Ka grew nervous at her glare, unable to discern what she was thinking. Xelin too, was wondering what was going threw the golden dragoness' head. They both watched her as she got up and nuzzled Ka in the stomach. "Alright then..." Ka replied, petting her snout. Xelin watched them and sighed a bit to himself, reminded of how alone he was. "Tell me...you two, what is it like to be Dragon and Rider?" Ka looked over at him. "It's one of the best things that can happen to you, as long as you find one that...matches...you well. It's hard to explain, at least for me." He said looking back at Jia.

OOC: I'm doing this cause in Shadow of a Shadow, Xelin has made several references to Jia and things that she's told him about being a bonded dragon and such... xP

Jia smiled then looked back at Xelin as he asked what it was like for Dragon and Rider. She listened to Ka's description and nodded. Yes, that was indeed a good way to put it. She looked away from the black and toward the ground. For four months of my life, almost since I was hatched, I felt like I was searching for something. Like I was half empty. I found Ka and it simply disappeared. I no longer felt as if I was only partially there. And then I gave him the Mark, and the other half of my essence was connected. I was no longer alone. she said softly, then slowly lifted her eyes to look at Ka. She'd never told anyone that, not even her brother, least of all her Rider.

OOC:
I understand. I've been keeping pace with Shadows of a Shadow.

Ka hadnt known that about Jia, that he had completed her. He looked at her with a smile. "it is similar for me... When my parents died and my brother was taken, I was left alone in a cold world. No one cared for me or even knew i existed. But then i met Jia, and she showed me the first act of kindness that anyone had in several years, and when she gave me the mark i was no longer alone either... Xelin thought for a moment, about how he had been alone since he hatched because his parents abandoned him for what he was. Maybe he wasnt exactly looking, but he had gone threw his life in a daze, one day blending with the next. Since meeting ka and jia, he seemed to have woken up, but only a little. He pushed these thougbts from his head. so what are some of the perks? What all came with becoming bonded? he asked curiously.

ooc: im on my itouch, please excuse spelling and grammer xP btw, is naixul approved?

Jia smiled slightly and nuzzled Ka in the stomach before turning to Xelin. Her smile widened into a grin. Perks? There are quite a few, though most of them are minor. she said, her eyes twinkling. She purred softly. Other than being alone, we can share energy if we must to boost each other. We can sense where our partner-of-mind is if they are within twenty leagues if we are in need of the other. she said, and touched her snout to his shoulder.

OOC:
lol So am I. And no. The Mods have been busy, with holidays and all.

Ka listened to Jia tell Xelin some of the things that came with being bonded. When she finished, Ka added some things. "Also, you can feel what the other feels, in more ways than one. If Jia was mad at me, I would be able to feel it over our link, or if she was happy about something I would also be able to feel it." He paused a moment. "You can also feel the others pain, if they aren't blocking you from it. It is possible to block one another, as we have had to do on more than one occasion." His voice was quiet as he remembered some of the times they were forced to block each other from pain. "Something else, that Jia seems to enjoy doing a lot, is you can see flashes of what the other is thinking." He said, looking at her with a smile. While they explain, Xelin listened intently.

OOC: Oh ok, yea that's understandable...

Although Ka was perfectly capable hunting for himself, he didn't object to Jia doing it for him. When she returned he immediately began preparing the deer. "Thank you..." He said as he did. It didn't take him long to fix it and get a small fire going, or to cook the pieces he wanted to eat. While he ate, Xelin decided it would be a good time for a nap and closed his eyes.

OOC: bleeeeh....any ideas?

Xelin nuzzled her under one side of her jaw while Ka scratched under the other when she touched his chest. "Alright, enough of this sad talk." Ka said defiantly. "We need to figure out what we are going to do today...any ideas?" he asked, looking at the two. Xelin shrugged and looked at Jia.

OOC: any ideas? Or do you think we should end this one soon?

Jia made one final sniff before lifting her head. Hmm...Ground running race? I noticed Xelin runs pretty fast, and your Seals can aid you. she offered absently.

OOC:
Not really and...not yet.lol Doesn't feel right to end it just yet, if you know what I mean.

Ka watched as Jia passed Xelin easily, putting him further back in last place. He scowled and created a heaven seal of air. A sudden gust of air kicked up from behind him, pushing just him forward. He caught up and passed Xelin, and then caught up to Jia, setting even with her. Xelin snorted. He wasn't going to let them beat him. he got an idea, but he wasn't sure how well it would work. He began focusing his fire in the holes on on his tail blades, but not letting it break threw. The pressure grew, and grew and he suddenly released. The result was like that of a jet engine. He took off, streaking past Ka and Jia with a trail of fire behind him.

OOC: JPD...Jet Propelled Dragon xD

OOC:
lol Nice.

IC:
Jia barely noticed that Ka caught up with her, though she did feel his presence come closer. Then she abruptly felt being Xelin blasted forward. Her eyes flew open to watch as he was quite literally rocketed forward. She strained to catch him, pulling ahead of Ka by a few feet, but she dropped back a bit to conserve energy. Her wings her just slightly over-sized, giving her a slightly unproportioned appearance, but their great mass gave her plenty of push on the ground when she needed it.

Ka thought a moment, a long moment. It was a difficult decision, one that could cost their lives, but in the end he relented. "Take her..." Xelin looked at Ka with fury in his eyes, but was stilled with a cold look from the Reaper. In that instance time stilled. Nothing happened but Ka. In that instance Ka made a seal. He had never made this seal before, as it was risky. the only one more dangerous than this seal was a Chaos seal. It was am unnamed Reaper Seal. What it did was it allowed one person or being to switch themselves with one other. Only they would know of the switch as it was undetectable by any outside forces. Until the seal was removed, they two people would be each other, in all but soul. They were retain thier own minds, but under a mask, a copy, of the other persons, which was part of the reason it was undetectable. Both Ka's and Jia's vision would flicker for a second, and then they would be looking at themselves threw the other's eyes. So now Jia was safely tucked away in Ka's body, and Ka would be heading to Uru'Baen. All of this took about half of a second. Xelin was the only other one that knew about the switch, which was why he was quiet.

OOC: It's easier to explain here. Basically Ka's mind is under Jia's so that if invaded all they would see is Jia's mind, not Ka's. Ka is in Jia's human and dragon body and can use the seals that he gave her. He has her powers as well, but he would be able to use them as well as she would. The same goes for Jia, but in Ka's body. There is no way to tell that this has happened unless you were told....

Jia's eyes widened with terror as Ka released her. But she didn't have time to make a single sound before she was forced to squint for a moment as her vision flickered, and then suddenly she was looking at herself in the hold of the magician. She made an inaudible gasp, startled, before she composed herself and made her expression blank. It was easy enough to guess what her Rider had done, though she didn't have a clue on how. Her ruby eyes flickered as if alive like a flame while she stared directly at her body, straight into the still frightened teal eyes. He would know that she wasn't happy with this. She sent him her knowledge of her powers, everything she had learned of them since she was hatched and about their origins from her brother. Then she turned her back stiffly, as if in pain from 'her' decision. The real reason she turned away was to hide the roiling anger that was building and could surely be seen writhing within her ruby irises.

OOC:
Hmm, this should prove interesting.

Ka knew she wasn't happy with him, and would probably get it good later, assuming there would be a later. When she sent him her knowledge, he did the same. So now she knew all of his seals, how to use them and how to counter them. The only ones he left out were the Chaos and Unnamed seals, as she might be tempted to use them to undo what he had just done. Xelin looked up at Jia with sympathy, but otherwise remained silent. He did however take a small step away, the amount of anger in her face scaring him a little.

OOC: you're the magician...and yes this should lol

The magician merely nodded once before disappearing in a puff of smoke with the body of Jia in human form. They appeared in the throne room of Urû'baen. Once there he sheathed his dagger and stepped away toward a dark corner to watch.

- - - - - - - - - -

Jia forced her body to stay still as Ka/Jia was taken away. She bit her lip once, then looked up at Xelin,"I intend to go after him. With five dragons Hearts he will already be in Urû'baen; will you come with me?" she said quietly, momentarily startled at the deep voice that came from her mouth.

Xelin growed low in his throat. "Of course I will...what kind of question is that?" He said, lowering himself so she could get on. "Careful of the spikes..." He said, indicating the black spikes that ran the length of his body.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

In the throne room, Ka kept his hands by his side an stared blankly up at the throne, displaying no emotion what so ever.

OOC: uh...would you mind playing the King as well? lol

OOC:
lol Sure.

IC:
The King looked up at her appearance. He pursed his lips and waved a hand, dispelling her human form as he did before. Once she was in scales once again, he spoke,"Your Rider is a wise one. But he has betrayed you. Luckily, something good will come out of his betrayal." he snapped his fingers, sending a servant scurrying out the door,"People call me mad, and perhaps I am. But I am a man of my word. Rathon will be released of all enchantments upon him and teleported to your last destination. The brothers will undoubtedly forget about you, now that they will be together again." he said, tilting his head.

- - - - - - - - - -

Jia waved a hand,"No need. Ka gave me knowledge of his Seals, and I intend to use every advantage I have in getting him back." she growled softly. She made the same Seal he'd put on her a few minutes ago, to change her form. The light flashed, and when it cleared she was a large male dragon with scales a dark midnight red, almost black. Her eyes were the same piercing ruby as they were in Ka's human body. Pure white spike lined her back from just past her shoulders to the tip of her tail. Her build was a bit smaller than Xelin's though she was slightly more muscular. Without a word she lifted her wings and launched into the air, only one intent stamped at the forefront of her mind; getting Ka back.

Jia paused in the air and turned her head to Xelin. Going into Urû'baen alone would be suicide. Of course I'm not going to storm it by myself. I asked if you would come and I meant it. she said. Her ruby eyes were burning with urgency, but she forced herself to slow down and think. Going into the heart of the Empire would be dangerous if she didn't have a plan.

- - - - - - - - - -

Galbatorix pursed his lips as he watched the Reaper. He was...conflicted, in seeing Rathon go, but he would not go back on his word. He rose from his throne and walked forward until he was only a yard from the Reaper,"Jia has struck a bargain with me. In giving herself to me for three months of time, powers and everything, you are free. Permanently." he said, and disengaged the spells he had cast over the Reaper,"Her sacrifice is great. Make sure you do good use with it. Your brother is waiting for you near the Spine." he said, his rich voice strangely quiet,"Go before I change my mind." he growled. He had twisted the truth a bit, but it wouldn't hurt anyone. The king turned back to Ka/Jia,"As for you...tell me what your powers see." he ordered, walking back to his throne and sitting with his arms crossed over his chest.

Rathon could believe his ears. His mind tried to wrap around that he was free. He looked back at Ka/Jia after the King released him, but he didn't meet his eyes. Rathon bowed to the King and vanished, appearing, completely by accident, directly below Jia/Ka and Xelin, but he didn't notice them. He let out a cry of happiness and fell to his knees, tears of joy cascading down his face. He was free at last.

Ka was taken by surprise at the King's request, and wasn't sure what he meant at first so he answered honestly. "Well sir, I see you...your throne, your throne room, and all of your servants." He replied, a bit stunned at how feminine his voice sounded, but ignored it otherwise.

OOC: um...see? what do you mean...I looked in Jia's profile and it says she can feel what others do. I forgot what her power was >.<

OOC:
lol That's what Galby meant. Jia's Sight. Her power is that of a Truth Seeker, her specific ability being that she can see the emotions, thoughts, and brief flickers of intentions when her eyes glow green-gold. She also experiences these herself, as if what she is Seeing is her own. Close to what Zeke can do, but Jia's power is more concentrated than his.

IC:
"No my dear, your powers. What can you see with your powers? All I know is that you are a...special...breed of dragon." he said, his tone strangely calm and patient.

- - - - - - - - - -

Jia started and looked down. Rathon? she asked quizzically, pulling in her wings to dive. She landed a dragon length from the Imperial Reaper, changing her form as she did. In a flash of light she was again in the body of Ka,"Rathon, what are you doing here? Galbatorix actually kept his word?" she asked in a bewildered tone, blinking her ruby eyes. She took a step forward toward him hesitantly, in case he struck out at her in a surprise attack.

Jia arched an eyebrow,"Would I be calmly standing here if my dragon really was in Urû'baen, being used as a reproduction machine?" she growled angrily. Her voice softened a bit,"As good as it is to see you, Rathon, we have a problem. I'm not Ka. The idiot switched bodies with me using a strange Seal and took my place. I'm stuck in his body as he is in mine. I intend to go after him and get my Rider back. As for sacrifice, I'm going to skin Ka when I get my talons on him. And you by all means can enjoy your freedom, though I would appreciate some help." she snapped agitatedly, her ruby irises gleaming.

- - - - - - - - - -

The King nodded,"Yes that is correct my dear. I will give you a days rest before you begin." he clapped his hands and summoned the Dragon Stable Master,"Please escort this dragoness to her stall." he ordered. His gaze turned back to Ka/Jia,"Please forgive the males if they seem a little eager to begin early. Keia has been out on missions lately and Lean bluntly refuses." he warned with a smile. He waved his hand wearly, dismissing her.

OOC: so not only is Ka in trouble with Jia...but he is probably going to get man-handled by some dragons...GREAT!...Juuuust great... -_-

IC:
Rathon's face fell into a dumbfounded stare at the news that this wasn't Ka. He sighed and pinched the top of his nose, obviouly irritated. "Please...for the love of my sanity and well being...tell me he didn't use a seal with no name." His voice was thick with irritation and concern "If he did...did he at least warn you that it takes the combined power of 5 Elder Reapers to remove? At the very least..." He whipped a hand behind him and blasted a quick fireball threw the trees to released some of his irritation

Ka bowed and took on Jia's dragon form. He remained calm on the outside, but inside, he was panicking. "Great, I'm about to become a plaything for a bunch of horny dragons!" He sighed mentally. "But, better me than Jia..." He followed the man to the dragon stables.

"Oh he used a Seal alright. He was blocking me at the time, so I don't know if it had a name or not. And you had better tell me your kidding or your brother is going to be dead three times over when I get my hands on him." she said in a low voice. She closed and clasped her hands in front of her mouth as if she were praying, taking a deep breath and swallowing her irritation,"We'll worry about it later. Though, if you could explain what the hell he did to me, that would be great." she said with a falsely warm smile.

- - - - - - - - - -

Shruikan's stall was nearest the door. Thorn and Lean's was empty at the moment, and Autarkeia was sleeping with her sienna colored back facing out. The black male got up with bright eyes, though he was wary. He remembered facing the gold-amethyst before and knew she wasn't to be trifled with lightly. So he dipped his head to her respectfully and dismissed the Stable Master. He took the lead in front of her. Your stall is this way, Vomplekan. he murmured. It was a complementary term in the Draconic Tongue, meaning something close to 'beautiful' in the human language.

Jia's mouth fell open. She closed it with a snap,"Oh he is so dead." she snarled under her breath. She rubbed her temples as she looked at the ground, her ruby eyes gleaming and shifting dangerously with her emotions,"Okay. Put that aside. We'll figure it out later. How in Voltran's name are we getting into Urû'baen and getting my idiot Rider out of there so I can then beat the pulp out of him?" she asked, her tone deceptively warm,"Wait, let me change so we can get moving again. It will take a few days to get there." she said, and for the third time made the Seal that would change her shape. When she was again dressed in the midnight red scales, she crouched for Rathon to mount her back. Xelin where did you get off to? she called out as she straightened from her crouch and launched into the air.

- - - - - - - - - -

Lean entered the Dragon Stable to see Shruikan just coming back from the last stall on the left. She watched him curiously as he simply padded by her and laid in his own stall. She padded down to the end of the isle. The stall was just across from her own. Horror washed in her navy blue eyes as she recognized Jia. Precious one, what in heaven's name are you doing here?! she exclaimed in a hushed whisper, scowling fiercely at the gold-amethyst dragoness.

Lean's navy blue eyes narrowed as she padded across the isle and into her own stall, where she circled once and laid down. Hogwash, precious one. Zeke told me Kale wouldn't leave your side unless he was clapped in chains and knocked unconscious. And Rathon is treated fairly well if I have any say in it. If I know your personality right, your the one that made the bargain with the King. Now, come straight and tell me why your really here. You wouldn't make any deal with Galbatorix unless someone you loved was in trouble. Who is it? she said under her breath, glancing a few times in Shruikan's direction. But the young black was asleep by now.

- - - - - - - - - -

Jia merely nodded in acknowledgment. to Xelin's report. The only thing she had on her mind was getting her Rider back. She pulled in her wings and let the wind zip her forward like she'd been shot from a cannon. Rath, came you make me and Xelin invisible once we're closer to Urû'baen? I'd rather not raise an alarm when we're still a few miles out. she said shortly.

Lean's eyes softened. Don't worry, precious one. I will get you out of here. Thorn will never touch his dirty talons to a single scale on your body. she said firmly. And I'm sure Kale is on his way now. she assured. She opened one eye to fix the navy blue iris on the gold-amethyst hatchling. Do you remember my Name, if you need my help? I'm sure Zeke told it to you after he had you safely away from Dras-Leona...and me. she said quietly.

- - - - - - - - - -

Jia knew it would take time to get to the heart of the Empire, even if she flew as fast as she could without stopping. So she slowed a bit to conserve energy. So, tell me why to remove this Unnamed Seal you need five Elder Reapers? she asked. There was a hint of panic in her tone; what if her and Ka were stuck in each others bodies forever?

Jia sighed. She wanted to throttle Ka, but she knew that he had had her safety in mind when he cast the Seal. He was protecting me is all. But it may have been a mistake. she said quietly. What if we had the help of some Eldunarí's? Would that suffice for an energy source? she asked.

- - - - - - - - - -

Lean's eyes narrowed but she smiled. Your more attached to Estrelinha (little star) than I thought. Don't worry young one, your identity is safe with me. I would die for your companion. I could do no less for you. she murmured, snorting softly. You don't really know what you've gotten into, do you? she said, though it sounded more like a statement of fact than a real question.

Jia chuckled. I might just do that. Remind me how to do that when I have the idiot under my paw. she said with an amused snort.

- - - - - - - - - -

Lean closed her eyes and sighed. Well, there's nothing that can be done about it now. Just remember tomorrow to not let Thorn demean you in any way. He's an over-sized bully, that one. Shruikan is more of a gentleman when he wants to be. she said with a wry chuckle. Go to sleep, precious one. You will need the rest. she added.

Night closed down quickly over the sky, yet Jia pushed on for several hours until she thoughts she'd covered at least thirty some leagues. Only then did she tilt her wings to land. She instantly dug a shallow hole and spat a Hell Fire Cannon into it to give the three of them warmth and light. Then she curled up wordlessly and fell asleep.

Morning was swift. She still didn't speak as she stamped out the remains of the fire and launched into the air again. She would not slow down until she was at the door of Urû'baen. What should we do once we arrive? You were there for six years; where should we head for to get inside? she asked the Reaper.

- - - - - - - - - -

Thorn came through the door of the Stable at dawn, his head perked straight up with ruby eyes suddenly alight with eagerness. He began to head for the end stall. But a no-nonsense ferocious snarl just across the isle made him stop in his tracks. It was that bothersome hag, Leanbrara. Touch her before she wakes and you'll be looking at your stomach entrails. threatened the ancient female. The red bared his teeth in challenge, but she cut him off before he could retort. Need I remind you of who and what I am, hatchling? she snapped with narrowed eyes. He instantly backed down; yes he did know, and it scared him to death. He grumbled discontentedly as he trotted back to his stall and laid down.

Jia snorted. Very well. I can change myself and Xelin into twolegs while you concentrate on keeping us invisible and getting us into your room. Once I'm in the castle I can follow the link between me and Ka, no problem. she said confidently.

- - - - - - - - - -

Lean smiled kindly. My name is Leanbrara, though you should probably call me Lean. I was the one who helped get dear Jia away from Dras-Leona when she was three weeks old. she said warmly.

Lean smiled again warmly, her navy blue eyes twinkling. She shifted uncomfortably when Thorn again stood on his paws and trotted up. I can not protect you without revealing myself as a Varden Sympathizer, the penalty for which being death. I'm sorry. I will do what I can of course... she said, trailing off into silence as the red drew closer.

OOC:
You control Thorn for a bit, since he will be messing with Ka/Jia.

IC:
Jia snorted softly. I do not blame you for being reluctant to go back, and I thank you for going as far as you will. she murmured softly. She was definitely giving Rathon a Hug when they parted ways in Urû'baen.

OOC: aye, my brain is a bit fried atm. Can't you drop Lean so you're not taking 3 charas at once or something? xP if not, then sure I'll take him...plus I'm not sure how a dragon would try and get with another dragon o.o"

Ic:
Ka shifted uncomfortably as Thorn grew closer. When Lean apologized, Ka shook his head. "Don't worry about it. You saved me last night, I can handle it form here." Ka waited for Thorn to show himself, but he seemed to be taking his sweet time.

Rathon nodded. He wanted to go further, but he couldn't let go of freedom after having just gained it. "I will do what I can before you enter the passageway to try and make it easier for you." He said, wishing he could force himself to go on, but he couldn't.

OOC:
Mm, alright.

IC:
Jia crooned softly. Thank you, Rath. she murmured softly.

- - - - - - - - - -

Thorn stopped just short of Jia's stall with a smug grin threatening to spread across his muzzle. He drew his tail down the side of her neck, brushing lightly against the old scar. Come. Galbatorix wishes us to spar before mating. he said bluntly, and turned with a flick of his tail for her to follow him.

OOC: Thanks ^^

Ka shuddered as he felt Thorn run his tail down Jia, or his, neck. When he said that they were to spar before mating, Ka groaned to himself, but got up and followed. He figured he would just hurt Thorn so bad that he couldn't mate, then he would be safe.

Rathon smiled at Jia's thanks. "Don't thank me yet. We don't have my idiot brother back...then you can thank me." He said. How much longer until we reach the city?" He asked. He couldn't see anything, but his eyes weren't as keen as a dragon's and he was tired, so his vision was a bit blurry.

Jia grinned and chuckled. Who's going to hold him down and who's going to beat him senseless? I'll be happy with either task. she said jokingly. She sighed at Rathon's question. Perhaps half a day, maybe more if we take it easy to conserve strength. Within a few hours if winds are favorable and we push ourselves. she reported.

- - - - - - - - - -

Thorn led her to the main sparring room, specifically built for the dragons of the Empire. He turned and took his stance, his ruby eyes bright and eager. Take your stance and attack. he growled softly.

Jia merely nodded, too intent on getting to Urû'baen and her Rider for anymore small talk. She increased her wing beats, taking Rathon's offer and pulling a small bit of the Reaper's strength into her. The raw energy woke her up, letting her go harder and faster through the air streams in the sky.

- - - - - - - - - -

Thorn's eyes narrowed, but patience had never been his strong point in training. Eventually he lunged, feinting to the left before darting swiftly to the right and aiming his open jaws toward the scar on her neck.