Sup guys. It's time for the 6th chapter in my Oban fic.
Dx: Well, what do you have planned for today?
RDF1: It's a secret, but I'll tell you this, I'll try to cover about 3-4 episodes if I can. Only 2-3 more chapters after this, so it's nearly done.
(Audience: "Aww")
But remember: I'll try to keep things interesting and try to cover everything I can.
Disclaimer: I don't own anything in Oban: Star Racers, except for my changes and DragonX!
Dx: I'll go pep talk Eva/Molly for the races this chapter.
RDF1: You do that.
Title: Victory and Loss.
Title explanation:
Victory: More points for Earth Team.
Loss: Canaletto gets rid of Sul and discovers DragonX.
RDF1: TO THE FIC!!
Dx: (sarcastically) Yeah.
RDF1: Ha, ha. I thought you said you were gone.
Dx: And so I did.
DragonX goes through Oban Portal.
(Chapter Begin)
(Recap)
DragonX was talking with Eva and Molly in the Mental Plane.
(Mental Plane)
"Molly, Eva, I think I might be able to separate you two by the final race - if I hurry," stated DragonX.
"I'm not sure how Don and the others would react to that," said Molly, worried about Don's reaction to seeing double.
"We explain it to them and hope they can understand what's been happening," suggested Eva.
"Eva's right. We'll handle that when it comes. Until then – try to get along. I shall be there for you if and when Don figures it out," said DragonX.
(Mental Plane Exit)
DragonX left Eva/Molly to get some sleep. Jordan was snoring like a log so he didn't notice anything.
(Recap End)
About 3 in the morning a snowstorm hit, waking up everyone.
"How can it be snowing!?" wondered Don.
"This is Oban; you never know what's next here!" responded DragonX.
"We need to cover the Arrow 3!" said Stan.
"Molly, get the heater, I'll help Stan and Koji!" said DragonX to Eva/Molly.
DragonX raced down with Stan and Koji.
"This next race will be a fierce one!" stated DragonX as they were getting the tarp cover on.
"How do you know?" asked Stan.
"Just call it, Racer Intuition!" replied DragonX.
"But you're not a racer!" pointed out Koji.
"I never said I didn't race before, I just told Don I didn't come to the Great Race to Race!" responded DragonX.
Stan and Koji shrugged their shoulders at the truth of the statement and continued to put the tarp over the Racer.
Don was contacting Earth while DragonX leaned on the wall to the side.
"I want to contact Earth," said Don.
"Communications are open now," replied the Operator for long distance calls.
"Connect me to the Stern Boarding School," stated Don.
"Connecting," said the Operator.
The Principal answered the phone.
"Do you have any idea what time it is!?" asked the Principal, annoyed as usual, even more so when it was the middle of the night.
"I'm calling long distance," stated Don.
This made DragonX chuckle, for no statement was truer right that second.
"They all say that," said the Principal, who's dealt with similar calls, "Who do you want to talk to?"
"Miss Eva Wei," stated Don calmly.
The Principal start ranting about what Eva might have done while out and about.
"I'm Eva's father, Mr. Wei," informed Don.
"Mr. Wei!?" said the Principal, clearly surprised, "Don't worry, we'll find sweet little Eva if it's the last thing we do!"
"I doubt that," countered DragonX, loud enough for the Principal to hear.
Principal now noticed DragonX in the room and immediately focused the screen on him. She recognized him as the one who gave Eva that Rocket-Seat so long ago.
"It's YOU!! I knew it!" said the Principal, clearly angry that this man helped one of their students leave their school, through illegal means no less (to them anyway), "YOU'RE THE REASON EVA LEFT!!"
"What are you talking about?" asked Don, surprised, yet interested in what the Principal was talking about.
"HE GAVE EVA THE VERY ROCKET-SEAT SHE USED TO LEAVE THE STERN BOARDING SCHOOL!!" shouted the Principal, clearly upset that someone was finally able to get out of the Stern Boarding School, when it hadn't been done since its opening.
"I did it because I knew you weren't exactly being kind to your students, Madam," said DragonX, his temper rising as well, "I know for a fact that you hand out punishments whenever you can!"
"That is absurd, don't believe him Mr. Wei," attempted the Principal, trying to win over the parent with lies that many parents had believed in the past, "He's the no good rapscallion that forced Eva to leave our gentle halls…"
DragonX cut off the transmission.
"I think I've heard just about enough out of that mouth," said DragonX, still angry at the system that ran that 'school'.
"What was she talking about? Did you give Eva the means to leave the Stern Boarding School?" demanded Don.
"I did, but only because YOU never gave her the life she needed. She became an orphan after you left her at that Hellhole of a School," informed DragonX, his temper refocusing on Don Wei.
(AN: Sorry about the language.)
"YOU LET MY DAUGHTER GO OUT THERE ALONE!! AND LEFT HER THERE!?"
"She wasn't alone. She found you as soon as she could," stated DragonX, in a calm, deathly quiet voice.
"You don't mean!?" said Don, eyes widening in realizing what DragonX was talking about.
"Yes, Eva and Molly are one and the same. You abandoned her and now, thanks to the course of this race, she might just want to stay an orphan," said DragonX, expressing all of his loathing at the man Don Wei became after abandoning Eva, leaving her nearly unstable, "She waited and believed in you for so long, only to have you not only not recognize her, but also assume she was a boy of all things!? If I hadn't stepped in, she would probably never answer your question of who she was."
"I'm sorry, I didn't know," said Don, feeling regret and guilt for all the years he ignored his only daughter.
"Don't apologize to me! You need Eva's forgiveness to ever become the man I actually respected. I'm going to wake up Molly and Jordan."
"Just one question," said Don, stopping DragonX at the door.
"Yeah?" asked DragonX.
"Why Molly?"
"That is something I asked myself many times," sighed DragonX, who had been wondering that himself, "But always come to the same conclusion. She's hasn't been just Eva in a long time."
DragonX left the room.
DragonX walked in on Eva/Molly sleeping on top of Jordan and cleared his throat. Eva/Molly woke up and realizes that she was sleeping on Jordan.
"AAAH!" yelped Eva, jerking awake.
"Glad your awake," said DragonX, a smirk appearing on his face.
"Sorry about that," apologized Molly to DragonX AND Eva, though not really ALL that sorry.
"It's okay, get dressed. We need to prepare for the race today."
DragonX left to let Eva/Molly get dressed.
Eva walked out to see the mountains.
"Wow, Hey Molly?" said Eva aloud.
"Yeah?" replied Molly.
"DragonX never took me to the mountains while I was with him."
"How come?"
"He said it's very dangerous if your not careful. Not to mention very cold."
Eva's body shivered from the wind, proving that point.
"I can feel that," agreed Molly.
"This terrain is perfect for the Arrow's Strengths," stated Eva, before they both shouted out to the heavens.
"I'M GONNA WIN THIS RACE!!" Eva/Molly shouted with the mountains echoing back.
"I'M GONNA WIN THE RACE TODAY!!" continued Eva, getting pumped for the race in a few hours.
The mountains echoed again. They looked over to see Aikka on his Module. She waved to him.
"Prince Aikka! HEY!!" shouted Eva, her good mood not wavering one bit.
Aikka half-heartedly waved back.
"WATCH OUT, CAUSE TODAY IS MY DAY TO GET FIRST PLACE, PRINCE AIKKA!!" declared Eva.
She waved him goodbye as she went back into the temple, unaware of the conflict that soon arose there.
"Is everything okay?" asked DragonX, walking to the hanger where Stan and Koji were running the final checks.
"Looks like it," said Stan.
"Just running a final check now," added Koji.
"Good," stated DragonX, "We'll need everything in working order to be able to win today."
Eva/Molly came down with Jordan behind them.
(AN: Should I say 'them' or 'her'?(LOL) I'll go with 'them' for now)
"The signal went out?" asked DragonX.
"Yep. Let's go," said Molly.
"Stan, Koji, it's time," said DragonX.
"Good luck," said Stan, as he and Koji joined DragonX near the stairs.
"We'll wait for your return," said Koji.
"Thanks; you ready Jordan?" asked Eva/Molly.
"As I'll ever be," responded Jordan.
DragonX was watching from the Control Room with everyone else. Eva was excited about using the Hyperdrive again.
"Be careful Molly," warned DragonX, "we don't know what surprises are in store here."
"You are good to go in 20 seconds," informed Koji.
Aikka was pulling up beside the Arrow.
"Molly, Aikka's besides us and he's loading an arrow," said a worried Jordan.
Aikka was indeed loading an arrow, struggling against himself to not do it.
"Then again, he DOES owe me one," reasoned Jordan.
"No he doesn't. In case you forgot: You shot him first, nearly killing G'Dar, then you decided to make up for by shooting his attacker in the first race," corrected DragonX over the comlink.
"Whatever," resigned Jordan.
Aikka was able to pull off the shot before he could stop himself.
"YOU TRAITOR!!" shouted Jordan, moving his guns to counter fire.
Jordan was to late, the arrow hit and the Arrow went down.
"MOLLY, ARE YOU ALRIGHT!!" shouted a concerned DragonX through the Comlink.
"I'm fine," replied Molly.
"Everything's good here," added Jordan.
"Fourth race, and only 3 points. It'll be hard to pull back from this," sighed Don.
"Don, this isn't over just yet," said DragonX, looking back at the map with the gate on it, "Remember: Nothing on Oban is ever straightforward. Molly, deactivate the Hyperdrive."
"We've lost, that's all there is to it," resigned Don, thinking it was hopeless now, "Molly, return to the flying temple."
"I refuse to think we've lost today," said Eva, determined to win the race she promised herself she would.
She noticed that the Gate Indicator was pointing to the ground. She relayed the information to Koji.
"The Scanner was probably damaged in the crash," said Koji, agreeing with Don.
"No, Molly, get back in the air," said DragonX, realizing where the gate was moved to, "this race can still be ours."
Eva was able to get the Whizzing Arrow 3 up into the air after a few minutes. The racers all missed the gate because the Gate was underground.
"Am I dreaming or have they all missed the gate?" asked Stan.
"No, you're not dreaming, Stan," said DragonX, a smirk appearing on his face, "This IS the test for this race. It's about knowledge of the terrain both above and BELOW the surface. Molly, find a way to get to the layer under the ice."
"Jordan, shoot the ice, if you don't mind," suggested Molly, relaying the message to Jordan.
"I don't mind at all, I can blow off some steam as well," said Jordan, itching to shot something.
Jordan shot through the ice and revealed the cavern underneath.
"Aikka may have done us a BIG favor, Jordan," said Eva, her spirits up once more, "We're back in the race!"
Eva/Molly flies the Arrow 3 into the crevice and into the underground cavern. DragonX opened up the mental link when the screen went blank.
"Eva, Molly, be careful. I can't see directly where you're going to be, so just remember this: Probability is not about control, it's about focusing on your own position," said DragonX to Eva and Molly.
"Sure DragonX, thanks. We'll keep that in mind," said Eva, though not fully understanding the concept.
Eva/Molly and Jordan made their way through the cavern, unknowing that Ondai was behind them until the sensors picked him up though.
"It was to good to be true," said Eva, not surprised in the least.
"What did you think: That you were the only who figured it out?" mocked Molly.
"Jordan, keep him off of us!" urged Eva, ignoring Molly for the moment.
Jordan tried, but failed because Ondai's computers were advanced enough to predict the shots. Ondai quickly grounded them.
"There! That column! Remember what DragonX said?" reminded Molly.
"'Probability is not about control, but about focusing on your own position,'" recalled Eva, formulating a plan quickly in her head, "Let's do this!"
"Jordan, get ready!" said Eva, smirking in a similar manner to DragonX.
"Ready when you are partner!" said Jordan, recognizing the smirk and knew immediately that Molly had a plan.
"Here we go!" said Molly, before declaring to Ondai, "Predict this!"
The Arrow rammed Ondai's ship into the column, cracking it. Ondai made the outrageous comment about the chain of evolution.
"THINK AGAIN!!" shouted Molly.
The column shattered the Ice Layer above them. Eva/Molly avoided them as she could, but Ondai's computer brought about the infinite possibilities and was he amazed by it. This caused him to get caught in the rockslide. Eva/Molly activated the boosters and went through the gate and up the new crevice that was made. They shot out in the middle of the other racers.
"TAKE THAT RACERS!!" boasted Eva/Molly.
Eva/Molly raced back to the Modules to get out of harms way, well mostly.
Meanwhile, in the Avatar's Temple…
"What a great race! Molly scored big time, putting her tied for first place!" cheered Satis, "But the law of the great race is to choose your friends wisely."
The Earth Team's point marker shot up to just beside Sul and Kross.
Stan and Koji were cheering for a GREAT job. Don came up as well, clapping all the way.
"Bravo, that was a good race, Molly," praised Don, whole-heartedly this time.
Eva blushed. "Thank you, sir."
"Not bad, Molly. I didn't think you would do so well against a full on rockslide," said DragonX, still smirking from earlier.
"Don't underestimate you sister, DragonX," countered Molly, smirking back in a similar manner.
"I won't in the future, I promise," relented DragonX, his smirk only fading a small bit. He knew that Eva/Molly would make it, but didn't want to sound and look like a know-it-all.
Don went up to talk with Eva/Molly.
"Looks like we have a clear night tonight," started Don.
"Oh, crap. I really don't want to do this right now," said Eva mentally, her fear tripling instantly.
"Relax; I'll do the talking," replied Molly, before speaking to Don, "You're right."
"I've never really had a chance to ask you about your life, have I?" confessed Don, before asking, "So, do you have any brothers or sisters waiting back on Earth?"
"Just DragonX and he's here," replied Molly truthfully.
"Your parents must have smothered you while he was away," continued Don, trying to keep things light.
Eva growled at that. Don didn't hear her.
"Where were you working before you joined the team? DragonX told me you had several unstable jobs. But you were doing fine as a mechanic."
"A mechanic, yes," said Molly, remembering when she was first named, "Well, there WERE several places. I think the last one was: Brokarrow Motors."
"Is that a fact?" said Don, dropping the pretense, "I happen to know Clive Brokarrow. He worked for me for several years, AFTER he went bankrupt."
Molly stuttered; she didn't expect this.
"Listen here. Have you ever heard of the Stern Boarding School, young lady?" asked Don directly.
"Stern Boarding," said Eva, as if it were a dream (or rather nightmare) she woke up from.
"I'll be more direct: Are you my daughter, Eva?"
Eva froze again, but Molly was able to cover for her.
"If I were YOUR daughter, you would know it immediately. You wouldn't have to ask. If you'll excuse me, I'm going to check up on the Arrow 3. Great day, today, huh?" said Molly. Eva/Molly left behind a slightly confused, yet knowing father.
"It IS you, Eva. Just like DragonX told me," thought Don, knowing now he must talk with Eva about the past.
DragonX made his way to the Nourasian Module. There he found Canaan repairing his broken sword and Aikka in a meditative position.
"Aikka, I just want to say thank you for what you did," said DragonX.
"I don't deserve it," said Aikka humbly, "It was a fluke that I ended up helping her, instead of hurting her."
"That doesn't matter right now. You will be needed to help the Earth Team in the Final Race against Kross."
"I understand," said Aikka.
DragonX started to leave and almost got to the Earth Team's portal when Kross came out of his own, "Well, well, well. I didn't expect to see you here, DragonX."
"Just like you didn't expect your plan to go so wrong today, huh?" countered DragonX, knowing Kross's schemes firsthand.
"That was the Prince's doing," justified Kross, "I had nothing to do with that."
"Oh, really. I'm supposed to believe that, after what you did to Toros. He lost one race and you kill him," countered DragonX, before continuing in a mocking tone, "What next, you actually killing Sul? Oh wait, that will never happen."
"Don't tempt me, DragonX!"
"Oh, no," said DragonX, his calm, deadly voice returning, "You don't want to tempt me, Kross! It'll be your last mistake."
DragonX went into the Earth Team portal, leaving a slightly scared Cross.
DragonX walked into Don's office to see him looking at his picture of his family.
"You're right. Eva IS Molly," said Don, sadly.
"I told you before," said DragonX, "don't underestimate your daughter. She's the one that will save history."
"What are you talking about!?" said Don, surprised.
Don looked up, but couldn't find DragonX. He left before Don could spot him. He went out to the edge of the Module.
"The Race is entering its next phase."
DragonX looked in on Eva/Molly sleeping. Jordan woke up due to a slightly bad dream.
"DragonX?" said Jordan, still trying to wake up.
"Hey Jordan," greeted DragonX.
"I've wanted to ask you something for a while now," confessed Jordan.
"What is it?"
"If it would be alright with you, I would like to date your sister."
"I'm sorry, but that answer will have to wait for the Great Race to be over," apologized DragonX, knowing that this would only distract Molly from what she needs to do.
"I see, well, thank you for being patient. I will be as well."
"Don't worry; I'm thankful that you're being honest with your feelings for Molly."
"I just don't want her to get hurt."
"Same here, Jordan. Same here. Get some sleep; you'll need it."
Jordan went back to sleep to be ready for the next race.
DragonX was waiting for Eva/Molly in the control room. When Don got there, Koji was reporting on the Acid Pools.
"Remember, this is Oban," reminded DragonX, "Anything's possible."
"Keep the Arrow out of the river, otherwise…" warned Koji.
He showed the simulation of the hull being melted in a flash. Don tried to get Eva/Molly to not race today.
"Don, I think that Molly should make decision. She IS the one racing, after all," stated DragonX, letting his 'sister' make her own decisions.
"We're racing. Come on, Jordan!" said Eva.
Eva/Molly ran to the Whizzing Arrow 3 with Jordan right behind them.
Eva/Molly was doing alright, until Muir decided to grab Eva/Molly from the cockpit.
"Koji, activate autopilot override NOW!" ordered DragonX; slightly perturbed that Muir would go to such extremes.
"Autopilot override engaged," informed Koji, taking the wheel.
DragonX could only pray that Muir wouldn't do anything too badly to Eva/Molly.
Muir exchanged memories of why he and Eva/Molly wanted to race. He returned Eva/Molly to the Arrow 3 afterward.
"Molly? Molly, can you here me?" called Jordan softly.
"Hello Jordan, penny for your thoughts," said Molly, not feeling so alone anymore, since she and Eva understood the loss of a loved one as Muir did.
"Jordan, hold on. We're getting you guys back," came DragonX's voice over the comlink.
DragonX waited for Don to come out of Jordan and Eva/Molly's room before speaking.
"She's fine. She'll be ready for the next race; I won't let her down again," promised DragonX.
DragonX walked over to Stan and Koji while Don went to contact the President of Earth.
"He'll be alright. Just give him some time," said DragonX, talking about Don AND Jordan, since they were both worried about Eva/Molly.
"That man can be heartless at times," said Stan, with a bitter tone.
"Yeah, but he isn't ALWAYS heartless," contradicted DragonX, "Good night."
DragonX went off to bed, hopefully prepared for what he has to do to save Sul.
Aikka was sneaking into the Earth Module. DragonX caught him before he got to Eva/Molly and Jordan's room.
"I didn't expect you, Aikka," greeted DragonX.
"DragonX!?" gasped Aikka quietly.
"I won't stop you," placated DragonX, "just warn you that Molly might not be so trusting this time."
"I'm well aware of that. I just hope she can forgive me after all of this is over."
"Go. Before Don Wei wakes up."
"Right."
Aikka went inside the room to talk with Eva/Molly. DragonX decided to talk to Satis.
Satis was still up, as he didn't have much time before he would die. DragonX walked up.
"So, you have less than a week left, huh?" stated DragonX.
"I do," sighed Satis, "It's getting harder and harder to pull this off."
"Don't worry, you only have a few more appearances to make. You just have to survive 5 more days."
"Thank you my friend. I shall miss you."
"As I shall miss you. Are you going to show them the 'beginning' tomorrow?"
"It is customary that the Avatar shows all potential Avatar candidates some of the work he/she will have to do on Oban."
"Sul has pulled into the lead again I see."
"He's the only one Canaletto thinks can ruin his plans now."
"He's going to be in for a BIG surprise," smirked DragonX, before leaving for the Earth Module.
(Time Change)
The racers gathered for the Mid-Race party, DragonX was with them.
"Welcome all of you to our Mid-competition get together. Now, welcome my master: THE AVATAR!!" greeted Satis.
Satis used some of his remaining power to transform into his Avatar form.
"PROUD RACERS, CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR FIRST 5 RACES OF THE GRAND FINALS! SPECIAL PRAISE IS DUE TO THE CURRENT LEADER: SUL OF GUMARIA!" stated the Avatar in all his glory.
"Look at Prince Poodle and his pal, Kross," mocked Jordan.
"They make the perfect couple, don't they?" agreed Molly.
DragonX didn't want to make them angry with him if he were to try and defend Aikka, and decided to not do it in front of the other racers.
"YOU ALL DESERVE PRAISE FOR YOUR SACRIFICES THUS FAR! BUT THE TIME OF FINAL REVELATIONS APPROACHES US! 4 RACES REMAIN ACROSS THE MOTHER PLANET, OBAN! THIS IS THE LAST CHANCE TO PROVE YOURSELF WORTHY OF THE ULTIMATE PRIZE! PREPARE, OR FOREVER MOURN YOUR LACK OF STRENGTH AND RESOLVE!!" said the Avatar cryptically.
"Believe me," said a determined Eva, "I won't let anything stand in my way now."
The Avatar looked at Eva/Molly and narrowed his hidden eyes. He finished with a bit of wisdom within an encoded message, "REMEMBER: OUR SALVATION OR OUR DOWNFALL DEPENDS ON IT!" The Avatar left after that.
Canaletto, in his prison, was remarking on what fools the racers are for not knowing the TRUE prize. He then noticed a shadowed figure.
"Who is this?" speculated Canaletto, fear creeping ever so slowly in,"I mustn't have any interference with my plans! I must find out who this is before everything is RUINED!!"
The racers were getting antsy. Eva/Molly looked over at Aikka and glared. Aikka tried to talk to her, but was stopped by Kross talking to Sul.
"Enjoy first place, Sul, while you can," taunted Kross.
Sul just smirked at him.
"The Ultimate Prize is destined for the Crogs!" declared the Crog General.
He tried swinging at Sul, who teleported back to his own Module. Eva/Molly and Jordan snuck out of there, before they got caught in the crossfire.
"Guys, Guys, relax. You need to get ready," warned DragonX to the other racers, as well as teased, "Otherwise the Avatar will consider it forfeit and Sul and the Earth Team will have far less competition. Now, where's the fun in that?"
DragonX calmly walked away from the stunned racers, who quickly realized what he said and raced back to their Modules before the next race started.
DragonX got into the Control room as the signal went off.
"These holes are connected to the very core of the planet itself. Go too far and you might not get back," informed DragonX, who had been informed by Satis long ago about the birth of other planets.
"We'll need to be careful then," stated Don.
Eva/Molly and Jordan got in the Arrow, ready for the race.
"Let's get this one, partner!" said Molly, pumped to get more points.
"Right back at ya, partner!" replied Jordan, settling inside the turret.
"Here's goes nothing," stated Eva softly as light shown under the Arrow 3.
The Modules opened and the race began.
Back in the Control Room, DragonX was looking at the screen for the layout of the Center of Oban, for he never witnessed that before.
"Molly, Koji's found the gate. There's only one this time, so get move on!" informed Don, wanting the same thing as his daughter.
"Be careful, Molly," warned DragonX, "This is the worse place to be stuck in. Stay away from the ground as much as possible."
"Right!" replied Eva/Molly over the comlink.
The race continued, the very tunnels fighting the racers as well as each other.
"What is going on here!?" exclaimed Don in a quiet voice, "I thought there were no advanced civilizations here."
"You never learn, do you? This is Oban; the Avatar himself called her the Mother Planet," said DragonX, "The organic makeup of the tunnels is the origin of nature in a planet."
"Like a womb!" stated an amazed Koji.
"Precisely. Now, watch and be amazed. The end of this race may be something wonderful."
Aikka shot Ning and Skun down, taking them out of the race, there were about half the racers left. He loaded another arrow and waited for Jordan to shoot. Eva stopped Jordan and Aikka didn't fire, but kept his arrow loaded anyway.
"I'm sure that deep down the Prince really HASN'T changed," said Eva to Molly, still wanting to trust the Nourasian Prince.
"I trust you on this Eva; just don't make yourself a liar," resigned Molly.
"I just hope I'm right."
While it was against his morals to shoot first, Aikka released his arrow, aiming it to miss the Arrow by an inch, but Molly took control and swerved away from the arrow, causing it to hit the wall instead. Jordan counter-fired. An explosion followed, rattling both G'Dar and the Arrow. Molly was able to pull ahead of Aikka in the confusion.
Koji figured out the density of the spheres, something far greater than anything that size could be.
"I told you, Oban is the Mother Planet," reminded DragonX, "It gives life to other Planets."
"What would happen if one of the spheres burst?" questioned Don.
"It's best not to think about it, sir," sighed Koji, since he didn't want to show the simulation he formulated earlier, upon figuring out the density of the spheres.
"They won't burst. Not today," promised DragonX.
By the time Eva/Molly, Jordan, and Aikka got there, it was too late. Sul had scored and a big Sphere went up another tunnel, blinding everyone. The gate disappeared during the blindness.
The Sphere shot up out of another hole, blinding those on the Modules, including DragonX.
"EVA!!" shouted Don in concern.
"Damage report!" ordered DragonX immediately, to cover Don's out of character outburst.
"Communications are offline; even the gate's gone," reported Koji.
A few seconds later, Molly appeared on a screen.
"Control room, do you read me? This is Molly," called out Molly, hoping for an answer.
"We read you, Molly. Everything okay down there?" responded DragonX.
"We're okay. I think the Avatar wanted to scare us a little," informed Eva.
"And he did a beautiful job of it too," said an impressed Jordan.
"Come on back, guys. The race is over for today," stated DragonX.
"On our way," said Molly, depressed that they didn't get any points.
"I shall deal with Sul first; he poses the main threat to my plans. The other one will pay soon enough," promised Canaletto in his prison.
DragonX was watching the new planet go into its proper place with the others.
"Didn't the Avatar call Oban the Mother Planet?" asked Eva.
"He did indeed. The Big Bang Theory can hold to Oban," replied DragonX, "It could have taken Millennia to send out all these planets and there Moons as the Big Bang took Millennia to expand into what it is today."
"Enough theories for now," said Stan, wanting to give Molly and Jordan some privacy, "C'mon DragonX, let's check on the Arrow."
"Good night," said Koji.
"Be good now," teased Stan.
"Don't stay out to late, Molly," warned DragonX.
"We won't," responded Eva/Molly, speaking for themselves and, to the others, Jordan.
DragonX went inside with Stan and Koji, leaving Eva/Molly alone with Jordan.
"These stars may be beautiful, but they can't hold a candle to you," complimented Jordan, looking to where Molly was, only to find it empty. He turned around to see Eva/Molly walking inside.
"I'll let you stargaze alone," said Eva, not wanting to be alone with Jordan and a crushing Molly, "I'm freezing out here. Goodnight, partner."
Jordan sighed, thinking he had missed his chance. He too headed in shortly.
Meanwhile, on the Oban surface, the Oban nomadic creatures built another temple for use in the next Great Race.
DragonX was talking with Eva/Molly in the hanger, Stan and Koji were getting some sleep for the next race.
"So, I overheard Jordan's compliment about you Molly," teased DragonX.
"Yeah, but he still has a while before he's date material," replied Molly, wanting to play hard-to-get.
"Hey," scolded Eva, "remember this is my body we inhabit right now. Get your own before you do anything like that.
"Calm down girls, just relax," chuckled DragonX, trying to keep them from fighting in their own mind, "I'm getting along quite well on a formula that can separate you two."
"It'll be good to move around on my own," commented Molly.
"Will we still have our mental link?" wondered Eva.
"You should, after all you don't share a body for few good weeks and not feel some side affects," assured DragonX.
"Thanks, but we need to have a talk with a certain Prince," said Molly, getting up.
"Don't be too hard on him; he has it rough. You don't know what the Crogs wouldn't do for power."
"And you do?" asked Eva, slightly ticked that DragonX was STILL keeping secrets.
"I know, because I've dealt with them before," informed DragonX vaguely, yet gravely.
"You mean on you other mission?" asked Molly.
"Yeah, just be careful in the next race," teased DragonX, "I wouldn't want our star pilot and my sister fall off because she couldn't keep a clear head."
DragonX went off to bed, chuckling. Eva/Molly went outside to try and get Prince Aikka's attention, but failed.
The next morning (I don't how they keep day and night in the center of the galaxy) Eva decided to try and talk to Aikka face to face, but couldn't get past the barrier. When she heard Aikka come out, she quickly hid while Aikka checked around for spies. Not seeing any, he continued on his way to the lower levels of the Center Temple. Eva followed him.
"You're not going to give me the slip THAT easily, Prince," whispered Eva.
The disc she was on flipped in a circle and Eva/Molly fell down the hole, waking Molly up.
"What are you doing? Where are we?" groaned Molly, waking up from the sudden fall.
"We're in the Center Temple, lower floors," explained Eva.
"Well, just try and keep it down, otherwise we'll be spotted," warned Molly, not wanting to know what lurked down here.
"Right," replied Eva.
They continued on their way, quietly as to not attract attention.
Don was throwing a fit about Eva/Molly missing AGAIN. (Seriously, this is like the 8th or so time this has happened.)
"GO FIND HER, NOW!!" repeated Don for the umpteenth time.
"Guys, prep the Arrow," interrupted DragonX, "I know where Molly is, and I'll go get her."
Eva/Molly wandered around trying to find Aikka. They were starting to get spooked by being all alone.
"This is why I don't like to do too much exploring," complained Molly.
"What about back on Alwas, with Jordan?" teased Eva, with a mental smirk on her face.
"That is NOT relevant!" screamed a denying Molly, all the while blushing within Eva's head.
They crawled through some rubble and found a source of light. It turned out to be a fountain with some unusual architecture. They found Aikka talking with Ondai and Ning and Skun about an alliance against Sul.
"We need to take down Sul today, or else," declared Aikka.
Every agreed that Sul needed to be taken down if anyone is to have a fair chance at the Ultimate Prize.
"Let none of us break this pact until Sul is eliminated from the race," vowed Aikka.
"Agreed," vowed Ning, Skun, and Ondai as well.
Eva/Molly got out of there.
"I actually believed that someone was forcing Aikka's hand," said an angry and sad Eva.
"Don't feel down, you remember what DragonX said?" comforted Molly.
"That I shouldn't treat Aikka so bad because I don't know how badly the Crogs want power? I'm beginning to," said Eva.
They got through the rubble again when a BIG Energy Manta crossed their path.
"AAAAAAHHHHHH!!" screamed Eva before Molly covered their mouth.
"Way to go, big mouth! They heard us!" pointed out Molly.
"I couldn't help myself," said Eva, defending herself.
Eva/Molly ran for it. They ran into someone they didn't expect.
Satis was making his daily round of the lower levels when Eva/Molly crashed into him.
"You nearly scared me to death; don't ever do that again. I'm WAY past my prime ya'know," reprimanded Satis.
"What are you doing here!?" exclaimed a surprised Eva.
"This is the Avatar's temple. I'm simply doing my daily rounds. And you?"
"I think I heard a voice from over here," said Skun from afar.
Eva/Molly covered Satis's mouth. He mumbled something along the lines of "That's not very nice."
"Can you get us out of here?" asked Eva.
Satis mumbled again. "What's the magic word?"
"Please?" tried Molly, taking her hand off of Satis's mouth.
"Now that's more like it. The magic word opens many a door, my dear," said Satis, his statement being true in more ways than one.
Satis used his powers to open a hole in the pillar next to them. It revealed a staircase behind them. They headed downstairs to Satis's house.
DragonX was sitting back in Satis's home, waiting for Satis to bring back Eva/Molly.
"Welcome to my humble abode," announced Satis from the winding staircase in the middle of the room.
Speaking of which.
"Charming," remarked Molly, trying to be polite yet not at the same time.
"It suits him," added Eva.
"Hey, you find something interesting upstairs, Molly?" asked DragonX from his seat, getting their attention.
"Well…" started Molly, not wanting to reveal too much.
"Don's worried. The next race is within the hour."
"Then we have to get back," replied Eva.
"Now hold on, Molly," interrupted Satis, "Rest up a bit first, then take the portal with the Earth Team logo and you'll be back in a flash."
"Perfect. Thanks," deadpanned Molly.
"Molly, you need to be in tiptop form for the race today. So you need your rest," agreed DragonX.
"Where are my manners? You might want a drink before you go."
Eva/Molly looked around the apartment, for lack of a better word, and found the Nourasian portal. Eva scowled, remembering the Princes words. Then they noticed Sul's portal.
"Sul's portal," stated Eva, feeling an urge to go in there.
"Sul can handle anything that's thrown at him," warned DragonX.
"She wants to warn him anyway," informed Molly through the mental link.
DragonX sighed. Satis was busy making the tea. DragonX decided to follow after her to make sure she didn't get into trouble.
"Wait! That's not…" started Satis, but it was too late. They already went though the portal. Satis sighed, "Your portal."
Sul was meditating when he sensed two people, one with two spirits, enter his designated module. He teleported behind Eva/Molly while DragonX decided to wait by the stairs.
"I've come to warn you. Some of the other racers are planning an ambush in the next race," stated Eva, immediately getting to the point.
"They will hurt you, badly. This is serious," added Molly,
Sul floated a few feet away from her.
"ARE YOU LISTENING TO ME!?" shouted Eva/Molly, fed up with people NOT listening to her.
"Why are you telling me this?" wondered Sul.
"Isn't it obvious!? Do you think I'd let them get away with this?" replied Molly.
"Why not? You would have everything to gain. Don't you long to win the Ultimate Prize as much as I?" wondered Sul again.
"But I won't let it destroy me!" countered Molly.
"Are you absolutely sure?"
Sul used his powers to probe Eva's memories and find out about her broken family. DragonX knew he would take it too far. Sul already put Molly to sleep until they got back to their own Module.
"That's about enough, Sul!" stated DragonX, walking towards Sul now.
Sul stopped, before stating, "Your scars are so deep they control you. It makes you an easy target."
"Sul, that is enough. She's already hurting enough as it is," urged DragonX.
"And what of you, DragonX? I know for a fact that you have changed Destiny such as I have," said Sul, turning to DragonX directly.
"I did it for the good of the Universe," countered DragonX.
"Your visit was in error. You have wasted my time," stated Sul, not wanting to be bothered anymore, "I welcome a surprise attack. It would break up the monotony of this competition, and maybe that of my existence."
"Why do you want to win the prize?" asked Eva.
"I am the Master of Time and Space, and even the course of Destiny. There is nothing left for me to wish for. Go."
Eva clenched her fist as she got up. She ran after Sul.
"Well, if your so bored, then why don't you get lost!?" demanded Eva.
Sul looked back at Eva.
"Leave the prize to those who really need it! We won't miss you!" stated Eva.
Sul looked as though he contemplated the idea for a second before continuing on his way.
She growled before leaving to return to the Earth Team's Module. DragonX wasn't through yet and decided to follow after Sul.
"I already told your 'sister', you visit is in vain," stated Sul once more.
"I wanted to ask you if you know about him," said DragonX, abruptly changing the subject.
"You mean Canaletto, do you not?" said Sul in an obvious tone.
"The very same. I know for a fact that he wants to get rid of you in the next race, just so his plans can bring about destruction to the Universe."
"I shall do what I can," promised Sul.
"And I shall do what you can't," promised DragonX.
DragonX left for the Earth Team Module by his Hover Board, as the next race was about to begin.
DragonX got back to the Control room just in time for the race to begin.
"Everything okay, Molly," asked DragonX.
"Everything's alright here," replied Eva, saddened by her visit to Sul and her trip through her most painful memories.
"Let's just win this one," stated Molly.
The racers were racing towards the first gate when Prince Aikka turned around, due to Kross's order. Ning and Skun and Ondai followed, by the promise of the pact they made.
"I can't stay for the rest of this race; I need to be somewhere," said DragonX, in a tone that the others didn't want to argue with.
DragonX left the Control Room. He headed to the edge of the Module, jumped off, and activated his Hover Board. He activated the booster once his got up to speed and got to the max he could without losing control. He was heading to the Temple of the Heart.
Sul finished proving his power to his would-be attackers and continued on his way. Eva/Molly appeared soon after that. Aikka got back on G'Dar and he continued in the race.
"Molly, do you hear me?" came DragonX' voice over the comlink.
"I read you," replied Molly.
"You needn't worry about Sul," informed DragonX, "You need to worry about beating Aikka right now. So, activate the Hyper Drive and get going."
"Right," agreed Molly.
Molly passed Aikka just before the final gate and was able to get second instead of third.
Canaletto transported Sul to the courtyard in front of the Temple of the Heart. DragonX was lying in wait just outside the wall. He watched on as Canaletto appeared, causing the warning sensors back at Satis's house to go off.
"Are you the one called Canaletto?" asked Sul, curiously to the challenge before him.
"Your reputation honors you, Sul. Your knowledge is impressive and your powers, far greater than you let others believe," responded Canaletto.
This conversation was being broadcasted to the Earth Team's Module somehow.
"What do you want from me?" asked Sul.
"I underestimated you, Sul. That was a mistake. Your light of strength BLINDS my vision of the future, a future I've taken GREAT care to control. And THIS has to end!"
"Your mistake was underestimating the one who TRULY changed Destiny outside this race," countered Sul, revealing yet not revealing DragonX's role to Canaletto, "There is someone who has also taken great care to not allow HIS vision of the future be shattered, as you do, but what are you going to do about me?"
"I'm offering a rare alliance. Imagine: two great beings stand together. We would be magnificent!"
"Alliances are for the small and weak. If you are truly Canaletto, then you will have no real powers over this world."
"Not yet," chuckled Canaletto, "You're making a great mistake!"
"Be GONE, Canaletto!" declared Sul. He used his powers to destroy the copy of Canaletto. He sighed before finishing, "I am disappointed. I didn't expect you to forfeit so quickly."
"Get out of there, Sul!" shouted DragonX, jumping down in front of Sul.
"DragonX, what are you doing?!" exclaimed Sul, wondering why DragonX would risk exposure.
The transport spell opened up beneath them. DragonX focused HIS powers into changing the destination of the portal.
"I'm not as powerless as you believe. Why do you think I brought you here?" taunted Canaletto.
"Don't worry, I've changed the point of destination, you'll be fine!" said DragonX quietly to Sul.
Satis was having his own battle against Canaletto, draining his strength even more.
"My time has come!" shouted Canaletto in triumph.
Satis gasped.
Sul got dragged down into the portal. His Point Marker was taken down as well. DragonX was left to face Canaletto alone.
"You can't touch me!"
"And why is that?"
"I may be breaking the fourth wall, but I have Author Privilege"
What sounded like a canon shot echoed through the air, the sound of the fourth wall breaking.
"You don't mean!?"
A portal opened up, revealing RedDragonForce 1 with a tired out Sul resting on his bed.
"Sorry, Canaletto, but this is MY story to write. I may not own the ORIGINAL rights, but I own the changes I've made to THIS history. Namely DragonX."
"CURSE YOU!!" swore Canaletto.
Canaletto used his powers to push DragonX back into RDF1's world before returning back to his prison.
(Chapter End)
(RDF1's Dimension)
RDF1: Are you alright, man?
Dx: I'm fine.
Sul: Thank you for rescuing me. I appreciate it. I'll be going now. I must stop Canaletto.
Dx: HOLD IT!! You ain't going nowhere.
RDF1: Except to YOUR Office, DragonX.
Dx: Fine. Follow me.
Sul followed DragonX to his work Dimension.
(DragonX's work Dimension)
Rick and Maya were playing cards while they waited for DragonX to return to pick them up. They had finished their training a few days back and were watching the race from afar. They decided to play cards between races. Today's game was poker.
Rick: Ha! Beat this: A full house!
He laid out 5 cards: Jack, Jack, Ace, Ace, and Ace. (All not spades)
Maya: That may be tough, but I think I can pull that off.
She laid down HER 5 cards: 10, Jack, Queen, King, and Ace, all Spades.
Maya: The ultimate of Royal Flushes, my fellow racer.
DragonX walked up clapping, Sul floating behind him.
Dx: Not bad Maya. I thought Rick would've had a better hand against you, but I was wrong.
Maya: It's all in the cards.
Sul: What are they doing?
Dx: Playing Poker. A simple Earth Game.
Sul: I know that.
Dx: Guys, time has almost arrived. I have to speak with Eva one last time before coming back for all of you. Make sure Miss Porter gives him a room for a night or two.
Rick: I'll get on it.
Rick left to find Miss Porter.
Dx: I must go; I'm needed in the Observance Room.
DragonX walked to the Observance Room.
ObanObserver: Sir. It's good to see that you are back. I must admit, I was worried at first, but with the Changes you made, Canaletto has little chance of victory now.
Dx: I've got to make it zero. I have to go, but I'll be back in a matter of hours. I'll see you within two days.
ObanObserver: Yes, sir. I'll keep watching the Oban Dimension.
Dx: Good, keep it up.
DragonX went back to RDF1's Dimension.
(RDF1's Dimension)
RDF1 was reading another fic when DragonX came back.
RDF1: It near time. I'll give you the plan for defeating Canaletto.
Dx: Good. Now, if you don't mind, I need some GOOD sleep here, outside of time.
RDF1: Good job, and I think you due for a raise.
Dx: Thanks.
DragonX went to his chambers in RDF1's dimension.
RDF1: Hey guys, I'm sorry about breaking the fourth wall, but it was kinda necessary as to prevent DragonX from being called Uber in this fic.
Thanks for waiting for this one.
Please R&R, for the sake of a better fic.
Later,
RDF1