Chapter 2: Living Legend.
"Well girl." Kaley said to Astrala, her voice a little uneasy. "This is it. You ready?" Astrala looked at Kaley and gave her an encouraging nod. It made her feel a bit better. Kaley had never gone in a really big race like this. She had seen just from the few races she had seen yesterday that it was likely to be pretty tough. She reached up and started to pull her hair into a long plait.
"Kaley." She turned around and saw Artha and his friends coming towards them.
"Hey, guys."
"Are you racing today?" Kitt asked. Kaley nodded.
"Yeah. I'm kind of nervous. I mean, these races seem rather tough." Kaley said, tying off the end of her plait as she spoke.
"They certainly are." said Parmon. "although, with the level one speed races, I've managed to observe and calculate the various wind speed and resistance around the different area's of the track and marginally figured the energy co-efficient outputs for certain gears at different points and when each can be used to most effectively contribute to the overall effect to the final outcome of the performance of the…" Parmon stopped as everyone was staring at him with blank looks on their faces. As usual, no one had a clue what he had been saying. Even the dragons were giving him blank looks. This wasn't helping Kaley one bit.
"I'm sorry. Could you repeat that?"
"Don't worry." Artha said, "Even we don't understand him sometimes."
Parmon looked a bit put off. "It means that if you can keep a good, smooth speed and only use gears when necessary, you should be fine." He told her.
"Oh, thanks." Kaley said. that makes me feel so much better.
Astrala went over to Beau, Wyldfyer, Cyrano and Fracshun. Beau looked at her. *You alright?* he asked. Astrala nodded.
*I'm ok, but I'm more concerned about Kaley.*
Beau went over to Artha and nudged him in the back. Artha turned around and Beau gestured to his white aero gear and then to Astrala. Kaley looked at Beau.
"What is it?" she asked. Though Artha couldn't speak dragon, he understood what Beau was saying and nodded.
"He wants to know if you and Astrala want to borrow some of our gear for the race." Artha explained to her. Kaley looked at Artha, then at Beau. She had only known Artha for a day and he was offering to help her. Unable to speak, she nodded to Artha and Beau magged his white aero gear onto Astrala. Kitt turned to Wyldfyer, who nodded and magged his red thruster gear onto Astrala. Kaley was overwhelmed.
"Thank you."
"No problem." Kitt said. "Just try not to damage them."
"I'll be careful."
Artha gave her a reassuring smile. "You'll be fine. We'll be watching you from the stand. Good luck." Kaley started to feel better. A siren sounded to signal five minutes to race time. Kaley said goodbye to them and went off to the start line.
"GOOD DAY TO YOU MY BRAVE ALL CITY STREET COMPETITORS." boomed the voice of the race Marshall. "I AM RACE MARSHALL BUDGE." Kaley sat on Astrala, trying to relax. She took a deep breath. Astrala gave her an encouraging grumble, which slowed her nerves. Astrala had been her friend for a long time. Kaley knew she was safe with her. She looked up at the stand and saw Artha, Kitt, Parmon and Lance. Lance waved to her and she waved back. Even if she hadn't known them very long, just knowing she had someone watching her made her feel better.
"Ok girl." She said to Astrala. "Here goes nothing." The horn blasted, the starting barrier fell and the six dragons and their riders were off. Kaley and Astrala immediately took 4th place. Kaley was overwhelmed. This feeling was unlike anything she had ever felt before. As they race around the track, Kaley almost felt like she was soaring. A slight jolt brought her out of her trance and she focused herself on the track. Many of the other racers were really pushing their dragons. She relaxed herself and concentrated on working with Astrala. They speed up and passed two dragons to gain 2nd place.
Up in the stands, Artha, Kitt, Parmon and Lance were watching them, amazed. Kaley had said that Artha had work well with Beau, but he couldn't believe what he was seeing. She was incredible. Of course, the races were very tough, so it wasn't long before someone came up next to Kaley and Astrala and rammed into them. Kaley turned to the rider, who immediately took off in front of them.
"What's his problem?" Kaley watched as he came level with the one in front of her rammed him hard. The other rider returned the favor. Kaley started to get nervous. "Boy, these races are tough. We better watch it." They sped into a tunnel. A black dragon passed them on the right. It looked back and growled at them. Astrala growled back and sped up until she was level with the dragon and his rider. They came out of the tunnel, still racing neck and neck.
*you're mine, loser.* the black dragon sneered at Astrala and rammed into her. She growled and returned the favor. Kaley was rocked a bit, but managed to straighten up. The black dragon over took them.
"Astrala, what was that about? If he wants to race like a maniac, let him."
*he called me a loser.* Kaley could tell from her friend's grumble that she was upset. "Don't let him get to you. It's what he wants." She told her. Astrala nodded and speed up. They came level with the black dragon again. The rider looked over at Kaley. The dragon sneered at Astrala.
*back for more, huh?* he jeered at her. Astrala looked ahead, smiled and looked at the dragon.
*You know, it might help if you spent less time knocking others and more time actually looking where you are going.* she grinned at him.
The black rider brought out his staff. Kaley looked ahead, grinned and looked back at him.
"Not wanting to wreck your fun, but the track is that way." She pointed in front of the rider. Both he and his dragon looked ahead and tried to brake, but they had left it a bit too late. The track turned sharply to the left and they crashed into the barrier. Kaley and Astrala passed them. Astrala called back to the black dragon.
*now who's the loser?* she laughed. Kaley smiled.
"See girl. They mess up, it's their problem."
Just then, two dragons, a green one and a blue one, came up behind her and moved to each side. Parmon saw this. "Oh dear. This doesn't look good."
Kaley looked at the dragons on either side of her. She didn't need to be an experienced racer to know what they were planning. Well, if they wanted to play rough, then she was happy to oblige.
"You know what to do, girl." She whispered to Astrala. She nodded gently. *You bet.* She answered and sped up. The other racers sped up too.
Artha and Kitt watched this. "They're going to crush her." Kitt yelled. Parmon was holding his breath. Artha and Lance watched, not knowing what would happen.
"Steady, girl. Steady." Kaley braced herself. The rider of the green dragon looked over at the rider of the blue dragon and nodded. They closed in fast.
"NOW!" Kaley yelled. At the last second, Astrala decreased her speed dramatically, dropping back and causing the other dragons to crash into each other, their riders ejecting as they toppled end over end over each other and came to a crashing halt in a heap. Kaley activated the red thruster gear on Astrala and they soared over them, came down and sped up again.
"Did you see that?" Kitt exclaimed.
"That was drac." Lance called, amazed.
"What. What happened?" Parmon, who had covered his eyes, looked up in time to see a replay on the screen.
"INCREDIBLE! SOME REAL SKILLS BEING SHOWN ON THE TRACK." called the race Marshall. Parmon was beside himself.
"Amazing!"
Kaley was feeling very happy too. "Great job, girl." She called to Astrala, who smiled. Kaley looked up just in time to see a jump right ahead. Astrala leaped. Kaley activated the white aero gear and they soared to the other side. They landed and Kaley released a huge breath. "That was close. Note to self, stay focused." Astrala grunted in agreement. They tore across the finish line to gain 2nd place. Up in the stands, Artha, Parmon, Kitt and Lance were cheering. Kaley looked up at them and waved. They waved back. Artha could not believe what he had just seen. There really was something special about her.
Kaley met with Artha and the others in the stall area behind the stands. Lance was still going wild.
"That was drac, Kaley."
"Yes." Parmon agreed. "That was quite a move you made."
"Thanks." Kaley replied. "But I can't take all the credit. Astrala did a lot too." She looked up at her dragon, who gave her a nudged. She looked at Artha, who smiled. She started fiddling with the end of her plait.
"I don't think I've ever seen anyone work so closely with their dragon." he exclaimed.
Kaley smiled back. "Thanks for letting me use the gears." She nodded to Astrala, who looked over at Beau and Wyldfyer. She gently magged the gears off and Beau and Wyldfyer magged them back on.
"No problem." Artha said to her.
Cyrano looked up at Astrala. *So, how come her parents didn't come and watch?* he asked. Astrala's smiled faded.
*They died years ago.* She replied. The four dragons looked at her.
*I'm sorry to hear that.* Beau said. *So who do you live with?*
Astrala didn't answer. Kaley turned to her. She could suddenly sense that her friend was feeling uneasy. Kaley was feeling the same. Best not to get too attached.
"We should probably go." She turned to her new friends. "It was great seeing you all again. Thanks for your help."
"Where are you staying?" Kitt asked.
"Well…" but before Kaley could answer, they heard an "Ow" and everyone looked around. Standing not far away were 3 people. They each had a black dragon eye on the back of their clothes. One had dark hair and dark skin, another pale skin and white hair. Three black Psi-class dragons stood near them. For a moment Kaley stood. Then she noticed the dark skin one was clutching his foot. A green toy dragon lay near him. Everyone looked at Lance, who was holding a toy remote. The dark skin man turned to them and she saw that he was probably no more than a year older than her. As she watched, he stalked over to them. Lance quickly hid the remote behind his back and smiled nervously.
Not good, Kaley thought.
This guy was clearly not happy. "Well look what we have here."
Artha went over and stood in front of his brother, facing this guy with a dark look. "Lay off it, Cain. He's just a kid."
Cain laughed. "Isn't that sweet?"
"Stand down, Cain." He turned to the one with the light hair. Cain moved aside and the other boy came and stood in front of Artha. Kaley could see from the looks on their faces that they knew each other. "You want to keep a closer eye on your brother, Penn." He sneered.
"You may want to keep a closer eye on you crew, Moordryd." Artha replied. "Cain's temper could get him into trouble some day."
Moordryd sneered at Artha. "Though, I guess it's hard, having to look out for that brat after what happened to your father."
Everyone went quiet. Kaley could tell from the sudden tension in the air and the look on Artha's face that Moordryd had hit home. Beau growled. Kitt, Parmon and Lance moved away from Artha, looking scared. The Dragon Eyes stepped back too, smiling. This was not good. Artha looked like he was going to explode. He activated his blocking staff and Moordryd did the same.
"You leave my father out of this, Paynn!" Artha yelled.
"Make me, stable boy." Moordryd replied. They brought up their staffs. The Penn crew looked away. But as brought their weapons down, two hands shot out and grabbed the sticks, stopping them. Everyone gasped. Kaley was standing between Artha and Moordryd, arms raised, holding their staffs away from each other. Even the dragons were amazed. The two boys stared at her, not really knowing what had happened. Her expression was rough. She let go of the sticks and they stumbled back. She gave Artha a firm look, and then turned to Moordryd.
"You should watch what you say." She said. Moordryd was stunned. But he got over it quickly and looked at Artha.
"Who's your new friend?" he asked.
"My name is Kaley." She replied. She looked over at Decepshun and Coershun. "Nice dragons. Black Psi-class. The one with the white is female, the other two are male. The grey one is slightly older than the girl. Am I right?"
Moordryd looked shocked, then his face returned to firm.
"I'll take your stunned silence to mean yes."
Astrala came over and stood by her rider. Decepshun came over and glared at her. Astrala stared to growl. "Astrala." Kaley said to her dragon. Astrala backed off a bit.
"Interesting dragon." Moordryd said, looking at Astrala. "Can't say I've seen any like that before. You may want to watch it with the stable brats."
"Really." Kaley replied calmly. Artha was amazed at how cool and calm she was. "If you not careful, that big mouth of yours could get you in to trouble one of these days."
"Ouch." Kitt gasped from the background. Moordryd was suddenly fired up. Kaley turned to walk away, which Artha thought was a bad idea. Moordryd brought up his staff.
"Kaley, watch it." Lance yelled. Moordryd brought his staff down, but Kaley caught it. Her reflex stunned Moordryd for a few seconds, in which Kaley brought her right hand around, delivering a blade strike to his armpit causing him to let go of the staff, before she crouched, swung out her leg and tripped him. He landed on the ground. Everyone stared as Kaley stood up and threw him back his blocking staff. He caught it and stood up. Kaley pushed her plait back over her shoulder.
"It is also not a good idea to attack when an opponent's back is turned." She said, her voice serious in a rather unsettling way. "Not only is it dishonest, but it paints you as something of a coward."
Moordryd looked beside himself. Everyone waited.
"Let's go." He said to Cain. He move in close to Kaley and muttered. "You have no idea what you have just started." And with that, the Dragon Eyes left. Though Kaley felt that she hadn't seen the last of them. She turned and saw everyone staring at her.
Parmon was the first to speak. "I can't believe you just took on Moordryd Paynn."
"Not to mention that coward comment in front of his crew." Kitt agreed.
"I hate bullies, pure and simply." Kaley replied as she walked over to where Lance's toy dragon lay on the ground and picked it up, bringing it back over to the group and handing it to Lance. "Well, Astrala and I should go."
"Do you want us to come with you? The Dragon Eyes aren't the best crew to mess with."
"We'll be ok." and with that, she climbed onto her dragon and left.
A huge blast. Screams. Kaley ran into the square. People were running around, scared. Houses were on fire. The men of her town battling with dark figures on black dragons.
Her mother yelling at her to run. She was scared. She didn't know what was going on. There was another blast.
Kaley woke up suddenly. Astrala was nudging her. She looked around, panting. They were still in dragon city. It had just been a bad dream. She sighed heavily and lay back against Astrala, breathing hard. Astrala looked concerned.
*You ok?* she grumbled. Though she didn't speak dragon, Kaley understood what her friend was saying. She stroked her gently.
"I'm fine. Just a bad dream." She said softly. She reached into a pocket of her bag and pulled out a very old photo. It was her at five years old. Behind her stood a man with blue eyes and short dark hair, and a woman with long flowing hair like hers and sea green eyes. Next to her stood a boy a few years older. She sighed again as she looked at them. It had been along time, but Kaley still dreamt of them.
Suddenly, Astrala's head jerked up, like she had heard something.
"What is it?" Kaley asked. Astrala got up and walked over to the entrance to the alley. Kaley followed her and they both peaked out. A group of five black dragons was hiding nearby. At first, Kaley though they were the group from her dream, but then she saw that they had a black dragon eye on there jackets. Moordryd Paynn was with them.
"Dragon eye crew." Kaley whispered.
He was talking to his crew members in a low voice. Two of them nodded and slipped over to dark area. Moordryd and Cain went over to the alley opposite them. Kaley watched and saw a large carriage pulled by a green bull-class dragon coming down the street, towards them.
"This doesn't look good." She whispered to Astrala. Silently, Astrala magged Kaley into the saddle and they crept along towards where the Dragon Eyes were.
The green dragon's rider was oblivious to what was happening. Suddenly, the dragon eyes leaped out and surrounded him. The driver froze in shock. One of the riders aimed their green trapping gear at him, but didn't fire. Moordryd had told them to wait.
"Let's do this." He said to the others. He and the remaining Dragon Eyes went towards the back of the carriage, when suddenly there was a loud BANG and they turned to see their crew member on the ground near a wall. They looked over into the shadows as Astrala emerged, growling. In the saddle sat Kaley. The dragon aimed another mag burst at Moordryd and the others. They were thrown away from the van. She turned to the driver.
"Get out of here." She yelled. "I'll handle them." the driver didn't need telling twice. He cracked the whip and the green dragon took off as fast as a bull-class dragon could go.
Moordryd watched as they got away, then got back onto Decepshun and stared at Kaley and Astrala.
"You." He scolded.
"I'm afraid so." Kaley replied.
"You're going to pay for that. Surround her." he yelled to the others. The dragon eyes moved in around Kaley and Astrala. She just calmly looked at Moordryd.
"You don't want to do that." She said.
"Oh, really?" Moordryd replied. "Because I believe I do."
*if you insist.* Astrala fired her self up.
Moordryd yelled to his crew. "Get her." they started to move in. Astrala let off a huge mag burst, blasting them back. They got up slowly. Kaley grab her blocking staff.
"Mag me, girl." She yelled.
*On It.* Astrala grumbled in reply and magged her rider up out of the saddle. Kaley flipped and came down, landing in a crouch with her arms spread to help her balance. She stood up slowly. Moordryd stared at her. Now he was mad. But Kaley kept a firm look.
"I really didn't want to do this." She extended her mag staff. "But you asked for it." Two riders magged up behind her. Astrala took her up and she knocked them out of the air. Cain came up and attempted to whack her, but she blocked his hit and brought her stick around, sending him into a billboard. Moordryd magged up and the two of them fought hard. She knocked him down and he landed hard. She blocked a few more strikes from the other riders. Cain slipped over to Moordryd.
"She's pretty good, Moordryd." He said.
"Yes." Moordryd replied, a hint of surprise in his voice. "She is." they looked up and saw her beating the other riders. She turned around sharp and Moordryd's energy drain whip came up out of nowhere. She yelled and fell to the ground.
Astrala roared at them. *Oh no you don't.* but then two of the others fired green trapping gear at her, pinning her against a wall. Moordryd withdrew the whip and Kaley lay on the ground, panting hard. "Get her up." he ordered. Cain and Rancydd grabbed Kaley and pulled her to her feet. Another took her blocking staff and handed it to Moordryd. She stared at him. Moordryd smiled at her.
"Very impressive." He commented. "You're truly a skilled fighter." he turned to Cain. "Take her to the compound." He turned to Decepshun.
"I don't think you want to do that, Paynn." A call from above made everyone stop and look up. Kaley stared as a huge dragon leaped down and landed near them. It was black and gold. The rider was wearing armor made from gold draconium. Kaley couldn't believe what she was seeing. Could it be? She had heard stories and seen pictures, but she didn't think that it was possible.
It was, of course, Artha and Beau, but no one looking at them knew that. Kaley saw only the figure from an old story. The Dragon Eyes saw someone who had been bugging them for ages.
Moordryd scowled at Artha. "Stay out of this, Dragon Booster. This doesn't concern you."
"Um, a down city crew capturing people for no apparent reason. I think I does." Dragon Booster said. Kaley stood there, staring. It had to be him.
"Get him." Moordryd yelled. Two dragon eyes charged. Beau just shook his head and mag-blasted them both back. Kaley felt the ground vibrate from the resulting crash landing. She looked at the dragon's mag stream. It was gold. The dragon with the gold star mark will return. He is the dragon of ultimate power. This dragon shall be the only one to choose his rider. This shall be the new dragon booster.
She looked at the dragon and saw a gold star on his head. It was him. The Dragon of Legend had returned, and with him, a new Dragon Booster. Kaley fell to her knees and bowed. Everyone stared at her. Artha was shocked. He had never got this reaction before. Moordryd just stared then looked at Cain.
"Get her up." he ordered. Cain pulled her back to her feet to face Moordryd. "I don't know what you're playing at, but you are starting to annoy me." He gave her a whack in the stomach and she hunched over in pain. Cain straightened her up again.
Moordryd activated his blocking staff and turned to face the Dragon Booster. "Alright, you want her. Come and get her." Decepshun magged him up, Beau magged Artha towards him and they fought. Cain and the others were distracted by the fight. Kaley saw a chance and caught them off guard. She kicked Rancydd in the leg and he let go of her, a small yelp of pain escaping him. Though Kaley was of slight build, she packed quite a punch when she wanted to. She brought her other hand around but Cain grabbed her wrist.
"Nice try." He sneered. But she had been expecting that. She kicked his knee and he let go. He recovered quickly and tried to hit her but she blocked him and punched him in the chest then swung out her leg and tripped him. She grabbed her staff, which Moordryd had dropped. Moordryd landed not far away and she looked up at the Dragon Booster. He magged back down.
"Go!" he yelled to her. "I've got them."
She nodded and ran towards Astrala. She deactivated the trapping gear and Astrala magged Kaley into the saddle. She looked back at the Dragon Booster.
"GO. Now." He yelled to her as Beau let off another mag burst, sending two dragons and their riders flying. Astrala took off, but Moordryd magged over and knocked Kaley out of the saddle. She stood up quickly. Decepshun charged at Astrala and the two dragons fought.
"You're not going anywhere." Moordryd pulled out his whip and aimed it at Kaley, but she was ready. She brought up her staff to block it. The whip connected with her staff and Moordryd yanked it away. He tried to get her but she dodged it, jumped, flipped and landed in a squat. Suddenly, she heard a crash and turned to see her dragon slam into a wall. Moordryd took advantage of her sudden loss of concentration and leaped towards her. She turned just in time to see him standing in front of her, staff raised. He brought it down and she grabbed it quickly, but Moordryd hit her in the stomach and she let go. Moordryd then whacked her with his staff and she was thrown back. She hit a wall and landed on the ground. Groaning, she looked up to see Moordryd coming towards her. She tried to stand but a pain shot through her side and she crumbled. Suddenly, a huge roar was heard and they both looked over to see the Dragon of Legend and the Dragon Booster. Kaley stared as the Dragon Booster was magged up by his dragon and landed between her and Moordryd, jak stick activated. He faced his enemy, who stared back.
"Leave her alone, Paynn."
Moordryd raised his weapon and charged at the Dragon Booster, who brought up his weapon and blocked the blow from his attacker. Kaley watched as they fought.
While the humans battled, Decepshun powered up for a mag burst on Astrala, but she turned when she heard a roar and saw The Dragon of Legend standing near her. The two dragons faced each other.
*You're really starting to get on my nerves.* Decepshun growled.
*That isn't as hard as it sounds.* Beau replied.
She sent out a mag blast at Beau, but he dogged it and swung out his hind legs and tripped her. She stood up and the two dragons turned as Moordryd slammed against a wall. Decepshun roared at Beau, then magged her rider into her saddle. They faced the Dragon Booster.
"You've won this round. But I'll be back." with that, they retreated. The Dragon Booster watched till they were out of site, then turned and went over to Kaley. She stared at her hero, unable to believe it. It truly was him.
"Are you alright?" he asked her. She nodded, too stunned to say anything. He held out his hand and helped her up. She groaned in pain as she stood, but quickly hid it.
"It really is you." She said. She bowed gently, and then straightened up.
"yeah, I guess so." Artha replied awkwardly.
Beau went over to Astrala and helped her up. She smiled at him.
*Thank you for your help, Beaucephulis. It's truly an honor.*
Beau smiled back. *You're welcome. I've dealt with these guys before so it's really no problem.* the two dragons then went over and stood beside their riders. Kaley turned to her friend.
"You alright, girl?" she asked. Astrala nodded. She turned back to Beau and the Dragon Booster. "Beaucephulis. The gold dragon of legend!" Both she and her dragon bowed. When they had straightened up again, Artha asked her "how did you get mixed up with them?"
"I saw them hiding beside the road and a bull-class dragon with a transport carriage coming down the street." Kaley explained. "I could guess it wasn't good. I managed to knock them off, but Moordryd was a bit too quick for me. Thank the Magna Draconis you showed up when you did."
"Just good timing I guess." Artha replied. "Those guys are pretty tough."
"I noticed." Kaley said, rubbing her arm. She didn't understand it, but there was something about this person. Something, familiar. "Well, thank you for your help. We should be alright from here."
"Are you sure?" Artha wasn't sure about just leaving them after what happened.
"Don't worry. We're not as fragile as we look." She turned to Astrala, who smiled. Artha still wasn't sure, but she insisted that it was fine.
"Ok." Beau magged Artha into his saddle and he looked down Kaley. "Just be careful."
"I will." Kaley promised. "Thank you both for your help. Will I see you again?"
Artha nodded. "I'm sure you will."
Beau looked over at Astrala. *Take care of her.*
Astrala smiled at him. *I will.*
And with that, Beau and the Dragon Booster left. Kaley watched till they were out of site. Her head was spinning. If the gold dragon of legend had returned, that meant that they could be close to a new dragon human war. But of course, the Dragon Booster wouldn't let that happen.