-The Power Struggle-
-Dimension 1-
An Ounce Of Forewarning-
New York, 1979-
“Now, why would you want to work with us?” Harold asks. The man across from him smiles. “Because you’re doing wonderful things here, forwarding America’s understanding of the supernatural.” He says. “Doctor Frost… Richard, right?” Brenner asks the man. Frost nods. “Yes, Sir, Richard Frost, a head researcher out from Saint Louis,” Frost says. Brenner nods. “And what would you do for us?” He asks. Harold nods. “I’m curious about that as well.” They ask. Frost scratches his chin in thought. “I’ve been working on a Divinity Alarm, meant to alert us if anything supernatural or paranormal occurs on American soil.” He says. Harold watches Frost’s eyes, looking for any indication of deceit. “It was built here in New York, right under the Empire State. I’ve since been locked out, though. I can’t access it to use the building as a radio tower.” He explains. Harold and Brenner share a glance, and they nod in unison. “Well, good news for you. You’re on the team!” Harold exclaims. Frost bursts into a wide smile. “Awesome, I can’t wait to work with you two!” He says as they all stand up from the table. Harold stops him before he can leave. “I want you to build the same machine in our Headquarters back in Wolfrun, okay?” He asks. Frost nods, and walks out of the room. “So, any idea what’s up with the Demons?” Brenner asks after Frost leaves. Harold shakes his head. “No, what’s up with them?” He asks in return. Brenner walks over to a computer and logs in. “See, look. They’re trying to assimilate. After Lucy opened the Hell Gate, they realized how horrible Hell truly was. I think… They’re trying to migrate to Earth!” Brenner says. Harold nods. “Okay, I don’t see an issue as long as they’re not violent about it.” He says. Brenner nods in agreement. “I just worry about them, since Demons aren’t exactly spoken about in a good light. Especially in the Bible.” He says. Harold shakes his head. “Africans and Natives faced struggles too. Pretty much everyone has, I’m sure they’ll pull through all right.” Harold says, starting to walk for the door. “Oh, but if you find Lucy, tell me right away. Understood?” He asks. Brenner nods, and Harold leaves the office.
Sol For The Soul-
New York, 1979-
The large theater echoes the applause. Harold and Brenner are waiting behind the stage as Dragon finishes up yet another political speech. Harold rolls his eyes in annoyance and leans over, pressing an ear towards the stage. “And this is why we need to focus on Division 18!” Dragon starts. “We stand before a new age! An age of Industry! An age of discovery! An age of the PARANORMAL!” He exclaims. The crowd bursts into applause. Brenner shakes his head. “These people will clap for anything…” He mumbles. Dragon continues. “Though we stand on the brink of several scientific breakthroughs, we must remember a simple fact. Rumors of Demons walking among us have been floating around, I just want to be clear as clean water: I do not disapprove of Demons in America.” He says firmly. The crowd falls silent in anticipation. “I will NOT, however, stand idly by when they claim they’re living here permanently.” Dragon finishes. The crowd erupts into applause. Dragon continues. “I hereby dedicate myself to ensuring the Demon-kind will only use this planet as a pit stop on their journey to Mars! Sol for the Soulful! Earth is a Human right, not a devilish Demon’s right!” he spouts, the crowd roaring in agreement. Brenner glares at Harold, who’s visibly concerned. “You signed us into backing everything this guy says, by the way,” Brenner says annoyed. Harold raises a hand. “Don’t worry, he can’t own over forty percent of the company. We can always drop him,” he replies. Brenner shakes his head in disapproval. “It’s not that easy, Harry. Politicians are slippery snakes, none more obvious than David Dragon himself. Hell, he practically wears his heart on his sleeve. His reptilian sleeve.” He says disgusted. As he finishes his sentence, Dragon bursts through the curtains. “What a good speech. You guys approve?” He asks. Harold glances at Brenner, and Brenner gives him a look of confrontation. “Yes, Sir. We stand by it one hundred percent.” Harold says reluctantly. Dragon laughs to himself. “Good! I’m glad you remember our contract well.” He says, somewhat threateningly. Harold sighs as Dragon walks towards the backstage exit. “Come on, you two. I have a rally to attend,” he calls back. Brenner glares at Harold as the two follow the Senator out of the theatre.
Rising Tension-
New York, 1979-
The roads of New York seem more packed than usual. Harold, Brenner, Dragon, and Frost sit as far from each other on the bus as possible. The ride is slow but steady until a group of people block the bus from progressing onward. “Now what?” Dragon asks annoyed. Harold and Frost get up to investigate, while Brenner shakes his head with a sigh. He leans back to take a nap. Dragon exits the bus first, with annoyance and curiosity on his face. “What is the meaning of this!?” he shouts to the crowd. Harold scans the crowd, noticing several horns on the protester’s foreheads. “Demons.” He says. Dragon looks back at him disgusted. “Unbelievable,” he says, straightening his tie. He approaches the crowd, and a man wearing a white button-up shirt with black pants and shoes steps forward. “You’re the Senator of Colorado David Dragon, yeah?” he asks, his blue eyes peering at the Senator. Dragon nods. “Indeed. What is the purpose of this little incursion?” He asks in return. The man brushes the brown and messy hair out of his face and smirks at Dragon. “I’m Alexander, a reporter for People’s Institution of News,” Alexander says. Dragon just stares at him annoyed. “You can call me Alex, though,” Alex says with a coy smile. Dragon rolls his eyes and sighs. “Fine, what do you require?” He asks. Alex smiles widely. “Only an interview. PIN wants to endorse you, but we need to know your final and complete thoughts on Demon-kind altogether. Shall we meet soon? In Wolfrun, I imagine? I can be there insanely fast. People often think I teleport considering how much I travel…” Alex rambles on and on. Dragon clears his throat. “Move these people out of the way, and you have your interview in my hometown. Deal?” He asks. Dragon extends a hand out to Alex, and Harold can swear he caught the reporter’s eyes glow blue. “Deal,” Alex says while shaking Dragon’s hand. Alex returns to the crowd, and they scoot back to the sidewalks. Dragon and Harold board the bus, Frost close in tow. “What was that about?” Frost asks. Dragon shakes his head. “Some happy-go-lucky reporter wanting an interview with the next President of The United States, that’s what,” Dragon says. He cuffs his mouth with his hands and shouts toward the bus driver. “Let’s go! I have things to do!” He calls. The bus slowly starts moving again, and the group of four are finally returning to Wolfrun.
Back To Back-
Wolfrun, 1980-
After a year of working with Frost and Brenner under Dragon, Harold is finally ready to witness Frost’s Divinity Machine, his first step in Operation Divine Intervention. “Is it good to go?” Harold asks. Frost nods. “Indeed. I just flip this switch… and viola!” He says, the machine whirring to life. Blue and gold energy rushes through the machine like blood running through veins. “What’s it do, exactly?” Brenner asks. Frost looks over at him with a smile on his face. “It should alert us if any Divine or paranormal entities are caught or reported.” He explains. Harold looks the machine up and down. “Where are the alarms?” He asks nervously. Frost looks up at the tall machine. “Um, it doesn’t… have any.” He says bluntly. Harold’s jaw drops. “How is the damn thing supposed to alert us without any sirens!?” He shouts. Frost looks around frantically. “I hired someone to keep an eye on it, I don’t know where he went…” Frost says guiltily. Brenner looks over at Frost with a bored look in his eyes. “You mean the guy that ran out of here with a stack of cash? He’s long gone.” Brenner says. Frost looks sadly over at Harold, and Harold just sighs. He walks out of the room to meet with Dragon. After a brisk walk up the stairs, he arrives outside Dragon’s office. He gently knocks on the door. “Come in,” Dragon says from behind the wooden door. Harold opens it, and Dragon looks up from the notebook he’s writing in. “Ah, Doctor Bright. What can I do for you?” He asks. Harold sits down across from the politician and clears his throat. “I don’t know what to do with Doctor Frost… his machine won’t work, and we’ve invested too much time and money into it.” He says. Dragon nods. “Alright, so what do you think we do? You’re the scientist, after all.” He asks in return. Harold swallows nervously and continues. “I think we need to let Frost go. He’s a black hole for money, and none of his projects seem to yield any results…” He says. Dragon interrupts him. “At least he’s working on something. What have you done in the last year or so? When we signed that contract back in ‘74, what have you done since then?” Dragon asks. Harold looks away. “I’ve been working on keeping us secure and safe…” He starts. Dragon raises a hand, silencing Bright. “So you’ve been watching other people work, huh? All I’ve seen is laziness, and I have no use for lazy workers.” He says. Harold jumps up. “You can’t be serious! You’re firing ME!?” He shouts. Dragon stands as well. “I have no power over you, but I’ve spoken with Doctor Brenner. He agrees, and that makes this a majority vote. Doctor Brenner also said that he believes Doctor Frost could replace you well enough.” Dragon says sternly. Harold’s jaw is agape. “No fucking way you’re firing me from MY COMPANY!” He shouts. Dragon reaches into his desk and pulls out the contract from 1971. “I think you mean-” He taps the signature on the bottom of the paper. “-MY company. Don’t make me call security, Harold.” Dragon says with a sinister look in his eyes. Harold backs away, anger in his eyes. “I’ll be back for you, you damned bastard.” He mumbles, slamming the door on his way out. “You’re not fired yet, but don’t forget who’s the boss!” He shouts after a fuming Harold.
Walking down the city streets of Wolfrun, Harold finds himself kicking stones into the road. “Fucking bastards…” He mumbles to himself. He turns left down an alleyway, hoping something interesting would happen. “What’s the point in immortality if I can’t do anything with it?” He asks himself aloud. A slight rustling in a nearby dumpster catches his attention. “Nothing, it would seem.” A voice responds. Harold jumps and grabs his pistol. “Who’s there?” He demands. A figure pokes his head out from inside the dumpster. “You always point guns at homeless folk?” He asks. Harold lowers the gun and sighs. “Sorry, man. I didn’t know who or what you are…” He says. The man climbs out of the dumpster, removing the coat draping his head. Two brown horns poke out from his forehead, and his dark blue hair drapes his shoulders. “Does it matter what I am?” He asks. Harold looks the Demon up and down. “Not at all, I just… I deal with a lot of things. Angels and Demons, it would seem.” he clarifies. The Demon nods. “As do I. We are very similar, don’t you think? I am Abraxas, a Demon from Hell.” Abraxas says. Harold reaches a hand out to the Demon. “I’m Doctor Harold Bright, and I WAS the CEO and founder of Division 18 before Dragon took it over.” He says. Abraxas shakes Harold’s hand. “Please to meet you, Harold.” He says. The two walk down the alley, chatting up a storm. “So what’s the deal with Lucy? And her brother?” Harold asks. Abraxas sighs. “Alastor is one of the original Demons, a Hell Knight. Think of them as Demonic Archangels. Those are the Queen of Hell’s elite units. Or whoever’s in charge nowadays.” The Demon says. Harold looks at him puzzled. “You don’t know who’s running the show down there?” He asks. Abraxas shakes his head. “Not really, Hell isn’t as well-oiled as Earth is. We don’t usually know who the boss is until they’re either dead or slaughtering lesser Demons.” He says. Harold sighs. “I get why you all want to leave, then,” Harold says abruptly. Abraxas nods happily. “I’m glad you do. Say, you work at Division 18? Do you think I could work with you guys? I can fill you all in on Demonic history so you Humans can figure out how to deal with troublemakers like Lucy and Alastor!” He says. Harold thinks for a moment. “I’m sure I can sweet-talk Dragon.” He says. Abraxas stops walking. “Dragon? Like David ‘Sol For The Soulful’ Dragon?” He asks. Harold nods. “Good luck, he’s a known Demophobe and racist,” Abraxas says. Harold shrugs. “I’ll figure something out.” He says, walking back towards the Headquarters.
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Power Struggle-
Wolfrun, 1980-
Harold knocks gently on Dragon’s door once again, and Dragon opens it himself. “What do you want, Harold?” He demands. Harold smiles and steps aside, showing Abraxas to Dragon. “What the fuck is a Demon doing in my building?” He says disgusted. Harold grows angry. “He can help us figure out what Lucy and Alastor are up to!” he says. Dragon shakes his head. “Doctor Bright, I need you to understand something. I don’t want any whistleblowers working in my business. Especially one you found on the streets.” He says. Harold curls his hands into a fist. “Senator, I feel like Abraxas working here would be beneficial to us all. He can make money, and we can learn about them.” He argues. Dragon sighs. “Not happening, Bright. See yourself out.” He says coldly. Harold looks curious. “You said I wasn’t fired?” he asks, annoyed. Dragon smiles softly. “It was a loyalty test, I wanted to see what you would do if given the option to come back and work for me. You choose poorly.” Dragon says. Harold looks back at Abraxas, who’s just staring back at him sadly. “Get out,” Dragon whispers, pointing at the door. Harold growls and turns away angrily. Harold and Abraxas storm down the hallway back towards the main lobby when suddenly, Harold bumps into Frost. “Woah, hey Sir,” Frost says. Harold takes a deep breath. “Dragon and Brenner kicked me off the team.” He says. Frost gasps. “What? Why?” He asks in response. Harold looks over his shoulder at Abraxas. “Because I dared to bring a Demon into his office and ask if Abraxas could work us.” He spits out. Frost looks visibly annoyed by this. “Damn him, and if he sided with Dragon, damn Brenner too!” He shouts. “I’m loyal to you, Doctor Bright. Not this company, and not a racist bastard.” Frost says. Harold smiles, and Abraxas nods happily. “You have a good man at your side, Bright. Don’t squander this.” He says. “Let’s go. We need some help, and I know where to get it. A friend of mine from before Dragon’s stupid contract was working on time travel, down in Wolfrun’s slums area.” Harold says. Frost perks up. “Detainee 3 is willing to help us, plus he’s seen both an Angel and a Demon. He can provide some useful things.” Frost says. Harold considers this. “Price, huh? Sure, let’s go grab him from the detention center.” Harold says.
Arriving at the detention center, Harold holds up his ID to the guard. He scans the code at the bottom, and the door opens. “Go ahead.” The guard says. Harold nods in appreciation. He walks down the corridor until he comes across detainment room number three. He opens the door, and a man with long black hair sits on the cot. He perks up, looking at Harold in anticipation. “You’re finally here to see me? What’s up with that?” He asks. Harold sighs and extends a handout. “Detective, we’re on the cusp of something horrible happening. I need you to come with me.” He says. “Vincent, please. You know about Demons AND Angels. I need your help. Before Dragon murders a ton of innocent Demons who just want to live in peace.” Harold explains. Vincent sighs and stands up. “Fine, just get me out of here.” He says. Harold nods, and the two men run out of the detention center. Alarms are blaring, and armed Division 18 Soldiers rush down to meet them. Harold and Vincent duck out of sight until they pass, and eventually make it outside. Frost and Abraxas are waiting for them in an old muscle car. Harold and Vincent climb inside, and Harold shouts over the spray of gunfire aimed at the car. “GO! GO! GO!” He shouts, and Frost floors it. The tires of the car squeal as he flies out of the parking lot. As they drive down the street, Harold looks around at Wolfrun. Red banners hang from major buildings, bearing the Division 18 emblem. Armed soldiers walk down the street, searching for any Demons they can kill. “Holy shit, it’s like America was invaded by the Nazis…” He says. Frost nods. “Yep, as per usual, the politicians are the real enemy,” he says sadly. Harold and Abraxas share a look. “Don’t worry, we can fix this.” He says. Abraxas nods. “I know.”
King Of The Castle-
Neo Wolfrun, 1980-
Arriving in the slums, Dragon’s holocaust is worse than ever. Armed kill squads roam the streets, and people have locked themselves inside their own homes. “This is beyond fucked up…” Frost mumbles as they get out of the car. They stealthily walk towards the storm drain, and Abraxas opens it easily. “Damn, you’re strong,” Harold says. Abraxas shrugs. “Demons have to be to survive Hell.” He replies. He, Frost, Harold, and Vincent climb down into the sewers and put the manhole back to seal the way. Harold takes out a flashlight and turns it on. The light bounces off the small amount of water collected on the floor of the pipes, and the group heads down toward the central drain. They eventually arrive, finding a large structure nestled in the center, sewer water pouring around it. Harold leads the group down towards the large building, and he bangs on the door. “Gears! Open up!” He shouts. After a short while, the main door opens, and a man peeks his head out. The man with a blonde beard looks around, his green eyes scanning the faces of the group before him. He brushes his medium-length hair out of his face. “Harry?” He asks. Harold nods. “Yep, it’s me, Gears. Can we come in?” He asks. Gears stares at Abraxas. “What’s he doing here?” he asks. Abraxas looks back at him. “Because they’re murdering my people above you. I’m here to help you, so you can help me.” Abraxas says. Gears stares at the Demon for a moment, and a wide smile breaks the silence. “Well, come on in then.” He says, and the group goes inside. After a bit of catching up, another loud knock echoes down the building’s halls. Gears and Harold slowly approach the door while Abraxas, Frost, and Vincent wait with loaded guns aimed at the door. Harold opens the door slightly, and a woman’s voice greets him. “About time I found you. I’ve been looking for a while now.” She says. Harold groans and opens the door. Lucy stands before him, her arms crossed and her chest puffed out. “You really fucked up, Brightie. You know that?” She asks, barging her way inside. Harold sighs. “Yes, I know. I let Dragon take control of Division 18 and now he’s hunting down innocent Demons.” He says. Lucy nods. “Yep, and, here’s the best part, he wants to WORK with ME.” She says. She stops walking and just points at Vincent. “Give me a moment… hang on… I REMEMBER!” She exclaims. She runs up to Vincent and hugs him. “It’s been so long since I’ve seen you! How’re you?” She asks. Vincent looks down at her. “I’m fine, mostly. Can you let go of me?” He asks. Lucy clears her throat and backs away. “Alright, so. I’ve come up with a plan.” She says. Frost approaches and extends his hand. “I’m Doctor Richard Frost, nice to meet you.” He says. Lucy stares down at his hand. “You trying to cop a feel? If you want to, just do it. “ She says. Frost shakes his head. “No, I’m introducing myself to you. Making a new friend, if possible.” Frost says. Lucy shrugs. “Whatever, sure. I’m Lucy.” She says, shaking his hand. Gears walks up and sits down at his table. “So, what’s this plan?” he asks. Lucy leans down on the table, her torn shirt slowing a little more cleavage than necessary. “I’ve heard that Dragon’s heading back to the Big Apple to make another speech. I have an idea of how to take him down.” She says. Harold raises an eyebrow. “How?” He asks. Lucy smirks. “The good old fashioned way.” She says, reaching into her pocket. She reveals a sniper bullet, and she looks up to Harold. “You’re a smart guy, you know what this is?” She asks. Harold groans and rolls his eyes. “It’s a .308 round. I know what a fucking sniper is, Lucy.” He says. Lucy nods her head. “Good. So I can assume Gears here can fire one?” She asks. Gears nods. “Good. Now, I know where he is, so we need to go to New York. Okay?” She asks. Harold sighs. “Fine, when do we leave?” He asks. Lucy looks around and looks back at Harold. “Right now, before he catches on to what we’re planning.” She says. The group decides to head out at the break of dawn.
Civil Uprising-
New York, 1980-
After a long car ride, avoiding the main roads and highways as Dragon has his kill squads searching for them, they finally arrive in New York. “Alright, so. We all remember the plan?” Harold asks. Lucy rolls her eyes. “I mean, I made the damn plan. I fucking hope I remember it!” She says sarcastically. Harold just sighs. “Let’s just take a refresher. Frost and Gears, you take the sniper perch across the street. Lucy, Vincent, Abraxas, and I will storm the building. Vincent, you head for the security room and disable the alarms. Turn off the radio so they can’t call for help if you can, too. Once that’s done, Abraxas and Lucy will follow me up to the smug bastard's office. We’ll distract him, and Gears will take the damn shot. All good?” He asks. Everyone nods, and they split up. Gears and Frost wave goodbye to the group as they climb the fire escape, and the others head inside. They make their way up the office until they’re stopped by a familiar face. “Doctor Brenner. Shame we had to reunite like this.” Harold says coldly. Brenner sighs. “Listen, Harold. I don’t want to hurt you. Just turn around and leave, please.” He begs. Harold takes a step forward. As he does, Vincent slips away and rushes down the hall to find the security office. Brenner reveals a gun, and he aims it at the trio. “Listen, we melted down that halo Vincent found, and we made bullets out of them. They’ll put down both Angels and Demons like a bullet would a regular Human. Don’t make me hurt any of you.” He states. Harold shakes his head. “Why bother defending Dragon, Brenner? You know he’s racist. I know you’re not. What gives?” He asks. Brenner sighs. “I don’t agree with him, but he pays me. I need the money, since thanks to Demons taking over the workforce, America’s decided to tax us heavily. I don’t know the logic. Part of me assumes they’re still bitter at you for splitting off from them. But money is money, and you’re no longer the one giving it out. I’m sorry.” Brenner says. Harold sighs. “I know. I’m just sad you’re aiming a gun at an old friend.” He replies. Brenner looks down at the floor, the gun not moving. “Me too. I’m sorry, but you can’t pass.” He says. Abraxas approaches with a look of sorrow in his eyes. “Listen, Doctor Brenner. My new friend here knows about your worries. He can help both us us if you let us pass. Help us storm Dragon’s office, and reclaim your corporation. You deserve that.” Abraxas says. Brenner nods, and slowly lowers the gun. A radio crackles on his hip. “What’s going on, Brenner? What are you doing? I thought we were meeting to discuss your raise now that the loose end is tied up?” Dragon’s voice says. Harold narrows his eyes at Brenner, and he quickly grabs his pistol from his waist. Brenner fires at Harold, but instead hits Abraxas in the chest. Harold uses this chance to shoot at Brenner, hitting him in the head. Abraxas falls to the floor, blood pouring from the wound. Lucy and Harold rush to his side. “You’re going to be okay… I promise. Give me a second to find the medical station up here…” Harold says, but Abraxas grabs Harold’s arm. “N-No… let me die a martyr… for justice… and equality for… my… kind…” Abraxas says, his voice trailing off. His eyes gloss over, and he exhales his last breath. Harold growls, and Lucy’s eyes glow a dark red. “That fucking asshole’s gonna pay.” She says, storming down the hall to find Dragon’s office. Harold stands and looks down at Brenner’s body. He sighs. “Damn it. Sorry, old friend. I hope you’re happy in Heaven.” He says, following Lucy down to Dragon’s office.
Lucy and Harold kick in the door to find Dragon sitting at the desk. “Oh, welcome. Usually, people have to deal with my receptionist before they get to see me. Oh well. How can I help you?” He asks. Harold steps forward, drawing his gun. “I’m here to kill you, you smug bastard.” He says. Dragon laughs. He stands up and walks over to Harold. “You can’t kill me. Cops’ll find my body and know someone killed an important politician. They’ll check the CCTV and figure out it was you. No matter how you do it, I’ll die, yeah, but you’ll be caught. Living your eternal life locked in a fucking cell. You wouldn’t like that, would you?” He asks. Harold lowers the gun and Lucy growls. “No, Brightie, fucking shoot him!” She shouts. Harold turns back over to her. “No! I can’t! He’s right.” He says. Dragon smirks as he takes the gun from Harold. He unloads it and tosses it to the floor. “Good. Now, I want you to-” He’s cut off when a bullet rips through his chest. It hits Harold too, but the wound heals naturally thanks to his amulet. Dragon falls to the floor, clutching his chest. Lucy grabs Harold’s arm. “Let’s get out of here before the cops come!” She says. They rush to the door, but Vincent stops them. “Let me put this near his body, it’ll make sense soon,” he says, clutching a copy of the New Testament in his hands. Harold shrugs, and the trio rushes out of the building. After a short while, the group rendezvous in the alleyway behind the sniper’s perch. “What the fuck was the deal with the Bible, Vince?” Harold asks. Vincent reveals a detonator. “I found some plastic explosives down in the armory, and I spent some time covering the lobby and middle floors in gasoline while you two distracted him. I figured they can’t discover the source of his death if they can’t find him,” he explains. Harold bursts out laughing. “Ha! I’m so glad we’re working together, Vince! Light that fucker up!” he says. Vincent nods and presses the trigger on the detonator. The Division 18 Corporate Building explodes, and the rest of it goes up in flames. The group sits and watches the fires until they hear sirens. They retreat down the ladder in a nearby manhole, with Harold waiting to go down last. “Good riddance, you racist piece of shit. Have fun in Hell.” He says. He climbs down the manhole and puts the lid back over the top. They celebrate in Gears’ base for a while afterward. Back in New York, atop the Corporate Building, David Dragon, now barely alive, reaches into his breast pocket. He fumbles around until he finds a vial containing a black liquid. “B-Brenner… Y-You better not… have f-fucked this… up…” he says, drinking the liquid. He twitches on the floor, and the bullet wound begins to heal itself rapidly. His veins run black as the liquid takes over, and Dragon starts to laugh. He laughs as the flames consume him, unable to harm it at all.