This is just a bit of world building to help understand what life is like in the First Realm for the Hunters.

    Cole and Wu cringed as they watched the chained forms of their friends being dragged out of the arena. That knockout had looked really painful.

    "Alright, Hunters, you heard Iron Baron. Gather your supplies!" ordered Heavy Metal.

    Immediately, the stands emptied. Each Hunter scurrying off excitedly to prepare for the hunt.

    "But it's not dusk yet. At this time of day, we'll only catch common FireBreath dragons, and we've already got plenty of those at the Smelter," complained a Hunter standing close to Cole and Wu. 

    "So? We can always use more dragons in the Pit, especially after today's fights. Also, the apprentices could use the extra practice before the real challenges show up tonight with the great bait we've got now," argued his friend. 

    "Just shut up and do what Iron Baron wants," snapped an older Hunter, littered with scars. He went to gather his hunting supplies with a crabby expression stuck on his face. 

    The pair just rolled their eyes at the grumpy Hunter. It wasn't anything new. As they went off to do their respective jobs and gather supplies, they both noticed Cole and Wu, looking quite lost and unsure of what to do. "Hey, you two. What're standing around for? Come on, help us prepare the Dieselnaut." 

    "Uh, okay, sure," agreed Cole uncertainly. He looked at Wu and shrugged. It was better than awkwardly doing nothing. 

    As they caught up to the other two, one of them said, "You're welcome. We just spared you Iron Baron's wrath." 

    "Thanks?" Cole wasn't really sure about these guys. 

    Little Wu took the lead in the conversation. "Hello. This is... my dad, Rocky Dangerbuff, and I'm Dangerbuff, Jr. Who are you?"

    "Huh, you don't look related, but anyways, I'm Bludgeon and this is my very practical and boring brother—"

    "Wait, don't say it! Let me!" Bludgeon's brother struck a pose and dramatically announced, "I am Tamer."

    Bludgeon shook his head and facepalmed. "See, told you. Even his new Hunter name is boring."

    "No it's not!" whined Tamer while bending down to collect a wide assortment of weapons and chains. He threw a spiked club at Bludgeon which he caught with ease. He also handed some of the crudely made weapons over to Cole and Wu.

    "Yeah it is. It literally rhymes with lamer," jeered Bludgeon. He turned to little Wu. "I hope the Hunter name you earn will be ten times better."

    Tamer heard and sent him a hard glare which started a staring contest. It was soon interrupted when Iron Baron came stomping through the bustling throng, angrily shouting orders at each Hunter he passed. When he came across the group of four doing nothing, he looked furious. "WHAT'RE YOU DOING YOU IDIOTS?! GET MY DIESELNAUT READY! NOW!"

    All of them sprinted over to the hulking monster of a machine. Surprisingly, Bludgeon and Tamer seemed unfazed by their leader's rage, simply chuckling quietly and shaking their heads as they got to work setting up the Dieselnaut. 

    "So I take it this is your first hunt as an apprentice. Don't worry. Iron Baron always gets like this before a big hunt, especially this one," reassured Tamer when he caught sight of Wu's frightened face. "You're lucky. It looks like Iron Baron wants to bring almost the entire Tribe. There'll be plenty of other apprentices to help you out if you need it."

    "Bludgeon mentioned your Hunter name was new. How'd you get it?" asked Cole, attempting to strike up conversation while loading some chains into the tank-like vehicle. 

    "Oh, great, now you've got him stirred up," groaned Bludgeon. 

    "I earned it just last week," began Tamer proudly. "Sure I lost a foot," he motioned to his metal prosthetic, "but it was worth it. I mean, who in the tribe has actually managed to tame a Sunfire Dragon, eh? She's a real beauty and smart too. I already taught her to sit and stay."

    "You train the dragons? I thought you just beat them into submission!" exclaimed Wu.

    Bludgeon exchanged a puzzled look with his brother. "Where have you been lately? Occasionally, yeah, we do if they're being difficult, but most are just trained. Sure, the ones in the Pit don't have it so good, but today was a special occasion. It's rare for what you saw today to happen any other time. I think the last time Iron Baron was as generous as that was like... five years ago." 

    "Other than great entertainment, the dragons are also useful to have around. Like Fire Class Dragons at the Smelter hardly even feel the spears we use. They've got thick scales and it only feels like a needle prick to them. That's not really beating them into submission. I really have no idea what they're teaching you apprentices these days."

    "But what about those dragons?" asked Wu, pointing to where two great lumbering Stone Drakes were being chained to a supply wagon.

    Tamer squinted at the drakes. "What about them? ... Oh wait! Do you mean those old scars? That's usually just from their first capture. They can be really wild at first, but they calm down pretty quickly once they know who's in charge. Besides, look around. Everyone has them. You can't survive in this Realm without earning yourself some pretty awesome scars." 

    He gave Wu a sympathetic pat on the back. "Look, kid. It's nice that you want to care for the dragons, but remember, serving the Tribe and Iron Baron is what matters most. So what if we have to kill a few dragons, our survival is more important. That kind of compassion here will get you killed."

    "Guess I'll die," shrugged Wu nonchalantly.

    Bludgeon shook his head disappointedly. "Ugh, Dangerbuff, raise your kid right."

    Cole wasn't listening as he focused on his brothers being loaded into a cage on the Dieselnaut. He was relieved to see that they weren't seriously injured, just completely out of it. 

    "Everyone, load up! It's time to get going!" directed Daddy-No-Legs. Muzzle mumbled something to him and he added, "Oh, and don't forget to always have a Vengestone harpoon or rifle on hand!"

    The large hunting party set out, stirring up the desert sand. As Cole and Wu settled themselves aboard the Dieselnaut, they noticed Iron Baron berating a Hunter. They could not hear what he was saying over the loud engine noises. Much to their horror, they watched as Iron Baron angrily threw the Hunter off the Dieselnaut. Surprisingly, none of the others seemed very upset at this. With horror-stricken expressions, Cole and Wu looked at Bludgeon and Tamer who merely exchanged a look of annoyance and slight disappointment. 

    This wasn't the first time Gunner had tried to join a hunt when he wasn't supposed to. For now, his responsibility was overseeing the Smelter until Iron Baron said otherwise as punishment for a failed hunt; but apparently he still had yet to get the message that he was not welcome on any hunts. Cole risked a glance back and was relieved to see the Hunter was on his feet, not too badly injured. 

    Tamer scooted close to Wu to have a brief conversation with him as Wu still bore an aghast expression.

    "Don't worry, it's his own fault. He's not supposed to come one hunts right now as punishment. He'll be fine once he gets it into his head that Iron Baron's orders are not to disobeyed."

    Wu nearly had to shout for his response to be heard over the roar of the Dieselnaut. "Why's Iron Baron in charge?"

    "The Baron Clan has always ruled. I can think of no other person worthy to lead our Tribe as Iron Baron does," explained Tamer, admiration apparent in his voice.

    "But it's so miserable! He's mean and you guys are just his servants," whined Wu. 

    Tamer looked aghast at Dangerbuff Jr.'s audacity to openly make such a claim. He fervently argued, "No, no, no. He is our great leader. We aren't his servants. We are a perfect society. Iron Baron may seem tough, but believe me, all he does is for the good of the Tribe. He wants to make us stronger."

    Knowing that there would be no changing Tamer's mind from the passionate conviction in his statement, Wu gave a weak smile, nodding to show he understood. In reality, he didn't understand anything at all. If everyone around here was so strong, why did they put up with their leader's bullying? How was all this "perfect" to them? Wu pondered these questions until he somehow fell asleep. 

    Although Cole wanted to take a nap on the way to wherever they were headed, it was impossible when surrounded by strangers and onboard such a noisy machine. He envied little Wu as he had somehow managed to nod off beside him after talking with Tamer. Cole finally contented himself with observing these new people and their actions. 

    The first thing he noticed was that they brought children along on the hunt. Armed children! He figured these must've been the apprentices Tamer mentioned needing extra practice. Upon closer inspection, he noticed with a wince that some of them looked slightly malnourished. While he shuddered at the thought of these kids killing and eating a dragon, he realized they probably needed it. Also, now that he thought about it, even some of the adults, although all quite muscular, seemed to be almost unhealthily lean.

    Another thing he noted was that Tamer and Bludgeon seemed to be right about the treatment of the dragons they used. The Stone Drakes that loped alongside the Dieselnaut bore mostly old, faded scars. They appeared to be fit and not too bothered by the loads they were carrying. It was such a drastic difference from the dragons in the Pit. Apparently, as long as a dragon was useful, it was to be treated somewhat well.

    Cole thought to himself with a sense of resentment and pride, 'I bet the reason they stuck Ultra in the Pit was because they just couldn't handle his awesomeness.'

    Eventually, he stopped observing all the details of the Tribe as he grew more interested in watching the Hunters playing a game with the slot machine on Arkade's suit for the rest of the trip. They had the funniest reactions to winning and losing. Soon he broke his attention from it when he realized that all the Hunters had turned their attention towards their leader as soon as the procession stopped in the desired spot. 

    Wu jolted awake from the sudden stop of the Dieselnaut. He squinted at the terrain, judging it before telling Cole, "I don't get it. Everything looks the same. It's all flat, hot, and deserty."

    Tamer shushed him just as Iron Baron began addressing his people. "Today, I want all of you ready shoot down every single dragon spotted. I don't care what kind it is or how dangerous. You will capture twice as many dragons that were defeated in the Pit or else there will be major consequences for all of you. I was generous and rewarded you earlier, but now it is time to work."

    Quiet murmurs of dismay rose from the Hunters. 

    "We can't catch that many!" panicked Tamer quietly, doing that math and recounting the numbers from previous hunts.

    "I'm sure he's not really serious about it," claimed Bludgeon. 

    "By dawn tomorrow," continued Iron Baron, "we will bring down Firstbourne, and we won't eat or rest until I get my vengeance. The three Elemental Masters are clearly a sign that we must use them to take her down tonight. Now ready your chains!"

    The Hunters snapped to high alert, constantly scanning the skies for any traces of a dragon. 

    "You two wanna help us feed the dragons while we're waiting for the action?" invited Bludgeon. 

    "Woah, woah, woah. Hold on. Iron Baron let's the dragons eat but not you guys?" asked Cole in bewilderment and indignation. He was kind of hungry himself.

    "Yeah," frowned Tamer, "that's how it's always been. Remember? We'll eat if the hunt is successful."

    "That's not fair," groused Wu.

    "In case you haven't realized it, kid, this Realm isn't exactly known for being fair. Here, only the strong can survive. But remember, this is our beautiful home so we must work hard to maintain this perfect balance, no matter what the sacrifices or pain," informed Bludgeon wearily. 

    It was difficult to keep explaining this idea to a child that clearly had no sense of self-preservation. He and his brother turned to go care for the dragons. "You know what, I think it'd be better experience if you go join the other apprentices. This might be too adult for you to understand completely. They'll show you how it's done."

    "Okay, fine. Where do I go?" accepted Wu halfheartedly, crossing his arms.

    "See that lady over there surrounded by all those kids with the mohawk and jetpack," pointed Tamer. "That's Jet Jack. Hurry. It looks like she's making Otto Pilot show off how the Hunter Copter works. If you're lucky, maybe they'll give you a free ride."

    Cole followed after Wu, not wanting to lose track of him. He awkwardly excused himself from Bludgeon and Tamer, "I'm gonna... go help him. You know, like good fathers do."

    Tamer shook his head. "Those Dangerbuffs sure are strange." His brother agreed wholeheartedly.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

    "... and so you see here this holds thick enough chains even Firstbourne can't break," showcased Otto Pilot. 

    "Who's Firstbourne?" wondered Wu aloud, as he and Cole approached.

    Everyone in that group stopped and stared at the disguised duo.

    "You're kidding, right?" asked a child, shocked.

    Another piped up excitedly, "Ooh, story time!"

    "We're in the middle of a Hunt. Now's not the time to be telling stories," reminded Jet Jack, looking bored and annoyed by the apprentices. "All you oblivious Dangerbuffs need to know is that Firstbourne is the mother and most powerful of all the dragons. She can use every Element, so be prepared when we face her."

    "How do you know she'll even show up tonight?" questioned Wu skeptically.

    "Ugh, you Dangerbuffs are so dense," groaned an older apprentice. "Didn't you see the Elemental Masters in the Pit? There's no way Firstbourne can ignore them if we make them create a big enough Elemental reaction."

    As Wu began to spout off a bunch more curious and skeptical questions, Jet Jack made a small mental note to take that little Dangerbuff aside and tell him about Firstbourne. For now, she just decided to ignore him entirely. 

    Getting the strong notion that everyone was annoyed by their awkward, uneducated presences, the two "Dangerbuffs" slipped away, opting to search for the knocked out Ninja. They were soon interrupted by a loud cry from a Hunter. A dragon had been spotted. 

    Instantly, everyone rushed to their designated positions. Fortunately, Cole and Wu weren't standing around being completely useless. Arkade had curtly directed the two of them to man one of the multiple ballistas dotted around the temporary camp.

    They watched in horrid fascination as Jet Jack flew in alone, attempting lure the dragon closer to the ground so it could be shot down. It appeared to be working until a second dragon, its mate, came streaking out from the clouds, nearly swallowing Jet Jack whole. The winged Hunter managed to keep her head, quite literally, as she skillfully navigated the sky, swooping low and drawing the two dragons into the trap.

    A violent gust of wind suddenly sprang up, turning Jet Jack's graceful touchdown into a rough crash landing. Now Wu and Cole understood the reasoning behind extra clothing despite the sweltering environment. Less skin for the sun and sand to damage. 

    A few bolder Hunters took aim and fired through the dragon-made wind storm. While shielding his eyes against the onslaught of wind-stirred sand, Cole felt his heart drop as he heard the pained screech of a dragon. Once snagged by the Vengestone ballistas, it only took a few seconds for the experienced trappers to wrestle it to the ground. 

    Higher up, its mate cried out in horror. He recklessly dived for his partner, a blast of blistering wind streaming from his mouth. Cole peeked out from behind his arm, panicking as he saw Heavy Metal take aim at the attacking dragon. Instinctively, he fired his own ballista at the same time, knocking the other's shot off course. 

    Surprised, the magnificent reptile jerked up, flying out of firing range. He looked ready to circle back and attack again when his mate roared. To Wu and Cole, it was heartbreakingly clear that the captured dragon was desperately urging him to leave. A short, dragonish argument ensued until the unchained dragon let out a defeated, disappointed whine. Reluctantly, he listened to the pleas and warnings and retreated, staring back at his mate with sad golden eyes while sending one final, furious gust toward the Hunters. 

    Once the sand settled, the Hunters' prize could be properly viewed and secured. She was a gorgeous cream color with a few accenting, golden patches along her lithe body. Furiously, she hissed and snapped at the Hunter's as they muzzled her. The already tamed dragons seemed to become even more gloomy at the sight of one of their own being captured.

    An apprentice came running over to where Cole and Wu were crowding around and observing the distressing scene. In contrast to the "Dangerbuff's" grave expressions, he had a look of pride and excitement as he loudly declared, "I was the one who pinned her wings!"

    "Very good. A Windstriker's good for the Pit and its bones will make a very nice flute," praised Iron Baron. The small gathering around the dragon parted to let him through to examine their quarry. When his reaching arm came to close for comfort, the Windstriker attempted to viciously head butt him. 

    He stepped back, scowling. "But you know what would be even better? Two Windstrikers." His displeased glare zeroed in on his favored number two. "Tell me, Heavy Metal. Why is it that an apprentice is better at following my commands than you?"

    Cole tensed as he briefly locked eyes with Heavy Metal. It was clear that he knew about the sabotage and was about to tell the Baron. The Earth Ninja was dumbfounded when the Hunter merely ducked his head ashamedly, reporting, "I suppose all the wind made it difficult for me to hear you."

    Though his eyes remained callous, Iron Baron's body language morphed from hostile leader to an odd emulation of a disappointed father. "Oh, Heavy Metal," he sighed condescendingly, "I thought by now you would've known my voice. After all, I practically raised you. Now, you have failed me and your Tribe."

    "Please, accept my deepest apologies, Sir. It won't happen again," assured Heavy Metal earnestly, still keeping his gaze directed at the ground. 

    Iron Baron gave a curt nod of acceptance, signaling for the gathering to break up. Cole found it strange that as the Hunters dispersed, they whispered among themselves, sending jeering looks in Heavy Metal's direction as he helped to prepare for the next dragon trapping. 

    As Jet Jack passed by, Cole and Wu heard her mutter to Arkade, "'bout time chief's 'pet' messed up." 

    Suddenly, Heavy Metal materialized in front of the gossiping pair. He asked in a dangerous tone, "What was that you said?"

    Arkade and Jet Jack looked taken aback at being caught. Although, Jet Jack quickly regained her confidence and had the nerve to sneer in the high-ranking Hunter's face. "You heard me. You're nothing but Iron Baron's perfect little pet. What makes you so special that you get to sit around all day at his side while we're out here working our tails off?!"

    Arkade swiftly backed away from the two scowling Hunters. He did not want to get caught in between them when words turned to punches.

    "Why do you think Iron Baron made me his number two?" questioned Heavy Metal evenly. "Because, it was definitely not because I did nothing. You don't know me," he hissed, trying to keep his temper in check. "You know nothing of what I do. Being second to Iron Baron is not an easy task nor a blessing."

    "Oh yeah, suuure. Must be difficult having the most rations and being able to boss us around. How terrible for you," quipped Jet Jack sarcastically.

    Heavy Metal seethed silently, yet unlike what Jet Jack had been expecting, he didn't begin throwing punches. Their standoff broke off as soon as shouts rang out.

    "It's a SandWing!"

    "Pin its tail!"

    "AAAGH! There's a Dragonbite Viper!"

    Despite their display of a high level of dislike for each other, Wu and Cole watched in surprise as the glaring pair both leapt into action, nearly in sync. Guess obeying Iron Baron's frantic demands and the need for survival outweighed any hostility they had for each other.

    This was proven especially true when the disguised Black Ninja's attempt to help liberate the SandWing the Hunters had almost completely tied down went awry. Cole stealthily broke a few chains while everyone was frantically preoccupied with killing the Dragonbite Viper. Unfortunately, he didn't account for this dragon's tail being the most dangerous part of the it. He realized this a second too late as he caught a glimpse of the venomous, barbed tail as it streaked toward an apprentice.

    Jet Jack bravely pushed the apprentice away, diverting the scaly beast's anger at herself. Its tail nicked one of her wings, sending her sprawling across the rough desert sand. The SandWing violently snapped loose from many of its bindings, murderously launching itself at the grounded Hunter. Much to the shock and slight humiliation of the winged woman, Heavy Metal was the one to intervene and save her.

    At this point Cole was conflicted. Who did he want to win again? Yes, he wanted the dragon to be freed but he didn't want it to actually kill any Hunters. He watched, frozen in indecision, as Heavy Metal faced the furious SandWing. He winced in sympathy for both sides when a masterfully shot chain wound its way around the dragon's neck and when the dragon scored a hard hit with the side of its tail against the masked man immediately after.

    Jet Jack appeared at his side and shouted urgently at him, "What're you doing?! Shoot!!" She fired at the fire-breathing creature with a Chain Rifle she had randomly acquired, managing to successfully bind the flame-spitting beast's muzzle shut.

    Caught off guard by harsh demand, Cole blindly shot in the direction of the skirmish. By complete accident this time, he foiled Heavy Metal from slicing the SandWing. Apparently, his shot missed the dragon entirely and struck the fighting Hunter right in the ribs.

    Already winded from nearly being bowled over by the dragon's lashing tail, Heavy Metal grimaced when the chain unexpectedly came crashing into his side. Fortunately, other Hunters were now working to bring down the SandWing which helped take some of the heat off him as he struggled to regain his breath. Oh, how he wished he could take off the restricting mask.

    Soon enough, the furious pale gold dragon was brought under control again. A few cuts marred its shining scales. Its black, opal-like eyes glistened with rage at its captors, almost daring them to see what would happen if he was released again. 

    Cole stood close by as the Hunter's double-checked the Vengestone restraints. He looked at the SandWing in pity, trying to convey to it that, "if you would've just flown off instead of trying to kill everyone, you might be free!"

    A terrified shout drew the attention of everyone nearby. "Bronze Bone killed the Viper, but it bit him!"

    For Cole and Wu, it was eerie how quiet it got. The mood didn't necessarily seem sad, just solemn and fearful. Also, the slow pace at which everyone ambled over to the dying man was awful. Cole covered Wu's eyes as it was made clear by the old Hunter's pained convulsions that the venom had already done its worst. 

    When he finally breathed his last, one person in the gathered circle muttered fearfully, "Oh, skies above. He was the last of Iron Baron's kin." 

    Slowly, the whole crowd's focus shifted to their leader, nervously awaiting his reaction. Iron Baron didn't seem particularly sad as he stared at the slain body of his uncle. He slowly growled through clenched teeth, "What happened? Who's fault is this?"

    Low murmurs broke out, attention shifting toward one apprentice in particular. 

    "Isn't Alek his apprentice?"

    "Wasn't he the one who was supposed to be with him?"

    "I think he's hiding."

    "Where is that little coward?"

    Fortunately for Alek, who was fearfully creeping away from the crowd, Heavy Metal stepped forward, still breathing heavily. "Sir... the fault is ... mine." Iron Baron narrowed his eyes suspiciously, prompting him to explain further. "You ordered me take care of ... the DragonBite Viper... and I directly disobeyed and fought ... the SandWing. If I had listened ... to you, I could've killed the Viper."

    Iron Baron mulled over his words, carefully plotting his next reaction. While waiting for him, Cole thoughtfully observed the situation. For a moment, he found himself silently commending Heavy Metal. He respected that, even though he didn't understand why, the Hunter was willing to take the blame that so blatantly belonged to someone else.

    Finally, Iron Baron spoke sadly, though Cole couldn't help but get the feeling that most of it was for show. "It is terrible my beloved uncle has fallen. He will be greatly missed but at least he died with honor so now let us send him off properly to the Departed Realm."

    The "Dangerbuffs" observed the ceremony in mild fascination and horror. It wasn't like a typical funeral full of weeping people. Everyone looked numb, possibly even bored, as they watched as Bronze Bone's body was wrapped in chains, sprinkled with ground up dragon scales, spoken over by one Tribe elder, and then presented to a BlackDeath Amphithere which cremated it.

    Before everyone dispersed from the ritual, Iron Baron reminded them, "As you see, if you serve me well, you will live and die as a true Hunter like Bronze Bone. Now please, go do your best and capture every dragon. Remember, everything you do is for the good of the Tribe. It would break my heart if any of you would have to be prematurely sent to the Departed Realm for disappointing me."

    A chorus of anxious "yes, Chief" was heard from the Hunters. They understood the message behind their leader's words. 

    The subdued, serious atmosphere later vanished once some action happened and two fiery red Scorching Wyverns were easily captured by a group of eager apprentices. As the Hunters happily congratulated them on their skilled takedowns, Cole couldn't help but feel disquieted by how "fine" everything and everyone seemed to be so soon after seeing one of their own die.

    Honestly, he was starting to feel a bit bad for the Hunters themselves. Sure, he hated the way they treated and used the dragons, but he was beginning to realize that this lifestyle was considered normal to them. Plus, it's not like these guys had it much better while under the command of their "great leader". It was troubling to see that these people had no clue how terrible their society was.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

    The Red, White, and Blue Ninjas slowly came to, trapped in another cage... of course. 

    "Oww, my head," groaned Kai as he slowly sat up. "Why are we getting knocked out so much in this Realm?"

    "I am unsure. It is rather unfortunate, is it not?" replied Zane as he ran a diagnostic on himself to make sure that there was no critical damage to any of his vital systems. 

    As he quietly checked, there was an uncomfortable nagging in his heart that something strange and important had taken place while he was unconscious. Try as he might, he couldn't recall the dream? Vision? Encounter? Whatever it was, he hoped the memory would not have dire consequences if forgotten. As much as it bothered him, he knew he couldn't dwell on it too much as he and his brothers had their own, present predicament to deal with. 

    "We're just an unlucky group of guys," declared Jay, leisurely stretching his limbs. "Of course, I don't get why you guys are just realizing this now. I mean, c'mon. Obviously our bad luck started the second Wu showed up in our lives."

    Without warning, little Wu popped out in front of their cage. "Hey, guys!"

    "Oh, greetings, Master Wu."

    "Aaahh!"

    "Don't do that!"

    "Shush!" quieted Cole, nervously looking over his shoulder. "I don't think we're really supposed to be over here, but I just wanted to know if you guys were okay."

    Kai rubbed his sore head. "Yeah, I guess so." He glanced at Jay who was oddly poking at his own face and added, "Er, more or less."

    "What are they doing now?" queried Zane, examining the view outside the cage and realizing they were in a different location. 

    "After you guys were knocked out, Iron Baron was excited to hurry up and hunt so everyone packed up and moved out here. They said this is best spot to catch dragons," explained Cole. He had a sad look on his face. "They've already captured a few. I think they said it was two Scorching Wyverns, a SandWing, and a Windstriker. Also, Iron Baron really thinks he's going to capture the 'Mother of all Dragons' with you guys as bait."

    Kai and Zane shared a look of concern. "Yep, we're totally unlucky."

    Daddy-No-Legs clinked by them. "Ah, good to see you are keeping a close eye on our bait, Rocky. Don't worry about missing that other SandWing earlier. I'm sure Iron Baron won't cut your rations too much considering no Dangerbuff can hit the broadside of a mountain."

    "You know, I think I should be offended, but I'm just glad that's one less dragon for them to capture," commented Cole once Daddy-No-Legs was gone.

    "So you're Rocky Dangerbuff of the Dangerbuff Clan?" Kai gave Cole an teasing grin. 

    Cole was about to give his own playful remark when Wu interjected with, "Yeah, I know. Terrible isn't it? And he keeps telling everyone I'm his son, 'Dangerbuff, Jr.' So embarrassing."

    "They cut rations?" asked Zane worriedly.

    "Yeah, that seems to be the normal punishment around here. These guys have it pretty rough," admitted Cole. "Don't worry. We'll be fine. I've been cutting back anyways. After all, my body is a temple."

    All of them started when Heavy Metal suddenly appeared and spoke, "If you do not wish to have even more of your rations taken away, I suggest you get back your post. Another SandWing has been spotted. Go help the apprentices take it down."

    Little Wu opened his mouth to tell Heavy Metal to go help the apprentices himself, but the severe look the Hunter shot him made him shrink back. 

    "Alright. We'll go." He and Cole said obediently as they returned to their assigned places, both shooting the trapped Ninjas apologetic looks over their shoulders. 

    Honestly, the Ninjas didn't blame them for listening to the Hunter's orders immediately. Heavy Metal was scary. Not to mention, Cole felt as though he owed it to the guy to at least listen to him for once as he had been the source of the usually skilled Hunter's errors.

    Iron Baron followed close behind Heavy Metal, an eager expression set on his face. "I can't wait to use you as bait. Surely we will capture Firstbourne today. Heavy Metal take—"

    "Sir," interrupted Heavy Metal, hurriedly explaining, "perhaps it would be best to wait until nightfall for optimal viewing of their Elements. No use in having them bake befo—"

    In one swift motion, Iron Baron threateningly grabbed Heavy Metal by the collar and pulled him close, snarling, "Twice today you have dared to fail me! And now you interrupt me?!"

    Instantly, Heavy Metal slumped his posture and bowed his head submissively. "I am sorry, Master." 

    "You've already told me that! Because of you, Bronze Bone is dead. I think your beginning to forget your place," accused Iron Baron lowly. He leaned in close to whisper something to his second-in-command which made him tense and respond with a humble tone, "Yes, sir."

    As soon as Iron Baron released him and began limping away in a sour mood, the champion Dragon Hunter reassumed his firm, confident posture. 

    "Woah, what was that about?" blurted Jay before Kai or Zane could stop him. 

    Heavy Metal bristled slightly at his question. "That is none of your concern."

    "But he was meeeeaaan," whined Jay. After saying that, he suddenly flopped down onto his back and stared at the ceiling while randomly commenting, "I want cotton candy."

    Kai and Zane cringed at Jay's odd behavior. At this point, they would almost prefer him hysterically screaming than this new unsettling quietness and calmness. Their brother seriously needed a psychiatrist. Heavy Metal simply tilted his head to the side, his uncovered eye narrowing as he regarded Jay thoughtfully. 

    After a moment's observation, he walked away, returning a few minutes later with a cup in hand. He offered the unknown drink to Jay. "Blue One, here. Drink this."

    Jay accepted it without any hesitation. Just as he was about to bring the cup to his lips, Kai grabbed his arm. 

    "Wait." He glared at Heavy Metal suspiciously. "How do we know it isn't poisoned?"

    "You don't," replied Heavy Metal, not putting the Ninja at ease at all. "But, we need you as live bait so I would take the chance with it." 

    Zane scanned the reddish colored liquid. "It appears to be nontoxic."

    "Great!" Jay impatiently raised the cup in the air. "Bottoms up!" With that, he downed the oddly sweet drink in two gulps before anymore could be said.

    A moment of uneasy silence passed as Zane and Kai watched Jay, waiting to see the effects of the unfamiliar beverage. Jay's face promptly met the floor. Exclamations of surprise and anger arose from the Ice and Fire Ninjas. 

    Heavy Metal held up a hand to silence them, patiently telling them, "Give it a moment." 

    Just as suddenly as he had collapsed, Jay sat up, scanned his surroundings, took a deep breath, and, "AAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!"

    Once he was done freaking out, he earned congratulatory pats on the back, hugs, and "welcome backs" from Zane and Kai.

    He finally gathered himself up enough to ask, "What's going on around here?!"

    Instead of one of his brother's answering him, Heavy Metal supplied an explanation. "You were showing symptoms of eating a Spiny Mindbreaker. I gave you a cure."

    Without warning, Kai cuffed Jay on the back of the head.

    "OW!"

    "Bro, why would you even eat a random plant?!" asked Kai incredulously.

    Jay crossed his arms defensively. "Well I'm sorry that my judgment slipped a little because I was starving! Also, you left me unsupervised!"

    "Wu's like seven years old and even he knows not to eat random stuff!"

    "Nuh-uh! He is not seven. He's a bajillion year old trapped in a kid's body."

    While his Kai and Jay argued over the Ninja of Lightning's questionable decision, Zane dipped his head gratefully to Heavy Metal who looked confused by what the others were shouting at each other about. "Thank you for helping us, but... may I ask why?"

    "As I said before, we need quality bait," answered Iron Baron's number two, grateful to see some sense in one of the foreigners. There was a moment's pause before he added, "Also, consider it as a welcoming gift to the Realm of Oni and Dragons. I have the feeling you're going to be here a while."

If you're reading this, thanks for finishing this chapter. :D Comment? Vote?

Explanation if things weren't clear: there's an abundance of dragons in this Realm. A few Hunters do consider them pets and don't treat them too terribly as long as the dragons are useful. Those in the Pit are only used for brutal entertainment because they're either too aggressive or the Hunters haven't found a use for them. Yes, with the many dragons, of course Iron Baron could easily keep his Tribe fed, but he doesn't. It's easier to keep the Hunters under control since they're solely dependent on him.

    "The house of the wicked will be destroyed, but the tent of the upright will flourish." - Proverbs 14:11 NIV