"They're called Wyrm Stones," Blair said, showing Avi a group of stones in the middle of a forest with white trees and ruby red leaves. "These will do wonders for ya."

Avi stared at the stones, admiring the Ancient Norman carvings embedded on the stones, glowing fiery red. The warm radiance of Helios setting behind the mountains coated the world around them in a filter of orange and red. Golden rays penetrated through the ruby red canopies, and particles swimming in their light sparkled like fireflies. Avi stepped forward and placed her hand on the stone. She was then engulfed in a fiery aura that caused her hair and the hood of her corset to wave around.

"Oh my…" she breathed. "I feel so...I don't know how to say it. I feel like I can take on another giant again."

"Hell yeah!" Blair cheered. "Wyrm Stones. Picture them as refueling stations for your mana pools. Each new one you visit will increase it by ten percent, meaning you'll be able to conjure your dragons easily. Soon, you might do so without feeling fatigued. Think of it as leveling up. Kinda like a video game."

"This is incredible!" Phoenix said, stepping forward to examine the stones. She started taking pictures of them with her phone. "The archmage is going to want more info about these things. I take it these mostly served for Dragon Summoners?"

"Yeah," said Blair, she fed her dragon a piece of meat from her pocket. "Created by the first of the order. Avi is the first to use them in thousands of years."

"This is truly fantastic," said Avi. "Thank you, Blair."

Ser Gerhalos crossed his arms over his chest and nodded. "I told you she would make a great addition to the team," he boasted. "Well, Blair, you helped us, so I guess we help you. It's off to Feldia to search for those Evolzars. And to help evolve your little companion."

"Thanks a lot. It was my pleasure."

Constantine rubbed his hands together. "I just knew this was going to be an excellent adventure. Pretty girls, dragons, monster hunting, the dusty road, warm taverns, dungeon delving. And the sight of Avi's tight butt in those shorts…"

"What was that?" Ser Gerhalos growled.

Constantine's eyes darted from right to left. "Huh? What? Me? I don't know what you're talking about, my dude."

Santiago sniggered over his shoulder. "Where to next?" he asked. "Come on! Don't leave me dangling. I am thirsty for our next...near-death experience!"

Trish laughed. "Damn, take it easy, son. Avi just got finished finding a dragon. Let's give her some time to get used to it."

"Yeah, you're right. But if we keep standing around looking for Wyvern Stones, we're not going to get very far."

"Patience is a virtue, Santiago," said Avi, walking away from the stones. "Well, it's getting dark. Perhaps it's best we find an inn."

"We're outta luck, girl," said Trish. She looked at her custom tablet with a papyrus map of the area clasped to the front with a little lamp looming over it. "There's not a tavern for miles. Looks like we're just going to have to find a place to camp for the night. But, if that map Blair gave us is correct, a Temple of Safaani is a two day's walk from here."

"Really? Another dragon? Oh, how exciting." She then looked at Constantine for she just remembered something. "Constantine weren't we supposed to meet a friend of yours back in the town? You assured me he would be someone we could count on."

Constantine shrugged. "You know, I think we're better off without him. He's a wild card, a drunk, a gambler, and one hell of a womanizer, too. Maybe it was fate from the Luck Goddess that he didn't show up."

"If he's anything like you, I can agree on that notion," said Ser Gerhalos. "I know this area from my travels. There's a waterfall flowing from the ridge of those mountains over there. The Triplets of Nevelost. There's a pool full of fresh fish we could eat."

Santiago pounced up with excitement. "Oooo, sounds plenty good to me. I would love to see this place. Come, what are we waiting for?"

As soon as they got back on the road, they were met with trouble. Archers in dark, red, leather armor and scarlet cowls sprang into action and launched a flurry of arrows towards the party. Phoenix's Mavelus swooped from out of nowhere and created a curtain of flames that incinerated the arrows just inches before it could strike the party. Avi cringed, feeling the heat burn her skin. At once Ser Gerhalos grabbed her and leaned over her. "Ambush!" he shouted, holding up his shield.

The archers were hopping from tree to tree, finding new positions to snipe Avi for a killing shot. Phoenix materialized a long, white bow with statuettes resembling flaming swans. She conjured three arrows, which she fired at once. They flew threw the leaves. The red archers saw them coming and ducked out of the way. It was hard to spot them, for their gear blended with the ruby red canopies above.

Then, the ground seemed to come alive as swordsman wearing the same gear as the archers sprang into action to take Avi and her companions out. Constantine whistled. At once, Tartarus's roar thundered in the distance. But it sounded far. It could be a while before he reached the battle. Phoenix shot a stream of fire at the ground, trying to flood out any more swordsman who could have been hiding in the red vegetation. Arrows hiss through the air. One of them bounced off Ser Gerhalos's shoulder targe.

"I want to fight!" shouted Avi.

"No! You can't!" roared Ser Gerhalos. Constantine rushed past him, putting on his headphones to listen to his battle tunes. Blair was by his side, tossing knives at two archers perched in the trees above. Their bodies fell to the ground with a slump. Seeing her friends in combat only made Avi even more impatient. "Stay with me!" Ser Gerhalos commanded.

Santiago hopped from tree to tree, jabbing his rapier down the necks of his foes. Two swordsmen ran towards him. He smiled and slid his paw down the brim of his hat. He turned into a white flash that zoomed all over the swordmen. They stood still like statues as Santiago appeared in front of them and bowed. Blood squirted from their bodies like geysers. They fell to the ground on their knees and slumped forward, falling dead on their faces. The archers were desperate shot launched explosive arrows at the group. One blasted the ground near Ser Gerhalos and Avi, sending them tumbling from their spot into the river.

Just then, they felt the ground shaking. Even the red marauders stopped fighting. A beastly warrior in green armor, wielding a flaming sword ran out of the forest and helped the group take down their foes.

"Retreat!" shouted one of the marauders. They lost too many of their companions and realized they were out of their league.

Even though the beast saved them, Avi and her group were far from accepting of it. Constantine, however, walked up to the monster and happily pointed at him. "I thought you were around, old buddy."

Ser Gerhalos walked out of the river, dripping wet. He still held his greatsword up defensively, in case the monster in front of him was hostile. Trish and Phoenix helped her out of the water and checked to see if she was okay. Blair took off her backpack and took out a blanket to wrap around Avi's shoulders.

"Constantine, you know this creature?" Ser Gerhalos asked.

"Not him per se, but I know who called on him."

A little kid was riding towards them on a red hoverboard marked with a lightning bolt. He sported a red beanie, a black leather jacket with a hoodie, and ripped jeans. His backpack was covered in stickers of monsters, his favorite Duel Monsters, and some girls in bikinis. A keychain hung from the lowest zipper. Sheathed to his back were two odd swords. One was a long flamberge with a red-colored blade. The second seemed futuristic in design with bright orange patterns outlined in black, making it look like a gun.

"Constantine!" said the boy. "You didn't wait for me in town." He jumped off his hoverboard and kicked it up, causing it to flip. He caught it and tucked it under his arm.

They shook hands. Constantine looked back at his group. "Guys, this is my pal, Robin. And this here is his Eidolon, Rhaimundos of the Red Sword."

"What's up," said Robin. He whistled when looking at Trish, Phoenix, Blair, and Avi. "Which one of them is the Dragon Summoner?"

"The blonde with the silver eyes," said Constantine. "Show a little respect."

Robin walked by him and didn't listen. "It's such a pleasure to meet you, Lady Avi," Robin said, taking her hand. "Gee, you're very pretty. Just like your wanted posters."

"Well, thank you, Robin," Avi said, her hand still locked with his. " It's a pleasure to meet you, too. Uh…"

Robin kissed her hand all the way up her arm and back down again. Ser Gerhalos stepped forward and loomed over the boy. "Hands off. Now."

"Sure," Robin said, kissing Avi's forearm one last time. He wasn't scared of the beast. And for good reason. Rhaimundos was still out, and it looked like it was more than a match for Ser Gerhalos. "So," Robin said walking back toward his monster. "You guys are the famous party I've heard so much about. Yeah, you guys know that every rogue knight, bandit gang, and bounty hunter in Termnnia are after you, right?"

"We figured that already," said Blair. "And I know what you're thinking, but we must decline. There's no room in our party for another member."

Robin was unphased by that and sat down on a dead archer. "Hey, babe, listen. Constantine tells me you're on the road to Feldia to look for some dino-dragons or something. That's cool and all, but you're going to need a guide to help you find the quickest and safest routes to it. These guys are called the Red Meteors. They're just one of the hundreds of mercenary gangs looking to cash in on your Summoner's pretty head. I may look young, but I know the land like the back of my hand. I can take you there provided you can provide me the appropriate payment."

"I figured," Phoenix said sternly. She tapped her foot on the ground. "How much do you want."

Robin took a ball out of his jacket and tossed it up and down. "Well, knowing you guys, you're going to run into some old ruins along the way. And ruins hold lots of treasure. So I say about...30% of any treasure we find."

"You've got to be kidding me," said Trish. "We're looking for dragons. Not treasure."

"Well, then, I guess you won't have to worry about how much I take, eh beautiful?"

"I'm really not liking this kid," Blair whispered into Avi's ear.

"Let him have his treasure," said Ser Gerhalos. "True Dragons are worth more than gold."

"Very well," said Blair. "Anything else or is that all?"

"Oh no, that's not all. I expect to get paid ten coins a day so long as I'm in the group."

"Constantine!" snapped Trish.

"I'll take care of that," he assured her. "Trust me, it's a small price to pay for his skills, which are worth far more than ten pieces."

"We get the picture," snarled Ser Gerhalos. "Don't give him any more ideas."

"And one last thing," Robin said. He walked towards Avi and bowed on one knee. "The Dragon Summoner and I go on a date in the next city."

"This has gone far enough!" Santiago shouted. He jumped off Phoenix's shoulder and landed in between Avi and Robin. He raised his sword, and pointed it at him, getting him to back off."You want gold, you got it! You want daily pay, you got it! But Lady Avi is off-limits. Do you understand? Constantine. I ask that you remove this bungler from our sites and remove yourself as well. There is no honor in you or your companions."

"It's just one date," Robin shrugged.

Avi thought the boy's demands were distasteful. But, Constantine was right. There really were vagabonds all over the place looking for her and her group. If what Constantine said was true, then this boy was a useful asset to the company. "I shall accept his request. But upon finding the Evolzars in Feldia, you are to leave at once."

"You break my heart, Avi. But it's a deal."

Avi then looked at Constantine. "And as for you. I admire you, Constantine. But from here on out, I will have a say as to who enters my group. Not you. Is that understood?"

"I'm sorry, Avi. I was only trying to help. This kid's a handful, but he'll get us to your dragons in no time. I was hoping he would be better behaved than this. I'll keep him in line. You have my word."

"Good," Avi said. She reared her head up and sneezed.

"Oh, dear," Phoenix said, patting her back. "You're soaked to the bone. Come on. Let's make camp."

"I've got a tent we can use," said Robin.

"Will it fit all of us?" Ser Gerhalos asked.

"I think you'll be surprised. Where do you want to camp?"

Ser Gerhalos led them to the waterfall that he chose earlier. By the time they got there, it was dark. Phoenix, with a snap of her fingers, got a fire going while Robin and Constantine got the tent up. When it was finally raised, they were met with great disappointment. It was so small.

"You've got to be kidding me!" shouted Santiago. "What in the bloody hell is all this?"

"Last one in is a rotten egg!" shouted Robin, storming into the tent.

Avi stayed behind, watching as her companions went in. Surprisingly, nobody came out. Ser Gerhalos was the last to go in. Avi knew something strange was at work here. Then, he peered through the flaps.

"My Lady, you have to come see!" he said.

Avi stepped through the flaps. What she saw astonished her. Outside, there was nothing more than a small, ragged, tent. But inside, it was a two-floored log cabin with hunting trophies, animal pelts, and goat horn lanterns decorating the walls. A chandelier of elk horns hung from the foyer. The green candles were lit and gave off the scent of pine. There was furniture, bedrooms, a kitchen, and a game room with a billiard table. At once, the companions were making themselves feel at home.

Robin came running down the stairs. "Well, what do you think?" he asked. "Now you won't spend so much gold in taverns anymore."

"I think it's wonderful, Robin. Thank you. You've been a great help."

"Anything for you, Dragon Summoner."

"Avi, you need to change out of those clothes at once," said Phoenix. "You'll catch your death of cold."

"Oh, no," Avi said at once. She took off her backpack and started looking inside desperately. Except for her deck and containers of food, her clothes were soaked and ruined.

"That's okay," said Robin. "You can use the loaner."

"The loaner?" Ser Gerhalos asked.

"I brought an extra pair of clothes when I traveled with Constantine every now and then. This dude will forget his own underwear if no one reminded him."

"I did," Constantine said, turning red. "I've been wearing these shorts for days."

"Ugh, that's really gross," said Phoenix. "Avi, I guess there's no other alternative than to use the boy's 'loaner'. Come, I'll draw you a hot bath upstairs."

Avi looked at herself. Her skin was covered in peat from the river and she was caked with mud. She nodded and followed her upstairs, joining Blair and Trish in a very long and loud bath. It was late in the night and they still were in there, squealing and splashing about.

"Well, they're having fun in there," Constantine said, laying on the couch by the fireplace on the second floor. A wool blanket was draped over him and he used his jacket as a pillow.

"Heh, heh, wanna peek?" Robin asked, laying on the couch across from him. He was wearing blue and white pajamas with Elemental HERO Electrum on the front. And his blue pants were patterned with the Elemental HERO's E symbol.

"No, thank you," Constantine replied. "Blair's dragon is in there with them. He may be a small thing, but I've seen first-hand the kind of damage he can do. I don't want to wind up as a pile of ashes on the floor. And if he doesn't get you, Ser Gerhalos will. We're already on his bad side thanks to you. You just can't help being the extortionist, can you?"

"Hey, you gotta make money somehow, Constantine."

"Yeah, but asking for a date with Avi? It's a miracle Ser Gerhalos didn't crush your head for suggesting such a thing."

"Hey, it's a date or a long road with mercs on your ass. They chose the former and I'm set."

"Crafty little bastard, I'll give you that."

"I do what I can," Robin sniggered. "But don't treat me like the bad guy, here. Everyone knows you're in Avi's party cuz you looove her."

"No. I have an interest in her. Love is a long and very difficult process. I have to see first hand if Avi is the one for me."

Robin started laughing. "Who do you think you are profiling Avi like that? As far as I'm concerned, you have to be the one trying to prove your worth to her. Not the other way around. Avi can summon True Dragons and is respected by all who adore her. She's a celebrity. A hero of Termnnia. But you? Yeah, Tartarus is cool, but other than that, you're just an average, run-of-the-mill mercenary. You think she cares if she lives up to your standards?"

Constantine grumbled. "What I mean is, I don't want to jump the gun on her. I want to build something with her. Something special. I don't know how the hell I'm going to do it, but I'll find a way."

"Pfft, good look with that, chump."

"It can happen. Evangelia Pendragon was a Summoner of Dragons, too. The Galaxy-Eyes. She fell in love with a stable boy."

Robin shrugged. "I dunno. As I said, good luck."

The door to the bathroom opened. The girls came running out, giggling and screaming. "Quiet down up there!" shouted Ser Gerhalos from below. They didn't care and continued scurrying into their room. Constantine grinned, seeing them in their pajamas. But Avi was stuck wearing old and tattered longjohns. The 'loaner' that Robin gave her. It was unbefitting of someone like her, but it had to do and she didn't worry about it all that much. As Blair and the others went into their room, Avi stopped to look at Constantine and Robin.

"Are you boys comfortable?" she asked, dizzy from the hot water she stayed in for so long.

"Yes, ma'am," Robin said, nodding his head. "Thank you."

"We're fine, Avi, thanks," Constantine said, taking off his beanie.

"Well, thank you for giving us this place, Robin. That was very sweet of you."

"Aw, shucks, it was nothing," Robin jeered.

Avi giggled and swayed from left to right. "Well, I'll be off to bed now. Good night to you both."

She turned to leave. Unknown to her the back flap of her longjohns was all the way open.

"Uh, Avi!" called Constantine.

"Avi! Avi!" Robin joined.

Avi turned. "Yes?"

"Just wanted to ask if it was okay to see you demonstrate your new dragon tomorrow," said Robin.

Constantine nodded. "Yeah, yeah, what he said. I think that's a great idea. Show Robin what you're made of."

"Sounds good to me," Avi said after pondering it for a moment. "Okay, Robin. Since you've been such a big help, I'll be glad to show you my dragons."

"I can't wait!" Robin said, pumping his fist. "Thanks."

"You're welcome. Good night." She turned.

"Avi!"

"Avi!"

"What is it?" Avi asked, turning back around.

"What about your clothes?" Constantine asked.

Robin nodded feverishly. "Uh-huh, uh-huh. Do you have anything to wear tomorrow?"

"Of course I do, silly. Robin's cottage has a laundry room downstairs.

"Ah! Of course!" said Robin. "I totally forgot."

"How can you forget?" Constantine grumbled, throwing a pillow at him. "What a dumbass."

Avi giggled at their theatrics. "I'm sure all is going to be well, for tomorrow's adventure, boys. Good night."

She turned around again. But before she could reach the doorknob.

"Avi! Wait!"

"Avi! Hold up! Come here, come here!"

Avi walked back to them. "What is going on?" she asked. "Is there something else I should know?"

"I was wondering if you were scared of those nasty bounty hunters," said Robin. "There's so many of them out there. Aren't you, you know, the least bit scared?"

Avi tapped her foot on the ground. "Well, I must admit it's a little unsettling. But so long as I have powerful warriors like you by my side, I'm not afraid of anything."

"We're glad to help," said Robin. "And I apologize for the way I came up earlier."

"It's okay," Avi said with a friendly laugh. "Don't worry about it. We're only human after all. Well, I bid you good night."

Again, she turned.

"Avi!"

"Avi! Av! Avi!"

Avi walked back to them. She was getting annoyed. "Guys, I have to sleep."

"Of course," said Robin. "But I just want to know what kind of dragon do you think we'll get next?"

"That's a good question," Avi said, tapping her finger on her chin. "It is a very exciting thought, no? I hope I get a Felgrand Dragon. Or maybe a Meteor Black Dragon."

"Whatever it is, we'll help you get it," Constantine assured her.

"Avi!" Ser Gerhalos called from downstairs. "Go to bed!"

"Well, I must bid you good night," Avi said, jerking her thumb backward.

"It's an honor being part of this adventure, Avi," said Robin. "Thank you for giving me a chance."

"And me as well," said Constantine. "I look forward to more adventures."

Avi beamed at her two companions. "Aren't you two the sweetest couple of rogues I've ever met. Well, sweet dreams."

She turned one last time and walked back to her room.

"Nice one, bro," Constantine said, bumping his fist with Robin's.

"That's the power of the loaner, my dude."

The next day, Avi and her companions had a big breakfast at the inn of a small town called Firehold a community of farmers and loggers. Their houses and shops nestled by the River Erahad. Nets and fishing poles lined its shores for it was a great spot for fishing the salmon that flew from the south. Constantine and Robin went out into the woods to look into a bandit camp Tartarus spotted on the road. They wanted a peaceful trip and a day without bandits was something they all desired.

But even though they were looking for a quiet meal, it was not meant to be so. Bounty hunters were not the only ones looking to come after Avi.

"Oh, how quaint," approached a woman wearing a revealing outfit consisting of a cuirass, vambraces, pauldrons, gauntlets, tasset and heeled greaves enameled in white and black with white flora designs painted here and there. She had olive-colored skin and silvery white-blonde hair tied into a ponytail that went down to her back. She one of her eyes was hazel and the other bright green.

A knight in heavy plates of red enameled steel with spaulders the size of an ox's head stood above her. He was a bald man with a swollen nose and a tooth protruding from his upper lip. He wielded a massive hammer, the grip was made of black iron and the head was the shape of a bronze fist.

There was smug little boy with red hair and freckles across his face smiling confidently beside the woman. He wore leather gear and fielded a bow with arrows that had red fletching.

"So, you're the Summoner of Dragons," the woman said rubbing her chin. "Such a delicate little thing."

"She doesn't look so tough," sneered the little boy, possibly no more than nine or ten.

"What is it that you want?" Ser Gerhalos said walking in front of Avi.

"If I am not mistaken," said Phoenix. "That is Lady Arietta Marigold, one of the Summoners questing to serve the High King."

"Yes," said Arietta. "And this is Ser Renlos the Knight of the Ox. And here is Peter Lionbane, my little archer."

"Hmph!" Peter said crossing his arms still bearing his wide grin of confidence.

"What do you wish of us?" asked Blair. "If you're looking to join us, sorry. There's no room."

"I have no interest in joining you lot," sneered Arietta.

"Yeah, because Lady Arietta is the best summoner around!" Peter said balling his fists. "We're here to tell you not to bother on your quest because High King Yuri needs only the best in his court. And that's Lady Arietta! I heard you don't even have one!"

"No, I have three," Avi said timidly. "And I don't mean to boast, but do you have an endorsement from Master Yu-Gi-Oh? He personally put all his faith in me to be the High King's Summoner."

"Master Yu-Gi-Oh," smiled Arietta. "An exceptional duelist but so imprudent."

"What!" snapped Phoenix. "How dare you speak of Master Yu-Gi-Oh that way?"

"I speak truth, mage," Arietta said with a shrug. "If you think I'm wrong then why not battle me outside? My monsters against your dragons."

"Yeah, a battle!" Peter said jumping into the air with excitement.

Ser Renlos snorted.

"Doesn't say much does he?" asked Trish.

"Ser Renlos? No, he's mute I'm afraid. But he defends me well. He would give his life for me if he could. What say you, Lady Avi?"

"You should prove your worth," Arvas said within her pendant. "Make an example of this fool and silence her brat-of-a-companion."

"But I've never battled before?" Avi whispered into the pendant.

"Just call us, and leave the rest to us."

"I will not participate," said Sanctity of Dragon. "Arvas, showing off Avi's power and making her overconfident is not wise. I suggest that Avi backs away from this fight at once. She's not ready."

"Don't listen to him," said Arvas.

"If you insist," said Avi. She looked up at her new rival and narrowed her eyes, burning bright with the thought that she had what it took to defeat her. "Very well, Lady Arietta, you're on!"

"Yes!" Peter jumped again.

"Then meet me outside after you have had your breakfast," said Arietta. She turned and walked away. Ser Renlos snorted again and Peter stuck his tongue out at Avi before following Arietta.

"You will be so sorry," grumbled Sanctity of Dragon.

"The nerve of that slut!" said Trish. "Did you see her state of dress? She lacks heavily in decency, I tell you that."

"What do you think we should do, My Lady?" asked Ser Gerhalos. "This is a waste of time."

"She's already accepted the challenge," said Phoenix. "She cannot call herself a Summoner of Dragons if she walks away from the battle. For that matter, she couldn't call herself A Summoner of the High King, because she must accept whatever challenge befalls her king."

"He's right," said Santiago. "Avi, kick her ass."

Minutes later, Avi met with Arietta in the meadows outside of town, surrounded by lush pine forests. The snowcapped mountains standing proudly in their perches in the distance.

"I've been looking forward to this," Arietta said, making her rifle-shaped staff appear into her hands.

"You can do it Lady Arietta!" cheered Peter.

"I shall CALL!" she gave her staff a twirl, forming an arcane circle to appear above her. "Ignition Beast Volcannon!"

She summoned a mechanical beast in the likeness of a dragon to the meadows. It was massive, standing over ten meters tall with a long tail and red rocket launchers on its shoulders and a large bladed structure on its back. Its body made of steel with a coat of polished gunmetal black and spikes, horns and claws made of bronze.

"Look at the size of that thing!" gasped Trish.

Ser Gerhalos snarled silently. "Ah, so she worships, Ana Goddess of Machinations."

"Dragons against machines?" Peter sneered. "This is gonna be some battle! You just watch, my Summoner is gonna beat yours but good!"

"All right, let's begin," said Avi. She summoned her newest dragon, Armiryle the Starguide Dragon. Her beast flew from the arcane circle with a great sturdy roar. It flew over the field and landed beside Avi.

"Fight!" shouted Peter.

The two monsters took off into the sky where they began combat. Avi watched as her beast was chased by Arietta's Ignition Beast Volcannon in a fierce game of cat and mouse in the sky above. The machine monster fired a barrage of heat-seeking rockets from its shoulders which chased Avi's Armiryle.

"FIGHT! FIGHT!" shouted Peter, jumping up and down with excitement.

He was clearly disappointed with Avi's lack of skill. He had heard so much of Avellana the Summoner of Dragons and was eager to see her in battle. But her dragon was poorly trained if not trained at all. She had never called them into battle since she got them and it looks like she was paying for it in this Summoner's Duel. The meager performance was making the little boy angry.

Ignition Beast Volcannon fired another barrage of missiles. Armiryle flew backward and released a jet of red flames to confuse the missiles. They exploded making a black ball of smoke.

Ignition Beast Volcannon flew down from it and tackled Armiryle all the way to the ground causing a thunderous tremor and a large crater on the ground.

Armiryle had a broken left wing thanks to the fall. It snarled in agony as Ignition Beast Volcannon flew back up roaring for a challenge.

Peter threw a rock at Avi's injured dragon. "FIGHT YOU COWARD!" he shouted. He threw another one. "FIGHT!"

"Stop it!" shouted Avi. "He's hurt!"

"Then you should call him back," laughed Arietta. "A flightless dragon is no dragon at all."

"I'm so sorry," Avi said, calling back her wounded beast.

"Pathetic," sneered Arietta.

"WEAK!" shouted Peter. He cupped his hands over his mouth and shouted, "BOO!"

"One more to go," said Arietta. "How disappointing. If this is all the Summoner of Dragons is capable of, then you have no business being with the High King."

"Summon another!" shouted Peter. "Fight! I want to see a fight!"

Avi sniffed as her dragon began to glow translucent and vanished.

"Get on your feet, Avi!" Ser Gerhalos shouted. "Since when does the Summoner of Dragons bow down to anyone. You still have Lord Arvas left. Fight on!"

Avi stood up and twirled her staff again to call upon her final dragon.

"I summon Arvas. Ancient Dragon!"

Arvas appeared onto the plane of men and tackled Ignition Beast Volcannon to the ground. He took off into the air after the missile silo in its chest opened up.

"FIRE!" shouted Arietta. The missiles flew, whistling as they shot towards Arvas.

Arvas released a jet of flames at the missiles. They exploded right on top of Volcannon dealing massive damage. It growled mournfully. Sparks blasted out of its joints.

"NO!" shouted Peter.

"Your dragon may have outsmarted my beast," said Arietta. "But he is still able to battle."

Somehow, the mechanical behemoth was able to get back up. It raised its tail, aiming at Arvas.

Click! Click!

It fired thousands of rounds per second at Arvas who took off into the sky and flew around the battlefield to avoid being hit by the bullets from Volcannon's tail.

Ignition Beast Volcannon took off after him. The rocket launchers on its shoulders lowered themselves inside to be switched for two high-powered chainguns. The mechanical behemoth fired them violently as it chased Arvas in the clouds.

VRRRR! The chainguns hummed.

The beast finally caught up to Arvas. They were locked hand in hand in a fierce struggle.

"FIGHT!" shouted Peter. "FIGHT!"

Ignition Beast Volcannon then threw Arvas to the earth and dove towards him, tackling him to the ground enlarging the already big crater on the ground. Then it took off into the air again and released an infinite barrage of missiles from its body giving it an angelic appearance as the smoke from missiles soared around it giving the likeness of angel wings.

As the missiles bombarded the injured Arvas, Ignition Beast Volcannon fired its chainguns.

When the dust cleared, Arvas was on the ground defeated.

"Forgive me, Lady Avellana," said Arvas. "I…have failed." And he faded away.

"No," Avi said falling to her knees. "I lost."

"A meager performance," said Arietta. "There is just so much hype around you just because you're the first Summoner to call on dragons in thousands of years. But it's all for naught. Do yourself a favor and end this silly pilgrimage. I will be the one the High King chooses. Let us go, boys. I have used up enough of Lady Avellana's time. And she has wasted enough of mine."

"Way to go, Arietta. You really are the best Summoner around!" cheered Peter.

Ser Renlos snorted and followed after her.

Peter walked up to Avi and kicked dirt into her gleaming gown before he wiggled his fingers on the sides of his head and giving Avi as sloppy raspberry.

Ser Gerhalos roared.

"YAH!" screamed Peter, dashing away. "Ya big ugly cat-face!" he taunted before catching up to his Summoner.

"Oh, Avi, it's okay," said Trish, patting her back.

"Let this be a lesson," said Ser Gerhalos. "Your dragons not only need to be found but they must be trained. I was foolish in holding you back. There is so much about you that even I must learn."

"I understand," said Avi, her beautiful silver eyes glimmering with tears. "I'll get her one day. She is going to rue the day she insulted my dragons. Her and that bratty bastard!"