Dragonification Part Two

Deep in the center of the planets core, a large white sphere, one-fifths the size of the Earth's moon, floated silently. At first glance, it looked devoid of any impurities or imperfection inside or out. The contents of the sphere seemed to churn but still kept a serene outlook.

There was a sudden tremor in the Earth's core that caused the sphere to tremble- the shock of the tremor passing through the sphere. After the tremor had passed, a small unnoticeable chip in the previously perfect sphere had widened into a hairline fracture; barely noticeable. The fracture started leaking out faint wispy traces of the sphere's content.

The roar from the massive dragon caused all the creatures inhabiting the mountains to cry out as well, causing an unnatural awakening of the forest. Every creature within earshot of the roar responded with a roar, shriek, howl or squawk of their own, acknowledging the emergence of an apex predator. The weaker creatures had no other option than to hide in their burrows and caves.

The other members of the Griffin family were taking a walk through the mountains, on their way to a picnic with the second child of the family, Catherina. "Samuel is rather late today. I wanted him to join as for this lunch picnic", Vivian informed as they trekked. "You're right. It's possible something has kept him but he should be able to find us when he's done", Bernard replied. "Where's big brother?" the six-year-old Catherine asked looking up to her parents. "He's fine. He'll be here soon", Bernard assured.

No sooner had he said this, the clouds above their heads quickly darkened and the ground upon which they stood started to tremble. A sudden, ear-piercing roar tore through the sky completely taking them by surprise as well as terrifying them. Bernard shielded his family from the strong winds generated as a result of the shock wave of the roar. "Do you think that's Samuel?" Vivian asked in a worried tone. "I believe so. Let's check it out", Bernard said as he picked up Catherine and they quickly run towards the direction of the monstrous roar.

Coming over a hill, they saw none other than their son in the form of a giant, winged, four-legged monster. They stood astounded and petrified with fear; the fear of what their son had become. Observing their son for a couple of minutes, they finally noticed a strange man who sat atop a horse, observing their son, completely devoid of any fear. They had no option than to swallow their fear and approached him.

Dr. Michelson, seeing the approaching family, dismounted and met them halfway. He quickly introduced himself, "My name is Dr. Emmanuel Michelson. I am the current head of the Sienna Institute for Genetic Research and Analysis". "Is that so? What do you want from us now? Are you here to take away our son?" Bernard asked in an aggressive tone as he took a step forward but Dr. Michelson quickly dismissed their fears.

"I am not here to take him away. In fact, you could say I was the pioneer behind the creation of the creature that is your son", he announced. "What do you mean created?" Bernard asked perplexed. "I led a team of experts in creating a superhuman serum that, one way or the other, found its way to your family. In truth, your family met the requirements and the serum was administered completely transforming your unborn son at the genetic level", Dr. Michelson explained.

"Are you telling me you unilaterally decided to use my family for your science experiment", Bernard asked in anger recalling how their son had never had, and will never have any semblance of a normal life. Dr. Michelson, saying nothing, took a step back and bowed slightly. "Allow me to apologize. The circumstances notwithstanding, we still used your family for the project without regard for your own wishes. I am really sorry. I understand that I messed up your lives and I know that this sin of mine will be difficult to forgive but I implore you to try", he rendered his apology.

Bernard took a deep breath to cool his head after hearing the apology. Catherina stared at her big brother's magnificent form, completely uninterested in the conversation. "Why don't we sit down and talk", Dr. Michelson said as he led them back to his horse. They sat on some rocks and he gave them a detailed explanation, mentioning Dr. Hathaway's involvement in the whole process.

"I knew it! I realized that Daniel was acting way too calm for my liking. Other doctors would have completely freaked out and possibly called the government, but Daniel performed his duties as a doctor without batting an eye, completely unfazed, almost as if he knew it would happen", Bernard said recalling the events of Samuel's birth.

"Hey!!" they heard a voice call out and they turned to it. "Speak of the devil and the devil shall appear", Dr. Michelson said as he shook Dr. Hathaway's hand. "That was an earth-shattering roar, if I ever heard one", Dr. Hathaway said as he turned to the couple. "You came?" Bernard asked. "I guess the secret's out, huh!" Dr. Hathaway said understanding the mood. "Yeah! But as I was saying, we arranged everything and it's my great pleasure to say that it has all gone according to plan. Your son has been born as a unique being, and I intend to make sure his role in this crumpling world is fulfilled", Dr. Michelson announced.

"If it weren't for your experimentation, we wouldn't be living this happy life of ours here in the mountains away from city life. We are truly glad to be part of it", Bernard remarked, hugging his wife. "Oh, in that case, I better inform you that there is only one person powerful enough to train your son. I'll need to send him to Cape Metro City for a few years", Dr. Michelson suddenly dropped a bombshell on them.

"Wait, he's leaving us?" Vivian asked with a shaky voice. "Just for a couple of years. And besides, he wouldn't be permanently gone. He will visit as often as he can and will finally return once his training is complete and he is able to fully control every aspect of his power. Think of it like boarding school", he explained to the couple. They fell into deep thought and after a while nodded to each other.

"As long as he is able to learn to control his power, we are okay with him leaving us for a while. I mean look at him. If he was to lose control and transform in the house, he could destroy the entire house and possibly crush us as well. I think this will be the best thing for all of us, all things considered, him especially", Bernard said with Vivian nodding in agreement. "Thank you for your consent. I promise to take care of him till he returns", the doctor said in appreciation.

"By the way, won't anyone spot him with his size?" Bernard asked. "Yeah, I was just wondering that myself", Dr. Hathaway added. "You don't need to worry. I have a satellite monitoring this entire mountain range at all times. I'll know immediately if anyone approaches our location. It is capable of interfering with other satellites, preventing them from taking a shot of this place", Dr. Michelson informed. "That's wonderful news", Bernard said as he glanced at his daughter. 'I wonder.....'