Chapter 12: Pride of the Hero

(Intro)

Artha and Kitt were in another tough race. "That's it, Beau! We got this!" Artha exclaimed. "Not so fast, you unworthy stable brat!" Rancydd exclaimed. He bashed his Dragon into them. "Hey! That's not cool!" Beau roared as he and Artha bashed them back. "Is this a street race or a grudge match?" Kitt asked as she and Wyldfyr rode up beside Artha and Beau. "The Dragon Eyes have getting more out of control every time we beat them in these races." Artha said. "And as Boosters." Beau added. "Right. As Boosters too." Artha said. "You've got to try and not fight them here, Artha. Beau's energy coalition is down 50%." Parmon said through the vid-screen. "He's right. If we take more than 3 hits, I might lose all my energy." Beau said. "Right. We gotta focus on the race and not on the Dragon Eyes." Artha said.

But Rancydd was not about to let them ignore him. He got his Energy-Draining Whip and lashed it at the lead racer, Embyrr from the Dragon Flares. The whip latched onto her Dragon and drained its energy, causing Embyrr to lose control. Rancydd pulled the Dragon onto its side, blocking Artha and Beau. "Look out!" Beau gasped. Artha quickly activated his Red Thrusters and leapt over Embyrr. "That was a dirty trick, Rancydd!" He exclaimed as he and Beau started to pull ahead of Rancydd. "I WILL NOT LOSE ANOTHER RACE TO YOU!" Rancydd exclaimed as he bashed into Artha and Beau, pushing them off the track. "Artha!" Kitt cried.

Artha and Rancydd raced through the spectator area and leapt over the spectators. Just then, they saw that they were about to land into a Dragon parking lot. Quickly activating their Red Thrusters, they glided over the parking lot and landed in the street. "Guys, Rancydd pushed us into the mall! We need a way out!" Artha called through the vid-screen. "Don't worry, Artha. I think I can guide you and Beau back into the race-" Parmon tried to say, but Rancydd bashed into them, cutting off the vid-call. The 2 racers turned left and rode straight into the mall. Many civilians panicked and leapt out of the way as Rancydd continued bashing into Artha and Beau. "Rancydd, you're putting innocent people in harm's way by doing this!" Artha exclaimed. "So what?! I'm just doing everyone a favor by ridding the Dragon Races of an unworthy Penn!" Rancydd exclaimed as he continued bashing into them. "TAXI!" Beau roared. Artha looked ahead and saw that they were about to collide with a Yellow Taxi Dragon. They leapt over the Dragon, frightening the driver, and continued on. Artha and Rancydd split up when they came to a fork in the street. "Artha, should we try calling the others again?" Beau asked. Artha tried to call the team, but all he got was static. "No good, bud. Rancydd's bashing damaged the vid-system. We're on our own for now." He said.

Unknown to them, Swayy was watching them from the buildings. "Rancydd, the next right will put you right on top of them." She said, calling Rancydd through the vid-screen. "Perfect. Let's see what they do against this." Rancydd said as he activated his newest Black Shadow Gear. As Artha and Beau were heading towards them, the gear created an invisible barrier in front of Rancydd's Dragon. "Artha, up ahead!" Beau exclaimed, sensing the gear. "I see it! He's using Black Shadow Gear!" Artha exclaimed. "And we know what that means!" Beau exclaimed. When they were close enough, Rancydd mag-jumped off his Dragon. "Mag me, Beau!" Artha exclaimed. "Go get him, bud!" Beau exclaimed as he magged Artha into the air. When Rancydd tried to lash at him with his whip, Artha flipped over the whip, got out his Blocking Staff and struck Rancydd's pack with it. Just then, Beau and Rancydd's Dragon were about to crash into each other. The team saw this on the screen and grew worried. But then, Rancydd's Dragon chickened out, skidded and leapt over the edge, landing on a nearby roof. Unfortunately, the skidding caused Rancydd to be whipped over the edge, severing the mag-connection. And since his glider-pack was damaged, he couldn't activate it. "Artha, we gotta save him!" Beau exclaimed as he skidded to a stop. "I know! Jump after him!" Artha exclaimed. Beau leapt off the edge as Artha dived back onto his saddle. When they finally caught up with Rancydd, they activated their White Grapple Gear, grabbing his ankle and latching onto a nearby building. As Rancydd was about to hit a rooftop deck, the White Gear brought them to a gentle stop as Artha and Beau landed on a Dragon statue. When Rancydd saw that he was saved by them, he grew furious. "SCALES! Saved by that STABLE BRAT?!" He exclaimed as he tried to unhook himself from the gear. But it let him go and caused him to fall hard onto the deck.

Later, Artha and Beau returned to the racing tents after the race ended and was greeted by the team. "We saw what happened, Artha." Jessica said. "Are you guys okay?" Charlie asked. "We're fine. How's Embyrr doing?" Artha asked. "We spoke with Pyrrah. Her arm was sprained during the crash. She'll be okay. Not her first dustup." Holly said. "The Dragon Eyes are really getting restless out there. Pushing me out of the race and into the mall. We were lucky nobody got hurt." Artha said. "He's right. They're really taking drastic measures to put you out of the racing business for good." Kitt said as she rejoined the group. "Then we better be extra careful when we go on patrol tonight. Who knows what Word has planned next." Artha said. "Agreed." Beau said.

Meanwhile, at Word Paynn's fortress, the Dragon Eyes presented themselves to their boss. "What happened out there on the street track today, Rancydd?" Word asked. "I was just having a little fun with the Penn brat." Rancydd said. "Fun." Word chuckled. "WHEN'S THE LAST TIME ANY OF YOU WON A RACE?!" He snapped. "You lot are a disgrace to my company! You Dragon Eyes are supposed to be winners! But none of you have won anything ever since my son and Cain have disappeared from your ranks!" The Dragon Eyes glared down at that. "Your stupid pride cost you that race, Rancydd. And worst of all, you had to be saved by the Penn brat. You were all defeated by the Boosters at every turn. I lost a lot of Wraith Dragons to them! You lot might as well be helping him!" Word exclaimed. "Out of my sight! You all disgust me!" As he walked away, the Dragon Eyes turned their attention to his latest Wraith Dragon controller. Smirking sinisterly, Rancydd picked it up. "We'll show you who's a disgrace. We'll show them all." He said. The Dragon Eyes chuckled sinisterly at what he was planning.

Later, the Down City Council was in ruckus again. Phistus slammed his hammer's hilt on the table to silence them. "Silence! We must get a grip on these recent Wraith Dragon attacks. They've already taken 5 of my Dragons. The Boosters may be our best chance at stopping them." He explained. "The Boosters? Heroes who hide behind masks are no answer!" Rancydd exclaimed. "Says the one who relies on dirty tricks to win street races?" Pyrrah asked mockingly. Rancydd glared at her as Embyrr walked up with her sprained arm in a sling. "As leader of this council, I-" Phistus tried to say. But suddenly, a Wraith Dragon pounced on him, pinning him down. Rancydd was controlling it with Word's controller. As the Wraith Dragon became visible, most of the council ran for their lives. "Hold on, Phistus!" Pyrrah exclaimed as she and Khatah got out their weapons and prepared to attack. But Rancydd controlled the Wraith Dragon, swatting them aside. As the Wraith Dragon prepared to finish off Phistus, Rancydd hid the controller in his jacket. "I'll take care of this thing!" He exclaimed. He pulled out his whip and cracked it, causing the Wraith Dragon ran out of the council chamber. Pyrrah and Khatah helped Phistus back on his feet. "Rancydd, I don't know what to say." Phistus said. "Get a grip, Phistus. And you can start by thanking me." Rancydd said. Phistus, Pyrrah and Khatah stared at him in confusion. "Obviously, my fellow Dragon Eyes and I have learned something about these Wraith Dragons we've all found such a pain." Rancydd said. "The question is how? And why should we trust you?" Phistus asked. "Let's stick to the point, shall we? We're willing to use our knowledge to help fight them so business can go on as usual and we won't have to rely on some meddling fools who hide behind masks. We don't even know who the Boosters are." Rancydd explained. As most of the council muttered, the Dragon Flares, Grip of the Dragon and Inner Order crews kept silent. "What's in it for you and the Dragon Eyes, Rancydd?" Phistus asked, obviously sensing something fishy. "A chance to prove our worth to the community. We race here too." Rancydd said.

Later, the Dragon Eyes met up outside the council chamber. "Very convincing, Rancydd." Swayy said. "Yeah, if you're a pathetic council member." Rancydd said. "What's next, boss?" Prankk, a fellow Dragon Eye member, asked. "Now that we've gained the attention of the council, we need to gain the attention of the entire city next. And in time, the Boosters will come to us." Rancydd explained.

Meanwhile, in the dark regions, the Shadow Booster, who had fully recovered from her last encounter with the Boosters, watched the Dragon Eyes plan their next move through a dark mirror. As the image disappeared, the Shadow Booster walked away.

Meanwhile, as Artha and his team were walking through the city, they received a vid-call from Phistus, who told them everything that had happened with the council and the Wraith Dragon. "Thanks, Phistus. We'll keep our eyes open." Artha said, ending the call. "Wraith Dragons attacking the Down City Council? Something's not right about that." Moordryd said. "Phistus did say that he, Pyrrah and Khatah suspect that Rancydd might've been controlling it." Derek said. "But why? Why attack the council only to chicken out when Phistus was pinned down?" Kitt asked. Artha and Beau looked at each other, thinking the same thing. Suddenly, Parmon received an alert. "Uh oh! Security alert! Wraith Dragons are attacking Mid City!" He said. "Time to go to work, Boosters." Artha said as he, Kitt, Derek, Kurt, Charlie and Erika transformed into their Booster forms.

Captain Faier was being attacked and cornered by 4 Wraith Dragons. He tried to fight them off, but they stood their ground. "Hey!" Artha called. Faire turned to see the Boosters charging in. "Earth, shake them up!" Artha ordered. Charlie mag-jumped off Dyonne and slammed his feet into the ground as he landed, creating an earthquake and causing the Wraith Dragons to lose their balance. Together, the Boosters used their skills and abilities to knock them down. "Oh. Thank you, Boosters." Faier said. "Are you alright, Captain?" Derek asked. "Yes. I was just doing my usual evening patrols when all of a sudden, these Wraith Dragons just ambushed me." Faier explained. Just then, Parmon contacted them from the vid-com. "Guys, incoming Wraith, 10 o'clock!" He exclaimed as he and the others watched from the rooftops. The Boosters turned around to see another Wraith Dragon leaping at them. "I got him!" Derek exclaimed, firing a magma blast from his hand, knocking the Wraith Dragon down. "2 o'clock!" Lance called. Erika turned and blew a wind gust at the Wraith Dragon, blowing it into a dumpster. Faier slammed the lid on its head when it tried to escape. "4 o'clock! Everywhere!" Jessica cried. The Boosters found themselves surrounded by dozens of Wraith Dragons. "There's too many of them!" Kurt exclaimed. "We need more help!" Kitt exclaimed. Just then, the Wraith Dragons fired Green Trapping Gear at the Boosters, pinning them against a nearby wall. "Artha!" Beau roared as he and his Dragon friends were trapped by the Wraith Dragons.

Word watched the scene from his hideout. "Too many Wraiths even for you and your friends, Dragon Booster." He said, cackling in victory.

Suddenly, the Dragon Eyes rode up on their Dragons. "What?!" Beau roared in surprise. Rancydd cracked his whip, latching onto one of the Wraith Dragons, draining its energy and severing Word's vid-feed. "What?! Who were those?! I must see what's happening!" He exclaimed, trying unsuccessfully to restore the feed. The energy drain spread to the other Wraith Dragons. "Is that?" Holly asked. "The Dragon Eye crew?" Moordryd asked in shock. "No way." Artha said in disbelief. Rancydd laughed as he set the controller and cracked his whip, sending the Wraith Dragons running. "No!" Artha exclaimed. The Dragon Eyes rode up to the trapped Boosters and cracked their whips at the Green Trapping Gears, freeing them. "Thank you. But why do the Dragon Eye crew help the Boosters?" Faier asked. "We have our reasons. And you don't need to know." Rancydd said as he and the Dragon Eyes rode off. "Something's not right." Artha said.

Later, as the team returned to the temple, Artha was still trying to figure out the Dragon Eye crew's game. "I don't understand it. Wraith Dragons don't just run off like freshly hatched chickens. And I doubt Word would actually send his own troops to fend off his own Wraith Dragons just when they had us pinned down." Artha said. "I agree. It's obvious that the Dragon Eyes weren't being heroes under my father's orders." Moordryd agreed. "I know it may seem shocking, but you have to give them the benefit of the doubt." Mortis said. "Mortis is right, Artha. Everyone has the potential to be a hero. Even everyone here." Connor said. "I know, Dad. But I don't think it might be the same with the Dragon Eyes." Artha said. "Why do you say that, Artha?" Kitt asked. "When they fought off the Wraith Dragons, I think I sensed Black Control Gear around Rancydd." Artha explained. "You don't think?" Kurt asked. "It actually makes sense. The Wraith Dragon attacking the council and the recent attack tonight. Phistus said that the Wraith Dragon ran off as soon as Rancydd started attacking it." Parmon explained. "And the same thing happened when the Dragon Eyes saved us and Captain Faier." Erika said. "They're controlling Wraith Dragons to make themselves look like heroes." Cain realized. "And my father doesn't even know." Moordryd added. "We'll need to put a stop to it." Artha said. "Tread carefully, Artha. This is clearly some kind of trap." Mortis said. "I know." Artha said as he walked away.

Later, the next day, word about the Dragon Eye crew's 'heroics' went across all over Dragon City News. "Tonight, on Dragon City Security Patrol: A Mid City attack involving those strange invisible Dragons was thwarted by All City Racing Crew, the Dragon Eyes, who have just received a special commendation from Captain Faier. Move over, Boosters. There's a new team of heroes in Dragon City."

Later, that night, a couple was ambushed by 6 Wraith Dragons. Just then, the Dragon Eyes showed up. "Never fear! Dragon Eyes are here." Rancydd announced. As the Wraith Dragons turned towards them, Rancydd activated his controller, sending them on their way. "Thank you." The couple said. "Play safe." Rancydd said. "Don't start planning your victory party just yet, Rancydd." Artha's voice said. The Dragon Eyes turned to see the Boosters coming out of the shadows and surrounding them. Sensing that a fight may commence, the couple scrammed out of the way. The others watched from the rooftops nearby. "We're not as gullible as everyone else in Dragon City." Derek said. "Even we can't handle that many Wraiths on our best days." Charlie said. "We know you've been controlling the Wraith Dragons right from the start." Kitt said. "The Dragon City Council, Mid City and just now. You controlled them to make yourselves look like heroes." Kurt said. "What's the matter, Boosters? You 6 can't handle a little competition?" Swayy asked mockingly. "Or I think it's because we make a better team of heroes than you do." Prankk said. "Maybe the Gold Dragon of Legend and the Great Dragon Phoenix…would've chosen one of us." Rancydd said. "You're wrong." Artha said as Beau magged him off. "It takes more than just being chosen by 2 great creatures of legend to be a hero. Even a Booster. You need to have the right heart, the need to help those in need, and the selfless attitude." He explained as he walked around the Dragon Eyes. "And that's why I was chosen by the Great Dragon Phoenix, why my Dragon chose me. Because I know when to help those I care about. Friends, family, and those very special." The Boosters and their Dragons smiled at his speech. The Dragon Eyes looked at each other, thinking about what he said.

Suddenly, a familiar figure leapt off a nearby building and landed on Beau's back, making his roar in surprise. "Beau!" Artha cried. The figure revealed herself to be the Shadow Booster. "The Shadow Booster?!" Kitt asked in shock. "Nice to see you all again, Boosters. And thanks for the Dragon." Shadow Booster said. "What're you doing here, Shadow Booster?" Derek asked. "Ensuring that Word Paynn does not interfere with my Queen's plans. And with this, we will be unstoppable." Shadow Booster said, holding up a familiar type of object in the form of a lilac eye. "A Bonemark!" Kitt exclaimed. "NO!" Artha cried.

Shadow Booster cackled as she placed the Bonemark on Beau's head, fueling it with dark magic. Beau roared as he felt the Bonemark's spirit taking over. The others watched in horror. "Oh no." Jessica said with worry. "He's being taken over by the Bonemark's spirit." Parmon said. "What Bonemark is that?" Derek asked. "Somber." Artha said in horror. "The Dragon who served the Gloomix Clan during the war?" Moordryd asked in shock. Beau's entire body transformed and changed color as Somber took him over. The Boosters and Dragon Eyes were horrified by this. Just then, Beau magged the Black Control Gear from Rancydd's hand and gave it to the Shadow Booster. "Now it is time for the fall of Word Paynn! Let's see how he likes his demise and the hand of his prize." Shadow Booster said as she and Beau took off. "No!" Artha cried. Just then, Moordryd and Decepshun leapt down. "Get on! I know where they're heading!" Moordryd exclaimed. Artha got on Decepshun before she chased after the Shadow Booster and Beau with the other Boosters following. The Dragon Eyes looked at each other before deciding to follow them too.

Later, at Word's fortress, Word turned around to see the Shadow Booster and Beau confronting him. "Well, I'll be scaled. The rumors about the new Shadow Booster are true. And you've taken the Gold Dragon of Legend. With a touch of lilac, I see. Very stylish. Bring him to me." He said. "Oh, I don't think so." Shadow Booster said. "Don't be a fool, Shadow Booster. Get down from my Dragon." Word ordered. "He's no longer yours." Shadow Booster declared. "If you insist on being stubborn." Word said with a sigh. He pushed a button and Green Trapping Gear was fired from a pipe. But Beau fired a mag-blast, destroying the gear. "Such theatrics." Word said, about to press another button. "Uh-uh-uh." Shadow Booster said, holding up the controller. "What?!" Word exclaimed in shock. Shadow Booster activated the controller and a Wraith Dragon grabbed Word by his robe and held him up. "Your reign of terror is over, Word Paynn. You are not meant to rule this world. That goal belongs to the Gloomix Clan! To my Queen!" Shadow Booster announced. 'Oh, dear, sweet, innocent child. If only you knew.' Word thought as he chuckled.

"Don't do it, Shadow Booster!" Artha's voice called. Word and the Shadow Booster turned to see the Boosters, Moordryd in disguise and the Dragon Eyes. "This is not the answer!" Artha exclaimed. "What do you know?! You were chosen to be the hero! My goal is to destroy this world for the glory of my Queen!" Shadow Booster exclaimed. "That's not true. There's a hero inside of you, Shadow Booster." Moordryd said. "A hero?" Word asked in disbelief. "Even though you took him by surprise, the Dragon chose you too. Just like it chose his Dragon Booster." Moordryd said. Shadow Booster looked into his eyes, finding them strangely familiar. Thinking about what he said, she carefully reached for the Somber. But Beau magged her off and tossed her at Word and the Wraith Dragon.

Just then, Artha hopped off Decepshun. "Beau!" He called, getting Beau's attention. The Boosters prepared to fight as Beau marched towards them, but Artha motioned for them to stand down. "Forgive me, brother." He said. Beau magged him high into the air. The Boosters, Moordryd and the Dragon Eyes gasped in horror while Word smirked sinisterly. Beau let go of Artha and sent him falling towards the edge. But he quickly grabbed the edge of the platform. "NO!" Kitt cried. But before any of the Boosters could rush to help, Beau mag-blasted them, knocking them, Moordryd and the Dragon Eyes back. As Artha held on for dear life, Beau walked over to him. "Beau, please. I'm only the Dragon Booster and Qoidhur's host is because of you. Because you and the others help me when times are tough. This isn't just between us and Word. We're doing this to help everyone, human and Dragon alike. Please. I know there's a hero in all of us. Especially you, Beau." Artha said. Beau started having flashbacks of everything he and Artha have been through together, even when they were young. As he tried to shake them off, Artha lost his grip and fell. "ARTHA!" Beau roared as he regained control and transformed back. "What?!" Word exclaimed in shock. Beau magged Artha and pulled him back up onto his back as the Boosters, Moordryd and the Dragon Eyes recovered. "I got you, bro." He said. "Thanks, bro." Artha said. The Boosters and Moordryd were happy to see that Artha was alright. Just then, Beau absorbed the Somber into himself. Everyone was shocked by this. "The Bonemark! Beau absorbed it!" Kitt exclaimed in shock. "Impossible!" Shadow Booster yelled. The Boosters, Moordryd and their Dragons marched towards Word and the Shadow Booster with angry glares on their faces. Word slipped away while the team glared at the Shadow Booster. "This is far from over, Boosters." Shadow Booster said as she threw down a smoke bomb and disappeared in the smoke.

As the Boosters turned to leave, they saw the Dragon Eyes staring at them in stun. "Your Dragon chose her. Even though she was evil." Rancydd said. "Yes. He did. Think about what you saw today. We will." Artha said before leaving with the others. The Dragon Eyes just stood there, thinking about what they went through.

Later, the team all returned to Penn Stables. As everyone else recuperated, Kitt walked over to Artha and Beau, who were staring at the city. "You okay?" She asked. "I'm still thinking about the Shadow Booster. Beau chose her even though she ambushed us and used a Bonemark on him." Artha said. "I know. I'm surprised too." Beau said. "Maybe it is like what Mortis said. Maybe there's a hero inside of her somewhere too." Artha said. "Maybe. I don't think that was the last we'll see of her." Kitt said. "I know, Kitt. Something tells me we'll be seeing her again very soon." Artha said, bringing Kitt into a side-hug as the 3 of them continued to stare at the city.

Meanwhile, the Shadow Booster returned to the dark regions, where the Gloomix Clan members walked up to her. "The Queen requests your presence." One of them said. The Shadow Booster headed her way and arrived at the throne room, where the Gloomix Clan Queen was waiting. "You wanted to see me, Your Majesty?" She asked. "You've been busy. We've been watching you. And while I appreciate your intentions, do not try to murder Word Paynn again." The Queen said. "But, Your Majesty…" The Shadow Booster tried to say. "No buts. Word Paynn and I both desire the same thing. To conquer this world. And together, we can make it a reality." The Queen said. "As you wish." The Shadow Booster said, bowing to her Queen before walking away. "And very soon, our combined forces will bring forth a new age of death and destruction to this world." The Queen said with a sinister smile.

Well, how was that? In a desperation to destroy the Boosters, the Dragon Eyes stole a controller from Word Paynn and controlled dozens of Wraith Dragons to make themselves look like heroes. But after a brief confrontation from the Boosters, the Shadow Booster ambushed them and took Beau, using a Bonemark to take him over. As she and Beau arrived at Word's citadel to destroy him, the Boosters interfered and rescued Beau. But Word and the Shadow Booster escaped. But what plans do Word and the Gloomix Queen have planned for their coming alliance? What secrets are they keeping from the Shadow Booster? Leave a review if you want.