OOC: *facepalm* My bad...

Close your eyes everyone! Val screeched, breathing deeply in preparation to loose a ball of fire. When it felt like he could hold no more air, he released the flame, feeling it boil up from his throat and roar between his teeth and over his tongue. The light from the flames lit up the inside of the small cave like a thousand lightning strikes. I hope they covered their eyes in time. the silver male thought grimly as his fire washed over Dedread's head and neck.

Toby didn't bother to cover his eyes when Avalon shouted a warning to their friends, the light from his pair bond's fire had never bothered him. He snarled when he saw Dedread release a torrent of roaring fire that enveloped Blanc. The young Rider looked around for something he could use that would be more effective than his dagger. A mishievous smile touched his lips when he spotted a good-sized boulder by the cave entrance. If he had been standing next to it, it probably would have reached his knees and looked to be plenty heavy, but nothing he couldn't lift thanks to his increased strength from being a Rider.

Without thinking about it further, he broke through the barrier that separated him from his magic and spoke in the Ancient Language. "Stenr, risa! (Stone, rise!)" he said calmly, holding out his hand with the glowing Gedwey Ignasia. He grinned evilly at Dedread, his bright blue eyes slightly vacant as he focused on his power. "Losna! (Release!)" he commanded, flicking his hand towards Dedread's face.

The drop in his strength was lighter than expected and he only felt a little light headed as he watched the projectile fly towards Dedread's draconic head. Incoming! he shouted mentally, accompanying the warning with a picture of the rock soaring towards their enemy so his friends would duck out of the way.

Blanc snarled, feeling his fur heat up, luckily he had some kind of fire retardant film that covered his fur. He sped out of the way, howling. There were tufts of his fur that burned in an uncomfortable way and he threw himself into the dirt, rolling on his back to get rid of the small flames.

The heat was intense, despite that it hadn't burned his flesh, and the discomfort caused a slight lag in his concentration, but he turned back, circling with fury in his eyes.

Caete growled, closing his eyes and throwing himself into the air just in time. He pulled his wings into a loop over Val's back, "Blanc!" He felt a warmth spread over his skin, knowing that was how Blanc felt at the moment. He landed gently, quick enough to see Toby's attack.

He moved forward, bringin Heaven's Wrath up toward Dedread's head. He slashed at the shapeshifter's nose, anything he could reach, anger evident in his muscles. He jumped to Dedread's neck, and swiftly kicked his upper shoulder with a well placed concussion before jumping down to Blanc's side.

Blanc... are you okay, friend? He let his hand gently brush away the black soot on the huge cats fur, grimacing at the lingering heat. He saw the beast nod slightly and returned his attention to Dedread with the affirmation.

Toby blinked as Dedread disappeared in a flash of light, then turned to Fletcher. "Yeah, I'm okay," he said to the gryphon shakily. Hard to believe there are plenty more like him that would try and use our powers for their own gain. he said to Avalon, leaning against the silver's shoulder.

I am okay as well. Val replied. He lowered his head until one whitish-silver eye was peering into Tobias's blue ones. Yes, but there are. Fret not little one, we defeated a mighty enemy today, think on that. he hummed. Do you think he will be back? the young male asked the rest of the group.

Caete coughed, sitting down, feeling tired suddenly. "Yeah, I'm fine. A little bit bruised and battered, but you know. Intact." He grinned at the others and stood, walking over to Toby and Val, "For every evil person in the world, there's many more good. Just remember that not everyone is tainted." he put his hand on the young boy's head and ruffled his hair, just like his dad used to. "You'll always have friends to stick up for you."

He turned to Fletcher then to Val, "You two did great, the plan worked wonders." He grinned, and said, "You know, I dont think he'll be back immediately, if he does show again. Even then, he know's we're tough as nails." He was trying to lighten the mood, desperate to let everyone know that they'd made a great victory.

Blanc stood, shaking his shoulders slightly. Charred fur fell from his back and he snorted, Now my fur is uneven. This will take days to grow back correctly. he growled in annoyance and paced over toward Caete, plopping down next to him and beginning to lick his paws clean. He stretched and lay completely, curled slightly on the ground.

"Right now any place far from here sounds good," Toby quipped, sheathing his dagger. He pulled himself up onto Avalon's back and looked around. "We could go check out the Varden, maybe fight with them for awhile," he said, sitting as tall as he could in the saddle.

Nice try little one, but I doubt they'll forget how young you are simply because you're on my back. the silver male chuckled, the sound rumbling in his chest.

IC: Dedread packed his things quickly. Being next to a forest, he managed to scavenge a satiafying amount of energy from the plant and animal life inhabiting the dense woods. His pack was slugged over his back, the straps around his shoulders. Du perched himself on Dedread's shoulder. Dedread stroked his chin in a thinking manner, before throwing the back to the ground and retrieving as much food that he could fit into his pockets, as well as retrieving all of his money. He snapped his fingers, and the pack combused in a flurry of flame. "It will only slow me down," Dedread explained to Du's questioning gaze. The intelligent bird nodded understandably, and Dedread shapeshifted into a hawk. They flew out of the area, probably never going to come back.

OOC: This will be Dedread's last post, I suppose. He's served his purpose. xP

OCC: What should we do now?

IC: Fletcher looked at the darkening sky outside. The gryphon sighed and said, "Come, we should leave under the cover of darkness. It will make us harder to track."

Fletcher walked outside and looked around. There was no sign of their foe anywhere. Fletcher stood there and waited for the others.

Short.

OOC: Idk

Speak for yourself. Avalon chuckled, walking out to stand next to Fletcher. Even in the dim light of the moon, his brilliant silver hide still stood out like a sore thumb. That is true, Caete. Perhaps it would be best if we went in the exact opposite direction of the Varden. They may not have evil intentions towards him, but no doubt they would give Toby the sort of mission that only an older Rider would be able to handle, if only through their ignorance. he said pensively, turning his head slightly to look at the Nephilim through the corner of his eye. The silver crouched low to the ground, then sprang straight up into the air as far as he could. With a few powerful downstrokes of his wings, he reached a respectable height and waited there for his friends, circling quietly.

Ah, come on Caete, Avalon. You guys talk like I can't take care of myself. Toby said cheekily, leaning over Val's shoulder to grin down at their friends. Where do we know of that a dragon, a gryphon, a Nephilim, a giant white cat, and a Rider won't stick out? Other than the Varden, apparently. he said to Fletcher.

Avalon swooped down over their friends, ruffling fur, feathers, and hair alike as he passed. That sounds interesting. I've heard there are many strange beasts in the Beors, including wild pigs larger than a horse. I'd like to see if it's true. he said, alighting once more upon the ground. He could tell Tobias was raring to go, but it seemed more planning was necessary. Val turned to look at Toby and eyed him, telling him without words to settle down.

Toby looked up and saw one pale silver eye blinking down at him. He frowned back and grumbled. After the excitement with Dedread he was more than ready for some more action. Avalon's idea about visiting the Beors sounded promising, especially if they decided to get closer than was advisable to the wildlife. He carefully concealed his grin, blue eyes alight with mischief.

"Val's right, the Beor's sound like an excellent choice. Maybe someone could teach me about the animal's there," he said happily. He was careful not to sound too innocent.

Caete chuckled, "The Beor's it is then. How about I take Blanc and Toby and we go to a city to get some supplies? I know of a small town not too far away. How much do you suppose you can carry Val, you too Fletcher?" He surveyed the dragon, thinking maybe that they would cross through Surda or the Hadarac, thus needing barrels of water.

Blanc stood and stretched, yawning. That would be the most appropriate plan.

occ: Oh gosh, I totally forgot about this one.

IC: Fletcher paused, thinking the question over. "Well, I'm not nearly as strong as a dragon. I doubt I can carry a heavy load for very long. Still, I can carry any light supplies we may need."

The gryphon surveyed his friends with a smile. "So, I suppose we'll be on our way then."

Fletcher felt sadness in his heart, knowing that this was all only temporary. Eventually he would have to return to Agatha and leave his friends. The last thing Fletcher wanted was for his evil master to get her hands on them. Still, all that would not happen again for six more months, which meant Fletcher would not have to be alone again for quite some time. He would be sure to enjoy every moment he had to spend with them.

OCC: My final post.