!
Javelin: I guess Bazooka was right. It wouldn't work on the same animal.
Act Nine
Back in St. Hubert's, Drake is confronting Gordon, very displeased as well as the other soldiers.
Drake: Have you lost your mind, Gordon?! Those are dragon bones we saw back in there!
Ethan: You've been hunting the missing dragons and feeding them to your creed.
Gordon: I told you before, I had no choice. We all appreciate it with you ending the war, but we miss the day when we'd just eat our enemies. And besides, my kids need to eat, and they can eat a lot.
Dusty: He's not wrong there.
Rocky: Yeah, I used to eat a lot when I was a kid.
Drake: [to Gordon] This can't be the only way. The war's over, and we have-
Gordon: Nobody cares. I'm done following the Canadian Forces… anymore. I lost half my family because of you. We begged you for protection, and look at the results. You think you saved the world, huh Dalloway? Well, you should know the downsides in joining the Army.
Drake: [beat] I do. Everyday for ten years, I was delayed to not sign in to avenge my father until I came to an age. After I stopped the war, I was happy, until I was instructed to be trained by that iron-fisted, walking tank of an ogre. But overtime, I begin to realize… she was trying to help me, like everyone else.
Drake looks back at Stryker and Bazooka with a respected smile, and the two of them smile as well to understand what he meant.
Gordon: Too bad, so sad. No matter what you'd say or do… it will always be the same. Kill or be killed. [to the others] Kill them, and tear them up for bait.
Then, Ethan uses his martial art skills to beat up the surrounding people, joined by Bazooka who punches some of them. The ground begins to shake, meaning something's going on from below. And then, two black, pterosaur-like dragons with clubbed tails and crocodilian snouts burst out the dirt.
Ethan: Killermaces! Cover your ears!
One Killermace lets out a loud, deafening roar and everyone covers their ears, which makes them wince and fall to their knees. The other dragon flies overhead of the building. With a rock, Bazooka throws it at the beast in sight. He brings his hand into a thumb up gesture, and as it falls down, he brings it into a thumbs down pose.
Gordon: Start the truck!
Gordon and his group rush to get in a truck and ignite the engines. He fires a shotgun at a Killermace's face, and the truck stops to let him tie up the dead dragon by the leg, dragging it away. The other Killermace is about to attack, until Shadow tackles it and fights with it.
Bazooka: GO GET HIM, ZAPPY!
Shadow fires his thunder blast at the black dragon, forcing the Killermace back. Two hovering Sikorsky CH-148 Cyclones come over to the scene and soldiers jump down to rope the Killermace on the ground before they tranquilize it. Vanessa comes over to Drake, aiding him.
Vanessa: Are you alright?
Drake: Yeah.
The choppers make a landing; Ironfist hops out of one of them, and marches over to the team who salute her.
Ironfist: At ease. Dalloway, we had Crossword to keep me informed. It looks like you were right about dragons missing, but never you mentioned the fact that somebody's been eating them.
Drake: None of us saw it coming, Captain.
Ironfist: Now we have no time to waste. The others are needing assistance. Get on.
The team rushes over to get on the chopper, but Ironfist stops Drake when she grabs him by the collar of his shirt.
Ironfist: And by the way, Private. When'd you come up with that nickname you came up for me? The iron-fisted, walking tank of an ogre.
Drake: [gasped; shocked] Well, um…. That- I….
Ironfist: [sinisterly] This walking tank would make you work overnight!
Drake quivers in fear, but Vanessa clings onto Drake to defend him from the Captain.
Back with the others, Surfboard is still going out of control as he screeches and blasts fire everywhere, forcing everyone to duck down behind a truck.
Gilbert: So much for trying to calm him down. Why haven't we gotten a response from Drake yet?
Tyler: He's not answering his walkie-talkie. We're gonna have to go for the alternative: go extreme.
Bedecked in lots of weaponry, Tyler is on the march to deal with Surfboard, but Michael rushes over to stop him.
Michael: Sergeant, wait! You're not gonna kill him, are you?
Tyler: I will do what I have to. Until we get a response from Drake, we'll do things my way.
Michael: Not Surfboard. He's a good dragon, you know that.
Tyler: I am in command here, now stand aside! Dover, ready your bombs. If the Pecker takes off, block his way so I could tackle him.
Tyler wrestles Surfboard, and ties his wings and legs together until Surfboard breaks them up with his arrow-tipped tail. Surfboard takes flight, but Dozer throws some bombs in the air that detonate overhead, forcing the dragon back on the ground. When Tyler is approaching, Surfboard roars in his face, allowing him a good view of his mouth. But what he sees shocks Tyler.
Tyler: So that's what it is.
Then, Tyler jumps on Surfboard's head and wrestles to keep his mouth open. He reaches in with his good hand, and yanks a tooth out. Immediately, Surfboard returns to normal, and affectionately bumps Michael.
Michael: Surfboard! Thank God you're back to normal.
Javelin: [to Tyler; puzzled] But… what did you pull out?
Tyler holds up a half-hollowed out tooth to show it to everyone.
Tyler: This. A toothache.
Javelin: Well, that explains a lot.
Then, a bright light startles them and they look up to see Ironfist shining the light in their faces on her helicopter. She also has a megaphone.
Ironfist: Assembly line! Party's over! We're going home right now!
Javelin: You heard her, men. Let's go.
Michael gets on Surfboard and takes flight. Ropes are lowered for the others to grab, and when they do, the chopper flies back to Ottawa.
Act Ten
The next morning, Drake and Tyler are both in the General's office, speaking to Stanley, and Ironfist stands behind them.
Stanley: [displeased] You two should've known… that last night you went AWOL in pursuit of a missing dragon, and a dangerous encounter of berserk civilians. All that is a violation to over six military protocols.
Drake: Yes, sir. Sergeant Jones has… told me about these things before, only once.
Tyler: We rescued one who had a toothache, much to Czarski's relief, but the other missing dragons were discovered to be… eaten.
Stanley: That's not even the point. The point is… you never told me about this before you went outside Ottawa. An act like that is enough to have you punished accordingly.
Drake and Tyler hang their heads down in shame, but Ironfist walks up to address something.
Ironfist: With all due respect, General… I was the one who gave the command last night. Dalloway was only shared with this info, and before he would act, he said he had to speak to me about it first, which he did.
Stanley: And you allowed this because… why?
Ironfist: Because my team needed this more than we know. The Regges learned how to work together with the Alpha Team, set aside their differences, and they accomplished to provide us the intel we probably needed to hear. I'd say there is no need to punish them.
Drake is stunned to hear the way Ironfist stood up to him, and he smiles.
Stanley: [stunned] Well, I'll be…. [beat; laughs] That's really the first time I get to see that act from you, Rose. Anyway…. Maybe you're right. I suppose there will be no punishment. However, the city is still being crowded by wild dragons, and we can't rebuild anything with them on the rampage. So the least you can do is resolve that issue. Dismissed.
Drake and Tyler both take their leave, as Ironfist stays put to remain in the office. They both walk outside to meet up with Shadow. However, Drake looks worried because of what he was told.
Drake: I don't know how I can control all the dragons.
Tyler: Don't be like that. The General has faith in you, and you should as well.
Drake: I know, but I'm not sure how to do this.
Tyler: Try seeing things from a better point of view. You know how to train dragons, and regardless… they're still animals. But as your Uncle Kevin once told me, animals will do what they do at all times.
Just then, a cold chill blows on a gathering of hobos surrounding a barrel on fire, putting the inferno out. Shadow decides to help by relighting the fire with a thunder blast, and the hobos thank him for it. This gives Drake an idea.
In the Ottawa River, two sailors are trying to catch fish on a boat. Suddenly, Quinton flies over to the boat on his dragon.
Quinton: Go get him, Helios.
Helios dives into the ocean, scaring the fish and herding them into the fishing nets.
Sailor: Ah. Thank you, son.
Ethan and the Stilwells fly toward McKenzie's field, where the old man is trying to plant seeds. Ethan uses Clover's tail to dig into the soil, and flies back to pour seeds into the ground-up dirt.
McKenzie: Splendid. Now I just need to get some-
Rocky: Three o'clock.
Dusty: Crappy rain time.
Hundreds of dragons begin flying over the field, and McKenzie looks worried.
McKenzie: Great Scot! Stop! Smithee!
He takes cover as the dragons begin pooping onto the field, providing a good fertilizer to help grow the crops, with the Stilwells' Ironback finishing it with their water pouring down.
McKenzie: [relief] Oh, Lord. [chuckles] I guess I should ask Gilbert if he's known about this yet.
Back in Ottawa, Dozer is using explosions to scare a pack of wild dragons out in the air. Once they flew into the open, Drake herds them all into the stadium's field, where the Regges trap them in cages.
Later, the team puts up a new sign for the TD Place: Dragon Shelters. The gates are opened, letting in people to come in, and Drake walks over to grab their attention.
Drake: Thank you everyone for coming into the Dragon Shelters. You'll be pleased to know that we have some trained dragons here, and we've got a selection for everyone to choose.
At one end, Michael is tutoring with some girls, wooing them.
Michael: That's when… I came up with the name "Dragon Shelter". Because the stadium is big and all, so we felt like it should be called something better than just "TD Place". So… what would you all like?
Girl: Is there one that's housebroken?
Right on cue, Quinton walks over with Ethan.
Quinton: Here, we have a Sharktail. A stray just like all the rest, but he's been housebroken, and great with kids.
Ethan: But if you listen to our instructions, we'll show you how it's done.
Meanwhile, the Stilwells were doing janitor duty with Crossword instructing them.
Dusty: How come we're the janitors?
Crossword: Sergeant Jones's orders. He doesn't trust you with the assistance of training dragons as much as you do. Consider this as a hobby, a way to distract you from blowing things up all the time.
Rocky: Not all the time, Crossword. [beat] Maybe a little.
A cage is opened, and a Sharktail comes walking out with a snarl. But with his hand out, Drake simply calms the dragon down, amazing the guests.
Drake: Just show it a gentle hand, and he'll come around. Stryker?
Stryker: Got it. [to the guests] Now people, what's important is to talk to it calmly, because they wouldn't hesitate to clamp on you. Bazooka did it once.
While Stryker attends to the guests, Drake walks over with Shadow at his side, and they look through a window to see Tyler cleaning an Ironback's mouth, being the dentist of the Shelters. Then, they see Vanessa sitting on her chair, waiting for them to arrive.
Drake: It looks like you're here, and you've quit the Military Police, so let's begin with the interview. I can provide you with all the questions you have in mind.
Vanessa: Well, I do have one question.
Drake: Ask away.
Vanessa: [concerned] What's gonna happen with Gordon?
Drake: [beat] Gordon? Well, he and his creed have been branded outcasts and isolated in Gatineau until further notice.
Vanessa: That's not what I meant. I meant… who else may follow his steps?
Drake: Vanessa, he never listened to us, and we-
Vanessa: No, no, no, maybe he was trying to say something. He had no choice when he left. It's easier to go through Hell when you don't have any kids. He's trying to be a good father, and I took it for granted. Don't you take it the wrong way either.
Drake: I don't like it either, but orders are orders.
Then, Ironfist appears standing behind Drake, and she talks to him.
Ironfist: That's absolutely right, Dalloway. Orders are orders. However, what's important is to be sure if the orders can be carried out without a commanding officer present.
Drake: Well, Jones was there and-
Ironfist: Quiet. You took orders behind my back, and I still haven't forgotten that tank/ogre comment. For all that, you've got a lot of training to do. So I say… take fifty laps around the park.
Drake: But I'm having my-
Ironfist: MOVE!
Out of fear, Drake and Shadow both rush out and run together around the park. Ironfist watches them leave, while Vanessa stands beside her.
Vanessa: I was going to be interviewed by him.
Ironfist: He's only fifty laps before he comes back. I'll make sure of it. [walks off]
Narrator: I may be the Dragon King, and a war hero, but I still had a lot to learn before can move on through basic training. And also, dragons can't change who they are. But who would want them to? Dragons are powerful, amazing creatures. And as long as it takes me, I am going to learn everything there is to know about them. But in the end, this won't be the end of what results the aftermath of the Ultimate War would bring.
To Be Continued