Sparklie-the-Tiger/Me: Still on hold, but luckily my beta reader; D.J Scales, is helping me to finish up this chapter.
Last time, Phorrj and Ferno had formed into Blazox and Vulcanox to help Dragon Booster and Beau defeat Oceanox. Now, they just found out there's another Ancient Warrior Dragon like Oceanox and Furox and she might be connected to another crew; The Army of the Dragon...
Hunt of the Wulph part 1
After Blazox and Vulcanox told Michelle about another good Warrior Dragon and another Ancient Warrior Dragon; Voltox, the two good Warrior Dragons of the Red Draconium Dragons let out loud roars as they shine the color red and form back into Phorrj and Ferno.
Phorrj groans then looks at the dragons, {...Did we win?}
Beau nods to him, {Yep. Thanks to you guys and with help from Blazox and Vulcanox.}
{Oh, drac! I wish I could remember how I looked in my new form...} Ferno squealed with excitement.
{You looked drac!} Fracshun told him.
Parmon asks Michelle, "So... What did Blazox and Vulcanox say?"
"You'll see when we tell Mortis about the next Ancient Warrior Dragon." Michelle replied.
Dragon Booster then looks at Pyrrah, "In the meantime... You better get ready for the meeting tonight and tell Wulph about what's happening so far."
"I will, Dragon Booster..." Pyrrah responded.
"I'll go and tell my crew about this. That way we'll be on the lookout for anything strange." Raimundo told Dragon Booster then quickly drove Valoo off to his compound of the Dragon Wind crew.
"Let's go you guys... We've got a lot of things to tell Mortis about." said Dragon Booster then the Penn Racing crew went off to the Penn Stables, leaving the Dragon Flares with Dorsull and Hy Dyv to call Marianis about the Oceanox event.
Few minutes later in the Old City, the Penn Racing told Mortis what happened at Tsunami Citadel.
"...Then after we defeated Oceanox, Michelle translated what he said about the next Ancient Warrior Dragon, a purple dragon." Artha explained.
Mortis thought the moment, "Hmm... That could be none other than Zamparox."
Michelle's winces again the name of Zamparox.
"Zamparox was an Ancient Purple Draconium Warrior Dragon who fought against the original Dragon Booster during the dragon Human War. Believe it or not this dragon was one who could handle herself when fighting on her own and believed that dragons should rule the world. She did tried to fight the Dragon Booster but was defeated in battle. Her bonemark holding her warrior spirit and power was sealed away in a metal cube and hidden away in a temple much like the Scale Citadel waiting for the day to possess a new dragon as her vessel..." Mortis explained.
"Let me guess... The vessel might be a dragon owned by a crew member of the Army of the Dragon?" Kitt suggested.
"Yes, the very same crew that Wulph is leading." said Mortis.
Lance then asks, "Uh... Speaking of the Army of the Dragon, can someone explain to me about them?"
Michelle explains, "The conniving Wulph leads the pack-minded Army of the Dragon crew which believe that true strength is in numbers. The Army of the Dragon crew and their purple draconium Pack-class dragons and gear are all about overwhelming opponents with swarming group tactics. Part of the treacherous Purple Draconium Empire in the original dragon human war, this unpredictable crew can be equally dangerous to both adversaries and allies alike."
"...You did it again Michelle." Kitt spoke.
Michelle sighs, "I know... and I don't know why."
"Maybe you've heard of them from somewhere?" Lance suggested.
Michelle sighs again, "Maybe..." then remembering what Blazox and Vulcanox told her earlier, "...Mortis, there's more one thing. Blazox mentioned something about another Warrior Dragon like him, Vulcanox and Tritox. He said his bonemark is hidden in the Empire of Blue Draconium Dragons. But, his bonemark will not show itself until the return of Voltox; the Ancient Warrior Dragon of Blue Draconium Dragons. Do you know who is he and who's Voltox?" Michelle winced a bit after she said Voltox's name.
"I think I do..." Mortis spoke. "...Blazox might be talking about Thorox, the good Warrior Dragon of the Blue Draconium Dragons."
Michelle suddenly has a flash back of a royal blue dragon with blue line and marks like Beau's with deep sky blue lightning symbols on his sides, smooth lightning bolt like spikes on his back, tail and legs. He almost looks like Shock-Ra as well.
/What the? ...First Tritox looks like Poseidos, then Blazox looks like Phorrj, Vulcanox looks like Ferno, now Thorox looks like Shock Ra!/ She thought.
Mortis continues to explain about Thorox, "Thorox was a good ancient Blue Draconium Warrior Dragon from the dragon human war 3000 years ago. Like Blazox, Tritox and Vulcanox he too fought alongside the original Dragon Booster and Beau believing that Humans and Dragons can work together with Thorox helping to defeat the Samurox. Thorox and his original rider were among the members of the Blue Draconium Empire who finally learned the value of discipline, skill, and working together as a team. Thorox and his original rider believed in protecting the peace and were the ones who helped the original Dragon Booster and the Blue Draconium Empire train to protect the Horn of Libris trophy to which the duty was now passed down to the Inner Order crew. His bonemark was hidden away in a metal cube inside a hidden chamber in what is now the Inner Order compound upon request by Thorox and his rider to the original Dragon Booster and Beau. Now his bonemark is dormant and is hoping that another war does not come but if it does start then he will help to stop the war."
"I guess that means his bonemark is in the compound of the Inner Order crew." Parmon spoke.
"Yeah, but... it won't awake until Voltox appears." Michelle reminded everyone.
"Mortis, can you can tell us about Voltox as well?" Artha asked.
Mortis nods, "Of course. Like, Furox, Oceanox and Zamparox... Voltox is an Ancient Blue Draconium Warrior Dragon from the original dragon human war who fought against the original Dragon Booster. This Dragon was lightning fast, precise, skilled and disciplined considering that he was trained by the Samurox himself. During the war he like Furox believed that the dragons should rule and tried to defeat the original Dragon Booster but like the others, he too fell in the process. His bonemark was sealed away in a metal cube upon being turned back to his gold draconium self and hidden away in a temple much like the Scale Citadel waiting for a new vessel to find his bonemark and awaken to start a new dragon human war..."
Artha then sigh, exhausted, "This is too much for me to handle..." Beau nuzzled Artha to comfort him.
"Well, Artha... no one said being a hero is easy." Michelle pointed out.
"I know that, but those Warrior Dragons just keep appearing almost every day and it's killing me!" Artha complained. You can't blame him for acting like this. He's only one person trying to be a hero and he has to keep fighting the bad guys, racing for Academy and trying to stop a second dragon human war from coming.
"Calm down, Artha... I'm sure things will always get tough for ya, but you always pull through with Beau around." Michelle tries to reassure Artha. She knows this is too much for him, but tells him to hold on a bit longer for everyone's lives.
"Let's just wait for a response from Pyrrah. She did say she'll warn Wulph about what's happening." Parmon suggested. "She'll probably contact us and tell us how it went..."
"Hopefully, Wulph will listen to her..." Kitt muttered.
Later on that night, the leaders of the Inner Order, Dragon Flares, Dragon Fish, Grip of the Dragon, Dragon Eye and of course the Army of the Dragon were at a meeting in Down City to discuss what's happening so far in Dragon City. Pyrrah began to explain to everyone what happened at the Tsunami Citadel.
"...and now another warrior dragon is gonna appear next and it's the dragon of purple draconium warrior dragons!" Pyrrah exclaimed then looks at Wulph, "Meaning you or any of your crew members are in great danger..."
Wulph, along with one his crew members; Ferryt, were taking the warning about the Warrior Dragons a bit serious, but after hearing how the previous Warrior Dragons were released...
"Are you saying that one of my crew might take the bonemark of Zamparox like you and Dorsull did?" Wulph questioned while he glared at Pyrrah.
Pyrrah felt upset at first, but also insulted. It wasn't her fault though. Word tricked most of the crews to get the bonemark of Furox 'cause he knew someone like Pyrrah would use it. And Dorsull was only led by Word's Wraith Dragons. Besides, the powerful aura of the bonemark was too much to resist.
"Wulph now's not the time for this! You and your crew are in great danger." Khatah spoke.
Phistus then tries to talk to Wulph, "Khatah is right, Wulph... I know it seem unlikely for any of your crew members to take a bonemark, but what if Word's Wraith Dragons capture or lead one of your crew members to the temple of Zamparox? We need to come up with a plan before-"
Wulph interrupts, "Before what? Unlike all of you, my crew members won't leave the compound without my permission or leave on their own! We only follow the strongest leader which is me and only me!"
"Don't be a fool, Wulph!" Marianis exclaimed. "You're making it sound like it was our fault when it was Word's doing instead!"
"...We're just worried about you and your crew, Wulph. Word might somehow separate you from your own crew." Sarjo spoke out of concern for Wulph and Ferryt's safety.
Ferryt scoffs, "Oh please! There's no way that Word can separate us! We're the closest knit crew in this city!"
"Besides, how can we trust a new crew, the Penn Racing Crew who are a group of rookies, when we can take care of something like this ourselves!" Wulph growled a bit, "...and besides I don't think you guys are telling the truth."
Moordryd and Cain were just watching how the crew leaders are barking at each other.
"How could you say that when things like this are happening now?" Phistus growled back, trying to keep himself from breaking the table again. "Don't you see? Word wants to start a dragon human war by turning against us!"
"Oh really?" Wulph scoffed.
Before anyone else can talk back to him, Moordryd says something that nobody expected to hear from him, "...Yes, really." Everyone looks at him with shock. Why would the son of Word Paynn agree with them? "...It may seem farfetched at first, but if you don't heed these warnings, you too will lose something dearly to you... like most of us here almost did." he looked at the other crew leaders, hinting how Zilias, Spratt, Parmon, Kitt, Swaay and Katara took the bonemarks for revenge.
Cain then spoke to Wulph, "Besides, how do you even know if your crew members are always sticking together? One of them could've sneak off by themselves to be alone. Like that cousin of yours and his dragon..."
Wulph glares at Cain, "Tetsu would never leave without telling me where he's going!"
"Really? How do you even know that?" Moordryd scoffed. He knows even leaders can't order everyone around and he and Cain had seen Tetsu and his dragon; Aleu sneaking over to their compound to see Swaay and Mischief. You think Moordryd would say something about, but he did let Michelle and Leapdra in his compound during the Psyrox event. ((A/N: Tetsu is a boy rider, he's a cousin of Wulph. His dragon is Aleu, a girl dragon. Aleu is Pack-Class dragon, but she's a Black Pack-Class dragon, two-legged. She also has green marks instead of dark purple marks like Hyve's.)) Besides, Moordryd and Cain welcome Tetsu in their compound, but only at night.
At the same with Down City Council of Twelve dragons, they too were talking about what has happened so far...
{...and now we have two more good Warrior Dragons to help us, but we also found out from Oceanox that there will be another Ancient Warrior Dragon and she supposed to be a purple draconium dragon.} Phorrj said as he told every dragon about the Oceanox event. {In other words, you're next Hyve! You and your crew are in danger!} He told Hyve, the dragon of Wulph. ((A/N: Hyve is really girl dragon. The creators had confirmed it.))
Hyve, along with Ferryt's dragon; Pursoot, did take the warning seriously, but like Wulph and Ferryt, they too were skeptical.
{So, you're telling that my one of dragons might take the bonemark like you did?} Hyve snorted.
Phorrj somehow keeps himself from growling as he glares at Hyve. He never meant for it to happen. Like Pyrrah, the powerful aura of Furox's bonemark was too much for him to resist.
Shock-Ra chatters at Hyve, {Hyve, this isn't a good time! Can't you see that you and your crew are in great danger?}
Brutaris groans then tries to reason with Hyve, {Hyve, please... Things are getting more dangerous than before and your crew might do something stu-}
Hyve growls, {Stupid? How dare you? Wulph and I know our crew won't do anything foolish like taking a bonemark! We're not like you guys!}
{Hyve, don't you get it?} Poseidos barked. {It may seem unreal, but this is serious! Besides, this is Word's doing, not us!}
{Don't you see, Hyve? You're in great danger! Word's dragons might somehow capture you guys!} Static, Sarjo's dragon, barked.
Pursoot growls a bit, {Yeah, right! There's no way Word's crazy dragons can capture one of us since we're a tight pack!}
{And why should we trust those rookie dragons of the Penn Racing crew?} Hyve growled as she continues, {...More importantly, why should we believe you guys?}
Decepshun and Coershun just watch the scene as the leaders barked and growled at each other.
Brutaris grunts angrily, {Hyve, you don't understand this at all! This Word guy is trying to get us to fight each other so he can start a dragon human war!}
{Are really sure? I mean, how do you even know it is this Word guy?} Hyve glared at Brutaris.
Before either dragon could answer that, Decepshun, surprisingly says something that nobody expected to hear from her, {...Because it's true...} Every dragon, except Coershun, looks at Decepshun with shock. Why would one of Word Paynn's Black Dragons agree with them? {It may seem unreal to you, but I know Word Paynn and he wants to release those Warrior Dragons to start a new dragon human war...}
Coershun spoke as well, {Besides, how do you Pack-Class dragons know you guys are sticking together at all times? One of them might sneak off by themselves... Like that black pack class of yours perhaps.}
Hyve snarls at Coershun, {Aleu is one of the most loyal dragons of my crew and she wouldn't leave without me and my rider knowing!}
Decepshun snorts, {How can you be so sure, huh?} A few days ago, Decepshun and Coershun had spotted Aleu with her rider, Tetsu, around their compound like Moordryd and Cain saw Tetsu. They somehow smelt a scent on Aleu like Mischief for some reason, so they decide to let Aleu and Tetsu in, but only at night.
Hyve was taken aback by what Decepshun said to her. How can she be sure that every dragon and their riders are sticking to together? Hyve then snarls at Decepshun, {Look! This isn't about Aleu! ...And don't you dare talk about how I control my crew! How can we even trust someone like you?} Hyve calms down a bit then looks at Phorrj, {...And about these 'Good' Warrior Dragons? How do I even know they exist?}
Phorrj and Poseidos look at each then nod to each other and look at Hyve. {We'll show you...} Poseidos grunted.
Suddenly, Poseidos shines the color light blue while Phorrj shines the color red as they forming into Tritox and Blazox. The shines die and they were Tritox and Blazox again. Shock-Ra and Brutaris already saw Tritox, but not Blazox. They were amazed by Blazox's appearance, along with Decepshun and Coershun since they were watching in the shadows. Hyve and Pursoot were gaping with shock and steps back a bit.
Tritox and Blazox stares at Hyve before either of them spoke. Tritox then spoke to Hyve, {...Do not be alarmed. We are friends... I am Tritox.}
{And I am Blazox...} Blazox introduced himself. {We are known as the Good Warrior Dragons, The ones who helped the original Dragon Booster and Black and Gold Dragon of Legend to stop the dragon human war...}
{I-Is this even real?} Hyve stuttered.
{It is... Princess of Purple Draconium Dragons, Great Granddaughter of Lupitox...} Tritox responded.
Every dragon gasps with shock to hear that. {Wh-What are you guys...? Why did you two call her that?} Pursoot groaned, confused.
{Because she has traces of purple draconium from the Queen of Purple Draconium Dragons, the one who once mentored the other 11 warrior dragons in how to control their armies and exercise their authority as leaders...} Tritox explained.
Blazox stares deep into Hyve's eyes, {...Heed these warnings very well... There is a good chance that either you or someone from your crew will take the bonemark by being chased by those strange dragons or take it out of revenge... I can see in Phorrj's memories that every dragon suffers from their own draconium brothers and sisters... So, they take the bonemarks to get payback! So, you better be careful... 'Cause Zamparox will choose any dragon to be her vessel... She may even choose you...}
While the Good Warrior Dragons talk to Hyve about what's happening so far, something interesting was happening at the Dragon Eye compound as well...
Swaay and her dragon, Mischief, were outside of their compound with a guy and a black Pack-class dragon; Tetsu and his dragon, Aleu. It seems Tetsu and Aleu were visiting Swaay and Mischief again. Yes, again. Tetsu and Aleu somehow bump into Swaay and Mischief few weeks ago. They did start off by not trusting each other until Aleu and Mischief recognized each other by their scents. It turns out that Aleu is the younger sister of Mischief. ((A/N: Their dad is a Pack-Class dragon while their mom is a Psi-Class dragon))
Tetsu and Swaay did check their dragons' heritages and found proof that Aleu and Mischief really are sisters and decided to have secret meetings at night without letting their crews know. However, Moordryd, Cain and their dragons found out and they were about to forbid Tetsu and Aleu from coming to the Dragon Eye compound again, but Swaay and Mischief mention to Moordryd and Decepshun about the day when they let Michelle and Leapdra in the compound, so Tetsu and Aleu should be welcome to the Dragon Eye compound as well. Moordryd and Decepshun decided that Tetsu and Aleu are welcome, but only at night.
However, what Moordryd and Cain didn't know that Swaay and Tetsu just started dating a few days ago and the two were talking about the event of Psyrox while their dragons were talking as well...
"...Now that Dorsull mentioned the Psyrox event, I can't help but feel awful for almost killing Michelle and her dragon..." Swaay sighed as she sits on a wooden crate next to Tetsu, holding her legs to her. "...I bet Moordryd is very disappointed in me." which is he not since he knows it wasn't Swaay's fault.
Tetsu slowly puts his hand on Swaay's shoulder to comfort her, "Hey... It wasn't your fault and you know it. Heck, even Moordryd knows that. It was that bonemark of Psyrox that attacked Michelle, not you."
"I know, but still... I can't help but feel guilty about that event!" Swaay exclaimed. "Even though it was Word's idea and it was the bonemark, it won't the change fact that I almost killed someone!"
"...Swaay, tell me this... If Moordryd is really upset about what happened, then why hasn't he made you leave the crew?" Tetsu asked.
Swaay looks away from Tetsu, "...Either it's pity or he has no choice since there aren't many to join the Dragon Eyes."
"Swaay, I may not know about Moordryd very well, but I'm sure he knows that it wasn't your fault and he would never think it was at all." Tetsu tried to get Swaay to see it was the bonemak that had Swaay act like that during the Psyrox event.
While Tetsu and Swaay talked about the Psyrox event, so did Aleu and Mischief...
{Poor Swaay... She has the right to be upset like I am.} Mischief groaned with distress. {...Like her, I too almost did something horrible! I almost killed Decepshun's sister!}
{Half-sister.} Aleu corrected her. {And stop blaming yourself! It wasn't you or your rider's fault to begin with...}
Mischief slowly looks up at Aleu, {I know, but... after what happened... I can't help but feel guilty about it. I bet Decepshun is really mad at me for attacking her sister like that.}
{Come on, Mischief! I may not know Decepshun very well, but I'm sure she isn't mad at ya...} Aleu tried to reassure her sister. {Besides, it was that bonemark that did it, not you.}
Mischief sighs, {I know, but still... I can't help it.} Aleu feels very sorry for her sister for feeling this way. Aleu knows it wasn't Mischief's fault at all, but doesn't know how to make Mischief feel better yet.
Back with Swaay and Tetsu...
"Look, Tetsu... I know you're trying to help me and all, but what I almost did, I almost took away the life of someone that Moordryd cares about." Swaay sighed.
This causes Tetsu to choke a bit. He never believed Moordryd would care about anyone, but himself.
"Wait a minute! What do you mean someone that Moordryd care about?" Tetsu asked with disbelief. "This is Moordryd Paynn, the son of Word Paynn, who is trying to start a dragon human war! I mean, Moordryd seems a like jerk who doesn't care about anyone, but himself and only follows orders from his dad."
Swaay chuckles at Tetsu's behavior, "I know it seems unreal, but I can tell when someone cares about someone else. Ever since Michelle came into Dragon City, Moordryd has been acting weird since then."
Tetsu tilted his head with confusions, "How weird?" Aleu and Mischief got curious about what their riders are talking about and decides to listen in.
Swaay explains, "I mean how Moordryd acts around Michelle. Cain told me about when Michelle and her dragon came over here last time. He told me when Michelle somehow got Moordryd to agree to let her help them look for me then when she hugged Moordryd when he agreed to take Michelle along, his face was slightly red."
"Slightly red?" Tetsu repeated. Aleu and Mischief looked at each other, knowing what's going on with Moordryd.
"Yes, and not only that, when I, well Psyrox attacked Michelle and her dragon, Moordryd got real mad and tried to fight Psyrox. And then in the race when Moordryd was about to bash that Stable Brat, Michelle somehow told him not to do it and Moordryd did what she said." Swaay told Tetsu.
Tetsu tries to get Swaay is trying to say, "Um... I don't see how Moordryd cares about Michelle..."
Swaay sighs with annoyance, "Moordryd Paynn has feelings for Michelle Sean! He likes Michelle!"
{"WHAT?"} Both Tetsu and Aleu shouted with shock at the same time. Mischief sort knew that Moordryd has some feelings for Michelle.
"No way! Moordryd likes Michelle? That's impossible!" Tetsu exclaimed.
"Like impossible with me dating you?" Swaay pointed out.
"...Uh... Forget what I just said." Tetsu mumbled then speaks, "But still how could Moordryd like someone? I mean, no way Michelle would like to be around someone like him."
"Maybe, but for some reason... Michelle seems to know about the 'real' Moordryd Paynn." Swaay muttered out loud.
"How so?" Tetsu asked.
Swaay just shrugs "Don't know..." then looks up at the night sky, "I think you better get back to your compound before your cousin finds out you're gone. It's getting late."
Tetsu chuckles a bit, "Yeah... Wulph would kill me if he sees me here with you." Aleu mags Tetsu on. "I'll see you tomorrow night?"
Swaay just nods at Tetsu. {Bye, sister! See ya tomorrow night.} Aleu spoke to Mischief.
{You too.} Mischief snorted. After that, Tetsu and Aleu went off, leaving the compound of Dragon Eye to head back to theirs before Wulph and Hyve find out.
Back with the Down City Council of Twelve, The Good Warrior Dragons finally manage to convince Hyve to believe what's happening so far. However, with their riders...
"How dare you both question me about how I control my crew?" Wulph growled at Moordryd and Cain.
Moordryd sighs, "Look, we're just trying to make a point. What if somehow one of crew members wanders off and found the bonemark without you knowing?"
"That will never happen!" Wulph growled.
Pyrrah quickly steps in, "Okay! That's enough! Look, the point is your crew is in danger! We just don't want anything bad happening to you..."
"Pyrrah is right, Wulph." Phistus spoke. "If you're not careful, Word will somehow get one of your crew members to go to the temple of Zamparox to release another Warrior Dragon."
Wulph calms down a bit, "...I'm flattered that you all concerned about me and my crew, but me and my crew can take care of this ourselves! We don't need help, especially from those untrained rookies!"
"Those untrained rookies have helped us many times, Wulph!" Khatah exclaimed. "You must be cautious at all times and even more so in times like this!"
"Please, Wulph! Let us help you protect your crew..." Marianis pleaded.
Wulph took a moment to think, "...I'll think about it, but for now my crew don't need help from your crews." and with that, he and Ferryt left the meeting room without another word.
With the dragons, Tritox and Blazox sense someone is coming out from the building then quickly form back into Poseidos and Phorrj before that someone sees them. The Good Warrior Dragons weren't sure any riders were ready to see them just yet. Wulph and Ferryt walk out from the building and went towards their dragons; Hyve and Pursoot. Hyve mags Wulph on her as Pursoot does the same with Ferryt then run off in the night.
Inside the building, the crew leaders begin to feel worried for Wulph's safety. At least Wulph knows the situation, but he still wouldn't listen to them or ask for help. Marianis then sighs, "At least Wulph knows what's happening so far."
"Yeah, but he still won't agree to let us help him…" Pyrrah grumbled out of irritation.
Phistus then glances at Moordryd, "Alright Moordryd Paynn... Why did you tell Wulph to heed our warning?"
"...I have my reasons..." Moordryd answered and walks out of the meeting room with Cain in pursuit.
Khatah then spoke to Phistus, "Moordryd is up to something."
"He's probably trying to trick us into trusting him." Phistus muttered. Even though he was shocked by Moordryd's behavior, he still feels uneasy about it.
"Maybe, but we still need to do something about this." said Sarjo.
"Well, you guys do something about this. I have to get back to my crew to check on Dorsull and his dragon. They're still exhausted from that Oceanox fiasco." Marianis spoke then left the meeting room.
Pyrrah turns to Phistus, "I think it's time we contact Artha and his crew and tell them about the meeting."
Phistus nods at Pyrrah then begins to contact Artha, "Artha, come in! This is Phistus! Come in!"
Back with the Penn Racing crew, in Old City...
((Michelle's POV))
Mortis had just finished telling us about Voltox, Zamparox and Thorox when the Artha's com link started to beep. Mortis summoned the screen and as soon as it was activated Phistus' face appeared.
"Artha Penn," the Grip of the Dragon Crew Leader spoke, "We've just ended our meeting and warned Wulph and told him about the next Warrior Dragon."
We all look at each other, feeling anxious about the meeting. Artha looks back at Phistus, "So... what happened? How did Wulph take it?"
Phistus sighs and told us what happened, "Well, Wulph does know what's happening and he's taking the situation seriously. But..."
"But? But what?" I spoke. "What happened?"
"Well..." Phistus started then begins to explain to us what happened in the Down City Council of Twelve. Few moments later...
"...WHAT?" We all shouted after hearing the event from Phistus with shock.
"So, Moordryd, the same Moordryd Paynn whose been giving us a lot of trouble, had also tred to make Wulph to see he'll need help?" Parmon gaped with great shock.
"Th-That's impossible! No way Moordryd would say something like that!" Kitt stuttered a bit at first.
It's kind of a shock for me as well. I mean, I did have a feeling that Moordryd would help us bit by bit, but I never would have thought he'd say something like that. Why is he doing this?
"There's no way Moordryd would say that! He's Word's son for dragon's sake!" Artha exclaimed with disbelief.
"I know it's hard to believe, but it really did happen... Moordryd just spoke up for us, pointing that fact even as a leader, Wulph can't keep an eye all of his crew members." Phistus told us.
Artha scoffs as he crosses his arms, "It's gotta be a trick! Moordryd's probably trying to win our trust and leads us into a trap."
I shook my head a bit and groan at Artha's behavior, "Artha, you don't know that! Sure, he's Word's son and yes, he did terrible things to us... But, he did help us as well!" I brought up a good point. I mean, Moordryd has helped us awhile behind his father's back.
Artha turns to me, looking very irritated at me for defending Moordryd, "Okay, seriously... Why are you defending him? He's nothing, but trouble! He's helping his father to start a new Dragon-Human War!"
"May I remind you that Moordryd and his crew helped you defeat Psyrox? And he did send Swaay to help us stop Oceanox." I reminded him. "Lastly, he also warned Wulph about one of his crew members being independent." I truly don't know why I'm defending Moordryd, but something tells me Moordryd is trying to help us, but I'm still wary about him.
"Michelle, what if he's just pretending to be helpful and to trick us? He's the son of Word Paynn!" Artha shouted at me a bit.
I grunted with displease, "Will you stop being so negative and for once listen to me?" I growled.
"How can I? You're the one who always defend that guy!" Artha angrily exclaimed. I think I also hear a bit of jealousy in his voice.
Our friends, the dragons, Mortis and Phistus look back at me and Artha as we argue.
{Here we go again...} Beau groaned.
Cyrano sighs, {This reminds me of when they were kids...}
{Yep... Always arguing about one thing they disagreed on.} Leapdra snorted.
I heard Phistus mutter, "Are they always like this?"
Parmon heard what Phistus muttered, "Yep... every time." He chuckled with a bit of amusement and embarrassment at the same time.
((Normal POV))
Meanwhile as Artha and Michelle were bickering Wulph, Ferryt and their dragons; Hyve and Pursoot were heading back to their crew compound after the meeting unaware that they were being followed by one of Word Paynn's Wraith Dragons.
{Hyve or should I call you princess Hyve.} Pursoot spoke as he and Hyve were heading back to their compound with their riders.
{Pursoot if you have to say something then say it.} Hyve said, {And don't call me princess, it's hard enough knowing that I'm related to Lupitox, Queen of the Purple Draconium Pack Class Dragons.)
{I have confidence in our abilities as a team but if what Blazox and Tritox say is true then there is a good chance that the wraiths might chase one of us and our riders to the temple of Zamparox.} Pursoot responded.
Hyve snorted a bit, but knew what Pursoot was saying is true, {...True, but-} Hyve suddenly stops walking, sensing something is nearby. Hyve scans the streets with a cautious expression on her face, {...Pursoot, be on alert... Something is close by.}
Pursoot sniffs a bit and quickly notices a different, new scent, {I think I just smelt what that something was...} growling a bit, but quietly.
When the two purple dragons suddenly stopped in high alert, Wulph and Ferryt quickly knew their dragons has sensed something dangerous nearby. Since purple draconium riders can tell how their dragons react to something, they can easily understand their dragons and quietly sneak up on the one who spies on them or track and trap their 'prey'.
Wulph and Ferryt closely pay attention to their dragons. Hyve glances at what's behind them without turning her head. Wulph understands what Hyve is hinting at and gives Ferryt a signal in special sign language to check what's following them. Ferryt gives his leader a secret nod and then drove Pursoot in another direction, away from Wulph and Hyve.
At Word's Citadel, Word was watching the computer screens. One of them was showing what his Wraith Dragon was seeing. He just noticed Ferryt and Pursoot head in a different direction, away from their leaders.
"Hmm... They must be planning something." Word muttered.
All of the sudden, he and his Wraith Dragon heard a loud thump from behind the Wraith Dragon. Soon a loud roar follows after. The Wraith Dragon looks back and sees its Ferryt and Pursoot, glaring at the spy dragon.
Ferryt smirks at the Wraith Dragon, "Gotcha..." then activates his two Tandem Gears. Tandem Gears shoot out two small conductive lines at the Wraith Dragon's sides then drain its energy. The Wraith Dragon cries out in pain. Then the screen went off line.
Word growls a bit, but remains calm, "Very clever... However, you have fallen into my own trap..." he chuckles evilly.
Back with the Army of the Dragon, the Wraith Dragon collapses on the ground, groaning with agony and feeling very exhausted from being drained of its energy.
"Ha! That was easy!" Ferryt smugly commented.
"Too easy..." Wulph muttered as he and Hyve came over. "Something's not right..." Wulph stares down at the Wraith Dragon.
Suddenly, they heard snarling and growling from above them. In a split second, eight black figures land behind them. It was more Wraith Dragons.
{No way!} Pursoot barked with shock. {How could we not notice them before?}
Hyve furiously snarls at the Wraith Dragons, {They must've blocked their scent and just appeared when we found this Wraith Dragon!}
"Scales...! Word must've planned this" Ferryt grunted.
Wulph growls a bit as he glares at the Wraith Dragons, "We have to lose them before they catch us..." he told Ferryt, quietly. The Wraith Dragons crept closer to Wulph, Ferryt, and their dragons. "On my signal... 1...2..." Ferryt slowly prepares to raise his right arm as Wulph does the same. "...3...NOW!"
Both Wulph and Ferryt quickly launch the dragon-mounted bolo launchers that tangle two of the Wraith Dragons to distract the rest and quickly drove their dragons to escape from the Wraith Dragons. They use their Purple Trapping Gear. The four remaining Wraith Dragons notice their prey is getting away and goes after them in pursuit.
As Hyve and Pursoot runs very fast to get away from the Wraith Dragons, Ferryt soon notice the four remain Wraith Dragons are after them. "They're still after us!" Ferryt exclaimed.
"We'll lose track of them at the next corner on the left!" Wulph told Ferryt. Wulph planned to use a short a cut to lose the Wraith Dragons and trap them there. However...
Four more Wraith Dragons appear, blocking their pathway. "SCALES!" Wulph yelled and quickly turns Hyve to another direction on the right as Ferryt does the same to Pursoot.
Wulph and Ferryt try another short-cut to lose the Wraith Dragons yet again, but then two more with Green Ramming Gears on lands on the pathway then shoot out two iron balls at the Army of the Dragon crew. Luckily, they dodge the iron balls in time, but took another turn.
{These dragons are leading us somewhere I'm afraid to know!} Pursoot exclaimed at Hyve.
Hyve panted and grunts at Pursoot, {I think you might be right and we can't seem to lose them at all!}
The two purple dragons are sadly right; the Wraith Dragons are leading them to another temple in the Wastelands of Lone. Out of the blue, another Wraith Dragon landed right in front of Pursoot, catching him by surprise.
{GAH! N-NO!} Pursoot tries to skid into stop, but he was skidding very quickly towards the Wraith Dragon.
Ferryt cries out, "OH-NO!" and braced himself for impact.
Pursoot crashes into the Wraith Dragon very hard, knocking him, Ferryt and the Wraith Dragon to ground. Pursoot and the Wraith Dragon was knock out cold, but Ferryt was still awake.
"Ferryt!" Wulph shouted, concerned.
{Pursoot!} Hyve screeched, worried.
The leaders would've stop to help them 2nd commanders, but they were still being chase by the rest of the Wraith Dragons, leaving Ferryt and Pursoot alone.
It only took a while but the Wraith Dragons finally chase the leaders of the Army of the Dragon into the Wastelands of Lone. Hyve was getting tired, but still kept going to get away from Wraith Dragons. Wulph suddenly sees an ancient, purple temple nearby. He then drove Hyve towards it so they can hide.
Unknown to them, the Wraith Dragons slow down to a complete stop. They were watching as the leaders of the Army of the Dragon kept going towards the temple, the temple of Zamparox. The leaders made it inside the temple. Hyve pants with exhaustion from all that running.
"We...should be safe here." Wulph sighed with relief, unknown to him that he and Hyve just entered the temple built to guard the Bonemark of the Ancient Warrior of Purple Draconium Dragons.
Hyve, feeling she has enough energy, walks around, {What is this place?} She scans around, seeing nothing but knock down pillar and boulders on the floor.
Wulph was also looking around then starts to have a bad feeling, "...I think we rested here long enough... Let's get out here, girl."
{I'm way ahead of ya...} Hyve groaned. Unknown to her, she stepped on a symbol of the Purple Draconium Empire on the floor. Seconds later, the walls made a loud rumbling noise around them.
Hyve and Wulph went in alert mode, preparing for the worst. Suddenly the high walls shoot out darts at them. Hyve quickly jumps away from the darts, but then she landed on another symbol of the floor. More darts shoot out and head straight towards the leaders. Wulph swiftly grabs his Blocking Staff and knocks the darts away before they could impale him and his dragon.
Hyve steps back, stepping another symbol, making more darts heading straight to them. Hyve nearly dodge them as the darts hit the floor instead, nearly impale her feet. The leaders look ahead and see another room, but also more stepping symbols along the way. They figured out what would happen if Hyve stepped on any of them. They prepare to run to the room and charge very fast as Hyve carefully avoids stepping on the stepping symbol.
They were nearly at the doorway. But then Hyve accidentally steps on the last stepping symbol. Darts shoot from the right and barely impale themselves into Hyve's tail, only leaving a scratch mark on her tail which made her yelp in pain. Luckily, they made it inside the room.
Wulph exhales with big relief, "We've made it. We almost got impaled by those darts. At least they missed us."
{Tell that to my tail!} Hyve snorted and looks at her tail. {Those darts left a scratch on it!} She whimpered in agony a bit.
Wulph rolls his eyes at his dragon, but then notices something ahead. He and Hyve look up ahead and see a metal box with dark purple marks on it, floating on top of a tall boulder.
"Wh-What is that?" Wulph stuttered with shock, but amazement as well. He felt the energy from it, calling Wulph and Hyve to come closer.
Hyve went closer to it, yet couldn't help but feel like she should take a closer look. Wulph stares at the metal box, hesitant at first, but took the metal box. "What is this? Why does it feel so...powerful?" Wulph wondered.
He spots a button on it, pushes it and the metal box opens up, revealing a dark violet, shape-like the Army of the Dragon's symbol bonemark. Wulph gasps with horror, knowing he just discover a bonemark, but couldn't contain his feelings from its pulse of dark energy, drawing him in. The dark violet marks slowly forms on his face as his eyes changes color into purple.
His voice sounded different, "...With this bonemark... I can control any crew and even Dragon City!" Wulph shouted as he smiled evilly.
Hyve mags the bonemark onto her head, then the bonemark surge it's draconium through her bones, changing her. Hyve screeches in pain as her body mutates. Purple fins grew out on her tail, then two dark violet fins grew out very long on her back and her teeth grew long and sharp. Lastly, dark violet marks appear on her body and her eyes glow an eerie color of purple. Hyve was no longer herself anymore...
{...Yes... Finally... I am...AWAKEN!} She lets out loud roar-like howl through the temple. She is now Zamparox, the Ancient Warrior Dragon of Purple Draconium Dragons.
Meanwhile Marianis and Poseidos were on their way to visit Pyrrah and the Dragon Flares. After recent events the Leader of the Dragon Fish Crew had brought along the same gear that Katara had used during the Hydrox Event from Dorsull.
Suddenly, Poseidos hears something afar, but almost close by. He stops walking, {What was that noise?} He heard a loud distant roar.
Marianis notices her dragon stopped moving, "What is boy?" Soon after that, she too hears a roar as well, but faintly. "What...was...that?"
Poseidos decided to check it out and quickly runs towards the roaring sound to see what it is. It only took for a few minutes and they stop at the temple of Zamparox. {Oh no... This can't be happening!} Poseidos groaned.
Marianis gazes at the temple, "The sound is coming from there? Then that means..."
They suddenly heard the same roar again and saw something purple run out from the temple, fast.
"What in the?" Marianis exclaimed and took out her binoculars to get a better look. She then gasps with horror, "It's Wulph! He must've somehow entered that temple and found the bonemark..."
{That's just great...} Poseidos growled with distress.
"I better contract Phistus about this so he can tell Dragon Booster about this." Marianis muttered and quickly contracts Phistus. However, something happened moments ago while Wulph, Ferryt and their dragons were being chased by Wraith Dragons.
About 25-30mins earlier...
((Michelle's POV))
Artha and I were still bickering at each other. "...Look Artha, what do you have against Moordryd? I know he always messes with ya and yes he follows his father's orders, but he has helped us before! Why do you have a grudge against him?" I exclaimed.
That's when Artha answers the question I never hoped he'd answer. Artha angrily glares at me very hard, "Why? WHY? Because of him and his crew, dad is gone!" He yelled.
Everyone has gotten quiet as my eyes got big, feeling flabbergasted. I knew Conner's disappearance during that night was caused by another crew, but never I guess it was Moordryd and his crew who done it.
"I saw Moordryd and his crew that night at the stable getting ready to steal Beau that night! I was about to stop them when there was an explosion right where dad was!" Artha yelled at me with anger and depression in his voice. "Moordryd's crew is responsible for dad's disappearance and because of him, me and Lance don't have a father anymore!" Artha slowly took a deep breath as his shoulders shook a bit.
I just stood there in shock. I never meant for this to go this far and I felt pretty bad about too...
"Artha... I'm sorry. I-I didn't know!" I stuttered, trying to apologize to him.
Artha raise his hand at me, stopping me from talking anymore, "...I don't want to hear it."
I wrap my arms around myself with guilt. Artha was never this angry at me before.
Suddenly, we heard a beeping noise from Phistus' com-link. Phistus answers, "Phistus, here! Who is this?"
"...It's Ferryt!" He sounded hurt and kinda in panic mode.
"Ferryt? What's wrong?" Phistus asked with concern. "What happened?"
"We were chased by Wraith Dragons!" We all felt tension in the air with great worry. "We tried to outrun them, but they were too much! Then one of them crashed into me and my dragon. The rest kept chasing Wulph and his dragon! I don't know where he is and I tried contracting him, but no answer!"
Phistus took a moment before he spoke, "Those must've led him to the temple of the next Ancient Warrior Dragon... Listen, you must try get back to your crew. I'll send a message to Dragon Booster and we'll find Wulph."
The com-link went off.
Artha then burst out, feeling more upset than before, "SCALES! This is too much me! I can't handle this anymore!"
"Artha, please! Calm down!" Parmon trying to calm Artha down, but it isn't working.
"Calm down? How can I calm down, Parmon?" Artha angrily shouted at Parmon. "Almost every Warrior Dragon keeps appearing every day! I'm trying to focus on the race, stop guys like Moordryd and saving the world is too much for me!"
I try to speak to him, "Artha, please! I-I know you're-!"
Artha cuts me off when he sneers at me, "And I don't want to hear anymore words from you!"
"Artha, will calm down? You'll get through this!" Kitt exclaimed, trying to reassure him.
"Get through? How Kitt? I can't keep doing well every time something bad happens!" Artha growled as he walks around.
"Artha, you have no right to put your anger towards your friends!" Mortis exclaimed. "They're just trying to help you!"
Artha wasn't listening to Mortis and humphs with stress, "I need a break... from all of this! From all of you!" Artha glares at us, even at dragons. "I need rest from you guys..." He shouted at Kitt, Lance and Parmon "...from you..." at Mortis "...and you!" at Beau "And especially from you!" He pointed at me.
He then did something we never thought it would happen, "And from the Dragon Booster!" he yanks off the gauntlet and threw it hard on the ground, making us all gaped with shock. Artha took out the star amulet, stares at him for a second and drops it on the ground and walks away from us in a humph and stress.
I slowly lay my right hand over my mouth, keeping myself from crying for causing this. If I hadn't asked that question, he wouldn't have gotten so upset. Lance walks over the gauntlet and amulet, picks them up and calls out his brother, "Artha!"
Mortis lays his hand on Lance's shoulder to stop him, "Let him go... He clearly needs to think..." We all watch Artha walk away us with disbelief at what just happened.
"...This is very bad!" Pyrrah exclaimed.
"What we'll do now? Without the Dragon Booster, it will hopeless if Wulph made it to that temple!" Khatah sighed with great worry.
Suddenly, another calls comes in. "Phistus, comes in! It's Marianis! I just spotted Wulph on a strange dragon... I think he found a bonemark!" Phistus looked shock and kinda terrified when he heard that.
"Oh no..." Kitt whispered.
"What are we gonna do?" Parmon whined.
I felt helpless then suddenly saw an image in my head... I saw Dragon Booster, the Original Dragon Booster... Something was telling to go after Artha and I need Beau's help for that. "Beau, Leapdra! We're going after Artha!"
{Say what?} Leapdra tilted her head.
{What are you planning?} Beau asked.
"I'm planning to tell Artha that he isn't the only one who had this problem like the one he does..." I told him.
"Lil' Sis? What are you planning to do?" Parmon asked me.
"There's no time to explain, Parm..." I softly answered then turn to Phistus, "Phistus, tell Marianis to hold off Wulph and Zamparox as long as they can with Poseidos as Tritox. Send Pyrrah and her dragon so they can help Marianis and Poseidos..."
Leapdra mags me on to her.
Lance went up to me and Leapdra, "What are you gonna do?"
I look down at Lance, "To help clear Artha's mind... Give me the gauntlet and amulet, Lance."
Lance did what I told him to do as I take the gauntlet and amulet, and with that Leapdra runs off with Beau in pursuit.
Sparklie-the-Tiger/Me: It seems all this is too much and it's putting Artha on the edge. The rest of the crew hold off Zamparox long enough for Artha to come back to help? Next chapter might be the last chapter for a while, but who knows...