Joining Forces

As she sat and massaged her sore legs, Astra shook her head. "My heart wants me to go with you," she said sadly, "But my head says that without a weapon I would be a liability. Given your strange abilities, even my strength wouldn't be likely to be of much use to you."

"Perhaps," Shen Tso admitted. "But I have often found that to work with an ally is to multiply one's strength. Who knows what use each of us may be to the other? And unless we agree to work together, we shall never know." She held out her hand. "Join me, Astra of Aquilaria, and together we shall vanquish our foe."

Astra looked at the outstretched hand for a moment, then smiled ruefully. "Well, I'm flattered that you think I may be helpful to you in some way," she admitted. "If you'll have me, I'll gladly join you." She reached out and took Shen Tso's hand, and was momentarily surprised to find it cold and metallic to the touch.

1. Shen Tso helped Astra to her feet and they continued onward.
2. With a cry of battle, Shen Tso flipped Astra into a far wall, knocking her senseless.
3. The moment their hands touched, Shen Tso was transformed back into a full-sized human.
4. The moment their hands touched, Astra was transformed into a miniature, glowing woman of gold.
5. "Now," Shen Tso said, "If you don't mind, I would like to ride on your shoulders."
6. Just then, a mighty roar announced that the dragon was nearby.

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