A Race to Rescue

There weren't always dragons in the Valley. They kept to themselves, high in the mountains. But, every so often, they would come down from their caves and take one person hostage. And those abducted were never seen again...

It was a pleasant day in the Iwikuamoo Valley, there was a slight breeze, and the sun was shining. The trees and grass were the perfect shade of green. The sky was like looking into a cool, crisp ocean. Liam thought to himself, this is a perfect morning to see his uncle Ezra. Liam's father was taken by one of the dragons, so Liam looked to Ezra as a father.

There hadn't been a dragon sighting in over a year. The whole Village was beginning to think that they were gone for good. And because of that, the people started to relax. Whether it was maintaining their garden, visiting friends, or enjoying a nice walk, everybody was out doing something. Liam, like everybody else, was outside enjoying this wonderful spring morning.

“Good morning, Liam!”

“Good morning, Phoebe! How are you today?”

“Oh, I am just splendid Liam. Isn't it such a nice day today?”

“It sure is!”

“Say, where are you off to in such a hurry?”

“I am headed to my uncle’s; he says he’s got something for me.”

“That’s very nice of him. Here, Liam, I have something for you too,”

Phoebe waved Liam over and handed him a sack of peaches, “I know they are a favorite of yours and your mother, and I cannot possibly eat them all.

“Why thank you, Phoebe, you didn't have to do this!”

“Sure, I do! Now you go run along to your uncle's, and tell him hello for me.”

“Will do, see you tonight.”

“Oh, Liam, I almost forgot.”

“Ya?”

“Happy 18th birthday.”

“Thanks!”

And with that, Liam took off running to his uncle's. He couldn't wait to see what he had for him.

When Liam arrived at Ezra's house, he stopped and stared at it for a minute. He always did this when he came to Ezra's house. He loved how old-fashioned it looked, with the old wood to the white porch, everything stood out to him.

His uncle opened the door, “Why hello, Liam! Glad you could make it!”

“Uncle!” Liam ran, and his uncle embraced him in a big hug.

“Happy birthday, my boy! How are you?”

“I am doing great! How are you?”

“Doing just fine! Now that you have arrived, I can finally show you your surprise.”

Together they walked into the house. Liam loved the oak smell it gave off.

They walked into the living room, and Liam saw the same grey couch against the same light blue wall. And on the couch was a little brown box.

Liam could feel the excitement rising in his body. He felt his heart race, and his palms began to sweat, his uncle had been telling him about this moment for years, and now it was finally here! He said how this gift would help him in dire times to keep him safe and help him accomplish his goals.

“Are you ready?”

Thoughts raced through Liam's mind; am I ready for this? Will it be everything I imagined?

“Yes, I am,” Liam responded.

Ezra walked over to the couch, bent down, and picked up the box. Walking over to Liam, Ezra is smiling ear to ear. That got Liam even more excited. Ezra put the box into his shaking hands. Nervously, Liam starts to open the box. He removes the brown paper hiding the contents inside and takes out a small creme bag. Wondering what it could be, he opens it up and takes out a blueish purple gem about the size of a golf ball.

“It's a... a rock.” Liam sighed; I thought it would be something more, like a compass or a... I don't know, just not a rock.

“This isn't a rock it is a gem, and not just any gem, this is alexandrite, the rarest and most valuable gem in the land.”

“Thanks, Uncle.” Liam forced out a smile.

“Come now, I don't think you understand the importance of this gem.” Ezra could tell that Liam wasn't all too impressed, “This alexandrite will help you in ways you cannot even begin to imagine. You must keep it a secret. If word got out that you have this, bad things can and will happen.”

“What do you mean?”

“People will always want it and will do anything to get it. So, keep it with you at all times. And when danger comes knocking your way, this gem can help you when you need it most. This gem is now your most important possession.” Starting to see the value in this gift, Liam thanks his uncle with real intent and hugs him.

“I have to head back now; my mom needs help to get ready for tonight.”

“Oh, that's right! I almost forgot about your big birthday party. I'll be there; you can count on that!”

“Ok then, I'll see you tonight!” And with that, Liam took off.

When Liam arrived home, his mom was already hard at work, putting up the decorations.

“Mom, I told you to wait for me.”

“I know honey; I just thought I should get a head start.”

“Phoebe gave us some peaches.”

“How nice of her. Why don't you go put those in the kitchen, and we will get them ready for the party later. What did your uncle get for you? I know you have been excited about this; you haven't stopped talking about it for months.”

Walking closer to his mother, Liam whispered, “A big piece of alexandrite. He told me to keep it safe and hidden. And to keep it with me wherever I go.”

“Alexandrite? That's a big responsibility; do you think you're up to it?”

“Ya, I mean, how hard can it be?”

“Ok.” Liam's mom said hesitantly.

Confused, Liam decides to stop talking and focus on hanging up the decorations.

Later that night, it was time for the party, and the first guests had just arrived.

Liam opened the door, “Ben, Michael! How are you two? Thanks for coming!"

“We are good, and of course we came. We wouldn't miss this for the world! You know that. We are your best buds, after all.” Ben replied.

“Ya, Ben is right, and don't go thinking you're on your own now that you're an adult. We still got your back.” Michael chipped in.

“Now, why would you think I would do a thing like that?” Liam said sarcastically.

“Do we need to go into that again?” Michael asked. They all burst into laughter and went into a big hug. Together they walked into the living room and chatted for a while. Other guests started to trickle in, and Liam had to leave to greet them. Phoebe was there, and so was Ezra and all the other neighbors, friends, and family.

It was the biggest party Iwikuamoo Valley has seen in 10 years. There were fireworks, cake, presents, streamers, food, and drinks. Liam's backyard was lit up, for the whole Valley to see. Everyone in Iwikuamoo Valley had been invited, and nearly everyone showed up. Even though Liam knew everyone who was there, he mainly stayed near his mom and friends Ben and Michael. The evening grew late, the cake got dished out, and it was time for presents. Liam received many gifts, some were books, others money, and all sorts of other things. Liam was not even halfway through when the town security came bursting through the door.

“The dragons are here; it is another attack; everybody get to the safe bunker!”

Screaming and chaos started. Everybody started to run. Mothers grabbed their children; husbands grabbed their wives. Liam looked for his mom, but he couldn't find her anywhere.

“Mom!” He yelled, “Mom!” Nothing. A dragon flew overhead, burning the backyard to a crisp. Liam fell to the ground to duck for cover. Everything around him was on fire. Suddenly he was picked up by the arms. It was Ben and Michael. They grabbed him off the ground and started running to the shelter, dragging Liam along.

“No, I can't leave my mom!”

“Liam, we have to go now! Maybe your mom is at the bunker already, I don't see her anywhere else.” Michael said firmly.

“Are you sure? I am worried about her. I can't just abandon her. What if she is looking for me?” Liam vacillated.

“I don't know, Liam, but we must go now!” Michael and Ben tugged at Liam, forcing him to follow them to the bunker.

When they got there, Liam frantically looked for his mother. But no matter how many times he shouted for her, he couldn't find her. Liam went to go outside, but the security would not let him. Then in the distance, he saw a small figure. As the figure got closer, he saw that it was his mom. Terrified for her, he tried to fight through security, but he could get past them. So, he looked for another way out. He saw a small window. Liam darted for it. He had to jump to grab on and pull himself out.

Once he was outside, he ran faster to his mother than he knew he could.

“Mom!” He yelled. She looked toward him and started to run.

“Go back! It's not safe out here!”

“I won't leave you!” He just reached her and grabbed her hand when a green, humongous dragon swooped down and picked her up by the arms.

“Noooo!” Liam cried, as their grip was torn apart, and she was lifted high off the ground and taken towards the mountains. Liam chased after them until they were out of sight. Out of breath and strength, Liam fell to the ground and sobbed. His mom was gone. Thoughts were rushing through his mind, he felt empty without her. I have to go after her! Liam thought, so he got off the ground and was about to run when he felt arms grab him and hold him back. It was the security team.

“You have to let her go, son! It is a death sentence if you go up there.”

“I have to try!” Liam screamed and busted out into tears again.

Fighting to get free, Liam was dragged back into town and taken back to his home.

Ben and Michael were there comforting him along with security to make sure he wouldn't run off again when Ezra came through the door.

“Is it true? Is my sister gone?” He asked.

Liam couldn't even talk, he just sat there pale and motionless.

“I am sorry, Liam, come here. I am sure we can figure something out; you can come live with me till you get your grounding, then you can take over this house.” Ezra reassured. But Liam wouldn't even look at him.

“We won't leave your side bud, we're here for you,” Ben added.

Liam stood up, “I am just going to go to bed. It has been a long day, and I need some time alone.”

He laid down in his bed, the room was dark. How can I get her back? How can I sneak out to find her? I can't live without my mom. She has always been there for me. Now I need to be there for her. All of a sudden, Liam's pocket got very warm. He pulled out its contents, the alexandrite gem, it was glowing purple. "Whoa, what is going on?" He held the gem and looked at it closely. Suddenly, the gem showed a picture of a map. Liam studied it and saw that this map would lead him to the dragon's nest. Liam frantically searched for a pen and paper. He found his notebook and a red pen on his desk. He quickly jotted down the map. Just in time too, when he finished the gem went dark again. What now, he asked himself. “Now it is time to get my mom back. But first, I need a team.”