Zeke's mouth gaped wide as he tried to gasp in a breath, but all air had left his lungs. He leaned over onto his side and coughed, finally managing to drag some oxygen into him. He slumped to the ground and closed his eyes. He wanted to sleep. His eyes flashed open when Incendia was ordered to be taken away. He tried to sit up,"No!" he shouted after her, but a swift kick in the ribs had him silenced. When again he looked up, she was gone. He closed his eyes. He grit his teeth, then blasted his mind outward and toward the camp. He brushed against Savania briefly, reassuring her that he was safe, then reached into Eris's mind without pause. Taken Incendia to Crimson. Must prevent. Unable to help. he relayed, meaning that Galedrim had ordered Incendia to Crimson and they must prevent it without his help. When he spoke again to the ex-Rider, his tone was firm and unmoving. Stay away. Exactly what Galedrim wants. You come, he kill us all to make you suffer and break you. Stay away. he reiterated firmly. He pulled away and was abruptly smacked back into his own mind. Hatred was pulsing through him, hot and boiling and extremely deadly. If he opened his eyes, he knew that Galedrim would be destroyed, just like Leurgan. He didn't want to do that. He didn't want to ever do that again. But the impulse to simple open his eyes and utterly destroy Galedrim's soul, heck even derive pleasure from its destruction, was becoming very hard to fight against. His breathing was hard and rough, and when he spoke it was through tightly clenched teeth,"If you do not want to die in the most horrible way possible, I would recommend you stay away from me." he panted.

- - - - - - - - - -

Jia glanced up at the others, her expression pained. She loved her brother, but she knew what he would be saying right now. 'Don't worry about me, just keep going with your mission. I'll be fine.' he'd say. She took a deep breath and took a step forward. Zeke would not be wanting us to do this for him, and I have a pretty good idea that neither would Incendia. she said quietly. She had just begun to speak again when she felt the mind of her brother come closer. It brushed against Savania and then went straight to Eris. While she waited she glanced at Nirexi. The four young ones had bristled at being set aside, but all of them knew it was not safe for untrained yearling dragons to be here. They can go to the Spine, and I suppose Savania could go with them, to make them behave and stay out of too much trouble? she asked, glancing at the silver-haired woman. Her words were clever ones; by clumping Savania in with her children to keep them safe, there was no reason to argue or feel resentful about not being in the action.

OOC:
True, though I've no idea if Zeke's powers are actually magical or not. I never even thought about it.

IC:
Zeke grit his teeth, his jaw working, and kept silent. If he spoke now, he'd lose it. He gasped with pain as he was struck across the face once more. He nearly lost consciousness. He fought to stay alert as he was dragged to a tent and tied to the center pole. They had to briefly untie his wrists to get his arms around the pole, but he was too out of it to try and escape. His legs were released except for the bindings around his ankles. Feeling zapped at his thighs and calves as blood rushed through them. He gasped through his teeth as his legs felt like hundreds of needles were pricking them over and over again.

- - - - - - - - - -

Jia sighed but didn't argue. She looked to Caete as he began explaining the Rites. They reminded her of the Seals Ka would use to protect her or himself. Once he had finished and spoke his concern about how she and Nirexi would carry them, she snorted quietly. She turned to Eris, a bit of longing in her eyes. Eris, would you switch the Seal I gave you with this one? she asked, holding Zeke's Changing Seal up in her paw. The one you have was made by Ka and has a bit of his energy in it. she explained. She glanced at Caete. And I'll show you how I can fix that in a moment. she said with a smile and a twinkle in her teal eyes.

Jia laughed at Nirexi as she tied the papers to her belt, her teal eyes gleaming,"My lord, but you do look quite handsome with that splash of grey across your muzzle." she said, trying to keep from falling to the ground and laughing until her sides and belly hurt. She spread her wings and stretched, then grinned at the black male,"You ready, then?" she asked, still chuckling. She drew the emerald jeweled hilt from the scabbard, releasing the golden colored blade. She admired the way the tiny amethyst cables swirled and shifted, almost glittered as she moved the blade in the light. She swung the sword slowly from side to side, then looked at Eris,"On your word." she said, meaning she was ready to fly off as soon as he said.

- - - - - - - - - -

Tel got to his paws, his icy-pearl-white eyes glittering. But we can help! he protested. Zeuk is a fighter, and with my powers I could reduce whatever is holding Incendia to shrapnel in less than a minute! Quasar could help with that while Zeuk keeps the others off us and Anir guards our backs. Let us help our cousin! he said in a frustrated tone. He felt Anir set her tail over his flank, but he shook it off.

OOC:
@dark: Feel free to use Zeke as a hostage/ransom against them if you want.

IC:
Jia smiled and nodded, sheathing her blade for now. She raised her wings in preparation to leave.

- - - - - - - - - -

Tel and Anir both nodded obediently. They both half-raised their wings, getting ready to spring up and toward their cousin. She couldn't have gone far. No matter what kind of transport she was in or how fast it went, the bulk and weight of a dragon would slow it down.

- - - - - - - - - -

Zeke had almost been snoozing when Galedrim stalked in and punched him in the chest. His eyes flew open and his mouth gaped, trying to take in a breath of air. Oxygen finally came after a few moments, and he gulped in in greedily. He panted, wincing at the pain in his chest, then he looked up at Galedrim,"You might as well as kill me because I will never talk." he spat quietly, and then deliberately looked away.

Jia nodded and sprang nimbly into the air. She drew her sword once more and readied it for battle. She stayed slightly on Nirexi's left flank.

- - - - - - - - - -

Tel roared angrily and dove, lighting his eyes so they glowed with power. While Quasar and Zeuk occupied the soldiers he went for the carriage. Anir, keep them off my back. he told her as he landed. There was two soldiers at the back of the carriage. He leap at them and killed them swiftly with a lash of his talons and a snap of his jaws. He saw the imperfections in the metal of the carriage and dug a talon into a weak piece, twisting it savagely. The back door to the carriage fell open with ease after a few more twists. Incendia! he said as he saw her. He sprang into the carriage beside her, his glowing eyes looking over the chains and restraints that held her. His anger climbed a bit when he saw something circling where her neck would be. Is that a collar?! he asked bitingly, his lips trembling on the verges of a snarl.

Nirexi roared a gut-wrenching battle cry and dove toward a flaming rock, he turned half in the air, batting it down with his tail back towards Galedrims camp, he pulled his wings in and dove down, following the flaming stone. He seperated from its tail toward a catapult and swiped at the top of it with his razor-sharp claw, roaring again as the wood gave under his strength. He felt his paw gently throb because of the rebound that the wood caused but ignored it as he bursted a throng of fire upon Galedrims men.

Isabella grunted as a dog bit down on the shin guard protecting her leg, she couldn't feel its teeth, but could feel the unpleasant pressure. She brought her spear down, closing her eyes as she used the blade to quickly end its life. She felt bile rise in her throat as she saw the dog, despite knowing that it was trying to kill her. She moved on to a cluster of Galedrims soldiers, she swiped at them, feeling her spear get knocked away and gasped as a sword nicked her shoulder. She pulled back and ducked swiping her legs under the soldier and knocked him to the ground. She took the moment to end him and jump forward.

Raill quietly slunk into the fray next to Isabella, focusing on killing some soldiers who thought to get the drop on her. When he noticed the darkness of the tents he took off, running to the side of a particularly large one and sneaking around it, blending completely with the darkness. Iz, I am going to look to see what I can find and if I can locate Zeke. Isabella glanced at her friend, and nodded, before swinging back into the fight.

Caete dove down, watching with his Sight for hints of a darkened soul, or anything that may hint to Galedrim. His eyes reverted back when he landed on a catapult, swinging his halberd so that he cut the ropes that powered it. He jumped down into a swarm of Galedrims troops and landed using a concussion on the ground to send them flying. He grinned as they landed mere feet away from Eris' troops.

Blanc followed the troops, weaving in and out of their ranks, killing soldiers as he passed to try and help some of the weaker soldiers. He moved up finally close enough to enter a chunk of the main fray. He was at level with Isabella with Caete ahead. He saw his bond jump into a group that was, seconds later, sent flying. He surged forward, grabbing a soldier out of the air with his maws and breaking his neck.

Zeke glanced up as he heard fighting start a little ways from the camp. He licked his swollen lips and tried to swallow, but his muscles wouldn't comply. He tried to move his legs, but pain made him stop. After Galedrim had left the tent, a group of three soldiers had come in and begun hitting him. Not in a torturous way, in a taunting way. He'd barely been able to keep his temper in check for the insults they threw at him. And it hadn't even been the insults about himself, it was those about his mate, sister, and children that got him worked up. Once they'd left he'd barely been able to breathe. He let his had drop once more, too tired and sore to hold it up for long.

- - - - - - - - - -

Tel snarled and whirled around, lashing out with his tail and talons, twisting and hitting any metal he came in contact with so it crumpled around a soldier and crushed their chest or abdomen. By the time he turned back around, Incendia was gone, the chains that had previous held her scattered in pieces. He looked around wildly as he heard his cousin's cry of terror, but he couldn't locate her by his ears alone. Then he heard Anir cry out in pain. He roared in fury and sprang toward her, tearing away the soldier that had hacked his weapon into her left shoulder. He looked around for his other two siblings as he crouched over Anir. Fall back! Incendia was taken by a gryphon and Anir is injured! Fall back! he ordered, beating his wings powerfully so he lifted into the air. He took a deep breath and spat a globule of lavender-silver flames. His roar of dragon fire turned into a shriek of pain as a bolt lodged into his side, piercing his smooth snake-like scales easily. He felt Anir lift into the air beside him. Soothed by her presence, he turned and hoofed it out of there. [i]To me! Incendia is no longer in the carriage![i] he called to Quasar and Zeuk, hoping they would hear and follow him.

- - - - - - - - - -

Jia snarled and flew low, swinging her sword and killing those who didn't expect an aerial attack. She occasionally spat balls of her fire, but most were protected from dragon flames, so she rarely bothered. Just like Eris she was keeping an eye out for Galedrim. She found him, surprisingly, at the edge of the camp, watching the battle. She bared her teeth and snarled. She searched for Eris and flew to him, hovering above the human. She dropped to the ground beside Eris, defending his back with clashes and sparks from her sword,"Eris, I found your brother. When you get the chance, turn to me and either grab my tail or wrap your arms around my waist so I can carry you to him, if you wish." she offered.

Jia felt Eris grab onto her tail and instantly beat her wings. She had lifted a few feet from the ground when a soldier leaped up and attempted to grab her leg and drag her down. She snarled and kicked at him viciously. His grip was broken, but not before he'd sunk a dagger into her thigh. Unfortunately, the soldier hadn't let go of the dagger, so it was slashed down her thigh before it finally left her flesh. She grunted in pain. She reached down to Eris and grabbed his forearm, then hoisted him up so she cradled him in front of her,"Hold on." she grunted, banking in Galedrim's direction. Her vision darkened with a red haze when she saw that the traitor had her brother. Get ready to drop and roll. she said to Eris.

- - - - - - - - - -

Zeke grunted as he was abruptly jerked to his feet and dragged from the tent. He heard the sounds of fighting, very close now. He squinted his eyes open, though he couldn't see very much. He stumbled and almost fell.

- - - - - - - - - -

Tel nodded to his mother and braced himself against his sister's side. She's not hurt too badly, but she is out of the fight. As am I. he said, motioning to the bolt in his side. He helped Anir onto Zeuk's back, then turned and guarded them as they got airborne. His eyes went dark and he staggered, but took a deep breath and sprang into the air with a powerful beat of his wings. Fly north, like mother told us. he said crisply. Were either of you hurt? he asked Quasar and Zeuk worriedly.

Isabella saw as Jia and Eris took off, with Caete following slowly after. She moved her arms to block a blow from an enemy and hit his arm with the shaft of her spear. "Nirexi, I plan on helping them if they need it, however for now we should help the ground soldiers here." she grunted as the blunt end of a sword caught her hip, but jumped forward to kill the man. She felt her dragon rumble in agreement as he swung his tail to the side in order to flick soldiers away.

Raill spunk over quietly, peaking around a corner and seeing Galedrim holding Zeke. He stood a moment, silently planning something. He moved quietly, knowing that Galedrik could not see him.

Caete moved in behind Eris and Jia, watching Galedrim with his sight. The man's soul was a deep, darkened red. He could almost feel the hatred, the anger, emanating from his soul. He did not know what to say, so he lingered next to, holding his double-halberd in his hands.

OOC: Yeah, sorry darkie that's what I meant

Zeke grunted as he was forced to his knees on the ground. The cold bite of steel against his throat made him swallow. A trickle of blood slid down his skin. He opened his eyes, staring directly at Eris and his sister, who hovered a foot or two above the human ex-Rider,"Eris, Jia, don't listen to him. I don't fear death." he managed to gasp, wincing with pain as his head was wrenched back further by the hair.

- - - - - - - - - -

Jia folded her wings and landed next to Eris, her lips peeled back in a snarl, but she hesitated when her brother warned her back. Her tail snapped to the side,"Galedrim, if you so much as twitch the wrong way, I will make a Hell Seal and burn your pathetic soul into the lowest of the Nine Levels of Hell!" she snarled, her teal-aquamarine irises glittering with rancor.

- - - - - - - - - -

Tel nodded and lifted into the air with a flick of his wings. He few hesitantly, not sure exactly which way was which. Quasar, could you guide me? he asked his younger sister sheepishly.

OOC:
5000TH POST! WHOO!

IC:
Jia's snarl was loud and blood chilling,"I'll give you a Hell Seal alright; I'll sear your flesh from your body! Haven't you listened to anything I told you before? Seals are dangerous and volatile if used incorrectly or stupidly, of which you could do both, and I'll teach you how to use them when Crimson gets it into his head that he's a bastard and kills himself from guilt. Which, in short, means never." she snapped, her teal eyes glittering. Crimson already had two Seals, she couldn't allow him any more. She saw Zeke nod, and knew that she had done what he wanted. She loved her brother, but she loved Ka more, and if anyone but a Reaper controlled a Seal, it could be disastrous for the war. Wait a second, that was it! She could Change to a Reaper! She touched her Seal and Changed to her Reaper form. She now looked similar to her human form, though her hair was the same. It was close cut in the front and sides and grown out slightly longer in the back, down to her shoulders. She crossed her arms over her chest. Hidden from sight she made a Hell Seal in the palm of each hand; one was Hell Fire Barrage, a Seal that sent a hail of largish fireballs onto you at rapid fire, the other was Holocaust Rain, a Seal that sent small hornet sized fireballs that burned like lava,"Return my brother to me, and perhaps I will consider giving you a Hell Seal. Harm him again, however, and I attack with the savage rage of a Dragon and Reaper combined." she threatened, her pupils narrowing.

- - - - - - - - - -

Zeke grunted at the pain as Galedrim touched his throat with the edge of his sword. Blood trickled down his throat. He winced and Jia's threat, then noticed that she looked slightly different than her usual human form. He squinted at her hands carefully and noted that they were cupped slightly. His eyes widened in surprise before he hid it behind a mask. His sister had adopted the race of her Rider, Reapric. He had to fight a smile. Reaper's were very powerful, let alone a Reaper that was also part Dragon.

Caete nodded to Eris, "You can my friend." He looked to Jia, walking over carefully and placing a hand on her shoulder, "Believe in him. I know you want to kill Galedrim, but this is Eris's fight. He must do this or he will never have closure." Caete looked to his friend, then to Galedrim, "The duel must be honorable, or neither of you shall have won anything, Galedrim." He stood, resolute next to Jia.

Caete jumped as Eris sent a blast of fire toward the soldiers behind them, he twisted and kept watch for other soldiers, prepared to kill for the others lives. He immediately saw Savania making her way toward the fighting, nodding at her, he kept watch for the others.

OOC: Bleh short. :/

Jia's eyes flared with rage, and things seemed to slow down for her. Galedrim punched her in the chest, in which she dodged by nimbly taking a step back, and she managed to catch her brother when he was thrust on top of her. She lowered him to the ground gently, her hand cradling his face. His eyes were closed, but he was alive. She looked up at Eris and Galedrim as the brothers faced off in battle. One wanting to kill the other.

Deja vu surged through her. This was too familiar. It reminded her of when Rathon and Ka fought against each other. Tears came to her eyes. It wasn't right. Family should not fight family. Differences in opinion were bound to be there, but it should never come to blows. She cradled her brother to her, her head bent over him,"Enough." she said quietly. No one heard.

She lifted her head, and tears were streaming from her eyes. "Enough." she said again, with a bit more volume this time. Still no one paid attention. A muscle ticked in her jaw. She laid her brother down and stood. She raised her hands to chest level, and each glowed with a grey Void Seal. She activated them, and everything stopped.

A bubble appeared over their small company, and inside the bubble everyone was still. Not time-wise, just motion-wise. She gasped at the abrupt drop in her energy from setting the Seals, but straightened.

She walked to Eris and Galedrim, stopping so she stood between them. She knew neither of them could move, at least not while she kept the Void Seals going,"Enough." she said once more, firmly. She looked at the brothers, her eyes gleaming with tears. She took the Hell Seal from Galedrim and crushed it in her hand.

"What are you two doing? Truly? Watching you fight like this is like watching Ka and his brother go at it all over again. Same situation as well; they wanted to kill each other. Your brother's for god's sake, or whatever entities there might be! Your the Siamese Twins! Born at the same time, sharing the same body! How the hell do you know that if one of you dies, that the other won't die as well?!" she snapped. "Would you both stop and think about what that would mean? Galedrim, I hate your guts so much I could tear them out right now and feed them to the birds, but that doesn't mean I'm not willing to forgive. I've sure Eris would be willing as well. Galedrim, believe it or not, Quasar loved both of you equally, and very, very much, and though I can't speak for your parents, I'm sure they did too. Eris, speaking of Quasar, wasn't it actually Galedrim that she officially Chose as her Rider, and she extended her connection to you?"

OOC:
lol Thanks. Wow. I really like this post.

Caete nodded, "Okay, if we're going to help heal then we should try and get going, that way once we finish we can see about going after the gryphon." He moved to Jia's side, prepared to be instructed as to where to go.

Isabella walked up to Eris, "Equinox will understand that it wasn't you're fault i'm sure." She turned watching Jia, prepared to catch her if she needed help.

Nirexi puffed, Just tell me what to do, and I'll handle it. The black dragon stretched out and reached his claws out, pulling at the ground.

OOC: Sorry its short >.<

OOC:
Which camp is Archayac and Incendia at, just so I know?

IC:
Jia sighed quietly and slumped her head into Caete's shoulder. She was so tired she didn't even have the energy to argue, like she wanted to. She allowed her eyes to close,"Promise you'll wake me if trouble comes?" she slurred sleepily, the words mumbled. She felt his body heat, and it reminded her of when Ka had held her like this, relaxing her. She missed her Rider. She hoped he was safe. An ache built in her heart at the thought of it being otherwise, and she swallowed reflexively. She pushed those thoughts away and just let herself feel the comforting warmth of being held. In a few moments she was asleep.

Equinox made a last round through Galedrim's camp. Those loyal to Crimson had already left. He knew it was a foolish thought, but he'd wish they could have killed them to deplete Crimson's numbers. As he turned around his eyes widened with shock as a large Gryphon descended down carrying Incendia. At once he hurried over and snarled, Who are you? he snarled. What have you done to her?
The Gryphon placed Incendia on hte ground and flew next to her. Watching Equinox he said, "I've done nothing. I freed her you could say from a caravan she was captured in. Well, I suppose I say free, though a group of about five other dragons had already attempted to try. I was un sure of what to do with her so I brought her back. I'm Archayac by the way."
Equinox glanced doubtfully at Archayac but on examining Incendia he found her through tired and already asleep, unharmed, I'm glad you brought her back. They'd be dire consequences if you didn't. Still, you have my thanks. I am Equinox. Those other dragons? Did they escape?
"They did," Archayac replied, "A young female was injured, but she'll live. They were headed north I think."
Equinox gave a sigh of relief at that.

Eris returned to his camp and for a time watched the Alfin and other soldiers care for the wounded. Looking at the few tents he could hear someone. Curious he went in and saw Zeke. Eris knew he must have been worried for Savania, "She's safe Zeke," he told him, "She and the kids went to the Resistance base. They'll be fine. I promise."

Zeke relaxed, closing his eyes in relief,"Good." he murmured. He pressed his lips together and rolled slowly onto his side, grunting with pain as his torso was moved in an awkward position. He forced himself up onto his elbow, gritting his teeth. He looked up at Eris,"And Jia? Is she safe too?" he asked urgently, his ice blue eyes flashing dangerously.

OOC:
Short. >.<

Equinox watched Archayac for a time. He had seen and even met a few gryphons, but he had ever been up so close iwth one. What brings you to Alagaesia anyway?
"Simply to explore. My tribe were nomads and I hated a wandering life." He laughed, "I suppose I'm a bit hypcritical since I'm just wandering right now."

"Nice to meet you two." Archayac replied. He stared around and asked, "Did you just have a battle?"
We did, and we won thankfully. We were just about to head north to the Resistence once we've healed the injured.
"I suppose I'll join if you don't mind." Archayac replied.

"Jia's fine. She's tired, but unhurt." Eris replied to Zeke.

Iz smiled, "That isn't hypocritical. Its simply a fact of life for some beings." She smiled to Nirexi, knowing that the wandering lifestyle was her own she sympathized with Archayac.

Caete was silent as he watched the others, diligently working on several injured soldiers as well as keeping his eye on Jia.

OOC: Sorry, short :/

Zeke's face relaxed with relief and he sank back onto the pillow under his head. He groaned softly as his body protested the movement. What had hit him? It felt like a dragon had slammed into him while he was in human form. His ice blue eyes found Eris's and he blinked slowly,"Thank you." he murmured, then his eyes closed, and he drifted blissfully into sleep.

- - - - - - - - - -

Jia shifted restlessly in her sleep, a frown pulling at her face. She sat up abruptly, eyes wide open and alert,"Sarai!" she cried out hoarsely, her expression one of horror. She looked around then and found herself not in the dream anymore. She drew in a choked breath and lowered her head, rubbing her temples with her eyes closed. She did this until she calmed down enough that she could lift her head without panicking. She turned and pushed herself off the cot, stretching her arms above her head. She looked around until she found Caete healing a few soldiers. She instantly walked over to him and crouched at his side to work on the next soldier,"Heaven Seal: Waise Hiell." she murmured, hovering a hand over the man's wound. The white Seal appeared below her palm and tendrils of magic extended into the injury. As they retracted they healed, until they were within the Seal once more. She let the Seal dissipate; the wound was completely gone, as if it had never been. She smiled at Caete,"Thank you for helping me." she said as she got up and moved to the next injured person.

Zeke opened an eye at Eris. He nodded slightly,"Yes yes, fine, just...tired." he murmured, closing his eyes again.

- - - - - - - - - -

Jia pursed her lips,"I'm not fully recovered yet. I've rested as much as I need to so that I can help." she said simply. She didn't mention her nightmare. She closed her eyes for a moment, the image of her daughter again flashing through her mind, then pushed it away and shook her head.

Zeke released a long breath and relaxed his body. In a few moments, he was deeply asleep.

- - - - - - - - - - -

Jia smirked at Caete and shook her head at him. She sighed and moved on to the next soldier, kneeling beside him and placing both hands in the air above his body, while murmuring a Seal to heal him. Once finished he looked at her with gratitude, then turned his head to the side and slept. She smiled slightly, her teal-green eyes warming. She always preferred to heal others than cause destruction or kill. She frowned then, and looked to the south, to the Beor Mountains, where she hoped her daughter, Sarai, was still safe. She bit her lip as the image of her daughter from the nightmare rose up again in her inner eye. She clenched her eyes shut and swallowed hard. Could it be some sort of mental attack from somewhere? She doubted it, all of the magicians in the camp were clean of mind control, and the others that were loyal to Crimson had been sent away back to the spine. She pushed the visions of Sarai away, giving herself a headache. She opened her eyes and pursed her lips, realizing that she had fallen still. She started moving again toward the next few soldiers, but her mind was preoccupied with thoughts of a darker nature..