He couldn't help but laugh at Angela's insistence at gnawing at Shellder's spike. The kid was brimming with fighting spirit... had to give her that much. He wasn't sure if the dragon actually thought it was doing her any good or not, but it does rekindle a bit of that lighthearted optimism.

Even if the Dratini couldn't crack down on Shellder hard enough to win them the battle, the experience would put help things into perspective for a bossy little dragon who thought herself invincible.

"Looks like it's a close battle," the SOLDIER shouted to Vexen, folding his arms calmly.

"I'm willing to call it a draw if you think they're gonna be deadlocked like this."