Hey guys, I'm back to repost chapter 2 of my Oban fic.
I don't own anything, except DragonX and his hover board, and Maya and Rick's duplicates. I don't own most of the dialogue either. (The whole Eva/Molly thing – it depends on whom she's trying to talk to. So just bear with me and try to remember that Eva and Molly are the same person, but different personalities.)(Oh yeah about the races, the dialogue is to include DragonX in the story to help Eva/Molly – NOT TAKE AWAY ANY GLORY FROM EVA/MOLLY OR "RICK" WHEN THEY TURN THE RACE IN THEIR FAVOR!)
Title-Eva/Molly's Assent to Earth Team Pilot
(Chapter Begin)
(Recap)
"Rick will be fine. Don't worry," said DragonX.
"That's only half of what I'm worried about. I remembered the day my mother died," said a depressed Eva/Molly.
DragonX put an arm around her shoulders, "Everything will be fine." 'If I have anything to say about it, it will.' "Just give it time."
(Recap End)
It was morning and Don was looking over the notice the judges sent him. Meanwhile, Jordan and Molly were having nightmares about the race yesterday and the one that took her "mother" away, respectively. When she woke up, DragonX was knocking on her door.
"Come on, sis. Don's called a meeting," called DragonX from outside the door.
When the elevator opened, Molly ran and leant against the opposite wall.
"We've been given a rematch for the race, but Rick won't be back for a least a week. We need a replacement pilot," informed Don gravely.
"Maybe I could…" started Molly.
"Jordan, until further notice, you are Earth team's replacement pilot," said Don, cutting off Molly.
DragonX just laughs at the statement.
"What's so funny?" demanded Don.
"Jordan, flying a Star racer, now that's a laugh," said DragonX, still chuckling.
"Well, we don't have many choices, now do we?" countered Don, "Unless if you…"
"Not a CHANCE, Don!" said DragonX, slightly peeved, "I came here to watch over my little sister and watch you guys race, not participate myself."
"Then don't argue with my decisions," said an angry Don.
"I wasn't arguing; I just found it funny, that's all," countered DragonX.
Everyone went down to the ship bay of the hanger. Stan and Koji unveiled the Arrow II. Jordan got in it while Don, Stan and Koji went to the control room. DragonX went to the roof, to be out of harms way, and to get a good seat for the show.
Jordan's flight went terribly, with DragonX just laughing his butt off at the sight. The ship crash-landed in front of Molly.
"You okay Molly?" asked DragonX, still chuckling, "You didn't hurt yourself or anything did ya?"
Molly was too scared to answer. Everything got back to normal and the ship back in the bay.
"No, I've taken lessons. My first flying instructor retired after teaching me," said Jordan, sad but truthfully.
"Yep, I was there and it was quite funny then to," commented DragonX.
"And now, he works with small animals," whispered Koji to Stan, with DragonX overhearing.
They both snicker, along with DragonX. Don tried to ask Stan or Koji, but they gave the full-time mechanic excuse.
"I guess that just leaves me," said Molly, with more confidence this time.
Don shot her down too, "I will never let an outsider, let alone a GIRL, sacrifice herself for our team."
"You know she's a great pilot," intervened DragonX, "Why not give her a test run?"
"NO," said Don in a final tone of voice, "I going to have to ask for a reprieve."
He leaves, followed by Stan, Koji, and Jordan. This just left Molly and DragonX.
"Molly," said Koji, before running, "Watch over our stuff, but don't touch anything."
"So," asked DragonX, after everyone left "what are you gonna do now?"
Molly threw a fit, and stormed out of the hanger. DragonX sighed and got up to open the cockpit of the Arrow II and waited on the roof (AN1). Satis appeared on the roof after talking and encouraging Molly to try to pilot to Arrow II. DragonX turned to him.
"Satis, long time no see, eh?" greeted DragonX.
"Yes, thank you for informing me about Eva wanting to race for her mother. I'll send the message to the judges immediately," said Satis, the current Avatar.
"Canaletto doesn't know yet, so I'm gonna keep it that way for as long as I can," said DragonX.
They heard Don shouting something about his mission, cutting their conversation short, and knew he was gonna try to pilot the Arrow II himself. Satis went off to inform the judges about Molly while DragonX took out his comlink.
He walked to the end of the roof just in time to see Molly take the Arrow II out of the hanger and laughed as Don tried to catch up with it. DragonX put the comlink to his ear as he went to the control room.
"Molly, you better bring her back in one piece now, and yourself as well. Your mother wouldn't like it if I let you get hurt," said DragonX, through the comlink.
(AN2)
"I will, bro," responded Molly, from the comlink.
DragonX walked into the control room just in time to see Molly crash landing in the starting point.
"Pilot Molly reporting for the Earth Team," announced Molly to the Judges, and the spectators.
"Molly, ahh, your name is on the list under the Earth Team – Avatar approved as well," replied the second judge, looking on a clipboard.
"Let the race begin," announces the first Judge in a loud voice.
The gong bangs and the racers went through the starting gate.
Back in the Control Room, the others were watching the race on screen.
"Why is the Arrow II so unstable?" asked Don.
"It looks like a rocket-seat has been graphed onto the steering column," answered Stan.
"Well Molly is only 15, she wasn't tall enough for Rick's seat, and she had to replace it with her own," explained DragonX.
The Arrow II was taking a beating, even with improved stability. When Molly activated the Hyperdrive and burnt the fuel they became a sitting duck.
"Molly, the support braces, if you hit enough of them, the ship will fall apart!" came DragonX's voice through the comlink.
Molly relayed the info to Jordan who went ballistic on his end. Groor's ship fell apart and the Earth team won. When they got back to the hanger however, Don shouted at Molly for even attempting that stunt and made her leave with tears in her eyes. DragonX had to use all his will power not to hit Don Wei.
"Are you happy now!?" asked a sarcastic DragonX, "She wins the race and this is how you thank her! I can't believe I respected you!"
With that he went to his room and shut the door, locking it.
DragonX got up on the 3rd morning after the race and walked out into the hanger to see Jordan just sitting down with a hot coffee in his hands. DragonX – still to angry with Don – walked past Jordan without speaking to him and instead headed outside. He heard a shout about 20 seconds later.
"WELL YOU'VE GOT TO FIND HER!!" shouted Don.
Knowing that the President informed him of the consequents of withdrawing from the race, DragonX waited until Jordan ran past before moving. He ran fast catching up to Jordan and past him by a few meters.
"Follow me; I know where she is," said DragonX.
Jordan followed DragonX until they made it to the restaurant.
"How do you know she's here?" asked Jordan.
"Easy, she angry and upset at Don," replied DragonX, "and what do people do when they're angry or upset with someone?"
"Uh, try to drink their problems away?"
"Exactly, and since Molly's that way with Don, she'll be here at the bar."
They went in just in time to see Molly being strangled by Groor while kicking his metal hat.
Jordan rushed in, while DragonX leaned against the wall against the entrance. He watched as Aikka helped them and sent Groor away in shame and dishonor (AN3). Eva thanked Aikka with a blush on her face. Aikka return the thanks with a bow. DragonX watched as Jordan insulted Aikka, and Aikka walked off in a huff, passing by DragonX on the way out.
"Jordan hasn't learned to keep good manners to those that weren't involved with his grandfather's death yet, blaming it on the Crogs," said DragonX.
"He must learn it if he is to have any form of respect from me," said Aikka, before heading back to his hanger.
DragonX waited while Eva/Molly and Jordan argued about Aikka. A gong's echo was heard and Eva/Molly did a 180 with her attitude about the race.
"We're gonna missed the race!" exclaimed Eva/Molly.
DragonX pulled out his hover board again and hopped on.
"Hop on; I get us there in a flash," said DragonX.
He extend the board so Jordan can hop on, Molly jumped on Dragonx's back.
"Hang on, guys," warned DragonX.
They took off and got to the hangers in about 5 minutes. After a short argument with Don about changing minds, Molly and Jordan hopped in the Arrow II and flew out of the hanger. Don, Stan, Koji, and DragonX put on their comlinks and ran for the control room.
"So, the President told you the truth, huh?" guessed DragonX.
"Yes, and YOU didn't tell me because…" questioned Don.
"It's not my place," countered DragonX, "now let's concentrate on THIS race."
The trap circuit race began and Molly was getting fed up with having to dodge all the traps, while Flint had fun going at his pace and traveling without a care in the world – or at least the race.
"Molly, remember Flint is a scrub," informed DragonX, "and this is HIS planet. Play to HIS strengths, AND VULNERABLITIES."
"He's right," said Molly, before opening a link to Flint.
"Just quit now and I'll let you have an autograph at the finish line," said Flint over the link.
"Why should I quit to a cheater AND a loser?" taunted Molly.
"I can't help it if I'm lucky. But just to make it fair I'll fly through these traps with my eyes closed," gloated Flint.
The judges had to stop every trap they activated because Flint was flying right into them. Then the maze was coming up.
"Molly, a maze is ahead," said DragonX, "Trust your instinct and you'll get through it in one piece."
Molly did so, while Flint… Well let's just say, his ship's seen better days. Earth Team won the second round.
Don received a call from the infirmary on the planet for the racers. Rick was healed and awake. Don congratulated Molly and Jordan as he left for the infirmary. Molly and Jordan were confused by the "nice" treatment by Don Wei. DragonX came by.
"Molly, come on lets walk and talk," suggested DragonX.
Molly left the hanger with DragonX.
"That race could've been fairer," continued DragonX, "but I'm proud of the way you handled it, Eva."
"Thanks, bro. What really bugged me though was Flint laughing his butt off when he exited the maze."
"I know, but he pulled through and proved he could race honorably."
The sun was setting as they met up with Aikka as he left HIS hanger.
Eva blushed and hid behind her brother, "Did ya have to bring me HERE!?"
"Good evening Aikka," said DragonX, ignoring Eva and bowing to Prince Aikka, "I trust your well."
"As well as can be expected," replied Aikka, also bowing, and turned to Eva, "Congratulations on winning against Flint, Molly."
Eva blushed even more and let out a small "thank you."
"I hope you make it to the finals Aikka; it would be a good race between the two of you," said DragonX.
"Aikka its time to train!" called a voice from inside the hanger.
"Forgive me, I must go," said Aikka, bowing.
"It's okay," replied DragonX, returning the bow, "Good luck in you next race."
"Thank you. Good night. Molly," concluded Aikka.
"Good night Prince Aikka," said Eva, through her ever growing blush.
They continued their walk all around the pool and returned to their base for a good night's sleep.
The next morning, DragonX got up early and went out to where Rush, Aikka and Marcel would be to watch 'Rick's' trial run. He had his comlink on to hear when his sister threw a fit, stepped on Don's foot and stormed off back to the hanger.
That's when DragonX heard 'Rick's' short small cry of shock when he found out his hand go numb. The test run finished with a new move, which Jordan dubbed: Thunderbolt Zigzag.
"I was Hot-Dogging," was 'Rick's' reply to Don's question.
DragonX turned off the comlink, "'Hot-Dogging' my foot. If that was 'Hot-Dogging', then I'm the Avatar. That was a nervous breakdown if I ever saw one."
"Indeed, he should have let Molly continue with the next race before he got back into the Star Racer," commented Aikka, "He'll probably have another attack in the race."
"But you have to admire his courage," praised Rush, "you can't say, 'He's a coward.'"
"He needs to check his body before he checks his racer," said Marcel, Flint's mechanic.
A storm started and the foursome went their separate ways. DragonX reached 'Rick's' room just as he turned on the water in the sink.
'Rick' punched the water in anger.
"You never said the effects would be so severe," said 'Rick' trying to catch his breath.
"I never said there WOULDN'T be any effects, now did I?" countered DragonX.
"I'm taking a nap, so I can get through the race."
DragonX return to the Ship bay in time to hear Molly's music start as she drove of into the rain in a bad mood.
DragonX approached Don, "What did you do?" he demanded.
"I did nothing except tell her to mind her place and not ask meaningless questions," said Don simply.
"She wouldn't ask a question if it didn't have meaning," said DragonX, his eye twitching.
DragonX walked off and contacted Satis mentally and asked him to talk to Eva/Molly.
Just before the race began Jordan asked, "How could a thing like that fly."
"Well, normally it shouldn't. It uses some unknown form of planetary magnetism," informed Stan.
The race began.
DragonX spots the flute in Ceres' hand.
"He's a musician racer," realized DragonX.
"What?" asked Stan.
"His entire ship is one big tone blaster, he uses music to keep his ship balanced and as a weapon against his enemies."
Ceres sent his first musical attack.
"Whoa, that's some music," said, a slightly scared, Koji.
"It's the most literal form of 'Killer Music'!" said DragonX.
Jordan started firing, but Ceres manipulated the shots right back at the Arrow II.
'Rick's' second attack started.
'This isn't good,' thought DragonX.
Koji told Don about the shock to "Rick's" nervous system.
"He was in perfect shape this morning!" said Don, trying to make sense in his own standing more than anything else.
"No, he nearly lost it during the test run," corrected DragonX, "but he managed to pull out of it before the Arrow II crashed. He didn't tell you because he didn't feel the need to tell you; he thought he could handle it."
They saw Molly as she jumped onto the Arrow II.
DragonX ran from the room, left the hanger, pulled out and activated his hover board. He jumped on and raced toward the spot of the downed Rocket-Seat.
He heard everything Ceres said about the Mong's and heard the flute play. He saw a flash of Molly falling to her death in her mind.
"AGH!" shouted DragonX, as he quickly gathered his bearings back and dodged some building roofs as he continued to head toward the Rocket-Seat. He switched to the secure channel and contacted the Arrow II.
"'Rick', Molly! Can you here me? It's DragonX!" said DragonX, trying to get a reply, "Repeat-come in 'Rick' or Molly!"
"'Rick' here," replied 'Rick', "Molly's out of it, I don't have my full hearing for music back so I'm not affected by the flute."
"Listen carefully, push the play button on Molly's radio, it's the only thing that can wake her up," said DragonX.
'Rick' did so and not only woke up Molly, but also startled Ceres into not only dropping his flute, but sent him into a crash course with the wall, and his defeat. The Earth Team won the race and Molly turned off her music.
"Thanks for dropping in, Little Mouse," thanked 'Rick', "I've always wanted a co-pilot."
"Anytime 'Rick,'" replied Eva/Molly, "'Rick'?"
"Molly, are you alright? Answer me! Molly!" the voice of DragonX cut off Molly's worry about 'Rick'.
"I'm fine, thanks to you and 'Rick'," said Molly, "But He's seems to be unconscious now."
"Don't worry about 'Rick'," said DragonX, "The ambulance is on its way. I've got your Rocket-Seat and heading back to the hanger to drop it off. I'll meet you back at the hanger later."
'Rick' walked away from the others downcast he could never race again. He went down to the Start/Finish circle of where he day (night?) dreamed about winning the Great Race on Alwas. This was how DragonX found him.
"Are you ready to start you final part of the mission?" asked DragonX.
"Well, since I can't race, I have to find something to occupy my time. Why not?" agreed 'Rick'.
And with that 'Rick' left to go to bed back at the hanger.
DragonX opened a comlink to his office secretary.
"Ahh, Sir, Rick has been given quarters and started his training," said Miss Porter, "Maya is nearly finished and will be ready on schedule if everything goes as planned."
"Good. Tell Maya to contact Molly in her dream tonight. That is all," replied DragonX.
DragonX cut the link and went to bed in hopes of being prepared for the duel with Para-Dice in the Next Race.
(Chapter End)
Well here's the next chapter; what do you think?
Better/Worse?
Please review.
AN1: He seems to like that place a lot, huh?
AN2: Eva/Molly doesn't know about her mother being alive, just knowing what she WOULD say IF she were alive.
AN3: Groor dishonored himself by being a sore loser.
Hopefully this is better than before.
Later,
RDF1.