Glow was rudely awakened by the roaring of dragons the next morning. She barely had even a moment to register what was going on before guards flooded into their cave. The black rocks had burned down to embers, and the guards swept them into the pool with ease. Several of them grabbed Tsunami and began pushing her towards the arena, while the rest of them herded the remainder up the tunnel.

       "Wait! Where is she going? Why can't we go with her?" Clay cried.

       "Listen to him. Oh, please hurry up and kill me," Mocked one of the guards. Glow threw him a glare and a sneer.

       "Don't worry, it'll be your turn soon enough." Said another, and they all cackled maniacally. Glow realized how much she missed Ore, Combustion, Flashover, and Charcoal, and hung her head low.

       The five dragonets were shoved up a flight of long, wide, black stairs (not laced with gold, surprisingly) and were instantly blinded by the searing sunlight. Glow began to recognize the decor and she realized that they were heading for Scarlet's throne room.

       Glow recognized the room and the balcony overlooking everything, and the queen lounging on her throne. The glass statue glimmered in the sun, and just behind it, Frigga was being ushered along. Glow exchanged a look of anguish with her master and wanted to be back home at the forge, curled up safely beneath her cold wing.

       "I thought you'd appreciate the best view in the house for this." Scarlet said, averting Glow's attention.

       Corona's black eyes were unimpressed. "Yeah, because I love watching dragons murder each other for fun. Not like this is completely psychotic or anything." She jeered. Glow folded a wing around her small SandWing friend protectively.

       Scarlet smirked. "Still feisty as always, aren't you little SandWing?" She sneered. Corona wrinkled her snout in protest.

       Thick chains were bound around their necks, and they were all bolted to rings on the balcony floor. Glow glanced over at Frigga to her left and sighed. "I'm sorry, master. This is all my fault." She admitted.

       The IceWing draped a comforting wing over her SkyWing apprentice. "Don't be. I'm glad you're safe. All of you." She whispered.

       Glow hung her head low, remembering Kite and now realizing that that was no longer true. "Cinnabar took Kite, and now we might never get him back." Glow admitted.

       Frigga's ice-blue eyes went dark. "If that's true, then you needn't worry." She admitted. Glow turned to look at her and saw the growing fury in her cold eyes. "We'll rescue him and he won't have to worry about that pathetic excuse for a captain ever again." She hissed.

       "She's the General of the Army, actually." Glow corrected.

       Frigga snorted. "As far as I'm concerned, that cowardly lizard never even deserved to be a mother." She sneered.

       Glow heard the talons behind her and glanced backwards. Burn stood next to Scarlet, ignoring the guest throne. She glared at all the dragonets before her and Glow wanted to take a crack at slashing her face again. Her healing ear and gash became more apparent in that moment when Burn glazed them over. Glow felt satisfaction prickle her scales. I survived Burn, and I have the scars to prove it. Her amber eyes glimmered with contempt. Just you wait, you monster. Just. You. Wait.

       Glow saw Glory being pulled out and she fought against the chains, trying to get free. She tried angling her neck to try to breathe fire at any of the dragons behind her, but any target was too far away. Glory was still looped around the tree relaxed, emerald green and peacock blue rippling through her scales. Although Glow thought Sunny was the prettiest out of all of them, she couldn't deny the beauty of Glory's ever-shifting scales and elegant physique. Her eyes were still closed as she rolled past, but Glow could've sworn she opened them briefly. Somehow, this reassured her, but given Clay and Starflight's worried glances, they didn't feel the same. Glory's smart. She has a plan, I know it.

       Burn's eyes were also fixed on the RainWing. "Oh, that's my new toy." Queen Scarlet said airily. Glow felt aggression grip her talons. Toy?! "Pretty, isn't she? I bet I'm the only queen with my very own RainWing."

       "Waste of food." Burn muttered, although her expression was...dubious. Was she jealous? Glow didn't know Burn could feel anything other than "murder." Or that she even cared about things that were "pretty."

       "She doesn't eat much. She's more like an exotic plant than a dragon. Water, lots of sunshine, a little fruit, and a monkey here or there." Glow lashed her tail in annoyance. On second thought, please kill me already! "Worth it until I get bored of her anyway."

       "Hmmm," Said Burn. Glow turned her attention to the arena.

       The seats were filled with hundreds of dragons – almost as if the entire Sky Kingdom came to watch the match. Glow could even pick out some familiar faces, like Kite's family friends and the traveler twins, Thermal and Gust. Although they all looked horrified, the rest of the crowd roared and stamped their feet, demanding bloody entertainment.

       Glow saw Vermilion flutter down into the centre of the arena. Although he looked uncomfortable, he still had that confident showboating attitude the crowd liked. "Fellow dragons, loyal SkyWings, visiting MudWings, and honored SandWing guests." He called. "We have a full slate of thrilling games today, so let's begin!" He gestured towards Tsunami, but she quickly broke away from the guards and charged at him. With a yelp, Vermilion shot into the sky, escaping barely by the skin of his teeth.

       The dragons in the arena erupted into laughter, and even Glow couldn't help but chuckle. Tsunami hissed as Vermilion looped in circles around her. "Looks like someone's mistaken me for her opponent today." Vermilion announced with a nervous laugh. "Sorry to disappoint you, SeaWing, but there's a much more dramatic fellow we'd like you to meet."

       Glow looked towards the sky at some guards wrestling with a familiar green SeaWing on one of the spires. She recognized him from when she was imprisoned with Kestrel and suddenly worried for Tsunami. He must have been moved there last night while we were escaping. Glow then remembered the sting of Peril's betrayal and immediately realized how much she wasn't looking forward to the final match.

       "Down on the sands, we have one of the so-called dragonets of destiny. Are they really so great and powerful? This is how we find out." Vermilion bellowed. "I give you...Tsunami of the SeaWings!"

       The sound of the fire-breathing dragons cheering was comfortingly loud, as if they wanted Tsunami to win. Glow felt a little bit of hope flood into her heart when she heard the individual voices talking.

       "It's really them! The dragonets of destiny!"

       "Well, you saw what that MudWing did to Fjord! What was that?"

       "Did you hear the mountain singing last night?"

       "Such a fabulous party..."

       "...must have been an omen."

       "...ghosts in the peaks...the dragonets are here..."

       "...wearing the same ruby medallion! It was too embarrassing." Glow ignored that one.

       "...hope she wins..."

       Glow wondered if they would get that same support in the arena, or if the other SkyWings would root for her demise. Either way, she felt a little better and a little more confident. She glanced back at Scarlet, and was delighted to see her annoyance manifesting in the smoke winding around her horns and the flick of her tail.

       "AHEM!" interrupted Vermilion. "Some of you may remember a dragon a few months back who refused to fight."

       "BOOOOOOOOO!" the crowd chanted.

       "Indeed. Tried to start a regular prisoner revolution, didn't he? Tried to get all the dragons to stop fighting." Glow caught Corona looking down with an expression that said if only that were possible. "Well, clearly he had to be taught a lesson, or we'd all be lying in our caves right now, bored out of our skulls. Am I right?"

       "WOO HOOOO!" The crowd agreed.

       "So what's the best way to punish a SeaWing?" Vermilion swooped over everyone. Glow could tell he'd rather be on the sand announcing instead of in the air avoiding Tsunami, who was still snarling at him from below.

       "Chop off his head!"

       "Stuff grass in his gills!"

       "Drown him!" That one caught Glow off guard. Don't SeaWings...live...in water? Perhaps that particular audience member wasn't very bright, Glow decided.

       Glow imagined Whitecap being forced through these punishments and shook the thought away. Vermilion sighed. "All good suggestions, but no." He said. "The best way to punish a SeaWing – is to take away their water. All their water. For months."

       Glow looked down at Tsunami, whose eyes met hers with equal horror in her green eyes. The SeaWing landed hard on the sand, dropped by the guards. He was twice Tsunami's size, with his talons as sharp and curved as fishhooks. The dried blood that flecked his mouth hadn't been cleaned and his scales were just as dull and crusted as when Glow first saw him. His dark green eyes were bloodshot and rolling wildly in his skull.

       He looked even more insane than when he was in his cell.

       Glow tried not to think about it, but she saw herself in Tsunami's place facing Whitecap against her better conscience. "Dehydrated, mentally unstable, and ready to fight at last. It's Gill of the SeaWings! Claws up, tails ready! Fight!" Does he write those lines, or does Scarlet write them?

       Gill didn't wait for Vermilion's order and shot across the sand towards Tsunami. His mouth was open, but no sound came out. His tongue, even more purple and swollen, lolled to the side. It was a ghastly image, but Glow couldn't turn away. She glimpsed Evenstar burying his face into Corona's wing, trying to look away. Even Corona looked unnerved.

       Glow couldn't believe the scene she was witnessing. Only a dragon as cruel and psychotic as Scarlet could think of a punishment so evil. Glow could feel sickness welling up in her stomach the more she envisioned Whitecap in Gill's place.

       Tsunami leaped over his head and ducked into a roll as she landed. She spun to face Gill as he charged at her again.

       "He's fast. He's desperate." Glow heard Starflight whisper to Clay.

       "Tsunami's fast, too." Clay said.

       "Of course she is. She has to be, otherwise she's dead. When it comes to survival, you can't afford to hesitate." Corona responded. Glow nodded in agreement.

       The green dragon reared up with his wings spread and tried to slam himself down on Tsunami's back. She slashed at his underbelly with her claws and bright red blood spurted onto her blue scales. Gill's talons slipped off her back and he crashed into the sand as she launched out of the way.

       He was up instantly, lunging after her. He seized her tail and he pulled harshly, lifting her off her talons. She wriggled in midair and sank her teeth into the webbed skin between his talons, causing Glow to flinch and recoil back with a hiss.

       Gill opened his mouth wide again, as if trying to roar. Glow realized that the crowd was watching in silence. Was no one going to cheer? Or boo? Or anything? It was incredibly eerie and it made her horribly uncomfortable.

       Gill dropped Tsunami and she quickly smashed her tail into his legs. Gill toppled over and the thud shook the whole stadium.

       Tsunami pounced on his head and pinned his wings with her back claws. She grabbed his horns and shoved his face into the sand. He thrashed madly, bucking Tsunami up and down trying to throw her off, but Tsunami's weight was too much for him.

       "I've won." Tsunami shouted. "You can all see that. We can end this now, without killing anyone. I ask you all to let me let him live!"

       There was a stunned silence across the arena. Even Glow was impressed with the level of fortitude exhibited by Tsunami in this situation. She silently wished she could be as level as that, instead of constantly barreling into danger.

       Glow turned to see Scarlet's reaction, hoping to see Scarlet annoyed. Instead, she wore a smug face that was annoying Glow. It was as if she knew exactly what would happen next.

       "KILL HIM!" several SkyWings shouted. "Snap his neck! Pull out his teeth! Oooo, gouge out his eyes! Something gory! Death! Death! Death! Death!" Suddenly all the dragons in the arena were shouting in unison.

       Tsunami lowered her head. She looked like she was studying her opponent, maybe wondering if there was any was to bring him back from the insanity.

       "She doesn't have a choice." Starflight said. "It's her life or his. If she lets him go, he'll kill her right away. She has to know that."

       "Knowing that doesn't make it any better or easier." Corona responded.

       "Perhaps our 'dragonet of destiny' doesn't have the stomach for battle." Scarlet called snidely. "Maybe war is too scary for her. Perhaps she'd like to go back into hiding instead?"

       Tsunami lifted her chin and stared straight into Queen Scarlet's eyes. With a wrench of her talons, she snapped Gill's neck in one clean break. A move and technique Glow was teaching Kite just about a week ago, now in practice, she suddenly felt sick. The expression on Tsunami's face said all too clearly, I'm imagining this is you.

       Glow looked back at the queen, her eyes laced with bitterness. I don't blame you, Tsunami. I'm imagining it too.

       "Disappointing." Scarlet said to Burn as the crowd erupted into cheers.

       "Catastrophic." Burn growled. "Look, the idiots love her now."

       Dragons were leaning over the arena, throwing jewels at Tsunami. A couple of them bounced off her scales as she dropped Gill's head and stepped away from him. The disgusted look she gave the crowd clearly didn't stop them.

       "Don't worry, I have a plan." Scarlet said, rubbing her talons together. Any "plan" that Scarlet concocted sounded like bad news to Glow. "But now it's time for the NightWing! My hatching day present to me!"

       Starflight's terrified eyes met Clay's. All his calm intelligence vanished in a heartbeat and Evenstar looked horrified for his fate.

       "Wait!" Clay cried as the guards began unchaining Starflight. "Let me fight for him instead!"

       "These dragonets." Scarlet said, pointing a talon at Burn. "Constantly pushing and shoving to save each other. It's just the weirdest thing."

       Corona craned her neck around to glare at the SkyWing queen. "Well, maybe it wouldn't seem so weird to you if you weren't such an EVIL PSYCHO!" She screeched, thrashing violently against the chains.

       Burn's nostril curled in disgust. "Who does that little SandWing think she is?" She sneered as Glow twined her tail around Corona's in an attempt to calm her down.

       Scarlet sneered. "Oh, her name's Corona. She's Glow's friend, although I think she's hopelessly in love with her." Corona wilted with a hiss at that. Glow kept her wing on her, shielding her from view. "It's kind of cute. Disgusting, even."

       "Pity." Burn's eyes lidded with disinterest. "She could have been a useful soldier."

       Glow turned her eyes towards them and snarled. "You leave her alone!"

       Even Frigga turned to call her out. "You will refrain from speaking ill of my apprentice." She hissed.

       Scarlet merely shrugged with a smirk. Glow turned to Corona to whisper to her. "You need to calm down. Remember what you told me about using my head?"

       "I know what I said." Corona spat. Glow recoiled in surprise. "I need you to trust me right now. I know what I'm doing." She explained. Glow could do nothing except nod. After all, she trusted Corona. Then again, I trusted Peril, too. She thought bitterly. But then she shook the thought away guiltily. Corona would never betray me. She would never have any reason to.

       "Anyways." Scarlet cooed. She signaled to the guards, and they hauled Starflight off towards the tunnel. Clay tried leaning his weight on the chains, but they held fast.

       "You're not ruining this for me, MudWing." Scarlet said. "I've been dying to see that NightWing fight. He's so very sparkly and good-looking. I think after he's dead, I'll cut off his wings and hang them on my throne room walls. Wouldn't that be magnificent and thrilling? All those silver scales sparkling like diamonds against obsidian. I love it."

       Burn growled deeply. "This is a frivolous palace." She muttered under her breath. For once, Glow actually agreed with the savage sand monster behind her, although it made her feel unclean.

       "Careful how you speak of your allies." Scarlet warned. "Remember you need us."

       Burn folded her wings and shut her mouth. It brought Glow a great deal of satisfaction to see that they didn't get along as well as they let on. Maybe they'll end up killing each other. Oh three moons, what a glorious thought!

       No one had bothered to chain Tsunami back up after the fight. She was still standing there with her back turned to the dead SeaWing, whose body was already decomposing rather pungently. When Starflight was shoved out of the tunnel, Glow realized what Scarlet's plan was. She felt even more hopeful. She didn't know all that much about her new friends, but she knew they'd never kill each other.

       "The rarest of all dragons." Vermilion called from the safety of a ledge opposite to the balcony. "A real live NightWing. Is he the dragonet of the prophecy? Let's see what happens when two of them fight each other. Tsunami of the SeaWings and Starflight of the NightWings! Claws up, teeth ready! Fight!"

       The two stood there looking at each other. Tsunami was breathing heavily, covered in Gill's blood. Although Glow knew she wouldn't hurt him, she did look far more menacing than usual. It seemed even Starflight thought so as he stood there clawing at the sand nervously. Tsunami slowly walked over to Starflight. He opened his wings and leaned into him, resting her head on his shoulder.

       "BOOO...ooo?" called a single voice from the crowd, dropping off since no one else joined.

       "Awwwww." Went a few dragon in the upper seats, far enough away for Queen Scarlet not to recognize them. Glow felt a little better seeing this unfold.

       "This is getting worse and worse." Burn hissed through clenched teeth.

       "Aren't you going to fight?" Scarlet called in confusion. Tsunami and Starflight didn't even acknowledge her. "That's very annoying." Said the queen. "Go on, you've been stuck with each other for years. You must be ready to kill her, NightWing. Doesn't she drive you mad?" They remained stationary, not even turning to give the queen even a look.

       "No?" The queen leaned forward. "Oh, fine! Maybe fighting another NightWing will make things more interesting. I was going to save him for later, but I think now is a good time to use him."

       Glow's eyes widened in terror and Corona thrashed violently. Evenstar was visibly trembling and she could see the tears threatening to roll from his vibrant eyes. Frigga tried to break free, but even her cold scales couldn't make the chains fragile enough to shatter. As the guards were unchaining Evenstar, Corona reeled back at them.

       "Wait! Two against one isn't fair!" Corona cried.

       Scarlet shrugged. "So? Two NightWings will make this interesting enough for me."

       Corona glared through her black eyes. "But Evenstar is half their age! He won't survive!"

       Scarlet's yellow eyes lit up with curiosity. "What? Do you want to join him?" She asked.

       Corona sneered at the malevolent SkyWing queen. "You know what? As a matter of fact, I do." Corona proclaimed stately. "I'll make this interesting for you, don't worry. I grew up fending for myself in the Scorpion Den, stealing and cheating to live. I'm anything but soft."

       Scarlet looked skeptical, but it was clear that her patience was running thin. "Fine, just don't bore me."

       The guards began unchaining Corona and Glow looked at her for strength. "Are you sure about this?" She asked uncertain.

       Corona gripped her talon tightly. "Don't worry." She said, opening the casket on her barb. "I've got this." She reassured.

       The guards hauled her and Evenstar away and pushed them along the tunnel. All that was left of them was Clay, Glow, and Frigga. Clay looked nervous and hesitant. "Are you sure that they're going to be alright?" He asked.

       Glow brushed his wing briefly. "I trust Corona. If she says she can handle this, than I believe that she can." She answered.

       Frigga nodded. "That SandWing always was a clever one. I have full faith that she knows what she's doing." Frigga agreed.

       The guards pulled Evenstar and Corona out onto the field and shoved them in. Evenstar quickly got to his feet and trembled before Corona. The little black dragon looked more scared and unsure than Glow had ever seen him. Maybe it's Kite being taken away from him. She never realized how much more confident and sure of himself Evenstar was whenever he was with Kite. They had known each other for almost their whole lives, and they were best friends. To suddenly lose someone that important to you without being able to do anything about it or how to fix it...

       Glow suddenly became more aware of how intently Frigga was watching the arena. She realized that that feeling was all Frigga had ever known, especially recently. And yet...she still stays strong and moves forward. Or at least she tries to. She keeps loving and taking care of us even when she's hurting too. Glow wanted all of this just to be a nightmare so she could wake up back home, surrounded by her family huddled around Frigga's chilly wings.

       "Well, audience." Vermilion called. "It would seem that this match just got even more interesting. Scarlet had a second NightWing hidden away she wanted to use, and a SandWing, too. Guess we have a tag team now!" He announced. He spread his wings wide open. "So, I give you Evenstar of the NightWings and Corona of the SandWings versus Starflight and Tsunami! Let's see if these two are any match for the dragonets of destiny. Claws up, teeth ready. Fight!"

       Her attention was turned back to the arena, as the scene unfolded. Tsunami and Starflight looked unsure of what to do, while Evenstar seemed terrified of Corona as she loomed towards him. Even the dragons in the stand remained silent, not sure how to react anymore.

       Evenstar looked like he was on the verge of sobbing. Corona slowly extended a talon out to him as he backed away quickly. "Calm down, I'm not going to hurt you." Evenstar didn't even respond, as if he didn't hear her. Corona herself looked confused and unsure. "Listen, I'm not going to let anything happen to you. I might not trust you completely, but I'd never hurt you. I'd never want to hurt you." She extended her talon further, Evenstar looked up at her. "I might care about surviving more than other dragons do, but not more than looking out for my friends." She paused. Evenstar still looked frightened, curling up tighter. "Please, Evenstar. I'll protect you, no matter what, I care about you guys more than anything, even my own survival. I promise." She pleaded.

       Moments passed and Glow leaned forward to listen intently. Evenstar tentatively took Corona's talon and gripped it. Corona pulled him into her wings and hugged him tightly. Evenstar's brilliant pink eyes were wide with shock and tears. He stood there unsure until he wrapped his arms and wings around her and broke down in her embrace.

       Glow wasn't sure what to think. This was the first time she had ever seen Evenstar so vulnerable and weak. And it was Corona of all dragons comforting him and supporting him. The SandWing stroked his head gently as he sobbed. She whispered something that Glow couldn't hear, and it seemed to calm Evenstar down.

       Scarlet let out a disgruntled snort and groaned. "Uuuuugh, you are the worst gladiators ever! Vermilion, release the scavengers!"

       Vermilion flapped his wings and a giant cage came rolling out of the tunnel. He flew to the top and bit down to sever the cord that held the door. The door fell open, and four scavengers burst into the open, squealing savagely.

       "Scavengers? To kill the dragonets of the prophecy? Are you mad?" Burn hissed.

       "Well, it only took one to get your mother." Scarlet quipped. Burn whipped around, arching her poison barb towards the queen. It brought Glow great pleasure to see Burn get ruffled so easily.

       "Oh, calm down." Scarlet said with a snort. "It'll be fun. I've got more things waiting in the wings to kill them if this doesn't work. These are the only NightWings I'll probably ever get in my arena, and I want to see them fight everything."

       Glow wasn't worried. Corona has told her countless times of the scavengers she's dealt with in her youth. She knew Evenstar would be safe, and she's looking out for Starflight and Tsunami.

       Tsunami pushed Starflight against the wall and spread her wings in front of him, baring her teeth protecting him. Two of the scavengers rushed at them while one of the other two rushed at Corona and Evenstar. The other one rushed towards the door. Corona pulled her wing around the small NightWing tightly. "Don't worry, nothing's going to happen to you. I know what I'm doing." She said confidently. Corona whipped her barb around at the scavenger running at her and it took off towards Tsunami and Starflight. "Stay close to me." Corona told Evenstar as they rushed off to defend the other two dragonets.

       Corona flicked her barb at the scavengers and roared, shielding Evenstar behind her and in front of Tsunami. "Have either of you fought scavengers before?" She asked. Both of them shook their heads. "Well then here's a tip – range is your friend! Use fire to your advantage!" She turned to Tsunami. "Since you can't breathe fire, you watch Starflight's back and make sure he's safe. Starflight," She said, addressing the nervous NightWing. "You're going to have to fight on the offense. Tsunami will make sure that nothing bad happens to you."

       Tsunami looked at her in confusion. "What about you two?" She asked.

       Corona shook her head. "We can handle this!" She assured.

       Tsunami cuffed aside the first scavenger that sent it flying toward the seats. The SkyWings nearest were scrambling to catch the scavenger. It landed in one of their talons, screaming, and being eaten.

       The other two scavengers skidded and pedaled out of Tsunami's reach. She flicked her tongue at them.

       The scavenger that took off towards the tunnel was being herded by a trio of guards holding spears. He ran across the arena and smacked into the wall. He never got back up.

       Corona was looking at them in confusion and Tsunami was looking at them with equal disbelief. "Are these seriously the reason this whole war started?" Tsunami asked in confusion.

       Corona sighed."Trust me, they can pack plenty of nasty tricks, but it's still pretty pathetic." She answered.

       "This is going well. The NightWings aren't even doing anything." Burn muttered.

       "The other scavengers are female. They sometimes last a bit longer." Scarlet pointed out.

       One of them pointed, and they split up, circling Tsunami in different directions. Corona was watching them intently, shielding Evenstar with her tail. They each held up a silver claw at the dragons as they approached slowly. Tsunami eyed them until she couldn't watch them both. Tsunami lunged at the one on her left.

       It darted under her talons and stabbed her underbelly. Tsunami yelped and tried to grab it, but it scurried away. Corona turned to breathe fire at it, but it was too dangerous for Tsunami.

       The other scavenger shot behind Tsunami and launched herself at Starflight. He tried to bat her away like Tsunami did, but she was too slick. Suddenly she was climbing up his leg and before he could throw her off, she climbed on his back.

       Tsunami was chasing the other scavenger and Evenstar looked concerned. "Tsunami, wait!" Corona called. Evenstar tried darting forward to save Starflight, but Corona pulled him back. "No, it's too dangerous for you! Stay behind me!" She ordered. Evenstar could only swallow and do as he was told.

       Starflight was trying to twist to his shoulder to bite at the scavenger, but she was too quick. He shook his head furiously and tried to claw at her, only to accidentally claw himself. Blood trickled from his black scales.

       "Not very impressive. I suppose they can't read scavenger minds. Not enough going on in there." Scarlet sniffed.

       Glow could only watch as the scavenger climbed dangerously close to his face, aiming her claw at him. Corona could only stand there and watch. If she tried to help him, she could seriously hurt him by accident.

       "Tsunami!" Clay yelled.

       Tsunami was halfway across the arena, chasing her scavenger. At Clay's call, she whipped around and saw Starflight's danger. She shot towards him, but before she could reach him, Starflight slammed his head into the sand. The scavenger was flung forwards over his horns and into the wall. She got up instantly and teetered away from his snapping jaws. Starflight didn't chase her. Instead, he was rubbing his head, watching the scavenger stumble to help her friend. Tsunami started past him, but Starflight reached out and stopped her.

       Tsunami's scavenger helped Starflight's lean against the wall. The two scavengers looked out around the arena of dragons. Loud angry squeaking noises came from them.

       "You're right." Scarlet said with a disappointed sigh. "This isn't nearly as thrilling as I thought it would be. Let's go straight to the IceWings!" She called to Vermilion.

       Glow reeled back in horror, and Frigga's face mirrored her feeling. Snowstorm! Vermilion signaled, and guards flew up from all over the stadium to the eight IceWings in the arena. Glow remembered Frigga describing the hatred between NightWings and IceWings, and considering they had no interest in fixing it, she had a feeling this wouldn't end well. What is Snowstorm going to do? Will she fight her fellow IceWings or the dragonets? Glow really didn't want to find out.

       "Finally a smart idea." Burn hissed.

       "Let me fight, too!" Clay pleaded. "Put me in there with them!"

       "Me too! Let me fight, too!" Glow joined.

       "I as well! Let me fight for my apprentices!" Frigga chimed.

       Suddenly, the light from the sun was blocked out by what looked like a cloud. The fluttering of wings made all the dragons look up at the sight. One piece of the cloud of darkness flew down into the arena, ducking underneath the wires. He landed gracefully onto the sand, wings outstretched, and Glow recognized him.

       It was Morrowseer, and he didn't look happy.