"How's Rayne?" Vizz asked, looking towards the leader of the Dragon Eyes. "That bad huh?"
"Even since she came back she's been quiet. Normally that's a good thing but its been three days. All she does is stare at that journal the stable brats brought back." Moordryd replied as Vizz lent him a pair of Binocs. While they waited for me to recover, Moordryd kept a close lookout for signs of Armeggaddon, not letting on of course. So far he hadn't been sighted but it was only a matter of time.
"And she barely touches her food." Cain muttered as he joined the pair. "Does anyone know why she's acting like this?"
"Being attacked by the Dragon Booster would rattle anyone." Moordryd muttered as he handed the Bino-nocd to Vizz. "I'm going to check on her."
Heading towards my room Moordryd started to wonder if I would really be okay. Right now I was lying on my side, staring at the book sitting on the desk to the left of the bed. For the last few hours I was sorely tempted to read it though something stopped me and in the end I rested instead.
Even though he had trained me in the ancient ways, Armeggaddon failed to tell me that using Mag techniques like Mag Claw used an excessive amount of draconium energy. The second I cleared the doorway of my bedroom at the Dragon Eyes compound the room spun and I fell, waking much later to the sound of Moordryd's voice. Even then I was weak and I slept for a full day, only waking for long enough to eat and drink. But even after three days I couldn't shake off the feeling that Armeggaddon was after me. That fear became a nightmare that woke me in the middle of the night, my cries waking the rest of the crew.
Moordryd was the first to find me, along with a protesting Cain who discovered me leaning against the wall. At first he was annoyed that I'd woken him but once he saw just how badly I was shaking he rolled his eyes.
"Look I have a race against the stable brat tomorrow so do you think you could keep the noise down?" Moordryd said and I looked up, my eyes wide. As they watched I narrowed them and without answering I climbed off the bed and pushed past.
"Smooth move, Moordryd." Cain chuckled, arms folded and Moordryd just growled at him before he followed me. "Well I'm going back to bed." He muttered to himself, wandering back to his room.
When I reached the stables my eyes were red and as I leant against the wall I heard footsteps. "Not talking to you." I growled as Moordryd walked through the doorway.
"Look I have an important race tomorrow and I need the points to get into the Academy." The second those words left his mouth I spun around and he blinked when I suddenly glared at him, eyes narrowed and with a slight upturn of my lips.
"Academy? What are you talking about?" I asked and he shrugged, instantly frustrating me. "More lies, huh? Do you ever get tired of lying to me or is it fun for you?" Turning around I walked towards the back of the stable and Quiksilva snorted, lifting his head as I wandered closer.
"I know I should have told you sooner but with everything that's happened I forgot. Its not important anyway." Moordryd told me as I grabbed a blanket from a pile resting against the far wall. Noticing that I wasn't looking at him, he sighed and followed me as Quiksilva frowned. "She's being stubborn, not me." He told the dragon who made a low rumble, almost like he was laughing at Moordryd.
"He thinks your an idiot." I muttered, spreading the blanket out within reach of my dragon. But before I could sit Moordryd grabbed my wrist and I turned my head, giving him a growl. "Will you let go? Or should I make you?" I asked as Quiksilva stared at me, probably wondering if I was going to attack Moordryd. Truthfully I was too tired to do anything really and instead of getting angry I sat, crossing my legs under me.
"Rayne, why are you acting like this? Is it because of what Armeggaddon did to you?" Moordryd asked as he knelt beside me and I shrugged. "Or something I said?" He added and I did the same thing again though he did see my shoulders shake for a few seconds.
"He put me through...look I just want to forget I ever trained with him. Stop bringing it up." I muttered not realizing when Moordryd sat on the edge of the blanket. "Now will you leave me in peace? I'm tired." Flopping onto the blanket I shifted one way then the other, trying to find a comfortable spot. Eventually I lay on my left side, Quiksilva's head almost touching mine as I began to drift off.
"Did you read the journal?" Moordryd asked just as I was about to fall asleep and I snarled, sitting up so suddenly I almost hit my head on the wall. "Hey don't get mad at me." He snorted as my green eyes focused on him.
"Its none of your business, Paynn. If you can keep secrets so can I." I snapped, slightly confused when he flinched. "I just wanna sleep." I complained as he shook his head, grey eyes looking into mine.
"I know that, Rayne." Moordryd asked as I blinked. "Sorry for asking." He muttered getting ready to climb to his feet and I grabbed his arm, shaking my head.
"If you really want to know why I'm acting so strange...I'm really scared. Of Armeggaddon catching up with me and..." I swallowed, not sure where I was going with this. Giving me a slight smile Moordryd reached up, rubbing his thumb across my chin.
"He won't lay a finger on you. Besides I'm pretty sure you can handle yourself now. That Mag-Blast really packs a punch." Moordryd chuckled as my cheeks blushed.
"I was just so angry and I didn't think." I sighed as I fiddled with the edge of the blanket, not caring when Moordryd sat beside me. "I wish Bianca had never chosen me, I'm no booster. How can I stop a dragon-human war when I can't even stop myself from attacking my friends?" I whispered, fresh tears welling in my eyes. Silently, Moordryd wrapped an arm around my shoulders and pulled me against his side.
"You weren't yourself." Moordryd said as I leant against him, closing my eyes. "Rayne, are you even listening?" He asked only to see that I had fallen fast asleep and he rolled his eyes. "Oh that's very drac, Rayne. Fall asleep when I'm talking."
Quiksilva lifted his head, gently nudging me and I snorted leaning back and he laughed as Moordryd carefully untangled himself from me. Deciding that now was a good time to leave he grabbed another blanket from the pile and carefully spread it over me, leaving just my head uncovered. Leaving my dragon to watch over me, Moordryd walked the short distance back to his own room.
Rayne are you awake? Quiksilva snorted as he nudged my arm and I groaned moving onto my left side and he rolled his eyes. Not giving up he nudged me a little harder this time and I growled, opening one eye.
"There goes my sleep in." I complained as I sat up only for Quiksilva to lick my face. "Eww!"
"Nice to see you're up." Swayy commented as I wiped my face, giving my dragon a frown as he laughed. "Moordryd wants you to train for the next race."
"Right now? Wait, where is he anyway?" I asked, climbing to my feet and she sighed. "Don't give me that look. I know what you think and I'm a lot stronger now. Besides...he's my boyfriend." I grinned as she narrowed her eyes, apparently not liking me getting one over on her. "Must be at the racetrack. Wanna find him, Quiksilva?" I asked and he grinned, instantly magging me. Ignoring Swayy's protests we raced towards the gate and I burst out laughing as soon as we cleared it.
That's for teasing me, I thought as we headed towards the racetrack. Of course it didn't take long before Quiksilva skidded to a halt and I tightened my grip on his neck to avoid being thrown off. "Hey why did you stop, 'silva?" I asked and he looked up at me, letting out a snort. "Oh yeah we have no idea what track huh?" I said feeling my cheeks heat up as Quiksilva laughed.
Thankfully I didn't have to spend the day searching when I heard a voice and I turned slightly, giving Parmon and Kitt a grin.
"What are you doing out here?" Parmon asked as I jumped down, only to stumble and he shook his head at me. "Shouldn't you been resting?"
"Been there, done that. Hey why aren't you watching the race?" I asked as I righted myself, only to notice both of my friends staring at me.
"What race? Its tomorrow." Kitt replied and I suddenly growled, making them blink. Silently I climbed back onto Quiksilva's back. "Okay what's going on?"
"That lying jerk. He told me he had a race today. When I get ahold of Moordryd..." I muttered angrily only for Quiksilva to shake his head. "Hey he didn't lie to you."
"Calm down, Rayne. Maybe he meant tomorrow and you just heard wrong." Parmon said, cringing when I narrowed my eyes at him. Then I sighed knowing it was wrong to get angry at him.
"Sorry I'm just a little...tense at the moment. Wonder where he went?" I muttered as Quiksilva turned to face the way we'd just come. "Maybe he's..." I didn't finish my thought when the ground shook so suddenly I was thrown off Quiksilva's back. Thankfully I managed to land on my feet, my eyes going wide as everyone heard a dragon's roar. Quickly my dragon magged me and we headed towards the roar, not noticing Kitt and Parmon exchange a look before they followed.
"Shouldn't we be running away from the noise, not towards it?" Parmon asked as Cyrano hurried after Quiksilva. "Rayne?" He called out but I was too focused on finding out whether that was Beau or Decepshun. I soon found out when I almost collided with Beau, the dragon of legend watching on as the Dragon Booster and Shadow Booster clashed.
"For dragon's sake can't you two ever behave?" I called out as Quiksilva stopped, giving Beau a snort. The dragon ignored mine, too focused on attcking Decepshun and we both growled at them. "Fine then I'll have to step in. Unlock the light!" I called out and they paused, watching as my armor appeared. Angry that the four of them I focused, knocking both boosters flat on their backs striking them with twin Mag-Blasts.
"Hey what's the big idea?" Shadow Booster growled as he stormed over only to see me narrow my eyes and he frowned. Giving the Dragon Booster the same expression, making him cough while avoiding my eyes, I leant against Quiksilva who lifted his head letting out a roar.
"He started it." Lance explained as he appeared on Fracshun and I sighed. No way was I going to get angry at a kid and when I kept quiet he blinked, giving me a quick grin.
"The problem is...look just forget it. The boosters are supposed to be preventing a dragon-human war, not fighting amongst ourselves. No wonder Bianca took on Armeggaddon herself." I muttered as Quiksilva growled at the two dragons. Beau managed to look a little guilty though Decepshun just growled back, not feeling in the slightest guilty. "You two are hopeless."
"Excuse me? What right do you have to talk down to us? You teamed up with Armeggaddon." Shadow Booster shot back and I suddenly snarled, more hurt then angry. The rest of Artha's crew watched on as I stepped closer to him and raised my hand. Without giving him time to react I slapped him hard before I turned back to my dragon, whose jaw dropped in shock.
"Keep away from me." I spat as I climbed onto Quiksilva's back. Glaring at the Shadow Booster my dragon rushed past heading deeper into Dragon City. Surprised at being slapped, Shadow Booster just rubbed his cheek and Decepshun snorted slightly confused.
"That was...surprising." Parmon spoke as Dragon Booster just blinked, watching the dust cloud we kicked up.
"You know we do need the Light Booster to want to help us." Dragon Booster commented and the Shadow Booster ignored him, looking off into the distance. "We'll go after her and make sure the pair of them keep out of trouble." Dragon Booster sighed. "Come on, Beau."
As they rushed away the Shadow Booster climbed onto Decepshun's back before she rushed after her rider's rival. For a moment everyone just watched both riders and dragons chase after us then Kitt finally spoke.
"Great so what do we do?" She muttered and Lance laughed, about to go follow until Parmon's Viddcom beeped and the Dragon Booster's face appeared.
"You guys head back to the stables, let me worry about the Light Booster." He told them, hanging up before Parmon could protest and Kitt rolled her eyes.
"Its the Shadow Booster's fault and we get stuck taking orders. Tyhpical. Come on, let's go." She sighed as she urged Wyldfir back to the Penn Stables.
"I never get to have any fun." Lance complained as Fracshun followed the red dragon, letting out a whimper.
A little shocked at me for slapping Moordryd across the face I heard Quiksilva snort before he spoke, concentrating on the road ahead.
You shouldn't have done that, he said and when I didn't speak he sighed slowing. You care about him don't you?
"Don't know anymore." I muttered, not even looking when Artha called out for us to slow down. Even if I didn't want to talk to anyone but my dragon, Quiksilva had other ideas and he skidded to a halt. "Quiksilva?"
"Rayne, he didn't mean it. You know how Moordryd is." Artha started and I snorted, making him roll his eyes. "I can't believe I'm actually saying this but give him another chance."
"What was that stablebrat?" Moordryd asked, Decepshun catching up to us and I crossed my arms. "Maybe you should watch your temper." He added, eyes drifting to me and I growled.
"You know that's actually pretty amusing coming from you, Paynn in the butt." I shot back, hearing Artha laugh before Moordryd glared at him. "You're always getting angry at Cain and he's your best friend."
"Why is that any of your business?" Moordryd answered as I climbed off Quiksilva's back, turning my back on him. "Look at me when I'm talking to you!" He yelled at me as he set his hand on my shoulder, not even seeing the fist that struck his jaw.
"Don't touch me!" I roared and everyone just stared, eyes wide as my own went silver. Once I realized what I'd done to Moordryd I froze. "What...am I doing?" I whispered looking towards the ground for a moment, wanting to apologize for striking my boyfriend. But when he tried to wrap an arm around my waist I stepped back, flinching a little. "I...I'm sorry." I mumbled and before anyone could stop me I ran, boots thudding across the road ahead.
Completely taken aback by my increasingly bizarre behaviour, both guys stood back as I fled from them. It wasn't until several minutes had passed that they finally realized following me was the best idea though I was well out of sight by this time.
"What is wrong with her? Going off alone like that." Moordryd growled as Decesphun took off after me, leaving Beau to glance up at his rider with his eyes wide.
"Yeah let's go. You coming, Quiksilva?" Artha sighed. Letting out a growl Quiksilva rushed after me, outrunning Decepshun in seconds. As they hurried after me, I was running full pelt along the road almost colliding with a dragon and her rider. I ignored the angry shout focused on putting as much distance as I could between myself and everyone else. Why I wasn't exactly sure but as I finally slowed down to catch my breath I heard Quiksilva let out a roar.
Rayne, slow down he called as he caught up magging me onto his back as he ran. Why are you avoiding us?
"I'm not! I mean I am but...I don't know what's wrong!" I shouted over the sound of his paws smacking the pavement and when he made a growling noise I sighed. "Look I just need some time to think about...things."
That doesn't make any sense and you know it, Quiksilva pointed out as he sped up. Besides you've been acting strange ever since Armeggaddon trained you.
"Maybe you were right and the training was too much for me." I muttered and he chuckled, clearly pleased with himself. "Don't get a big head. I said 'maybe'." I added letting out a giggle as he raced along. Pretty soon we came to the Penn Stables and I shook my head. "Not here."
Why not, Quiksilva asked as he slowed until he reached the stables. Before I could move he magged me gently to the ground. You need to clear your head and besides you can read that journal.
Leaving me standing there with my eyes wide he chuckled as he headed for the stable, looking forward to a drink. Sahking my head I reached for the medallion, instantly returning to my old self and as I headed after my dragon I heard someone shout at me.
"What do you think you're doing here?" Moordryd asked and I spun around, arms crossed against my chest. "Running off with your tail between your legs, huh?" He teased and I snarled arms now at my sides.
"Stay away from me." I growled as he jumped and landed next to Decepshun. Silently he approcahed and before my eyes removed his own medallion. As he changed back I narrowed my eyes, still not sure just why he had followed. "I'm warning you."
"Really? And am I supposed to be scared?" Moordryd taunted, giving me a sneer as he stepped in front of me. Furious with him and I didn't know why, I attacked using my legs to kick his out from under him. Even trained by Armeggaddon my blows had no effect and Moordryd countered with a knee to my stomach, winding me and giving him enough time to knock me on my back. "Give up?"
"Never...again." I gasped and he raised a pale eyebrow curious until I leapt forward, bringing my foot down on his boot. He yelped, moving back and I pressed my advantage. Which ended with Moordryd grabbing my boot in one hand and I found myself off-balance. With a twisted smile he shoved me backwards with his free hand and I landed hard on my back. "I won't...be weak again!" I shouted not worrying about the pain in my chest and he rolled his eyes, hand glowing before a black light slammed into me. It threw me several feet until I struck the stable wall, letting out a pained cry before I slowly slid down the wall ending up in a heap.
"Oh scales." Moordryd muttered as he hurried over, surprised when I shoved his arm away and climbed awkwardly to my feet. Holding a hand against my stomach I pushed past him, heading for the stable. Determined to help me Moordryd followed as I limped inside and as I leant against the wall, panting my dragon looked up from his water trough.
Muttering under my breath I straightened, making my way towards the back of the stable and just as I reached Quiksilva's side I stumbled. My dragon moved fast and suddenly I was standing on two very unstable legs, breathing heavily. Seeing me in pain Quiksilva gave Moordryd a cold glare.
"Don't give me that look. She attacked me first." Moordryd grumbled as he stood a foot from me, watching as I sat heavily. Getting two annoyed stares he shrugged instead.
"You're such...a jerk." I coughed as I rubbed my stomach, wincing. "I...don't know...what I'm doing." The last word was puncuated by a sudden sob and before Moordryd's eyes I started to sniff, eyes filling with tears. "I'm such...an idiot!" I yelled as I punched the floor only to whimper, cradling my hand against my chest.
"Take it easy. Are you trying to break your wrist?" Moordryd sighed as he moved to my side and sat, reaching over and I cringed. "Let me take a look." Giving him a wide-eyed stare, eyes full of tears I soon nodded. Taking my hand in his, he carefully slipped the glove off. "I can't take you anywhere." He muttered as he stared at my pale pink hand, checking it over for any broken bones. While I watched Moordryd gently touched each knuckle and I whimpered, blood dripping from three of my skinned knuckles.
"It hurts." I whimpered and he shook his head, bringing the hand closer to his face. Giving me a slight grin he opened his mouth and I gasped as his tongue slowly flicked over the first skinned knuckle. It stung at first, making me tense up though after a few seconds it actually felt pretty good and I managed a weak smile. Giving me a smile Moordryd's tongue started to work on the next knuckle and I leant back against Quiksilva, who tilted his head slightly to one side. "Mmm..."I mumbled and Moordryd chuckled, moving to the last knuckle and the moment his mouth started on it my eyelids flickered before they drifted closed.
"I think someone's enjoying this a little too much. What do you think, 'silva?" Moordryd chuckled as my head lolled back and Quiksilva snorted, rolling his eyes at me. "Yeah your rider's weird." He grinned as I opened one eye.
"No I'm...not. You're the one...licking my hand." I muttered as he very carefully sucked on my knuckles again. "Alright...enough."
"Nope. Not gonna happen." Moordryd muttered before he drapped an arm around my shoulders and I found myself blushing. "Now stay still and let me...help you." He whispered the last two words into my ear and I leant back against his chest as he sucked on my throat this time, keeping my arms pinned with his. Not like I wanted to move anyway.