Chapter 5: The Slugout 2
(Intro)
A week after their picnic incident in Sandstone Cavern, Eli, Harley, Trixie, Kord, Pronto, Dana, Rune, Joshwa and Tad were training the Storm Hawks to be slug slingers. Vert, Olivia, Zoom, Agura, Stanford and Grace tagged along too. "Now remember, Storm Hawks, you need to get to know your slugs before you think about adding them to your arsenal." Eli explained as they walked up to some slug holes. "For example. Hello? Anyone down there? Any slug up for some fun and adventure? I got some friends up here who can offer you both." Eli called. Aerrow was a bit confused at first while his team watched. Then, for about a few seconds passed, a Tormato popped out of the hole and looked up at the Storm Hawks. It chittered with a smile and hopped up to Aerrow. "Well, hi there. It's nice to meet you." Aerrow said, holding out his hand for the slug to hop in. "See? Nothing to it." Eli said. "E's right. There's many a way to befriend a slug, whenever they're wild or used to be part of someone else's arsenal." Vert said. "And each slug has their own unique power and attacks based on their elements." Harley said. "He's right. I've learned all I know about slugs right here in Slugterra before I wound up in Atmos." Vuto said. "Right. Now let's get to collecting some slugs for the whole team." Eli said.
Later, after collecting enough slugs for each Storm Hawks, Eli was teaching them how to wield a blaster. "Now, what you really want to know that it's the fusion core built into the blaster that's the real power to fire your slugs. When it combines with their Slug Energy, that allows the slugs to be slung." He explained. He drew his blaster and loaded Burpy to demonstrate. "Observe." He said. He squeezed the trigger and slung Burpy. As he transformed, Burpy fired his Flashfire and hit the targets. The Storm Hawks were in awe at Eli's skills. "Now does anyone have any questions?" Eli asked as Burpy returned to him. Finn raised his hand. "Yes, Finn?" Eli said. "After seeing you and your team use your blasters so many times, as well as watching Vuto for a time, where exactly do blasters get made?" Finn asked. "Ah, excellent question. You see, blasters are made by professional blaster smiths. They construct different types of models for blasters. And we happen to know the greatest blaster smith of them all. Red Hook." Eli said. "Red Hook?! The Red Hook?!" Vuto said in shock. "The one and only." Eli said. "I had no idea you guys actually knew him." Vuto said. "Sure, we do. If fact, Red Hook's been a friend to the Shane family for years." Eli said. "Hey, how about we take you guys to meet him?" Harley suggested. "Really? You're sure?" Aria asked. "Yeah. And who knows. He might make you Storm Hawks your own blasters." Kord said. The Storm Hawks looked at each other and nodded. "Alright. It's a deal." Aerrow said. "We'll go with you too." Vert said. "Yeah. We'd like to meet Red Hook too." Agura said. "Then it's settled. Let's mount up and head out for Quiet Lawn Cavern." Eli said.
Later, the team was heading their way to Quiet Lawn Cavern. The Storm Hawks and Battle Force 10 borrowed some of the Shane Gang's Mecha Beasts for transportation. "We should be close to Quiet Lawn Cavern by now." Eli said. "No thanks to the genius of Pronto the Magnificent." Pronto boasted. "I swear, if he refers to himself in the third person one more time." Riggorix growled. Suddenly, Eli stopped Lucky in his tracks. "Eli, what's wrong?" Trixie asked. "Quiet Lawn Cavern…it's on fire!" Eli exclaimed, pointing towards a terrible sight. The Heroix Crusaders gasped as they saw that Quiet Lawn Cavern was on fire.
The people and Grenukes were scattering to safety in panic and fear as the Heroix Crusaders rode into town. "The fire's gonna burn the entire town down if we don't put it out right now!" Kord exclaimed. "Okay, those of you with AquaBeeks, start spraying as best as you can! I'll get Torrent ready to spray the whole town!" Eli ordered. Suddenly, as the Heroix Crusaders got their blasters ready, a Flaringo came out of nowhere and blasted Fishy's barrel out of Trixie's hand with Blastburst. "Argh!" Trixie winced in pain. "Look there!" Rune exclaimed, pointing down the road. The Heroix Crusaders looked and saw a group of rogue slingers. There were 3 girls and 3 guys. They were dressed in fire-themed armor. "One chance, trespassers. Turn around and leave our cavern…or be burned alive." The leader threatened. "Nobody threatens us and gets away with it!" Eli exclaimed, until he realized. "Who are you guys anyway?" He asked. "We are the Burner Masters, official masters of fire slugs. I'm Will-O-Wisp, leader and fire starter! Here with my loyal crew! Temper Flare! Sizzly Slide! Searing Shot! Raging Fury! And Lava Plume!" The leader, named Will-O-Wisp, introduced. The Heroix Crusaders were a bit confused. "Wait, I've heard of these guys." Harley said. "You did? Where?" Eli asked. "When I was at the Monarch Inn for my day off the day after we got back from Sandstone Cavern. Flame told me about them. These guys are the biggest users of fire slugs in the entire 99 Caverns. They set massive fires to any cavern they lay their eyes on and take any fire slugs for their arsenal." Harley explained. "And how lucky are we that the famous Shane brothers should show up. So, make this easier on yourselves…and give us your Infurnuses." Will-O-Wisp demanded. "Not gonna happen." Eli said. "Then I guess…we'll have to take them off your smoldered corpses." Will-O-Wisp said as she and her Burner Masters took aim at the Heroix Crusaders.
The Heroix Crusaders got ready to duel. "Stop!" Sky called as he stepped in between the opposing sides. "Look, this doesn't have to be a duel. We're just here to see some old man about some blasters. So, if you can just turn around and leave, we won't have to humiliate you." He explained. "You humiliate us?! That's a laugh!" Sizzly Slide exclaimed, making the others cackle in amusement. "The only one who's about to be humiliated around here…is you, boy." Will-O-Wisp said, aiming at Sky. "Don't say I didn't warn you." Sky said. He started motioning his hands and suddenly, there was a rumbling sound. "What's that noise?" Lava Plume asked. Suddenly, a giant wave was heading its way towards the cavern! "TIDAL WAVE!" Will-O-Wisp screamed as the Burner Masters tried to make a run for it. The wave splashed into the town, washing away the Burner Masters and putting out the fire. "Nice move, bro." Skyla said. "Washed them away like an itsy-bitsy spider." Finn said. "Well, now can we go to Red Hook's?" Eli asked.
Later, the Heroix Crusaders arrived at Red Hook's house. "Red Hook? You there?" Eli called. "Argh! I told you hotheads a dozen times to get lost!" Red Hook's voice exclaimed from the other side of the door. "Dude, is that what he sounds like when he's upset?" Zoom asked. "If that's upset, I'd hate to see what he sounds like when he's happy." Riggorix said. "Red Hook, it's us. The Shane Gang." Eli said. Red Hook opened the door. "Oh, it's only you kids. Are those Burner Master crooks gone?" He asked. "Yes sir. We had help from our new friends." Harley said, gesturing to the Storm Hawks and Battle Force 10. Red Hook walked out as he stared at the Storm Hawks and Battle Force 10. "Never seen you lot around here before." He said, pointing his hook at Aerrow, making him a little nervous. "Wow! Look at this red hook! I've never seen such a design like this before." Junko said, examining Red Hook's hook. "Keep your mangy paws off, you mangy beast!" Red Hook exclaimed, pulling his hook free of Junko's grip. "Hey. You didn't have to yell at me." Junko said, feeling his eyes well up. "I apologize for him. Red Hook's always like this. Even with us." Harley said. "These are our new friends. They're training to be slug slingers and they need blasters. Think you can hook them up?" Eli asked. Red Hook stared at the Storm Hawks curiously. "I think I can work on something. Any specific designs?" He asked.
A while later, the Heroix Crusaders waited outside Red Hook's house as he constructed their blasters. "He sure is taking a while." Aria said. "Well, there are a lot of us in the Storm Hawks. Maybe it's just too much for the old man to handle." Amy Lu said. "I wouldn't bet on it. Eli and I have seen what that old man can do with that hook of his." Harley said. "Yeah. He'll make you guys the best blasters he can make." Eli said. Just then, Red Hook came out with a case filled with blasters. "There you go. Each blaster made to each of your specific design requests." He said, opening the case. The Storm Hawks each picked up their chosen blaster and inspected them. "Wow. I'm gonna make some excellent shots with this thing." Finn said, practicing his aim. "Yeah. This feels amazing." Piper said, spinning her own blaster. "You can never have too many weapons in your arsenal." Aerrow said. "Alright, gang, let's head back to base and I'll teach you guys how to load your slugs and shoot them." Eli said. "Thanks, Red Hook." Harley said. "Eh. Any time." Red Hook said. The Heroix Crusaders hopped back on their Mecha Beasts and rode off as Laura walked out and watched them leave. "Grandpa, what'd the Shane Gang want?" She asked. "Oh, just wanted some blasters made for some new friends." Red Hook said. "Actually, speaking of which, I have a little surprise for you." He said as he and Laura headed back inside.
Meanwhile, the Heroix Crusaders were almost halfway back to the hideout. "Alright, when we get back, once we get some targets set up, we'll put you guys through some vigorous standard slug slinging training." Kord said. Suddenly, Radarr's eyes started glowing, showing him a vision.
[Vision]
The Burner Masters just broke into Red Hook's house. Red Hook tried to fight, but Sizzly Slide struck him with his blaster. Laura screamed as Raging Fury picked her up and carried her out.
[Vision End]
Radarr gasped hard as his vision ended. "Radarr, are you okay?" Aerrow asked. "What is it, sweet bunny? What'd you see?" Skyla asked in worry. "The Burner Masters! We have to go back to Quiet Lawn! Red Hook's in danger!" Radarr exclaimed. The Heroix Crusaders looked at each other. "Back to Quiet Lawn! Let's go!" Eli ordered.
Later, the Heroix Crusaders hurriedly returned to Quiet Lawn Cavern. But as they reached Red Hook's house, it was set afire and about to collapse. "RED HOOK!" Eli shouted. "Help! Help!" Red Hook's voice called from inside, coughing from the smoke. Eli was about to run in and help Red Hook, but Vert stopped him. "Eli, don't! I'll go! I'm immune to fire and heat! I'll get him out!" Vert exclaimed. He ran inside the burning house and started looking for Red Hook. After a few seconds, he found Red Hook trapped under a burning beam. He lifted the beam off Red Hook, picked him up and carried him out of the house just as it finally collapsed. After exiting the house, he set Red Hook down in front of the others. "He's badly injured. He needs medical attention now." He said with worry. "Doc, can you heal Red Hook?" Eli asked. Doc chittered as he nodded. "Here, I'll help. My aura powers have special healing properties." Zoom said. Doc hopped onto Red Hook while Zoom placed his hands on his chest. Together, they combined their powers and healed Red Hook instantly. Red Hook gasped in relief as he recovered, letting Eli help him slowly sit up. "Red Hook, what happened?" Eli asked. "The Burner Masters. Decided to pay me another visit. They started setting fire all over my house and…they took her." Red Hook explained. "Took who?" Stanford asked. "My granddaughter, Laura." Red Hook said sadly. That made Eli and Harley gasp in shock. "Please, you have to get her back." Red Hook begged. "How? We don't know where the Burner Masters went." Sky said. "I do. I can track the Burner Masters' tracks. I know exactly where they're going." Agura said, checking the Mecha Beast tracks in the dirt. "We'll get Laura back to you safely, Red Hook. We promise." Harley said.
Later, the Heroix Crusaders followed Agura as she tracked the Burner Masters. "Okay, so it's been a while since I've been back in Slugterra and I never knew Red Hook had a granddaughter. Who were her parents?" Vuto asked. "We're not exactly sure. We never really asked about her parents. All we know is that we met her when the Garcia sisters, Harley and I infiltrated Dr. Blakk's citadel to rescue Red Hook. She was taken prisoner then too." Eli explained. "I don't get why we have to follow this girl. Pronto is known to be the best tracker in all of Slugterra. Why, in fact, this one time, I, Pronto-" Pronto started boasting. "I got the tracks. We're heading in the right direction." Agura said, cutting him off. Pronto was shocked at how better Agura was than him.
Just then, Agura knelt down and felt some of the dirt. "What is it, Agura?" Zoom asked. "This dirt. It feels like it's getting warmer and warmer as we go on. We must be heading somewhere near a lava flow." Agura explained. "Wait. I know where this road leads. We're heading for Scorched Sparks Cavern." Kord said. "We haven't been there since Eli was in that tournament when we first arrived in Slugterra." Harley said. "Agura, keep on the tracks while I take the lead." Eli said. "You got it, Eli." Agura said as she hopped on Lucky.
Later, the Heroix Crusaders arrived at Scorched Sparks and looked around, keeping an eye out for the Burner Masters or Laura. "We were starting to think you weren't gonna show up." Will-O-Wisp's voice said. Eli turned his head and glared down where the voice came from. "This way." He said as he dismounted Lucky and walked deeper into the cavern. The others dismounted their Mecha Beasts and followed Eli. As they entered the next cavern, they confronted the Burner Masters. They had Laura hanging over a lava pool by an Arachnet web. "You guys are just so noble, coming to rescue a poor little girl." Will-O-Wisp said with a sinister smile. "What do you want?" Eli asked venomously. "We propose a trade. The girl…for your Infurnuses." Will-O-Wisp offered. Burpy and Hestia growled at that. "All of them." Will-O-Wisp added. Eli just drew his blaster and aimed directly at Will-O-Wisp's head. "Only thing you're gonna get is a Rammstone blow to your head. Now release the girl." Eli demanded. "Come and get her." Will-O-Wisp dared, drawing her blaster. Harley growled, ready to go Darkbane as he drew his blaster. The rest of the Heroix Crusaders and Burner Masters drew their blasters and took aim at each other. Will-O-Wisp chuckled sinisterly as she looked right at Eli. "What're you gonna do now, Shane? We're in a standoff." She said.
Suddenly, there was a loud roar echoing in the cavern, startling everyone. "What was that?" Lava Plume asked. "That…is the sound of trouble." Stanford said. Just then, the entire cavern started rumbling, like something was walking. The Heroix Crusaders and the Burning Masters looked to see a giant black dragon with a skull mask emerge from the shadows, growling at the sight of them. "Way big trouble." Stanford said, recognizing the dragon as an Omentaur as it let out a magma-spewing roar.
"What is that thing?" Pronto whimpered in fear. "That's a Blazer Pit, a dangerous Omentaur that can spew magma." Vert explained. "Okay, that sounds scarier than the other Omentaurs we've faced lately." Trixie said. "It is. And far more deadly." Stanford said. The Blazer Pit snarled at the Heroix Crusaders before looking at the Burner Masters. "Uh, Wisp, I'm getting the feeling that this thing might be on our side." Searing Shot said. The Blazer Pit looked directly at Will-O-Wisp as it got closer to her. "Uh…hi. C-Care to give us a hand?" Will-O-Wisp asked nervously. The Blazer Pit snarled as it turned towards the Heroix Crusaders. "I'll take that as a yes. Destroy them!" Will-O-Wisp ordered. The Blazer Pit roared as it fired a stream of magma from its mouth. "Watch out!" Kord exclaimed as he and the others dodged the blast. "How are the Burner Masters able to control an Omentaur?!" Finn asked in shock. "They're not. It's obvious that someone sent the Blazer Pit to take orders from the Burner Masters in order to get rid of us." Aerrow deduced. "So, what do we do?" Stanford asked. "Aerrow, Aria, Vert and Liv, you guys help me and Harley deal with the Omentaur. The rest of you, deal with the Burner Masters and help Laura." Eli instructed. "Will do, babe." Trixie said.
The Blazer Pit roars as it prepares to attack again. "Let's go!" Eli shouted. He and the other leaders charged towards the Omentaur as the others ran towards Laura. The Blazer Pit fired another magma blast, but Eli blocked it by summoning a crystal wall. Vert fired his Hoverbug, Kahili, picked up her slinger and took off over the wall with Aerrow following on a gust of wind. "You ready?" Vert asked. "Let's do it!" Aerrow exclaimed. Vert summoned a fireball and threw it as Aerrow motioned his arms and created another gust of wind. Their powers combined and struck the Blazer Pit in the face, causing it to stagger. "Our turn!" Olivia exclaimed as she and Aria charged in. Vert, Kahili and Aerrow flew out of the way as their sisters fired mana and astral blasts, striking the Blazer Pit.
Back with the others, they were almost at the lava pit. "Hold on, Laura! We'll get you out of there!" Joshwa called. Suddenly, a Hop Rock flew past the group. They turned to see the Burner Masters aiming their blasters at them. "She doesn't belong to you." Will-O-Wisp said. "Yeah. One chance. Just get your butts back on those run-down Mechas of yours and get out of our cavern." Searing Shot demanded. Trixie was about to draw her blaster, but she was blocked by Piper, along with the Storm Hawks and Battle Force 10. "Leave them to us. You guys help Laura." Piper said. "Yeah. We'll teach them not to kidnap a defenseless little girl." Zoom said. "But you guys can't handle the Burner Masters by yourselves!" Dana said. "Dana's right. You guys haven't had enough training to actually enter a real slugslinging duel." Rune said. "Maybe so. But when it comes to helping the innocent, we Storm Hawks always rise to the challenge." Finn said. "And the same goes for us in Battle Force 10." Grace said. Trixie saw the look of determination on their faces and nodded. "Shane Gang, get ready to follow me." She said. The Shane Gang nodded. "Ha! And what, pray tell, are a bunch of nobodies gonna do against us-" Raging Fury tried to taunt, but Zoom slung his Speedstinger and struck him in the head, knocking him down. (Wilhelm Scream) "Shut the hell up." Zoom said. "Slug 'em!" Will-O-Wisp ordered as she and the other Burner Masters started slinging their slugs. The Storm Hawks and Battle Force 10 evaded the slugs and prepared to fight back.
Back with the Blazer Pit, Eli summoned a crystal wall to block the Omentaur's magma attack. "Man! This Omentaur's even stronger than the others!" He exclaimed. "No kidding! Blazer Pit's as tough as the Knight Death!" Harley exclaimed. "So, how exactly are we going to destroy this thing?" Aria asked. "No idea! Dragons have very hard scales! No type of weapon is known to pierce through them!" Olivia explained. "Maybe not so. Look." Vert said, seeing something. The others looked and saw a scale missing from its chest. "That's it! The combined strength from Aria and Olivia's blasts must've been strong enough to loosen one of the Blazer Pit's scales!" Aerrow exclaimed. "Then we need to combine our powers and hit it at that exact spot." Vert said. "But how?" Olivia asked. "Harley, can you, Aria and Olivia distract it?" Eli asked. "I know what's going on in that head of yours, E, and I like it. Girls, with me." Harley said as he, Aria and Olivia ran out from behind the crystal wall. "What's the plan, Eli?" Aerrow asked. "Okay, here's what we're gonna do." Eli said as he started explaining his plan.
Back with the Burner Masters, they were bombarding the Storm Hawks and Battle Force 10 with every fire slug they have. "How exactly was this a good idea again?" Skyla asked as she slung her new Hop Rock, knocking Temper Flare off his feet. "Simple. As we deal with these hotheads, the Shane Gang help our little friend." Piper said. "I wonder how that's going." Agura said, slinging her Dirt Urchin.
Meanwhile, the Shane Gang had managed to sneak around the battle and reach the pit Laura was hanging over. "Laura, are you okay?" Kord asked. "I'm scared and I'm worried for my grandpa! Help me, please!" Laura cried. "Tad, get ready to catch her." Trixie said. "What? Why?" Tad asked in confusion. Trixie didn't answer. Instead, she slung Slicer and sliced the web with Throttlebite. Laura screamed as she fell towards the lava pit. But then, Kord slung Spitz, sticking to Laura's back. Spitz then fired Wrappler into Kord's hand, allowing him to pull Laura away from the pit. As Tad caught her in his arms, when they looked at each other, they felt a certain feeling surge into them. "Uh, hi." Tad greeted, his face blushing. "Hi." Laura said, her face blushing too.
Back with the Blazer Pit, Harley, Aria and Olivia distracted it by attacking it separately. "I hope Eli's plan works!" Aria said, hitting the Blazer Pit with her mana blasts. "I'm sure my brother's got it all under control!" Harley said, striking the Blazer Pit's legs with his Nether shurikens. "That's what I'm afraid of!" Olivia said, blasting the Blazer Pit with astral blasts. Meanwhile, Eli had used his Aether power to create a big crystal arrow. Aerrow surrounded it with an air veil and Vert fused it with his cosmic fire. "Let's hope this works." Aerrow said. "It's gonna work. I know it will." Eli said. "Let's find out." Vert said. They focused the arrow's aim on the Blazer Pit as it continued fighting Harley, Aria and Olivia. "Steady…steady…" Eli said, focusing right at the Blazer Pit's vulnerable spot. "Now!" They fired the arrow towards the Blazer Pit's vulnerable spot and struck it. The Blazer Pit shrieked in pain before it started dissolving and reduced itself into ashes. Eli, Harley, Aerrow, Aria, Vert and Olivia gathered around the Blazer Pit's ashy remains. "Eli, your idea actually worked." Olivia said in surprise. "Yeah, combining our attacks into a single one was enough to destroy the Omentaur." Aerrow said. "You really made the great call, E." Vert said. "You did it again, Eli." Harley said, patting his brother's shoulder. "Yep. Now that's out of the way, I wonder how the others are doing." Eli said.
Back with the Burner Masters, the Storm Hawks and Battle Force 10 continued to duel with them. "Give it up, losers! As long as we have the girl and our new dragon, you have no chance of defeating us!" Will-O-Wisp exclaimed. "Oh, I don't think that'll be a problem." Trixie said as she and the Shane Gang returned to the battle with Laura still in Tad's arms. The Burner Masters were shocked by this. "And your dragon…he ain't coming back." Eli said as he, Harley, Aerrow, Aria, Vert and Olivia returned too. The Burner Masters were now even more shocked. "But…how is that…that doesn't even…NO FAIR!" Will-O-Wisp shrieked. "Oh, it's definitely fair. And so is this!" Piper said, slinging a Geoshard and surrounded the Burner Masters in a topless Domenator. "Hey! What is this?!" Lava Plume exclaimed. "This is your defeat." Sky said, slinging a Crystalyd, digging into the ground. He then slung an AquaBeek, diving into the Crystalyd's tunnel. Suddenly, the ground under the Burner Masters started rumbling. "Uh oh…" Will-O-Wisp said with worry, knowing what was coming. Just then, a geyser of the AquaBeek's Aquajet shot out of the ground and sent the Burner Masters flying and screaming out of the cavern. "Good luck reigniting your flames after that!" Finn called, making everyone chuckle.
Later, the Heroix Crusaders returned to Quiet Lawn Cavern. Red Hook and Laura hugged each other in relief. "Oh, my little Laura! I'm so happy you're okay." Red Hook said. "Me too, Grandpa." Laura said. "Thank you for saving my granddaughter. All of you." Red Hook said. "It was our pleasure, Red Hook." Harley said. "Though I can't say the same for my house. Those blasted Burner Masters really burned it up as they burned me up!" Red Hook exclaimed. "Relax, Mr. Red Hook. I can fix it up for you." Aerrow said. He removed his scarf and unveiled the Atomic Crystal. He held it out as it glowed brightly and fully repaired Red Hook's house. "Whoa…" Red Hook was in awe at that. Even his granddaughter was in awe too. "Yeah, we know, Red Hook. Our new friends are full of surprises." Harley said. "Well, we better be heading off. We'll see you around, Red Hook." Eli said, getting back on Lucky. "WAIT!" Red Hook shouted, stopping the team from leaving on their Mechas. "Something wrong, Mr. Red Hook?" Olivia asked. "No, nothing's wrong. I just have one little proposition for you, kids." Red Hook said. "And what's that, Red Hook?" Trixie asked. "I want you…to let Laura join your group." Red Hook said. The gang was surprised by this offer. "But…why?" Eli asked. "My Laura has the spirit and potential to be a great slug slinger. And I believe that she can be that great slug slinger if she joins the greatest slug slinger group in Slugterra's history. You." Red Hook said. "It would be an honor if you let me join your gang." Laura said. The gang looked at each other and smiled. "Laura, we would be honored to have you join our growing family." Eli said. Laura squealed as she ran up and hugged Eli. Eli hugged her back as he looked at an approved Red Hook.
Meanwhile, the Burner Masters, having recovered from the Storm Hawks' combined slug attack, were very furious at how easily they were defeated. "This stinks!" Raging Fury exclaimed, throwing rocks into the nearby lake. "We lost to a bunch of pathetic newcomers!" "I know. How could we be beaten by a bunch of nobodies?" Sizzly Slide asked in disbelief. "Who cares?! I just wish we could get the best of that Shane Gang and their annoying friends." Will-O-Wisp said, clutching her fists. "Excuse me, friends." A voice said, startling the Burner Masters. They turned around and saw Heltora walking towards them. "I couldn't help but overhear. And I think I can help you with that." Heltora said. "You…you're that Heltora woman we've been hearing about. What could you possible do to help us?" Will-O-Wisp asked. "I can give you exactly what you need to destroy the Shane Gang and their little friends. Join my Doom Slingers and you will be supplied…with these." Heltora said, showing an Omen Slug fueled with fire. Will-O-Wisp stared at the Omen Slug and put on a very sinister toothy grin.
Later, after the Heroix Crusaders returned to their respective hideouts, Tad sat outside, looking out at beautiful night-lit cavern. Just then, Laura came outside, fully dressed in Shane Gang gear. "I'm all ready." She said, getting Tad's attention. "Wow. That looks…really great on you." Tad said, blushing at Laura's new appearance. "Thanks. It didn't take long for me to choose my gear." Laura said, sitting beside Tad. They stared out into the cavern together. "Listen, Tad, I wanna say thanks again for catching me back in Scorched Sparks. That was very brave of you." Laura said. "It was no problem. I…had to do what I felt was the right thing to do. Especially for a…friend." Tad said, feeling embarrassed. Laura nestled her head on Tad's shoulder as they continued to stare at the cavern's night-lit beauty.
Wow! Wasn't that amazing? While helping the Storm Hawks round up some slugs, the Heroix Crusaders journey to Quiet Lawn Cavern to visit Red Hook, but find the whole place on fire, set by a group of rogues named the Burner Masters. After Sky washed them away and put out the fire, the Heroix Crusaders visited Red Hook's house, where the Storm Hawks received their own unique blasters from Red Hook. But then, a vision from Radarr caused them to turn around and go to Laura's rescue in Scorch Sparks Cavern. But they found that the Burner Masters were controlling a Blazer Pit Omentaur, sent from Heltora. But working together, the Heroix Crusaders managed to destroy the Blazer Pit, defeat the Burner Masters, and rescue Laura, who then joined the team at Red Hook's request. But what plans does Heltora have for the Burner Masters as they join her Doom Slingers? Will sparks fly between Tad and Laura in the near future? Leave a review if you want.