Chapter 14

Phantom had no hint of emotion on his face. He went down silently and without resistance. His opponents, though, had a much more violent way down. A SeaWing, a SandWing, and a SkyWing all were carried down thrashing and hissing. Oh moons, please help him battle.

Despite the snorts of amusement ringing across the stadium, Vermillion was almost against the wired ceiling to announce. Wow, that's what I call cowardice. Quieter than usual, he managed to spurt out, "W-welcome. This battle includes Phantom the prophecy dragonet, Depth the SeaWing, Amapola the SandWing, and Fuse the SkyWing! Ready? FIGHT!"

Amapola was the first to lunge, tail first, at the SeaWing's side. Must not have been in Blister's forces…Blaze's, maybe?

The SeaWing roared, leaped out of the way, and flung his claws towards her. Amapola tried to jump backwards, but Fuse intercepted her launch and shoved her straight into hooked claws. He then shoved it even further, ramming the body into Depth. She let out one last anguished groan and became limp.

The air was knocked out of the sea dragon, and the SkyWing flew over the dead dragoness and blew fire straight at the SeaWing's heart. He writhed in pain, the flames consuming his scales. Fuse lashed his tail with pleasure and sauntered over to Phantom, who was watching the adult fight from a distance. Scorch didn't think he was cowering, but saving his moves for whoever survived. Wish I could have done that…

Phantom slowly and cautiously stood, partly crouched in a battle position. The SkyWing made out a barely audible word: "Diiiiiieee!" He launched at Phantom, wings spread wide. Even from his tower, Scorch could see Phantom concentrating. He quickly turned around and whipped his tail into his opponent's face. Fuse fell to the ground, a low grumble coming from his throat. Phantom slowly circled around the downed dragon, who was clutching his face.

He then erupted from the ground at the hybrid, rage clearly plastered on his face. No! Scorch yanked on his chains in an attempt to stop the sudden attack. Phantom had seemed to already seen it coming (as if he read Fuse's mind?) and vaulted straight into him, sending both of them tumbling on the ground, claws thrashing.

Even though they had encountered SkyWing moves from Kestrel, each soldier had their own versions of them. But Phantom apparently could dodge, block, and counter every move Fuse could come up with. Whoa! When did he learn to do stuff like that?! Fuse exploded with anger. "STOP IT!" He lashed his tail towards Phantom, who swiftly caught it in his talons and used it to throw him across the arena.

Fuse, now trembling with fury, made the hissing, fire-is-coming noise and shot a huge blast of flames at Phantom. Scorch watched as a bright blue light rising from the IceWing hybrid's chest transformed into frostbreath and hit the red-orange flames, steam spurting from the interaction.

The older competitor, who was concentrated on continuously bursting fire, did not notice the icy blue and black dragonet crawling under the blazing inferno, creeping closer and closer towards his deep orange and yellow body. Phantom hurled his body at Fuse again, sinking his claws in the chest area. Fuse coughed up blood and collapsed onto the ground for the final time.

The spectators, who were mostly quiet during the vicious battle, were now clapping and whooping in excitement at the new, entertaining gladiator. Scarlet motioned to the crowd, and they quieted. Oh no… what now? "Next-" But Burn had other plans.

"ENOUGH OF THIS NONSENSE. Give me the dragon I came for, Scarlet!"

Can you guess what Burn wants? Am I the only one that thinks it's funny she's demanding gifts from the birthday dragoness?