OOC: I hope you don't mind.

Nilarek sat within the middle of this storm, using each ounce of strength he had to open the portal. Not to mention the energy of the others who had been corrupted by the Shadows and driven to this very spot. Nilarek used every iota of energy in their bodies till they died. The portal opened, larger and larger. He didn't have much time, that much was certain.
This time, this exact time, was when the fabric between their worlds was weakest. The only reason Nilarek had put off this revenge of his for so long. Though that knowledge had come later, after his encounter with a certain Grey dragon and his annoying mate. He wouldn't name either of them for that would give them some sort of dignity.
The portals open Nilarek, you have done well. The shadow echoed in Nilarek's mind. He was but an extension of this voice, though one given a great deal of power. The greatest entity in the Shadow Realm.
Send the minions, for those who would stop us are coming. We must prepare.

Aeraldi felt the shadows open, but it wasn't the deep dread within his stomach that told him. The shadows that he kept within his mind had urged him to that location. He knew where to go, that was all he needed. Aeraldi accessed his magic and crushed the Shadows that were within his mind, glad to finally be rid of them. It was the only reason he had kept them in his head.
Phal, do you feel that? He asked, though he was still waiting in the Dragon hold. Aeraldi jumped out of a window and flew upwards, to meet Phalynx. Together, the two of them could make sure the Shadows wouldn't harm anything.

Keralin woke screaming, clutching his head as hard as he could. His home in Ellesmera couldn't stop the fact that there was a shadow portal opening, one of colossal Proportions. He looked over at Aelir, who was awake also.
We need to go. Now! Keralin said though their link. He glanced once at his child, Hayren, then looked away. His son wouldn't live though this hell, not like he did.
Keralin gathered his things, mainly his armor which had gathered a considerable amount of dust. I hope I haven't lost the touch for this. He donned the armor and grabbed his swords, now enchanted with a spell to harm Shadow Creatures. Then, he saddled Aelir and took off into the air. It was going to be a rough time now.

OOC: Of course I don't mind. And I hope you don't mind if I say Rigel and Nilarek are "allies", 'cause by this point they most likely are.

IC: Phal felt a tug on her heart when she saw her mate flying towards her from a distance, and her automatic joy at seeing him was tempered by the fact that they were going into something incredibly dangerous. More dangerous than nearly everything else she had ever faced. The Shadows were pouring unchecked into their world.

Aeraldi, it's started. I had hoped that the Shadow Wars would not begin, but they have, she sighed, flying towards him until they were side-by-side. At least we have done everything in our power to weaken them beforehand, she said with more optimism in her voice, They've opened the portal in the Scorched Lands. Phal frowned. The Scorched Lands were the lands she disliked the most. She felt fear every time she went there, and she didn't like feeling so apprehensive about a place. Perhaps Rigel had a say in its location, she thought with annoyance. The phoenix had been working to the best of his abilities to aide the Shadow Realms, and no doubt he was even now working to begin their planned conquest.

Phal hoped that more of her friends, and simply more dragons, would assemble. They would need all the help they could get. We should not attack right away. I want to see what it looks like, first. And the other dragons will not be ready to fight; they will need the light armor I've been working on, she mentioned. This was purely a scouting mission for her. Phal wanted to assess how large and powerful the portal was, and what the first troops would look like. It would take them a while to get out of the Scorched Lands.

Solarae woke with a start when something invaded her mind. Who's that?! What's going on?! she demanded of no one in particular, jumping upright. She sniffed the air, at first wondering if someone was nearby. The voice had sounded familiar... wait. Solarae knew who it was. It was Phalynx! But what had the young dragoness wanted? And where was she? Suddenly a light flickered in Solarae's mind, and the realization came to her with a jolt. Oh no, that's not today, is it? she mumbled to herself with a curse. I guess Alagaesia needs saving, again. Well, probably the world, this time, she thought with a dark laugh. Phalynx had told her to be ready. She had informed her of the date. Solarae shook her head with a sigh and took off, wondering where she would go. Phal's call had sounded from somewhere near the Edda River, Solarae's birthplace. But I can't join her yet. I need some o' that fancy star-stone armor she was talkin' about. That was supposed to be at Faefnir's place, she thought.

Solarae, who had been napping in a tree in Du Weldenvarden, was about to head south, when she realized something else. The Tribe will need this armor, too. I can show them where to get it! she thought happily. The dragons of the Tribe were Solarae's longtime friends. They had taken Phalynx's warning very seriously, and had been preparing themselves for decades. Solarae knew that she could be of great help, getting a whole army of dragons armed and ready for the battle. She set off at once, headed east. Hm, if I see anyone else on the way, I can tell them to meet at Faefnir's stronghold, she decided, thinking there would probably be others who knew of Phalynx's words and had heard her call.

Rigel laughed, perching precariously on a jagged stone ledge. He had been perfecting his portal-opening technique, and had assisted Nilarek in the creation of this, their greatest masterpiece. He watched as countless shadow beasts began pouring out of the tear and into the deep canyon below. Moments later, they began flooding up the cliffsides and climbing up onto the igneous rocks around the gash in the earth. Rigel soon grew bored of watching the simple creatures, and flapped his wings lightly, propelling himself off the ledge and towards his ally. Nilarek had been one of his most delightful "discoveries". Rigel had found the shade to have many similar goals. Though Nilarek's plans were a bit more grand and world-influencing than Rigel's, he also wanted Phalynx and her allies dead. Rigel also saw the advantages of the shadows taking over the world, as well.

The dark phoenix landed beside him, still laughing. A brilliant work. Soon the world will be covered in shadow, and all who oppose us will be destroyed, he said, surveying the darkened landscape around them.

Alna'ir waited patiently with her brother, Sirius, as her mother had instructed. She usually argued about instructions from her mother, but in this case the young dragoness understood their seriousness. A full-blown war was nothing to laugh at. Na'ir hated fighting, but she knew she would be one of the best weapons against creatures from the Shadow Realms. She possessed natural light abilities that most dragons did not, and so she would be needed. Still, the thought of going into battle made her heart beat nervously faster. Sirius stirred in his sleep, and Na'ir frowned inwardly. She was the leader here, she couldn't show fear around her little brother. Though he enjoyed fighting far too much for her liking. Na'ir shuffled her claws and wings, still waiting. Phalynx had told her to wait with her brother at Faefnir's stronghold, and assist any dragons that came. She was also supposed to wait with Sirius because of his heretic powers. Sirius, like their mother, could feel where he was needed, where things were happening.

Alna'ir was supposed to wait with him because he would know exactly where the portal was. There were various reasons she was supposed to know that, but none mattered at the moment. Midnight was approaching, and nothing had yet occurred. Suddenly, she felt her mother in her mind, a dire warning playing across it. The warning had been meant for any minds possible, and Na'ir heard it loud and clear. She was about to turn to wake Sirius, but found him already awake. His clear blue eyes were focused on her, and his head was raised alertly from the ground. The portal is in the Scorched Lands. Could you feel Mother, when she spoke? She's heading there now, he said quietly, glancing towards the east. Yeah, I could feel where she was. I don't like this, Sirius. I don't like having to wait, she replied anxiously.

You know our orders. We're supposed to help anyone who comes here, not go rushing off into battle. As much as I would like to eliminate the threat early... he said a little reluctantly. Na'ir huffed impatiently. She had been thinking about it, quite a bit, and had made her decision. Well too bad for those other dragons. There are more important things to do. Come on. We have to go to the portal and see what's happening, Na'ir said with a decisive nod. She lifted her wings and immediately flew off, no further words necessary. She couldn't allow Sirius to argue. If he decided to stay behind and "follow orders," he could do so alone.

Sirius shook his head. He rose himself to his feet and flapped his wings powerfully, catching up to his sister. As much as he disliked admitting it, he thought she was right. There were more important things than sitting around giving dragons armor. What if his parents needed help? What if they were in danger and he wasn't around to help them fight it off? Besides, Na'ir was likely to get herself into trouble, rushing off into things like this. She wasn't a very experienced or proficient fighter. Though her natural abilities almost made up for that, there was still a high level of risk in fighting a battle you weren't quite prepared for. Sirius gave a small snort of determination when he thought about what they were heading into. He wasn't very frightened or nervous for himself, but his heart filled with ice at the thought of his friends and family fighting off hordes of shadows. It was enough to make any dragon cringe. Sirius glanced ahead and frowned; Alna'ir was flying with haste, anxious as she was, and Sirius had been too busy with his thoughts to realize he was falling behind. Slow down a little, will you? We should at least go in with something of a plan, he called ahead.

Nilarek laughed in pure ecstasy as Rigel complimented his work, he had never found anyone with goals as pure as his own. He stood in the middle of the portal, feet lifted off the ground with the ambient energy that surrounded him. "Soon my friend, soon! The world will crumble below the power we wield and soon hoards of shadow beasts will cover the landscape in a darkness so profound that they will pray for the darkness of night!" He felt the power course through him, sending each of his limbs aflame with energy until it wanted to explode from him.
This phoenix, Rigel, could be more useful to us than anticipated. If this works, we will make him a part of us. A mortal shell like Keralin, only with a stronger tie to this world.
Nilarek smiled before laughing maniacally again, the beasts below him rolled through the portal faster than ever. Those that could fly were making their way past him, spreading.

Aeraldi growled acknowledgment and used his sight to see the area around them, waiting for the rest of the warriors against this evil menace. He kept his mind open to Phal in case she changed course or came under attack, and used both eyes to search. That was when he saw a familiar blue dragon and rider.

That's her. Aelir said, indicating to the female dragon in the sky next to the gray Dragon. She has changed. He mentioned to Keralin.
"That dragon... He looks familiar. Almost a smaller version of the final form of Aeraldi."
I think it is Aeraldi. That made Keralin's eyebrows rise. It was good that Aeraldi had found his peace, they would need his strength for this.
"Long time Phalynx, Aeraldi."
Indeed. Aeraldi said back. We are about to scout the area, make sure that-
"I'll tell you." Keralin said bluntly. "A massive hole, a hole bored within the fabric of the world which can only be sealed with a source of power so great it would require a being's whole spirit. At least, that's how it was with me."
It doesn't have to be like that this time.
We can make sure it doesn't happen. Aelir said. We have powers beyond what you knew back then, we can manage this.
Besides, you could use a pair of armor that Phal has been working on. Aeraldi looked at Phalynx with a mischievous look in his eyes.

Polaris and Saiph had been flying hard to keep up with their older brother and sister. They had been told to stay behind for this, but since when did they listen to anyone but each other?
They are flying really fast! Saiph mentioned, trying to take his mind off being tired.
They were such slow pokes back in the canyon, who knew they were toying with us?
We'll show them. Saiph increased his speed and continued, though panting along the way.
What was mom saying about dragon armor she made? This time Polaris making the small talk.
I thought I told you all I knew, that she was up until late making something with magic. It looked like something to put on but it was too large for me. That was when I was caught. Saiph flexed his hind legs, still remembering the punishment.
There they are! Polaris squeaked in excitement, spotting Alna'ir and Sirius. You two aren't leaving us along like that! Not with something this interesting!

Phal looked back when she heard approaching wingbeats. A pair of familiar shapes came into view; a blue dragon and rider. Keralin would be a great help to their cause. His unusual connection to the shadows, though unfortunate, was useful. Phal knew she would rather he didn't have it at all and be spared the pains it brought, but she would be a fool if she didn't take advantage of it. Luckily, he seemed to have similar ideas, as evidenced when he gave out what information he knew. Yeah, it's been a long time. Thank you for the information, she said, her voice friendly but marred by worry. She glanced at Aeraldi when he mentioned the armor. Yes. Faefnir has a lot of sets of dragon armor, and some for two-legs as well, at his Stronghold. I've been infusing it with Star Stone, a sort of gem with light magic properties. Any normal creature that wears the armor is effective against dark creatures, even the purely shadow ones, she explained, happy to take her mind off the darkness beyond.

Phal heard yet more wingbeats, and welcomed the sight of more family coming up behind them. Shyara and Kit, Ecivres and Shyra, and their rather odd but likeable daughter Elika, in dragon form of course. I'm glad to see we have other allies joining us. This mission is only to scout out the area around the portal, though Keralin gave us some excellent information already on the portal itself. Are you sure you can teleport us all, Shyara? It's not much further to fly, and we could only safely teleport to the edges of the Scorched Lands, anyway, or we'll be spotted, she greeted, her tone turning concerned. If they got in an unwanted fight with the shadows while there, she couldn't have her niece with a great deal less energy.

Rigel smirked. Yes, darkness there will be. And that will be the end of any pretty dreams of our enemies, he said, venom dripping from his voice. He didn't much care what ruled the world. His only plans now were to destroy Phalynx, but first to destroy everything she cared about. This would be an excellent start. It could even end up being the cause of the silver dragon's death. Rigel wouldn't mind gaining some added power along the way. He hadn't thought much beyond what he would do after Phalynx's death, only that he would continue to fight against and do his best to annihilate dragonkind. Nilarek's plans fit perfectly into this role, as well. Rigel glanced back at the portal, revelling in the powerful darkness pouring from it, and washing over him. It felt cleansing, much more so than the light he got his energy from. Perhaps there is a spell that would enable me to feed off of darkness, rather than light. It would be much more refreshing, he thought, his mind wandering to other things he could accomplish.

Alna'ir turned her head and slowed her wingbeats when she saw her brother Sirius trying to catch up. A little further behind him were their twin brother and sister Saiph and Polaris. Heh. I knew you guys would join me. We can't sit around while shadows are taking over the world, now can we? Sirius knows where the portal is, don't you? Na'ir said happily, overjoyed that all of her siblings had followed along.

Sirius caught up to Na'ir and sighed gratefully. The blue dragoness was swift, and she could have left him behind if she wanted. Yes, I know where it is. Are you sure you know where you're going? he replied, eyeing his sister. Oh, sorry guys, he said apologetically when Polaris repremanded them, I was just trying to catch up to Na'ir. Sirius turned with narrowed eyes towards the dragon in question.

What? I wasn't gonna leave any of you behind. If we hurry, we can meet our parents at the Scorched Lands. They probably aren't flying as fast as they can, she remarked anxiously.

Because they have the sense not to waste energy?

That's true, but when we get there we won't fight, yet, Alna'ir replied, breaking from her hover and starting off again. She still didn't want to say how nervous she was about fighting.

Solarae continued her trek across the last stretches of Du Weldenvarden, hoping to reach the mountains bordering it and cross them by dawn. Then it would only be about a day's flight to the Tribe's city. Solarae had crossed the Red Desert enough times not to get caught in its illusion spell. She flapped her wings steadily, though she had to exhibit a huge amount of self-control not to rush off towards Phalynx. No doubt that young dragoness would be where all the action was. Unfortunately, Solarae could not go to the action right away. First she had to gather some reinforcements. That would be eventful enough in itself. Hopefully the rather unorganized Tribe would be ready to go when she got there. Though the Tribe was more unorganized and less structured, it was equally as powerful as any other similar-sized group of dragons. The Tribe dragons were notable for their ferocity, and their Kallek Marks proved useful in battle. They would probably be a welcome addition to whatever armies were brewing.

OOC: Since it sort of seems Gornath is important in this one, can someone "partially" god-mod him until I have more time to post, I only have a hour today, and won't have any time over the weekend...

I can, except with a group this large we'll have to all be touching each other. And don't worry, I can put us in exactly the spot we want to be.

You think I'm odd Phal? I can leave if you want, Elika joked. Her mind scanning ability had become more powerful in the recent years and Elika hadn't been giving it much attention so she could here everyone's thoughts. So Phal, when we reach the Scorched Plains, do you want me to scout with you or were all of us going go in? Elika thought of Phal as the leader here, since it had been her prophesy.
You are NOT going in there with Phal, young lady, Shyra's voice burst into Elika's mind. Mom, I've forty-seven years old, I can handle myself. If Phal wants me, I'll go and you won't stop me, Elika said definitively.

Shyra didn't say another word, she knew that Elika couldn't be stopped if she really wanted to go. Instead she turned her attention to Phalynx and Aeraldi, So where are the kids, aren't they coming?

Ecivres greeted the other two dragons that were with Phal and Aeraldi, since no one else seemed to notice them. They had met before, but hadn't developed strong relationships with either of them. Heck, Ecivres thought to himself, I wasn't very fond of Aeraldi till after he and Phal became mates, but the last time I'd seen him was when I was fresh out of the egg. But I'm glad I met him now, he's different, in a good way, like Elika. He continued to ponder these thoughts as he flew rapidly with the others.

Aeraldi smiled lightly and explained to Shyra, Our children are still too young for a war of this size. Phal told Alna'ir and Sirius to hold back and help whoever needed it. We left Saiph and Polaris at home though, they're not old enough to take part in an adventure this size. At least he hoped they stayed at home... He greeted the other dragons that came as well, slowly remembering their names.

The entire situation made Keralin's skin crawl. Not only did it bring back bad memories, but it also forced him to confront that fact that it was him all those years ago. He wasn't being controlled, at least not at the beginning. Keralin shook his head of his downcast thoughts and tried to remember any more information they could use.
Easy Keralin, you're going to hurt yourself... Aelir hoped to soothe Keralin a little.
And everyone here could get hurt if I don't give them everything I know. Some detail I miss or forget.
Then remember to breathe. Just breathe.
Keralin couldn't doubt the wisdom of Aelir's words, he was going to hurt himself if he kept this up. So he put the question to the others,
"Anything you want to know, tell me now so I can tell you."

The Shadow pulsed, the portal enlarging quickly for a instant and then growing at the normal rate. Nilarek smiled, another poor victim of Shadow Manipulation drawn to their doom. The size of the portal was truly massive now, as wide a small village and as tall as a triple-storied house. With a peak on it's roof! So many shadow creatures were being pushed out that it was simply...
Simply what? Nilarek thought. There is nothing that can compare to this, and the only word that could describe it, doesn't give it justice. It is not just beautiful, it is no much more.
"I open my soul to the shadows, that I may feel it's strength as my own." The original incantation. It opened the gateway within Nilarek slightly larger, allowing a greater amount of energy to be funneled. He repeated the incantation to himself, again and again. By the end, it wouldn't be that much more he could funnel but every little bit helped.

Not fight?! Polaris was offended. The grownups all get to fight and all I have are you two. Come on... Why don't we get to fight?
I think it might be a little different to the fighting that we do. Saiph said, though he did agree with Polaris.

OOC: You can bring him in on your own, voenth, and if you want we can god-mod him a little. But nothing super exciting is happening yet, anyway.

IC: Phal laughed at Elika. Odd in a good way, my friend, she replied with a warm smile. Her face took on a more concerned look when Aeraldi told them where their children were. Though the four of them were much older than Phal was when she had gotten into extremely dangerous situations, she couldn't help feeling protective. They would probably end up fighting anyway. The shadow beasts weren't going to allow themselves to be confined to the Scorched Lands. They would spread; it was inevitable.

Perhaps, Shyara. If you really want to teleport us, you may, but not far. We don't have much farther to fly anyway, she said to her niece. Keralin, if we have need of any sort of information we do not have, you shall be our source. I'm glad you're with us, she remarked with a smile. The silver dragoness turned her attention back to the eastern horizon. She did her best to telescope in on the area she knew the Scorched Lands to be in. She frowned, seeing that the normal red glow that usually showed the location of the lava fields and volcanoes now had an unusual darkness in the center. That portal... it's so imposing to see already. What will it be like to go up close to it, to attempt to destroy it? she wondered. She had sealed up portals to the Shadow Realms before, all using various methods. She didn't know if she had a method for something this big. It would take a group effort, that was certain.

Rigel eyed the shade, knowing he was gathering power from the shadows. Rigel envied the ability, but knew it came with a cost. He wouldn't mind having the power that the Shadow Realms entailed, but there were other things he liked less. What would such a life be like, to be simply a pawn for something much more powerful than yourself alone? Rigel had similar goals, that was true, but he enjoyed his freedom. He liked the ability to do what he wanted, and not have to worry about being punished or directed by some higher power. But what if being a pawn of the Shadow Realms, or anything for that matter, assured him of Phalynx's death and the destruction of everything she cared about? Would he do it then? Rigel sat alone with these thoughts, ruffling his feathers as if he could feel the darkness wafting through them.

Na'ir hesitated, not wanting to reveal her fear of fighting and battling. Her siblings knew she had a disdain for it, that was true, but still. There were some things she would not admit to, even to the closest members of her family. She quickly conjured a logical excuse for not diving right in. Well, we can't fight them all by ourselves. And no one else will probably attack them right away, either, she said, then realizing that this argument was true, as well as backing her case.

Sirius waited for Na'ir's response. He knew she didn't like fighting, but was pleased with her answer. It did make sense, even if she only thought of it so she wouldn't have to admit anything. Sirius laughed inwardly. Her siblings knew the blue dragoness better than she suspected. That's true. Our parents will probably conduct a scouting mission first, to assess the power and growth rate of our enemy. But they might need our help, as well. We can get other angles, and possibly find weaknesses they missed. And, of course, we'll be there if they get into trouble, he responded, his natural affinity for knowing tactics and strategy evident. Sirius was very serious about fighting. It was a solemn, but necessary affair, in his opinion.

Solarae could see the chain of mountains in the distance. The small range ran from north to south, bordering Du Weldenvarden on the east and shielding it from the Red Desert beyond. Or perhaps, isolating the Red Desert and acting as the cause of its dryness. Near the center of the mountains was a beautiful valley, one that Solarae had chanced across once, meeting up with Phalynx in the process. That was probably the longest conversation she had had with the dragon, and it involved some very serious stuff. Solarae had been happy to learn of Phal's success in that mission, many years ago. Solarae was now planning on making a pitstop there, to get a drink and maybe food. She would stop again at the other edge of the mountains and sleep before crossing the desert and heading to the other mountain chain far beyond.

Solarae entered the mountains, and the air became noticably colder. Solarae didn't much care for cold places, but she could tolerate them. She wasn't a hatchling, to go whining about a little thing like chilly wind. Solarae followed a cluster of especially large mountains, and one quite wide one, that were all sitting on a huge plateau. The plateau ended abruptly at Phal's valley, so the river within it flowed out of the cliff in a huge and beautiful waterfall. Solarae also knew that the largest cave in the known world, and an ancient dragon city, were all beneath her within the plateau. Hmph. Quite a lot of interesting things for one small area, she thought, amused. Eventually she reached the waterfall, and fluttered down to the river for a drink.

OOC: Hope you, Draco & Aeraldi don't ming Nidhog being in on the whole opening of the portal thing, lol. Also, great news, I can get on Sundays, Wednesdays, & Fridays!

IC:
Gornath slept soundly in the large chamber on Sharktooth that was his room. He remembered what Phalynx had told him about, the shadows and their great attack on the world. He also knew about her call for his help. He knew that one dragon could not make much of a difference, but as he, Phalynx, and Shyara had found out on this very island, he was blessed with great powers that helped the cause of light. His white fire, as well as white light was a great weapon against the evil dragon, Nidhog, as well as the creatures of darkness, including shades and such. Then, he heard the call. He did not wake Anthor, this was his fight, he would not risk the life of his rider, and he would go alone.

Gornath snuck quietly out of the city, once on the beach he opened his large wings and began to flap them at a high speed. He shot into the skies like a rocket and started toward the Scorched lands, easily identifiable because of the small picture sent to him by Phalynx when the call was made. He flew both high and fast. He would not rest; he didn't have time to rest. The shadows were coming and only he, his friends, and a few others were in their way of destroying all life.

Gornath flew over the empire, only stopping for a few minutes for a quick meal of a small deer and some large gulps of water, and then he continued his journey. Gornath soared over both the great forest of Du Weldenvarden, and the Hadarac Desert. He saw some other, smaller dragons flying below. He neither had the time or the patience to talk with them. He continued his mad flight toward the Scorched Lands, never even slowing down. He kept flying until he caught sight of his friends, Phalynx, Shyara, Ecrives, also Kit and Shyra. He roared in greeting and landed beside them. He said, It has begun?

Nidhog stood up. He had been with the shade, Nilarek, and the dark phoenix, Rigel for some time now. They had been opening a great portal to the shadow realm. Nidhog had liked the idea, and so he lent his great strength, as well as his ability to capture and control spirits to the task. He had captured several hundred spirits and was using them to supply the main part of the energy that was required to keep the portal open. He stood in the middle of a literal sea of shadows. He looked at the phoenix, then to the shade. He had no particular like for them, but he needed someone to help him kill the white dragon, Gornath. That dragon knew his weakness ... his eyes. The years spent underground had left him with poor eyesight as well as sensitive eyesight; the light given off by the white dragon hurt him greatly. Nidhog had also heard about how the white dragon hated the shadows, so the old saying goes "The enemy of my enemy is my friend." The case was the same here, Nidhog would kill the white dragon, then he would either enslave, or kill all other dragons, shades, dwarves, humans, and elves that he saw.

Nilarek had been a little wary of having the massive Nidhog with him at first. He was untrustworthy and had tried to kill him on occasion, but the amount of energy he provided at the beginning was immense. It allowed for a portal of this size, of this magnitude. He let him stay, grudgingly, as his help might come in handy a little later down the track. Nilarek began the incantation again, opening his inner portal wider. There were faster ways of doing it, but all of which required the energy he was sending to make the tear in dimensions larger. The only thing that made the fact that he had to juggle so many things today was that even if he didn't succeed then there would be so much shadow corruption that he would have an endless supply of servants.

Keralin shivered with the cold, though the sun quickly warmed him again. The entire experience left him quite disoriented, not to mention Aelir who almost fell out of the sky upon appearing. Once the disorientation passed, he felt sick. It wasn't from the teleport though, it was from the feeling of Shadow that rushed over him. He couldn't help himself when he emptied the contents of his stomach over the side of Aelir.
"Maybe this was a bad idea." He said to himself.
It had to happen. Aelir said. You may have ridden yourself of Shadow corruption but you still feel the taint of it.
"This is much worse than what I have felt in so many years. I never did anything that was so... Evil." Keralin held his chest, as though his heart might stop at any second. "I never like thinking about those years, but every time I face him, I feel as though he is paying me back for each second that I was... Was..."

Each second that you were corrupted? Aeraldi said, as they teleported in. He had only caught the last few seconds of the conversation between Aelir and Keralin, though he knew it was eavesdropping.
"You have no idea what it was like. The power that rushed through your body was never enough, no matter how close you came. You kept killing, kept taking each person's power as your own!"
But it wasn't you, it was the shadows. Aeraldi and Aelir said together. Both dragons looked at each other, then looked back at Keralin.
"Maybe... But it doesn't stop me from feeling the pure evil that is spewing from the portal."
Aeraldi kept silent, turning his attention the rest of the gang. So many were here, so many ready to fight this evil. He wondered what each of them felt this close to the portal. Probably the same as him, a sense of pure evil that was hell-bent on killing them.

Nilarek felt the presence almost immediately, turning his head towards the skies. At least, he could sense Keralin. Always, he felt Keralin, always pulling him. Now he was close and the pull was stronger than ever.
They come, send everything through the portal now. Nilarek said to his maker, the presence that had gathered enough power to dominate the Shadow Realm.

Saiph and Polaris smiled in unison, they were going to have an adventure after all despite their older sister.
I can scout the area better than any, aside from Dad, I'll look for you. Polaris suggested helpfully.
And I can make sure that we aren't attacked by any magical means. Nothing will get past us! Saiph said as well. He hated getting left behind so he always made sure that everyone knew they needed him. He knew Polaris felt the same.
Not to mention that if we get split up we can communicate with each other over any distance. Polaris couldn't help but feel excited.

Phalynx gazed behind them as yet another new addition to their party was made. I'm glad you could make it, Gornath, she said quickly before turning her attention back to Shyara. I can help make the actual move faster, Shyara, and cost less energy from you, she mentioned. She could easily add her own strength to the brief tear Shyara would create, and make them all slide more smoothly through it. She was experienced in manipulating the teleportation magic of others; it was the first kind of magic she had altered.

Phal brushed her wing briefly against Aeraldi's back on his own downstroke before she was transported along with Aelir and Keralin by Shyara. It seems my whole family contains a host of strange powers, she thought, for perhaps the millionth time. She had first come to that conclusion after she had met her half-brother and the rest of his family, and had been building on it ever since. So far none of her kin had disappointed. She grinned. She glanced over at Aelir and Keralin as the rider heaved over the side of his dragon. She listened to their conversation with concern. Don't worry, Keralin. Soon we will be rid of this foul connection to the realm of shadow, and you will not have to feel the darkness in such strength, she offered encouragingly, as always optimistic about the outcome of events. Phal faced the darkness waiting for them. She shook her head sadly. They know we're coming. Too many of our own personal connections to these demons have given us away, she said, narrowing her eyes and casting her sight forward. In her vision, thick and tangled shadow magic, the likes of which she had never seen, were boiling out of the ground and stretching into the sky. There was no way she could unweave that tangled web. The customary red glow from the Scorched Lands was now filling the entire sky to the east, and the air was already being choked by ash, sulfur, and thick tendrils of darkness. Phal coughed on the putrid scents that came at them relentlessly.

Rigel shuffled his wings again, turning his eyes from the dark shade to the twisted dragon. Even Kumaraq had not been this insane. Rigel was once again working with the evil dragon Nidhog, but he would accept it. He had failed to kill Phalynx the last time he and the dark dragon were working together, but not this time. This time he had the full might of the Shadow Realms behind him to destroy the dragons. The feathers along the base of his neck and shoulders suddenly lifted, giving him a ruffed appearance. He knew the feeling well: the starry one was approaching. He glanced at Nilarek and saw that he, too, had a look of apprehension on his face. Not a moment later, he announced the arrival of their enemies. And so they are. They will likely not attack us directly, at least not yet. Even they are too wise to engage such a multitude of dark forces by themselves immediately, he spoke, eyeing the skies to the west. It would be nigh impossible to see the dragons through the thick, ash-choked clouds, but he would be able to sense how close his greatest enemy drew.

Alna'ir grinned. Excellent. Together we make an unstoppable force. Maybe we should make a name for our team, like starforce, or dragonstar, or something cheesy but memorable like that, she exclaimed, and burst out laughing. Her green eyes sparkled. With a few more small chuckles, she rose her head up again. Never mind, I'm just joking. But in all seriousness, we will soon show the Shadow Realms not to mess with us, or any dragon, she cried with determination, the sparkle in her eyes taking on a fiery gleam.

Sirius just shook his head and sighed at his older sister's antics. Why didn't she realize that this was no time for jokes? The fate of the entire world rested on the backs of a few dragons and riders, including them. Sirius intended to do what was right without making light of the situation. He wholeheartedly agreed with her following statement, though, and roared his agreement. They will have been in our world for no more than a day before we send them all crawling back into their dark hole, he added, his teeth bared in a brief snarl.

Solarae bent her head down for a long, refreshing drink. She watched as the sky slowly grew lighter. The sun had not yet crested the horizon (it would not for several hours), and it would not show its face to the valley for hours after that. Solarae could not help feeling a twinge of tiredness. If I sleep now, I can be fresh and strong for the flight to the Tribe, and the following preparations and flight with them to Faefnir's Stronghold, she thought, relenting. Solarae found a quiet spot to curl up under some trees, and fell asleep with the sounds of the river still filling her mind. Her dreams were filled with darkness and evil, until she finally jerked into wakefulness. During her sleep, dawn had come.

Solarae immediately flapped up above the valley, intending to scout out a deer, have a quick meal and drink, and be off. Something to the west caught her eye, however. It was a dark-colored speck, growing steadily larger. Solarae scented the air, waiting and waiting until she caught the distinctive smell of one of her race. She waited further, and the shape grew large enough to recognize. Solarae tilted her head, trying to remember who it was, when the memory finally clicked. It was Elcyon, a friend of Phalynx! She smiled and extended her mind to the black dragoness. Hey, Elcyon! So you caught Phal's message? Maybe you can help me out, then, she cried out in greeting.

OOC: I don't know if they've already met, so lets just say that Solarae and El know each other.

OOC: It's alright, Draco; they've already met. Remember in A Whole New World?

IC:

Elcyon nearly fell out of the sky, startled by the orange dragoness's greeting. She hadn't even realized that she was over the , but it was probably from the fact that El was flying too fast to notice. Solarae, don't do that! she scolded as she placed a claw over her heart.You nearly gave me a heart attack! But El had forgiven Sol for it. El wasn't one to hold grudges. El rushed over to Sol and smiled. Yes, I did. I knew right away that something big was coming, from the large earthquake. Perhaps you know where we're supposed to be heading?

She took out her journal and marked a blank page just in case she needed to write anything down. Whatever's going to happen is defiantely going to need to be recorded. I'm hoping that once everything has settled, I could start a library for our race, and other races if they should so choose to read up on our history. It's so exciting! she added. We're actually living history! El realized that she had been dragging on for a while, and smiled sheepishly at Sol. Yeah, sorry about that.

Syllwin was now flying over the Du Weldenvarden, where she could sense that a couple of dragons were nearby. They were in a valley, and from the sounds of it, they were conversing. Syl swooped quickly over to the location and listened in. She wanted to take precautions just in case. Syl had too many accidents in her life to where she just rushed in headfirst without a plan. When Syl focused, she recognized one of the dragons; an orange one by the name of Solarae.

Hey, Solarae! she called out, finding a spot to land. Did you feel that earthquake? It was so weird. I was flying and then all of a sudden, I saw... Syl stopped when she noticed a black dragoness with an odd aura about her standing next to Sol. Who the heck are you? Syl came off coldly.

El took a step back from the larger female. Um, I'm uh, I'm Elcyon, she whispered, suddenly feeling shy. It had been a long time since she had felt shy towards anyone. I'm an aquaintance of Solarae. I assume you know her?

OOC: Sorry guys, I forgot it was my turn, school just started last week for me, so I had a lot on my plate and forgot.

IC: Elika's could feel the minds of being far down below. She hadn't run into all of them, but knew enough to correctly identify all them. Rigel, Nidhog, and Nilarek are down there. A shiver rolled through Elika's mind but never out to be manifested. These three were some of the evil, and powerful being that had ever existed, with one exception that no longer existed. She let her magic dance around the outer edge of the black pool. That is shadow, the darkest, blackest I've ever seen. She tried to get into their heads and find what they were thinking, but the shadows seem to block it, even though that ability, for her, had no magical compounds whatsoever.

Nilarek cursed in annoyance at the news. "We're not at full strength yet, the portal hasn't grown enough to sustain itself. If they attack, hold them at bay. I only need a little more time before this portal is ready." There were so many coming to attack them that he wondered if the portal was going to be enough to defeat them.
Hold them off minions, if they attack make sure they don't get past you. He did something particularly human then, he hoped.

"He know's we're here." Keralin said, feeling the shadows creep across his mind. Forever knocking at the door that was once open to them. "Every second we wait, more shadow creatures that escape the portal. There may be more than we can handle soon, we need to attack now!"

You've got to be kidding right? Aeraldi said offhandedly. He looked at Keralin with amusement in his eyes. The only real danger here is those who made the portal.
"Not with a portal this size, you may have fought the smaller ones but there are those that are much larger and far more powerful."
You have seen them?
"I made them, I sent them to the shadow realm to be corrupted and then used them when they had no control. You haven't seen anything yet."

Polaris and Saiph looked at each other before grinning like idiots. They loved the idea of having a name for their team and decided to think about it later. Let's show them what we're about!
Nothing can stop us, we're too good.
Especially these shadows, they won't stand a chance.
Saiph added his roar with Alna'ir, though it was more of a squeak.

Phal glanced at Eschelon when he joined them. You can simply help us fight and kill these evil creatures, and help us close the portal. That is what we all must try to do, she replied. Phal turned to Gornath and Elika when they mentioned their enemies. Yes, she's right. I can see them down there, near the entrance of the portal. I've been able to see the doorway for a couple minutes, she said, narrowing her eyes. The portal was the darkest thing she had ever seen, other than the Realm itself. Some of the shadow magic near it was a distinct signature of those very three. Gornath, I have fought Nidhog before. What vendetta does he have against you? she asked, thinking back to what he had said.

Shadow beasts are nothing to laugh at. Wiping out an army of this magnitude will be almost impossible. And we have those three to deal with as well. The creatures will attack indescrimanately, but Nilarek, Rigel, and Nidhog will go straight for whoever they dislike the most, Phal said, her muscles beginning to tense as the tendrils of shadow wrapped loosely around them. Heat from the perpetually erupting lava made the air feel dry and brittle, and the shadows with it caused a feeling that lightning was constantly about to crackle. Phal drew in closer to the main portal, but veered off to the side before they reached the edges of the army.

Rigel snorted at Nidhog's news. That's not surprising. I felt Phalynx approaching for some time, and she always has those others around to protect her. Let them try to protect her from me, he hissed, his voice gaining a particularly high amount of venom at the end. He would kill her. He didn't care about the end of this battle nearly as much. If he had to choose between a better chance at victory or her death, he would choose the latter.

The phoenix glanced at Nilarek. The portal is wide enough. If they attack now, they will meet their dooms long before they can reach it, he replied confidently, turning his head back to face the direction he felt the starry one. He could feel the minds of others now, as well.

Na'ir could see something in the distance. A faint glow, very faint, could be seen when she zoomed up on an area. The light was reddish, but more than that she could not see. I think we're getting close, really close. Can you guys feel anything? she asked, turning her head to look at each of her siblings. Their powers would probably allow them to see different aspects of what lay ahead, and just how long it would be before they reached the darkness.

Sirius nodded. Yeah. I've been feeling the darkness growing stronger for a long time now, he replied, his eyes narrowing in thoughtfulness, And I know for a fact we are extremely close. I can feel how close we are to the site of danger. Sirius flexed his claws warily, gazing around at the dry landscape as if he expected to see enemies right next to them.

Well, I don't know about where we're supposed to go, but I know where I'm going. And let me tell you, when everyone else sees what I'm gonna bring, they'll be grateful for sure, Solarae replied to El with a laugh. So you want to be a scholar-type dragon? Neat. I'll have to check out your library. And dude, I talk as much as you want. 'Cause I smell someone else coming anyway, she said, grinning and turning her eyes to her friend Syll. She had caught the icy dragoness's scent when Elcyon was speaking.

Hey! How are you, Syl? Yeah, this is Elcyon. I met her a few decades ago, she's a friend of Phal's. It was Phalynx who sent us the warning to assemble. Don't you know? The Shadow Wars are starting. I'm flying east to the Tribe dragons, so that I can recruit them to the cause. No doubt they're already preparing themselves, but they don't know where the fight's gonna be. You both wanna join me? she asked, flapping her wings excitedly.

OOC: Sorry, I was waiting for a reply back from Draco, but now I got it.

IC: Elika flew to the front of the group and looked right into his Nidhog's eyes, though he quite the distance from them yet, and yelled back, What? To scared to attack us all at once? Are you only able to kill us one at a time? That's pretty pathetic for someone who says that they have the power that you say you do. Accroding to you've always boasted, we need to several more dragons to make this an even fight, so killing us should be easy. You guys are all here for yourselves, don't you think you'd be held at the top if you kill us all by yourself, it isn't like they'd be able to do much, but oh wait. Maybe you can't do anything by yourself, maybe you're here with them because you know that either one of them could kick your butt with barely anything. She continued to taunt the black dragon, making sure that each insult and assumption cut deep.

Fools, they don't realize the power this portal can maintain! Nilarek thought as they began facing each other down. He wanted to bellow his own challenge at Keralin, but he had a constant reminder of the importance of a self-sustaining portal. Another burst of energy coursed through him as another person corrupted by the Shadow Realm sacrificed themselves. Nilarek felt the pull on his own body lessen then, and then cut itself from him. It was done.
Nilarek couldn't believe it at first, having his energy to himself once again. Then a huge smile broke out on his face and he began laughing maniacally, letting nothing stop his joy at the situation. The resonance of the portal could be felt for miles around, though it was nothing but pure ecstasy to Nilarek.
"Come and get me Keralin!" He joined into the chorus of taunts. "The portal is complete and you and I have some unfinished business!" He couldn't have thought this day would come so soon, or that the portal would be finished before they attacked. The thought send another wave of laughter through him, his voice sounding like it was made of pure shadow. The shadow creatures that ran past him through the portal even edged away slightly.

Keralin felt the instant the portal was complete, the dread that coursed through him making him freeze in the saddle. He felt the resonance the portal made deep within him, feeling it shake his very soul.
"It's complete... We're too late."
Aelir felt the hopelessness in his rider, It's not too late, we have the strongest fighters here. Both in magic and in their own weapons. We can beat this.
"Not this... Not..." Keralin didn't have the strength to even say anything.

Be strong! Aeraldi said, though his own confidence was fading. We're not dead yet, so we have a chance. It was a grim thought, though it did make Aeraldi's blood burn with fire. He felt alive.
This kind of fight comes once in a life-time. So lets make the most of it. He enjoyed Eschelon's company as he was one who came from the same time as he did, and he seemed to be enjoying this as much as he.
At the arrival of Rema though, he thought of his own children. If they had followed his instructions and stayed at home. He hoped fervently that was the case, for he couldn't imagine a life without them now.

Saiph looked through his eye, the one given to him by his mother. He could see the magical energies flowing about them as well as the Shadow energies that pulsed in the distance. We are very close, this way. He said flying off into the distance.
Polaris was as exited as Saiph was, though she was looking in a different direction. Her far-sight allowed her to see her parents before they got to her. It helped when they were doing things they weren't supposed to. Wait, Saiph! I can see our parents, they are close. If they catch us, we're as good as dead. They ignored the feeling deep in the pit of their gut, not knowing exactly what it was. The closest thing that could be said for it was fear.
Saiph only answered his bigger sister then, Yeah, we can feel it. He waited, unsure of how to proceed. Although he wanted to get into the action, he didn't want to go near that thing. Or near his parents. He honestly couldn't tell which would be worse.

Phal smiled grimly at her companions. She blinked when Rema joined them, and her concerns immediately flashed to her own children. Knowing Alna'ir, they had probably already left to do some foolhardy thing. Please, keep them safe, Phal whispered, gazing upwards. She could see the stars through the red and black clouds, but she was the only one. To her, they were still twinkling on bravely despite the darkness. That was what she must do.

Phal gazed around at her companions. These were her best friends and family; she would do anything for them. She would die for them. Their taunts to the darkness and occasional words of encouragement to each other surged her own hope until it was like a piercing light within her chest. Their portal is complete. We can see their armies now. Those three will attack use whether we leave now or fight. So let us fight, she said softly, her eyes turning back to their enemies far below. The green fire in each eye was burning with a fierce intensity, accentuated on the right by the glowing strip of gold. Phal soared closer to the darkest beings she had ever faced, tensed her wings, and prepared to go into a sharp attack dive.

Rigel laughed at his two allies as they began to taunt the enemies of their mission. Nilarek had been very silent and composed, until now, however. Rigel would never sink to such crude levels as taunting his enemies into a fight. He only mocked and sneered when he was in the obvious position of power. Uncountable years of existence did tend to make one wiser in a fight.

Instead, the dark phoenix flapped up to a higher perch, and locked his eyes on Phalynx. He stared her down, his ferocious yellow glare cutting like a knife. It seemed to have no effect on the silver dragon, but he expected no less. What kind of worthy opponent would she be if she could not even hold her own in the first few moments? Rigel raised his wings halfway off of his back, about to jump forward and into the sulfurous air when his companions made a move.

Na'ir flew in front of her siblings and spread out her wings to stop them, hovering. Yeah, I noticed them. Looks like they're about to fight. I think we'd better come up with our own plan; one that won't involve running into our parents, she said, turning her head back with a grin on her face. She was still afraid to fight, but she didn't have to get into the thick of things. As long as she stayed on the edges and sent in huge bursts of starfire, and helped direct the others and make plans, she would be useful.

Sirius nodded to Saiph, his own senses both picking up on the shadows to the point of knowing exactly where they were and how strong they were, as well as telling him where he was needed most. Right now, that seemed to be directly before them, fighting the hordes of darkness. He glanced at Na'ir when she stopped them. Oh, yes, they are. I guess I was so focused on getting to the evil, I didn't notice, he replied with a small smile. His thoughts were very different from his older sister's, instead residing on going right into the heart of the battle, perhaps to the portal itself.

Solarae laughed at her friends. She smiled at Elcyon when she mentioned having met the Tribe. Oh, you know some of them? I met them several centuries ago when I first went east, and I've been really great buddies with them ever since. In fact, if I hadn't wanted to take down Galbatorix and other evildoers so much, I'd be a part of the Tribe right now, the orange dragoness replied. She suddenly blinked in shock. Ah! We have to get going! We have to cross these mountains, cross the Red Desert, and then fly an even longer distance through some jungly mountains just to reach them! she cried anxiously, and immediately tore off to the east.

Oh no.. Aeraldi groaned as the pair descended to the shadow portal, followed by another. Charge! He yelled at everyone, snapping his wings shut and falling towards the ground. The battle had begun, though the larger shadow creatures only started to show themselves now.

Keralin gripped Aelir's saddle tightly, he wouldn't admit it but he was nervous. Things would happen today that should have only happened once. No, that should never have happened. "Aelir..." Keralin said, "Let's go."
With that, Aelir and Keralin dove towards the ground, and towards the shadow beast that poured out of the portal. The more dangerous ones finally appearing. They walked on four extremely long legs that carried their bodies three stories into the air, and had dozens of tentacles flailing around them with spikes on the ends of them. They were walking carriers of Shadow Corruption and were extremely hard to kill without being corrupted yourself. Then came the monsters.
Hulking monstrosities, that would have loomed over castles, walked out. They had massive jaws, and had legs that resembled guard towers. They looked built for speed, though Keralin knew they were one of the more deadly creatures within the shadow Realm.

Nilarek saw the creatures pass by him, he had only seen these beasts a few times before, though he knew that the most incredible creature had yet to come. He had summoned it's shadow many times before but this time, it would come out in full. Nilarek made himself a sword of shadow, readying himself for the slaughter to come. As he saw Keralin descend, he could find any reason to think of anything else.

Saiph had an idea then, one that would make sure they would get into the action and wouldn't run into their parents. Hey, what if we circle around the area and make sure that no creatures escape? That way we won't run the risk of getting caught!
Polaris chirped up, I love it! Please Na'ir? She asked pleadingly, giving her bigger sister the most innocent eyes she could. The look usually gave her what she wanted when she gave it to her parents. Though against her sister, it failed more often than not.

OOC: Aight, I'm done. Sorry bout that.

Phalynx frowned in surprise when Elika rushed into battle. She disapproved of rushing into things, but sighed. This battle would have started soon anyway, and perhaps it was better that it had started in an unexpected way. Her scales flared up with radiant silver light, and her eyes glowed with a sunlike gold. She angled her wings back and pulled into an elegant, graceful dive towards their enemies.

Phal flew straight towards the largest of the shadow beasts, unfazed by the fact that she had never seen any like this before. They would have to be destroyed as quickly as possible. She let out a monstrous burst of starfire over the back of one, searing the shadows badly and causing it to collapse in pain, though it struggled upright once more. Phal twisted around and ran it across with a more concentrated stream of flame. She dove and raked her light-infused claws along its face, thrashing it with her tail as she passed. She turned again, burning away the tentacles that lashed up towards her, and then flapped higher. As she rose above the creatures, she began her examination of the shadow portal. Phal made a small, anxious sound as she saw how complex and powerful the portal was. How would they ever destroy it? That alone would be near impossible, without adding in the monstrous and flying shadow beasts, and their mortal enemies trying to kill them at every turn.

Rigel sneered as one of the younger members of their group attacked first. They have no plan, no organization, no leadership. They will be easy to defeat for us, Nilarek, the phoenix stated, his voice haughty. He grinned evilly as Phalynx dove for the attack as well. Oh, little dragon. How will you ever destroy this portal while I'm attacking you? I know what you're thinking. I know you think you are needed to destroy it. And those thoughts betray your selfish nature, dragon! Rigel hissed venemously into her mind as he took flight, heading straight for her.

Na'ir laughed as she heard Saiph's plan, and laughed again at Polaris's face. Actually, I quite like that idea. Let's go! she replied in agreement. Her wings twisted elegantly, gravity propelling her into a downward spiral. She moved down until she could see the edges of the battlefield clearly. Monstrous shadow beasts were pouring out of the portal, and from a distance she could see a group of brightly colored flying things, obviously her friends and family on the attack. A bright, silver light, like a star, suddenly blinked into existence. Na'ir smiled, recognizing her mother.

Sirius nodded in agreement to his youngest siblings' plan. Yes. We will be able to fight effectively and usefully without getting into the main battle or revealing ourselves to the others, he said, liking the strategy. He followed Na'ir into a swift dive, watching the edges of the battle. He smiled when he saw the specks of color, and the point of starlight, feeling the rise in power and morale almost immediately.

Solarae rolled her eyes at her friends. Oh, just relax, you guys. We're on a mission to turn the tide of a war, and you guys are acting so distrustful? Save the disputes and uneasiness for after the fight, she called back with a shake of the head. She flapped her wings swiftly, shaking and moving with the winds as the air currents pushed her body or against her wings.

A few minutes later, the mountains became dry and crumbling, and large clouds of dust blew up from their craggy slopes. The mountians appeared almost red, as the exposed iron had oxidized and turned to rust. Reddish dust swirled around beneath them. Through the gap in the mountains before them, Solarae could see an immense expanse of red land.

Elika barely had time to stand up before Nidhog was attack again by the others. Her quick eyes saw the only thing that mattered much; in the process of the others attacking, Shyra got thrown off Ecivres and nearly crushed by the monstrous dragons. Elika changed into her human form so she would be less of a block for the others as she tried to get to her mother.

She ran, dodged, jumped as attacks where being carried out around her. She reached her mother and threw her back on Ecivres. "Res, take her and dad back from the main fight, this is to dangerous for them, but they can take care of the small ones that are escaping."

Ecivres felt like objecting on Shyra's behalf, but knew Elika was right. He jumped to the sky and flew up next to Shyara. Kit, jump over, Shyra's hurt and Elika feels that you two would be better off on the outskirts. Look, you know she's right, if we need you, we'll get you.

It was against Kit's nature to leave right now, but he knew that, in his heart, that they couldn't do much right here. Okay, he slid down Shyara's tail and let her fling him toward Ecivres, where he landed relatively easily. Okay let's go.

Elika turned toward Nidhog, but he seemed to be under control. She looked up to see where Phal was since she would need to close the portal. She spotted her, but she also saw Rigel coming off the ground toward her. Elika jumped into the dark air and changed as she did She picked a point where she'd intersect him and flew straight for it. Back OFF!! she shrieked as she slammed into him from underneath.

Ecivres was flying hard in a westwardly direction, when he spotted a few more dragons in the distance. Hey, he said back to his passengers, I'll tell them what's going on first, then I'll drop you off. As he got closer he recognized them as Phal and Aeraldi's kids and Oh ****, oh ****, oh ****!! ran through his mind.

When he got close enough that he was sure they saw him and could hear him he yelled, What the hell are you kids doing here, you know this is to dangerous for you. he started tearing into them because they were family and he didn't want to lose family, especially young ones, and he feared that they'd lose to many to day as it was.

Suddenly he just stopped his yelling, took a deep breath, and started again. Okay, I don't have time for this I have to get back. You're parents are going to kill you if they find you here, or if I tell them, he threatened, But, if you watch these two, indicating Kit and Shyra, I won't tell anybody, just help them and keep them alive, deal?

OOC: If you don't like that I can edit I just thought I'd through a good twist in there

OOC: Hey Draco isn't it your turn to go?

OOC: F@#$! It's mine. I am not with it sorry.

Aeraldi tackled one of the flying beasts, snapping it's neck within his jaws and dropping it to the ground. He then breathed in and breathed fire on top on the creatures walking on the ground. They all vaporized in an instant with the intensity of the flame. Aeraldi knew he would be needing all his strength for this. He was glad to be whole now, not just for his own sake.

Keralin and Aelir dived for the one that had caused the trouble, that had introduced this amount of Shadow corruption into the world. For the one that had killed so many and had shown the world the strength of the Shadow Realm.
"You die now Nilarek!" Keralin shouted.

Nilarek watched the pitiful dragon and rider make their way down the the ground. Stay away from those two, I want them alive. He commanded. He replied to Keralin in kind;
"Not until you do!" He shouted back. He jumped high into the air and jumped onto a Shadow flier, raising his shadow sword.

Nilarek and Keralin collided, Keralin protecting Aelir from Shadow corruption. Aelir had to fight the Shadow flier without protection. Keralin leaned in his saddle at swung his sword at Nilarek, Nilarek parrying with his shadow sword. Claws and sword flew quickly, each fighting for their own life.

I can feel it, the battle has begun. Polaris said.
So can I. Saiph said, mirroring his sister. Although he could exactly feel it, he could feel it through their link. He was interrupted though, as a voice started yelling. When the dragon began talking as if they could defend themselves, Polaris got a little angry.
How dare you!? We are capable of taking care of ourselves, watch! Polaris dived, heading towards a lone Shadow Creature that had separated itself from the group. Saiph dived after her, analyzing her strategies and modifying them to incorporate him. Both dragons seemed to become one, their actions mirroring each other in a dance of mortality. Both Polaris and Saiph began to tear apart the shadow creature as soon as they arrived, using each others strength to amplify their own. When they jumped off the shadow creature, who was now a writhing mass of limbs, they both breathed fire. Their fires mingled and created a fire so intense that it took only a few seconds for them to completely incinerate the shadow beast. Polaris and Saiph looked at each other, then at the new-comers.
We are the ultimate team. They both said at once.

OOC: lol

IC: Rigel hissed and instinctively transformed into his fireform when he felt the collision. Elika streamed out through the other side of his cold-fire body, and the phoenix was only moved a short distance. However, he had lost any element of surprise or speed he had maintained against Phalynx.

Phal twisted herself around when she heard Rigel's taunts, and caught sight of him just as Elika was flinging herself at him. Phal flew straight towards them, and blasted starfire over the fiery phoenix. He screeched in anger and reverted to his normal form, launching himself at her. Phal rolled to the side, spitting fire up at him as he passed. Rigel circled around and came back, beak and talons outstretched. Phal flapped up over him and slashed downwards, but he had flipped himself over. The two grappled for an instant before their momentum carried them past each other. Phal dove away and attacked the monstrous shadow beast again, not wanting to spend the whole time fighting the evil phoenix.

Rigel's eyes narrowed in anger when he saw his quarry ignoring him. He screeched furiously and flew towards the silver dragon once more, slashing his claws briefly at Elika as he passed her.

Na'ir frowned at Ecivres when he flew towards the four young dragons. Who was he to accuse them of getting into things that were too dangerous? They were decades old! Ecivres, we're all perfectly capable of handling ourselves. There aren't many years separating our ages, and both myself and my siblings have been in dangerous situations before. Besides, you're going to need our starfire. It's one of the strongest weapons against these beasts of shadow, she said calmly, trying to rebuke him with words rather than an example, as her twin siblings were doing. She was impressed, as she always was, by their prowess in their fighting technique, but she herself did not like fighting. She wouldn't do it until she had to.

Sirius simply ignored Ecivres. His siblings would convince the dragon that they had every right to be here. Meanwhile, he had shadow beasts to kill. The white dragon, silver edges of his wings gleaming in the dim light, dove away at another group of creatures. His powerful silver flame, tinged in white, bathed the evil creatures in a starlike glow. When the flames dispersed, there were no shadow beasts left where they had burned, and those on the edges of the fire's path were severely injured. Sirius swooped down towards them to finish them off with his claws and teeth. Polaris and Saiph were unmatched when they fought together, but Sirius was proficient at fighting alone.

Solarae paused when they came to the rather abrupt edge of the mountains. A huge, endless expanse of rust-red plains lay sprawled before them. Somewhere beyond was a large chain of jungle-ensconced mountains where the Tribe was hidden. Alright guys, you have to listen to me. The Red Desert is really weird. There's this enchantment that causes you to fly in circles and get lost and completely lose your sense of direction within. Many creatures have died there. So you have to stay close to me and always keep me in your line of sight. I can't be affected by it again, since I've already crossed the Desert. Remember, stay close, she instructed them, not wanting her friends to get lost in the dusty flatland. Solarae stared at each of them with one eye-ridge raised, making sure they understood, and then finally turned and began the flight across the Red Desert.

OOC: astral, I believe it to be your turn

OOC: I think we missed Kit.

Nilarek and Keralin's blades clashed again and again, both warriors fighting to their limit. It surprised Nilarek how tough the fight was, especially since he had the advantage all the times before. He should be at my mercy now! What is wrong with me!? He thought angrily. He turned that anger around on Keralin, who's thoughts were totally focused on Nilarek.
Keralin whirled his sword around, using techniques learned after his separation from Nilarek. He hoped they would catch the shade off-guard and give him an edge. He was still as tough as ever. Nilarek's stance shifted too, into something that Keralin hadn't seen before and he was caught completely off-guard when Nilarek jumped at him, knocking them both off Aelir. Keralin thought to use magic to slow his fall, but he couldn't get the words out as Nilarek kept struggling with him while in the air.
Nilarek was pleased by how his plan worked, though he would have to slow their fall slightly so that Keralin wouldn't die. "You will be mine!" He screamed, holding Keralin's arms tightly.
Aelir felt dread at the feeling of Keralin being knocked off of his back. He turned to grab his rider in his claws, but the Shadow flier wouldn't let him. Long gashes ran down Aelir's sides, and he roared in pain.
Keralin!

Aeraldi tore at shadow beast after Shadow beast. He tried to keep most of the fliers out of the way, so that the others wouldn't get too far. He had to find a way to close that massive portal, it kept pouring out more and more enemies, all of which were dangerous beyond reason. He flew left and dodged right, avoiding the tentacles of the tall shadow beast, and ripping them off as fast as he could. The Shadow corruption wouldn't harm him now, he had Phalynx to thank for that. After he tore the last tentacle off and dropped it to the ground, he began to tear at the beast's belly. The memories of his Black form surging through him, returning the power he once had. To anyone who looked, his scales did seem to gleam with a black that resembled one of his past forms.

Not to mention the ancient fire. Saiph added to Alna'ir's sentence.
And we can keep them alive no sweat. Polaris said. You're talking to the best fighters in the new age.
Saiph wanted to add more, but he couldn't think of anything else. He and his sister loved swelling each other's ego. Both dragons took off and began attacking more Shadow Creatures that had escaped the notice of their parents. Not to mention the other dragons that were there fighting alongside them. They dived and breathed fire, joining the ancient-fire with star-fire, making fire that burned even the hardest shelled Shadow Creature.

Rigel screeched as Elika jerked his flight path by grabbing his foot. He sent a few ice arrows spitefully towards her before carrying on. The silver dragon was still attacking one of the largest shadow beasts. He flapped up until he was above both Phalynx and Elika, and then sent down a large cloud of magical cold fire. As the fire spread, so did a strange blue mist that lay frost and caused a burning sensation on whatever it touched.

Phal felt her scales tingle, and saw the blueish mist descend towards them. She knew it would start burning in an instant, and did a few power-flaps of her wings to clear it away. She sent back a return attack at Rigel, her silvery flame hurtling towards him. Then she flew back towards the monstrous shadow beast. It was still looming over the lava field below, walking slowly forward. If this behemoth reached the inhabited lands, there was no telling how much damage it would cause. Phal dove suddenly and slashed her brightly lit talons over the beast's legs, causing it to bellow in pain. She breathed a thin, concentrated jet of flame at another leg, and it nearly lost its balance. The fact that it had six legs, though, would make it more difficult to knock over. Phal took out another leg and flew out from under the beast as it fell.

Na'ir rolled her eyes, but smiled to show no hard feelings. Ecivres, of course we'll watch them. I was planning on staying above the main fight anyway. I'm just going to use my starfire. They'll be safe with me, and Polaris, Saiph, and Sirius will look after them as well, she said with a reassuring smile. She sent out a large stream of starfire to assert her point. The beautiful flames, silver with flecks of blue, black, and white, streamed over the scattering of shadow beasts below, burning away the darkness.

Sirius smiled at Polaris and Saiph when they added that the ancient fire would help as well. Yes. We have ample ability to destroy these shadow beasts. The ones on the edges need to be kept in check, he added. He turned back to his work of eliminating them. A group of creatures was scrambling over a black, razor-rock ridge, trying to escape into the plains beyond the Scorched Lands. Sirius swooped down before them and lit them up with a burst of white-tipped silver fire. He swooped down and dispatched the remainder with swift movements of his talons.

Solarae grinned at both of the dragonesses, hoping to reassure them that there was nothing to fear. Just relax, you two. I've fought more creatures than both of you combined and multiplied, even a few shadow beasts. Even if this desert surprises me, I'm sure we'll be able to handle whatever it throws. There shouldn't be too many dangerous critters in this place anyway. Mostly it's the elements that get you, if you're not careful, she said, continuing her flight. She did hope that they wouldn't come across any obstacles, though. Their friends down south would need the aide of the Tribe.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

IC:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

OOC: Sorry, forgot I had to post.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

OOC: oops!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

OOC: Kind of pathetically short

OOC: sorry, forgot it was my turn.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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