OOC: I know, I was thinking in my head..."This isn't happening...this isn't happening..." Even though I already knew it was coming anyway...and it HAPPENED! Major sadness... *tear times a million*

IC:

As they held their minds together, Elcyon suddenly felt the rush of spiritual energy flow into her at an alarming rate. She didn't know how this was possible, though Equinox was still alive it seemed and growing stronger by the minute because of this energy. Though something dreadful happened...an eerie silence was knocked clear through the sky as Quasar's mind seemed to have vanished just like that. El turned just in time to see her mother's copper body hit the ground at an alarming rate. Finally, El could see, that Quasar had given her life for Equinox's in order to split the dragon/rider bond Equinox and Crimson used to share.

No! Mother! El let out a desperate cry, though still clung to Equinox in case he needed her. And I love you, was her murmur just as Quasar's life had ended before her very tear-filled eyes. No! MOTHER!!! she screamed, as the tears pooled from her eyes and overspilled the lids that now streamed down her face. No, no, no, she kept muttering to herself. She had only found out about her real mother recently, and just like that, Quasar was gone before El could ever truly know what she was like.

Though as she violently shook from her silent sob, El got a mental rage emitting through the air like a tsunami of fury that washed over her. She turned her head slightly to see her friend just as grief-stricken as she. Phal went after Crimson, biting into him for all that it was worth. El could see clearly the taste for Crimson's blood in Phal's eyes, something she had never seen before. It was vengence, obviously, because Phal felt that she failed another one of her friends.

Phal, you're not thinking clearly, El's voice went out to Phal with the lightest touch, as though it were a feather. Don't do this, something isn't right. And it isn't your fault, she added more sternly. What Quasar did...she chose for herself. No one made the decision for her. She didn't ask anyone to save her, she knew what was coming. Though El hated to point that out, she knew that she had to save her friend from doing something reckless. Quasar must have known this was the only way, why do you think she blocked her mind from the rest of us? She didn't want our help. So please...please do not blame yourself for this, it wasn't your fault.

Yeah *snif* it was hard to write that

Equinox felt as energy flowed into him. For a brief second he could feel Quasar, than she was gone. No... Quasar! he roared, but it reached no one, she was gone before she could hear his words. He looked at Elcyon and leaned against her, tears falling from his eyes. He could no longer feel the bond between rider and dragon that connected him to Crimson, but with that, Quasar's life had vanished. Never again in this world. He didn't feel like he could stand up, he layed on the ground next to Eris and Elcyon.
I'm sorry... I'm so sorry... it's all my fault. If I wasn't so weak this... this wouldn't have happened... he wasn't sure who that was directed to, but he didn't care, he was just aware of a strange emptiness at him, from the lose of a friend. Quasar had died because of him. He could no longer sense her, and he didn't have a proper chance to say goodbye.
Anger flared in him at Crimson, and at himself. He stood up, but collapsed, though he would live, he was still very weak. Snarling, he sent his next thought to Crimson Come! Fight me you coward! he roared. Crimson did not reply, he just heard a cold laugh.
Quasar... I'm sorry... Eris... Elcyon... Equinox said. Tears shimmered off his green scales. Equinox looked at Eris who lay unconscious. Equinox pulled Eris closer with his tail as if to protect him.
Forgive me Eris. he said.
Elcyon... are you alright? I'm sorry... Equinox said to her.

Tvashtar turned back, and saw his mother fall to the ground. He could feel energy from her flow into him. He roared in terror and fear and anger and flew towards her, but fell to the ground next to Quasar's body.
I... I love you too mother. he replied. He had just met her, and already she had been whipped away from his life, from the rest of the world. He looked back in Elcyon and Savania's directions. He wouldn't let anything happen to them. He flew up, and landed next to Savania and Phal. A tear fell from his eye as he looked upon Quasar's corpse.

Savania fell back as she felt Crimson and Equinox's link shatter and her mother give him her strength so he would live, along with her and her siblings and Eris. She had never felt this much energy moving in her life, and pulled out before she was overwhelmed. Staring at Quasar, she watched her mother fall, and take her last breath.
No! I... I failed... Savania said Mom. Savania looked around to where Phal and thrown Crimson and snarled.
You'll pay for that Crimson. she snarled angrily and sadly.
Crimson only smirked though leaning slightly from being thrown and Phal's teeth. He had managed to heel his smaller wounds, but was still weakened. He looked at Quasar's corpse and smirked.
"Fool! Don't you see!" Crimson shouted, and broadcasted it far enough so the whole army would here. "Galedrim! Dsurion! Come!" he ordered.
Savania snarled at Crimson, but noticed Mesaraih came up to them. She looked at him and saw his surprise Crimson killed Quasar. Savania told him.

Galedrim stabbed at a soldier and jumped away as he slashed at him. Using magic Galedrim blasted the soldier away and snapped his neck. It was then he heard Crimson order "I come." Galedrim replied and went to where Crimson was. Upon seeing Quasar's body, he smirked "About time she died. I only regreat I didn't see her fall." he said, though gave a smile of pleasure, though slight pain at seeing someone who was once his friend lay dead.

Dsurion glared at Fenirexes and smirked when he felt his mother die, they all had he thought. He knew she was gone, she tried to enter his mind, but he didn't care. He smiled at Quasar's death. Seeing the mass of flame fly towards him, he bent it away, but it was too late, most of it went to his right and left, but the tips of his wings, and a bit of his chest were burned badly. With a roar, he dove at Fenirexes and slashed his side with his claws. He came in for another attack when he heard Crimson's orders.
I'm coming. he replied to Crimson, though annoyed he wouldn't get to finish his fight with Fenirexes. He turned to the red dragon and said We will continue this some other time. I must return to Crimson. with one final glare at Fenirexes he flew towards Crimson's direction.

Klentear saw Quasar fall from the sky, and tried to return the strength she gave to him back, but it was too late. He accepted it, but stared at his fallen friend. He flew over towards where Phal, Savania, Tvashtar, and Crimson was. He landed, but only stared. He saw an enemy terra bird circle above Quasar. He glared up at it, hatred ran though his face. He knew it wanted to eat Quasar. As he looked at the copper dragon, sadness filled his eyes. He had lost a friend this battle. He looked toward Crimson and glared as he begun to speak.

Ephidel groaned as he felt Quasar give him some of his strength. He felt as his life force vanished as he tried to contact her. No! he shouted out in his mind. He ran towards where Quasar was, not caring as he ran through fighting soldiers and over the dead and dying to where Quasar was. He stopped dead in his tracks when he found Eris, Equinox, and Elcyon. He stopped by them and he knew what happened when he tried to enter Eris' mind. Quasar had died to free Equinox from Crimson. It was then he heard Crimson's voice spread through the battle field. He glared in his direction, waiting for him to speak.

Aaron felt strength fill him. He looked around to see Quasar fall from the sky, and Crimson standing there. Snarling, he tried to make his wya towards them. Anger ran though him. Crimson! You'll pay! Quasar will be avenged. he snarled angrily to himself. He walked towards them, not caring of the pain that seared through his broken leg. He only stopped when he heard Crimson broadcast his voice through the whole battle field.

Crimson waited until Galedrim stood next to him, and Dsurion landed on his other side. He stared at the people gathering where Quasar had fallen. It seemed all the fighting had ended. More than half his army had survived, though both sides had large casualties, but his were off better. He did have to give the other side some credit. They fought well for being so outnumbered and attacked from behind.
"Listen up! All of you!" he shouted out to both armies, "I would like, to congratulate my enemy. Take it well for I am not usually this merciful. You have fought bravely. You have done well despite being so outnumbered and attacked from behind. However!" he shouted, "It is futile for you to continue on! You general lay dead and your rear flank is being destroyed along with your front. My forces are destroying your army and if you keep fighting, we will kill every last one of you! However, I will show mercy." Crimson said and rose up two finger, "Two weeks. Two weeks you have to retreat from this location, heal your wounded and bury your dead. If you remain for more than two weeks. My army will kill the rest of you and take no prisoners. Two weeks you have! My forces! Return to the castle. Let them have their two weeks to retreat and treat their wounded and dead." He paused for a moment and waited for his soldiers to start to walk away until they were behind him. He looked at the carnage drawn battle field, and at the standing enemy soldiers.
"I highly suggest," he continued "to take my offer. Your general dead. Several of your best soldiers injured or weaken, no matter how much the refuse to admit it," that part was mainly for Phal and Aaron, and a bit Savania, "you have no hope for victory. Before I leave, I have some last words for my ex dragon. Equinox! You may have escaped your fate as my dragon, the bond was broken to Quasar's foolish sacrifice, but my promise I made to you still stand. And today you have witnessed part of my promise to you. Quasar lay dead to my hands. And all of your friends will lay dead, to me or others before you come crawling back to me, begging for forgiveness. And being the mercifull man I am. I will gladly end your pitiful life." he turned away from them and ordered his army to walk away, back to the castle then said one last time, "Remember! Two weeks you have! Before I come back and finish you off." with those words, he led his army back to the castle.

Phalynx still stood with her claws gripping the ground, digging furrows into the blood-churned soil. She glanced once at Elcyon when her friend spoke, her eyes cold and the golden stripe glowing strangely. No, it's his, she responded when El said it wasn't her fault. She turned back to Crimson and allowed him to speak, and as he began to walk away, she smiled. She could feel the power welling up inside her, her light searing and scorching and threatening to overwhelm her; rip her apart. You're not getting away... she whispered coldly to Crimson, her voice dark and filled with the veiled power of her threat.

Phalynx suddenly leapt forward, and gave out a terrible roar, much more fierce and primal than a small, sleek dragon such as her seemed capable of producing. A sudden ripple of energy bolted through her, and the shockwave hit her friends nearby. Her starfire emerged, but it was different; it was piercingly bright and all who tried to stare into it would be blinded. A powerful energy, that of gamma radiation, pulsed through it. The stream of fire ripped through Crimson's army, and only sheer luck saved him and his closest minions. However, nearly the entire force was knocked back by the explosive force of the gamma rays hitting and destroying their comrades. When the fire dissipated, the blood-soaked shreds of hundreds remained, and those who had been on its edges were dying a much slower, more agonizing death. Those further out would be sick for most of the two weeks Crimson had given. Phalynx had collapsed, her consciousness fled as her energy was consumed and released.

OOC: Mwahahahaha!!!

OOC: Ooo, a killing spree? Man, Draco didn't know Phal had it in her... jk...

IC:

El was too stunned, barely able to speak any words at all. I'll be fine eventually, she could barely whisper. Don't worry about me. Her voice was dead, unemotional, cold...El looked up at Equinox, and could see her sadness reflecting in his expression. Are you going to be alright? She leaned against his shoulder in a dire attempt to comfort him when she alone could find none for herself.

El agreed, it had been Crimson's fault he was the cause of all this, but she knew that it was not the time to try and kill him, especially since they did not have the element of surprise. She was about to suggest this, when her friend had a different idea of tactic. Phal rushed forward in a last attempt to get Crimson, a surge of powerful light beginning to emit from her mouth.

Phal! Don't do it! she shrieked. We have to get the rest of our friends to saftey! Only too late were her words said did Phal release the gamma radiation from her jaws, scorching hundreds into oblivion. El closed her eyes against the intensity of the light, as she felt the heat roll towards them in unbearable waves. When it was over, El caught a glimpse of her friend falling to the ground, unconsciousness overtaking her.

Phal! El exclaimed, hurrying to get up from the ground. Her legs as heavy as lead, but she flew towards her friend that lay on the ground, completely sapped of energy. Phal, why did you let vengence overtake you? she whispered in sympathy. Don't worry, I'll get you and everyone out of here.

Though as she said those words, El could see a shadowy figure loom behind the debris, and knew, chillingly, it had to be him...She looked down at Phal again, only to realize that Phal was the same size as she, there was no way El would be able to carry her.

A wave of dizziness overtook her, when El found that her strenght hadn't been returned to her. She sat down and tried to rest, but it was not going to be enough. Equinox...help me, she murmured. Savania, Tvashtar...Klentear, Ephidel, Aaron...Mesaraih, Fenirexes...and Eris...we have to heal the wounded, and move out. There is nothing we can do. And for Quasar... She turned to look at her fallen mother. We must take her body out of here, before anything else can get to it. She will be given the proper burial she deserves. El turned to look at her friend again. At least you used your power to weaken the enemy, to show them we're not afraid, she murmured. At least there's that...

Dsurion smirked as Phal struck at their army with gamma ray. Using his bending powers, he bent most of the bursts away from them and into the plants around them so it would be the plants and animals DNA destroyed by the bursts and killed. Some of the soldiers did die, but not as many as if he did not bend the gamma rays. Still, it weakened him, though it did not matter, the battle was over, they had won. He let out a roar of victory, also to taunt the enemy army they left behind.

Crimson glared, looking back, but he saw Phal fall out of the sky. Though she attacked, she weakened herself in it, he would give them the two weeks just as he said. This battle had been a victory, even with the soldiers they lost, Quasar was dead. With her dead forging himself an empire would be easier. Galedrim and Dsurion were both on harmed, his glad to see his generals well. Those tools were performing better than he thought they would. The castle lay ahead; he would set up his army, and go back to getting more soldiers into his ranks. Though Equinox managed to escape him and their mental link broken, his mind battle with Phal taught him a lot. He was sure next time they met, he could take over her mind. Or Equinox, or Elcyon, or any other dragon that passed him.

Equinox stood up, shaking, but still alive. He looked around and shed a few tears. At least Phal was able to weaken their army, though he was sure Dsurion bend most of it away. Still, even if they wouldn't die, or not all would be affected, at least most would be sick for weeks. Walking over to Phal, he looked down at his injured friend.
I should be able to take her Elcyon. Don't over exert yourself. he said to her. Phal was smaller than him, but when he tried to get her on his back, it almost collapsed. He was still to week to carry her. He looked at Quasar and tears came from him.
Quasar... why did you have to go? he said sadly. Staring down, a tear came from his eye. Elcyon was right, they had to move her body, and bury her. Looking back at Phal, he didn't want her to end up like Quasar. Klentear landed next to them. The terra bird looked even larger than before. I'll take Eris and a few humans and elves back. I'm strong enough for that. he said to Elcyon. Eris was consious again, but after Quasar's death, he was in no shape to help heal the wounded.

"I'll carry her back to base. She's small like most dragons." the terra bird said.
Are you sure? Equinox asked tiredly.
"Yes, I'll come back later for more once I get her there." he said. Equinox helped get Phal. A few human magic users, plus a few elves climbed on him also, to try and heal Phal the best they could. Taking off into the air, Klentear flew back towards their base. He looked down at the ground, his spirit was lowered after the battle, and Quasar's death.

Walking up to Elcyon, Aaron knelt next to Quasar's body. He muttered under his breath, mostly curses for having to walk on his broken leg. "Its a shame Quasar. It was nice knowing you." he said. He looked at a human magic user who was trying to help an injured terra bird, "Hey, heal my leg so I can carry injured back." he ordered the magic user. Once his leg was healed, he started to put bandages around wounds and treat them.

Ephidel nodded at what Elcyon said. He was already using his limited use of magic to heal wounded. Several uninjured soldiers took injured soldiers onto their horses and road back to the camp. He looked at his own horse, he would ride it back once the injured were healed.

Savania nodded to her sister, and landed next to an injured man. He has a spear through his chest. Using her bending abilities, she made the spear head lodge itself out.
You'll be ok human. she said gently. Tapping into her reserves of magic she healed the man's chest wound.

Tvashtar landed next to Elcyon. Frowning, he looked at the injured. He would at least heal those he could. Some had to live, some had to live to fight Crimson and his evil. Even so, they had suffered great losses.

Equinox saw Mesaraih and Fenirexes approach. He sadly looked at his two friends I'm glad you two came and helped out. If you can, try to treat those who are wounded. he had not yet taken off with Eris, but continued to stare at Quasar and Elcyon. Eris moaned on Equinox's back I'll be back soon. I need to take him to camp. he said and flew off.

Phalynx had already been tired from the fierce physical battle against the army and the grueling mental battle with Crimson. The use of her gamma ray fire had completely drained her; enough to keep her down for a day.

Despite her lack of physical activity, her mind was whirring back to life. She opened her eyes, confused at the dark fog that spread before her, veiling both magical and natural sight. The blackness beyond seemed to stretch into eternity. Though Phal could not see into it, she could feel the vastness. The cold emptiness seemed to press down on her as much as any walls, and she could not bring her scales to light. The inner light that had always seemeed such a crucial part of her... it was gone. No stars have ever shone here... Phal thought, feeling more alone and afraid than she ever had. Even the fog was fading, to leave nothing but an empty black expanse.

OOC: OO, just got a sweet idea.

OOC: You...are going to share, right? lol

IC:

Elcyon nodded, hoping that he hadn't strained himself. I'm sorry for that, she said quickly. There was just...so much shock... She trailed off when her friends offered to help the injured and carry Phal off. Then she looked back at Quasar, wishing she were strong enough to move her mother away from this land that stunk of death and decay. She detached herself away from the situation at the moment, and concentrated on helping the people who were in need of medical attention.

There was no one left. Her mother and father were gone, though she did have her brothers and sister left, even if one of them had gone to the dark side. But El could feel it. Her heart was closing up, something it hasn't done it a while. There was no emotion, only a cold numbness. She scanned the field, and relized how much they have lost. But she had to remember, that there was a positive contribute. Her siblings knew where the fouth one was. Perhaps, in time, if the future would allow her, El could see what was coming for them, and who else it would affect.

What is your idea draco?

Equinox landed at the camp and let Eris and the few others on him off. Healers quickly went to them and begun to heal them. He fell to the ground and shead some tears. Quasar was gone, it hit him harder than ever. The rest of his friends were either here being healed, or doing the healing. He stared into the sky and saw Kleantear flying towards him with Phal on his back. He landed, and Equinox helped take the silver dragoness off.
Start working on her. She's worse off than Eris. Equinox said and returned to the battle field. He saw Elcyon and flew down to her. He wasn't sure what to say, but said quietly I'm sorry Elcyon. Looking at the others on the battle field he wondered how it happened? Why did they lose this fight, they had all expected to win. Quasar... I will avenge you. he growled.

OOC: Oh I just thought of a really cool way to lead up to something that will happen in Dark Destiny. It won't affect anything here, though.

IC: Phalynx shivered, feeling both oppressive weight and infinite emptiness all around her. The feeling of the darkness, of nothing, closed around her heart like eager, grasping claws. She drew in deep breaths, straining to pick up anything, anything from beyond. For a few moments, she wondered if she had died, until a faint presence brushed against her mind. Who are you? she called out, yearning for the contact again just so that she wouldn't feel so alone. What is this place?

The contact returned, and Phal wished immediately that she had not spoken when she felt its darkness. This place lies dormant, Phalynx. It lies within your own soul. Can you feel its vastness? This is not emptiness... it is limitlessness! There are no borders to contain your power when you draw it from here, the words rang through her mind, neither male or female, one voice or many. She did not know who or what it was, but she was immediately sickened by what it suggested. If this place is in me, then it will be dormant forever! There is nothing here that I want! Phal called back angrily, her head whipping around in an instinctive attempt to locate the source of the other voice.

OOC: Sorry about that...I was in a very uninspired mood these past few weeks but I think if I just start writing something will come

IC:


Elcyon was spacing out when Equinox had joined her and murmured a sympathetic sorry, and for a moment she didn't know what to say or do. Their near-death experience put everything in a different perspective, especially when her true feelings were expressed to Equinox. At first, she was more embarrassed that she said those things, but then she realized it didn't really matter. She looked up into Equinox's eyes, which seemed hard and cold as he growled a promise for Quasar that her death would be avenged. El leaned her head against Equinox's shoulder and sighed.

This was meant to be, she whispered. Even if I would have known about it, fate would have found a way to break the bond between you and Crimson. It is unfortunate that Quasar had to take the fall, she said choking back the tears that were unconciously streaming down her face. She was making an attempt to say something good and inspiring but no words came. I'm sorry, I don't mean to be crying over you, I'll just... El started to turn away, but her legs were weak. She instead laid on the ground and looked away. I'm the one who's sorry, Equinox. If I hadn't... She trailed off, unable to say anything.

OOC: That's ok Astra, glad you're back

Since red hasn't been on since April 4th I'll post. But red, if you do get back before this rp is over feel free to join back in.

Equinox nuzzled against Elcyon and replied I know but... I just wish Quasar didn't have to have died. He glanced over at Eris who had just became consious again. He looked like a broken man. His eyes sunk back into his head and he was muttering inaudible to himself. Equinox sighed. He felt he had failed all of them, Eris the most since his dragon was killed and now his mind damaged. He was surprised at what Elcyon said. He looked at her and said gently, None of it was your fault Elcyon. You did what you could, we all did. I'm just... I'm just glad that you are well, that we all are well. Quasar... sh- she died trying to save us from Crimson, Galedrim, and Dsurion. He replied to her.

Tvashtar landed with the last of the injured from the battlefield. Once the few humans and elves were off his back he noticed Phal who was on the ground. Something seemed to be bothering her Are you alright? he asked.

Aaron stared out towards the battle field as Tvashtar and the last of the terrabirds arrived with the injured. His leg had been healed though he still thought they should have bothered with the more injured. Standing up he went over to where Equinox and the others are, "Equinox, I hate to rush us, but I have a feeling Crimson won't give us the full two weeks. Once the injured are taken care of we should leave right away."
What about Quasar! Equinox snapped We can't just leave her here!
Aaron nodded. He had no wish to leave Quasar's corpse out to decay. Not after what she had done for Equinox, for all of them. In a gentle voice which was odd coming from Aaron he said, "The magic users can dig her a grave. She will be buried, she deserves it." Aaron replied.

Equinox looked at Elcyon and replied, You deserve the best Elcyon. He looked at her and replied I love you too. He listened to what she said about Quasar and nodded. Quasar really did deserve to be buried. He glanced at Eris, he wasn't sure if the human was in the mind to do so. She was the first real friend I ever had. I've known her for several years now. To himself he muttered Quasar, Throat Ripper, I will avenge you two.
He called over Savania and Tvashtar with the simple flick of his mind and the two were more than happy to help bury Quasar. All three of them stood with Elcyon as they dug the grave. It took them awhile, but eventually the dug a grave large enough for Quasar.
"What are you doing?" Eris said, coming up to them.
Staring at Eris, Equinox gave his friend a look of sorrow. It must hurt much to have your dragon taken from you. Himself and Crimson were seperated but neither cared for the other, Eris was forcefully sperated from Quasar who he loved very much. We are burying Quasar. Eris, you don't have to help if you don't want.
Shaking his head Eris replied though coldly, "I will help." Once the hole was large enough Equinox flew over to where Quasar's body lie. He managed to pick her up and he flew her to where the grave was. Setting her body down Equinox stared at her corpse. Tears trickled from his eyes as he looked at his friend. It would be the last time he ever saw her.
Around them others gathered as they prepared to bury the great copper dragon, Quasar, you were a great friend and like an older sister to me. Rest in peace Quasar, your sacrifice will not be in vain. Quasar, you have been through must pain and loss in your time here, I hope you well in the afterlife. With a sad growl he finished I know Throat Ripper is with you as well, both of you, you will not regret that you left so early. We will finish what you have started. Crimson will pay for what he has done, along with Galedrim. Quasar, rest in peace for all eternity.
With that he looked at the others. Eris sat down weeping that his dragon was gone. Ephidel and Aaron muttered a few words of sorrow along with Klentear.

I didn't know you long mother, but thank you for what you did. I will avenge you mother. I... I will try and become as great of a dragon as you were mother. I will follow in your footsteps. Savania said sadly.

Staring into the distance Tvashtar muttered, Goodbye mother... we will miss you much.

Phal hissed in her continued defiance, but the voice didn't seem to lose strength at all. In fact, when it spoke again, it seemed more confident than ever. Defy me all you want. Whether you like it or not, this place exists in you already. And even if you do not acknoledge it now, you soon will. In fact, you will be using this place sooner than you think, it said softly. It seemed like it was right next to Phal's ear, but she knew she would see nothing if she turned. She shook her head angrily, lashing with both wings and tail. No. I'll never take my power from darkness. I am of light! Starlight, the first and most powerful light in the world! Now leave me! I am leaving this place, and I am never coming back! Never! she spat, roaring again. She suddenly found her light within herself, and a powerful burst of starfire erupted from her jaws.

To her anger, the voice merely laughed. You think that now, but I know something you do not. There will come a time when you will need to draw your power from the darkness. And when you do, you will be irreversibly consumed by it. And then your light will no longer exist, it said, even quieter now. Phal shivered as she felt the coldness of the presence pass along her and disappear, and her vision began to fade.

In the real world, Phal twitched, her dream coming to an end. She would not wake until dark, though.

OOC: Is there anything else you guys wanna do before night comes again? If not, maybe we could time skip so Phal can wake up? 'Cause you guys will probably just sit sadly by Quasar's grave for a while.

OOC: Hmm...I'm not sure at the moment, if there was anything else Dark might have to mention it...and I would be fine with a time skip as I cannot think of anything else to say...but that would be up to Dark since it's his rp. What do you think, Dark?

OOC: Okey dokey I'll start at the Time Skip then. I'll assume at least a few of you are still sitting by the grave?

IC: Phal opened her eyes to the cold light of dusk. Somehow the air seemed more chilled and still than she thought possible. One of her friends was gone forever... The silver slowly lifted her head from where she lay, a small hollow in the ground next to a large bluff, at the edge of the battlefield. She stood up wearily, still feeling drained, and glanced instinctively up the hill. On top of the bluff, overlooking the huge open space now strewn with corpses, were some of her dearest friends. Phal could see the body of Quasar in the ground, the last drop of warmth now gone from her coppery body. The starry dragoness began the long ascent up the bluff until she came up behind her friends. Slowly she drew in next to Elcyon and Equinox, her head low and bent in sorrow. She closed her eyes and gave a long sigh, trying to summon the right words.

Quasar. I didn't know you as long as I would have liked, and now I never will, but I still considered you a good friend. I still do. You were a brave and noble dragoness, a wise and fearless leader, a true and beloved friend, and, for however brief a time, a loving mother. You will be missed with all our hearts, and what you started today, we will finish in your name, Phalynx spoke solemnly, a few tears slipping down from her green eyes, as the last of the day's light faded from the world.

OOC: Yeah.

Equinox stared down at the grave and nodded his head in solemn respect. To Quasar he said Your death will not be in vain Quasar. Thank you for what you have done for me... for all of us. Taking one last look to where her body was he felt a surge of magic flow through him. Nudging her corpse with his nose a strange light went around her and a large diamond temple formed around her. Equinox was surprised at what he did, he guessed it must have been magic that came to dragon's at random times. With a sigh he etched into the diamond with lighting, 'Hear lays Quasar. A mighty dragoness who died protecting her friends, family, and what she loved. May she be remembered for all the great things that she's had done. A mighty dragoness, and like a sister to me.' With that he ended the lighting and looked back at his friends and the other soldiers in the camp I think we should leave now... not to disturb her and in case Crimson does not live up to his two week deadline

OOC: Well, I think it's high time I should go...

IC:

Elcyon stared at the new tomb that encased her mother, another pang of sadness rippling through her like an enflamed arrow. She stared, long and hard, whispering her small prayer that she hoped Quasar would hear wherever she may be.

Quasar, you have obviously earned your respect through your dedication to being a good leader, but you earned mine through the hardest of times. My newly founded mother, I will strive on and make you proud by living well and helping others in need as you would have done. I love you, may your light live on beyond the stars and guide us when we are lost.

El turned her head to look at Equinox with unreadable eyes, and nodded. We should. Do we have everything? If so, where do we go on? Is there a place to recoup our strength before Crimson comes back?

Equinox stared at the tomb, thankful for what Phal did. Glancing at Phal, Elcyon and the others he said, Thank you everyone. We've done what we can. As for where to go Phal, I feel that isn't far away enough. If we are still in Crimson's territory he will likely hunt us down. Equinox sighed and looked at the other rebels who all stared at him.
"What shall we do then Equinox? Just sit here and die!" snapped Eris.
Equinox snarled angrily and said What do you mean?

Aaron glared at Eris and shoved him away as he seemed violent towards Equinox. Glaring at them he said, "I have a better idea. The caves you speak of Phal are too small for every last membor of the rebellion. But only about fifty miles away from them is a larger one out of Crimson's territory. I doubt he'll come after us, he'll likely expand another way.

Equinox looked at Savania, Tvasthar, Ephidel, Aaron, Eris, and Klentear. With a sigh he said Its the best choise we have. If no one has any other objections, lets move out.

Elcyon murmured a quiet agreement as she flapped her wings to get herself airborne above the others. First, she looked around to see if anyone needed her assistance and then waitied to fly next to Phal and Equinox.
OOC: Short...sorry

Equinox watched Phal go and turned to the others. He instructed them to get the rebellion ready to move out once Phal came back. The injured that weren't fully healed yet would be carried back on horse or terrabird. He stared at Eris who just stood there. Something seemed wrong with him. Tentitivly, he reached out his mind to contact Eris'. For a brief second, he nearly collapsed as he felt turmoile and a large rift in his mind, but instantly it vanished as Eris' blocked his mind.
"What was that for!" Eris demanded.
Surprised at Eris' outburst Equinox said quietly, I just wanted to see what was wrong.
"Well don't Equinox! I don't need your help!" Equinox stepped back, hurt by Eris' attack. Eris turned and glared at Elcyon, "Who are you? You seem familier though..."
What are you talking about Eris? That's Elcyon! Equinox said with surprise.
Eris glared at them both and said, "I still don't recognize her. Tell me when were going Equinox, I'm taking a nap." With that, Eris stormed off.
Equinox stared after his friend, a tear falling from his eye. What has happened to him... Equinox said mostly to himself. Staring at the others he walked off a bit. It felt oddly the day Jackie abandoned him to be tortured by those humans. He shivered, one friend dead and another seemed to hate him for some reason. What have I done to deserve this? he said.

I hope you're right Elcyon Equinox replied and nuzzled his head against her head. Sighing he watched as Phal came back and told them of what she saw and that there were no enemies in sight. He flew into the air and ordered the army on the move. Around him the Terrabirds, Tvashtar, and Savania flew also in sad procession away from the battle area to the caves. A tear went down Equinox's cheek as he glanced back at Quasar's tomb. Goodbye Quasar. May you rest in peace. he said one last time and looked ahead, leading the army away from where they had lost not just a battle, but friends and family.

OOC: Um...to be perfectly honest, I've been spending time looking at this rp...and I don't know what to say...lol sorry... >.> idk if I should just skip my turn or if there was something specific you wanted El to say, dark

OOC: There isn't much I can think of for this Astra. I think we could call it finished if Draco doesn't have anything to add.

OOC: So we're going to end it here? If so, I think we should all probably make a last post to tie things up.

OOC: Cool

IC: Phal flew behind the army, keeping watch over it. Several of the creatures down there were her friends, very dear friends, and all were her allies. When she had watched out for them until they reached safety to the north, her job would be finished and she could leave. The army would be safe for a while, as Crimson was occupied with occupying new lands and moving forward with his attack. The fight with him wasn't over, and it wouldn't be for a while, but the silver felt confident that eventually they would beat him.

She glanced below toward Elcyon and Equinox, and towards Savania and Tvashtar. Thought friends had been lost today, one especially whose loss was tragic, new bonds had been forged which would last forever, and the sacrifices of Quasar and the countless others who had fallen would never be forgotten. This war would be won in their name. Phal allowed herself a small smile as she flapped even higher, her light shrinking until she looked like a bright star, watching over those she loved.

--------------------------------FINE---------------------------------

Once they finally reached safety Equinox had the army rest. He stared into the sky as a lone tear dripped down his cheek. Many had died today, his friends and allies. Though his rider bond with Crimson was shattered, he still felt the pain of losing Quasar when she scarified herself for him. He glanced at Eris who was now mumbling in his sleep. I hope you can recover. he said to him. He went to lie down when Aaron and Ephidel walked up to him Yes. he said.
"I'm going south Equinox. To try and find more allies for us. News of Crimson's victory will spread, so we need to go and spread out own message to get more people to aid us in this was."
"I'm going to the deserts and speaking with the nomads." Ephidel said simply.
Equinox stared at them, it seemed all his good friends were leaving since Phal had just left Good luck then. Thanks for fighting besides me.
"Anytime Equinox." Ephidel said and he said farewell and walked away.
"Just remember to call me any time we go to fight that scum bag again." Aaron said with a cocky smirk and left. Klentear walked over to him and lied down, watching Eris. He glanced at the terra bird, and to Tvashtar and Savania and finally to Elcyon. They would win this war, he was sure of it.
He lied down next to Elcyon and said None of their losses will be in vain. Elcyon, thanks for everything you did for me. he said with a smile, and nudged her with his head. Though many had died for him, for what they stood for one victory did come out of it, he was free from Crimson.
Crimson, I will avenge all who have died due to your tyranny. he snarled fireclay. They may have lost the battle, but he was surer than ever, they would, win this war. He would stay with the army for awhile, but in a few days he would have to move on. Klentear would lead it for the time being, and Aaron once he returned. Equinox still had much to do, but for now he was going to stay here and heal wound of both body and soul.

___________________ FIN ____________________________________