Poison Control
Tom and Thunder were out on a leisurely flight. Tom was laying all the way back on the saddle, looking up at the clouds and open sky. They flew over the woods, the mountains, and the fissure. Tom had been on so many adventures, exploring the world with his mother. But though he'd had a blast on those adventures, hanging out with Thunder and flying on his back was the best thing that had ever happened in his life so far. He sat up and patted Thunder on the head.
"This is the best, isn't it?" He said. "The open sky, you and me, not a care in the world," he said. Thunder screeched in agreement. Then they flew over the silver cabin, and next to it was the new dragon field hospital that Edelweiss and her dragons had just finished constructing.
It was a long trapezoid shaped building made out of steel and frosted plexiglass. On the roof of the building was painted the Rod of Asclepius, with the snake replaced by a white eastern dragon. The same symbol was painted on the large barn like doors. Also on the roof was a black weather vane in the shape of a boy sitting on a crescent moon with a fishing pole.
Thunder let out a friendly roar at Apollo and Black Widow who were sunning themselves outside, Edelweiss was most likely inside setting up all her medical equipment.
"Morning Black Widow, Apollo!" Tom called. The two dragons bellow roared back happily. Thunder was about to fly off again, when he found his way blocked by Alex and Feathers. The other riders and their dragons came up beside them.
"Tom, I'm getting pings in the Nature Realm," said Alex. She held up her tablet.
"Buzzsaw again?" Tom asked.
"Could be," said D'Angelo. "Or one of those other two he's with." The riders all landed next to the dragon field hospital and went inside. Things were still a mess inside, Edelweiss was busy hooking up the heart monitors ICARIS had loaned her. She looked up when the riders and dragons came in.
"Hey, Edel we've got trouble in the Nature Realm," said D'Angelo. "Could be Buzzsaw."
"Then I should really get this place up and running," said Edelweiss. "You guys go without me, Black Widow and Apollo should go with you though."
"You sure?" Jun asked. Edelweiss nodded.
"Best you hurry," she said. The riders headed out and took off on their dragons, Apollo and Black Widow followed.
In the Nature Realm; Alex and Feathers led the way to where the sensor had gone off. The dragons landed and the riders looked around. Apollo and Black Widow were instantly tense, scanning the area.
"You sure this is the place Alex?" Tom asked.
"I don't get it," said Alex. "I was getting sensor pings like crazy, now it's quiet." Just then Jun spotted a wooded cage in a nearby clearing, a Hobgobbler was trapped inside.
"Look," Jun pointed out. The riders went over to investigate.
"Buzzsaw," said Alex darkly.
"Kind of weird how it's just out in the open," said Tom. "They're usually more concealed." Suddenly Plowhorn sniffed around, then growled anxiously. D'Angelo followed her gaze.
"Ambush!" He cried. Suddenly darts were flying out of no where. Black Widow and Apollo were protected by their armor. The other dragons dodged the darts. The riders quickly got on their dragons.
"Wait, the Hobgobbler!" D'Angelo exclaimed. He ran over to the cage, Tom and Thunder covered him. Suddenly Thunder felt something hit him in the leg, and he roared in pain.
"Ha! Looks like we caught you in a crossfire," Buzzsaw gloated as he and his minions came out of hiding.
"Blast 'em," Tom said. Thunder was bout obey, despite the pain in his side.
"I wouldn't do that if I were you," taunted Buzzsaw. "That little dart in the Lightening Bird's side is coated in poison." Tom jumped off at once, and pulled the dart out. "It's too late, the poison is already coursing through his veins. But luckily I have the antidote, which I'm willing to give you for a price." Thunder was starting to weaken, he could barely hold his head up.
"What do you want Buzzsaw?" Tom asked, glaring.
"The Dragon Book," Buzzsaw demanded. "With all the dragon secrets in it."
"I can't give you that," Tom said.
"Not even to save the life of your dragon?" Buzzsaw said.
"No, I mean I can't give it to you right now," Tom clarified. "It's a thousand years old, I don't bring it every time." He rarely needed to look a the book anymore; he'd read it so many times he had it memorized, and Edelweiss knew more about dragons then the book did anyway. Thunder cried out in pain and collapsed. Tom knelt beside him, placing a hand on the dragon's head.
"Give me the antidote," Tom demanded.
"You're in no position to make demands," Buzzsaw hissed. "You have until sundown to bring me that book. Look of a smoke signal in the Ice Realm, we'll make the exchange there. And come alone, I don't want any funny business." He then turned and walked off chuckling, his two minions followed. Tom turned back to his dragon, who seemed to be getting worse. Apollo and Black Widow came up on either side of the Night Light.
"You think you can fly out of here?" Black Widow asked, Apollo translating for the riders.
"I don't think so," Thunder moaned. "It hurts to move." Apollo laid down as low as he could go. Tom and Black Widow helped get Thunder onto the red dragon's back. When he was secure Apollo carefully got to his feet.
"I hope Edelweiss got that hospital of hers up and running," said Jun.
"She should," said Apollo. Just then Black Widow nudged Tom's shoulder, then gestured to her saddle.
"Oh, right," said Tom, sounding distracted. He climbed onto the black dragon, while D'Angelo retrieved the Hobgobbler from its cage. Then they all flew out of the Nature Realm. Apollo flew carefully and Black Widow glided next to him so Thunder could be in Tom's line of vision.
They soon reached the surface and headed for the Dragon Field Hospital. They landed outside and Apollo led the way inside. The interior of the hospital was now in perfect working order. The heart monitors and gurneys were set up in a neat row with curtains, and squishy office chairs in around each one. At the very back of the space was set up for bigger operations. There were crystals and glowing plants from the Realms set in pots, lining the walls giving off a multicolored glow.
Edelweiss was up on a ladder hanging a small chandelier made of more crystals from the Realms. She looked over as every one came in with Thunder. She jumped down.
"What happened?" She asked.
"Buzzsaw shot him with a poisoned dart," said Tom, jumping off Black Widow. Edelweiss led Apollo over to the first gurney and heart monitor. The red dragon knelt down beside the gurney and every one helped get Thunder onto it. Eugene placed the Hobgobbler on a nearby cart, the smaller dragon seemed unfazed by all that was happening. D'Angelo fired up the heart monitor and attached its cables to Thunder's flank. The monitor started beeping. The Night Light kept twitching and moaning.
"His heart rate's pretty fast and his temperature's low," D'Angelo said. "I need to address the wound." He reached into his first aid kit and pulled out the tub of ointment.
"Will that help?" Tom asked.
"Not for the poison I'm afraid," said D'Angelo. He put a bit of the ointment on the small wound. "I need something else. The Speed Stinger anti venom, maybe that will help. Do you have it Edel?"
"I do," said Edelweiss. "I helped Olivia and Angela make it." She went over to a cabinet on the wall. She pulled out a small bottle. "I don't think it'll cure him though, since Thunder wasn't hit with Speed Stinger venom. But I might help dull the pain." She handed the anti venom to D'Angelo. He pulled out the stick.
"Okay Thunder under the tongue," he said. Thunder opened his mouth and D'Angelo used the stick to put a few drops of the anti venom under the dragon's tongue. Thunder closed his mouth and swallowed, wincing. He seemed to relax slightly, but didn't show any sign of improving.
"I can't believe Buzzsaw did all this just for the book," Tom said, pacing.
"Have you looked into his eyes?" Alex asked, stroking Thunder's side.
"Well, if this anti venom works we won't need to give Buzzsaw the book," said D'Angelo. They all looked at Thunder. He shifted around, still moaning. Tom removed his saddle so he'd be as comfortable as possible. However, it didn't look like he was getting any better.
"Do you have any idea what will cure him Edel?" Tom asked.
"Well, do you know where Buzzsaw got the poison?" Edelweiss asked. "That might help give me a clue."
"No," said D'Angelo. "He didn't say."
"Too bad we don't have some kind of medical dragon book," said Eugene. "I bet that would know what to do." Tom and D'Angelo looked at each other.
"We'll be right back," Tom said. He and D'Angelo ran out. Thunder crooned after his rider, as though begging him not to go. Edelweiss sat in a chair next to him and stroked his neck gently.
"Calm down Thunder, they're not going far," she whispered to him. Thunder relaxed best he could. Edelweiss looked over at the remaining riders. "Jun, out back there's a large water barrel and a bucket next to it. Will you fill the bucket and bring it in here?"
"Sure," said Jun. She went outside. Thunder rested his head on his paws. He wasn't comfortable enough to sleep. Edelweiss and Alex sat on either side of him. Jun returned with the bucket of water and handed it to Edelweiss.
"Thank you," she said. She held the bucket in front of Thunder. "Come on drink up, got to stay hydrated." Thunder did as he was told, and lapped up the water, just now realizing how thirsty he was.
Tom and D'Angelo had ridden back to the Kullersen dome on Plowhorn. Inside; Tom ran to his desk where the book was waiting for him. He picked it up and flipped through it to the page on Night Lights.
"Nothing about poison," he said helplessly.
"There's got to be something," said D'Angelo. "If I can figure it out, we won't have to give the book to Buzzsaw." Tom held the book to his chest.
"I know you're good at this stuff," he said. "But Thunder's running out of time. I'll see if Edelweiss will let me take Black Widow, since she's armored."
"I would do the same with Plowhorn," said D'Angelo. They left the dome and was about to head back to the dragon hospital. Just then they spotted the Hobgobbler chasing a man, snapping at his heals.
"Wasn't Eugene supposed to be watching the Hobgobbler?" Tom asked.
"Eugene is supposed to be doing a lot of things," said D'Angelo. He went over and picked the Hobgobbler. As he held it, he felt something stuck in the dragon's flank. D'Angelo looked under the dragon's wing, there was another poisoned dart stuck in its flank. "Tom look."
"He was hit too?" Tom said, pulling the dart out.
"But he seems fine," said D'Angelo. They headed back to the dragon hospital.
When they got there; Tom went right over to Thunder while D'Angelo examined the Hobgobbler again.
"How's he doing?" Tom asked, stroking Thunder's head.
"No improvement," said Edelweiss quietly. Tom looked down at his dragon, Thunder was barely moving. His face had a permeant look of agony.
"I don't get it," said D'Angelo. "This dart is the same as Thunder's. But the Hobgobbler is completely fine." They all looked over at the Hobgobbler.
"He must be immune," said Edelweiss. "Black Widow's immune to most poisons, due the high quantity of venom in her system."
"Then he must have the antidote," said Eugene glaring down at the Hobgobbler.
"I don't think he has it Eugene," Jun said.
"What do you know about Hobgobblers Edel?" D'Angelo asked.
"Not much, they're not very talkative," said Edelweiss. "I know they can chew through a ship's deck like it's beef jerky, but that's about it."
"Let me see the book," said D'Anglo. Tom handed him the book, and he flipped through it to the page on Hobgobblers. The page showed a flock of Hobgobblers in a field of flowers. "These flowers seem to be glowing." Jun looked over his shoulder.
"The Hobgobblers must eat them," she said. "So that must be the antidote."
"If I can find them and feed them to Thunder, that might cure him," said D'Angelo. Tom looked at Thunder, who winced and moaned.
"I don't know," Tom said doubtfully.
"Let me try," said D'Angelo. "I can do this."
"I'll go with him," said Jun.
"So will I," Eugene said unexpectedly. Tom hesitated.
"Thunder's not dead yet," Edelweiss assured him. Tom took a deep breath.
"Okay," he said. "But if Thunder starts to get worse, or it's taking too long, I'm finding Buzzsaw and giving him the book."
"You can count on us," said D'Angelo eagerly. Then he and the two Wongs left the building. Tom sat next to Thunder and hugged him. Thunder nuzzled him, crooning.
Down in the Nature Realm; D'Angelo and the Wongs flew low over the trees looking for the flowers. D'Angelo headed back to where they'd found the Hobgobblers. Soon he spotted a patch of the flowers in a clearing.
"Down there," he said. He steered Plowhorn down to the flowers, and the Wongs followed. They landed and dismounted. The flowers were a warm peach color and were glowing faintly. There were more Hobgobblers nibbling at them. D'Angelo went to pick the flowers, but the Hobgobblers instantly became defensive. One of them snapped at D's fingers.
"They're protecting they're food source," said Jun. "How do we get them out of the way?"
"I don't know," said D'Angelo. Just then Eugene went and picked a flower. The Hobgobblers grew hostile again and chased Eugene out of the flower patch.
"That works," said Jun. She and D'Angelo quickly loaded up D'Angelo's backpack with the flowers.
"Now lets get this back to Tom and Thunder," said D'Angelo. He and Jun jumped onto their dragons. Webs scooped up Eugene, and they all headed back to the surface.
In the dragon hospital; Tom stayed next to Thunder, stroking his head. The Night Light looked so miserable.
"Hang in there pal," Tom said softly. Alex came up to him.
"How's he doing?" She asked.
"Well, his breathing is slow and his skin feels clammy," Tom answered.
"And what about you?" Alex asked.
"I'm just worried about him," said Tom. Thunder crooned weakly. Edelweiss gave him more water. Then he laid his head back down.
"I thought I had a pretty great life before," Tom said. "Traveling the world, living a life that kids only dream about. Then I met Thunder, and suddenly none of that stuff mattered anymore. I don't know what I'll do if….if things don't turn out okay." Thunder crooned and shrieked, his blue eyes very sincere. Tom looked over at Edelweiss.
"He says it's the same for him," she translated. "Before the fissure opened he had it pretty great living with his family. But then when he met you it took his life to the next level, like he had started a whole new chapter." Tom smiled sadly. Suddenly the heart monitor started beeping wildly, and Thunder started coughing. Both Tom and Edelweiss hovered over him. A few seconds later, the coughing stopped and Thunder settled down again.
"You okay?" Edelweiss asked him.
"It's getting harder to breathe," Thunder panted, and Edelweiss translated.
"Okay, stay calm," she said. She got up and fired up an oxygen machine and placed a dragon sized oxygen mask over Thunder's mouth and nose, securing it behind his head. Thunder breathed in the oxygen, and it helped a bit. Tom was looking more anxious by the second. Thunder was dying, and he didn't know how much longer Edelweiss could keep him alive. He grabbed the book.
"Edel, can I borrow Black Widow?" He asked. Edelweiss gave him a disapproving look.
"Yes," she said. "I just hope you know what you're doing." Tom nodded then headed for the doors, just as D'Angelo and the Wongs came in.
"We got the flowers," Jun announced happily. Tom felt so relieved. They hurried back over to Thunder.
"Did you hear that pal!?" Tom exclaimed. "You're going to be okay. D'Angelo went to the small table near the gurney. He pulled out the flowers. He pulled off several petals, ignoring the bright blue slug clinging to the flower. He brought the petals over to Thunder, as Edelweiss removed the oxygen mask. D'Angelo held the petals out to Thunder. He hesitated.
"Go on, it's okay," Tom said, stroking Thunder's neck. The Night Light opened his mouth and D'Angelo put a few of the petals in. Thunder swallowed them, then washed them down with more water.
"Just give it a few minuets," said D'Angelo. They all waited, nothing happened. Then Thunder roared and squirmed around in pain, the heart monitor started beeping rapidly again. Tom felt his blood run cold. Edelweiss quickly got Thunder back in the oxygen mask.
"Easy Thunder, deep breaths," she whispered to him. Thunder breathed in the oxygen and it soothed him slightly.
"Why didn't it work?" D'Angelo asked, staring at the monitor. Tom sank into his chair and hugged Thunder's head. He was so close to tears now.
"I should have just made the trade with Buzzsaw," he said desperately. "I never should have waited." He buried his face in the dragon's scales for a moment, then he grabbed the book and ran outside. The others looked on after him.
"I let him down," said D'Angelo, hanging his head.
"You did everything you could," Jun assured him.
Outside; Tom ran over to Black Widow who was already on her feet, ready for him.
"Can you take me to the Ice Realm?" Tom asked her. Black Widow gave him the same disapproving look Edelweiss had given him. But then she knelt down and Tom climbed into her saddle. Black Widow got back up, then took off.
In the Ice Realm; Black Widow headed for Buzzsaw's camp. Tom grew more nervous. He held tightly to the saddle. Black Widow looked over her wing at him. She cooed at him, concerned.
"I'm fine," Tom said. "I just want to get this over with." Black Widow gave him a sympathetic look and picked up the pace. They soon spotted a thick column of smoke. "Land over there." Tom pointed to a ledge near the camp. Black Widow hesitated, then landed on the ledge. Tom dismounted and was about to head for the camp. Black Widow started to follow him.
"No," he said. "He said I have to come alone, you need to stay here." Black Widow shook her head as though she didn't like that plan, but she sat on her haunches. Tom patted her neck then headed down to the camp.
Buzzsaw was waiting for him beside his campfire. He glanced up and sneered when he saw Tom approaching.
"You're right on time," he taunted, as he stirred something in a pot over the fire. "And you brought the book. Good dragon boy, doing what you're told." Tom reluctantly held out the book.
"Here," he said. "Now where's the antidote?"
"Patience, you can't rush something like this," said Buzzsaw. "I really don't understand why you care so much about these dragons anyway."
"You're right, you don't understand," said Tom. Buzzsaw sniffed at the stuff in the pot.
"And it's ready," he said. He pulled out a flask and filled it with the hot liquid. He put the lid on the flask, then approached Tom. He held out the flask. Tom was about to take it, but Buzzsaw held it out of his reach. "Not so fast. You give me the book, I give you the antidote." Tom held out the book and Buzzsaw snatched it. He then tossed the flask to Tom, who caught it. He turned to go, when he heard Buzzsaw's evil laugh.
"What's so funny?" Tom asked, with a sense of foreboding.
"Once again, I have made a fool out of you," Buzzsaw boasted. "That's not an antidote, it's just stew." He laughed louder. Tom scowled and tossed the flask away.
"Give me the real antidote!" He demanded.
"Sorry, no can do," said Buzzsaw. "There is no antidote. You fell for the oldest trick in the book, and then you lost the book." At that moment Buzzsaw's two minions came up behind Tom and restrained him. Tom had never felt so helpless. There was no antidote, Thunder was going to die.
Back at the dragon hospital; D'Angelo looked down at Thunder and gently stroked his head.
"I'm sorry I let you down," he said. Thunder crooned at him reassuringly. "I thought for sure the Hobgobbler being immune to the flowers would be the answer."
"I wish my mother was here," Edelweiss said. "She has so much experience with sick and injured dragons." D'Angelo stared at her.
"You said she taught you everything she knew about healing," he said.
"I do have a lot of her skills and a lot of her same tools," Edelweiss said. "But my mother is the real miracle worker. She has saved the lives of so many dragons, and a few humans. Many of them were in much worse shape than Thunder. She's way better than me." Thunder sniffed around, seeming distracted by the Hobgobbler. They all watched the small dragon pulling the flowers out of D'Angelo's backpack.
"It's okay," D'Angelo said. "He can have them."
"Wait," Edelweiss said, her eyes still focused on the Hobgobbler. D'Angelo turned back to the small dragon. He did not seem at all interested in the flowers, instead he ate the bright blue slug that crawled out of it. Both D'Angelo and Edelweiss sat up.
"It's the slugs!" D'Angelo exclaimed. He jumped to his feet and grabbed another blue slug. Edelweiss stroked Thunder's head soothingly. She removed the oxygen mask again and D'Angelo held out the slug. Thunder hesitated, looking slightly disgusted.
"Come on Thunder, it'll help you feel better," Edelweiss encouraged him. "And there's still some water left." Thunder opened his mount and D'Angelo gave the slug. Thunder swallowed it, and gagged. Edelweiss held up the water bucket, and he drank it to wash out the bad taste. Everyone waited. Then Thunder sat up and roared happily. D'Angelo unhooked him from the heart monitor and he got off the gurney. All the riders hugged him with relief. Thunder purred.
"Thank goodness that worked," Edelweiss said. "I have no idea what I was going to tell your parents." Thunder chuckled. Then he looked around.
"Where's Tom?" He asked.
"Let's go find him," said Edelweiss. She out Thunder's saddle back on him. They all then headed out of the hospital. Edelweiss mounted Apollo as the other riders got on their dragons. They took off and headed for the Ice Realm.
Tom found himself tied to a tree. He hoped Black Widow would come help him. He was anxious to get back to Thunder, hopefully before he got worse. Tom watched Buzzsaw and his minions eating the stew.
"You're not going to try the stew?" Buzzsaw taunted. "It makes a great last meal. Oh, I forgot your hands are tied behind your back."
"I'd eat faster if I were you," said Tom. "My friends will be here soon, with their dragons." Buzzsaw sneered.
"Oh I don't think they will," he said, holding up his blowgun. "Now that we have these, I don't think your friends will ever bring their favorite dragons back here again." Then a thought seemed to enter his head. "You know, I wonder what affects these darts have on humans. Let's find out." He loaded a dart into the blowgun. Suddenly Buzzsaw was blasted off his feet by a red plasma blast. Black Widow landed protectively in front of Tom. Buzzsaw and his minions fired their blowguns, but the darts only bounced harmlessly off Black Widow's armor. She blasted them some more. Then the turned her attention to Tom.
"Thanks Black Widow," he said. The black dragon used her claws to cut him loose. Tom got to his feet as Buzzsaw and his minions came at them again. But before they could fire anymore darts, the ground was struck by vary familiar lightening. Tom and Black Widow looked up to see the riders flying towards them, with Thunder in the lead. The Night Light landed next to his rider.
"Thunder, you're okay!" Tom exclaimed. He threw his arms around the dragon, who nuzzled him. Suddenly Buzzsaw and his minions started firing poisoned darts again. The dragons and their riders went on the defensive. They managed to deflect every dart that was aimed at them. Jun used her shield, and Edelweiss used her staff. Suddenly the two minions accidentally darted each other, and they both went down. Buzzsaw now found himself outnumbered.
"It's over Buzzsaw, now give me back by book," Tom ordered. Buzzsaw glared back at him.
"I don't think so," he said. He pulled out his whistle and blew it. The riders all turned to see Old Jack cut his way through a tree, and reared back. Then, before any of the riders could react, the Timberjack swooped low over them. Buzzsaw grabbed onto his tail, and they were both out of sight within minuets taking the book with them. The riders all took a moment to catch their breath, they exchanged a defeated look. Suddenly Thunder tackled his rider and licked his face. Tom couldn't help but laugh. He threw his arms around the dragon and held on with all his might.
"I thought I was going to loose you pal," Tom said. Thunder crooned and hugged him back. Tom let go of him and turned to his friends. D'Angelo was examining the stew over the campfire.
"What is this?" He asked.
"It's Buzzsaw's dinner," Tom explained gloomily. "There never was an antidote. I should have trusted you more, I'm sorry D. Now I lost the book."
"It's okay," said D'Angelo. "You were desperate. We all would have done the same for our dragons."
"We'll get the book back," Jun said.
"Yeah, hopefully before Buzzsaw uses its secrets to hurt more dragons," said Alex. Everyone stared at her in shock. "What, I said before he does that." Tom looked back at Edelweiss and D'Angelo.
"Thanks guys, if you guys hadn't done what you did, Thunder wouldn't have made it," he said.
"It's our job Tom," said Edelweiss.
After D'Angelo gave two slugs to the downed minions; the riders got on their dragons and took off, heading for the surface. Jun looked over at Edelweiss.
"I'm guessing you really want to fight Buzzsaw yourself," she said.
"Yeah I do," Edelweiss confessed. "I could easily defeat him. But my queen doesn't want me to."
"Why not?" Alex asked.
"Few reasons," said Edelweiss. "She obviously doesn't want me to get hurt. She also worries that I might actually kill him, and she's afraid that will darken me. Avalon wants to keep me innocent and virtuous. It kind of has to do with my second secret."
"I think it's time you told these guys your second secret," said Apollo. "You promised you would." Edelweiss sighed.
"Yes, I think I'm ready to tell you that story," she said. "Come back tomorrow, and I'll tell you. It's a long story." They all agreed and headed for home.
AN: I'll be holding off writing the final episode until the next season comes out, which will hopefully be soon.