Chapter 7

Drake sat down with Anna, Sarah, and Johnny up in Billy’s home. Protector and James were down in the lab with their host and going through… whatever. Honestly Drake didn’t know what was happening down there except that Blake was still asleep and they were using some of the lab’s materials.

“You’re pretty calm for something like this. Picked up from your home by Protector, and seeing things like those machines downstairs. And Johnny here.”

Actually, when he first saw Johnny he was calm. Now he wasn’t so sure. Originally Drake thought Johnny was one of Bill’s experiments. Maybe a little robot, maybe someone that he somehow shrank. Now he was understanding that Johnny was indeed naturally that size. Which meant he was a little anthro, something most thought only existed in stories and idle fantasies.

“Uh, I’m guessing I haven’t even seen half of what’s special in this place. Are there any more surprises I should be expecting? There’s nothing dangerous in this lab is there?”

“Not really. I wouldn’t live here and Sarah wouldn’t work here if it were really dangerous. Guess you’re wondering about everyone aren’t you? Like why James would be here.”

Johnny waved slightly, looking up at Drake. The prime minister. He was staying so calm, he didn’t even blink earlier when Johnny landed on his shoulder. And now he was going to know everything, even about the little anthros. Well, if anyone else deserved to know about his home, why not the prime minister? Maybe he could even talk some sense into a few of the more hateful citizens on Little Isle? Not likely… but at least he was respectable.

“YEOWWWWWCH!”

Drake actually jumped up out of his seat when he heard the shout. “I thought you said this lab was safe. What the heck was that?”

Johnny, Sarah, and Anna all exchanged glances before they broke out laughing. “Don’t worry about that. Player probably just bit Billy. Happens all the time when he’s doing those experiments. Nothing serious, that’s why we have so many band aids and pain killers down there.”

Drake stared at them, a rather puzzled expression on his face. After a few moments of silence, and all three of his hosts laughing again, Drake finally managed to speak. “You mean… Player bites? Why… why does he bite?”

“Well it’s a bit of a long story. I’m sure you’re probably just eager to get home again with your brother. It’s getting late in the evening.”

Drake smiled. “Are you kidding? This place is so cool. And everyone in it too. Hey, Protector comes here a lot right? Any of you actually know who’s under the helmet? Just asking. I don’t want to know who it is, I’ve just been thinking if anyone would know, it would probably be the people closest to him. My brother’s been trying to figure out who he is since Protector first appeared.”

Of course they all knew, but they all respected Babe’s wish and kept his secret. Even the prime minister wasn’t that special. If Drake was ever supposed to know who was beneath all that metal, he’d have to find out on his own. And that meant Protector telling him, or showing him, in person. They all lied to Drake, shaking their heads no.

“Oh well. At least you guys are his friends right? Well, I’ve been trying to think of a way to thank him for all he’s done, both for my family and for the city. Do you think he might accept an invitation? Him and all his friends, just to come over for dinner at my home? I’m afraid I don’t know any better way to thank him. And I don’t think he’s the kind of guy to just walk right up to me and tell me his favorite things to do when he isn’t out saving the city.”

Something crashed downstairs, followed by a loud yell from Billy again. “PLAYER! GET BACK HERE WITH THAT!”

James ran through the room upstairs with something in his mouth, dashing around on all fours as Billy chased after him. Drake was once again confused. Of course, confusion gave way to laughter as they all heard another crash in the separate room, followed by Billy walking out with a flower and some dirt on his head. Player was right at his heels as they walked back down to the lab.

“Poor guy. And this happens all the time? James acting like an animal and… well… torturing Billy? Always breaking things?”

Anna smiled. “Yeah, pretty much. He doesn’t mean any harm, and we all enjoy the laughs. Besides, he’s got me every night to keep him company and help him feel better. He’d tell you all the pain and frustration is worth it when he comes up with a good invention. Or some day when he figures out a way to give Player a more permanent treatment option.”

“Oh, right. He’s got some medical condition right? Well, maybe Zarek can help. He’s a pretty good doctor and mechanic. He’s into all that scientific stuff. If I had to make a guess I think the only thing that keeps his interest more than gadgets and test tubes and all that stuff would be my sister. Those two normally have a pretty good time.”

Anna knew that wasn’t quite true. Billy and Zarek had been talking for hours about their own ideas. He almost completely ignored Crimson, and Billy almost completely ignored her. “I guess it really can’t hurt if we told you what’s wrong with him. Just as long as you don’t go around telling everyone.”

“No worries there. It would probably sound crazy, and if I didn’t see it myself I wouldn’t believe it either. I’m the prime minister, if I go around saying things like that I’ll look like I’m insane and I wouldn’t get much done in office. So no worries, I know when to keep quiet.”

One thing led to another. Drake was up all night talking with them. He heard the whole story about James, he learned a lot about Johnny and his home, and even the subject of Pik came up briefly. By the end it was starting to get light out and Drake was almost in disbelief. So many things he would have thought impossible, so many new ideas. And the one thing he still didn’t know was Protector. “Wow, morning already? I guess I should call my driver. He’ll pick me and Blake up, then I guess we’ll be out of your way. Oh, if you see Protector ask him what he would think about that dinner. Or if you could please, try to find out something I can do for him. Here’s my number.”

Blake was sleeping down in the lab still. He must have had a really hard night. On his way out Drake passed one of the odd rooms and happened to glance inside. Was that… could it be… Protector? It was someone in a lot of metal, someone without a helmet at the moment. He was facing away from Drake but he could tell it was a mountain dragon. Drake almost wanted to just walk in and say hi, but he managed to stop himself. Protector probably wouldn’t be happy if someone walked in behind him and tapped him on the shoulder just to find out who’s under the helmet. Instead he called Heru, gave him directions. Now to get Blake out of here.

“Come on Blake, time to go home. You had enough excitement for one night. And you’re going to have our doctor friend look at your arm.”