Hi everyone! wow, are you guys ever fast with your reviews! I feel so loved. :) Anyway like I promised last chapter, I would update sooner if you reviewed, and I did. This chappie doesn't necessarily have anything to do with my main plot at this point, but it contains my speculation on why the people of terra Vapos were bound to the terra with Serpegry( read chapter 7 ). Anywho, heres chapter 11. Enjoy!

I don't own Storm Hawks.

The Tale of Vaporsong

Piper could hardly believe how much trouble the people of Vapos had gone to with their welcoming feast. Despite all the food that had been provided, not a scrap was left. She considered herself lucky to have been able to get anything for Aerrow for when he woke up. Piper had wrapped up a couple fruit pies in a cloth napkin, and was trying hard not to squish them.

King Agar stood and raised his hand for silence.

"Honorable Dragon," he addressed Weaverbird, "Would you care to recite the tale of our peoples, as is tradition for such a gathering?"

Bowing to their hosts, Weaverbird replied, "It would be my pleasure." She plucked a few notes on her harp before she began.

"Long ago, before the Great Quake and before the Dragons' Civil War there lived a great white Drake named Vaporsong. No one knows to this day how he got his name; the old stories say it was because no matter the weather, his breath always came out in a puff of steam.

"Like many adolescent Dragons, Vaporsong had long decided that he would travel throughout the Atmos before establishing his permanent territory. However, he never settled, for the call of the sky was too great and so he became known as a rogue. It was during this time that Vaporsong first came to this terra.

"The terra that would later become known as Vapos was far from prosperous when Vaporsong first arrived. The people suffered from terrible diseases, and were plagued by monsters far worse than any gargoyles you all know today. And not a single crop could be raised from the soil. Vaporsong saw the people of the terra living in poverty, and took pity on them. So the White Drake offered to help them, for he had a kind heart.

"'I will give you all riches you could ever wish for and make the soil fertile for generations to come. I will heal your sick, and drive away the creatures that you fear most,' he said, 'On one condition. In my travels I couldn't help but notice that many of your kind have all they could ever want or need, yet they still desire more. There are wars between humans elsewhere because one has what another wants.

"'To keep this from happening here, I will bind you, and everything originating here, to this terra. You will never be able to leave in search of more. However those in search of more will not be able to take it from you. In fact I will hide this terra so well, no one will be able to find you for thousands of years.' The people of the terra agreed eagerly, and so, with the help of the White Drake, they set about making their terra the richest one in the Atmos.

"It took many years of hard labor, but soon the terra enjoyed an unprecedented time of peace and prosperity. They crowned a great king who ruled justly for many years, and the terra was named Vapos in honor of the White Drake Vaporsong.

"After one full year since he first visited Vapos, Vaporsong brought many of his kin to the terra, and the two races swore to do what they could to help the other should they ask. Every year after it was tradition for a group of Dragons to return to Vapos and renew the ancient vow.

"Vaporsong lived a long and prosperous life but on his final visit to Vapos, the White Drake was shot down by a rebel youth with no respect for the ancient ways. It was then that the Dragons withdrew from the traditions of their ancestors and left Vapos for eternity." Weaverbird finished the tale.

"But as you can see, nothing lasts forever, and the Dragons have returned." King Agar announced.

"I wish I could say it were true, King Agar," Weaverbird replied wistfully, "but there are too few Dragons now. It was said that Vaporsong always brought a hundred Dragons to witness the Renewing of the Vow, but I fear that there are not even a hundred left."

"There is still hope." The king of Vapos stated simply.

"This marks the end of our celebration." Agar announced. Suddenly everyone was chattering excitedly and gathering as many dishes as they could hold. The Storm Hawks had gathered into a group, and were discussing what they would do next. They looked up as Agar and Weaverbird approached them.

"I take it you plan on departing soon." He said, looking around at each one in turn.

"As soon as Aerrow's well enough to travel, yes." Piper said apologetically.

"You know, hate to eat and run, but we've got a lot of stuff to do." Stork said, his eyes darting about nervously. Everyone nodded at that.

"I quite understand," Agar replied gently, "I couldn't expect the Domo to spend all of his time protecting us. But if ever you find yourself in need of assistance, we on terra Vapos will gladly give it."

Aerrow had been asleep for most of the day, trying to rest off the fever and the pain of his injury. He was awake when Weaverbird reentered the room after the feast, carrying a few small fruit pies. Setting them on the little table that rested against one wall, she padded over quietly.

"How are you feeling?" the Dragoness asked softly, resting her chin on Aerrow's forehead to see how his fever was doing. He was still burning up, but he'd cooled down considerably since she'd last checked.

"Well," Aerrow began, "my muscles ache and I can't shake off this dizziness, but that's about everything right now."

"That's probably just the after effects of the spell I used to draw out the poison; they'll most likely be gone in couple days."

Weaverbird took one of the clean cloths and dipped it in the bowl of fresh water that was sitting on the table; someone must have brought it in during the feast. She started trying to cool Aerrow's fever. The buzzing sensation in his head slowly faded to the back of his mind.

"So what happened while I was out?" Aerrow asked. Piper still hadn't filled him in yet. So Weaverbird brought him up to date on everything that had happened since she found the Storm Hawks and the wreckage of the Condor. Aerrow seemed a little disappointed that he hadn't been able to take part.

"I wonder what Master Cyclonis is planning to do with the Darkstone." Aerrow speculated the different possibilities, but couldn't think of anything that made sense. Cyclonis wouldn't use such a powerful crystal for something as petty as interrogating prisoners. And he was sure that the Dark Ace only had it so that its power could be tested. Aerrow sighed; maybe Piper could come up with something. Vaguely, Aerrow wondered if Cyclonis was going to rebuild her Storm Engine, and use the Darkstone as the power source. He resolved to discuss it with the others tomorrow.

"What I want to know," Weaverbird broke the silence, "Is how this Dark Ace got his hands on the Darkstone in the first place. It was lost over a thousand years ago; none are left alive who would remember the days when it was used. The fact that it has resurfaced is bad enough, but that the crystal is now in the hands of the enemy does not bode well at all." Aerrow had to agree; he knew first hand what it could do.

"Well then, we'll just have to get it back. Maybe even destroy it." Aerrow said resolutely.

"Not until you've healed enough to defend yourself." Weaverbird said firmly. Aerrow sighed, exasperated; the Dragoness sounded just like Piper.

"Why don't you join us?" Aerrow offered, "We're going to need someone who knows about the Darkstone if we're going to destroy it. That is, if you don't already have plans of your own." The sky knight looked at Weaverbird hopefully. She considered for a moment. What better way was there to make the world safe for her kits than by joining a sky knight's squadron? Besides that, Weaverbird knew she wouldn't be able to leave the Storm Hawks to fight alone in good conscience.

"Aerrow of the Storm Hawks," the Dragoness decided, "I accept your offer. I'll gladly travel with your squadron, and help you in your quest." Aerrow's face split into a wide grin. With a Dragon on their side, how could they possibly lose?

Alright, there you have it! There should be some more action coming up within the next couple of chapters. Don't forget to press that cute little blue button on your way out:D