The elevator takes the trio to a deserted town beside the dormant volcano. Alex explains that most of Roho’s followers were apprehended by LORE after Dr. Blake defeated their leader. Nic is puzzled by the playgrounds and parks they pass: “Evil dudes usually want people to be miserable [...]. There’s nothing miserable about this place” (280). The children spot a blue dragon. Nic attempts to distract the creature while the boys hurry to the doors set into the volcano. Just like in the vision she had at Ms. Lena’s juke joint, Alex screams for Nic to run. However, rather than attacking, the dragon reveals that she is the Msaidizi’s true form. She explains that Nic is destined to be her next wielder and that she has attempted to protect Nic, such as by causing an earthquake during the Boo Hag’s attack.

Nic recalls how her love of dragons began when she was five years old and living in Harlem. Everyone in her apartment building was Remarkable, and she befriended one of her neighbor’s pet dragons. The Msaidizi assumed the form of a dragon so that it could be what Nic always wanted. The boys bravely attempt to rescue Nic from the dragon until she explains the situation.