Chapter 5

UPGRADING HEARTS AND WEAPONS

Grounds, Rogue Rider Mansion, Beverly Hills, California, United States

Gen simply stared at the broken sword in Jack’s hand, still disbelieving that she’d broken his weapon. She’d broken her fair share of weapons in her time, but not like this. When magnetizing to Emperor, before the dragon hatched, Gen broke all the weapons that Wilder gave her to try. But then she’d been sparring with posts or targets. And that was when her powers were out of control because she was acclimating to the rush of energy from the chi of the dragon.

However, to break Jack’s sword while he was wielding it was a new experience for Gen. She could only reason that the blade had been weak. Glancing at the large sword still in her hands, Gen also had to give it a bit of credit. The blade appeared exceptionally sharp. Not needing the sword anymore and a little afraid of it, she shrunk it back down until it was Bellumferrum’s original form again—a small black cube.

“I’m so sorry,” Gen finally managed to say, looking between Jack and the broken sword tip lying in the grass.

“That was amazing!” Sully cheered. “Gosh, why wasn’t I recording that?”

The other Rogue Riders, apparently with new reasons to distance themselves from Gen, all moved away on the grass. Many of them were giving her disapproving looks, like they were offended at what she’d done to Jack’s weapon during a friendly sparring session. She ignored them, striding over to Jack.

Thankfully, he didn’t look at all offended as he tossed the broken weapon on the grass, next to its other half. “That was pretty incredible. What kind of blade was that?”

“It appeared to be giant-made,” Emperor answered. “They are the sharpest in the world and the finest made. Your sword would never have stood a chance and was meant to break.” The dragon’s gold eyes bore into Gen’s and she knew right then that he knew her secret. She wasn’t sure how she’d done it, but through her intention, she’d managed to find a way to spend more time with Jack.

Averting her dragon’s gaze, she offered Jack a look of apology. “Maybe this is the opportunity you need to upgrade your weapon. What if I took you to the Fantastical Armory and had the Protector of Weapons outfit you with the perfect sword?”

Jack’s eyes widened with delight as a wide grin spread on his face. “Are you serious? That would be incredible!”

“Man, this is so not fair,” Sully groaned, shaking his head with annoyance and frustration. “Gen gets to go to MystTech Creations and now Jack gets to meet the Protector of Weapons. What do I get to do?”

“Help me hone my mind control,” Emperor offered. “Which I assure you is a power that will be invaluable to this world.”

Sully sighed, looking deflated. “Yeah, I guess that’s cool, too.”

Jack returned his attention to Gen. “So, you can really take me to the Fantastical Armory? Not just anyone can get in there. It’s invitation only.”

“Not to mention that it’s where Mother Nature and Father Time reside currently,” Sully muttered, dryly.

Gen nodded. “Yes, I lived there when I first got dropped in the twenty-first century. And I know it will only earn me more dislike from the others because of my Beaufont name. However, my family is pretty close with Mama Jamba and Papa Creola.”

Sully laughed. “Which is why you’re on a first-name basis with them.”

“Well, I can’t guarantee anything,” Gen continued, “but I think Subner will help you. And honestly, you need a sword that can stand up to a giant’s blade or a bullet. So this was maybe fortuitous.”

“And I need a weapon right away,” Jack agreed. “I can’t go long without protection.”

“We could head over there now,” Gen offered.

“And what about me?” Sully questioned. “I’ve just got to stick around here while Emperor tries to make me cluck like a duck?”

Jack laughed. “Dude, ducks don’t cluck. Maybe Emperor can help you to find some brain cells.”