The group stood before the gates to Thestalos's lair. However, the gates soon opened. "It looks like we've been expected.", Ace noted. "It'd be rude to keep them waiting." The group walked through the gate, and soon found themselves in a stadium above the volcano's crater! And at the center, there was a throne where Thestalos sat.
"So. You're the ones who've been defeating my brothers.", Thestalos said as he rose. "Well now...you've stepped into the fire!" A barrier of flames surrounded the stadium! "My slumber induced by Kuraz has left me stiff. It's been a long time since I've had a good fight! I lived for battle, and many warriors met their defeat here at my hands!" Thestalos hurled a fireball at the group, but Red Dragon Archfiend blocked it with his wings! "Ah! I see a great fire burns within you as well dragon."
"I haven't let it consume me like it did you!", Red Dragon spat! "I will fight, but only to defend against those that would harm my friends! And you just tried to harm them!"
"Hmmm. Then I have a proposition. Let us battle alone. Your friends shall remain unharmed." Thestalos cast a barrier that protected Ace, Ice, and Dark Magician Girl. "I am not without honor. Should you best me, I shall return to my slumber. But first, let me meet you with my full strength!" Thestalos transformed into his Mega Monarch form! "Come! Let our spirits meet in the fire of battle!" Thestalos came at Red Dragon with a punch, but he blocked it! "Impressive!"
"Thanks!" Red Dragon then punched Thestalos in the gut! Causing smoke to spill from Thestalos's helmet! As Thestalos staggered, Red Dragon launched a powerful kick! Knocking him into one of the stadium walls. Thestalos slowly rose.
"Never have I faced one who could match my strength! Looks like I have an excuse to unleash my ultimate move!" Thestalos rose his hands to the sky! "METEOR RAIN!" Dozens of meteors rained down on the stadium! Each impact shaking the stadium! "I've never used this technique before! I wonder? Can you survive this onslaught?" When the smoke cleared, Red Dragon Archfiend was still standing!
"You need to work on your aim!", Red Dragon yelled. "Now it's my turn!" Red Dragon Archfiend charged his fist with energy, and dashed towards Thestalos! "Absolute.....Power Force!" Red Dragon unleashed a devastating punch! Causing lava to flow from cracks in Thestalos's armor! "I guess that attack was too hot to handle." Thestalos chuckled.
"Hah! A master of puns as well....incredible!" Thestalos slowly rose to his feet while lava still leaked from his wound. "And now, my embers start to fade. Bur before I leave, I shall tell you where you can find Caius."
"I was wondering why he wasn't showing up on the map.", Ace said. "So where is the monarch of darkness?"
"Caius resides in his own world of darkness.", Thestalos replied.
"Great! So how do we get in there to kick his shadowy butt?", Ice asked.
"There are two lesser monarchs that hold the keys to the portal to Caius's world. Angmarl and Delg. Both of them stand guard of the keys. Defeat them, and you will be able to enter Caius's world. Farewell...." Thestalos crumbled away into a trail of embers that flew to the heavens.
"His body may be extinguished, but his proud soul still burns.", Red Dragon Archfiend said with a small bow.