Chapter 53

SUMMIT OF SOLACE

West Los Angeles, California, United States

The sun-drenched peaks of the Santa Monica Mountains rose up like ancient patrols. Their rugged surfaces were etched with the stories of the many who had climbed over them and ventured deep into the fertile wilderness. The air grew crisper and cleaner with the scent of pine and wildflowers. It mingled with the faint scent of salt that wafted in from the ocean. It was in this part of Los Angeles that Gen felt most alive and protective of the city. It also reminded her that the modern world could still hold on to the past by preserving that which came first—the rugged forest.

As the dragon flew over the mountains, Gen felt a sense of peace wash over her. It was a rare moment of tranquility in the midst of the storm that had become her life. She looked down at the landscape below, marveling at the way the light danced across the valleys and the streams, painting the world in a thousand shades of green and gold.

She could feel her dragon’s mood lighten too, his flight becoming more fluid. He must have sensed her feelings, letting them infect him with her joy and contentment. They were two halves of a whole, rider and dragon, united in their love for this land and their determination to protect it from those who would seek to destroy it.

For a moment, Gen permitted herself to forget about the billboards and the brainwashing, about the Commissioner and his twisted schemes. She let herself simply be. Gen allowed herself to be lost in the magic of the moment and the bond she shared with Emperor.

However, as they drew closer to the fourth tower, the spell was broken and the harsh reality of their mission crashed back down upon them like a wave. Gen’s chest sank as she saw the forces that were waiting for them, guarding the transmitter. Police were scattered all around the tower, on the ground, in rocks behind it and hiding in the trees.

The military-type guards were camouflaged, blending in with the mountains and forests like ghosts in the machine. Nevertheless, Gen could see them. She could feel the menace that radiated from their very beings. And if she hadn’t discerned them, then Emperor would have told her.

“They have been told to let us get in close before firing,” he explained, having learned this information by trespassing into the thoughts of the soldiers. “Their leaders don’t want to chance another miss. And they believe that like with the other three attempts by us, that destroying the tower will take time.”

Gen couldn’t help but smile. “Then it is fortunate for us that this time we’ll be swift. Just get me in close enough and we’ll be off again before they have us in their sights.”

“Hold on tightly,” Emperor advised, shooting forward, flying even faster at once.

Gen spied the individual guards all frozen and awaiting the command of their general. Their weapons were trained on the sky and their eyes glinted with a coldness. Still, Gen reminded herself that these soldiers were only doing what they were told and shouldn’t be harmed or a casualty of war.

And then she saw the cannon. Its barrel was pointed straight at them like an accusatory finger. It was a beast of a thing, a real monster of metal and fire that seemed to hunger for their destruction. The Commissioner needed the dragon and rider stopped. He was out for their blood. But for that very reason, because the guards couldn’t act until they had a clear shot, they were going to miss. She and Emperor would be gone before they knew what was happening. And what they left behind would do their bidding.

Gen was ready as her dragon sped forward. With her hand by her side, she reached for the pouch strapped to her belt. Just as she and Emperor soared over the top of the tower, Gen opened the small bag. With a flick of her wrist, she unleashed a swarm of cyber-pixies, sending them over onto the metal transmitter. They had been a gift from Bermuda Laurens. And now they were saving Gen’s very life. Their iridescent wings glinted in the sun as they shot forward like a cape, covering the tower.

This small action from the dragonrider, followed by the strange display from the creatures, instantly confused the guards. And then, Gen and Emperor were already speeding off again, not attacking the transmitter as everyone would have expected.

Instead, the pixies descended upon the tower like a plague. Their tiny bodies pulsed with a power that didn’t seem possible based on their size. They tore through the metal and the circuitry of the tower like paper. Their magic short-circuited the very essence of the structure until it began to crumble and collapse in upon itself.

It was an incredible and impressive display. Gen and Emperor watched as they retreated. It was an amazing show to witness as the tower fell. The transmitter’s destruction was a thing of terrible beauty that felt strangely raw. It was as if nature had taken down the artificial structure, returning its elements to the earth.

The soldiers on the ground below scattered at once, not wanting to get caught in the avalanche as the tower crumbled. It all happened so fast that they were obviously confused by the strange sight. Their weapons were forgotten as they fled, probably fearing that the cyber-pixies might make them their next target. However, Bermuda Laurens had said that she’d call the magitech creatures back to her once they were done, ensuring they didn’t cause unnecessary problems. Apparently, they were very helpful creatures and were happy to assist.

All at once the tower that had been standing strong moments before was gone. It had been reduced to a pile of smoking rubble and its height and solidness were nothing more than a memory. Gen let out a whoop of joy, her chest expanding with the thrill of victory as she and Emperor sailed off into the blue skies.

They had done it. Another tower down and another blow struck against the Commissioner’s reign of lies. There was still one more tower to destroy and one more battle to be fought before the city could be truly free.

The mountains stretched out before them, an array of wonder and mystery that called to Gen’s very soul. And as they flew, she and Emperor lost themselves in the beauty of the moment, the magic of the land and the unbreakable bond that would carry them through to the very end.