9 Chapter 9

9 "Willa? Naomi? Is that really you?" Azmina called, hardly daring to believe it.

"Yes, it's really us!" called Willa as she and Naomi swooped lower. Together, they lifted Azmina up under their own wings and carried her to the outside edge of the volcano. Fiery sparks flew over their heads like shooting stars. "How did you know I needed help?" asked Azmina as Buttercub flew over and snuggled into her. "We didn't," said Willa. "But leaving you didn't feel right. I mean, I know we all have to do things alone sometimes, but it felt wrong somehow." "And I realized you were right about the final ingredient," continued Naomi. "So we turned around. But we didn't expect you to be dangling inside the volcano!" "That wasn't exactly the plan," admitted Azmina. "I am so glad to see you two! You guys totally saved me." "Well, we're a team, aren't we?" said Naomi with a grin. "Like you said to the glow bees. Helping each other is what we're meant to do."

A spray of bubbling lava exploded nearby. Willa leaned forward. "Have you caught any sparks yet?" Azmina shook her head. "I don't know how to. And do we need one spark, or lots of them? And how do I add it to the potion without burning myself?" She didn't add her biggest worry. What if I am wrong about spark being the last ingredient? "Catching a spark will be easy," Naomi said. "Just open up the apple and let it fall in."

Azmina couldn't help laughing. It was so simple, and so perfect! "Why didn't I think of that?" "That's what friends are for, right?" Naomi grinned. Azmina felt a warm glow as she pulled the apple from her bag. It wasn't just because of the nearby volcano. Naomi had called them friends. "I think you'll know which spark to catch when you see it, Azmina," said Willa in her thoughtful way. "Trust yourself." "But you'd better do it soon," said Naomi, pointing up. "Look." The sun was almost completely covered by the shadow cloth! There was no time to lose. Azmina grabbed the magic apple and turned to face the volcano. When the next shower of sparks erupted into the air, Azmina found herself watching a single spark, bigger and brighter than all the rest.

"It's that one," she declared. That was her spark, for sure. Quickly, she opened the apple. But just as the spark was almost within reach, the wind whipped it away. "GO, AZMINA!" yelled Willa. "Catch it!" But where had the spark gone? The air was filled with ash, making it hard to see. Then Azmina spotted something shimmering brightly,

just overhead. That's it! she thought. Flapping her one good wing as hard as she could, Azmina leapt into the air. She scooped up the spark with the apple and trapped it inside with the lid as she landed back on the ground. Willa and Naomi rushed over. "Did you get it?" asked Naomi. "I think so," said Azmina, still breathing heavily. "Look!" said Willa, pointing to the apple. Glittering steam was wafting out from under the lid. The Dragon Girls looked at one another. Was this a good sign, or had they just wrecked the potion? "Open it up," urged Naomi. Carefully, Azmina undid the lid and peered inside. The golden mixture was fizzing like soda. "It smells so good!" murmured Willa, closing her eyes and breathing in deeply. "But nothing's happening," Azmina cried, looking up.