Pride of the Hero
A few days later, there was another street race. Artha and Beau was in it, along with Kitt, Michelle and their dragons while of course Moordryd and Decepshun mess with them again.
((Michelle's POV))
Most of the racers were right in front of us while me and Kitt were behind Artha and Moordryd.
"Come on, boy! Go, go!" Artha encouraged Beau.
"Not so fast, Stable brat!" Moordryd growled and bashed into Artha.
{Hey!} Beau growled at Decepshun.
{I won't let you beat Moordryd!} Decepshun snarled.
Leapdra sighs at the scene, {Here they go again...}
{I never understand why those two hate Artha and Beau.} Wyldfyr grunted.
Kitt shouts at me, "Moordryd's at it again!"
"I see..." I muttered then shout at the boys, "Will you two quit it and race? There are others people on this track!"
"It's not my fault! Moordryd's the one who's bashing me!" Artha shouted back.
Moordryd was about bash into Artha again. "Don't even think about it, Moordryd Paynn!" I yelled at Moordryd with irritate.
Moordryd stop before he hit Artha and just grumble with anger.
I sighed with annoyances and went faster between Artha and Moordryd. Then I glare at Moordryd, "Just because I can't hear, doesn't mean I can't guess! Now, stop messing Artha and get back in the race!" I went faster ahead with Kitt behind me.
"You sure told him, Michelle! I never saw anyone standing up to him like that!" Kitt exclaimed.
"...He maybe a stubborn, mean guy, but... deep down he can be a softy and a nice guy." I told Kitt.
"You're kidding, right?" Kitt looked disbelief. I don't blame her. Moordryd doesn't seem to be a nice guy at first, but once you get know him, he's not so bad.
I glance at Kitt, "Everything is not what it seems, Kitt." I drove ahead to get past the racers.
{You seem to know about Moordryd more than anyone here.} Leapdra spoke to me.
"Well, there is something bothering him... Besides, I think Artha and Moordryd have a lot things in common than they think." I spoke.
{How so?} Leapdra asked with curiosity.
"You'll see..."
((A/N: Fast-forward to the end of the race.))
After the race, near our tents. I was taking the gears of Leapdra.
{I still don't see how Artha and Moordryd are alike.} Leapdra grunted.
I sighs, "Like I said, you'll see..."
"Michelle!" I look back and see Artha and the rest coming over to me. "Thanks for telling Moordryd to back off." Artha thanked me.
I smile at him, "Your welcome... But that won't stop him from messing you later on."
"What I don't understand why you even spoke to Moordryd." Parmon spoke.
I roll my eyes at my brother, "Parmon, not everyone is all bad. I can tell Moordryd has some good in him. Besides, you did tell before that Moordryd and his crew helped defeat Psyrox, right?"
"W-Well... you do have a point there." Parmon nodded.
"But I doubt Beau here would think so." Artha scoffed.
{He is right about that. When I first saw him... I kept getting bad vibes from him.} Beau growled that part.
"Artha... you did ever wonder what would've happened if Moordryd got on Beau?" I asked.
"No... 'Cause he would get thrown off like ever rider who tried to ride him did." Artha laughed at the memory. So, did Beau.
Kitt groan at the memory, "Yeah... I remember that one and it wasn't fun."
I sigh at Artha, "Don't you get it? Being a hero doesn't mean being brave or saving everyone from danger. It's about being noble and doing something what is right. There could've been more than one hero y'know. In other words, you're not the only hero around here Artha."
"Michelle does got a point there, Stable boy." Kitt spoke to Artha.
"Whatever makes you happy, Michelle. But I am the Dragon Booster." Artha smug spoke.
"Yeah... The one with the big fat head!" I exclaimed.
Beau laughed at Artha when I said that, {She's right about that one!}
Artha glared at his dragon, "I wouldn't be laughing at about having a big fat head, if I were you."
Beau stops laughing then humphs at Artha, {I don't know what you talking about!}
"Leave Beau out of this, Artha! ...I swear you have a lot to learn about being a hero." I muttered then Leapdra mags me onto her.
"Wait! What do you mean by that?" Artha asked.
"You'll see, Artha... Someday, that big fat head of yours will get you into trouble." After that I drove off.
((Normal POV))
At the same, unknown to the Penn Racing crew, Moordryd was glaring Artha from afar with jealously. He couldn't understand why Michelle always sticks up for Artha and not for him, or so he thinks. Even worst, she hangs out with the Dragon Booster. Meanwhile at the Dragon Eye compound...
"You've been upset since the race had ended... Did something happen?" Cain asked with concern.
Moordryd answered to Cain, "Something happened alright... Michelle stood up to me for that Stable brat! And I even listen to her! ...I don't even know her that well, but yet I listen to her! She made me look like a weakling..."
"Well... maybe it's because you're jealous of that Stable brat." Cain blurts out.
"What?" Moordryd snarled.
Cain realizes what he just said, "W-Well, y'know...! You have been acting strange since she first came to Dragon City and so far she's the only you're nice to and just about the only one who tells you what to do... besides your father." he added.
Moordryd humphed a little, "Michelle always hangs out with those Stable brats..."
"Too bad you can't be like the Dragon Booster, that way you can save her from danger and maybe she would join our crew instead of those Stable brats." Cain thought out loud.
Suddenly, Moordryd has an idea, "That's it, Cain. If I somehow prove, not just to Michelle, but to everyone here in Dragon City that I'm a better hero than Dragon Booster."
"I guess... But how's that help us get of rid the Dragon Booster?" Cain asked.
Moordryd pulls out something red; it's the bonemark of Furox, "With this... You remember the Furox, right?"
Cain replied to him, "Yeah, I remember. But those bonemarks are dangerous, especially that one! An angry guy like you with that... It's like playing with fire!"
"Exactly...!" Moordryd then laughs with evil.
Later on at night, in Mid City...
((Michelle's POV))
I was taking a night with Leapdra, think about what I said to Artha about being the hero. "I wonder if what I said to him was the right thing to say?"
{I'm sure it was. After, like you said... not everyone is all bad.} Leapdra spoke to me then she stops then growls at something.
"What is it, girl?" I asked.
Suddenly, 5 Wraith Dragons appear, surrounding me and my dragon. "You've gotta be kidding me!" I exclaimed. The Wraith Dragons were about to attack until we all heard a familiar roar. I look back and Artha as the Dragon Booster with Beau.
"Michelle, are you okay?" Dragon Booster with concerns.
"What do you think? And what took you two so long?" I shouted.
Dragon Booster pulls out his Jakk Stick and hit 5 Wraith Dragons with it. "Well, that was easy." Dragon Booster smug.
I was rolled my eyes at him until I see 3 more Wraith Dragons, "Heads up!"
But it was too late; one of the Wraith Dragons shot out a trapping gear onto Dragon Booster. He was trapped against the wall. "Dragon Booster!" I cried. I was about to help until more Wraith Dragons appear in front of me and Leapdra, surrounding us and Beau!
{This is bad!} Beau growled.
{Really bad!} Leapdra added.
Suddenly, we all heard a yelled nearby. And see Moordryd and Decepshun coming our way. He then uses his Drain Whip on one of the Wraith Dragon then attacks each one. The Wraith Dragon backs off and runs away. Moordryd then get Dragon Booster down from the trap.
"Moordryd... thank you for saving us." I spoke softly with confusions. "Why did you do it?"
"I just did what is right." Moordryd winked at me.
{We'll see you guys later!} Decepshun smirked at Beau and Leapdra the runs off with Moordryd on her back.
Then Captain Faier walked out from an alley, "I just came here when I heard screaming... Who was that guy?"
I answer to him, "That was...Moordryd Paynn and he saved us."
"Moordryd Paynn... Now, there's a real hero." Captain Faier said with amazement. However, I noticed that Dragon Booster had something on his mind.
A few hours later in Old City, we told Mortis what happened when Moordryd saved us from the Wraith Dragons.
Artha was pacing back and fore, "I-I can't believe it! Not only Michelle was saved by Moordryd, I was saved by him as well! Me, as the Dragon Booster!"
"And what's the problem with that?" I asked.
Artha stares at me with shock, "Don't you get it? He's the bad guy, I'm the hero! Heroes don't get saved by bad guys!"
Mortis spoke, "I know it seem strange, but you need to give Moordryd the benefit of the doubt . Each of us has the potential to be the hero, Artha!"
Artha scoffs, "Not him! A dragon can't change the color of its draconium!"
I couldn't take it anymore, "What's with you, Artha? Just what do you have against him?"
"Against him? Hello! Moordryd has been causing trouble!" Artha shouted with annoyance.
"In case, you've forgotten... He helped you to defeat Psyrox, Artha! Unlike you, I saw something in his eyes... and what I saw was a little a bit of goodness inside him! I know he's not that bad and you need to stop acting like you're the big shot around here!" I shouted back.
"I am not! I'm just trying to prove that Moordryd is really bad and he can't be trusted!" Artha angrily shouted. Our friends were looking back and fore at us as we argued.
I glare at Artha very hard, "...You know what? I think you're jealous of him!"
"Wh-What? Me jealous of him?" Artha exclaimed with shock.
"Yes, Artha Penn! You're just jealous 'cause he's getting noticed now!" I pointed out.
"She's right, Artha. And what if Moordryd didn't come to save you and Michelle? Ever thought of that?" Kitt spoke.
Artha gaped at Kitt, "You too?"
"Kitt's right, Artha." Mortis spoke.
"You three?" Artha couldn't believe what's going on.
Mortis explains to Artha, "Battling the Wraith Dragon is more important than recognition for your heroism! You mustn't let your pride get the better of you. If not for Moordryd's heroics, you might've been defeated."
Artha just scoffs at Mortis and turns away from us. I don't blame him for not thinking it's strange or weird when Moordryd saved us, but he has to understand about being a true hero. But I also admit why Moordryd is acting this now...
The next day, the news told everyone in Dragon City about what happened last night when Moordryd saved me, Dragon Booster, and our dragons from the Wraith Dragon and gets the award from Captain Faier for his heroics. They even say 'Move over, Dragon Booster! There's a new hero in town!'
Later on that even, me and Leapdra were on a walk again.
{Geez! Words getting around very fast, huh? Moordryd just saved last night and already he's the hero.} Leapdra spoke.
"Yeah... I wonder how's Artha dealing with that." I muttered out loud.
Leapdra sighs, {Don't worry so much, Michelle. He just doesn't like competition. That's how it is with males...}
"Leapdra! Really?" I exclaimed.
{I'm just saying!} Leapdra shrugged.
Out of the blue, something lands in front of us. I was about to fight, but then I realize it's Moordryd and Decepshun. I exhale with relief, "Moordryd, don't do that! I could've attack you..."
"But you didn't." Moordryd pointed out. "What are you doing out here by yourself anyway? The Wraith Dragons might attack at any moment."
"True, but I can take care of myself. If not, there's Dragon Booster." I said.
"Yeah, but at least it was me that saved you." Moordryd pointed out again.
I rolled my eyes. "So... Is there something you want? It seems unnatural for you to save me and the Dragon Booster. I thought you hated him or something."
Moordryd took a moment to speak again, "I admit I dislike him, but like I said before... I did it because it was the right thing to do."
{For now...} Both Decepshun and Leapdra muttered.
"And as for what I want? ...I was wondering if you'd like to...join my crew." Moordryd asked.
I felt shock to hear that, "Me? I mean, you were gonna ask me before when you thought I was boy named Mickey..." Moordryd clears his throats. "...Besides, I thought you hate the Stable brats?"
"Them, but not you. You're better than those rookies and you deserve to be in a better crew than that. So, will you join my crew instead?" Moordryd asked again.
I look away for the moment then look back at him, "Moordryd... I'm flattered, but I can't."
"What? But why?" Moordryd exclaimed with a bit of hurt in his voice.
"Because I can't-"
"So, that's it!" We all heard a voice from the alley. And saw it was the Dragon Booster and his dragon, Beau. "...I've been thinking about how you manages to handle those Wraith Dragons that many. Even I couldn't handle that many!" Dragon Booster stops in front of me, blocking me from Moordryd. "You're just trying to trick people into thinking you're hero. And you wanted Michelle Sean to leave the Penn Racing crew and join yours instead!" I hear a hint of jealously in his voice.
Moordryd just scoff at him, taunting, "What's the matter, Dragon Booster? Can handle a little competition? Maybe I just make a better hero then you do! Ever think of that? ...Maybe the Black and Gold Dragon of Legend...would've chosen me."
Me and Leapdra gasp a little.
Beau just scoffs, {He's kidding, right?}
Dragon Booster laughs with disbelief, "You? Give me a break!"
"How do you know he wouldn't have?" Moordryd smirked.
"Oh! This I'd like to see!" Dragon Booster chuckled as Beau mags him off. I suddenly got a bad feeling about this. "Well, here! Be my guest..." He did whispers to Beau, "Don't mag him toss too far, okay."
{I won't.} Beau chuckled.
{Are you two insane?} Leapdra barked.
"Dragon Booster, don't! You're making a mistake!" I tried to warn him.
"Stay out this, Michelle! This is between me and him..." Dragon Booster glared a little at Moordryd. Moordryd jumps off of Decepshun.
"But, you don't understand! I really did see something in him! And I'm sure Beau will too..." I exclaimed with worry.
Beau glances at me, {Don't worry, Michelle! I'll probably see nothing, but greed in him.} Beau stares at Moordryd as he got closer to Beau. Beau then stares into Moordryd's eyes and sees something that I had saw before and then leans for Moordryd to get on. This surprised both Dragon Booster and Moordryd.
/...I knew it. I knew I saw something in him before.../ I thought.
Moordryd stood there for moment. {Well? Get on.} Beau grunted. Moordryd hesitant at first then gets on Beau. Beau stands up, not tossing Moordryd off of him.
"I-I'm on." Moordryd spoke with amazement.
"What? I-I don't believe it! Michelle was right... There is good inside you." Dragon Booster muttered.
Moordryd looks at Dragon Booster, "It seem you were wrong about me, Dragon Booster... You're not the first one! You're all wrong!" He glares at me as well! "I can be a Dragon Booster too! And with this!" he pulls out the bonemark of Furox! "I'll be unstoppable!"
{Oh scales!} Leapdra squealed with terror.
"Moordryd, don't!" I cried as I tried to stop him.
"NOOO!" Dragon Booster yelled.
Beau glances up at Moordryd, {What are you-?} then Moordryd slaps on the bonemark on Beau. His eyes turn red as his gold marks turn hot red. Spikes appear on his head. Frills appear on his back, his tail and his chin. Beau was Furox.
Furox glares at Leapdra and Decepshun, {Ah... The Princesses of the Black Draconium Dragons...}
Both Leapdra and Decepshun were shock that Furox knows about them. {H-How do you know about us?} Decepshun growled.
{I know 'cause I can see the memory of the Black and Gold Dragon of Legend... So, I know you two are the great granddaughters of Psyrox, just like I know Phorrj and Ferno are the great grandsons of Flarox! Also I know about Shock-Ra's ancestor, who will be here soon... You two couldn't defeat Flarox or Psyrox on you own! Without the Black and Gold of Legend around you could've joined them and had it all. But, you turned against them! You're weak! You all are too close to your pathetic humans and so naive to the power of Warrior Dragons! }
Decepshun growls at Furox, {Shut up, y-you... annoying firefly!}
Furox scoffs at Decepshun, {Seriously, Annoying Firefly. That's the best insult you could come up with? ...You're truly pathetic. Even Cyrano could think of something better and he's a coward and an embarrassment to Bull Class Dragons! Phorrj and Ferno could've joined their great grandfather just as you two could've joined your great grandmother but you all chose to turn on them instead because you descendants were too weak. If you all had joined them, you could've ruled the city. Instead you all hid behind the Black and Gold Dragon of Legend while he defeated them!}
Decepshun just angrily barks at Furox, {You're wrong! The reason we chose to fight them it's because dragons and humans can live together in harmony.}
Leapdra snarls at Furox, {The humans are our friends! They need us as much as we need them! The dragon of legend knew as well! Now, where is he? Bring back the Black and Gold Dragon of Legend, now!}
{I'm afraid he's gone... With his body, no one can defeat me!} Furox screeched.
Suddenly, Moordryd starts to laugh evil like as he puts his head back, "Now, I will show you all the true meaning of Paynn!" revealing his eyes are now red and had marks on his face. "Let's see what my father thinks of his son now!" then drove off to Word's Citadel.
"What have I done?" Dragon Booster cried.
"My thoughts exactly!" I yelled at him then I jump off of Leapdra. "Get on her and save them from the Furox before the worst happens!" Leapdra mags Dragon Booster and runs after Moordryd and Furox.
Decepshun just stood in disbelief of what just happened. {I-I can't believe he did that! Why didn't he choose me?} She whined.
"Decepshun, Moordryd wasn't thinking straight. Now, come on! We've gotta save you rider." I smiled a little at Decepshun.
Decepshun slowly nods at me, {You're right! Let's go!} She mags me on and then we went after them to help Dragon Booster.
Moments later, we both finally made it to Word's Citadel, seeing Word getting up held by a Wraith Dragon that Moordryd is controlling and Dragon Booster trying to reasoning with him.
"...There's a hero inside of you. The dragon chose you too!"
Moordryd was almost back to normal until he heard me; "Moordryd!" then went back with anger. "Moordryd, listen to him!"
"Listen to him? Everybody never believes in me! Always thought I was joke, even you!" Moordryd snarled.
I cried out to him, "That's not true! When I first met, I actually saw something, like the dragon just saw in you... I saw loneliness and sadness. I saw goodness and caring... I even saw a hero in you! Moordryd, I believe there's good in you and you're my friend!"
"F-Friend?" Moordryd frowns a little.
"Yes... You're my friend. You have your crew, Decepshun and even Cain! You're not alone, Moordryd! Please, don't do this!" I begged.
Moordryd slowly went back to normal and about to grab the bonemark to get if off of Beau, but...
Furox mags Moordryd into the air, {You weakling! You're not worthy of being my rider!} and throws him into Word.
Dragon Booster jumps off of Leapdra and I was about to the same with Decepshun, but then Dragon Booster told me to, "Michelle, don't! Stay there on Decepshun..."
"But-!"
"Please, Michelle! I don't want you to get hurt!" He begged with concern, so I stay there on Decepshun.
Dragon Booster calls out to his dragon, "Beau!" Furox just glare at Dragon Booster as he walks over to him with fury. "I'm sorry, boy..."
{...Lies! I never understand why he chose you as the Dragon Booster! You're not worthy to be one at all!} Furox mags Dragon Booster into the air, holding him over the bridge.
Word is delighted at seeing the Dragon Booster being defeated by his own dragon, however Moordryd shows worry and concern.
{...Prepare to die!} And Furox drops him!
Leapdra quickly caught him by magging him while still in the air. {I'll pull you in!} Leapdra grunted and was about to pull him until Furox bashes into Leapdra, making her drop Dragon Booster and collide into Decepshun and me, almost knocking me off of Decepshun. {I'm...okay.} Leapdra groaned in pain.
"Where's Dragon Booster?" I cried, not seeing him at all.
{I think he's hanging on!} Decepshun spoke as we look and see Dragon Booster holding on to ledge.
Furox approaches to Dragon Booster, glaring down at him. I couldn't hear what they were saying, but Dragon Booster admits that he was jealous and a jerk and he asks for forgiveness. He also says he knows now that he's the Dragon Booster only because Beau chose him and that there's a hero in all of us, especially in Beau. Beau's eyes soften as he remembers the time with Artha, the bond that he and Artha had share and have. Suddenly, Furox took over his mind again, {NO! Don't listen to that weakling! He's too full of himself... He is not worthy of being the hero! He's nothing, but a pest! Let him die!}
Leapdra screeched out to Beau, {Don't do it! Please, listen to him. Listen to Dragon Booster! What he said is true! There is a hero inside of everyone, even in humans with greed! Please, don't do this!}
{The only heroes around here...are the dragons! We are the ones should rule, not live alongside the humans! There is no hero in everyone!} Furox snarled.
{She wasn't talking to you, Furox! She was talking to the Black and Gold Dragon of Legend! ...The dragon behind the bonemark!} Decepshun growled.
Dragon Booster suddenly lost his grip and falls to his demise. "NOOOOO!" I screamed with horror.
Then suddenly, Beau roars and shakes free of Furox's hold. All traces of red disappear from his body and he returns to normal. Beau then saves Dragon Booster from his fall by magging him and places him onto his back. Then something amazing to the bonemark, Beau absorbs the bonemark and his gold star mark reappears. "The bonemark... You absorb it!" Dragon Booster gasped.
{Not bad, huh?} Beau grinned.
Leapdra stands up and runs over to Beau, {You did it, Beau! You're back!} And nuzzled against his head with relief.
I smiled at the scene as I jump off of Decepshun and rush over to my friends. "Y'know... You both scared the scales off of us." I put my hands on my hips.
"Now, you know how we feel when you do dangerous things." Dragon Booster smiled down at me. Leapdra mags me onto her.
Word was flabbergasted of the scene when Beau absorbed the bonemark, "Impossible...! Escape!" Beau approaches to Word, snarling at him. Word walks back then runs off before he was capture, leaving Moordryd behind.
"...He chose...me." Moordryd spoke out. He still couldn't that Beau choose him as well,
"Yeah... He did... Think about it. I will." Dragon Booster told him then he and Beau rides off with me and Leapdra behind, leaving Moordryd to ponder while Decepshun is with him to comforting him.
Back at the stables, our friends were asking questions of how Artha defeated the Furox and saved Beau.
"Guys!" Artha spoke only to be interrupted again.
"How did you get Beau to stop?" Lance asked, "What did you say to him?"
"Guys! ...The same thing I need to say to all of you..." Artha spoke with guilt. We were all kinda in shock when he said that. "I'm sorry for being such a jerk... It's just being the Dragon Booster is a lot to live up to and I need all of the help I can get. Mortis is right and so is Michelle... There is a hero in all of us." We all smiled at him. "And for now, I'll keep on my..." he bangs his head on the wooden pole as he continues to speak "...Big...fat...head!" Suddenly, a big can lands on his head.
I burst out laughing, "So, we see!" soon everyone joins in laughing.