Chapter 2: The Arena (Part 1)
The soft glow of pre-dawn cast a serene light over the arena. Jormund stirred awake, finding himself awake an hour before sunrise. The quietude of the early morning allowed him a moment of introspection as he lay on his stone pillar, looking up to.... 3 moons? "That's new" He whispered before thoughts of the previous day meandered through his mind, like the fragments of a dream that lingered upon waking.
Recollections of the arena, the peculiar moons in the sky, and the introduction to Tsunami played like scenes from a surreal play. The three moons, an enigma he couldn't quite unravel, gnawed at the edges of his consciousness. He sat up, staring at the horizon as if expecting answers to manifest with the first light of day.
The pillars around him held the silent forms of dragons, still lost in the realm of dreams. The events of the day prior, the clash in the arena, the revelation of his identity as a "Scavenger," and the subsequent encounter with Tsunami, felt like a series of disconnected puzzle pieces. Jormund rubbed his temples, grappling with the strangeness of it all.
The eerie beauty of the moons, the exotic dragons, and the alien world of Pyrrhia—Jormund was a mere visitor, an outsider entwined in a fate that seemed more and more entangled with each passing moment. The reality of his situation, awakening in a world not his own, tugged at the edges of his consciousness, urging him to contemplate the path ahead.
As the sky began to lighten with the approaching sunrise, Jormund sat in quiet contemplation, the cool morning air wrapping around him like a cloak. The echoes of yesterday's events lingered in his mind, leaving him with a sense of anticipation for the unknown day that awaited him in the realm of dragons.
As the first rays of dawn painted the sky in hues of pink and gold, Tsunami stirred on her own pillar. The gentle rustle of her scales against the stone brought Jormund's attention to her awakening. Her eyes, like pools of deep blue, blinked open as she took in the waking world around her.
"Good morning," she greeted, her voice carrying a certain regality that seemed innate to her dragon heritage. Tsunami stretched her wings, arching her back as if preparing for the challenges the new day might bring.
Jormund returned the greeting with a nod, still acclimating to the unique customs and social norms of this dragon-filled world. The air carried a certain camaraderie, a shared understanding that transcended their differences.
The pillar on which they perched provided a vantage point to witness the world awakening beneath the three moons. Tsunami's gaze flickered between the moons and the horizon, her expression a blend of curiosity and familiarity. For her, the moons were a regular sight, but for Jormund, they remained an enigma, an element of this fantastical world that continued to elude his understanding.
Jormund, still grappling with the peculiarity of three moons in the sky, couldn't resist seeking an explanation from Tsunami. He cleared his throat, a prelude to his inquiry. "Uh, Tsunami, about those moons... What's the deal with them? I mean, we only have one back where I come from."
Tsunami turned her gaze from the moons to Jormund, and she tilted her head slightly in an almost regal manner. "Oh, you must be talking about the three moons of Pyrrhia. They're a regular sight for us. Each moon has its own name and significance. There's the largest one, the brightest, called Imperial, followed by the other two, Oracel and Perception. They have their cycles, and together they shape our nights."
Jormund absorbed this information, his mind trying to reconcile the fantastical nature of this world with the logic of his own. "Three moons," he muttered to himself, a hint of amazement coloring his tone. "Guess I'm not in Kansas anymore."
Tsunami chuckled, interpreting his remark as another peculiar saying from the odd scavenger. "Not even close, scavenger—uh, I mean, Jormund. Pyrrhia is a whole different world with its own rules and wonders."
As the moons hung serenely above, casting their gentle glow upon the landscape, Jormund couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and displacement. The moons, with their mysterious dance, were a tangible reminder that he had indeed leaped into the unknown.
Distant wingflaps echoed through the early morning air, catching both Jormund and Tsunami's attention. A skywing with an abundance of fire, approached with a seemingly friendly demeanor, radiating heat getting hotter the closer the skywing was. With a flourish of it's wings, she tossed raw, slightly charred chickens onto each of the pillars, a peculiar but substantial breakfast for the scavenger and the seawing.
"Good morning, odd Scavenger and Seawing. I am Peril, the queen's champion." Peril greeted them, her tone surprisingly jovial for a dragon known for her fiery disposition. "I hope you like the breakfast. Freshly caught."
Jormund eyed the raw, charred chicken with a mixture of confusion and mild horror. "Uh, thanks?" he mumbled, unsure if he could actually consume the uncooked meal. He raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. "Champion, huh? What does that entail?"
Peril chuckled, her fiery aura shimmering. "It means I fight for Queen Scarlet in the arena, proving my strength and loyalty. Yesterday's battle—you were the talk of the whole palace. Shame I missed it, but I'm looking forward to seeing your skills for myself."
Jormund sighed, slightly annoyed by the persistent "Scavenger" label. "For the last time, I'm not a Scavenger. I'm a human. Jormund G. Joestar."
Both Peril and Tsunami tilted their heads slightly, the term 'human' unfamiliar to them. Peril's eyes widened in surprise. "Human? Never heard of it."
Jormund took a moment to clarify, "You guys call them scavengers, but where I'm from, we're called humans."
The dragons pondered over this revelation, still adjusting to the idea that scavengers might be more than just scavengers. Peril, always a straightforward character, couldn't resist one more question. "So, human, you really fought in the arena yesterday? Shame I missed it."
Jormund sighed again, this time more dramatically. "Yeah, I did. And I've been trying to explain, I'm not here to fight in your arena. I'm trying to find out the origin of the crystalline artifact that brought me into this world in the first place. It's not exactly a pleasant vacation."
Peril, with a twinkle of curiosity in her eyes, responded, "Artifact, huh? I did see Queen Scarlet with some odd crystall thing recently. She's been showing it off like it's some new treasure. You might want to check with her."
Jormund's gaze hardened with determination. The quest for the crystalline artifact's origin became more crucial, and Queen Scarlet seemed to hold the key to unlocking that mystery. "Thats exactly the information I was looking for, Thanks."
Peril, true to her bold personality, offered a sly grin. "No problem. And when you're done, maybe we can have that fight everyone's buzzing about. It'll be interesting, you and me."
With that, Peril soared away, leaving Jormund with a newfound lead in his quest for answers.
Jormund's stomach growled audibly, reminding him of his hunger. His eyes fell on the raw chicken that Peril had dropped for breakfast. His frustration bubbled up, and he couldn't hold back any longer.
"Ugh, seriously? Raw meat? I can't eat this," Jormund grumbled, his annoyance evident in his voice.
Tsunami raised an eyebrow, a mix of confusion and curiosity on her face. "What do you mean you can't eat it? Dragons eat raw meat all the time."
Jormund sighed, realizing the cultural differences. "Well, humans usually cook their food. Eating raw meat is... not ideal for us."
Tsunami tried to understand, her expression reflecting her puzzlement. "Cook? What's that?"
Jormund chuckled, realizing he needed to explain more about his world. "Cooking is when you use heat to prepare food, make it safer to eat and enhance the flavors. Humans have been doing it for centuries."
Tsunami's eyes widened in realization. "Oh, I see. Well, you'll have to get used to our ways here, I guess." She said before she devoured her own chicken with a sly grin.
Jormund let out a sarcastic laugh at Tsunami's suggestion to adapt. "Oh, sure, just adapt to a world with raw meat and three moons. Sounds easy enough." he muttered, rolling his eyes.
His stomach growled once more, a reminder that he needed to figure out a way to deal with his hunger in this dragon-dominated realm. As he glanced at Tsunami, a realization struck him – dragons could breathe fire, and that meant Tsunami might be able to cook the raw chicken.
"Hey, Tsunami," Jormund began, a glimmer of hope in his eyes. "You're a dragon, right? Can't dragons breathe fire? Could you maybe... cook this chicken for me?"
Tsunami looked at him with a mix of sympathy and disappointment. "I wish I could, but I'm a SeaWing. We can't breathe fire like SkyWings or other fire-breathing tribes. Sorry."
Jormund sighed, feeling a bit defeated. It seemed like adapting to the dragon way of life would involve embracing raw meals for the time being. "Oh, shoot... but thanks for explaining." with a tinge of disappointment in his voice.
As Jormund and Tsunami were engaged in conversation, a sudden commotion erupted down in the arena. Their attention was drawn toward the source of the disturbance. Queen Scarlet made her grand appearance, the embodiment of authority and power among the dragons.
"Welcome to today's battle!" she declared, her voice echoing through the arena with a regal authority that demanded attention. The two skywing guards accompanying her brought in an unusual display - a white tree adorned with vibrant colors, upon which sat a RainWing displaying a captivating array of scales that reflected the diversity of her species. Her scales shimmered in a myriad of colors, mirroring the vibrant hues of a tropical rainforest. Rich greens, vivid blues, and warm yellows seamlessly blended together, creating an ever-changing kaleidoscope on her sleek and slender form.
Each scale seemed to possess a life of its own, adjusting its coloration in response to her surroundings. In the presence of Queen Scarlet's grand announcement, her scales shifted to a combination purples and radiant pinks, mirroring the intrigue and excitement of the audience. It's remarkable scales were a testament to the beauty and adaptability of the RainWing species.
Queen Scarlet surveyed her captivated audience with a sly grin, reveling in the anticipation she had instigated. "Well? What do y'all think of my new art?" she announced, prompting the dragons to express their thoughts on this unconventional spectacle. The dragons below stared up at the peculiar sight, offering a mixture of awe, confusion, and intrigue.
Tsunami's temper flared further, her scales almost shimmering with displeasure. "How dare they call Glory an art," she growled, her voice low and menacing. "She's a Rainwing, one of my friends, not some decoration for their amusement. Dragons aren't meant to be showcased like objects!"
Jormund, observing Tsunami's fierce defense of her friend, could sense the deep bond among the dragonets of destiny. "They really don't get it, do they? Dragons have their own lives, their own stories. Glory's not some piece of art; she's a living being." He frowned, trying to comprehend the complex dragon dynamics at play.
As the tension lingered, Jormund couldn't help but ask, "Is Glory the Rainwing you grew up with? The one from the dragonets of destiny?" He awaited Tsunami's response, curious about the connection between the dragonets and the fierce loyalty Tsunami showed towards her friends.
Tsunami's eyes softened, and she nodded in response to Jormund's question. "Yes, Glory is one of the dragonets of destiny. She's a Rainwing, and she's incredibly smart. We've been through a lot together, planning our escape from Jade Mountain, dealing with Queen Scarlet's capture, and now this..." She gestured toward the chaotic scene in the arena.
"But," Tsunami added with determination, "we're not going to let this place break us. We have to find a way out, and we need to make sure that all of us make it out of here alive, including Glory."
Jormund could see the determination in Tsunami's eyes and admired her loyalty to her friends. "I get it," he said, a newfound respect for the dragonets of destiny growing within him. "We all have our reasons to get out of here. I'm here to find out the origin of this crystalline artifact, and if it leads to finding a way back home, then that's a bonus." Tsunami nodded in acknowledgement.
Their conversation was interrupted by Queen Scarlet once again. "Bring in the combatants!" The command from Queen Scarlet pierced the air, and Jormund, along with the other prisoners, turned their attention to the unfolding scene. The struggling Sandwing was forcefully lifted from his pillar, his protests echoing through the arena.
"Get off me!" the Sandwing yelled, his voice filled with a mix of fear and defiance. The wingclamps held him in a helpless position as the guards carried him towards the center of the arena, where a familiar dragon already waited, Peril, the formidable Skywing champion. Jormund couldn't help but feel a twinge of sympathy for the captive dragon.
As the Sandwing was placed in the center of the arena, the wingclamps were not removed. He looked around, assessing the situation with a mix of frustration and resignation. Jormund's fists clenched instinctively, a surge of frustration rising within him. The unfair treatment and the seemingly needless cruelty were becoming harder to witness.
Tsunami, too, observed the scene with a furrowed brow. The unfairness of the situation was apparent, and the tension in the air was palpable. The dragons on the pillars exchanged uneasy glances, uncertain of what awaited the Sandwing in the upcoming battle against Peril.
Queen Scarlet, perched high on the balcony, gazed down at the arena with an air of authority. The booming voice of the announcer echoed through the arena. "After four victories, Horizion the sandwing - Formaly and unwisely, a soldier in Blaze's army - has been challenged with the queens champions, Peril!"
"Claws up, fire ready, fight!" The words resonated across the arena, signaling the beginning of the clash between Sandwing Horizon and the fiery Skywing Peril.
Peril lunged forward with fiery determination. Horizon, however, hesitated. Fear gripped him as he contemplated the searing heat emanating from Peril's scales. He knew a single touch would result in immediate burns, a fate he was not ready to face. His movements became frantic, trying desperately to evade Peril's advances.
Sandwing Horizon's eyes darted around the arena, searching for any potential escape routes. Despite the confined space, he noticed a tunnel under Queen Scarlets balcony, a path leading into the skywing palace. A spark of hope ignited within him as he desperately made his way toward it.
Peril, however, was quick to intercept. She anticipated Horizon's attempt to flee and swiftly cut off his path, a wall of blazing flames preventing him from reaching the opening. The intense heat forced Horizon to retreat, the searing fire narrowly missing him.
Horizon's escape route thwarted, he scanned the arena for any other possibilities. The chain-clamps on his wings felt like heavy burdens, limiting his options. Peril, her fiery wings outstretched, advanced with predatory determination. The audience held its breath, captivated by the unfolding drama.
With each step, Peril closed in on Horizon, her eyes ablaze with intensity. The Sandwing, realizing the futility of his attempts to escape, braced himself for the inevitable confrontation. The arena fell into a tense silence, broken only by the crackling of the flames and the distant rumble of Queen Scarlet's amusement.
Peril, ever the queen's champion, lunged at Horizon with relentless ferocity. The chained Sandwing defended himself as best he could, using his tail to fend off Peril's attack. Horizon recoiled in pain as his tail made contact with Peril's scorching scales. The sizzling sound of burning flesh echoed through the arena, accompanied by a hiss of agony from the Sandwing. Clutching his injured tail with both claws, Horizon attempted to soothe the searing pain radiating from the burn.
Peril, with an air of calculated confidence, walked towards the wounded Sandwing, who still clutched his throbbing tail in pain. The crowd's murmurs filled the arena as they anticipated the next move in this fiery confrontation. Horizon's eyes widened as Peril approached, her scales radiating heat.
Without a word, Peril extended one of her talons towards Horizon's wing. The scalding touch made contact with the delicate membrane, and the arena was filled with the distinctive sizzling sound of scales meeting searing heat. Horizon recoiled, a mixture of pain and fear etched across his face.
Queen Scarlet, perched high above, watched the scene unfold with a cruel satisfaction. The audience, a sea of dragon eyes fixated on the combatants, observed the dance of fire and agony playing out beneath them. The burn inflicted by Peril's touch added another layer of torment to Horizon's already injured form.
Peril, with a wicked grin, withdrew her talon, leaving the scorched wing of the Sandwing exposed. The smell of burnt scales lingered in the air as Horizon, battered and defeated, struggled to maintain his composure. The fiery arena held its collective breath, awaiting the final moments of this brutal spectacle.
In an act of desperate determination, Horizon, driven to escape the torment of the arena, threw himself at Peril. The crowd gasped collectively as the Sandwing collided with the fiery scales of the Skywing dragon. The scorching heat enveloped Horizon, and the intense blaze of flames engulfed his body.
The searing fire reflected in Peril's eyes, a mixture of surprise and confusion at the Sandwing's unexpected move. The arena fell into an eerie silence as the gruesome scene played out before them. Queen Scarlet, high on her throne, watched with a raised eyebrow, both intrigued and disturbed by the unexpected turn of events.
Horizon's sacrifice unfolded in a blaze of self-inflicted agony. The fire danced wildly around the two dragons, casting flickering shadows on the sand-covered arena floor. The smell of burning scales and the anguished hisses of pain filled the air as Horizon's body succumbed to the flames.
Peril, while unharmed by the flames due to her immunity, stood frozen for a moment, her eyes locked onto the tragic spectacle before her. The crowd, caught between shock and horror, whispered among themselves. The sudden and unexpected act of self-immolation left a haunting impression on everyone present.
As the flames subsided, Horizon's lifeless form lay charred on the ground, a stark reminder of the brutal reality of the Skywing arena. Queen Scarlet, breaking the silence, chuckled with a twisted satisfaction. "Well, that was boring." she remarked, her voice echoing through the arena. The guards moved swiftly to clear the charred remnants, preparing for the next announcement.
Jormund watched in silence as the dramatic scene unfolded in the arena. The self-sacrifice of the Sandwing named Horizon, choosing to end his own life by throwing himself onto Peril's fiery scales, left Jormund in a state of contemplation. The act, a desperate attempt to defy Queen Scarlet's expectations and meet his end on his own terms.
A range of emotions flickered across Jormund's face—pity, sorrow, and a tinge of empathy for a dragon who had chosen such a drastic path. It was a stark reminder of the harsh reality within the Skywing palace and the lengths to which dragons would go to escape their captivity. Though the act itself was tragic, there was an underlying acknowledgment of Horizon's desire for autonomy.
As Peril left the arena, still contemplating Horizon's drastic act, Queen Scarlet wasted no time in moving on to the next spectacle. With a sharp talon gesture, she commanded, "Bring forth the odd Scavenger!"
Jormund's heart pounded in his chest as the guards approached. His frustration and impatience reached a boiling point. "I'm not a scavenger!" he lashed out, his voice echoing through the arena. "I'm a human!"
The guards, unfazed by Jormund's outburst, continued to escort him to the center of the arena. The crowd's murmur intensified as the gates creaked open, revealing the vast expanse of sand under the blazing sun. Jormund stood defiant, his eyes fixed on the ominous throne where Queen Scarlet observed the unfolding drama.
Just as Jormund was about to voice another protest, the arena gates opened again, and his opponent was ushered in — an Icewing with scales that shimmered like freshly fallen snow. The cold aura emanating from the Icewing created a stark contrast to the scorching heat of the arena.
Queen Scarlet, perched majestically on her throne, announced with theatrical flair, "Behold! A most intriguing clash of elements! The odd Scavenger, who claims to be a human with unusual tricks, against the icy prowess of Frostbite, the Icewing!
Jormund frowned at Queen Scarlet's dismissive remark, her words echoing through the arena. The title "scavenger" still clung to him like an unwanted label, and he couldn't help but feel the weight of the dragons' judgment. The crowd's reaction ranged from amusement to disdain, as they eagerly anticipated the clash of elements. At least she was friendly enough to not give away his Stand to Frostbite.
As Frostbite, the Icewing, huffed a cloud of coldness that enveloped the air around him, Jormund couldn't help but notice. The frigid atmosphere hung between them like an unspoken challenge. Jormund, always ready with a retort, decided to break the ice, quite literally.
"Well, Frostbite," Jormund smirked, "seems like your mood matches your element — a bit frosty, isn't it?"
The Icewing turned his icy gaze toward Jormund, his expression unreadable behind the cold mist that lingered around him. The crowd fell silent for a moment, waiting for Frostbite's response.
In a low, glacial tone, the Icewing replied, "If you're trying to break the ice, Scavenger, you're not doing a very good job."
Jormund chuckled, his wit undeterred. "Well, I've always been better with a warm sense of humor than a cold one."
The audience erupted in laughter, caught between the unexpected banter of an otherworldly human and an Icewing. The tension in the arena momentarily eased, replaced by a peculiar sense of amusement. The clash of elements was not only physical but also verbal, as the two opponents readied themselves for the impending battle.
Frostbite's reaction to Jormund's second joke was a slow, icy blink, a clear indication that he was not amused. Jormund, however, wasn't ready to give up on a peaceful resolution. As the Icewing prepared for the impending battle, Jormund attempted to reason with him.
"Listen, Frostbite, we don't have to do this. I don't want to fight you. Can't we find another way to settle this?" Jormund's voice carried a genuine plea, his gaze fixed on the formidable Icewing.
Frostbite, however, responded in a manner reminiscent of the previous scavenger, a scoff followed by dismissive laughter. It was clear the Icewing had no intention of negotiating.
Undeterred, Jormund began formulating a plan. He needed to use his stand strategically, not revealing its full power until absolutely necessary. As Frostbite lunged forward with a tailswipe, Jormund focused on evading the attack. Just as the icy tail was about to strike, Jormund's stand materialized.
"Amplify Zero!" The stand's voice echoed through the arena as it emerged, nullifying Frostbite's tailswipe in an instant. The onlookers gasped, realizing the extent of Jormund's ability.
Taking advantage of the momentary confusion, Jormund quickly retreated, maintaining a safe distance from Frostbite. The Icewing, visibly angered by the unexpected turn of events, prepared for another attack. Jormund, however, had more tricks up his sleeve. He needed to keep Frostbite guessing while conserving his stand's energy for the right moment.
As Frostbite opened his mouth, a black dragon perched on one of the many pillars surrounding the arena caught Jormund's attention. He couldn't quite identify the dragon from this distance, but it seemed intent on conveying a message.
The mysterious black dragon pointed towards its open mouth and then gestured urgently towards Frostbite, repeating the actions. Jormund furrowed his brows in confusion, trying to decipher the meaning behind the dragon's signals.
It struck Jormund like a bolt of lightning. The black dragon was signaling about Frostbite's impending ice breath attack. A realization dawned upon Jormund, and he quickly formulated a plan to counter the icy assault.
As Frostbite released the chilling breath towards Jormund, the scavenger-turned-human displayed an unexpected agility, dodging the frost breath with a quick sidestep. Seizing the opportunity, Jormund sprang towards Frostbite, catching the Icewing off guard.
In a surprising move, Jormund manifested his stand and reached out to touch Frostbite's chest, calling out, "Amplify Zero!" The peculiar energy of Jormund's stand coursed through Frostbite for a moment, leaving the Icewing momentarily bewildered.
However, Frostbite swiftly recovered and retaliated with a powerful swipe of his claws. Jormund, relying on his agility, managed to evade the slashing attack by leaping backward, narrowly escaping the sharp claws.
Realizing that his ice breath had been mysteriously nullified, Frostbite attempted to unleash it once again, but to his confusion, the icy blast refused to obey his command. The dragon's eyes widened with surprise as he glanced at Jormund, who wore a determined expression.
Frostbite, now more shocked and with a tinge of fear in his eyes, stared at his claws in disbelief as he realized he couldn't unleash the familiar icy breath. Panic set in as he turned his gaze towards Jormund, demanding an explanation.
"What have you done?" Frostbite questioned, his voice trembling with a mix of surprise and trepidation.
In response, Jormund took a deep breath, fully manifesting his stand. The ethereal entity appeared beside him, its presence sending ripples through the air. Jormund gestured towards the stand and began to explain, "This is my stand, Frostbite. Its name is Hypergenesis. It has the ability to multiply any inanimate objects or traits by touching them. By multiplieing with 0, he can nullify any trait like the force of a tail swing. In this case however, I multiplied the source of your icebreath by 0, rendering it useless for at least 24 hours." He obviously left out the part of draining his energy everytime he uses it.
Frostbite's eyes widened as Jormund clarified the ability of his stand, Hypergenesis. The concept of nullifying his ice breath for a duration of 24 hours left Frostbite in a state of disbelief. Jormund's stand had the power to manipulate inanimate objects and traits, a skill that defied the laws of Pyrrhia.
"Nullifying... powers?" Frostbite uttered, his mind grappling with the implications of this newfound information.
Jormund continued, "But don't worry, I'm not here to harm you permanently. I just want to get out of this place, and I can't do that if I'm stuck fighting dragons."
The black dragon on the neighboring pillar, who had been observing the battle keenly, gestured approvingly towards Jormund's explanation. Frostbite, though relieved to hear that the situation might not escalate further, remained cautious, his eyes fixed on Jormund and his mysterious stand.
The arena buzzed with speculation as the dragons processed this new revelation. A scavenger-turned-human with a stand capable of nullifying dragon powers – it was a concept that challenged their understanding of the world.
Frostbite, still processing the revelation, took a moment before regaining his composure. The realization that he couldn't unleash his signature frosty breath sent a chill down his spine, and he reluctantly acknowledged the gravity of the situation. The black dragon on the neighboring pillar seemed to nod approvingly, acknowledging Jormund's unconventional abilities.
As the dragons in the arena watched with wide-eyed fascination, Queen Scarlet, observing from her vantage point, displayed a mix of annoyance and curiosity. The unexpected turn of events added an element of unpredictability to the proceedings, and the audience buzzed with hushed conversations.
Jormund, aware of the attention, turned to Frostbite. "I don't want to fight you, Frostbite. I'm just trying to find a way out of here, back to where I came from. Can we find a way to cooperate, maybe convince Scarlet to let us go?"
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