Dance of the Dragons

Hm...

Hey! Tiramisu!

What's the big idea running off like that?

I sensed an odd presence coming from this way. I believe it to be a dark dragon, but not just that. There was something else. Disturbing and restless...

However, the moment I reached this spot, the presence disappeared all at once.

Oh yeah? Well, that's a real head-scratcher. One thing's fore sure though. We'd better find the source, just in case. There might be a gate to the dark world opening up somewhere.

Heheh... Oh, Aldo.

What? Did I say something funny?

No, it's just that, hearing you say that just shows how well you know me. Heh, you really have become quite the ally, Aldo. And you are right. As a dragon summoner, I cannot ignore the possibility of this danger.

I last sensed the presence coming from the Derismo Highroad. Let us head there to investigate!

Roger that! I'm right behind ya!

Aaand...I've got nothing. No sign of an open gate around here from what I can see.

How about you? Find anything?

There are residual signs of a weak presence. But I cannot say anything more.

And like you, I have found neither signs of an open gate, nor traces of a dark dragon to have appeared. It is difficult to say what this means, but surely it was not all just my imagination.

Oh boy. If you can't even detect any traces, we might be in trouble here.

But wait! Can't you call up the Heavenly Dragon? If the two of you put your heads together, I bet you could get down to the bottom of this quick.

Mmmm... Yes you do have a point... Once the Heavenly Dragon enters this world, it should easily be able to track this strange presence...

We did just renew our pact, as well...

With our powers combined, there is not a single thing impossible to us in this realm!

Then what are we waiting for?

We are waiting...for the right time!

But why? What for?

Calling on the Heavenly Dragon for even the slightest of troubles will set an awful precedent! With our hearts as one, our souls bound together anew, and the ability to truly commune with it... I achieved a new level of evolution as a dragon summoner. And now...

...I have an obligation to demonstrate my growth!

Tiramisu. Are you saying what I think you're saying?

Because it sounds like you just wanna show off for the Heavenly Dragon.

Th-That is false! It is not as if I desire the Heavenly Dragon's praise and whatnot... Like "I expect nothing less from my dragon summoner!" Or "You do me proud as my partner in pact!"... Or "You are making great efforts these days..." I have not gotten my hopes up for anything of the sort!

You're really telling on yourself now, Tiramisu. Better stop while you're ahead.

I am the descendant of a family capable of summoning dragons... I am Tiramisu, the true dragon summoner! Even without the help of the Heavenly Dragon I can handle a job this easy in the blink of an eye...

Tiramisu? As in THE Tiramisu? The dragon summoner?!

Huh? Who was that?

It's you, isn't it? You're the dragon summoner Tiramisu! This is big news!

Hm... Let's see here.... Indeed...

What a odd young lady... What business do you have with me?

I suppose that since you know my name, it would mean that you heard the rumors and have come to see me.

Yes, of course! After all...

I've been itching for this day to come! The final public filming day for "Tiramisu: Summoner Princess The Movie"!

...the what?

Public...filming day?

All they've released so far is a silhouette of the star. And as it turns out, you match it exactly down to even the smallest detail! Which means, the public filming must be happening here, and YOU must be the actress playing Tiramisu!

W-Wait... What?

Hold on, a movie is like one of those moving picture kinda things, right? Pretty sure I saw one in Elzion once. (Does this mean she's from the future?)

Say, this might sound crazy but, did you get swallowed up in a strange light on your way here?

Oh, is this your manager? He's pretty on top of things!

Basically, I was guided by the powers of darkness to this crazy looking gate of light. Walked in and zip-zap-zoom I ended up here!

Why would darkness guide you to light? (I'm guessing she means a tear in spacetime, but...)

Ahem! Young lady... The more you speak the more confounding this conversation gets. You claim to have been guided by darkness, and to know me, but have no request of me. Who are you exactly?

Oops! I can't believe I forgot to do my intro...

Tis I! The princess of the pitch black night! The dame of darkness! The Netherworld's most notable noble...

Sunlight's sinister sister, Suzette!

The netherworld?! I may not be fully familiar with the word, but it refers to the Darkrealm. Does it not? And if that is the case, then the strange presence we were searching for...was you?!

Yeeeaaah, I dunno about that Tiramisu...

Did you just call her... You ARE her, aren't you?! Tiramisu: Summoner Princess!

Hey! Is that you Suzette? What're you doing here?

Oh, hey Aldo! I'd ask you the same thing. What are you doing over there with Tiramisu?

(Hm? Do they know each other?)

Ah... I understand very well now. Indeed! I am Tiramisu the dragon summoner. I suppose you heard the rumors and have come to see if they are true?

You know it! After all...

I've been itching for this day to come! The final public filming day for "Tiramisu: Summoner Princess The Movie"!

...the what?

Public...filming day?

All they've released so far is a silhouette of the star. And as it turns out, you match it exactly down to even the smallest detail! Which means, the public filming must be happening here, and YOU must be the actress playing Tiramisu!

W-Wait... What?

Let's back up a second, Suzette. Yes, this is Tiramisu, the dragon summoner, but this is NOT a movie.

How about YOU back up a second, Aldo? How come you never told me you were a Tiramisu: Summoner Princess fan?!

Oh my gosh! I had to find this place all by myself! And I mean, it's not that easy, I got lost a few times, and...

Er. I mean... I WAS GUIDED HITHER BY THE POWER OF THE DARKNESS, THROUGH THE LIGHT OF CHAOS. And then I magically ended up right here!

Why would darkness guide you to light? (I'm guessing she means a tear in spacetime, but...)

Ahem! Young lady... The more you speak the more confounding this conversation gets. You claim to have been guided by darkness, and to know me, but have no request of me. Who are you exactly?

Oops! I can't believe I forgot to do my intro...

Tis I! The princess of the pitch black night! The dame of darkness! The Netherworld's most notable noble...

Sunlight's sinister sister, Suzette!

The netherworld?! I may not be fully familiar with the word, but it refers to the Darkrealm. Does it not? And if that is the case, then the strange presence we were searching for...was you?!

Trust me, Tiramisu. You've got the wrong idea here.

Huh? I dunno what you're talking about, but I'm pretty sure you're the one with the wrong idea! Need I remind you that I, with my spirit reborn, would naturally exude such a unique aura! The netherworld and the Darkrealm are practically my playgrounds.

Your what?! I knew it!

Yup! And since I'M able to straddle both the netherworld AND Darkrealm...

Then it makes perfect sense that I should be the star of "Tiramisu: Summoner Princess The Movie!"

......

You? Do what now?

Aldo, I'm afraid I have no idea what this woman is talking about.

I'm a little lost myself, to be honest. I'm sure it's just all a misunderstanding, though.

You know what? Me too.

GUYS. Tiramisu: Summoner Princess! It's only like, my favorite story from the dark grimoire? Hello? She uses her shining-darkness magic to fight the king of the Darkrealm? Basically the best fight in all of magical adult literature? Really?

(A king of dragons...the Wyrmking?) (I guess that battle found its way into Tiramisu's legend, too. She is the one who finished him off...)

But, uh, how does darkness shine exactly?

How does darkness shine exactly?

I do not wield these dark powers you speak of.

You guys HAVE to be kidding me! You're ruining this for me!

THE POINT IS... If they're taking such an epic story to the big screen, they're going to need an actress with super epic talent! And I'm not gonna just sit here and watch some no-name rookie who, might Iｍ add, hasn't even read the book... Get the starring role! No, M'am! I will not abide! It's either Tira-ME-su or it'same Tira-NO-su. End of story.

...But I'm Tiramisu? See these gauntlets? They're dragon summoner gauntlets. Which means I'm a dragon summoner. A dragon summoner named Tiramisu.

Those ARE the dragon summoner gauntlets! Aren't they made from the scales of the dragon she formed a pact with? I have to hand it to you, They look pretty close to the real thing!

Heh! That's because they are! ...The real thing.

Anyway! Where are your summoner gauntlets? How can you claim to be a dragon summoner without gauntlets?!

Oh. I've got gauntlets. They're just, uh, at home in my, uhhh, gauntlet ...hutch. (Did she seriously make those? Man! I just kinda figured they'd have the prop master handle that!)

I see... Well then, perhaps you could show me your dragon summoner crest? You know, the one that proves you are, in fact, a dragon summoner?

My crest? My CREST? You wanna see my crest?! The one that proves I'm a dragon summoner? THAT crest?

Well! I'd love to show you my crest, but it's, uh... It was etched into my heart through the powers of darkness, so I can't actually show it to you! Man, and I really wanted to show it, too. It's really cool looking.

What?! You cannot show it? Are you implying that you are the same as I?

Yeah, I mean imagine that, the two of us, here, crests etched on our hearts, unable to show each other... I guess, since we're basically the same person, in order to settle this whole starring role business...

We will have to duel for it! Best two out of three!

A duel? But...

Are ya scared? We got ourselves a scaredy-wyrm do we?

As if! Just watch me best you, you little wretch! I will not back down! If I did, I could never face my dragon again!

Then it's settled! As for the meeting place... Let's see...

Then let us find a set that is worthy of the princess of the...I mean, Tiramisu: Summoner Princess!

Palsifal Palace, eh? Fine by me!

Then let's go to the Palsifal Palace, where I will show you the power of a true summoner princess!

Aldo! We're leaving!

Hm? Wha-huh?

She done?

Were you asleep this WHOLE time?!

I may have drifted off...a little bit.

Sooo... What was the final word?

We agreed to a 3-round duel to see who is the real Tira--the real me! And you're coming!

Gotta say, AR tech these days has gotten really good. If I didn't know better, I'd have thought this was real!

It is...real...though.

Did you see all the extras they hired? They even hired craft services! The set looks perfect, too! I'm ready for my close up, Mrs. Director!

This reminds me of the day I became the butterfly warrior!

Oh yeah, huh, it kinda does, doesn't it.

Anyway, Tiramisu is out getting ready, so I'm sure she'll be here any minute.

Is that code for "she got scared and ran"?

I do not fear. And I do not run.

Hey Tiramisu! Woah, digging the new outfit!

Yes...

If we're going to do this, then I must wear formal dress of my clan.

Hey! That's not fair! Why do you get a costume change?!

This isn't about what is fair or unfair. If you are a dragon summoner, then this is what you wear into battle.

Now then, young lady... You asked for a three round duel. For this first round, I will face you as I am. No dragon.

Umm... Why are you holding lance?

Umm... Why are you NOT holding a lance?

...Is this not a test of strength?

What? No! Why would we do that?

If you're gonna be a dragon summoner, you gotta prove your mastery of the three Cs!

How much you can chow. How much you can chant. How much you can charm.

Wh...

Why?!

You two. I swear! You really don't know anything about Tiramisu: Summoner Princess!

She LOVES sugar, her chants are cooler, and she can charm an inch off a ruler!

So unless you've mastered the three treasured Tiramisu Traits, you can't call yourself a Summoner Princess!

Curses! How did you know about my sweet tooth?!

No. Nevermind that. How can have a dragon summoner duel if we don't actually summon any dragons?

I bet I know why. You can't actually summon a dragon. If you could, then I'd be able to sense dragon essence, and I don't sense a single speck of it.

Huh? Well... I, um...

Well. I didn't wanna tell you this, but... I'm kiiindaaa the Onyx Summoner Princess? Like, I could totally summon a dragon in a snap if I wanted to, but I have a...unique... contract. Wherein it stipulates that I can only summon the Netherworld dragon king's "power" not the king himself. He's way too busy to just come up here whenever I need him. You know?

Sound familiar, Tiramisu?

Oh! So you can't summon a dragon either, then?!

Of course I can! And before you question me again, just you watch!

O dragons from the other side, heed my words and answer my call!

Come to me with your incredible power!

That's... AMAAAZING!!! That's a dragon of eternal darkness if I ever saw one! The very dragon that parted with me in another life, but stays aflame in my heart! My bonded dragon!

That's the Heavenly Dragon, right? Something seems off about it though...

Heheh! Impressed, are we?

Every last thread of this outfit was made from materials portioned from the body of a dragon.

And by wearing it, the power of the dragon I have bonded with is strengthened even more.

Even the potential power harbored by our souls is enhanced and increased... And manifests itself in it's most majestic form...

Yes!

Pudding à la Mode!

Tiramisu...

What is the meaning of this?! And if I told you once, I've told you a thousand times not to call me that!

Hey. Why so mad?

Why so mad?! Because you still can't be left to your own devices! May I remind you, you were JUST tracking the source of a mysterious presence? And now, you're what? Engaging in some frivolous personal duel?

You've even roped ME into this goofy "fight" you're having! Look at you! You're in your sacred garments! What has gotten into you? Why can't you just call me when you actually need me! You have this whole thing completely backwards.

W-Wait! Please listen! I just wanted to prove to this young girl that you are my partner! That we have a deep connection...

...... Is that so? Ahem! Well then...

You there! You dare to challenge my partner? Spouting off about seizing her very name and...hm? Your soul shine. It's...

What? Tell me, tell me! My soul shine is what?

Well, it's a lot like Tiramisu's.

HAH! I knew it!

Even the otherworld dragon recognizes the Shadow Tzar Suzette! Pudding and crepe suzette, could there be a better pairing? I think not!

Well, I think that seals it. I'm the real Tiramisu. I know, I'm just as shocked as you are!

In your dreams!

Creamy...crepe suzette, you say?!

I see... You two really are alike. I don't know why just yet, but this whole thing is starting to make a little more sense. I am reminded of the other name called forth by Tiramisu's soul.

What?!

You mean, back when you two first formed your pact?

Yes, I remember calling out over and over again, getting a response was no easy task.

Now I remember. You had another name or me... Another dessert. It was... What was it? Crepe...

WAAAIIIT a second! Are you trying to tell me this girl isn't just some troublesome scamp? She might actually be the wielder of rare skill, one with the same soul as I?

Uh, yeeeah? That's what I've been saying this WHOLE time.

I am unsure of her ability or abilities, for that matter...

But the fact remains, the two of you are very alike. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'd like to finish investigating the source of this strange presence. In the meantime, go ahead and finish your little duel. Please do keep an eye on them for me, will you Aldo?

Huh?! Now I've gotta take responsibility for these two?

Silly dragon! That was my investigation! You can't just leave me here!

*sigh* Fine. Listen here young lady. If we're gonna do this. I will fight you to the bitter end!

And when I win, and I will win, praise from the Heavenly Dragon will be mine and mine alone!

I wouldn't have it any other way! Now, let the Tussle Over Tiramisu... the Scuffle of the Summoners... LET THE DUEL OF DRAGON SUPER SUMMONERS

START!

A battle of the bellies, eh? If we're going to do this right, then we need...

The Sweet Golden Whispers "Opulence of Saurus" pudding! Shopkeep, you must procure it for us!

Sure! You're my best customer, and you saved my life! All you have to do is ask.

B-Best...What are you talking about? This is the first time I've ever entered this strange establishment.

You're so bad at this, Tiramisu.

Puddings a great idea! I have to warn you though. I'm kind of an expert when it comes to desserts.

We'll see about that. Don't come crying to me when you can no longer hold your spoon!

Listening to the two of you has me all fired up! I'll do my best to keep up with the pudding!

Mmmmm... Piping hot pudding... So soft.... so creamy...

Okay, Aldo, if you could officiate I'd appreciate it.

Yeah, yeah. I got it.

DUEL OF DRAGON SUPER SUMMONERS ROUND ONE, BATTLE OF THE BELLIES Ready... GO!

Mm mmm! This stuff is delicious!

Soft and smooth with every spoonful. And the flavor is so simple and light. This place could be the next La Vie En Rose!

I know, right?! And it doesn't just taste good, it's also good for you! The Opulence of Saurus uses highly nutritious dinosaur eggs. So you get all of the opulence, and none of the guilt! Every bite leaves me wanting more... Shopkeep! Gimme some more of that pudding, please!

Make that two!

Ladies... I'm afraid you've put me out of pudding.

What?! I got at least fifty bowls left in me, though!

Fifty? I could eat at least another hundred!

I get the feeling between the two of you, you could rid the world of pudding forever...

Okay, so, what do we got here? We ran out of pudding, does that mean this round was a tie?

The up-and-coming mages here are getting lessons on prayers to the abysmal darkness!

It started with dragon summoners, and now we're on to mages... I can't keep up anymore.

So, what are we here for?

I figured we'd have the kids judge the Chant Championship portion of the duel.

I see. This could work out well for me. Even children look up to dragon summoners with deep reverence.

I couldn't have said it better! Tiramisu is a dragon summoner that delights both kids and adults alike. And not just people, monsters, too! And with this win, I'm gonna be one step closer to being crowned the real Tiramisu. Just you wait! You're not even close to being ready for the eternal chaos I'm about to unleash with MY dark chants!

Eternal chaos? I shall not lose to such an absurd concept. But enough talk, it's time to chant!

Let's see... Who should go first?

I will!

Fangs of the chasm flicker in spasms! The ending darkness in death asunder, and blood flows, puts all to slumber! Through cursed eyes, exchanging vows I call your name here and now!

Infinity and chaos, on their backs shall ride, my desires shall reach you, and you shall provide! O Dragon King! Descend!

Aaand that's it!

And what was that exactly? I have never heard such a chant before!

Because she just made it up...

That was suuuper weird!

Heh! The dame of darkness always aims to please!

How about you there, lady? Let's see what you've got!

Ah...

O dragons from the other side, heed my words and answer my call!

O wielders of ways to cross the worlds! Blades shine in the heavens and turn to might! Pray lend your might to me!

...... WHOAAA!!! That was awesome!

Did you borrow dragon powers just now?

Heh! Only just a little! but I received it through my crown instead of my gauntlets. If I were to head into battle right now, then I could really flex my strength.

That is SO cool!!!

That's not fair, you know! Using all those special effects and stuff! My chant was totally cool too! And stylish! And elegant!

Yeah. But...

To be honest... I didn't really understand what you were saying.

Really?!

Well, at least there's a clear winner this time...

So, how do we do this part?

Well, Tiramisu is known for her beauty AND her brawn, right? She has to fend off suitors pretty much everywhere she goes.

This is pretty much common knowledge, I thought?

Say what?

Th-That is absurd! I do not recall being infamous for such bawdy deeds!

Actually... Remember that guy you saved back in Ratle? He really had the hots for you. Even asked for your hand.

Ugh. Do not remind me.

There ya go! See? The Tiramisu: Summoner Princess lore is full of that kind of thing!

And that brings us to the final round. The Flirty Finals! Whoever can get the most men to agree to a date, wins!

Wh-Wh-What are you saying?! I could never do something so shameless!

Oh? No confidence, huh?

Nothing of the sort!

Listen, everybody knows the real Tiramisu can charm a man just by simply existing. But if you don't think you can live up to that legacy, that's fine. I'm totally okay with being the winner.

Hmph! Who said anything about giving up? Even I can charm a man or two... You will see!

I dunno about this...

How long are you two gonna keep this up?

As long as it takes! Just watch. Next guy that walks by is mine!

Oof... I am worn out. Proposing and being proposed to are two entirely different things. I am mortified...

You're looking for a date, not a line of fiancés here!

Hey, how bout him?

Whoever can get that guy, wins.

Ughhh...

Fine! Watch closely! I shall bewitch him with my Tiramisu charm and coax him into a date!

Can I...help you, miss?

Ah...ahem.

...Sorry? Did you need some help?

Ah, yes. You see... I... Uh...

You...what?

Yes. I was wondering... Perhaps. If it is alright with you...maybe. We, that is... You and I...

Together! For a... for a date...

Aaah! Forget it!

What was that about?

Whoa!

Hey man-person! Interested in obeying me for a while?

Am I interested in what now?

Hm... Nice strong body. Cool gaze... You can be my personal bodyguard. Lucky you!

Huh? Uh... I don't...

Don't be shy now! I know you don't want to miss out on the honor of protecting the steward of shadow! Or would you prefer that I force you with my cursed eye? It's no problem for me!

C-Could you give me a little space here? And why are you staring at me like that?!

Now look into my cursed eye and swear to me! You will become my retainer and serve me!

I mean, you're kinda cute in a weird way, and I don't have much else going on so...

And the winner is...Suzette. If you can call that a win.

What's that supposed to mean? That was a flawless victory any way you look at it!

Flawless? You literally asked everyone in the palace and only one guy kinda said yes.

So? A win is a win!

Alright. But there is no love lost or that round! I am a dragon summoner and I have my pride! Flirting with strangers would only make the Heavenly Dragon even more angry with me.

That is all... I will not pout!

Hey! Wait, Tiramisu!

Where are you going? Don't just leave me here!

Cool. Weeell I guess I'll just stay here and uh, guard some stuff?

Dragon Summoner!

Haa... Haa.. Haa... Dragon Summoner! I heard a rumor you're looking for a husband! Please, Dragon Summoner! Be my...

...Huh? There's nobody here! Nooooooooooo! I ran all the way here from Ratle!

All right, lets recap. The battle of the bellies was a tie. The chant championship went to Tiramisu. And the, uh, "flirty finals" went to Suzette. Which means... it's a tie.

What to do, what to do... I know!

Hold it right there! I have had enough of your confounding antics! There is only one thing to do...

And that is what we should have done from the start! We cross lances!

W-W-Wait! That's just so barbaric!

And how so? A clash of weapons is how dueling is done in the first place! And if you claim to be a dragon summoner, then you will not run. You will face the challenge head on!

Are you serious? But I don't wanna fight...

Then I am the real Tiramisu. A dragon summoner that refuses to fight is no dragon summoner at all.

Ooooh!!!

I felt that to my core... That line is from page 225 of the the dark grimoire...

Fine! I accept your challenge! The part of Tiramisu will belong to me! Step forward and witness my true powers!

Whoa, are you two really going to go at it?!

Of course!

Now. This time, I will choose the dueling grounds. We shall duel on the Keruri Highroad!

Are you ready then, young lady?

Are you ready, OLD lady? I don't plan on letting up, even if you get all crybaby about it!

Well, I guess we're doing this. Just try not to hurt each other, okay?

Nobody asked you, ALDO! This is serious summoner business!

All right! Sorry!

Just checking, but, we're battling one-on-one, right?

Yes... If I were to call on the Heavenly Dragon now, surely it would be angry again.

Which means it's a battle of personal strength! Hope you like losing!

Wouldn't know, never lost a fight. I'm gonna kick your butt, and then everyone will know I'm the real Tiramisu!

Ha. You are pretty good!

You're not so bad yourself!

I'm kinda having fun! I wonder if you can keep up?

Hm?

What was that?

Is that a dark dragon?!

Just our luck... We're right about to finish this fight and stupid dark gate opens up! Perhaps this is the strange presence I sensed back in Acteul?

A gate to the dark world? That looked totally real!

From the looks of its aura, this is not your average dark dragon! This one is much more powerful... We must put our duel on hold for the moment.

O dragons from the other side, heed my words and answer my call!

Come to me with your incredible power!

O Heavenly Dragon! Rise up with me to blight those who defy our will!

I see... So it appears playtime is quite over.

Blows my mind every time!

Wait... It's not yet over.

There's more of them?!

I sense it now... There are too many dark dragons attempting to cross over through the gate. And now they are stuck.

If this keeps up, they will continue to flow into our world like a flooding river!

What do we do?!

......

Listen up, Aldo and Suzette! First, we shall cut down every last one of these dragons. And then...

Leave the rest to us! You are with me. Right, Heavenly Dragon?

Hmph! Very well, Tiramisu. I am the other half of your soul. And wherever we go, we shall go together.

Okay!

Now...here we go!

Oh! Roger that!

Oh, what a twist! First we were enemies, now we're forced to work together! Good luck, baddies, you're up against not one, but two leading ladies!

You vile creatures searching for your prey as you crawl out from the twilight. Bow down to our power!

We got them all!

Now is the perfect chance. We must move!

Very well, Tiramisu!

O powers of heaven flowing through my soul! O dragon's breath that boils my blood! Pierce my half with the shining fang!

Agh!

Pudding à la Mode... My heart... My half.

You there...I entrust you with this... in the name of Tiramisu... Use this fang to pierce the dark gate. Go now. Destroy these evil dragons!

It's gone!

WHOA!

Ngh...

Tiramisu! Heavenly Dragon!

Looks like the gate is closed... And that's the end of that.

Both of you all right? What just happened there? Where did all that power come from?

That? That was a secret technique passed down through my clan. A dragon summoner temporarily lends most of their power to their dragon.

It then makes the dragon extremely powerful...but that part you saw already.

You concentrate all of your power into the tip of your lance, and then pierce the dragon's soul. But you must be careful, for if you miss, the wound it causes is fatal.

If the dragon and summoner are not as one, then it is near impossible to pull off. Of all the dragon summoner techniques, this is the most difficult by far.

And in that moment you realized you could do it.

Well, yes. You could say that! We are one, Pudding and I...

Only a matter of course!

...Oh! Heavenly Dragon...!

That technique takes a great toll on the dragon summoner. If I did not trust you, I would never have permitted you to do it. Wouldn't you agree, Tiramisu?

Hm?! Oh! Yes, of course!

(Those two seem really happy for each other!)

Now, I've taken care of all those dragons beyond the gate... I highly doubt they'll be clamoring to come back.

You buried those chaos dragons that easily?

You could say that... I know not the cause as to why the dragons stirred up like that. Although there are no clues left to go on, I will continue to seek out the cause.

Now with that settled, shall we get back to the other issue here?

The other issue? Oh. Right...

Oh yes...

Let us finish this duel before we are interrupted again!

Are you serious?!

Oh what a cruel fate. The strong are truely cursed to live a life of solitude.

Oooh!

Oh no! I can't believe I missed all these notifications!

Sorry, my little understudy, I'm going to need a rain check on the duel!

After all that?!

You dare to run away from this challenge and leave it unsettled?

N-No! I would never! But now's not the time!

You see...

Pre-orders are starting for La Vie En Rose's all new cakes! AND I CAN'T MISS THIS.

Ah...

Indeed! Now is not the time!

Huh? That counts for an excuse?

ALDO! This is serious cake business! Far more important than some silly duel! Get it together!

I knew you'd get it. Heh!

I could handle one, but two Tiramisu is more than my stomach can handle...

You can say that again.

The gate filled with light, which the powers of darkness guided me to, was up ahead in the fantasy-looking spot.

I'll be going there to travel back home.

That should be in the Corinda Plains. We shall go there and see you off then.

I hate to go, but I really must leave... I'll be looking forward to seeing the recording of our battle on the big screen!

Ah, right...

What's wrong, Tiramisu? You look really bummed.

N-Not at all!

It is not like the thought of never seeing you again makes me sad... And what can I expect? I mean, we are not even friends really...

What are you saying?!

We totally just teamed up to rid the world of evil back there. That makes us more than just friends, in my opinion!

We're soul sisters!

Soul sisters?!

Heheh! I see... Teehee!

You seem pretty happy to hear that, Tiramisu.

Is it that obvious?

I have made my very first friend! Did you hear that, Heavenly Dragon? A soul sister, at that!

You must've done well to find yourself a friend like that.

Yeah...

And if we're more than friends... If we're really soul sisters, then there's no doubt we'll meet again!

Of course! As a matter of fact...

Why don't you join me now for some cake at La Vie En Rose?

Really?!

They've got pudding if you'd rather eat that instead! I know how much you like pudding, after all.

The pudding at La Vie En Rose is way creamier than the Saurus one. It's like eating pure golden honey!

Is it?! I must go and try this at once!

Wait! You're gonna go with her?

It's getting close to my reservation! We'd better hurry! On to the journey of the delectable sweets!

Yes! Let us be off!

Tiramisu!

And just like that, they're gone.

Can nothing be done about that child? I guess I'll just keep watch from the heavens then...

The gate is closed, and destroyed. Dragon Summoner Tiramisu... How I loathe you. But I shall return. You, as well...wish to see me bleed, do you not?

Hm... So the gate is completely shut. Disappeared, like it was never even there to begin with... Quite formidable, indeed. Things have become quite interesting! First Tiramisu, and now that other young woman...

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