Chapter 8: The Horn of Libris
(Intro)
Artha and his team were watching Khatah of the Inner Order crew, his partner Sarjo, and his Dragon Shock-Ra practicing for the upcoming tournament race. Khatah mag-jumped high before landing safely back on Shock-Ra. "Whoa, Drac! That's some interesting teamwork." Jessica said. "Oh yes. Khatah and his Inner Order crew are the world champions at the Horn of Libris Tournament every year. They never lose." Parmon said. "And this tournament is one of the big-time races in all of Dragon City. Phistus told us if we want to get Khatah on our side, we have to do our best and show him how good we are." Artha explained. "That's why Artha and I are partners in this race. He's pretty good with mag-jumping and I'm one of the best racers in the city. Together, we'll have a chance to win the tournament's trophy." Kitt said.
"But you kids have to remember that this is no ordinary trophy. It's an ancient relic known as the Horn of Libris." Connor said. "I know, Dad. I know of its legend. The Horn can be used to summon the last known Grey Bone Dragon in existence, Libris." Artha said. "And knowing my father, the Horn's a trophy that can prove fruitful to his plans." Moordryd said. "Exactly. We have to be ready if Word's forces try anything." Artha said. "Especially if he plans to use a Wraith Dragon." Beau said. Artha nodded in agreement.
Meanwhile, Word summoned Rancydd and Swayy to his lair. "You sent for us, Lord Paynn?" Rancydd said. "Get your gear. You both will be competing in the Horn of Libris race today." Word said. "Uh, against Khatah and the Inner Order? But they're too good for even us to beat." Swayy said. "I will provide a Wraith Dragon to help you win the race. And you will bring me that trophy!" Word snapped. "Uh, my lord, we really want to help, but what's so important about an old trophy?" Rancydd asked. Word placed an open book in front of Rancydd and Swayy, set on the page about Grey Dragons. "Ages ago, during the great Dragon-Human war, the powerful Grey Bone Dragons were the final key to victory. They alone had the power to turn the other colors of Draconium against themselves. Each side of the war hunted the Grey Dragon as the ultimate weapon to dominate the planet until the Great Dragon Phoenix stopped all of that." Word explained. "Fascinating story, my lord. But again, what's important about this trophy?" Swayy asked. "There is a legend that speaks of a mystical device that has the power to summon the last of the Grey Dragons. I believe that device to be the Horn of Libris trophy. It is passed down through the generations and today, these fools have forgotten what power it really has." Word explained. "The Grey Bone Dragon's power can help me turn the Dragons of Dragon City against each other. And then the world shall fall before me."
Meanwhile, Artha and Kitt were training with Beau. Artha was magged up into the air. "Remember, Artha, find the mag stream and balance on it." Kitt instructed. "Right." Artha said. He flipped around as he balanced on his mag stream. The others stared in awe at his skill while Kitt watched dreamily. Artha leapt off the mag stream and landed gracefully on the ground. "Nice work, Artha. But it will take more than your skills to win this race." Connor said. "I know, Dad. Khatah's no walk in the park when it comes to this race." Artha said. "Actually, did you know that Khatah is the best and most precise mag-jumper ever? 98.7% variation. He won his rookie level even before he finished the Racing Academy." Parmon explained, not even noticing that Khatah walked up behind him. "Yes, I knew that, Parm. But did you know that Khatah's standing right behind you?" Artha asked. Parmon stiffened up and slowly turned around to face Khatah with a nervous smile. "Well, say hello, Parmon." Kitt said. "Uh, hello, Parmon." Parmon said, nervously. "Hello. The name is Khatah. But you probably know that. It's always so great to meet my fans." Khatah said. Parmon stuttered, not being able to find the words to say. "Awkward." Holly muttered. "Well, good luck to you, Artha Tannis Penn and Kitt Raada Wonn. You will both need it." Khatah said smugly before walking back to his tent. "Race like him. Just don't be a dork like him." Kitt said, not liking his attitude. "Don't judge him, Kitt. He won't be such a dork once we win the Horn." Artha said.
Later, the tournament began. Artha and Kitt rode Beau towards the pyramid in the tournament. The Horn of Libris was at the top that was in the jade Dragon statue's mouth. Khatah and Sarjo were in the lead with Shock-Ra. As they entered the first track, Khatah spotted the target, mag-jumped off Shock-Ra as he readied his kendo staff, leapt through the hoops and struck the target. A gate opened and allowed them passage to the next track. "Quickly, Swayy! To the next target!" Rancydd exclaimed as he and Swayy rode their Dragon around the track to the next target. Artha, Kitt and Beau were right on their tail. Rancydd mag-jumped and struck the target hard, opening the gate to the next track. They raced up behind Khatah, Sarjo and Shock-Ra. "The next target's ours, Artha!" Kitt exclaimed. Artha spotted the target, mag-jumped and struck it with his staff. "Nice shot." Kitt praised. The racers continued towards the top of the pyramid, where the Horn of Libris was residing in the jade Dragon statue's mouth. Kurt looked at the Horn on the holo-screen, feeling himself drawn to it for some reason.
"Lord Word's Wraith Dragon is in position. Hit it, Swayy." Rancydd said. Swayy activated her controller and the Wraith Dragon, cloaked with Invisibility Gear, started going after Shock-Ra. "Oh no! There's a Wraith Dragon on the track!" Parmon exclaimed as he spotted the Wraith Dragon's body heat through his binoculars. "Beau and I can sense it! We have to catch that Wraith Dragon!" Artha exclaimed. "Quickly! The target!" Kitt exclaimed, spotting it. Artha mag-jumped and struck the target, opening the gate. "Nice action, Artha." Kitt said. As they made their way onto the track, Rancydd and Swayy prepared the Wraith Dragon. "Do it, Swayy!" Rancydd exclaimed. Swayy controlled the Wraith Dragon, bumping it into Shock-Ra. "What is happening? We are slowing down!" Khatah said in confusion. The Wraith Dragon shoved them again, causing Shock-Ra to trip. "You got a lock on that Wraith Dragon, Beau?" Artha asked. "Got him right in my sights." Beau said. "Get him!" Artha exclaimed. Beau leapt at the Wraith Dragon and pounced on it, damaging the Invisibility Gear and revealing it. "Gotcha, Wraith Dragon!" He exclaimed. "Khatah, are you alright?" Artha asked. "You did this, Artha Tannis Penn!" Khatah accused. Artha and Kitt were shocked to hear this. Just then, they all turned to see that Rancydd and Swayy had made it to the jade Dragon statue. Rancydd mag-jumped and grabbed the Horn of Libris. "Yes! We win!" He exclaimed. "I am Khatah, Horn of Libris Champion! You have ruined everything, Artha Tannis Penn!" Khatah exclaimed angrily. Artha did not like that.
Later, after restraining the Wraith Dragon for curing, Artha and his team walked over to Khatah and Sarjo. "Khatah, that wasn't very nice what you said to me." He said. "That's all I get after you made me lose the Horn?!" Khatah asked angrily. "Hey, I was trying to stop this Dragon, the real reason you lost the Horn!" Artha exclaimed, gesturing to the Wraith Dragon, struggling against its restraints. "You do not understand! The Horn of Libris is not just a trophy! I have to get it back! I am the great Khatah! It is my responsibility!" Khatah exclaimed. Artha's team just glared at him. "We know of your responsibilities, Khatah. But that power within that Horn is more dangerous than you realize." Artha said. "Listen to us, Khatah. You know what my son says is true." Connor said. "And why should I listen to him? He's just a kid. He knows nothing about being a hero." Khatah said, walking away. "But I do know. More than you know." Artha muttered.
Later, the team returned to Penn Stables. Artha cured the Wraith Dragon from Word's corrupted gear and changed it back to a light brown Dragon. "This is bad. Now that the Dragon Eye crew has the Horn, my father will use it to summon Libris." Moordryd said. "And with Libris' power, he'll turn the Dragons against each other and start his Human-Dragon war." Connor said. "We have to get that Horn back before Khatah and Sarjo get themselves captured or killed." Derek said. "Uh, why don't we just stay here and call Dragon City Security?" Parmon asked. "Parmon, Dragon City Security doesn't go down to Squire's End, remember?" Kitt asked. "And Cain and I are still part of the Dragon Eyes. We can lead you to the compound." Moordryd said. "Then we better get a move on, team. We have to get that Horn." Artha said.
Later, Moordryd and Cain led the team to the Dragon Eye's compound. There were 2 guards at the entrance. Artha noticed Khatah and Sarjo sneaking off to the side. "Khatah!" He whispered. Khatah and Sarjo snuck their way up to the wall and looked up at a big hole in the wall. As Sarjo motioned for him, Khatah ran up to his partner, leapt up, took Sarjo's hands and they gracefully leapt through the hole and into the compound. "That was some mystic stuff." Holly said. "We'll have to go inside after them." Kitt said. "Right. Moordryd, we'll need your help to do some of those maneuvers." Artha said. "Right." Moordryd said. "Uh, Artha? I need to tell you something." Kurt said. "What's wrong, Kurt?" Artha asked. "Well, it's just that…back at the race, I felt drawn to that Horn somehow." Kurt said. Artha, Kitt and Derek looked at each other, knowing what this means. "Kurt, we might need your help in there too." Artha said. Kurt smiled. "Cain, think you can pull off the maneuver with Kurt?" Moordryd asked. "I can do it, Moordryd." Cain said. "Alright. The rest of you, stay on com-link in case we run into trouble." Artha said.
Artha, Kitt, Derek, Kurt, Moordryd and Cain prepared to use Khatah and Sarjo's maneuver. "Ready, Artha?" Kitt asked. "Ready." Artha said after stretching out. He ran towards Kitt, leapt up, grabbed her hands and gracefully made it through the hole. Derek and Moordryd went next, following them. Cain and Kurt followed after.
Meanwhile, Khatah and Sarjo carefully snuck their way through the compound. But suddenly, Sarjo was caught by some Green Trapping Gear. "Sarjo!" Khatah cried with worry. Just then, searchlights were turned onto him. Swayy chuckled as she and several Dragon Eyes walked up to him. Khatah charged in to attack Swayy, but an Energy-Drain Whip caught him and started draining his energy. "Well, look what we have here. The famous and noble Inner Order crew…stealing? What is this world coming to?" Rancydd asked mockingly. Khatah glared as his energy was drained. "Take them away. Lock the place down. There may be others." Rancydd said.
Meanwhile, Artha, Kitt, Derek, Kurt, Moordryd and Cain hid on top of a statue of Moordryd as the alarm went off. The Dragon Eye crew was all over the place, locking down the entire compound. "They're locking down the compound." Cain said. "Looks like Khatah and Sarjo got caught." Derek said. "What do we do now, Artha?" Kitt asked. Artha didn't answer as he watched the Dragon Eyes.
As they avoided being spotted by a searchlight, Artha spotted something. "There." He said, pointing to an open hatch on the statue. He opened the panel and they ducked inside the statue's head. Just then, Rancydd received a call from Word. "Is the Horn safe?" Word asked. "In vault as you commanded, sir." Rancydd said. "Good. I'm sending a team of Wraith Dragons to escort you and the Horn to my location. But I caution you. Do not use the Horn of Libris. You do not want to call a Grey Bone Dragon unless you know how to control it. An angry Libris will be restless to start a battle. I want it to start a war!" Word explained. Rancydd ended the call and walked off to prepare for the Wraith Dragons' arrival. Artha, Kitt, Derek, Kurt, Moordryd and Cain heard the whole thing as they watched from the statue's eyes. "We were right. My father's gonna use Libris to start his Dragon-Human war." Moordryd said. "Drac, guys. This Booster stuff is serious." Kurt said. "You have no idea, Kurt." Derek said. "We gotta find Khatah and Sarjo, and get the Horn." Artha said. "I have an idea on where Khatah and Sarjo are." Cain said.
Meanwhile, Khatah and Sarjo were imprisoned in the compound's brig. Khatah tried to bust out by throwing a barrel at the barred window, but the barrel just got electrocuted without even denting the bars. "Psst. Up here." Artha's voice whispered. Khatah looked up and saw Artha, Kitt, Derek, Kurt, Moordryd and Cain in a panel from the ceiling. "Oh, great." Khatah groaned. "Great? That's all we get for coming to save you?" Artha asked in annoyance. "I don't need a kid to help me! I am Khatah!" Khatah exclaimed. "That's not enough! You have no idea what you're mixed up in, Khatah! We know that the Horn of Libris isn't just a trophy!" Derek exclaimed. "Yes. If the Horn is used, it'll summon Libris, the last of the Grey Dragons." Moordryd said. "And help Word start the next Dragon-Human war. Is that important enough for you?" Kitt asked. "So, now you know why I must get the trophy back. Why my crew is counting on me." Khatah said, putting a comforting hand on Sarjo, who was injured after getting captured. "Well, we're here together now. Heroes don't work alone." Artha said, offering his hand. Khatah thought about it and accepted the hand.
Meanwhile, Parmon, Connor, Artha's siblings and the Dragons waited outside the wall. "I called Phistus and Pyrrah. They're on their way. Parmon, what'd you come up with?" Connor asked. "Alright. I've calculated the structural density of the wall, which has a flaw effect of 1 in 5988. Therefore, I can tune the digital modulator of the com-link to a peak of semblance in the upper pitch control, I can breach the obstructed density of the outer compound wall." Parmon explained. The others just held blank expressions. "You do know we don't understand what you just said, right?" Lance asked.
Meanwhile, as Moordryd and Cain took the injured Sarjo, Artha kicked the cage door down and freed himself, Kitt, Derek, Kurt and Khatah. But as they exited the brig, the alarm went off. As the Dragon Eyes showed up, they ran off with the Dragon Eyes chasing them.
Outside, the others heard the alarm. "This sounds bad. I'm afraid Artha, Kitt, Derek, Kurt, Moordryd and Cain are in danger." Parmon said. "Danger?! I'm coming, Artha!" Beau roared as he leapt over the wall. "Beau's dedication to protecting Artha is quite amazing." Gwen said. Suddenly, a grate opened on the wall and Moordryd and Cain came out with Sarjo. "Over here! Help us with Sarjo! We're going back in to help." Moordryd said. "We're coming with you." Connor said.
Meanwhile, the Dragon Eyes continued chasing after Artha, Kitt, Derek, Kurt and Khatah. But as they entered another corridor, they closed the door and held the Dragon Eyes back. "Hold them back! I'll get the Horn!" Khatah exclaimed. "But what about us?!" Kitt exclaimed as Khatah took off. "Khatah, come back!" Derek exclaimed. "Kurt, go after him!" Artha exclaimed. "But what about you guys?" Kurt asked worriedly. "Don't worry about us. Just go!" Artha exclaimed. Kurt hesitated, but took off after Khatah. "Come on! Get those kids!" Swayy exclaimed. Just then, something breathed down her neck. Beau showed up, magged the Dragon Eyes and sent them flying away. "What just happened?" Derek asked. "Artha, you there?" Beau asked. "Beau! Boy, are we glad to see you." Artha said as he opened the door for his Dragon partner. "Where're Kurt and Khatah?" Beau asked, noticing that Kurt and Khatah weren't with them.
Meanwhile, Khatah entered the room where the Horn of Libris was kept. Kurt carefully watched from a distance as Khatah approached the Horn with a relieved smile and proceeded to take it. But suddenly, Rancydd appeared and caught Khatah's arm with his Energy-Drain Whip. "Looking for something, Khatah? You are so pathetic." He said, chuckling sinisterly. Kurt silently panicked as he watched Rancydd drain Khatah's energy in horror, knowing that he couldn't do anything about it.
"Alright. Time to get busy, Boosters." Artha said as he mounted Beau. Kitt and Derek nodded. "RELEASE THE DRAGON!" "RELEASE THE FIRE DRAGON!" "RELEASE THE VOLCANO DRAGON!" They activated their gauntlets and transformed into their Booster forms.
Meanwhile, Khatah continued getting drained by Rancydd's whip. But then the Boosters came in and Beau broke the whip, severing the energy drainage. "NO!" Rancydd exclaimed. "Don't move, Dragon Eye." Kitt said, aiming one of her cannons at Rancydd. "Khatah, you okay?" Artha asked worriedly. Beau checked Khatah's body. "He lost a lot of energy, but he's gonna be okay." He said. Rancydd managed to sneak around the Boosters and escape, sealing the door. "Dang it! He got away! And he's got the Horn!" Kurt exclaimed as he came out of hiding. "Not for long, Kurt." Artha said.
Rancydd made his way to his Dragon. But as he mounted her, the Boosters burst out of the compound. "You may have the trophy, Rancydd, but you just lost the race." Artha said. "Hand over the Horn and we'll let you walk away without breaking your arms and legs." Kitt demanded. Rancydd was not about to give up. He held up the Horn and prepared to blow it. "Don't do it! You can't control a Grey Dragon!" Artha exclaimed. "Neither can you!" Rancydd exclaimed. He blow the Horn and it started glowing, letting out an ear-piercing shriek. Nearby, Connor, Parmon, Moordryd, Cain and Artha's siblings heard the shriek. "What's that noise?! It's awful!" Cain exclaimed, covering his ears. "It's the Horn! Someone must be blowing it!" Connor exclaimed. Suddenly, a loud roar echoed through the compound. "I'm thinking that sound…is worse." Parmon said with worry. "It is. Libris is coming." Moordryd said.
"You have no idea what you've just done." Artha said angrily. "Well, I know what I'm doing now. Getting out of here!" Rancydd exclaimed. But as he started riding his Dragon towards the compound's exit, Khatah leapt at him and knocked him off, causing him to lose the Horn. "This is not over!" Khatah exclaimed. "No. But it will be shortly." Rancydd said.
Suddenly, as Isla, Jessica and Lance waited by the wall, they noticed the water rippling from sudden rumbling. "Does that mean what I think it does?" Jessica asked with worry. Just then, a shadow crept over them. They turned around as the giant Grey Bone Dragon himself appeared and burst through the wall. They were too shocked and scared to even move. Moordryd rode up with Decepshun, grabbed them and pulled them away before Libris could crush them under his foot. Moordryd placed the 3 young Penns on a ledge for safety. "Stay here. You'll be safe." He said before riding off. "Not a problem." Isla said.
Libris started chasing Parmon and Cyrano, trying to chomp at them. Just then, Moordryd and Decepshun bashed into Libris' leg, getting his attention. As he started chasing Moordryd, Libris locked onto his Draconium Energy, magged him off Decepshun and threw him to the ground. "Moordryd!" Holly cried. Moordryd struggled to get up, but Libris was right on top of him. "Libris! Leave him alone!" Cain shouted. Libris turned his attention to Cain, who was ready to fight. Just then, Artha's siblings surrounded Libris. But Libris focused on all of their Draconium Energies. "Guys! Throw down your weapons and power down your gear! Libris is using your own Draconium Energies against you!" Artha exclaimed. "That's right! If you guys fight, he fights!" Kitt exclaimed. "That's why Grey Dragons are so dangerous! They're using your own gear against you!" Derek exclaimed. "He's right! Everyone, drop your weapons now!" Connor exclaimed. Everyone immediately dropped their weapons and powered down their gear. But Libris' attention was turned towards Khatah and Rancydd, who were still fighting. "Of course." Kitt groaned. "Khatah! Rancydd! Stop fighting!" Artha exclaimed as Libris walked towards the 2 racers, who stopped at the sight of him. "Khatah, you need to forget the Horn of Libris!" Kitt exclaimed. "I can't do that! It is my destiny!" Khatah exclaimed. "Khatah, this isn't about you and the Horn! It's about all of us and Dragon City! And the whole world! We need your help right now! Stop fighting!" Artha exclaimed. Khatah thought about what he was saying and dropped his weapon. "I could care less about the whole world! This! Ends! NOW!" Rancydd exclaimed, preparing to finish Khatah. "Rancydd, NO!" Moordryd exclaimed. Libris turned his attention on Rancydd, locking onto his Draconium Energy. He magged the Dragon Eye crew member and tossed him into the distance. "Well, that…worked out nicely. I think." Derek said.
Libris turned his attention to the Boosters. "We're not gonna fight you." Artha said. Libris just roared at them. "Artha, you feel it too, don't you?" Beau asked. "Yes. Libris' energy is unbalanced." Artha said. "Then we must balance it." Beau said. "And we know how to do it." Artha said. "Let's do it, partner." Both Artha and Beau started to glow and unleashed a stream of energy. The energy split itself into 15 separate parts and inserted themselves into the Penn siblings, Connor, Parmon, Kitt, Moordryd and Cain. They all started glowing different Draconium colors until the energy, fueled with their Draconium colors, rejoined in Artha and Beau. They fired the energy at Libris and started trying to balance it, color after color. "What are they doing?" Cain asked. "Artha and Beau are trying to balance Libris' energy." Connor said. "But Libris is too powerful!" Lance exclaimed with worry. Just then, Artha and Beau started glowing white as they brought Libris' energy to full balance. After the glow died down, Libris didn't look as aggressive anymore. "It's alright, Libris. Your energy is balanced now." Beau said. "There's no need to be mad anymore." Artha said. Libris growled softly and bowed to them. "Drac." Lance said in awe. "You actually restored his energy balance." Parmon said. "We did it, partner." Beau said. Artha smiled as he patted his Dragon partner's head.
Later, Khatah retrieved the Horn of Libris. "Khatah!" Holly called. "Are you alright?" Connor asked as he and the others walked up to Khatah. "Where are the Boosters?" Khatah asked. "We're right here." Artha said as he, Kitt and Derek rode up on their Dragons with Libris following. "I suppose I owe Artha Tannis Penn an apology. He was right. Heroes need help to be heroes." Khatah said. "Indeed, they do." Pyrrah's voice said. Everyone turned around to see Pyrrah and Phistus walk up to them with their Dragons. "Pyrrah. Phistus. Why are you here?" Khatah asked. "Connor called us. Sorry we were late to the party." Pyrrah said. "It's all good." Derek said. "Khatah, perhaps it's best you apologize to Artha right away." Phistus said, gesturing to the Boosters. Artha, Kitt and Derek removed their helmets and revealed their identities to Khatah, shocking him. "Yeah. Always full of surprises." Artha said. "Yes. I am sorry for everything, Artha. You were right all along. And perhaps the Horn will more useful to you and your team." Khatah said, giving the Horn to Artha. "Thank you, Khatah." Artha said.
Just then, Kurt takes the Horn and felt something deep within himself. Everyone watched with concern about what would happen. Kurt put the Horn to his lips and blew on it. But instead of an ear-piercing shriek, it let out a gentle haunting howl. Just then, the Horn morphed into a gauntlet and Kurt became surrounded by grey energy, became fitted in smoke-themed Booster armor and aged up to his older siblings' age. Everyone was shocked at what happened. "What?! I…I'm a Booster?!" Kurt asked in shock as he looked at his armored hands. Suddenly, small puffs of smoke were formed in his hands. "And I have…smoke powers now?!" He asked. "The power of the Smoke Booster." Connor said in surprise. "What?" Kurt asked. "Kurt, you've become the newest Booster on this team. The Smoke Booster." Connor said. Kurt looked at his hands again. "Well, I guess my life just got a little more…interesting now." He said.
"Khatah, you now see what Word intends to do. He's creating these Wraith Dragons, like the one we saved you and Sarjo from, and looking for ways to capture me and Beau." Artha said. "It's so he can start the next Human-Dragon war." Kitt said. "The Penns need all the help they can get if they are to stop Word Paynn's plans, including me and Pyrrah." Phistus said. "What say you, Khatah? Will you and your Inner Order crew join us in our fight?" Artha asked. "I will, Artha Tannis Penn. Word Paynn will not win and start his war with our combined forces. United we stand." Khatah said. "Divided we fall." Artha said, putting his hand in the middle. Everyone placed their hands on top of each other's. Beau and the Dragons added their tails in the middle. Even Libris added his own tail on top, making their new alliance official.
Oh, wasn't that amazing?! Artha and Kitt race in a tournament to earn the friendship of Khatah of the Inner Order crew. But the Dragon Eyes used a Wraith Dragon to cheat their way to the tournament's trophy, the Horn of Libris. As Khatah and the Boosters go to get the Horn back, the Dragon Eyes use the Horn to summon Libris, the last of the Grey Bone Dragons. But Artha and Beau manage to balance Libris' Draconium energy and turn him to their side. And Kurt, having been drawn to the Horn, uses it to become the newest Booster on the team. The Smoke Booster. And now with Khatah and the Inner Order crew on their side, the Boosters are one step closer to stopping Word Paynn from restarting the Dragon-Human War. But what other dangers will the Boosters face? Is Libris really the last of the Grey Dragons? Will other Dragon crews join with the Penn family? Leave a review if you'd like.