Sledkin was in her hideout looking through her phone at pictures of the Book of Dragons, specifically on a page depicting a large amount of dragonsite.
"Oh, yeah," said Linda cuddled Nibbles. "Who's the bestest little dragon in the whole wide world?" Nibbles was trying to break free, to no avail. "You are. Yes, you are. Come here."
Sledkin watched the whole thing and was quite annoyed. "Linda! Will you please stop goo-gooing over filthy creature? I'm trying to concentrate. Now, bring me those research papers."
"Right away, Dr Sledkin," said Linda.
However, Nibbles grabbed the papers in her hand and flew off. She then began chasing after Nibbles, who was stumbling all over the place.
"Ugh!" Sledkin groaned. "Every possibility is another dead end. What am I missing?"
Linda began picking up the papers, came face-to-face with an Ice Tail, and screamed.
"Sorry," said Buzzsaw as he arrived. "Am I interrupting?"
"I assume that's a rhetorical question, Mr Saw," said Sledkin, who was now starting to lose her patience.
"Aw, look, it's hungry," said Linda.
Sledkin gasped as the Ice Tail chewed on one of her research papers. "Give me that!"
She tried to snatch it from the Ice Tail, who just growled in response. She finally managed to get the page, but it was torn, and now she is coding dragon spit.
"How charming," she said and slammed the paper into Linda's chest. "I don't pay you to fawn over these fiends, Linda." She then turned and looked at Buzzsaw. "And you—you should be scouring every nook and cranny of the underworld looking for the dragonsite realm, not bothering simple little Linda."
"First of all, you aren't my boss. We're partners," Buzzsaw reminded her. "And even if you were my boss, you wouldn't be my boss because the Dragon King is his own boss. He does what the Dragon King wants when he wants, how he wants if he wants. And right now, I'm selling dragons. You want one or not?"
"The answer is no," said Sledkin, turning her back on him. "Now, buzz off and don't come back until you can help me find that dragonsite gem."
Linda and Buzzsaw looked at one another but remained silent.
Thunder was currently dragging Tom towards the Lair, informing him it was getting a little overcrowded.
"Okay, okay, I'm coming, Pal," said Tom, chasing after him.
Thunder then began to push Tom towards the Lair.
"I know," said Tom. "There are a lot of new dragons in the Lair. We had to evacuate them somewhere. Now they're safe from the World Serpent. It's just going to take some adjustment."
Thunder growled, pointing towards the Lair, and Tom saw a Fireworm flying out of it.
"No, Glowmer, stop!" Alex yelled, chasing after him.
Glowmer then took off, flying past Tom and Thunder. However, he didn't get far as Feathers appeared right in front of him and trapped him in a jar.
"Nice catch, Alex," said Tom.
"This is the fifth time he's tried to escape this morning," said Alex. "Feathers as exhausted, and so I."
"Come on, Thunder," said Tom.
Then suddenly, a Terrible Terror shot by, and Jun chased after it.
"Wait, stop! Come back!" she yelled.
"Great job, Jun Bug," said Eugene. "You let another one out."
"You were supposed to be watching him," Jun reminded him.
"I was. I watched him fly out."
"You could at least help me."
"I always help you."
"Oh, you never help me!"
"Because you never have my back!"
"I always have your back!"
Eugene then turned to Alex. "Gonzo, settle this. Who's right?"
"You're both annoying me," she said as she walked past them.
Jun and Eugene glared at one another, and Tom quickly intervened.
"Okay, guys, that's enough," he said.
James and D'Angelo then emerged from the lab, looking exhausted.
"There are way too many dragons down there!" said D'Angelo. "Way too many."
"And more show up every day!" said James.
"I know, but we can't just let them go back to their realms," Tom argued, "not with Jörmungandr still on the loose."
"But, clearly, the Lair isn't exactly the best place, either," Jun pointed out. "We can't just let them roam free."
Tom pondered for a moment and got an idea. "Maybe they don't have to run free."
They then made their way back to ICARUS, and Tom began putting his idea into motion.
"Welcome to Rakke Town Foster A Dragon Day," he said to the huge crowd of people, "a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to open your hearts, and your domes, to displaced dragons in need."
"I hope this works, Tom," said Jun.
"The book says Hiccup lived in a town full of dragons," said Tom.
"True, but there again, from what I read, they had some problems early on, which resulted in the dragons being temporarily banished from the town," said James.
"It'll be fine," Tom assured them.
"Ahem," said Eugene, approaching them. "Let the master go to work." He then turned and faced everyone. "Step right up, people. We've got every kind of dragon to fit any budget. Compact, full-sized, scaled up, scaled down. You name it, we've got it."
He then suddenly dashed towards a woman in a scientist uniform as she reached out towards a Terrible Terror. "Make the check out to Eugene Wong."
James gave him a dry look. "We're not selling them, Eugene."
"We'd love to foster," said Carla as she and Hazel approached Glowmer.
"Especially if that means we can have Glowmer around the dome again," said Hazel.
Glowmer screeched within his bowl and then flew out of it towards them.
"Oh, look," said Carla. "He still remembers us."
"Okay, but there's one thing you should know about Glowmer," Alex warned. "He's kind of a package deal."
She then gestured to a small group of Fireworms that had just arrived.
"Not a problem," said Carla. "What a few more mouths to feed when they're so small."
"Um, Carla, is Glowmer's blow a little dimmer than the other two?" Hazel asked as she observed Glowmer's fading glow. "We should take him to the infirmary for a quick checkup."
"You're right, Hazel," Carla agreed. "Better safe than sorry."
Alex smiled as the two of them made their way to the infirmary with the Fireworms.
Pete immediately approached a Speed Stinger.
"Ah, I like that one," he said. "Sleek, aerodynamic."
"Oh, uh, that one is a little…" said Tom just before the Speed Stinger took off. "…fast."
"Love his spirit," said Pete. "Look at him go!" He then began chasing him down. "Wait! Slow down!"
A pair of engineers were interested in a Magma Breather until it barfed out lava, scaring them off. Philip noticed that he was rather depressed and approached him.
"Oh, that's too bad," he said, looking at Hobs. "Doesn't look like anyone wants him."
Hobs then flew over to the Magma Breather, and Philip moved in to help combat the poor thing, which D'Angelo noticed.
"Dad?!" D'Angelo panicked, having terrible memories of the Magma Breather. Uh, ha, I don't think this dragon is right for our family."
"Why not?" Philip asked, not noticing the Magma Breather growling at D'Angelo. "No dragon left behind, D."
"I know, but what about Hobs, huh?" D'Angelo asked. "They probably won't get along."
Unfortunately, Hobs was getting along quite fine with the Magma Breather, and Philip merely smiled.
"Okay. Great," D'Angelo groaned. "The more the merrier."
Jun was trying to convince her mother to foster a dragon, to no avail.
"Come on, Mom, you have to help," Jun pleaded. "Look, everyone's doing it."
"Oh! You and your brother are enough of a handful," she said. "Always disagreeing and arguing. No more. No way."
Jun then noticed a Vine Tail nesting on her hat. "Aw! She's chosen you. It's so cute."
"I am not swayed by its display of affection," said May, shaking the Vine Tail off. "Now, Mr Rakke is expecting a progress report. Trust me, he is not the type of billionaire you disappoint. If we want to keep this place open, we would do well to remember we have a purpose here that isn't dragon babysitting."
She then walked off, leaving behind a disappointed Jun.
Olivia, on the other hand, was rather suspicious of all this. "Foster A Dragon Day. Isn't there enough room for them down below?"
"There is," said Tom, smiling awkwardly, but Olivia raised an eyebrow. "Oh, okay. We're trying to keep them safe. Their rounds have been attacked by a very dangerous dragon."
"They're wild creatures living with other dragons is part of the deal," Olivia pointed out.
"Not like this one," said Tom. "Please. Trust me. Let me help them."
Olivia turned and saw that everyone was rather enjoying looking after the dragons.
"See?" Tom smiled. "Everything's fine. Nothing bad is going to happen."
Thunder then roared.
"What is it, Pal?" Tom asked. They then heard the sound of a helicopter approaching. "Is that…?"
"A helicopter?" Olivia stared.
She then suddenly got a message on her radio. "Tower to Dr Kullersen, Mr Rakke is on approach."
"Mr Rakke is here?" said Tom horrified.
Olivia immediately turned to Tom. "Tom, hide the dragons."
"I'm on it."
"Olivia, this is a disaster!" said May, rushing over to her. "To put it mildly, Mr Rakke has been sceptical of our progress. If he is here, it means someone or the entire facility is on the chopping block."
"And even if we hide the dragon, how do we explain the absence of Dr Sledkin?" Clara asked.
D'Angelo looked at the magma breather, panicking. "What do we do with him?"
"We'll hunker down in the hangar," said Philip, who began to push the Magma Breather. "Come on."
"Oh, good idea," Tom agreed. "Get all the dragons to the hangar. Keep Mr Rakke away from the station as long as you can."
Mr Rakke's helicopter soon landed, and he stepped outside.
"The bosses here!" he announced but was a little disappointed that no one was there to meet him. He then turned to the helicopter pilot. "Where is everyone, huh?"
The helicopter pilot shrugged.
"Of course, nobody knew I was coming," he said. "But that should matter."
Everyone was still trying to get the dragons out of sight.
"Where are the Terrors?" Tom asked.
"The split when you're brilliant plan went talons up," said Eugene.
"Eugene, not the time!" said Jun.
"Feathers, hide!" Alex whispered.
Feathers then turn invisible just as Mr Rakke turned round the corner.
"Dr Kullersen. Director Wong," he said. "Not sure if anyone noticed, but I am here in the flesh."
"Mr Rakke, wonderful to see you," May smiled.
"What a surprise," said Olivia.
"To me, there is no better way to see how an operation truly runs than to show up unannounced," he said, looking at them sternly, much to their concern. He then laughed. "Don't worry. Consider it an opportunity. As long as everything is in ship shape, you have nothing to fear. You have made some exciting new discoveries, I hope?"
"Well…" said Olivia awkwardly.
"Of course you have," he said. "I only hire the best. Speaking of hires, where is Dr Sled—"
"Vacation!" said Tom, running up to him. "Just went." He then looked at Olivia. "Right, Mom?"
"Uh, yes, that's right," Olivia nodded.
"I'm sure she would have stayed if she knew you were coming," said Clara.
"Huh, well, work hard, play hard, I suppose," Mr Rakke shrugged and then noticed the rest of the Riders. "Speaking of work, should your children be in school?"
"It's Saturday," D'Angelo pointed out.
"Ah, of course it is," said Mr Rakke. He then placed his arm around Tom. "Not stirring up any trouble, I hope?"
"Uh…" said Tom awkwardly.
"I'm joking," he laughed. "You know, some people think kids are a nuisance, a distraction from the real work at hand. I say poppycock! Children are the future of Rakke Corp, a future where the environment is cherished and protected, so the generations to come can enjoy our sweet Mother Earth."
"You, what a beautiful sentiment, Mr Rakke," said Eugene. "Truly insightful."
"I like this one," said Mr Rakke, looking at May. "Executive material."
"I guess Sledkin never got that notification," James whispered to his mother.
"Now, enough small talk," said Mr Rakke. "Let's have a look at ICARUS."
"The station?" May panicked. "Um…"
"If I may, Mr Rakke, don't you want to save the best for last?" said Eugene quickly, guiding him away from the station. "How about a true behind-the-scenes look at what really fuels the hearts and minds of the Rakke team?"
"Brilliant, young man," Mr Rakke nodded.
"I knew you would think so," Eugene smiled and quickly turned to the others. "I'm buying you some time. You're welcome. Don't mess it up!"
He then ran after Mr Rakke as he made his way into town.
"I never thought I'd see the day when Eugene saves the day," James blinked.
"Better stay close to him," said Jun as she followed Eugene. "He's out of his depth on this one."
"D, you, James and Alex, find the lost Terrors and get them in the hangar," Tom ordered. "I'll go with Jun."
D'Angelo, James, his mother and Alex immediately ran off, and Tom chased after Jun, closely followed by his mom and May.
Eugene had taken Mr Rakke to the general store.
"The general store?" he frowned.
"Isn't this a wonderful market, Mr Rakke?" Eugene asked. "So many culinary options."
Mr Rakke didn't look impressed. "I didn't fly all the way out here to grocery shop."
"With all due respect, this is where it all starts," said Eugene. As Eugene guided me down the aisles, Tom panicked as he saw the Terrible Terror making its way down the same aisle. "The path to a smart science person's medulla obligation is through their stomach."
Mr Rakke was just about to turn his head and would have spotted the Terrible Terror if Jun hadn't quickly placed a bag of cheesy loops in his face.
"Cheesy loops?" she said, laughing nervously.
Mr Rakke narrowed his eyes at her. "I saw what you just did, Jun." Both Eugene and Jun looked at him anxiously, but then he burst out laughing. "You're trying to tempt me. Well, it won't work." He remained unaware that Tom and Olivia had pulled the Terrible Terror out of sight and directly behind him. "I don't eat processed food, Jun. Haven't touched a potato chip since my cryogenic saliva purification."
"Oh, that's too bad," said Jun as Tom tried to keep the Terrible Terror quiet. "We all love them. Main course, side dish… you name it. We even made loop soup."
She then laughed nervously, and Eugene joined in.
"Yes!" said Eugene, smiling. "Well, anyway…"
Mr Rakke then heard the Terrible Terror screeching. "What is that peculiar noise?"
He slowly began to investigate as Tom and Olivia hid behind the next aisle, with Tom covering the mouth of the Terrible Terror.
"Okay, let's keep this party bus moving," said Eugene quickly and guided him away. "We have a robust fleet of ATVs we should check out."
"ATVs?" Mr Rakke frowned.
"Yes," Eugene nodded. "Very cool. With all-weather tyres. Can you believe it?"
May and Jun call them out of the general store, closing the doors behind them.
Tom and Olivia arose from their hiding spot, but Tom was a little conflicted, which Olivia noted.
"What is it?" she asked.
"Maybe we should tell Mr Rakke," said Tom, and his mother looked at him questionably. "I'm serious. He seems cool. He cares about the environment and new discoveries. What new discovery is greater than dragons?"
"It's not that simple, Tom," she said.
"Why not?" Tom asked. "Hiccup selling his book, he always hoped that, someday, people dragons could live in harmony. You saw everyone this morning. Maybe today is the first day of a new realm, our realm."
Olivia sighed. "Oh. I know you want this to work out, but you were right from the start to keep the dragons a secret. Yes, Mr Rakke has done a lot of good. But remember, he also hand-picked Sledkin. We don't know his true intentions. What if he finds out about Thunder and takes him away?"
Tom knew she was right; it was just too big of a risk.
Meanwhile, Eugene and the others surveyed the fissure on some quad bikes.
"Look at that fissure," said Mr Rakke, smiling broadly. "Oh-ho-ho. Massive! I bet there's an entire world of discovery down there."
"You have no idea!" said Eugene.
"Eugene!" Jun hissed as she rode up and quickly looked at Mr Rakke. "He means you have no idea how beautiful the forest is. Follow me."
"This reminds me of camel-trekking the Sahara, only faster," said Mr Rakke as he followed them.
"Maybe we should slow down," said May, who was having difficulty following them. "Speed kills."
"Slow down?" Mr Rakke laughed. "Never!"
"That's the spirit, Rakke man!" said Eugene.
"Rakke man?" said Jun. "Eugene, we should head back. Mom's getting nervous."
"We need to buy them time," Eugene reminded her. You don't want Mr Rakke to see a…" He stopped when he suddenly saw a Speed Stinger racing directly behind him, and they quickly swerved. "Uh, doughnut!"
He then quickly swerved right in front of Mr Rakke, scaring the Speed Stinger and leaving him none the wiser.
"Think I'm too old to keep up, do you?" he laughed.
He then took off, and the Speed Stinger reappeared and started chasing after him.
Jun gasped and drove after them, jumping over a large rock and then drove right next to Mr Rakke.
"But he can't keep up with this, Mr Rakke," she smiled and then swerved to the right.
"Right with ya!" Mr Rakke smiled, chasing after her, leaving the Speed Stinger behind.
Mr Rakke soon caught up with Jun, laughing and enjoying himself. However, he quickly had to swerve out of the way in order to avoid running into a tree and then crashed.
Jun and Eugene winced as their mother drove up to them.
"See? I told you speed kills," she said.
Meanwhile, back at the station, everyone was getting the dragons into the hangar, but the Magma Breather was rather reluctant.
"Move it along, big boy," said Philip. "We don't have all day. D, why don't you come over and coax him in? You're the Dragon Doctor, after all."
D'Angelo laughed. "That… that's okay. You're doing fine."
The Magma Breather then gave him an ugly look.
"Tom, we have to get them inside," said Olivia.
"I know," said Tom. "They're almost…" He then realised something. "Wait. Where are Carla and Hazel with the Fireworms?"
Eugene and his group soon returned to town and made their way to the infirmary.
"Tom, good news," said Jun, speaking to him on her radio. "Mr Rakke fell off his ATV! Well, not that part. We're taking him to the infirmary to check out. So you have more time."
"Jun, Carla and Hazel took Glowmer and his friends to the infirmary," Tom informed her.
Jun gasped, rushed inside, and approached Mr Rakke as he reached for the door.
"Wait!" she said quickly. "Should we make sure there aren't any patients in their first?"
"We're trying to bring one in right now, remember?" said Eugene. "Bossman had a major wipeout and fell off an ATV… gracefully."
"Yes, but what about the case of Fireus Wormus going around?" Jun gasped. "Yes, rare, um, parasitic and, um…"
Thankfully, both Eugene and her mother got the gist of what she was trying to say.
"Oh, yeah, yeah, parasites can be very…" Eugene nodded.
"Parasites?" Mr Rakke laughed. "I've had parasites that had parasites… that had parasites!"
He then entered the infirmary where Carla and Hazel looked after the Fireworms. Thankfully, he couldn't see them.
"Ah! Mr Rake!" Carla gasped.
"Mr Rakke?" Hazel stared.
They quickly covered up the Fireworms with the case, not knowing that a few of them had managed to escape.
"Wow," said Mr Rakke, feeling the heat from the Fireworms. "It is unbelievably hot in here."
The cart that the Fireworms were on started to move on its own, and Carla quickly leaned against it, stopping it in its tracks.
"Uh… ah, the heating system's on the fritz. Again, right?" said Jun quickly.
"Oh, yes," Hazel nodded. "We have been trying to repair it to no avail."
So we use this room as a sauna," said Eugene as he placed the box over a Fireworm.
"A sauna?" Mr Rakke frowned.
Jun quickly closed the crate as a Fireworm crawled over it while Mr Rakke's back was turned.
"Yes, because beyond pleasure and relaxation, evidence suggests that sauna-ing has many health benefits," Eugene nodded. "You know what they say: if life gives you a hot room, make it into a sauna."
Mr Rakke looked suspiciously and chuckled. "Oh, I'm a sauna man myself. Glad to see you're making use of a bad situation. I trust the lab is in a better condition. It's past time we head there."
Suddenly, the cart that the Fireworms were on rolled over towards them by itself.
"Bandage!" said Jun quickly, just before Mr Rakke touched the cart. "I mean, we should clear that nasty scrape before we go."
She then quickly put a bandage on Mr Rakke's wrist, and he gave her a small smile.
"Thank you," he said. He then turned and looked at Carla and Hazel. "And best of luck to you ladies with your parasites. Might I suggest wafting warm cabbage under your noses?"
They then quickly left, leaving behind a confused Carla and Hazel.
The two women gave a sigh of relief and released the Fireworms.
By this point, Tom and his group had managed to get all the dragons in the hangar.
"There!" said Tom relieved. "I think that's everyone."
"All present and accounted for," said Philip relieved.
"We are en route to the station," said Jun on the radio.
"Roger that," Tom replied. "All dragons secure in the hangar."
"No thanks to you," said Philip, looking at the Magma Breather.
The Magma Breather then took that moment to throw up some molten magma. While he was relaxing in the lava, the smoke coming from it activated the fire alarms. If that wasn't bad enough, the hangar doors began to open, and the dragons escaped.
"No, no! Come back!" Tom yelled. "Thunder, stop them!"
Thunder dashed off and blocked an Ice Tail, which suddenly jumped right over him and ran off. A Terrible Terror was making its getaway and ran right underneath Plowhorn. Webmaster then quickly fired a fire web blocking its path, but it just flew around it.
Mr Rakke's group were making their way to the station when they heard the fire alarms.
"Is there a fire?" Mr Rakke asked and then ran to the station as quickly as he could. "Hurry!"
The Wongs then followed him.
"The heat from the lava trip to the emergency override," said Philip.
"Can't you, I don't know, override the override?" D'Angelo asked.
"Cracked the ICARUS security protocol code?" Philip stared. "Nobody's that good."
"Give me a sec," said Alex and Philip stared at her. "I mean, let me try."
"If anyone can get those security protocol codes, it's Alex," said James.
"Hurry!" Tom yelled. "We are out of time."
"Got it," she said, overriding the override.
Then, she and James quickly mounted their dragons and took off with Tom.
A split second later, Mr Rakke turned around and rushed towards the hangar, where Philip and Clara were busy hiding the Magma Breather behind some boxes.
"Chief Baker. Miss Carlson," said Mr Rakke as he rushed inside.
"Mr Rakke, greetings," said Philip.
"I hope that you're enjoying your tour," said Clara.
"Why was the alarm going off?" Mr Rakke asked.
"Just a routine test of our facilities' state-of-the-art alarm system," said Philip. "No need to panic."
"I wanted to make some upgrades to the security protocols; I do apologise for causing any panic," said Clara
The Magma Breather then grunted, and Philip quickly pretended to be sick.
"Oh! Excuse me, Angela's taco meatloaf," he apologised. "It's, uh…" The Magma Breather then barfed once more. "…heavy."
"Moving on!" said Eugene quickly.
"Next," said Jun, quickly dragging Mr Rakke out of the hangar.
Both Philip and Clara gave a sigh reliever, and then they saw lava pouring out from the Magma Breather.
Tom and the others were hiding the dragons at the front of the station.
"Yes, Mr Rakke," said Jun. "Next stop, ICARUS."
"We have to get the dragons out of sight," D'Angelo panicked.
"How?" James asked.
"Quick, inside," said Tom, opening the station doors.
Feathers unleashed a sonic blast, scaring the dragons into the station. They had just everyone inside when Mr Rakke's group turned round the corner.
"Finally, the crown jewel of my scientific empire," Mr Rakke smiled.
"We hope you like what you see," said May.
"As long as it tops the general store, I'm sure to be impressed," said Mr Rakke as they made their way inside, and Eugene winced.
Everyone was currently in the visitor centre trying to get the dragons to the left.
"They're coming!" Alex panicked.
"They won't all fit," said Olivia.
"Plow, uh, suck in your gut, maybe?" said D'Angelo.
"Tom and Dr Kullersen, take the other upstairs," said Alex. "D, James, I have an idea. Feathers!"
Tom and Olivia had just pushed the dragons to the left when Mr Rakke entered the visitor centre.
"What is that?" Mr Rakke asked.
"Oh, no!" Jun panicked.
"Hi, Mr Rakke," said D'Angelo as he, Alex, and James stood in front of Plowhorn's horn.
Fortunately, the rest of her body was hiding behind the seats, which just looked like a big chunk of crystal.
"We were just transporting this giant rare gem that was found in the fissure," said D'Angelo.
"Oh, it's marvellous," said Mr Rakke as he examined it. "May I?"
Plowhorn then spat out a little loopy, much to the surprise of Mr Rakke, and everyone looked at him nervously.
"It expels moisture?" he stared.
"Yeah, we're, uh, studying that," said D'Angelo.
"Yeah, for a research project for our school work," James smiled.
"I'll bet you find this fascinating, Mr Rakke," said Eugene, guiding him to the left. "We all sure do."
"That's right," Jun nodded.
"Ha, yeah," May agreed as she stepped into the left. "I could hardly believe it myself."
She then pressed the button on the lift doors closed.
Once they were gone, D'Angelo, James and Alex gave a sigh of relief. Feathers then reappeared on Plowhorn's back as she sat up.
Mr Rakke's group was now making its way down the elevator, and everyone could hear the dragons grunting and growling.
"Is there something wrong with the elevator?" Mr Rakke asked, concerned. "It's wheezing."
Jun gave a nervous laugh, and Eugene looked up and saw Webmaster looking down at them from the maintenance window above. He quickly began to signal Webmaster to get out of sight, and Mr Rakke looked at him strangely.
"I don't hear anything," said Eugene quickly. "Do you, Jun?"
"No," said Jun. "You must have superhuman hearing, Rakke man."
Mr Rakke blinked while May gave a nervous laugh.
Tom opened the doors to the main lab.
"In here!" Tom gestured.
Thunder and the rest of the dragons made their way inside.
"No, that's the main lab," said Olivia quickly. "He'll look in there."
They then heard the sound of the elevator reaching the floor.
"Too late!" said Tom.
Olivia quickly rushed over just as the elevator door opened, and Tom closed the door just as Mr Rakke stepped out of the elevator.
"He's coming!" said Olivia.
Mr Rakke was now making his way to the main lab, and the Wongs could hear the dragons inside.
"I don't know," said Jun as she and Eugene quickly blocked his path. "It sounds busy in there."
"Yeah. Maybe we should wait," said Eugene. "Don't want to disturb all the science-ing."
"Nonsense," said Mr Rakke. "That's just how one of my labs should be noisy and teeming with discoveries and robust debate."
Tom and Olivia could hear everyone on the other side and knew Mr Rakke was about to enter.
Tom quickly looked up at Wu and Wei. "Wu, Wei, steam it up."
Wu and Wei then unleashed their ice and heat blast, secreting a mist.
"I-I'll announce your entrance," said May, trying to stop Mr Rakke.
"Director Wong, you know I don't care about pomp and circumstance," he said, and everyone raised an eyebrow. "Okay. That's not true. I totally do. But I'm tired of waiting!"
He then opened the door, but all he could see was a thick fog.
"What is going on in here?" he asked.
Thunder had then stepped forward and unleashed an electrical pulse so powerful that it sent Mr Rakke flying out of the lab.
Everyone stared horrified, as Mr Rakke laid them on the floor with his hair sticking out like a porcupine.
"Oh, no," said Jun.
"Kullersen, you killed Rakke!" Eugene stared.
Fortunately, Mr Rakke was still alive and started to regain consciousness.
"Oh, thank goodness!" said May relieved.
"What… what happened?" Mr Rakke asked and then saw Olivia. "Dr Kullersen?"
"I'm sorry, Mr. Rakke," she said as Tom closed the lab door and told the dragons to be quiet, "we were just conducting a high-voltage conductivity experiment, and it seems you got caught in the middle."
Everyone looked nervous as they waited to see Mr Rakke's response, and they were rather surprised when he started laughing.
"Science!" he cried. "That's what it's all about."
"So you're not mad?" Tom blinked.
"Mad?" he said as Eugene helped him up. "Of course not, Tom. Oh, you can't make an omelette without breaking some eggs." He then nearly toppled over and had to use the wall to support himself. "I, uh, just never thought I would be the egg."
He then walked off, still a little shaken, and everyone gave a sigh of relief.
Later that afternoon, everyone was on the landing pad, seeing Mr Rakke off.
"Dr Wong, Dr Kullersen, you have quite an operation here," he said, shaking their hands. "Keep up the good work. Don't be surprised at more grants coming your way," He then turned his eyes to the Dragon Riders, "especially for these young go-getters, each one more brilliant than the next, especially that Eugene! Bright future ahead of you, boy. Keep up the science and stay curious."
He then ended his helicopter, and everyone waved as he took off.
Jun and Eugene then watched as their mother approached them, giving them a stern look.
"Sorry for everything, Mom," said Jun. "I…"
May then surprise them by giving them a big hug.
"Uh, what's happening here?" Eugene asked.
"I'm proud of you," she said, smiling. "For the first time ever, I saw you two working together instead of bickering. We really fooled him, didn't we?"
"Yeah," said Jun.
"We sure did," Eugene nodded.
The two of them then hug their mother.
The other Riders embraced their dragons, relieved that it was all over.
Olivia then approached Tom.
"I know, I know," he said. "Having this many dragons in Rakke Town won't work. I just wish it could be different."
"Me too, boyo," said Olivia, placing a hand on his shoulder. "But you have to keep me in the loop. No more surprises. And you are not alone; I'll be here to help you." She then gestured to everyone around them. "We all will."
Meanwhile, Dr Sledkin continued her dragonsite research but had yet to find the treasure trove she was looking for.
"Grrr, why can't I find you?!" she yelled in frustration.
She tossed the piece of dragonsite she was holding across the room, but Nibbles picked it up and returned it to her.
Sledkin looked at her phone curiously. "Perhaps I will need a dragon of my own after all."
