OOC: This is a long awaited RP between me and DS4. It's a big moment for a few of our characters. If you would like to join in please ask us BEFORE we get to Dedarath, after that point it will be impossible for anyone else to join. This takes place right after Forgotten Face

IC:
The day they discovered Jessa Hinote Karite and Mya was the worst day of their lives. On that day, Kale and Rathon Hinote Karite had lost their sister and a friend, Osutin Shiori two friends, and Lydinlel felt the sorrow of them all as her own. The two, Jess and Mya, Reaper and Werewolf, had been taken by Reapric bounty hunters back to the Reapric homeland of Dedarath. Jess was to be used in The Sacrifice of Tainted Spirits, which would remove Jess's power from her and give it to her Uncle, Gres Dorndo, the current King of Dedarath. The Sarcifice technically required 3 Reapers of royal blood to be sacrificed, so it was likely that Gres was banking on the fact that the two brothers would come to save their sister, and when they did he would simply capture them. He was right, mostly. Ka and Rath did intent on going to Dedarath to rescue their sister, but what Gres didn't count on was how much more powerful they were since they left, or that they would be in the company of an Ex-Captain from a distant land and 3 dragons.

Soon after they realized that they were gone, Rath began making plans on what they should do, they agreed that they should separate for now and then meet again in Belatona once they had gathered what ever each thought they would need. From there they would cut threw Surda and get to the Beor Mountains, and from there into Dedarath.

Rathon went to his home, which lay somewhere between Dras-Leona and Uru'Baen. Once upon a time he had worked as an assassin for the Empire, meaning he got all the cool new weapons the Emperor's engineers and black smiths came up with. He had stolen a few of the ones that actually worked. He packed what he would need; short term food, spare cloths, his assassin uniform, a blank summoning scroll, ink and pen, and various weapons and equipment. Once he fit all this into his magically-enhanced backpack, he strapped on his straight-blade katana, threw his hooded black cloak over his shoulders, picked up his pack, and teleported to just outside of Belatona to wait for the others. Lee had flown straight there, and was waiting for him when he arrived.

Ka and Jia also went to their home to gather supplies and provisions. Their home, rarly used though it was, was located somewhere in the Spine south of Towark Lake but north of Kuasta. It set peacefully in a small grass field, which, along with the house, had been magically enhance to resist dragon fire. This was due to the fact that their house was not empty, but it housed Jia's 2 week old hatchling, Sarai. Sarai was outside when they arrived, and Jia tended to her while Ka gathered everything they would need. Various scrolls and maps, weapons and armor, even Jia's dragon-armor went into his magically enhanced backpack. While he was there, Ka also sent word to a friend of his that owed him a favor or two to watch after Sarai while they were gone. Lastly, he placed his scythe on his back, his straight edged katana at his side, slipped on his black hooded traveling cloak, and headed out the door. Jia had already explained why they were leaving as best as she could to the hatchling, who didn't exactly understand, but didn't make a fuss about it. Soon after, Jia and Ka took to the skys again to meet up with Rath and Lee outside of Belatona.

Osutin, unlike Rath and Ka, didn't have a home. When the others left he wandered back threw the woods to find his cart, which held more than just cheap trinkets. In the cabinets below the main top was a hidden compartment, which held a few items from his past as well as a clean set of his real uniform, rather than the rags he was currently wearing. He took all of the items out first to remind himself of what he had. Most of the items had been in the testing stages of squad 12 when he had left, so they were still the prototype versions, but they were better than nothing. His small collection consisted of food pills that, when eaten, could sustain a full grown man for a week if all he had was water, and he had 20 of them. A small oddly shaped item of metal and wood that could focus ones every into an almost solid state of mater and fire it at high-speeds. He hadn't seen the use for it when he was given it since he could use Kidou spells to do that same thing, but he kept it anyways. A few dozen shurikan and kunai knives, some with enchanted exploding tags attacked to them. He also found a re-usable summoning scroll. He had no idea where it came from, since he had never summoned anything, but he figured Ka or Rath would find use for it so he took it as well. The last thing he took out was a black vest made of over lapping, yet flexible, metal plates. The metal was suppose to be able to withstand even the strongest blade strike, but it had never been tested. He took off his rags and slipped on a white shirt, followed by his armor, which was surprisingly light and airy, then his hakama (pants) then his kosode (robe) then finally his clean white Captain's haori (cloak). He tied his Zanpakuto to his side, slipped his pack onto his back, placed his straw hat on his head, and shunpoed away to meet the others outside of Belatona.

Everyone was either there or on their way, and soon they would be heading off to Dedarath, a land none of them had ever seen, or hadn't seen for a very long time. They had no idea what kind of dangers they were getting into, but they would continue anyways for the sake of Jessa and Mya.
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Rathon sat upon a rock, his hood pulled up and head hung low, his pack sitting on the ground next to the rock. Lee was curled around the rock, eyes closed but not asleep. Both of them were too anxious to sleep. To help with this, at least for himself, Rath kept his fingers busy by twirling and spinning a thin, silver throwing knife from the belt of 10 in his pack. It flashed and shone bright in the late-morning sun, it's reflective surface sending small light reflections playing across the ground in all directions. Suddenly, he growled and threw the knife at a near by tree, hitting it dead center in a knot. Lee peaked an eye open to look at him, she could feel his fear and worry. He couldn't believe that only just this morning his sister had been taken. Taken from him to be brought back to Dedarath and killed. It made his blood boil. It made him want to march into Dedarath by himelf and lay waste to everything in his sight like he knew he could. To damnation with being sneaky and trying to get in and out unnoticed, he wanted his uncle to suffer a thousand times what he had put them threw by forcing their parents to fly Dedarath. He felt Lee brush his mind with her own, the feeling similar to a cold drink on a hot day. He could feel her gentle touch move threw him and calm him a measure or two, enough so he didn't think foolish thoughts of chaos and destruction. He glanced at her from under his hood and smlied at her a bit, which she returned before closing her eyes again. He hopped off the rock with a sigh and retrieved his knife, then returned to it to sit and wait some more.
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The flight to Belatona was going achingly slow for Ka, but he didn't want to ask Jia to go faster, for they would need all the strength they could muster in the coming days, but neither could he just sit here and go mad with nervous energy. He then got an idea. Taking off his pack he tied to to Jia's saddle securely. He knew Jia knew what he was doing, and he also knew she hated the first part, but that was part of the fun. He unfastened himself from her saddle and swung one leg over so he was sitting sideways. After a traded glance with his partner of heart and mind, followed by a quick grin from him, he jumped. He let himself fall for a while, letting the air whip his air up above his head and blow his cloths around around him. Then, just as he was nearing the tree-tops, he touched his Changing Seal, and changed his form into that of a black/red dragon whos size was between that of Jia and Zeke. He unfurled his wings and slingshoted himself back up into the let, letting out a mighty roar as he did, making several birds flee in terror below him. He fell back in line with Jia, flapping every few seconds. They had done this many times when they were traveling, so words weren't necessary, mental or spoken. The first one to Belatona won, loosing was the dragon for the winner on the first part of their trip. So, with unspoken consent and agreement, Ka decided to get a headstart, and beat his wings once, taking off like a shot threw the air toward Belatona.

OOC:
Finally! Whoo! XD

IC:
Jia glanced back at her partner-of-heart as she felt his urge to go faster, but his reluctance to ask her to speed up, and why. She snorted softly and blinked her eye at him, affection within her glittering teal-green iris. Her upper lip curled subconsciously as she felt the idea welling up in him to do a free fall again. She hated when he did that, gave her a heart attack every time, but she knew she could catch him if something ever went wrong and he couldn't Change. She winked at him in return to his grin, then angled her head down and watched as he free fell to the earth, her heart in her mouth with fear despite knowing that her Rider was able to take care of himself.

She sighed with relief once he had Changed and soared back up with a mighty roar that startled the birds below him. Once he was level with her she snorted at him and smiled, a twinkle in her eye. She felt his intention without even speaking to him, and tensed the muscles of her wings in preparation for fast flying.

She let him get a head start, instead she beat her wings powerfully and rose up higher into the sky to gain height. Once she was high enough to almost touch the sparse clouds, she paused and hovered for a moment, gazing over the breathtaking scenery below and around her. Everything looked so small to her way up here.

She linked her mind with Ka and shared the scene with her, the greenery and the mountains far to her right and behind, the Spine, and her front, the Beors. Then, she tilted her body slightly down and folded her wings in, beating the tips to keep her path straight and true. Her momentum built up rapidly, making her eyes water. She closed her first and second lids so she could still see but they were protected from the mighty wind that beat against her as she fell parallel to the ground.

She caught up with Ka swiftly and bellowed down at him, her eyes glittering with mischief as she swept past him. Hey slow poke, you're not going to win like that! she called back to him with a wide teasing grin. She laughed in her draconic way and beat her wings to increase her speed, humming with joy and content.

Despite the reason for doing so, she was excited to be going to Dedarath, the home of her Rider. It was a new place to explore and discover. Not even Ka or Rath knew what was to be in store for them exactly. It was an exciting, yet quite dangerous and real, adventure.

- - - - - - - - - -

Zeke had searched around the area of Du Weldenvarden for several days before finding even a remnant of the pack of werewolves that he knew Mya belonged to as Head Alpha. Her mate, Nachel, would definitely be wanting to know what was going on. Once he found the white furred Lycan, he informed the male lupine as to what had happened to Mya. Nachel was of course furious with protective rage, but Zeke cautioned him to think. He offered for the male to join himself, Jia, Ka, Rath, and Lee in their journey into the depths of Dedarath.

That had been several days ago. Now the two flew in utter silence toward Belatona. Nachel had opted to ride on Zeke's back for the trip to the meeting place, the better to conserve energy. He could feel the lycan bristling with the need to run, protect, but also the common sense and aged patience of a well seasoned warrior. He liked this white wolf.

The amethyst dragon raised his head and sniffed the wind whipping past his face. He grinned; his younger sister and her Rider, Ka, were a little more southeast of him. He reached his thoughts out to them in welcome, grinning wider as he found what they were doing. He laughed and beat his wings, intent on joining the race. Oi, you two young rascals alright with letting an old geezer like myself have some fun, eh? he called out to them, his ice blue eyes sparkling with mischief in their minds.

He laughter once more and lifted into the air, eliciting a yelp of surprise and terror from Nachel, but the white lupine held on, so the amethyst paid him no special mind. He pulled in his wings in a similar way to his sister and dove, vying to catch up with her.

OOC: Soooo sorry for the wait on this you two. I was in Florida on vacation, then we came back and my parents closet was flooded, and I've been tired @_@ I'll try to post more often...also...sorry if it isn't that great and seems kinda choppy >.>

IC:
Ka smiled and rumbled in his chest as Jia shot forward a ways and then looked back, taunting him. He was about to do that same, speed forward past her, when he felt the presence of another dragon and rider. He looked back behind them and saw them about a half mile back. He assumed it was because they were either trying to trail them, or they were being cautious in their approach. Either option seemed smart in his opinion. "Jia, be on guard." He told her threw their link. When the pair behind them introduced themselves, Ka spoke first. "Greetings Naor and Rider Asa. I am Kale and this is my dragon Jia and her brother Zeke. He said, motioning to Jia and Zeke as he said their names. Then he realized he probably just confused them since he said Jia was his dragon while he was in his dragon form. "One moment..." He said, and touched the Changing Seal with his mind. There was a brief flash of light and then he was sitting on Jia's saddle, facing backwards at the pair, no longer in his dragon form. "Now then...you asked what we were doing so close to the city. We are currently going to meet up with my brother, who is also a Rider. We are...taking a little trip some place." He didn't want to give out too much information to these strangers, after all, Jia, Rath, and himself were wanted by the Empire and for all he knew these two were spies.

Rath and Lee looked up the moment they felt Jia's greeting to them and found them about a mile or two off from where he was. Her call didn't reach them until a second later. He reached his mind out to greet her and his brother as well, but found that they were tense for some reason. With a quick Void Seal, he blinked one and was looking threw his brother's eyes. Threw them he could see a dragon and rider pair about a half mile from where they were. He couldn't tell if they were talking or not since all he could do was see. He cut the Seal and glanced at Lee. "Be on guard...They may end up needing our help." He said out loud to her, to which she responded with glance and a nod to him, then returned to looking at the newcomers.

Osutin slowed his pace as he neared the city. Walking now more than flash stepping. He could feel Ka, Jia, and Zeke and little ways ahead of him, thanks to the fact that they could fly, and Rath and Lee a bit further. He walked along the edge of the path so any other travelers could go by him without incident. He just hoped that his strange cloths wouldn't raise too many questions for him. He began to let his mind wander a bit, wonder what Dedarath would be like. He imagined a dark and gloomy place full of mountains and hills and dark rock, where the people never smiled, and a dark castle could always be seen in the distance. He snapped out of his day dream when he felt another presence fly over his head; another dragon. He shot his gaze upward just in time to see it before it past and his view was blocked by the trees. He was considering air-walking up to get a better view, but his train of thought was cut short again by the sound of hooves. Granted, this was a public road and there were likely to be many travelers, so no reason to get upset, but something told him to turn around. He was glad he did. He saw the young woman riding at a rather brisk pace in the same direction he was going, but that wasn't what concerned him. He saw that she was looking up at the dragon that had just passed over as well, meaning she saw it too, and it was likely she saw the other three. Why then, was she still riding this direction? He pulled his straw hat lower over his eyes and looked back ahead. When she passed by him he would pick up his pace again and trail her to see where she was headed.

Jia did a backloop to get a glimpse of the newcomers once Ka alerted her to their presence. She paused in her flight, hovering in place in the air so Naor and Asa could catch up. Her eyes sparkled with warmth and she laughed at Ka when he realized the two would be confused to see three dragons and no Rider that he had spoken of.

She curled her head around and nuzzled her Rider's leg, purring deep in her chest. Aye, I am Jia, this little mischief maker on my back is Kale, but you can call him Ka. That amethyst dragon over there is my older brother, Zeke, and the wolf on his back is Nachel. It's a pleasure to see you, Skulblaka Naor, Shur'tugal Asa. she prummed, snorting trails of smoke.

- - - - - - - - - -

Zeke laughed at his little sister and grinned wolfishly at the Bonded pair, his ice blue eyes shining. I'm Zeke Blindscale, little ones. A pleasure to meet you. he said warmly. His eyes flashed with light and he scanned the ground, looking for Osu. He found the twoleg, and saw another in front of him on horseback. He snorted and banked around to meet Osu, catching a better glimpse of the one ahead of him. It was a female, and she knew the dragons were there. He twisted in the air, causing Nachel to yelp and hold on tighter. Hey Osu. he called, huffing. He drifted overhead, having no place to actually land. How went the travels for you? he asked, keeping at eye on the one behind the twoleg. He didn't sense violent intentions from her, just curiosity.

Jia's scales bristled up and down her back and neck for the blues question of her allegiance. Images from her capture flashed through her mind for a moment, mostly those of Ka and the torture the both of them had endured. She shuddered, a soft rumble vibrating her chest, though it died down quickly. We are no friends to the Empire, nor will we ever willingly help them in any way. she said quietly, then smiled a little. We would be glad for the company, however where we head is not for the faint of heart. Come if you wish. She shook herself and smiled at Naor's curiosity, her eyes sparkling with warmth. Aye, he is truly blind. Hatched that way, in fact. Mostly practice really, and how to trust his instinct. His Rider, Ella Whitefang, helped him a lot when he was young.

- - - - - - - - - -

Zeke snorted softly. Took me forever to find Mya's pack in Du Weldenvarden. The one on my back is Nachel, Mya's mate. Who's your lady friend there? he said, grinning to himself. He extended his thoughts to the woman and also her mount, brushing against their minds gently. Hello, little ones. I am Zeke Blindscale. I mean neither of you any harm. he rumbled in his chest, his eyes sparkling with warm mischief.

Jia snorted softly at her Rider and opted to stay close to the new Pair. She nodded and smiled slightly. Aye, he is indeed special. He's soon to have four new hatchlings in his clutch. He could end up passing it on. Oh, Ella? She's probably out doing missions for the Varden. she looked steadily upon Naor and inclined her head slightly. She shielded her next words from Ka, glancing briefly in his direction before continuing. Hopefully it wasn't enough to draw his attention and make him worry. I know how you feel, dear one. Sometimes though..for the greater good...or because you have no choice...you will need to be separated. I love Ka with every fiber of my being and I would whisk him away from danger to keep him safe forever...but we are called to serve and protect others instead. her eyes took on a deeper quality, far wiser behind her years. This is very dangerous...Ka and his brother know that much. One or both of you could be killed easily on this mission. We will still welcome you, but don't feel obligated to stay. You can flee whenever you wish, to protect each other. she blinked, and the wisdom fled, replaced by sparkling mischief. She twisted and slapped her Rider on the flank with her tail, not enough to hurt just sting. Would you stop that. Give me a heart attack every time. she scolded playfully, snorting softly.

- - - - - - - - - -

Zeke chuckled softly. Aye, but that will be remedied soon. he replied privately to Osu, grinning wolfishly. He banked for a clearing beside the rode and alighted lightly on his hindpaws, baring stiring the grass. He folded his wings and dipped his head to Osu and the woman. His eyes twinkled with mischief and he chuckle, vibrating the ground softly. Heavens no, little heart. I am Bonded, I have a Rider. I would not harm a twoleg unless they harmed me or my Rider first, or a friend of mine. he raised on eyeridge and snorted smoke into the male human's face gently. Insane? Right. You are right at the edge of Insanity and prepare to fall into the depths and Loony. he said, and grinned widely, his eyes dancing with humor and mischief. He had broadcasted that so the female could hear, as well as those in the sky. Perfectly insane, indeed. Define 'sane', anyhow. Since we are normal, or insane as you call it, then normal is insane to us. But to those that are normal, we are the insane ones. So, who is really sane or insane? he asked, and laughed joyfully at the brain twister he had just made up on the spot.

Aye, it can be very difficult to let them fly on their own without you to catch them should they bump into something that bites back. Jia snorted softly at her Rider and swept her wings forward. She brushed over her Changing Seal, and after a momentary flash, she dropped onto his back in her Reapric form, balancing easily at the juncture of his neck and shoulders in a low crouch. She scratched under his scales at the soft skin underneath. Are you sure it's wise to teach your magic to a stranger? They may be on our side, but Seals is our Ace in the hole. If no one knows about them, then no one can learn how to counter them. I told you about Crimson and what he did to Zeke's mate and to me to force us to give him two Seals. So he now has a Hell Fire Cannon, I think, and a Changing Seal. And he's learned how to multiply them and make them stronger than the original Seals that we gave him. she murmured quietly. She bowed her head, shame coloring her thoughts at these memories. She should have acted better, then Crimson wouldn't have two quite helpful Seals at his disposal.

- - - - - - - - - -

Zeke laughed at Osutin and grinned. And if you did I would lick you from head to toe with my tongue, then dunk you into ice cold water. Then have Ella dress you up in a formal gown. Probably blue silk. he chuckled deeply, then turned his head to Darian. He smiled and dipped his head to her, rumbling softly with appreciation. Mor'ranr lífa unin hjarta onr, Darian-elda. he murmured in return, his ice blue eyes sparkling. He snorted at Osutin. Oh come now, why the rush? Jessa will be fine, they don't want her dead, they just want her power, as far as I understand it. a different twinkle entered his eye. Unless you have a personal reason to hurry forward to her rescue, hm? he teased. He grinned, and winked at Darian. I think Osutin likes our dear Jessa. he chortled. Ka and Rath will have a field day with this.

Zeke eyed Osu, a sparkle still in his eye. It faded for a moment once he realized what the male had done, but then returned double fold. He heard Osu's laughing, faint, but definitely there. He snorted softly and reached out with his powers and found Osu, so he could track him. He winked at Darian, then raised his wings and followed after Osu. After a half a minute he caught up to the Soul Reaper and snatched the back of his cloths snugly, though carefully so he wouldn't be choked. He beat his wings and lifted into the air, carrying Osu up with him. He shifted his paws so that the male was cradled to his chest instead of hanging down. Oh, you do, do you? Well then, let me help with that.... he smirked, mischief coloring his thoughts as he spoke to Osu.

- - - - - - - - - -

Jia smiled warmly at Naor. Ka is a good teacher. He taught me a few tricks, and magic isn't my strongest suit either. If something went wrong, me or Ka would be able to catch it in time that it would cause no harm. she reassured the female. She pursed her lips and scratched him more, digging in a little with her nails so it would really feel good. I suppose you're right. But still, nothing over the top, like a Death Seal to raise an Undead army, capeesh? she said with a wry grin. She tensed and leaned forward slightly as he landed beside Lee. Her lips quirked, and she jumped to the ground, rolling to absorb the impact. When she popped back to her feet, she was already a dragon again, in all her golden-amethyst scaled glory. She snorted softly and nuzzled her Rider, then gazed back at Naor and Asa as the blue landed. She grinned at the Pair, her teal-green eyes sparkling. Rath and Lee won't bite. Well, Lee won't. Rath might nibble a little before declaring you edible. she teasing, laughing deep in her chest and winking at the older male Reaper.

OOC: Just a warning Saphira, Lee is what I like to call a 'blond dragon'. So um...expect abnormal dragonic behavior from her xD.

Osu had thought that he had a pretty good lead on Zeke. That is, until he felt the tug on the back on his cloths, promptly followed by his feet leaving the ground. He flailed for a little while, until Zeke got him snugged to his chest rather than dangling in the air. "H-hey! Zeke! Let me go!" He said, both mentally and vocally, followed by a few words that shouldn't be said in front of a lady. He would have resealed his sword, which would have taken away the 'additions' Osu had made to Zeke's appearance, but since his arms were pinned between his stomach and Zeke's chest, he couldn't very well do that.

Rath took Asa's hand and shook it firmly, nodding once. "I'm Rathon, you can call me Rath. It's nice to meet you too." Lee snaked her head over to Asa and snuffled his cloths in a silent greeting. When Naor asked her if she had a problem with her Rider Changing forms, she looked at the other dragon with genuine confusion, then spoke openly with her mind so everyone could hear. "What do you mean a Rider that can change? I've never seen my Rathy-pie change shapes at all. Is there something you're not telling me Rath?! Rath?" She looked over from Naor to her Rider, who now held the most mortified expression she had ever seen. "Rath? Are you ok?" She asked tentatively. An eye twitch was her only response.

"R-Rathy-pie?" He said, sounding as mortified as he looked. "Lee...what did I tell you about using that name in public..." Lee looked at him, and then at Asa and Naor. "Oh...oops, sorry." She said bashfully, and retreated a little ways to curl up behind the rock Rath was sitting on and just watch.

"Ok I promise." Ka said with a slight smirk to Jia. Ka had been going to suggest to Asa that he let Ka show him a few simple Seals, but stopped when he heard Lee's nickname for his brother. What she had called him didn't fully register until Lee had retreated to behind the rock, then Ka burst into a loud laughter. He was laughing so hard that his legs actually gave out and he fell to the ground, and continued to laugh while rolling around on his back. Rath glared at him hard, but he couldn't see it passed his tears of laughter.

Zeke snorted softly and grinned wolfishly down at Osutin. I doubt you would actually want me to let go at this very moment. We are quite high up now. I shall let you climb onto my back and sit with Nachel, however. he chuckled softly, and shifted his forelegs slightly so that Osu could climb up his leg and shoulder and so settle on his back at the juncture of his neck and shoulders.

- - - - - - - - - -

Jia's eyes widened at Lee and what she called Rath. She caught on a little quicker than her Rider, but not by much. She snorted with suppressed laughter, then gave up and opened her jaws wide, a rasping sound that was the dragon version of laughter coming up her throat and vibrating her chest.

OOC: xD No cause she would probably actually say something like that.

Osu growled a bit to himself when Zeke didn't let him go. He could air skate to the ground no matter how high up he was, but he had never rode on a dragon before so he didn't argue the point. When Zeke shifted so he could climb, he scrambled up his leg and onto his back, sitting behind Nachel. He gave the wolf a slight nod in greeting and then recalled his zanpakuto, returning Zeke to his normal appearance.

Rath stood there for a few seconds, letting everyone have their little laugh at his expense. Once he though it was enough, he raised his right hand and made a small hell seal of fireballs and fired it at Ka. He missed on purpose of course, hitting the ground next to his brother, but it still got the message across. Ka, who hadn't been expecting the sudden increase in temperature so close to him, yelped and rolled away from the fire, ending up on his back and glaring upside down at his brother before he stood up and dusted himself off and returned to Jia's side. Rath gave him a grin and turned around to sit back down on his rock. "Now then, if everyone has had a nice laugh, once everyone else gets here, we can start going over how we are going to get into Dedarath, and then how we are going to get to Irestol, and finally how we are going to get into Karite Castle."

Zeke chuckled to himself and circled over the group ahead and below him, slowly descending in a loose spiral. Once he finally reached the ground he flared his wings and backpedaled lightly, landing with a ripple of muscle to absorb the shock. He dropped to his forelegs then shook himself and lowered his shoulder to the ground. Nachel was the first to dismount, already in his twoleg wolf form. His ears pricked forward at Rath's voice, and his savage gold eyes, all the more so since he learned of Mya's fate, slashed at the male Reaper,"I will go through the fires of the pit to get my mate back. If you need a path cleared, then send me forward first. I will raze anything that stands in our path to the ground." he bared his teeth in a silent snarl, his ears flattening to his skull. Zeke snorted smoke to surround the alpha wolf warrior. Would you die to leave your mate alone, Nachel? Be patient with us and go where they wish to take us, and we will get your mate back, I promise you. Be cunning like the lynx, patient like the raven, swift like the hare, and we will succeed. You understand? Nachel's fur bristled, but he nodded and stepped back once more,"Very well, but my offer still stands." he murmured quietly, his ears twitching.

- - - - - - - - - -

Jia huffed as Ka yelped and rolled, and she eyed Rath balefully. She snorted softly and nuzzled Ka's side once he returned to her. She laid down on her stomach and started to lick clean her talons to make sure they shone like snow. Zeke cleared his throat and sat, ruffling his wings. We have one other possibly joining us, an elf named Darian. I would believe that is her coming now. he said, gesturing with his tail to the figure on horseback approaching from the same direction that himself, Nachel and Osu had been taken.

Jia listened quietly to is plans, nodding from time to time with something she agreed with or liked the sound of. She snorted softly, and tapped into her Changing Seal. A soft light enveloped her, and when it cleared, she was no longer in the shape of a dragon. Her hair was in a thick braid over one shoulder, the same golden-streaked-amethyst color as her scales, her eyes the same teal-green. Her clothes were simple, a tan top that dropped off her shoulders and clung to her arms and waist like a second skin and a ankle length black skirt with a slit on the side up to her thigh. She crossed her arms over her chest and smiled at Rathon, her eyes glittering. "Beg pardon, but I've already gotten the twoleg thing down pat." she grinned mischievously. She leaned back against Ka and relaxed, a small smile still on her lips.

- - - - - - - - - -

Zeke snorted softly and winked at his sister, then took a step forward. I will go first, if the rest of you don't mind. Reapric magic is harmless if used correctly, as Jia just showed. he said, and chuckled lightly in his chest.

OOC:
Hokay enough of a break here. >.< Let's get this ball rolling again, or try to.

IC:
"Essentially we are human, just a different branch of human race, similar to the elves." he said in response to Darian's inquiry. Rath nodded slowly at Zeke. "Good, good. Alright, come over here and I'll cast the Seal over you. And don't worry," he winked at Darian,"I won't bite. Well, maybe nibble slightly and declare you edible, but that's all, truly." he said, bowing his head. Zeke snorted softly and trotted forward, coming to a stop in front of him. The oldest Reaper sibling lifted one hand and faced his palm outward; hovering a few inches in front of his hand was a grey and dark blue Void Seal. He glanced at Asa as he began to work, raising his eyebrows in thought as he studied Asa, Darian, and Osu. "Truly, not much. As I said, work a energy signature over your own so you appear to be a Reaper...maybe change your eye and hair color a bit, nothing too drastic. I'm not going to turn you into something as different from what you are now, say a duck. You already appear human, now you just need the touch-ups." he explained patiently, smiling a little. By the time he finished, Zeke was standing on two legs. He wobbled and tottered, in danger of falling and performing a face plant, to which Rath would have laughed his head off, but luckily baby sister was there to save the day and rushed in to support her big brother. He almost pouted at the loss of opportunity to laugh at a dragon with almost no promise of retaliation. He paused a little to study the amethyst dragon in his human form; tall, around six and a half feet tall, strong muscles, lean with them. His hair was the same as his scales, amethyst, but it had jagged streaks of ice blue too. Odd. But it would fit in around Dedarath, so not too much of a problem. "Alright, Zeke, you and Jia go off to the side and practice Mobility 101, I'll work on Lyssand here." Rath frowned however at the mention of the saddlebags; he hadn't thought of that, and he wasn't going to suggest they leave all their supplies here and go to Dedarath bare handed, that would be stupid. He cocked his head to one side. "Would you be comfortable with letting all of us carry a few things of your supplies? Once we are all in twoleg forms, there will be ten of us, that should give us enough hands to share the burden." he offered. He hesitated briefly, then spoke up again. "Or I can create a Void Seal for you that will carry all of your belongings in a pocket of space near you that you can summon, reach inside, and retrieve what you need, then dispel it." he held up one hand again, the grey and dark blue Void Seal once more visible. "While you think that over, Lyssand, if you could please stand in front of me." he winked at the blue dragoness at her comment. "And of course, Naor, I understand. So it shall be Lyssand and Lee that are Changed first of the fourlegs. While I work on that, Darian, Osu, Asa, you figure out between you three who's going next, then Naor you can go last. Sound good to everyone?" he glanced around. Osu raised his hand. Rath grinned. "Yes?" "Just wondering, what should I do with my Zanpakuto, Shinzikima." he asked. "And possibly my Ca-my white overcoat." Rath raised an eyebrow at the catch, but decided to ask later. "Your...weapon, Zonpoktoe or whatever, is part of your fighting abilities?" the Soul Reaper nodded, his eyebrow twitching. "Alright then, keep it on you, just try not to draw too much attention to it. Hide it in your robes while we're in towns or something. Your overcoat...no idea. Could lump it in with Darian's stuff if she takes the Void Seal option." he shrugged.

Zeke glared halfheartedly at Darian, but there was a twinkle in his eyes that acknowledged that she was only teasing. Jia squeezed his shoulder lightly. "Just pretend your balancing on your hindlegs with your tail tucked as close as possible to your body." she advised. He thought about it, about how that felt to walk on his hindlegs, and he steadied on his feet nearly instantly. He shot a grin at Darian. "Just a slight buzz, nothing I can't handle." he said with a laugh. Then he blinked in surprise. He had spoken verbally without even pausing to think about it. His voice was deep and soothing, rumbling in his chest in a similar way that he might rumble while in dragon form. It felt strange, the vibrations that tickled ever so lightly in his throat when he spoke.

- - - - - - - - - -

Osu cursed to himself for using the name of his Zanpakuto carelessly. He eyed Asa at his question, and decided that a shrug would be the best response. He shrugged. "It's the type of weapon it is, just a name, like a falchion, katana, kusari, scythe, broadsword, axe. You get what I mean." he said. The kicker, he wasn't even lying. A Zanpakuto was a weapon specifically made for Soul Reapers, sure, but it was still a type of weapon nonetheless. A small smile wiggled its way across his face for his wordplay. He didn't notice, however, how Zeke was studying him curiously. Osu cocked his head to the side at Asa once more, scanning the sword that he drew. He was forced to blink a few times as the sun sent the blade to sparkling and shimmering. "That is a very well crafted weapon." he commented. "And I guess I'll go after Darian then." he added, crossing his arms lightly and leaning back against a stone.

- - - - - - - - - -

Rathon waited patiently for Darian to remove the supplies, smiling slightly at the bantering that flew around the camp. He shook his head slightly, chuckling, then looked over at Asa when he called his attention. He studied the weapon carefully and pursed his lips. "Aye, it is a little conspicuous...Here," he motioned to a brown satchel that was leaning against Lee's left foreleg,"inside my pack are strips of black leather, you can tie them around the sheath and hilt to hide the color. Hopefully, if everything goes as planned, we won't have to worry about you drawing it for the blade to be seen, because we won't have to fight." he said this with a grimace. He turned back to Lyssand and channeled energy into the Seal in his palm. There was a low flash of light, and when it cleared, the piebald now stood in his Reaper form.

OOC:
You shall decide what Lyssand and Naor look like. Usually the eyes are the same color, and the hair generally (for a dragon, no idea what it could be for Lyssand) is the same/similar to their scale color.

Rath shrugged and grinned at Darian. "Honestly no clue. If you have an ability with water or ice, that could be why. Even us Reapers don't sometimes understand why our Seals do things." he said. He studied her briefly, then smiled. "It would definitely make a complete stranger think twice about bothering you, citizen or guard or not." he commented. He turned to Osu who seemed a little apprehensive, but the Soul Reaper stepped forward anyway. The light engulfed him and disappeared quickly. It hadn't changed much like with Darian, but added a few things. One eye was it's usual brown, but the other was an odd, cool yellow-gold. His skin was a darker shade, and his hair a deeper color, but that seemed to be all the change he needed. Osu relaxed visibly and stepped aside to lean on the rock again. Rath shook his head and turned to Asa. "You ready?" he asked the male, cocking one eyebrow.

- - - - - - - - - -

Lee considered Naor's question seriously. She cocked her head and pursed her lips, then replied. I guess because of being bonded to a twoleg, it doesn't really seem that strange. I mean, my balance is terrible at the moment, but I don't mind him helping. she admitted, speaking mentally on reflex. Walking and talking is not so strange. This, however, she paused and glanced at Rath, who still had his arm around her shoulders in a protective way, [/i]will take some time getting used to. But it feels nice too.[/i] abruptly she grinned, her deep blue eyes shining. I can tease him in so many new ways now! I must start thinking of some immediately, in case I need them. she crossed her arms over her chest and tried to imitate the expression Rath used whenever he was thinking very hard on something.

Rathon blushed bright crimson and averted his eyes instantly from Naor's form. "My deepest apologies for that, Asa, Naor, sometimes the Seal acts up like that, I swear to you I did not do that on purpose." he stammered through his embarrassment. Lee snorted softly and pulled away from him, heading toward Naor. Jia was doing the same, but she held tan trousers and a grey tunic in each hand.

- - - - - - - - - -

Jia smiled at Asa. "Don't worry, it's happened to me several times, so I pack for the occasion. Here, take these, they might be a little big for her but with some trimmings and alterations we can make them work." she offered the garments. She turned around and glared at each of the males, humor and seriousness in her gaze. "All of you turn around and give her some privacy." she looked at Asa and arched an eyebrow at him. "That means you too. Go on, git." she waved him away from Naor, but she reasoned that he wouldn't want to be -too- far away from his partner-of-heart. Though she noticed with a smirk that Ka and Osu had done an about face the moment they saw the situation. She saw their ears were blushed red. She shook her head and turned to Naor and smiled, chuckling. "Men. Now, put these on so your Rider can stop having a heart attack. Me and Lee can hold the cloak up to block you from view." she said kindly.

OO:
lol Rathon graduated Boot Camp today, he's hanging with the family and txting me with his new smartphone. He'll start his schooling tomorrow or the next day I think. So hopefully he'll be coming back soon. XD

IC:
Rathon peered around, but this seemed to be the right place. He reached inside his satchel and pulled out a small ring, rolling it around in his fingers slowly. All Reapers of the Royal Families were given one of these rings once they graduated and could control all of their Seals and Forms. Rath slipped the silver band over the middle finger on his right hand. The design was simple, a flat surface with rings of reapric runes and a small round diamond in the center of them. The runes lit up with a soft gold light for a moment, then faded. He gestured to the others to come up behind him. "Here's what's gonna happen. This is a special barrier that only allows Reapers of royal blood in or out, and anyone with them as well. I have the means of getting in, but we need to be careful. I have no idea of what might be on the other side. Now, everyone hold wrists, and don't let go no matter what." he ordered. He was tense, he knew he was, but he was scared, he just wasn't going to show it to the others. He felt a gentle squeeze around his left wrist, and he smiled slightly, squeezing back. Of course Lee knew how he really felt, how had he ever forgotten that. He took a deep breath, looked back to make sure everyone was ready, then looked ahead and stepped out onto thin air. Except he didn't plunge instantly to his death. He just kept walking like it was solid ground. After a few feet of walking on air, something invisible abruptly swallowed him up. At the sight that greeted him...he felt very, very cold inside. What greeted him on the Dedarath side of the barrier...was nothing. It was a complete wasteland. It resembled The Burning Plains in Alagaesia. Fire and smoke and debris littered the landscape for as far as the eye could see, along with huge rocks and stones that looked like they had been shattered and broken into shrapnel and scattered every which way. Rathon's breathing hitched in his throat, and he felt a single tear escape from his eye. He irritably wiped it away, hiding the motion by brushing his hair out of his eyes. He glanced back to check on Ka, who appeared just as stunned as he was. The others were all through, so he dropped Lee's hand. He looked around at the devastation and wondered what in devil's name had happened to his homeland. He took a deep breath. "Alright...standing here isn't saving Jess or Mya. Let's get moving. Ka, you walk in the back, guard our flank, just in case. Jia, middle. I'll take point. Everyone stay close and, for now, use only your minds to communicate. No idea what is out there and might overhear spoken conversation." he said quietly. He was subdued now, now that he had seen the destruction that his uncle had caused in the Red Moon War. His fists clenched. He would put a stop to it, somehow. Rath turned and summoned his scythe, holding it like one would a hiking stick. He took another deep breath, then slowly trudged out.

Rathon tuned out the chatter in his head and scanned his surroundings, using the refined skills that being Galbatorix's assassin hit man had given him. He stopped walking and held up his hand, glancing to his left. His pupils narrowed like a cats. He looked over his shoulder at his brother, meeting Ka's gaze. The younger Reaper nodded and summoned his scythe and his gold bladed sword. He heard a faint sound, so faint that he barely caught it. He turned toward it and listened more carefully. He heard breathing. Heavy breathing. Like a big animal, built for hunting, and killing. Nasty, and lethal. Rath cursed heavily and spun around, his eyes wide, as a nearly silent predator leapt at him. It was no larger than your average domestic dog or wolf, had the strength of 5 full grown men and jaws strong enough to crush metal with relative ease, and teeth and claws that can cut bone like a hot knife cuts through butter. They are extremely difficult to control when there’s only one, nearly impossibly in a pack formation. They are the Royal Guards last resort when hunting for fugitives, and are only used in extreme cases when the runners have committed a high crime and their lives are no longer a concern. Why they were being used to guard the barrier, he had no idea. The beast snapped it's teeth mere inches from his throat, the only thing stopping it was his arm braced against its own throat. Arms appeared around its neck and wrenched it away, tossing it to the ground like a giant doll. Jia stood there, her chest heaving. She whirled on Rath, her expression wild. "Run. Ka and I will keep them off your flank." she said aloud. He nodded, his scythe out and his free hand glowing red with energy to cast Seals. He glanced at the group, his face hard. "Run. Follow me. Stay close. Don't worry about pulling ahead of me, just run all out." without waiting for any replies he turned and started running as fast as his legs could carry him. Using the link between all of their minds, he explained what was hunting them. These beasts are called malkori, used by the Guard that protects the Castle to hunt fugitives. Why they are suddenly being used for other things is beyond me. Fighting a malkori is like fighting a compacted dragon. A good way to die if you don't pay attention. One is dangerous enough, but a pack.... he hesitated, but continued. no one I know of has ever survived being hunted by a pack of malkori. And that is exactly what is hunting us now. Don't be heros, you'll die, just follow me, and keep running. he urged hastily.

- - - - - - - - - -

Ka swung his scythe and sword in a decapitating slice and opened a deep gash in the malkori's shoulder. The beast snarled and leapt back, its muzzle tearing back to show fangs as thick and long as his thumb, and as sharp as a Rider's blade. The Reaper's teeth pulled back in response in a savage grin. His muscles tensed for him to spring forward, but pain rippling up his back made him freeze, and a scream of pain and rage rang in his ears. He whirled, his vision seeing red instantly. Jia was crouched over, bright crimson blood spilling down her back in gleaming sheets from four half inch claw marks that ran from her right shoulder blade to her spine just above her tailbone. He saw the white glint of bone visible in the wounds. Ka snarled and lunged at the malkori that had hurt his partner of heart. The beast blurred at the edges from its speed as it dodged to his right and leapt at him. Ka spun faster than the eye could see and separated the beasts left foreleg from its body. Jia jumped in to his side, her face white with pain, and blocked the first beast he'd encountered from blind-siding him. The injured malkori in front of him limped back away from him. He bared his teeth in a vicious smile and slashed his weapons threateningly at the beast, his ruby eyes bright. Jia pressed against his back, and he could feel how bad she was shivering from blood loss. Ka, we need to run, I can't fight much longer with a wound like this, and you can't fight alone. she gasped in his mind. He growled savagely with frustration, but fell silent instantly as a flash of agony ripped down his back, brought to him by his link to her. He cursed and dismissed his weapons, then turned, grabbed Jia, and teleported almost all at once. As they disappeared, the Malkori pounced and crashed into each other. They appeared slightly ahead of Rathon and the group, and didn't waste time waiting for them to catch up. Just keep running. he spat at them, his temper made short from Jia's injury. As he ran and worked to at least stop the bleeding a little until he could tend to her more fully. Her eyes were barely open and they seemed glazed. He growled into her mind and held tight to her consciousness. Don't you even think about leaving me, Johdzsia. Not this early, before the real fun begins. he joked drly. She smiled at him faintly. I wouldn't dream of it. she whispered, and she returned the relentless hold to his mind that he had on hers.

OOC:
They needed a little something to get them moving. XD

Rath glanced back at Ka and Jia, worry in his eyes for his brother and his companion. He knew how much they relied on each other after everything they both had been put through, it would destroy his brother to lose his partner of heart. His gaze swept towards his own companion, Lee, and his heart tightened in his chest. She sensed his concern and looked into his eyes, keeping contact for a few moments, and then she smiled softly in a way that made him smile a tiny bit back. He took a breath and turned to Darian, his expression thoughtful as he thought over her question carefully. If they don't leave in an hour, Ka and I can teleport us all a few miles closer to the mountains. That is a last resort though, if they don't leave, because after an effort like that the both of us will be unconscious for at least a few hours. Teleporting takes a lot of energy, and the more people that need to be moved, and the greater the distance, the more energy and effort is required. he explained briefly, crossing his arms over his chest. He nodded at Jia. Without her help, it will put a greater strain on the two of us to move so many. And, he lifted one hand slightly. before any of you offer to take Jia's place in helping, it takes years to learn how to teleport, for a Reaper. Jia can because of how long she's been bonded to Ka and she's learned more quickly from his memories and experiences. Lee has only been bonded to me for... he paused and frowned, glancing at her. She winked at him. Roughly a week. she supplied. He nodded and turned back to the group. So...it would be difficult for you to help. he finished lamely.

- - - - - - - - - -

Once Darian finished wrapping the bandage around Jia he pulled her shoulder against him, leaning her weight into him so she could relax. He nodded at Asa for his help, twisting a lock of Jia's gold hair between his fingers anxiously. She laid a hand on his chest, over his heart, and prummed, even softer than Naor had. I'll be fine. she whispered softly, before her eyes closed and she slipped into sleep. He smiled slightly and rubbed her arm lightly. I know. he replied, even though he knew she couldn't hear him. He looked up at his brother and raised one eyebrow. Why not just let one of the dragons carry us? Lee is the oldest, so the biggest and strongest. It should be easy for her. he offered. He wanted to get as far away from the malkori as possible. Rath shook his head. Equivalent to dragons in all but looks and shape. I wouldn't doubt if they could run as fast as a dragon can fly.

Rath smiled a bit. Both. Not as flashy, and, it is an illusion after all. he said, winking ever so slightly at Darian. He looked over to Naor, and was already shaking his head before she finished speaking. Splitting up would be too dangerous. Became dangerous the moment we all went through the Barrier. Reapers have....ways...of extracting knowledge. Terrible ways. Horrific ways. he shuddered. Ways that, I am ashamed to say, I know too. Both of us. he glanced at Ka, then he shook his head vehemently. No, the risk of you being caught and taken to our uncle is too great. I do not doubt your abilities, never, what I doubt is my knowledge of my own homeland. I remember what was, not what is. This plain, didn't used to be a wasteland. It was beautiful once. Filled with grass that was a unique blue-green, trees that seemed to sing with merriment whenever the wind blew through their branches, lakes and rivers so crystal clear it was like looking through glass to the bottom. he looked away to the entrance of the cave, the weight of loss in his gaze. I do not know my home anymore. Much less than I thought I would. I did not think it would be this changed. Until I can get an updated map from Glan'nari, the mountain city, we have to stay together. Strength is always better in numbers. Glan'nari is deep in the mountains, few Reapers stray there, unless it is for special training, like our sister Jessa was for her whole life. Our uncle would not bother with such an out of the way, desolate place. If we can make it there, we will be safe for as long as we need to be. It's not that far, maybe a day's hard trek. Our current problem, though, is getting passed these monstrosities. he grimaced, and looked at the malkori.

- - - - - - - - - -

Ka held Jia close, keeping a watchful eye on the malkori outside the cave. He felt an anger toward them, for hurting his partner-of-heart, and it was difficult to contain. It was not the fact that if he acted, the malkori would find them. It was that Jia was hurt, sleeping in his arms, and she needed him by her side. She shifted and moved closer to him, and he stroked her hair to soothe her while she slept. She sighed and relaxed, her mind sleepily coiling with his. He let her, knowing that, even in her sleep, she needed to know that he was alright as well. He looked up at his brother then, having been listening with one ear to the conversation. Cast an illusion spell on us. I can help with that. I would mask out scent, our bodies, our minds partially, and any sound we made would be rerouted into something from our surroundings. Footprints won't be a problem, malkori don't track my sight, they track by sound and smell, like most hunting hounds.