CHAPTER 67: THE HOT-HEADED DRAGON

The following morning, the group awakens and gathers outside their respective rooms.

Kono: Good morning, everyone!

Himitsu: (Rubbing his eyes) Good morning.

Ohma: Morning!

Daru: Morning...

They all notice Gram in his swimming trunks.

Daru: Why are you wearing swimming trunks?

Gram: Huh? I’m going swimming, of course!

Kono: But it’s morning, Gram. Isn’t it a bit early for swimming?

Gram: Not for me!

Daru glances at Zodiac.

Daru: What were you doing in your room all day?

Zodiac: That’s none of your business.

Daru: You really need to learn some manners.

Zodiac: Yeah, and I don’t care.

Kono: Okay, okay, maybe we should head to the dining hall for breakfast.

Himitsu: That sounds like a great idea!

They walk to the dining hall, where a variety of meals are set out on the tables. Each person grabs a plate and selects their desired food.

Gram: Even breakfast looks delicious! They have scrambled eggs, toast, pancakes, fruit salad, and more!

Zodiac: Better than Kono’s cooking.

Kono: (Annoyed) Okay, I get it, my cooking isn’t great.

Everyone takes their meals and sits at a large table. Gram has pancakes, Ohma has eggs, Kono is eating fruit salad, Himitsu chose an egg sandwich, Daru is having oatmeal, and Zodiac has toast.

Ohma: (Eating with his mouth open) The eggs are so good!

Daru: Ohma, please eat with your mouth closed.

Ohma: Oh, sorry, my bad—si—I mean Daru!

Gram: After we finish eating, we should all try out the slides!

Zodiac: Sorry, but who’s "we"?

Gram: Ummm, all of us?

Zodiac: Well, you got that wrong.

Himitsu: Come on, Zodiac. Just this once!

Zodiac: No.

Kono: If you come with us just this once, we’ll stop bothering you for the rest of the vacation.

Zodiac sighs. After everyone finishes breakfast, they head back outside to the pool and make their way to the water slides.

Gram: (Excited) Alright, boys! The fun continues!

Zodiac: (Shaking his head) Why did I even agree to come here...

Daru: That’s on you.

Zodiac: Whatever.

Gram: Himitsu! Ohma! Let’s go on the biggest slide!

Himitsu: Let’s do it!

Gram, Ohma, and Himitsu begin climbing the ladder to the top of the tallest slide. Upon reaching the top, they look around, preparing to slide down.

Gram: Alright, since I’m the oldest here, I will go first!

Himitsu: What? Isn’t it supposed to be the youngest first?

Gram: Yes, but the Great Gram always goes first. Alright, here I go!

Just as Gram is about to slide down, he hears someone screaming.

Person 1: EVERYONE, COME OVER HERE!

Himitsu: What the heck?

Kono: Who is yelling?

Daru: I have no idea, but we should check it out.

Gram: Oh, come on! I was about to slide down!

Himitsu: Gram, we need to see what’s going on.

Gram: Alright, alright, fine!

The three of them climb down to join the others and head toward the source of the commotion. Upon arrival, they discover a large black portal that has appeared unexpectedly.

Gram: Is that a portal?!

Zodiac: Yes, you idiot.

Daru: But how did it get here?

Kono: It must be an anomaly.

Ohma: Anomaly?

Kono: Yes, an anomaly is a portal that can appear unexpectedly.

Owner Conrad: What’s happening here?!

They turn to see Conrad and his assistants.

Himitsu: A random portal has opened!

Owner Conrad: Oh dear! Is anyone hurt?

Kono: No, everyone is fine, don’t worry.

Owner Conrad:

(Wiping his forehead) Thank goodness. But now I don’t know what to do about this portal.

Kono: Don’t worry, sir! We, the Order of Triumph, will handle it!

Gram: What!? What do you mean WE?!?!

Kono: Alright, guys, let’s change into our uniforms!

Daru: (Smirking) Finally, something interesting is happening.

Zodiac: Same here.

Gram: NO, NO, NO, NO, NO! WE’RE ON VACATION!!

Daru: Put a sock in it.

Kono and the others head back to their rooms to change into their uniforms before returning outside to the portal.

Ohma: Now what do we do?

Kono: I need to contact Fin regarding this situation.

Kono uses her Jump Watch to call Fin. As Fin communicates with the other crews, he receives her call.

Fin: Oh, someone’s calling me?

Fin picks up the phone.

Fin: This is Assistant Fin speaking.

Kono: Hey Fin, it’s Kono!

Fin: Oh hey, Kono! How’s your vacation going?

Kono: It was going well until a portal appeared.

Fin: Wait, an anomaly showed up at the resort?

Kono: Yes, but everyone is safe. We weren’t sure how to handle this, so I called you.

Fin: If it’s an anomaly, you need to address it immediately. The longer an anomaly goes unchecked, the more dangerous it becomes, as a breakout could occur.

Himitsu: A breakout?

Fin: Yes, a breakout can have severe consequences, like creating a small black hole. If an anomaly is left unattended for too long, the portal may destabilize and transform into a black hole, consuming everything in its vicinity. Ultimately, it will explode, leaving behind a massive crater and potentially spreading a harmful disease.

Ohma: That sounds terrible!

Fin: It truly is. I understand you are all on break and enjoying your time off, but it is essential to address this anomaly as you are the only crew available.

Gram begins to express frustration.

Gram: What! No, no, no! After everything we’ve been through to earn this vacation, we have to deal with this stupid portal? Why can’t another crew take care of it?

Fin: I would send another crew, but it makes more sense for you to handle it since you’re closer.

Gram: No, we cannot do this! Not when I finally have a vacation!

Daru: Can you stop acting like a child? We’re part of the Order, so we have to take care of it.

Kono: Daru’s right. We signed up for this job, so we have to follow through.

Ohma: And I’m not going to let anyone else die, like I said before!

Zodiac: At least we’re doing something meaningful.

Gram sits on the ground, rendered speechless.

Fin: Thank you all for your willingness to step up. Your efforts will be duly rewarded. To resolve the anomaly, you will need to enter the portal; however, once you do, it will close behind you.

Himitsu: Wait, really?

Fin: Yes, and once you are on the other side, I will not be able to contact you for a week due to the unstable wavelengths in that world, which will make it challenging to establish a connection. Additionally, your Jump Watch will be disabled.

Kono: Oh, that’s not good.

Fin: I know, but just try to hold out until I can get a signal. Anyway, you need to deal with that portal now, so good luck!

Kono: Thank you, Fin! I will need it!

Fin ends the call as the owner approaches them.

Owner Conrad: You are doing us a tremendous favor by assisting. Thank you very much!

Ohma: Don’t worry, sir! A knight will always protect those in need!

Daru: Well then, let’s hurry up.

As Daru speaks, Zodiac walks silently into the portal.

Daru: I won’t say anything...

Kono: Alright then, let’s go!

Kono, Daru, and Ohma enter the portal as Himitsu notices Gram on the ground, visibly upset.

Himitsu: Come on, Gram! Let’s go!

Himitsu takes hold of Gram’s arm and pulls him into the portal. After a brief moment, they arrive on the other side, finding themselves in an unfamiliar forest.

Ohma: There’s Himitsu and Gram.

Kono: The portal should be closed, just like Fin told us.

Gram: Stupid, stupid, stupid, stupid, stupid!

Daru: Well, he said we wouldn’t be able to leave until a week passes.

Zodiac: Then let’s explore and see what kind of world we’ve entered.

Kono: Yeah. It’s best to get a sense of what we’re dealing with.

Gram: Stupid, stupid, stupid, stupid, stupid—

Daru: And shut up, Gram! It’s time to toughen up.

Gram: No! I’m not going to toughen up, Daru!

Daru: Well, you better start now if you want to survive. Let’s go.

Daru takes the lead as the others follow, with Gram still in a state of distress. As they walk, they observe numerous trees and unusual animals. After a few more steps, a loud beastly roar resonates through the forest.

Gram: What was that!?

Zodiac: I sense something nearby.

Kono: Everyone, get ready!

The group draws their weapons, remaining vigilant. As they advance, they discover an open area devoid of trees. Ohma’s demeanor shifts to seriousness as he senses an approaching presence.

Ohma: Something is coming this way!

A few moments later, a large lizard tumbles toward them, crashing to the ground.

Himitsu: What is that!?

Zodiac: Who cares? Allow me to handle it.

Daru: No, I will take care of it!

Zodiac: Not if I kill it first.

As Zodiac and Daru bicker, the giant lizard rises, shaking its head as it locks eyes on Zodiac and the others. It begins to roar and charges at them.

Kono: Everyone, watch out!

Zodiac & Daru: What do you want!?

They both turn to see the lizard barreling toward them. Just as it approaches, a voice shouts from above.

???: Don’t run from me, you bastard!

A girl descends from the sky and strikes the lizard’s head into the ground, creating a massive crack and generating a shockwave.

Gram: Whoa! Who is that!?

The girl raises her fist after subduing the lizard, steps off it, and flicks the blood from her hand.

???: I swear, these creatures keep getting dumber. All you have to do is stand still and die.

Kono: She killed it like it was nothing!?

Himitsu: More importantly, who is she?

They all observe the girl, who has pink spiky hair, is dressed in an elegant black and red gown, and possesses a pink dragon tail.

Ohma: Are humans supposed to have tails?

Zodiac: Well, clearly she’s not one.

Gram: (to himself) Oh... my... She looks so hot!

Daru: (to himself) Something about her energy makes me uncomfortable.

The girl turns to face them, remaining silent.

Himitsu: Uhhh, I think she’s looking at us.

Ohma: (waving) Hi there!

Gram grabs Ohma.

Gram: Ohma, you idiot!

The girl clenches her fist, preparing to strike.

Gram: Oh crap...

She charges toward them, but Daru intervenes to block her punch. He is pushed back, leaving a dirt trail and appearing astonished.

Daru: Now that was a strong punch.

???: Are you working for him too?

Daru: What? Working for who?

???: Don’t play dumb!

Daru: Why are you being so loud?

???: Shut up!

Daru: You’ll have to make me if you really want to.

???: I SAID SHUT UP!!

The girl lunges at Daru once more. As they collide, she begins to push him back.

Zodiac: (to himself) She’s actually pushing him back.

Daru digs his feet in, halting her advance.

Daru: Listen, I don’t know who you are, but instead of fighting, let’s just talk.

???: You really don’t know when to stop talking, do you?

The girl executes a backflip and kicks Daru in the face, launching him into the air. She follows him and swings her tail, slamming him hard against the ground, creating a dent.

Gram: (to himself) A girl that can fight! She’s exactly my type.

Zodiac: (to himself) Whoever she is, she’s got real strength and can rival Daru.

Daru rises from the ground.

Daru: Alright, that hurt, but it just means you’re a worthy opponent. (smiles)

???: Why don’t you just admit you’re working for him? Either way, you’re still going to die.

Daru: Okay, listen, I don’t know who you are, but I don’t want to hurt you. I just want to talk.

???: Talk about what!? There’s nothing to discuss!

Daru: If there’s nothing to discuss, then why did a portal open back in our world? Huh?

The girl pauses, contemplating.

???: (to herself) Portal? He’s sending people from other worlds to help him now!

Daru: What are you thinking about over there?

The girl glances at Daru and suddenly appears directly in front of him, poised to strike.

Daru: Wh—

Daru quickly blocks her attack as she begins to punch and kick. He successfully deflects most of her strikes, but as she punches, she jumps back slightly and alters her stance. Daru notices this change. The girl throws a punch, and as Daru attempts to block it, she shifts to the right and delivers a kick. She resumes her relentless barrage. Daru struggles to defend himself as he is pushed back. The girl runs and slides under Daru’s legs, then breathes fire, propelling him through four trees.

Kono: Holy crap!

Ohma: She’s really strong.

Himitsu: We can’t fight her; we’ll die!

The girl turns around, glaring at the others.

???: ARE YOU WORKING FOR HIM AS WELL?!

Zodiac: Who the hell are you talking about?

???: I HATE IT WHEN I GET THAT ANSWER!!

The girl’s anger escalates as her hands begin to transform into dragon claws.

Kono: H-her hand has just transformed into a claw!

Himitsu: Everyone, look at her tail...

Ohma: She’s a dragon.

Gram: WHAT!!! A DRAGON!

Ohma:

Yeah, I’ll never forget what those claws look like.

The girl advances, sensing a powerful energy emanating from the forest, drawing closer. She looks in that direction and sees Daru rubbing his shoulder.

???: What! How are you still standing after that attack?

Daru: Man, you’re one strong girl, but I said I didn’t want to hurt you. I just wanted to talk, but now you’ve pissed me off.

???: Well, do you want to get put down again? I’LL GLADLY GIVE YOU THAT!!

The girl charges at Daru, claws ready to strike, but he catches her hand with his own, his eyes still closed.

???: Wh—

Daru opens his eyes; his veins bulge, and both his eyes and hair turn purple.

???: (Frightened) Wh-what is this power?

Daru slams her to the ground, creating a crack. He then punches her in the stomach, grips her face, and slams it down again, producing a gust of wind that sweeps past everyone. When he removes his hand, she lies unconscious.

Daru: I really didn’t want to do that.

Gram: DARU!

Gram rushes over to Daru.

Gram: Daru, you hit a girl!

Daru: I warned her, and she didn’t listen.

Daru’s power diminishes as the others approach him.

Himitsu: Wow, that was intense!

Kono: I never thought we’d encounter a dragon!

Gram: (smiling) And a sexy one at that!

Kono: Excuse me?

Gram cautiously approaches the young woman. As he does, her eyes snap open, and she swiftly punches him in the face, sending him to the ground.

Gram: Owwww!

???: Get away from me, you scum!

She rises, holding her head where Daru struck her.

???: I’m going to kill you; I’m going to kill you all!

Daru: I wouldn’t try that.

Zodiac: And you’re clearly outnumbered, so don’t even think about it.

???: So what do you want from me? You’re working for him, aren’t you!?

Kono: Working for who!?

???: My brother! He sent you to attack me!

Daru: No, you idiot. Like I said before, a portal has opened in our world, and we had to take care of it. We don’t even know who your brother is.

???: (scoffs) And what makes you think I can trust you?

Kono: We are called the "Order of Triumph," an organization that travels through different worlds to protect people and promote peace.

???: Order of Triumph?

Himitsu: (shows symbol) Yes, see?

Kono: The reason we’re here is what Daru mentioned. We can’t go back to our world for a week, so we just wanted to explore this place.

Zodiac: And that’s when we ran into you with that lizard.

???: Hmpf, well I don’t care who you are or where you came from. Now leave me alone before I really get mad.

She walks toward the creature she killed, grabbing it by its tail and dragging it away.

Gram: Man, she is so hot! Don’t you think, Himitsu?

Himitsu: I agree, Gram!

Kono shakes her head.

Kono: Why do boys have to act so foolish?

Ohma: Shouldn’t we follow her?

Zodiac: And for what reason? She clearly wants to be left alone.

Daru: Yes, but she can provide insight into the nature of this world.

Zodiac: It’s a waste of time. I don’t want to deal with someone who yells all the time.

Daru: Neither do I, but if we want the best chance of survival, she is our best option.

Zodiac: (arms crossed) Very well. Just don’t complain when she beats you up.

Daru: What!? I had her under control!

Kono: Alright then, let’s hurry up and catch her!

Everyone quickly approaches the girl, who is still dragging the lizard in the distance.

Kono: Hey, wait up!

The girl turns her head to see the group again.

???: I said leave me alone! Do you really want to die!?

Kono: No, no! We just want information about what kind of world we’re in. We were hoping you could help us.

???: You’re asking the wrong person. I don’t even know who you are.

Kono: Allow us to introduce ourselves. My name is Kono!

Himitsu: Y-you can call me Himitsu.

Gram: (with confidence) And I am Gram the Great!

Ohma: I am Ohma, from the Knights of Judgment!

Kono: And those two over there are Zodiac and Daru.

Daru: I don’t need you to introduce me, Kono.

???: Well, you all sound like a bunch of idiots.

Gram: Huh?

Kono: You can trust us; we’re nice people. So what’s your name?

???: I’m not telling you my name, so just go away!

Kono: But we want to get to know you. I promise we’ll leave you alone after you tell us.

The girl grows increasingly annoyed but reluctantly decides to respond.

Akira: Tch, fine! My name is Akira Isheki.