Chapter 10: All is Not Lost

(Intro)

The Boosters were dealing with another ambush by the Dragon Eye crew. Beau magged a couple of them and tossed them into the streets, knocking them out. Kitt fired her flamethrowers from her arm cannons, forcing a few more back. Derek fired a few magma balls from his hands, knocking several crew members off their Dragons. Kurt created a veil of smoke, covering the streets to blind the remaining crew members. "Where'd they go?" One crew member asked. Just then, Libris snuck up behind them and surprised them.

"Oh, great plan, Rancydd. If it's to get our butts kicked by the Boosters, guess what. It's working." Swayy said sarcastically. "Shut it, Swayy! This way." Rancydd said, leading Swayy down the maze of alleys. Meanwhile, Connor, Parmon, Moordryd, Cain and Artha's siblings spotted them. "They're getting away!" Lance exclaimed. "No, they're not. According to my map calculations, we are here. At 57 degrees north longitude, level 16 and 17 of Mid-City, making that area here, this one, the terminus of 5 different Dragon City Streets." Parmon explained, nearly making everyone fall asleep. "In other words, it's a dead end." Artha said through the com-link. "You think you could just say that it's a dead-end next time?" Kitt asked. "I did. That's what I said. Isn't it?" Parmon asked. "Honestly, we stopped listening to you 3 minutes ago." Cain said.

As Rancydd and Swayy continued riding through the alleys, Rancydd looked back to see if the Boosters were following. But after seeing that they were nowhere in sight, he stopped his Dragon in its tracks. Swayy stopped next to him. "Why are you stopping?!" She exclaimed. "I'm waiting for the Boosters." Rancydd said. "WHAT?! Are you crazy?! Come on!" Swayy exclaimed before continuing. As the Boosters started following, Rancydd continued running. Just then, Swayy stopped as she reached the dead end. A wall showing advertisement vids. "Dead end. Great. This was your plan?" She asked sarcastically as Rancydd joined her. "No. The plan is to capture the Dragon Booster and his Gold Dragon, and bring them to Lord Paynn. His plan." Rancydd explained as he gestured to a device on the wall. "Lord Paynn's Vid Jacks. Exciting." Swayy said. "Use your White Repel Gear and follow me." Rancydd said. They activated their Dragon's White Gears, fired grappling hooks at the top of the wall and climbed their way to the top.

As the Boosters arrived at the wall, they saw that Rancydd and Swayy were gone. "Hey, where'd they go?" Derek asked. "How could they escape? This is a dead end." Kurt said. "Guys, can you see them?" Kitt asked through her com-link. But then, the jack device became activate. "Beau, you sense it too?" Artha asked, sensing the device. "Yes. I can sense it. A Black Gear is nearby." Beau said. "Guys? Hello?" Kitt called through the com-link, but the signal was jammed by the jack device. "What's going on?" Gwen asked to Parmon. "Something's interfering with the vid signal." Parmon said. "What's going on?" Kurt asked to Kitt. "Something's jamming our signal." Kitt said. Just then, Artha realized. "IT'S A TRAP!" He exclaimed. Just then, the jack device set off a bright light, blinding them for a second. As they regained their sight, the advertisement vids were replaced by vid transmissions of Wraith Dragons. "Wraith Dragons!" Kurt cried. "No, it's just a vid transmission." Artha said. Suddenly, the floor beneath them started to move. "What's going on now?" Derek asked. "Move! Quickly!" Artha exclaimed. Too late, the floor already unveiled a trap door. The Boosters screamed as they fell down a pipe. "Parmon, what happened?" Moordryd asked. "I've lost contact with them! It was a trap!" Parmon said. "We gotta get down there!" Lance exclaimed. "Artha. Kitt. Derek. Kurt." Connor said with worry. Just then, the vids of the Wraith Dragons changed to a cackling Word Paynn.

Later, the others made it down to the trap door. "They must've fallen into the pipe." Parmon deduced. "We have to go after them!" Lance exclaimed. "Lance is right. They need us." Gwen said. "But go after them where? That pipe connects with a hundred others. It could lead anywhere and go 20 miles into the Under City." Parmon said. "Well, we can't just sit here and do nothing!" Charlie exclaimed. Just then, Parmon noticed the jack device. "Hello. Look at this. Very interesting. Bypass interfaces, signal amplifiers." He deduced as he examined the device. "Looks like one of my father's Vid Jackers. That's what's been jamming the vid signals." Moordryd said. "Guys, what're we gonna do?" Holly asked worriedly.

Meanwhile, the Boosters and their Dragons continued falling through the pipe until they exited into a very non-welcoming place. "Ow. Is everyone okay?" Artha asked. Everyone groaned as they recovered. "We're okay, Artha." Kitt said. "I've felt worse when my leg was injured." Derek said. "I don't know what was scarier. Those vids up there or this place." Kurt said, not liking the surroundings. "What is this place anyway?" Derek asked. "Beau, is this what I think it is?" Artha asked. "Yes. The Wastelands of Loan." Beau said. "That's what I thought. I've read about this place. Never thought I'd actually get to see it." Artha said. "Parmon. Moordryd. Can anyone hear me? Guys. Is anyone there?" Kitt asked through the com-link, but all she got was static. "It's no good, Kitt. We're out of range." Derek said. "I don't like it down here." Beau said, feeling a darkness in the area. "I know, Beau. I sense it too. Good thing we're not staying for long. Let's climb out of here and get back to Mid-City." Artha said. Just then, he stepped in something. It was a footprint. "Footprints. Boosters, we're not alone. On your Dragons now!" Artha called. As the Boosters got on their Dragons, something was stomping towards them. "Wraith Dragons!" Kitt exclaimed as 2 Wraith Dragons dropped their invisibility. "They must've followed us down here." Derek guessed. "No. They were waiting for us." Artha said. The Wraith Dragons fired from their Green Gears. But Artha swatted them aside with his staff. "2 Wraith Dragons are worse than one!" Kitt exclaimed as she fired her fire cannons. But the Wraith Dragons leapt over the fire attack. "We gotta get out of here!" Kurt said, creating a giant cloud of smoke. The Wraith Dragons went through the cloud and saw the Boosters escaping with their Dragons. The Wraith Dragons roared as they started to chase after them.

"This way! Across that bridge!" Artha exclaimed as they came to as stone bridge. But as they started crossing, the bridge started falling apart. The Dragons quickly leapt off the bridge and landed on the other side before the bridge completely collapsed. The Wraith Dragons stopped in their tracks, seeing no way for them to leap that far across. "That was close." Derek said. "Yeah. At least the Wraith Dragons are over there and we're over here." Kurt said. Suddenly, there was a loud growling noise nearby. The Boosters and Dragons turned and saw a giant dragon silhouette standing on a stone wall. "With whatever that is." Kurt said with worry. "What is that?" Kitt asked. "I don't know. But Beau and I can sense some bad energy coming off that Dragon. We need to go now." Artha said. The Boosters turned and ran as the giant Dragon watched them. "I am the least of your troubles, young heroes. Keep running, Boosters. Keep running to the cave of the Muhorta. Right into my trap." Word said, revealing himself to be riding the giant Dragon.

Later, the Boosters stopped in an old crystal city to take stock on their supplies. "Okay. Looks like we lost them for now." Artha said. "I'm hungry." Beau said. "I know, buddy. We don't have a lot. So, we'll have to ration our food." Artha said. "Good thought." Derek agreed. Suddenly, there was a weird noise in the air, startling everyone. "Okay. Someone please say that was their stomach." Kurt said, feeling scared. "That's not anyone's stomach." Artha said. Just then, a shadow zipped by. "What was that?" Kitt asked, startled. The shadow appeared again. "Is someone there?" Derek asked. The shadow zipped past again. "It's everywhere." Kurt said. "Be on your guard, team." Artha said as he got his staff ready. Everyone kept their guard up. "Huh? Behind us!" Beau exclaimed, sensing the mysterious person's presence. "Behind us!" Artha called. Everyone turned around, but there was no one. And all their supplies were suddenly gone! "Our Flashsticks! And our food!" Kurt exclaimed with worry. "Everything's gone!" Kitt exclaimed. Suddenly, there was a loud rumble. Everyone peeked out and saw a dust cloud coming towards them. "And things just got a lot worse." Artha said.

The Boosters rode their Dragons out of their hiding spot as the Wraith Dragons chased after them. "Quick! Inside that cave!" Artha called. They ran into a nearby cave as the Wraith Dragons ran by. "Whoa, it's dark in here. I can't see a thing." Kurt said. "Beau, think you can give us some light?" Artha asked. "Coming right up." Beau said. He glowed gold as he lit up the cave. "There we go. This'll be a good place to stay for a while." Artha said. "I don't know, Artha. I don't like it in here." Kurt said. "I don't like it either, Artha. Even with it lit up, it's pretty creepy." Derek said. "Guys, we have to hide here. It's 10 miles up to Mid-City, Word's forces are after us, and someone else is taking our stuff. Like it or not, we got no other choice." Artha said as he explained. "Artha's right. We need to hide. As well as rest." Kitt said. The Dragons nodded in agreement. Derek and Kurt were hesitant, but agreed. "Alright. Let's get out of these suits for now. We'll be safe in here." Artha said as he deactivated his armor. Kitt, Derek and Kurt did the same. Unknown to them, the mysterious person who was following them was watching them from inside the cave.

Meanwhile, the others returned to the ancient temple and told Mortis everything that happened. "This is most troubling indeed. Those pipes only lead to one place. The Wastelands of Loan." Mortis revealed. "The Wastelands of what?" Parmon asked. "Wait. There's something you don't know?" Lance asked with interest. "Yes. I believe that Word attempts to drive our beloved Boosters and their Dragons to the cave of the Muhorta." Mortis said. "The what?" Parmon asked. "2 things? Someone get me a pen. I wanna write this down." Lance said. Gwen smacked him on the head. "Please, Mortis, what is this Muhorta?" Jessica asked. Mortis used her staff and projected an image of the Muhorta Dragon. "The Muhorta is an ancient Dragon that feeds on Draconium energy. Like a vampire." She explained. "Vampire?!" Parmon exclaimed in shock. "So, that's it. My father wants the Muhorta to drain Beau so he can capture him and Artha more easily." Moordryd guessed. "Yes. If the Muhorta drains Beau, Word can easily take him and Artha, and then he'll be completely free to start his Dragon-Human war." Mortis explained. "Then we have to do something." Fallon said. "Artha, Kitt, Derek and Kurt are all alone." Parmon said. "As are we." Lance said. Mortis looked at the sad young Penn and put a comforting hand on him. "No. You're not alone. You have yourselves and each other. Artha, Kitt, Derek and Kurt also have each other and their Dragons." She said. "They're our friends and we're going after them." Moordryd said. "The path to the cave of the Muhorta is full of creatures and traps. It is very dangerous." Mortis said. "Don't worry, Mortis. We'll stick together." Connor said. "I know you will." Mortis said.

Meanwhile, Artha, Kitt and Kurt were resting with their Dragons while Derek and Volcanya were keeping watch at the cave entrance. Artha gave a big yawn. "I'm so tired. I'm alone." He said with sadness. "Artha, that's not true." Kitt said. "She's right, Artha. You have us." Beau said. "I know, guys. But I feel alone without the others. I haven't felt this lonely since I lost my mother." Artha said when he mentioned his late mother with a sad tone. Kitt and Beau snuggled up to him with comfort.

Meanwhile, as the others return to the trap door, Parmon was doing some calculations. "Allowing for the trajectory, Artha, Kitt, Derek, Kurt and the Dragons combined weight, pipe's internal water pressure, gravitational forces, coupled with fluid velocity…" He went on as he paced. The others were growing tired from his big word talk. "Doesn't he ever speak normally?" Erika asked. Just then, Cain fell over and fell asleep. "Oh, Cain, really?" Moordryd asked in amusement. As the others went to help Cain, Charlie and Dyonne, the light brown Dragon Artha cured from the Horn of Libris race, looked down into the pipe. "I wonder how far they went to reach the Wastelands." Charlie said. Suddenly, he lost his balance and screamed as he fell. The others turned as they heard his scream. "Charlie!" They cried as Dyonne leapt in after him.

Meanwhile, back in the cave, Artha, Kitt, Derek, Kurt and their Dragons slept. Kitt was snuggled in Artha's arms. Suddenly, Artha started stirring in his sleep. Beau sensed this and woke up. "Artha? You alright?" He asked. Artha just kept stirring as he started having a dream.

[Dream]

Artha dreamt about the day Connor gave him the Dragon Booster's medallion. "Kids, it's time you all know." Connor said as he took out the medallion. "What's that?" Artha asked. "I've had this since I was 16-years-old, just like the 8 of you are now. It was given to me and your mother by a secret order of Dragon Priests who warned me of an ancient legend." Connor explained.

The dream showed images of the possible upcoming war between humans and Dragons. "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 if the Great Dragon Phoenix finds a new vessel who can help the Gold Dragon release his secret power." The Priest explained.

The dream showed the day of the auditions. When Artha sat on Beau, when the Great Dragon Phoenix chose him as its vessel. "The one Beau chooses will be the vessel for the Great Dragon Phoenix. The Dragon Booster." Connor explained. The dream showed Artha in his Dragon Booster Mode standing with 4 other boys. One had blackish-blue hair and wore a subterranean outfit with an orange star mixed with an S, wielding a blaster and a sword made of crystal. One had red spikey hair and wore armor with a white metal hawk mark, wielding 2 twin blades fueled with energy and riding a gust of wind. One had blonde hair and wore a crimson red body suit with a 10 symbol on his left chest, wielding 2 swords, one made of crimson fire. One wore an alien suit, wielding a blaster and a sword, both fueling with energy. As the 5 of them stood together, the Great Dragon Phoenix appeared behind them and gave a loud shriek.

[Dream End]

Artha woke up as the others looked at him with concern and worry. "You okay, Artha?" Kurt asked. "What happened, man?" Derek asked. "I had a weird dream. It was the day Dad gave me my medallion. Then I saw carvings of the war, predicted by the Dragon Priests. And the day the Great Dragon Phoenix chose me as its vessel. Then I was standing with 4 other men." Artha explained. "Who were they?" Kitt asked. "I don't know. They were each dressed in different kinds of armor and wielded weapons I've never seen before. I woke up as the Great Dragon Phoenix appeared and gave his traditional shriek." Artha explained. Kitt, Derek, Kurt and the Dragons looked at each other. "But seeing me and the Great Dragon Phoenix together with those guys gave me an idea." Artha said. "What's that?" Derek asked. "If the Great Dragon Phoenix, the original Boosters and the Gold Dragon stopped the entire war long ago, then we should be able to figure out a way out of the Wastelands. Together." Artha explained. "He's right." Kitt agreed. "Together, there's probably nothing we can't do." Derek said. "But I wish the others were here." Kurt said sadly. "Yeah, you're right. Parmon would know what to do." Derek said.

Meanwhile, the others looked down the pipe. "This is the same pipe that Artha, Kitt, Derek, Kurt, Charlie and the Dragons fell down in. I'm sure of it." Parmon said.

"Our dad would know just what to say." Kurt said.

"Kids, stay back!" Connor exclaimed as Isla, Jessica and Lance ran up.

"And, of course, our other siblings, they would just be themselves." Artha said. "Indeed." Beau said.

"Let us see!" Lance exclaimed. But then, his clumsy eagerness pushed himself and everyone inside the pipe.

"You know, in a way, they're always here with us. And we have each other." Kitt said. Derek and Kurt nodded. "Artha. I sense someone. Behind that rock." Beau said with a low snarl. "I sense it too." Artha said, looking at the rock. There were 2 arms trying to feel around for Artha's staff. "And as long as we are together, we…are not…ALONE!" Artha exclaimed as he grabbed one of the arms and pulled out a little person equipped with some specially made tech on his back.

"Well, well, well. Looks like we caught our little thief." Derek said. "You're the one who's been taking our stuff. Why?!" Artha demanded. "I…I want to learn. Yes. To be like you. All of you. You are the Boosters. Along with your Dragons, led by Beau. You are trying to stop the Dragon-Human war. Yes, the war." The little man babbled as he explained. "How does he even know about that?" Kurt asked. "Who is he anyway?" Derek asked. "My name is Stewardd. And I am the leader of the Keepers Crew." The little man, Stewardd, introduced. "The Keepers? We've never heard of you." Kitt said. "We're a secret Under City crew. We make things. We collect what falls and we make new things. Yes, new things." Stewardd explained. "This man is obviously a bit loony." Beau said. "I don't seem to recall our gear and food 'accidently' falling into your hands or pockets." Artha said. "You just took them when our backs were turned." Kitt said. Stewardd just simply shrugged. "But like Kitt said, we've never heard of your crew. There's been no talk of the Keepers among the Down City Council." Artha said. "And how do you know that we're trying to stop the return of the Human-Dragon war?" Derek asked. "The Keepers know about the war. Long ago, we helped the original Dragon Booster and his team, and were attacked by the other crews! So now, we hide. We collect things that fall and make new things. New things." Stewardd explained. "You just stay alone?" Kitt asked with concern. "We…prefer alone." Stewardd said.

The Boosters and Dragons looked at each other with concern for Stewardd. "Listen, Stewardd, there's a man named Word Paynn. And he wants to start the Dragon-Human war again and rule the planet." Artha explained. "We have a few allies within the Down City Council, including Word's own son, Moordryd." Derek said. "And we're gonna need all the new friends we can get." Kurt said. "And we suppose that there's a lot you and your crew can do." Kitt said. "Yes! Yes! Make new things! Yes!" Stewardd exclaimed happily. "But first, we're gonna need you to hand over our food." Artha said. Stewardd was surprised to hear that, but reached behind his back and brought out their food. "Our food!" Kurt exclaimed happily. The Boosters each took 2 and fed 1 to their Dragons. "Oh, sweet relief." Beau purred at the taste of his favorite candy. As they ate, Stewardd grabbed Artha's staff and took off. "Mmm! Oh, that's so good!" Kurt exclaimed. But then they saw that Stewardd and Artha's staff were gone. "Artha, your Blocking Staff!" Kitt exclaimed. "That little thief took it!" Derek exclaimed. "I know. Beau and I saw him make off with it when he thought we weren't looking." Artha said. "Sure did." Beau said. "And you just let him go?!" Kurt exclaimed. "Yes. Something tells me that he's making something better with our gear. And with whatever Word's planning for us down here, we'll need to believe that he'll come through for us." Artha explained.

Meanwhile, the others had reached the end of the pipe and reached the Wastelands. They were groaning in pain from the wild ride as Charlie and Dyonne walked up to them. "About time you guys decided to join the party down here." Charlie said, sarcastically. "Very funny, bro." Holly said as Charlie helped her and the others up. "Look! Those are Beau's prints! And Wyldfyr's, Volcanya's and Libris' too!" Parmon exclaimed, spotting Dragon prints. "And something else too." Jessica said, spotting 2 more sets of tracks. "Those are Wraith Dragon tracks! Artha, Kitt, Derek and Kurt were here!" Moordryd said. "Artha! Kitt! Derek! Kurt! You guys there? Can you hear us?" Charlie called through the com-link. "Charlie? Is that you?" Artha asked. "Where are you guys?" Derek asked. "We're at the base of the aqueduct. Where are you guys located?" Charlie asked. But the signal was breaking up. "Charlie, you're breaking up!" Kitt exclaimed. "Charlie! Where are you?!" Kurt cried before the signal was lost. "They're just out of range. If I can triangulate the modulation unit." Parmon said, tinkering with his little toys, making Charlie groan. Suddenly, as Lance was getting some candy out to eat, Stewardd snuck up around them and swiped the candy. "Hey! You took my candy!" He exclaimed, blaming Parmon. "I most certainly did not, Lance! Besides, I have my own." Parmon said. But as he opened his pack, he gasped in horror when he saw that his candy was stolen too. "You took my candy!" He exclaimed. "From way over here?" Lance asked sarcastically. Just then, as Jessica noticed that her candy was gone too, she grabbed a rock and threw it at Gwen's head. "OW! Don't throw rocks at me, Jess!" Gwen exclaimed, rubbing her head. "Then don't take my candy, Gwen!" Jessica exclaimed. Pretty soon, everyone's candy got swiped, causing heated arguments with everyone. "ENOUGH!" Connor shouted, making everyone stop arguing. "Now all of you keep it down! We have to find Artha, Kitt, Derek and Kurt." He said. "What about our candy?!" Jessica exclaimed without even caring. "Really, Jess? Our brothers are missing down here and all you can think about it your STOMACH?!" Benny scolded his younger sister. Just then, Parmon gasped when he saw Stewardd's hand taking the vid jack. "Hey!" He exclaimed. "What now, Parmon?!" Fallon exclaimed. "Someone just took Word's jack boxes." Parmon said. As everyone grew worried, Connor thought of who would be taking their stuff.

Meanwhile, Word and his Dragon, Abandonn, were standing outside the cave of the Muhorta. "The cave of the Muhorta. Yes. Let us see if she is home." He said as he peeked inside with binocs, spotting the Muhorta in the shadows. "It is time, my Wraiths. Drive the Boosters to me." He ordered. The Wraith Dragons turned invisible and took off.

Meanwhile, Artha, Kitt, Derek, Kurt and their Dragons slowly exited the cave, keeping an eye out for any more trouble. "Artha, I can sense the Wraith Dragons. They're coming." Beau said. "I know. I sense them too." Artha said, seeing a dust cloud coming their way. "Alright, team. If they want a fight, let's give them one." Kitt, Derek and Kurt nodded while the Dragons snarled with confidence. "RELEASE THE DRAGON!" "RELEASE THE FIRE DRAGON!" "RELEASE THE VOLCANO DRAGON!" "RELEASE THE SMOKE DRAGON!" Artha, Kitt and Derek activated their gauntlets, and Kurt blew his horn, and they transformed into their Booster modes. "Here they come, team!" Derek exclaimed as the Wraith Dragons charged towards them. "Hold on." Artha said as they got ready to fight. "Hold on." Just then, the Wraith Dragons split up. "They're attacking from both sides!" Kitt exclaimed. "Now, Kurt!" Artha exclaimed. Kurt created a huge smoke cloud, covering them up. The Wraith Dragons charged inside the smoke cloud. "Now!" Artha called. The team leapt out of the smoke cloud, causing the Wraith Dragons to bash into each other as the smoke cloud lifted. "Way to use their heads, Artha." Derek said. But the Wraith Dragons quickly recovered. "We're too out in the open. We need to get out of here." Kitt said. "She's right, Artha." Beau said. "Right. Let's go, team." Artha said. The Boosters rode their Dragons out as the Wraith Dragons chased them. "Look! There's a cave up ahead!" Kurt said, pointing towards the cave of the Muhorta. The Boosters rode towards the cave and stopped at the entrance, cornered by the Wraith Dragons. "Well done, my Wraiths." Word said as Abandonn leapt down to join the party. The Boosters gasped. "The Boosters, Dragon, Fire, Magma and Smoke, we meet at last." Word said. "Word Paynn. We might've known you were throwing us this little party. Sorry we didn't bring you anything." Artha joked, making Kitt, Derek, Kurt and the Dragons snicker. "Oh, but you did. You brought me you and your Dragons." Word said. As the Boosters slowly backed their Dragons up towards the cave, the eyes on the entrance started to glow. Just then, the Muhorta caught sight of the 4 Dragons and prepared to attack. Just then, the others arrived. "The cave." Connor said with worry. "Oh no." Jessica said with worry. "Artha, Kitt, Derek, Kurt, get out of there! There's a Vampire Dragon right behind you!" Lance exclaimed through the vid-com. The Boosters looked behind them just as the Muhorta ensnared them and their Dragons with her tendrils. Just then, the tendrils started sucking out the Dragons' Draconium Energy. "My…energy." Beau groaned as he, Wyldfyr, Volcanya and Libris tried unsuccessfully to break free. "Beau. Are you okay?" Artha asked with worry. "What's happening to our Dragons?" Kurt asked. "The Muhorta's draining them of all their Draconium Energy." Parmon said. "Yes! Take their energy! Finish them off my hungry Vampire Dragon! And leave what's left for me!" Word ordered. "Ugh!" Beau grunted as he started to weaken. "Beau!" Artha cried with worry. "I'm…losing…too much…energy." Beau said weakly. "Wraith Dragons, stand ready to grab them." Word ordered. The Wraith Dragons got ready.

Suddenly, there was a loud roar in the air. "Now what was that?!" Cain exclaimed in worry. Just then, a large shadow flew over them. Everyone looked on as a giant black snake with a skull-like mask landed in between the Boosters and Word's Dragons. "What is THAT?!" Kurt exclaimed in shock. "No! It can't be!" Connor said with worry. The Muhorta threw another tendril at the unknown snake, thinking it was another Dragon. But the unknown snake caught the tendril in its mouth and pulled the Muhorta towards it, gobbling the tendril down its throat. "NO! Stop! You're ruining my plan!" Word exclaimed. But the unknown snake ignored him as it grabbed the whole Muhorta, forcing it to let go of the Boosters' Dragons, and swallowed it down in a second. Everyone was shocked by what happened. "You filthy monster! Get them!" Word exclaimed. The Wraith Dragons prepared to attack. But the unknown snake swatted them, Word and Abandonn aside, knocking them out. "Whoa. That just happened." Artha said. Just then, the unknown snake turned its attention to the Boosters and their Dragons. "Looks like that thing just found its next meal. US!" Artha exclaimed. The unknown snake roared as it lunged for them. But the Boosters moved out of the way, dodging the attack.

"We have to do something!" Lance exclaimed. "But what?! I mean, look at that thing!" Erika exclaimed. "Look!" Parmon exclaimed, spotting something. Just then, Stewardd appeared with Artha's staff. "Dragon Booster! Catch!" He exclaimed, tossing Artha the staff. "My Blocking Staff! Steward equipped it with Word's vid jacks and the flashes from our Flashsticks!" Artha exclaimed as he examined it. "Well then, let's put them to the test." Beau said. "Just what I was thinking, partner." Artha said. He aimed the staff at the staff at the unknown snake and flashed the Flashstick flashes in its eyes, making it shriek in pain. "It's distracted! Team, attack it now!" He ordered. Kitt blasted the unknown snake with her flamethrower cannons. Derek hit it with his magma blasts. And Kurt suffocated it with his smoke clouds. But the unknown snake kept on coming. The others watched the struggle as Stewardd ran over and joined them. "That creature is tough." Cain said. "They won't last much longer." Parmon said. Dyonne bumped against Charlie with her head. "I know. I wanna help too girl. But how?" Charlie asked. "Earth Booster." Stewardd said. Everyone turned to look at Stewardd as he held out a stone necklace with a green gem in the center. "What is that?" Charlie asked. "This belonged to the original Earth Booster. You must use his power, your power, to aid your team." Stewardd explained. Charlie felt hesitant as he raised his hand over the necklace. "You can do it, Charlie." Jessica said. "We believe in you." Fallon said. Charlie, full of confidence, took the necklace and put it around his neck. Just then, the gemstone glowed green. And then, Charlie became outfitted into an earth-themed Booster armor. "The Boosters of legend! Like magic!" Stewardd exclaimed in amazement.

The Boosters continued attacking the unknown snake, blinding it, blasting it and suffocating it. But it just wouldn't give up! "It's no good! We can't stop it!" Kitt exclaimed. "We need help!" Kurt exclaimed. "Maybe I can give you some help." Charlie's voice said. The Boosters and unknown turned to see Charlie in his new Booster armor and riding Dyonne. "Charlie?" The Boosters asked in surprise. The unknown snake roared at them. "Okay, you ugly beast, let's lighten you up by shaking you up!" Charlie exclaimed as he, jumped off his Dragon, slammed his fists into the ground and creating an earthquake, shaking the unknown snake off balance. The Boosters were surprised to see that Charlie had earth powers now. "That earthquake's not gonna last long! We have to get out of here!" Charlie exclaimed. Artha and Beau looked at the beast, and then each other. "Get the Wraith Dragons and get back to the aqueduct! We know what we have to do!" Artha ordered. "Let's hope you know what you're doing!" Kurt exclaimed. "Good luck, you 2!" Kitt said. The Boosters grabbed the Wraith Dragons and regrouped with the others as they took off. As the earthquake stopped, the unknown snake recovered as it turned to Artha and Beau. "You looking for us?" Artha asked. "Come and get us." Beau growled. As the unknown began to attack, Artha and Beau started to glow. Just then, Artha released the Great Dragon Phoenix from his body as it let out a loud roar. "All together now!" Artha exclaimed. Together, the 3 of them unleashed a powerful golden beam, striking the unknown snake. The unknown snake shrieked in pain as the beam reduced it to a smoldering pile of ash. As the light died down, the Great Dragon Phoenix returned to Artha's body as he passed out. "We did good, Artha. Now let's get you out of here before Word decides to wake up." Beau said as he ran after the others before Word wakes up.

Later, Artha recovered as they returned to the aqueduct and told the others everything. "Friends of the Boosters?" Stewardd asked. "Yes. They're all our friends. Just like you, Stewardd." Artha said. "Come with us. The Down City Council would be lucky to have your crew." Kitt said. "Uh, no! Not yet! First, I go back to my crew. We will return to Dragon City soon. Then the Keepers will help the Boosters. Yes!" Stewardd explained. "Thanks, Stewardd. We're gonna need all the new friends we can get." Artha said. "And my father's gonna be pretty mad when he wakes up and finds his Wraith Dragons missing." Moordryd said, gesturing to their captive Wraith Dragons. "Even I have to admit. We all did quite well on our own." Parmon said. "But better together." Charlie said. "Still that creature worries me. It just devoured the Muhorta and came after us." Artha said. "Yeah. What was that thing anyway?" Lance asked.

Later, after returning to Dragon City, the team returned to Penn Stables, cured the Wraith Dragons and told Mortis about what happened in the Wastelands. "I see. What you kids have just encountered…was an Omentaur." Mortis said. "Omen what?" Artha asked. "Omentaur. An ancient beast of dangerous darkness." Mortis explained as she showed the team an ancient drawing of Omentaurs. "They rise out of dark tar pools and attack everything in their path." Beau grew worried as he remembered seeing these creatures in his past. "Beau, you okay?" Artha asked. "I…remember these creatures. They were responsible for wiping out my kind." Beau said with sadness. "Oh, Beau. It's okay." Artha said as he comforted his Dragon. "In the future, you kids must be careful if you ever encounter an Omentaur again. They are dangerous dark creatures, mindless, and all they do is kill on sight." Mortis explained. The team looked at each other with worry after what they learned today.

Meanwhile, in a dark location, one of those dark tar pools was found. An Omentaur rose from the pool, roaring into the open.

Whoa! Things just got really more now. After falling into one of Word's traps, the Boosters and their Dragons ended up in the Wastelands of Loan. Along the way, they met Stewardd of the Keepers Crew. But it turns out Word was waiting for them with his Wraith Dragons and lured him towards the cave of a Vampire Dragon known as the Muhorta. But as the Muhorta started draining their Dragons' energy, a giant Omentaur snake appeared and devoured the Muhorta, ruining Word's plan. But together, Artha and Beau used the power of the Great Dragon Phoenix and destroy the Omentaur. And as a plus, Charlie has become the newest Booster on the team, the Earth Booster. But after Mortis explained the threat of Omentaurs, the team became worried as a new Omentaur emerged from a dark tar pool. Will the Boosters be able to handle the Omentaurs, as well as Word Paynn and the Gloomix Clan? Will there be others who will stand in the Boosters' way? Leave a review if you'd like.