A short time ago Shyra, Rider of Ecivres, stumbled upon secret that could destroy Galbatorix’s Empire. If the rumors are true that Galbatorix’s power is coming from hundreds Eldunarí that he has locked up in Urû'baen, then this secret would destroy him. It is an ancient spell that, when performed, will give bodies back to the dragon souls in the Eldunarí and break them from the bonds they are in, such as the one Galbatorix would have over them. Galbatorix somehow got news of the spell and set his production rates much higher. Since he first came into power, Galbatorix has seemed to have endless troops and supplies, as well as power. His power has grown steadily over the years and it is believed that this as well as the limitless troops and supplies are linked to the Eldunarí he has in his possession, which is why the spell is so important.

Shyra has refused to share the spell with anyone, except Ecivres, for fear of putting their lives in more danger. Galbatorix has been tirelessly hunting her down, with Murtagh and Thorn as well. He fears this lone Elf girl and her dragon more than anything. Murtagh and Thorn are acting as his personal bloodhounds and to this point they have always just missed her. They have stooped to unimaginable torture to pull information from people that know her and they have finally succeeded with getting the information from a man after cutting out his daughter's tongue and burning his wife eyes in front of him.

Shyra and Ecivres, along with her husband Kit and his dragon Shyara, are stopping in the city of Sirat east outside borders of Alagaësia. Their daughter Elika is to meet them there and it is here that an ambush has been set up for them. Galbatorix himself will be there with Shruikan and Murtagh and Thorn.

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"Ambush!!" Kit roared across the silent valley. The arrows began raining down in massive numbers. Kit blast the air above him with magic to clear a hole for Shyara to turn upward.

Shyara pulled a tight curve upward and let loose a massive torrent of red flame. She kept her wings within six feet of her body as Kit worked his magic with her flame.

Kit spread Shyara's flame around into a large diameter circle to stop the arrows. "Head to Shyra." Kit watched below as a horde of Imperial soldiers poured down into the valley to attack the escort assign to Shyra. It was composed of Elves, Humans, Dwarves, and Urgals.

Ecivres came to a sudden halt as the sound of the arrows reached his ears, shortly before Kit's voice. He flipped around and moved out of range of the arrows. His sharp eyes suddenly picked out shapes way in the distance, dragon shapes. They were coal black and blood red. Oh no, Shruikan and Thorn!

Ecivres backpedaled and flew back into the arrows, then under the cover of Shyara's flame. How did they find us?!

"I don't care right now Ecivres, I just want to live!! Kit! Where's Elika?"

"She's in Siret, but we can't get to her!"

"WHY!?"

"That!!" Kit pointed toward the town where a wall dragons hovered. They didn't join the battle, meaning one thing, they were here with Galbatorix. Kit glanced down at the battle beneath them. It wasn't going well. These soldiers of Galbatorix's were worse than his soldiers of the past, these were more powerful, and not just in the fact that they could feel no pain. They were crushing Urgals with mere shields. "Where did these come from?"

Murtagh felt eager as Thorn tensed and untensed for the battle. "Let's get 'em."

Shuikan jumped in front of Thorn, "Wait," Galbatorix said, "Let's see what friends they brought with them."

OOC:
I shall join with both, if you don't mind, Kit.

IC:
Lean shuffled her wings as she crouched on the ground. Galbatorix sat upon Shruikan on her left, while Murtagh mounted on Thorn sat at her right. She rumbled in amusement to the red-shrike-dragons impatient mood. Calm young one. You shall be in the battle soon enough. she murmured, her head weaving back and forth. Her eyes saddened when she caught sight of the young hatchlings that Galbatorix wanted killed. They were so innocent. She clenched her talons into the earth. Her emotions were taking over again. She shook her head irritably. Careful to veer away from her companions, she reached her mind out to touch the conscienceness of the younglings that were fighting in the valley. I am for the Empire, but my sympathies go for both sides. If you see me, know I am as black as Shruikan, my eyes are the color of the night sky (navy blue), and my name is Lean. I will not hurt you in battle. I will help you get away if I can without giving myself away. she murmured to them before she withdrew.

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Zeke lifted his head as the sound of battle hit his ears. He heaved himself up and lumbered out of his cave. He spread his wings and jumped into the air. His eyes glowed with soft light as he searched his surroundings, looking for the source. Anger boiled in his blood when he saw two Dragon Riders and their companions fighting for their lives against powerful soldiers. He recognized Kit and Shyara, though the other two he did not. He bellowed loudly to announce his presence, then hurtled his body to the ground in a dive. His amethyst hide sparkled in the light as he slammed into the earth with a deafening boom! He roared out as he spun around and swept several Imperial soldiers off their feet with his tail. He instantly lifted his wings and was airborne again. He bellowed amethyst flames down on the men. He looked at Kit and Shyara, as well as the other two, and asked. Are any of you injured? he queried, still flaming.

OOC:
Tried to make it as long as I could...If I need to edit something, its fine with me.

OOC: Um, just so you know, the evil characters are going to be coming in and out of play, as a matter of fact they only be present for a about a page, then gone for a few, then back then gone for a long period, then they will come back shortly, then gone till the very end. And also, we are not in Uru'Baen, were on the outside of Serit, outside the edges of the Empire

Gornath flew happily alongside his old friend, as well as pupil; Braith. The two males were simply flying near the Spine a few miles past the edge of the lands controlled by the Empire. They flew along, laughing and joking wiht one another until the white dragon heard somethign up ahead. He looked at Braith oddly, and immediately all of the playful banter, as well as the happy-go-lucky attitude ended. The two experienced dragons flew forward cautiously, but their caution ended and rage began when they saw what was happening. There were three dragons on the ground, and many in the air. The only two that mattered to them were Shyara, and Ecrives. Then they clearly saw what was happening, Galbatorix and Murtagh were once again trying to capture Kit, Shyara, Shyra, and Ecrives. Gornath roared angrily and flapped his large white wings powerfully to propell himself through the air toward his friends. The white dragon moved faster than any dragon of equa size in the air. He could not fly higher, longer, or more powerfully, bue he was definately one of the fastest dragons in the world, especially over a short distance. He roared saying, Kit! Shyara! I am coming!

Braith too launched himself through the air, but his immense size slowed him down. He was not ment for flight, but for fighting. He immediately threw himself at the closest target, a large black dragon, a female, and one that almost equalled himself in size. He roared angrily and send a powerful fireball at the dragoness.

OOC: He is attacking Lean, and also, I say almost equalled himself in size because, despite his young age, he is a MONSTER of a dragon, but somwehat slow-witted and is not much of a flyer. Also, his special ability wears him out quickly, so he is not overpowered. The only two dragons who are greater than him in size are Bahamut, and Faefnir.

OCC: May I join? Just a quick question: Is this taking place during the day or at night?

IC:
What is Galbatorix up to? Natagath thought to himself as he stood atop a hill overlooking the valley. His travels had led him to this town at the edge of the Empire. He was shocked by the large number of troops nearby. They were hidden to anyone approaching the town but he could see them from his vantage point.

It looks like our dear old king is trying to set up an ambush for someone. It's not the act of a gentleman. Whoever they are, they must be important.

Natagath smiled under his helmet. Nothing would please him more than to foil one of Galbatorix's plots, especially if it was something important. The elf's hatred for Galbatorix was stronger than ever, since the king has sealed him inside this wretched suit of armor and grafted weapons to his body. He began to think of a way that he could expose the ambush, but before he could, the prey arrived. Natagath watched as what wa sliterally a cloud of arrows streaked into the sky at two approaching dragons and their riders. Natagath's anger had reached it's limit. He could not just stand by and allow his fellow riders to be captured or killed. He attached the hose of his sprayer to one of his canisters of seithr oil and hing the device back on his belt. He then began to gather energy from the world around him to prepare for battle.

"Galbatorix made me swear not to kill any of his high ranking servants, but he said nothing about his foot soldiers!"

Natagath pulled the switch on the side of his arm-mounted crossbow, making the limbs spring into the firing position. He already had a bolt locked into place and ready to fire. Finally he was ready. With a savage yell, Natagath began to charge down the hill toward Galbatorix's men like an armored demon from Hell. Using his magic, he made the curved melee blade on his left arm spring into place like a switchblade as he ran. His feet made metalic clinks as he steped on rocks, sticks, and whatever else lay in his path.

I know this is dangerous for me. I bear the mark of the Empire on my helmet. Those people may mistake me for the enemy. Then again, who doesn't?

Natagath leaped over a rock and landed with a heavy thud on the other side. His pulse was pounding as he ran toward the army and finally, Natagath leaped off the hill and into the center of a gang of troops. While still in midair, he firing his crossbow and sent a bolt into the head of a nearby soldier. He then landed on another soldier and there was a sickening crunch as the man's head was crushed under his weight. Natagath quickly folded up the arms of his crossbow and stabbed a soldier that was standing in front of him with his blade.

"Those shields won't save you!" he shouted as he wrenched a shield from the grasp of a soldier and then pashed the soldier in the head with the shield. The soldier came at him with a sword, seemingly unphased by the attack, and thn Natagath understood.

So it is true. The king does have soldiers who feel no pain! Well it matters not!

He blocked the attack, dueled briefly with the soldier, and smashed his skull with a blow from his spiked gloves. Natagath began to make his way over to where the dragons and riders were, cutting down soldiers left and right as he went along. What he saw next made him freeze. Murtagh and Thorn, Galbatorix and Shruiken, and another black dragon Natagath had never seen before, were flying directly toward the fight.

"Oh this can't be good!"

Natagath did not look forward to confronting Galbatorix himself. But then another dragon, an amethyst colored one, arrived. Natagath was tempted to see where the fight went from here, but another soldier attempted to attack him behind. Natagath backhanded the soldier to the ground with his spiked glove and then curb stomped him with his right boot.

OOC: Sure you can join. Anyone else, besides Draco, please PM me before you post, with Draco, this is about the max of people I want. Sorry, but if you present a good case, I might let you join.

It is about mid-morning.

OOC:
*tries to restrain self from typing a post* I really, really want to reply, but I know we should wait for Kit so that we have an order...Gah! My fingers are literally hurting from me trying not to begin a response...

OOC: I just want to make sure everyone is staying since I mentioned the thing about evil characters. I thought it might put a damper on who wants actually be in the RP. The one I'm really concerned about is Daidrea, since his charry is evil. So once Daidrea PMs me to let me know his plans, I'll post

OCC: I'm fine with the baddies.

Kit smiled as fight tipped in their favor as friends and allies joined the fight, familiar and unfamiliar, they all must've heard about Shyra somehow. No we're not hurt, yet.

"Can we join yet?" Shuikan agreed with Murtagh after the silver Phalynx hit him.

"No, but send in the Razorbacks. Let's see what they are truly worth."

Shyra heard a rumbling and looked back to where Galbatorix was watching. Underneath him came five massive creatures, with armor-plated skin and huge spiked ball flails. They stood at least 60 feet from head to foot and were the ugliest thing she'd ever seen. How is this possible? "Fly higher."

Ecivres flew up now that the arrows had been cleared and was slammed into by one of the brown dragons Galbatorix had working for him, who now joined the battle.

The saddle straps, holding her in place, snapped as Shyra was jerked by the impact. Her quick elf reflexes kept her from falling completely off, but she was hanging on by one hand as the other dragon came in for another attack. Somebody help!

The area was too crowded to risk jumping, so Shyara let loose of the Razorback she had grabbed ahold of and raced back to Ecivres. She threw herself onto the other dragon, claws and teeth sinking into flesh while Kit tried to find the heart with his sword. The seemed unfazed and jerked back, leaving a chunk of flesh in Shyara's mouth. Not dragons too.

"See, with Dragons and Razorbacks, the tide is again in our favor."

The Razorbacks not only nearly killed everything on the ground, including Galbatorix's men, but were also swinging their flails at the dragons, adding another twenty feet to their reach.

Shyra used the momentary distraction to set herself back in the saddle, but it was unsteady now that she had nothing to hold her in.

OOC: I want to try something alittle different with this one, if it doesn't work then we'll establish an order. I'll mark the beginning and end of each cycle, but in between my posts everyone else can post ONCE in any order. Once everyone has, then I'll post again for the next "block". This way we keep it moving at about a steady pace. If anyone objects to this let me know and we can vote, otherwise have at it.

OOC:
I'm good with that.

IC:
Lean raised a wing to shield herself from the huge ball of fire. It slammed into her thick wing membrane and dispersed around her. She lowered her wing and snarled at the hatchling that had thrown it to her in the first place. A large orange colored male hovered before her. She was a little put off by his slightly bigger build. She launched herself into the air. Be still, youngling! You do not know which side I am! I work for Galbatorix, but I support both sides! she snapped, flying right past him.

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Zeke nodded. Good, he rumbled. He pulled in his wings and parallel dove to the ground. He pushed dozens of soldiers aside, then grabbed one in each hind claw. He beat his wings to rise again. After reaching thirty feet, he released first one, then the other from his grip. They flailed as they fell, screaming. Then the cries stopped when they crashed into the earth and were silenced forever. He did this manuver several times, but it was not always successful. Some of those he grabbed were impervious to pain.

OOC: More like a giant Ogre. If you know enough about Star Wars, they are strongly based off the Rancor Beasts, except bigger. You can do a Google search if you want to. Sorry, I had the picture so clear in my head that I forgot to put in enough descriptions about them.

OOC: Draco or Red or Daidrea, you three need to go. As I said before no official order. I do know that with the exception of Draco, you guys have been on number of times since I last posted, and neither of you have posted.

And one more thing, the Razorbacks, they are about as intelligent as a monkey, so that is higher than the average animal.

OOC: I need Daidrea to post before me. Sirius and Na'ir attacked Kuja and Selris.

OOC: Sunday, the 28th, the three of you, Draco or Red or Daidrea, will be officially skipped, whether you've gotten on or not. If you don't post on this go around, or the next, you will be expelled from this RP! I said I wanted this to be somewhat fast-paced and continually going, but this has turned out to be the slowest RP I've EVER done, that hasn't died!

OOC: I'm sorry, Kit. If Daidrea hasn't gone by Saturday then I'll just improvise and take my turn by then. I would prefer he go first, but oh well.

OOC:
Does anyone still have to go before kit restarts the order? I think it would be interesting to see where this thread goes.

OOC:Anyway, I was just hoping that Draco would show up soon, it is her "turn", our characters are pretty close and this thread would affect mine greatly, so I wanted her part of it. I guess we should go ahead though, but it'll be at a slow pace. I'll post sometime soon, but I have Finals next week so I need to focus on getting ready for that.

OOC: Well Draco, since you're back, I'll wait for you.

OOC: Well... I guess I didn't miss anything. I shall post!!!

IC: Phal darted away from Shruikan as soon as she had hit him. The attack had not really done much except establish her threat. She growled as a group of massive, powerful beasts with armored skin joined the battle. Always sending others to do your dirty-work, Galbatorix? Why even be here if you're not going to fight? she spat at the king, slowing her wingbeats and twisting herself around to face him. His consort of Shruikan, Thorn, Murtagh, and an unknown dragoness would attack Phal if she drew too close. The dragoness was busy with Braith at the moment, though. Phal wondered who she was.

Not bothering to ponder that question more than a moment, Phal roared and extended her mind over Galbatorix and Shruikan's ward. She sent energy into it, causing the ward to become super-heated until it started burning its controllers. Galbatorix seemed to curse as he released the affected ward, and Phal lashed her tail.

Before Sirius could attack the silvery dragon with more than a few claw-swipes, he felt something crash into his side. The young white roared in fear as he plummeted to the ground. A huge clod of dirt had been sent flying at him, and knocked him out of the sky. He rolled as he hit the ground and lay there for a moment, dazed. He felt the ground shake as something enormous came toward him, and suddenly blocked out the sun.

Sirius! Sirius, get up! Na'ir cried, already diving toward her fallen brother. One of the massive armored beasts was looming over him, teeth bared in satisfaction. It reared back, ready to crush the young dragon beneath its massive weight.

Sirius blinked, his vision clearing, and gasped as he saw what was directly above him. The massive beast came down, and a burst of adrenaline flooded the young dragon's system. He scrambled to his feet and dove to the side, hitting the ground in a roll as he managed to fling himself away just in time. He was prevented from getting to his feet as the ground shook with the force of the monster's impact. It lunged forward, roaring angrily that its prey had escaped.

Na'ir almost cried out in relief as her brother regained his senses in time to hurl himself out of the way. She reached the monster in time to halt its lunge, and flew directly in front of its face. A massive torrent of silver flame, sparked with blue, black, and white, flooded from her jaws and hit the beast squarely in the face while its jaws were still open. It howled and jerked away in pain. Na'ir saw Sirius climbing to his feet and jumping into the air.

The dragon lunged back at Ecivres, but Shyara slammed into him.

Kit used Shyara's force to send him leaping onto the dragon's back. With Shyara distracting him and holding him relatively still, Kit plunged his sword through the spine of the dragon, then ran up back up Shyara's arm to her back.

Shyara hurled the limp dragon at the dragon who was attacking Braith. How are we supposed to kill these things?

Rip their hearts out!

Sounds good. Shyara dropped out of the sky like a falcon at a Razorback that had a man hanging on it. Her momentum allowed her grip the thing in her claws and hurl it upward. Before she let go though, she grabbed the metal man in her tail and save him. The Razorback landed squarely on its head, but was dead. She put the man on its back. Finish him, she told him as she darted off.

A Razorback got around the others and came for Ecivres. He whipped out with his tail and left a gash across the chest. Ecivres blasted it with fire, and suddenly a giant flail swung out of the flames, just missing his skull. He backed up as it came around again, the beast swinging madly at him.

Ecivres backed right into the tree line and had no where to go. The flail came again, straight up from underneath. Shyra shot out ward to protect him, but the flail still connected. The ward stopped the stopped it from breaking skin, but the sheer power of the swing sent Ecivres and Shyra hurtling through the sky. Shyra saw the city approaching and felt the impact.

Elika was on the far side of the city, when huge crash met her ears. She ran toward the noise. A huge hole had been ripped though the upper cities floors. Elika couldn't tell but she thought that it might have even gone clear into the earth level, ripping through the other seven city layers.

This is definitely the work of Galbatorix. Let's wait till our parents get here and see what they know.

Shyara cried out in horror as she felt her link with Ecivres overflow with pain. She whipped around to see them disappear over the mountains. Her link suddenly went dead, completely gone. She roared in pain and jumped the Razorback that hit them. Before she even came out of the jump, she sent her tail clear through its heart. With unnatural strength, she lifted it off the ground and hurled it right into Shruikan. Then looped around over the mountain.

OOC: For my story line to work, all good guys need to fall back, and all evil, stay here(they will go out of play for a little bit.)

Lean growled as someone threw a dead dragon at her. She barrel-rolled sharply to her right and dove down. As she came out of the manuever, a razorback was hurled at Shruikan. She roared in fury and blasted her black fire at the missile, burning it to a ash filled husk. The corpse floated harmlessly down to the ground. Her denmate nodded in thanks to her, then launched himself up to chase one of the rebels. The black dragoness bellowed and folded in her wings. The orange male she had encountered earlier was fighting three boars. Angling her body, she cut through the air like a spear. As she approached the ground, she twisted so she would land hindlegs first. A moment later, her hindquarters rippled with the shock of impact. She roared and swung her tail at one of the monsters. Whirling, she dispatched the second one with a savage slash of her talons. The third squealed in terror, but jumped onto her back all the same. Its tusks tore into her neck and ripped it to sheds. The creature even had the gall to snap one of her ivory colored spines in half. Pain flashed through her as the bone was cut. She roared in rage and flipped onto her back. The beast made a horrible screeching sound as her other spines penetrated it, then fell limp. She stood and irritably shook it off. She bared her fangs and snarled at the orange male. You had better hope that Galbatorix didn't see me do that. she hissed before leaping into the air, but not before grabbing the severed piece of her broken spine.

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Zeke bellowed his amethyst-and-pale-blue flames. His ice blue eyes flashed with savagery and his amethyst scales bristled. He could sense the others retreating, but he himself stayed where he was. He growled in frustration. An enemy dragon-no doubt controlled-flew up in front of him and snarled. He bared his fangs and launched his body probe. The dragon-a male-fought with the strength of a Shade. He tried to rebuff the control on the males mind, but found it impossible. With grief stabbing at his heart, he growled,"Deyja," and the dragon fell limply from the sky. He opened his maw and roared as he noticed that Na'ir was bellowing her magical fire in the face of a monster. He grit his teeth and winged toward her. He hovered slight above and in front of her, then roared his own flames to join hers.

OOC: Anthor is not in this RPG, only Gornath and Braith.

Lean growled, then noticed the star dragoness flying higher up than herself. Curious, she flapped her wings powerfully and rose up to meet her. She moved her neck in an arch, but winced as she did so. The wounds that the boar had delt were stinging now. Her navy blue eyes flashed and she bared her teeth. To fight against the Empire is to perish. she hissed, her black scales bristling.

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Zeke watched Sirius take down the huge beast. Something flickered in his eyes, then vanished. He bared his fangs in a draconic smile. A good, fatal move. But that will not keep your mother from skinning my or Gornath's hide if you stay any longer. Follow the others toward the recuperating spot. he said, then beat his wings to lift himself higher.

OCC: I'm gonna leave this one. Go ahead and skip me.

OOC: Okay, F-14. Thanks for lettin' us know.

IC: Phal located her children, who were being confronted by Gornath, Braith, and Zeke. Good; they'll get them out of here, she thought. She laughed as she saw Sirius standing next to one of the giant creatures in a very triumphant stance. That young dragon was proving to have a lot of skill in fighting, though it worried Phal because it meant he would try to get into more fights.

Before she could fly to join them, a large figure drew up to meet her. Phal hissed as she recognized Lean, whom she considered a traitor. Lean was basically a part of her family, and yet she served (to some degree) Galbatorix. Well then I should be dead a thousand times over, she said coldly back, her scales flashing with light. I am leaving now, but don't think I won't fight my way past you, she added, her eyes narrowed. She didn't have time for a long fight now. She had to make sure Na'ir and Sirius were safely at the regrouping location.

Na'ir burst out laughing at the look on Sirius' face after Gornath spoke. After a few more moments of mirth, she nodded to him and Zeke. We're coming, we're coming, she said, moving toward her brother and shoving him along after the older dragons.

Well. I thought that move was clever, Sirius said to Na'ir, taking offense at what the white dragon had said. He wasn't a very big dragon, and it wasn't as if he was just shoving his way through his enemies, crushing them with only his strength. It took skill to carry out a move like that! These were only a small fraction of the things he grumbled as he followed his sister after their mother's friends.

Where's our mom? And Kit and Shyara and Ecivres and Shyra? Are they at the regrouping spot yet? Na'ir asked, a little worry edging her voice. She started looking around for the dragons and two riders she had named.

OOC: Okay, I'm going to go ahead and skip forward just a few minutes so when everyone is in Sirat to that we can move along. And sorry I haven't posted on this one in a while, it has been busy for me.

IC: Kit stepped back as several more dragons landed and hushed them quickly.

Elika watched the mountain side for any movement.

"Hey guys thanks for helping us out of that trap, but we have a problem. Shyra and Ecivres are missing and we need your help to find her. Galbatorix is coming though and I'm not sure if those Razorbacks are his strongest troops, so we need to lay low here in the city and try and find Shyra. I'd suggest only people be out looking until we have a definite location for her."

"They're getting closer," Elika said. "Quick follow me, we can hide in one of the lower levels." Elika dropped down the massive hole in the wooden walk. She dropped about hundred feet then grabbed the edge to the fourth level and pulled herself up.

Kit jumped up on Shyara, there was no time to waste. "Come on."

Shyara silently dropped down into the massive hole. As she descended, she tried to see the bottom level and possible Ecivres or Shyra, but after the sixth level she could see nothing because of the blackness. It was a very tight squeeze, but Shyara was able to land in the 30-some foot space that allotted the fourth level. How many levels does this city have?

Thirteen; the last five are actually below the ground. From top to bottom though it's about four hundred feet. Here. Elika stopped before a massive wooden door. This is a warehouse for food, it is mostly empty and well large enough for all of us.

Elika waited till everyone was inside, then she closed the door behind herself.

Zeke landed close by Elika, folding his wings quickly to allow others more space. He patiently listened to everyone speak, then silently followed behind the group as they went to a safehouse. He was the last to enter before the door was shut. The darkness terrified him, but he fought the urge to bathe his eyes in light in case the glow just happened to slip underneath the door and give them away. He pressed his side to the wall, trembling. He had forgotten how the dark paralyzed him with fear. He couldn't sense anything other than sound and smell; the muted breath of two-legs and dragons and the leathery-spicy scent of dragonhide. In the dark, he truly was blind.

---------------------------------

Lean tapped her claws impatiently as Galbatorix spoke to his search parties. What was she waiting for? Orders? She could do what she wanted! She flared her wings and beat them savagely, lifting her heavy bulk into the air. No one questioned her. Why would they? If she were a round-ear-two-leg, she would probably be captain of some portion of Galbatorix's army, or something of that nature. She flew in toward the city, worriment in her navy blue eyes. The dark king had something planned. She didn't know what, and she didn't really care personally. But she cared about the little ones she had seen fighting today; Phal's little ones, Alna'ir and Sirius-her kin. She was going to warn Phalynx and the rest of them if she had to pluck her scales off one by one to gain their trust.

Braith growled to Alna'ir, saying, Your mom, and the others are flying toward the city, I suggest you do the same, I think that I will follow after while, I have something to do. said the dragon who looked pointedly at Gornath with a look that said, 'I dare you to tell me otherwise.'

Gornath snorted at the orange dragon, said something about the younger generation being overly stubborn, and said to Sirius and Alna'ir, Follow me, we will go with Kit and Shyara. said the dragon as he flew after Kit and the others.

OOC: Don't worry, Kit, Braith is only gonna do his own little thing for a few minutes, he will meet up with Kit and the others in a few more posts.

Elika shushed the dragons and put her ear to the door. She heard nothing. Remember anyone with mental abilities will be able to hear you as well, so talk quietly. Phal, I'm going to rely on you to tell me if anyone is close to finding you guys when we're gone. When we get a whiff of where Mom is at, we'll come back, I already have a few places to check.
Everyone please stay here, These lower levels are the safest from Galbatorix, but have a danger all their own. This place is run by street gangs and the bottom 4 levels are crawling with mutants that carry the mutagen in a slime covering their bodies. To this date, there is no cure I know of and magic has no effect on the mutagen or mutants. If you get it in your skin, you get it in your body, you are done. The next thing to do will be to either be killed, or kill.
We should lie low for the now, when it gets dark me and dad can head out and hit a few places.

Elika slipped out the door with Kit in tow. "I know one of the girls from one of the two major gangs down here. She should be able to help us. She's lived in this city most of her life." Elika and Kit walked for a while when Elika grabbed Kit and slammed him into a corner with a hand over his mouth. She peaked around the corner again. A large battalion of Galbatorix's soldiers were filing through the hall. They stayed in the dark corner till they passed. "This is not good. Galbatorix is really pressing down on Mom, he hasn't ever pushed this hard to get her."

They enter the Dragon Kin Tavern. Elika approached a young girl in an argument with older male. "Hey, she asked you to leave her alone." The man was obviously drunk.

"Yeah and whats you gunnas do about it baby?"

"Oh, nothing much. Just this!" She grabbed him by the collar and slammed him through a table.

Kit jumped back at his daughter's explosive and odd behavior. "So much for lying low," he said as everyone turned and looked at them in shocked awe.

"Obviously you've never been in a tavern like this before," she remarked. She glared quickly around the room and every returned to what they were doing. "How are you Cede?"

"I'm good Elika. Thanks for that, I think. Did you need to shove him through the table?"

"I suppose not. Anyway, I need your help. Can you ask around and get any information on a female dragon rider and a male dragon that might've crashed here?"

"You don't mean your mother do you?" Elika's look said yes. "Sure thing I'll start right now. Meet me here in two hours and I'll let you know what I find out. And conceal your weapons. Galbatorix has put a weapon ban on this city; weapons aren't sold and all are "commandeered" from those who are unlucky enough to get caught with them."

"Okay, thanks Cede. See you in a bit." Elika and Kit made their way back to the warehouse.

Zeke jumped slightly when Phalynx brushed his side with her wing, but instantly relaxed when he realized it was her. He smiled timidly, still trembling despite her reassurances. Thank you, was all he murmured. He grumbled slightly in annoyance as Elika hushed them, but didn't otherwise react. He stiffened when he heard the click of fully extended dragon claws outside, then a sharp tapping against the door. A faint mental voice that sounded eerily like Alna'ir drifted into his mind, although he knew she was close beside her mother. Not to mention that the voice sounded much rougher than the real thing. He was unsure if the others heard it.

—————————————

Lean ducked her tiny head back as a line of Imperial soldiers filed past. She had shifted to the much smaller form of Alna'ir, since her true form was much too large to move around comfortably in the dark streets of the fourth level. She tasted the air, following Phalynx's scent to a closed door in a pretty much abandoned part of the city. She pause outside, then lifted a paw and clicked her claws against the metal. No answer. Irritated, she extended her mind into the space behind the door. Will someone please let me in, or do I need to break the door down? Which I would prefer not to do, since not only would that make a lot of noise, but you would have to find another hiding place. she growled darkly, her bright green eyes flashing with her irritation.

Gornath, not having any hands, as a human, could not open the door, but said, I will try to get someone smaller to try and open it for you. said the white dragon. He was easily the largest of teh dragons in the room, but on top of that, he was by far the oldest, being more than one-hundred years older than Phalynx, who was noy much older than Shyara. He said, I... I am not one much for a small, space like this, I do hope Kit and Elika get back soon, otherwise, I may have to leave, and fly out on my own. said the clausterphobic white dragon.

OOC: I really hope I spelled that right lol.

IC:
Braith growled. He had managed to somehow slip past the majority of Galbatorix's forces, and was not behind the main body of them. He was suprised at the cover in the area, the large hills, as well as large trees. Even a dragon of his size did not have too much trouble, finding sufficient cover. The orange dragon was now watching the forces of the mad king, to see what they did, and if need be, distract them from the other dragons, should they try to leave the city.

Phal caught sight of movement beyond the walls of their room, and jerked her head to focus on the area. A dragoness, looking very much like her daughter Alna'ir, was tapping on the metal door with her claws. A moment later, the voice entered their minds. Despite its similarities to Na'ir, Phal already knew who it really was. Her eyes narrowed in distrust. She glanced at Gornath when the large white spoke. I understand how you feel, Gornath. I'll get the door, she said with a faint smile. She did understand what he meant; she hated enclosed places like this. She longed to be in the open, in the sky. Phal reluctantly paced toward the door, not liking to let Lean in; she didn't trust the older dragoness. However, Lean already knew they were here, and despite being allied with Galbatorix, Phal knew she still considered herself a friend to other dragons. In addition, the silver saw no enemies anywhere near them.

Phalynx pulled the door carefully open, so that it would make little noise. She stepped back to allow the dragoness in. I don't know why you're here, but if you do anything to put my family or friends in danger, you will pay. And take a different form, she spoke, her voice cold.

Na'ir stayed near Zeke, a little unnerved at seeing a copy of herself standing outside the door her mother was opening. She wasn't sure what to think of Lean, so she stayed quiet for now.

Sirius kept his eyes on the newcomer, his forelimbs still placed on top of a pile of crates. In a fluid, catlike movement, he jumped the rest of the way onto the pile, and crouched until he was resting with his legs beneath him. He liked having a higher vantage point.

Lean rolled her eyes to the side, then focused them on Phalynx. Sirius and Na'ir are my kin through Aeraldi; I would never hurt them of my own free will. Do you think so little of me that I would? she said, her green eyes fierce. And I can't shift from one shape to another; I have to assume my true form first before I take another morph. But if I did that at this time, you would all be crushed against the wall by my bulk. she explained, but hung her head low. Forgive me for taking the form of your daughter; it was the only option I saw at the time. she said. She scowled and lifted her head to its full height, her green eyes glowing softly. Seriously, the death threats are getting old. she growled to Elika and Shyara. Its a wonder that I'm still supplying the Varden with information about Galbatorix with all of the warnings I recieve. I can very easily turn around, leave this cell, and tell Galbatorix where you are, but I won't because members of my family are here, and I. Will. Not. Hurt. My. Family! she snarled as forcefully as she could. She raked her eyes over the other dragons inside the room. Now, if you would be so kind as to put your weapons away, she paused to glare pointedly at Kit. I will tell you why I'm here. she hissed, sitting down on her haunches. She scowled as she shuffled her wings and wrapped her tail over her paws, an exasperated snort shooting from her nostrils. Honestly, I've helped you more often than not. Give me some credit for dealing with my position the best that I could. she said, her voice suddenly sounding tired and very much her ancient age.

---------------------------

Zeke's muscles remained hard as steel, even when Lean assured them that she was not a threat. It was driving him crazy not being able to see what was going on, but too much emitted light would give them away. He settled for straining his ears to try and figure out where everyone was. Lean, Phalynx, Elika, and Kit were near the now closed door. Na'ir was beside him. Sirius..he guessed by the dull thump of dragon claws that were higher up than they should have been that the white-male had found a good high vantage point. Shyara was in front of him in a corner, he guessed, and Gornath was beside the other wall it seemed like. His sense of smell caught Na'ir's scent, and by the sharp tang in it, he guessed she was a little nervous. He rumbled soothingly in his chest and lowered his head to her level. He didn't say anything to her, though, unsure if he would even say the right thing.

Phalynx snorted impatiently at Lean, accepting her words. Though the silver didn't like trusting the older dragoness, she could see the truth in her words: she would not harm a member of her family. What is it you have come her for, Lean? Phal asked, her tone more tolerant, and even a little kind. This dragoness did seem to be trying to help them, and it was obvious no soldiers were following her. There were no tendrils of magic that might be connecting her to a magician, either. Lean was here alone, and seemingly with great purpose.

Na'ir was still unnerved by facing a copy of herself, so she just looked away and scanned their surroundings, only listening to the conversation.

Sirius kept his eyes on everyone and everything he possibly could. On top of the large pile of substantial crates, he felt better. He glanced at Gornath when the older dragon snapped at everyone, sympathetic to his feelings. The younger white dragon didn't like small spaces either, and since Gornath was much bigger, this space was much smaller. I'm sure we'll be out of here soon. Once Lean speaks, Elika and Kit can tell us what they've found so far, he spoke to Gornath.

"My mother,"

and my mate!

"is missing because of that Monster you call master! And if you are on our side, why didn't you warn somebody about that blitz attack, or those giant things that he sent after us?!" Kit finished for Elika and Shyara. Kit sort of felt sorry for this dragon, but he never liked anyone that was two faced. For him, you were either in or out, not halfway.

After everything cleared up and was settled, Elika with an eye still on Lean, told everyone what Cede had said, without using a name.

OOC: Rolling forward 2 hours.

IC: Elika went back to the tavern alone, leaving her father with dragons. She found Cede in a back corner. Elika pulled out a chair and sat. "What did you find out?"

"I talked to several people that were as worthless as dirt, but I did get some good information from the head of one of the gangs. I did a favor for him once so he evened the score for the info. Anyway, a few of his members have been tailing the soldiers and following up on their own leads and get this, one of them said he heard some of the soldiers talking about searching for a rider in the underlevels!"

"That's great!"

"Not really. You've never been below this level have you? As you go down it gets darker and there are thousands of places to hid down there and you already know of the stories of the Crawlers. But anyway, myself and the gang head put more stock into this though. One of the members caught someone from another rival gang on their turf and after giving him a beating of a lifetime, he said that his gang had picked up a woman down there and were going to offer her as a prize in the upcoming fight to the winner."

"What about a dragon, anything?"

"Unfortunately, or perhaps not, they didn't find one or at least didn't say they did. But he did say they saw some wicked tracks in the mud that encouraged them to leave as quickly as possible."

"Is there anyway we can get in and try and get my mom from them?"

"I don't think so, but you can sure as hell try. Discuss with your friends then ask for me at the Black Night Inn. In all honesty I think your best bet is to wait for the fight and win her back that way."

"Alright." Elika wasted no time an hurried back to warehouse. She explained everything to everyone really quick. "So what do we want to do? Try and break in or wait for the fight?" We'll have to save dad sometime too, but we think it best that whatever we do, we do not split up.

Lean snorted, her green eyes softening with concern. I am sorry about you mother, Elika, and your mate, Shyara, but what could I have done? If Galbatorix himself hadn't of been there, I would have ordered Thorn and the troops to return to the Empire. But with him there, if I had tried to back out and warn you physically, I'd probably be dead right now. I'm one of his closest "followers", and that does not come without fatal risks. I couldn't warn you today, couldn't protect you from Galbatorix, and that's why I'm here now. she said, new determination sparkling in her eyes. She waited politely for Elika to finish, and then her mind was on the run. She had been in this area once before, when she had been exploring Alagaesia before the Fall. She knew the general layout, but not enough to get around. Not even to mention that she was a dragon and couldn't move around very stealthily. She took in a deep breath, lifted her head slightly, and began. Before I left, I overheard Galbatorix speaking to Murtagh and Thorn. It seemed like he was giving the pair even more Eldunarí's, for more power. But...he was telling them battle strategies that he had come up with to best serve your fighting style, Phal. I came here to warn you because not only does he want Kit, Shyra, Ecivres, and Shyara destroyed, but I think he will try to get you, Phalynx. Or one of your children. Galbatorix is desperate to hold your powers under his thumb; you know that. I think he has a plan to threaten Sirius's or Na'ir's life in some way. Believe me when I say that I wish I knew what exactly that was. she said, and her teeth ground together audibly in muted frustration. I go along with his crazy plans mostly because I can not stop him without revealing who I am, and therefore getting myself killed. But he crossed the line with family. she growled, and her green eyes flashed once in defiance as she met Phalynx's steady gaze,"As long as my family needs me, and the friends of my family as well, my powers and strength are at your whim." she vowed in the Dragon Tongue, an oath even more binding than the Ancient Language.

The ancient black dragoness-still in the blue-scaled form of Alna'ir-stayed curled up in the corner of the warehouse, her eyes half-closed, until Elika returned. She mused over the whole situation. The scales along her neck bristled. You can take or leave my advice, but here it is anyway. Breaking in will draw attention to you, therefore Galbatorix may find you and kill us all; me included. If you wait for the fight, either Elika or Kit can change your appearances and enter as a combatant. Simple. she stated. Her bright green eyes were fully open now.

-------------------------

Zeke listened in complete silence as Lean explained why she had come. Her words rang with a pure sincerety that could not be faked. He relaxed finally, laying down on his stomach. Hesitantly, unsure if his friends would appreciate his intrusion, he stretched a tendril of his conscienceness into Elika's, Kit's, Phal's and Shyara's minds. She speaks the truth. I can hear it in the ring of her mental-tone. he said quietly.

The amethyst dozed lazily against the wall; he must have been almost asleep, because when Elika opened the door in return, he jerked his head up in alarm. Lean's strategy for the plan seemed fool-proof, and he nodded in approval. I agree with Lean. he murmured. The black-in-blue-scale-Alna'ir-dragoness lifted her head off the ground to swing her suddenly gently glowing bright green eyes. Their gazes met. After a full minute, Lean dropped her head down again.

Lean got to her paws. Her head cocked to the side, and her face turned sheepish. Maybe...no, its stupid. she said, swinging her neck away to hide her reddening scales. She felt Zeke prod her mind, and she allowed him in so he could speak. Tell us your idea, Lean. It might have more merit than you think. he consoled, speaking so the others could also hear him. She huffed in embarrassment, still turned away from the others. Oh, very well. Perhaps...If I could, I would change to a different dragon, one that Galbatorix doesn't know, and Kit would change his appearance to appear more...harsh, I guess, and he would pose as my Rider. That way, at least him and myself could get around easier, giving us one more pair of eyes. the red shade on her snout scales darkened. She refused to meet anyone's eyes. Its a stupid idea...Just an errant thought... she muttered, her green eyes flicking to Kit's face and away. She would hate to anger the Rider.

-------------------

Zeke smiled kindly at the ancient dragoness. It's hardly a stupid idea, Lean. he remarked. He snorted and rolled one eye to focus blindly on Shyara and Kit. Would you two mind? It would be safer for Shyara to stay hidden rather than risk being seen. he said. His heightened sense of feel told him that Lean had cringed back into the corner as he uttered his statement. He rumbled soothingly in his throat and spoke to her privately. What is it, Lean? he murmured to her. The dragoness's green eyes instantly met his before staring at the floor. Kit is worried sick about his wife. Shyara is worried sick about her mate. Are you trying to get me killed by saying that I take Kits' companion's place? she hissed at him. He chuckled. Hardly, he said. I'm trying to make use of your idea.

Zeke tilted his head to the side as he listened. Both idea's had merit to them. He lifted his head and huffed softly. Both, I say. he said, letting his eyes flash briefly before he darkened them again.

-----------------

Lean ducked her head in embarrassment, her green eyes shimmering dully. Who could she change to, if her idea was chosen? Certainly not anyone in the room. Who then? She shook her head irritably and spoke up in a low voice. Both. she said quietly. She shrank back instantly, retreating into the corner as if trying to avoid a scolding.

OOC: I'm going to take my turn now.

IC: Phalynx smiled grimly at Shyara's reply. Judging by the atmosphere of this city and what Elika has told us, it still might be best to stay as inconspicuous as possible when we're in the lower levels. My sparkly scales don't exactly scream "don't look at me!" she pointed out with a touch of dark humor to her voice. When Shyara then asked who preferred which plan, Phal nodded at Kit, Zeke, and Lean. Both plans should be effective, she voiced, and then glanced to her two children for their replies.

Sirius nodded solemnly as the others spoke. He took in Elika's brief statement carefully, reminding himself to keep on high alert for the dangers of the lower levels. Both, he said quietly when his mother glanced towards him.

Na'ir was admittedly very nervous about going down into the lower levels. Though she loved to explore, and of course would not remain behind or show her anxiety, she hated being in small, dark, enclosed, two-leg-built spaces. Natural caves were much nicer, though still not to her liking. And even more than being in those areas, she hated being caught and forced to fight in those areas. She wasn't that great a fighter to begin with, for a dragon. She waited until her mother looked towards her to speak. I say both, too, she stated.

Elika exhaled in a huff and muttered under her breath. "Alright then, since the rest of you are neutral, then we'll do this. Everyone else down in the Underlevels and I'll stay up here, do the fight and get Mom back while you all save Ecivres." Elika left no room for argument and wheeled around out the door.

She dashed down to the store and found some dark paint. They didn't use crowns in this town, but that is why Elika kept gold on hand. Within a few minutes she was back at the warehouse. "Phal, you're right and we'll have to paint you darker. The others as well, but you especially because you stand out."

Kit took a brush and paint from Elika and began on Shyara.

OOC: To make this go faster, if you want to be painted just say that Elika or Kit or yourself painted you in your next post.

Though Zeke disliked covering his scales, he knew it would be better if he was harder to recognize. He allowed Elika to paint his hide, squirming every now and then at the wet sensation that made him want to take a bath. He shook himself gently when she finished, wishing he could rid himself of the paint. It made him feel odd in the body, like everything was happening to someone else. Nothing much could be done about his eyes, though. He would have to chance it and hope no one pointed fingers.

- - - - - - - - - -

Lean closed her eyes and released her morph carefully, letting her body slowly grow and fill out to its true form. She tried to keep herself in the one corner to let the others have as much room as possible. Her bulk took up a lot of the space, despite her efforts. Her midnight black scales seemed to absorb the little amount of light that was visible, leaving her shape as a dark void in the space. The only break in her shadow-like coloration were her navy blue eyes, which flickered hesitantly about the room. She shook her head, slightly disoriented, then snorted and asked. Does anyone have an image of a dragon that Galbatorix wouldn't know? she said, gazing about. It was Zeke that answered her. You can shift to the form of my mother. Galbatorix wouldn't know her. he said with slightly narrowed eyes. She winced, and nodded. An image flooded her mind of an emerald green and sapphire blue dragoness with vivid green eyes. Sleek and strong, the female looked like a warrior.

Lean nodded again and closed her eyes, concentrating on the image. She felt her own body shrinking, and knew her ability was working. Soon she was only slightly larger built than Zeke himself. She examined her knew body, pleased by the results of her morph.

Zeke followed just behind Shyara, pulling in his wings sharply a few seconds after she did. His dimly lit eyes saw the bottom, and he opened his wings to slow his fall. Just before he landed, he twisted to the side and tapped his feet to the wall they had just dropped from. The contact slowed him further, so when he hit the water with his paws, it was a light splash. He lit his eyes brightly and sent beams out from his irises, to light the immediate area around them. He swept the light beams around, taking in his surroundings. The smell of the water made his nose wrinkle in disgust; the liquid was a murky green. He shuddered, then gazed at the others, careful to keep his eyes down so he didn't blind them with the beams.

- - - - - - - - - -

Lean followed just behind Zeke, to make sure she could see. After she landed, she shuffled her wings, shifting uncomfortably from foot to foot. She was used to this kind of smell, but the water clung to her scales almost like a film. She snorted and looked around. Well, what do you know. I got transported back to the Castle without knowing it. she grumbled, her green eyes glittering with irony.

Phal kept her gaze everywhere at once, scanning the area around the hole and especially the bottom of the hole itself. There was no danger that she could see. She darted into the dark pit after Shyara, extending her wings very slightly so that her descent would be more controlled. When she passed the ceiling level, she flared her wings suddenly and landed softly on her hind legs so that she would create as little a disturbance as possible on the sloppy ground. There's nothing to worry about yet down here... but even I can't see as far down here as usual, she warned, eyeing their surroundings suspiciously. Of course, even with less range than usual, she could still see well enough to alert them of danger in time for them to prepare.

Na'ir copied her mother's example when she followed the dragons down into the gloom, trying to land as lightly as possible. Being the smallest dragon present, she could also open her wings further, and did not sink very far into the muck. She wrinkled her nose in disgust at the smell and turned her gaze to their surroundings. Her mother could only see so much at once; it was always better to have an extra pair of eyes watching for danger.

Sirius tried to be as quiet as possible when he jumped down into the hole, though his landing still wasn't exactly stealthy. Where are we going to start? he asked, his blue eyes switching from one friend to the other.

Zeke fell into step at the back of the group, keeping an eye on their flanks.

- - - - - - - - - -

Lean padded just in front of Zeke, her emerald-green and sapphire-blue scales bristling uneasily.

OOC:
Sorry, writer's block. >.<

Elika said that someone had saw tracks leading away from here, so I suppose that is where we start. If we can find them... Kit's lights were helping, but they didn't light up a very big area around each person.

Meanwhile Elika was busy fighting back a group of Galbatorix's men, the same ones she had sent to the tavern in the first place. It didn't take her long to make all of them unconscious. And as she had hoped, she got a nice round of applause from the patrons that were still functioning after Galbatorix's men's assault on them.

She walked over to the bar and casually asked the bartender, but loud enough for most everyone to hear, "I heard there was some fight or something going on, and a special prize was being offered?" He nodded his head slightly, apparently it wasn't something talked about openly anymore. She lowered her voice and asked, "Is there anyway that you know of that I could get in on it?"

The bartender leaned in close and whispered some quick instructions in her ear.

"Really?" He nodded. "Thanks." Elika turned around, half expecting someone to be approaching her like she wanted, but no one was there. She daintily stepped over the fallen bodies and exited the tavern. She found the primitive elevator they primarily used to go between levels in the massive city. She asked the pulley-boy to take her to the top.

The group had spread out slightly looking for any tracks in the mud. Hey look I think I found them. It was hard to tell because the soft mud had already started filling them in, but they were big like a dragons and shaped the same. I think these are it.

Kit grabbed Shyara suddenly. "Did you see that?" He thought saw several shapes moving in the darkness.

No, what was it?

"I don't know, I thought I saw something moving, can you see anything Phal?"

OOC: FYI: The Crawlers have no heat signatures.

Zeke's light beams flared slightly but didn't falter. He squinted, trying to pierce through the darkness...then suddenly wished he hadn't. His breathing stopped he was so stunned. His ear twitched at a muted noise behind them. He spun to watch their backs, scales bristling all up and down his back. If there is something out there...it has us surrounded. he growled warily, his gaze flashing back and forth. He couldn't directly see what exactly it was, but he could tell that it was a potential threat.

- - - - - - - - - -

Lean watched the area around her, seeing the vague shifts of darkness. Her eyes narrowed to mere slits, yet she said nothing. The sapphire-and-emerald dragoness turned slowly to face the perimeter, her wings half-raised in preparation to dodge or attack. Whichever came first, she was ready.

Zeke growled softly, a deep warning sound that reverberated around them. His wings raised instinctively from his back, ready for fight or flight. His eyes blazed with light as he raked his gaze through the immediate area.

- - - - - - - - - -

Lean hissed venomously, a low noise that made even her own hide prickle. She pressed closer to the other dragons, aware that there might very well be the same creatures all around them. Stay close together. Don't let yourselves be separated. murmured the emerald-and-sapphire dragoness, her vivid green eyes glittering in the darkness.

OOC: Did I describe them enough for you guys to get and accurate picture of them?

IC: It all happened in a flash. All the Crawlers around and above them attacked at once, as if guided by some unknown force and ambition. Kit drew all the light balls above the others heads into one large ball in the middle to give more light.

Kit jumped down from Shyara's back; though the ground was soft, he didn't sink as much as the heavier dragons did. He positioned himself within a quick step to everyone. With him being the only human, he alone would have to get the Crawlers off the backs of any and all the dragons. One dropped in from above, Kit just barely missing is razor claws. He held his sword in front o him, watching every move. The Crawler was doing the same, it's tiny eyes watching everything, even the sweat beading on his forehead.

Kit rushed in, too uneasy about the creature's eyes and unknown level of intelligence to wait any longer. Kit held his sword like a bat as he closed the distance, then at the last second adjusted for a simple thrust. His blade easily pierced the soft milky flesh. When the hilt touched, Kit jerked back to avoid getting any of the mucasy slime on his hands.

As he did, the would sealed up, even as he was yet pulling. It made sense, with rapidity of how fast the toxin mutated the persons, it seemed only natural that they'd heal quickly. The Crawler almost seemed stunned for a second that it had been hit, but closed the distance between Kit and itself in one leap.

Kit only reacted, completely on instinct. The flames already in existence on his sword exploded in a torrent guided by his hands. He bathed the Crawler in a blast of fire that sent it back several feet. Though the flame had done little good in his original attack, it worked well now. The Crawlers were used to the moisture in the damp murky air, and were not at all built to withstand a complete covering in burning flames. The smoldering corpse splashed down outside the ring of fighting dragons. The few Crawlers that had not engaged descended on it with ferocity, devouring one of their own fallen.

Shyara held her ground. The Crawlers terrified her with their poisons. She did not want to become victim, not did she want Ecivres to either. She lashed out with her claws as more of defensive mechanism than an actual attack. She was careful that only her claws touch, heeding Phalynx's warning very well. She managed to actually hit one and sent if flying several yards back, landing on its head with a sickening crunch. To her amazement, it got back up and charged again.

Elika was above the surface now, completely unaware of the fight for survival down below. She walked up to map board, which was located at every elevator entrance and search for the building she needed.

Zeke took the cue and attacked. His eyes let him see that two of the beasts had jumped toward him. His jaws parted instinctively and blasted a fireball at them. It hit one squarely, but the other dodged and launched itself for his head. He slashed with his talons, slicing the strange milky-white skin. The creature retaliated, catching him sharply on the jaw with its own claws. He gritted his teeth and ignored the pain, quickly taking down the beast with another blast of fire. The three furrows burned like fire in his flesh, but he pushed it to the back of his mind and fought on.

- - - - - - - - - -

Lean hissed as a beast leapt for her. She blasted it back with a barrage of flames, determination flickering in her eyes.

OOC: lol Yeah they're pretty creepy, Kit. I think I got the picture. lol

IC: Phalynx bared her teeth in a fierce snarl as the beasts attacked, setting herself between them and her children. She let loose a powerful blast of starfire, the silver flames knocking the attacking creatures off their feet and sending them flying backwards through the air. When the flames cleared, Phal's claws, tail, and wing-edges were glowing with silvery light. When a creature leapt for her, she slashed at it with her right foreclaw, starlight trailing off it. As her claws hit the creature, its entire middle was ripped apart with the force of the light magic Phal had built up in her paws. She would spare no energy in protecting Na'ir and Sirius, so her light magic was at its highest offensive power.

Sirius used his flames to aide the others, starfire streaked through with white knocking back the attacking creatures. He concentrated his flame in smaller missiles for greater accuracy, and also so that he could shoot it between his companions at creatures that were going for them.

Na'ir decided to use her abilities to their fullest extent, where they would be most helpful. She focused on her connection to magic, inherited from her father, and summoned the right words. She hastily spoke a spell to spread her own light-magic into the magical auras of the others, forming wards around all of them that would slow the creatures as they came near to contact with her companions, and would also cause pain to the creatures. Direct deflection of attacks would take too much energy. With that finished, the blue joined her brother in starfire attacks.

The maid returned with a tall, skinny man. His beard neatly trimmed and hair slicked back. He didn't look like anyone that would have his hand in the activities of the lower levels, but neither did she. Elika dipped her head in acknowledgment.

"My name is Elika, I was told to talk to you about..." Elika glanced at the maid, "getting me into the ring."

"Yes, I can, but what would girl like you want in that filth? And what's in it for me?"

"I have certain interests in the prizes. As long as I get first pick of the prizes, you can keep the rest of the winnings. I hear they up quit high right now."

The man thought about it for second, "Sounds fair. Now before I agree, can you fight?"

Elika simply turned and slammed her palm against the wooden door she had come through. It exploded outward, shattering in thousands of pieces.

Henry stuck his hand. "I guess we have a deal then."

Shyara moved slowly. The Crawlers were staying back out of range, but that didn't mean she'd let her guard down. They were close to the actual tunnels of the sewers, moving out of the pit into which they all drained. A roar echoes reverberated down one of the tunnels, but which one Shyara wasn't sure, it seemed to come from all of them.