Less than an hour ago...
"Where is Rayne?" Armeggaddon growled as he stood less than a foot away from the Shadow Booster. "Answer me or I swear you will regret not answering me."
"I have no idea. She's missing." Shadow Booster answered, glancing towards the street below as he looked for a way out. Even with his training it would take more than his power alone to defeat Armeggaddon..not that he would ever admit it out loud. "Anyway she's your student so shouldn't you be looking for her yourself?" He taunted, a Mag-Claw striking the path in front of him. Taking a step back Decepshun growled as Moordryd's former teacher stared at them, his eyes as cold as the twin moons of Dragon City.
"She betrayed me just like you did. When I find her you'll pay." Armeggaddon said as he glared at his former student. When a sudden Mag-Claw shot towards him he dodged, reacting instantly with a much stronger Mag-Claw but by then Decepshun was already running and it missed. As they rushed away, Armeggaddon persuded them not giving in and just as Moordryd went to activate his Shadow Gear something grazed his leg and he cried out. Just for an instant the pain made him black out and he almost slipped from the saddle. It was only Decepshun feeling his weight suddenly shift that made her let out a roar and he blinked awake, grabbing for the handles of the saddle and holding on tight as she raced to safety. Knowing the city better than Armeggaddon, they managed to escape him and as they vanished into the shadows Armeggaddon let out a snarl.
Right now...
"I hope Moordryd's okay. You don't think he ran into Armeggaddon...do you?" I asked as Quiksilva dodged people and dragons, occassionally leaping over anyone who wandered into our path.
I'm sure he's fine and Parmon's just overreacting, Quiksilva growled though I couldn't help noticing when he picked up speed and soon we caught up with Beau and the Dragon Booster.
"Where is he?" I asked Dragon Booster only to see someone standing in the shadows and I let out a gasp as the Shadow Booster limped over, blood trickling down his right leg, the pant leg torn. "Moordryd!" I yelled as I leapt down and he rolled his eyes not looking very happy.
"I just ran into some trouble. Nothing I couldn't handle." Moordryd replied as I rushed over, almost knocking him down. "Will you calm down?"
"What happened? Was it Armeggaddon?" I asked, ignoring his protests as I wrapped an arm around his shoulders. "It was, wasn't it?"
"Like I said it doesn't matter. Now will you let go?" He snapped as he pushed me away, only to stumble and fall to one knee instantly jarring his injured leg. Biting back a pained gasp he stumbled to his feet, leaning against Decepshun for support.
"Do you want our help?" Artha asked as I turned back to Quiksilva, who glared at Moordryd. "Rayne?" He asked but I just climbed back onto Quiksilva's saddle.
"You heard him. He can take care of himself. Let's go, 'silva." I answered, my voice cold and my eyes dark. With a growl Quiksilva rushed away, leaving Artha a little confused.
"It was Armeggaddon. He was looking for Rayne...and he found me instead. Wasn't too happy when I wouldn't him where she went." Moordryd muttered as Decesphun magged him. "I'm going after him." He added only to almost slip from his dragon's back as the pain in his leg made him woozy.
"You're coming back to the Penn Stables. No arguments." Artha told him and Moordryd let out a chuckle, grimacing. Climbing onto Beau's saddle he headed back to the stables, making sure his rival followed. Taking it slow, Beau led Decepshun back to the stables as Moordryd held tight to his dragon's saddle. After what seemed like an age they arrived back and Moordryd climbed down.
"Huh what is he doing here?" I growled, standing beside Quikilva as Moordryd limped towards the stables. "I thought this was the Penn Stables, not the Paynn Stables." I added, sneering at Moordryd.
"Give it a rest, Rayne." Moordryd growled back, favouring his left leg and I snorted. "Bring me a first aid kit." He said to me and when I ignored him, he narrowed his eyes. "Now."
"I don't take orders from you, Paynn. Or anyone else for that matter." I muttered, turning my back on him as I headed for the house. Both angry and upset at being pushed aside I even ignored Artha, who tried in vain to get me to come back. When I ignored everyone he shook his head, turning back to Beau who let out a low growl.
"Yeah I know. Like we need two stubborn boosters." He muttered as Moordryd sat heavily, his leg bleeding freely. "I'll be right back with that kit." He sighed though why he bothered he wasn't sure since Moordryd just ignored him too.
"Stupid, annoying booster." He muttered as Decepshun stood nearby. "Its her fault he went after me."
I was so angry at Moordryd that I aimlessly wandered around the courtyard, not sure where I wanted to be. Then Quiksilva snorted, nudging me and I turned just as he licked my face.
"Yeah I know I'm being silly but it wasn't my fault Moordryd got hurt. Do you think Armeggaddon'll come after me?" I asked and Quiksilva snorted. "I know I'm stronger now but...am I strong enough?"
You are stronger but maybe we should wait and find the other boosters first, he growled and even without hearing his words I understood.
"Yeah we'd better wait. I wonder if Parmon's finished with that invention of his." I said as we headed for the workshop. But as I walked inside I found it empty and I frowned, wondering just where he'd disappeared to. I soon found out as just as I walked outside there was a thud and I ended up on my backside. "Ow." I muttered as a sheepish looking Parmon muttered an apology as he helped me up.
"I was just coming to get you. I've finished the draconium device. It locks into any mag frequency and traces it back to the source. The stronger the draconium output the quicker it can pinpoint the location." Parmon explained and I nodded, actually understand despite Quiksilva giving me a confused look.
"So it can track the amulets and the Energy gauntlet using their draconium energy output? Very drac. Nice work, Parmon." I answered and Parmon grinned, obviously pleased someone understood. "When can we leave?" I asked just as Artha walked over, holding a first aid kit in his hands.
"Dad wants us to wait until tomorrow." Artha answered, letting out a snigger when I pouted arms crossed against my chest. "Don't look at me, not my idea." He added as Parmon laughed.
"Whatever. Is it okay if I stay here tonight?" I asked, happy when Artha nodded. "Great then I'm going for a walk for a while."
"Are you sure that's wise? With Armeggaddon after you and Moordryd it might be a good idea to stay here." Parmon interrupted and I tried to protest until Quiksilva let out a yawn and I rolled my eyes.
"Okay I promise I'll stay here. Just for tonight but first thing tomorrow I'm going after those amulets." I sighed, giving Quiksilva's snout a rub. "Come on, boy bed time." I said as I headed for the stables, my dragon following close behind me. It wasn't until I reached the stables that I saw Moordryd, limping a little as he and Decepshun moved through the doorway and I narrowed my eyes at him.
"Oh give it a rest, would you?" He grumbled as I stepped past him, my head tilted back as I continued past him. "Oh get over yourself. He only came after me because of you." He added as he limped past, not even looking back when I froze. "Come on, Decepshun we're going home." He muttered and she magged him, giving her rider a stare before she headed back to the compound.
"He's just being a jerk, as always. Don't let him get to you." Artha said as I stood next to Quiksilva and I snorted, pretending not to care. "Are you sure you want to sleep in the stables?" He asked and I gave him a slight nod, wandering inside.
Rayne, Artha's right Quiksilva said as he followed me inside and I sighed. Hearing me sniff he leant forward and gently nuzzled my head.
"I know. He's just angry at himself. But why take it out on me?" I muttered as I grabbed a blanket from the corner of the stable. Spreading it out I slumped heavily onto it and Quiksilva lay beside me, his tail curling around me. "We have to find the others...we can't do this alone." I sighed as I leant back against his side, comforted somewhat by his heartbeat.
We will and then Armeggaddon better watch out, Quiksilva growled as his head rested against my knees. For a few minutes I gently rubbed his snout, listening to his breathing and soon my hand went limp as I fell asleep.
The next day I woke early, anxious to find the last gauntlet and amulets. But as I stumbled outside I saw Connor standing in the courtyard. Still a little half asleep I wandered over.
"Morning Mr Penn. Where's Artha?" I asked only to hear a loud yawn and I smiled as Artha stumbled over. "And a good morning to you." I added, letting out a giggle when he frowned at me.
"How are you so happy at 7am?" Artha muttered, rubbing at his eyes. Thinking about it for a moment I smiled at him.
"Well today we're going to look for the amulets and the Power gauntlet. How could I not be excited?" I answered and just for a moment I saw him glance at his dad. "Okay what's going on?"
"Well I have a race today. Its less than a month until the final race for the Dragon Academy spot and...why are you staring at me?" Artha asked as I crossed my arms, my eyes narrowed.
"What Academy? No one told me about any academy." I replied and Artha actually looked sheepish. "Oh so getting into the Dragon Academy's more important than stopping Armeggaddon? I wish I known that before I asked for help. Oh and thanks for keeping that little secret from me." I added as Quiksilva emerged from the stable, staring at me as he wandered over.
"We were going to tell you but it just slipped my mind. Look just calm down and..." Artha started until I shook my head, looking at Quiksilva instead. Without answering I gave his back a pat and he gave me a nod, magging me. "Rayne, don't do this."
"You don't get to tell me what to do. Besides while you're racing I'll be finding the other gauntlet and amulets. And that's way more important than a race." I told him as we headed towards the bridge, only pausing to grab the scanner Parmon created. Not even giving my friends a backward glance we raced away, heading towards the wastelands.
"Artha, I know you want to go after her but you have a race. You need to get into the academy to complete your training. Besides, Rayne has Quiksilva to protect her and at the first sign of trouble he'll get her to safety." Connor said when Artha took a single step towards us, setting a hand down on his shoulder.
"Alright, dad. I just hope they stay out of trouble." Artha sighed as he headed for the stables, whistling for Beau.
Meanwhile Quiksilva and I were on our way to the wastelands. As Quiksilva's paws thudded across the ground, kicking up dust I glanced down at the device Parmon created.
"I wish I knew how to work this scanner thing. I think we're getting close to something but I'm not sure what." I said and Quiksilva let out a snort, slowing down. "Yeah I know I should have asked for help but they think racing for the Academy's more important."
I know you're upset Rayne but rushing off like that was reckless, Quiksilva growled as he picked up speed.
"Yeah I know. I'm being a hothead, huh?" I told him and when he snorted I let out a laugh. Suddenly the device started beeping and as I stared at it something roared. "Okay what was that?" I whispered as Quiksilva dug his claws in, coming to a halt. Looking around we both saw a pair of wraith dragons headed towards us and I growled, not liking this one bit. "Word's mind-controlled dragons."
Rayne, we need to escape them or Word'll find out about our plan Quiksilva growled and I gave him a nod. Quickly he shot forward heading deeper into the wastelands, the pair of us not knowing that was exactly what Word wanted us to do.
"I know her. She's the one trying to turn my own son against me." Word growled, leaning forward. "Wraiths, bring her to my citadel." He ordered and the dragons screeched, both picking up speed. I deseprately wanted to transform but then I realized Word would see just who I was so I urged Quiksilva to hide us.
Letting out a growl, his paws a blur he hurried forward ignoring the two dragons on his tail. Pretty soon I saw a cave to my right and I whispered something to him, making him turn around so suddenly I had to hang on tight. Now standing directly in front of the wraiths he raised his head, letting out a ear-splitting roar. The wraiths let out a screech, almost colliding with one another before they skidded to a halt. As Word watched on his monitors, Quiksilva charged at them dodging the Green Trapping gear they fired before he spun his tail knocking both dragons over. Before they could right themselves he rushed towards the cave I'd told him about, disappearing into the darkness.
"Wraiths, find them! Don't let them escape." Word snarled as his dragon screeched, chasing after us. I could hear them coming after us but Quiksilva soon outran them and I let out a sigh, relieved that we'd lost the dragons. Soon we lost them in the tunnels and once Quiksilva stopped to take a break I climbed down from his back.
"Thanks, 'silva. I think we lost them." I said as he panted and he gave me a slight nod. Giving his snout a rub I waited for the sounds of footsteps to disappear and once they did I grinned. "Maybe we should have waited and...huh what's that noise?" I asked, glancing at the scanner and to my shock it started to beep. "I wonder...maybe it can sense a strong draconium energy."
Rayne, maybe we should go back Quiksilva growled as I moved the scanner back and forth.
"Its coming from...there." I whispered as I pointed to the left tunnel and he snorted as I moved closer to the source. I let out a startled yelp as Quiksilva's jaws clamped down on the back of my shirt and I gave him a frown as he released me. "What was that for?"
Quickly he nudged my gauntlet and after a few seconds I understood, reaching inside my jacket for my amulet. "Unlock the light!" I called out and Quiksilva growled as his scales changed from black and silver to pure white. They gave off a faint glow in the dim light and I smiled, feeling a lot more confident that we could take down two wraith dragons now.
We should find that glow, it might be the gauntlet or even one of the amulets Quiksilva said and I nodded, climbing onto his saddle.
Taking it slow he wandered along, occassionally looking up at me as I checked the scanner. Pretty soon we came to a fork and I sighed, not sure where we should head. Then the scanner beeped and as I moved it back and forth the sound got louder near the right tunnel. "I guess we go that way." I said as Quiksilva moved into the right tunnel, his tail almost scrapping the sides.
As he followed it along the tunnel widened and soon we came to a wide open space, similar to the one where I found my own gauntlet. As I peered into the darkness I caught sight of something glowed and I grinned, gently tapping my foot against Quiksilva's side but he didn't move and I stared at him. "Huh why aren't you moving?" I asked and he snorted, shaking his head. Confused I leapt down and started to head for the glowing object only for Quiksilva to lunge forward and yank me back by my armor. Off-balance I fell backwards, hitting the ground with a thud. "Ow! What was that...for?" I whispered as I saw something strike the wall inches from where my head had been. Climbing to my feet I stared ahead only to see dozens of dragon head statues lining the wall and I groaned, knowing right then that it wouldn't be so easy to cross this room without being skewered.
We need a plan unless you want to be the world's first human pincushion, Quiksilva muttered and despite being a little frightened I let out a giggle.
"Maybe we can outrun the spikes." I suggested and Quiksilva stared at me, eyes wide. "If we get a good run up and you're really fast so it might work." I added and he tilted his head to one side, thinking.
It could work...okay let's try it, Quiksilva agreed as he headed back the way we came.
After walking most of the way back he turned around and took a deep breath. Scratching at the ground he let out a growl and I gripped the handles of the saddle, my shoulders shaking a little as he shot forward. In less than a minute he shot past the dragon heads just as they glowed, a small barbed arrow striking the wall to my left. Scared I still kept my eyes on the glowing object a few feet away, even when an arrow grazed my neck the very tip leaving a bloodied scratch. Biting back a pained whimper I urged Quiksilva on, lightly tapping his sides with my boots. It seemed like forvere but soon we were out of the path of those accursed dragon heads and they stopped firing at us.
"Okay that was pretty scary. Great moves back there." I said as I leant down, giving Quiksilva a snout rub.
Thanks Rayne, I just hope all this trouble was worth it he rumbled as he headed for the glow. It was then we discovered what it really was and I stared at the glowing gauntlet.
"Is that...the Energy gauntlet? Wow...so pretty." I whispered as I reached for it, ignoring Quiksilva's growl. As I grabbed it I heard a voice and I spun around, staring as someone stepped into the light and my eyes narrowed. "You!" I growled, holding the gauntlet against my chest.
"What are you doing here?" Shadow Booster asked as he walked towards me. Seeing my eyes narrow at him he rolled his. "Hold a grudge, don't you?" He muttered as I turned back to Quiksilva and he grabbed my shoulder.
"Let go of me, Paynn. We found this all by ourselves and now we're taking it back to Connor." I told him, shaking his hand off and Quiksilva knelt. "I don't care what you're doing." I added as I climbed onto the saddle, gripping the saddle with one hand with a firm grip on the Energy gauntlet.
"Look I'm going with you whether you like it or not. Besides I just saw two of my father's wraiths and they'll be here. So unless you want to face them alone..." He trailed off as he saw a drop of blood fall on the ground below me. "What happened to your neck?"
"Forgot it. If you're going to help which way?" I asked, trying to ignore the sting in my neck. Climbing onto Decepshun's back he motioned me to follow him with one gloved hand. Decepshun leading the way we followed and once we reached the exit after a few minutes of walking I sighed, silently grateful. "Okay well thanks for the help." I said as Quiksilva started to head back to Penn Stables, only for Decepshun to block my path and I let out a growl. "What do you want now?" I muttered, taking my amulet out of my gauntlet. After Moordryd did the same he fixed me with a slight smile.
"Like I said before I'm going with you back to the stablebrat's stable. Besides I owe you for coming after me." Moordryd said and I managed a tiny smile. Taking our time we headed back to the stables and as Quiksilva followed Decepshun I reached up, scratching at the mark on my neck with my fingernails. Even since one of those arrows scratched my neck the wound wouldn't stop itching though I tried my hardest to ignore, instead focusing on the last gauntlet safely tucked away in Quiksilva's saddlebag.