Dragon
Wars
Episode 5: Military Education
Act One
The beginning of September, but the end of summer vacation. Walking down Bank Street is a red-haired, bespectacled girl who is holding so many books in her arms, struggling to keep them from falling over.
Narrator: For immature people, like kids or teenagers, summer is like the playdate for endless joys. But when it ends, it's like all about going to school, no matter what you'd do or how hard you'd try to stay out of it. Apparently, for those who are mature, they can have those fun-time privileges, which makes everyone else envious. But even in the military, education is always important.
The redhead drops a book, and leans down to grab it, dropping the rest of the books, much to her chagrin. But she finds out that she's stumbled upon the Ottawa Dragon Shelters, and after she picks up her books, she curiously walks over to check up on it. She watches the Stilwells playing rock music from their iPhone with speakers, dancing to the rhythm with Finn and Flip joining in. At the same time, Helios scampers around the twins, but he picks up a scent, and sniffs across the floor. The redhead sees him heading towards her, so she hides behind a wall, but Helios finds him and licks her face.
Quinton: [whistles] Helios! Here, boy!
Helios hears the call, and runs to Quinton, as the redhead touches her cheek where the dragon licked her. She sees him walking over to Helios, and is lovestruck, but realizes something before she takes her leave.
Quinton: There you are. Whatcha doing, huh Helios? [to the twins] Hey guys, it's time to get to work.
Dusty: [ignoring] Yeah, yeah, yeah! Rock it all, baby!
Then, Quinton shuts off the music, finally getting the Stilwells' attention.
Rocky: Hey, we were listening to that.
Quinton: Have you forgotten that breaktime is over? Drake wants us in the lobby.
Dusty: Lighten up, Quinton. We're having so few customers nowadays.
Quinton: Maybe, but today's a new day.
Soon, the Alpha Team is waiting in the lobby, waiting for customers to enter the place, but they keep waiting, waiting, waiting, and waiting.
Michael: How much longer?
Quinton: Any second now.
Drake: [moans] Guys, let's just call it a quit. The Shelters have been this way since the third of September, and we're getting fewer customers than before.
Vanessa: Yeah. But maybe… it's because it's a school year, and now that the war's over, people won't need to stay at home.
Ethan: I was thinking the same thing, but what can we do about it?
Rocky: Rock and roll again?
Quinton: No, no, we're staying to go to work until….
Stryker's voice: Captain on deck!
Alarmed, the team stands straight up, and Ironfist walks in with SC Reg following her.
Ironfist: At ease. Well, Dalloway, I'd say the Shelters are very vacant today.
Drake: Yeah, well… it used to be lively here.
Ironfist: Well, enough of this for now. We're having a meeting in the conference room immediately, and I want your team present.
Afterwards, everyone is in the conference room, where Tyler and Gilbert are showing a map of the USA on screen. Crossword tinkers with the keyboard, pinpointing the locations.
Tyler: Thanks to Rose's reconnaissance mission, we've been able to pinpoint the enemy's location. As we can all see, the Blackhawks have complete dominion only in a part of the United States.
Drake: The Midwest?
Dozer: Yeah. All those twelve States are their territory, and downtown Chicago serves as their headquarters.
Ironfist: But if anyone were to recognize Hunter's motive, he plans to expand the United States border, starting with the Canadian West.
Stryker: Those four provinces have become wild zones since the middays of the war, and they still are. But with dragon training becoming an option, reclaiming is the tip of the iceberg to make Canada whole again.
Ironfist: But unfortunately, Hunter also has his eyes on them. His defeat was a victory for us, but he's managed to learn something from us. He knows that we can train dragons, and we have the Dragon King within our ranks, so after going back to the Midwest, the Blackhawks have begun capturing dragons.
Gilbert: By Jove. You think… he's trying to…?
Ironfist: Yes, he's trying to train dragons.
Bazooka: Let 'em try! If they wanna fight, I'm up for it. I'll give 'em a taste of the hot rockets right up their assholes.
Regges: [shouts]
Gilbert: It may have been our task to handle the Chicago Blackhawks. The task would be difficult enough with an army behind us. But we number just fourteen, and not fourteen of the best, nor brightest.
Javelin: We may be few in number, but we're SC Reg. "Special Combat Regiment." That makes us fighters, all of us, to the last man!
Dozer: Not only that, we have the Dragon King with us. He would know all the species like the back of his hand.
Drake: Uh, no, I-I-I wouldn't say that, I-
Quinton: Well, I do. I know so many-
Crossword: [to Drake] How many, then?
Drake: Uh, what?
Crossword: How many dragons can you identify?
Drake embarrassedly starts coughing in his hand. The team jumps to their feet, arguing about the number of dragons Drake knows. Quinton tries to say something, but he is unable to do so. Then Ironfist bellows, silencing the rest.
Ironfist: Silence in the ranks! [beat] Whether or not Corporal Dalloway can do something, having him is one of our top priorities. So is both protecting the country and our civilians.
Tyler: I agree with her. So what we're going to do is build an outpost, right here in Manitoba. The ruined city of Winnipeg has only a handful of wild dragons: a few Peckers and two families of Waspos. So what we're going to do is-
[phone rings]
Vanessa: [answers] Hello? Dad? Yeah, he's here. [beat] Really? Yes, we're on our way. [hangs up] Drake? That's my father. He wants us in his office.
Drake: What for?
A few moments later, Drake and Vanessa are both in the General's office, and they look displeased about something.
Both: We have to do what?!
Stanley: You heard me. Now that the school year's begun, it is time for you both to do it. It's been a while since anyone has, but with the Ultimate War done, anyone who's been drafted must go back to school. And that includes the Alpha Team. Carleton University has opened a new building on campus for anyone who's missed a decade of school, so it's for all ages below yours.
Drake: But sir, what could I do about Shadow?
Drake looks out the window to see Shadow and Ariel playing like cats outside the office.
Stanley: You already know the answer, son. Your team starts your first class at 0900 hours tomorrow. Be sure to inform them.
Done with his talk, Drake salutes and takes his leave out of the office, but Vanessa stays inside to speak with her father.
Vanessa: Dad, we can't go to school. We're in the Army now.
Stanley: I know, but your internship is in jeopardy, isn't it? The Shelters are not having enough customers, because everyone is too focused on educating all the kids who have… survived through the hardships we've had. So instead of wasting your time waiting, just go to school.
Vanessa: But… what can I do about Ariel?
Stanley: Don't worry about her. She'll be fine. You just have to be for the afternoon, studying all, and she'll just be chasing pigeons.
Outside, Shadow and Ariel are still playing, until Drake walks out.
Drake: Shadow? I need to tell you something about the university.
[Shadow barks excitedly]
Drake: Hey. I'm not taking you with me.
Hearing that, Shadow looks downhearted and slumps down on the floor.
Drake: C'mon, don't do that. [pauses] Look, we can't take you because we're not allowed to have pets. I know, if it was up to me, I'd bring you along, but it's not, bro. But you'll be fine.
Shadow whimpers, saddened by those words. But Drake pets him on the back of his neck to comfort him, and Vanessa approaches him.
Vanessa: It's really odd, you know that? You, talking a dragon like he's a person.
Drake: He is my half-brother, and he understands me. He understands what I'm saying, just like all the dragons.
Vanessa: But don't you like this, Drake? Going back to school?
Drake: Last time I was in school, I was a moving target to bullies and the lone wolf. But I don't know anything about universities, and we're enrolled to Carleton.
Vanessa: Well, we can always get advice from Jasmine and Belle. They're both in Carleton.
Drake: Yeah…. Maybe you're right. But I should call the others.
Act Two
The next morning, Quinton wakes up and goes to the bathroom to brush his teeth. But before he is about to, he begins thinking about yesterday with the Regges only asking Drake about dragons instead of him, and that's making him left out. But the door knocks with Mrs. Gunn calling.
Mrs. Gunn: Quinton? Is everything okay there?
Quinton: Uh… yeah, mom. It is. Just flossing my teeth.
Afterwards, Quinton walks down the stairs where his father is eating breakfast at the table.
Mr. Gunn: Morning, son. Are you packed up?
Mrs. Gunn: Honey, he's going to university, not summer camp.
Mr. Gunn: Giving him a good morning spirit.
Quinton: I gotta get going. I have to feed Helios before I get there.
Mrs. Gunn: What about breakfast?
Quinton: I already have pop tarts, so I'm good.
Mr. Gunn: Oh, and Quinton, don't forget. We're painting the kitchen before dinner time, so don't be late.
Quinton: You got it, dad.
Quinton rushed out of the door, leaving his befuddled parents behind.
Mr. Gunn: Teenagers. What are you going to do?
Carleton University is bustling with students, both new and old, walking into the facility for the start of the school year. Drake is standing at the sideway at Alumni Park to go, where he's hesitant to get in. But Tyler and Gilbert walk over to his side.
Gilbert: Now listen, Drake, be mindful of your fellow students. They may not be what you can get along with, but you should still treat them merrily.
Drake: I can't do this. Why can't you just say you homeschooled me?
Tyler: We did, and the General knows it, but you need to socialize more often than you have.
Then, they hear a screaming from a boy being pulled by his mother out of the car.
Boy: I don't wanna go! I don't wanna go! I don't wanna go! I don't wanna go!
Tyler: Anyway, this won't be the same as the time you were in grade 2. You're a war hero, and they'll respect you.
Drake: [deadpan] Okay.
Tyler: Oh, and one more thing. [beat] Give your cousin a hug!
With a little smile, Drake hugs Tyler before he walks over to school. But when Shadow is walking over towards him, Gilbert grabs him by the scarf to pull him back.
Gilbert: Oh, no you don't, mister. School is not for pets.
[Shadow moans]
Tyler: Take care, Drake! We'll be in touch!
Gilbert: Ah, look at us. Watching our boy go to school like we're his parents.
Tyler: Well, we look like it in a homosexual way. [chuckles]
Gilbert: [unamused] Very funny, Tyler.
At University Drive, Helios lands at the shores of the Rideau Canal, and Quinton dismounts him before taking his leave. But when Helios walks over to him, he stops him by pushing him back.
Quinton: No, Helios. You're not going in with me. It's just me alone, okay?
[Helios moans]
Quinton: It's okay, you've got plenty of water here. I'll meet you when I have the chance. Seeya.
So Quinton takes his leave, while Helios watches him leave, and the saddened dragon howls like a lonely pup.
Drake is walking across the park, as he looks into his list in hand that has the name Billy Madison on it. But then, he bumps into somebody without looking, and he discovers it to be Belle and Jasmine.
Drake: Girls. Sorry.
Jasmine: Hey, you're in our school now?
Belle: How's it hanging?
Drake: Yeah, I, uh…. I gotta be here. We're just not getting enough customers like we did in the summer, so the General's told us to do school.
Belle: Aw, that's so sweet. Now we can have some fun time together. You should come with us to-
Then, Vanessa comes over and clings onto Drake's arm, glaring at the two girls in front of him.
Drake: Vanessa, I….
Jasmine: No need to get jealous, we're not stealing your king away.
Vanessa: He's looking for the Billy Madison Centre.
Jasmine: Oh, that new place. It's just down there to the west. You can't miss it.
In the Bully Madison Centre, there are various students, some younger than the Alpha Team, sitting on their desks. Quinton sits on his seat, but when he opens his backpack, he finds a photograph of him and Drake together, and he looks displeased about something. Then, Ethan walks over to his side.
Ethan: Is there a problem, Quinton?
Quinton: What problem? I don't have any.
Ethan: Don't lie to me. Yesterday you were downhearted when Crossword asked Drake about dragons rather than you or me.
Quinton: [beat; sighs] Yeah, that's the problem. It's not that I'm jealous of him or anything, but I…. I don't get as much recognition as he does.
Ethan: I know that everyone gets excited about him, but that does not mean that you don't exist to them. There will be somebody who can acknowledge you.
All of a sudden, when Drake and Vanessa walk inside, the girls scream with excitement and crowd around them both.
Drake: Uh, hey, no crowding here.
Vanessa: [struggling] Stop it, all of you! He's here for learning, not autographs.
Quinton watches the scene from across, and he looks more downhearted.
Quinton: I hope you're right, Ethan. I just hope you are.
Then, the doors open, but this time it is the teacher of this facility: Professor Emmett J. Miller, a mid-50s, heavyweight man.
Miller: Students! Sit down!
By his words, all the girls stop crowding Drake and return to their seats. Everyone else takes their seats as well, and the Professor proceeds to the whiteboard where he spells his name.
Miller: Welcome, everyone. I am Professor Emmett J. Miller. And I'm your teacher for all grades in this facility. Before we can begin class, we should get something straight. The Billy Madison Centre was named in honor of the fictional actor played by Adam Sandler. He was my hero in my youth, and I find it to be a worthy fit to name this building Billy Madison. Because when the war broke out, so many teachers and students were drafted. But here, we can teach students of all ages- except for first and sixth grade- to do or finish what we started before anyone has heard of dragons being real. And speaking of dragons, we have six of the Canadian Army's dragon riders, as well as their intern joining us.
Miller draws his attention to Drake, and everyone else looks at him, making the latter nervous.
Miller: However, there will be no crowding, gawking or pleasurable activities here or on campus. I'd suggest that you all remember those rules. But this week, you will be completing some tests we like to call the qualifiers. Your job would be to complete them until Friday afternoon, or else you will be confined to failure for the entire school year. Therefore, labeled as delinquents until next year. Am I clear?
Students: Yes, Professor.
Miller: Very good. Now let's begin class, starting with math.
Vanessa: [to herself] Augh. I forgot math was a thing. I'm gonna suck at it.
Miller writes down an equation on the board, which looks complicated to many of the students. But for Quinton, he looks okay with the equations, and he writes it all down on his paper. But he is being stalked by three boys (one chubby, one short, and one tall), who are looking at him to see he has no problem with math.
Short boy: That guy looks like he's a brainiac.
Tall boy: It's probably because he's a soldier and all.
Chubby boy: Guess that means we'll be flunking out of the blue.
Short boy: Not by a long shot.
At his desk, Drake is squinting at the white board to read it properly, but his vision is suddenly becoming better for him to see so far away. No longer squinting, he can see all the numbers well and proceeds with the writing, until he is tapped by Vanessa's finger.
Vanessa: [quietly] Drake? I need a little help right here.
Drake: [whispering] Oh, that's not so hard. You just-
Miller: [clears throat] Is there a problem, Mr. Dalloway?
Drake: No, sir.
Miller: I once had a call from your cousin, saying you were eight when you last went to school. You should know that we keep all answers to ourselves.
Drake: Um…. I just thought… it would-
Miller: This is my building, not the military's. Let someone deal with their problems, and you deal with yours.
Drake: Yes, sir.
Miller looks away to walk over to his desk, and Vanessa whispers to Drake.
Vanessa: I'll ask you after class.
After math lessons is social studies, where Miller is rewriting more words onto the white board.
Miller: Next, class, we will be doing social studies. Today's topic will be about economics, involving health care, politics and the environment. Everyone must grab their books with title "Canadian Economics", and turn to page 62, but keep the entire spik and span, so that nobody came make a mess of anything.
The students reach under their desks to take out their books. Quinton takes out his book, but sitting far away to the right is the red-haired girl, who looks shocked to see him.
Redhead: He's here. Why is he here of all places?
Miller: When you're at the page, let us begin. We'll be starting politics.
Everyone looks at the page, but the Stilwells are both looking really puzzled about this, so they just drop the book down. The dropping of the book makes a loud noise that echoes everywhere in the classroom, which disturbs the Professor.
Miller: Who dropped a book?!
Rocky and Dusty both look guilty and they quickly pick up the book to read it like nothing happened.
Act Three
After class, it is lunch break. Drake is with his friends, minus Vanessa and Quinton, sitting together around a table.
Michael: Holy shit, I forgot how much a shitshow school can be.
Rocky: Maybe if they put music from the speakers, I wouldn't fall asleep so much.
Dusty: Yeah, me too.
Ethan: At least, none of us got into trouble with Professor Miller.
Drake: Well so far, it's better than the last time I was at school.
Michael: Really? What was school like to you?
Drake: I would get picked on all the time for being so different. I was like Peter Miller, before he became Spider-Man, but I wasn't so brainy as he was, and I was bullied by this one kid who-
Suddenly, a football hits Drake on the head, making him drop his drink to spill all over the floor. He looks back, rubbing his injuries, seeing a pair of jocks walking across the cafeteria.
Student: [scared] Oh no, here come the Ravens! Quick, hide your desserts!
Jock: Hey, pal. You look full for that cupcake.
One of the jocks takes a cupcake from a student and eats it. He looks at another student, who puts the rest of his banana into his mouth.
Leading jock: There's my ball. And someone's wet it.
The leading jock picks it up, but he notices Drake who looks at him, as if he recognizes him.
Drake: Ralph?
The jock, Ralph, also remembers him too with a smile.
Ralph: Drake Dalloway? Holy shit! I hardly knew you without the underwear on your head.
Ethan: Drake, you know this guy?
Drake: Ralph's an old bully from school. I thought he was dead.
Ralph: So did I, to you. But when I suddenly heard that you're in the Army, or being a king of dragons, I felt like it was priceless.
Ethan: Why is that funny?
Ralph: Because he's a retard! He should stick to what he knows best: being thrown to garbage cans.
[jocks laughing]
Drake: [stands up] You watch your mouth, Ralph. I'm no longer that loner you used to pick on. I've already had enough with your bullshit before the war broke out, so you should back off.
Ralph: [smirking] You sure talk a lot more than you used to. But if you stayed home that summer, your old man would still be alive instead of dying for you.
Dusty: Leave him alone.
Ralph: Wait, you got a girlfriend, Dalloway? She's more like it.
But then, Vanessa charges in and tackles Ralph, pinning him down.
Vanessa: No, I am. So get the hell out of here or you're dead.
The team stands up to defend Drake from Ralph, and the jocks are prepared to fight them, until Miller approaches them.
Miller: No fighting in the cafeteria. Everyone, sit down or stand back, or do I have to call security? Miss Falcon, the floor hasn't been mopped yet, so get off.
Everyone stares at the Professor blankly; they walk a bit, and Vanessa gets off of Ralph, before they see Miller walking away out of the room.
Ralph: You were lucky the teachers came. Otherwise, you'd be in the hospital this afternoon.
Rocky: Don't count on it. Because we've taken out tougher things than you.
Ralph: Oh yeah? My team are all football players. Swing by if you maggots wanna lose! Ravens, out!
Ralph takes his leave with the jocks following him.
Vanessa: Geez, what a jerk. Maybe I should cuff him up. That would've worked.
Ethan: Perhaps, but no. We cannot have a feud with any civilians for any minor situation.
Drake: So what, let bullies pick on us?
Michael: Yeah, man, I'm with Drake on this one. If that guy wants a piece of us, we'll give him some until he chokes on 'em to death.
Drake: Hey, wait a minute. Where's Quinton?
Ethan: He's gone to make sure Helios hasn't followed him on campus.
Outside on University Dr, Quinton is looking around the shorelines of the Rideau Canal, seeing not a trace of Helios anywhere. But he finds Helios floating in the water like a duck, still feeling lonely.
Quinton: There you are, Helios. You were supposed to go home, but I guess I should've trained you to go home after dropping me off. But here, I saved you a Mr. Big.
Quinton tosses a Mr. Big bar, which floats over the water, and Helios just eats it with three bites. But then, the Sharktail sniffs and looks like he remembers that scent. He roars and floats around excitedly. He runs down the shoreline.
Quinton: Wha- Helios! No, get back here!
Elsewhere, the red-haired girl is eating a sandwich alone on a park bench, and everything is peaceful. But then, she and everyone around her area are alarmed by Helios's roaring. The students scream in fright as Helios runs over like a happy dog, and the redhead climbs up a tree, but Helios grabs her with the two fingers on his wings before licking her face.
Quinton: Helios! Helios, down!
Quinton rushes over to the dragon, beckoning him to put down the girl and back off.
Quinton: Down, boy, down! [to the redhead] Are you okay?
Redhead: Yeah, I am. I was just-
But when she notices that she's talking to Quinton, she is blushing bright red.
Quinton: I'm sorry if my Sharktail scared you or anything. He's harmless, really.
Drake and Vanessa come over to the scene, where Drake gestures to Helios to fly off, which he does.
Vanessa: We got here just in time. [to the redhead] Hope we weren't too late or anything. Uh…. Who are you?
Redhead: I'm Brynn. And I, uh…. I was eating my lunch before.
Quinton: Oh, I got it!
Quinton runs over to the bench where the redhead Brynn dropped her sandwich, and he runs back to give it back.
Quinton: Here we are. No germs or bacteria on it, so it's good.
Brynn: Uh…. Thank you so much. But I…. Is your dragon really gentle?
Drake: He is. He wasn't before, but now he is. Thanks to Quinton training him and all.
[bell ringing]
Quinton: That's the bell. We gotta go.
The trio takes its leave to school. Brynn, on the other hand, is staring at her sandwich, recalling how polite Quinton was to her when he gave it to her, and she giggles with joy.
Act Four
Now that class is starting again, Miller is now teaching science.
Miller: Now, I hope you all had a fine lunch today, aside from the little talent show in the cafeteria. But just before the bell rang, we had a Diablo Sharktail running amok, before our Dragon King sent it away.
[students applauds]
Miller: Students, no time for praising. We all have to stay focused here. There will be time to praise people later, but right now, we're going to be doing biology for science.
During the Professor's lectures, Quinton is looking concerned about something, which Ethan notices again.
Ethan: [whispering] Hey. Was it Helios who dropped in?
Quinton: [whispering] Yeah, he did. I thought he would return home, but he didn't. And when I had to calm him down for being excited, Drake gets all the credit in the end.
Ethan: Well, it's not like he wanted from the beginning.
Quinton: I know, but I should at least do something that not even Drake can do.
Miller: Now class, what we're going to do for biology is studying dragons. I was given special permission from the military to do so, and I will be willing to allow anyone who has dragons to show everyone. However, it has to be a smaller breed, from the size of a human hand to a dog, that can be allowed. Everything else? They'll be too big to fit through the door.
When he hears that, Quinton widens his eyes when he gets an idea.
Meanwhile, Tyler and Gilbert are both at McKenzie's ranch, playing chess on the front porch.
Tyler: I feel like… it's like the war never started. It's so quiet today, with the team being gone and all.
Gilbert: Indeed. Just a quiet life in the countryside just like the old days. Only… there were talks about overpopulation, pollution and global warming. I'd say the Ultimate War did the Earth a huge favour, regardless. Trying to keep nature in balance. Not perfect, but still.
Tyler: You know, this would prove that I was right.
Gilbert: About what?
Tyler: That humanity has been damaging all of Earth's ecosystems. There would be a time that nature would strike back, and it did. I didn't think it would be dragons, but it might've happened.
Gilbert: Malarkey. You said that when you were in preschool, and nobody took you seriously.
Tyler: [chuckles] Yeah, you're right, they didn't. But if I see those jackasses again, they will say they're sorry right now.
Tyler moves a queen to a space, cornering the king.
Tyler: Checkmate.
Gilbert: Not quite.
Gilbert takes the last bishop with a rook, and corners the other king.
Gilbert: THAT'S checkmate.
At night, Quinton is riding on Helios's back flying in the air, making a stop at home, where he dismounts and enters inside.
Quinton: Mom! Dad! I'm home!
But nobody is inside. He walks into the kitchen, already painted, and he remembers that it was what he was supposed to do today. He finds a note on the stove: " Meatloaf and peas in the oven". But Quinton looks displeased because of his lateness, and he walks outside to take out the trash, but before he can get back in, he hears an argument coming from a house next door. Much to his surprise, Brynn walks out the door, but she is also surprised to see him, making her drop her books.
Brynn: Mr. Gunn?
Quinton: You live here?
Brynn: Well… yeah.
Quinton walks over and starts to help Brynn pick up the books. The two of them reach for the same book at the same time and Quinton's hand touches hers. They stay that way for a moment, then Quinton withdraws his hand, a bit embarrassed. But then, a woman comes screaming out the window.
Woman: You're nothing but a wasted whore! Just like your mother! [closes window]
Quinton: Was that your mother?
Brynn: No, my aunt.
Quinton: Listen, uh… about what happened today at school.
Brynn: I don't believe it was Drake. He doesn't tame a Sharktail, but… you do. It must've been a… very brave thing to do.
Quinton: Not really. I mean, yeah. Diablo Sharktails can be intimidating, but once you get them trained, they wouldn't be so bad.
Brynn: I'm not saying that. It's just… rarely anyone could get so close to a dragon, and now Professor Miller is allowing them into the school.
Quinton: Well, nothing to worry about. Because tomorrow afternoon, I would amaze everyone in class about how much to know about them.
Brynn: Would you? Well… I mean, can you?
Quinton: Don't worry about Helios. I'm just gonna keep him here at home so he won't do anything like last time.
Brynn: Okay! Well, I'd better be going. Bye!
Brynn backs into the door; giggles nervously, then with a final "Bye", gets back inside the house.
Act Five
The next day, the students are seated in Miller's classroom, decorated with portraits of various dragons. The door to the room, opens and Lockhart walks out.
Miller: Good afternoon, students. Today, we've managed to sort things out for biology class, as you can tell from all these pictures and photographs of dragons that have been known throughout the world. To know about dragons is one, but to hear from an expert is another. So let's all give a big hand, students, to one of the soldiers who volunteered to give us lectures for us all to hear. Mr. Quinton Gunn.
Excitedly, Quinton jumps out of his desk to walk over, and his team claps their hands, but most of the students are both disappointed and confused, as if none of them knew Quinton. He is a little downhearted, but he sucks it up before he walks over to the photographs.
Quinton: Um, thank you, Professor. And yes, I am Quinton Gunn, and I ride a Diablo Sharktail. Now, for those of you who haven't seen a dragon up close, that's where I come in. Me and my friend, Ethan Li, have read the Dragon Journal and we both know the species like the back of my hand. That photo there is a Droceratops, a four-headed dragon that mimicked itself as a tree, and its heads each had a triple-hinged jaw, which opened up to release a sweet scent, luring prey into its mouths. But like pigs, they loved rain, played in the mud, and sadly… they're extinct after the Americans killed the last one in Walt Disney World. Right next to it is a Scissorclaw, also extinct. Its arms were basically weapons with arms having a skin-like structure to chop through wood or cut through flesh like a cleaver. And my personal favourite is the next dragon, a Boulder-Back, which rolls up like a ball to become a boulder. But… before we begin, does anyone have questions?
A handful of hands are raised, and Quinton picks the first.
Quinton: You, in the beige.
Boy 1: Yeah. If you shot a ton of pot at the sun, would it burn up and get everybody high?
Quinton: Uh, that's… not even accurate. Does anyone have questions about this presentation?
Girl 1: Do you take Cialis?
Boy 2: Why were you crying in the bathroom before this presentation?
Girl 2: How come it looks like you're about to cry now?
Boy 1: Did dinosaurs have boobs?
Miller: Everyone, you're not very helpful. This young man is trying to teach us something and you're being idiots? Mr. Gunn, I do have a question. How can dragons breathe fire?
Quinton: Thanks, Professor. Anyway….
Quinton taps a covered-up kennel, causing it to shake.
Quinton: Since I work in the Ottawa Dragon Shelters, I took the liberty to bring these here. They're not too big or too small, so they're the right size. But I must tell you all not to be so loud or careless, because they should be treated well.
He pulls the cover off the kennel, revealing a dozen baby dragons.
Chubby boy: You actually brought babies?
Quinton: Orphaned, but rescued babies. They all had their food just now, so they wouldn't bite anyone or breathe fire. So to know how they breathe fire? Let's bring one out.
Very carefully, Quinton opens a little gate, reaches into the kennel, and he pulls out a baby Sharktail, holding it like a cat.
Vanessa: Aw, it's so cute the way he holds it.
Quinton: The Sharktail is part of the Pyro Class, which are all categorized for having fire-based abilities. To breathe fire, that's the same way as how we have to eat food to digest, enabling all the vitamins and proteins into our systems. In the bodies are secondary stomachs, only the fill up from whatever the dragons can eat, and it becomes a fuel source for fire. Fire-spitters, which is what we call the Pyro Class dragons, eat food, digesting their molecules into their systems, and they turn in a natural form of gasoline. Then, they release them up the throats to breathe fire. But here….
Quinton gently opens the mouth of the infant to reveal something in it.
Quinton: Every dragon has a patch behind their tongues. It's the same as the one that crocodilians have, so that way… the food wouldn't go down the wrong pipe.
Miller: I see. Very good. [to the students] Take notes of these things.
The students are taking notes; a baby Pecker tries to get out, but Quinton notices it before trying to stop it.
Quinton: No, no, no, you're not going out.
But the baby Sharktail jumps off of Quinton's arms, and he rushes over to get it back. Then, the babies fly out of their kennel, and they immediately start swarming around the classroom, wreaking havoc.
Ethan: Aiyah!
Miller: Mr. Gunn! Do something!
Quinton: I'm so sorry, Professor!
Quinton tries to get as many as he can, but he trips and falls down. Two Peckers grab Michael by his shirt, hoist him up into the air, and then hang him on the chandelier.
Michael: Hey, get me down!
Most of the students are now fleeing the classroom. One Waspo is pulling on Vanessa's hair, but she smacks it away with a book.
Vanessa: Sorry.
Short boy: [to chubby one] Hutch! [to tall one] Cover me, Oxy!
Grabbing a knife, the short boy rushes over to save his swarmed friend, Hutch, and a baby grabs his knife from him. The baby chews on it, but it spits it out to break the chain holding up a dragon skeleton, causing it to crash to the floor. Brynn runs away for her life. She tries and fails to prevent the Peckers from carrying off one of her books.
Vanessa: What do we do now?
Drake: Hey! Chocolate!
Drake raises up a chocolate bar. The babies immediately look at it, and they follow Drake back down on the ground, where he lures them back into the kennel, closing it behind them. The havoc is over, but everyone looks at Quinton who has a guilty face, and Michael falls down from the chandelier.
Miller: Gunn, this is going on your report.
Quinton: Well, no one got burned, right?
An almighty explosion flashes. Miller gasps, as everyone turns to the source of the explosion.
Miller: Whooaaa! Good gracious.
They see that the short boy is charred with a baby Sharktail, now on fire in anger in his hands.
Drake: I think I missed one, Professor.
Later in an office, Ironfist, looking mad, puts the emptied kennel down on the table, where Drake and Quinton are standing in front of.
Drake: Nothing? I guess with an empty cage, there's nothing for Javelin to cook for supper tonight.
Drake chuckles nervously, but Ironfist just glares at him in anger.
Ironfist: Explain, now!
Drake: Well, Professor Miller did ask for live dragons, and we-
Ironfist: That's not the case. Czarski just got back problems, a girl was seen screaming down the hallway like a banshee, and someone was almost scorched to a cinder. Since you both are in the Army, I have to be the principal in this scenario.
Quinton: Captain, it was my doing. I was the one who brought those infants to school, because… our dragons are too big to fit inside, so-
Ironfist: Listen to me, Gunn. The General gave Dalloway the responsibility of training dragons, but it also means that his entire team must be involved as well, regardless of what happens. That's the price you'd get for signing in. All eyes are upon you both, and the rest of the Alpha Team. Whatever they do reflects on you. But whatever you do reflects on me, because I was put in charge to train and secure your reckless behaviors.
Quinton: [guilty] Yes, ma'am.
Ironfist: Now, Miller just said that you've been suspended until Friday, so you're going to do some basic training. Push-ups, sit-ups and laps around Lansdowne until 1700 hours, starting now. Dismissed.
At sunset, Drake and Quinton are walking across Lansdowne to the main entrance, and they look like they're out of breath before they slump down on the floor.
Quinton: Geez, I'm beat. I know I had to lose some weight, but this is too much.
Drake: Welcome to my world. But Quinton… what's with you lately? You're not being your nosy, positive self.
Quinton: I wish I had those words to share it, but I'm… too exhausted. But hey, what kind of questions were they back in class? It's like they weren't even paying attention to anyone around them.
Drake: Well, it's time to head back. Need a ride?
Quinton: Nah, I got Helios here with me. You go on ahead, I'll meet you at school.
Drake takes his leave, and Quinton stays put to catch his breath. Just then, the three boys from school walk over to his side.
Hutch: Hey, you.
Quinton: Sorry, folks, we're closed for the night. [realizing] No wait, you were in my class! Uh, I didn't do any-
Short boy: Hold on a second. We're not here to sue you. So let's just go with the introductions. I'm Forsythe, this is Hutch, and that guy's Oxy.
Oxy: Well, my real name is Alexander. But they call me Oxy, because I have asthma.
Forsythe: Say, you look exhausted. How's about we get you a drink?
Quinton: A drink?
Later, Quinton sits at a table with the trio, and he drinks a whole bottle of water like he was suffering dehydration.
Quinton: That's more like it.
Hutch: Good, huh? Look, we have a favour to ask. Could you please… share with us some of your studies?
Forsythe: Yeah, we could need some help from you.
Quinton: Why ask me? You could ask Drake instead of me. He's the hero in everyone's picture.
Oxy: Yeah, but he didn't share us the details, did he? When I was watching you telling us about those dragons, I was mind-blown. I had no idea that there was one that could look like a tree.
Forsythe: Me neither, but that's why we're here. You see, we were never going to school very often, and Professor Miller gave us a qualifying test. If we don't complete them until Friday afternoon, we'll all be labeled as delinquents, never making something of ourselves.
Oxy: We're all basically the types that… can't grow up. But we can't get anything done without your help.
Quinton: [stunned] You…? You really want my help?
Hutch: Yeah, man. I'd wanna do it, because I always liked Sharktails. It gives off a devilish look.
Quinton: Well, that's why it was given the name. Because "Diablo" also means "devil" in Latin. Anyway, I might have the chance to tutor you guys, but… I'm the only one suspended until Friday.
Hutch: Hah! No worries. I have the school's number on my phone. We can call in sick. [chuckles] I did that once, and I snuck my way into the movies. Oh, those were good times.
Quinton: So that's settled. I'll book you three an appointment here in the Shelters, and tutor you in the conference room.
Forsythe: That's settled. We'll leave home, call in sick and meet you here. I gotta say, we really appreciate it, Quinton. Seeya then. Let's go, guys.
The trio take their leave down the sidewalk, and Quinton is looking very pleased, even more pleased that he once was.
Act Six
Afterwards, Quinton is back home and he walks into the house, where his father is looking at him, displeased about his son.
Quinton: Sorry I'm late. I had to take a breather from-
Mr. Gunn: Quinton? Sit down here.
Mr. Gunn gestures to a sofa in front of him, beckoning Quinton to sit there, and he does, so they can have a chat.
Mr. Gunn: Your teacher just called. You made quite a mess in class today.
Quinton: I know I did, and I… felt bad about it.
Mr. Gunn: Now listen, it's time that we have to make this talk. Because we haven't talked for a while, your mother and I don't even know who you are anymore. You rushed out for school with negativity, you ditched our plan to paint the kitchen yesterday, you even brought wild infant animals into a school, without checking if they're cleaned or not.
Quinton: I already checked them for ticks or parasites on them, and they were-
Mr. Gunn: Quinton! [beat; sighs calmly] Son, just… tell me… what is wrong with you.
Quinton feels like he cannot hide his feelings from his father anymore, so he lets out a sigh in defeat before he explains.
Quinton: Everyone always looks up to Drake, dad. Whenever there's a dragon problem, or when there's some info to share about them… they always count on him instead of the real experts or anyone who's read the Journal.
Mr. Gunn: Is that why?
Quinton: It's not that I'm jealous of him, but he can't be the only one the public can look up to. I was there when the war ended. I hunted a handful of Furious Phantoms on Enemy Ground. But it seems… that wouldn't work out compared to what Drake's done.
Mr. Gunn: Son, they wouldn't forget you. They know you were there, because it's true. I'd know you were there because you held my old bow.
Quinton: I did have it, until Captain Tymbark broke it apart.
Mr. Gunn shakes his head and sits down beside Quinton.
Mr. Gunn: It's just a bow. It may have been passed down from parent to child, but it's replaceable. You're not. You're my flesh and blood, but not just to me, your mother as well. We both wanted to have a family of a few more, and we only had you, but because you're our only child, it can make you so lonely. But Drake's an only child too, so you should treat each other… like you're brothers.
Quinton: Well…. I guess it would work out, giver take.
Mr. Gunn: Not only that, but you also ride a Sharktail, the largest dragon to be ridden on to date. However, they're supposed to be more fierce than a fully grown black bear, which means taming one is true courage. Did you know that your great-great-great-great-uncle, Bear Paw, was so large he could ride an actual bear?
Mr. Gunn points to a portrait of an Indian hanging on the wall.
Quinton: Yes.
Mr. Gunn: Well he could. In the American Frontier, he charged with an army of Comanches against Custer's squad. He swung his club so hard it knocked a soldier's head clean off, and it sailed a hundred yards through the air and went down a rabbit hole. Thus, the battle was won, and after the war… he fled to Canada where he played golf until the end of his days.
Quinton: But, um…. Can I be better than Drake if I try harder?
Mr. Gunn: Don't be better, son. Just be yourself.
After hearing all those words, Quinton grows a smile on his face, knowing that he can believe in himself.
In the meantime, Drake is at home with Tyler, eating supper.
Tyler: Suspended, huh? Well, I'm surprised because that's a first for you. But how was it so far?
Drake: So far, it was okay. It was fine until Ralph showed up.
Tyler: Wait, Ralph is in your class?
Drake: Not really, he might be in someone else's. But still, I really thought he died during the war, so I wouldn't run into that asshole again.
Tyler: Come on, Drake, we both know you've been at each other's throats since you went to grade 2.
Drake: Actually, we've been that way ever since he heard about mom leaving me and dad. His parents were divorced, but he got to see them both, and all he could do was make fun of me for being the odd one.
Tyler: This family may not be perfect, but it's the love that counts. I can't be like your father, but I love you and I count on you like he did. He couldn't make it this time, but he would've wanted to end his life, if it would mean to save your own, because that's what a parent does.
[five second silence]
Drake: You're right, Tyler. He would've. He would've liked to see that I have a dragon for a brother.
Drake looks back to see Shadow behind the kitchen, eating a bone like a dog.
Tyler: Maybe so, but my parents would think you lost your mind. [laughs] But… hey, we survived. That's the important thing: survival, and we're survivors.
Drake: Yeah, I guess so. Who cares what Ralph says? He doesn't understand this family better than we do or my friends.
Tyler: Don't leave Gilbert out of this. He's like a family too, you know. So, what are you going to do tomorrow?
Drake: I'll just be at work. I need to train Ariel better, so that I can show my intern how to do it herself. But I couldn't get a hold of Quinton yet. He might be at work too, but I'm not sure yet.
Tyler: It won't just have to be you two. The Regges are not at school, so you should educate them how to train dragons while you can.
Drake: You know… I could. Because Bazooka says he likes to have one someday.
Meanwhile, Ralph is hanging out in his backyard with his four jock friends, drinking beer cans.
Ralph: What's with him today? The dork was supposed to be so depressed. He lost his old man, his mother abandoned him, and that should make him an orphan, so why isn't he?
Jock 1: Technically, if one parent just ran away, that wouldn't make the kid orphaned. Because the authorities would take him to the parent still alive.
Jock 2: But look at this, Ralph. The newspaper says "Drake Dalloway stood up to Adam Hunter during the Blackhawks' invasion, and sources say he commanded the dragons to scare them off."
Ralph: It doesn't mean he can manage from the start. The way the world works is, dorks and social rejects stay away from society, or else everything would fall into chaos.
Jock 3: Is that why you picked on Dalloway?
Ralph: No way. Because he was easy prey. But now, he's changed. He's more confident, he's got friends… and a date. I, on the other hand, can't do anything because I've got the qualifying tests to complete, and I don't know a single one of those answers. What's next, he marries a princess and becomes a real king?
Jock 3: Who, him? Never! Ralphie, you gotta pull yourself together. He may be a soldier, but he can't injure a civilian. As long as he follows the rules, there's nothing he can do to us. We just have to behave so innocently, and when the moment is right, then you can bother him.
Ralph: [beat] Yeah, you're right. Hmmm. [pauses] Actually, after what I said before about tests, this could be an opportunity.
Jock 1: An opportunity for what?
Ralph: Just hear me out, boys. Sure, that dork is a weirdo, and his intelligence is only average, but with his terrible social skills, that means he'll do things on his own, including doing his homework. So that means… he can be oblivious to his surroundings, and THAT gives me an idea.
Ralph grabs the other jocks by the arms and holds them close to whisper his plan in mind.
Ralph: If I….[whispers]
Jock 2: Yeah?
Ralph: Then we…. [whispers]
Jock 1: Dude, would he?
Ralph: [whispering] …GUESS!
Jock 1: Now I get it!
Ralph: Good. Because next week, nobody will even know why Drake Dalloway is so important or famous for.
Act Seven
The next day, Quinton walks out of his house, and Mrs. Gunn comes over with his lunch.
Mrs. Gunn: There you go, Quinton. I'm sure you had a good talk with your father last night.
Quinton: I did. I really needed it.
Mrs. Gunn: Now, I know that it was an accident yesterday, but I managed to tell Professor Miller that you always mean well. He did say he was impressed with your expertise, so he'd want you for another lecture about dragons.
Quinton: I'll tell him that I'm thankful for it. Anyway, I'm off now.
But before he can go, Quinton sees Brynn running out the door while her father yells at her.
Brynn's father: I don't care what you'd say! Your trash, and you'll always be trash to this family!
Brynn: [hurt] I gotta go.
Brynn's father: Ah, who's stopping you? [closes door]
Mrs. Gunn: That poor Brynn. Makes me sad every time when I see something like this.
Quinton: Well, not everyone's happy with their folks.
Mrs. Gunn: It's not that. She was screaming as she was running for her life. The fact is, she's afraid of dragons.
Quinton: [shocked] Afraid of dragons?
Mrs. Gunn: Yes. The Professor told me about her past. He couldn't tell me all the details, but you should know that it's no good.
Quinton feels bad for Brynn, wondering if there is something he can do for her, but when he looks at the timing on his watch, he rushes over to mount Helios and flies off to work.
At the Shelters, Drake flips the sign on the door to open, getting the place back in business. He walks over to Quinton at the register.
Drake: Okay. Now that we're open, we should be able to have at least… a few customers.
Quinton: I hope so too. Because we missed a call where there's an order for a Waspo, but all the ones we have are booked, so we might have to get some new ones in town.
Drake: Heh, now you sound like we're the Ghostbusters. Anyway, I'm off to the field. If anything happens, call me right away.
Quinton: [salutes] Yes, sir!
Drake salutes back before he takes his leave. But with him gone, Quinton walks over to the door, waiting for the trio to come over, and they have, starting with Oxy who is covered in leaves. He runs across Exhibition Way to Quinton but as he did, the leaves fall off him except one when he reaches him. He shrugs with a sheepish chuckle. Hutch and Forsythe run across the road to Quinton when Hutch's pants fall off when he climbs up the stairs.
Hutch: Uh, all right, nobody look until I get my pants back on.
Quinton: It looks like you're here, but have you forgotten anything?
Forsythe: I almost lost my lunch, but I snuck back inside to get it, so I'm good.
Oxy breathes into his inhaler before he says something as well.
Oxy: I'm good too. We're ready.
On the field, Drake is standing in front of the Regges who are listening to his lectures. Shadow and Ariel are both lying behind him, waiting or bored.
Drake: Now that we're together, let's begin. If we are to train dragons, it is important to let them know who's boss. Does anyone have an example?
Stryker: I do. My old man used to work for a pound to train stray dogs. He always told me that dogs travel in packs, but one dog is always dominant. The alpha; the pack leader.
Javelin: My grandpa told me the same thing too, and he used to watch The Dog Whisperer when he got his first dog.
Drake: That's a good example. But aside from dogs, the dragons can be proven to be a little like primates, either chimpanzees or gorillas. While they are to follow the alpha, they should be treated fairly. Otherwise, that's when the biting, clawing and fire-breathing takes place.
Dozer: Treating fairly? Like they're humans? Well, let's see how ape they are.
Dozer walks over to Shadow, clearing his throat.
Dozer: Can you play dead?
But instead of listening, Shadow rises up and wildly plays with Dozer's mustache.
Dozer: PLAY DEAD-A!
[Shadow mimics]
Bazooka: [laughs] That's funny, do it again!
Stryker: Shouting won't help, Dozer. He's just an animal. He won't understand English.
Crossword: He understands what Drake's saying, doesn't he?
Drake: Well… yeah. But how does he understand me? I don't know. It might be because we share the same heart.
Javelin: Nothing to worry about. If he needs to understand us, we show him how to do it. Here, watch.
Javelin draws a crude human on a chalkboard and points to it with the chalk, gesturing the dragons to it.
Javelin: Human.
Then, one by one, he draws more pictures on the chalkboard.
Javelin: Dragon. Food. Home. City.
Ariel stares at the pictures and starts patting her tail on the ground.
Crossword: Hey, it actually worked.
Javelin: Ya see? I have an uncle who taught a parrot to sing "God save the Queen", and he showed me some of his skills, so I can teach this lizard a thing or two.
However, Ariel is eating the chalkboard, meaning she didn't understand anything.
Dozer: No, that's not what we were talking about!
[Shadow mimicking]
Dozer is about to pound Shadow, until Bazooka stops him from doing it.
Bazooka: Take it easy, Dozer. This is not how you train them.
Dozer: I was going to discipline them, that's all.
Drake: Dozer, if Shadow gets hit, I get hit as well. [sighs; to himself] I'm starting to miss school.
Act Eight
In the conference room, Quinton is giving his lectures to the trio, who are all looking so baffled and frustrated.
Quinton: And that's how it goes. Twenty-six with a remainder of one.
Hutch: AUGH! I CAN'T GET IT AT ALL!
Forsythe: Jesus, I never thought you'd be that smart, dude. Most of the time, people who are overweight could just be dull-brained. [to Hutch] No offense.
Quinton: Yeah? Well, it's kind of in my blood. My dad happens to be from a family of Native Americans, and he once told me they're very knowledgeable.
Forsythe: I've heard the same thing, but differently. Back then, they would focus on symbols and omens. Heh! So maybe the red-skinned guys should've known the difference between knowledge and wisdom. Hehehehe!
Oxy: Well, if they were introduced to math, they would know right away, would they?
Oxy checks on the schedule for the qualifying tests, seeing biology next.
Oxy: Next stop is biology. Maybe this could be right up our alley. It also says that dragon knowledge is still available here. Give it away, Quinton.
Quinton: Oh, good. Because I'm already having my fill of math. I've only got six unfinished, but I'm sure I would pass.
Oxy: Well, it says here that we need to know how a Sharktail catches fire all over its body.
Quinton: It doesn't.
Quinton pulls down a chart that shows the anatomy of a Sharktail, and he begins his presentation.
Quinton: The way it works is-
[door knocks]
By the sound of that door being knocked, the trio duck down under the table to hide, and Quinton walks over to open the door, revealing to be Gilbert.
Gilbert: The bloody hell's going on in there?
Quinton: What do you mean, Sergeant?
Gilbert: Well, I heard voices in there.
Quinton: Oh, that was me. I'm only talking to myself.
Gilbert: Well… I just wanted to be sure. If you're studying there, put up a closed sign on the door next time.
Quinton: Yes, sir. Right on it.
Gilbert takes his leave, Quinton closes the door and the trio come out of hiding.
Forsythe: Phew! That was a close one.
Quinton: Anyway, as I was about to say, the Diablo Sharktail doesn't catch fire like that. It actually… unleashes fire. It's the same as when they eat food to fuel up their fiery stomach. But for some of them, like Sharktail, the chemicals that trigger the inferno works its way through the bloodstream and go to the right spots of the body. Only when it's angry, the dragon's body opens those tiny spots and that's when the fire comes out.
Hutch: Now I get it. Not all dragons have the same number of firepower, because some of the fire goes into the blood, like it delivers energy.
Forsythe: That I can live with. We should write that down.
In the afternoon, the Regges are gone because Drake is done with his lectures, and he sits down on the bleachers, exhausted again. Shadow walks over to his side, notching his snout on his head.
Drake: I'm okay, bro. It's just one of those things. But after a hard day's work, it's time to just kick back and relax for a bit.
Then, Vanessa closes his eyes after she sneaks up on him from behind.
Vanessa: [sing-song] Guess who?
Drake: Huh? Vanessa. How'd you snuck up on Shadow?
Vanessa: I think I can figure out how to hide from his senses. So, how was your class?
Drake: Really not what I was expecting. Just when I was telling them how to treat the dragons, Dozer and Javelin thought about talking to the dragons or using flashcards on chalk, but I think Ariel was eating the chalk.
Vanessa: [giggles] That's gross, and she's a lady.
Drake: Yeah, but… she doesn't know how the world of men works, so we did everything we can to assist with that. And now that you're here, we could go for a bite to eat.
Vanessa: But can that wait a bit? I only have a few problems with math, and I need… some assistance.
At the front entrance to the stadium, Quinton walks out with the trio.
Oxy: Finally, we're done.
Hutch is stretching his arms, but Quinton finds a tattoo of Gimli from The Lord of the Rings film series on his arm.
Quinton: Is that Gimli?
Hutch: This little dwarf. He's my favourite. Maybe I haven't told you, but we're all huge fans of Tolkien's work and Peter Jackson's movies. And on my other arm, there's Smaug. He looks exactly like what he originally looked like, before they gave him a wyvern look.
Quinton: That's cool. My mother saw those movies when they came out in theatres.
Forsythe: But you know what bugs us? It's all those fanatics of Game of Thrones. Have you seen that show?
Quinton: I have, but I didn't like it.
Forsythe: Neither to us, because it shows very little magic, it mostly talks about political problems, and the ratings are just high to R with a large capital. And worse, they called George R.R. Martin the American Tolkien, which I disagree with.
Oxy: Yeah, Tolkien was a university professor; a historian. And Martin was only obsessed with boobies. But hey, we should get going. Mom would be worried if I keep her waiting.
Forsythe: Mine too. Thanks again, Quinton. Seeya at school tomorrow.
Quinton: Same here, and good luck, you guys.
The trio take their leave, and Quinton is about to head back inside, until he hears footsteps heading to him. He whipped around to see Brynn walking over to him.
Brynn: Excuse me.
Quinton: Brynn?
Brynn: Sorry if I scared you. Uh… you forgot your agenda. Well, you did leave in a hurry with Drake, and when you suddenly took off, that's where I saw it laying on your desk. I thought I should return it to you as my way of saying-
But then, Brynn feels a hard breathing behind her, and she is getting a bad feeling as she quivers in fear. She looked back to see Helios there, and she ran to hide behind Quinton, scared.
Quinton: I guess my mom was right. You are scared of dragons.
Brynn: Mmm-hmmm. When I was a kid, I got lost on my way home, and when I was cornered, a dragon showed up to eat me, until some soldiers managed to fend it off. That was the time I encountered one, but I…. I'm still scared!
Quinton: Hey, it's okay. Helios won't hurt you. He just wants to check up on you, that's all.
Brynn: To eat me?
Quinton: No, he doesn't eat humans anymore. He probably sees some good inside of you. All animals could tell.
Quinton moves out of the way, and gently pushes Brynn towards Helios, but she closes her eyes to look away. Helios sniffs at her face, checking on her, and he licks her cheek.
Quinton: He likes you. Reach out to him.
Brynn: Reach out to him?
Brynn was hesitant at first, but she is feeling safe with Quinton at her side, so she reaches out her left arm, and Helios lets her pet on his snout. Then, she feels like she's not afraid of him anymore, so Brynn rubs on Helios's head, which he enjoys very much.
Brynn: [giggles]
But when she looks back at Quinton, Brynn realizes something and looks away, blushing.
Brynn: Um…. Thank you for showing me. But, um… is this like having a pet?
Quinton: In a way. Petting him would be like…. Like a big cow. He eats a lot, but he knows when to stop. But he knows how to play fetch.
Brynn: Does he? Cause I always like playing fetch with dogs.
Brynn walks over and takes a stick in order to play fetch, but Helios looks like he doesn't get it. But when Quinton takes out a crowbar, that's when the dragon understands, patting like a dog.
Quinton: Fetch!
Quinton throws the bar in the air, and Helios flies up to catch it with his jaws before flying back to him.
Quinton: Just like that. The crowbar is metal and it's thick enough for a Sharktail to grab without breaking. Now you can try.
Brynn: Okay.
Given the crowbar, Brynn waves it in front of Helios, who gets excited again, and she throws it, but the dragon doesn't go this time. Brynn sees the crowbar falling back to her, and she moves out of the way with a scream, until she falls into Quinton's arms.
Quinton: Whoa! That was close. Well… you just need to work on your throwing.
Brynn: [dense] Yes, uh…. I should go. See you at school. [walks off]
Quinton: I actually helped a girl overcome her fears. Just wait until I tell Ethan about this.
Meanwhile, Drake is helping Vanessa with her studies in the lobby. But without anyone looking, Ralph is spying on them through the glass door, smirking to know that his plan will work. Then Stanley arrives at the lobby.
Stanley: Look at you two. It's almost like you're just ordinary students sharing each other's studies.
Vanessa: We're already done, so we'll be ready to go.
Stanley: Say Dalloway, I need to talk to you quickly.
Drake: Yes, sir.
Drake takes his leave with the General; Vanessa takes her leave as well to the washroom. Then Ralph sneaks his way inside, looks through the tests to find Drake's, and swaps them with his own before bailing outside. In the hallway, that's where Stanley is talking to Drake about something.
Stanley: Listen, son, whatever happened yesterday was not really your fault.
Drake: I understand, General. I called Ethan last night, and he says Quinton feels like he's not getting enough recognition.
Stanley: Recognition? Not enough recognition? Ha! He may not be like you, but he is still one of the troopers who help make the Alpha Team become a creed of super soldiers, and a part of the dragon training program. You may be in charge of it, but you count on him, don't you?
Drake: I do. Because he's read the Dragon Journal more than I did.
Stanley: Then he has recognition. Listen, son, you know what's important about the Canadian Forces? Soldiers trust each other. That's what makes it an army, not just a bunch of guys running around with loaded guns. I didn't say that before because I've forgotten that… until you came along with your Dark Saber.
Drake: [beat; realizing] Yeah, I guess you're right. Maybe I should tell him tomorrow at school, sir. And thank you for the info.
Stanley: Ah, it's the least I can do. Besides, my little girl couldn't last a month in school without stirring up trouble.
But Stanley is hit on the head by a football, which was thrown by Vanessa, who looks embarrassed after overhearing him, with Shadow at her side.
Vanessa: Dad, be quiet!
[Shadow snickers]
Stanley: Laughed at by a dragon. [groans] It's tough being the boss.
Drake: Tell me about it. But we should get going, sir.
Stanley: Carry on, Corporal.
Drake salutes to Stanley before he takes his leave, and he grabs his stuff before heading out, never knowing that he doesn't really have his own papers.
Act Nine
The next day, Drake and Quinton are sitting, waiting their turn to speak with the Chancellor, but the Stilwells are also sitting with them. A secretary is typing and humming the funeral march.
Quinton: [nervously] Okay, uh…. Maybe they should've done this before Professor Miller says that we either passed or failed the qualifiers.
Drake: I know what you mean. [to the Stilwells] What are you two in for?
Dusty: French was freaking killing me. When I threw a fit, I brought the profanity up, right in front of the Professor.
Rocky: Huh? Oh, yeah, I saw it. And I laughed so hard, I threw my lunch at her face, which was also funny. But then… I was sent here too.
A random student comes out of the Chancellor's office with a vacant look on his face.
Student: Oh, man. My dad is going to smash me like a bug!
Rocky: Hey, man, that's why it's called detention! [laughs]
Chancellor: [to Drake & Quinton] You boys? The lessons have been learned, and whatever happened on Wednesday won't repeat itself, got it?
Both: Got it, sir.
Chancellor: Very good. You can leave now. Stilwells? You're next.
Rocky: [nervously] Okay, we're coming!
Dusty: Hey, Drake, tell Vanessa she's awesome for me.
Outside the office, Ralph stands at the other end to watch Drake and Quinton leave, but he has an evil grin on his face.
Ralph: Smile while you can, dork. Because you're gonna go back to the slumps where you belong.
Now in class, Quinton is having a chat with Ethan, but they are accompanied by the trio.
Oxy: And from all that, we filled in all the blanks for biology.
Ethan: Aiyah. You taught a trio who became friends of yours. I'm really proud of you, Quinton. But did you turn in the papers?
Hutch: We did. So all we have to do is wait for the results, and when we pass, we can throw in a pizza party. Whaddya say?
Quinton: I'd like that, Hutch.
Forsythe: Hold on a second here. We're only half a day through to the weekend, and we haven't heard the results yet.
Hutch: No, Forsythe, but I'd like to be prepared.
The door opens and Miller enters the classroom, grabbing all the students' attention before they all take their seats.
Miller: Alright, students. It looks like we're all here, so let me just tell you the update. You've all handed out your qualifying tests, but we're still sorting out all the errors and stuff, so it will take some time.
Most of the students let out a life of relief, but some of them are still concerned over what the results may be.
Miller: Now I said it before, this would be when we are learning about biology and other forms of natural science. But instead, we're gonna take it outside the classroom and do the studies outside. Thanks to Miss Vanessa Falcon, she can show us one of the dragons.
Hutch: [excitedly] Alright! Field trip!
The class walks out of the building and they walk across Alumni Park, where they can see Ariel sitting down with a chain around her neck, tied to a tree like a dog on a leash. Vanessa walks over to share the class with her presentation.
Vanessa: This is my dragon, Ariel. She's a Furious Phantom, but despite being given that name, she's turning out to be a calm dragon. It is true that she can spit acid, and it melts through anything… except for….
Vanessa points her finger down at Ariel's foot, and when the dragon drools some acid from her mouth, it burns the grass, except for her paw. Drake gestures at Quinton to speak, and when he realizes it, he rushes over to speak.
Quinton: Yeah, that is cool. The acid of a Phantom cannot burn through its own body, or else would just burn and melt right through the body to kill it. So their scales, the muscle tissue, the circulatory system and bones evolved to withstand their acid breath, even fire.
Oxy: [awed] Just like the Xenomorphs in the Alien franchise.
Vanessa: If anyone likes to pet her, they can. But they must do it very gently.
Brynn: [stepping ahead] I'll go.
Much to the class's shock, Brynn approaches Ariel slowly, and she raises up her hand. Ariel sniffs at it, licks it, and allows her to pet on her, which she did before the class applauds.
Miller: Well done, Brynn! Very well done! And you too, Mr. Gunn. I believe that you've once again filled our heads with knowledge. Class, take note of this as well. When dealing with animals, you gotta know how they'll react.
Soon enough, it is ten to three. Miller's class is once again in their seats, but they all have worried looks on their faces as the Professor himself is passing along the test results for the qualifiers.
Miller: Thank you all for waiting for this. As you'd know, the results will either keep you here or kick you out of the Billy Madison Centre. Whatever happens, keep it to yourselves and be negative for five seconds. Because that's the new law we're making here.
Miller begins walking along the class, handing out the tests. One student stared at his paper, and moaned before he bangs his head on the desk. Another is given his own, but after what he has gained, he balls like a baby. Next, Miller hands out the papers for the trio.
Miller: Well, it looks like three… have passed. Your results on math were poor, but your biology was so accurate, that gives you each a solid B. Congratulations, boys.
Trio: YES!
Miller hands out the papers to Ethan and Quinton; Ethan has a B, while Quinton has an A.
Ethan: Not bad at all. Praise the Lord that we made it this far. I was a little worried about it.
Quinton: Yeah, me too. I guess this means we'll have pizza together.
Finally, Miller walks over to Drake and Vanessa with their papers.
Miller: Miss Falcon, congrats on passing with a C. It may not be what you hoped for, but it's a passing grade. However, Mr. Dalloway… I'm afraid to say that you've… failed with an F. So sorry.
Drake is given the paper, and he looks at it in shock, before he looks extremely depressed about it. His friends rush over to see the result being F, and they are downhearted too.
Michael: Wow, man, that's…. That's a bummer.
Vanessa: Drake, I'm so sorry.
Drake: No, the fault was mine. I should've skipped school a long time ago.
However, Quinton looks at the paper, seeing something odd about it.
Quinton: Wait a minute…. Professor, there's been a mistake.
Miller: What do you mean, a mistake?
Quinton: This isn't Drake's handwriting.
Puzzled at first, Miller walks over to check on the paper, and when he picks up some of Drake's other papers, he sees a flaw in them.
Miller: Good gracious, you're right. But now that I see it, I do recognize this handwriting, and I know just where he is.
In another classroom, Ralph is given the test results of the qualifiers, which is shown to have a B, much to his joy. But Miller enters the room, whispering something into the teacher's ear.
Teacher: Oh, dear. I should've known. [to Ralph] Young man, Professor Miller here says you switched papers with one of his own students.
Ralph: Uh… I don't know what you mean.
Teacher: Well, you'll know this. You're expelled.
Ralph is shocked to hear that, and the entire class boos at him for being a cheater.
Act Ten
After school, Drake is walking across the sidewalk with Quinton following him.
Drake: Quinton, thanks a lot for that. I thought I was a goner.
Quinton: Well, I had to. Not just because we're friends, but because I know how smart you are. There's no way you would get an F like that.
Drake: Heh! Oh man, I don't know what to say. I might say… you're my best friend.
Quinton: [pleased] You think so?
But then, Ralph shows up and tries to pound on Drake's head, until Quinton ducks him down to avoid getting the blow. The students in the hall notice it, and they expect there is going to be a fight.
Ralph: Think you're pretty funny, don't you freak?
Drake: Hey, you're the one who switched papers in the first place.
Ralph: Then I should've pound you to the ground on Tuesday.
But Quinton steps in front of Drake to defend him.
Quinton: Back off.
Ralph: What are you, his little brother?
Quinton: No. I'm his best friend, and no picks on the Dragon King.
Ralph: He's no king to me.
The students chant "fight" as Ralph balls up his fists, but when he throws the punches, Quinton dodges them all, and gets some on his big belly, which barely gets effect on him. Then, he kicks Quinton on the groin, and that's enough to make him fall down.
Rocky: Dirty fighter, dirty fighter!
Drake: Quinton!
As Drake is about to aid his fallen friend, two of Ralph's jocks grab him by the shirt to pull him back, preparing him for Ralph to punch him. But Drake forces himself out, taking off his shirt, and he goes bare-chested, then it's revealed that he's gained strong muscles and abs from his training with Ironfist. Everyone is shocked to see it, even Jasmine and Belle among the crowd are amazed.
Jasmine: Damn, he looks ripped!
Jock 3: [to Ralph; scared] He's all yours, man.
So Ralph charges in and punches on Drake's torso, but they barely injure him, then Drake grabs his arm, holding it back as he glares at him.
Drake: No one messes with my friend.
And then… POW! Drake punches Ralph to the face, sending him flying backwards across the yard into a trash can. The students all cheer for his success, and Drake is surprised that he did that, but he aids Quinton to help him stand up. However, Ralph is even more angry as he stood up, so he took out a jackknife and charges again to stab him, until Shadow showed up to defend him.
[Shadow roars]
Shadow growls at Ralph, who is shocked and horrified to see the Dark Saber in front of him. But then, Miller comes to witness the fight.
Miller: Good gracious. What on Earth's going on here?
Student: Ralph was going to stab Drake, sir.
Ralph: That's a lie! He was siccing his dragon on me, and-
Miller: No more lies. You couldn't accept being a sore loser, can you? Well, I should call your parents about this. [walks off]
Ralph: What- No! They'll kill me! [to Drake] You son of a runaway bitch! One of these days, I'm gonna-
Vanessa: Don't say this was against regulation, because you attacked him and he fought back, so now you're the one in trouble! You got that? Beat it!
Vanessa walks over to check on Drake, but she whips back to face Ralph.
Vanessa: And another thing: if you ever hunt Drake down, I will call my father in an instant! Do not test me on this!
[Shadow hisses]
Now scared, Ralph makes a run for it with his friends following him, and everyone else roars in cheer. Quinton is in pain because of his groin injured, but Brynn walks over to his side.
Brynn: Are you okay?
Quinton: I…. I think so.
Brynn: [sighs in relief] You were downright brave back then. I didn't think it would come to that.
Quinton: You didn't? Well… I've been through worse. [chuckles]
Later, a pizza party is held at the Shelters with the Alpha Team in the conference room, accompanied by Brynn and the trio. They played a rock music from the Stilwells' iPhone speakers, and most of them dance with the rhythm.
Rocky: Yeah, man! That's what I'm talking about!
Hutch: A pizza party and rock-n-roll dance at the same time. This is the best school year of my life.
Forsythe: Best school year of your life so far.
Michael: Hey Quinton, I should teach you how to block and throw punches, the next time you go into a fight. You could learn from the best. Say, where's Drake?
Ethan: He's on the field. Inventory for the cages.
On the field, Drake sits on a chair with Shadow beside him, while Vanessa checks on his bruised chest.
Vanessa: Goddamn, so many bruises. But did it all hurt?
Drake: A little bit. But… I'm glad that you got there on time, Shadow.
[Shadow chirps]
Vanessa: Well… you should take more care for yourself, Drake. No telling what might happen next.
The two of them chuckle a bit, and they look up at the dusky sky, enjoying their time together.
Narrator: The only reason I never liked school was because when you're the odd one, you get picked on easily. That was the one upside for the war. But after I went back to school, its fair enough to realize that when you have friends or people who can count on you, there's no problem at all. That's what Quinton wanted to know, and what I needed to know as well.
The End