Episode 3: "Allies No More?"

[The Final Dreamers ride their Dream Creatures across the rugged mountains of Kybar's Teeth.]

Tony: [excitedly] This is amazing! I can't believe we're on our way to collect Dreamstones!

Edyn: [smiling] It's going to be quite the adventure.

Strag: [quietly] Yeah, an adventure.

[The Final Hyren appears before them, interrupting their journey.]

Final Hyren: Final Dreamers, there is a prophecy I must deliver to you.

Tony: [curiously] A prophecy? What is it?

Final Hyren: [solemnly] It foretells that each of you must make a sacrifice in order to unlock new powers in the form of Dream Armour, but only when the time comes.

Strag: [hesitantly] I don't know if certain people want me back there.

Tony: [encouragingly] It's okay, Strag. I know you and your dad have your differences, but I still think he'll be pleased to see you.

[The Final Dreamers arrive at The Underneath, and Strag is immediately approached by a Shadow Stalker.]

Shadow Stalker: STRAG! Thank goodness you're here. Hurry, your mother's in sickening pain!

Strag: [urgently] Mum! Are you okay?

Strag's Mother: [weakly] Strag? Is that you?

Strag: Yes, it is. I came as soon as I could!

[Strag's father appears, clearly upset.]

Strag's Father: More like you pick and choose when to return!

Strag: Dad, please! I know I should've returned sooner, but there's concern that Agram may have returned, and I've had to go all over.

Strag's Father: YOU THINK I CARE? YOU ALWAYS MUST PUT THIS FAMILY FIRST! THAT'S WHAT THE UNDERNEATH IS ABOUT!

Strag: WELL, IT'S NOT LIKE YOU'VE PUT ME FIRST! YOU'VE ALWAYS RESENTED ME AND MY ABILITIES. SOMETIMES I DON'T EVEN KNOW WHY YOU'RE MY FATHER!

[The argument escalates until Strag storms off.]

Edyn: Guess that didn't go well?

Strag: No, but I think I know someone who'll listen.

[Meanwhile, Tony and Edyn stroll through The Underneath.]

Tony: I'm worried about Strag. He seemed really upset.

Edyn: Everything will be fine. We just need to stick together.

[Suddenly, they hear a commotion from a nearby dueling stadium.]

Tony: Let's check it out!

[They rush to the stadium and witness a surprising sight: Shadow Magi Ashio being attacked by a Shadow Stalker's Dream Creature.]

Tony: Is that who I think it is?

Edyn: It's Ashio, and he's being attacked!?

Tony: We have to help!

Edyn: Wait! What if this is a trap?

Tony: Does this look like a trap?

Edyn: Okay, fine, but don't say I didn't warn you!

[They summon their Dream Creatures.]

Tony & Edyn: WITH THIS ANAMITE, I IMAGINE...

Tony: Furok!

Edyn: Ugger!

[Their attacks prove ineffective against the powerful Shadow Stalker's Dream Creature.]

Furok: Plasma Attack!

Ugger: Root Reach!

Shadow Stalker: Creature! Dark Energon attack!

[Just as the creature prepares its final attack, Ashio intervenes with his emerald relic.]

Ashio: [in pain] Take that, you brute!

[Tony and Edyn rush to Ashio's side.]

Tony: Where is Agram, Ashio?

Ashio: I don't know where he is! I swear!

Edyn: You're lying! Ugger, get ready to attack!

Ashio: No, please! I swear I don't know. I was set to be imprisoned here... by Korg and Zed!

Tony: Korg and Zed?! They're Shadow Magi. Why would they attack you?

Ashio: Because they did it using Gorath's DNA!

[Strag enters the stadium, visibly upset.]

Tony: Strag!

Edyn: Are you okay?

[They embrace him, but Inara's sarcastic remarks prompt Strag to leave.]

Inara: Well, it looks like you've clearly found your "friends" haven't you?

Strag: Inara, you know that isn't true! You have always been my friend, even when you've hurt me I've forgiven you!

Inara: The fact that I know about the issues between you and your dad and yet you instead left instead of talking to me means you don't trust me and you never will! tears

Strag: Inara...

Inara, in tears: JUST GO! I don't want anything to do with you anymore!

Strag: Fine. I'll... I'll leave. Come on, guys.

[Strag, Tony, and Edyn depart, leaving behind a hurt and confused Inara.]

[As Strag processes the events, he uses his Moon Sense to travel back 24 hours, witnessing a conversation between Inara and his mother.]

Strag: Moon Sense!

Strag's Mother: I wish Strag was here.

Inara: I just don't know why he doesn't want to stay. The Underneath is his home, isn't it?

Strag's Mother: Well, you know how he and his father argue all the time.

Inara: He can always stay with me. I'm his best friend for a reason... and he left the both of us.

[Strag realizes the truth and feels regretful for not being there for Inara and his mother.]