The SkyWing guards swiftly moved to clear the arena floor, pulling away the lifeless bodies of the fallen IceWings and NightWing. Two of them approached Frostbite, leading him out of the arena. As Frostbite glanced back at Jormund's broken and battered body, a worried expression crossed his face. It was the second time he had saved his life, and concern etched deep lines on his normally stoic visage.

Frostbite's eyes lingered on Jormund for a moment, a silent acknowledgment of the perilous situation they were in. Without a word, Frostbite allowed the guards to lead him away, his thoughts undoubtedly dwelling on the well-being of his ally.

In the midst of the aftermath, Queen Scarlet's commanding voice echoed through the arena. "On behalf of the prisoners Kestrel and Osprey, my champion asked to fight for their freedom."

As Queen Scarlet spoke, Peril entered the arena, her eyes scanning the scene. A feral curiosity gleamed in her eyes as she observed the aftermath of the skirmish. However, her attention quickly shifted as her eyes fell upon the beaten and bleeding form of Jormund. Recognition flickered in her gaze as she locked eyes with him, a figure from their shared past.

Peril's reaction was a mix of surprise and concern. Despite the tumultuous events that had transpired, there was a history between them. She approached Jormund with a measured stride, her expression softening slightly. "Jormund," she said, her tone revealing a hint of conflict within her.

Queen Scarlet, her imposing presence dominating the arena, continued her announcement with an air of authority befitting her character. "If Peril wins, Kestrel and Osprey go free," she declared, the words carrying the weight of the prisoners' fate. A momentary pause hung in the air before she continued, "If she loses - then I suppose that Jormund will uprank from pet to my new champion."

The arena fell silent, the gravity of Queen Scarlet's words settling over the spectators. The outcome of the upcoming battle would not only determine the fate of the prisoners but also potentially elevate Jormund to a new, and likely more perilous, position.

Queen Scarlet turned to Burn, addressing her fellow queen with a sly confidence, "Don't you worry, Burn. My pet has yet to show his true potential. Peril will have it not so easy." Her assurance to Burn carried a mixture of confidence and expectation, hinting at the untapped power she believed Jormund possessed.

Jormund, still recovering from the previous skirmish, turned his gaze toward Peril as she addressed him. The recognition in her eyes sparked a mixture of emotions within him, but Jormund managed a weak smile. "Peril," he said, his voice reflecting the strain of recent events.

As he steadied himself, Jormund couldn't resist injecting a touch of humor into the tense atmosphere. "Well, I've had a rough day, but don't worry, I'm not one to be easily broken," he quipped, a wry sense of irony underlying his words. The acknowledgment of his own situation brought a momentary levity, a way for Jormund to cope with the challenges he faced.

Peril's presence, combined with the impending battle, created a complex tapestry of emotions for Jormund. The banter, though light-hearted, hinted at the resilience that had carried him through countless trials. As the arena buzzed with anticipation, Jormund focused on gathering whatever energy he could, preparing for the clash that awaited him against an opponent who knew more about him than most.

Peril's gaze met Jormund's, a mixture of surprise and intensity in her eyes as she processed his quip. The tension in the arena seemed to momentarily lighten, albeit only slightly, at the unexpected humor. Despite the seriousness of the situation, a faint glimmer of amusement crossed Peril's features.

A small, almost imperceptible smile tugged at the corner of her mouth, revealing a momentary crack in the typically stoic facade. The acknowledgment of Jormund's resilience seemed to resonate with her determination to secure the freedom of Kestrel and Osprey.

"Good," she replied, the intensity in her eyes unwavering. The determination in Peril's voice indicated that, while the banter offered a brief respite, her focus remained on the upcoming battle and the weighty responsibility she bore.

Peril's sudden charge was swift and fierce, a battlecry escaping her as she lunged towards Jormund with the determination to secure the freedom of Kestrel and Osprey. Jormund braced himself for the impact, manifesting his stand, Hypergenesis, before him. With one of Hypergenesis' hands, he blocked Peril's charge head-on, feeling the searing heat emanating from her fiery scales.

"Amplify Zero!" Jormund commanded, and Hypergenesis responded by nullifying Peril's charging power. The force of her attack diminished, leaving Peril momentarily halted in her tracks.

Seizing the opportunity, Jormund, with the second hand of Hypergenesis, touched Peril again, repeating the command, "Amplify Zero!" This time, the stand nullified the power of Peril's fiery scales. The flames that surrounded her were momentarily extinguished, and the intense heat that typically accompanied her attacks dissipated.

However, the victory came at a price. As Hypergenesis made contact with Peril's scales, a searing pain shot through Jormund's hands. He hissed in agony, withdrawing his hands to reveal burns and blisters where Hypergenesis had touched Peril. The sacrifice was evident, but the temporary nullification of Peril's powers provided Jormund with a strategic advantage in the ongoing battle. The arena crackled with tension as the clash between the two powerful opponents unfolded, each maneuver carrying consequences for the fate of the prisoners and champions alike.

Peril, momentarily disoriented by the sudden change in the heat surrounding her, blinked in surprise. She felt an unusual coolness, a stark contrast to the fiery intensity that usually enveloped her. As she regained her bearings, Peril's eyes narrowed with curiosity.

"Did you just turn off my fiery scales?" she asked, a note of disbelief in her voice. The concept of someone tampering with her innate ability to generate heat was both intriguing and unsettling.

Jormund, his hands still bearing the burns from Hypergenesis' contact with Peril's scales, nodded in affirmation. "Yes, just like I did with Frostbite's breath," he replied, his tone steady despite the pain evident in his expression.

Peril took a moment to absorb the implications of the situation. A strange sensation washed over her – the absence of the constant, intense heat she was accustomed to. Jormund's next question caught her off guard.

"How does it feel to be a normal SkyWing for once?" he asked, a hint of genuine curiosity in his voice. "To not have to worry about burning anything you touch?"

Peril considered the question, her fiery scales dimmed for the moment. "It's... different," she admitted, a mixture of emotions crossing her features. The reprieve from her fiery nature was indeed an unusual experience.

Jormund, still nursing his burned hands, added, "Sometimes, gaining control comes with a price." He gestured to his injured hands, revealing the toll that nullifying Peril's powers had taken on him. The arena, now filled with an uncharacteristic calm, held its breath as the two adversaries navigated the complexities of their newfound situation.

As the revelation unfolded in the arena, the onlookers and participants responded in their own ways.

Queen Scarlet observed the turn of events with a narrowed gaze. The unexpected manipulation of Peril's powers intrigued her, though the sight of Jormund's burned hands did not escape her notice. Scarlet's calculating mind assessed the shifting dynamics, considering the implications for the prisoners' fate and her champions.

Watching from the royal pavilion, Burn's eyes glinted with a mix of amusement and fascination. The events in the arena piqued her interest, and the temporary disruption of Peril's fiery abilities seemed to amuse the SandWing queen. Burn's attention lingered on the unfolding battle, her expectations and desires carefully concealed behind her enigmatic gaze.

Still positioned on the balcony, Cinder's expression remained inscrutable. His eyes, however, betrayed a flicker of interest as he observed the unfolding clash. The dynamics between Jormund and Peril added an unpredictable element to the proceedings, and Cinder's thoughts remained focused on his own agenda.

From the side of the arena, Clay's eyes widened in amazement. He had always known Jormund possessed incredible abilities, but the revelation of nullifying Peril's fiery scales left him both impressed and concerned. The big MudWing exchanged a quick glance with Tsunami, silently acknowledging the unexpected turn of events. His focus shifted back to the arena, ready to witness how the battle would unfold.

Standing beside Clay, Tsunami's sharp eyes followed the sequence of events with keen interest. The revelation about Jormund's power to nullify Peril's abilities intrigued her. Tsunami's mind raced with thoughts about the tactical advantage it might bring to their side. Her expression remained composed, but the wheels in her head turned as she considered the potential impact on the ongoing struggle for freedom.

Perched on the white marble tree, Glory maintained her facade of feigned slumber. However, one eye remained discreetly open, observing the arena below with sharp focus. The unexpected revelation about Jormund's ability to nullify Peril's powers caused a subtle shift in her expressions. A flicker of surprised yellow passed through her scales, and her mind quickly processed the strategic implications of this development. Glory continued to play her part, observing the unfolding events with keen interest while maintaining the appearance of disinterest.

The arena, once filled with the roar of battle, now held a charged silence as the consequences of Jormund's ability reverberated through the hearts and minds of those present.

Peril, having momentarily backed away after Jormund nullified her fiery scales, noticed the burns on his hands. Her gaze shifted between Jormund and the injuries on his hands, a perplexed expression crossing her face.

"Why are your hands burned?" she questioned, her eyes narrowing in suspicion. "You didn't even touch me. The only thing that touched me was your Hypergenesis."

Jormund, still recovering from the strain of using Hypergenesis, met Peril's gaze with a stoic demeanor. "Hypergenesis is an extension of me," he explained. "If it gets hurt, I feel the wound too."

Peril's eyes widened in realization as the pieces of the puzzle fell into place. A moment of understanding passed over her features. "So," she said, a hint of intrigue in her voice, "if I manage to hurt your stand, I hurt you as well."

Jormund nodded, acknowledging the truth in her statement. The revelation added a layer of complexity to their confrontation, as the consequences of harm to Hypergenesis now directly affected Jormund. The arena, once again, brimmed with tension as the adversaries navigated the intricacies of their powers and vulnerabilities.

Peril, her curiosity piqued by the revelation about Hypergenesis and its connection to Jormund, began to walk slowly toward him. Her steps were deliberate, and her fiery gaze remained fixed on Jormund, though her posture suggested no immediate intent to attack.

Jormund, ever vigilant and perceptive, noticed the change in Peril's demeanor. He understood the unspoken challenge in her approach. "She wants to force me to manifest Hypergenesis," he thought to himself, recognizing the tactical move.

As Peril continued her slow advance, Jormund braced himself, weighing the potential risks and benefits of summoning Hypergenesis in the current situation. The arena hung in suspense, the air charged with the unspoken tension between the adversaries. The confrontation had evolved into a strategic dance, each move carefully calculated, and the stakes escalating with every step Peril took toward Jormund.

Peril, in a sudden burst of speed and agility, swiped a claw at Jormund with impressive precision. Jormund instinctively manifested Hypergenesis, and with a swift command of "Amplify Zero!", the stand blocked the initial attack.

However, Peril, displaying her cunning nature, followed up with a delayed swipe from her other claw, attempting to catch Jormund off guard. This time, though, Jormund, having learned from past encounters, intervened with his own body. A well-timed kick with his shoes disrupted Peril's attack, narrowly missing Hypergenesis' head.

Seizing the opportunity, Jormund directed Hypergenesis to retaliate. "Amplify Three!" he commanded, and his stand unleashed a powerful punch that connected with Peril's chest. The force of the blow sent her stumbling backward, gasping for air as the impact left her momentarily disoriented.

Peril, known for her ferocity and resilience, recovered quickly, her eyes narrowing with a mix of surprise and determination. The unexpected countermove by Jormund had caught her off guard, and the realization that he was willing to put himself in harm's way to protect his stand left an impression. Peril's fiery gaze fixed on Jormund, a renewed focus in her eyes as she prepared for the next phase of the confrontation, acknowledging that this battle would demand all her skill and cunning.

Jormund, catching his breath and recognizing the urgency of the situation, looked at Peril with a measured gaze. "Peril," he began, his voice carrying a tone of reason and sincerity, "we don't have to keep fighting. If you decide to free the dragonets and work with me, we can break all the remaining prisoners out of here, including Kestrel and Osprey. We have the power to change things."

He paused, aware of the delicate balance in the arena and the limited time before he might be pushed to his limits. "I know you have your reasons for being here, and I have mine. We can find a way to make it work for both of us," Jormund continued, his words carrying a sense of hope and possibility.

As he spoke, Jormund's hand instinctively touched the pocket where the wristwatch was stored away. The significance of the watch, tied to memories of the professor and their shared journey, fueled his determination to navigate the challenge to find him.

Peril, slightly angered and adhering to her fiery nature, retorted, "Of course we have to fight and kill each other! That's what dragons do all the time!"

However, before the tension could escalate further, Clay chimed in with a voice that resonated with reason and hope. "That's not what we want," he said, referring to the Dragonets of Destiny. "Maybe that's what the prophecy is all about. To show everyone how to get along without fighting and killing each other!"

Peril's gaze shifted towards Clay, and for a brief moment, her fiery exterior seemed to flicker. There was a complex mix of emotions in her eyes as she regarded Clay. The connection between them, forged through shared experiences and a unique bond, added a layer of complexity to Peril's response.

She didn't immediately dismiss Clay's words. Instead, a thoughtful expression crossed her face as if the idea of an alternative to constant conflict lingered in her mind. The arena, filled with uncertainty, became a stage for the interplay of personalities, each character navigating the delicate dance between their instincts and the possibility of change.

Perched on the white marble tree, hidden from view, Glory carefully removed the neck restraint. As she observed the heated atmosphere and Queen Scarlet's impatience, a plan formed in her mind. The heated air around the SkyWing queen provided a mirage, but Glory knew she could use this to her advantage.

"If I act strategically, I can use the chaos to release a potent spray of venom. Queen Scarlet won't even see it coming amidst the confusion." Glory's mind worked swiftly, calculating the best moment to execute her plan.

As she waited for the opportune moment, memories of Cinder's past friendly gestures surfaced in her thoughts. The confusion and bitterness of his betrayal fueled Glory's determination. "Why did he act so friendly? What drove him to betray us?" These questions lingered in Glory's mind, adding a layer of uncertainty to the complex emotions that fueled her actions.

Timing was crucial, and Glory knew that the chaos created by the impending clash between Jormund and Peril would provide the perfect cover for her actions. As Queen Scarlet continued to demand bloodshed, unaware of the impending threat, Glory seized the opportunity. She released a larger amount of venom, creating a spray that dispersed in multiple directions.

The venom, with its potent effects, was intended to find its target even amidst the heated mirage, ensuring that Queen Scarlet would not escape the consequences of her own impatience and thirst for violence.

One spray of venom found its mark, striking Queen Scarlet's eye. The SkyWing queen screamed in pain and agony, her reaction immediate and visceral. Flailing around in panic, Scarlet's attempts to alleviate the pain were met with limited success.

The sudden chaos distracted both Peril and Jormund from their standoff. The spray of venom had disrupted the carefully balanced tension in the arena. In the midst of Queen Scarlet's screams, Jormund's crystalline artifact catapulted out from under one of her scales.

Jormund, momentarily taken aback, recognized the object as it arced through the air. It was his crystalline artifact, the significance of which resonated deep within him. The distraction caused by Queen Scarlet's screams gave him a moment to assess the situation.

Peril, too, turned her attention toward the source of the disturbance. The unexpected turn of events shifted the dynamics once again, and both dragon and human stood momentarily frozen, their focus torn between the agonized cries of Queen Scarlet and the enigmatic crystalline artifact that now sailed through the air.

Reacting swiftly to the situation, Jormund ran towards Peril, his eyes fixed on the crystalline artifact now descending in a graceful arc. "Peril!" he yelled, "Give me a lift towards the artifact!"

Peril, accustomed to Jormund's quick thinking, complied without hesitation. She turned the end of her tail closer to Jormund, calling out, "Jump on!"

Jormund leaped onto the offered tail-platform, his momentum carrying him upward. Peril, with a powerful lift of her tail, slightly boosted his jump. In that moment of coordinated effort, Jormund reached out and snatched the crystalline artifact from the air just before it hit the ground.

The arena, a canvas of chaos and unexpected turns, witnessed the successful retrieval of Jormund's important possession.

In the midst of her screams of pain, Queen Scarlet was hastily carried away from the arena by a group of her panicking guards. The chaos surrounding the unexpected turn of events had thrown the once-confident queen into a state of disarray.

As the chaos unfolded, Queen Burn made a swift and decisive exit from the arena. Her departure was direct and purposeful, leaving the scene before the true extent of the situation became clear.

The unexpected events sent shockwaves through the audience. Whispers and murmurs spread like wildfire as dragons speculated on who might have orchestrated such a bold move. "The Queen is dead!", "Was it the NightWings?", "We are under attack!" Panic seized the crowd, and a wave of fear rippled through the gathered dragons. With the uncertainty of Queen Scarlet's fate looming, the audience dispersed in disarray, each dragon scrambling to make sense of the sudden turn of events. The arena, once a place of ordered spectacle, now echoed with the chaotic aftermath of intrigue and rebellion.

From his position on the balcony, Cinder observed the unfolding events with a mixture of curiosity and detachment. His enigmatic gaze followed Jormund's quick actions and the successful retrieval of the crystalline artifact. The complexities of the arena seemed to amuse him, and his motives remained shrouded in mystery.

Clay, who had been watching the proceedings with focused intensity, couldn't help but be impressed by Jormund's quick thinking and agility. His eyes briefly met Tsunami's, and there was a silent acknowledgment between them of the unfolding dynamics.

Standing alongside Clay, Tsunami's sharp eyes followed the sequence of events. When she saw Jormund successfully retrieve his crystalline artifact, a sense of relief washed over her. The knowledge that he was now free to act again added a layer of optimism to her otherwise cautious demeanor. The intricate interplay of powers and alliances in the arena intrigued her, and with Jormund's regained agency, she remained alert for the next twist in the tale.

Glory observed the events with a satisfied expression. Her eyes flickered between Jormund, Peril, and the crystalline artifact. The arena, now filled with echoes of Queen Scarlet's screams and the aftermath of the venomous spray, became a tableau of shifting allegiances and unforeseen outcomes.

From the royal balcony, Cinder observed the now-empty arena with an air of detached amusement. With a nonchalant grace, he spread his wings and descended into the arena, landing with a calculated elegance. His enigmatic gaze swept across the scene before settling on Jormund's crystalline artifact.

"Well, well," Cinder remarked, his tone filled with a mixture of amusement and curiosity. "This event turned out to be quite the spectacle. You finally have something you were after all along, don't you, Jormund?" He gestured casually towards the artifact, his sharp eyes lingering on it. The balcony shadows danced around him, adding an air of mystery to his presence as he awaited Jormund's response.

Weary and beaten, Jormund regarded Cinder with a mixture of exhaustion and suspicion. "Did you plan all this?" he asked, his voice strained. "Did you want to kill Glory and me back in the treasure chamber? Was everything you told us a lie?"

Cinder met Jormund's gaze with an air of calm certainty. "No lies, Jormund," he replied, his voice steady. "I want the war to end. My parents died in the war, and I want to help the Dragonets of Destiny achieve their destiny. Helping you retrieve your artifact was part of that plan."

He continued, "The chaos in the arena, Queen Scarlet's departure – all of it was to create an opportunity, a diversion for you to get your crystalline artifact back. I'm not your enemy here, Jormund. I'm working towards a common goal."

Peril, watching the exchange with a wary eye, remained cautious but attentive. The layers of complexity in Cinder's motivations left her contemplating the broader picture.

Clay, observed Cinder with a skeptical gaze. Cinder's explanations seemed to resonate with Jormund, but Clay remained vigilant, waiting for more pieces of the puzzle to fall into place.

Tsunami, ever vigilant, eyed Cinder with suspicion. The revelation of Cinder's desire to end the war aligned with their own goals, but the means he employed still left her cautious.

Glory listened intently. Cinder's words had the potential to reshape their understanding of him. The intricacies of alliances and motives continued to unfold in the aftermath of the arena chaos.

Jormund couldn't hide his skepticism. "Planning all this without knowing the future? Seems impossible," he asserted with a furrowed brow.

Cinder, maintaining his calm demeanor, nodded in acknowledgment. "You're correct, Jormund. I knew the future because of someone – Destiny Scribe," he revealed. The grief for his parents still lingered in his eyes as he recounted the mysterious encounter. "This figure's shadow appeared, without showing himself, in my quarters before your arrival. Destiny Scribe knew my pain and made an offer. A crystalline artifact in exchange for bringing my parents back to life. The catch: I had to eliminate anyone who knew about the artifact."

Peril, intrigued by the mysterious figure, listened intently. The mention of Destiny Scribe added a layer of complexity to Cinder's narrative.

Sharing a knowing look with Tsunami, the large MudWing absorbed the details. The concept of Destiny Scribe and the deal struck with Cinder left them pondering the unfolding mystery.

Despite her lingering skepticism, Tsunami contemplated the supernatural aspects of Cinder's story. Destiny Scribe added a layer of intrigue to the already complex situation.

Glory's expression turned contemplative. The introduction of Destiny Scribe and the terms of Cinder's deal added another layer of complexity to the unfolding drama in the arena.

atigue etched lines on Jormund's face as he absorbed Cinder's revelation. "Trusting a stranger with an unusual name who wouldn't even show himself to bring back the dead? That's a stretch," he remarked, his skepticism evident.

Cinder's eyes betrayed a mix of determination and vulnerability. "I can't dismiss the offer, Jormund. The hope of seeing my parents again is too potent. I'll ensure it happens," he declared, a surge of emotion underscoring his words.

In an abrupt burst of intensity, Cinder's stand materialized. The fiery manifestation danced around him, a visual representation of Cinder's internal struggles and the fervent desire to reunite with his parents.

A chilling silence fell over the arena as Cinder, surrounded by the fiery manifestation of his stand "Blaze Inferno," announced with an eerie calmness, "All that remains now is to end everyone here."

The weight of his words hung in the air, and the arena, once a place of chaos and intrigue, became a stage for a dark revelation. The characters present, each with their own motives and alliances, braced themselves for the impending clash. The dance of survival and betrayal in the shifting sands of Pyrrhia had reached a new, ominous crescendo.