Penultimate Struggle

“Thats-”

“The proper term is ‘bazooka’ Chief.”

“Why do we have this?!”

“The black market resulted in a few being left here postwar, some were never sold or collected.”

The Chief was before the board of directors once more, despite their earlier actions they seemed quite unapologetic.

“Thats great and all, but could it be enough to kill a dragon?”

The Board appeared somewhat perturbed at this question.

“Yall do believe me now right? I mean you saw those things outside? What other explanation could there be?”

The Chief was at his wits end, by this point he had no idea what they were expecting or planning.

“Don’t tell me… don’t tell me y’all are feeling EMBARRASSED?”

“Of course not. We have nothing to be embarrassed about, because we did nothing wrong whatsoever.”

“You did wrong, are doing wrong, and will probably continue wronging somewhere or other in the future.”

“And what, pray tell, are we doing so terribly?”

“Well you got folks all trapped together in this small building, simply cause the lava monsters won’t go near it.”

“Oh, and what else could the people do? It’s not as though any other buildings are usable.”

“They very much are? No more or less than this glorified slaughterhouse.”

“Which the monsters are AVOIDING.”

“For reasons we don’t KNOW. Last I heard, doing what the enemy wants ain’t usually a good call.”

“There is no enemy! It’s just a natural disaster!”

“Uhhh, you wanna look outside?”

“It's plain as evening! Nothing right is wrong! Madness is illegal!”

One of the board members lost it out of nowhere and started laughing maniacly, prompting their fellows to back away. Their united front of scapegoating blame now appeared rather pathetic and weak.

“Should I bring them somewhere else…?”

“Please do.”

The Chief was actually sort of glad for this interruption, as it gave him an excuse to escape that circle of mindboggling frustration himself. So he picked up the bazooka and its ammo, then led the laughing fool away.

“Thanks.”

He attempted to start up a conversation, but the board-member simply continued their insane and inane laughter until being passed off to a few other officers, who brought the nutcase downstairs to a more isolated area.

I remember the later models from my army days, don't know whether or not this one is worthwhile though…

It looked quite nice and clean, but that means little in the world of hardware. The most beautiful piece of technology on the planet, if it has just a single wire frayed or a gear stripped, becomes nothing more than modern art.

Maybe I should have the entire board arrested like this one? I mean their all kinda crazy… crazy incompetent!

The Chief felt a momentary, yet profound sense of embarrassment. Before walking out the building with a sense of gratitude that no one could hear his thoughts.

Besides, I DIDN’T resist my arrest for good reason in the first place, so what point would there be in a casual mutiny at a time like this?

“How goes the watch, folks?”

“Well sir… ahh I don’t see nothing I’m afraid. Just ‘bout every line of sight I got is covered by the lava monsters.”

“Figured as much… HOW ABOUT YOU ON THE ROOF? YOU SEE ANYTHING?”

“OW?! Couldn’t ya have warned me?”

“Consider your ears a worthy sacrifice in the name of expediency.”

“You mean lethargy?”

“Tomayto tohmahto.”

“More like tomato potahto.”

“That's what it's all about? What’s keeping this guy?”

As if the universe itself was listening, and meaning, in its consistently cruel way… To play a prank on the Chief, his phone began ringing.

“I think that’s him.”

“Better answer, I don’t know what’ll last longer, my ears or your mouth.”

“Keep it down will ya? Haven’t ya ever heard of silent serenity?”

“Why I oughta-”

“Hello? What-Calm down now, what…? How fast?”

The other officer noticed the Chief change expressions, from lighthearted belly aching to something more sinister. Before the Chief could even sound out what he had heard however, another new development occurred.

“THERE GETTING CLOSER!”

Now it was the officer yelling, but no one seemed to mind, as the gigantic lava monsters were in fact closing in. All of them ran inside, and yelled at everyone to make their way to the basement. There was little coordination in this mass migration to the basement, it was chaotic and all sorts of unsafe. With people, young and old trampling over each other to escape the great and terrible monsters. Eventually they all found themselves in the underground gymnasium, there was somehow enough space for everyone to get enough room, but this was a small comfort in the rapidly deteriorating situation.

“I guess what that guy saw… it really was that thing.”

“That… as in…? The…”

“The Dragon is free, my friend, and may god help us all.”

As if the universe was playing yet another of its masterful yet cruel pranks, this statement was almost immediately corroborated, as a massive quake shook the gymnasium. The center of the roof seemed to crack, leading all in the vicinity to get as far from the center as possible. Screams of terror ran rampant, cutting away any attempts at rational thought. Until a new sound silenced all, both drowning out the sounds and terrifying them further to stunned silence.

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And from the roof, crashing down alongside it… was a dragon, THE Dragon. A magnificent and horrifying creature, with razor sharp teeth and claws. Horns which adorned its head in a way not dissimilar to a crown. A sleek tale which sliced through the air at an almost hypnotic rhythm. Scales, each almost glowing with luminescence which made the creature stand out further.

The creature towered over all around it, yet was smaller than the lava creatures. This mattered not, for in spite of… or perhaps because of, this smaller size the creature felt truly efficient, as though not a single part of it was wasted. It was compact and felt so natural that one could feasibly see it as a priceless sculpture if it didn’t move.

We forget, as we learn about nature, that things do not decide how they or their species are born or develop. Nor are the developments made always for the best, even for the time and place they were made for. Evolution is a blind man, stumbling forward for as long as possible. If he is not stopped, he will not change direction. If he stumbles, he may at most change in stride slightly. Evolution is the constant proof that life didn’t get it right the first time, and every subsequent attempt failed in some way or another.

This creature ran antithetical to this, antithetical to life in totality. Every feature felt as though it was purposefully casted, even its movements were perfect and gallant in a strange, morbid way. Twas no wonder a cult formed to worship this creature, it was beautiful, a masterwork beyond mortality.

Which made the malicious sneer on its face all the more terrifying.

This creature hated.

Hated all in the room, hated all of humanity.

Not in the apathetic manner one hates a cockroach… at least then it might have feasibly ignored some humans if it had more important matters to attend to.

No… this creature seemed to personally despise each and every human in existence past the point of rationality.

It was a creature so powerful it could not even differentiate between them, for all were equally below it… yet all the same it hated them.

As if punctuating its power, a missile from the Chief’s newly gained bazooka hit it point blank… and did absolutely nothing. Its scales were not scratched, it didn’t even appear to move. All the blast did was obscure the Dragon’s body in smoke, somehow heightening its unrelenting majesty and horror.

The Dragon turned to look at the Chief, and if it were not sneering already, now it appeared to be maniacally ecstatic.

Ah ha ha ha ha… It's YOU.

All in the gymnasium flinched, they suddenly heard strange words after all, which came from nowhere yet were perfectly understandable.

How I owe you for defending my existance from those… vermin… truly you are one of the few who respected me in this rancid age.

All heard… or perhaps more accurately felt these words at the same time, the meanings and emotions behind each and every one were perfectly understood.

“I… I hear you in my mind?”

The Chief took charge, perhaps because he was at least passably aware of the fantastical beforehand, he was more considerate of the possibility.

I cannot understand your… wretched… tongue. But I can presume its meaning. Yes. You feel my thoughts as if they were your own. All of the wretched scum present can.

The Chief considered all that was said, and came to a simple conclusion

So… telepathy?

In a flash, the walls around the gymnasium cracked, despite being underground. The lava monsters, whom at this point had avoided the community center, now surrounded the gym on all sides.

The Chief was shocked by this situation, but was more than anything confused. Because it seemed as though this action was a direct response to the thought he had on a whim. The Dragon continued forth all the same.

In my debt… I shall give you a choice, a generous gift cockroaches deserve not, yet I shall give you all the same.

Its head could be seen clearly, the smoke almost seemed to form around it like a veil. The creature appeared almost beyond comprehension now, as its sneer remained malicious and cruel.

Choose who shall die first, and how it shall be done.

A cold chill filled the room, despite the rapidly increasing heat.

If none are chosen… all shall die.

The Chief was horrified, utterly paralyzed. Such situations were technically in his purview due to hostage crises (which he fortunately never had to deal with in his career) and other high stakes situations, but dealing with such situations SUDDENLY? In such an incomprehensible and terrifying manner? It was almost too much.

Almost.

Oy, monster… hey you monster, can you hear me… monster?

Being inexperienced (aka, utterly new to) mental communications, the Chief stuttered through his communications, there was another reason of course.

Stuttering out of fear, are you?

Despite this fact, the Chief continued his attempt.

No I- Yes- No- Just wanted to try and act tough- your ugly mug- monster.

The Dragon was not particularly impressed, since time immemorable he had dealt with so-called heroes, this routine was dull and familiar. He could see through lies quite easily thanks to his telepathy, so bluffs were worthless.

I have seen bravado such as yours countless times, now tell me how you intend to slay your fellow slugs?

Me. First.

The Chief felt, more than anything, that he had no right to make such a decision. If anyone should go, it should be him for not stopping the Dragon in time.

This noble intention however, caused a moment's hesitation.

I was of the impression… that the blasted order was dead and gone?

They are… aren’t they? I thought they were? Technically mostly.

You think quite a bit like them, were I a fool I would perhaps be shocked. But I am afraid to say this will not be the case.

I didn’t, this wasn’t, shocking you wasn’t why I did this.

It almost seemed to chortle.

Magnificent then. After I eat you, I’ll kill every single maggot here to the last, as painfully and completely as possible.

That wasn’t the deal-

After you attempted to break the spirit of my rules?

That wasn’t my intention!

The Chief was actually improving bit by bit in communication, but the Dragon did not notice or care.

Ah? But did you not feel clever? Did you not feel proud of escaping my game? Of course you were foolish to not think I had considered such a scrappy simpleminded trick.

I’ll-I’ll play your game properly! Please!

Oh? How quickly one gives up in these wretched days… tis no wonder I have faded from memory. Do you think that strategy will buy enough time for your Knight?

The Chief grimaced, given the telepathy and butterfly drones, perhaps it knowing their plan was inevitable. This did not mean it was a welcome development.

Do you want… to know something funny?

The Chief gulped, he considered answering no, but given circumstances he actually had little to no choice. The telepathy read his curiosity before he could reconsider.

I don’t… remember what that Knight of yours even looks like.

This threw the Chief for a loop, the two were rivals right?

I vaguely remember a warrior with a strange sort of sword which could scrape me, its value as treasure was quite enticing, but I was never able to collect it. Given that fairy whisking him away before I put him out of my misery. Why should I have remembered it? It was one of many whom I ate. To this day I don’t even know why he hated me so. Neither do you fools… yet you remember him in the same place as me.

The Dragon looked up, it appeared almost contemplative.

I do remember who sealed me, and from what I understand they were honored as heroes for a time after my sealing but now? The people of this town don’t even know their names by heart. They didn’t even believe I existed.

The chill in the air grew hotter, something was coming.

I cannot differentiate easily between different members of your contemptible race, but I still recognized you, care to guess why?

The Chief had been given a hint earlier, there was only one time in the past day that he defended the Dragons existence.

I did so so I knew exactly who occupied that room, exactly who would be my first meal.

You mean-

Yes, I did not avoid burning this place because of a trick or strategy akin to the craven cowards you call the ‘old order’, I avoided burning it to savor their deaths for myself… in other words pigslop… think of them… of where they are… you have no choice in this matter.

It was true, he really didn’t, as his mind already raced through the different locations they may be hiding, almost by instinct.

A wise decision, I shall give you a quick death in exchange.

NONONO!

Ahhh, oh great and noble leader, truly you are selfless. You have sacrificed the fools to me and wish to do MORE? Very well, I shall leave you for last before the extermination.

The Dragon turned to where the Chief had been thinking, its snout poised and prepared for the bloodbath of a lifetime… but this was not to be. Because a sound rang out, and another. Soon roars could be heard outside the community center, prompting even the Dragon to look over in curiosity.

That's when a giant red mass smashed through one of the lava monsters.

Before the others could react, huge streams of water hit them, forcing them to tumble backwards or die.

The Chief could not quite be sure what he was seeing, but it was so utterly ridiculous he found himself thinking it was somehow a dream.

A… a giant robot?!

It was a six year old’s dream come true. Standing on two legs and somehow built out of fire trucks, it pivoted and finished off several more of the lava monsters in a single blow.

Who dares-

“Why hello again, Dragon. It has been a long time since we last crossed paths, long enough for it to be a truly enjoyable experience.”

“Good One Sir Knight!”

The Dragon, and frankly everyone present, looked at the man shouting with bafflement. He wore a traditional knights helmet, gloves, pants, and boots. But for his shirt he appeared to be wearing a trench coat? Floating to the right of his head was a red luminescent fairy, who made small circles around a small area as though she were in quite the good mood.

“I suppose it is too bad you have forgotten me! But if anything that is grand no? Tis good to know I can make a good first impression, so allow me to introduce myself-”

Not even waiting to guess, the Dragon let out a bellowing pillar of flame from its mouth. And the Knight was consumed in seconds, this was supposed to be all she wrote, but as the flames ceased… The Dragon looked on in rage. The Knight standing before it… was perfectly fine, his clothes were perhaps a bit singed, but it was nothing worrisome.

“Shall we end this? To you it may mean little… but to them it will be spectacular.”

The Knight jumped off from the fire truck mech, and turned to face the Dragon.

The mech itself turned towards the remaining lava monsters, who appeared to be fusing into one once more. It took the Chief a long while of staring at the strange robotic contraption to realize who was inside of it, t’was just a short while before he called them.

“What is that thing?!”

“It’s a mecha~!”

The Knight took his first step forward, he drew his magnificent yet humble sword while doing so.

The Dragon followed suit, its expression now twisted into a cruel sneer as it considered how to kill the intruder.

The mech brought its arms down, and took a ginormous step itself, towards the lava monster.

The lava monster followed suit, though it did not quite step but instead slid.

“How do you have that?!”

“The Fairy~!”

“That explains nothing?!”

The Knight and the Dragon took a few more steps forwards, till the Dragons face was directly before the Knights.

The mech and the lava monster were a proportionally farther distance from each other, but each appeared to be readying some new weapons.

“I can explain sir!”

The Loudmouthed Officer jumped in suddenly.

“The Fairy brings associated meaning and thoughts to life. Since people associate fire trucks with beating fires, she was able to change the trucks into something that could align with that.”

Then the No-Longer-Possessed-No-Long-Scared-No-Longer-Worried Officer.

“If I understand it right, it can beat ‘em cause people believe we should beat ‘em.”

Even the Silent Officer added her two cents.

“It’s strong.”

Before the Bookworm spoke.

“But it can’t beat the Dragon though, apparently Dragons beat fairies… whatever that means.”

And Finally… The Delinquent.

“Get people to safety while these guys are distracted, we killed all the monsters outside, so folks can get away.”

The Chief noted the lack of Clown, and guessed what occurred.

Rest in peace mister… I’m sure your son will survive this.

“Good luck, all you morons.”

From within one of the cockpits, the Delinquent and the Bookworm sat next to each other, plotting the impossible machine.

“Well… I guess this is it huh? We started this tale, now we’re gonna help end it.”

“See you on the other side, buddy.”

The Delinquent and Bookworm spoke in tandem after shaking hands, but before a true frenzy began.

““Let’s GO!””