Dragons
the Nine Realms 8
How to Train Jörmundgandr
The riders and their dragons were in the Crystal Realm, hiding behind a large chunk of crystal. They could hear Jörmnudgandr slithering around, crunching crystals under his bulk. Alex had her focus on her tablet.
"It's coming this way," she said. Tom peaked out to see the World Serpent's shadow.
"Why are we doing this again?" Eugene asked, as Tom ducked out of sight again.
"According to mythology Jörmundgandr is said to be the most dangerous dragon in all of history," said Jun. "It's supposed to bring about the end of the world."
"Which is why we have to get it back behind the gate," Tom said. "Remember it almost destroyed Edelweiss." No one spoke, or even looked at each other. It had been a two weeks since Jörmundgandr had attacked their friend, before breaking out. She was now in the Lair trapped in a deep coma. Her dragons didn't know when she would wake up if ever.
"I miss her," Jun said, breaking the silence.
"Yeah, we all do," Tom said. "But she can't help us now. So it's up to us to get Jörmundgandr back behind the gate. So let's surround it, and give it all we've got."
"Except, it's gone," said Alex, still looking at her tablet. Tom peeked back out again. Sure enough he couldn't see Jörmundgandr. But then a dark shadow fell across them. They looked up to see the giant serpent glaring down at them. The riders quickly got on their dragons and took off. They came at the World Serpent from all sides. They blasted him, but the serpent barely felt it. He hissed angrily and swatted all the riders out of the air with his tail. They hit the ground, winded but unharmed. Thunder took off again and kept blasting the serpent with lightening.
"Nothing we do has any effect on that thing," said D'Angelo.
"I don't think we're going to win this Tom," said Alex.
"Yeah, your plan sucks Kullersen," Eugene said. Jörmundgandr turned on them, coiling up for an attack. Suddenly Thunder planted himself between the riders and the serpent. But the serpent simply knocked him aside with his tail.
"No!" Tom cried. He was about to run to his dragon's side, but D'Angelo stopped him. Jörmundgandr was breathing out toxic blue gas.
"Cover your mouths!" D'Angelo called. The riders did so as their dragons, minus Thunder, sheltered them with their wings. Jörmundgandr blasted them with his toxic breath. The dragons started to collapse as the gas made them nauseous. Wu and Wei blocked most of the toxic breath with their hot and cold breath. Thunder got his strength back and flew at the serpent again, blasting him with lightening. This distracted Jörmundgandr from the others. He snapped his jaws at the Night Light, but kept missing. Then the serpent was blasted from behind with a red plasma blast. Thunder looked to see Black Widow, Apollo, Eclipse, and King Eider coming to his aid. Together they drove Jörmundgandr away. Once it was safe, the dragons landed near the others.
"Thanks," Thunder said breathlessly. "I was just about to run out of lightening."
"Don't mention it," said Eider. He was clad in black and silver armor with a gold duck footprint on the forehead. Thunder went over to his friends who were very lethargic. The riders were catching their breath.
"Do you guys need help back to the Lair?" Apollo asked.
"We can get back on our own," Plowhorn said wearily, and Apollo translated. "If you guys will carry our riders." The Draconians nodded.
Soon everyone was back at the Lair. The Draconians met up with Queen Avalon. Avalon's armor was silver with peacock green triangles down the back of the neck. Her head plate was carved in the shape of a peacock tail feather, and decorated with peacock opals. She and her group watched as D'Angelo examined all the sick dragons. He got to Feathers last.
"Hmmm," he said quietly.
"Was that a good mmm or a bad mmm?" Alex asked anxiously.
"It was more of a, she's the same as the others mmm," D'Angelo clarified. "She'll be okay. But that's only because of Wu and Wei. That mist is extremely toxic." They all looked over at Tom and Thunder, who were sitting next to Edelweiss. She was still in her dragon form, and still unconscious. She was resting on a bed of moss and ferns that the dragons had made for her.
"Has Tom said anything?" Alex asked. Jun looked over at her friend, feeling bad for him. Poor Tom looked like he had the weight of the world on his shoulders. Everyone was suddenly distracted by Eugene pumping on Webbmaster's chest.
"What are you doing?" Alex asked, as confused as everyone else.
"DPR," Eugene explained.
"What's DPR?" D'Angelo asked.
"CPR for dragons duh," Eugene said.
"Wouldn't that be DCPR?" Alex asked.
"He just needs rest," D'Angelo said. "They all do, except Thunder. He was thrown clear."
"Huh, typical Kullersen luck," Eugene grumbled. Neither Tom nor Thunder moved, as though they hadn't heard the comment.
"Can it Eugene," Jun snapped.
Tom and Thunder paid no attention to the conversation. They looked over at the lifeless white dragon.
"Wish you were here," Tom said quietly. "We could really use your help." Thunder gently nudged Edel's head. She still didn't move. Tom eventually went back over to his friends. Thunder went to stand next to the Draconians.
"Will she ever wake up?" He asked. "She's the only dragon that could take on Jörmundgandr. She's just as big and just as old."
"She'll wake up," Apollo said. "But I can't see when." Thunder looked over at Avalon, who just nodded solemnly. Tom headed out of the Lair, and soon the others followed one by one. Jun was the last one out.
"Oh Jun," Avalon said. "I made you something." She reached into a pouch on her saddle.
"Really?" Jun asked going over to her. Avalon pulled out a small draw string bag and carefully used her talons to open it.
"I know you're into mythology and such," She said. "So I figured you'd like this." She pulled a bracelet and gently slid the bracelet onto Jun's right wrist. Jun studied it; the bracelet was a chain, with tiny purple links. Among the purple links was a shiny gold medallion the size of there thumb nail that had the Chinese characters for Wu and Wei etched into it. The Wu character was painted blue and the Wei character was painted red.
"Wow! Is that real purple jade?" Jun asked. "That's supposed to be super rare."
"Yes it is," said Avalon. "I had a few chunks of it laying around."
"How did you know it would fit me?" Jun asked.
"I'm very good," Avalon said.
"Thanks," Jun said. She gave Avalon a grateful hug, before following her friends outside. The dragons all settled down for the night. Thunder sat near Avalon and her friends.
"You think we can convince Edelweiss to stay here after the realms are safe again?" Thunder asked. "She's made a lot of friends here."
"Yes," Avalon agreed. "Her life with us is not as happy as she thinks it is. Ever since we took over ruling our land, we haven't had time to hang out with Edelweiss as we used to as dragonets. She spends most of her time on that boat of hers, waiting for us to come traveling with her. I would love to for her to have a fresh start out here, but she's made it very clear that Draconia is her only home."
"We'd have time to hang out with her," Thunder said. "My family really loves it when she visits."
"She does love Night Lights," Black Widow said. "She hung out with the original three a lot. But they eventually went off to start their own lives and she hasn't had any Night Lights to play with until she came out here."
"We'll talk to her when she wakes up," said Avalon. "But I make no promises." Thunder sighed and laid down.
Later that night; Tom was in his dome looking over the Dragon Book via flashlight. He was hoping to find anything at all that might help them take down the World Serpent. Eventually he came across something that looked promising. Excitedly he grabbed his pack and snuck out the window as quietly as possible. He ran into the woods, thankfully meeting no one. He soon reached the Lair and headed down into it. All the dragons were sleeping. Tom ran over to Thunder, who was sleeping near Avalon and her group. Tom carefully roused Thunder. The Night Light sat up and yawned. He didn't look too pleased about being disturbed.
"Sorry to wake you pal," Tom said. "But we have to go down to the Dark Realm. Hiccup hid something there that helped him defeat Jörmundgandr." Thunder narrowed his eyes. He grunted irritably as though saying: 'are you insane?' But he got to his feet and Tom put his saddle on. He mounted up and headed out of the Lair.
They reached the Dark Realm, luckily without meeting Jörmundgandr. They landed in front of the Gronckle Iron Gate. Thunder crooned nervously.
"I know," Tom said. "I don't want to run into the World Serpent either. But we have to find that thing, it's got to be here somewhere." He dismounted and they looked all around the gate. So far they found nothing. Then Thunder roared at Tom to get his attention. Tom looked at him, the dragon was glancing up at the big dragon symbol at the top of the gate. Tom got back on Thunder's back and they flew up to the top of the gate. Tom jumped onto the beam right over the symbol, and Thunder hovered in place. Tom looked behind the symbol and he found and old quarterstaff with a large hook on each end, and wrapped in colorful leather. Tom picked up the staff and admired it. Thunder sniffed at it curiously.
"Let's go show the others," Tom said. He jumped back onto Thunder and they headed back to to Lair.
The arrived to find Avalon away, getting drink from the pond. She glanced up when Thunder landed and Tom dismounted.
"Where'd you go?" She asked.
"We went back down to the Gronckle Iron Gate," Tom explained. "Hiccup hid this there." He held up the staff. Avalon went over to get a closer look.
"I remember this staff," she said.
"You do?" Tom asked eagerly. Avalon nodded.
"Hiccup's mother, Valka, made it," she said. "I never really asked about it. But I do remember Valka used it to summon her dragon, Cloudjumper."
"Do you know how it works?" Tom asked.
"Nope I don't," Avalon said. "I honestly thought it was just another weapon." Tom looked over at Thunder, who had gone back to sleep.
"Can I leave this here until morning?" Tom asked.
"Yes," said Avalon, yawning. Tom propped the staff against a boulder and headed back towards home.
The next morning; Tom showed the staff to his friends. They weren't happy about him going out alone in the middle of the night.
"This is what Hiccup used to defeat Jörmundgandr," Tom said.
"You want to go up against Jörmundgandr with that?" Alex asked skeptically. "Avalon said it belonged to his mother, Valka," Tom explained.
"Were there like a lot of vikings with a lot of staffs?" Alex asked.
"Yeah there was," said Avalon. "Especially the older ones. But this is the only one that remains."
"But you don't know how it works," Jun said. Avalon shook her head.
"I don't know," D'Angelo said. "That doesn't sound like much of a plan." Tom shook the staff and it made a rattling sound.
"See, it makes noise," he said happily. He then spun it around like a twirling baton, making more rattling sounds. But then he accidentally hit himself in the head and fell over. He looked up to see everyone looked either doubtful or amused. "Okay I guess I don't have the hang of it yet."
"In case you haven't noticed, you say that a lot," said D'Angelo. He knelt in front of Tom. "This staff might have worked for Hiccup, but you're not Hiccup."
"That's because last time I said that, I didn't put in the work," Tom said. He got to his feet, leaning on the staff. "So while the dragons heal, I'll master the staff."
"I don't think he understands the concept of, nobody's on board with this," Alex said to Jun. Jun however, was willing to give Tom a chance. Tom and Thunder went up top and the other riders attended to their sick dragons. Jun went over to Edelweiss and pulled out a chain of healing crystals. She carefully placed it around Edel's horns.
"These crystals should give you strength," Jun said. "So you'll feel better soon."
Tom and Thunder were in the woods near the silver cabin. Tom opened the book and placed it on a tree stump, holding the staff in one hand.
"Ok, according to the book the staff communicates with dragons by using sounds," he said. "But I have no idea what sounds to make or how to make them. So that's what you're here for." Thunder looked confused. Tom started waving the staff around, shaking it, twirling it. Thunder just watched, not really doing anything at first. Then Tom pointed the staff up, and Thunder stood up on his hind legs. Tom spread his arms, and Thunder spread his wings. Then the dragon rolled onto his back when Tom lowered the staff. "Yes! It's working!" But then Thunder opened one eye and smiled at him. "Wait, did you…?" Thunder got back to his feet grunting with encouragement. "I appreciate it pal. But the staff has to work on its own." He continued playing with the staff. So far nothing happened. Thunder watched, not understanding the staff's sounds any more than Tom did. Suddenly they both heard laughter. They turned to see Alex and the Wongs watching. Eugene was the one laughing and mocking.
"Um he see's you," Alex said. Eugene spun round to see Tom and Thunder glaring at him.
"Oh hey," he said awkwardly. "I was just, mocking you."
"I can see that Eugene," Tom said angrily. He turned and ran off, Thunder followed.
Tom headed for the silver cabin. Avalon and her friends were sunning themselves on the patio. Avalon glanced up when Tom slumped down on the porch swing.
"No luck?" Avalon asked. Tom heaved a huge sigh.
"I've tried for hours," he said. He tossed the staff aside and it slid to Avalon's side. "But I've gotten nowhere, and they're all just mocking me."
"I'm sorry," Avalon said.
"You think Edelweiss would know how to use it?" Tom asked.
"I don't think so," said Avalon. "She already knows how to talk to dragons, and doesn't really need that." Just then Jun joined them.
"Hey, didn't you see me following you?" She asked.
"I feel like an idiot," Tom said, frustrated. "You're all watching and making fun of me."
"I wasn't making fun of you," Jun said kindly. "We just wanted to watch you and check up on your progress."
"Yeah well, it's not going very well," Tom said, picking up the book. "I've done everything the book tells me."
"Where does it saw Hiccup used the staff to trap Jörmundgandr?" Jun asked, sitting on the porch swing. Tom flipped through the book and soon found the page he was looking for.
"Here," he said. He showed the page to Jun. She looked at the page closely.
"I lured Jörmundgandr to the Gronckle Iron Gate with the staff," she read. "Fortunately my mom taught me how to use it. I could feel its breath on my skin, but I stayed focused on Jörmundgandr, keeping it drawn to the staff."
"It says what he did, but not how he did it," Tom said. "I've been keeping focused but nothing's worked."
"Well, are you focusing on just making the sounds?" Jun asked. "Or are you focusing on connecting with the dragon? Is your energy right?" Tom pinched the bridge of his nose. Jun looked over at Avalon. "Did you guys see Valka use the staff at all?"
"I did once," said Apollo. "During a raid. All she did was spin it over her head. Her dragon, Cloudjumper, just seemed to automatically know what the sounds meant." "I think this is just one of those things you have to keep working at," Avalon said. "Like when we were first learning to use these." She held up her wings. Jun reached into her pocket and pulled out a shiny, smooth, metallic stone.
"This is hematite," she said. "It will absorb any negative energy around you and help keep you focused." Tom took the stone.
"Does it work?" He asked.
"It works when I use it," Jun said. Then her face went serious. "Just promise me that when the time comes to take on Jörmundgandr we'll all do it together, no lone wolfing." Tom sighed and clutched the hematite.
"I promise," he said.
The next several days; Tom practiced with the staff. He went from realm to realm to see if any of the dragons would respond to the staff. Thunder watched and lent a wing whenever he needed to. Tom tried and tried. He spent his nights scanning the book for anything that might help him, and spend the days out in the field. The whole time he held onto the hematite. At first nothing happened. But Tom started to get the hang of using the staff, and the wild dragons did what he wanted.
Tom and Thunder headed for the Giant Realm, hoping they wouldn't run into Jörmundgandr. Soon Thunder landed in a clearing. Tom spotted the spines of a dragon sleeping behind a boulder. He jumped off, clutching the staff.
"I don't know what's behind here," he said confidently. "But it's about to be under my spell." He tip towed closer to the boulder. Suddenly a big Deathgripper jumped out at him. Tom stumbled and fell back. Thunder growled at the Deathgripper. Tom got to his feet and tried to use the staff. It looked like it was working but then the Deathgripper gnashed his teeth. Tom quickly jumped onto Thunder and they quickly got out of there.
In the Lair; the other riders were relaxing with their dragons, who were still recovering. The Draconians were feasting on a pile of frogs King Eider had caught for them. D'Angelo was checking up on Edelweiss. She was slowly improving too, but still unconscious.
"What exactly did Jörmundgandr do to her to make her like this?" Jun asked Avalon.
"Most likely hit her with a huge toxic blast," Avalon said. Jun winced. Just then Tom and Thunder flew in and landed.
"Good news, I figured out how the staff works," Tom said dismounting. Everyone sat up in alert.
"So you actually got to work?" D'Angelo asked.
"Well mostly," Tom admitted. "I've still got some kinks to work out."
"Oh wow, I can't wait risk my life for something that still has kinks to work out," said Eugene.
"I got a Gronckle to light a fire for me," Tom said. "Got Woodchippers to divert from their tasks, and some Tiny Terrors actually bowed. It's the more aggressive dragons that still needs some work."
"Yeah, like the World Serpent," said Alex.
"Maybe you can use the staff to wake Edelweiss," Jun said. "Then she can help with the more aggressive dragons. What do you think Avalon?"
"Worth a shot I guess," the Draconian queen said. "She gets stronger every day." Tom went over to the big white dragon. He spun the staff like a baton. Loud rattling and moaning sounds filled the cave. Edelweiss twitched her ear at the sound, but didn't wake up. Tom lowered the staff disappointedly. Just then Alex's tablet beeped loudly. She looked at it.
"There's something big in the Nature Realm," she said.
"Must be Jörmundgandr," Tom said. "We got to check it out."
"Hold on Tom," said D'Angelo. "The dragons aren't ready for a big mission yet, they're still recovering."
"Then Thunder and I will go," Tom said, getting back on his dragon. "We'll just get as many dragons out of the way as possible."
"We'll tag along," said Apollo, as he and Eider got to their feet. "We're feeling kind of board."
"Okay, just promise that you won't try to take on Jörmundgandr without use," said Jun.
"I promise," Tom said sincerely. Then he and Thunder flew off, Apollo and Eider followed.
The went to the Nature Realm and started rounding up all the wild dragons. So far, they didn't run in to Jörmundgandr. Tom used the staff to call all the dragons in, and the two Draconian dragons would lead them out to the fissure. Thunder landed after hearding several Vine Tails towards the exit. Suddenly there came loud cries. Tom and Thunder looked to see the Deathgripper pinned under a fallen tree branch.
"The Deathgripper, in the Nature Realm?" Tom said, bewildered. "He must have tracked us down and followed us." He jumped off Thunder's back. The Night Light growled nervously. "Oh come on, we have to help him." Tom ran to the tree branch and used the staff as a lever to lift the branch off the Deathgripper. Thunder eventually gave in and helped out. With their combined efforts, the Deathgripper was able to wriggle free. He then pounced on Tom, who jumped out of the way. He held the staff in front of him like a spear. The Deathergripper crawled towards him, brandishing his tail. Suddenly Thunder knocked his rider out of the way and went into a fighting stance. The Deathgripper jumped on him and pinned him down, before Thunder could hit him with lightening. Tom looked up to see the Deathgripper about to stab Thunder with his barbed tail. Thinking fast, Tom jumped to his feed and grabbed the staff. He ran at the two dragons and started waving and twirling the staff. The sound distracted the Deathgripper. He glanced up and seemed to follow the staff's movement with his eyes. Tom backed up, and the Deathgripper followed. Thunder was able to get to his feet and this time he just watched in amazement. Eventually Tom ordered the Deathgripper to go and he flew away. Tom jumped with joy.
"Yes! It worked!" He exclaimed. Thunder ran to him, very impressed. The happiness was short lived however. A loud roar shook the air. Tom and Thunder looked up to see a wall of toxic mist heading for them. The dark shape of Jörmundgandr slithered through the trees.
"We're not going to be able to evacuate the whole realm by ourselves," Tom said. He looked down at the staff. "This might be our only chance." Thunder frowned disapprovingly. He grunted and crooned, gesturing towards the surface. "I know what I promised." Tom sighed. "But what choice do we have." He glanced up at the World Serpent. "Lets put this guy back where he belongs." Jörmundgandr slithered out of the trees and spotted Tom. He hissed loudly. Tom pulled out the hematite stone and held it firmly. He waved and spun the staff. But the sound only seemed to irritate the serpent. He gnashed his teeth, hissing and screeching. "I don't think it's working." Thunder quickly scooped up his rider, before Jörmundgandr struck. Thunder flew off and the serpent gave chase.
Several minuets after they left; Eider and Apollo retuned from guiding the Nature Realm dragons to the fissure. They found the area deserted.
"Tom!" Apollo called. "Thunder!" They heard Jörmundgandr's roar in the distance.
"They went after the serpent didn't they?" Eider said, rolling his eyes.
"Yup," said Apollo.
"Let's go get the others," Eider said. "Quickly." They turned around and headed back towards the Lair.
Back at the Lair; the riders' dragons were almost back to full strength. Avalon, Black Widow, and Eclipse watched happily. The riders seemed relieved, all except for Jun.
"Something's wrong," she said. "Tom should have been back by now."
"You don't think he could have done something crazy like take on the World Serpent do you?" Alex said.
"No, he promised he wouldn't," Jun said defensively. "I trust him." But then Apollo and Eider flew into the Lair. Jun felt a chill go down her spine.
"Tom and Thunder went after the serpent didn't they?" Avalon asked.
"I think technically the serpent went after them," said Apollo.
"They're going to get themselves killed," Jun said, stressed out.
"We'd better hurry then," said Apollo. The riders got on their dragons. Black Widow, Eclipse, and Avalon got to their feet.
"Not you Avalon," said Eider firmly, blocking her from the exit. "We can't afford to loose you. If we loose you we loose her." He looked over at Eidelweiss. Avalon looked sad.
"I can't afford to loose you either," she said, close to tears. She snuggled close to her soulmate. "Just please come back to me. I love you." Eider nuzzled her back.
"We will," he said. "I love you too." He then turned and followed the others out of the Lair.
Tom and Thunder flew towards the Dark Realm, the World Serpent was right behind them. Tom kept spinning the staff. Thunder roared at him over his wing.
"I'm doing the best I can," Tom said. "Just get us to the gate." Thunder sped up and so did Jörmundgandr. They soon reached the Gronckle Iron Gate. Thunder landed and Tom dismounted. The World Serpent slithered towards them. Thunder crouched defensively next to Tom.
"No, I need you to stay out of the way this time," Tom said. "I got to do this. You be ready to lock the gate." Thunder nodded and flew up to the keyhole. Tom spun and waved the staff. Jörmundgandr glared down at him, hissing and screeching. He coiled up like he was about to strike. But Tom didn't back down. He kept waving the staff and eventually the serpent relaxed. He followed the staff's movement, like a cobra following a charmer's flute. Tom slowly back towards the gate, and the serpent followed. Thunder watched, enthralled. But then the serpent seemed to snap out of his trance. He got a closer look at the staff and he hissed angrily.
"I don't think it's going to work this time!" Tom cried. Jörmundgandr opened his mouth to strike. Thunder acted fast and blasted lighting at the serpent. This diverted Jörmundgandr's attention from Tom. He went after the Night Light, accidentally hitting Tom into the gate with his tail. Tom hit the ground hard and knocked out.
He came around a few minuets later. He woke up to see Thunder fighting Jörmundgandr.
"Thunder!" Tom cried. He quickly got to his feet, only to feel a terrible pain in his side. It hurt him to walk and he went onto his knees clutching his side. At that moment his friends arrived and landed next to him. Apollo was clutching the staff with his tail. Tom breathed a painful sigh of relieve.
"You okay buddy?" D'Angelo asked, helping Tom to his feet.
"I'm fine," Tom answered weakly.
"What are you doing down here!?" Jun snapped.
"Somebody needs to know when to quit," Alex said. They looked up to see Thunder still fighting Jörmundgandr.
"We need to find a place to hunker down," said D'Angelo.
"In there," said Eugene, pointing to the cave behind them. The all ran into the cave. Suddenly Jörmundgandr smacked Thunder with his tail. The Night Light crashed landed near the gate. He seemed unfazed however. He roared back up at Jörmundgandr.
"Thunder get the gate," Jun ordered. Thunder went over to the key hole and retracted his teeth. He pulled on the metal plate, and the gate started to close. The riders stood back. Thunder ran to join them, but Jörmundgandr grabbed him by his tail and pulled him back.
"Nooo!" Tom cried. Jörmundgandr flung Thunder back to the floor hard. Before the Night Light could get up, Jörmundgandr pinned him down with his coils. Thunder struggled to get free but was having no luck. Then he clamped his jaws around a metal bar of the gate and shot electricity though it. The electricity traveled up through the metal bars and hit Jörmundgandr, stunning him. His grip loosened and Thunder was able to wriggle free. He crawled through the gate, safe. Jörmundgandr glared through the bars at the riders, hissing irritably. Then he turned and slithered away. They all breathed a sigh of relief.
"Nice fighting Thunder," Eider said.
"Thanks," Thunder said. Once the World Serpent was long out of sight, Thunder went back out and opened the gate back up. The riders got on their dragons and headed back towards the Lair.
Back at the Liar, everyone settled down. Avalon happily reunited with her family. There were now several dragons from the realms flying around. Thunder laid down near Edelweiss.
"Sounds like you put up a good fight against Jörmundgandr," Avalon said. Thunder took a deep breath and looked at the ground.
"I barely made a dent in him," he said. "I'm not Toothless. I can't defeat a giant dragon like he did."
"We'll work something out," Apollo said. "Toothless didn't defeat those giants by himself."
"Yeah," Thunder said, yawning.
Tom meanwhile, had just spotted the angry look on Jun's face. As soon as he made eye contact with her, she turned and left the Lair. Tom went after her. When he got to the surface, he saw her walking off.
"Jun wait!" Tom called, running to catch up. Jun spun to look at him with fire in her eyes.
"You lied to me!" She roared. "You promised you wouldn't go after Jörmundgandr and you did anyway."
"I didn't have a choice," Tom said. Though he knew it was pointless.
"I trusted you!" Jun cried. "The others thought your staff idea was crazy but I believed in you, I helped you." Tom felt his heart racing.
"I was in a tight spot," he said helplessly, pulling out the hematite stone. "I didn't have much of a choice."
"You did have a choice!" Jun shouted, her voice getting louder.
"So many dragons could have died," Tom argued.
"You could have died!" Jun said. "You are just so, selfish. You only do what you want to." Tom said nothing, wishing the fissure would open up wider and swallow him up. Jun continued. "I think we're better off just as dragon riders." Tom gaped at her.
"You mean….?" He started.
"Yeah, we're done," Jun said shakily. She turned and walked off. Tom just stood there, letting the stone drop from his hand.