A/N: Hey, guys! In the previous chapter, Celes and her friends found Shadow badly injured in the cave on the Veldt. He had gone there to look for the Ichigeki blade, but he was attacked by a Behemoth King. Now he has gone to the Dragon's Neck Coliseum. Will they be able to convince him? Let's find out! Before we get started, I apologize if it's been five months since the last chapter, but between editing and copyright issues with a video I spent three whole months to complete it and post it on Youtube without copyright claims and the fact that I have reached an advanced point in the story and will need more time to complete everything, combined with a bit of author's block in this chapter, I haven't been able to work on it much in this period. I hope you don't mind. Anyway, we wasted enough time, so let's get started!

Chapter 34: Dragon's Neck Coliseum

(Objective: Go to the Dragon's Neck Coliseum.)

Characters:

Terra

Celes

Edgar

Sabin

Cyan

Gau

Setzer

Shadow was safe, but the fact that he didn't want to fight with the Returners left everyone with a lot of questions. Using the Fire spell and a torch, Terra and Sabin began to make their way out the cave, followed by the others.

"Shadow doesn't seem willing to fight alongside us, but not with Kefka either. What is he going to do?'' asked Edgar.

''I don't know, Edgar. He is a truly mysterious man.'' Sabin replied.

''I was thinking about this sword that Sir Shadow was looking for. Do you think it means something?'' asked Cyan, looking at the Ichigeki and turning it in his hands.

''Maybe. I think he's interested in this sword.'' said Terra.

''I agree. Maybe he wants to test his skills, and an arena seems like a great place to do that.'' added Celes. ''Let's get out of here and go back to the Falcon, then we'll see how to get there.''

With the Behemoth out of the game, there were other life forms coming alive. The cave was now infested with several giant mutant rats, as well as much larger than normal worms. The worms could be killed easily, but the rats were stronger and their extremely venomous bites were comparable to the venom of cobras: Setzer could not avoid being bitten in the leg, and the venom had already drained a considerable amount of energy when Sabin cast Poisona on him. When they reached the exit, they immediately thought of a way to get to the Dragon's Neck Coliseum.

''We have to go to the island further northwest, north of Kohlingen. The arena is located in the northern part, which is shaped like a dragon's head.'' said Edgar, looking at the map.

''If we go over there with the Falcon, it would take us all night. It's afternoon right now, but it feels like evening.'' said Sabin.

''How do you know it's still afternoon?'' asked Setzer.

''Just look at the position of the sun. Now it is slowly waning.'' Sabin replied, pointing to the sun. It was neither very high nor very low.

''But we have to see how to get there quickly.'' said Cyan.

''I could use the Teleport spell.'' replied Celes.

''Will you be able to teleport us all?'' asked Edgar.

''Of course. Il you are close to me, we will all be teleported. Warping the Falcon takes a lot more energy though.'' said Celes.

''Then I'll give you a hand.'' Terra proposed. ''Come closer, everyone.''

The Figaro brothers, Cyan, Gau and Setzer moved closer, and Celes began casting the Teleport spell, creating a magical glyph that surrounded everyone. Terra did the same, and the glyph grew larger.

''If you want to teleport elsewhere, say the name of your destination very clearly. If you are not fully focused when using this magic or don't clearly say where you want to go, you may end upin the wrong place. This spell also requires a lot of energy, so you can't abuse it.'' said Celes.

''Let's hold on tight. It may be too much for any of us to bear.'' said Edgar.

Terra and Celes concentrated, and the magic glyph grew bigger and bigger. ''TELEPORT! Dragon's Neck Coliseum!''

Before long, everyone was surrounded by what appeared to be a vortex that even dragged the Falcon inside. Since their destination was very far away, the path was twisted and Gau heavily struggled to not vomit.

''You know this is uncomfortable, right?'' asked Setzer.

''It's just because we're far away, hold on tight!'' Celes replied aloud.

''I don't think I can take it anymore, my stomach won't handle it!'' exclaimed Cyan.

It took forty seconds for the teleportation to end, and when the teleportation process finally ended, Gau couldn't hold back the urge to vomit. The Falcon fell from above and almost crashed, but Sabin grabbed it in time and placed it on the ground.

(Objective: Meet up with Shadow in the arena.)

''Let's never speak of this again...'' Cyan murmured.

''I think I'd rather fly.'' Setzer said.

''We already knew that.'' said Edgar in response.

''Stomach... still upside down...'' complained Gau.

''I'll take care of it, Gau. Get on my back.'' Sabin told him, leaning down and making sure Gau could climb on his shoulders.

The Dragon's Neck coliseum looked huge, a real colosseum. There was a sign that read: ''Dragon's Neck Coliseum a monument to the art of war, perfect for showing off your warrior spirit.''

''I am a warrior, but can I call myself such?'' asked Cyan.

''Maybe. I don't like fighting, but Celes and I were warriors ourselves.'' Terra replied.

They entered the arena, and to everyone's surprise, they encountered an Imperial Soldier, but he did not attack them. In fact, he told them that ever since Kefka had upset the balance of the world, the Empire no longer existed, and a Magitek Armor is in South Figaro But the most surprising thing was that there was a particular octopus at the reception.

''ULTROS?!'' Sabin yelled in shock.

''You're such a pain, Ultros! You suck!'' snapped Celes.

''What? I'm not here to fight. I'm here for work.'' said Ultros, puzzled.

''Oh, really?'' asked Setzer, confused.

''Well, I found out I had a lot of debts to pay. Talk to me if you want to take part in a fight.'' replied Ultros.

''Fine. But if you cause us trouble again, I'll burn you and turn you in seafood salad!'' Sabin threatened him in irritation.

Shadow stood on the sidelines watching what was happening. ''I see you're all there.'' he commented.

''We sure are. We will really appreciate if you come to fight with us.'' said Celes.

''I don't feel like it for now. Face me in a match and I'll think about it.'' replied Shadow.

''And that's okay. I bet the Ichigeki.'' Sabin proposed.

''Are you sure it's a good idea?'' asked Edgar, not fully convinced.

''We have to convince him somehow. Now he is a gladiator, not just a mercenary.'' replied Celes.

Shadow didn't expect Sabin's proposal, but he had his say. ''Okay. The match will be a 3-on-1. Defeat me and I'll think about it.'' he said.

''Deal.'' Setzer said.

Only one choice was missing, however. Now the members of the Returners had to choose who would take part in the match.

''I'll take care of it. I know Shadow better than you do, I should get by. Cyan, come and give me a hand.'' Sabin said. ''Is it fine by you?''

''I don't mind.'' replied Cyan. ''I just hope I haven't lost my touch.''

''Of course not, you're a war veteran. You'll make it.'' Sabin reassured him, patting him on the back.

''I'll be part of the match too.'' said Celes, then gave Cyan a jokey look. ''No hard feelings for the past, right, Cyan?''

''Of course not! It is clear as the difference between day and night. Lady Celes, you have already done much to prove your loyalty to us.'' replied Cyan.

''I know, I was joking.'' said Celes.

''Oh, OK. Sorry, I'm bad at this.'' said Cyan, looking away.

''Well, it wouldn't hurt to lighen up a little.'' Sabin told him.

The match in the arena was about to begin. Shadow was on the left, while Celes, Sabin, and Cyan were on the right. The rules did not necessarily provide for a fight to the death, but it was enough that one of the competitors or teams were no longer able to go on. Terra and the others watched in the audience.

''Get ready to fight. Now we'll see if you can keep up with me.'' said Shadow.

''We will not back down! You'll see the tricks I've learned over the course of this year!'' Sabin said. The gong sounded soon after, starting the match.

(''Objective: Defeat Shadow!'')

Characters:

Celes

Sabin

Cyan

(''Battle Scene B- Final Fantasy II Pixel Remaster OST'')

Shadow was the first to attack, throwing several knives that Cyan blocked. He dodged some slashes from Celes, but Sabin was quicker and hit him from behind with a fiery kick.

Celes cast Blizzaga, which missed the target, but the ice crystal broke, causing indirect damage. Shadow was incredibly fast, and although the Ichigeki's blade was shorter than Cyan's katana, they were on par when their attacks collided, which forced the samurai on the defensive during the match. Sabin tried to help him by creating clones, but Shadow was also able to create copies, and they only ended up each other's copies, with minimal damage.

''He's so fast!'' exclaimed Setzer.

''Remember that he fights like a ninja, Setzer.'' Edgar told him.

Sabin saw Shadow throw a knife at him, but he moved to the side, easily avoiding it as if he had predicted it, then hit the opponent with an Aura Cannon at close range. It was a powerful blow, but the former mercenary dodged several attacks in a minute, and after only two minutes, Cyan was already beginning to show the first signs of fatigue.

''Try to hinder his movements!'' commanded Celes.

Sabin tried to use Rising Phoenix with a group of clones. Shadow also created copies, which were dissipated by the attack and dodged a Bio cast by Celes, but this turned out to be a diversion that allowed Cyan to hit him with a powerful Bushido Tiger.

The former mercenary silently took a scroll and used it. It suddenly released a large wave of water that Celes tried to evaporate with Firaga, but was unsuccessful because the mass of water was too abundant. It reminded her a lot of a high-level water spell, Flood.

Despite everything, Sabin was ready and focused, and his body was surrounded by a sand-colored aura. ''HARMATTAN!''

Suddenly, a sandstorm covered the battlefield, forcing everyone to cover their eyes, and the mass of water disappeared. Duncan's disciple had managed to hold back the water by creating a sand barrier.

Edgar was amazed. ''Is Sabin... commanding the sand of Figaro Desert?'' he asked.

''I don't see anything anymore! How will it elp us?'' asked Cyan.

''Cyan, from this point on, we have to vary our fighting style. You have to adapt to every situation.'' Celes told him. Sabin caught a glimpse of Shadow in the distance as he made his way through the sandstorm and made it more intense, hindering him. Despite being on the other side, he was able to spot him easily through the dense cloud of sand.

''There he is! Go, Sabin!'' Edgar cried out.

Due to the sandstorm, Shadow suffered gradual damage from sand and dust and his mobility was reduced, but this did not prevent him from attacking from afar, even casting the Dark spell.

Celes threw Thundaga, but although the magic hit Shadow, the effect quickly ended due to the sand. ''Damn! The grounding, I have to remember it!'' she exclaimed. Using fire spells wasn't a good idea either, as sand and soil limited the flames' power, as did rocks, so she changed strategy and began to make greater use of Spellblade techniques.

''How is it that Sabin can spot Shadow so easily in the middle of the sandstorm?'' Terra asked.

"Since Figaro is a nation in the desert, we got used to all this. I also believe that training with Master Duncan allowed Sabin to see at greater distances, among other things.'' replied Edgar. Next to him, Gau was cheering over the strategy.

The sandstorm raged even more, to the point that Shadow could no longer see his opponents. Sabin took advantage of the opportunity and used a combination of Razor Gale and Rising Phoenix, then created a large rock with magic and threw it at him.

''You're doing great, Sabin! Keep up the good work!'' Edgar cheered.

But soon after, the sandstorm ceased, thus nullifying the advantage created by Sabin.

(''Battle Scene B- Final Fantasy II Pixel Remaster OST-s'')

''Too bad...'' Gau commented in disappointment.

''And it was also a good strategy.'' added Terra.

''Shit. Now we are without cover.'' said Celes, and Sabin took a surprise attack.

''You're not so bad, but it will take more than a pile of sand to defeat me.'' said Shadow.

(''Go For It!- Kingdom Hearts Re:Coded OST'')

Cyan and Celes exchanged a nod and ran forward, while Sabin fired balls of chi to distract Shadow. ''Double Icy Slash!'' Celes used a Blizzaga Spellblade and infused Cyan's katana with the power of ice, and they hit Shadow from both directions with an icy slash.

After this, however, the middle-aged samurai was overwhelmed by a wave of clones. He managed to destroy all the clones around him with a spinning slash, but he was clearly exhausted, as he couldn't keep up with Shadow's speed.

Sabin cast Firaga, causing an explosion, but Shadow dodged the spell. He hit the ground with the Gaia Hammer, and this caused a jolt that knocked him off the ground, allowing Celes to hit him with Diaga. However, the mercenary threw a poisoned dagger at him and hit him in the leg, poisoning him.

''We have to try something else.'' said Cyan.

''Yes. We need a plan.'' Sabin replied, removing the dagger from his knee and casting Chakra to cure himself of the poison and restore energy to his companions. He and Celes were mostly unharmed, but Cyan was in the worst shape of the three.

Celes' hands were surrounded by an icy energy, which she directed through the arena floor. Two beams of ice traveled through the battlefield and turned it into ice.

''Whoa! It won't help us, it won't help us!'' exclaimed Cyan, trying to keep his balance. Soon after, he fell head to the ground, and when he tried to run forward, he only ended up hurting himself more.

''Don't run like that or you'll stumble. The ice is slippery, follow my movements.'' said Celes. She pushed herself with one leg, and then the other, alternating the movements of her legs and avoiding a Dark spell.

Although Shadow was fast, the ice limited his ability to move, and Celes, being a specialist in ice magic, used it to her advantage. Sabin circumvented the danger of ice with his jumping skills, while Cyan found himself having to move on the frozen ground, but he was absolutely not used to this, and he almost cursed in front of the entire audience.

When Shadow threw two kunai at him, Sabin grabbed them and cast Blizzard to freeze them, then put them under his feet, using them as skates and following Celes' movements.(1)

''Is it possible to fight like this?'' asked Setzer, amazed. Gau was speechless.

''Magic is very versatile, there's no doubt about it.'' said Terra.

Celes surrounded Shadow with four columns of ice, and Cyan took the opportunity to use a Bushido Flurry, scoring all hits but the first one.

''Let's end this here, now!'' declared Celes, using Spellblade to strike with Thunder Slash. Shadow dodged the direct hit, but the attack released an electric wave that hit him.

Cyan nodded and raised his katana to the sky for a Bushido technique. The katana shone with a dark blue light. ''ECLIPSE!''

When Cyan lowered his katana, a shower of blue chi blades fell on the arena court. Shadow dodged most of the blades, but could not avoid the end and was hit by a burst of light. Both went on the offensive, and their blades collided, but this time it was Cyan that had the advantage, and overwhelmed the opponent before hitting him with a knee to the chest. Taking advantage of the opportunity, Sabin went behind Shadow and used Meteorstrike, slamming him to the ground.

The ninja saw Celes about to cast a spell and teleported, dodging a Diara. He dodged a Thundaga in the same way, but could not escape a Firaga and was hit by the explosion. ''It's not over.'' he said, launching a storm of shurikens.

Celes took an adamantite shield and blocked the shurikens, and Cyan did the same with a sturdy and heavy shield, while Sabin dodged them, but it gradually became more difficult for him to dodge all the shurikens and throwing knives and began to show signs of fatigue. The former Imperial soldier understood Shadow's hit-and-run fighting style, and with magic and sword in hand, she scored a considerable amount of blows, wondering what Locke would think of seeing her fight in an arena.

''I'm exhausted... I need to rest...'' Cyan gasped, exhausted and sweaty.

(''Go For It!- Kingdom Hearts Re:Coded OST-s'')

Suddenly, Sabin saw a strange aura on his arm that he didn't recognize. He did not identify it with any of the skills he had learned. ''What...? What's going on with me?'' he murmured, trying to stay focused. But it wasn't the only sign that something was going wrong. He got a severe headache, then he felt his throat burn. The match stopped.

''Sabin! What's going on?'' exclaimed Celes.

''Stay where you are, Celes! Think about fighting!'' Sabin replied. He got back on his feet, and his face had suddenly turned red. He heard a dragon roar and had the feeling that he had heard Hiryu. But what was the meaning of all this?

''Everything OK?'' asked Cyan, worried.

''Don't get closer, Cyan! I feel something dangerous in me!'' Sabin replied. He couldn't concentrate, his head was hurting like crazy and he suddenly felt very hot. His reflexes were adversely affected, and when he saw Shadow running towards him with the Ichigeki, he could barely block the blow with his sword, but after this he felt another pang of pain in the head and was hit in the back.

Their friends watched from the stands with concern. ''What happened to Sabin?'' asked Terra, noting that Edgar looked worried and didn't look away from his brother.

Edgar sighed. ''I feel it. As his twin, I feel something reacting in his body. Maybe it's because we're descendants of Richard Highwind, but I can't understand it perfectly for now.'' he replied.

''But what does all this mean?'' asked Setzer.

''As descendants of the Dragoons, we formed a bond with Hiryu, the wyvern we saved in Darill's tomb. Maybe it must be a new power dormant because of his blood, but I'm not completely sure.'' replied Edgar.

''Should we end the match?'' asked Cyan.

''No. We'll go on.'' replied Celes, casting Regen at Sabin and Cyan.

(''A Deadly Test of Might- Fire Emblem Shadow Dragon OST'')

The match continued, and as Sabin tried to stay focused, it was clear that in this second part of the match he was not fighting as he usually did. That sensation in his body returned, and other symptoms were added to the previous ones. His body temperature began to become unstable: he began to go from feeling roasted to suddenly feeling cold or shaking as if he was being electrocuted, and when it did, it interfered with his fighting style.

When he felt hot and his throat burned, he would suddenly stop and could not finish some attacks.

When he was suddenly cold, he was shaking heavily, his muscles were uncoordinated and his body did not respond to his commands.

When he trembled as if he were electrocuted, he was paralyzed.

Luckily for him, his friends watched his back, making sure he wasn't too exposed.

At one point in the match, Sabin saw Shadow throwing knives at him, while a clone of him was distracting both Cyan and Celes. He dodged the blows, but then felt a burning sensation in his head and stopped, seeing him coming. He took the Gigantascia, and the power of the weapon drove him away, then hurled him away with the Gaia Hammer.

''Flame Charge!''

The younger brother Figaro surrounded himself with fire and ran towards Shadow. He dodged the first three shots, but each time Sabin leapt on him with increasing speed,(2) hitting him several times. A series of chained blows knocked him towards Celes and Cyan, who hit him five times, and Sabin used Berserker Rush before slamming him to the ground with the Gaia Hammer.

Shadow tried to get up, but found that he had no more energy to continue. He was too hurt. Sabin, Celes and Cyan had won!

(''A Deadly Test of Might- Fire Emblem Shadow Dragon OST-s'')

The crowd cheered. Sabin had a sudden cough, but recovered and threw Cura Shadow, healing his wounds.

''You seem ready to face the dangers that lie ahead.'' Shadow commented, getting back on his feet.

''I still got it.'' Sabin said.

At the front desk, Terra, Gau, and Setzer looked at Sabin with a confused and worried air. What had happened?

''You were all great!'' said Terra.

''Did you ever expect to fight in an arena?'' asked Celes.

''I never thought I'd see the day when a friend fights like a gladiator.'' replied Setzer.

''A new experience. I have to say it was fun.'' said Cyan.

''You were great, bro!'' said Edgar, patting his brother on the back.

''Thanks, Edgar.'' Sabin said to him. Fighting in an arena? This was new to him! Suddenly, he felt another pang of pain and fell to his knees, clutching his head. This time, however, it looked worse than last time.

''Sabin! What's wrong?!'' exclaimed Terra.

''You're feeling OK?'' asked Edgar, approaching.

''Stay back!'' shouted Sabin. His nerves were completely overwhelmed, and all his blood was flowing to his head. He screamed in pain as if something was piercing him from within, and then, he felt a sharp pain in his back and fell to the ground, then suddenly felt hot, then cold, paralyzed and hot again within fifteen seconds.

''Sabin! Sabin, what's going on?! Answer me!'' Edgar cried, worried about his brother.

''What does all this mean?'' asked Celes.

''It's worse than before! My blood is going crazy! Help me!'' Sabin replied.

''I can't understand, why has this happened just now?'' asked Cyan.

''I don't know! I've never seen anything like this!'' replied Terra.

Edgar said nothing. He held his younger brother in his arms, trying to figure out what was going on. They had the blood of a Dragoon in their veins, but... What did all this mean? Was it genetic? Was something dormant inside him?

When Sabin's condition returned to normal, he was groggy and struggling to stand. Edgar helped him to get up.

''It's not serious, is it?'' asked Cyan.

''I have a terrible migraine and my back is killing me.'' Sabin replied.

''Come with me, Sabin. There's something I have to tell you, and I think I understand what it is.'' said Edgar. ''Do you mind if we go talk private?'' he then asked.

''Go ahead.'' said Celes.

(''Coin of Fate- Final Fantasy VI Pixel Remaster OST'')

Edgar takes Sabin outside the Dragon's Neck Coliseum. A short distance from the door was Hiryu, who he stroked. ''OK, Sabin, listen to me. I've done some study about Dragoon knights, and I think our ancestry has something to do with that." he said.

''If that's so, isn't it strange that it only happened now? After several generations?'' asked Sabin.

''It's a rarity. Only the descendants of Richard Highwind and his son can develop powers such as communicating with wyverns, and Dragoon knights lived several centuries ago.'' Edgar replied. ''We are both able to communicate with wyverns, as seen with Hiryu, but I have this power in a more major way.''

''I can't understand why it only happened to me. I don't know if I have any dormant powers.'' Sabin said.

''It may be. Now list me the symptoms.''

''I felt a severe headache and my throat was burning. Then I felt at times suddenly hot, cold and paralyzed at random intervals, and a little while ago, I got a migraine and severe back pain. It happened to me even before I reunited with Celes, but it rarely happened. However, the frequency with which this happens increased about two months ago.''

The king of Figaro listened carefully and took note. Hiryu lowered her head and nuzzled Sabin's cheek.

''So... OK. I think I understand what that means. Dragons, including wyverns, have a mastery of different elements. Unstable temperature, muscle stiffness, spasms... I believe that new powers are awakening that have to do with our Dragoon blood. These sensations you felt have to do with the powers of fire, ice and electricity that dragons can use.'' said Edgar.

Sabin was shocked. Draconic powers? ''You mean I'll have draconic powers?'' he asked. ''But what does it mean? Will I become a half-dragon? If others find out, I'll send everyone into a panic!''

''Yes and no.'' said Edgar, putting his hand on his brother's shoulder. ''You will have powers that will have more to do with dragons than with Dragoons knights themselves, but don't worry, you won't become part-dragon. Since this discovery made you feel sick, I would say that you should take a break. We need gil and resources for our future battles, and I would like you to rest a little.''

''I have to find out more. I'll fight again at the arena.'' Sabin replied.

''Are you sure? I wouldn't want you to get yourself killed.'' said Edgar in concern.

''I'll be fine. Fighting again could help me awaken these powers, then we can understand more of it together.'' Sabin assured him.

''OK, I trust you.''

(''Coin of Fate- Final Fantasy VI Pixel Remaster OST-s'')

The Figaro brothers returned to the arena with Hiryu, and everyone was waiting for them.

''So, Shadow? What are you going to do?'' asked Celes.

''Your skills are remarkable. All I can do now is fight. If you really think you can defeat Kefka, you'll need a little more power. Let me join you.'' replied Shadow.

''Thank you, Shadow. We appreciate it very much.'' said Edgar.

(The assassin Shadow joined the party!)

''What happened during the match?'' asked Terra.

"I think that's involved with our blood. We are descendants of a Dragoon knight, and Sabin is not feeling well because draconic powers are awakening. We still don't know exactly what it is.'' replied Edgar.

Gau was particularly excited. Draconic powers? ''How cool!'' he exclaimed.

''Hang on, Gau. These powers could be extremely destructive. I have to learn how to use and control them.'' Sabin told him.

''Dragons are extremely powerful, and they are capable of great devastation.'' added Setzer.

''Are you sure it's a good idea to fight like this?'' asked Terra, worried.

''I'll be fine. Edgar will fight with me for the next match, and Hiryu will be there.'' Sabin replied.

''Good luck.'' said Cyan.

(Objective: Discover Sabin's new powers to awaken them and defeat your opponent.)

Characters:

Edgar

Sabin

(''The Dauntless Blade- Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia OST'')

In the second arena match, which had the powerful sword Ragnarok(3) as the prize, Edgar and Sabin were scheduled to fight against a gladiator riding a red dragon, and Hiryu fought with them to help them. During the match, Sabin rode a chocobo, and the prospect of seeing two dragons fighting each other was very interesting.

The gladiator had a long pike as a weapon, the sarissa(4), and the dragon was very powerful, but the Figaro brothers were ready and had prepared a strategy together. During the initial phase of the match, Sabin fought on the ground, hitting the dragon with his hammer or his axe in order to penetrate its hard scales, while Edgar gave orders to Hiryu against the dragon.

Seeing the gladiator throw the sarissa at him like a huge javelin, Sabin grabbed the large spear and signaled to his brother. Edgar nodded, and both grabbed the spear, then used it as a pole to jump high and jumped together at the enemy, hitting him on the helmet with an impact so hard that he fell to the ground.

''Nice hit!'' commented Cyan.

''OK, Hiryu! Attack!'' ordered Edgar.

Hiryu went on the offensive against the opposing dragon, with claw strikes, bites, tail swipes and fireballs, leaving the gladiator on the ground. With his physical strength, Sabin could hit him without getting hurt because of his heavy and strong armor, concentrating attacks such as Raging Fist to penetrate his defenses, and the chocobo fighting alongside him helped him with his powerful paws.

(''The Dauntless Blade- Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia OST-s'')

The match was fraught with difficulties for the brothers, as Sabin was still suffering from the symptoms he had experienced in the last match, which threw him off, preventing him from acting in sync with Edgar. He couldn't hit the dragon with his bare hands because it scales were too hard, so he equipped his fighting claws when the dragon was particularly close if he did not try to use grips or anything. Unlike his brother, however, he did not have armor, and was more seriously injured when he was hit, as his tank top gave him little protection. His opponent not only had the sarissa, but also had a lighter weapon, a trident, and those sensations he felt intermittently deprived him of his stamina. Edgar used the Protect spell on him whenever possible to minimize the damage as he could, but as time went on, he became worried. The opposing dragon attacked Sabin with its electric breath, but despite dodging the first attack, he was electrocuted.

''Sabin! Hold on!'' shouted Edgar, taking up his shotgun. He called Hiryu for help, but the wyvern was hit by a hard tail swipe that knocked her away, and in the process, this caused her to misaim, accidentally hitting Edgar with her fire breath.

''Sabin is not doing so well.'' Setzer said.

Celes nodded. ''Not only is he fatigued from the previous match, but these symptoms look as if he is sick.'' she said.

''What's going to happen?'' asked Terra, worried. Gau shared her gaze, and curled up on her shoulder.

The situation worsened with time. Edgar tried to keep the gladiator distracted, and their spears clashed several times, but this also left Sabin with more difficulty, as he was unprotected and the dragon struck him several times. He went on the offensive by riding Hiryu and they managed to score a few blows, but given his condition, the timings of his attacks was off.

(''Defensive Battle- Fire Emblem Path of Radiance OST'')

The younger Figaro brother was thrown against the wall, blocked by the opposing dragon and hit by a close-ranged ice breath that stiffened his muscles. The gladiator, who had climbed back on the dragon, grabbed him by the neck with one hand and pointed the trident at his eye.

''Oh, no!'' cried Terra, covering her eyes with her hands.

''I can't look!'' Cyan cried out, and Gau jumped into his arms. In a panic, he held him close.

''This is not good at all.'' Celes commented.

Sabin felt his strength slowly fade away. The grip was too tight, and it was becoming difficult for him to see well. He caught a glimpse of the chocobo trying to help him, but he was knocked away by a tail blow, and Hiryu was pushed back by a headbutt in the chest. He could only clearly see one thing, the opposing dragon that was charging its fiery breath, but he could hear Edgar's voice calling him.

(''Defensive Battle- Fire Emblem Path of Radiance OST'')

''Sabin! Sabin, you have to hang in there!'' Edgar yelled. ''Stand still and save your strength for now! You have to focus your energy in a single blow, then hit with all your might!''

Duncan's disciple clearly heard his brother's voice. He closed his eyes and concentrated, stretching out his arm as best he could to catch the Gigantaxe. The process was longer than usual because his muscles were still numb and he struggled to keep a firm grip. With all the strength he had in his body, he swung the axe and struck the dragon in the head, forcing it to let go of him.

The audience cheered, and Sabin's friends were relieved. The match continued, and he saw the same aura as before on his arm. He could not understand, but focused on the dragon. He saw it in the air, lunging at Edgar, and pulled its tail, causing it to fall and pushed it away, then slammed him to the ground by lifting it by the horns and hit it with a point-blank Blizzara in the face. He rode the chocobo and directed his attacks on the gladiator, blocking his axe blows and hitting him with his sword as he made the chocobo run and jump around him.

''Yeah, that's it!'' Terra cheered.

Edgar rode Hiryu, and there was a mid-air clash between dragon and dragon and between human and human. His brother offered him support with ranged spells and using Aura Cannon, but that feeling became more intense.

After failing a jumping knee and hurting himself, Sabin couldn't move. His head was burning like he was in an oven, his legs were shaking, and he felt like something was about to pop out of his head, back and backside. Edgar noticed, and he was so worried about Sabin that he got distracted and the opposing dragon hit him in the head with its huge wings, causing him to fall off of Hiryu.

(''Defensive Battle- Fire Emblem Path of Radiance OST-s'')

''What now?'' asked Shadow, who had been silent until now.

''I don't know, but they will find a solution.'' said Celes.

Edgar looked at his brother with a mixture of worry and anxiety. What was going on? Was it time?

Sabin let out a scream of pain, and then saw the dragon approaching as if it had spotted a particularly juicy prey. He breathed heavily, exhaled and inhaled repeatedly, and felt out of breath. His skin turned red, his cheeks swelled from the restrained air, as did his chest, and then...

a scream, and something red like a beam.

(''On Glory's Wings- Fire Emblem Radiant Dawn OST'')

When Sabin opened his mouth and a roar came from his lips, a shocking thing happened. A powerful red-orange burst of flames came out of his mouth, hitting both the gladiator and the dragon and setting them on fire. Hiryu used the same attack. Edgar was so shocked that only a gasp came out, and everyone else was equally shocked.

''What is that?!'' exclaimed Setzer.

''I don't believe it...'' murmured Celes.

''No way...'' Terra murmured.

''I have no words.'' said Cyan.

Gau let out howls of joy, and got so excited that Cyan and Terra had to hold him back, as he almost fell from the stands.

The gladiator ran back and forth around the arena, trying in vain to put out the fire. His armor was roasting. The dragon let out roars of pain as the flames penetrated its defenses, and Sabin stopped breathing fire. The gladiator fell to the ground without more energy, the dragon fell on him. None of them moved.

(''On Glory's Wings- Fire Emblem Radiant Dawn OST-s'')

(''You Won't Be Able To Kill Me Just Like That!- Grandia II OST'')

The crowd cheered, and the Figaro brothers were declared winners. They posed, and Sabin raised his fist.

''We did it, brother.'' said Edgar, giving Sabin a fist bump.

''Yeah. We were great. So did you, Hiryu.'' Sabin told him, breathing heavily. He looked very tired.

''You look tired.'' Edgar noted.

''I'm exhausted, Edgar. I don't feel so good...'' Sabin murmured, in a dim voice.

The younger twin no longer had the strength to stand up on his two feet and began to fall backwards.

''Sabin!'' exclaimed Edgar, taking his brother in his arms before he fell. ''Are you okay?'' he asked.

''I will live.'' Sabin replied.

''You pretty much fried them, Sabin. You were awesome.''

''Thanks... Wow... I can't believe I actually breathed fire.''

''Here, let me help you up.'' said Edgar, helping his brother out of the arena and take him to the front desk, where everyone was waiting for him.

''I see you've won. Ragnarok is yours.'' said Ultros, showing a white sword with a golden hilt.

Edgar took the sword Ragnarok and passed it on to Terra and Celes. ''I think this sword is for you, ladies.'' he said.

Celes took the sword in her hands and looked at it. ''Well, thank you. They say that this sword has legendary power. It's very powerful, and we might need better weapons.'' she noted.

''What were those flames?'' asked Cyan.

"I think my draconic powers are waking up. I just used a fire breath. I could learn other dragon skills if I develop my powers.'' Sabin replied.

''You really worried us, you know.'' Terra said.

(''Coin of Fate- Final Fantasy VI Pixel Remaster OST'')

Sabin said nothing for some time, lost in thought. Great powers meant great responsibilities, didn't they? How would they take the news back home in the kingdom of Figaro, especially seeing them return with a wyvern? ''Edgar... What will happen to me?'' he asked.

Edgar immediately noticed that something was wrong with his brother, as he seemed decidedly insecure. ''Where does this unusual insecurity come from?'' he asked.

''Now I've discovered that I have powers associated with dragons, and I just used one of these. We have already established a connection with a wyvern, especially you, but this? How will everyone react to it when we get home? I don't want to create problems for everyone.'' Sabin said.

''They will understand, you will see.'' Edgar assured him.

''They've never seen anything like this. And with these powers, it may well be that I could partially transform into a dragon, as far as I know. I have to admit, I'm afraid of what others will think of me. They will all think I'm a monster.''

Edgar was caught off guard. What? How? So many questions came to his mind, and it was also because Sabin was not a pessimist. ''They will never say such a thing to you. Even though you gave up the throne, you still are the prince, and everyone knows it.'' he said.

''I know, but... This is different.'' Sabin sighed. ''If I can't control these powers, who knows what consequences it will have, and the world is already quite messed up as it is.'' he replied, still worried.

Edgar held his younger twin close with one arm. ''I know, I don't doubt it. But don't worry, we trust you. I'll train with you to find more out about these powers, and Hiryu will be with us. She will help you better understand your powers and how to use them.'' he reassured him.

''The knowledge of these powers will not change anything.'' Cyan added.

Hearing these words, Sabin felt better, and rested his head on his brother's shoulder. ''Thank you, Edgar. I feel better now.''

''What are we going to do now?'' asked Setzer.

"We need resources to survive. We will fight some more to get some gil and what we are looking for, then we will leave to the nearest town at sunset. I think we can find someone there.'' replied Celes.

''Yeah, all right. Better if we get ready before we leave the arena.'' Edgar added. ''Sabin and I will train with Hiryu in the use of his powers, but now he needs to rest a bit.

As soon as he finished the sentence, Edgar noticed that his little brother had fallen asleep in his arms.

''Celes and her friends went to the Dragon's Neck Coliseum to meet with Shadow, and together with Cyan and Sabin, she defeated him in a match for the Ichigeki, thus convincing him to join their cause. On that occasion, Sabin awakened mysterious powers that seem to have to do with his Dragoon knight ancestry. Now Shadow was definitely an ally, and with a new ally, there were more challenges ahead...'' recounted Mog.

(''Coin of Fate- Final Fantasy VI Pixel Remaster OST-s'')

A/N: Perfect! The chapter is finally over! Shadow has agreed to join Celes and the Returners, and it seems that Sabin has learned to use a new power. Who else will they meet? And what other misadventures will await them? Find out in the next chapter! Until next time!

(1): In an episode of the X & Y series of the Pokémon anime, A Real Icebreaker!, during the Gym Battle rematch against Wulfric, Ash's Greninja battles his Abomasnow, and at one point in the match, the kunai that Greninja created with Cut are frozen by Abomasnow's Ice Punch, but Greninja uses this to his advantage, putting the kunai on his feet and using them as skates to move better.

(2): Reference to Pokémon. Flame Charge is a Fire-type move introduced in the fifth generation and deals mediocre damage, but it has a positive additional effect, since unless the move misses the target, it always increases the user's Speed.

(3): In Final Fantasy VI, Ragnarok appears as both a sword and an Esper. You can only choose one of these two forms in the Narshe armory of the World of Ruin, and that's only if Locke is in the party. If you choose the Esper, you can summon it to turn enemies into objects, and it also allows you to teach Ultima magic. However, a Ragnarok sword can be stolen by one of the enemies that make up the final boss. If you bet it at the Dragon's Neck Coliseum, the prize becomes the Lightbringer, the most powerful non-exclusive sword in the game.

(4): The sarissa is a very long spear originally used by the warriors of the Kingdom of Macedonia.