OC: What are you trying to imply with that last line? Ive thought about it but I dont get what you mean.

Ooc - Would you guys mind if I joined in?

Ooc - Thanks!

Ic -

Erais had been having a hard time lately. The seal around her neck that Kuja had so graciously given her, seemed to tighten slightly every day. She was ready to be rid of it, but had no idea where to find Kuja, and aside from it being a nuisance, strange things kept happening. Mostly a random tree or rock would blow into nothing when she got mad, but lately she would be in the middle of a battle or a tight situation, then instantly she'd just not be there.

Currently she was plowing through some of Galbatorix's guards when she felt a strange pulling around her body and with a bright flash of light she was gone from the scene. Clearing her eyes from the bright light, she looked around. Great, just great, Erais mumbled in her head. I start to get the upper hand, and this happens. Her mood instantly went sour as she felt anger start to boil in her. "Kuja I swear I'll kill you," she said darkly as she looked around to figure out where exactly she'd landed this time.

OOC: I hope you don't mind if a dragon joins.

IC: It was another moonlit night, filled with stars. This night flight, however, would prove to be very "un"relaxing for Phalynx.

Phal was currently flying simply for enjoyment in the night, a favorite passtime of hers. She wasn't sure why she had moved so close to the empire at this time, but so far there had been nothing to suggest danger or Galbatorix. She suddenly noticed from afar the presence of several dark and evil beings in a clearing in the forest. Phal recognized Kuja from past experiences, and she immediately recognized Reb, rider of her sister-in-law, Star Gazer.

Phal flew around very slowly, simply observing. She held up a claw in front of her right eye to block the glow coming off of it, the glow that meant her powers were in use. Phal watched the others dissappear and Reb and Kuja move off. Suddenly she saw (in magic-vision) a tunnel open up in another clearing. She had only seen this kind of thing when something was teleporting. Not long later, Erais appeared in a flash of light.

Phalynx watched, curious. She hadn't seen Erais for a long time, not since she was a youngster without flame. Where's Arden, and how did Erais do that? Phal wondered. She was a bit concerned that Erais's dragon wasn't with her. She then growled low in displeasure as Kuja approached Erais. Phal sent a few brief words into the rider's mind, I'm here to back you up, Erais, if you need any help. Phal wanted to ask her many questions, but that could be saved for later.

Erais' head snapped up when she saw Kuja come into view. She glared daggers at him as her hand rubbed the back of her neck where it was sore. "Save it for someone who would actually care Kuja." Her temper was flaring up. "What brings me here?" she asked him flabbergasted. "The fact that you're gift is more of a curse! I keep getting seperated from Arden began it's out of whack. I'd rather have it untamed then in my control, because obviously it's not in my control. I've seen more of Alagesia in this week alone then I have over the last five years! I'm sick of vanishing from a fight, I don't want this! I can fight on my own without it!" she spat at him angrily.

Erais felt Phalynx enter her mind. She hadn't heard anything about her for quite a while and had wondered what was going on with her. Thank you Phalynx, but keep yourself concealed at all costs unless I'm either dying or dead. Kuja has gone too far. She tried to keep her anger from showing through her words, but it didn't work. As the anger was harboring in her, the plant life around her was slowly dying. Her attention was briefly brought to the newcome which apparently knew Kuja. It seemed like she didn't like Kuja any more then she did, so hopefully she'd find an ally in her.

Good, but I swear I'll kill him if he shows his face again. Erais spoke to Phalynx. She thought for a moment about Kuja's hint, her eyes lit up as she remembered. Though that disappeared when she realized how long it would take there without Arden. She had no clue where he was at the moment. Stupid seal, I swear I'll kill him, I swear I will. She thought darkly in her mind. "All I need is some sort of transportation," she murmured to herself. There was no way she was going to try and teleport for fear she might end up in Galbatorix's study by accident. Erais' mind went through the possibilities as she ignored the others for the moment.

OOC: Yo, Daidrea, where've you gone?!

Hurry up, or we'll go on without you!

Pass for one cycle.

OOC: Okey dokey! Whatever you think is best.

IC: Phalynx rolled her eyes, though she did it smiling. No need to think so hard, Erais; I'd be happy to bring you to your destination. I'm almost as big as Arden, now, Phal offered, amused. She gazed suddenly at the sky, startled by movement in the heavens.

Look... a comet... she remarked suddenly. The bright light of the comet's tail was reflected in her eyes as she watched it mark its starry trail through the night sky. A good omen, or bad one? she wondered.

Phal shook her head and turned back towards the others. It's good to see you again, Star Gazer. How have you been? Phal asked happily to the large purplish dragon. She thought of Star as family, and hoped Star felt the same way about her.

OOC: Your turn, Erais. (And I know you're back. I saw you.)

Hurry! Run!

Ooc - I know, I know, I couldn't reply to everything at once. I had homework I had to get to. I was coming!

Ic -

Erais was brought out of her reverie. Thank you for your offer Phalynx, I dearly appreciate it. It's very hard to find friends now days. Though I have no doubt you're almost as big as Arden had been when we last saw you. He once again is having a growth spurt, but I would hardly know, she spoke sadly, I rarely see him now because this dark power is wild in me. I can't control it and I can't follow it. I miss Arden and it seems that this thing inside me is determined to keep me from him. Her voice was as sad as her thoughts were as she spoke.

Erais' delicate ears picked up the sound of an arrow, but when she turned, it had already struck Reb and pinned her to a tree. She immediately drew her sword, her senses kicked into high gear. Looking around carefully, she saw the source of it and started to walk forward. Alas, a light flashed in front of her and she walked straight into it. A few moments later she found herself once again, not in the same place.

Kuja I'll kill you! she thought out of anger while walking around a bit to figure out how far she'd traveled. She let her mind wander and found that she wasn't too far away from Phalynx and the others. Huffing angrily she began to walk forward, daring to disappear again. She got lucky and nothing of the sort happened.

Finally Erais was back with the others and tension had leaked into the surrounding area. She glanced between Reb and the newcomers, deciding this wasn't her place and to just let it unfold. What happened? she asked Phalynx.

OC-*Kuja theme song kick in!* lol jk jk

IC- Kuja appeared in front of the cave to The Door to Darkness. He made his way inside. As he entered the giant sphere-like room, he went over to the edge of one side. There were a few blank spaces next to the seal symbol that was identical to the one on Erais' neck. He grabbed something from inside of his tunic and pulled out what appeared to be orbs. Energy swirled within them. He placed them all on the blank spaces and they sank into the stone in small beams of light. When the lights vanished more different symbols were in their place glowing red. All the symbols on the floor of the room began to glow as well, except for Erais' seal.
Kuja smiled, yes...she will be the last one.
He went to the stone portal at the end of the room and stood before it. "Soon...the power of the souls will be mine. Then we can put the operation forward..." He walked away a short distance. "Hehehaha...I am filled with excitement!"

Erais listened to Phalynx explain, and was glad that this Zantya person wasn't an enemy. Right now she'd had enough of those. Thank you Phalynx, I can't tell you how annoying that is each time I'm taken from a place. She told her gratefully. As she kept quiet in her thoughts, something shifted in the air. She didn't know if the others felt it or not, but she knew that it was not a good shift. Whatever it was, it came from somewhere else and brought a bad feeling with it.

Did you feel that? she asked Phalynx, unaware that it was probably Kuja's doing. Her blood seemed to have turned to take a different course then normal and she felt it chill, the dooming feeling she got grew worse by the minute. The seal on her neck grew slightly tighter which made her worry even more.

Phalynx looked quickly at Erais when she mentioned feeling something. No, I did not feel anything. I shall look, though, she said in a worried voice. Phal switched on her magic-vision and scanned the area. She did not notice anything at first, merely trees and the magic swirling predictably around Reb, Star, and the newly arrived pair. Suddenly, as she shifted her gaze towards the area beyond Erais, she darted it back to the girl herself. Phal started, narrowing her stare down to Erais's neck, upon which was one of the strangest things she'd ever seen.

Erais... that seal... it is... glowing? But it's not really glowing, it's like the opposite of glowing. It's so dark compared to everything else that I can see it as clearly as if it were illuminated with a thousand stars. That thing is evil. she observed, emphasizing the word "evil". Phalynx had never seen anything of the sort before, and it scared her.



OOC: Hey Daidrea, ever played Ecco the Dolphin: Defender of the Future? That's what your whole "alter the course of time" thing is reminding me of, 'cause that's what happened in Ecco. I'll guess that Kuja's planning to stop elves and dragons from uniting? In Ecco, the Foe try to prevent humans and dolphins from uniting to form a new civilization. It's an awesome game. Sorry, I'll stop talking now, just wanted to see if you've played it. Goodbye!

OC: No, havent sorry.

The seal on Erais' neck began to sting slightly, she listened to what Phalynx had said. Yes, it is evil, there's only one way to get rid of it and I fear it won't happen. Erais spoke to Phalynx and watched curiously as Reb walked over. "It won't work Reb, believe me, I've tried so many things," she said as the white fire failed to do anything but make the seal pull tighter around her neck. She quickly stepped back as it was constraining her air, and right into a portal. The air whipped around her as it felt like she was being pulled backwards by an invisible rope around her stomach.

Erais had been in mid-step when she was sucked through the portal, so her foot continued to fall as she stopped moving, though it caused her to loose balance and trip. Her head cracked against stone, making it throb as she sat up to see where she had ended up. Confused about her bearings, she quickly turned around and saw Kuja standing there with a cloaked figure. Erais felt fear for a moment, but her anger flared up as she glared at them both not sure what to say.

Just like to point out that I am still there and know the location of the place.
But if you are just assuming I am still searching for it then it's fine =)
But yea im still there =P

OOC: Oh, whoops, you're still there... I'll have to change a few things. And Phal isn't sure if he's found it, she just wants to prevent him from going to/finding it, whichever.

Erais found she couldn't really move or do anything as Kuja walked over to her. It was as if she was held in place and could only watch with fear of what he might do to her. Her eyes narrowed into a glare as the seal disappeared and he began to talk to her as if she was some child. In her mind she felt as though she wouldn't have died. She was stubborn in her resolve that what he said was a lie, she knew how to take care of herself. "I highly doubt that Kuja, I would not be the one dead, I'm sure we both know that." She spat at him as he disappeared into the cave.

"Yes it's a curious thing, but just because Xaldin was like Daidrea doesn't mean that's what killed him." She hissed to the cloaked figure. Erais began channeling her energy in releasing herself from whatever it was that was holding her back. Lights flickered from within the cave as she couldn't even imagine what Kuja was doing in there. A bright light flashed almost blindingly before the cave started to crumble. The invisible bonds holding her were broken and she quickly rolled out of the way of a boulder that crushed the spot she had previously been in.

She quickly shielded herself as the rock exploded into different directions. A few small pieces cut her arms and hands, but she was fine otherwise. Uncovering her face she saw Kuja emerge. He looked different and the power he now had was frightening. She listened to his explanation of what was going to happen and how he was dying. Sure she detested him, but despite how much she hated the fact, she sort of liked him; well at least more so then Galbatorix and that was saying something. She didn't mind the fact that he was dying, but, to die that way would be horrible. Though on the other hand it was his fault that this was happening.

Erais got to her feet and brushed herself off. "That may be true, but I didn't want you to die this way. I also know that the darkness may be gone of me, but it won't truly ever be gone." She told him as he turned away. "I'm sorry Kuja, but I can't let you go through with this." Erais drew her sword slowly. She wouldn't let him destroy their world, even though it was so corrupt. If she kept him distracted enough, it might give the power in him enough time to kill him.

Yes, I'm fine, thank you. She spoke to Phalynx as she let her mind find where the dragon was. I know, I won't let him, don't worry. She smiled mentally as she saw Reb appear. It would be easier to keep Kuja distracted longer if she had help. We can't let him leave, she spoke with determination to both Phalynx and Reb. Even though she stood ready to strike him down, her eyes held a slight sadness. He'd spared her life even when he didn't have to.

Erais was surprised momentarily as Phalynx quickly grabbed her and took off into the portal. She decided she did not like to travel through them, it always left her a bit disoriented. The guardian didn't seem to bothered by the thawp Phalynx had given him. Erais had had enough experience to know how to get the dragon fully awake and aware that certain persons were going to try and enter into the past. In her mind she built up an electric pulse, then sent it into the dragons mind, shocking everything and spreading through the body. Hopefully it would be enough to get it moving, otherwise what good was having a guardian if it wouldn't guard.

Erais watched as Reb soon followed, she sighed. This wasn't exactly the way to deal with Kuja, words weren't much to him, nor threats. Erais slid from Phalynx's back and drew her sword, she walked forward to where the three beings stood. Back down or suffer, she threatened to them.

Ooc - I'm so sorry guys, I was really busy all last week with some foreign guests. Sorry it took so long.

Ic -

Erais clenched her teeth as she hit the wall hard. She heard a crack and knew instantly at least two ribs were broken. Cursing under her breath she staggered to her feet, ignoring the pain. She grumbled and picked up her sword. "Honestly Kuja, you'd have to kill me to stop me, even then, I'd haunt you for the rest of your life...AND after life." She spat at him, but knowing she couldn't fight him and succeed in her condition, she moved towards the three hooded figures. Phalynx, be careful, right now his strength runs deep. Keep moving, don't stay in one place. She told her.

"Now, let's see what is under those hoods," she said with a coy smile and started attacking the closest figure. She was surprised by the strength, regretting she had underestimated his skill, but she knew not to make that mistake again. She slashed forward, being forced to breathe deep and too quickly, it sent waves of pain through her chest as she could only imagine her broken ribs were poking her lungs. Erais, I'm here for you, a new strength filled her as Arden's presence was finally set in her mind again after months of seperation. She felt relief flood through her as her dragons strength pulsed through her body. "Come on you lousy creature, you won't get to see what's past that dragon."

OC- So sorry for the long wait guys...work has kept me out late and busy.

IC- Kuja smiled slightly as the guardian dragon began to gain emmense power. Interesting, he thought. The dragon's strength has become in range of almost surpassing me. Almost.. He turned his attention back to Reb. Hmm, I dont have time to deal with her. It would be dangerous to let them be but at this point I have no choice. He turned and made his way up the stairs right before the dragon.
The dragon stood up right, a strange aura surrounded it. Then its whole body began to glow. The dragon began to trasform, becoming smaller and changing shape. After it finished, a dragon-like humanoid stood in its place.
It was holding a sword that was made out of a fang.
"Haha...a lizard that walks." Although in humor, Kuja knew that this thing was almost his equal.
A large red blade appeared in Kuja's hand. "Let's not make a pointless battle..just one strike." Energy flowed into his blade and the dragon took stance. He did the same and after a few seconds they ran at eachother. Their blades crossed eachother and the appeared at eachothers back. The dragon fell over, Kuja was brought to one knee. His hand covered his chest which was was over a huge gash. After a minute it healed up. "Damn.. thats going to cut down alot of time." Kuja quickly turned around, he forgot about the other dragon. He turned his head towards the portal. It does not matter now...I have gotten close enough. "Now is the time..make haste you three."

The cloaked figure moved from side to side trying to dodge Erais' attacks. He turned his attention towards Kuja. He dodged her again and this time ran by her and made his way up along with the other three jumping up from the sides.

"Go.." The three of them went through..vanishing. Kuja turned his attention to what was in front of him. "If you are wanting to stop me...then face your past in order to save your future." Kuja turned and walked into the portal.

When he walked through it felt like he was flying...lights went past him left and right. He blinked and then he saw he was standing on a stone floor. He looked around, he saw dark clouds everywhere, and mist covered around him. There was a stone railing to his right. He went over to it and below was a bottomless abyss...just more mist. It was like a floating observatory or balcony. On the other side was floating slabs of rocks forming stairs. He went up them and in front of him was a stone path. A gate with walls were a short distance away. He walked towards it and went in. It was a city that was in ruins, when he looked at the sky it changed. It was filled with stars and visible planets the were extremely close.
Kuja looked around and wandered about the ruined city. It seemed almost endless. I guess everyone has a different path in Memoria.. After a while along a stone path a figure appeared a distance away. He was unsure what it was so he moved closer. As he did he realized it was a man. A young man rather with long black hair. Kuja halted as he realized who it was. The man turned and faced Kuja. "Well now..if it isnt Xaldin."

OOC: I'm also very sorry for the long wait. I, too, have been extremely busy lately. Unfortunately, I will remain busy for the next couple of weeks, so I won't be on very much.

IC: Phalynx turned to Erais. My power runs deep now, as well, Erais, she said. She, too, felt the presense of an approaching dragon, and based on Erais's reaction, she knew it must be Arden. Heartened a little by the thought of another coming to help, Phal lunged towards a cloaked figure.
She turned to snap at Kuja, but the collision between him and the strangely formed guardian dragon sent back a large quantity of power. As it rippled through the ground, Phal was knocked off of her feet before she could stop Kuja from getting near the portal. Roaring in frustration, she charged in after him, keeping her magic vision on. Navigating with her vision, and propelled by the ancient wild power that she temporarily had access to, she was able to follow Kuja.

Phalynx decided that she didn't really want to wait around to find out about "Xaldin" or about what Kuja was going to do. She thought only of preventing him from altering time. Phalynx, very rarely for her, acted completely on impulse and dove right next to the figures. She knew that they could currently not attack her with magic, seeing as she could not only see any magic they attacked her with and so avoid it, as well as the wild magic that was flowing over her scales and protecting her. For that reason, she decided to attack head-on.

Phalynx roared at them, her eyes illuminated. She was not at the moment fearing for her own safety, but for that of the path of time, and all those affected by it. She glanced warily between the two, watching them with magic vision and ready to move out of the way of any attack. I'm going to keep following you, Kuja, and you can't hold me off forever! she cried defiantly. She hissed in emphasis, and waited for their move.

Edited. Sorry guys for not logging in for a while. Kinda spaced out about here. I'll be on more now. =)