Get ready for the next great story in my upcoming series. It will tie in to their upcoming interaction with Slugterra, Storm Hawks, Hot Wheels Battle Force 10 and Max Steel.

Chapter 1: The Choosing Pt 1

(Intro):

'The Dragon is power. Once, they were our equals. Today, humans control the Dragon to race, compete and fight nearly 200 miles per hour. Now Dragons are once again ready to be released. And the power of the Great Dragon Phoenix will entrust the Golden Dragon to choose a young hero to save the planet. The Dragon Booster. The Golden Dragon and his Dragon Booster are the only thing that can stop me. I must have their power. Control the power and you control the world.'

"Billions of years ago, a great creature known as the Great Dragon Phoenix manifested itself when our universe was born. It possesses an unspeakable power that no other beings could ever imagine. It wandered throughout the cosmos for millennium until it found Planet Earth. And this was how it all began… The Great Dragon Phoenix created the most wonderous of creatures, the Dragons. For many years, the humans looked to the Great Dragon Phoenix as their god, worshiping it for creating the Dragons and bringing great peace. But then, 3000 years ago, a great evil emerged and started the great Dragon-Human war which threatened to rip apart the planet. But the Great Dragon Phoenix chose a hero and a Gold Dragon, the last of its kind, to wield its power. The Dragon Booster. This Dragon Booster and the last Gold Dragon released the Great Dragon Phoenix's full power to stop the fight and bring peace. But in our present time, the Dragons are controlled by humans…to race, compete and fight nearly 200 miles per hour! Now Dragons are once again ready to be released. The Dragon Booster…the Gold Dragon…the Great Dragon Phoenix…are the only things that can stop me." Word Paynn, owner of Paynn Inc., explained to his loyal followers, the Down City Crew, including his unwilling son, Moordryd.

"I have learned that the Gold-boned Dragon has been bred back into existence by my old friend…Connor Penn. He's holding a secret audition for riders. You will disguise yourselves as Elite-Class racers and infiltrate Connor's racing stable. You will take that Gold Dragon." He instructed. "Sir, you don't have to tell us how to steal Dragons. We've been stealing them for you for years." One of the followers said with a scoff. "The Great Dragon Phoenix cannot pass its power to a new Dragon Booster!" Word snapped. "The Gold Dragon and his Dragon Booster are the only thing that can stop me. I will use the Great Dragon Phoenix's power to start a new Dragon-Human war. And when it's over, I will rule the world."

Meanwhile, Moordryd and his best friend, Cain, snuck out of the meeting. "Are you sure we should be doing this? You know how your father is about you being friends with Connor Penn's kids." Cain said with concern. "I could care less about what my father says. The Penns have to know that my father is going after the Gold Dragon." Moordryd said.

In the upper city of Dragon City, traffic was all backed up by humans and their Dragons. "Traffic is snarled at Dragway 1138. I don't know if it's the heat, but phew! Those Dragons are acting crazy!" 2 Dragons were snapping at each other on the streets. "And now the street racing news. Kitt Raada Wonn is still the point leader. She's blowing away her competition in her last 3 races."

Meanwhile, Artha Tannis Penn was helping his 7 octuplet siblings, Benny, Charlie, Derek, Erika, Fallon, Gwen and Holly, and their younger quadruplet siblings, Isla, Jessica, Kurt and Lance, with cleaning up the Dragon droppings at their father's stables. They were taking a break to watch Artha play his racing vid-game against their friend, Parmon Sean. "Yeah!" Artha cheered as he passed one of the Dragons. "Nice pass, bro." Derek said. "Nice moves, Artha. Now you're only 3 Dragons behind me. Though next time, maybe use Blue Draconium Speed Gear and Red Maneuver Gear on a White Dragon." Parmon said from a different location. "Thanks, Parmon. But not everything's about strategy, Gear and Draconium Energy. Sometimes, in my case, you just have to be good at racing." Artha said. "He has a point." Kurt said. "Artha, do you know what a great Dragon Racer you can be?" Parmon asked. "Oh, he knows. But he still has that…problem." Erika said. "Yeah. I'm not sure if I can handle racing on real Dragons like I do on our vid-game. Especially after what happened last time." Artha said sadly. His siblings were sad to hear their older brother talk like this. "You still stressing out from failing your previous trial for the Racing Academy?" Parmon asked. "Every day. No matter which Dragon I train on, I'm still haunted by that fail." Artha said.

Just then, the black and gold Dragon, whom the Penns named Beau, walked over to them and nuzzled Artha. "Thanks, Beau. You always know how to cheer me up." Artha said, petting Beau. Ever since they were born, Artha and Beau shared a brotherly bond. "So, how do you like the new wireless controllers I built?" Parmon asked. "See, I got a hold of some Draconium capacitors, rewired the bypass on the old gear contacts, then I re-routed the switching devices…" Suddenly, the controller started sparking. "It…Well, it needs some tweaking." Parmon said sheepishly. "Parm, it needs fixing." Artha said. "You think?" Benny asked sarcastically. Beau nudged Artha. "Okay, Beau. Here you go." Artha said, giving Beau a Draconi-yum bar.

"Hey, Penns!" Moordryd's voice called. The Penns turned to see him and Cain walking over to them. "Hey, Moordryd. Cain. Good to see you guys." Artha said as he got up and greeted Moordryd with a soul-brother handshake. "What's going on, guys? Something tells me this isn't a social visit." Gwen said. "You're told right, Gwen. We have an important message for your father." Cain said. "What's the message?" Lance asked. "It's my dad. He knows about Beau." Moordryd said. That made the Penns worried.

Later, the Penns brought Moordryd and Cain inside the stables, where their father, Connor Jacksun Penn, was sweeping the floor. "Dad, we brought visitors." Artha said, gesturing to Moordryd and Cain. "Ah, Moordryd. Cain. Nice to see you boys again." Connor said. "You too, Mr. Penn. Sure wish it was under better circumstances." Moordryd said. "What's going on?" Connor asked. "My father knows about Beau. He's sending his followers to infiltrate your secret audition today." Moordryd explained. "No doubt to steal Beau." Connor said with a serious tone. "So, what're we gonna do?" Artha asked. "We do what we always do around here, Artha. We'll keep Beau safe. For we always help each other out." Connor said. "Speaking of which, how's your leg doing, Derek?" Holly asked. "It hurts a little bit, but it's doing okay." Derek said, rubbing his right knee, which was bandaged. About 10 years ago, Derek had a terrible accident. He, Artha, Benny and Charlie were playing near a slope. But then he slipped and badly injured his leg.

"Kids, why don't you go out and prepare Beau for the audition? I need to speak with Artha about something." Connor said. The 11 Penns, Moordryd and Cain walked out of the stables to prepare Beau. "You know, Artha, you and Beau are both 16 now, along with your other 7 siblings. Maybe you should audition with the other racers and get back to racing to find out just what great things you're both capable of." Connor said. "I don't know, Dad. After I failed the trials for the Racing Academy, I don't know if I'm ready for real racing again." Artha said. "Don't be so sure, Artha. There are great things for all of you. I should know. I've raised all of you from pups." Connor said as he walked away. Artha put all of this to thought before joining the rest of his family.

Later, the racers who came for the audition gathered outside the stables as Connor greeted them. "Thank you all for coming today. You are the best Street and Elite-Class Racers in Dragon City. And I want all of you to meet my new Dragon." He explained. The stable doors opened to reveal Beau, equipped with high level gear colors. "I believe that he will be the most powerful Dragon on the planet." Connor said. The undercover Down City crewmembers stared at Beau. 'The Gold Dragon of legend.' One of them thought. "What's that, Connor? Level 6 White Aero Gear, 5 Blue Balance, 5 Red Speed Boost?" One of the racers asked, gesturing to the gear. "He can fully magnetize and use all gear colors and levels." Connor said. "A Dragon that uses all colors? No Dragon does that." Another racer said. "See for yourself." Connor said before nodding to Beau, who magnetized 2 pieces of gear that 2 of the racers were carrying and equipped them to himself, shocking all of the racers.

Moordryd, who was hiding his face under a mask, walked over to Connor, whispered in his ear and pointed over to the Down City crewmembers. He walked right up to them. "I'm told you 3 are from the Down City Crew." He said. "What're you gonna do about it, old man?" One of them asked rudely. Conner noticed a crew symbol on the racer's tunic. "The mark of the Dragon Eye Crew, huh? My stables are off limits to Down City crewmembers. Leave now." He demanded. The Down City Crew scoffed before they started to leave. "And tell my old friend, Word, I said…hello." Connor said. "Oh, we'll give him the message, Penn scum." One of them said venomously. 'Moordryd was right. Word knows about the Gold Dragon.' Connor thought. "Please excuse me." He said.

He walked inside the stables to speak with his children. "Kids, it's time you know." He said as he reached into his shirt and took out an amulet. "What's that?" Artha asked. "It's something I had since I was 16-years-old, much like the 8 of you are now. It was given to me and your mother by a secret order of Dragon Priests, who warned us of an ancient legend." Connor explained.

[Flashback]

A younger Connor, along with his girlfriend, Fira, stood before a group of Dragon Priests. "A terrible war is coming, young ones. A war between dragons and humans. Only the return of the Gold Dragon of legend can stop this war. And only if the Great Dragon Phoenix finds a new vessel who can help the Gold Dragon release his secret power..." The front Dragon Priest explained as he placed the amulet around Connor's neck.

[Flashback End]

"…a Dragon Booster." Connor finished as he put the amulet around Artha's neck. "A Dragon Booster?" Charlie asked. "That sounds cool." Holly said. "But why give the amulet to me?" Artha asked. "To keep it safe in case anything happens. If Beau is the Dragon of legend and he chooses, the very same star mark will emerge on his head. If that happens, give the amulet to the chosen one. The one Beau chooses will be the vessel for the Great Dragon Phoenix. The Dragon Booster." Connor explained. Artha looked at the amulet. Since he was going to audition, he started to wonder if he might be chosen.

Later, the first racer mounted himself onto Beau's saddle. "'Mags all gears?' Right. Let's take him for a spin around the…" He started to say. But just then, Beau used his mag power to lift the racer off his saddle and tossed him to the ground, making the others cringe. Beau chuckled at this. The other racers were now reluctant to try out. "Mags all gear." Artha said as Beau mags a second racer off his back and slammed him into the Penn's Stables sign. "But not the rider." Lance said. The racer slid down the sign and fell to the ground, making the others cringe again. "It looks like Beau won't choose anyone." Connor said.

Just then, another racer was approaching the stables. The Dragon skidded to a stop, creating a huge dust cloud that hit everyone. When the dust cleared, the racer revealed herself to be none other than Kitt Raada Wonn, 3-time point leader in the street races and another good friend of the Penns. "Okay, the rest of you can go home." She said. "Hey, uh, Kitt." Artha greeted shyly. "Oh. Hi, Artha." Kitt greeted back, feeling flustered. Artha and Kitt both had feelings for each other since they were 11-years-old. But they never found the courage to tell each other because they were afraid of feeling rejected. "Oh, great! Kitt Raada Won. She thinks she's the best Dragon Racer anywhere." One of the racers said. "I beat most of you last week in the Fire Cave, didn't I?" Kitt asked smugly as she walked past them. She walked up and prepared to mount Beau. "Now, pay attention." Artha watched carefully as she got on Beau's back. "She's on!" One of the racers exclaimed in shock. Artha and his siblings were impressed. "That's how it's done." Kitt said. But then, Beau magged her off his back. He liked Kitt, but she wasn't the one. He tossed her away and she landed on Artha. "You okay?" Artha asked. "Yeah. I'm fine. A little miffed, but fine." Kitt said. "Luckily, you landed on me then." Artha joked. Kitt chuckled as she got off of him out of embarrassment. Both of them blushing hard.

"Anybody else?" Connor asked. All of the other racers just shook their heads with negativity. "Hey, Artha, why don't you give it a try?" Kitt asked. "Yeah. Give it a shot, bro." Derek said. "Well…I don't know." Artha said, feeling unsure. "Here, you'll need my old racing jacket." Connor said, giving Artha his racing jacket. "I don't know, Dad. I know I do well on the vid-game, but this is real life." Artha said. "Artha, listen. The Dragon is just like the great power within you. Relax, open your mind and release that power. Release the Dragon." Connor said. "Show 'em what you got, Artha." Kitt said, giving Artha a spare helmet. Artha and Beau stared at each other, knowing that they had to try.

Artha put on the jacket and the helmet and proceeded to get on Beau's back. "I don't know about this. Do you really trust me that much, Beau?" He asked. Beau growled in a friendly tone. "You know I can't understand you. But I think I know what you're saying." Artha said as he petted Beau. Then he gave a big sigh. "Sometimes I wish I could understand you." He then got on Beau's back. But this time, he wasn't magged off Beau's back like the others. Instead, Beau began to vibrate. "What's going on?" Lance asked in concern for Artha and Beau. As everyone looked on, the star symbol of the Dragon Booster appeared on Beau's head. Artha was then shown a vision.

[Vision]

Artha found himself floating in a dark orange void. The Great Dragon Phoenix stood before him. "Artha Tannis Penn, I choose you to be my new vessel. It is time for the Dragon Booster to be awakened once again." It said as it started to glow brightly.

[Vision End]

Artha was shocked from what he had just seen. He looked at Beau, who now had the symbol on his head. "Beau, does this mean?" He asked. "Yes, Artha. The Great Dragon Phoenix has chosen you as its new vessel, to be the new Dragon Booster." Beau said telepathically. Artha was surprised to hear Beau speak. "Beau! You can talk?!" He exclaimed in surprise. "Yes. It is one of many gifts that are bestowed to the Dragon Booster. The ability to understand Dragons." Beau said. Artha's siblings, Moordryd, Cain, Kitt and the other racers were surprised to see that Beau had chosen Artha. But Connor looked on with a smile, knowing that Artha had the gift to be chosen as the Great Dragon Phoenix's vessel.

Later that night, the Penn Family settled in their house. Artha kept looking at the amulet. "You know, I've always known you had the gift, Artha." Connor said as he came in with refreshments. "The gift? What gift?" Artha asked. But before Connor could explain, there was a cluttering sound coming from outside. "What was that?" Kurt asked. Everyone looked outside the window and saw 3 shadowy figures sneaking towards the stables. "Wait here. I'll go check it out." Derek said. "You want some help? Charlie asked. "Thanks, but I'll be okay." Derek assured. He walked outside to see what the fuss was about. Then he saw 3 people breaking into Beau's stable. They were bearing the mark of the Dragon Eye Crew. "Down City crewmembers? I gotta warn Dad." Derek whispered. But before he could go back inside, an explosion went off in the house. Beau woke up to the sound of the explosion. "Oh no! Dad! Artha! Guys!" Derek exclaimed with worry as he ran back into the house while limping due to his injured leg.

Once the Down City Crew opened the stable door, Beau got ready to attack. But the Down City Crew were prepared for this as he charged towards them. "Green Trapping Gear! Now!" The leader ordered. One of the crewmembers fired a Green Draconium Snare, stopping Beau at the door. But Beau struggled against the Gear, trying to snap at the leader. Just then, he prepared to use his Mag Burst. "Look out! Mag Burst!" One of the crewmembers exclaimed. "Black Control Gear! Now!" The leader ordered. The crewmembers each tossed a device at Beau's front legs, forcing them to contract and lower his front to the floor. Moordryd and Cain were watching this from the rooftops. "We've got to get down there and help Beau!" Moordryd exclaimed. Cain nodded before the 2 took off.

Derek burst through the door. "Dad! Artha! Guys! Where are you?!" He called out. "Derek!" Artha called as he, Connor and the others popped out from behind the counter. "You guys alright?" Derek asked. "Yeah, we're fine." Jessica said. "We have to get out of here!" Connor exclaimed. But suddenly, the support beams gave out and blocked the door, trapping the Penn Family. "We're trapped!" Lance cried. "HELP!" "PLEASE! HELP US!" "HELP!" The Penn Family all screamed.

Meanwhile, outside, the Down City Crew strapped Beau to one of their Dragons, ready to take him to Word. Just then, Moordryd and Cain, wearing masks and armed with staffs, leapt down in front of them. "Let that Dragon go! Now!" Moordryd exclaimed. "Who are you to give orders to the Down City crew?! Do you know who we work with?!" The leader exclaimed. "All too well. Which is why we're here to stop you." Moordryd said. "Very well. Eliminate these street rats." The leader ordered. The crewmembers drew their staffs and prepared to fight. Moordryd and Cain charged and started to fight. The 2 of them were very skilled fighters, having been trained by Word to steal Dragons since childhood. As they fought, Beau hears the Penns screaming for help. "HELP US!" Holly screamed. "WE'RE UP HERE!" Isla screamed. Beau roared as he struggled to pull free from his restraints. Moordryd, Cain and the Down City Crew stopped fighting as they saw this. "Impossible! He's breaking free?! Stop him! I WANT THAT DRAGON!" The leader demanded. Moordryd struck him on the head. But one of the crewmembers struck him back, knocking off his mask. He and Cain gasped at this. But before any of the Down City Crew could recognize Moordryd, Beau broke free from the Black Control Gear, getting the Down City Crew's attention and allowing Moordryd and Cain time to escape. Beau started glowing, preparing another Mag Burst. "Look out! Another Mag Burst!" One of the crewmembers exclaimed. Beau released his burst, snagged the Down City Crew and tossed them aside roughly.

Meanwhile, Connor and the octuplets led the quadruplets to the air duct. "Through there. It leads outside." Artha said. "But it's too small for the rest of you." Isla said. "Just go!" Connor ordered. Isla, Jessica, Kurt and Lance climbed into the air duct and crawled forward. As more wreckage fell inside the house, Artha looked at his amulet, thinking that he'll never get the chance to be the Dragon Booster. Connor put a comforting hand on his eldest son's shoulder. Suddenly, Beau burst through the wall. "Beau! Are we happy to see you!" Artha exclaimed as he hops on his Dragon's back. "Now let's get out of here!" Connor exclaimed. Artha and Beau burst through the other wall while Connor and the octuplets followed behind. They regrouped with the quadruplets. "Are you guys alright?" Lance asked in worry. "We're fine. Thanks to Beau." Artha said, patting his Dragon on the head.

But the Down City Crew were coming down the corner. "Let's go! Hurry!" Connor exclaimed. The Penns ran for it and Derek was being carried by Benny since he can't run fast enough due to his injured leg. But the leader snatched Artha with another Green Trapping Gear and pulled him off Beau. The others were too busy running to even notice. Artha got back up and turned to face the Down City Crew. "We got him!" The leader exclaimed as the crew prepared to chain Artha up. Artha felt his fear building up. And suddenly, he unleashed a large orange energy wave, sending the Down City Crew flying and crashing to the ground, knocking them out. And then, the Great Dragon Phoenix appeared over Artha, letting out a loud shriek roar before it disappeared. Afterwards, Artha passed out. Beau came back, picked him up and carried him away.

Unfortunately, the Down City Crew's tunics were equipped with body cameras. Word was watching the whole thing from his company's headquarters. "So, the Great Dragon Phoenix has chosen its new vessel. And it happens to be Connor's first-born son no less. Good. Now I know who my new target is. The power of the Great Dragon Phoenix will be mine." He declared.

Later, Artha started to recover. As he woke up, he found his siblings and Kitt watching over him. "Hey, big bro. You doing alright?" Kurt asked. Artha groaned as he slowly sat up. "Yeah. Yeah, I think I'm okay." He said. "Oh, thank Draconis." Kitt said as she gave Artha a gentle hug. "Where are we?" Artha asked. "Squire's End. Deep in Down City." Charlie said. Just then, there was a rumbling sound. "Well, well, well. Right on time as usual." Fallon said. Parmon and his Dragon, Cyrano, appeared in front of them. Beau started getting hostile. "It's okay, Beau. It's just Parmon and Cyrano." Artha said as Cyrano mags Parmon gently on deck. "I got your call. What are you lot doing in Squire's End?! This is Down City Crew territory. Not even Dragon Security comes down here." Parmon said. "Somebody tried to steal Beau, and then me. I passed out and this is where Beau brought me when I woke up." Artha said. "Parmon, did you get what I asked for?" Connor asked. "Yes, sir." Parmon said. "Get what?" Artha asked. "I went to the stables and got this." Parmon said, pulling up Connor's racing jacket.

"So, who tried to steal Beau?" Kitt asked. "I saw the symbol of the crew. A black Dragon Eye." Derek said. "The Dragon Eye Crew. They're part of the Down City Crew, loyal to Word Paynn." Connor said. "So, Moordryd's dad's responsible for what happened." Artha said. "Moor always said his dad was scum." Holly said. "Down City Crew has spies all over the city! If they want you and Beau, they can track you down! They can pay people to talk! They can-" Parmon exclaimed as he panicked. "Parmon, take it easy, man!" Benny exclaimed. "I'm hungry." Lance said. "We all are, little brother." Erika said. "And what about food? Do you lot realize how much a Dragon like Beau needs to eat?" Parmon asked.

"So, what are we gonna do?" Gwen asked. "Artha, I think you should take up Street Racing." Connor said. "Street Racing?" Artha asked. "What?!" Parmon asked in shock. "A best defense is a good offense. We need money, food, and the Down City Crews race in the All City Races. It's our best chance to go after them." Connor explained. "He's right. And I'm gonna help you. I'll teach you all the ropes on Street Racing, Artha." Kitt said. "But you can't! They'll identify you and Beau, and certainly make another attempt to capture you both." Parmon said. Artha started to think on that. "Beau, is there a way you can disguise yourself so we won't be recognized?" He asked. "Actually, I'm glad you asked." Beau said. Just then, he started to glow. And suddenly, his colors changed from black and gold to red and blue. Everyone was surprised by this. "Did you see that?!" Derek asked. "He changed color!" Lance exclaimed. "I see it. I just don't believe it." Parmon said. "It's the perfect disguise to hide Beau's true colors for the moment." Connor said. "But what does this mean?" Parmon asked. "It means Artha can race Beau." Lance said. "It also means we can do a whole lot more." Artha said, looking at his amulet as he foresaw all of his upcoming adventures with his family, his friends and especially Beau.

Meanwhile, the Down City Crew reported back to Word. "I'm sorry, Mr. Paynn, sir! The Dragon escaped, as did the boy!" The leader said with a tone of fear. Word was furious, but he decided to spare the crewmembers' lives. "Leave my sight!" He ordered. The crewmembers ran out of his office in fear. Word then looked back at his monitor, showing Artha's face. "Once I have Connor's son, the power of the Great Dragon Phoenix will be mine. And then the new Dragon-Human war will begin and I will rule the world in the end." He declared.

Well, I hope you liked the start of our next adventure. Artha Tannis Penn has bonded with his Golden Dragon, Beau, and has been chosen as the vessel of the Great Dragon Phoenix. But now the wicked forces of Word Payne are after his power. Will Artha and his family and friends be able to stop Word and his evil plan? Is there something more to the power of this Great Dragon Phoenix? Leave a review if you'd like.