Chapter 15: The Chromatic Dragon

(Intro)

Dorsull, reigning champion of the All-Terrain Championship and member of the Dragon Fish crew, and his Light Blue Dragon, Hydive, were being chased through the city by Wulph and Ferryt of the Army of the Dragon crew. "Marianis. Come in. This is Dorsull. A strange crew is after me and my Dragon. I need help. Where's the rest of the Dragon Fish crew?" Dorsull asked as he called his leader, Marianis. "We'll never get there in time. Stay calm, my little fish. You're slippery enough to lose them all by your lonesome." Marianis said. 'Oh, I wish she'd keep the flirting down until our next date.' Dorsull thought in embarrassment.

As he, Hydive and their chasers turned down a corner, he activated his Light-Blue Gear. It attached tentacles onto Wulph's Purple Dragon, Hyve, and sapped away his Draconium Energy. "Stings, huh?" Dorsull asked, tauntingly. As Ferryt ripped the tentacles off Hyve, they continued to chase after Dorsull and Hydive. Wulph motioned to Ferryt, and then they split up. As Wulph continued to chase Dorsull, Ferryt climbed onto a nearby roof and fired 2 projectiles into the street ahead of them, creating an electric web. "Hydive, look out!" Dorsull exclaimed. But as they turned down to the left, as Wulph and Hyve continued chasing them, Dorsull saw a disrupter mine in front of them, set to go off. "Disrupter mine!" He shouted. When he tried to stop Hydive, the disrupter mine activated and went off, blowing him off his Dragon. Just then, as Wulph and Ferryt cornered Hydive, they activated their Purple Gear and fired cables at the poor Dragon, sucking out his energy. "Dinner is served." Wulph said with a smirk.

Meanwhile, Artha and Kitt were waiting on the track for the All-Terrain Championship. "I wonder where Dorsull is. We can't start the All-Terrain Championship without the All-Terrain Champion." Kitt said. "I'm getting a bad feeling here, Artha." Beau said. "I know, I sense it too." Artha said. Just then, the others called on the vid-phone. "Dorsull missing a race is like Lance missing a meal. It just doesn't happen." Parmon said. "Parm's right. Something's not right." Erika said. "Guys, I just got a call from Captain Faier. Dorsull was reported missing by his crew leader and girlfriend, Marianis. Dragon City Security's looking into it, but Faier would feel better if we lent a hand." Derek explained.

Later, the team returned to the temple and met up with Mortis. "It's not just Dorsull. The best Dragons in every Dragon Class are disappearing. There's only one crew organized and equipped to take down multiple Dragons types and riders. The Army of the Dragon." Mortis explained. "Let me think. Purple, right? Trapping, penning and tandem gear. Very effective. Very troubling. They were part of the Purple Draconium Empire from 3000 years ago." Parmon said. "Yes. They are a very dangerous crew. They act as one. It is their strength. And their weakness. Without their leader, Wulph, crewmembers are basically helpless." Mortis explained. "She's right. You can't think if you lose your head." Artha agreed. "But taking Dragons of every color. Why?" Kitt asked. "I have no doubt that it's because they are working…for Word Paynn." Mortis said. That shocked everyone. "But what does my father want with all these Dragons?" Moordryd asked. Mortis brought up a video screen, showing all of the Dragon colors circling around one Dragon of Gold. "Word must be trying to breed his own Gold Dragon of Legend." She said. "Like Beau." Lance said. "But that would take years. It took at least 27 years for me to breed Beau." Connor said. "Do not put it past Word to have devised some shortcut, some plan. He has great technology at his disposal and great knowledge of the ancient ways. You and Cain know of this better than the rest of us, Moordryd." Mortis explained. "She's right." Moordryd said.

"Oh dear." Parmon said with worry. "What's wrong, Parm?" Gwen asked. "According to Mortis' information and doing a quick recalculation of existing Dragon breeds, including Hydive, the Light Blue Nautilus-Class that was just stolen, there's only one breed left. Brutaris, the leading Green Bull-Class, owned by the Down City Council leader himself. Phistus." Parmon explained. "So, the Army of the Dragon's gonna be going after him next." Charlie said. "Well, we better pay Phistus a little visit and clue him in." Artha said. "Agreed." Beau said.

Later, the team arrived at Phistus' trailer as he was loading crates of gear aboard. "Yo, Phisty!" Kitt called. Phistus turned around to see them. "It's the 3 little fists, plus 3 fingers, of the Penn Booster team. You know, if you add 2 more, you could make a fourth fist." He joked. "Very funny, big guy. But we're not here to joke around. We're here to warn you." Kitt said. "The best Dragons from all the colors are disappearing. And we believe yours is next since he's the only one left." Artha said. "Oh yeah, I heard about that mess. Especially with what happened to Dorsull. It's also been happening around the Down City Council too. Any ideas on who's been doing these thefts?" Phistus asked. "We have reason to believe that it's the Army of the Dragon crew, working under my father." Moordryd said. "Figured. So, what's your plan?" Phistus asked. "We'll watch over you and Brutaris until the Army of the Dragon crew shows up. Then they can get a little visit from the Boosters." Artha said.

Later, the team positioned themselves on the rooftops, watching over Phistus and Brutaris. But Lance was barely paying attention as he flipped a coin in his hand, humming to himself. Just then, Fracshun started chittering, getting his attention. "What is it, Fracshun?" He asked. The coin bounced off his helmet, fell off the roof and landed on another roof, where the Army of the Dragon crew was positioned. Wulph gestured his orders to Ferryt, who leapt onto Lance's roof with his Dragon.

Artha heard Lance scream and saw Ferryt about to attack him and Fracshun. "Moordryd, Cain, you 2 need to help Lance!" He said through the com-link. "We're on it, buddy." Moordryd said. He and Cain rode their Dragons off their rooftop and attacked Ferryt, knocking a piece of Purple Gear off of him. Moordryd caught the gear and put on his left wrist, taking aim at Ferryt. "Step away from the kid, pal!" He warned. But then, Wulph and Hyve leapt onto the roof. "You are flanked. Your escape route's cut off." Wulph said. Just then, Parmon and Cyrano burst through a nearby wall with Holly and Glyttia beside him. Connor, Fallon, Gwen, Isla and Jessica followed. "Not for long." Parmon said. "Now we got you outflanked." Holly said. Just then, Wulph gestured something to Ferryt, who nodded. Then, Wulph and Hyve leapt off the roof. "Artha, guys, he's going after Phistus!" Parmon exclaimed.

"Stay and help the others! We're going after him!" Artha ordered. "But you guys need our help too." Parmon protested. "Just stay there! Boosters ready!" Artha exclaimed. Kitt, Derek, Kurt, Charlie, Erika and Benny got ready. "RELEASE THE DRAGON!" "RELEASE THE FIRE DRAGON!" "RELEASE THE VOLCANO DRAGON!" "RELEASE THE SMOKE DRAGON!" "RELEASE THE EARTH DRAGON!" "RELEASE THE WIND DRAGON!" "RELEASE THE WATER DRAGON!" The 7 Boosters transformed into their armor forms.

As Phistus moved his final crate, he suddenly got trapped in Green Trapping Gear. "You are defeated, Phistus. Your Dragon is mine!" Wulph declared. Phistus struggled against the gear, but couldn't break free.

"Ferryt, mop up your operation and get down here." Wulph ordered through the com-link. Ferryt prepared his Green Trapping Gear. Moordryd fired a projectile from the Purple Gear he swiped. But it didn't do anything when it hit Ferryt's Dragon. "Well, that was helpful. At least it could fire a net or something." Moordryd said sarcastically. Ferryt fired his Trapping Gear, trapping Moordryd, Cain, Parmon, Connor, Fallon, Gwen, Holly, Isla, Jessica, Lance and their Dragons against the wall.

Meanwhile, as Phistus continued to struggle against the gear, Wulph and Hyve were draining Brutaris' energy. "This energy drain will make your Dragon easier to transport." Wulph said. "You're not transporting anybody, Wulph." Artha said as he and the other Boosters leapt down with their Dragons, and surrounded Wulph and Hyve. "The Boosters. You complicate things." Wulph said. "Not the first time we've heard that." Kurt said. "One chance, Wulph. Let Phistus and Brutaris go." Kitt said, readying her cannons. "Help! Help us! Oh, help! Help us!" Ferryt called, mimicking Lance's voice. "You Boosters appear to have 2 choices. Me or them." Wulph said. The Boosters looked at each other before glaring at Wulph. "This isn't over, Wulph." Artha said. The Boosters took off on their Dragons.

As they leapt onto the roof, Ferryt took off. "Is Brutaris safe?" Parmon asked. "No. You guys needed help." Artha said. "You can help us later, Artha! Phistus and Brutaris need you now!" Moordryd exclaimed. "Hey, don't get mad at us when our youngest sibling was the one squealing for help!" Erika exclaimed. Just then, Beau noticed a disrupter mine nearby. "DISRUPTER MINE!" He roared. Too late, the mine detonated, clouding everything in thick smoke. The Boosters coughed heavily until Kurt used his powers to clear the smoke. But Wulph and Ferryt were gone. As so was Brutaris. "Phistus, are you okay?" Artha said as he helped Phistus get free. "No. They took my Dragon." Phistus said with a hint of actual sadness. Artha dropped to his knees to the ground, upset that he was so easily tricked.

Later, the team returned to the temple and reported the bad news to Mortis. "This is very disturbing. Now Word has all the Dragons he needs." Mortis said. "I can't believe we fell for that trick." Derek said. "Me neither. Ferryt didn't even sound like me." Lance said. "Not the point!" Erika exclaimed, slapping his head. "Why didn't you guys try us on your wrist comms?" Parmon asked. "We weren't thinking of it, okay?!" Benny snapped. "It's far from okay. These are troubling times. Communication with your team is crucial." Mortis said. "It's all my fault." Artha said, feeling guilty. "Hey, nobody said that." Kitt said. "I don't care who said it. It is my fault. I fell for Ferryt mimicking Lance. I gave the call to help the others. And I let those purple punks get away with Brutaris. Maybe I'm not cut out to be the Dragon Booster." Artha said with guilt. Suddenly, before anyone could say anything, his body started glowing again. "You have no idea how wrong you are, Artha. Allow me to show you." Qoidhur's voice said. As the glow died down, Artha suddenly collapsed as he had fallen asleep. "Artha!" Kitt cried as she and the others rushed over to his body. "What happened?" Kurt asked. "Qoidhur has taken his spirit into the afterlife. He clearly wants to show him something." Mortis said. Everyone looked down at Artha, wondering if he'll ever wake up again.

Later, the team headed out, trying to think of a new plan. "So, now what do we do? Find a member of the Army of the Dragon and track him back to wherever the stolen Dragons are?" Gwen asked. "Unlikely. They're the better trackers." Cain said. "Uh, Moordryd? Why's that thing on your wrist blinking?" Holly asked. Moordryd looked at the Purple Gear on his wrist, seeing that it was blinking when he pointed in a certain direction before realizing. "Oh, now I remember what this thing does. This is a Purple Marking Gear. The Army of the Dragon crew uses this kind of gear to mark their targets and track them." He explained. "Which means we can track them back to where they took the stolen Dragons!" Charlie realized.

Later, they followed the Marking Gear's signal to its current location. "Oh great." Parmon said with worry. "The Marking Gear led us straight to my father's citadel." Moordryd said venomously. "We sure could use Artha's help right now." Kurt said. "Yeah. The 6 of us can't do any good without the Dragon Booster." Erika said. "Don't worry. You got me. I can do lots of cool stuff that even Dragon Booster can't do." Lance lied boastfully. "Like what? You're half his size." Parmon asked with a scoff. "Wait a minute. I think there is something we can do." Kurt said as he magged off Libris. "What's that?" Lance asked. Kurt walked over to a grate and opened it. "Good thinking, Kurt. You, Lance, Isla and Jessica can crawl through the pipes and enter the citadel undetected." Kitt said. "Uh, guys, I don't think that's such a good-" Lance tried to protest, but Isla and Jessica silenced him by grabbing his arms.

"-idea." The Penn Quadruplets crawled through the pipe and entered the citadel. They peeked through another grate and found Word's workshop. Word had all of the missing Dragons circling around Brutaris in the center. "Look." Jessica whispered. "They're all here. All the missing Dragons." Lance whispered. "Wait. What's that hovering over Brutaris?" Isla asked. There was a strange object hovering over Brutaris. "It looks like some kind of Bonemark. I never seen one like it. It's got all the colors in it." Kurt explained.

"That's his plan. It must be some kind of artificial Bonemark. Perhaps made from Bonemark fragments he's collected. This will certainly speed up his ability to create an artificial Gold Dragon." Parmon guessed, listening to the quadruplets' conversation through the com-link. "This is way worse than just creating Wraith Dragons. Creating his own Bonemark to create his own Gold Dragon of Legend." Moordryd said. "We need to get the quadruplets out of there and get this information back to Mortis." Parmon said. "Forget it. We got to do something about this and it's got to be now." Kitt said. "Kitt's right. Even without Artha to lead us, we need to stop Word before he creates this Dragon." Benny said.

Meanwhile, as the quadruplets continued to watch, Word lowered the Bonemark onto Brutaris' head and activated it, absorbing the Draconium Energy from all of the missing Dragons into it. The quadruplets watched in horror as the Bonemark transformed and mutated Brutaris into a bigger and scarier Dragon, glowing in several different colors. "Soon, a new Dragon of Legend will walk the Earth. My Dragon of Legend." Word said with an evil smile.

Meanwhile, Artha woke up in a strange void. "Where am I?" He asked as he looked around. "Welcome to the afterlife, Artha." Qoidhur said as he appeared in front of Artha. "But…how did I get here?" Artha asked. "I brought you here. There's someone here I want you to meet." Qoidhur said before taking off. Artha followed him until they reached a person in a familiar-looking armor. "Welcome, Artha Tannis Penn. I've been expecting you." The person said. "No way." Artha said, realizing who this was. "Artha Tannis Penn, meet your ancestor, Arthur Penn. The original Dragon Booster." Qoidhur introduced. Just then, a Gold Dragon galloped over to them and stood next to Arthur. "And this is his beloved Gold Dragon of Legend, Merlin." Qoidhur introduced. "It's an honor to meet you. Both of you." Artha said. "Oh, the honor is all ours, my young descendant." Arthur said. "Indeed, it is." Merlin said. "Now Qoidhur tells me that you're having doubts about being my successor as the Dragon Booster." Arthur said. "Yes. I was tricked and I let the last known Dragon breed get captured. Now Word Paynn, the man trying to restart the Human-Dragon War, has all the Dragons he needs to create an artificial Gold Dragon. I'm a failure as a Dragon Booster." Artha explained. "You doubt yourself because you made a mistake. I know how you feel." Arthur said. "You do?" Artha asked. "He does. We both do." Merlin said. "It was when the war had come to Dragon City. Qoidhur, Merlin and I were the only things that stood in its way. We had allies. Many Dragons, many humans, my fellow Boosters. But the responsibility was so great, they wanted a leader. But I grew worried about the choices I had to make, scared that I might lead them wrong. But still, I was the Dragon Booster, host for the Great Dragon Phoenix, and I had to try." Arthur explained. Artha was stunned by this. "You doubted yourself too. But you managed to stop the original war." He said. "Yes. Together, we chose to lead our allies into the war. We chose to use our power to stop the war." Qoidhur said. "And together, we brought the world into an age of peace between our kinds." Merlin said. "Yes. That was the choice we made, Artha. What choice will you make?" Arthur asked. Artha thought long and hard, making his choice. "I'm gonna fight. I'm gonna rebuild the Boosters, gather what allies I can and stop this war before it even begins." Artha said. Arthur, Merlin and Qoidhur smiled at that. "Oh, Artha, before Qoidhur takes you back, allow me to teach you an old trick of mine." Arthur said.

Meanwhile, outside Word's citadel, the quadruplets regrouped with their siblings and the others. "Okay, team, it's up to us. We're going in." Kitt said. "Going in? The Army of the Dragon crew, Word and the Shadow Booster are probably nearby, and a powerful new Dragon of Legend? Why, the odds are-" Parmon started to say. "Pretty bad, professor." Kitt said, making Benny, Charlie and Derek snicker. "But still, can we pull it off with only 6 Boosters? Without Artha to lead us?" Erika asked. "Maybe one of us can be the Dragon Booster until Artha wakes up." Lance said, holding up Artha's gauntlet and medallion. "You took those off Artha? While he was sleeping?" Kitt asked in shock. "How Drac would that be? Me, the Dragon Booster." Lance boasted as he put on the gauntlet. "I'm afraid it doesn't work that way, Lance. The gauntlet and medallion will only work for Artha." Connor said. "Oh, come on, Dad. That's not true." Lance said as he inserted the medallion into the gauntlet. "Release the Dragon!" He called. After a few seconds, nothing happened. "Did it work?" Lance asked. "No." Everyone said. "Aw, scales." Lance grumbled. "I told you. It only works for Artha." Connor said.

Just then, Moordryd noticed his gear beeping. "Double scales. We've got company." He said. Wulph and Ferryt rode up to the team from the pipes. "Yet another crew of stooges working for my father." Moordryd said. "Word Paynn is the strongest. We follow strength. Survival of the fittest." Wulph said. "More like demise of the dopey." Kitt said. "Yeah. You purple posers should try thinking for yourselves once in a while." Benny said. "Silence!" Wulph exclaimed. "Or what, Wulphy? You gonna sick your Dragon on us, drain our energies?" Charlie asked mockingly. Suddenly, there was a roar coming from inside Word's citadel. "Oh no. We're too late!" Parmon exclaimed with worry. Just then, the Dragon came out and charged towards the team. "What is that thing?" Gwen asked in shock. "A Chromatic Dragon! All the colors in one!" Parmon exclaimed. "So, this was what my father wanted! He wasn't making a Gold Dragon! He created a Chromatic one!" Moordryd exclaimed. "I don't think even 6 Boosters could handle that thing!" Kurt exclaimed with worry. "What do we do?!" Lance asked in a panic. "Run! Run, guys! Run!" Parmon cried. "Come on! Come on! Let's go!" Kitt exclaimed as the team turned around and ran off. The Chromatic Dragon turned towards Wulph and Ferryt, preparing to Mag-Blast them. "Run!" Wulph exclaimed. They took off as the Chromatic Dragon blasted at them. The Chromatic Dragon fired another blast at the team before chasing them into the city.

Word watched the chase from his monitors. "The Penn family and their little friends. You shall have the privilege to be the first destroyed by my new Dragon of Legend." He said with a sinister smile.

As the team continued running, they stopped at a dead-end. "A dead-end! We're trapped!" Cain exclaimed. Just then, the Chromatic Dragon roared from nearby. "It's coming!" Kitt cried. "And there's nowhere to go!" Erika cried. "I wish Artha was here!" Lance cried. Suddenly, Artha's gauntlet and medallion disappeared from his arm. "Hey, where'd Artha's things go?" He asked in surprise. "Someone say my name?" Artha's voice asked. Everyone looked up to see him and Beau before they leapt down to the ground. Artha turned to see the Chromatic Dragon as it found them. "A Chromatic Dragon. I grew up having nightmares about this thing." Artha said. "Me too. The only other Dragon of Legend besides me." Beau said. "I can't believe that used to be Brutaris." Holly said. "My father used an artificial Bonemark to change him into that Chromatic monster." Moordryd said. "Then it's up to us to change him back." Artha said.

Word saw everything on his monitors through the Chromatic Dragon's eyes. "Excellent. Destroy Artha Penn first." He ordered.

The Chromatic Dragon roared, preparing to mag-blast. "Here it comes." Artha said. "Let's take it." Beau said. The Chromatic Dragon blasted them, knocking them through the wall and sending them over the edge. "NO!" Kitt cried.

"And that takes care of the stable brat." Word said.

As Artha and Beau fell, the gauntlet and medallion reappeared on Artha's arm and they transformed with a shout, gliding back up to the team. As the Chromatic Dragon advanced on the team, Artha and Beau flew in and got into the Chromatic Dragon's face. Artha smacked him with his staff, but the Chromatic Dragon didn't even flinch at his strikes. "It's too powerful!" Charlie exclaimed. "Word's Prism Bonemark is the source of its power." Parmon said. "And we can't get anywhere near it!" Artha grunted. Just then, the Chromatic Dragon charged up its mag-blast. "He's gonna mag-blast!" Lance cried. "And we've got nowhere to hide!" Erika exclaimed. "He's got us!" Parmon exclaimed. Suddenly, Wulph and Ferryt appeared, and started draining the Chromatic Dragon's energy with their Tethering Gear. "Today, the Army of the Dragon thinks for itself. Your orders?" Wulph asked. "We got one chance to do this right. Everyone, surround it and keep it busy." Artha said. "Wulph, Ferryt, hold him with your Tethering Gear for as long as you can! I'm going for the Prism Bonemark. Okay, gang, let's do this." The team surrounded the Chromatic Dragon and shouted for his attention. "Okay, Beau, you ready to mag-blast me?" Artha asked. "Always, bro. Now go get him." Beau said as he mag-blasted Artha towards the Bonemark. Artha formed a sword out of Qoidhur's energy and slashed the Prism Bonemark, destroying it.

"NO!" Word shouted in defeat.

With the Bonemark destroyed, all of the Dragon energies exploded from the Chromatic Dragon's body, transforming him back into Brutaris. As Artha recovered from the explosion, Brutaris helped him to his feet. "Welcome back, Brutaris." Artha said, petting Brutaris' snout. "Thank you, my friend." Brutaris said before taking off to return to his rider. "Today, the Army of the Dragon chose to serve the greater good. And as of today, the Boosters can count the Army of the Dragon as their friends and allies in future battles." Wulph declared as he and Ferryt saluted. Artha and his team saluted back. "Move out." Wulph said before he and Ferryt took off on their Dragons. Artha then thought back to what Arthur had said. "But still, I was the Dragon Booster, the host for the Great Dragon Phoenix, and I had to try." Arthur's voice echoed in his head. "Thank you, Arthur. I will try too. I'll make you proud." Artha muttered.

Later, the team returned to the temple and told Mortis everything. "With the Prism Bonemark destroyed, Word will be unable to create another Chromatic Dragon. The city is safe. For now." Mortis said before she walked away. "Nice job, Artha. We're glad to have you back." Kitt said. "Thanks. I owe a lot to my ancestor." Artha said. "So, you actually met your ancestor, the original Dragon Booster, in the afterlife?" Parmon asked excitedly. "Yes. Arthur Penn. Along with Merlin, Beau's Dragon ancestor. He's the one who taught me that trick with the energy sword." Artha said. The team was in awe to hear that. "And I'm sorry for doubting myself during these hard times." Artha said. "It's okay. We understand the pressure you were in." Parmon said. "That's why we'll always be here to help." Moordryd said. "You lead the way, and we'll follow." Kitt said. "No matter what." Beau said. "Thanks, guys. Because if we're ever gonna stop Word Paynn's plans, we'll need every friend, every ally, every human, Dragon, and every other creature we can get. No matter what, we're gonna fight and stop the war before it even starts." Artha declared. The team shouted in agreement.

Wow! Wasn't that exciting?! The Army of the Dragon crew, having joined Word Paynn, have been abducting the best Dragons of every color. The Boosters go to Phistus to help him protect Brutaris, but the Army of the Dragon crew manage to fool them and take Brutaris to Word. Under the stress of guilt, Artha's spirit is taken by Qoidhur to the afterlife, where he met his ancestor and the original Dragon Booster, Arthur Penn, and his Dragon, Merlin. As the Boosters track the Army of the Dragon crew to Word's citadel, Brutaris had become mutated by an artificial Bonemark created by Word, transforming him into the only other Dragon of Legend, a Chromatic Dragon. But when Artha returned, with help from his team and the Army of the Dragon crew, Artha used a new trick Arthur taught him and destroyed the Bonemark, turning Brutaris back to normal. With that very victory, Artha and his team dedicated to finding whatever allies they can and stop Word's war before it begins. But where will their search begin? Will this recent victory only be the start of something worse? Leave a review if you'd like.