Taking Sides

Chapter 9: Redemption

-Chapter 9: Redemption-

I spent a moment wondering what Tyran meant that I had redeemed myself, only to have my thoughts shattered when I was tackled to the ground from behind, sending the rifle flying off to one side. Of course, I was alarmed, however, when a black snout came out of nowhere and started to nuzzle my cheek, I relaxed, realising who it was.

Then, a split second later, both of us crashed to the ground and I winced, while Tyran laughed and pulled me in tighter. "Perhaps I was too harsh on you, father. I should have known."

I poked his snout and he snapped at my finger playfully. "Don't blame you. I did actually intend to go over, mostly because-"

I was promptly cut off when the dragon clamped a black scaly hand over my mouth. "Ssh. That doesn't matter now. You've already made the right choice."

We eventually got up, and the dragon let me go, and I turned to face him, now literally in the flesh, in his full draconic glory. "Looking good."

"You only say that because I look like you." He replied with a snort and a toothy grin.

I shrugged. "Maybe. You know, this feels so strange..."

Tyran cocked his head inquisitively, "What is?"

"I'm nineteen in human years, you're centuries old, and you are calling me dad." I replied with a laugh, before heading to the car. "Anyway, we've got to help the gold guy, if he's still alive."

"He is, but well, you just killed his uncle." Tyran replied flatly, while following me to the vehicle. "So, he'll remain like that till we can get someone to break the spell. Till then, you can borrow his form if he permits you to."

I groaned. "Not you too. I'm not wearing someone's skin. Just thinking about it gives me goosebumps."

"As you wish. I was just hoping that we could go flying together..." Came the disappointed reply.

By then, I had already gotten to the car, and tossed the rifle on the driver's seat. I paused to look at Tyran, who seemed extremely disappointed, with his wings and ear fins drooping sadly. He even pouted at me. Frankly, it pulled on my heartstrings so badly that they exploded, and I caved in. "Very well. Just for you, I'll do it, but not now. We must move."

Then, a voice floated over from the passenger area of the car. "Can someone please open this thing?"

Tyran reached over and tried to open the door, only to find it locked. He looked ready to rip the whole thing off, but I managed to stop him in time, and instead used the key to lock and then unlock the doors, before simply opening it normally, to have the gold dragon come tumbling out with a loud warble.

Tyran helped him up then stuck his tongue out at the other dragon. "I have been redeemed! See!"

The gold sighed. "What of my uncle?"

"Oh, him? My father shot him. Because he was trying to kill both of us!" Tyran added the second statement quickly as the gold seemed ready to burst out in tears...

However, upon hearing the second statement, the gold dragon just shook his head sadly. "No real surprise, I guess... He hated dragons, and never told me why. He actually tried to kill me too when I tried to talk to him..." However, he did look dejected, and sighed quietly to himself...

"You're Aurak, I guess?" I interjected.

"Yes." He replied, and looked me over, then pointed at Tyran. "You're his father?"

I nodded. "Yeah. Mind getting back into the car?"

"You look... young, elder." He replied, looking me over again. "But I just got out..."