The sight before them was nothing short of mesmerizing. Towering structures of intricate design stretched toward the sky, their surfaces reflecting the soft glow of the lantern-lit street. Above, dragons soared gracefully, their wings cutting through the air with effortless majesty. The streets below bustled with life, a vibrant energy radiating from the crowd as merchants called out, and melodies drifted from unseen musicians. Every inch of this city pulsed with magic and history, leaving them awestruck in its grandeur. As they took it all in, their eyes landed on a massive banner hanging from the tallest building in sight. At its center was a phoenix, surrounded by white lily's flower at the bottom. While a sun shined brightly behind the bird symbolizng the hope that Primara brings to Avalon. Its gaze, wise and unyielding, seemed to follow them as they stepped closer, drawn to its presence. The emblem carried a weight that spoke of power, legacy, and unity–a force they did not yet understand but could not ignore.
Lyam guided them deeper into the heart of the nation, and the more Starfania couldn't shake the feeling that this place–this nation–was more wondrous than anything she had encountered, even within VulcanFire. It was as if they had walked straight into the pages of a forgotten legend. Just as she began to absorb the depth of this new world, a figure clad in hunter green armor rushed towards them, urgency etched across his face.
" Sir! " he addressed Lyam breathlessly. " There's a situation on the training grounds–one dragon you brought in is going berserk! It's completely uncontrollable, snapping at anyone who gets close to it. It even shot fire at many of our guards. "
A strange unease crept over Starfania, tightening around her chest. Something about this felt… familiar. Her pulse quickened as she exchanged glances with Aeron and Violet, who shared her growing apprehension. Deep within her, she felt the unmistakable pull of a connection she could never understand. A presence, fierce and untamed, surged in her mind like a wildfire. Atlas. Her dragon was acting out. Starfania immediately rushed towards the training ground, her heart pounding with urgency. She knew without a doubt that the dragon causing chaos was Atlas. The realization sent a surge of adrenaline through her, pushing her to run faster.
" Starfania! Where do you think you're going? " Lyam shouted towards her cause he still didn't trust them.
Soon Aeron and Violet were quick to follow their friends as they ran along beside her. Knowing that Starfania and Atlas had developed a special bond in just a short amount of time. As she navigated, the unfamiliar terrain proved difficult, but she pressed forward, driven by the unshakable bond between Atlas and her. Then, a thunderous roar split the air, confirming her fears. Starfania sprinted toward the source of the sound, and as she burst into the training ground, the sight before her stole her breath. Atlas, her dragon, was bound in thick ropes, his powerful body thrashing against his restraints. His midnight eyes burned with defiance as he snapped at his captors, refusing to submit. He was fighting, but he was outnumbered.
Starfania's grip tightened around the pen-sword. She had to act fast. Moving with swift precision, she pushed the button on the pen, transforming into the sword. Catching both Atlas and his captors off guard. In one fluid motion, she slashed through the ropes binding him. The restraint fell away, and Atlas wasted no time. With a triumphant growl, he stretched his wings wide before turning his attention to Starfania. He lowered his massive head, pressing it gently against her before swiping his tongue across her face in a rare, affectionate gesture. She laughed, wiping her face. " Hey, buddy, were you waiting for me too long? "
Atlas huffed in response, his fiery spirit undimmed. Around them, the onlookers–soldiers, trainers, and even Lyam–watched in stunned silence. She knew what they were thinking. Out of nowhere, a commanding voice shattered the tense silence. " Young lady! Stay away from that monster! "