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Dragon Trouble is an off-shoot of the "novel." I was bored one day and started working with an alternate decision. What would have happened if Darrin had left? This is the result and its 31 pages. I wrote most of it on my own with a few scenes that I had Panther help me with. Some of the characters are hers and some of the characters are from the "Novel" (its real name is Time Of Fate) that Jagarus, and myself wrote. If you have any questions about this story or want to know what anything means either post a message in the guest book on the main page or email me at isthra_cougar@hotmail.com. Enjoy!
“No…” Irene breathed as she leaned back against the tree. “It can’t be true...
“Oh but it is. We would have been a great team if you hadn’t insisted on following those ridicules rules of yours.”
She looked up at him. “If it’s true, why don’t I remember it?”
“Simple, your memory of that time was erased once the spell was replaced on you. Believe me, it is true.”
“Why should I believe you? Since when have you not lied?” She glared at him.
“Can you prove otherwise?”
She glared silently, then “I can’t prove it this time… however I know you’ve lied before, and you’re my enemy… that is all the ‘proof’ I need to not trust you.”
“Believe what you will Cougar, but what I say is the truth. You should know the capabilities of that spell, nothing could last that long.” He grinned at her as she lost the intensity of her glare. *I’m getting to her, and once she realizes that she truly joined me during her ‘sleep’ she won’t know what to do.*
“You’re lying…” She said for lack of anything. *No, it can’t be true, I’d never turn… unless, another spell?*
“And that’s all the ‘great’ Cougar could come up with? You’re losing your touch.”
“Since when does it matter what I say? We’ll never agree on anything and if I say what I’m thinking, I may lose my image as a calm being.”
“Your image is all that you care about.”
“I did not say that.”
“Then if that is so, why care if you lose your image as a ‘calm warrior’.”
“It was a saying, there was no meaning behind it.”
“Sure.” He chuckled evilly knowing he was getting to her.
She stood up, “If all I’m going to get from you is mocking words and lies, I’m leaving.”
“Do as you wish, but remember what I told you.” Darrin grinned evilly at her then vanished.
She looked at where Darrin had been. “It can’t be true…” She shook her head. “Why would I do something like that.” Slowly she started walking away. It had been several years since she had fought Darrin last. He had disappeared during that time so her group disbanded for the time being. *I’d better let Zach know that Darrin is back… He wouldn’t want something like that to be a secret. But I’ll keep the topic one.*
School was still in session when she arrived into town. So she waited patiently by the front door for the bell. Once the stream of students lessoned, she slipped inside and headed down the hallway.
Zach was standing at his locker, talking with some friends. Irene waited for them to leave before she approached. After reading an announcement about the band and choir Christmas concert 15 times, Zach’s friends left.
“Hi Zach.”
“Oh, hi.” He said slightly surprised to see her there. Then he became serious, “What is it?”
“Why do you assume that every time I walk up to you there is always trouble?”
“Hasn’t been proven otherwise.”
“And I won’t disappoint you… He’s back.”
“Not again…”
“He didn’t attack, he just mocked.” She said lowering her voice.
“Great, and I just got used to living a normal life.”
“Welcome to the life of a warrior. Anyway, it’s best if we wait, perhaps we can figure out what he’s up to.”
Zach shut the locker, shaking his head, “Part two… and during midterms week…”
“Study while you can. I’d better get going. I was supposed to meet some friends at the YC 2 minutes ago.”
Zach smiled slightly, “See you later.”
“Bye.” She headed out of the school and began to jog toward the woods.
Zach sighed heavily, then headed home.
“Irene you’re almost as bad as Tommy…” Sharena/Steph said as Irene walked into the YC.
“Sorry, I had to take care of something.”
Sharena gave her a questioning look and Irene replied quietly, “Tell you later.”
“So you showed up. Ready to help with decorations?” Jake said coming up behind her.
The next several hours, Sharena, Irene, Jake, and the other rangers helped put up Christmas decorations for the Christmas dance. By the time they were done the YC sparkled with lights and glitter.
“Beautifully done guys,” Mr. Stone, the owner, said, “Ernie will love it.”
“Ernie? He’s coming back?” Irene asked.
“Yeah, I was only filling in until he returned.”
“Who’s Ernie?” Chris asked.
“We’ll tell you Chris, but we’ve got something else to do at the moment.” Jake said.
“We do?”
“Yeah Chris don’t you remember?” Keisha joined in.
“We’d better go now or we’ll be late.” Irene said as they pulled Chris along after them.
Once outside Chris continued, “Forget what?!”
“The traditional decoration in the… shed.” Keisha said as someone walked by.
“The shed?”
“Stop being difficult.” Irene grinned at him.
“I would as soon as I figure out what is going on…”
They walked over to a quiet corner and disappeared in a colorful stream of light.
“Oh that decoration. Why didn’t you just say ‘hang the cane’? I would have gotten it.” Chris said as he held the ladder for Jake. He was attaching a small candy can onto an almost invisible wire in the base.
“How did this tradition start?” Salina asked.
“Back with the army, there was someone who thought it would be funny to hang a cane in the middle of the command center. It took Alpha several weeks to figure out what it was. This continued every year since.” Irene said as Jake climbed down the ladder. The candy cane appears to be hanging in mid air.
Sarah looked at her watch, “I’d better go; it’s getting late.”
Every one agreed and soon Irene, Jake and Stephanie were left.
“Seeing as though we are it this year, we should get at least a tree.” Stephanie said.
“We’ll get it.” Jake said.
Later on Jake and Irene were walking through the woods looking at trees.
“Jake, when she said a tree, she was referring to a fir tree, not these.” Irene pointed to the leaf trees.
“Yeah I know…” He paused.
“What?” Irene looked around, and saw nothing.
“Hold on…” Jake looked harder at where he had seen movement.
Irene sensed something coming up behind them. She whirled around and blocked a sword swipe with her arms. She then side kicked the attacker and they both backed up.
“Who are you?” Jake demanded.
The attacker, who seemed no older than Zach, grinned evilly at them, “I’m sure Cougar could figure that out.” He then attacked again, sword slicing.
Jake brought up his own sword quickly and blocked it. He shoved the attacker back and they fought.
Irene stayed back out of the way, holding the sword cut on her arm as she healed it quickly. As soon as her arm was healed, her staff appeared in her hand and she circled around the two sword fighters.
Jake was holding on well even though his opponent was very good. He still needed more work on handling his skills correctly, but it was obvious that he had a good teacher.
Irene had crept around behind the attacker and swung her staff hard into the back of his knees. He dropped almost automatically to the ground.
Jake quickly pointed his sword at the attacker’s chest. “Why are you attacking us?”
The attacker wisely didn’t move, but he said nothing, only grinned at them. Jake pushed the sword slightly harder, “Answer.”
“You won’t kill me, so why should I answer?”
< I hate it when they’re right. > Jake said angrily in thought speech.
< We can’t let him go back to Darrin. >
Jake looked at Irene, < So he did know that you knew… >
< I don’t know who he is, but where else would he come from. >
Jake turned back to the attacker but he had disappeared. He twirled the sword and it vanished.
“When were you planning on telling us that Darrin is back?”
“I hadn’t had the opportunity to say anything. We’d better get back, the tree can be made easily.” Irene said.
At the front of the base, Irene had a fairly large tree appear and they carried it in. Jake whispered to Irene as they were trying to get in through the door, “Lighter and smaller next time.”
“Now where did you two find a fir in the woods?” Steph said as she helped set it up.
“We have our ways.” Irene said.
< What’s the matter with Jake? He seems upset. > Steph said only to Irene.
< We ran into a warrior-in-training that gave us trouble. >
< I thought he left… > Steph said after a short pause.
< I wish that had stayed true. >
< And during the Christmas season. >
< Evil is not known for their good timing. With midterms for those in High School and the holidays, this could be interesting. >
Soon the tree had been decked out in lights, tinsel and ornaments.
“This makes it so cheerful in here.” Stephanie said as she looked at the tree.
Irene walked over to her and put a hand on her shoulder. “It’ll be different I know, but your not going to be alone.”
Steph smiled, “Thanks.”
“Your welcome.”
A few days later, the rangers were gathered at the YC for a welcome home party. Ernie had arrived back home the night before.
“It’s nice to see you again Ernie.” Irene said as Billy nodded in agreement.
“It’s good to be home again.” Ernie said in a cheerful voice. After introducing the new comers, Ernie asked, “So this dance will be in a week?”
“Yeah, the 22nd.” Sarah said.
“See you all then.” Ernie said as he drifted off to talk with another group.
“I’m going to like him here.” Salina said as Keisha nodded enthusiastically.
Jake came up behind Irene and whispered to her, “It’s your shift, want me to come too?”
“No, that’s okay, I can do it alone.” She replied in a whisper.
Jake looked slightly worried, “Make sure you tell us if anything happens.”
“I said I’ll be fine, and I will. I know that since you are the leader, and my mate, that you worry, but don’t.”
She then said goodbye to everyone and headed outside.
Stephanie watched Jake as Irene left and she walked over to him. “Don’t worry, she can take care of herself.”
“That’s what she told me… We’ll have to keep an eye on her now that he’s back. I’m sure she’s hiding something from us already.”
“She must have a good reason if she is.”
“Even so, she doesn’t like other people involved in these battles, so she hides information and rarely asks for help.”
Irene trotted on through the woods in cougar form. Her ears constantly swiveled, checking the area for unnatural things. When nothing showed itself, she began looking for human hunting traps. As she destroyed the third trap she mumbled, “Why must these hunters use stuff like this for no good reason.” She finished her rounds and headed for the base.
Jake was at the main control panel when Irene walked in, in normal form.
“Everything okay?” Jake asked without turning around.
“I figure you already knew. Do you not trust me to keep my word by tracking me?”
Jake turned around to face her. “I do trust you, but…”
Irene interrupted, “So why did you track me?”
“Irene, you have to learn to take precaution rather than going off somewhere. One of these days something could happen.”
“Perhaps it is you who needs a lesson, in trust.” She sighed, then continued, “We’ve been through this already Jake, this is my own fault, so I will fix it.”
“We will help you if you let us.” Jake put his hands on her shoulders.
“I know you will. I didn’t find anything out of the ordinary.” Trying to change the subject.
Jake smiled at her and embraced her. “It’s just that I love you and don’t want to see you hurt.”
Irene looked up at him as they moved apart slightly. “I know. I have the same reason.” She hugged him. She whispered, “I suppose your going to ask me to the dance?”
“And will you go with me?”
Irene lightly kissed him on the cheek “Yes.”
The day of the dance, the rangers were all gathered at the YC making last minute preparations.
“I can’t believe its tonight!” Keisha said.
“The week sure has gone quickly.” Sharena replied.
“And quietly.” Irene added softly.
“Don’t worry, it’s almost Christmas!” Keisha said happily. “By the way, who is everyone going with? I’m going with Stephen.”
“He’s a nice kid. I’m sure you two will have fun. I’m going with Jake.” Irene smiled.
“Big surprise there.” Sharena smiled. “Nor will mine, I’m going with Adam.”
“Billy.” Sarah said with a smile.
“I’m going with Kelly.” Chris said.
“Shawn” Salina replied.
“Well, I’ll see you all at the dance. I need to go get ready.” Sarah said.
“Already? The dance isn’t for 8 hours.” Billy smiled at her.
“A girl needs to take her time.” Sharena grinned. “I better go as well.”
The group dispersed, and Jake, Irene and Sharena headed for base.
“Oh… I love smelling that tree when we come in.” Stephanie said as she headed to her room.
“I need to run some checks, can you go on the rounds?” Jake said.
“Only on one condition…” Irene started.
“I promise I won’t track you.”
“Thank you.” Irene disappeared.
Jake headed over to the panels and began the system test.
In cougar form, Irene headed into the quiet woods. The sun was shining and the faint knocks of a woodpecker could be heard. *What a beautiful day.* She took her time, walking the perimeter of the area. Her ears snapped back at a soft sound that came from behind her. She looked back only to see nothing. Sniffing the air, she could detect the small musty odor of a rabbit. *Hmm… I suppose I have time.* She stalked after the smell. Eventually she caught up with a rather large brown rabbit, grazing cautiously by a rock. Irene lowered herself to the ground and crept closer. When she was within jumping distance, her ears picked up a peculiar noise. No sooner had she heard it when something embedded itself into the back of her neck.
“Reeow!” She yelled, scaring the rabbit away. She whirled around to find her attacker.
“The hunter becomes the hunted.” A voice said from somewhere.
“Where are you?” Irene snapped. The object didn’t seem to be doing anything to her other than annoy her.
“I’m around. You’ve come out alone, very foolish of you.”
“I can take care of myself.”
“I see. You haven’t done a very good job so far.”
Irene attempted to morph back, but finds herself unable. “What did you do?!”
“Oh, a little concoction I made up, with the help of my master. I’d give up morphing for awhile, seeing as though you’re stuck.”
Irene growled and leapt at the voice.
“Temper, temper my dear, its’ only temporary. Soon enough you’ll be able to morph again. But until then…” He stepped out from her right, sword in hand. “I have a little task I must fulfill. He grabs for her quickly.
“Don’t touch me!” Irene leaped away from him and took off running.
“You can’t escape the inevitable!” The young warrior yelled at her. He sighed, “Well, I suppose that didn’t work entirely well…” He teleported off.
< Jake? > Irene called. She had stopped running outside the base.
< Yes? Is something wrong? > Jake asked quickly.
< Sort of… Could you let me in? >
Jake met her at the door. Irene followed him into the main room. “Tell me everything.”
Irene told him exactly what happened. “I don’t know what it is though.”
Jake knelt on the ground and studied the dart. “Let me run some scans on it before removing it.” After a few moments. “Well, it looks like a dud. It was supposed to be a tranquilizer but it seems defective.”
“That doesn’t explain why I can’t morph.”
Jake ran the scans again. He shook his head, “According to this, your fine and it’s a dud.” He pulls it out as Irene flinched. “Try morphing.”
Irene successfully morphed to her normal form. “Put that somewhere safe, I want to take a look at that later.”
