Chapter 4: Opposing Force

(Intro)

In Down City, someone was robbing the bank. "Drop and nobody gets hurt!" The robber exclaimed before he escaped the bank on a Green Bull-Class Dragon. As Dragon City Security arrived on the scene, the robber, revealed to be Rancydd, rode his Dragon into an alley. But he stopped in his tracks when he saw Artha, in his Dragon Booster armor, and Beau, Kitt and Wyldfyr, Moordryd in disguise and Decepshun standing in his way. "You lost, thief?" Kitt asked sarcastically. "Turn around and bring that stuff back to the bank before someone gets hurt." Artha demanded. "Most likely yourself." Moordryd said. The Dragons snarled daringly.

But instead of looking scared, Rancydd smiled evilly. He charged his Dragon towards them. "Quick! Evasive action!" Artha called. The team quickly leapt out of the way before Rancydd's Dragon rammed into them. The Dragon rammed into a sign, causing it to fall. A mother and her child were about to get crushed. But Artha, Kitt and Moordryd managed to catch the sign and struggled to hold it up with Beau, Wyldfyr and Decepshun boosting them up. "You better move, ma'am! We can't hold it for much longer!" Artha exclaimed. The mother and daughter quickly ran away. "Okay! But now how are we gonna move?" Kitt asked as the weight of the sign started becoming too much. "Beau, can you and the other Dragons give us some help?" Artha asked. "No problem, Artha. Just be ready for the landing." Beau said. The Dragons magged their riders and helped them push the sign up. They quickly leapt away before letting the sign fall.

Meanwhile, Connor, Parmon, Cain, Artha's siblings, Cyrano, the 4 little Drag-box Dragons, Derek's new Dragon, now named Volcanya, and Lance's own Dragon, named Fracshun, were watching from the rooftops. "Nice maneuver, kids." Connor said through their com-links. "Yes, but the perpetrator is escaping at a very high rate of speed." Parmon said as he focused his binocs on Rancydd and his Dragon. "That's faster than any Bull Dragon in Dragon City." Erika said.

"Good thing you gave us the tip on this heist, Moordryd." Artha said as he, Kitt and Moordryd chased after Rancydd. "But why would your father send Rancydd to rob the Down City Bank? Doesn't he have enough money of his own?" Kitt asked. "I'm not sure. My father didn't really say that much. He just gave the order to rob the bank and then he gave Rancydd a green jacket." Moordryd explained. "Then I guess we'll have to find out what their game is ourselves." Kitt said. "Alright, Parm, which way's he heading?" Artha asked through his com-link. "He's heading down left. Good thing Cain helped fix up these binocs. Otherwise, they'd be glitching by now." Parmon said. "It was no problem." Cain said. "He's making a right." Parmon said. "Cain, Derek, Lance, try to cut him off." Artha said through the com-link. "Copy that, big bro." Lance said before he, Derek and Cain rode off on their Dragons. But by the time they made it down the buildings, they were too late as Rancydd rode right past them. "He's heading down to the eastern square." Derek said through the com-link. "Thanks, Derek. Good try." Artha said as he, Kitt and Moordryd continued after Rancydd.

But as they turned a corner, Beau, Wyldfyr and Decepshun stopped in their tracks after seeing that the Dragon was standing next to a series of pipes. "He must've escaped through the ducts." Beau said. "Oh, scales! We lost him!" Artha exclaimed. "No, we haven't. I see him in the duct." Parmon said, seeing Rancydd's body heat with his binocs. "How do you see him, Parm?" Kitt asked in confusion. "Heat. It's one of my binocs' wavelengths. It lets me see body heat right through the metal." Parmon explained. "But which duct is he in?" Moordryd asked. "The bottom one." Parmon said. "You go on. We'll never fit into those pipes." Beau said. "Okay, Beau. I'll contact you if we find anything or require backup." Artha said as he dismounted his Dragon friend. Kitt and Moordryd dismounted their Dragons before following Artha down into the duct. But as they dropped into the duct, they didn't see anyone. "He's not down here, Parm." Artha said. "No. He's gone. I lost his body heat." Parmon said through the com-link. Just then, Kitt found something. "Guys, look." She said, pointing to a green racing jacket. Artha picked it up and saw the mark of the Grip of the Dragon racing crew. "Weird. Why would a member of the Grip of the Dragon leave his jacket behind?" He asked.

Before anyone could, they heard voices echoing through the duct. They followed the voices and discovered that they were directly above a meeting at the Down City Round Table. Every Down City crew leader was there. Including Pyrrah. "Guys, our little trail led us to the Down City Council Round Table." Artha whispered into his com-link. "Weird. I didn't know there was a meeting today." Moordryd whispered. "Let's listen in and see what's going on." Kitt whispered. They listened closely and turned their com-links to open communications as the council bickered and argued.

"SILENCE!" Phistus, leader of the Grip of the Dragon crew and head of the council, exclaimed, making everyone turn to his attention. "I've had enough of your petty bickering! It is our duty to ensure peace between our Dragon crews or there would be city wide chaos. That is what this Down City Council does. What it's done for centuries. Have you all forgotten that?" "The problem isn't each other, Phistus. It's that so-called 'hero', the Dragon Booster." Swayy said. "That's a lie. The Dragon Booster has done so much good for Dragon City. I know this. He saved me and my brother once." Pyrrah said. Artha, Kitt and Moordryd smiled at their friend's words. "While I agree with Pyrrah's words, I hear that one has nothing to fear from him. Unless, of course, you're a thief." Phistus said. "We all just do what we can to get out of Squire's End so that we have a chance to race in the Elite Class." Hazaard, from the Dragon Flares, said. "I admit that we all had dreams of greater things. It's just that some of our methods are honorable. And some questionable." Phistus said, glaring at the Dragon Eye crew. Just then, Rancydd walked in. Artha, Kitt and Moordryd watched as he approached the table. "Members of the council, we have a little problem. I just spent the 20 minutes hiding in a ditch from an army of Dragon City Security and the Dragon Booster." He explained. "And your point is?" Phistus asked. "Security followed your crew down from a little bank heist." Rancydd accused. "My crew?! That's a lie!" Phistus exclaimed. Rancydd held up a radio and played a news recording. "Eye witnesses say that the robber was clearly identified as a Grip of the Dragon crew member. Security is still searching for a Green Bull-Class Dragon that was seen serving as the getaway." The news lady reported. Phistus was shocked at what he was hearing as the other members of the council looked at him. "LIES!" He protested. "Look whose fist is in his mouth now." Rancydd said mockingly. Phistus angrily slammed his hammer into the table, destroying it. "You have disgraced the council! And by the ancient rights, I challenge your leadership by Dragon Joust!" Rancydd exclaimed.

Artha, Kitt and Moordryd pulled back after hearing everything, putting all the pieces together. "So, that's Word's plan." Artha said. "He's framing the Grip of the Dragon crew, knowing that Phistus' leadership would be challenged." Kitt deduced. "But if Rancydd takes control of the council, Dragon City will fall into chaos and help my father start the next Dragon-Human War." Moordryd said. "But we're not gonna let that happen." Artha said.

Later, Artha and Beau were training in the ancient Dragon Temple. Artha used his staff to block incoming blades. "Head's up, Artha! Maces coming our way!" Beau exclaimed. Artha leapt over each mace they came across. When they finished, they walked up to Kitt, Parmon, Connor, Moordryd, Cain and Artha's siblings, who were standing with Mortis. "How was that?" Artha asked. "Better. Even though the machines were only on level 2 challenge." Mortis said. "Still, I can't believe Rancydd challenged Phistus to joust. Everyone knows Phistus is the best jouster in Dragon City." Parmon said. "Parmon's right. It makes no sense." Derek said as he sat on Volcanya. "No. What does matter is that if Rancydd manages to beat Phistus, he'll become leader of the council." Moordryd said. "Moordryd is right. But he may be challenged by one other on that day." Mortis said. Everyone looked to Artha, who looked at his medallion. "If Rancydd defeats Phistus and becomes leader, many powerful crews will be lured to Word Paynn and his false promises." Mortis explained. "And then he would use these lost souls for his own purposes." Connor said. "To start his Dragon-Human War." Artha said. Everyone looked at each other. "Alright. Let's go again. This time, level 3." Mortis said. "You ready, Beau?" Artha asked. "Ready and willing, partner." Beau said.

While Artha and Beau were training, the Penn Quadruplets were exploring the temple. "Wow. It's almost hard to believe that this was once the original ancient city where humans and Dragons live together in peace." Jessica said. Just then, they came across something interesting. It was some kind of gateway and looked completely sealed to prevent anyone from opening it. "What is this?" Lance asked. "It looks like a gateway of some kind. But it looks sealed." Kurt said. Before they could get a closer look, Connor walked over to them. "Come on, kids. We're ready to put our plan into motion." He said. As he led the kids back to the others, Connor looked back at the sealed gateway with wonder.

Meanwhile, Rancydd and Swayy reported back to Word Paynn. "Congratulations. That fool Phistus is now ready to fall. You see, my plan worked perfectly." Word said. "Indeed, sir. Framing the Grip of the Dragon crew was a brilliant idea." Swayy said. "Yes. I am equally interested in the rest of the plan, Mr. Paynn. Where's this Wraith Dragon you've told us about?" Rancydd asked. Word put on some glasses and activated a remote control. Then suddenly, Rancydd was lifted into the air. "Hey! HEY! Let me down! Let me down!" He exclaimed in a panic. "Of course." Word said before he activated the remote and dropped Rancydd. "What was that?" Swayy asked as she helped her partner. "It's simply a matter of my Mind Control and Invisibility Gear." Word said. He pushed another button and revealed the Wraith Dragon. Rancydd and Swayy were surprised to see that their boss has actually created such a powerful Dragon. "Be thankful it shall be fighting on your side. Now go! Defeat Phistus and deliver control of the Down City Council to me." Word ordered. Rancydd took the remote and left with Swayy and the Wraith Dragon following.

Meanwhile, the Penn racing team waited for Artha and Beau to come back from training. Lance was playing with his Dragon Jouster toy. Kitt watched with a worried look for Artha and Beau to return. And after a few seconds, they returned from training. "Artha, are you and Beau okay?" Kitt asked. "We're fine. We're just a little exhausted." Artha said. "I understand that training is exhausting you and Beau, Dragon Booster. But you and Beau have tasks ahead that will require endurance, will power and an inner strength you both never knew you had. And if there's one other lesson I can teach you, it's to know the true meaning of heart and to never give up." Mortis explained. Artha looked at his friends and his family, who nodded in agreement. "You ready to get to that joust, Artha?" Beau asked. "You bet, buddy. Let's go." Artha said with determination.

Later, the Dragon Joust was about to begin. "Dragon crews of Squire's End, the main event is about to begin!" Marshal Budge announced. The crowds cheered. "Well, it seems we have a special guest for tonight's event. Welcome, Mr. Paynn." Marshal Budge said as Word walked into the viewer's box and was seated with the council. "Carry on." Word said. "First, the challenger. You know him from Street Racing and as acting leader of the Dragon Eye crew, Rancydd!" Marshal Budge announced. Rancydd entered the arena on his Dragon. "And now, spanning a decade of competition, he's the Grip of the Dragon leader, head of the Down City Council and all-time Dragon City Jousting Champion, I bring you Phistus!" Marshal Budge announced. Phistus entered the arena on his Dragon, Brutaris. "It's the best 2-of-3 rounds. Rules are simple. If you hit the ground, you lose the round!" Marshal Budge announced. "Combatants! Take your places!"

Phistus and Rancydd took their positions on both ends of the field. Rancydd looked over to the side. Swayy was hiding with the Wraith Dragon's remote control, showing that she was ready. As Marshal Budge rang the gong, Phistus and Rancydd charged towards each other. Swayy activated the remote, controlling the Wraith Dragon while it was invisible. It bashed into Brutaris. Phistus looked to the side, but he couldn't see it. With this distraction, Rancydd struck Phistus, knocking him off Brutaris. "OW! That's gotta hurt." Marshal Budge said. Phistus shouted angrily. "So, the first of 3 rounds goes to Rancydd." Marshal Budge announced. The crowd booed Rancydd, but he just ignored them. "Jousters! Prepare for Round 2!" Marshal Budge announced, ringing the gong. Phistus and Rancydd charged towards each other again. Swayy controlled the Wraith Dragon, making it bash into Brutaris again and making Phistus lose his jousting staff. Rancydd struck Phistus, knocking him down again. Phistus was now angrily distraught as Word looked on with a pleasingly evil smile. "Incredible! Phistus has been defeated! I give you the jousting champion of Dragon City, and according to the ancient laws, the new leader of the Down City Council, Rancydd!" Marshal Budge announced. "YES!" Rancydd exclaimed.

"Wait a second!" Artha's voice called. Everyone gasped as they saw him, in his Dragon Booster armor, and Beau standing on the field. 'The Dragon Booster and the Gold Dragon.' Word thought. "According to the laws, there can be one more challenge today. I challenge you, Rancydd!" Artha declared. The other members of the council started shouting at this. "SILENCE! The Dragon Booster has the legal right to challenge!" Phistus exclaimed. "Rancydd! This is the chance we've been waiting for. Listen to me. We have a change of plans." Word said through his com-link. Rancydd smiled evilly, knowing what his master was planning. "The crowd grows restless, Rancydd." Marshal Budge said. "Not so fast, Budge. Not only do I accept your challenge, Dragon Booster, but I also up the ante. Thereby, the winner shall take the loser's Dragon!" Rancydd declared. Artha and Beau knew this was bound to happen. "Let's do it, Artha." Beau said. "Accepted." Artha said. Word smiled evilly, happy that his plan was falling into place.

"It's time for the final round!" Marshal Budge announced. Artha and Rancydd took position at both ends of the field. Artha's team was watching from the side. Just then, Artha and Beau looked behind them, sensing something. They saw a weird black aura belonging to the Wraith Dragon. "You see it too, Beau?" Artha asked. "Yes. That's a Dragon's aura. But it feels…corrupted." Beau said. "Guys, we see a corrupted Dragon aura behind us. Can you see anything?" Artha asked through his com-link. "Yes. My binocs are detecting body heat from a Dragon behind you, but we're not seeing anything." Parmon said through the com-link as he used his binocs to see the Wraith Dragon's body heat. "It doesn't appear to have a rider." Cain said. "It must be remote controlled then." Lance said. "Artha, be careful. This Dragon is obviously how Phistus lost." Connor said through the com-link. "Copy that, Dad." Artha said.

Marshal Budge rang the gong, and Artha and Rancydd charged towards each other. Artha and Beau could sense the Wraith Dragon coming at them from behind. "Artha, it's coming in after us." Beau said. "I know. Let's introduce this Dragon to the crowd with our new trick." Artha said. "Dragon Pulse?" Beau asked. "Dragon Pulse." Artha said. They both closed their eyes and concentrated their energy. The Wraith Dragon ran up beside them as they started to glow with a gold aura. Before the Wraith Dragon could strike, Artha and Beau unleashed a golden energy pulse that blew the Wraith Dragon backwards and shorted out its Invisibility Gear, revealing it to the crowd. Everyone gasped at this. Even Moordryd was shocked. He heard that his father had been corrupting Dragons with Black Gear and creating these Wraith Dragon monsters, but he had never seen one until now. "What is that thing?! Who is responsible for this?!" Marshal Budge demanded. Word snuck out of the commotion to avoid suspicion. "Don't look at me! I've never seen that thing before in my life!" Rancydd exclaimed. "Is that right? Then explain why your friend here was hiding near us with a controller." Connor said as Kitt, Charlie and Erika dragged Swayy onto the field while Lance held out the controller. "Cheating in joust! That leads to immediate disqualification!" Marshal Budge announced. "Cheating?" Phistus asked in surprise. "It is my duty to award tonight's jousting victory to Dragon Booster!" Marshal Budge announced. The crowd cheered. Phistus began to walk away with sadness in his eyes. "The same cheat happened to Phistus! So, it is my first and only action to return the council leadership back to him." Artha declared. Phistus smiled as the crowd cheered.

"What?! I object! Phistus is not fit to lead! Have you all forgotten about his crew's little bank heist?!" Rancydd exclaimed. "Lies! There is no proof of this!" Phistus exclaimed. "Actually, there is. My team and I found this on the robber's escape route through the ducts." Artha said, holding up the jacket he, Kitt and Moordryd found in the ducts. "There. You see? Guilty as charged." Rancydd said. "You tried to frame Phistus for that robbery, Rancydd." Artha said, ripping off the mark of the Grip of the Dragon to reveal the mark of the Dragon Eye. "Uh, I can explain." Rancydd said innocently. "Phistus is innocent and still the rightful leader of your Down City Council!" Artha exclaimed. The crowd cheered. Rancydd and Swayy took this chance to leave.

Artha turned his attention to the Wraith Dragon as his team subdued it. He approached the Wraith Dragon with Phistus following. Pyrrah joined the group to witness the damage Word has done. "I can't believe that my father actually managed to create a Wraith Dragon." Moordryd said as he and Cain took off their disguises. "Wraith Dragon?" Kurt asked. "A Dragon infused with different gear. Word was rumored to be creating these Dragons, but we never had any proof." Connor explained. "Until now." Moordryd said. "Is there a way we can help this Dragon?" Kitt asked. "I think I know someone who can help." Artha said. Everyone watched as he sat down and got into a meditation position. He started glowing as he concentrated.

[Artha's Mind]

Artha found himself in the void of his mind. 'Great Dragon Phoenix. Are you with me?' He asked telepathically. "I am always here with you, Artha Tannis Penn. What do you need?" The voice of the Great Dragon Phoenix asked telepathically. 'Word Paynn has created a Wraith Dragon using his Black Gear. I need to know if there's a way to cure it.' Artha said. "You were right to come here. For I do know of a cure for the Wraith Dragon." The Great Dragon Phoenix said.

[Real World]

Artha woke up and stood up. "I know how to cure the Dragon." He said. "You spoke with the Great Dragon Phoenix?" Connor asked. "Yes. He told me that I can cure the Wraith Dragon with either a mystical energy or my tears." Artha said. He knelt down beside the Wraith Dragon and place his hand on its head. He closed his eyes and concentrated, glowing gold. The Wraith Dragon glowed gold as it was being cured. Everyone couldn't believe their eyes at what they were seeing. As the glow died down, the Wraith Dragon had been cured back into a light green Dragon. "He actually did it! The Dragon has been cured!" Jessica exclaimed in surprise. The Dragon nuzzled up to Artha, saying thank you. "It was my pleasure." Artha said, petting the Dragon. "You have great strength and great honor. The Down City Council could use someone like you and your team, Dragon Booster." Phistus offered. "Thanks. But I think they're just fine with the man they got." Artha said. "He's right, Phistus. You're a good leader for the council. I doubt anyone could replace you." Pyrrah said. "But there is one other thing you should know about me. Can I trust you with my secret?" Artha asked. "Of course. If Pyrrah trusts you, then so do I." Phistus said. Artha took off his helmet and revealed his face. "Artha Tannis Penn. I almost never would've thought." Phistus said. "Now you know. And this is what I'm meant to do. To stop Word Paynn before he starts another Dragon-Human war." Artha said. "Then for all your help today, you can count the Grip of the Dragon as your friends and allies." Phistus said. Artha fist-bumped him, accepting his friendship and allegiance.

Meanwhile, Word was not happy. Not only did he lose yet another chance at getting Artha and Beau, and starting his war, but he also lost one of his Wraith Dragons to him. "This is not over, Dragon Booster! I swear, even if it kills me, I will have your power and Dragon City will be mine!" He exclaimed.

Wow! Crazy, right? Word Paynn sends his Dragon Eye crew to frame Phistus of the Grip of the Dragon crew for a bank heist to challenge him for leadership of the Down City Council through Dragon Jousting. But Word is not without his cheating motives. He created a dangerous creature with his Black Gear called a Wraith Dragon. But thanks to Artha and Beau, they cleared Phistus' name and exposed the Dragon Eye crew's involvement. Plus, Artha also managed to learn a new power from the Great Dragon Phoenix and cured the Wraith Dragon. What other tricks will Artha and Beau learn? Will Artha's team ever gain powers of their own one day? How many other Wraith Dragons has Word created? Leave a review if you'd like.