Beast of the Dragon - Zue's Anathema

Radiologist

I frowned. Dark elves? Out of all of my readings on mythology, I never heard of such creatures. The name sounds evil enough and the beast is clearly afraid of being harmed by them. I understand his fear. Him and his friends has risked their lives showing themselves to me.

"My brother and I never told anyone about you."

"Eating humans isn't something I'm customed too anymore. I can't speak the same for Whiro and Beast. Beast views are more aloof and Whiro follows his sibling." His voice lowered.

I opened my mouth to reply and closed it as soon as the weight in my arms distracted me. "I need to leave now. I have hours of studying this plant species," I looked down at the pretty leaves on the tree.

"I will help carry it back to the boat for you," He said, grabbing the plant from my hands. He lead the way and I trailed beside him. I never noticed before how the ground shook each step the beast took. It amazed me how a creature of his size managed to keep a low profile from humans. I thought about what he said about his friends not having the same views on eating humans. Is it possible the humans who came across in the past were murdered by his friends to keep quiet?

"People went missing going through these woods and many pronounced dead," I said, after I was inside the boat. The beast looked at me and frowned. "Stories and rumors travels across town. Some say the flood is the cause and others suggest an animal attacked them or ate them," I whispered the last part.

"What rumor do you believe?"

"I don't know. I think I believe the last part. Not all bodies were found."

"Human, I have told you far more than I should, but I have this unknown feeling of trust for you. I will tell you this, my friends ate a few, and the rest died from natural causes. There's way more threats out here than just us dragons."

I shook my head. The swamp is dangerous. Exactly why the signs at the entrance of the lake says, 'keep out'. I want to be angry at his dragon friends, but it is also those people's fault for not taking the warning seriously. I was greatful I didn't end up like any of those poor people.

I quickly untied the knots of the ropes, throwing them inside the boat with me. "My brother and I shall be greatful for not enduring the same fate as the others. I will not come back beast. I have envaded your home." That was the complete truth. Now that I have what I want, there isn't a reason to come to the swamps grounds again.

Or so I thought...

"My name is, Zue, human. Beast is the name of my friend," He pushed the boat with his snout. The boat drifted off into the middle of the lake slowly. "I never thought I'd be able to trust a human," He smiled showing very sharp razor like teeth.

Zue turned around and walked off back to where he came from when his bent wing caught my eye again. I wanted to help him somehow, but I didn't know how. I had a family friend, Alex Maliski, who is a radiologist, and I planned to ask him about the impact on broken limbs.

-

The Erone Tree brought an fascination with everyone in class. Everyone crowded around my desk. Even Mr. Bulleton wanted to know more about it. He took it into his own hands to call out to a plant scientist, taking pictures to boast about his class finding a peculiar discovery.

The first time my teacher actually appreciated me in his class and it made me feel wanted and successful. Mr. Bulleton said this tree is said to treat cancer and a few viruses in humans. A full tree is worth millions and the funds could help a lot for the school technology and supplies. Also means people will start asking question about the location.

After work, my focus was in the hospital as I remembered to seek out information for Zue's condition.

People crowded inside the small waiting room creating a line from the outside. With a frown, I had squeezed myself through the crowd, bumping elbows with everyone to fit throught, and reach the elevators.

I entered the number four elevator and select the button for the third floor.

I met Alex Maliski through my father as a child. Alex said he knew my mother and I would ask him a lot of questions about her. Alex said, he once dated my mother back in high school. Dad never knew, because Alex made me promise not to tell him. It was our little secret.

When the elevator opens, I walk down the hall and to the right of me there's a name tag on the door saying, 'Mr. Maliski, Radiologist'. I enter the room after knocking twice. He sat behind his desk writing on a notepad.

"Ah. Sweet Callianna," He looked up at me. "What are you doing here?"

"I need your help," I said, sitting down in front of him.

"Why?" He scanned my face. "Is everything okay? Are you alright?"

"I have a friend that has a broken limb from an accident."

"Why haven't you contacted the police? It sounds like your friend needs an emergency phisycian."

"No. I can't do that." I shook my head. I just need a remedy.

"Callianna, I can't help if I don't know the entire story. I have a feeling you aren't telling me very much."

I blinked a few times, hoping I really did not have to explain, but his curious expression left me no choice. Okay, here we go. "My brother and I visited the swamp the other day and we crossed paths with three creatures that isn't known to exist..." I told him the entire story from the adventure my brother and I took to the encounter with Zue today.

"Okay. What creature is it exactly?" I was surprised he didn't lecture me like everyone else had. Instead he looked more concern on my friend's problem.

"A dragon. I know it doesn't sound realistic, but I swear to you that is what I saw and so did my brother. It lives secluded in that swamp," I rushed out.

He stared at me with a blank expression far too long and I started to feel very uncomfortable under his stare. "Calianna, have you been drinking?"

What! My lips parted.

"I came for your help and you make this into a joke." I stand in anger. "If you don't give me any information, then I'll find it myself."

"Calianna, wait." He stood. "If you want my help, you're going to have to show some kind of proof."

"How?"

"Show me the dragon."