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"What do you mean there won't be any banquet!?" Drum whined at the gathered knights.

"Unfortunately, there is still more work to be done now. We need to make sure the threat is neutralized," King Arthur said, maintaining a stern face, but his eyes held sympathy for the dragon. "We need to question Lancelot and make sure there aren't any other surprises that might crop their heads up."

"For now, we must take our leave," Merlin joined in, picking up Sofia's discarded deck. "We'll take Mordred and Morganna in for questioning as well. Rest assured, your efforts will be rewarded at a later date. Know that we are forever thankful for your efforts and the dedication you've shown. The Knights of the Round Table are in your debt. For now, I bid thee young heroes farewell. "

With that, the knights left in a flash of light, leaving Drum to stare helplessly at the space they once occupied. He reached out to the empty field, as if to bid the knights back, and fell to his knees with a whimper.

"Don't worry, Drum-kins," Axia said, patting the red dragon on the back. "I'm sure I can whip up something back in Magic World..."

"Great, so now we gotta head back..." Drum groaned and slumped to the ground, his stomach rumbling loudly. "I don't know if I have it in me to jump worlds on an empty stomach..."

"If you need a ride home, then you're in luck," Paruko said cheerfully as she pulled out her phone and tapped at the screen with practiced precision. "I couldn't help but overhear, especially since i have just the thing to help!"

"What, you mean you have a buffet table hidden somewhere?" Drum asked doubtfully.

"No, but I have the next best thing! Connections!" she said as she tapped her screen pointedly. "Consider it a thank you for such an amazing fight!"

The trio shared confused looks and made to question her odd statement, but bell chimes filled the air as an all too familiar airship came descending from the heavens, with an equally familiar laugh accompanying it.

"Is that what I think it is?" a dumbstruck Drum asked.

"Yup. I still have Lady Suzuha's contact info from when she recruited me for Team Goddess!" Paruko proudly proclaimed. "Now, let's all give a warm welcome to Lady Suzuha Amanosuzu!"

The named heiress floated down towards the group with her Buddy, Mary Sue, her ever present butler as well as a few handmaidens accompanying her.

"You keep interesting company," Shosetsu said to the two dragons. "I always wondered how you managed to acquire an airship back at Sengoku."

"This is more than just an airship!" declared Suzuha as she descended between the group. "It is one of my many fabulous air homes! In fact, it is one of my new and improved models, perfect for transporting passengers across the barriers between worlds."

"I never knew such a thing was even possible," Axia said in disbelief. "Not without a special badge or other instrument."

"Never underestimate the ingenuity of the Amanosuzu group! Ugly as it was, the Gaen Financial group's fiddling with interdimensional portals got us to experiment with it ourselves. Thus leading to the creation of the Interplanetary Buddyship! It's specially made to travel between worlds, without the need for an affinity for any of them. From here, all passengers present will receive an all expenses paid trip to the world of their choosing!"

"That's quite the amazing accomplishment," remarked Shosetsu, giving the ship an appraising look. "So you're saying this can go to any world it would chose to instantaneously?"

"Well, not that fast. Compared to a single monster going from world to world, we travel rather slowly," Suzuha explained. "It's the trade off for having all-access, but it works. That and we do have to ask permission, of course. But we've already had clearance to Magic, Dragon and, of course, Legend World." She turned to the gathered three and winked. "We have you three to thank for that."

Though they now shared one world in their current forms, the two dragons and human smiled in appreciation.

"Now if you all would so kind as to follow me, we can begin our voyage!"

"That's cool and all, but we can hitch our own ride," Drum said. "Axia and I can just teleport back." The sooner I can get some food in me, the better, he thought, feeling like his stomach would start eating itself if he didn't have something to eat. "Just give me a minute to get the feeling back in my legs."

"Oh, but where would the fun in that be?" Suzuha tutted. "Besides, that'd leave Shosetsu to make the journey all by himself. You wouldn't leave your friend to travel all by his lonesome, would you?"

Her tone was teasing, but her words brought back his unpleasant experience in the forest back to the forefront of his mind. Drum's jaw tightened just enough for Axia to notice and he gave the red dragon a comforting pat on the back.

"Was it something I said?" Suzuha wondered, noticing Drum's dour look.

"We had a bit of a mishap on our trip," Shosetsu spoke up when it became clear that neither dragon would. "We are all a bit weary from our ordeals."

"Well, if that's not a reason to take the scenic route, I don't know what is!" Suzuha chirped. "Besides, we have a large banquet planned just for you to celebrate your victory!"

Both Shosetsu and Axia smiled knowingly at each other as they saw the 180 in Drum's posture. "Did you say banquet?" Drum rumbled, almost drooling at the thought of a good meal.

"Of course!" said Suzuha. "Tailor made to satisfy each of your unique pallets, with only the freshest of ingredients from across the globe!"

"Well alright! Count me in!" Drum yelled as he jumped up, his cape transforming into a pair of silver wings. He flapped them hard and launched himself in the air, already on his way to the ship.

"Seems our choice has been made for us," said Shosetsu bemusedly before activating his Buddyskill.

"That's Drum-kins for you," Axia said with a grin as he kicked off the ground. "Always thinking with his stomach."

"C'mon you guys! Get the lead out!" Drum shouted from up in the air. "I can practically hear the food calling my name!"

The two chuckled and followed the eager armordragon up into the massive structure, Suzuha and co right behind them.

***

"Welcome aboard the Amanosuzu group's latest air home!" Suzuha proudly proclaimed from behind her fan as she lead the small group through the halls of her air home. Though it had a different layout than the previous one, it held the same atmosphere that its hostess preferred; that of a rich elegance while still showing off a graceful beauty in its construction.

In fact, the first thing that caught the group's eyes were the stained glass windows, decorated with various world's crests, which obscured the view of Legend World's sky. Paruko quickly had her camera out, recording the elegant hallway, while the others watched in wonder.

"You like?" Suzuha asked, noticing their gaze. "I had them specially designed for this ship. They're able to withstand the harsh rigors that come with dimensional traveling, and can even stand up against several variations of monster attacks, all while giving the room a nice hint of color."

"It's practical, if nothing else," Shosetsu noted.

"I think they're rather stunning," Axia added. "Even more impressive that they have such durability."

"Well, I wouldn't want them to be destroyed by an overzealous passenger, so of course I had them reinforced," Suzuha said. "In fact, this entire ship is specially tailored for both human and monster alike! Feel free to remain in your full forms for the duration of the trip, if it's to your liking."

"You sure about that?" asked Drum warily, sharing a concerned look with Axia. "The Buddypolice are pretty strict about that rule."

"Oh, yes, there's no need to worry," answered Suzuha. "We all saw how well you handled yourselves against Sofia," she nodded to Paruko, and the reporter flashed a quick 'v' sign with her fingers in response. "Consider it a reward for a job well done. We'll just square away all the paperwork later."

"Nice. All that world saving's finally paying off!" laughed Drum haughtily.

"I will admit, it'll be nice to eat a meal like this," added Axia. "It's so hard to practice good table manners in my smaller form, cute as it is."

"That's the spirit!" exclaimed Suzuha. "Now, if you'll convene in the ballroom, we'll get the banquet set up!"

"All right! Now we're talking!" Drum raced off ahead, his larger form carrying him to the entrance much quicker. Shosetsu followed after a moment, smirking at the other dragon's eagerness, and Paruko followed soon after, her camera trained on the assembled heroes.

Axia stayed behind, sticking close to Suzuha as she looked over the dinner hall. Once his friends were out of sight, he approached the heiress.

"Excuse me, Miss Suzuha?" he asked in a hushed tone.

It was loud enough for Suzuha, and she looked curiously at the dragowizard. "Something the matter, Axia?"

"Nothing's wrong, I just wanted to ask you something before we began."

"By all means, please do. Though we should make it quick. I have a feeling Drum will end up eating the table if we don't set up soon."

As if on cue, Drum peeked his head out of the doorway. "You coming, Axia?" he asked eagerly.

"I'll be there in just a second, Drum-kins," replied Axia, wearing a playful smile. "I just want to ask Suzuha something."

Drum shrugged but nodded before heading back to the ballroom. "I'll save you a seat," He called out. "But you better hurry before I just eat the table!"

Axia looked on in shock before turning back to Suzuha. "How did you know-?"

"If you stick with Gao long enough, you tend to learn his and his friends' eating habits. He, Drum and Baku could probably eat their weight in food and still ask for seconds." She tittered airily. "So, what is it you wanted to ask?"

"If it would be possible, do you think I could borrow your kitchen?"

"Borrow it?" The heiress wondered. "Whatever for?"

Axia swallowed lightly, pushing down his nervousness. "Well, Drum is really looking forward to this feast. I was hoping I could make something special for him."

"Oh? Going to try and win your dragon over?" she asked cheekily from behind her fan. "I remember the looks you gave him at the last dinner party."

"Well, I've already done that," Axia replied, a happy blush on his face. "This is just to celebrate a job well done and-"

"Wait!" Suzuha gasped, pointing her fan at Axia, and he jumped back in surprise as the heiress continued. "Are you and Drum an item now!?"

"I... yes?" The frazzled dragowizard said shyly. "At least, I think we are..."

"You think?" Suzuha asked incredulously, her Buddyskill activating and letting her loom over Axia. "There's an enormous difference between knowing the one you hold affections for returns those feelings and you thinking they do! It means the difference between setting up a romantic dinner for two and having to set a place for an extra dragon at the table!"

Axia somehow got the feeling she wasn't talking about him and Drum anymore, but answered anyway. "Well, I'm positive that he likes me like I like him. We shared a kiss in the forest after all." He blushed at the memory but was shocked out of his reverie when Suzuha gasped in shock.

"You kissed!?" she nearly yelled, floating up again to look Axia in the eyes. "You both expressed the depth of your feelings towards one another in a gesture that can only be shared between the most intimate of partners!?"

Now Axia was definitely sure she wasn't thinking about him and Drum, and he watched on in confused embarrassment as the heiress floated away, her mind now fully wrapped in whatever fantasy it had conjured up.

"Please do forgive Lady Suzuha." Her butler said suddenly, making Axia jump. "She has been pining for her own love for such a long time. To see your own blossom aboard this very ship has no doubt made her incredibly happy."

"Are all humans like this when it comes to romantic affairs?" asked Axia as he watched the day-dreaming heiress float about, now dancing with her Buddy in midair.

"Not all of them, no. Milady is simply passionate about it," the butler replied.

"There's simply no love more sweet than the shared love between lovers!" gushed Suzuha, emphasizing the butler's point. Before Axia could say more, she turned to her handmaidens, her voice stern. "Give Axia full reign of the kitchen. Listen to his every order and follow them to a T! I want his day to go perfectly!" The maidens bowed and slipped away in a flash.

"That's awfully kind of you, Lady Suzuaha." Axia said once he recovered.

"Think nothing of it," Suzuha said once she touched down. "Just consider this a second date for you two lovebirds."

"We haven't even had our first date yet," he joked to himself, but was blown back by another shriek.

"NOT HAD A FIRST DATE!?" Suzuha 'humphed' indignantly. "That simply will not do! Now we simply have to make this the best day of your life!"

"Please, there's no need to go that far!" Axia said, frantically trying to catch her attention. "We've already shared a great moment together. I just want to congratulate him!"

Suzuha smiled calmly and turned to face the dragowizard. "That's all well and good, but you shouldn't put his happiness before your own. There must be something you wish you two could do together." Her eyes lit up with stars as she continued. "Something special between you two that will deepen the love held inside!"

Axia briefly wondered if he had ever sounded like that, and for a moment, he felt like he could understand Drum's reluctance with physical affection. Still, she did raise an interesting question. "Well, there is one thing..." he said after a moment of thought.

Quick as a whip, Suzuha's attention was back on him. "Name it and it'll be done!"

"I would like to dance with him," Axia said confidently. "A waltz, if at all possible."

"A WALTZ!" Suzuha gasped, now beside herself and fantasizing again. "Oh, to be held by your prince as the two of you waltz in the moonlight! I couldn't imagine anything more romantic than that!"

For once, Axia agreed. She had taken the words right out of his mouth.

"It shall be done!" said Suzuha, once she returned to reality. "Now, head to the kitchen. You've got a dragon to prepare for!"

***

The sounds of a busy kitchen and an even busier ballroom echoed out through the emptier halls of the air home. In a crowded storeroom, a lone figure hobbled amongst the storage containers.

It had taken a lot of energy to slip out from the knights' notice undetected, but thanks to the commotion Sofia had caused, Morganna had managed a quick escape, along with a few cards from her deck. The sorceress sighed as she leaned against a crate for support, her body still weak from the battle.

I can't believe I made it out of there alive, she thought to herself. I need to lay low, bide my time. No doubt they'll figure out I've escaped soon enough, and then I'll have the entire Court to deal with. Still... She held up Arondight's card, and smiled wickedly when she felt the dark energy course through it. I've not lost everything. There's more to this card than meets the eye...

A noise caught her attention and she straightened her body, looking cautiously around the crate. One of Suzuha's maidens was rushing around the area, picking up a heavy looking box with ease before heading out. After confirming that she would not be back, Morganna relaxed.

So, these are food crates? she surmised, and used a small portion of magic to open up one of the sealed crates, the Magic World enchantments hardly stopping her efforts. Have to thank old man Merlin for that extra world training. The old codger was useful for something after all.

She smiled to herself as she came across a plethora of fruits and vegetables, easily enough for a generous dinner. Before she could take a bite out of anything, a ball of light flew from the bag where she kept the small amount of cards she still possessed and transformed into Mordred, the young knight standing tall in front of her. Startled, Morganna backed away, readying a spell in her hands, but stopped once he bowed his head to her.

"Okay, what is this?" She asked, keeping her hands laced with energy.

"I've presented myself to offer my services to you," Mordred replied, his head still bowed.

Morganna raised a questioning eyebrow, and frowned deeply at the knight. "I'll give you one chance to rephrase that."

"I was fully aware of you using me before," he explained. "Our goals coincided, and I followed along hoping to get more power. Now, though, after getting a taste of what my goals would accomplish, I feel... empty."

"We were both betrayed," Morganna said bitterly, dispersing the magic in her hands. "it's only natural that you'd-"

"Not because of Sofia's betrayal," Mordred said sternly. "I mean when I destroyed Arthur. No matter how often I destroyed him, it brought me no satisfaction."

Morganna scoffed. "That's because you destroyed him in a Buddyfight, not in actuality."

"I had thought that to be the case as well, but the more I thought about it, the less sure I became. Seeing his chosen knight inherit his will and grow stronger has shown me one thing."

Morganna regarded the young knight curiously, and folded her arms as she waited for him to continue. "And what, pray tell, is that?"

"Even if he would fall, others would take up the stand. And now those two dragons have the power as well. Arthur is now merely a teacher, as is Merlin. Those three have inherited his will. If I were to truly crush his ideals," his eyes narrowed and he clenched a fist harshly, "I would have to crush those three first."

"So that's what your goal is now?" Morganna asked. "To destroy those who carry on Arthur's will?"

"In a manner of speaking," he replied. "There are no doubt other champions, but I figure I would start there." He stood up slowly, and looked Morganna in the eye. "What about you? What will you do now?"

"I want to get revenge on that girl, Sofia, as well as those dragons," Morganna said without any hesitation. "Them and their knight. I'll destroy them all. I'll make that girl pay for betraying me, and I'll teach that knight a lesson in pain for disrespecting me."

"Then it seems we have a common enemy." Once more, Mordred lowered his head, giving a light bow. "I offer my services to you, Lady Morganna. I wish to aid you in your goals." He straightened up and held out a hand. "As partners, this time."

A smile slowly played out on Morganna's face. Experience gave her confidence when reading facial expressions, and she couldn't find a trace of deceit in the man. And while she didn't need an extra dose of magic to read his intentions, it never hurt to be sure.

"Partners," the sorceress replied, accepting the hand firmly.

***

"Hello there, I'm Paruko Nanana, with a behind the scenes look at our latest adventure!" Paruko said as she floated over the dinner hall. "In case you missed it, the last match had Sengoku Demon General, Shosetsu Kirisame, face off against former Aibou Academy Student Vice-President, Sofia Sakharov! It was truly a spectacle to behold! But what prompted this match-up in the first place? For that, we turn to one of the contestant, Shosetsu Kirisame, for the answer!"

Paruko had been floating around the dinner hall during her intro her words carrying thanks to the expansive room. Drum and Shosetsu watched her curiously, but stayed quiet until she floated down next to Shosetsu. "We had some dialogue during the match, but can you clarify what was really going on?" Paruko asked, camera trained on the swordsman.

Shosetsu cleared his throat, trying to maintain a stoic face. "Well, it's a little complicated. Originally, I was tasked to guard the sacred lake from an invasion led by Lancelot. He had declared all-out war on Arthur's Kingdom days earlier, and I was sent to make sure he failed."

"Yes, I remember seeing that knight, along with several others, fight alongside Sofia," Paruko noted. "But why did she have them in her deck?"

"From what I can tell, they were coerced into working together by Morganna, another Legend World denizen with a grudge against King Arthur," Shosetsu replied. "They worked together to gain access to the lake, but for what purpose, I'm not sure."

"We've been hearing a lot about this lake, but what is so special about, exactly?" Paruko asked. "From what I saw, it looked like any ordinary body of water."

"It's the lake that Excalibur was forged in, and it in turn absorbed some of those magical properties. For many years, monsters of all varieties have tried to capture its power for their own, and from the looks of it, it seems like Sofia wanted to use it to increase her strength."

"Considering she runs Legend World herself, that's not surprising," Paruko surmised. "But she usually uses Star cards, now she seemed to use Heroes, headlined by that weapon of hers, Cursed Dragon Arondite."

That prompted a growl from Drum, the armordragon having been silent up until that point. "Cursed Dragon... I wondered why a weapon would have that name, until Axia noticed it had dragon teeth mixed in with it."

"Yes, you mentioned that during the fight," Paruko said, turning the camera and microphone towards Drum. "Is it a taboo to have dragon teeth mixed in with weapons?"

"I wouldn't say taboo," Drum began, "but it's definitely unorthodox, and not in the good way either. At least, not with her. Dragon teeth are usually something you give someone you trust, and I can't think of any dragon who'd give their fangs to someone like her."

"I've heard of the conflict between dragons and dragon knights, I'm guessing those might be related." Drum shrugged, but didn't offer any objections. "But since we're on you, what's your story? Why are you here?"

"Honestly? Coincidence," Drum said with a laugh. "I came here to help Axia with some world training, and we ended up getting roped into this big plot."

"So, Axia's traveling with you again?" Paruko asked. "That sounds nostalgic. We haven't seen him since Sengoku!"

"Well, he's been busy training," Drum replied. "He wanted to find a Buddy and form a bond like I have with Gao."

"The tried and true Buddy dream," Paruko said with a sigh. "So, is he going to start traveling with you again?"

"I... don't know..." Drum trailed off, a thoughtful frown coming to his face. "We never really planned that far. I guess he'll go on and keep looking for his Buddy."

He wanted to say more, but words wouldn't come to him. They were only supposed to have a quick training session before parting ways, but with everything that happened, Drum felt an odd, sinking feeling develop in his stomach when he thought about them separating. Paruko and Shosetsu watched as Drum stared at the table, unaware of his internal conflict.

What am I getting so upset over? he wondered. I should be happy. He got a brand new power, we both did! Now there are better odds that he'll find someone as a Buddy...

Someone that's not me.

He growled and shook his head, startling the two humans. Where had that thought come from? Much as he didn't like to admit it, Gao had been right. He did miss Axia. But to consider him as his Buddy...when he already had Gao as one? His stomach felt awful, the mixture of anxiety and hunger pains making his head swim.

"Drum?" Shosetsu's voice broke through his haze. "Are you alright?"

He was about to answer positively, but he felt his own lightheadedness take over. He took a few deep breaths to calm himself, pushing the ill feeling in his gut down. When he felt like himself again, he looked back towards Paruko, who, mercifully, had turned off the camera, and looked worriedly at the red dragon.

Drum shook his head again, and swallowed what saliva was in his mouth. "Sorry," he said. "Guess I'm still a little wiped out. We were out there for a while, trying to get to that lake. That forest wasn't any fun..."

"The forest?" Paruko asked, having once again trained her camera on Drum. "Wait, you went through the forest? Why not just fly over it?"

"It had an enchantment on it that prevented flight," Shosetsu answered. "Or at least, hindered it greatly. It was a 'gift' from Oberon, set up to protect the lake from intruders. We ended up in the thick of it."

"That forest makes you experience your worst fears and magnifies them 100 fold," Drum took over, rubbing his temple. "If it wasn't for Axia's protection spell, we would've been goners."

"That's incredible," Paruko said in awe. "So, what sort of technique did Axia use to free you from the forest's curse?"

Drum felt his cheeks heat up, the memory of his and Axia's time in the forest still so very vivid in his mind. He shrugged off the question, while hoping his red scales prevented any of his blush from showing. "You'd have to ask Axia for the specifics. I never studied advanced magic."

"Where is Axia, anyway?" Shosetsu wondered, scanning the dining hall for any sign of the dragowizard. "I thought he came with us."

"He said he wanted to talk to Suzuha about something, but-" Drum stopped when he heard a loud rumbling coming from the corridor.

Three sets of eyes widened as several of Suzuha's handmaidens ran through the dining hall, each one carrying a covered dish that they set on the large dining table. Drum, Shosetsu and Paruko watched on as the table slowly filled up, and the red dragon had to keep himself from drooling as the plethora of aromas wafted to his nose. The table was soon positively packed with food, and Drum's stomach practically roared as he beheld the spread. He was almost bouncing in his seat by the time the last maiden had left, which prompted Shosetsu's next observation.

"The seat didn't break?" he wondered when, despite Drum using it as a spring, the chair still held firm.

"This vessel was built with various monsters in mind," Suzuha's butler supplied from the hall entrance. "Naturally, precautions were taken to have all the furniture reinforced. Please be at ease as you would anywhere else and enjoy the meal prepared."

"Believe me, I plan on it!" Drum said, practically drooling at the spread out. "With all this food, I don't know where to start!"

"I think I know," a giddy voice came from his side. Drum turned his head, almost bumping into the takoyaki that Axia held between chopsticks. "It's takoyaki I cooked up. Specially made for a hungry, noble dragon."

Drum stared dumbfounded for a moment, but the smell of the delectable treat brought his mind back at attention. Still, it also brought back the attention of the group behind Axia, some of which looked almost expectantly at the dragon pair. He could feel his eye twitch when Paruko focused the camera on them.

Drum could see what was happening; Axia wanted to share a tender moment with him, like they had back in the forest. But the extra sets of eyes were putting him on edge. He never liked his private moments being observed, and especially didn't like the idea of their moment being recorded for posterity, but the loud rumbling from his stomach was making a very convincing argument.

Eventually his stomach won out, and he opened his maw to let Axia put the delicious treat on his tongue. The dragowizard giggled gleefully, letting Drum enjoy his treat, and the red dragon hummed as the flavors washed over his taste buds.

"Mm, now that's good!" he said after he swallowed. He was about to open his mouth for seconds before the second part of Axia's sentence registered. "Wait, did you say you made this?"

Axia nodded, "I wanted to give you a special treat for all that you've done for me! Not to mention Legend World in general."

"That's incredible!" He opened up his mouth, giving Axia his cue to feed him another one. The teal dragon did so with gusto, a wide smile on his snout as he fed the hungry dragon more food.

"Careful you don't let him choke," Shosetsu playfully called. "He's practically swallowing them up."

At that point, Drum paused his gorging to respond to the swordsman. "If I went out like this, I'd be a happy dragon. It might just be the hunger talking, but I've never eaten anything so good in my life!"

"I'm glad you enjoyed the appetizer," Axia giggled as he set the small plate down near Drum.

"You mean there's more?" Drum gasped.

"Yup, there sure is," his sentence was interrupted by a light stomach grumble, and he chuckled sheepishly. "But first, I need to eat something too." He took a seat next to Drum and gathered some of the food onto his own plate. "I can only survive on hug power for so long!"

Drum was quick to follow suit, gobbling up the remaining takoyaki balls before moving to the food arranged before him, indiscriminately picking up whatever was close to him and stacking it on his plate.

"You'd better eat up before those two clean the entire table," quipped Durandal to his Buddy.

Shosetsu chuckled, and followed his Buddy's advice. In time, the room was filled with the sounds of cutlery clinking and, in Drum's case, noisy gulps as the spread was devoured. Axia finished his portion first, leaning back in his chair and dabbing his chin with a napkin. He smiled at how eagerly Drum tore through a thick turkey leg.

"Careful Drum," Axia said as he got up. "You want to still have room for dessert."

Though if anything, that seemed to motivate the red dragon to eat through the entire table, and it was only by some miracle that either Shosetsu or Paruko managed to get a decent portion of food.

Axia returned after small while, at which point Drum had finished his share and was lounging back comfortably, but sat up once he caught sight of what he was carrying. The dragowizard was carried an ornate dish, upon which lay a single helping of pudding. But it wasn't any ordinary desert; it was coated in a sauce that made it shimmer in the light cast from the windows and its aroma carried through even with the cacophony of smells from the previous smorgasbord. Drum drooled at the sight, and was struck speechless until Axia laid the treat down in front of him.

"For you, my royal champion," he said with a grin. "I hope you like it."

"Oh, Axia, you know how to treat a dragon right!" He took a large spoonful out of the pudding, and chomped it eagerly. Tears came to his eyes as he swallowed it, the flavor of several sweets mixed together surpassing anything he'd tasted before. "This is the best thing I've ever tasted in my life! Did you made this too?"

"I can't take all the credit," Axia said humbly. "Suzuha let me use her kitchen and even gave me one of her family's recipe books so I could make something truly special."

"I never knew her family cooked," Drum said. "I always figured she'd have her butlers do that.."

"It's unbecoming of a 'noble' dragon to think so little of their hostess," Suzuha said tersely, looming behind Drum. The red dragon almost choked on his desert, and was about to speak up when Suzuha continued. "But I'll ignore that for Axia's sake. Now if you don't mind, I must check on the preparations for the evening." And with that, she walked off.

"You really shouldn't make jokes behind her back, Drum-kins..." Axia chastised softly, once Drum calmed down.

"Oh, she knows I'm just kidding," Drum said, once again stoutly munching on his treat. "You know I'm a noble dragon! I managed to get into the lake didn't I?"

"Yes, the fact that a sacred lake acknowledged your achievement totally means you've the right to be sarcastic to your hostess," Shosetsu said in amusement.

"You humans are so thin skinned," Drum huffed and took another bite of his pudding. "Last time I get slammed through a tree for you, that's for sure."

"Even as a noble dragon, he's still the Drum we've always known," Axia giggled and side eyed Paruko. "Just be sure to show your good side to the camera!"

"Actually, Axia," Paruko said, camera focused on the young dragowizard. "If you have time, I'd like to get your side of the story as well. Drum said you had some new tricks up your sleeves that helped them all through their journey. Care to share?"

"Oh, well it's really nothing too special," Axia said. "Just a little empathy magic mixed in with an illusion breaking spell. Quite honestly, I was a little surprised it worked myself! But I had to try it when I noticed Drum had fallen to the enchantment." He smiled bashfully, and shared a quick look with Drum, who returned it with a shy smile. "I used the empathy magic to recognize Drum's emotions, and later on, Shosetsu's."

"It sounds like your training had paid off then!" Paruko praised. "Though if you don't mind my asking, why weren't you two with Shosetsu at the beginning of the fight?"

"We were busy dealing by a giant monster, that enormous shadowy beast that the sword conjured up," Axia answered. "It pursued us through the forest, and we let Shosetsu go ahead to protect the lake. We held it off the best we could, but it overpowered us..." He paused in his recollection, confusion clear on his face.

"Something wrong?" Paruko prodded when Axia remained quiet.

"Nothing... just got me thinking. I don't remember us falling into the lake. Last I remember was getting thrown through some trees..."

"Perhaps it was the lake's will that pulled you in," Shosetsu's Buddy, Durandal, spoke up. "It is said that only those with a noble heart may find the lake, but truthfully, I believe that it seeks out those who it deems worthy. After seeing you fight so valiantly, it recognized your bravery and rewarded you thusly."

Paruko nodded happily, and flew up high, aiming the camera to get the group in frame. "And there you have it, folks! The exciting 'behind the scenes' action that makes up the world of Buddyfight! Join me next time for another exciting Buddyfight broadcast!"

Axia smiled as he watched the reporter finish her rounds, and sat back to appreciate the scenery. He focused on the Magic World window, admiring how the different colored panes refracted the light well. He then caught sight of Suzuha directing several of her maidens towards a large curtain. She noticed Axia staring and gave the dragowizard a wink. Axia gulped, knowing exactly what the heiress was doing, and tried to keep any nervousness he felt from showing.

She's really really doing it, Axia thought anxiously. I'm really going to-

Suddenly, the lights dimmed, and everyone looked around. The sound of a spotlight brought everyone's attention to Suzuha, who stood on the middle of a stage.

"Attention, my lovely guests. To commemorate the maiden voyage of this particular air home, I'd like to invite you'll to attend the first ever Interdimensional Waltz!"

The curtains that previously covered the stage opened up, revealing Suzuha's handmaidens all wielding various string instruments, with her butler behind a magnificent grand piano. Both Drum and Shosetsu looked on in confusion, while Axia had to keep himself from grinning too broadly, anxiety quickly turing to eagerness.

"As hostess, I will permit myself the first dance, but please feel free to jump in at anytime." She floated down to the main stage, Mary Sue trailing after her, giggling all the way, and came to a halt before Shosetsu, offering a hand to the swordsman. "Would the good sir knight accept a dance?"

Still looking slightly bewildered, Shosetsu nodded. "Of course," he said politely. "It'd be an honor."

The knight bowed and took the offered hand, leading Suzuha to the dance floor. His Buddyskill lit up behind him, and the two danced and twirled to the light music that the small band began to play. They gave an impressive performance, both fully immersed in the rhythm the music created, but after a while, Shosetsu couldn't help but notice that Suzuha's attention was focused more on the two dragons still at the buffet table.

"Planning something, Lady Suzuha?" he asked knowingly.

"Just giving a love struck dragon some ambiance," she replied.

Back at the table, Drum looked on at the two humans, slowly chewing his food. He stifled a snicker as he watched Shosetsu spin Suzuha around. The music evened out, signaling the end of the dance, and the two retreated to the side, leaving the floor open. Humans sure have some strange customs. He thought as he finished the last of his pudding.

"Aren't you going to ask me to dance?" Axia asked sweetly, stealing Drum's attention.

Drum gulped, swallowing his mouthful of food nosily. "What, me? Dancing?" he asked nervously. "No way, I can't dance."

"That's no problem, I can teach you!" Axia got up giddily, trying his best to pull up the reluctant red dragon with him.

"C'mon Axia, I'm really not all that good at it," Drum protested, keeping a grip on the reinforced table to keep from being pulled away. "I've got two left feet and..."

"You need to relax, Drum-kins," asserted Axia after prying the red dragon from the buffet table. "Just let yourself flow to the music."

"I've never really flowed to music before..." Drum admitted. "All of my training's been in combat."

"That's why we're learning!" Axia chirped. "In a way, this is like a dream for me. For me to share a waltz with my..." he looked up cheekily at Drum. "Special someone."

Drum groaned as his lame phrasing was thrown back at him, and decided to change the subject. "Why a waltz though? What's so special about that?"

"A waltz is a special dance," Axia explained. "Used to communicate feelings between partners in a very special way. Or it is to me anyway," he sighed dreamily. "It's one of the most special dances you can perform with someone."

Drum held in a groan, but he could tell Axia wasn't exaggerating. "It really means that much to you?" A shy nod was his answer, and Drum found himself unable to say no to the puppy-dog eyes he was given. He did his best to withhold a sigh before saying, "Alright, I'll give it a try."

Axia nodded happily, and began to lead Drum to the ballroom floor. "Just follow my movements, then repeat what I do when I say to. After that you'll be the leader."

Drum offered an uneasy laugh as he tried to follow Axia's lead, but just as he predicted, he was stiff as a board, focusing mostly on avoiding stepping on Axia's toes, while Axia swayed to the soft tune that filled the room. Noticing his shaky start, Axia widened his stance, giving them more room to move. Shaky though he was, Drum found the wider area more comfortable, and moved easier with Axia's movements. He grinned nervously at Axia, and found the dragowizard gaze back affectionately, happy to be in the moment.

"Relax, you're doing fine," Axia advised. "Just keep moving with me, and do what feels natural."

Drum payed special attention to the way Axia's feet and legs moved, as well as his own placements. The music fell into a pattern, and it helped him slowly memorize where to place his feet. To his surprise, once the music changed to a more free flowing section, he felt the motions come easier to him, and by the time Axia signaled the lead change, he picked up the flow with no trouble at all.

"I knew you could do it, Drum-kins," Axia cooed, leaning against the bigger dragon.

"It helps that I had a good teacher," he replied.

The music began to turn slightly more upbeat, and Drum became more bold. He took the lead, guiding Axia, who was only too happy to let the bigger dragon take charge, to the center of the dance floor, and grinned as a fun thought came to him.

Axia gasped when Drum's hands moved to grasp his waist, the bigger dragon lifting him up high and spinning him around in time with the swells of the music. "Drum!" Axia tried to reprimand him, but found himself laughing with how happy Drum looked.

"I saw this on tv!" Drum boasted as he let Axia down, only to take the dragowizard's hand and spin him in a pirouette motion. Axia caught himself, letting himself be guided by Drum's hand, and spun away, feeling lighter than air.

The music swelled to a crescendo, and Drum pulled the still spinning Axia to him, catching him in his other arm and dipping the both of them. The music evened, and both dragons stood still, their snouts so very close and the breaths heavy with exertion.

"Did you learn that on tv, too?" Axia asked breathlessly.

"No," Drum replied, panting just as heavily. "Just felt natural."

He lifted Axia back up, the music a gentle lull once more, and the two swayed to the beat, hearts fluttering at how right it all seemed.

***

The group of humans stood to the side, Paruko floating above and silently capturing the dancing dragons on film.

"They've come along way," Shosetsu said. "You would never have guessed they'd end up like this after the rocky start they had."

"I'm so proud of them!" Suzuha sniffled, wiping a small tear away. "Who would've thought true love would blossom on my ship. Oh, it's almost too much."

"I'm sure Gao will be quite happy that you played a part in his Buddy's love life," chuckled the swordsman.

"Your absolutely right!" Suzuha gasped, "Oh, he'll no doubt confess his feelings after seeing how great a matchmaker I am! We could even have a double wedding! He and I alongside Drum and Axia, Dragon and Magic World coming together in one, beautiful union!"

Shosetsu smiled as he watched Suzuha quite literally float in her fantasies. He turned back to the dragon couple, a contented feeling filling him as he watched them dance. Despite everything that happened to them along the way, seeing them enjoy each other's company was worth it. Still, as he thought about the tail end of their journey, he couldn't help but wonder...

"Are you still troubled?" asked Durandal, noticing his Buddy's pensive look.

"A little," replied Shosetsu in a whisper. "Sofia's presence in all of this still bothers me. She's doesn't strike me as the type to waste a move like that. I can't help but feel like there might be something we aren't seeing."

"We will keep on guard then, and await whatever comes our way," replied Durandal. "For now, we have a brief respite. Enjoy the festivities. It will not do to cloud your mind with worry just yet.

"Perhaps you're right," Shosetsu relented. "There are much better things to focus on."

Durandal grunted his agreement, and the two watched on as Drum and Axia danced in the dim light.

"Do you think they'll stay together?" Shosetsu asked quietly.

Durandal was silent for a moment, giving the question some thought before answering. "They've taken the first step to something great. I think the better question is, will you trust them to make that decision?"

The swordsman smiled at the gentle jab at his earlier behavior, and nodded to himself. "Yes, I have no doubt that whatever happens, they'll know what to do with each other."

***

Axia could feel his heart beat in his chest. Or maybe it was Drum's. Perhaps it was both, and now Axia was sure he could hear his heartbeat, because it increased at that very thought. He'd yearned for a moment like this for so long; to find someone he wanted so desperately to share his life with. He felt a deeper affection for Drum than he had before, and he felt his mouth moving before his mind could catch up.

"Drum," he began. "I really..." he trailed off, doubts clouding his mind immediately when he saw the dragon's face. He looked so content as they were; so carefree. He knew Drum had only just opened up to those deeper emotions, but there was still so much unknown.

Our intimacy in the library was mostly in the heat of the moment and the kiss in the forest was made in desperation to save me, his mind berated him, and he had a hard time disputing it. In all their time together, Drum's one completely unbiased sign of affection was when they woke up together, and Axia felt himself press closer to Drum when he remembered that morning; when Drum gave him small nuzzles of tender affection so unlike the gruff and tough attitude he carried.

If I tell him now, would it help him embrace that side of himself? The question was so tempting. He'd never been so close to finding his partner, his Buddy. To heck with the rules, he thought, gripping Drum tighter. He knew what he felt in his heart, and he was sure that he wanted to be with Drum, in every possible way. But does Drum...?

"You really what?" Drum's voice brought him beck from his mental monologue.

"Drum, I..." he stated again, but gulped as he bit the words back. Three little words that held so much promise, yet so much uncertainty. Held securely in the bigger dragon's arms, he never felt more content in his life. He so wanted to say that phrase, to let the true depths of his feelings be known.

"Something wrong, Axia?"

Axia opened his eyes, now aware he was trembling. His body had been on autopilot, keeping his rhythm, and he stumbled slightly. Drum gripped him tighter and he had to hold back a whimper when he felt those gloriously strong arms wrap around him, keeping him safe.

"I enjoyed our time together," he finally said, his voice soft and hoarse.

"Is that all?" Drum asked playfully, not doing anything to let his grip go. "You had me worried there for a second. I'm glad I could help you. And this was pretty fun." Drum chuckled. "Heh, you're gonna make me go soft,"

He had a bashful look on his face, one that was only so comfortable with sharing that much emotion. They both knew full well that the others were watching them, and it was that fact that held Axia's tongue.

One day, he thought. _When he's not so shy about expressing himself. That's when I'll tell him. _

Axia smiled, resolution strong in his heart as the two of them started swaying to the music once again.