The first light of dawn painted the sky above the arena in hues of pink and orange. The grand pillars surrounding the open expanse stood tall and imposing, their surfaces adorned with intricate carvings reflecting the proud heritage of the SkyWings. The ground beneath Jormund and Tsunami's pillars was a smooth stone surface, bearing witness to countless battles fought and victories celebrated.

The SkyWing palace soared above the arena, a testament to the power and grandeur of the SkyWing tribe. Its architecture blended seamlessly with the rugged landscape of the mountain peaks. Constructed from a combination of stone and obsidian, the palace featured angular towers that reached towards the heavens, reflecting the might of the SkyWing monarchy.

As the morning sun illuminated the palace, the obsidian surfaces gleamed with an otherworldly luster. The outer walls were adorned with intricate carvings depicting dragons in various triumphant poses, symbolizing the victories of the SkyWing tribe throughout their history.

As the two awoke to the morning sun, the distant murmur of dragons preparing for the day filled the air. Tsunami, with her vibrant blue scales, and Jormund, the unfamiliar human in their midst, found themselves in an environment that exuded both strength and tradition.

Suddenly, the air around Tsunami stirred as two SkyWing guards approached her. One had deep darker crimson, and the other a rich orange. The guards' eyes were sharp, reflecting the no-nonsense attitude characteristic of SkyWings.

One of the guards spoke with authority, "Queen Scarlet has summoned Tsunami for an audience. You will come with us."

Tsunami's eyes narrowed, a flicker of resistance visible in her gaze. She tensed, her instincts urging her to resist being summoned by Queen Scarlet, a trait that was deeply embedded in Tsunami. The guards, however, were determined, and Tsunami found herself reluctantly complying, though not without a struggle. "Don't touch me! I'm not coming with you!"

Meanwhile, a younger SkyWing guard approached Jormund with an unexpectedly friendly demeanor. His scales, a mix of red and orange, seemed to radiate warmth. "Um, Jormund, right? Queen Scarlet wants to see you too. If you could come with us, please?"

His shy yet friendly approach was a stark contrast to the more authoritative tone used with Tsunami. Jormund, despite being unfamiliar with dragon customs, felt a subtle reassurance in the younger guard's demeanor.

Jormund, still perplexed by the situation, responded verbally, "Uh, sure, I guess." The SkyWing guard seemed to fidget with his front talons, his scales taking on a faint blush as he stuttered out a question, "Is it, um, fine with you if I, um, pick you up now?"

Jormund's confusion deepened. "Wait, why would you need to—" He was about to question further, but before he could, the SkyWing's eyes lit up with excitement as if he'd received permission. Without waiting for a complete answer, the guard gently lifted Jormund, cradling him in his talons.

As they moved in the direction of the grand palace, the guard carried Jormund towards an entrance tunnel. Along the way, Jormund noticed Clay and the mysterious black dragon, presumably the NightWing Starflight, also part of the dragonet of destiny, being carried in the same direction.

Amidst the peculiar journey, Jormund glanced back and saw Tsunami still resisting, her struggles evident in her defiant posture.

The tunnels from the arena sides to the throne room were a labyrinth of twists and turns, dimly lit with the occasional flickering torch on the stone walls. The corridors were wide and lined with tapestries depicting battles, conquests, and the glory of the SkyWing tribe. They passed by rows of cells, each holding a captive dragon. The prisoners within varied, from different tribes and backgrounds, all wearing expressions of despair or defiance.

As they proceeded, one cell caught Jormund's attention. In it was Frostbite, the IceWing he had fought earlier. Frostbite looked up as Jormund was carried past, and Jormund greeted him with a wave. The IceWing tilted his head in confusion, and Jormund simply shrugged before being carried out of sight.

Further along, another cell housed a SkyWing, shackled and held captive. Jormund couldn't help but wonder who this dragon might be and what had led them to this fate. The dragon within stared back with a mix of resignation and curiosity, their identity remaining a mystery for now. The journey through the tunnels continued, each step leading them closer to the throne room where Queen Scarlet awaited.

The imposing double doors were adorned with intricate carvings of dragons in various poses, symbolizing the power and dominance of the SkyWing queen. Jormund was the first to enter the grand throne room, its vastness echoing with the presence of power and authority. The walls were adorned with banners bearing the emblem of the SkyWings, and the floor was a smooth, polished surface that reflected the gleam of the torchlight. At the far end of the room sat Queen Scarlet's throne, an imposing structure made of dark red stone, shaped like flames, with its seat high above the ground. A white tree carved out of marble stood next to the imposing throne, a familiar rainwing sleeping on it.

The guards placed Jormund gently on the floor, and the SkyWing who had carried him retreated to his assigned position. The throne room's atmosphere was heavy, charged with the anticipation of a meeting with the queen. Jormund stood at the forefront of the throne room, feeling the weight of the queen's gaze upon him.

Starflight entered shortly after, carried by the SkyWing guard, was gently lowered to the ground in front of Queen Scarlet's imposing throne. His eyes, concealed by the membrane of his NightWing wings, darted around the room as he assessed his surroundings. The grandeur of the throne room, with its fiery decorations and the imposing figure of Queen Scarlet, didn't escape his notice. When the guard released him, Starflight bowed before the queen without a word.

Clay, the MudWing, was brought in after Starflight. He glanced around the throne room, his big, amber eyes taking in the fiery decor. Although he was visibly uncomfortable in the imposing presence of Queen Scarlet, he remained calm.

Clay noticed Starflight standing nearby. "Are you all right?" he asked quietly, aware of the tense atmosphere.

Starflight looked at Clay and quickly hushed him, his eyes darting nervously toward Queen Scarlet.

Queen Scarlet, seated on her fiery throne, glared at Clay. "He is trying to tell you that its rude to talk to anyone before the queen in her own throne room. What do they teach dragonets these days? BOW!"

Clay quickly bowed, murmuring a faint "Sorry."

Starflight's eyes shifted towards Jormund, subtly suggesting that he should bow before the queen. Starflight conveyed a silent plea for cooperation through his gaze.

Jormund, however, stood firm, resisting the unspoken request. He wasn't one to bow before a ruler who held him captive, his pride and independence refusing to bend. The defiant look in his eyes spoke volumes about his unwillingness to submit.

Queen Scarlet, perched on her throne, eyed Jormund with a mix of amusement and irritation. "Well, well, seems we have a rebellious one. You may not bow, but remember, defiance comes with a price, human."

Tsunami was brought into the throne room next, still struggling against the Skywing guards, her temper flaring in frustration. Tsunami couldn't contain her outrage and shouted, "Let us go! We are the drag-!"

However, Queen Scarlet interrupted her, finishing the statement with a tone that cut through the room, "Yes, the dragonets of destiny... and their intriguing new addition." She shifted her attention to Jormund, her eyes narrowing with interest. "Not everyone wants to end the war, my dear dragonets of destiny. Personaly, I love it. I get lots of contenders for the arena from the battlefields and its a terrific distractions for dragons who might challenge me for the throne." She remarked.

Tsunami's scales flared with anger as she snapped at Queen Scarlet,"So it's alright with you that dragons died all over the world?"

Queen Scarlet chuckled, a sinister glint in her eyes. "As if you know anything about that."

Jormund couldn't hold back any longer. His fist clenched, and he spoke up, "You think you know what war is? In my world, war is destruction, suffering, and the loss of innocent lives. It's not something to be glorified or embraced. It's a tragedy that scars everyone involved."

He turned to face Queen Scarlet, determination in his eyes. "Your idea of war seems to be about power and dominance, but real war is about pain, fear, and the desperate struggle to survive. It's not something to be proud of; it's something to prevent at all costs."

Jormund's outrage surged through him like a wildfire, fueled by the memories of his world, a place ravaged by the consequences of war. He took a step forward, his eyes burning with a mixture of anger and sorrow.

"You talk about war as if it's some grand spectacle, a game where you can revel in power. But it's not a game; it's a nightmare. Families torn apart, homes destroyed, lives shattered," Jormund continued, his voice gaining intensity.

He gestured towards Tsunami, Starflight, Clay and even Glory, still sitting on the white marble tree. "These dragonets don't understand because they haven't experienced it. They haven't seen the devastation, the pain that war brings. It's not glorious; it's a tragedy that scars everyone it touches."

Jormund's words reverberated in the throne room, challenging the very core of Queen Scarlet's beliefs.

Tsunami, though still held by the guards, looked at Jormund with a mix of surprise and gratitude. His words resonated with her, touching a chord she hadn't fully grasped until now. Starflight and Clay exchanged glances, silently acknowledging the weight behind Jormund's speech.

Queen Scarlet, however, remained defiant, refusing to show any signs of wavering. She leaned back on her throne, her eyes narrowing. "You speak passionately, human. But your world is not ours, and I care not for the tales you bring."

Tsunami, still struggling against the guards, managed to shout, "His name is Jormund, and he's already part of the Dragonets of Destiny!" The frustration in her voice was evident.

Clay looked at Tsunami with concern, wondering how they ended up in this situation. Starflight's expression was a mix of curiosity and caution. He was considering the implications of Jormund's presence in their group. Glory, perched on her white tree, listening to the unfolding drama with a raised eyebrow, her scales slightly shifting between orange, pink and blue but turned back to normal shortly after.

Queen Scarlet, however, simply chuckled. "More oddities in this already bizarre assembly. Dragonets of Destiny or not, it matters little. You're in my arena, and I hold the reins of fate here."

The tension in the throne room grew palpable as the dragonets and Jormund found themselves at the mercy of Queen Scarlet's whims.

Queen Scarlet, with a sly grin, turned her attention to Tsunami. "Tell me, little dragonet, have the Dragonets of Destiny even decided who the next SandWing queen is supposed to be? Burn, Blister or Blaze? I'd love to know what you've decided based on the wisdom of your cave." Her voice dripped with mockery.

Tsunami, still struggling against the guards, shot back defiantly, "As if we would tell you!"

The SkyWing guards tightened their grip on Tsunami, preventing her from further outbursts. The tension in the throne room continued to escalate.

Clay, gathering courage, suddenly spoke up, "Excuse me, your Majesty, but I have a question. Where is Sunny? She's a member of the Dragonets of Destiny too, and she's a SandWing. Where is she?"

Queen Scarlet, with a sly grin, revealed her plans, "Oh, the odd looking SandWing? I have a special arrangement. I plan to give her to Burn. Oh, I'm sure she would love such an oddity. Burn has a fascination for collecting all sorts of peculiar curiosities, and I believe the odd SandWing would fit right into her collection."

The news sent a chill through the room. Tsunami's eyes widened, and a sense of dread filled the air as the fate of Sunny seemed to take a dark turn in Burn's direction.

Jormund's eyes narrowed at Queen Scarlet's revelation, his voice taking on a threatening tone, "Where is Sunny?"

Queen Scarlet chuckled, unfazed by his tone, "Such bravado. I hope you're not planning to use your powers again, are you?"

Before Jormund could respond, Queen Scarlet revealed the crystalline artifact in a flourish, capturing everyone's attention, holding the small object with two claws. The dragonets of destiny, already on edge, couldn't help but react with surprise and curiosity. Jormund, in particular, stared at the artifact with a mix of shock and concern.

The crystalline artifact glimmered with an otherworldly radiance, casting prismatic hues that danced across its intricate surface. It was a multifaceted gem, a kaleidoscope of colors melding seamlessly into one another. The material seemed to defy the conventional understanding of earthly minerals, possessing an ethereal quality that hinted at its extraterrestrial origins.

The core of the artifact pulsed with a soft, mesmerizing light, reminiscent of a beating heart. Tiny filaments of light intertwined, creating an ever-shifting pattern that seemed to draw one's gaze into its depths. As if holding the essence of the cosmos within its crystalline lattice, the artifact emitted an aura of both mystery and power.

Around its edges, delicate runes were etched, symbols that appeared to belong to no known language. They glowed faintly, responding to the dragon's touch or the slightest shift in the surrounding magic. Each rune contributed to the overall harmony of the artifact, contributing to its enigmatic allure.

Though held within Queen Scarlet's grasp, the artifact retained an air of autonomy, as if its presence in Pyrrhia was a mere choice rather than a constraint. Its significance and the full extent of its capabilities remained veiled, leaving an air of uncertainty that only intensified the foreboding atmosphere in the throne room.

Without doubt, this was the artifact Jormund retrieved from the ruins back in his world.

Queen Scarlet, with a sinister grin, issued a warning, "This, my dear 'Jormund,' is the key to your obedience. If you ever dare to disobey my orders again, I'll make sure this little trinket of yours gets destroyed."

The threat hung heavy in the air, and the dragonets, now aware of Jormund's vulnerability, exchanged uneasy glances. Queen Scarlet had firmly asserted her control, and Jormund's ability seemed to pale in comparison to the power of the mysterious crystalline artifact.

Tsunami's eyes flared with anger as she couldn't contain her frustration. "Give that back to Jormund! What right do you have to keep it?"

Queen Scarlet, however, showed no signs of yielding. Instead, she demonstrated her authority. "Enough," she declared with a stern gaze. "Jormund, step forward, bow, and accept your place."

Jormund hesitated, the conflicting emotions of defiance and the fear of the artifact's destruction waging a silent battle within him. With a begrudging acceptance, he finally stepped forward and reluctantly bowed. His aura shifted to a darker shade as his stand reacted to the surge of hate.

Every movement seemed to resonate with animosity as Jormund positioned himself in front of Queen Scarlet. His face, cast in shadows, betrayed the deep-seated resentment he harbored. Each gesture and step, though seemingly obedient, carried an undertone of defiance.

The onlookers, including the dragonets and the prisoners, observed the tense scene. Some shifted uncomfortably, while others exchanged wary glances. Queen Scarlet, however, remained unfazed, fully aware of the limitations Jormund faced.

With a wicked glint in her eye, Queen Scarlet emphasized her dominance. "Remember your place, scavenger. Your defiance is pointless."

Jormund's silent glare and reluctantly bowed head spoke volumes, echoing the frustration and helplessness that lingered in the air.

Queen Scarlet's words cut through the air with a condescending tone. "Well done, obedient pet. You might have some use after all."

Jormund's eyes flashed with a newfound wrath, a storm of emotions brewing within him. Being labeled a scavenger was an insult he had grown accustomed to, but the term "pet" struck a deeper chord. His jaw clenched, teeth grinding against each other in suppressed anger. It wasn't just about being insulted; it was a reminder of the loss of freedom, a reduction to a status beneath contempt.

A cold fire burned in Jormund's eyes, his aura pulsating with a dark intensity. The once reluctant obedience now transformed into a seething determination. The human who had stepped into this world with uncertainty now harbored a fierce resolve, a silent promise to himself that he wouldn't succumb to being anyone's pet. The subtle defiance simmering beneath the surface was like an ember, waiting for the right moment to flare into an unquenchable blaze.

Queen Scarlet ordered Jormund to stand straight and step over besides the white marble tree where Glory was perched, appreciating the craftsmanship and aesthetics of her "art." Jormund, his aura still pulsating with a subdued fury, complied without hesitation. He stood beside the tree, his stoic expression not betraying the turmoil within. The white marble tree, intricately carved and adorned, stood as a stark contrast to the tension that lingered in the throne room.

Glory, perched on the white marble tree, carefully opened one of her eyes to get a closer look at Jormund. Her scales shifted colors, reflecting her emotions as she observed him. The subdued fury emanating from Jormund seemed to catch her attention. Glory's scales flickered with a combination of curiosity with blue and caution in a hint of green. She remained silent, absorbing the tense atmosphere in the throne room.

Clay, now noticing Glory on the tree beside Jormund, inquired with concern, "What's going on with Glory?"

Queen Scarlet responded with a smirk, "There's nothing wrong with her; she's perfect just the way she is."

Clay pressed further, "I mean, why is she sleeping all the time?"

Queen Scarlet casually explained, "RainWings are naturally lazy, similar to how MudWings are naturally stupid."

Tsunami couldn't contain her temper any longer and yelled, "You have to let us go, the prophecy -"

Queen Scarlet quickly hushed her, expressing mild irritation, "Enough with the spunkiness, it's starting to bore me. By the way, my Hatch day is tomorrow, and I want a thrilling arena fight."

Contemplating the upcoming entertainment, Queen Scarlet pondered aloud, "I wonder who will be fighting today. Do you think that NightWing will be able to survive?"

"ME!" Tsunami and Clay, volunteered simultaneously. In response, Queen Scarlet, amused, remarked, "Adorable, but seriously."

As Tsunami and Clay exchanged glances, Tsunami scoffed, "He's delusional. I beat him all the time back in the cave."

Clay, trying to keep the peace, reasoned, "But no MudWing has fought in the arena yet."

"I love your enthusiasm!" Enjoying the banter, Queen Scarlet gestured with her tail towards Tsunami and Starflight, "Guards, take these two away". She then pointed at Clay with a claw, "And for this one.... prepare him for the arena!"

Tsunami, displaying her characteristic temper, scowled at Queen Scarlet's order, her frustration evident in her sharp expression. Starflight, wore an uneasy look, unsure of how to navigate the volatile situation. Clay, seemed determined yet slightly apprehensive about what awaited him in the arena.

Jormund, while remaining silent, conveyed a hint of respect for Tsunami and Clay's decision to step forward. However, an undercurrent of worry lingered in his demeanor, recognizing the potential dangers that awaited Clay in the arena. The uncertainty of what lay ahead weighed on him, amplifying the tumultuous mix of emotions within.

The throne room quickly emptied out, leaving only Queen Scarlet, Jormund, Glory on her white marble tree perch, and a small contingent of guards. The atmosphere became tense, the air thick with anticipation for the upcoming events in the arena. The guards stood at attention, their wings tucked in, awaiting further orders from Queen Scarlet.

In this secluded setting, the focus shifted to the impending fight and the dynamics among those present. Queen Scarlet retained her regal posture, a subtle but confident smirk playing on her lips. Jormund stood stoically, a silent undercurrent of defiance in his eyes despite the emotional turmoil within.

Glory's scales reflected the emotions swirling in the room, shifting through a myriad of colors. Initially, a deep shade of royal blue highlighted her curiosity and calm demeanor as she observed the unfolding events. However, as the tension escalated, threads of violet and indigo started to weave into her scales, indicating a growing sense of concern and wariness.

The upcoming arena fight, the peculiar circumstances involving Jormund, and the orders issued by Queen Scarlet all contributed to this colorful display on Glory's scales. Despite her attempts to stay composed, the swirling hues hinted at an underlying unease, as if the vibrant palette was a manifestation of the complex emotions she was experiencing in that moment.

Queen Scarlet turned to Jormund, "You'll have the privilege of watching the upcoming fight from my balcony. Enjoy it while you can, pet."

Jormund, despite the turmoil of emotions within him, managed a sarcastic smirk in response to Queen Scarlet's address. "Well, isn't that just the highlight of my day," he retorted, his words laced with a subtle defiance that mirrored the storm brewing within him. The title of 'pet' was a bitter pill to swallow, and he couldn't resist a small act of rebellion through his tone. Yet, he knew he had little choice but to follow her orders for now.

Queen Scarlet's eyes narrowed at Jormund's sarcasm, a flicker of irritation crossing her draconic features. She enjoyed maintaining control over those in her grasp, and Jormund's defiance irked her. However, she decided not to dwell on it for now. With a dismissive wave of her tail, she gestured for him to follow her to the balcony, not bothering to engage further in the exchange. The guards moved to comply, preparing to transport the white marble tree onto the balcony for Glory and Jormund to perch upon during the upcoming fight.