Chapter 9
Lao Shi and Fu Dog ascended the grand golden staircase leading to the Dragon Council's chamber. A knot tightened in Lao Shi's stomach with each step, a mix of anticipation and trepidation swirling within him. Today was the day of reckoning, the culmination of three and a half months of agonizing deliberation. It was the longest the Council had ever taken to reach a verdict, a testament to the unprecedented nature of his request. And with good reason. Never before had any dragon dared to suggest being their own relative's master, a notion that was normally dismissed outright. Only Lao Shi, with his storied history, his survival of the Dark Dragon's wrath, had earned even a sliver of consideration.
A wry smirk touched Lao Shi's lips. It was almost poetic, the timing of their decision coinciding with the imminent arrival of his grandson. By the time Jake drew his first breath, his destiny would be sealed, his path forged.
Lao Shi reached the top of the steps, his legs aching, his breath catching in his throat. He paused, his heart pounding in his chest, and glanced back at Fu Dog.
Seconds later, Fu Dog came tailing behind him, reaching the top with a dramatic flourish. He collapsed onto the ground near Lao Shi, his tongue lolling out, his chest heaving with exertion. A gasp escaped his lips, sounding like an elk mating call.
"Geez, couldn't the Dragon Council have built their chamber a little lower to the ground?!" Fu Dog grumbled, his voice strained. "Walkin' up those stairs drains the life outta me!"
Lao Shi only gave his canine companion a flat stare, his expression a mixture of amusement and exasperation. "Perhaps if you spent more time exercising and less time on video games, you would be more in shape," he quipped, a smile playing at the corner of his lips.
Fu Dog shot the older man a dirty look, his tail twitching in annoyance. "Ha ha ha, very funny, Lao," the magical dog shot back. "Sue a guy for wantin' things to be a little more convenient."
"Now is not the time for glib jokes," said Lao Shi, turning his gaze back to the gaping entrance of the chamber, a colossal golden temple carved into the mountainside. "It is time to finally hear what will be decided on."
Fu Dog, having finally caught his breath, stood back up to his hind legs. "Ya' nervous 'bout their verdict?" he asked, his voice softer now, his eyes filled with a genuine concern.
Lao Shi didn't answer, his gaze remained fixed in the direction of the chamber's entrance. He took a deep breath, trying to calm the butterflies fluttering in his stomach. "I do not know if the Council will rule in favor of my request, but I am prepared to accept what their answer may be."
Fu Dog nodded his head in understanding, his own anxiety mirroring Lao Shi's. "The Council don't play no games when it comes to their decisions, that's for sure," he said. "I mean, just imagine what it's gonna be like when they get to decidin' if your grandkid will even be the first American Dragon."
Lao Shi's brow furrowed slightly. That was going to be another huge decision in which he was going to have to play a huge part in the discussion of. However, he preferred not to dwell on that for the time being.
"We will have to wait for when it is time to cross that bridge," said Lao Shi, his voice firm. He cleared his throat, his posture straightening with renewed determination. "Come now, Fu Dog, the Council awaits us."
Arching his shoulders, Lao Shi began his way into the entrance. Fu Dog, watching his friend go on, steeled himself and tailed behind, his own anxiety battling with his loyalty and his desire to support Lao Shi.
The duo entered the chamber, the cool air within wrapping around them like a silken cloak. Before them, all five members of the Dragon Council sat perched on their elevated platform, their faces etched with a mixture of anticipation and solemnity.
"Lao Shi, welcome," Councilor Kulde greeted, his voice booming through the chamber. "We've been expecting you."
Lao Shi looked up towards the Council, flashing them a polite smile that masked the nervous flutter in his chest. "Hello, Council. It is a pleasure to speak with you," he answered, bowing deeply in respect to the councilors.
The Council members sat in hushed silence for a moment, their gazes intense and unwavering, before Councilor Andam broke through to begin the proceedings.
"Lao Shi, as you know, we've been deliberating on whether or not to consider your request to be your grandson's dragon master, an action which has never been considered before."
"In all of dragon history, it has been expressly forbidden for a dragon to be trained by their relatives, and for good reason," Councilor Chang chimed in, her voice sharp and authoritative. "Familial ties are nothing but a crutch, a stumbling block in which emotion clouds better judgment."
Lao Shi furrowed his brow at this statement, a flicker of anger flashing in his eyes. However, he kept silent, knowing it would be unwise to interrupt the Council as they were speaking.
"However, we have decided to consider you an exception to the rule," Councilor Omina announced, her voice gentle yet firm.
Lao Shi's eyes widened in surprise. "You will?" Likewise, Fu Dog's face lit up in surprise, his jaw nearly hitting the ground.
"Oh my gosh!" Fu Dog exclaimed, his tail wagging excitedly.
"We've taken into consideration your past experience with the Dark Dragon," Councilor Kulde explained. "You are currently the only dragon to have faced him and survived, a most honorable reputation to have."
"Perhaps your grandson would benefit from being taught by such a dragon," Councilor Kukulkhan added, his voice a low rumble.
Lao Shi smiled, a wave of relief washing over him. "I thank you for your answer, Council," he said, his voice filled with gratitude. "As I have said before, I promise that I will never let my own emotions get in the way of training my pupil."
Lao Shi bowed respectfully to the Council once again, the weight of his nerves dissipating just like that. Fu Dog grinned, witnessing his friend's victory.
"Something you must know about this verdict, Lao Shi," Councilor Chang interjected, her voice sharp and authoritative. "We are not changing the rules simply to suit you. We have placed conditions on your position as your grandson's master."
"Conditions?" Lao Shi repeated, his brow furrowing with a mix of surprise and apprehension.
"Yes, conditions," Councilor Chang confirmed, her voice laced with a hint of warning. "Conditions in which your integrity as a dragon master will be tested."
"As you know, there are no bad students, only bad masters," Councilor Andam added, his voice a low rumble. "The quality of your grandson's training and character will be determined by how well you act as his master."
"If you fail in your duty as dragon master," Councilor Kukulkhan declared, his voice booming through the chamber, "we will revoke your right to train him and assign him a new master."
"Consider this to be a trial basis of sorts," Councilor Kulde finished, his gaze intense.
Lao Shi bowed his head, his face a mask of determination. "I understand the stakes, Council," he said, his voice steady. "I promise to provide quality training for my grandson." He stared grimly toward the walls, his fists clenching as he pictured the face of the Dark Dragon in his mind. "He will need it... because he may one day have to face... him..."
The Dragon Council went silent, their gazes shifting between each other, their faces etched with a mixture of apprehension and grim determination. Councilor Chang, however, remained unmoved, her hand tightening around a jade chalice, her expression a mask of cold indifference.
"You believe that the Dark Dragon is still out there, do you not?" Councilor Omina asked, her voice barely above a whisper, as if afraid to even speak the name aloud.
"Yes," Lao Shi answered, his voice firm despite the tremor in his heart. "There is no doubt in my mind that the Dark Dragon is still lurking in the shadows somewhere, waiting for his chance to strike."
"We do not know for sure if the Dark Dragon is still alive," Councilor Andam countered, his voice laced with caution. "Your victory against him was quite solid, Lao Shi."
"While it may appear that the Dark Dragon is gone, I do not believe that he is defeated for good," Lao Shi insisted, his gaze hardening. "He has never been one to give up so easily. He is patient, cunning, and ruthless. At one point, I believe that my grandson may have to face him."
A chill swept through the chamber, the air growing heavy with a sense of impending doom. The Council members minus Chang exchanged uneasy glances, their faces reflecting the fear that the Dark Dragon still instilled, even after all these years.
Meanwhile, Fu Dog could only stand there in silence, his fur prickling with unease. The mere mention of the Dark Dragon always sent a chill down his spine, a reminder of the terrifying power and malevolence he had witnessed firsthand. However, it was learning Lao Shi's true reason behind wanting to be his grandson's master that made him understand his friend better. He saw the genuine fear in Lao Shi's eyes, the unwavering determination to protect his family, and he knew that Lao Shi's request was not born of pride, but of love and a deep-seated fear for the future.
"With that in mind," Councilor Andam said, his voice hesitant but firm, "maybe it will be good for the boy if you are his master."
Lao Shi smiled, the knot in his stomach finally easing as a wave of relief washed over him. "Thank you, Council," he said, bowing deeply once more. "I will not disappoint you."
"Congratulations, Lao Shi," Councilor Kulde said, his voice booming with authority. "May you bring up your student with character and discipline, and may he prove worthy of the title of American Dragon."
"Absolutely," Lao Shi confirmed, his voice firm and resolute.
"Oh yeah, baby!" exclaimed Fu Dog, jumping up in victory. He threw excited punches at the air, his tail wagging rapidly. "Looks like we got ourselves a new team for the order a goo goo goo!"
Lao Shi and the Dragon Council turned and stared at the canine in mild disapproval of his irreverent outburst in such a sacred place, the Council members exchanging pointed glances.
Realizing that all eyes were on him, Fu Dog shrunk down, his tail tucked between his legs.
"Uh... I mean... yeah, Lao Shi, bring up your student with discipline and character," Fu Dog stammered, his voice laced with a nervous chuckle and a sheepish grin. When he saw that his attempt at dialing back his outburst wasn't doing much to endear him to anyone, he just sighed and looked away, muttering under his breath. "I'm just gonna shut up now."
Lao Shi shook his head, a smile playing at the corner of his lips. He turned back to the Council, his gratitude outweighing his amusement at Fu Dog's antics. "Thank you very much for your time, Council," he said, his voice filled with sincerity.
"Of course, Lao Shi," Councilor Kulde replied. "You are dismissed now."
Lao Shi smiled, bowing deeply before turning in the direction of the exit. "Thank you," he said again, his voice echoing through the chamber. He gestured to Fu Dog to follow him. "Come along, Fu Dog."
"Right, coming," Fu Dog said, quickly scrambling to his feet and tailing after his friend.
The Dragon Council watched as the pair exited the chamber, their gazes a mixture of hope, respect, and lingering doubt. While some misgivings still lingered within them, they also knew that Lao Shi was a capable dragon, and they hoped that he would be able to mold his grandson into an equally as capable dragon.
"I still say that we are making a big mistake here," Councilor Chang growled, her voice laced with resentment. "This will never work."
"Patience, Councilor Chang," Councilor Kulde interjected, his voice firm. "I understand your doubts, but I know that Lao Shi can be trusted with this. He has faced the Dark Dragon and survived. He has proven his strength and his wisdom."
"But this is against everything we have built our foundation on!" Councilor Chang shouted, her fist slamming against the platform, her voice echoing through the chamber.
"Yes, but sometimes an exception to the rules is called for," Councilor Kulde reasoned. "If what Lao Shi claims about the Dark Dragon is true, then only he can provide his grandson with the guidance he'll need to face that threat."
Councilor Chang just shot the Norwegian dragon a resentful glare, her fists clenching, her eyes burning with a mix of anger and determination. "We will just see how well this all pans out," she hissed, her voice laced with a chilling promise.
~
Lao Shi and Fu Dog descended the grand staircase outside of the chamber. Fu Dog, his paws padding softly on the stone, kept replaying the results of the meeting in his mind. He couldn't believe it. The Council, usually so rigid and traditional, had actually ruled in favor of Lao Shi's request. They had never been this open-minded before, especially Councilor Chang and her dogmatic approach to things. But today, Lao Shi, with his experience and his unwavering determination, had managed to convince them to go against the grain.
I guess that's what happens when ya' got clout from defeatin' number one of the big thirteen, Fu Dog thought to himself with a smirk.
"Congratulations on earnin' your right to train your grandkid, Lao," he said, his voice laced with genuine respect.
"Thank you, Fu," Lao Shi replied, a genuine smile finally gracing his lips. "This will be the start of a most extraordinary journey for young Jake."
The pair continued down the stairs, an unspoken excitement surrounding them. Fu Dog's gaze rested on Lao Shi's face, noticing his determined stare. He had never seen his old friend so focused, so driven.
"Hey Lao," Fu Dog spoke up, his voice hesitant.
"Hmmm? What is it, Fu Dog?" Lao Shi asked, his brow furrowed with concern.
"I wanna ask ya' something. Do ya' really think that the Dark Dragon is out there somewhere?"
Lao Shi nodded slowly, his voice dropping to a whisper. "I have no doubt," he said, his gaze fixed on the distance. "He is a most formidable foe. A force of darkness that threatens the balance of all."
"I get that and all, but I mean, ya' defeated 'em almost twenty years ago," Fu Dog pointed out, his voice laced with disbelief. "If ol' DD was still out and about, wouldn't he have struck by now?"
Lao Shi shook his head, his expression grim. "That is not how the Dark Dragon operates, Fu Dog," the older man said, his voice firm. "He is one to bide his time, to manipulate, to corrupt. He is a master of patience and deception. In time, he will take out his revenge on my kin."
Fu Dog arched an eyebrow, his tail twitching nervously. "Well, if that's what he plans, why didn't ol' DD go after Susan then? She's your daughter, after all."
Lao Shi shot Fu Dog a look, as if to say 'really?' "Oh... because Susan's got no powers," Fu Dog said.
"Yes, the Dark Dragon has no interest in powerless dragons," said Lao Shi. He glanced away, a flicker of pain crossing his face.
"But this new grandkid of yours..." Fu Dog said, his eyes widening.
"Exactly," Lao Shi said gravely. "Young Jake will have a target on his back, especially with him potentially becoming a new world dragon. He will be a beacon of power, a symbol of hope. And the Dark Dragon will want to extinguish that light and twist him to his own desires."
Fu Dog swallowed nervously. "But ya' gotta plan. You're gonna make sure that the Dark Dragon never gets to your grandkid."
"Yes," said Lao Shi, his brow furrowed as he thought about his younger years. "But... I worry about my grandson, about if he will take all of this seriously. If he will have the strength and fortitude to face such a powerful enemy."
Fu Dog paused, his expression full of concern. "Why do ya' think that?" he asked, sensing the doubt in Lao Shi's voice.
Lao Shi was silent, glancing down at his feet. "Because... my grandson may be just like how I once was," he admitted, his voice barely audible.
Fu Dog tilted his head to the side. He understood what he meant. He remembered what Lao Shi was like when they first met in 1972. He was a lone wolf, refusing help from anyone. He had an ego as big as the Empire State Building. Because of that, he had initially refused to have anything to do with Fu Dog. However, it was only after the defeat of the Dark Dragon that Lao Shi became the man he knew now.
"Don't worry about that, Lao," Fu Dog reassured him, his voice firm. "Who knows, maybe your grandkid will listen and be a great student. After all, you're gonna be his master. You'll teach 'em everything ya' know."
Lao Shi's expression remained unchanged, his eyes still clouded with worry. "It will not be that simple," he said, his voice heavy with the weight of his past mistakes. "This child will need tons of discipline, of focus, of unwavering determination if he intends to stand a chance against someone like the Dark Dragon."
Fu Dog's expression faltered. "That's true," he conceded, his tail drooping slightly. "Sometimes ya' gotta break a few eggs to make an omelet."
Lao Shi gave a tiny smile, a flicker of hope igniting within him. "Yes, he will not make the same kind of mistakes I did. I will make sure of that."
"Yeah, cuz you're gonna nip that one in the bud," said Fu Dog, elbowing Lao Shi playfully. "Just don't be too hard on the kid, though."
Lao Shi arched an eyebrow, a hint of amusement in his voice. "What? It's true, ya' know," Fu Dog said, his voice rising in playful defiance. "Ya' can be a little uptight sometimes, Gramps."
"Excuse me?!" Lao Shi protested, his voice laced with mock indignation.
"See? Ya' just proved my point there," said Fu Dog, his eyes twinkling with mischief. He laughed and continued down the stairs. Lao Shi sighed and facepalmed, though with some amusement in his eyes.
~
Chang stormed down the cavern leading to the Dark Dragon's chamber in the mountainside, her brown cloak billowing behind her like a shroud. To say that she was angry would've been a gross understatement; she was furious. Furious that her carefully laid plans had been thwarted, furious that her fellow Council members had dared to defy her, and most of all, furious at Lao Shi for his unwavering determination.
"Fools..." Chang hissed, her voice echoing through the cavern, her fists clenched so tightly her knuckles turned white. "All of them."
However, even worse than her anger at her fellow councilors for not listening to her was the fact that she would now have to fess up to the Dark Dragon about her failure.
He will not be pleased, she thought, a cold chill running down her spine that contrasted with the burning heat of the cavern. He will see this as a sign of weakness, a betrayal of my loyalty.
She quickened her pace, her boots clicking against the uneven stone floor. She had to reach him, to explain, to offer a solution. She wouldn't let Lao Shi's interference ruin everything.
As Chang entered the Dark Dragon's chamber, she steeled herself as the oppressive heat in the air crackled around her. The Dark Dragon sat coiled in the center of the chamber, his massive form casting an imposing shadow.
"What news does my loyal servant carry this very hour?" the Dark Dragon boomed, his deep growling voice echoing through the cavernous space.
Chang took a deep breath, the stench of sulfur filling her lungs, and swept back her hood, revealing her face. "I am afraid that I failed. I could not sway the Council from allowing Lao Shi to train his grandson," she said, her voice laced with a hint of defiance. "The Council ruled in favor of it."
The Dark Dragon's eyes narrowed, the menacing yellow glow intensifying. He dug his claws deeply into the rock, causing it to crack open with a deafening screech. "Disappointing, Chang," he hissed, his voice like the grinding of stone. "I had expected better of you."
Chang bowed her head, her face burning with shame, but her eyes gleamed with ambition. "Forgive me, master," she said, her voice smooth and cunning. "I promise you that your plan will not fail. He will join us, even with that fool Lao Shi's influence posing a threat. I will find a way to turn him to our side."
The Dark Dragon sat there silently, a sinister grin forming on his face, showcasing his fearsome, serrated teeth. "Yes," he mused, his voice laced with a chilling anticipation. "That fool Lao Shi thinks he can protect his grandson forever. But no matter, the American Dragon will be mine. It will take the right kind of... persuasion to do so."
Chang's smile mirrored his, a cruel twist of her lips that hinted at the dark depths within her. "Yes," she whispered, her voice dripping with malice. "The persuasion we offer to all dragons: join us, or be destroyed."
The Dark Dragon let out a menacing laugh, a sound that echoed through the cavern, promising destruction and despair. "The American Dragon will be no match for me," he declared, his voice filled with an unshakeable confidence. "He will be mine."