OOC: I want those who know Keralin, Aelir and Nilarek to join most of all, but others will always make this interesting. This is after everything that has had Nilarek in it previously and is most definitely cannon.
Also, if you want more antagonists then by all means introduce them in.


Nilarek guided his puppet towards the north, past the spine. The ground around them was treacherous, but easily passed over with Nilarek's newest plan. Especially with his newest body. Nilarek laughed softly to himself at the genius of his plan, watching how the day darkened with the setting of the sun. The trees around him shivered with the power that he now held.
I don't know how I managed it, but this is greater than anything I have ever done. The time of the War of Portals had taught him so much, about the strengths and weaknesses of his enemies... And of his allies. He had managed to catch the find of a lifetime just drinking from a small pool of water inside Du Weldenvarden. It wasn't the first time that he had captured a new body, but what made this special is that he had been able to keep command of his previous one. Even if it did have barely any strength left in it. He had been experimenting with different shades, trying to force a single spirit out at a time, and succeeded. He left Derek somewhere else, a single shadow-possessed spirit in him to control him. The rest, safely in his new body. A rather pleasant form really, which, out of all the new features he had, had one unique quality.
It was linked to Keralin.
He looked down at the once sky-blue scales, now a deep blue that approached black. He looked back at the wings on his back and the spines that went down his spine. He laughed to himself again as he heard screaming from the back of his mind, the previous owner of the body trying frantically to regain control.
Now now Aelir, behave or I'll make you suffer as much as you did when you learned of Emrhyst's death. Oh yes, you can remember quite well how it tore your heart. I only wish I was the one who did it.
Aelir screamed in what part of his mind he managed to keep. Nilarek may have been in his head, but he couldn't corrupt his spirit. How... How could I have let Nilarek in? What could have allowed him in? Aelir tried furiously to remember what had happened, how Nilarek could have possessed his body. Not to mention one other detail. As far as Aelir knew, there had never been a dragon who had also been a shade. He screamed again, his voice slowly turning into a cry. Keralin would've known the minute he became corrupted by the Shadow. That simple fact forced a tear out of his eye, even though his body was still controlled by Nilarek.

Keralin screamed, his hands clawing through his hair as his head seemed ablaze with pain and absolute horror. He struggled to get his mind under control, but to no avail. It felt as it did when Meridel had torn Shruiks from his head. He remembered how hard he had tried to maintain control.
Tears ran down his face and wet the ground beneath him. He couldn't think of a worse pain. He tried to cry but the only thing that came out of his mouth was the blood-curdling scream of someone who had just had a spear thrust into his heart.

Hayren peeked into the room, wanting to run to his father to comfort him and scared that he would turn on him. "Dad! What's wrong!" Hayren yelled, seeking Taliear's mind for comfort.
Keralin felt his pain lessen for an instant as he raised his head and looked at his son. Still a child by Elven standards, Hayren had been through enough to wisen even the most stubborn Human. The pain still returned though, driving him to the floor. He tried to speak, but all he could do was scream.

Hayren called for Taliear, he knew he had to help his father but he didn't know how. He tried to remember those his father had always turned to for help when he was adventuring. As Taliear alighted on the ground, Hayren could feel the dread coming from him.
What is it? Hayren asked, concerned.
It's Aelir, I can't find him anywhere.
Well find Mother! Or those other dragons! ANYONE! JUST FIND HELP! Hayren realized at the end that he was screaming at Taliear. Please, just find anyone!
I will. Taliear said, flapping his wings and taking off.

OOC: If you want, you can run into Taliear.

OCC: Post redone using Hurricane instead of Natagath due to continuity conflict.

IC:
Hurricane lay curled up under the starry sky deep within The Spine. Though he usually preferred the solitude of the Boer Mountain, the Spine was just as good a place as any for a dragon to enjoy some peace and quiet. After all, even a fighter and brawler like himself needed a good rest every once and a while. However, Hurricane had been here for two weeks now and was longing for some adventure.


It is a beautiful night, Hurri. Like the night we first met. Nesara said to him.

The black dragon rested his head on his front paws and hummed in agreement, another wave of nostalgia coming over him.


Indeed. Perhaps...

The black's thoughts trailed off as he saw the form of a dragon moving across the sky.

Blast! I thought I was alone here! Hurricane growled to himself.

It was odd seeing a dragon way out here though. It was a dragon he had never seen before. A scream reached Hurricane's ears. It was a cry of despair that came from the dragon flying overhead.


Something's wrong! That dragon might need help! Nesara said worriedly. As always, she was willing to help anyone in need.

I agree. I'm going to see if they need help."

With that, Hurricane spread his dark wings and lifted off into the sky, following the stranger dragon. Hurricane approached from behind, gliding just below the clouds. Within seconds, Hurricane had caught up to the dragon and was flying alongside him.

Excuse me sir, I heard you call out. Is something wrong? the black asked.


OCC: It is Aelir/Nilarek he's talking to, by the way.

OOC:
I think I'll come in with...Zeke...I might pull Jia in a little later.

IC:
Zeke shuddered to a stop in the air. Something was wrong. Very, terribly wrong. He looked within himself to his Heart Touch, feeling a sense of dread fill him as Aelir's Orb fluttered like a dying heart. Keralin's was in no better shape. Taliear's Orb was getting closer, while Hayren's was quite close to his fathers. The urgency of intense need swept through him. Aelir was in trouble. Keralin was affected. Hayren was distressed...and Taliear was coming this way. He registered this within a few minutes, still within himself. Now he came out and acted. The amethyst spun on his wingtip and flew, faster than he'd ever gone before or even thought possible of himself. The time slipped by with agonizing slowness, until, finally, when twenty minutes had gone by, he saw the young dragon. He was still far, but close enough for mental contact. He reached his mind out to the teal, pausing for a moment so the younger male could sense that he was a friend. Taliear, what's happened? My Heart Touch told me that somethings wrong, but I can't discern any more than that. What's happened to Aelir and Keralin? he said, his tone urgent yet soothing at the same time. By now he was relatively close to the teal.

OOC: Ohmygosh I'm joining!!! Though, F-14, since this occurs after "everything that has had Nilarek in it previously," that means it takes place like over fifty years in the future (so I don't think Natagath's still in his armor). Just lettin' you know. Btw I'll start with Na'ir and bring in Phal later. And maybe Rigel if it comes to that, heheh.

IC: Na'ir yawned, flapping her wings lazily as she surfed the mild wind currents. She had gone on another expedition for the Dragon Mountain, and was headed east, first to report everything to her brother Sirius (who was on her way) and then to stop of at home, in the valley. She was fairly sleepy, though. She had been flying for a while, and the soothing winds were almost putting her to sleep. A sudden faint rise in the level of sound beneath her caught her attention, and jerked her out of her dozing. She glanced down quickly and saw a few shapes below. Two of them. Both familiar. The blue dragoness frowned and instinctively pulled her elegantly-pointed wings close to her body, spiraling into a quick, neat dive. She tumbled down in very controlled, quick, spinning movements, eventually snapping her wings out and backflipping to slow herself. Zeke was flying over to a familiar teal dragon. It was Taliear, son of Aelir and Emrhyst (who were considered a part of her mother's family, and by extension, Na'ir's). The amethyst was speaking with a very worried expression to the teal, and Na'ir realized how frantic and almost panicked he looked. She dove further until she was just behind Zeke, hovering with an expression of the utmost concern. Taliear? What's wrong? What's going on? Zeke? she questioned, looking from one dragon to another, Can I help? Where was Hayren, she also wondered?

OCC: Oh crud, I hate it when that happens. I wasn't aware of that. Haven't been following their stories. Well, since I've only made one post and he hasn't interacted with anyone yet, I can just redo that post with a different character. Yeah, that'll work. Now who to use... Alright, I'll just use Hurricane then. I know he will still be around. Now to go back and fix my faux pas.

OOC: Go right ahead, I'm bringing Aeraldi into this as well.

Taliear yelled out to whomever he could while he flew, his voice mirroring the panic his rider felt. He stayed low so that he could talk to the most people he could, the trees flying past beneath him quicker than a running river.
That was until a familiar voice came to him. Zeke? He was about to continue when Na'ir began to talk to him as well.
Keralin is in agony, we don't know why and Aelir is nowhere to be found! I think something's happened to my dad but I don't know! We can't talk to Keralin he's in so much pain! He looked at them pleadingly, Help me please! I don't know what to do!

Hayren sat next to his father, who, for the moment, had stopped screaming. He had tried on occasion to coax some words from him, but all that he received was his father's tears. After everything he and Keralin had been through, he had never shown any sign of fear. He had never seen his dad cry before and seeing him now put a terror deep in his heart.

The pain in his head had receded slightly, but the sheer agony of what he had now come to realize took away every bit of strength he had left. Aelir... Poor Aelir. He was barely aware of his son standing over him. He remembered the last time he felt like this, a life-time ago. His heart being ripped from his soul. He almost screamed out in agony again, a whimper coming out instead.

Nilarek walked slowly, enjoying the new sensations that came with his body. He left his human body away a distance so that it was safe and now was coming back to it. Now that he had this body he didn't need the other. He would take the spirit that was left and kill the poor human. He laughed softly to himself as he realized just how beside himself he was going to be.
He was interrupted by someone coming up to talk to him. Someone screaming? Oh Aelir, I'll have to keep you under harder lockdown. Nilarek said before crushing Aelir's mind harder.
He turned towards the newcomer and tried to put on his most friendly face. Sorry about that, I thought I was keeping that to myself. I never believed that love could make you go crazy like this, at least now that I think about it.

Aeraldi was enjoying the sun that was blanketing the Valley at dusk. It felt surprisingly warm. His eyes snapped open as he suddenly felt that something was wrong. He tried to banish it from his mind as he regarded it as jitters since he hadn't had much to do lately, but when it didn't go away he knew something was indeed terribly wrong.
I know I don't have the same powers that Phalynx has, but something definitely feels wrong. What is happening? He wondered to himself, the feeling spreading to his gut.
He stared off towards Alagaesia, his heart of hearts giving him guidance. He tried one more time to banish the feeling but it only came back stronger. He jumped into the air and headed off to where his heart was leading him. As the sun finally set, Aeraldi felt a chill go through his bones. The heat that was there a moment ago was now gone, even though the rays of light could still be seen on the horizon.
What is going on?

OCC: Wait, what about Hurricane? I redid my original post from earlier.

OOC: Sorry, didn't notice that. Besides, Aelir/Nilarek are walking on the ground and Aelir can't talk. He's screaming inside of his own mind.

EDIT: Never mind, worked my way around it. Post away.

Zeke nodded. Anything for family. he murmured, more to himself than to Taliear. He glanced at the blue dragoness and nodded again. Yes, I believe you. I pray they come quickly. I have a bad feeling about this. he said quietly, before turning and quickly following after the teal.

- - - - - - - - - -

Jia's head abruptly jerked straight up. She looked around, alarmed, but the source of danger she felt within her chest would not let up. She got to her paws and shook herself, padding to the edge of her cave. It was the home she'd chosen when Zeke brought her here as a hatchling. She'd picked this cave close to Phal's valley and never felt the inclination to move. She peered out of the entrance, narrowing her eyes against the sun. She suddenly saw a strange glint. She knew that glint. It was Phal! And it seemed like the silver was in a great hurry. The gold-amethyst quickly donned her light leather saddle pad (she always wore it in case she ran into Ka), and leaped into the sky. Hey, wait up! she called out to her friend, straining her wings to catch up with the silver. Soon she was two leagues behind Phalynx (her flight lessons with the star dragoness were paying off). Hey, what's going on? Somethings wrong with Zeke. Or, at least, something is going wrong and Zeke is near it. she said, her tone greatly worried. If whatever trouble had called upon Phal's attention, then it must be serious.

Jia simply nodded and strained her wings. She wanted to zip ahead like Phalynx, but her scales and wings were not built for speed as the silver's were. She settled for going as fast as she possibly could, which was considerably fast because of her years of constant training in the air. She was at least half an hour behind Phal and Aeraldi, depending on where they were heading.

- - - - - - - - - -

Zeke followed the teal and landed a few yards behind him, giving Taliear and Hayren a few moments together. Then he stepped forward when the teal motioned to him and Na'ir. Hello young one. I will help however I can. he said, and sad anguish were within the depths of his blind ice blue eyes. He glanced from the suspended Keralin to Hayren, hesitant to approach the male elf unless it was okay with Taliear's partner. May I? he asked, and took a single step forward.

Zeke sighed softly, gazing sadly at Taliear and Hayren. He wanted to help, but did not know a way of how.

- - - - - - - - - -

Jia stumbled through the air as a feeling of pure, unrecognizable agony scorched through her. She shook her head and tried to block it, but her powers wouldn't let her. Tears began pooling in her eyes as she struggled on, though she finally gave up and landed amidst the trees. She ran then with every single piece of strength in her body, ran toward her family that needed her so desperately. She burst from the treeline and staggered toward her brother. He spun toward her, instantly anxious as he took in her heaving sides and tear-streaked face. He bounded to her side, letting her lean on him. What's wrong, precious one? he purred. She shook her head and padded away from him, her eyes focused on Keralin. The closer she got to him the more acute the agony became. She recognized this agony, had felt it herself once or twice. It was the feeling of having her soul ripped from her body. Her face drained of color, but she didn't turn away from the writhing male elf. It's his companion. Something is wrong with Aelir. He's merely reacting to it because of his bond. she said quietly. And then her eyes lit with soft green-gold light, cascading into two beams straight into Keralin's chest. The agony she was feeling from him tripled, making her nerve endings scream, but she pushed on. She could help him, she knew she could, she just had to persevere through the pain.

I can sense the presence of numerous powerful beings ahead! Dragons, and possible elves too! Nesara exclaimed.

Then that is where we will head. Let's just hope that they are not more trouble.

Hurricane could sense them as well. He banked sharply and began flying in their direction. He needed to report what had just happened. A shade dragon was a serious deal and something that could not be ignored.

OCC: Short post.

Zeke nodded at Aeraldi, ice blue eyes sharp with anger. Of course. he said brusquely, and prepared to use magic should that be needed. His sister had been hurt because of this, and Keralin was as much a part of his family as his mate and children were. His eyes flared briefly with light before they settled into a dull glow.

- - - - - - - - - -

Jia smiled at Phalynx, her teal-green eyes warm. Don't worry, Phal. It was needed. I will do, endure, anything if it will help my family. she said with a firm grunt. She glanced at Hayren and Taliear, hesitating. But they were strong warriors, she knew that, and would protect Keralin to their last breath. She nodded to the Pair and to the aged elf, then spread her wings and beat them powerfully. She rocketed through the sky to her brother. As she approached Zeke a light flashed around her. When it cleared she was in her Reapric form, which would allow her to use the Reapric Seals that her Rider could cast, his native magic. Zeke was directly below her now, and she shifted her body in the air slightly. She landed on his lower back with a dull thump, then ran to the base of his neck, where she stood with one hand on his neck spike. By now she was fully trained in Reapric Seals, Runes, and Incantations. Except for Death Seals. Ka had refused to teach them to her. But it was smoothed by him teaching her Chaos Seals, which were a hundred times more dangerous. She turned to look at Phalynx. I am fully trained in Seals now, which will give us an advantage, as Seals are an unfamiliar magic to most occupants of Alagaësia. she mused, and looked ahead again. Already she had several Hell Seals ready at hand if they were needed. Unfortunately she couldn't use all of the Seals, at least not in this form. She would have to enter her Reapric True Form. Not the most pleasant sensation in the world. She shivered at the memory. But she would if it meant gaining the upper hand at all.

Phal gave a nod to Jia at her reply, smiling back, and then took off into the air. The new dragon explained his last-resort plan and she nodded, thinking it over. It actually did seem like a good plan if they needed it, though she wasn't sure how Nilarek would react to such a thing. He was rather unpredictable. What is your name, anyway, my friend? she asked him with a grim smile. She glanced away as Jia flew into the air above Zeke and changed into a two-leg form. Phal nodded to her, intrigued. She was interested in seeing more Reapric magic in action. The unfamiliar magic certainly had a unique appearance.

Na'ir followed after the others, wondering what would happen when they encountered Nilarek. Hopefully they would be able to free Aelir and get rid him without a lot of trouble, though she doubted that was possible. As her mother spoke briefly to the dragon who was leading them, who had introduced himself as a lightning dragon, she watched him with interest. I've met other dragons who could breathe lightning, including one who said she was a lightning dragoness, she remarked, remembering her venture with Violeta and her rider Natagath.

Jia held her arms in front of her chest in a defensive position, but when she began to feel the strength of the shadows ahead and beneath her, she decided to use her True Form. She closed her eyes, then reopened with them glowing green-gold,"Reapric Seal: True Form...." she whispered. The Seal appeared at the base of her throat, flashed twice, then washed its power over her. When she was visible again, her hair was bleached white, though remained at mid-back length, and her teal eyes glowed with an emerald green halo. Her skin was dry and seemed cracked, brittle with power, but glowing with it as well. Her hair floated in slight wisps, though not very high. She looked around at the others, then reclosed her eyes. She touched everyone's minds lightly, barely enough for her presence to be felt,"Void Seal: Repulse, Void Seal: Barrier of the Wise, Heaven Seal: Pure Soul." she murmured, putting enough energy into each to make them strong and firm. She set each Seal once into every one's mind. Once she finished she swayed on Zeke's back and put a hand to her temple. These Seals will help protect all of you from being tainted. I doubt it will prevent it, only raise your own natural defense. she said in explanation, then quickly voiced the three Seals onto herself. Ka would skin her hide if she didn't protect herself as well as others. Each Seal, for each person (including herself), was at least 6 rings, one of the strongest that she could manage without extra Runes or any Incantation and with the amount of time that she had. It was still considerably strong, though she sometimes wished she could be a true blooded Reaper so that her Seals would be stronger.

OOC:
Reapric Seal: True Form; Allows a Reaper to use their full powers and all of their Seals at the same time.
Void Seal: Repulse; Repulses any attempts to possess the body.
Void Seal: Barrier of the Wise; It stops anything from getting out of the head by external means and stops anything harmful from coming in, protecting the mind from any attempts of possession.
Heaven Seal: Pure Soul; Keeps the soul pure of any possession or taint.
None of these Seals are infallible, and only have limited energy (the energy of the one they are set on) and can be broken and/or overhwlemed.

Phal grew silent as they passed over the wounded earth, her wingbeats firm and grim with purpose. She saw the shadow magic in the distance, growing stronger as they got closer to it. Eventually, she saw a small form at its center and recognized the magic of Nilarek... but the form of Aelir. She growled angrily, wanting to surge towards him immediately and attack. How dare he take the body of one of her best friends? She twisted her head back around to face her daughter. Na'ir, you will not engage him directly, do you understand? You can attack, but keep plenty of distance, Phal warned the blue, gazing into her eyes to make sure she understood.

Na'ir nodded solemnly back, her green eyes, almost perfect mirrors of Phal's, reflecting the gravity of her mother's request. She was not the best fighter anyway, at least up close, and would stay away from Nilarek. However, that didn't mean she wouldn't hesitate to help one of her companions if she thought she had to. She would keep that to herself, however.

Phal turned back to survey their impending fight, blinking as a sudden flux of magic wove its way around her. It was Reapric magic, coming from Jia. Thank you, Jia. Any help is appreciated, she said to the younger dragoness with a smile. The wind was growing much more turbulent, but Phal's sensitive wings adjusted automatically, keeping her flight path straight. She glanced at Hurricane when the dragon asked how they could attack, and then shifted her gaze to her mate. She and Aeraldi had the most experience with Nilarek, although none of them could be sure what he could do with his new body. We could split up. One group distracts while the other attacks from a different side, and so on. We probably should not attack him head-on until we know more about his capabilities, she suggested, wanting to be cautious at first. The silver was trying to be more careful about charging into battle in general.