Chapter 4

Over the next few days, the passengers of the Dracorex sailed all over the archipelago. Serenity had shown Dak and Layla two barracks down below where they could sleep. The dragons all slept on the top deck, under the stars. Serenity also cooked them breakfast, lunch and dinner each day; it helped her foot get better faster. During the day Rescue Riders and Draconians passed the time by telling about their respective adventures.

Then one morning; Layla woke up to the sound of flute music. She got up and went upstairs. The sun was already up and many of the dragons were already awake. Winger and Eclipse were playing air tag high over the ship's masts. Edelweiss was at the helm with Aggro and Burple. Cutter was watching Chris do maintenance on the ship's cannons. Summer was sitting next to Serenity, who was playing a wooden flute. The music was very beautiful and placid.

"Good morning Ms. Layla," said Serenity, pausing her playing for a second.

"Morning," said Layla. She hugged Summer, who hugged her back. Serenity went back to playing her flute. When she finished, she put the flute down.

"Wow, that's beautiful," said Summer.

"Thank you," Serenity said. "You guys ready for breakfast?" She got to her feet.

She made porridge with blackberries for the humans and the two adult nightly dragons returned with fish, lobsters, and oysters for all the dragons. Winger and Eclipse paused their game to eat their breakfast. Afterwards they went back up and roosted at the top of the tallest mast, taking over as lookouts.

"I wonder how Huttsgalore is getting on without us," Winger said.

"I'm sure they're fine," said Eclipse. "They've survived without you before."

"Maybe we should go check on them," said Winger, spreading his wings.

"Winger, relax," said Eclipse. "Dragons aren't always going to be around. More and more are going underground every year. Humans have to learn to survive without us." Winger folded his wings again, and looked at her.

"So it is true, dragons have begun disappearing," he said. "I've noticed that several dragons around here haven't been seen in a long time, like I haven't seen any other Swiftwings since we left home."

"Summer said her pod never came back for her," said Eclipse. "And I've never seen any other Razorwings or Rockspitters, Aggro's flock never came back for her either. Avalon suspects that they've all gone into Draco's Nest."

"Do you plan on going into hiding too?" Winger asked.

"It's better than being hunted for the rest of my life," said Eclipse. Winger looked out to the horizon. Just then something shot passed the mast at a blazing speed. Winger was almost knocked off by the gust of wind. Eclipse looked to see three Zoomerangs circling back towards them. Winger righted himself as the Zoomerangs hovered next to the mast. Two of them were yellow and black, while the one in the middle was navy blue and pink.

"Well well, hello Swiftwing," said the middle dragon. "Long time no see."

"Hey Blazo," said Winger. "Dart, Streak." He tried to not scowl. One of the yellow and black dragons then spotted Eclipse.

"Wow, look at that, the Swiftwing's found a girlfriend," he said. He sounded genially pleased.

"This is Eclipse," said Winger, he then looked at Eclipse. "And this is Dart, Streak, and Blazo."

"Ah, these are the Zoomerangs you raced?" said Eclipse.

"And lost to," Blazo taunted, snickering. Winger scowled at the ground. Eclipse growled defensively at Blazo. The female looked Eclipse up and down judgmentally. "I bet this one couldn't beat me either. Zoomerangs are the fastest dragons in the world." She did a high speed flip in mid air. But then Streak spotted Windwalker below.

"Um, Blazo, there's a Night Fury down there," he said. Blazo followed his gaze, and also saw Windwalker.

"Oh yeah, that's Mother," said Eclipse smugly.

"I've always wanted to race a Night Fury," said Blazo. "Let's go." She led her friends down to the deck. Eclipse and Winger followed. They landed as the Zoomerangs became aquatinted with Windwalker.

"Are you a real Night Fury?" Streak asked in awe.

"Yes," said Windwalker. "And you're Zoomerangs. I've heard of your kind." She flexed her elegant wings. "You claim to be the fastest dragons in the world."

"I thought King Toothless was the only Night Fury left," said Dart.

"There are a few others left," said Windwalker. "They've gone into hiding already."

"Can we race?" Blazo asked enthusiastically. "I've always dreamed of beating a Night Fury in a race." Windwalker narrowed her eyes.

"Not sure I want to," she said. "Winger here told us about the time he raced you and you tried to cheat. I don't like cheaters."

"I didn't cheat," Blazo protested. "Winger just got in my way." Windwalker, Eclipse, and Winger all growled, not convinced. Blazo sighed in defeat. "Oh all right I did cheat. But I promise I won't cheat this time." Windwalker looked over at Aurora who was listening to the Zoomerang's mind. She nodded, indicating that Blazo meant what she said.

"Very well," said Windwalker. The Zoomerangs all looked thrilled.

"Our island is very close to here," said Blazo. "We have a racing track there. I'll even let you pick the time." Windwalker considered.

"Sundown," she said. "Just me and Blazo." The Zoomerangs exchanged a glance, then nodded.

The Dracorex turned and headed for the Zoomerangs' island. Everyone talked excitedly about the coming race. Windwalker remained calm and confident. She rested the whole ride over, to reserve her strength. The three Zoomerangs were beyond excited. Blazo tried to ad a wager to the race, but Windwalker refused outright.

Before long they reached the island. It was still the afternoon so Windwalker took the time to scout out the Zoomerangs' race course. Everyone else gathered near the Zoomerangs' cave. Blazo looked over at Eclipse and Winger, and went over to them.

"This'll be so exciting," she said, she sat down right between Winger and Eclipse. "Say Winger, maybe after this we can do another race."

"No thanks," said Winger. He got up and went around to sit next to Eclipse again. Blazo looked disappointed, and a touch jealous.

All too soon; the sun went down and the race was about to begin. Windwalker calmly and confidently walked to the starting the line. Blazo landed next to her, stretching her limbs and wings. The atmosphere was very quiet with the high anticipation for the race. Then Tenor walked into the middle of the race track. He raised both his wings, counted to ten in his head, then dropped them really fast. Windwalker and Blazo took off with two loud whistles.

Who do you think should win this race? leave your opinions in the comments.