16 Challenge (1/2)

S-So this is a Celestial Summon...' Maria continued to stare wide-eyed at the floating pixie until a loud roar from the gorilla golem brought her out of her thoughts. ”Since I'm your master, I order you to destroy that rampaging gorilla behind you!”

”Alright, maybe you're not that dull after all!” grinned the pixie, turning around as a spiral of flames formed around her hands, that were now holding dual crimson fans with decorative gold details and tassels hanging from the bottom.

”It's been a long time since I was able to unwind. Let me show you the power of my flames~!” With just a single wave of her fan, a whip of fire lashed out and cut the golem right in half. Its dismembered rock body fell to the ground as the number one appeared on Maria's watch.

'Wow, didn't think it would be taken out so easily with just one attack. Then again, this is just a training exercise for elementary students.' Maria stared at the chunk of black rock the lied resting on the ground before turning her attention over to Ruby.

”Thank you for saving me and my friends,” she said to the pixie, who couldn't help but sigh in pity at how easily the golem was taken out by her attack.

”Please, even if you didn't call me, that thing was never going to do any real damage. I can sense the intention of its owner. It was probably only ordered to scare you into using your magic to defend yourselves. Tch, and here I go thinking that after so many years I could finally have a worthy challenge!” snapped a not-so-happy Ruby as Maria sweatdropped at the pixie's attitude.

”Are you guys okay?” Maria asked her two friends, only to be engulfed in a hug by Mai.

The girl was bawling as she said, ”Maria~! I didn't know you felt that way about us! I'm also happy to have you as a friend! You're the absolute best!” Maria smiled softly at Mai, watching as Julian walked up to her next.

”Thank you both for saving me... Though it is my fault that you almost got hurt. S-Sorry. Sorry for being so useless-” Julian suddenly felt a smack of pain that landed upside his head which came from Maria's hand.

”You're not useless; never say that about yourself as everyone's got their own strengths and weaknesses,” Maria sternly told Julian, looking him face to face as Mai retracted herself. ”You just got to work a little harder and find your own true potential. Besides, that could've been any one of us.” Maria smiled warmly at Julian, patting the little blushing lamb on the head, who felt touched by her words.

”What Maria said is true, Julian. You are one of us now, so we always got ya back no matter what! Only real friends stick together no matter the situation.” Mai placed her hand on Julian's shoulder, backing up what Maria said just a moment ago.

”Mmm, I love this excellent show of true comrades! You may be youngsters, but your hearts are in a good place.” Both Julian and Mai jumped a little when Ruby appeared in the middle of their group.

”Um, guys, say hello to Ruby, my Celestial Pixie,” Maria introduced Ruby to both Mai and Julian, who had their eyes glued to the floating pixie, who merely smirked as she did a dramatic presentation of summoning her dual fans, flames dancing around her, before striking a pose.

”Nice to meet my master's honorable comrades!” grinned Ruby.

”Nice job, Maria, you finally awoke your Celestial Summon!” Mai pumped her fists in the air, congratulating Maria.