Chapter 6, Don’t judge a Dragon by its Scales After all that happened, the next day went by a bit faster. Dr Cortex and Steph awoke together in bed, embracing a certain feeling afterglow of each other last night romp, the dragoness cooed softly for the human to get out of bed so they start the day as much protest seem came from the human wanting to actually stay in bed but was persistent she need get her day going for sons lessons, they had a breakfast of lamb fritters and Black tea get day going. The Dragonness steph had wanted her time spent with her son's flying education and playtime together today. She allowed the doctor to hang back near the balcony, she promised to help him get some gems later from around the yard since he dropped all he collected the other day. He made sure not to be in her way with her son after conflicting issues of him not being comfortable around zaran, he didnt want to provoke a mamma bear around her cubs as they say let alone the idea of a mother dragon with her child.. Sounds worse. So during the time he did some more research, he was given a grimoire on magic elements and arcane properties. It was strange to read the grimoire of its contents, the book showed manuals how elements worked like how chemistry class explains uses of chemicals. The Subject he was reading on was Mojo. He heard of this from Uka Uka quite a few times in the past as magic sources of Wumpa island Weird paranormal anomaly then just the power crystals, seem to have more uses then power crystal to wrap beings into stronger more powerful forms and be manipulated by users, to blue, pink, green, gold or dark like Uka Uka Used Own Dark Mojo to power him. Dr Cortex Grinned maliciously as he ran a hand over his beard thinking he could use mojo well in his own Technology, he already made batteries from energy sources of purple power crystals to empower his tech,it be no different he could do the same with this. But need find out where on island get this resource, uka uka mention something, he didn't like idea to speak with uka uka but he might relent on idea of a new Army mutants powered by mojo and make some new hybrids at it… he got creative idea while reading mythical creature Biology books, A hybrid of Yak, Duck and a octopus. Dr Cortex was nose deep into covers he read, not hearing footsteps coming up beside him, the dragoness was on her lunch break and gave zaran time to actually nap for an hour after all his flying lessons tired him out. She leaned in and peaked into the grimoire she gave him, seeing the subject of Mojo caught his deepest interests. She placed the edge of her knuckles to his cheek and stroked softly under his jawline to get his attention, the tender touch made him look up at her surprised but calmed soon he saw her, his mind deep in thought of his ongoing next plan. “Oh, hello dear… didn't notice you there” Cortex gave a curt nod. “So I see Doc, you have a fascination with the grimoire now?” She was glad he was not bored. “Yes I am, a remarkable book on magic even is a bit Fairytalish to me but it's understandable to a degree like with chemistry.” He closed the book in his lap. “Ah that's what we call ‘Alchemy’ rites and elements put together make the result of effects” she winked at him. “one of my favorite subjects in my school years. I'm finished up with zaran morning flying lessons, still in the gliding process but he's using hovering abilities well.” step stretched her back and turned to the other side of the dr cortex seat to the opening of the balcony leading to grass cliffside. “Care to Walk with me Doctor Cortex?” She invited him to come along. Dr Cortex nodded, he could use the stretch right about now, place grimoire on the chair and got onto his feet. The Two briskly walked around the balcony to the leading pathway down to grass cliffside, she passed him a Bag he could store Gems he found on there walk, familiar bag looked like one Mr Money Bags had hold all his gems. The Walk between them was quiet but Exchange of Glances now and then and small flirts were said to each other. This walk went nicely for a while but soon ran into a disturbance. A Red Little thief Came Dashing around grass hills and up towards them, holding a message scroll in hand, it lowered its speed as it reached up next the two walking by to castle entrance. “Your majesty!” Squeak voice came from the Red Thief. “This Important news For you.” The Dragoness took the scroll from the Thief and unrolled it to read, important news brought to her all the way here must be urgent, as she read the scroll her face scrunched up in distaste, she growled to herself which caught the notice of the doctor next to her. The Dragonnes Huffed out as she rolled the scroll up in her hand. “ Well this seems to be bad news not for me.. But for you doctor.” Doctor Cortex raised an eyebrow at this comment. “What do you mean?” “It seems your old pal.. Ripto.. Got his hands on our stash of power crystals from Avalar that were going to be used for the portal your way home.” she explained to the doctor. Cortex Didn't react for a moment but then his expression changed when he pouted out frustration and a flustered Face came over him. He didn't want to show the tantrum right there on the spot but he grabbed hold of his hair and pulled it, keeping his temper from bursting out. From Steph's point of view she wondered if the doctor was going to suddenly pop with outrage there, it was rather comical to watch him. “Well this either means you are going to be staying longer with me till we can get our hands on more power crystals, which is harder than it sounds.. Might hold you hear for least a month… or” The dragoness Got a Grin over her snout smirking wide with the glint of a Scheme in her eyes. “ or might be an opportunity to get some payback on Ripto and his riptocs that trashed our thieves den and thieves guild, by Stealing back power gems and with interest.” she smirked down at the doctor. “It's your call doc.?” Dr Cortex was fully ready to scream out but he heard her suggestion, another month.. Well not like he wasn't enjoying his time here, but he did like to go home. The Doctor looked up at her, he let go his hair, seeing the Smirk across her face mentioning stealing from the dino Wizard, he raised an eyebrow thinking about it, he shrugs decisively “ Yes.. lets get them back.” Steph only grins wider her fangs showing the Villainess look of a thief. “I was hoping you would say that doc.” Dr cortex took a gulp, shiver ran down his back seeing that look on her, she had a crazy look in her eyes she was thinking something like how Villain thinks on a Scheme that would work. He Rather liked this side of her maybe too much as it was starting to give him impressionable tightness to his trousers. The Dragonness Tucked the scroll under her garments she leans down to red thief. “Please get team Alpha ready back home. Will Meet up outside Ripto’s Chateau around past 8 clock.. Give us enough time for me and the Doctor to get there.” The red thief nodded and went off in a dash away to make its way home. Doctor Cortex looked up at her and wondered what she was thinking. “What do you mean to me and you? I'm not part of this.. Don't you get your thieves to do the work?.” “Come now doctor, Your Part of this plan, Be Excited that you part this heist and besides we need a man on Inside of Ripto's chateau, You Are Old pals Right.” She leans over the doctor patting his shoulder. “Go and say hi to your friend ripto, Chum Him Up as a distraction and me and my team will slip in the back, get the goods and leave. Simple as that now '' she winks at him. “That's the Plan! Use me as a diversion!... Are you mad! And let alone me and ripto didnt part ways on good terms the last time..i doubt i get in through the doors.” Dr Cortex complained about the idea. The Dragoness Shook her head at the doctors drama here “Trust me, Ripto does hold grudges and yes, but you two have History in the same Field as each other.. Tell him a Lie, butter him up.. Give him what he wants his ego so desires... Most times it's revenge or becoming the most powerful sorcerer and taking over the realms spiel … same as you like to do so ask him if you want to team up again and try patch things up.“ She motions to the doctor to get into the idea. “This will be fun and to do a heist together! Bonding time and Loot!” She tries to chum the Doctor up and get into it with her. “This is exciting for me.. And much needed payback on all the damage he caused on us thieves... It's time for our revenge as much as needed." She spoke with vigor on the idea of getting the doctor to do it.”Redistribution of wealth from Ripto's offense is needed for the den, it will put all thieves in good spirits coming back from stealing from him.” Dr Cortex was reluctant to do so but said yes in the end to help, but if anything happened. He would bail out to save his skin from being fried by the Angry Shrimp Dino that was ripto. “Oh come on, where is your sense of adventure, danger and excitement.. You need to loosen up, get a tattoo or piercing as such, that's more scary than confronting ripto.” the dragoness skipped on her feet ahead and sat on the grass, she was giddy for this heist. Dr Cortex gave a look to the side he scratched his head, “Funny you say that.. Ahem if I didn't notice.. I already have a tattoo.” he spoke softly last bit but smirked and rolled his eyes upwards. He came over and sat on the grass next to her. The Dragoness looked over at him with a bewildered look. “Shut up!.. Why didn’t I notice?... where?” She was curious to know how she missed not seeing a tattoo on him. “Hehe..i dunno how you missed iti, but… its a dolphin on my right thigh.” he let that secret slip to her, only just between them to know. “Wait.. how did I miss that!” must have been too dark at night for her to notice or had those boxers on before she could see. “A Dolphin of all things?.. really? “ Cortex just shrugged “I think Dolphins are.. Cute and neat.” its rarity to cortex to actually admit he likes certain animals, parrots and dolphins where exceptional to his list of likes.. Both are intelligent creatures that deserve his praise… except bandicoots and anything related to them. Steph shook her head. “Well I learned something new from you, well i'm more of a cat person and i’ll let you in on a secret since you gave me one…i'm a Chocoholic.” Dr Cortex gave a raspberry in response and chuckled. “ That is not exactly a secret, more of a Like.” Steph smirks as she leans over “it is if you know what i like in my dessert flavor..and chocolate isn't exactly common to get here.” Dr Cortex chuckles and shakes his head. “ Well it's common on earth, tell you what, I'll get some for you when you come to visit.” Steph's eyes grew in delight hear that.. She leans in close to him and whispers into his ear. “you know the way to my heart!.. And I'll do anything for chocolate… anything.” she winked to him on the idea. Cortex surely noted to himself he gets plenty of chocolate supplied when he reforms his lair. “In the meantime, Doc.. Let's make sure all ends are tied up here and we'll head over to Ripto's place after here. So better start thinking about how to chat up the grumpy short riptoc." She wrapped arm around the doctor's shoulder and pulled him into a side hug. “It will turn out great in the end, I assure you.” Dr Cortex smiled but faulted. He looked away with grimaces in having a chat with his old pal ripto… he was sure it was going to become barbecue. *** The day moved on, the evening was spent making sure Steph had her best last moments bonding time with her son before having to put him to bed, sweet kisses and saying goodbye to her son was always a bitter sad moment to do at the end of every weekend, this time was more early for the heist. The Two made time to leave after night came from the Magic crafters, on their way to the Jurassic jungle was between avalar and dragon realm. Steph made sure make quick shortcuts with the Doctor, even point she had to carry him again when protested not be manhandled, it was only way get around in Jurassic Jungle’s lava and thick jungles to where Ripto had his chateau hidden away just on the borders, a lava zone jungle that was fitting for environment for riptocs all kinds to live in, most riptocs were Free citizens now in realms but those who worked under the tyrant wizard still lurked around as guards in the jungle so was to be careful to get to meeting spot. By the side of the chateau meeting of thieves, steph and the dr cortex there, cortex was pacing back and forth while steph was chatting with thieves on the plan, she nodded for thieves to go to their positions. Dr Cortex was putting together as much ideas to use to his advantage when chatting with Ripto as a discretion, Cortex stopped by a bush of Tropic hedge of flowers caught his attention from brief moment his thoughts, it was hibiscus bush like they have on earth, lot of the flora here did resemble like home island. Cortex leaned over to examine the flower closer and plucked it into his Fingers. He glanced behind him to dragoness then back to flower as thought came to head left a rosy print on his cheek. Steph had finished her conversation and all thieves had scattered, so she came up to the doctor to speak before heading off herself. “So all good with the thieves, are you ready to take the stage for your act.?“ Dr Cortex turned around with his hand behind his back with the flower. “well.. I guess but making conversation with Ripto the last time.. Was More like throwing insults at each other. I doubt this will turn out well without him being suspicious of something.” He knew Ripto was uptight but disciplined to strike at his enemies quickly and without mercy.. One thing he learned about the sorcerer dino all years ago. “If it comes back to you he got you backed into a corner then you should use this..” she comes down to the doctor she comes close to his ear as she whispers her idea to him, the visible shock on the doctors flashed over his face what he heard. “If things seem to be getting bad, you gotta use any trump card you gotta throw at him, a perfect situation to get ripto to lower his guard down and get a clear shot at him.. If you catch my drift.“ she smirks, making a finger gun at the doctor. “Make sure you act like it and I trust you whatever you do in there… in the end.. We walk away with all the goods.“ She gave a wink to him and leaned in to give him a kiss on the cheek. “Break a leg in there Doc.” Dr Cortex left there shocked by what she had planned, if it was pulled off it would work.. But part of him really did not like the idea, he grit his teeth there. He brought his hand around and showed her the flower he had. “Well if that's the case, this.. Is for you, lil something my own good luck to you .. um.. We humans do this as a gift of giving affection.” this was awkward for him, giving a flower to a girl, how many times he had a bouquet thrown back into his face when trying to date. Steph looked down at the flower he was giving to her, she took the flower and examined it. “Well not uncommon to give the genitals of plants as an affectionate gift..” she smirks at him. “But it seems to fit the idea of romantic courting, dragons tend to exchange precious gems as our flowers, thank you and I like hibiscus… makes a wonderful tea.” she placed the flower into her hair as she placed her hood up over her horns, she was in her thief outfit ready to go. “Genitals of the plants? … seriously” he chuckles softly at that statement, never heard flowers be called that but it makes sense what flowers are. Steph gave a wink again to the doctor and leaned in to give a quick peck on his lip before standing up and hurried away into bushes. Dr Cortex stood there, blood rushing to his face from that kiss as he watched her disappear into bushes.. He felt the jolt of encouragement in his chest to do this, he looked over to ripto chatues but with a look of dread. *** Inside Ripto's chateau.. Our Favorite Angry little Dinosaur wizard was in his Study chamber working on a new scepter, with the new power crystals it gave him an enhancement in his Sorcery. “Little runt will not beat me again.. Not with this..” Ripto standing on a stool at his work desk polishing up his new scepter. The bright crimson gem on the end of his gold scepter was twice as big from his old one. In his moment admiring the scepter, a bell rang out his mansion as someone was at his front doors. He moved his eyes over to the foyer, wondering who it be, he had no scheduled visitors or invited anyone over, if this was another door to door salesman, he would at least test out his new scepter on. “BUTLER… BUTLER!” Ripto screamed out, he waited for his robot butler to come. After a moment the door slid open,a robotic bear butler came in. “Does Ripto need a hug??” robotic voice came from robotic butler. Bell rang out again through the mansion and whoever was at the front door was starting to annoy Ripto with impatience. Ripto put his hand up. “No.. Go check the front door! See who the guest is. But if that purple dragon, DON'T LET HIM IN!.. Got It! “ Robot bear butler nodded and briskly walked out of the room. Ripto shook his head, he hopped off his stool and walked over putting on his usual purple cape and made himself presentable as he headed to his throne room to greet whoever it was. *** Outside of Ripto's chateau Dr Cortex waited by the large doors, he looked up and over frames, he scratched his chin wondering who Ripto's architect was, he quite liked the old french style chateau...maybe he Should have one made for him when gets that gold. The door of the chateau opened with robot bear face peeking through the gap, Dr cortex was surprised to see a robot answering the door he stepped back. “Um, is Ripto in?” he asked.”um.. I'm an old friend of his who came to visit?” The Butler nodded and opened the door for him “come in, please follow” as the robot butler bear opened the door for the guest to come in. Dr Cortex histatted for moment he look behind him try see if sorceress in site but no she wasn't he took deep breath in walking inside get some courage and walking in over marbled tiles. The Rooms Adorn the french style decor Baroque architecture and art with adorning ripto images everywhere as he followed the robot butler, where the heck did ripto get a robot butler? The butler showed him way down some stairs to a foyer and through to a room where Ripto waited on his throne, he was distracted with swinging around his new scepter in his hands when he looked up to see who was visiting, at the moment meeting eyes of the human mad doctor. “ Oh.. it's you.” He did not sound vaguely impressed by the company walking through the doorway. Dr Cortex scrunched up his face. “Is that any way to greet an old friend?” Dr Cortex was left now standing there in the throne room as the butler went back out the room finished his moment role. “Oh we are not friends.. Vaguely even cohorts. But what the heck are you doing here!? Aren't you supposed to be back on earth where you were supposed to be? You turning up on my doorsteps is very random?.” Ripto stopped twirling his scepter and pointed it at the big headed human. “Well.. um.. It's a long story.” Cortex just plays along. Hopefully this visit will be over shortly and on his way. “Don't suppose you want to hear it, might take your interest in what I have to say on matter how I ended up here.” Ripto contemplated the idea to listen but also tried to decide if should just toss him out the door for a good laugh. Dr Cortex stepped up trying his best to get ripto attention. Be notice the snarky smirk growing on ripto muzzle like he had other ideas “Look here me out before you do anything, I have some..news might peak your interest. But as you are my host.. Don't you want to sit and have some tea first?.” Ripto let a puff of hot air out of his lung, guess it was courteous to give drink to a guest, he let the human mad doctor stay longer to amuse him, not like he had gulp or crush here right now feeding the human to them. Ripto hopped off his throne and twirled his scepter and came up beside the human mad doctor and tapped a claw hand on his back. “ why not..like i wasn't doing anything important for the moment my studies” ripto guide his guest to the dining area.. Least he could show off his wealth and brag about it. Dr Cortex finally hooked the line and sinker ripto into distraction at least. “interesting place you have.. When did you get a robot for a butler?.” “Well it was stolen from that Book Boi mole that…” Ripto paused as he sniffed the air, an odor that was familiar.. A scent he all knew too well. As he sniffed closer to Dr. Cortex, the doctor swayed away from the sniffing dino. “... why do you smell like a dragon?.” Dr cortex eyes bulged out his head for a moment, he looked back and forth to think of an excuse. “ Well it's.. Part of the long story. I assure you.” Ripto squinted his eyes in suspicion, but he nodded to a room where they could sit and chat. “ yeah.. You keep talking doctor, this now I gotta hear.” He took an interest now, he placed claw palm on the crystal of his scepter, it glowed bright for a moment to show ripto charge of magic. Dr Cortex chuckled, anxious not wanting to upset the riptoc he walked into the room to take a seat, Ripto followed in suit behind. He took up on his own personal chair, “BUTLER!” he shouted from his position. Not long for the robot butler to return the hearing call of his master. “Yes Sir, Does sir need milk and cookies or a hug.” Dr Cortex bit his lip with a snark laugh hearing that he held hand up to his lip to not fully laugh at ripto. Ripto see the fluster come across the riptoc wizard face he growled low at the human to not even dare laugh at him. “ NO.. Bring some tea and extra cups for our guest." Ripto shook his head in dismay. With a nod from the butler it waddled off to its duty. Ripto gave a look at the dr cortex, “ now doctor, please do tell me your story..” Dr cortex sat back folded his hands over the other on the table he cleared his throat. “Well it started..” *** In backroom of riptos chateau, small window was being opened and small thiefs were slipping inside, few them make their way around to back door open out to private garden of riptos, they started climbed each other shoulder, picked the lock and open door let their leader in, steph gave thumbs up sneaking inside with the thieves. She pointed to the left and to the right for two thieves to go look around. As they split off, fill up their bags with anything they can loot. Steph made her way down a corridor then up a flight of stairs onto the upper level, peek inside to each room to check where Ripto would have anything related to what they seek, she came to the room that was his study, “bingo” she muttered. She walked in to look around, like any good or evil wizard study had its desk, books shelves and many adorning enchanted tools & potions. Ripto had skill touch for crafting wands for himself more than potion making, display of scepers on the wall and cracked gems on the floor around show he was trying to make a superb scepter for his magic. She frowned at the mess around on the ground, crystals on the floor were power crystals & were shattered from the force of magic ripto crafting them into.“what a shame, a waste of materials ripto had destroyed”. She leaned over and picked up a piece of crystal off the ground to examine it. Ripto had used most of the power crystals they were trying to steal back from him. She looked up, eyeing some of the sceptre's that adorned walls like trophies, “those power crystals were still usable… i'm sure ripto wouldn't mind giving to me cause since he broke the ones i had ordered” with a smirk, she started plucking scepters off the wall into a bag. She also ransacked a few of his spell books as her own prize, she ready her bag as she turned back to the door, there was a figure standing at the door… the robot butler. She gaped at how she did not hear them come up but relaxed when she heard the robot say. “Guests want cookies and milk?” . Thinking she was a guest too, she sighs softly.. She forgot about the weird robot butler Ripto had got recently, it was strange news reported by Gnorc telegram papers that went around the realms. She walked over and nodded to the butler just hoping to get it to leave. The Butler gave a nod “ok” went on its waddling way, she came up to the door puzzled by it, before making her way down stairs. *** Back in the dining room, Ripto was laughing heartily at the human, telling him how he landed in thieves den and got his way to be a guest of dragon of thieves den, he knew of her.. She took over the den of thieves just before he got his butler *attack of the rhynocs* They meet in some meetings in Club run by the Gnorcs, with Gnasty gnorc using it as base for all to meet, Gnasty Gnorc and thieves den are allies, she made strides in making peace between dragon realms and the thieves den. he didn't enjoy the company any dragon but this Dragon sorceress made her mark in villains world, he thought gnasty was biggest fool to fall for all her flattery making friendly with the dragoness, but after ordeal last time ripto's hit dragon realm and the thieves den as its target on its treasure his last scheme and take over dragon realms.. She was left mad and brought it every time meeting with others Ripto needed to pay for the damage his riptocs caused, what pain in the horn that dragonness was. Ripto tapped a claw on his chair listening to the Dr. Cortex rattle on more of his story.. Tho still did not make sense on how he made his way here. “ I suppose this has to do with being able to get here? Hmm? How is it” Dr Cortex had put up his facade. He crossed leg and explained “well they mention you and gave me directions to your state now.. Like I said , I wooed my way those thieves and den leader to bring me here.” Ripto looked up, scowl of angery roose up he heard last part. “I'm sorry but ‘They lead you here?..” this didn't sound right and he felt that Dr Cortex was lying to him. Cortex tried to speak, But the butler came into the room holding a plate with tea as well milk and cookies to the dining table. Ripto brought up his claw hands and looked at the butler questionly. “I said tea… why did you bring milk and cookies!” he pinched his nose over his snout annoyed. Dr Cortex sat far into his seat hearing anger from the riptoc. The Butler just spoke “But other guests required it..” Ripto looked at the butler and was confused. “ He Didnt Order it neither did I!” The butler robot bear turned its head back to the guest next to his master and then back to his master, “the other guest that's upstairs… and little blue guests that were in the libraries and storages too.” Ripto looked confused “ lil blue guests?...” for a moment he sat back in his chair thinking, he looked back at the Glaring at Dr Cortex. “You Better Spill it Doctor or I'm making you into a bonfire right here…are those thieves here!” he gripped tight onto his scepter he pointed at Cortex ready to shoot a fireball at him. The jig was up and Cortex put his hands up in defence. “ whoa whoa easy …Yes they are here but i'm not part of it, i…Lets make this opportunity. Let us help each other…they agreed to help me get home if they get power crystals from you but I think you are far more powerful allies then thieves and their den leader.” Ripto's eyes were heated as the scales on his face changed from orange to red. “THE DEN LEADER HERE TOO! THERE'S DRAGON IN MY HOME!.” his voice raised higher. Dr Cortex trying skim waters here not to be boiled alive he feels the heat from ripto next to him. “ well yes.. But assure this great opportunity here.. I have a deal?” He asked subtlety to make it persuasive to check on the riptoc wizard. Ripto angrily leaned over, still ready to burn the doctor.” what deal?” Dr Cortex let a rather evil grin come across his face. “So hear me out..” *** In the back area of the chateau some thieves all started to pile up a few bags of stolen items, waiting for the den leader return. Not too long when Dragonness came down stairs and up to her blue thieves with a bag haul over her back, she nodded to the doorway she opened up to let them out first, smiling happily and seemed to be going smoothly… not for long. As she let herself be the last one to leave, A Purple Energy blast Came across the room, she saw it at the last moment she went to duck down to the floor as it hit the wall behind, dropping the bag as a clatter scepter went scattering out the bag. She looked over to see Ripto and Dr Cortex standing there, Dr cortex raised his raygun up in show. “Ha! You missed Cortex, here let me show you how my new scepter is better than that raygun.” Ripto had fired fireballs as she got up only to dodge, but this new scepter he made had edge making spells faster charge. she only dodge in a brief moment but a fireball hit her from behind in the hip by the blast force “ Augh!”, she rolled down smashing her snout onto the floor, made her bleed out a bit of blood she left dazed there. “Think you can rob me of the Dragon!”. Ripto chirped up as he moved closer. “Don't you dare move or give another show of my new power.” he ordered. She looked up at Ripto and then to Dr Cortex, the hurt on her face showed. ”you… you're teaming up?.” she made a sour look from her snout staring at them, heartbreak across her face looking at the doctor. “Well.. we work better together” Dr Cortex gritted a smirk across his face. “I tend to betray a lot of people.. I'm used to doing it.” he chuckled evilly folding his arms. Steph gave a gasp of sorrow as it hit her he was betraying her, a sad look gave him at them she started to tear her eyes. Ripto sensed something here, he looked back and forth between them, he started shaking his head..oh of course that's why Dr Cortex smelled like a dragon. ”You two seem to be very familiar with each other, Doctor when you said Wooed your way with the thieves, i didn't think you meant You screwed her!.” Ripto let out his comment in a moment. Dr cortex feel his hair raise on back his neck and head he heard that comment he looked at Ripto with look embarrassment but trying act coy..” whhaa Excuse me.. I.. never!.” Ripto gave a look and raised his eyebrow. It was obvious. “didnt think you go that low…to be dragon fucker.” Dr Cortex crossed his arms and gave a humph.. “I did what I had to do to survive here and she was a tool to be used, I had to do what I could to get me home.” Ripto Rolled his eyes at the Doctor’s Excuses, his eyes flicked back to the dragoness trying to sneak away there attention was distracted and he fired up a lightning bolt that came down onto her, getting a gasp of anguish pain from the dragoness as she stilled from the shock. “I did say not to move Dragon!” Dr cortex looked back at ripto and then to dragoness who just got hit by the lightning bolt, Dr cortex posture seemed to stiffened up he grit his teeth there. Ripto gave a chuckle, able to test his new scepter out on the dragon.. Even caused adult dragon pain.. Means that runt spyro will not stand a chance against him with it. ”So what will I do with you dragon…hmm, can't kill you that will send a bad motion to the villains club now, imprisoning you would be a better option…Hmmm gold dragon feathers are very powerful ingredients for magic.” he smirked. Steph rolled over slowly after getting hit by lightning bolt... That hurt. The Dread on her face hearing ripto would pluck her feather wings off her. Ripto was about to bring up another lightning bolt to knock her out, but Dr Cortex intervened to stop him and put his hand up at ripto. Ripto gave an angry look at Dr Cortex for stopping him but Cortex butted in. “Here let me handle this.. “ Dr Cortex pulled his hand away, he went and raised up his raygun, gave it a twirl for show, he switched dial up to stun he smirks wide.”Let me seal the deal old chum, Don't want her to be too damaged just paralyzed her for time, be easier to get those feathers.” raised the raygun up. Ripto raises an eyebrow at him, he shrugs and gives room for the doctor to do it, he pats his scepter hilt. “sheesh.. Aren't you cold...how heartbreaking this must be.” Dr Cortex rolls his eyes at Ripto “please.. I'm an evil scientist.. What you expect.” Dr Cortex stepped forward aiming his raygun at the dragoness laying on the ground. Ripto watched his ally take step forward, watched the dragonnes squirm on the ground, She looked panicked. Dr Cortex took another step and stopped, Pointed his raygun as it started to charge it up, he chuckled to himself “, No Hard feelings, any last words my dear.” Steph Dragonness turned her head up biting her lip.” yeah… was my ... acting too dramatic?” she smirked at the doctor. Ripto gave a “huh?” but it was too late for him to raise his scepter to defend himself as Dr Cortex turned around and took the shot right back at ripto… stunning the riptoc as he fell back onto the floor with shock on his face, he just paralyzed. Dr Cortex lowered his arm, he gave a heavy sigh.. What a relief he had put this act up so long, lucky this plan actually worked pretending to betray the dragoness and able get an opening shot at ripto. Dr Cortex made his attention back to steph as he jogged over to her leaning down to check she was alright.. He was freaking inside when he saw her hit by a lightning bolt. “are you ok my dear??...” the worry over his face as his hair did a droop down, he took her claw hand into his to help pull up off the ground to sit. “Im fine..” she sat up rubbing her hip, she still felt a static muscle tensing up in her muscles, blood had dripped out her nostrils as she sniffed hard. “landed on my snout pretty hard tho.” Dr Cortex worried, he noticed the blood, the site of blood made him panicked a bit more he went grasping at her face cheeks he started to look at her over any other damage. Steph looked at the human, he had his hand grasping her cheeks firmly, his face had deep dread sadness even looked like he was going to cry. He was worried about her, in a way it was so sweet even though it was just some minor bruising and sore snout. “I'm fine.. Trust me. I've taken worse licks in the past.” She brought hand up to his cheek and caressed it softly, hoping to calm the human.”Your sweet to panic over me, I'm fine..let's get the sceptre's and get out of here… get you home ok Doc.” Dr Cortex was holding back tears, if he had reacted sooner maybe she wouldn't have gotten hurt..but Ripto is so edgy on reflection it would be hard to get that opening before it would have been pointless to drop his act. He sighs and nods. Steph looked back and forth smiling “you can let go of my face now.“ she smirks, Dr Cortex did so, she wobbly tried to stand up, she did a bit of dog shake over body to get rid of the jitter static out of her. “You didn't answer me doc.. Was my acting too dramatic?“ She made her hand lay over her face to act the scene. hoping to get the improvement from Doc, who he still seems to still hold a gloomy look. Dr Cortex bit his lip, raised his hand up and gave a hand gesture as a “meh” on her acting. Steph gasped and pouted, “I guess I was never meant to be on the stage… tho doc you're a natural evil betrayer.” She gave a clap for him. Dr Cortex Smiled Charmingly as he took a bow, tho inside his it was stab in the heart hear that from her, he bent over looking at the ground in his bow when she called him a betrayer, that hurt deep. He lifted his head and poise back to stand as he looked over to ripto, he took a step over to where the riptoc lay stunned still and decided to gloat into ripto’s face. “what's the matter ripto.. Got anything to say to my act.?” Ripto in shocked expression but heard he was trying to make sounds of anger. Dr Cortex chuckles to himself and shakes his head “seriously.. You shouldn't have trusted me in the first place, we would never work out. You're too… judgy.” Dr Cortex said. Steph walked over looking down at ripto paralyzed form. “he going be ok? I don't want him dead.. That would look bad for a thief to kill.” Dr Cortex groomed his finger through his beard smiling. “He is merely paralyzed for a few good hours.. So plenty of time to get away. Did you find the power crystals?” Steph gave him a frown. ”Well yes and no…alot of them were used but we can salvage the gems off his scepter collection to use for the portal.“ She went over and picked up Ripto's new scepter. “this will do fine as a focal point power crystal... Not bad craftsmanship ripto.“ she complemented the stunned riptoc she bent down and booped the stunned riptoc on the snout she smirked. Steph kept staring at the riptoc sorcerer, her smirk went wider and wider came an evil grin. Dr Cortex looked over at her, he raised an eyebrow “what are you thinking?.” he started to smirk with her. The dragonnes grin came out as a chuckle, she leaned down as she started to help Ripto to remove his purple cape. Dr Cortex lil shocked what she was doing. “ ah?... What are you doing?” She had removed his purple cape and folded it up in her hand leaving the riptoc in his under white shirt. “you know ripto.. You signed my robe, it's only fair to give me your ever famous purple cape now as repayment… Maybe I'll make a nice skirt from it.” it was her way to steal something even more personal off ripto. Ripto moaned a noise of anger, dr cortex just chuckled at her idea stealing riptos cape to make a skirt. Steph presents the back door for the doctor to follow. “After you doc.. I think Mr Ripto no longer wishes for our company.” “Oh doo let's.. We overstayed our time. I never got that Tea after all." Dr Cortex remarked back as he headed for the door with the dragon sorceress. The two made their way out the door, Steph grabbed the bag of scepter’s along the way, picked up anything that fell out, before she closed the door she poked her head back. “OH BUTLER!... RIPTO REQUEST HIS HUGS!” she yelled out she smiled at the riptoc,as she closed the door on angry riptoc. Two made their way around Ripto's garden to meet up with the rest of the thieves, with all things tied up it was time to return to the den and have a midnight banquet of the successful heist. *** Moving around from the jungle gets to the portal point to exit. The realm was already dark into the night. At the portal leading out of Jurassic Jungle, Dr Cortex was happy to be returning back to the thieves' den, but his heart still felt dread trying to process all that happened. He looked up to the Dragoness sorceress, there was jolt joy being in her presence but the guilt sat on his stomach. Steph gave a look over to the doc to come through the portal. “don't worry I won't push you through the portal this time.” Dr cortex gave soft giggle at her tease, he walked through ahead of her as she followed behind The two and a team of thieves made their way back to the thieves den with bags full of Ripto's belongings. Stay tuned for Chapter 7. All good and scaly things must come to an end.