Lee - The Dragons Return

Copyright 2016 Disney Enterprises, Inc.

All rights reserved. Published by Disney Press, an imprint of Disney Book Group. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without written permission from the publisher. For information, address Disney Press, 1101 Flower Street, Glendale, California 91201.

ISBN 978-1-4847-1367-9

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THE AUSTRALIAN OUTBACK was a lifeless place, a wilderness of red sand and withered trees. Satellite cameras, staring down from orbit, picked up only the occasional flash of movement, a kangaroo or wallaby darting across the cracked earth.

In the midst of this desolation sat a strange, high-tech complex of buildings. The satellites couldnt see it, and it wasnt listed on any mapbut it was there. From far above, it resembled a clutch of smooth white eggs half-buried in the sand, spread out in a wheel formation around the central dome.

In the very center of that domethe largest onea man named Malosi stood waiting. He was in his midtwenties, with a wide face, and a nervous look in his eyes. He wore a crisp, well-pressed uniform with the insignia of the Vanguard Company on its breast.

Why? he wondered. Why have I been summoned? Why me?

In his hands, Malosi held a strange object. It was about the size of a softball and almost perfectly spherical except for a few dents. Its surface was bronze, tarnished and discolored in spots.

Malosi looked around. He was alone in a giant featureless chamber. The ceiling rose up to a central point; the floor was uneven, rising up and down, as if it had once been landscaped. But the only thing covering it was a thin layer of gray sand.

Malosi shifted from one foot to another. He brushed lint off of his uniform. He shifted the bronze sphere from one hand to the other.

The sphere, he realized. Its warm.

He looked up, startled, as a door in the far wall whirred open. He reached for his energy rifle, then realized he didnt have it on him. No weapons were allowed in the main dome.

A large, muscular figure strode into the room, action ready in boots and his own unique uniform. Malosi drew in a sharp breath. The man was Maxwell, founder and leader of Vanguard.

Sir, Malosi said, snapping to attention.

Maxwell regarded him for a long moment with cold eyes. Its just Maxwell, he said.

Malosi nodded quickly. Maxwell.

Maxwell stepped forward, crossing the sandy expanse between them. His stare remained focused on his visitor.

Something wrong, Malosi? he asked.

Maxwell had kept a very low profile for the previous year, spending most of his time there in his inner sanctum and in a secret lab. Hed left the running of Vanguard to his lieutenants, and he hadnt pursued any new military contracts. That left Vanguards field agentsincluding Malosiwondering what Maxwells plans were.

But Malosi couldnt say that out loud.

No, sir, he said. Maxwell, I mean.

Maxwell stopped before Malosi. Youve been with us for four years. Is that right?

Yes.

And a year ago, you were up forlets call it a promotion.

Malosi felt a stab of anger. He tried to control it, but he knew Maxwell had seen his mouth tighten.

Sometimes, Malosi said carefully, things dont work out.

And sometimes they do. It just takes a little longer. Maxwell gestured at the bronze sphere. I see you have the item I requested.

The Operator gave it to me personally. Malosi hesitated. I have to ask, Maxwell

Yes?

Anyone could have brought this to you. Malosi forced himself to look Maxwell in the eyes. Why did you request me?

A slight, amused smile crept onto Maxwells lips. Are you bored, Malosi? Tired of guarding bushes and cacti? Wondering if Ive lost my fire, my thirst for greatness, along with the Dragon power?

Malosi took a step back. II didnt mean

At ease. Abruptly, Maxwell turned and started toward the edge of the room. Walk with me.

Malosi grimaced. He shot a glance at the bronze sphere in his hand, then followed. Maxwell led him past an area where the floor of the room rose up like a hill.

Have you been here before, Malosi?

Once, Malosi said, still cautious. It looked very different.

This used to be my garden. An edge crept into Maxwells voice. A place of peace and contemplation, an oasis of streams, bridges, and waterfalls. But the Zodiac power ruined all that.

The Zodiac power, Malosi repeated.

Now this place must serve a new purpose. As must we all. Maxwell whirled around, addressing Malosi directly. But you know all about Project Zodiac, dont you? You were fully briefed.

Last year, Malosi agreed. I was to be He trailed off, unable to speak the word. Malosi had spent the past year trying not to think about the power that had been promised to him and then snatched away.

The Tiger, Maxwell said. You were chosen to be my Tiger.

Malosi looked down, not wanting Maxwell to see the anger in his face.

And since that time, Maxwell continued, youve observed our Zodiac agents in the field. Snake, Monkey, Ratyou know what they can do. Youve seen, firsthand, the power that should have been yours.

Ive been treated well by Vanguard, Malosi said stiffly.

Thats gratifying. But irrelevant.

Maxwell seated himself on a slight rise. He stared straight ahead, for so long that Malosi began to think hed forgotten his visitors presence.

Finally, Maxwell said: Ive made mistakes, Malosi.

Malosi cleared his throat. Thats, uh, thats human.

Human. Maxwell smiled. Yes. I am human, but the Dragon power is not. Its the greatest of the Zodiacsorders of magnitude more potent than any of the others. Its veryseductive.

Malosi sat down next to his leader. Im, uh, sure you can handle it. Sir.

A flicker of doubt crossed Maxwells face. The weight of the past years actions visibly weighed on him. His eyes, his face, his whole body looked tired.

Ive strayed from my path, Maxwell continued. When I held the Dragon in my hand, I lost perspective. I said and did things that I regret. And as a result, the power was lost to me.

That Malosi paused, thinking of the Tiger power. Thats not an easy thing to live with.

Malosi looked away, lost in his own dark thoughts. He wondered how he could miss something so much when hed never had it at all.

Then he felt Maxwells eyes on him. When he looked up, Maxwell was staring at him with a frightening intensity.

There is rage within you, Maxwell hissed. The rage of the forgotten, the lost. But rage at whom?

Malosi said nothing.

At your father? Who walked out on you?

Malosi shook his head. No.

No, Maxwell agreed. We have ways of finding ourselvesnew fathers.