AN: Quick authors note. Just wanted to extend a thank you to those who have favorited the story so far! If you ever have any suggestions for certain things you want to see happen, certain character interactions, or just have any questions then please write a review or send me a PM and I will respond as quickly as possible!

The days blurred into weeks as Alex adjusted to his new life with the Penn family and crew. Races were won and lost but they never let it get to them. A few customers had come in for him to work with, but none stayed long enough for his work to take effect and he was starting to wonder why. There was also a newfound tension in the air around town. Wraith attacks were on the rise as well as theft of dragons and gear. Something was going to happen and soon, Alex could feel it. Nearly everyday he had now seen the new dragon booster in action so there was still hope out there that whatever was going on would be dealt with. But he had noticed something about the new hero. His moves were sloppy and attacks weak. It was almost like he was either holding back or was inexperienced. Seeing this Alex decided that he was going to tail the guy during his next fight and watch. If his hypothesis was right then something would need to be done.

'Units 2-5 please report to dragon square for a reported wraith attack. Witnesses say about 8 wraiths present'. "What the hell is going on this week" Alex mumbled to himself as he rushed towards the square, pushing Cadmus as fast yet as stealthily as he could through the back streets. He could barely see the black and gold dragon ahead of him through the rain that flowed down the visor of his helmet. Lightning crashed above them as they heard the pair ahead come to a halt. Cadmus didn't need any command and mag jumped atop a nearby building, providing a perfect vantage spot while still being concealed. Alex could count 5 wraiths that were currently visible and figured the others were still cloaked in order to ambush their targets. While he watched above Artha readied himself for a fight. Jackstick in hand he extended it and began to approach. "Hey! Over here"! Artha shouted to grab the attention of two that were trying to grab at a couple that had sought shelter atop a nearby pole. As soon as their attention was turned on him did they jump down and ran as fast as they could. "I don't get it guys. They keep going after normal people. We haven't seen them go after riders all week" Artha said into a communicator to the others. "Maybe Word is trying to build an army with humans now. The radio said something about 8 wraiths, but I count only 5" Parm said as he raised his binocs. "Artha six o'clock! The rest are behind you and still cloaked. They all have trapping gear readied". Artha whipped around as one by one they uncloaked and prepared to fire. He could disarm one but not three. Meanwhile Alex had now jumped off of Cadmus and had his own jackstick readied.

Not knowing if the guy had friends nearby or not, Alex felt the need to get in there and help. If he didn't then there was the chance the wraiths would get the upper hand and manage to capture the cities only hope at normalcy. As he watched the wraiths uncloak and ready the trapping gear he sprinted towards the edge of the roof, using a slight bit of mag energy to push himself towards the lead wraith. He landed upon the dragons shoulders and grabbed onto the back of the control gear in order to hang on as the beast thrashed around. Seeing their ally in trouble the other wraiths now lost interest in the one they were sent to capture. "Now dragon booster! I've got them distracted so either do something or run"! Artha was stunned for a moment as he quickly recognized Alex. "Alright! Close your eyes real quick. I'm using a flash mine to stun them" Artha said before tossing the small mine. Shutting his eyes he could see the flash from behind his eyelids. He could also feel himself falling to the side and jumped off, landing a few feet away. Opening his eyes he saw the wraiths now twitching upon the ground under the effects of the mine. Seeing the situation now handled he put his staff away and whistled, Cadmus quickly coming to his side.

"Honestly didn't think that was going to work" Alex chuckled out as he looked around before settling his gaze upon Artha. Now up close he could tell just how new this dragon booster was. The last time he had seen the armor it had been on him and through a mirror. Several pieces were missing, bloodstained, and worn. Now it looked shiny and brand new. 'He hasn't seen much combat' he thought to himself. There were a few scuffs here and there, so it had seen a few fights so far but none superficial. As he was in thought Artha approached and dismounted Beau. Walking towards Alex he stretched out a hand. "Thanks for the save. I could have taken one, maybe two wraiths but not three on my own. You saved my tail". Alex couldn't help but scratch at the back of his neck and give a slight smile before taking the offered hand and shaking it. "I just happened to be in the area and heard something going down. You looked like you needed a hand so I did what I could". "I honestly can't thank you enough. Maybe we will see each other again"? "Maybe. Who knows. I gotta get back to my place actually. The rains gonna soak through soon". "Ah. Right. Well, see you around then". The two then parted ways, Alex heading for the stables while Artha continued down the long list of requests for help he had from dragon city security.

Once back at the stables Alex placed Cadmus in his own stall and activated the steam vents and heater so that the water would evaporate without making the dragon sick. He then made his way for the main office. It was when he was passing by Beau's stall that he noticed something. Along the wall seemed to be a split panel for a slight glow emanated from behind it. Tilting his head to the side he looked around and, seeing no one around, decided to approach it. The wood didn't feel broken or missing as he ran his hand along it. In fact he had felt the hangar shift after bumping into it with his wrist. 'Odd. A loose fitting hangar and a light coming from between two panels. Last I checked there isn't a maintenance room behind here and its not a steam room'. Testing the hangar once more he got it to move more and saw the wall shift as he did. All his morals told him not to continue snooping around while the rest said to continue. 'What's a little exploring going to do. Its just a wall. Not like there's something behind it they would want to hide' he thought before pushing it the rest of the way. The wall now moved, revealing the elevator behind it. Taking another glance around to make sure no one had heard anything he now stepped into the elevator. Oddly enough there was only one button. Down. 'I've come this far so I'm not stopping' Alex thought before hitting the button. It shuttered before the wall closed and the elevator shot downwards.

The speed caused him to spread his arms out and grab onto the rails. It was the first time he had been in an elevator like this so far. 'Why is all their stuff so fast' he thought to himself before it came to a jolting stop in front of the stone catwalk. Not walking out immediately the sight of illuminated dragon priest statues caused him to jump back. "Where the hell did this thing take me. One minute I'm in the city now I swear I'm in a temple. But there shouldn't be any around here" he whispered to himself as he walked out and looked around. In his awestruck state he failed to notice that one of the statues had begun to follow him. It wasn't until he sensed someone behind him did he now block the incoming staff being swung towards him.