Chapter 3 – The Kauai Concert
After their lunch at the pizzeria, the Nightriders decided to show the dragons around where they were going to have their concert. They also got to know Tails and Blaze, who were also pleased to make their acquaintance with them. Tails was even impressed at how Lucinda's Fire Hearts band consisted exclusively of foxes, feeling a sense of pride in his species. Eventually, they arrived at the Hofgaard Park in Waimea.
"As you can see, we picked this venue because there's a very good place to set up any kind of special events," said Axl. "Not to mention that it would give visitors the opportunity to learn a bit more about Hawaii's history, such as the statue paying tribute to one of the most important figures that founded the Hawaiian Islands."
Draco noticed the statue up ahead and took a look. It commemorated to a famous British explorer of the late eighteenth century. Cynder, Darky, Blaze, and Tails also joined in to check out the statue.
"Well, what do you know," said Tails impressively. "This is the same man you and I have read about in history class back when we were in primary school, Draco!"
"Yes, I know," said Draco. "That is very intriguing, no doubt about that."
"We think you have picked an ideal location, Axl," said Cynder. "I can only hope that your concert will do very well, especially since Kauai is the last American city you're touring."
"Thank you, Cynder," said Axl. "Indeed, this will be our final city of the States as we've already done our touring in New York, Baltimore, Seattle, Houston, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles."
"This must be a very busy year for you guys," said Percival.
"Why, yes it has," replied Lucinda. "Like we've mentioned before, Canada will be our next stop where we'll be starting our concert run in Vancouver, British Columbia."
"Any chance that you'll be visiting other cities in Canada like Toronto or Montreal?" asked Draco.
"Yes, of course, we'll be going to those cities" said Iggy, the iguana band member. "And right after our Canadian tour, we'll be scheduled for making the next one in Japan."
"Wait a minute, did you say you're going to Japan after Canada?" asked Torden.
"That's right," said Brutus, the crocodile. "We'll be visiting various places there, including Tokyo, Kyoto in Honshu, Okinawa in Kyushu, and finally Sapporo in Hokkaido."
"Totally awesome!" exclaimed Torden. "We're from Japan, so now I'm excited to see more of you when you go there!"
"Please don't hesitate to come and see our concerts by then," smiled Axl. "We will really appreciate your support."
"No problem, we will when the time comes," said Blaze. "Also, I'm curious to know what other countries you are all planning to visit."
"That's a really tough one, Blaze," said Sabrina, one of the vixens standing next to Lucinda. "However, we've made discussions that we might plan a tour across Europe visiting countries like the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Germany, and the Netherlands."
"I hope all these plans go well for you," said Torden. "I really love your music, and your Nightrider mobile app is the best thing to have ever been developed!"
"We're glad to hear that," said Slade, the other lizard who looked a little like Axl. "It was my suggestion to the band as we have received a lot of fan mail on how many of them wanted to be like us or to have the chance to interact with us in person like you guys, so we agreed on the creation of an app for the phone where anyone can jam with us."
Lonnie looked up his clock. "Whoa, look at the time!" he exclaimed. "We better hurry and get things ready for the concert."
"Thank you for spending time with us, everybody," said Axl. "It has been a great pleasure knowing you all, especially you, Draco, Torden, and Blaze."
"Not a problem, Axl," replied Blaze.
"Is there anything you're doing for the time being?" asked Lonnie.
"Actually, we've been doing something," said Bowser. "You see, Draco and his pals have been taking on the Hawaiian Island Challenge and are about to do their next one here."
"Ah, I see," said Melissa, another vixen. "I think I have heard about that Island Challenge thing before. Isn't it where you visit the islands of Oahu, Maui, Big Island, and this one where you battle against these Totem Beasts?"
"Yes, that's the one!" exclaimed Lily.
"I knew it!" laughed Melissa.
"How many have you done so far?" asked Selena.
"They've already completed four of the trials," said Charonus. "Now they only got one left, and I believe that right after that, they'll be going back to the Big Island to take on the tournament that's taking place in a couple more days, I believe."
"Yeah, we had a very productive and fun vacation," said Percival.
"We're very pleased to hear that," said Jan, the fifth and last vixen. "Keep up that effort, and you'll reach the top in no time."
"We will for sure!" said the dragons.
"Alright then, good luck on your trial, everyone," said Axl. "See you all again tonight!"
"Thank you very much, Nightriders!" waved the group. "We shall see you then!"
The Nightriders waved back and bid them the best of luck on their trial. Everyone was in a highly elevated mood.
"Now then," began Blaze. "I think we better get you guys going for the next trial."
"Right, Blaze," said Cynder. "First, we need to find whoever this trial captain may be."
"I believe the one you're looking for is me," said a voice. The group noticed a tigress in a dressed with coloured markings on her face. "Good afternoon everyone," she said. "I am Kala, trial captain of Kauai Island."
"Perfect timing," said Blaze. "My name is Blaze, Dragon Master, this is my husband, Tails, and the dragons you see right here are the trialgoers."
"Charmed to meet you," said Captain Kala. "Since all of you are ready for the trial, I believe it's time I take you to the trial location."
"Thanks, captain," nodded Cynder. "We're up for it right now."
Captain Kala smiled and beckoned the dragons to follow her. Blaze and Tails remained in their spot and watched them being on their way.
"Good luck, Cynder!" they called, waving at them, and they went to the other direction to do their sightseeing.
The Pyre Squad had been following Tails, Blaze, and the dragons as usual, plotting to capture them to present them to Lord Sardius so that they can get a reward and promotion for their villainous efforts. They have overheard their conversation with the Nightriders, and this left them pondering over their next dastardly plan.
"So those foolish dragons have gotten to know some very famous musicians," said Ciara. "Talk about an interesting development."
"Pretty lame of them that they have no dragons as band members," said Cronk. "And the fact that they have them furballs as collaborators, double the lameness."
"Still, they sound pretty awesome," said Scorcher. "I sure would like the listen the kind of music they do, if they really are that famous."
Irritated, Ciara slapped Scorcher on his face.
"What was that for?!" he squeaked.
"You are such a blithering idiot!" scolded Ciara. "We don't like their music! We hate their music!"
"I-I-I-I was only saying, C-C-C-Ciara," stammered Scorcher, meekly.
"Enough clowning around!" barked Ciara. "I bet that those Nightlamers write songs about love, tolerance, and all that insipid drivel towards non-dragons, not if we have anything to say about it!"
"Oh?" exclaimed Cronk. "What are you saying, Ciara?"
"Come on, you slow-minded slugs!" said Ciara. "It's time that we put our rotten plan to action!"
"Are we going to nab Cynder and her friends?" asked Scorcher.
"Not this time, Scorcher," said Ciara. "For now, our target will be the Nightriders!"
"I didn't know that we were going to do something to the Nightriders," said Cronk. "Since when have we had a plan like that?"
"This came into my mind just then," said Ciara. "While we've been spying on the fools talking to that band, the gears in my evil brain has been twisting and turning, and now I have the perfect that will really get us on top and restore the Obsidian Devourers to their former glory!"
"Surely since we're your friends, you can elaborate on what that plan is," said Scorcher.
"We're going to make the Nightriders write a song about us!" declared Ciara. "It will be a song about how great we are, how powerful the Obsidian Devourers, and how we will take over the world!"
"That sounds like a marvellous and fiendish plan!" exclaimed Scorcher delightfully.
"An excellent plan to leave our mark!" declared Cronk. "It will be a perfect opportunity to show the world that we are to be feared and respected!"
Ciara grinned wickedly. "Alright, let's get this going!" she commanded.
"Aye-aye, Ciara!" exclaimed Scorcher and Cronk jubilantly, and the three made their way towards where the Nightriders have left to execute their latest diabolical plan.
Author's Note: It seems like our heroes and the Nightriders are going to have a lot of fun in this story, but they better watch out, because the Pyre Squad are planning yet another malevolent scheme. Those three never learn, do they?