I didn't realize Divine Dragons had a party season! I'm sure the professor has been totally giddy writing about it... with Ned's help, of course.
We thought they were gonna go into hiding after that mess with Chronos and Rathorn, but Ned thinks they want to understand us better!
Well, I won't object to that! Especially since Ned had a headstart!
Right on time, the Hermes Dragon's here to escort us to Dragolympus. Ahh... just like old times. This'll be great!
Isn't it fantastic, Professor? The Divines of Mt. Dragolympus are so thankful for all our help over the years -- they've invited us to their summer party!
Indeed! And I've decided to bring my son as my plus-one. Hearing what these dragons are chatting about will bring me amazing new insight into Divine behavior.
Oh... I thought it was just gonna be the two of us, reminiscing about the first time you took me to meet the Divines and all that... b-but I'm glad Ned's here!
Years ago, Professor, you told me that Mount Dragolympus only becomes visible when the Divines are in trouble... so why can we see it now?
Um. The Hermes Dragon says they ARE in trouble: They're tired of seeing the same party guests for thousands of years, and they need us to shake things up...
Simply amazing! I always knew dragons had a flair for the dramatic, but, my boy, you've confirmed it!
Nothing better than a battle to spice up a party, right?
(You were right, Hermes -- inviting these humans to the party will prove to be VERY entertaining indeed.)
(Oh, yes! And when you take their family dynamics into account... it's a recipe for delightful drama!)
Ned, quickly! What are they saying?
They're... being a little rude. Uh, let's just say they're happy we're here.
Look! We've found a way forward! Now we can REALLY get the party started.
Oh, yes, yes -- what does the Hermes Dragon have to say about our latest accomplishment?
(The last time I saw this older human, it asked FAR fewer questions. Is it always like this?)
Well... sorta.
Wow, it's been a while! Isn't it great to see the Divines and their friends milling around and having fun?
Quite so, Arya -- and I'm especially looking forward to knowing what dragon small-talk sounds like!
*sigh* Yeah... Me too.
(Do you remember, Arya? Years ago, you and your mentor took a chance on a dear friend of mine...)
(Oho! I've heard fascinating things about you humans. Your behavior is so interesting to us.)
(We of Dragolympus have an "interesting" dynamic. We bicker often, and have many rivalries among our little family--)
(You're so long-winded, Apollo -- you know only ONE of them can understand you, right? Let's battle!)
That was a great battle, Apollo Dragon, Revelry Dragon...! You two made this an un-missable party.
Yes, but what were they saying? Ned?
Err... It seems like they're interested in our "drama," but--
Wait! Arya, where are you going?!
(How strange. I've never known you to be upset or brood, Arya. It seems you've left your mentor and friend behind...)
Oh, Hermes Dragon, you decided to follow me? You know I can't understand you, right?
(But you can! Well, in a sense...)
I heard some weird voice in my head earlier... I just want to clear my thoughts, and maybe find out who's talking to me.
(Why do you despair, hatchling? You have a beautiful gift...)
Argh, what's going on with my head? It's like someone's whispering to me. Maybe I'm sick? Is that why I feel so lousy?
(I'm certainly not sick of you, my human friend. I'll keep exploring with you -- you're awfully fun to watch!)
Hephaestus Dragon! I remember you! Rathorn was going to force you to make some gnarly machines, but you fought against him and the Medusa Dragon...
The Professor told me all about your amazing creations. But now I think he's interested in other things...
(Hrmm, are you really the spunky little human I remember from years back? The one who battled at my side? You seem quite sullen!)
(I'll have to use our shared language to get a smile out of you, energetic one. Let us battle!)
(What a battle! You've improved since we last met. I'm sure Medusa would like to see you as well...)
Thank you for the battle, Hephaestus Dragon! It's too bad I can't understand you... I hope you had as much fun as I did...
(You fool yourself, child -- thinking that you can't feel the same joy I did. Heh...)
(I think fate -- or a certain someone -- will guide you in the right direction, regardless of our lack of shared language.)
(You think the dragons, and your human friends, look down upon you for things outside of your control...)
Say, Hermes Dragon, you don't see anyone sneaking up behind me to whisper weird stuff in my ear... right?
(Heh... No, not at all. But we can keep searching, if you'd like. The Temple of Medusa is up ahead.)
(You're on the right track, but you already knew that. Trust in your heart...)
It's the Temple of Medusa! I wonder how the Medusa Dragon's doing? We didn't exactly leave off on the best terms...
(Yes, but that's old news. Our arguments come and go like the mountaintop weather. I'm sure Medusa would like to see you!)
I wish I could clear up misunderstandings as easy as Ned can, now. Guess I'll have to try something else...
Grrroar! Grawr grawr!
... (What is it doing? Is it making fun of me?)
(I think it's just confused...)
(Sorry -- she means well, I promise!)
The battle went well, but I think my communication attempt didn't really translate...
(I like you, human girl. You might be a bit rough around the edges, but you got a good soul -- like me!)
(If she could re-learn how to listen, I know she'd appreciate that. But first, I think a certain somedragon needs to help her!)
(Interesting. I'll be keeping an eye on this one. Grah ha ha ha!)
(If you open your heart and your eyes, you'll see your gift for what it is...)
A gift? Is this the kind of party where I get gifts? Ooh, Hermes Dragon, show me where my gift is!
(Follow me and I'll show you a new way forward instead, my silly human friend!)
Phew! It's hot! We've gotta be in the Hephaestus Dragon's forge... I see dragons playing around in the lava.
*huff* *huff* Arya! Wait up! We've been trying to track you down, but--
N-Ned! Where's the Prof-- I mean, your dad? Shouldn't you go find him? I'm fine by myself, okay?
That's what I want to talk to you about-- Argh! She ran off again... She's being so weird. But I think I know why.
Hermes Dragon? Why are you getting in my way?
(When I was young, you and your elder mentor saved me from a terrible human. I did not trust your kind, until I met you.)
(We can't communicate with our words, but perhaps this battle will remind you of our shared language. It's time I smack some sense into you!)
Heh. I know that look. Okay, Hermes Dragon, let's have an explosive battle!
Wow -- between that battle and the heat of the forge, I'm sweating through my tunic!
(There! You're smiling again!)
You look pretty happy there, Hermes Dragon. This is what a party should be about, right?
(I couldn't agree more. Let's go enjoy ourselves!)
Arya! Please wait, my dear -- these old bones can't keep up with you like they used to, especially in this furnace!
I've been learning so much since the last time we were here, I wanted to share it with you, and celebrate our--
I-I'm sorry -- can you two leave me alone for a second? I've gotta go!
(Here I thought you'd finally found some peace, but let's go -- I'll take you to the friend in your head if you follow me, dragon girl.)
*sigh* Thanks for hanging out with me, Hermes Dragon, even though you can't understand me. The truth is, I don't have any family to rely on.
Ol' Hoggie is the closest thing I have to a dad. And Ned, well... I know he'll always be there for me.
Maybe I'm overreacting, but I almost feel like they don't need me anymore. If Ned can understand dragons perfectly, then...
(Oh, sweet human. You do have a family, and they need you. Come; I'll introduce you to some family of my own -- although you've sort of already met.)
(There she is. I'm sure she heard me calling, but I'm glad you were there to gently guide her, Hermes.)
(It's her! Just as I told you, Artemis, this is the human who saw the goodness in me, even as my mind was clouded by darkness.)
(I think HER mind is a bit clouded right now. Medusa, what do you say we help clear it?)
Hey Medusa Dragon! And, uh... I feel like I know you from somewhere, mystery dragon. I'm a little lost, but I know for sure you want to battle, right?
Arya, please wait! I--
Oh, sweet Chronos' claw, is that... the Artemis Dragon? Arya, do you realize how spectacular this moment is?
The Artemis Dragon is the age-old protector of female Dragon Trainers. For it to battle you of its own free will... That is very special indeed.
I-is that true? Artemis Dragon, I-- Ah! It's gone... But now that you guys are here... we've got partying to catch up on!
Ned, Professor... I'm sorry. I've been acting really weird about Ned's amazing new ability. I think I've been--
I understand, my dear. I hope you know, you are indispensible to me, and to Ned, too. You have quite a way with dragons, unlike anything I've ever seen!
Nobody can replace you, Arya, y'know? And for what it's worth, the Hermes Dragon says--
It's okay; I can tell by its expression that it's relieved. I finally understood what it and the Artemis Dragon were trying to tell me this whole time!