At that point, it would likely stop hiding and charge out to tear them to shreds for daring to covet its treasure.
Time was not on their side.
Raylo's mind raced, searching for a way to break the stalemate.
Night gradually fell.
The blood-red setting sun stained the clouds on the horizon an ominous shade.
The standoff at the volcano continued.
Sun seemed to have vented its fury. It no longer made futile attacks, but hovered silently above the crater, its golden eyes fixed on the dark red magma below.
It refused to leave. It wouldn't budge an inch.
Raylo sighed and jumped down from Baofeng's back.
He found a relatively flat rock to sit on and took some water and food from his Spatial Bag.
Baofeng landed beside him, nuzzling its enormous head against Raylo's shoulder with a low cry.
Raylo patted its neck, letting it know he was all right.
He looked up at the lonely, obstinate golden figure in the sky, a complex mix of emotions welling up inside him.
