---

  The Battle Begins

  The Mountain Scorpio erupted from the earth, its massive pincers scraping the stone with a deafening screech. Sparks flew into the air, and the ground trembled beneath its weight. Garon’s heart pounded in his chest, but his focus remained razor-sharp. Terracera stood beside him, its body low to the ground, every muscle tensed in readiness.

  "Stay focused," Garon murmured, not tearing his eyes from the advancing beast.

  Terracera’s breath came in ragged gasps, each inhale slow and labored. Its movements were sluggish, signs of the fatigue that had built up from previous battles. Despite this, its unwavering determination shone through. Garon reached out, placing a hand on its side, feeling the steady rhythm of its heart. They were in this together.

  A low growl rumbled from Terracera’s throat. It was tired—but it would not back down.

  ---

  Flashback: The First Meeting

  A flash of memory hit Garon like a jolt of lightning: the jagged cliffs of a barren landscape, Terracera’s battered form lying motionless at the foot of a rocky outcrop. The sky above was dark with storm clouds, and the wind howled like a wolf at the moon.

  Garon had been just a boy then, still learning the nuances of summoning. His fingers had trembled as he knelt beside the fallen creature, its blood staining the ground, a visible testament to the ferocity of its wounds.

  “You’re hurt...” Garon whispered, his voice barely above the roar of the wind. Terracera’s amber eyes flickered weakly, a spark of recognition. There was fear, but more than that, there was something else—a plea for help.

  Without hesitation, Garon placed his hands on Terracera’s sides, calling upon the healing magic that surged through him like a wild current. It was reckless, draining, but it was all he had. The energy bled from him as the magic flowed, weaving around the creature’s body. He could feel the creature’s tense muscles relax, the sharp pain fading as the wounds closed.

  Terracera’s growl softened, replaced by a slow exhale of relief. A bond began to form, not just of magic, but of trust.

  Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

  ---

  The Flashback Continues: The Battle of the Temple

  Garon’s mind shifted to the past again, back to the ancient temple where Terracera had stood as its guardian. The ground quaked as dark silhouettes closed in on them. The invaders were relentless, shadows against the crumbling walls of the temple, their movements like specters in the storm.

  Terracera snorted, its horns glowing faintly, and Garon braced himself. His magic was raw, unrefined, barely within his control. Yet, behind him, Terracera stood tall and strong, ready to defend.

  The first wave of invaders rushed them, but Terracera charged with the ferocity of a titan. It crushed the earth beneath its hooves, slamming into the front line with devastating power, its massive body bulldozing through them. But there were too many. The attackers were relentless, a tide of enemies crashing against Terracera’s defense.

  Then, a larger shadow loomed in the distance. The Mountain Scorpio. Its pincers were monstrous, scraping against the temple’s stone steps with a sickening sound. Each strike sent tremors through the earth, rattling Terracera to its core.

  The beast’s attack was swift and brutal. Terracera, though powerful, faltered under the Scorpio’s relentless onslaught. With a terrible screech, the Mountain Scorpio’s pincers sliced through the air and struck Terracera’s side. The creature’s powerful frame staggered under the blow, its horn dimming. Panic surged through Garon’s chest.

  “No!” he shouted, voice breaking, but the cry came too late.

  With a violent crash, Terracera crumpled to the ground, the temple’s walls shaking as the invaders surged forward.

  ---

  Back to the Present

  Garon snapped back to the present, his breath heavy as the Mountain Scorpio’s glowing eyes locked onto them. The beast’s pincers were poised to strike, deadly sharp and impossibly fast. Terracera’s exhausted body trembled, but it stood firm, refusing to back down. Garon clenched his fists, feeling the fire of determination flare within him. This wasn’t just a battle—it was his chance to prove to Terracera that they had become something stronger.

  “Stay with me,” Garon muttered, more to himself than to his summon.

  Terracera let out a low, rumbling growl, and despite its weariness, it charged with unwavering resolve. The Scorpio’s pincers swooped down, but Terracera spun just in time, narrowly avoiding the strike. With a mighty bellow, it slammed into the Scorpio’s side, sending it tumbling to the ground.

  The Mountain Scorpio hissed, regaining its balance. Its tail arched high, venom dripping from the stinger. But Terracera was ready.

  “Now!” Garon commanded.

  Terracera lowered its head, glowing horns crackling with energy, and charged again, slamming into the Scorpio with a thunderous impact.

  ---

  Strength Through Struggle

  Terracera’s body was battered, its movements slow and pained. Yet with each strike, the bond between them strengthened. This wasn’t the same creature Garon had healed all those years ago. It was more than a guardian—it was a partner, a companion forged through fire and battle.

  Garon’s voice cracked with emotion. “I won’t let you fall again.” He met Terracera’s gaze, and the creature responded with a low growl of affirmation.

  In that moment, Garon knew that Terracera had become more than just his summon. It was family.

  ---

  The Final Strike

  The battle reached its climax. Terracera’s strength had been pushed to its limit, but it kept fighting, each blow landing with devastating force. The Mountain Scorpio, weakened and staggered, tried to swipe at Terracera with its massive pincers. But the creature’s reflexes were sharper. With one final, decisive roar, Terracera drove its horns deep into the Scorpio’s exposed side, driving the beast to the ground.

  Terracera stood, chest heaving, its limbs trembling from exhaustion. But it had won.

  Garon stepped forward, placing a hand on its side. “We did it,” he whispered, voice hoarse with relief.

  From behind, Flarecub hopped over, chirping excitedly, as if to remind them of its presence. “We make a great team!” it squeaked, its tiny form bouncing happily.

  Garon chuckled, a smile breaking through the tension. The bond between the three of them was undeniable. Together, they were unstoppable.

  ---

  To Be Continued...