The ground was rushing up to meet them, it was time to act. Nilarek drew power through the portal and changed the density of air beneath him and slowly their decent halted, Keralin holding himself away from Nilarek until both hit the ground and took up their respective stances.
"The truly dangerous come now." Nilarek said, grinning horridly.

"I know." Keralin said, both sword pointed straight at Nilarek. "It was my plan." He charged the shade, both swords swinging furiously in techniques both learned and improvised. Their swords clashed, sending sparks of steel and shadow across the ground which was naught but dirt now. The Portal beneath them eating the light surrounding it. Keralin jumped bringing his swords down upon Nilarek.

Nilarek dodged the blades just in time, using one of his own improvised techniques. His sword of shadow cutting through the air as if the light was nothing but a hindrance. He could feel the presence of the darkest coming now, those who weren't controlled by him, but served all the same.

Aelir breathed a sigh of relief as Keralin hit the ground running. He had his own things to worry about though,

Through the portal, underneath the towering monstrosities and flying creatures, came four human figures, their eyes glowing with a red tinge. A shadow of a shadow of a cloak hung around their shoulders, seeming to want to expand but being held back by an unseen force. It would be told later that those cloaks were The Cloaks of the Darkest. A symbol of their loyalty to Nilarek. In their hands they held swords that gleamed with an unnatural light, black, yet reflecting light. They weren't incorporeal like Nilarek's own sword, but dangerous all the same. Their hair was blood red, like a shades, and it shifted slowly of it's own accord. The one on the left spoke first,
"It was about time we were unleashed upon this world." His voice rang with the hollowness that spoke of complete shadow corruption, yet it held it's own strength.
"I'll say." The one on the right said, speaking in the same tone. "Shall we have a bit of fun first?"
"Absolutely." The one in the center said, his voice sounding of nothing but anger. He ran forwards, then jumped into the air, his body sprouting wings, scales and a tail. He was a dragon in but a few seconds and flying towards Aeraldi. This one is mine!
The other two looked at each other and smiled. The one on the left transformed himself into a Dragon as well, jumping into the air and charging at Shyara. The final one saw Elika and ran towards her, sword swinging.

Aeraldi could feel the power of his perfect form flowing through him, the strength his memories gave, the utter destruction he caused to the Shadows. He dived and ducked and rolled through the tendrils of a carrier Shadow beast, tearing off every appendage he could see before roasting the beast from below. None of these ones had to leave the area, if they did there was no telling what would happen. He had to close the portal, but how? He didn't see the Shadow Dragon until it hit him in the side and forced him to the ground. Aeraldi coughed up blood from the impact, his breathing became hard. He looked up to see a Dragon standing over him, not any old dragon but a Shadow Dragon.
Pathetic. It said as it swiped the ground to finish off Aeraldi. Aeraldi didn't allow it though and pushed himself off to the side, the claw only running down his wing and tearing it. The pain was excruciating, but he had to keep moving. Any mistake now would be his death.
Bring it! Aeraldi said as he breathed in, only to cough and spit up a little more blood.
You won't be using that fire on me today. The Shadow Dragon said, swiping it's tail at Aeraldi.

Meanwhille, Polaris was battling what creatures escaped from the central area and burning their corpses as they went. They were fighting to their limit, and enjoying every part of it.
Saiph even went as far as to start a chant for him and his sister. Polaris joined as well, reading her brother.
We are the best! None can beat us! You think to get past us, But it won't be that easy.
You fight the ultimate team!
The ultimate team!
The ultimate team!
The ultimate team!

OOC: Forgot to mention that if anyone wants to fight those three that came out of the portal, just take control of them.

Rigel gave a satisfied smirk when his ice successfully got rid of Elika. His next fight with Phalynx was less effective, however, and she escaped and brought down one of the huge shadow beasts. Rigel shrieked, but before he could retaliate, he felt a crackling of magic in the air next to him. A second later, the blue and green Shyara had appeared, and he jerked backward just in time to avoid the worst of her sudden strike. He still received several long, stinging scratches down his chest, though. When he looked back, Phalynx had disappeared.

Phal soared out from under the shadow beast, looking around. Her eyes widened as a group of dark, shadow corrupted humans appeared from the portal, and transformed into dark, evil-looking dragons. They were the most shadow-inflicted dragons she had ever seen, and she roared a challenge as she began to fly towards them. Her heart picked up as one flew towards Aeraldi, and seemed to stop for an instant as he hit the ground, and the beast lunged for him to deal a killing blow. His attack only grazed her mate's side, though, and a few seconds later Phal's trumpeting peal broke through the chaos of battle. She dove straight for the dragon, and a great stream of starfire leapt from her jaws, coating the shadowy beast in a brilliant flare of silver light. She hit the Shadow Dragon hard, but snapped her wings forward to stop her momentum. The force of her inertia, despite her small size, knocked the dragon off its feet and away from Aeraldi. Phal hovered, growling ferociously.

Na'ir was still a little irked, but calming down after Ecivres' reply. The dragon wanted her protection, and she understood that; she just wanted more trust. She knew she'd always be one of the younger ones, though. She glanced at Kit and Shyra, who had begun to pick off shadow beasts with their glowing blades. Na'ir grinned and flew above them, glowing silver fire pouring from her jaws and bathing the shadow beasts in light. She focused on making the army thinner by the time it reached the two-legs, for a thick stampede of shadow beasts could take out fighters of all skill-levels.

Sirius was flying closer than his siblings to the thick of the battle, so absorbed was he in systematically destroying the beasts. His flames scorched over the darkness below, razing it until only small tendrils of darkness remained, trailing away. He roared a fierce challenge as a small flock of flying shadow beasts approached. The flying ones were extremely dangerous; the proboscus-like protrusion on their heads could stab into a dragon's flesh, their pointed limbs could grip a dragon and have to be torn off, and the stingers on the ends of their tails could deliver a deadly dose of shadow corruption and a puncture wound to an unlucky creature. The white dragon dove headlong into the group, heedless of danger. His claws, glowing brightly, flashed in and out, ripping long, trailing gashes in the dark bodies of his enemies. He rolled and twisted his body to avoid their lightning-fast strikes, swiping out his tail to knock them back. He launched himself at a pair in the back, gripping one around the neck with his powerful jaws and ripping at the other with his talons, then breaking away when they fell.

A thick, chokingly dusty wind blew across the desert, though luckily it was speeding them towards the mountains. Solarae held her wings taut to catch every gust, and she continually glanced back to make sure the two dragonesses were following. The reddish dust was cloaking the lightening sky, so the barely-risen sun was only a dim glow. Solarae felt more nervous than usual, and she hated it. Being nervous was a bad thing before battle, but the feeling of darkness growing inside her made it inevitable. She could sense the evil expanding. The Shadows were strengthening, and starting to spread. she growled and continued on her way, determined to get help as soon as she could.

OOC: Heheh. I finally came up with an actual plan for the battle. But it won't start till we're bored of the first fight.

OOC: 'Tis your turn, Astral. Don't forget!

OOC: Goodness, no I didn't forget! >.> Um, I'm just having a brain freeze at the moment... hmm...

IC:

Syllwin went on flying close to Solarae though she as they continued their journey, there was a sense of foreboding in the air, as if some undetected evil and darkness began to surface. It was strange, and the further on they flew through the sands, the more it continued to increase. She looked around, trying to find something to keep her mind off of it, so that she could focus, but nothing was working. Her mind was too drawn to such a prediciment.

She thought ahead, going over battle plans in her head to prepare herself for the fight ahead of her, a new way to keep this off of her mind. Syl heard the little growl that escape the fire dragoness, but made no comment. She must have been having a little bit of anxiety for this battle as well, or something else...perhaps the darkness was what she was feeling too.

Elcyon struggled as she coaxed her wings to flow with the warm air currents that surrounded them, but stayed close enough to Solarae so there wouldn't be fear of a seperation. However, it wasn't physically that she was struggling with, it was mentally, her soul that was putting on a bigger fight. Darkness seemed to affect her wherever she went, and at certian times, when El was closer to the shadows, the tainted energy would stir up the evil within her own heart, the part of her that she chose to keep dormant but was eventually coming to a losing war for El. Not only was she having difficulty keeping the darkness locked away, El had a hard time trying to hide her struggles from her friends so as not to allow them any leads what was going on in her mind. It was better for them they didn't know and that they were safer not knowing what would happen if she had turned to the dark side at any particular moment. So for her, El flew on in troubling silence.

Thanks. Aeraldi said to Phal, gathering himself. He faced the shadow creature, breathing shallow.You're not like the others, but I'll kill you all the same.
I doubt it. The shadow creature's voice sounded as if it echoed from a far away place, though it was heard clearly. He shivered slightly with the pain of the light. He called out, a sound that felt like it should shatter glass, and the last Shadow monster joined him in Dragon form. Both stared at Aeraldi and Phalynx, eagerness in their eyes. One on one, the way it should be. The first one said.
I'll say it again, BRING IT! Aeraldi jumped after the shadow monster that had choked his flame off.

Keralin swung his swords faster, using every single scrap of knowledge he had to stay one step ahead of Nilarek. It was working. Keralin used his training of his instinct to sense the swords around him, he could feel the swords in his hand, no longer something he held, but a part of him. He could feel Nilarek's blade as it sliced through the air, coming closer and moving away as he parried the blow. The ground beneath his feet, the stone next to his right foot that threatened to throw him off balance, and the portal that he was being slowly walked towards. I can't let him push me in there! If I go, then all the power he wants is his! Keralin pushed harder, digging deeper into whatever he could for whatever energy, for every iota of strength and every modicum of courage he had left in him. He couldn't lose this fight, no matter the cost.

Aelir tore apart the shadow creature, burning what shadow blood he could see. He made very special care to make sure that nothing spilled onto him though, he didn't have the luxury of being immune like Phalynx, or having the magic strength like Aeraldi, or even the previous corruption that Keralin had. He was susceptible, which meant he had to take the utmost care when killing these creatures. It made the work very slow.

Nilarek saw the fight going badly for him, why was Keralin giving him such a strong fight? Nilarek had always been faster than any shade alive, more powerful than that magic-user Ret and far more evil than Nidhog and Rigel combined. Did he truly lose that much power to Aeraldi when he tore himself in half? A few more steps and none of that will matter anymore, I need to push him in!

Saiph crinkled his nose at the smell of burning flesh and shadow Corruption. These beast were hard to fight sure, but the biggest fight they had was not trying to fall back from the smell of the corpses on the ground. Another whiff forced Saiph to gag unconsciously. His siblings wouldn't let him live that down, he knew it.
Polaris felt the discomfort that Saiph felt, though she held more control of herself than her twin brother did. How did he find time to gag with all the Shadow creatures coming? The larger ones were starting to make it past the adults now, which meant that they had to extra careful to kill them now. Polaris had only heard stories about those who were corrupted by the shadow, and all of those were not very nice.
She also kept an eye out for Sirius and Na'ir, though she knew that they were perfectly capable by themselves. She watched their movements, picking up every technique they used for fighting, then adopted them as her own.
Saiph read her sister's mind and learned the technique from her, then altered it to include his own style, which included Polaris. They knew they wouldn't be separated, though the thought in the back of his mind always made him worry.

Phal rubbed her mate's cheek briefly as he stood and she landed next to him. She heard Elika's request, and felt a small pang of worry. I'm sorry, my friend, but I cannot depart from my present location yet, she replied, wanting to help, but knowing she needed to stay and fight these evil dark-shapeshifters. She growled low in her throat as the second Shadow Dragon arrived, and they gave out their own threats. She leapt forward simultaneously with Aeraldi, feeling for his intentions. Before she reached her opponent, her wings snapped out and her body was twisted rapidly to the side as she spun her tail. Her jaws snapped down on the dragon's neck and her foreclaws landed on its right shoulder, keeping it from escape or countering with its own claws. She ripped and tore, feeding in small amounts of starfire, before jerking away. The Shadow Dragon had not had time to bite back. Still so confident? she spat, and let out a blast of starry flames. She jumped through her fire and met the dragon, claws and teeth grappling each other.

Rigel was alone above the fighting forms, and he felt as if his next attack would be a strong point-winner for the Shadow Realm. His eyes picked out the aged tan dragon flying after Nidhog, who had escaped. The dark phoenix snapped his wings together and dove, picking up speed rapidly in his descent. When he reached his target, his claws snapped out and he ripped and tore along the tan's back. He flapped hard and soared away again, sending down a few icy-fireballs at Eschelon's wings. They would burn and then freeze when they hit, hopefully slowing him more.

Na'ir was high above the main fight, not wanting to move into the thick of it. However, her tactics made her a very efficient sharpshooter, and many a silver missile took out a target. Large blasts of blue-flecked starfire also scored the ground and destroyed swathes of smaller shadow beasts. They were getting more powerful, though. A behemoth of darkness was moving toward them, larger than a millenia-aged dragon. Na'ir flew over it and released large amounts of starfire, keeping herself out of range of the tentacles growing from its back.

Sirius was a master at aerial combat, after decades of practice and natural ability. The flying shadow beasts, though possessed of many deadly offensive weapons, had poor defense. Because they were not able to score any serious hits on the white, they were relatively easy to defeat. The only problem was their large number. By the time the flock was decimated, Sirius had many long cuts running down his sides. The large, cross-shaped scar on his flank was now streaked with red.

The silence of the increasing morning continued. Solarae and her two larger companions were too troubled and too deeply involved in their own thoughts to speak. Though normally outgoing and eager to speak her thoughts, the orange was now reserved. This was far more serious than the usual battle or mission; the fate of the entire planet was at stake. She looked to the south and shivered. A cloud bank, dark and poisonous-looking, was traveling toward them. The effects of the battle already? she wondered, gazing toward the sun. The morning was reaching its mid-point, and soon the sun would be headed on its track to high-noon.

OOC: Don't worry, Astral. I have something planned for my next post.

OOC: Your turn Astral, then V, and then me

Aeraldi, using Phalynx's simultaneous attack, copied her almost exactly, flaring his wings open and swinging his tail around. He snapped at the shadow creature's neck but missed, his claws however found their mark on it's wings, tearing them apart. He let loose a breath of fire, engulfing the shadow creature. A dangerous move considering it blinded him at this range. He only realized his mistake when the shadow creature emerged from the flames to snap at his neck. He broke off and landed a few feet away, skidding to a halt. The creature was hurt, but wasn't dead.
Aeraldi took two breaths before engaging the shadow creature once again.

Meanwhile, above them all, the clouds of war gathered. Pure darkness flowed out of the portal and blackened the skies above them, spreading slowly. The winds became a dead calm as the sun was covered and the air becoming thick with the stench of decay. Only one person could truly appreciate how much like the Shadow Realm the world was becoming, but Nilarek pushed and pushed, trying to force his goal into the portal and seal his fate. It seemed for every step he took towards it, Keralin took another back. They were locked, unable to move forwards or backwards. The entire experience was infuriating. "I felt her too you know." He said, adopting a different tactic. "You remember the day, I felt her as she tore me from you body. Her soul felt as good against mine as her body did against yours."

Keralin had always considered himself level-headed, always in control of his emotions since he let his anger ruin his life once, but this was too much. "YOU MONSTER!" He swung his sword back and struck the shade his as much strength as he could. He broke his form, striking at Nilarek with nothing but pure fury. He struck again and again using both swords to deliver as much force as he could. He would kill his shade no matter what, no matter the cost.

Saiph looked around for more prey, pointing out target for Polaris and himself to attack. It was only by chance he saw the visage of death coming straight at him. He had never before truly felt fear of this kind and it paralyzed him, if not for his natural instincts of flying he would have fallen out of the air. He would think later that maybe it would have been a better fate.
Polaris felt his brother's fear through their link and looked up. She too saw the dragon diving out of the sky and towards her brother. She had only time to scream before she too was paralyzed with the same fear. SAIPH!

Phal pushed herself off her opponent and darted to the side, tearing flesh from its ribs and then jumping back again. She jerked to the side as the beast snapped its jaws at her neck, and briefly reared up to slash at its face with her right talons. The blow knocked it away for a few moments, and Phal jumped on its back again, digging in with her hind claws and ripping with all her strength. The silver's fury and instinctual hatred of the shadows fueled her attack, and somehow she managed to kill the dark dragon. She backed up, almost not believing it was dead, and then her head jerked up to where she saw Elika, now with Bastila in control, pass them overhead. They were heading straight for the heart of darkness.

Rigel hovered, having retreated to the center of the Shadows. The mobile edges of his beak were curved in a sinister smile, and his yellow eyes gleamed with evil. Everything was about to get a thousand times worse for his enemies. The phoenix began chanting, feeling his magic grow and swell as he prepared for the final part of his original spell to help open the portal.

Na'ir was working on attacking the giant shadow beast when she heard the rushing sound of a huge dragon diving from above, and then a cry from her siblings. She looked up with horror and saw Nidhog bearing down on Saiph, green fire coming from his jaws. Suddenly, Shyara teleported into view, directly before the massive evil dragon. The distraction for Na'ir almost proved deadly, though. Her instincts warned her, but she was too late to stop one of the massive tentacles of the giant shadow behemoth from knocking her from the sky. The blue hit the ground hard, rolling to a stunned stop. Smaller shadow beasts were already scurrying eagerly her way, and the massive one was looming above her.

Sirius finished off another flying shadow beast, and heard the cries of his sisters and brother. Saiph was about to be attacked by Nidhog, and Polaris was also frozen with fear. Shyara teleported in time to block Saiph, but then Sirius saw Na'ir knocked down by a giant of a shadow beast. With only seconds to act, the white dove from the sky and picked up his relatively light blue sister, bringing her to some cliffs. Na'ir still seemed stunned from the blow, but Sirius had to make sure the twins were alright. Shyara was powerful, but still much smaller than Nidhog.

The companions traveled on in silence, the distant mountains coming into view and growing steadily closer. At last, with afternoon beginning, Solarae led her two friends into the edge of the mountains. The scenery changed rather abruptly, and the peaks were now cloaked in thick foliage and greenery. The lush soils and warm, moist winds from the south made this perfect habitat for a jungle, even if it was in the mountains. A dark blue shape, eyes and Kallek marks gleaming silver, rose to meet them.

OOC: Astral, if you do not post by Friday then I'm afraid we'll have to skip you. Sorry, but I'm super-excited about this rp and I would like to pick it up! (I came up with the main plot and probable ending, and it has me super-hyped to keep going.)

OOC: I guess you can go ahead and post, voenth. Astral must be busy right now or something.

Nilarek felt the force behind Keralin's blows and enjoyed the face that he had made the elf angry. He would soon tire and then he would be his. If he could hold his ground until then. Nilarek noticed that he was being pushed back by Keralin, losing ground with each blow, each attack. Why am I so weak!? I need power, the portal is open give me some power! He demanded.
If you need it.
Nilarek saw a bolt come from the portal and head straight for him. As it entered his body, he felt the raw power of the shadow realm course through him. He saw the fear in Keralin's eyes too as the shadow seemed to solidify his sword of shadow. "You may be tiring, but I have all the power I want now."

Keralin struck the shade again and again, he would kill the thing if nothing else this day. His swords swung furiously in a dazzling display of metal and ferocity. At least until he felt the shadow bolt appear from the portal. He hadn't counted on the fact that Nilarek could summon strength from the portal at any time. He knew then that there was no way he could win, no matter what he did. He barely heard Nilarek's words, but somewhere inside him he knew he couldn't stop. "That may be so, but you still need me." He looked at Nilarek with eyes that spoke of hatred and resolve. "Send all the creatures you want, but they aren't you and they aren't him. The division between us is more than you can ever imagine." Keralin adopted a new pose, his shoulders square and his feet spaced. He held his sword in front of him in an offensive pose, one that he never considered before. One of his own design.

Aelir felt the fear, the helplessness in his rider. He wanted dearly to stand next to him, to be with him, to die with him if need be. He struggled with the flying shadow creature, scorching it's head when he could without leaving himself open to attack. It was only after he felt his rider's resolve a minute later that he knew that he shouldn't be worrying. So strong was his resolve that it bled over to Aelir, giving him strength he didn't know he had. Stay safe. He thought before seeking his next target.

Aeraldi swung his tail around to hit the dragon, who dodged and bit at his tail. Aeraldi saw that, to dodge the his tail, the shadow dragon had made a fatal mistake. He wasn't used to this form and was stumbling. Aeraldi took advantage of this and pounced on the dragon, knocking him to the ground and pinning him down. He breathed in deeply and engulfed the dragon in his ancient fire, burning hotter than the hottest furnace. When he stopped the flames, he watched as the now headless shadow creature disintegrated before his eyes.

Saiph was still paralyzed after he was saved by Shyara and it took him and Polaris a few seconds before they realized that they were in a position to take the jump on the one that attack him.
Polaris shook her head of the fear and looked at her brother, making sure he was alright. When she knew he was and that he had regained his head, they immediately knew what to do. Polaris and Saiph looked at the dragon that would have killed them and felt something they never thought was possible. They wanted him dead.
Saiph breathed in, the ancient fire that his father had given him erupting in his chest. Polaris breathed in as well with the starfire given to her by her mother. They would kill this traitorous dragon in a blaze of fire unlike any other.
DIE! They screamed together before releasing the flame.

Phalynx watched briefly as Bastila/Elika flew toward the Shadow Realm portal, and then looked toward Aeraldi. The gray dragon was consuming his enemy in a powerful torrent of ancient fire. When the flames cleared, the creature was already disintegrating. We need to help Elika and Bastila. They are approaching the portal itself! she warned him, wings already half raised and prepared for flight. She saw the smaller shadow beasts rushing toward her, enveloped them in a wash of starry flame, and lifted from the ground. As she did so, she felt a cold dread enter her heart. Something was wrong.

Rigel finished his chanting and hovered, his energy reserves greatly depleted by the final part of his spell. He was denied a respite, however, for at that instant, the dragon Bastila, Elika with her, crashed into him with full force, bearing a powerful flame. Rigel managed to stave off most of the damage with his own cold fire, but it was still painful, and the effort cost him yet more energy. He was exhausted. No matter. I finished what I had to do, he thought, and promptly crashed into the ground. The ashy surface was a fairly soft landing, luckily. The shadow beasts parted around him like a school of herring around a marlin, and Rigel looked up at his newest attackers with a hiss. It's too late, he spoke to them, his voice deadly calm. He glanced toward the portal, and smiled. He could feel the dark power rising, making his feathers tingle as if electrified.

Suddenly, a massive pulse of shadow magic radiated outwards from the portal, shooting through everything before dissipating almost ten miles distant. The portal was wider. Another burst of darkness pulsated forth, and it was wider yet. Four more pulses followed, all in quicker succession than the last. When they were finished, the portal was enormous, and able to sustain itself indefinitely. No more power was needed to keep it open. Rigel began laughing maniacally, for he could see the immense creatures within, coming toward the light of a new realm. This sight surely marked the end of the world.

Sirius bolted off the cliff as soon as he left Na'ir, intent on helping his other two siblings. Shyara had teleported them behind Nidhog, and the white could see his siblings about to breathe fire. He darted up, and then dove down almost faster than the eye could follow, getting beneath and slightly behind Nidhog. He let out a powerful blast of flame to join the twins'. His starry silver flame, flecked with white, erupted from his jaws.

After the initial attack, however, Sirius felt a powerful sense of shadow magic, even stronger than what he had been feeling. He looked up in time to see the massive pulse of shadow magic headed there way, followed by five more pulses. Just before it reached them, Sirius accessed his limited connection to the magic and brought up a shield of light magic around himself and his siblings. The pulses rocketed through them without harm, though it took a toll on the white's strength.

Na'ir didn't remain on her safe perch for long. As soon as she got her wind back from the hard blow she had taken, she flew to join her siblings. Altogether like this, they were a force to be reckoned with; a force of light. She positioned herself above Nidhog's head and let her own blue-flecked starfire forth. As powerful as this dragon was, he couldn't deal efficiently with four at once, especially four siblings.

Solarae let out a huge grin as she recognized the young dragon; Temias! Well, I haven't seen you in ages! Not since you were a hatchling! Never did get to speak with ya', thought, Temias. I expect you're here to welcome us to the Tribe? she exclaimed cheerfully, glad their journey was finally at an end.

Temias let out a grin of his own as he joined the three dragonesses. Hey Solarae! I'm surprised you remember my name. And it's good to see you again, Elcyon! And I don't believe I know you, he replied, motioning to the silvery white. He turned back to Solarae. Anyway, I am indeed to escort you to the Tribe. We're preparing for battle right now; we can see the darkness to the south, he responded, turning in his flight and angling towards the Tribe city.

OOC: Wow that post took a while. Major epicness though. Heheheh.

OOC: Sorry to interrupt, but this is a really good RPG, lol, sorry, but I was just reading it lol.

OOC: lol that's fine. Thanks for the comment. You can join if you want; this rp's gonna get even more expansive in scope than it is at the moment.

OOC: I wouldn't mind, but I only have one character that could make a difference, and that is Luna, and, maybe, maybe Circe, but I don't see her being cooperative with the other evil charries...

Nidhog felt the shockwaves from teh portal. He cut the flow of energy he had been feeding the portal, as well as Rigel and Nilarek to create it. He heard the two twins yell, "Die" and roared in pain as a powerful fire hit him, however he had enough sense to protect his wings, as well as his face with the rest of his scaly hide. He was badly burned, from the twins, as well as the other dragons but the wounds were not deadly. He growled and said, My job here is done. Enjoy your stay on this world, it will not last much longer. hissed the black dragon as he used his power over earth to sink deep into the ground where he would recover, and meet with Rigel, as well as Nilarek to discuss what would happen next. Just before he sank into the ground, he stared at the twin dragons and said, I will be sure to see you before the shadows get you, consider it a favor, as I will kill you and you will not endure what your friends, and family will. hissed the angry black dragon as the earth finally closed in around him. Once deep beneath the earth, he felt the ground shake. The real shadow monsters have arrived. said the dragon as he began to force the spirits under his will to help him to heal, he looked at his scales where the twins fire had hit him, they were practically destroyed. Yes, he would have to repay them...

OOC: Hope that didn't mess anything up, if it did, I definately can edit.

Bastila jumped off Rigel as soon as they hit the ground. What do you mea- she was cut short when a massive wave of shadow magic crashed into her. She dug her claws in and stayed stationary for that blast, but not the following ones.

When she came to after them all she was several hundred feet away from where she had been. Where did he go?! We've got to kill him. A voice spoke that neither Bastila, nor Elika, had ever expected to hear again. Patience, Rigel will pay. This is not the first time he's tried to destroy the world. But it'll be the last; we swear to it.

Shyara saw Nidhog begin to sink in the earth and she rushed to stop him, but the ground closed up just as she hit it. She slammed down on the ground with her claws and let out a roar.

OOC: Sorry, forgot I had to post.

Aeraldi began to run towards Elika and Bastila to help then when a wave of Shadow energy slammed into him and pushed him back. The dreaded feeling of evil he had in the back of his mind expanded until it nearly froze him with fear. He was used to fear, but this was different, this was nothing but fury.

Keralin flowed through his forms like a deadly dance of steel and flesh. He kept Nilarek on the defensive, occasionally managing to get a hit in. He swept Nilarek's feet from under him and brought his swords up for one last killing blow. Then the waves of shadow hit him. It impacted him with such force that Keralin was thrown several feet away with just the first blow. The next four pushed him further and further back, but when he looked at the portal again, he wondered whether or not he moved at all. No, the portal was massive, much larger than he had originally planned. This wasn't his plan anymore, this was Nilarek's.

Aelir continued with his fight until the waves of darkness knocked him out of the sky and into the ground. Thankfully nothing was broken but the immense terror he felt from his rider made him wonder whether he could close the portal or not. He decided that it didn't matter, he had to get to his rider now. He ran off towards Keralin, who sat there staring into the immense darkness.

Nilarek felt the waves of darkness pass over him, sending chills through his body. Never before had he felt so alive, so pure!
Watch your step. The words echoed in Nilarek's mind, the voice of his creator. He was a mere pin-dot of a shadow compared to the eternal darkness that was this being. Shadow Creatures called it Shruiks, though Nilarek knew that the true shadow had no name.
Nilarek dodged out of the way as a huge claw emerged through the gateway and gouged the ground. The foot was as massive as a castle and covered in black scales that oozed corruption from the many wounds it had on it's body. Could it truly be? Had the true shadow awakened the first dragon that stepped foot in the shadow realm? A humbling sight for any creature, mortal or not. He turned to the rest, his face beaming with pleasure and near madness. He yelled out for the world to hear, the shadow amplifying his voice.
"The end of days is here! The last of the light will be finally be extinguished and the world will return to the darkness it once came from! " Nilarek turned to Keralin, a smile on his face and insanity in his eyes. "I give you... Zefanrac!"
A figure emerged through the portal, a dragon larger than all others, even the mighty Faefnir, covered in black scales with eyes that seemed to take what light was left and return it a fiery darkness that glowed red. He breathed in and roared triumphantly.

There was one other being that Nilarek spoke to, though he had no knowledge of it. How could he have known? What could have?
Aeraldi didn't believe it, he stared at the massive black dragon, his memory flashing faster than it ever had before. This was his father, this truly was the mighty Zefanrac who had sired him.

GET BACK HERE! Polaris screamed, diving for the ground after Nidhog. Saiph following behind her with equal ferocity in his eyes. I'm going to kill you! She tore at the ground in an attempt to dig after Nidhog, but it proved fruitless. It was Saiph that came to his senses first, looking at the anger in his sister's eyes. Polaris, stop. We... He didn't know how to continue. He had never felt such a thing before, nothing ever so intense, nothing so consuming. He had always prided himself on knowing that he was good through and through, but knowing that he could lose control like this made him reconsider. Could I just as easily become so deluded?

Phalynx dove to the ground instinctually as she saw the shadow magic pulse towards her. She didn't make it. The wave of intense energy hit her, sending her tumbling through the air. She managed to touch down before the next blasts of magic, and kept her scales radiating with light magic so she wouldn't be blasted away again. When the pulses stopped and she tentatively opened her eyes, she was met with a horrifying sight. The portal was immense; larger than she had ever imagined it to be. She had never seen so much darkness, except in the Shadow Realm itself. Fear crept into her heart, and she began to wonder if they could truly win this war.

Phal lifted back into the air to join her mate, and then saw the next monster the Shadow Realm had to throw at them. It was a dragon... and not like the other shadow dragons from before. This one looked like it had once been an actual dragon. The dragon was immense, larger than her half-brother and looking for all the world like a cousin of Rimfax. But Rimfax was gone now, and when Nilarek announced his name, she gasped. Was this really Aeraldi's father? He did have a rather Aeraldi-ish appearance, and the look on her mate's face confirmed everything. Along with Zefanrac, thousands of new shadow beasts were pouring forth into the world. There is no way we can destroy that portal now... not until we gather our strength and form a new plan at least. We have to get out of here, she said softly, opening her thoughts to anyone who was listening. The sheer numbers of shadow beasts and especially the presence of the more powerful allies of the darkness... that alone would overwhelm everyone who was present now. They had to regroup. Phal illuminated her scales to get everyone's attention.

Listen! We cannot fight all of these shadow beasts or the more powerful beings and close this portal at the same time. We probably couldn't close the portal now without more strength anyway. We have to retreat and regroup for a while! Phal announced to all of her friends, expanding her mind to make sure she spoke with everyone.

Rigel retreated from Elika as soon as the shadow pulses knocked her away. He had no wish to get into a fight now. The last spell had cost him dearly, and he needed time to regain his strength. Soon their army would be assembled anyway, and the Shadow Realm could begin its march to conquer the living world. He headed for the portal and took up a perch on the sides of a volcano.

Sirius growled as Nidhog escaped. There seemed to be a brief clearance of shadow beasts. He looked around, watching the backs of his siblings and Shyara from the air. As he was watching for more creatures, his mother's words rang through his mind. Soon after they did, he felt her surprise at feeling his presence, and he sent her back very apologetic but defiant feelings. He didn't want her to worry, but he had to be here! I will talk to you four later about this. For now, you must join the rest of us; we have to retreat, Phalynx said into the minds of Sirius and his siblings. The white did not want to retreat, but realized that staying here amidst such darkness would be suicide.

Na'ir heard Phal's words and silently agreed with them. This darkness was too powerful for them now; they had to leave and formulate a plan. She flew down to the twins where they were above the place Nidhog had disappeared. They seemed unusually angry. Are you two alright? she asked with concern.

Solarae nodded to the young blue-black and beckoned for her two companions to follow them towards the Tribe. When they arrived at the stone city in the jungle, the place was in an uproar of activity. Solarae was greeted enthusiastically, for she was famous among the Tribe dragons, and Elcyon was greeted warmly as well. Temias led them to the central pyramid of stone. Inside, they were greeted by a familiar purple face.

Navarre smiled as the four newcomers joined her inside the main pyramid. In the center, a glowing circle with a shimmering surface hovered just above the ground. Well light my scales if it isn't the daughter of Faefnir himself. What're you up to, Navarre? Solarae asked her. The purple's smile widened, and she beckoned towards the portal with one gold-speckled paw. I've been working on some important things with Phalynx for a while. I've only just activated our portal system. She helped me create a system of portals to all the important places in the land, which all lead to my father's Stronghold. The Tribe is using this one to get to the armory, where we've been making Light Armor. Dozens and dozens of sets, if not hundreds. You're the last dragons to be suited up, she explained, and pointed with her tail at several piles of armor lining one wall. Each pile contained all of one piece of armor, of various sizes. Navarre watched as the dragons eagerly raced towards it, and followed after them to help suit them up. Outside, the rest of the Tribe was already armored and waiting.

OOC: Whew these posts are gettin' long. Astral, until you return we'll skip you, and I'll sort of indirectly god-mod your charries as I've been doing.

OOC: Well, I guess its about time I stopped being so lazy and made a decent post, here comes help from the white and green dragons of Sharktooth, led by the one and only Braith.

IC:
Braith roared angrily as he and the army of green and white dragons came upon the scene. Gornath had left the island in a hurry, and Braith had gotten into the habit of watching the white dragon. They were friends, and Braith had known that something was up the minute that Gornath left without Anthor, and Rema had left soon after. He had immediately aroused the fighting dragons of the island and followed them. When he reached them, however it was too late, both Gornath and Rema had been knocked senseless in the fight. The orange dragon immediately gave orders to create a perimeter around the two dragons and to help them into the air, carry them if necessary. Then the orange dragon said, All of you dragons, follow the silver dragoness, and the gray dragon. They will know what is going on. said the orange dragon as he made himself a rear-guard for the others, burning anything that came within range.

Rema was barely conscious, but she still felt the dragons around her. She was lifted into the air by one of the older green dragons from their colony. His name escaped her memory, but he was a powerful fighter, who rivaled even Gornath, for none could come near to the strength of Braith. The green lifted her easily into the air and flew after the other dragons who had been there before Braith and his smal army had arrived. The green dragoness said one word before going back into the void, Father...

Gornath growled weakly as two different dragons, one white and the other a mixture of white and green lifted him from the battlefield. He was stillfar too weak to talk, much less move on his own, but he had enough senses to tell that he was now in the hands of friends and that he was at least for the moment safe. He did not pass out, but fell asleep as the dragons carried him.

Eschelon growled when he saw more dragons coming. He said to them, Follow the blue/green dragoness, the gray male, and the silver dragoness. Then turned to help Braith to cover their retreat.

Nidhog growled happily as once more it seemed that they would win. He growled and said to Nilarek and Rigel, What now. Shall we open more portals? The more we open, the faster we control this land. The next should be placed in the islands. Gornath's forces are there, and from what I have heard, there was once one there. We could re-open it with great ease, and that would divide the dragons, it would bring Braith, Rema, and Gornath straight to me. Then we could open one near the home of Phalynx and one by one, the only threats to our rule will fall.

OOC: oops!

IC: But we can take them now. I'm sure of it. There is not way that didn't drain massive amounts of energy from the leaders. Bastila replied to Phalynx. Then Zefanrac began to emerge and she quickly changed her mind. She zipped up next to Phal, Uh, maybe you're right, let's go!!Chicken, Elika said only to Bastila, but with a worried laugh.

Shyara agreed with Phalynx. Come on kids, lets get out of here for now. You have more to worry about than these guys, your parents! Shyara tried to lighten the mood, but there was fear in her heart. Ecivres had seen the end of life before, but they had changed it. Is it possible to do that again? She shook her head to clear her thoughts, those were too deep for right now. Come on! Get!

Ecivres joined Bastila and Phalynx and the others in the air above. I didn't think this was possible, but it would seem your dream was an understatement Phal. Where are we going?

Kit hated not being there, fighting with the others. He was pacing around the house when he felt a small shock wave rattle their house in the Spine. And he felt something be unlocked; some dark, distance thing.

OOC: I'd just like to make a note to everyone (the evil charries, actually, since you brought this up, voenth): the Shadow Realm won't be opening any more portals. All their strength and creatures are going into this one, and they're going to concentrate on slowly advancing through the land to make sure each area is secure before continuing. I just thought I'd let all the owners of evil charries know that lol.

OOC: That would have been beneficial a few days ago, lol.

Father... Aeraldi said weakly, unable to force himself to move. To move would make this all real. This had to be his worst nightmare and he would wake soon. It was when he read in Phalynx's mind that the kids were in danger too that he finally broke out of his trance. There were more important things now than his own feelings.
Everyone, cover the retreat! He said loudly, turning away from the portal. As much as he wanted to go after the hatchlings to make sure they were all right, he had to make sure that everyone here got away safely. Aelir, get Keralin out of here! He's the only one with the information to close this thing!

Aelir didn't need to hear Aeraldi's orders to get Keralin out. He could feel it in his rider's mind that there was nothing more that could be done now. He grabbed Keralin in his claws as took off, Keralin looking up at Aelir with shock and anger on his face. Better to live to fight another day! Was all Aelir said before shutting off his mind to his rider.

Nilarek watched with longing eyes as Aelir flew off with his Keralin. He wanted dearly to rush off after them, but there would be more time for that later. For now, it was time to regroup so that the final march could finally begin. He jumped into the air, the shadows carrying him up onto the back of Zefanrac, the most ancient of dragons. He looked at Nidhog, his words like logs on a fire. Maybe later, first we have to be sure that this entire land is under our control. It would be faster if I had my full strength, but he just ran away. Nilarek patted Zefanrac's neck, the taint oozing from his wounds. Nilarek brought his hands up, the taint coating his hands, and began to lick it off. He could taste the power this creature held.

Saiph looked up at his sister with confused eyes, an unknown fire running through his limbs. I... I don't know... He said, looking over to his twin who gripped the ground with her claws. Polaris had tears rolling from her eyes. She had never before felt like that, and it confused her beyond reason. He wanted to kill us... She said, her voice wavering. He really wanted to kill us. I don't know what I feel, but I want him dead. Does that make me evil? She retreated from the spot where Nidhog had disappeared and opened her wings. Saiph doing the same. He took off into the air grimly following his older siblings.

Phalynx kept her scales glowing brightly as a beacon to the others, and hovered in the air above her mate until he finally joined her. I'm sorry, Aeraldi, she spoke gently into his mind, obviously referring to Zefanrac. Maybe there was still a way to help him; she hoped so, anyway; but for now they had to leave. She had no time for any more words, and instead sent a glaring image into the minds of all her allies, including the newly arrived green and white dragons. It was a picture of the small canyon oasis to the north, on the edge of the Burning Sun Sea. With the image, Phal also included a sense of where this place was. Regroup at this oasis! Then we will cross the Burning Sun Sea together! she cried, making sure everyone heard her words. Phal flew in wide swathes over the dark landscape, confirming that everyone was in the air and on their way and helping to cover the retreat. Behind her, an enormous swarm of flying shadow beasts was growing and growing, preparing to unleash their numbers on the scattered dragons and two-legs.

Rigel nodded in agreement with Nilarek after he had joined him and Nidhog. He wanted nothing more than to sweep into and destroy Phalynx's valley, but that was far away. They had other things to do first. The dark phoenix eyed Zefanrac up and down, admiring the extremely powerful, shadow-tainted dragon. He was almost an assurance of victory himself. Patience is what we all need. It may take a while; years even, but as long as we make sure to secure each area, we shall obtain victory, he said to no one in particular with a smirk. Rigel had great patience; he knew he would be a valuable asset in that manner at least.

Sirius waited for his siblings to join him and then followed quickly after Shyara. He itched to fly back and join his mother and father in battle, but he knew his presence would cause them worry. He kept in a tight group with his siblings and cousin, blasting at the stray shadow beast with his starfire.

Na'ir frowned at Polaris's words. No, not at all! Nidhog is evil. He has killed many dragons and other good creatures. He is helping the Shadow Realm try to consume all of life. He deserves to die, she replied forcefully, flying closely with her younger siblings to escape the battleground.

Solarae and the others were dressed for battle rapidly; it was obvious Navarre had had a great deal of practice. The orange dragoness stepped away from the others and let out an experimental jet of fire. She was delighted when it passed along the extendable helmet-fangs at the corners of her mouth, and turned white. She frowned and in seconds her whole body erupted into fire. White, light-magic fire. Sweeeet. Alright let's move! We've gotta help out our friends! she cried immediately, and bolted out of the room, followed closely by Navarre, Elcyon, Temias, and Syllwin.

Temias bolted after the others and skidded to a halt outside the stone building. Chief Kasiya nodded in approval when she saw all the dragons had been armored. The Hour of Darkness, prophesized by the Dragoness of the Stars Phalynx, is upon us! And now the Tribe must rise to do battle with our greatest enemy. For now, we shall focus on rescuing our friends to the south from the shadows, and bringing them here in safety. Then the true war shall begin, the Chief cried, and reared back on her hind limbs. Now fly! To the south, my Tribemates! she called, and let out a powerful roar and a burst of light-magic fire. Temias and the other dragons, hundreds of them, joined their roars to hers and then their flames. In seconds, they all lifted from the ground, colorful scales, shining armor, and dazzling Kallek Marks melding together in a confusing but glorious wash of color.

Navarre felt a powerful joy in joining with the voice of the Tribe, and rose after them eagerly. She did not do a whole lot of fighting, but Phalynx had taught her everything she knew about battling the Shadows. With her enhanced abilities, armor, and magical abilities, the purple dragoness would do well in this fight.

OOC: Everyone hates Nidhog, lol, I can't blame you, hes a jerk, a cannaballistic jerk.

IC:
Braith roared angrily as a dragon even larger than himself emerged from the darkness. He growled and fled with everyone else north.

Nidhog growled. As of yet, none of his ideas had been used in the planning of this, only ever Nilarek and Rigel. He said, Well, so we are just to slowly advance. What if something happens, eh? We will have to have some sort of guardian over this portal. It is big, but it took all three of us together, not to mention the souls I took, as well as the many shades you ued to open it. There are not many powers like ours in the works, but there are some. The strength it took to open it, is almost the same as the strength to close it. We must take necessary precautions to protect this portal, else all the world will hunt us. Not that it would not be interesting to see Gornath and his hatchling try to fight me.

OOC: lol I should mention, voenth, this is a long time after Galbatorix's reign ends (decades). lol I know I keep correcting you sorry!!

OOC: My fault, stressin too much, college is killin me. lol, I will fix it.

Shyara watched the twins carefully. No your sister is right. He deserves to die. But always remember do not induce a fight to the death if you can avoid it. If bad people change it can only be to good.

She guided her small group to meet with the others on their way to the oasis. She slid into place next to Ecivres.

OOC: Kind of pathetically short

OOC: sorry, forgot it was my turn.

Aeraldi looked over the battlefield, making sure that everyone was getting away safely. As soon as he was sure, he took one last look at Nilarek standing upon his father's head, talking to his accomplices.
Aeraldi knew that sometimes anger was a necessary emotion, but what he felt at that moment, after seeing the wounds inflicted upon his friends and family, was nothing. Even the anger that burned inside him simply sat at the back of his mind. There was no forgiveness for this, no mercy.
Aeraldi turned for the Oasis. He would make sure they pay, but not at the cost of all these lives.

Keralin sheathed his swords, gripping tighter onto Aelir. He wanted to beg Aelir to take him back so he could keep fighting, but he had sealed himself off to him.

Nilarek just smiled as Nidhog tried to poke holes in their plan, but he had been planning this a lot longer than either of them. Far longer...
"You didn't think I brought this guy here just for looks now did you? He's going to be the one to protect this portal. As for your fight, it would be interesting to see at the least.

But... Saiph began. Dad always says that kind of anger can take you down dangerous paths. I was curious at first, but after feeling that... I don't ever want to feel like that again. Polaris wanted to hide her head.

Phal brushed Aeraldi gently with the tip of one silver wing, sensing what he was feeling. This will end. But not yet. We need to form a plan, now that we know the odds that are stacked against us, she said, glancing back towards the portal. This wouldn't end with anything simple, as she had hoped. The fight could last a long time. A very long time. And it would take more effort than she had ever dreamed of. Phal sighed and continued on, knowing that they all had to hurry to reach the Oasis and then fly across the sea. The cloud of flying shadow beasts was growing steadily larger, blotting out everything behind it and reflecting the red glow of lava.

After a couple hours of fleeing the Scorched Lands to the north, Phal finally saw the Burning Sun Sea in the distance. She and Aeraldi reached the Oasis on its edge, which was a small stream running through a canyon, and was one of the few vegetated places in this area. It seemed like they were the last to arrive, as she had planned. Is everyone here? Is everyone alright to keep flying? Gornath, all your troops accounted for? she questioned, flying up to those assembled and looking searchingly over everyone.

Na'ir flew along with her siblings and Shyara. She frowned Saiph and Polaris's reply. Well, you're right, and Dad's right. But it's still right to want to kill Nidhog. He's not even a dragon anymore, more of a monster. As long as you're not too blinded by rage, then you should be fine, she replied. Blind rage was never a good thing, but couldn't some anger be necessary in order to keep fighting against evil? Especially towards Nidhog, who had killed many dragons and other innocent creatures. She was quiet for most of the flight to the Oasis, thinking over these things and others.

Rigel glanced from Nidhog to Nilarek and gave a concise nod. He trusted Nilarek when he said he had been planning this for a long time. He should have thought of most things. And if he hadn't, Rigel's abilities would certainly be of aide. As long as we are careful, Nidhog, and patient in our advance, there should be no problems. It was obvious that this much power on our part was not expected by our enemies, he added to the conversation, a shrug in his voice. He was still exhausted from the effort of casting the rest of his spell, and needed time to recover.

Solarae flew near the front of the assembled army. Kasiya was at its head, with three of the younger, stronger Elders at her flanks, including Solarae's good friend Chailokaa. Navarre, Temias, Arkior, Caela, Relinox, and the orange dragoness herself were flying to the right and slightly behind the leaders. Far in the distance, across miles of savannah, they could see a thin, shining blue line that marked the edge of the Sea. Even further in the distance, they could make out a very thin strip of darkness on the very borders of the sky. The darkness was spreading. At the sight of the Sea, Kasiya roared out again and the dragons picked up their speed, just one level below a war charge pace. Solarae grinned in anticipation.

After the head count, Phalynx looked back to the horizon. The cloud of flying shadow beasts had finally been unleashed, and was making its way towards them at frightening speed. Everyone get a quick drink from the stream, and then we fly across the Sea! There are too many flying shadow beasts to risk fighting now, she announced, diving for her own drink. If that cloud of darkness caught them, not one of them would escape terrible injury, which they could not afford here, in enemy territory and many hours from help.

OOC: Uh oh. I really do not want this rp to die, seeing as it is very important to quite a few characters and it is still going to get more epic. So firstly, it is Aeraldi's turn! Secondly, since Astral and Voenth don't post much, I'd like to know if anyone else is interested in joining this rp. It will eventually concern most of Alagaesia, so it is easy for other charries to get involved. So on that note, I hope we can pick this one back up to speed.

OOC: I am so sorry, I totally forgot. This was one I wanted to keep active in

As Aeraldi came down to the Oasis, he was deep in his thoughts. His father, corrupted by the Shadow. It was only after feeling the presence of a certain few dragons that he broke out of his reviere.
He walked over to them, putting the past out of his mind as much as he could. Alna'ir, Polaris, Saiph. He looked at them intensely. He was about to start his speech when Phlaynx started to herd them off again. Aeraldi could see why. I guess my words will have to wait. For now, fly with the pack and stay safe. We have a lot of travel ahead of us.

Aeraldi heard Shyara at the last minute, then said to Phalynx; We need our strength, best to keep that card until we absolutely need it.

Saiph sighed with relief and shame after Aeraldi left them. Polaris doing the same. She looked up at her older sister, her voice extremely soft. Dad has to let us out of the nest at some point. Besides, this involves all of us. If we fail, then it would only be a matter of time before they come after us too.
Saiph looked at Polaris, agreeing with her. When we get where we're going, do you think you could tell him?

When Aelir finally let Keralin onto the ground, he was nearly limp. He stumbled a bit before finding his footing and then, only long enough so that he could sit down. He looked up at Aelir who was alighting on the ground next to him. Why Aelir? I could have had him if you left me. I could have ended this.
Aelir rounded on Keralin and looked him square in the eye. You FOOLISH man! You would have gotten yourself killed or worse! Infected with Nilarek once again! If I didn't do what I did I would have lost you forever! We would have lost the entire WORLD forever! Aelir's expression softened and he quietened his voice. This isn't just about you and your fight with the Shadow Realm anymore. Nilarek has moved it beyond that now. Yes, he still wants you, but he doesn't need you. He can still break the world without you. Now these, He looked over towards the rest of the flight of dragons that had come with them, these Dragons have come from around the world to help us and they will die to see that this portal is destroyed. They weren't asked, they came of their own free-will.
You're not alone against the shadow anymore. Since you found these friends, you have done more against the Shadow than you ever could alone. We will fight again, but this time, we will fight together, with the whole world on our side.

Keralin looked at Aelir, unable to speak. He had never realized how much he had carried with him for so long. It was true that he had always thought the Shadow Realm his problem and his alone, but what Aelir had said ws true. "I'm not sorry." Keralin finally said. "This was my battle and it should have ended a long time ago. I am sorry that I treated you so bad because of it. This is as much the world's problem as it is mine. I promise that I will keep that in my mind as long as Nilarek is still alive."
He looked out towards the rest of the group, who began to take flight once more. "I guess we're not done yet." Keralin said, climbing on top of Aelir once again.

Nilarek looked at Nidhog. What a fear-consumed creature. He thought. "Well if it concerns you so much, you can stay here to defend the portal with my handy accomplice." Nilarek patted his pet once again. "Till then, we have a army to lead."
One of the Shadow-controlled creatures flew by the skeletal dragon's head, Nilarek running and jumping onto the back of it. He would lead from there with this servants running around the area. If all else failed, Nilarek promised himself that he would corrupt at least one of these two who were working with him.

OOC: Sorry for that long speech.

OOC: Awww, don't be sorry, I liked the long speech. lol

IC: Phal noticed Aeraldi going to talk to their children, and regretted that she was cutting it short, but there would be time for talking when they reached safety. She flapped over to her family and flew with them into the air. To the north, the sparkling Sea beckoned. Despite the growing darkness, the waters were still bright with reflected sunlight. When shyara spoke, Phal relayed Aeraldi's words to her and added some of her own. Yes, teleportation should be saved for emergencies. They may not know we have that power. And also, I'd like to do a little more damage to that swarm of flying beasts. You see, we're meeting some friends, she told her niece with a grin, thinking over her plan. She had left Navarre in the Stronghold, their plan worked out. The Tribe dragons should already be in motion. Together, the allies soared north across the glistening Burning Sun Sea.

Na'ir watched, pensive, as their father came up to them expectantly but turned away. She lifted off with the others and listened to the twins. You both are right. We are over forty years old, after all, and we've been on missions. Some without permission they probably should have gotten, she began, giving a pointed glance at Sirius when she said "some," Mom and Dad will understand that. We have to help in this fight.

Sirius snorted as their older sister referred pointedly to him. He had inherited their mother's Pull; it wasn't as if he could just ignore it. He agreed wholeheartedly with his siblings, though. We'll get involved in this fight. We need as many allies as we can get, to win, he put in, his voice determined.

Rigel eyed Nilarek and Nidhog as they spoke. He was too weary to get involved. The Shadow Realm had better deliver on its threat against Phalynx and her allies, or he had just wasted a large amount of energy for nothing. There was only one thing he wanted out of this: the silver and those she loved, dead. Preferably in opposite order, to cause her the most pain. He sighed and stayed on his perch, letting himself gather energy from the light of the lava and darkness of the Shadows.

OOC: We'll meet the Tribe in my next post.

OOC: It's alright if I join right? I'm starting in Ardonia though which is where Equinox made his kingdom so not to disrupt what is going on now. If anyone has any questions about it feel free to PM me

IC: Equinox glanced up from his fortress city in what was once Shiyanar, the former capital of the Ardonian Empire. It had been twenty eight years since he and his allies had liberated the empire of Demondred. Even so, he could feel a storm coming in the north, not an actual storm, but a storm nevertheless. Even worse was he had heard a strange calling some time ago from Phal. He hadn't seen her for some time and would have gratefully aid her or visit her and his other friends, but he didn't have the time right now. Or at least he didn't at the time. Something about the shadows coming to Alagaesia. Strange creatures, possible shadow ones, had been seen in Ardonia also, but very few and they had been destroyed. He kept on glancing towards the north from the tip of his fortress city. Around it dragons soared through the air, free dragons they were now.
"Your majesty, is something wrong?" Glancing down Equinox saw Razor, a young shape-shifter who was currently in his human form. Though many shape-shifters were killed or fled Ardonia during the Ardonian Liberation or the Lightning Kingdom Revival, a few had stayed in their home land. Razor was about fifty years old though in human terms he was only around twenty years old. He could transform into a phoenix or rhino.
Something's coming from the north Razor. I had this feeling for some time. And Phal contacted me a bit ago, but we didn't have time to act then. Alagaesia is possible already under attack as we speak.
Surprise came across the shape-shifter's face and he replied, "What do we do? Do we aid our ally?"
Equinox nodded Assemble the air force and our fleet. I have a feeling it’s in the east of the continent. Equinox replied and flew off to get the Imperil Lighting Dragon Army on the move. In his fortress city were several massive structures set up that could fit dragons. Though there was a mountain range in the north, Equinox wanted to lead from Ardonia's capital. Beside him Razor flew in his phoenix form.
"Sir, do you know how bad it is there?"
No, right now, it’s just a storm I can sense. Glancing up, Equinox could feel it from the north. It seemed as if the friction in the air would start a massive eletric explosion. If Alagaesia fell, he knew Ardonia would be next to be invaded. Though he couldn't tell for sure, he had a feeling things weren't going well. A snarl rippled through his throat, he would defend his friends and the land of his birth. At once he opened his mind, through he hadn't perfected the technique, lighting dragons could send electrical currents of information to their allies. The minute traces of electricty would journy though the nerve endings of the recipients brain. Hoping to reach Phal he said Sorry this is coming late. The Lighting Kingdom moves towards Alagaesia, though it will take some time to assemble our army.

OOC:
I will officially pop in once everyone reaches the Tribe, if that's alright. Might drag in Zephor and Zephorion....maybe not...Must think on this...

OOC: Thanks for joining, guys. And rest assured, DS4, I'm already planning on bringing Zephorion into the mix (pretty soon, actually).

Aeraldi flew steadily, looking behind him as often as he could to keep an eye on the approaching Shadow beasts. He thought about what he was going to say to his children. This fight is too dangerous for them, aside from Sirius, they don't have the protection from shadow magic. Losing them would be hard enough, but seeing them corrupted... Aeraldi shuddered. Best not to think about that.

Keralin and Aelir flew in silence. Although their thoughts were linked, they exchanged nothing. In truth, Keralin was for the second time feeling awkward riding Aelir. He did agree with Aelir, but he couldn't make himself feel it in his heart.

Thank you. Saiph said, taking off after them.

Nilarek watched silently as the hoards of Shadow creatures poured from the portal, each one corrupted and twisted. Each one with their own separate use. It wasn't long before the ground beneath them all was trampled to death, the shadow seeping into the dirt. Even if they did manage to close this portal the world would bear this scar for thousands of years to come. It might not even heal at all. Nilarek just smiled.

Phalynx sent a brief feeling of gratitude to Elika. The little boost to each dragon would help, as there would still be at least one more fight that day. She glanced behind them again and saw that the horde of flying shadow beasts was growing ever closer. Soon, it would catch up to them. Abruptly, she got a strange sense of electricity in her mind, but it was one she had felt before. Equinox's communication quickly followed. Though she couldn't exactly reply back, she was heartened by his words. Every ally would be needed in this fight. She just hoped there was still enough armor left. The dragon riders of Alagaesia and the dragons of Dragon Mountain (with the help of some dwarves) had been manufacturing their own sets, preparing for the conflict.

After another hour of flying, the shadow beasts had nearly reached them. Phal knew that if they were to be overtaken they would be overwhelmed unless they could get enough energy to Shyara in time. Luckily, the shadow beasts wouldn't have enough time for that. Almost a horizon ahead of them, a massive wall of sparkling rainbow color suddenly descended from the clouds. Phal broke into a grin as the full force of the Tribe swept towards them. The level of color, both from dragon scale and Kallek Mark, was dizzying. The silver let out a roar of greeting as the consiousnesses of the Tribe engulfed her. Alright, this is the plan! We'll form ranks with the Tribe and then charge the enemy together! she called to the rest of the dragons, glad to finally reveal what she and Navarre had worked out with Chief Kasiya.

Navarre dropped out of the clouds with the others in time to see the strike-force group heading towards them. There were her own friends and family members, as well as a force from the island of Sharktooth, their green and white scales shining. It seemed very ordered, compared to the Tribe's chaos of color. In only minutes, the two groups met, and the smaller one was engulfed by the Tribe. Abruptly, there was a wall of dragons flying straight toward the horde of shadow beasts. Form a wall! Chief Kasiya cried, sending them all a mental picture of what to do. The dragons all began moving forward or dropping backward until they were all even with each other. There were now no dragons in front or behind, just above, below, or to the side. That would make their attack most effective.

Charge speed, now! the Chief commanded. Solarae could feel the excitement in her voice. The Tribe had not been in any wars for years, and there was a certain thrill one got from the experience (especially the small orange dragoness). She bolted forward, feeling a surge of adrenaline as the dragons moved forward as one. Nearly all of them now had light magic fire thanks to the armor, and in this formation that fire would be most effective. Solarae felt her heart pounding as they charged the shadow beasts, the sound of countless wingbeats filling her ears until only the feeling of battle coursed through her. The wall of darkness drew closer and closer, eventually filling the sky with shadow, but the wall of dragons was wider and higher, and bent slightly on the edges so as to encompass the entire front of the shadow beasts' horde. Finally, when Solarae could see every detail of the creatures, Kasiya let out the cry. Loose fire now! she screamed, and as one, the dragons released a tremendous wave of light-magic fire. The magnitude of the attack filled the land with light until it blinded all of them, and Solarae could hear screeches and scorching sounds as thousands upon thousands of shadow beasts were consumed.

OOC: Ah! That looked awesome in my mind. Yay dragons!

As the communication went through Equinox glanced back towards Razor, ordering him to get the army ready. It would take some time, but he would do what they needed. At once he flew into the air and headed towards the communication point. Ardonia was a large land, even larger than Alagaesia so they needed flash points for their soldiers to communicate. At once he unleashed a lightning bolt into the strange structure. It was shaped in a lightning bolt which had spikes in the top that would sent the signal to the other points. Sending the lightning bolt into it, a shock wave rippled up and shot into the air, a massive explosion shot into the sky sending smaller bolts of electricity through the air. The other stations would have seen it and sent the message on, to gather Ardonia's army to aid their ally. Glancing out he could feel the storm coming, it was raging through the north. After some time Razor returned to him and said, "Sir! Our fleet is ready. The lighting dragon march to war."
Good, let us advance our army.
As he dove into air he led Razor to the port city in the province of Ceridel. The mighty lighting dragon air force was in the air as it begun to land in the transport ships along with thousand of flying shape-shifters. Flying to the lead ship he expanded his mind to each of his soldiers. Though some would remain to protect Ardonia, this was a massive portion of their forces. We move out to fight the shadows! Grand army of Ardonia, the lighting kingdom, let us move! We fight to protect our ally! Fly out! To strike we move, if we fail their it is likely our great nation will be invaded. Shape-shifters, dragons, and humans of the Lighting Kingdom, let us fight and attack! We fly! At once the massive fleet begun to move north, towards the direction he was sure they were. Miles the fleet spanned as far as the eye could see.

Walking out of the tower, Eris ordered the Alfin to him, they had foretold something in the east of Alagaesia coming. Though he knew of the shadows attack for some time, the Alfin only now decided to aid them. Why he wasn't sure, and though he was their master he still only had limited control over them. Though they didn't have many ships it wouldn't matter, they weren't a large force anyway, only a few thousand Alfin, but they were resilient and strong.
"Get the triunes out. We move east to assist those who fight the shadow."
"Yes sir!" the Alfin replied.
At once the Triunes set out to the mainland Alagaesia. Eris stared to the east, war was in horizon, that he could tell.

OOC: To be honest, I'm not sure what to post, so I'm going to pass this round. Good job everybody, you're doing great!

OOC: Ah dang it, I'm so sorry.

Aeraldi roared a large greeting to all the dragons who finally came, an ancient call that he had heard only once within his life-time when another group of dragons had come to attack their home.
Aeraldi knew how significant it was. This time, their home was this world, full of creatures big and small, the home of all dragons. And they were being attacked from the Shadow Realm, ones who sought not only to take land away from them, but take their home, their lives and even their very souls. This call, it was for all creatures. It was a call to battle. It was a call to save everything that made this world theirs.
And it was a call in memorial of the one who guarded the evil gate. In Aeraldi's mind, this call was for him.

Polaris and Saiph heard the call of their father, the ancient roar and felt it's effect on them. It wasn't anything magic, it was in their blood. The blood of all dragons. Saiph heard the call and roared in unison, though his voice didn't match the sheer intensity that his father had. Polaris knew though, what this call was for. When Saiph roared again, Polaris roared with him.

Aelir roared as well, shouting his defiance of what was happening to their home. He and his rider may be the key to closing the gate, but it would be by the lives of all these dragons that they would get their chance. He charged with the other dragons, Keralin hanging onto his back, yelling with his own voice.

Nilarek, though faintly, heard the call that the dragons were now voicing. He looked at his puppet dragon and spat. It wouldn't even know what they were yelling about.

OOC:
Okay, in I come.

IC:
Zeke growled and shifted in his armor, increasing his wingbeats as he felt a change in the Orbs of those ahead of him. He'd felt the call of his starry friend, Phalynx, a while ago. He'd heard her warning, had perhaps been one of the few to believe her without a doubt. Now he waited for his own small army to gather. Though he didn't like it any better than the next selfless dragon, he'd been put as Head Chief of the Truth Seeker/Soul Readers. Behind him, in similar garb to himself, was his little sister, Jia, though she could hardly be called little any more, her daughter, Sarai, his eldest daughter, Sofranir, youngest son, Tel'aeír, the Water/Ice wielder, Samantha, Shadow Dragon, Naixul, the Giant Cobra, Shaina. He had only need waited for Felecia then, the winged ex-Rider of the deceased midnight blue warrior, Ebony. He'd heard a flutter of wings and seen that she had just arrived, settling onto his back. A stab of pain, long thought dwindled, had shot straight into his chest, wishing that it could be his own Rider that rode him into battle. He shook those thoughts from his mind now. That had been at least three hours ago. Since then he and his minuscule army had been flying at full speed to aid in their family. His ice blue eyes lit powerfully, followed shortly by a green-gold cast from Jia's powers. He was close enough to hear an ancient roar, one from times long passed. It set his blood to boiling. He could see them normally now, half a league ahead of them. The Shadows were on his left (?), the draconic army to his right (?). He felt a growl in his chest, quickly changing pitch. He released the sound from his throat, a loud bellowing roar that echoed a challenge to the Shadows and vibrated in his own bones. We have come, Evarinskular (Starscales), as we promised. he called calmly, despite the daunting force that they faced. He took position with the other dragons, the others falling in at his flanks. A feral grin spread across his muzzle; he was ready.

- - - - - - - - - -

Felecia clung to Zeke's well-worn saddle with ease born from years of practice. Tears touched her vivid sapphire blue eyes, making them gleam. She shook them away and drew her sword, once named Shadows in the Ancient Language, now Bluesilver, in honor of her deceased companion's talons and for the sapphire eyes of her passed sister. She brandished the blade, careful to avoid Zeke's wings as he stroked them up and down. Her wings were half-unfurled behind her, lightly waving back and forth, rippling with muscle. The roar of Aeraldi was powerful, almost crippling to her sensitive elven ears, but she answered it with a high, wailing keen. After the death of Ebony, it had become her unnerving battle-cry. Her jaw length blue-black hair whipped about her face from the fanning of so many wings, and she was glad she had cut it short.

- - - - - - - - - -

Jia bared her fangs, her own ringing roar following shortly after her brother's. She followed it with a defiant shriek of anger at the Shadows. Though she was still smaller than the average dragon her age, she was still a sight to behold in her armor, teal eyes glittering almost emerald with rancor. She pulled in her wings at the same moment Zeke did, falling into the ranks of the other dragons with the amethyst at the head. She brushed against the minds of her family and friends, her touch being brief and bitter-sweet. She quickly pulled away and focused. Her flames were ready. Her Seals were ready. It was time.

- - - - - - - - - -

Tel and Anir flew side by side, silent as ghosts. Their bond was deep enough to where they almost knew what the other was thinking or feeling before they did. The lavender-silver stayed firmly at his fathers left flank, his older sister nearly glued to his left shoulder. As their Aunt did, the siblings brushed the minds of their friends and family before turning to the Shadow. Their combined roars were terrifying, intertwined as they were, one impossibly deep, the other almost shriek-like with its shrillness.

- - - - - - - - - -

Anir remained by her younger brother, though by all regards she wanted to be away from this, away from the violence. For all her years and experience in war, that one thing hadn't changed. She hated to fight. In this she knew she was the same as Na'ir. The roar of Aeraldi, ringing, deep, challenging...everything that could possibly be described in a single cry, her abhorrence was erased like it had never existed. She opened her jaws and roared with her brother, her cry almost shriek-like while his was impossibly deep for a dragon of his tender years.

- - - - - - - - - -

Naixul followed at the back of the pack, his single warm brown eye glittering. His armor gleamed, though he had only consented in wearing a single breast-plate and stomach guard. The roar of times past scorched through him, inflaming him with pride and courage. His answering bellow wasn't nearly as strong as the cries of his companions, but it would suffice. He glanced anxiously at Sarai, wishing he could speak to her, but with the daunting fierceness of her mother hovering not twenty feet away, he kept silent and focused on the approaching Shadows.

- - - - - - - - - -

Sarai's roar was that of one that had been scorned and rebuffed countless times, and yet refused to be put down for long. Shaina, the shift-shape-Giant-Cobra, clung tenaciously to the spines on her back, unused to flying. The black-gold glanced at her from the corner of her eye. Would you like me to drop you off? she offered. The female nodded. Yes. Don't waste time, young one, in going to the ground. Just tip yourself sideways. I'll do the rest. insisted the snake. Sarai obeyed, tilting just enough so Shaina would slip off. Though she could not see, she felt the shift of some ancient magic tainting the air as the female changed to her snake form. A low thud came from the ground, signaling that the Cobra had landed without problems. She looked back up and peeled her lips back, her pale-lavender-flecked-with-soft-grey irises glittering.

- - - - - - - - - -

Samantha shifted in her armor, ill at ease with so many fire-breathers close by. She wanted to be in water, to be at her full potential. There, she could use her ice ability. Here, she would be but a nuisance, a reliability that the army couldn't afford. The roar, however, shot through her heart jolted her fiercely. Her blood boiled now. She wanted to fight. She didn't bother with a roar in reply. It was a waste of her precious breath that she would need in the coming battle and couldn't afford to not have.

- - - - - - - - - -

At Chief Kasiya's order, he bellowed his own. Burn those that would seek to destroy our home! he roared. As one, Zeke, Jia, Sarai, Tel, Anir, and Naixul opened their jaws and joined their flames with that of the others. The amethyst pushed his powers into the stream, lacing the withering inferno with Soul Reader magic, enhancing the already powerful wall of flames. Even Felecia put in her part, sending a much-smaller-in-comparison stream of midnight blue flames from the tip of her sword. The screeches and wails bolstered him. Maybe they had a good winning chance, despite the odds.

OOC:
Wow, that felt really good. I haven't made a good long post like that in a while.lol

Phalynx felt her mate's roar sing through her bones, stirring ancient blood and setting her heart to pounding. She joined the call immediately, her clear, trumpeting cry carrying all the anger she carried over the things the Shadow Realm and its agents had down and were trying to do. She glanced to the west when she heard more roars, and saw that Zeke and his family, along with several others, were coming to join their group. She turned back to face forward and charged ahead, the Burning Sun Sea glittering beneath them. The shadows from the south had not yet darkened the sky here.

After the first wave of fire, the intense light cleared and revealed a heartening sight: their wave of pursuers had a very visible dent in its foremost regions. This might only be the first army of the Shadow Realm, but Phalynx would see to it that it was scorched from the sky. Loose fire one more time! Chief Kasiya cried, obviously hoping to make the most of the dragons' formation. Phal gladly obeyed, and once more the sky was filled with light, a light that could be seen for miles. This time, when the flames cleared, it revealed the remaining shadow beasts all scattering to get around and behind the dragons. Without a word, the dragons broke formation and broke into different groups to fight the remaining members of the shadow beast flock.

Na'ir glanced toward Rema as the green joined them, giving a firm nod of agreement. Together they would be stronger. She joined her voice to the thousands of others when the time came, and then released her starfire. She might not be the most adept or willing fighter, but using fire was easy enough, and she often relied on her flame since she abhorred close-quarters combat. Eventually, the dragons were forced to split up, but the blue stayed close to her siblings and Rema, burning away any shadow beast that approached along with them.

Sirius raised his voice when his father began the call, his own roar powerful and clear. Flying together, alongside countless other dragons all charging the enemy, felt right to him. More than anything, he wanted to help rid the world of evil and darkness, and this was the greatest opportunity yet for doing just that. When the dragons split up, he stayed near Polaris, Saiph, Na’ir, and Rema, adding his fire to theirs to dispel enemies. When shadow beasts got past the young dragons’ fire, he charged them head-on, unafraid to rip them apart with his talons and teeth (which were glowing strongly with light-magic to deliver even more damage).

Solarae’s roar was astonishingly loud for one so small, and it was guttural, almost feral, in her ferocity. As the dragons broke into smaller groups, she charged off alone, grinning with bloodlust (or was it shadow-lust?) and diving right into the thickest group of enemies she could see. She let loose an extremely powerful blast of flame, which took on light-magic properties thanks to the specially-made helmet. Six flying shadow beasts, all larger than her, were instantly vaporized. The orange’s body erupted into flames, which shifted to a white color rather than her usual yellow-orange because of the armor. Solarae’s grin widened as she realized that her fire-form was now enhanced with light magic and would be even more destructive than she had previously thought. With that, she began attacking shadow beast after shadow beast, her talons and tailblade a blur of motion.

Temias felt a powerful sense of one-ness when he added his voice to those of the Tribe. They all felt like members of his own family; together they were unstoppable. Even many of the dragons outside of the Tribe who had now joined him had become like family to him. When the army of dragons broke apart to deal with the remaining shadow beasts, the blue-black joined a group of Tribe dragons that included Arkior, Caela, and Relinox. The four of them had been training daily together for a few months now in preparation for this war, and had become a formidable team. Dozens of shadow beasts fell before their practiced claws and fire.

Navarre sent up her own cry with the rest, suddenly feeling as if her father and mother were there beside her. They were in their trance, and had been for decades, but she knew that, in spirit at least, they were with her. She flew towards her aunt Phalynx when the army separated, and their group quickly rushed to the head of the dragons’ ranks to get at the thickest part of the shadowy mass. The purple dragoness sent out thick streams of ice, enhanced with light magic, at the creatures to slow them down and cut through their wings before she attacked them with claws and teeth.

Rigel was dimly aware of the battle-cry of the dragons far to the north. He could sense their magic, at least, and knew that the Tribe had joined Phalynx’s initial attack force. He grimaced and ruffled his feathers. It appears that first wave of flying shadow beasts was a waste. Facing the dragons and their allies over the Sea means no ground support, which is where our real strength lies. Hopefully the next wave will be more effective, he muttered. His words were audible to the others, but he didn’t really care if they listened. The phoenix couldn’t care less if the Shadow Realm won or not. He only wanted one thing: to make Phalynx suffer and then kill her himself.

As they approached the shore of Alagaesia Equinox roared out, Prepare the naval assault! They are further in land, I want all flying shape-shifters and dragons to take off into the air. Take as many humans as possible. Remaining humans and shape-shifters, defend the fleet! Snarling with rage, he lowered to the deck as several humans climbed onto them. With a roar cry he leapt from the ship as the Lighting Dragon army soared into the sky, accompanied by the shape-shifters. Razor soared next to Equinox in Phoenix form.
"I never thought I'd set eyes on the land Demondred sought as his own."
I knew I'd return one day. I just wish I could have brought the army here sooner. Allowing Razor to perch on his shoulder Equinox shouted, Come! I can hear the storm, it is to the north. We fight, we shall slay the shadows! he shouted. Glancing around, he could already tell how the land was reacting to the invasion. Alagaesia was such a beautiful land, he was determined for its beauty to be restored.

A few hours passed and Equinox could hear the fighting. A snarl rippled down his chest. At once he ordered, Break into your formations. I'm not sure how many more they have to fight, but be prepared. Taking lead of his own formation, Razor leapt from him and soared into his own place. Looking behind him, Equinox nodded and flew forward, the army all flapped and flew in unison, all trained for was in the skies. When they grew closer Equinox ordered them to land so the humans and few non flying shape-shifters they brought would be able to fight. Once the air force was back in the sky they continued on. As they reached the fighting Equinox shouted, For Ardonia! He saw several dragons he recognized, but his main focus was on killing the shadow beasts.

It took some time, but the Alfin managed to paddle up several rivers and streams and they even walked across land at some points. Eris was growing impatient, but he held it in. Maraghon wouldn't appreciate his impatience.
"I can hear the fighting," an Alfin said.
"We're almost there. Everyone get out of the boats!" Eris snapped. At once the Alfin did and they went into position behind him. Taking out his sword he swung it through the air. Touching is reaping seal a friend gave him so many years ago he transformed into a massive brown dragon. At once he leapt into the air, Under me! he roared to the Alfin and soared towards the shadow beasts with the Alfin under him.

OOC: Kit or Voenth, please go. Or Astral, since you're here again.

OOC: *Bump*

OOC: Hm how about if Astral doesn't go this weekend then Aeraldi you can skip her? I believe you would be next in the order. Astral if you want more info before posting then we can discuss through pms.

The wave of newcomers was a very welcome sight to Aeraldi. He felt fire flow through his veins as his hopes of winning this war were raised. He roared once more before diving from his position in the sky and, with his maw still open, he sucked in the air and ignited the fire within his chest. Fire began to escape from the corners of his mouth and trailed down his body making him look like a meteor entering the atmosphere. He dived for the closest and largest Shadow creature.
When he was about to strike the creature, he released the flame that he held within his chest and let the fire completely engulf him and flared open his wings. He struck the Shadow creature directly on it's head and allowed his momentum carry him completely through the creature to the other side. The fire that engulfed him burned off everything that it touched. He thought afterwards that he probably shouldn't have done such a reckless tactic, but his veins burned for revenge. He had to hold his form for the moment, but as soon as they got closer to the portal again, and closer to his father, he would make sure the entire Shadow Realm knew his anger and his power.

Aelir and Keralin knew what needed to be done now. This was the time and this was the war. Aelir, if we're to go against Nilarek again, I need to use it.
I know. Let both our souls become the power needed. Let the Dark Magic wash both our souls away as it transforms them into Energy.
Keralin nodded. It wouldn't do them good to use it now, but once they all entered the main fighting, then they would have a limited window.
"Nilarek, I'm coming for you."

Polaris watched her father with admiration as he took down the Shadow creature. She knew she didn't have the raw power that her father had, but it did give her ideas.
Saiph was simply amazed at the amount of dragons that had come to fight. He had no idea that so many dragons had survived, of how much family he had. Everyone in the land had come to help destroy the Shadows, so many souls all working as one. His heart sank as he saw one of his brethren fall beneath one of the Shadow beasts, but it only strengthened his resolve.
He looked back to his twin sister, who in turn looked back at him. They both nodded to each other as they encompassed each other's minds. If they were to fight this battle they wouldn't be able to do it alone.
Saiph and Polaris breathed in together and gave their fire together, both Star fire and Ancient fire joining together to create a flame far larger than either of them were capable of. Their fire cut through the shadow beasts with ease, but they couldn't hold the fire for very long. It didn't matter to them, they would help their brothers and sisters in their quest for peace. In their quest for the light.
For life.

Nilarek watched the next wave crawl, fly and scurry out of the portal behind him. He heard Rigel's complaint and thought for a second. "I think we need something a little... Devious." He spoke. He looked back towards the incoming dragons and smiled. It didn't take long, but soon there were swarms of insects that had been twisted flying out of the portal. Thousands of locust created a swirling vortex of darkness, death and corruption. They swirled around the grotesque form of Zefanrac and Nilarek.
"There are millions of creatures that lie in wait in the Shadow realm. I have many more cards to play before this is over."

OOC:
Gah. No, it's mine. >.< Sorry, sorry, I didn't realize it was my go now. x.x

IC:
Zeke roared as the fire cleared at last, revealing the scattered Shadow Beasts. He pulled in his wings and dove, bellowing another torrent of flames as he came down to fight with tooth and talon. He felt more than saw or heard Jia on his left flank, and her daughter, Sarai, at his right, both of them snarling like banshees. Felecia shrieked on his back and slashed with her sword at every opportunity that she got, though that wasn't much because she was on dragonback. The amethyst dragon bellowed and lashed and spit, tearing apart any Shadow Creature that came near him, determined to not let his sister or niece be too badly burdened in this fight.

- - - - - - - - - -

Jia's ferocity gleamed in her eyes as she saw the scattered Shadow Beasts. She roared her fury at their intrusion of her home, smoke billowing from her nostrils when she snorted, before opening her jaw wide and bellowing her gold-amethyst flames down, lacing it with Truth Seeker magic to make it more potent. She wished she could tap into her magic, but she had to be angry to do that. She was not angry enough to access it, not yet. But soon she would be. She did not glance at her daughter, but she did feel Sarai's large black-gold flame, billowing and powerful, and very hot, from the edge of her mind, where she and her daughter were connected. She would obliterate this entire army be herself if she had to to make Alagaësia safe once more for Sarai, and more her entire family as well. She snarled, liquid fire dripping from her jaws, as she flicked her wings a bit and slashed at a Shadow Beast that dared attempt to attack her brother from the side.

- - - - - - - - - -

Sarai hissed and opened her mind, unafraid of Shadow Taints that might try to take her over. She was confidant that none would possess her. Her will was strong and her mind disciplined. She wrenched her jaws open and roared black-gold flames, reveling in the shrieks of her enemy. She felt a brutal savageness take over her, and she knew it was the savageness that she had inherited from her father. Normally she would have tried to subdue it, but now they needed every advantage they could have. And this would definitely help her kill more Shadow Beasts. Her lavender-flecked-with-grey eyes gleamed with what she called a battle rage. The willingness to find the biggest, baddest opponent and utterly destroy it. This little bit she did contain. The biggest baddest enemy was too far out of her league, even with how powerful she had gotten over then years, and she was still rather small for her age. She reared her head back and lunged forward like a snake, snapping her jaws closed on the neck of a Shadow Beast that attempted to separate her from her mother. She shook it viciously until she heard a sick snap, then released it and let it fall to the ground, watching with her mind as Jia incinerated it with a wash of gold-amethyst flames. She smiled grimly at her mother, then turned and bared her teeth to continue the brutal fight.

- - - - - - - - - -

Naixul hissed and bit and slashed, better protected from the taint of the Shadow Beasts because of his origin as a Shadow Dragon, however little that protection he might be. He used his Black Fire whenever possible and slipped into the Shadow Plain to avoid injuries. Sometimes he stayed in the Shadow Plain and watched the fight above him, occasionally lashing a paw or spitting a globule of fire from underneath a Shadow Beast and confusing them as to where it was coming from. Tel and Anir fought at his flanks when he was above ground, and he liked this. Both of them he trusted more than others, because of their tender age.

- - - - - - - - - -

Tel snarled and launched a fireball at a smallish group of Shadow Beasts, of which Anir finished off with a save lash of her tail, and then Naixul incinerated them with a powerful blast of his Black Fire. The lavender-silver dragon grinned with glee at his companions, then continued fighting brutally.

- - - - - - - - - -

Anir, the little dragoness that hated fighting, felt a rush of heat in her veins like never before. She felt the call of battle and the savage glee that swept through her as she destroyed her enemy or protected an ally. She roared with triumph, sure that they would win this fight, even if it took hours. She lashed her tail at a flying Shadow Beast, destroying one if it's wings, and then Tel killed it with a plume of lavender-silver fire.

- - - - - - - - - -

Samantha roared and pulled in her wings, baring her needle like teeth in her ferocity to rip and tear her enemies to pieces. A light burned in her eyes and fury seared her veins, like never she'd ever felt before. She screeched and showered her ice breath on a small group of Shadow Beast, freezing them place in midair so that they started to fall to the ground. Her ice shattered after a few yards, but by then it was too late, she was upon them, claws slashing and snapping her teeth.

- - - - - - - - - -

Shaina slithered over the ground, ripping and shredding any Shadow Beasts that approached her. She reared back, the hood around her head flared wide and she bared her fangs, hissed her fury, her ruby red eyes glowing as she lunged forward.