The Heart of the Dragon

Chapter 3

By the time it was next Saturday morning around 9 am, Angie and her friends were up and ready to go as they met up with Jackson and his dad in front of their private jet at the airport with their bags. But alongside the two was a man Angie has never seen before, it was an older man dressed in a military uniform.

"Morning" Jackson's father greeted them with smiles.

A man in his early 50's with slight gray hairs in his dark roots, William Monroe looked exactly like he always does in his books. Dressed in proper hiking clothing, it appeared he stepped right out of his books.

"Hi, Mr. Monroe" Angie greeted back at her crush's father.

"You all ready to go?"

"We sure are" she smiled while gripping the straps of her backpack.

"I see you all are dressed properly" Jackson observed their outfits.

She looked down at her clothes which consisted of a fitted purple shirt, a beige vest with pockets over it, denim shorts, and a pair of hiking ankle boots. Her blonde hair was also tied back into a low ponytail along with a simple charm bracelet on her wrist.

"Gotta be prepared right?" she replied as he nodded in agreement.

"Before we go, I'd like you all to meet my boss, Commander Mike Darabont. He's the one who assigned this expedition."

"Nice to meet you all," his boss smiled at the teens who smiled back "I hope you all are prepared for what's to come."

"I hope so," Tammy responded, "But we got some smart people here, so I think we'll be fine."

The commander gave a small chuckle before turning to Angie.

"You must be Angela Brighton" he pointed out as she nodded "I've heard about you and your struggle to make enough money for college. Well, I promise you, if this expedition succeeds, I will be glad to help you with that."

"Yeah, Jackson told me about it" she replied with a smile, "And I really appreciate you trying to help."

"I will be splitting the money with your friends" he put in, "So don't worry, they won't be left out."

"Wow," Eli remarked surprised, "Thank you, sir."

"Now, as much as I would love to keep talking, you all should really get going."

"He's right," Mr. Monroe agreed, "Come on, let's get inside."

After saying goodbye to Mr. Darabont, everyone headed inside the jet where they were amazed by how luxurious it was.

"Whoa" they all gasped with astonishment.

"Talk about living the rich life," Tammy remarked as they all admired the fancy details.

"What do you guys think?" Jackson asked with a grin.

"Can I keep this?" Eli asked, still feeling amazed.

"Sorry man, but no."

"Hey just be happy we're flying for free" Tammy told him as they began to take their seats.

Once everyone was settled, Angie could feel the excitement rushing through her blood as she looked out the window. Soon she will be on an island away from her home for an adventure she's been looking forward to since her childhood.

"You excited?" Jackson asked while sitting in the seat in front of her.

"I am" she smiled "I'm really looking forward to this."

"I hope you are" he acknowledged with a smile when he soon spotted her bracelet "I can see you're wearing that bracelet of yours."

She looked at her bracelet with a leather strap and a pendant of a vintage compass.