OOC: That's okay.

IC: Phal frowned. There's no need to apologize for anything. And yes, I have been to some parts of the caves. I explored most of the dungeons, and I went to one part of the other chambers, the ones with the items, she spoke, brightening into a smile. Would you rather explore the dungeons, which I know about, or the other chambers, which I do not? Phal asked, letting Elcyon decide. It didn't really matter which they went to first, for now.

Phalynx laughed. Sure thing.

She sniffed the air, finding that it was getting warmer. The planet's blood was closer to the surface here, like a bruise. The thought of magma as blood made Phal a little uneasy, so she shook her head of the notion. She could sense something a little more disturbing about the place as well. She noticed reddish stains on the walls.

Elcyon, look at those stains. That's blood. Wait. Up ahead, the tunnels sort of branch off a lot. I've seen that pattern befo- oh. Oh, wow. Up ahead is another dungeon. It must be like the high security dungeon, she said, surprised herself. It would take a few minutes to reach it, but it was there. Phal was pretty sure that this was the only dungeon she had yet to visit. She hoped desperately that they would not find anything too disturbing inside of it. Would you like to explore it? It might be a little less pleasant than the death-trapped hallway, she suggested, adding a little humor of her own.

OOC: They'll find Rigel when we reach page 9. I'll get us there, so just go along with what I post, kay?

Phal glanced back. Don't worry. We'll see who it is first, and speak with them. I'm just worried. Kumaraq usually kept good creatures down here, and used evil ones as his minions, so it's doubtful that whoever this is is evil. Maybe. We'll just have to see, she said, trotting forward. As she drew closer, she suddenly realized what kind of creature it was. It's a phoenix, Phal whispered. She had only ever seen one phoenix before; Kaileena. She skidded to a halt before the cell, and peered inside. What is your name? Why are you a prisoner here? she questioned, though not coldly.

Rigel glanced towards the cell door when he heard a voice. The voice was that of a female dragon, and very young, from the sound of it. She couldn't be one of his minions. Perhaps she was his ticket out of imprisonment. My name is Rigel. I've been held here for years. I was trying to destroy the evil dragon that imprisoned me, by pretending to work for him for a while. But he found out what I was doing and locked me away. Please help me? he replied, pleading to be let out. The story was a lie, he hadn't wanted to kill the dragon, though he didn't like him. But Rigel's words were without any hint of deception. He had lied so often in the past that it was impossible to tell if he was speaking the truth, especially for anyone who had just met him. He just had to be careful and not mess up like he did with Solarae. He had revealed his true nature too soon before her, and it had cost him. He wouldn't make the same mistake twice.

Phalynx breathed a sigh of relief. Rigel didn't seem dangerous or evil, and his voice didn't show anything of the sort. Perhaps she could make a new friend. Phoenixes were valuable allies, because of their powers. Are you willing to rescue him, Elcyon? Phal asked, wanting her opinion. She was planning on releasing him herself, but wanted her friend's opinion first.

OOC: I know you know Rigel's evil, but remember, our charries don't. They can't tell that he really has hidden motives at all, kay? lol

OOC: Good. I was just reminding you, I know you won't do that. It just really bugs me when people have their charries automatically know if another charry's evil. Phal can only do that when there's shadow magic, 'cause that's a giveaway.

IC: Phal smiled. Of course. I already know how to open these doors, I've done it before, she said, and stepped in front of the prison door. Don't worry, Rigel, we'll get you out of here in a few moments. No one deserves to be locked up like this, she spoke to him in reassuring tones, though she said the last part more to herself. Phal examined the door, making sure that its magic was the same as in the other dungeons. It was. With a few moments of concentration, Phal shifted the magic to "pick the lock," so to speak, of the door. It opened with a sharp rumble. Rigel looked up in gratitude. For a moment, it looked as though shock crossed his face, but the expression disappeared and he stood.

Rigel breathed a sigh of relief. He was finally getting out of here. Thank you so much. You have no idea how grateful I am... I've been locked in here for years. Thank you, he replied. His voice truly was grateful, though. He decided that he wouldn't kill this dragon. She was freeing him from a possible life sentence, and even though she was a dragon, Rigel would look awful if he killed her.

When the door opened, however, his opinion of her completely transformed. It was her! The starry one! It was the one that had stolen the powers that rightfully belonged to phoenixes! Rigel's mind reeled in shock. But he only showed his surprise for a split second before regaining control. Oh, he would definately kill this one, but he would have to plan out how, first. He knew that she possessed great power, and would be difficult to dispatch of. May I ask your name? he inquired politely, wondering what this fiend could possibly be called, Oh, and yours as well? He had just noticed the black dragoness standing to the side as he came out of the cell.

I am Phalynx, dragoness of the stars, and I'm very pleased to meet you, Rigel. Now, we'd all best be getting out of here, Phal said, happy to meet the phoenix. She waited while Elcyon introduced herself and walked a few steps back the way they had come.

OOC: Oh, no, it's fine! You didn't do that, I was just saying that you should be careful. 'Cause people do that sometimes.

IC: Rigel nodded, in response to Elcyon. It's a pleasure to meet you both. I'm sorry, but I don't know the way out of here. I was unconscious when they put me in this cell. I don't even know which dungeon I'm in, he said, deciding he would appear as someone trying to be honest and helpful. It was the guise he usually assumed when decieving creatures that professed to being on the side of good. They seemed to respond well to such a personality.

I'm sorry if I seem like I'm prying, but why did you say you are the cursed one, Elcyon? he questioned with genuine curiosity. He was not used to dragons admitting faults in any way, and wondered why one would think herself cursed.

Phal smiled at Rigel. That's okay. I'm pretty sure we went in through the back way. If we keep going this way, we should find the hallway that leads back to the main area. And you seem to be in the "high security" dungeon, Rigel, she spoke. Phal could see where the hallway before them led. After the last cell, it turned sharply to the left and led gradually upward, back in the general direction of the main cavern. Phal guessed it would be the fastest way out. She started walking down the hall, deciding that they could talk on the way. The sooner they were out of the dark and grim place, the faster Phal would start feeling cheerful again. She glanced back at El. I hope she'll start feeling better once we leave. That was an awful discovery to have made, she thought, thinking of Rodan's death. It must have been painful for her friend to learn of it so suddenly as finding his bones.

Phalynx picked up her pace, moving quickly down the hallway. Though, she didn't move too quickly. Rigel could not move as fast as the dragons on the ground, for, being a bird, he possessed only a single pair of legs. Their speed didn't matter, though. In a few minutes, the tunnel began glowing with a faint red light ahead that meant they had almost reached the end.

The vast lava field stretched before them as they emerged into the dark, ash-choked world above. Phal gazed around warily. Though she knew no enemies were about to ambush them or attack, she still didn't like the place. It set her on edge. She lifted her wings, and the hot air rising up the mountain slope immediately picked her up with almost no effort from herself. It feels good to fly again. Perhaps we could go north, to the Burning Sun Sea, to rest, eat, and drink, before we pick our next destination. It's only a four-hour flight, she suggested, soaring on the warm air.

Rigel hurried after the dragons. When they emerged at last, he breathed a sigh of relief. He hadn't seen the outside world in years. Though this place was dark and dreary, it was far better than any dungeon any day. He lifted himself into the air behind the silver dragon with another long sigh. Oh, you're right about that. My wings haven't been used properly for so long! he exclaimed, for once relaxing.

OOC: Why yes. Astral and I would like it if friends of Phal and El would join the rp. (I'll pm some people, Astral.)

IC: Phal smiled, and began the long flight to the north. She stayed at about the same altitude as the others, not wanting to get too far away from them even though they were travelling. They couldn't fly very high anyway, because of the ash-bloated clouds hovering low in the sky overhead. Ash and cinders floated around them, swirling up in the thermals rising off of the lava fields and burning rock. Phal would be happy to leave the Scorched Lands.

Their flight north proved uneventful. They were flying for about three and a half hours before Phal caught sight of a glittering strip in the distance. She had flown up to her normal travelling altitude to see how far they were from their destination. As she sank back down towards them, she smiled. We're right on track. We should be at the Sea in about twenty-five, thirty minutes if we keep up this pace, she announced happily. The landscape was still somewhat dreary here, but not nearly as much as the Scorched Lands. The sky was still overcast, because of all the smoke pumped into the air to the south, but there were places where the sun shone through.

Rigel's wings were a little sore. He hadn't been flying in years, and realized he was lucky to still be able to fly long distances. He was silent for most of the trip, only making small comments about the landscape or how close they were getting every once in a while. Though he was playing the part of a friendly and nice phoenix, there was only so much he could do to act cheerful. Cheerful wasn't really his mood.

He was relieved when Phalynx mentioned they were nearly arrived. The land beneath them was a rocky desert, bleak and uninviting. He would be glad to rest. As they drew closer to the Burning Sun Sea, they started noticing huge rock spires and rocky cliffs. Great pillars and plateaus of stone rose up to meet them.

IC: Equinox flew southwards. These days, he wasn't too sure what to think. His mind was still all buzzing and recovering from the horrible events that had happened. He cursed himself in his head If only I wasn't so weak... so foolish... it should have been me. he said to himself. He shook his head; he had to get those thoughts out of his head. As he flew south, he looked beneath him; the land was odd looking now, like it had been damaged and shrubby. He decided to turn, and head southeast instead. After about a half hour of flying, he saw three figures in the distance. They were too far out to make out, but he stopped and hovered for a moment. He wasn't sure if he wanted to see anyone right now, but he then decided to head on his way closer. Talking to others could get his mind off these events.
He was hungry, so he snapped at bird out of the sky. It gave a cry as he consumed it. He shook his head things were to odd these days. As he flew, his spirits raised as he recognized two of them, Elcyon and Phal. The third was a phoenix he did not recognize; he had only met one phoenix in his life.
He flew towards them and said both surprised and happy, Phal? Elcyon? he wasn't sure where they were here, but he was glad they were.

OOC: Hi! lol.

IC: Equinox smiled when he saw Elcyon flew towards him. His heart started to race as he saw her. He wondered what she, Phal, and Rigel were doing. I'm just flying here. I had nothing better to do for awhile. Why did you fly all the way here? he asked her and Phal. He felt sorry for Rigel who had been imprisoned in a dungion. Though it had been many long years, he knew what it was like to be chained up.
Nice to meet you too. Equinox replied.

Have you found anything out yet? Equinox asked as they flew. He was glad to see familiar faces, even if he didn't know who the phoenix was, Rigel seemed friendly enough. Equinox smiled when Phal said that Sounds like a good idea, I hadn't had anything to eat but small birds for several days. As they flew, he saw another dragon in the distance. As they grew closer, he recognized who it was Aeraldi! But he looked different than when Equinox had seen him last. Aeraldi, how are you? You seem... different. Equinox said.

OOC: Hello, Aeraldi. Rigel is a phoenix, btw. And Astral, to Elcyon it would look like Aeraldi grew, compared to his old form (the black/white one).

IC: As soon as Phal passed over the first rocks of the canyon wall, she noticed another dragon waiting for them. She felt her heart leap as she immediately recognized him. Aeraldi! she cried, flapping her wings and shooting over to him. She landed on the rock next to him and grinned happily. Elcyon pretty much covered it. She found me in the valley up north, and we've been searching for a way to remove her curse. We were in the old lair of an evil dragon, where we rescued Rigel, she explained, motioning towards the phoenix.

Rigel landed heavily on the rocks. He was embarassed to feel so tired. He would have to build up his strength again. He inclined his head slightly in greeting when Phalynx introduced him to yet another dragon. It's a pleasure to meet you, Aeraldi, he said briefly. There were getting to be too many dragons around for his liking. He decided that if they went travelling again, he would probably let them leave. Now that he knew that Phalynx was hatched, and he knew more of her, he could begin his plotting. Judging by what he knew of her personality so far, it wouldn't be hard to find her again. Before he could perform any kind of plotting, though, he would need to regain his strength.

OOC: Hi Astral! Hi draco!

Aeraldi grinned like a fool as Phalynx landed and walked over to him. He realized that although he had changed, he hadn't spread the news of it to many people yet. As the others came closer and landed he noticed that the one he didn't know was actually a bird wreathed in flame. He didn't put a second thought to it though as he felt the others deserved an explanation about him.
Thank you all for noticing. This is my true form, the dragon I am supposed to be. My size was much larger, larger than Faefnir, but I used magic to change my size so that it would be easier for me to be with Phalynx. I still hold all my old strength though. And as he listened to the story of Phalynx and Elcyon's journey through tunnels and of a curse that was placed on Elcyon.
I sometimes wish I had your ability Phalynx, to be able to see the weaves of magic. There is a problem with having the power of an ancient, and that's having the magic you've worked with being conformed to words. I could use my magic on you, but I have no idea what I would be undoing, whether or not you told me.

OOC: Hi Aeralid!

IC: Equinox looked at Elcyon and Phal. He hoped they did find a way to break the curse. And he wondered why though that Rigel was inprisioned, but he didn't ask. I hope you find a way of breaking the curse. I'll help if you want. said Equinox.

Phalynx smiled, her green eyes gleaming. Well, then we make a great team. I can see the magic, and alter it a little, but I cannot control it, nor do I have the power to, she said to Aeraldi, leaning against him. Don't worry, El. We've learned a great deal since we started, and we'll learn enough to remove the curse. We just have to decide where to go next, she replied optimistically to Elcyon. Phal was determined to help her friend, whatever it took.

Overhearing Elcyon's mention of getting something to eat, Phal nodded her head enthusiastically. I could do with some food right now, and a drink. The Scorched Lands are more waterless than the Hadarac Desert, she said cheerfully. She began to examine the small canyon for the infrared heat signatures of prey.

Rigel ignored the idle conversation of the dragons. Feeling exhausted, he wandered over to a patch of sparse grass beneath a scraggly tree and crouched until he was resting comfortably. He glanced back over when he heard them mentioning breaking a curse again, now growing more and more sure that this Elcyon was the dragoness that had hatched from that white egg. Rigel's eyes gleamed triumphantly. Maybe this will be easier than I thought, he mused, settling down for a nap.

OOC:And hi to you dark!
Also, short.

Drink some of the water, Aeraldi suggested, it's surprisingly refreshing for being in the middle of nowhere. As for food, there isn't too much around these parts.

Equinox smiled at Elcyon. He knew it would probably be dangerous, but he was prepaired to help her in every way he could I know it could be dangerous Elcyon, but I will will help you and Phal fingure this out. he told her. As he was near her, he helt his stumac clench. He really loked her a lot. And was glad she asked him to go eat with her. I'm well Elcyon. And yourself? Of course I'll join you.
Equinox looked at Rigel he seemed tired Are you alright? he asked.

Rigel raised his head wearily when he was addressed by Equinox. Oh, I'm just tired. Haven't been flying in a while, after all, he replied, ruffling his feathers a bit. He could feel his energy returning with the bright desert light, though. Maybe I'll have a look around this canyon, he said, mostly to himself, and fluttered over to a higher cliffside.

Phal watched as the others slowly dispersed amongst the desert, searching for food. She turned back to Aeraldi with a smile. I see a couple gazelles down by the water. Do you want something to eat, too? she asked, lovingly nuzzling his face with her own. She wondered if Aeraldi had already eaten.

OOC: Whoa, whoops....

Absolutely. Aeraldi replied. He had eaten a little beforehand but only enough to keep him standing and waiting. He enjoyed his meals with Phalynx and had expected her to be hungry after she came back. After all, once he found out that she had left he had kept an eye on her and noticed she had not eaten anything.
Aeraldi took off into the air and waited for Phalynx to lead the way.

Equinox killed his own deer, he shot it down with lightning, and he picked it up with his claws. It was a large buck, and by its weight and size was in its prime before Equinox killed it. He picked up the carcass and flew over to Elcyon. He put his deer down next to hers and took a few bites out of his.
How have you been? I haven't seen you for awhile?. he asked her, though he felt a bit odd for some reason, though it had been months since that had happened. He shook his head I should really stop thinking about that. he said to himself.

Equinox shrugged, he took another bite out of his deer, and tore it head off to consume it and the antlers, I hope your right. It does seem better now though. I don't think we have to worry... for now anyway. he replied to her. When she nuzzled against him, he felt his heart beat go up. He nudged her slightly with his head and replied to her Thank you, I'm sure things will get better also. But they seem to get worse before they improve.
He thought why Rigel left, Equinox shook his head. He decided that he probably didn't want company. After all, for the first century of his life Equinox hated the outside world ans was terrified of it. So whatever Rigel was doing to get away, it didn't bother Equinox to much since he himself had once been a loner.

Phal laughed. I s'pose that's true. Rigel? He seems kind of quiet, but that can probably be expected. He says he was imprisoned by the dragon that lived in that lair. I told you about this before, but I was the one who defeated him. I think he's just happy to be free, Phal replied with a glance towards the phoenix. She continued to tear hungrily into her meal, already almost finished with the first gazelle.

Rigel perched on the cliffside, observing the canyon below. He was thinking about what he should do next. He still couldn't decide whether or not to follow Phalynx and her friends, or go his own way to make further plans. Perhaps he could spend some time searching for allies. Allies were always valuable against enemies, and it was obvious he would not be able to kill Phalynx while a large amount of her friends were with her. And it seemed as if she had a great many friends.

OOC: In case you couldn't tell, the evil dragon who lived in that lair was the dragon from my fanfic, that Phal eventually defeated. She's probably told Aeraldi all about this by now, so yeah.

OOC: Curses! I hate it when I forget to post in topics.

I suppose I would be too, but there's just something about him that makes me nervous. Aeraldi said back, done with his gazelle.

Equinox was glad for the small break and the meal. He finished of the deer, and snapped its lowerleg bone and two and consumed the peices. He felt great after hte meal, and he enjoyed to chance to be with Elcyon and some of his other friends.

Equinox stood up, he felt a strange un easyness in the air. He sniffed to see if he could smell anything and smelt the scent of dragon blood. He gave a low growl, he hoped that no one was injured.
Yes, we should. Equinox replied to Elcyon. He flew into the air and went towards Phal and Aeraldi. To his surprise he saw a thrid dragon with them, but this one had painted markings on him, and he seemd to be badly injured.
Equinox landed next to them in alarm, Who are you? he asked. He looked at the dragon wondering why he was covered in blood.

Equinox let out a low growl when he heard what had happened to the dragon. He had only ran into shadow creatures a few times, but he knew how hard they were to kill and how powerful they were. He had know idea what the dragon or Phal meant by a scale, but he didn't ask question now. He knew there were more important things.

Equinox listened intensly as the dragons talked with eachother. He felt slightly embaressed because he only knew somewhat what a shadow creature was. Unlike them he hadn't had much experince with shadow creatures or magic.
Elcyon, what exactly is a shadow creature? I know some about them, but I have never seen one. Unless the fire demons count. he asked.
Though he was unsure what they were, he would help anyone in need. I'm also willing to help.

OOC: It doesn't really matter. We'll end it when it's ready. (And you and I both know when that will be... Mwahaha!) Idk how many pages that'll be in.

Equinox remained quiet. He didn't know much about these creatures so he took in all the infromation he could. He knew of the shadow realm, but had never been there before. If its possible for shadow creatures to come here, is it possible for us to go to the shadow world? Equinox asked.

OOC: Sorry that it's short.

Equinox could tell Temias was growing impatient, but he could understand, after all, the dragon's tribe was under attack. Equinox thought of what Phal told him and Elcyon of the shadow realm. He knew it would be dangerous to enter, but if it would help rid the land of these creatures he would would go in if he had to.
Equinox thought for a moment when Aeraldi asked where Rigel was. I think he flew off somewhere a bit ago before we ate. I thought he'd be back by now. he replied.

Temias nodded. Yes, I am well enough to fly. I just want to get back to my friends, he said, his eyes desperate. Phal glanced at the others. The flight will take a few hours, almost a day. We have to head north across the Burning Sun Sea, over some savanna land, and enter the mountains north of that. Temias and I know the specific location, she relayed. She unfurled her large wings, backing away to give herself room to take off. She paused when Aeraldi and the others started asking about Rigel, and turned to examine the cliffs she had seen him near.

Rigel had dozed off behind a large rock. Though the light was bright and energizing, he was still unfortunately tired from the time in capture. He started, coming awake when he heard his name. He quickly realized the dragons were wondering where he was. Rigel spoke into the minds of Phalynx, Aeraldi, Elcyon, and Equinox. Oh, I simply dozed off. I was quite tired. I'm afraid I will not be accompanying you to these tribelands, or whatever you were talking about. I still need time to recover, he said. Rigel did not speak into the mind of Temias, because the Tribe dragon knew who he was, and what he had done in the past. Or, at least, parts of it. Temias would reveal his identity to the others, and Rigel couldn't risk that. I bid you farewell, then, he called.

Phalynx had located Rigel just before he began speaking, and when he finished she gave a powerful downstroke of her wings, lifting off into the air. Goodbye, Rigel. I hope we cross paths in the future, she replied in a friendly voice, and flew higher, high enough to give the others ample space to follow. Temias, predictably, was the next one into the air, his face set in stoic determination as he flew past Phal and gazed off to the north.

Equinox flew with them all, though he wasn't sure what to think of the battle. He had never seen or met shadow creatures before, and it made him feel slightly nervous. He hopped everything would go ok, but he had a feeling something may not.