Ch.22 Rescue - part.2

Ruby and Sapphire ran as fast as they could back to Darkriver village.

Sapphire: (panting) Tell me again... why are we doing this?

Ruby: A whole village got captured last night, and we're suspecting the UnMythics did this, and now we're trying to find them!

Sapphire: (panting) How are we going to do that?

Ruby: In theory, We're going to "borrow" a blood hound and track them down!

Sapphire: (panting) That's nice... can I catch my breath now?

Ruby: No time for that! What are you, an UnMythic?

Sapphire: You'd be quite surprised...

Ruby and Sapphire continue running until they crash into Midnight.

Midnight: Glad you could make it, Sapphire! How did you escape your mother?

Sapphire: (panting) By jumping out my bedroom window...

Ruby: So... where are we going to get a blood hound to follow us?

Midnight: I got an idea...

Midnight sneaked out of the bushes and vanished.

Sapphire: Do you think he'll get one?

Ruby: Knowing him, he will whether you like it or not.

A few minutes later, Midnight came back with a yapping blood hound. It bounced around Ruby and Sapphire in excitement.

Sapphire: Why didn't you tell me it was so cute?

Ruby: Forgot to mention it.

Midnight: We need to get ahead of the search team!

Sapphire: ... How are we going to get it to... you know.

Midnight: They're trained to sniff out anything and everything. I was thinking we could just lead it to the trail and it would do the rest.

Ruby: Seems simple enough.

Midnight: Come on, we need to go already! Sapphire, mind leading it?

Sapphire: We need to stop calling this hound a "it". Now let's see...

Sapphire looked at the blood hounds collar.

Sapphire: Her name is Mora.

Midnight: Can we go now?

Sapphire: Fine...

Midnight dashed through the tree's and forest. Ruby, Sapphire and the blood hound were close behind. Eventually, they arrive at the river.

Sapphire: This is a river...?

Ruby: It's so small!

Midnight: It gets bigger in the spring...

Sapphire nudged the hound towards the footprints.

Midnight: Now listen, "Mora"... you need to sniff out some UnMythics and find a lot of Vampires in who knows where...

The blood hound sniff the footprints for a good minute.

Ruby: ... Maybe the scent is too stale for Mora to find anything?

Suddenly, the blood hound let out a howl and darted across the river and up the hill.

Midnight: You were saying?

They all start dashing after the hound.

After twenty minutes of running, they arrive at a big, dark building. Sapphire grabbed hold of the hound before it got any further.

Midnight: So THAT'S where they're keeping them...

 Ruby: That place is HUGE!!!

Midnight: How have I never seen this before...?

They all stared at the prison

Sapphire: What are we going to do with Mora?

Midnight: Take it... I mean, her with us. Of course.

Ruby: How are we going to get in without anyone noticing?

Midnight thought for a minute before answering.

Midnight: We need a distraction.

Just then, there was the sound of guns being fired. A explosion sounded and orders being shouted out.

Sapphire: Will that do?

Midnight: Eh... probably.

Midnight motioned for Ruby and Sapphire to follow him. They all sneaked into the prison and crept through the hallways.

Sapphire: (whispering) This is one creepy jail...

Ruby: (whispering) Tell me about it. I wonder where they keep the keys...?

Midnight: (whispering) Who said we would needed keys?

Ruby: Um... I did.

Alarms start to sound as they turn a corner. They crash into a white deer running at top speeds.

Silver: Oh great... just my...

The deer looked at Midnight closely.

Silver: Are you Vampires?

Midnight: Yes... I'm looking for a black fox named Boo.

Silver: Boo's in danger! And so is the rest of Darkriver!

Midnight: Where is he?

Silver: From what I could gather from the guards, Boo's been put in the "Sweet room".

Midnight: And that means... what?

Silver: He has been put in a small room full of cinnamon. Until he admits whatever information he doesn't have, he will have to stay and breath the fresh scent of death.

Ruby: What kind of information?

Silver: I wish I knew...

Midnight: How long has he been in there?

Silver: We were just minding our own business in our cell until the guard dragged him out. Probably thirty minutes ago, I think...

Sapphire:  How did you escape?

Silver: A guard came round and opened the door again. Before he could react I dashed out.

Ruby:  A little risky, don't you think?

Silver: It was a risk I was willing to take. Besides, they'll just put me back in that dirty cell if they caught me or not!

Midnight: We need to find Boo... times getting wasted!

Silver: Follow me! I think I know a way...

Silver sprinted down the halls with Ruby, Midnight and Sapphire on her heels. Mora slipped and skidded after them.

Ch.22 Rescue - part.1

Boo's head was swirling around in blackness. He heard voices above him and tried to move. He painfully looked up to see Silver standing over him.

Silver: Good morning, sleeping beauty. Glad to see you're up.

Boo slowly rose from the cold hard floor. He looked around.

Boo: Where are we?

Silver: This is what the UnMythics call prison. A living nightmare for the wrong doers of their kind.

Boo: So... this is a dungeon?

Silver: To put it lightly, yes.

Boo: What happened?

Silver: You don't remember?

Boo: It's all a big blur for me...

Silver: The UnMythics attacked us with cinnamon bombs from the sky. Those who weren't unconscious tried to run. A few of us made it, but most of us ended up here. Like you and me.

Boo: How long have I been knocked cold?

Silver: A few hours... hard to tell if you can't see the sun or moon.

Boo: Where's Rowan and Shiver?

Silver: Probably in a different cell. The UnMythics are afraid that if there are too many of us in one room, we'll be strong enough to break out and escape.

The door swung opened and a UnMythic shoved a few bowls full of stew into the cell.

Guard: Enjoy the food, cold blooded insects...

The guard slammed the door shut and walked away.

Boo: The nerve...

Silver: Tell me about it. Just because we're different they think can lock up and control us at a snap of their fingers...

Silver picked up one of the bowls and ate a little. She handed it over to Boo who greatly drank the cold and tasteless stew.

Silver: Better then starving...

Boo: I guess...

Boo put the bowl down for someone else to take.

Silver: I wonder how Rowan is doing...

Boo: You're worried about her?

Silver: She's my sister. I would hope I have feelings for her.

Boo: I'm just worried about Hex...

Silver: She's probably fine... hopefully ran away into the forest getting help.

Boo: But what if she's not fine?

Silver: Boo.

Boo: Yes?

Silver: Be quiet.

Boo: Sorry.

Boo huddled in a corner and fell into a restless sleep.

Early the next morning, the door suddenly opened and the guard walked in. He looked coldly at Boo.

Guard: You're coming with me!

The guard grabbed hold of Boo and dragged him out of the cell.

Boo: Where are you taking me?

Guard: None of your business.

The guard dragged Boo along the hallways of the prison. Boo wildly looked around, seeing Vampires of all ages locked up and cold. Finally, the guard stopped at a door and pushed Boo through it. A shadowy figure stood in the corner behind a desk of books.

Boo: Who are you...? Why am I here?

Shadowy Figure: I'm no one... and you're here to answer some... questions...

Boo: What kind of questions?

Shadowy Figure: I'll be the one asking you... now tell me. Where is the Dragon egg being kept?

Boo: ... I don't know.

Shadowy Figure: Now now... lets not start playing children games, hmm? Tell me the truth...

Boo: Or what?

Shadowy Figure: I can put you in the sweet room... where Vampires who misbehave go!

Boo: We Vampires are honest creatures... we wouldn't tell a lie, even if our lives depended on it!

Shadowy Figure: I think I've heard THAT one before...

Boo: It's true. The Villagers of Darkriver never lie. We're a peaceful village that never fight unless forced to.

Shadowy Figure: You're playing with fire, Vampire... and there is no water to quench it in sight. Are you sure you want to continue?

Boo: There IS no fire to play with!

Shadowy Figure: You leave me no choice... GUARDS!!!

Two guards rushed in and grabbed Boo and dragged him to a nearby room. The room was full of the scent of cinnamon. Boo's vision slowly clouded into blackness.

Happy St Patrick's Day!

Leprechauns, castles, good luck and laughter
Lullabies, dreams, and love ever after.
Poems and songs with pipes and drums
A thousand welcomes when anyone comes.
That's the Irish for you!

Hope Your St Pat's Day was Tip-Top 

- love Applestorm

Ch.21 Attack at Darkriver village - part.3

Early the next morning, The rescue team arrived at Darkriver village. Ruby and Midnight started to look around the deserted village of the early misty morning.

Ruby: You have friends from this weird village?

Midnight: I know it's hard to believe, but yes... yes I do...

Ruby: So this town acts like it's haunted...

Midnight: To put it lightly, Yes.

Ruby: Wow... I almost believe it!

Midnight: IS ANYONE HERE?

Midnight's echo sounded through the abandoned village.

Midnight: ... Nothing...

Ruby: A true ghost town!

Midnight: Let's try Boo's house... maybe he's home?

Ruby follows Midnight until they reached a smallish house. Midnight knocks, but no one answers. He opens the door and enters. Ruby follows close behind.

Midnight: Boo? Are you here...?

The silence was deafening to Midnight.

Midnight: Boo, if you're here... I'd like to see you!

Nothing stirred.

Midnight: Something terrible happened...

Ruby: ... Is it me, or do I smell the faint death aroma of cinnamon?

Midnight sniffed the air.

Midnight: Yes... I smell it too!

Ruby: We better not smell too much of it... possibility of death could be high if we stay here for long!

Midnight looks through Boo's things, but nothing of interest was found.

Ruby: ... Come on, Midnight... let's keep looking through the village.

Midnight sighs and goes back outside. They continue looking.

Ruby: What in the Vampire Lord's name happened here...?

Midnight: I wish I knew... I wish I knew...

A cold wind blew through the deserted village.

Midnight: Why would anyone attack this peaceful village? Not many UnMythics know that Vampires live here anymore...

Ruby: It could be anything, Midnight! But I have a feeling Mayor Irontail is involved in this...

Midnight: I'll kill her if she's done anything to Boo. As childish as he is, he's a friend.

Ruby: No need to go crazy, Midnight! We don't know anything yet...

Ruby sniffed the air again. She stopped walking. Midnight stops beside her.

Ruby: The smell of cinnamon is getting stronger, Midnight. We need to head back.

Midnight: But...

Ruby: I know this is hard for you, Midnight... but we can't help anyone if we're six feet under.

Ruby looks at Midnight with sympathy. She gently takes his arm and leads him away and back to Captain Slash.

Ruby: Anything?

Slash: Not a soul... Sorry to disappoint.

Jack quietly walks up to Ruby and Midnight

Jack: We can't get any further than the middle of the town... the cinnamon is too strong to go any further!

Ruby: What about a flying squad?

Slash: Tried that. Still too strong.

Midnight: They must've attacked from above...

Jack: Most likely, Yes.

Midnight: The cowards...

Slash: Sorry, boy. After the cinnamon has cleared, we'll have a better look! Maybe something will show by then!

Midnight: But anything could've happened to them by then!

Slash: Sorry. It's all we can do right now... MESSENGER!!!

A white eagle rushed up to Captain Slash.

Slash: Give this message to the Vampire Lord! And make it quick!

Slash handed a letter to the bird. The eagle nodded and flew off at top speed.

Ruby: Face it Midnight. There is no trace of anything...

Midnight: ...

Ruby: ...

Midnight: ... Has anyone checked by the river?

Slash: I sent out a ground squad to check it out. They haven't returned, yet.

Midnight: Ok... just wanted to know.

Slash: This is a big mystery to all of us, Midnight. Not just you.

Midnight: Yeah. I know...

Ruby: We must be missing something... there has to be something we overlooked!

Slash: We'll be here all day if we look under every stone and blade of grass! And we may not have any more clues then we did before!

Just then, a group leader rushed up and saluted to Slash.

General Pine (green lion): Sir! Found footprints by the river! But no trace of where they were heading or coming from!

Slash: Hmm... interesting... Good work, Pine! Send out the hounds when ready!

General Pine: Yes sir!

The leader saluted to Captain Slash again and started barking orders at his group. They all turn to their tasks.

Ruby: Well... it's better than nothing!

Midnight: But not good enough...

Slash: Cheer up, lad! If we have footprints, the blood hounds will find the path!

Midnight: So you say...

Slash: You've done all you can, boy. You and the kangaroo head back to Everwinter Forest and do more training.

Ruby: I have a name, you know...

Midnight: But I want to stay here! I need to stay here!

Slash: Go back and train... and THAT'S an order!

Ruby rolls her eyes and starts walking back. Midnight follows her until they reach the forest.

Ruby: ... What's wrong? We need to go back and train!

Midnight: I'm staying here.

Ruby: You're stubborn, Midnight...

Midnight: Maybe that's a good thing!

Ruby: ... You go on ahead. I'll get Sapphire and catch up to you!

Midnight nods and quietly dashes to the river. Ruby heads over to Sapphire's house

Ch. 21 Attack at Darkriver village - part.2

 Earlier that evening, Far away in the Village of Darkriver, Boo was peacefully enjoying himself by making small bombs.

Boo: A little bit of fire powder... and... that makes seven bombs!

Just then, Boo's door opened and Hex rushed in.

Hex: Boo! It's an emergency! An emergency!

Boo: Calm down, what are you talking about?

Hex: Code Twilight! CODE TWILIGHT!!!

Boo: Why didn't you tell me sooner?! Quick! Get these bombs to the Pebble Creepers!

Boo shoved the small bombs to Hex and she dashed back outside. Boo quickly picked up a small smoke gun and dashed out with her.

Boo: Where are they heading? How many are there?

Hex: At least a few dozen! Coming straight downhill and across the river!

Boo: We'll make sure to give them the fright of their lives!

Hex: But they're armed! With cinnamon! And poisonous bombs!

Boo: We can fight fire with fire...

A grey wolf holding stones rushed in beside Boo. He make a soft cheering noise.

Shiver (grey wolf): This is the biggest party we've ever faced in our lives, Boo!

 The wolf looked up worried.

Shiver: We might need to retreat if they start playing dirty!

Boo: The only ones playing dirty are us...

Hex: Boo! You remember what dad told us!

Boo: Yeah, yeah... I know. But he isn't here, so how would he know?

Hex: I'll tell mum about that!

Boo: She'll be too busy celebrating our victory to notice.

There was a sudden chilly wind sweeping through the village. A white and red deer holding more stones came into view.

Rowan (red deer): Come on, Shiver! We're taking the east forest side this time!

Hex: I want to come with you! Please, Silver! Please take me with you!

Silver (white deer): Sorry, short stuff. You're still a C-class bat caretaker! You need to spook up the bats before the UnMythics arrive!

Hex: But it's not fair... Can't I play hide and shriek with you?

Silver: Life isn't fair, Hex. Maybe when you're a little older, smarter, and faster I'll take you to play with the UnMythics! Hide and shriek is a hunt or be hunted game! Too dangerous for you at your age.

Hex: I'm not that young... am I?

Silver: Sorry, but rules are rules... My hands are tied. You understand, don't you?

Rowan: Boo, you're up front! They need you for extra misting! We need to break up the party so they can be frightened more easily!

Boo: Rodger!

Boo dashes through the now clouding mist and heads for the bushes. There was a shout from the hilltops and the sound of feet pounded the ground. Boo started shooting out a cold and eerie mist from the gun he was holding. A thick cloud of fog covered his area as splashing sounds started to sound in the area.

Strange voice: This is the place, boys! We need to capture as many Vampires as possible before the war starts. Victory depends on it... GET TO IT!!!

The sound of feet sounded again as the UnMythics entered the Village. Boo quietly sneaked into the Village again where he found Hex and the other bat caretakers.

Boo: (whispering) Hex! You need to get out of here! NOW!!!

Hex: (whispering) Why?

Boo: (whispering) The UnMythics don't plan to search for ghost... they plan to capture Vampires! You need to get help!

Hex: (whispering) How am I suppose to do that?

Boo: (whispering) There is a village beyond the green fields and in a forest near here... Midnight comes from that Village! You need to see the Vampire Lord in that Village and give them this message!

Boo quickly wrote down something and gave it to Hex.

Boo: (whispering) Don't look back, Don't stop, and don't get caught!

Hex: (whispering) But...

Boo: (whispering) I know this is sudden, but trust me... Now go! Time is getting wasted!

Boo pushed Hex in the direction of the Everwinter Village and she started running. Boo quietly dashed over to where the Shiver was.

Boo: (whispering) Shiver! We need to get out of here!

Shiver: (whispering) Why do you say that?

Boo: (whispering) This isn't a ghost searching party! This group of UnMythics that plan to CAPTURE Vampires!

Shiver: WHAT?!

Boo hits Shiver over the head.

Boo: (whispering) Quiet! We need to warn the others before its too late!

There was a massive explosion and the sweet smell of cinnamon went through the village.

Shiver: Cinnamon... bomb.

Hiding Vampires started to cough loudly while others tried to flee from it. Boo's vision slowly clouded into blackness.

Ch. 21 Attack at Darkriver village - part.1

Late that night, Grandma and Midnight heard a knock on the door. Grandma rose up to answer it. A purple fox was holding a note.

Hex: Do you know how I can find a black cheetah named Midnight Darkmoon?

Grandma: He's right here! Why do you need him?

Hex: It's an important message! Please let me in...

Grandma opened the door widely for the purple fox and she dashed in. Midnight stood up, surprised.

Midnight: Hex?

Grandma: Do you know each other?

Midnight: She's a friends younger sister... What are you doing here? And where's Boo?

Hex: I... don't know.

Midnight: What do you mean, Don't know? Isn't he in your village?

Hex: I don't know! He might be, but... I don't know!

Grandma: What's that you got there?

Hex: A message for Midnight...

Hex handed Midnight the piece of paper.

Midnight: "Dear Midnight. The Village of Darkriver is in danger! We need your help! Your friend, Boo"...

Midnight looked at Hex, expecting her to say something.

Hex: ... He just gave me that note and told me to run as fast as I could, never look back, and to never get caught... I don't know anything else! And Boo wanted you to tell the Vampire Lord in this village about it as well!

Midnight: I'll tell him as soon as I can.

Hex: My village could be in danger! You have to hurry!

Grandma: It's alright, child... You look like death! Have you had any sleep in the last twelve hours?

Hex: I haven't had any sleep since last night...

Grandma: Come now... Hex, was it? Let's get you to bed . You need some sleep! I'll make you a bed down in my potion lab... don't worry! It's warm and safe down there.

Grandma led the little purple fox down to her basement. After a few minutes, Grandma came back up.

Grandma: Poor child... probably had to run for hours without rest!

Midnight: But the Village of Darkriver is peaceful... The only visitors are ghost hunters, and usually they run scared after a look around!

Grandma: I see...

Midnight: And why would Boo send his little sister to ask for help?

Grandma: Maybe he was just trying to protect her?

Midnight: Then he would've came with her! Boo isn't the kind of Vampire to trust other people to do his work for him... Something must've happened!

Grandma: Indeed... you need to tell the Vampire Lord about it!

Midnight: Ok. But I'm worried about Boo...

Midnight took the note and dashed out of the house towards the Vampire Lord's mansion.

Midnight burst through the Vampire Lord's doors. The Vampire Lord looked up surprised.

Midnight: I apologize for the rude entering, powerful Vampire Lord... but the Village of Darkriver is in trouble!

Vampire Lord: Please explain, Midnight Darkmoon...

Midnight: Well... I just got a message from a friends sister saying that the Village is in danger!

Midnight showed the Vampire Lord the note Hex gave him. The Vampire Lord looked at him suspiciously. 

Vampire Lord: And how can you be so sure? We have had no messages from there in a few days...

Midnight: Little Hex Fadehill ran all the way from Darkriver to Everwinter forest ALL NIGHT. Without ANY sleep for the past twenty four hours!

Vampire Lord: Calm down, young Midnight... I was just want to know for sure. We've had fake alarms before, and I just want to know if this is true. I'm just doing my job.

Midnight: I'm sure this is no joke.

The Vampire Lord thought for a minute.

Vampire Lord: We'll send troops tonight. Thank you for letting this come to my attention, Midnight.

The Vampire Lord yelled out a command and Captain Slash rushed in.

Slash: Yes, M'lord?

Vampire Lord: Send out troops to Darkriver village! We have an emergency! You leave now. Time's of the essence!

Slash: Yes, Sir!

Slash turned back and started yelling orders at the top of his voice.

Vampire Lord: You'll go with them on the journey.

Midnight: But... what about Ruby?

Vampire Lord: Ruby Deathdancer can come if she wishes. You'll be leaving shortly. I suggest you hurry.

Midnight: Yes sir!

Midnight dashed out and back to Grandma's house.

Ch.20 Trader Daria - part.2

Ruby, Sapphire and Midnight continue walking until they reached Grandma's house. Grandma looked up from drinking tea.

Grandma: Hello, Ruby! Good evening Midnight and Sapphire!

Ruby: Hello Grandma...

Grandma: Whats wrong? Something on your mind?

Midnight: It's a riddle Daria gave us.

Ruby and Sapphire glared at Midnight.

Midnight: ... What? She asked us what was wrong!

Ruby: I thought we agreed not to ask Grandma for help!

Midnight: I don't remember agreeing to anything like that...

Ruby: We don't WANT help, and we don't NEED help.

Midnight: If that was true, we would've figured it out by now.

Ruby: Do you know what the answer is then?

Midnight: Well... no, not really.

Grandma: Alright, alright... stop making a fuss and tell me whats going on!

Midnight: Trader Daria promised us that if we gave her the answer to a riddle, she would give us anything we wanted from her store for free.

Grandma: And what's the riddle?

Ruby: Me and Sapphire can find the answer on our own! Come on, Sapphire.

Ruby and Sapphire go outside and back into the forest.

Grandma: How does it go?

Midnight: "You always take us down when we are in our prime. Devour your sweet rewards, but I'll be back in time. A child of mine will rise out of his rotten bed. Up from a hidden pit long after I am dead".

Grandma: ... I can see why you're having trouble. Now lets see...

Grandma and Midnight talked about the riddle and after some time, Midnight was satisfied with his answer. Meanwhile, Ruby and Sapphire were trying to solve it on their own.

Ruby: Devour your sweet rewards... devour your sweet rewards...

Sapphire: ... I got nothing. Maybe we should ask Grandma to give us a hint? You know... to put us on the RIGHT track.

Ruby: Where did Daria get this riddle, anyway?

Sapphire: I have no idea...

Ruby: We're never going to get this riddle...

Sapphire: ... want some fruit?

Ruby: We don't have time for...

Ruby suddenly got up.

Ruby: SAPPHIRE, YOU'RE A GENIUS!!!

Sapphire: That's what they all say. I still don't feel any smarter knowing that, though!... Um... Why am I a genius?

Ruby: That's the answer to the riddle!

Sapphire: Fruit?

Ruby: YES!!! "You always take us down when we are in our prime"! We take down fruit from trees when its ripe!

Sapphire: "Devour your sweet rewards, but I'll be back in time" is when we eat the fruit and the tree grows more! You're right, I am a genius!

Ruby: One problem. We don't know what kind of fruit it is.

Sapphire: Hm... well, it must be a fruit with a pit inside... Maybe a peach?

Ruby: What's a peach?

Sapphire: Come on! I happen to know someone who has a peach tree in their backyard!

Sapphire grabbed Ruby's arm and ran towards their destination.

After a while, Ruby and Sapphire arrived back to Trader Daria.

Trader Daria: Ah, I see you return! Tell me. Have you brought the solution?

Ruby: We have. Show her, Sapphire!

Sapphire tossed the fruit to Daria.

Trader Daria: So... Which one of you figured it out?

Ruby: Well... Sapphire and I were trying to find the answer, and she asked me if I wanted some fruit, and... the answer was just so simple!

Trader Daria: And what do you want, Sapphire? Do you want something from my vast collection, or is it something else...?

Sapphire: I don't know what I want, to be honest...

Trader Daria: Why were you helping your friend in finding out the answer to a simple riddle...?

Sapphire: I don't know... I just wanted to help her out because she wanted something so badly, I guess.

Trader Daria: And you feel glad knowing you've completed this small quest in your heart?

Sapphire: If you put it that way... yes!

Trader Daria: Tell you what. I'll give you the first book of my latest adventure series : Blood Moon, Red River. I'm not even selling it to the public, yet!

Sapphire: You'd really give that to me?

Trader Daria: Sure I would! You're something, Sapphire... something different from everyone else. You may not be a Dragon master, or a brave fighter... but something tells me you're gonna go far.

The trader handed over the book to Sapphire and Shadow Warriors Book 7 to Ruby.

Trader Daria: I hope we cross paths again one day, young Vampires.

Ruby: Maybe we will!

Trader Daria: May your lucky stars be with you!

Ruby and Sapphire waved goodbye and headed back to Grandma.

Grandma: Hello again...

Ruby: Sorry, can't talk! Need to find out what happened! Good night Grandma, good night Sapphire! And let me borrow that book when you're finished, Ok?

Ruby raced upstairs and into her room. Grandma looked at Sapphire.

Grandma: Did you get what you came for?

Sapphire: Oh yeah. And a little extra sauce to go with it.

Sapphire waved goodbye and Grandma and headed back home.

Ch.20 Trader Daria - part.1

Later that evening, Ruby sat reading some books peacefully, until Midnight and Sapphire burst through the door.

Midnight: Ruby! Guess what?

Ruby looks up from reading her book.

Ruby: I can't guess, Midnight. Please tell me.

Midnight: Trader Daria is in town!

Ruby: Really?

Ruby instantly drops her books in a flash and stands up.

Ruby: Where is she? Does she have any new books for me to read? I need book seven of Shadow Warriors!

Midnight: Calm down, Ruby. Daria is going to set up her wares at the night markets this evening!

Sapphire: You read books, Ruby? Since when...?

Ruby: I had a lot of spare time for the past eight years, I'll have you know. I had to do SOMETHING in my time!

Sapphire: I guess... but I don't get it... why get so over excited about a traveling trader?

Midnight: I don't get what I scream is.

Sapphire: Ice cream. It's ice cream.

Midnight: That's what I said. I scream.

Sapphire sighs and looks at Midnight in disappointment.

Sapphire: Next time I take you somewhere, I'll make sure it's cake shop.

Ruby: I've read all six books of Shadow Warriors, now I need the seventh : Black Mysteries! I need to know what happened to...

Sapphire: Don't spoil it. If it's as good as you make it sound, I want to borrow the collection. Starting with the first one!

Ruby: Well... I'll give you the first two books. But you have to return book three of Ocean Depths. You borrowed it and never gave it back!

Sapphire: I still have it? I kinda forgot to read it after all those years... Can I still keep it for a while? I'll let you borrow the Forest Justice series!

Ruby: I've already read all of them.

Sapphire: Um... You can have Cloudless Sky, book five! I never liked it that much, and I got a lot of other books to read!

Ruby: Already have it. And I thought you gave it away to someone else a long time ago...

Sapphire: Oh, that's right! I did... Well... I can give you Bat Trainer, book eleven!

Ruby: Don't want it. Already read that a long time ago, and I think I'm not fit for training bats at the moment.

Sapphire: You drive a hard bargain... Fine! How about I return Blazing Feathers, book one? You said you lost yours and I've read it a hundred times by now!

Ruby: Deal!

Ruby and Sapphire shook hands.

Midnight: ... Can we go already?

Ruby: To where?

Midnight: The night markets, of course! Where else? We can have a sneak peek to see what she has to sell!

Ruby: Ok!

Ruby grabs Midnight and Sapphire's arm and races across to the night markets. They arrive to see everyone preparing items among the tables.

Ruby: I wonder where she is...?

Sapphire: Why is this Maria Vampire so famous?

Midnight: It's Daria. She travels across the Island and collects all sorts of stuff! Facing dangers at every turn, venturing across the sea to different lands!... And she's also a famous writer.

Sapphire: So she wrote the so called Shadow Warriors series?

Ruby: Yup! Popular with Vampires at all ages! A lone wolf adventuring into the unknown... UnMythics hunting him wherever he goes! No food, no shelter...

Sapphire: Ok, ok. I get it.

Midnight: Is that her, over there?

Ruby: Where?

Midnight dashes ahead and stops at a table where a black giraffe was setting up books.

Midnight: Are you by any chance Trader Daria?

Trader Daria (black giraffe): Yes, that's me.

 Ruby and Sapphire catch up to Midnight.

Trader Daria: What can I do for you kids?

Ruby: When are you going to open? I really want the next book of Shadow Warriors!

Trader Daria: I'm opening at moon rise, love. You're gonna have to wait a little longer!

Sapphire: When does the moon rise, anyway?

Midnight: judging by how low the sun is, probably half an hour at most.

Trader Daria: Ah, someones been doin' their homework! Tell you what. If you can solve this riddle, I'll give you anything from my shop!

Ruby: For free?

Trader Daria: Yes. For free. Anything free of charge! Are you ready, kids?

They all nod.

Trader Daria: You always take us down when we are in our prime. Devour your sweet rewards, but I'll be back in time. A child of mine will rise out of his rotten bed. Up from a hidden pit long after I am dead.

Ruby: Woah...

Trader Daria: Bring me a solution, and I'll give you the next book of Shadow Warriors and anything else you want!

Ruby, Sapphire and Midnight all walk away from the noisy markets and into the peaceful forest.

Sapphire: What do you think it could be?

Ruby: ...

Midnight: Hey, Ruby! You're good at riddles and puzzles! What do you think it is?

Ruby: I don't know... "You always take us down when we are in our prime"... I don't know what that means!

Sapphire: Well... the next part was "Devour your sweet rewards, but I'll be back in time"...

Ruby: ...

Midnight: That's too difficult. Whats the next part?

Ruby: "A child of mine will rise out of his rotten bed".

Sapphire: A rotten bed? You mean like a wooden bed? Or maybe a coffin?

Ruby: Maybe, seeing the next part is "Up from a hidden pit long after I am dead".

Midnight: Ok... so it could be a coffin that wasn't buried... but the "You always take us down" and the "Devour your sweet rewards" don't make any sense!

Sapphire: Lets have a walk! Maybe we can think of something else?

Midnight: Or we could ask Ruby's Grandma!

Sapphire: That would be cheating! And we CAN'T cheat!

Midnight: Why not? Nothings stopping us!

Ruby: ... Sapphire's right, Midnight. We can't cheat. I wouldn't feel right knowing I played unfair to Trader Daria!

Midnight: Fine... we'll play by the rules... even if there are none...

Sapphire: Oh, stop complaining Midnight! We'll find out eventually!

They wander around the forest until they see the first rays of the moon.

Ch.19 The Eggsaster - part.4

Ruby, Midnight and Sapphire arrived at the R.O.O.S.T. headquarters and started to look around the room.

Sapphire: I never liked Mr. Stonecloud. His name should be Rocksky.

Midnight: Why?

Sapphire: Because if you were a bird, he'd hit your head before you got any higher than the clouds!

Ruby: Focus guys! This is no time to make jokes about teachers we don't like!

Sapphire: If you say so.

Midnight: ... What are we looking for, again?

Ruby: I don't know... anything, I guess.

Suddenly, they all heard a creaking sound and looked up. Ruby quickly takes out the invisibility potion and drinks it. She tosses it over to Midnight and he sips it as well. He hands it over to Sapphire and she turns invisible too. They see Mr. Stonecloud talking to a deer.

Mr. Stonecloud: With the Dragon egg in our hands, the Vampires will have to give up and surrender. They will be helpless without the Dragon champion on their side! This was surely one of Mayor Irontails best plans to defeat the Vampires!

Doc Bramblespike (yellow deer with rocket): Yes. But we're still not sure what will happen if the Dragon egg hatches outside the Village... It might just fly back towards it's master.

Mr. Stonecloud: I don't think so! It wouldn't know who it's master is! Besides, its a baby Dragon. It's not going to be the smartest creature on the island!

Doc Bramblespike: Whether that's true or not, I don't think its safe to keep it here...

Mr Stonecloud: And why not? It's just an egg!

Doc Bramblespike: It's THE Dragon egg. From our research, there is a section where it says "When a Dragon egg hatches, there will be a huge explosion and fire will burst from the egg. The Dragon will only remain true to it's master, and will attack if ordered".

Mr Stonecloud: Should I be worried?

Doc Bramblespike: Very. You're not the true Dragon master, and if the true Dragon master finds out where we're keeping the egg and it hatches, the war will start before we can complete the secret weapon!

Mr Stonecloud: Well get to it then! We can't let the Vampires have the advantage in the battle now, can we?

The deer nodded and dashed out of the room to somewhere else. Midnight started to follow the scientist, but Sapphire grabbed him by the arm.

Sapphire: (whispering) Don't follow him.

Midnight: (whispering) Why not?

Sapphire: (whispering) Ruby needs to retrieve the Dragon egg. You keep an eye on Stonecloud! I'll be outside keeping watch...

Ruby nods and quietly follows the deer. She follows him until they reach an empty room with the Dragon egg on a table.

Ruby: (thinking) Now if I can just get the Dragon egg without the scientist noticing...

Fang suddenly jumped out of the bag and scurried across the floor and stops in front of the scientist.

Fang: (in loud voice) Hello mad scientist!

Before he could react, Fang dashed away and behind the invisible Ruby. The scientist crashed into Ruby and they both fell to the floor. Potions scattered everywhere. The deer quickly picked up the nearest potion and gazed at it.

Doc Bramblespike: What do we have here...?

Ruby: (now visible) THAT'S MY POTION!!!

Ruby made a dive for the potion but the scientist darted back.

Doc Bramblespike: And what does it do?

Fang: It's a strength potion.

Ruby sighs in disappointment.

Doc Bramblespike: How... Interesting... so it makes you super strong...

The deer drank the potion and moved closer to the wall. He punched it, but nothing seemed to have happened.

Doc Bramblespike: ... Nothing...

Ruby: Uh...

Doc Bramblespike: It does NOTHING...

Ruby: ...

Ruby shoved the nearest bottle to Fang. Fang drank the potion, and he started to glow.

Doc Bramblespike: Is that...

Ruby: A glowing spider?

Fang started to glow brighter, until it was painful to look at him.

Doc Bramblespike: MY EYES!!!

Ruby quickly snatched the potion from the scientist and drank it. She hit him in the chest and sent him flying across the room.

Ruby: You shouldn't have gotten out of bed this morning...

Ruby took a drink of the invisibility potion again and before anything else happened, Ruby snatched the Dragon egg and dashed out. She crashed into Mr. Stonecloud.

 Mr Stonecloud: What in the name of...?

Ruby: Good day, sir... and a bit of advice. Never... ever... EVER, steal from a Vampire!

Ruby weaved around Mr Stonecloud and continued running. She dashed out and into the school where Midnight and Sapphire waited.

Ruby: Got it!

Sapphire: We should probably start running?

Ruby: Yup.

They all run deep into the forest. In the distance, they could hear a faint rage screaming noise, probably from Mr. Stonecloud. After a while, they arrive at Grandma's house.

Grandma: Hello, again! Got the Dragon egg?

Ruby: Yes, we did.

Ruby handed Grandma the Dragon egg and headed for the stairs.

Grandma: Where are you going?

Ruby: If it's all the same to you, I'm going back to bed. If anyone needs me, call me in a few hours...

Ruby went upstairs and back to her room.

Midnight: ... So... what should we do now?

Sapphire: ... lets get some ice cream! I hear they have Strawberry swirl flavour, now!

Midnight: I scream?

Sapphire grabs Midnight's and dashed into the misty morning.

Ch.19 The Eggaster - part.3

Early the next morning, Midnight comes crashing through Grandma's door to see Fang drinking coffee.

Midnight: um... good morning, Fang?

Fang: Good morning!

Midnight: Wheres Ruby?

Fang: Still asleep.

Midnight: And Grandma?

Fang: On her morning forest walk.

Midnight: When will Ruby get up?

Fang: Hard to say.

Just then, Grandma walked in.

Grandma: Good morning, Midnight!

Midnight: Good morning...

Grandma: Waiting for Ruby to get up?

Midnight: Well... yes.

Grandma sighs and looks at Fang.

Grandma: ... Fang?

Fang: Yes?

Grandma: Can you wake up Ruby for Midnight, please?

Fang: Anything for you, Grandma!

Fang drinks the rest of his coffee and jumps down from the table. He scurries up the stairs and out of sight.

Grandma: After Ruby has her breakfast, you can pick up Sapphire and start searching for the Dragon egg in Golden Forests school.

Midnight: ... Do you think Sapphire will come?

Grandma: Of course!

Midnight: But how can you be so sure?

Grandma: Midnight, you're forgetting Sapphire is related to Ruby. She will come whether you like it or not!

Just then, there was a yell and the sound of books falling down. They see Fang leaping down the stairs and he dashed behind Grandma. Ruby comes down seconds later with a baseball bat.

Ruby: I'M GONNA GET... oh, morning, Grandma...

Grandma: Good morning, Ruby. So glad you're up!

Ruby: And hi, Midnight... how long have you been there?

Midnight: Not that long...

Grandma: You must be hungry, Ruby! Do you want some breakfast before you pick up Sapphire?

Ruby: Uh... what?

Midnight: Dragon egg... missing? Need to find it before it hatches?

Ruby: Oh... that... well, no time for breakfast then!

Grandma: You'll need some potions before you go, if you're going to skip breakfast...

Grandma handed Ruby a bag full of potions.

Grandma: I've given you some speed potions, strength potions, a invisibility potion, and the new test potion I was talking about last night!

Midnight: What does it do?

Grandma: In theory, it make you glow like a extremely bright light.

Ruby: How about in testing?

Grandma: That's what I want you to find out. Now, off you two go! There is a Dragon egg to find!

Ruby grins and snatches Fang and stuffs him into the bag. She takes a drink from the speed potion then grabs onto Midnight's arm. They dash through the village and forest landscape until they arrived at Sapphire's house. They knock on the door and wait.

Midnight: ... Do you think anyone's home?

Ruby: I hope so...

Just then, Sapphire's mum opened the door.

Tulip: Oh, good morning! Rosy and Marcus, was it?

Ruby: Yup! That's us!

Midnight: Is Sapphire home?

Tulip: Why yes, she is... but I think shes still asleep...

Ruby: Can you check, just in case?

Tulip: Well...

Sapphire: Hi!

Sapphire appeared at the door beside Tulip.

Tulip: Oh, hon... you stayed up till past midnight, and its only six forty-five in the morning! You need more sleep! Where are you three going, anyway?

Sapphire: We... planned to watch the new movie that came out a week ago! You know, before all the crowds got in...and don't worry! We're old enough to watch it.

Tulip: I see...

Sapphire: Bye, mum! Don't worry... we'll be alright!

Sapphire pushed Ruby and Midnight until they were deep in the forest.

Sapphire: That was close... anyway! Why are you here?

Ruby: Another question... were you expecting us?

Sapphire: I'm a light sleeper. No other explanation.

Midnight: Well... someone stole the Dragon egg last night and we suspect it was someone from R.O.O.S.T.... do you have any idea who it could be?

Sapphire: I'm suspecting Mr. Stonecloud, because if I hadn't follow him, I wouldn't have found that letter I gave Midnight.

Ruby: Good enough place to start! Let's go!

They all dash towards the Golden Forest school.

Ch.19 The Eggsaster - part.2

Midnight was talking to Stella quietly, when suddenly Patrick bursts through the club's door with a bang. He lifted his head proudly as he shoved the chest across the room.

Patrick: Stella! Give us all a few barrels full of cloudy fizzy!

Stella: Why?

Patrick: Because I'm the best thief in the history of stealing. There doesn't HAVE to be a reason why we should drink what we drink!

Stella: You'll need to pay me first, in that case...

Patrick: All you needed to do was ask...

Patrick opened the chest and got a handful of coins and slammed it down on the counter.

 Patrick: Satisfied?

Stella: ... Yes.

Stella quietly took them and started to prepare the drinks.

 Patrick: You heard the barmaid! DRINKS ALL ROUND!!!

Everyone except Midnight cheered.

Midnight: ... If I may be so bold to ask, Patrick... where did you get all that money?

Patrick: I was payed not to tell... I have standards, Y'know!

Midnight: So I've heard...

Stella stopped stirring the cups on the counter and Patrick grabbed them. He handed one to Griffin and they started drinking the misty liquid. Stella started preparing the next set of drinks.

Midnight: Where do you think Patrick got all that money?

Stella: Probably stole it from the Vampire Lord for all I know.

Midnight: But aren't you just a little bit curious to find out how he got it?

Stella: Why don't you go and ask him again? You're often very persuasive when it comes to asking people about things they refuse to talk about the first time around...

Midnight: ... Maybe after he's taken a few more drinks I'll ask him again.

Stella: Good idea. That may leave me more work to do, but at least you'll find out.

Stella continued serving drinks while Midnight waited. After a while, Midnight moved towards Patrick.

Patrick: Enjoyin' yourself, Midnight?

Midnight: I would enjoy it more if I knew where you got that money...

Patrick: Is that it? Well, an UnMythic hired me to steal a Dragon egg in a old witches house...

Midnight: I thought you said you had standards?

Patrick: I didn't say they were very high! Anyway... I stole the egg without anyone noticing and delivered it to the UnMythic, and he gave me the chest full of gold. If that makes you happy now, have a drink of something already!

Midnight: If you say so, oh master of silent theft...

Midnight walked back towards Stella.

Stella: What did he do...?

Midnight: He stole a Dragon egg for an UnMythic from what I believe came from a friends house...

Stella: One of your friends has a Dragon egg?

Midnight: Sorry. I should've said the Dragon egg.

Stella: I thought the Dragons left long ago, never to be seen again!

Midnight: Exactly what I thought! Until my friend told me they left their champion behind.

Stella: I see... and who exactly is this "friend" of yours?

Midnight: ... I'd rather not say right now.

Stella: Ok. You can tell me when you're ready, then. I'll be waiting for that.

Midnight leaves the M.O.S.T. club and heads towards Ruby's Grandma's house. When he arrives, he enters Grandma's potion lab where he looks around.

Midnight: I must say... he's gotten a lot better at stealing than I thought! Not a trace...

Grandma: Who's gotten better at stealing?

Midnight turns around to see Grandma.

Midnight: ... A partner of mine.

Grandma: And has this "partner" stolen the Dragon egg that was meant to keep safe until it hatched?

Midnight: Um... probably.

Grandma: Is there any way to get it back?

Midnight: He said he was hired by an UnMythic to steal it... he didn't give any detail, but we could start at the Golden Forests school tonight!

Grandma: Wait until tomorrow. Ruby just went to bed and she needs her ten hours sleep before getting up and going on another mission again!

Midnight: When will the Dragon hatch...?

Grandma: ... It's hard to say. But it is possible that it will hatch any day now.

Midnight: So... if it hatches somewhere else?

Grandma: I'd rather not say.

Midnight: Then I need to find the UnMythic that stole the Dragon egg right now then!

Grandma: It would be unfair to Ruby and Sapphire if you went on an adventure without them. Besides, I'm sure after all that training of yours you're probably exhausted!

Midnight: I'm not THAT tired...

Grandma: I can see through you, Midnight. You need sleep.

Midnight: Fine... I'll get a few hours sleep, then...

Grandma: Good plan. Meanwhile, I'll start brewing potions. I have a feeling you're going to face danger at every turn in your next adventure...

Midnight: Danger is my middle name!

Midnight turned around and headed back up to the surface.