Felarya, An unkown world

by lorddragoon01

An, RP me and a few friends have been doing in Google doc's will be updated regularly. It takes place in a land called Felarya.

2. Part II

[Mortymer]

Mortymer twitches and rubs his head. "Heh sorry in advance about the mood swings its part of my curse to take on the attitude or emotions of the souls inside me. All in all i'm actually a very happy person with well a horrendous case of too much to count personality disorder." Mortymer smiles and then frowns closing his eyes he struggles to keep the souls at bay and then regains control over his emotions.

[Star]

"Look, didn't you say you had things to do? You can go anytime and hunt Keero or something though for all we know you could just be Keero being weird again making up the whole murder thing. He's random enough to do it just for shits and giggles, he's made all sorts of crap after all, why not a copy of himself to fall out of a tree and get stabbed?" Shes had more than enough of this. "Now, Taz is trying to sleep and I could use some myself, how about you two sleepless people go blather at each other somewhere else? I've had more than enough crazy for one day." Scowling she prods Tazeels wing until he cracks an eye open and lifts it. Tazeel curls lovingly around her, sheltering her with his body before falling back to sleep. No one would be disturbing her without dealing with him first.

[Nerva]

Nerva turns to walk away and motions Mortymer to follow. After the two travel just out of earshot he turns back to him. "Well Star had a point. If your mission in life is to hunt down Keero and kill him, they why are you wasting any time here talking to us about it?" Camilliea then speaks up "Yeah, I mean Star and Tazeel don't seem to want you around."

[Mortymer]

"Truth is I can't leave, Keero has sent himself back to hell most likely and I exhausted way too much energy just porting here to deal with him." Mortymer removes his cloak slightly and shows a large handprint on his shoulder. "This mark is when a death god throws you somewhere or ever rips you to them. I had Ralshaag's help getting here because this isn't any normal world." Mortymer watches as the handprint is shrinking in size before he brings his hand up to his face and whispers to a ring on his hand. "Yes I know he got away Shara... No I can't chase his... Can you stop pestering me your emotions are affecting me too much in this world and its bothersome." Mortymer looks at Nerva and smiles. "So how do you like being a reaper anyways?"

[Nerva]

"Well, lets see, I'm over 3 thousand years old, and I've carved my bloody legacy into all of hell and tartarus alike so I suppose I found eternal life in more ways than one if nothing else. But I have..." Nerva throws a glance down at Camilliea "...other issue's that for the last two thousand years I've blamed you for, in light of recent knowledge given to me by your brother however I've come to find out I have someone else to blame. To be honest if it weren't for him I'd of killed you on sight without a word, so in that sense I guess you owe him your life."

[Mortymer]

"I owe Keero many things my life not being one. What he has done to me and his siblings is purely evil. Me being his only remaining relative since he butchered them all. He would have had me aswell if it weren't for Imperious." Mortymer then looks shocked for a moment. "Imperious... Oh god he's going to be following me here."

[Nerva]

"Imper-who? God you send out curveballs one after the other." Camellia said somewhat haughtily. "Indeed, you certainly haven't appeared to help matters much by coming here. so I suppose I shall ask you this then. Who is this Imperious that you mentioned, and more importantly what is it that you plan to do now?"

[Mortymer]

"Imperious the Archangel of existence. In essence all the known worlds are connected to his impervious body when I say Impervious I mean he cannot be destroyed in any way shape or form... Unless someone was to destroy existence itself." Mortymer flips hair out of his face. "I never thought I would have been stuck on this world actually and if Imperious shows up that could be bad. Since he and I don't get along very well cause he's all Pro-life and as you know I kill things... A lot." Mortymers expression changes his eyes look to the bottom right and he looks sad the gem on his ring is glowing immensely and he speaks. "Shara now is not the time to do this to me just be calm my love and we will be home soon enough." His expression goes back to normal. "Sorry about that. Anyways if Imperious were to show up he would most likely do it with a Rift strider. A small war vessel that can break through the plains of existence and appear elsewhere in an instant. If this be true I can use it to get anywhere in a matter of seconds."

[Nerva]

"Alright Well that answers one of my questions, now what of the other? What is it you plan to do?" Nerva asked "Yea, and who is this Shara you keep talking to?" Camilliea added in.

[Mortymer]

"Truly my only plan was to kill Keero I never gave it much thought of what I would do after. And Shara is my deceased wife... Well her body is no longer living... You know I think it suits better if I say she's like you a soul inside an object." Mortymer then holds out his right hand and the gem on his ring glows making a beautiful display of swirling white mist as his golden scythe appears the tail spike being a very large Opal swirling with different colors. "Now Shara this isn't a time to be shy say hello." A quiet voice of a young sounding woman comes from Mortymer's scythe. "Ummm hello." Mortymer then closes his hand completely and the scythe is gone. "There are 9 reapers plus me who have a weapon like this the only reason I knew your name was because of this Nerva. The 8 others have been imprisoned for heresy because when a weapon is given a soul they are usually much... Much more powerful and also at the same time increasing the latent powers of the reaper itself." Mortymer eyes Camilliea. "But something is off with your weapons soul its corrupted by some odd means." Mortymer looks at Nerva. "Her soul is just it feels like someone I know... Or someone that I used to know but I can't put my finger on it."

[Nerva]

"So then...I'm not the only one like this?..." Camilliea muttered. The thought troubled her greatly, she had grown used to her state in the last three thousand years, but nevertheless she thought it a cruel curse. She would have never wished the fate on another. "I guess not, anyways." Nerva looked over at Mortymer. "I guess if you have no idea what to do next, then you may as well stay with us until your friend with the ship shows up. besides, maybe he can give everyone else a lift home as well." Nerva spoke truthful about the opportunity for everyone to get home, but he also wanted Mortymer close to him. He still didn't completely trust him and so having the ability to keep an eye on him certainly wouldn't hurt, that and he'd have someone to talk to in the night aside from Camilliea, maybe even learn a thing or two.

[Mortymer]

"The thing is you're the only one here beside myself that would be able to survive a jump between realities. Your soul has progressed to a higher state than a mortals therefore your body isn't technically real." Mortymer pauses. "You know now that I think about it that makes not a lick of sense to me Imperious was never good at explaining this form of travel." Mortymer then chuckles a bit

[Nerva]

"Another curve ball." Camilliea said through a sigh. "Well, at least now we won't go getting everyone's hopes up." She finished "Agreed. Regardless, you may as well tag around with us, a guy named Malorien is here, and he's more trouble than he's worth, so being in a group is probably best." Even as he was saying that Nerva knew he still intended to kill the bastard on his own, but having another person to protect the group obviously couldn't hurt.

[Mortymer]

Mortymer's face lights up like a nuclear bomb just went off in the distance. "THATS HIS NAME!" His gaze turns straight to Nerva. "That's whose corrupted your weapons soul!" Mortymer looks away then down to his ring. "Yes Shara that bastard will pay for what him and Keero did to the white city 15000 years ago." He then looks back at Nerva. "His soul is mine!." Mortymer's eyes begins shining a golden light outwards much like when keero took on his Archangel form. Mortymer's Golden skeletal armor explodes from his body in a ray of light in all directions lighting up the forest his scythe once again revealed to all. "Let us go Nerva We are going to murder this fool."

[Nogarde Delrone]

One of the Tonorian's lunged at Nogarde. "heh..." Nogarde jumps and flips over the insect, splitting it in half with his blade as he goes. As he comes down he lands on another's head, crushing it inwards. As the head hits the ground he walks off the caved in skull decapitating another in a single swing as it tried to jump at him. the slaughter continues for a few minutes, and the swarm seems endless. After a while the ground begins to shake. "Woah, looks like we a got a really big one coming huh?" the ground beings cracking open like a fissure, and a colossal creature erupts forth, it looks like a tonorian, but different. "Wow, the queen bee huh? looks like I get the royal treatment." His smile never fades. Nogarde spins his sword back into his hand, so the blade faces backwards, it begins glowing a bright red. "Sorry hun, I know you're a queen, but you're bad for the environment." she surges towards him, a gaping maw with thousands upon thousands of teeth opening wide. Nogarde swings his sword upwards and a crescent of red energy flies off the end flying for the queen tonorian. as it travels towards her, it seems rather small when compared to her giant body. Nogarde then seems to disappear. Even as the small wave made contact he reappeared behind her, sword still over head, sheathe on his side. He spins his grip around and reaches up with his other hand, and brings the still glowing sword slicing downwards. A huge wave erupts off the end of the sword and flies at the creature with unbelievable speed, sounding like a dragons roar as it traveled. it hits and completely engulfs the queen in red light, disintegrating every part of her that was above ground. "Guess, that's that." With the queen suddenly dead, the other Tonorions began moving around confused and without order, completely ignoring Nogarde as he sheathed his sword and walked away, this time towards the south. "Now then, where are you...Malorien"

[Malorien]

Still standing atop the great tree enjoying a cigar he see's a massive energy explosion in the distance. "God fuck and he calls me the destructive one." Malorien notices another explosion of force much smaller but with a lot of strength Malorien focuses his gaze on it his pupils changing shape into diamonds as he looks right down at Mortymer from so far away. 'Hmph that fucker is here now not happy that I killed his wife still." Malorien then chuckles. "Guess I will just have to kill him next."

[Tazeel]

Something woke him up. He didn't know what it was but it felt strangely related to dragonkind. He got the impression it was important to his people. What that thing could be was beyond him though and from the ground he couldn't see anything. Maybe it had just been a dream, he went back to sleep.

[Nerva]

"Woah there pal, calm down." A sudden blast of energy could be felt and faintly seen in the distance through the trees. "What in hell was that?" Nerva said as he nearly jumped. whatever had caused that was definitely not fucking around.

[Mortymer]

his obliviousness has reached an all time high his gaze struck straight towards the great tree. "I smell your essence you cock mongling son of a bitch." Mortymer then readies himself to teleport to Malorien to engage him in combat.

[Nerva]

Nerva grabbed Mortymer's arm "I said calm down, going to him now isn't going to do anyone any favors, there are more important things that we have to deal with, like helping these poor people get off this rock."

[Mortymer]

He turns around and faces Nerva. "You might be right... but... Ah fuck it lets go back to everyone else." Mortymer turns his scythe back into its ring form and his armor disappears leaving just his cloak with hood covering his face once again.

[Fanara's Homestead]

After Fanara entered his homestead he went to a centralized area and called everyone to him "Alright everyone, we will be sleeping in here tonight. No worries, there is plenty of room in my house for everyone" he then took everyone up into his house and showed them to their rooms, after he was done he went back outside and took Shirohara to the barn and went back to his own room and went to sleep.

(]6:00 am the next day[)

[Tazeel/Star]

Both Star and Tazeel kept sleeping, in need of the rest after the previous day's struggles. Despite everything the previous day, Tazeel had still grown an extra 3 feet over the night.

[Fanara's Homestead]

Fanara woke up right when the sun did and went down to the kitchen, about half of the group had found their "how's everyone for some eggs and bacon?" after hearing no objections he grabbed some pans and started cooking the food, as he finished the rest of the group had been drawn in by the smell "everyone here?" he looked around "good, the foods done. there are plates in that cupboard there" he pointed to one of the cupboards, after which he put the pans on the table and grabbed himself a plate. When he was done eating he went out to the barn and fed Shirohara, after that was done he went to the exit and saw that everyone had already gathered, and led the way back into Felarya followed immediately by Shirohara and Cory.

[Mortymer]

Mortymer can be seen floating in the air about 4 feet off the ground his legs are crossed and his fists are put together tightly his ring is humming a light tune as Mortymer just stares blankly forward he has been like this since him and Nerva went back to the camp.

[Nerva]

Nerva had stayed a decent distance back from the group, sitting in a tree, allowing the time to go by in silence. He had cursed himself for leaving his harp in Fanara's homestead. "Things seem to be taking constant turns for the worse." Camilliea said as she broke the silence. "True, and it certainly doesn't look like its going to get any better. Which is all the more reason why we have to stay and see it through to the end."

[Fanara/Shirohara]

Fanara kept an eye out for Tazeel as he came back into Felarya and let out a sigh of relief when he saw him still sleeping, and gave a silent prayer to Morrigan that nobody poked him.

Seeing that Tazeel was no longer killing the plant life, and oblivious to the fact that Tazeel would kill Fanara on sight, Shirohara pads over to Tazeel and nudges him with his head "It's time to wake up Tazeel"

[Tazeel]

Tazeel rumbled and told Shirohara to go away. His rumble woke Star up though and Tazeel was forced to uncurl himself and let her out. Yawning she stretched and patted Tazeel on the head. Tazeels shadow hid the withered and blackened plant life under where his limbs had settled. There was however an oval of safety around where Star had lain where not a plant was touched. His limbs cracked stiffly as he began to stretch himself out. He was suffering some growing pains from his rapid development. Giving himself a shake and one last stretch to try and work some of the stiffness out he stroked Stars cheek with his tail with startling tenderness as she was inspecting his notable growth. Something actually slightly unnerved her about it. It felt more than just a friendly touch. Maybe it was just a dragon thing so she didn't bring it up. Instead she said, "Think you've grown enough you big lug?" Wincing Tazeel said back, "More than enough, this is just getting ridiculous now."

Then suddenly it hit him what Shirohara being around meant. Fanara, that little deserter, was back. Spotting him his previously soft demeanor hardening dramatically. with his tail he flicked his blade to his claw. He snapped it in place on his tail and began to move towards Fanara. There was a menace in his steps. "So the deserter is back, not going to run away again are you?" He noted all the others of the group were back too. He had to wonder if they had also run off of their own will or if Fanara had been pulling tricks with his little rock again. Still either way Fanara was still at the core of it though he may have to discipline the rest after he had done his duty regarding Fanara. "Do you know what happens to deserters Fanara?" He increased his pace, nearly on Fanara now, the group around him began to back away nervously singling him out.

Star would have followed but she had stopped to stare at the ground she had been sleeping on.

[Fanara]

Fanara stood his ground, if Tazeel really meant to kill him then he would defend himself. He drew his Dragon Sword, "I'm not IN the army Tazeel. I'm an adventurer, and adventurers run if the danger is too great" he would counter the first attack then charge in for a smash attack, then evade. And ready himself for another attack

[Nerva]

Nerva turned his head to watch as the rest of the party reappeared out of Fanara's pocket dimension. "Well I'm glad to see they were able to stay safe." As Shirohara began to pad over towards Tazeel and Star Nerva decided he should also make his way over to the group. As Tazeel awoke he appeared quite happy and calm as he paid some attention to Star. "Aw how cute. hehe" Camilliea said happily. Nerva simply smiled as his response. things took a very sour turn however as Tazeel noted the arrival of Fanara. watching with ever increasing agitation as Tazeel armed himself and made his way towards Fanara. what bothered him even more was that Star made no motion to stop him. After just stopping this dragon from going on a murderous rampage and he wasn't about to let it happen again the very next morning.

blinking up through Fanara's shadow Nerva puts himself between Fanara and Tazeel. Taking a step towards Tazeel and raises his hand, after a slight pause he soundly back hands Tazeel in the snout. The entire party would hear the slapping noise and tazeel's head would snap to the right slightly. "What the hell is wrong with you?! After everything that just happened, after everything I did to keep this group from killing itself and you're going to throw it all away?! And for what? for some old military rule? News flash pal, you're not in any military anymore, you're in the middle of butt-fuck nowhere. Out here you're military rank and status mean nothing. out here your old traditions and ideals, they mean nothing. We are doing what we can to survive out here! Fanara and the others took the best course of action to stay alive. If they had needlessly jumped into a heated battle and gotten hurt or killed, then everything that we've done up until now to stay alive would be for nothing!" Nerva brought his hand back up, tempted to slap the dragon again at his insolence, but decided to lower it and just stomp off angrily. "I'm not going to let you go off killing people for your own selfish ends, and if you try it again I'll put you down myself." was the last thing he muttered before blinking away back to his tree where he had been resting in before. "And you say I'm the short tempered one..." camilliea muttered more to herself then Nerva.

[Fanara]

Fanara straightened as Nerva went back to his tree, "One of the main rules adventurers such as myself have is 'if you can't kill it, run' there is nothing I could have done to help you" he was still mentally prepared for if Tazeel attacked.

[Tazeel]

Tazeel twisted his head back to stare in amazement at Nerva. The audacity! Not only did the mere fact of the blow shock him but the strength behind was shocking. The worst though was that Nerva was defending such cowardly actions, he had never thought Nerva a defender of cravens. He had been about to speak when Nerva blinked away again, damn his teleporting ass. Growling, whipping his tale blade into the ground kicking up dirt. He rams it in a few more times for good measure, wishing it could have been either Fanara or Nerva's body instead. To think he had actually liked Nerva before this, maybe his parents were right about his lack of taste.

Huffing he turned and marched away to go care for his equipment, the blade would need cleaning and sharpening and he had been neglecting his armor as well. He was unsure how much care the magically forged armor needed but it was always best to take care of ones equipment. It would need to be adjusted to fit his new size anyway. He would not demean himself by acknowledging Fanara's presence any further and he growled under his breath. "See if I risk myself for your sorry, worthless, cowardly lives. Wretches, I hate you all." As he went to work on his armor.

[Star]

Star shook off her shock at the ground in time to see Tazeel get slapped. Flinching at the force of it. Damn Nerva was strong. Shaking her head, she went to try and calm Tazeel down only to get roared away. "Well fuck you too then." Instead she went back to the tormented plant life and tried to wave for Nerva's attention. Tazeel was obviously far from his old self still. What a fucking shitty morning this was so far.

[Nerva]

"Hey Nerva, I think Star wants your attention" camilliea said with a bit of a suggestive tone. "Camilliea, how many times must we have this conver-" Nerva stopped mid sentence as he saw Star was actually trying to call him over, though he highly doubted it would have anything to do with what Camilliea implied, more than likely she was going to blow up at him for slapping Tazeel. Letting out a slight sigh as he prepared for the confrontation Nerva jumped down from the tree and walked over to Star motioning for her to meet halfway. He figured the last thing the group needed was another bout of yelling in the middle of them so dragging her away a touch might help...though he doubted it. "Yea, what do you need?" His tone displayed a great deal of aggravation, more-so than he had even intended, and he wished he could've toned it down a touch, she wasn't the cause of his headache after all. "My apologies for the tone, I'm a little on edge at the moment."

[Star]

"Fucking making me walk all this way Mr. Teleport. I'll put it bluntly, Taz ain't fixed. Look at the ground where he slept, the only time he's ever done that is when he was acting crazy. Whatever that fucker Keero did to him is still hanging around." Then more to herself then Nerva, "God dammit Taz."

[Mortymer]

Mortymer appears behind Nerva and turns to star. "Well of course he isn't fixed you can't stop what Keero does to people its like a cancer to humans sometimes it dies down then comes back with force. Every time being worse and worse until it devours the host's body. By the looks of it, if Keero does not remove whatever he did to the dragon himself, it's life is going to come to a sudden screeching halt of his own rage consuming his body." Mortymer scratches his head. "Another thing... Keero has to still be here for this effect to be happening thats the one downfall but where, is my question." Mortymer looks over to Tazeel and thinks to himself. "I will find Keero and make him fix you dragon."

[Star]

"What in the fuck are you even talking about you random ass idiot? The only thing Keero has to do with Taz's scary hunger thing is his removing all of Taz's rage in the first place letting it get out of control. He never put Taz's rage back, Nerva did, by fucking killing me so you can go back to your floaty meditaty thing and leave this to the people who actually know what the fuck has been happening." Damn it all. The more she is around this idiot the more she thinks he is Keero trying to 'disguise' himself in the most ridiculous fashion possible. Keero was probably doing this to try and pretend to know nothing while still trying to make himself look like a badass like always. And failing at the badass part as per usual. "Come on Nerva, you remember how Taz killed all those plants? Hes still doing it, everything's dead where he was sleeping. All in a damn circle around me too."

[Mortymer]

Mortymer's eyes flash and turn black his demeanor has changed, he is out right pissed off with the audacity of this mortal. "First of all the meditating is to control my emotions so I don't snap on little girls like you and snap your neck like the piece of dust that it is." Mortymer stands straight up and stretches his back his eyes return to normal. "I am gratefully sorry about that." Mortymer pauses. "Keero isn't one to remove rage he only places it. Also I would rather try and help you all then go on my own way its much easier to find things out as a group then as single entities." Mortymer then turns around away from star and them and brings his hand to his face under his hood thinking.

[Star]

Star just rolled her eyes. Keero for sure.

[Nerva]

"This doesn't concern you Mortymer, just walk away." "you know, generally people who want to travel together don't threaten there would be companions lives" Camilliea added. Nerva glanced over to where Tazeel and star had left before directing his attention back to Star. "Hmm, I see what you mean, however it looks like he left you and the area you were around alone, so at least he doesn't want to eat you. I don't know anything about Keero beyond him being an asshole, and I can't verify anything Mortymer said. Perhaps we should just walk over and talk to him." Nerva knew that was going to be a delicate situation to put it lightly, but he failed to see anything else. "If he truly isn't fixed, he probably wouldn't lie about it. After all he didn't before and even stated he didn't see a reason to."

[Star]

Star sighed, "I suppose we ought to ask," she begins to walk over to Tazeel before looking behind her, "come on it's your idea."

[Tazeel]

Tazeel looked away from his now well sharpened blade, not so sharp as to have a fragile edge. "Go away, I'm not in the mood." He laid the blade to the side and began to inspect his armor, testing the straps and buckles.

Star refused to leave this time. "Taz we need to talk, have you seen the ground where you slept? It's dead. Dead like everything you touched while you were... hungry."

This got Taz's attention, he had been far too busy to look at the ground when he had awakened. "I had troubled dreams... apparently they were more than dreams." He dropped away in thought. "I don't know much about my condition. My parents have been paying a fortune for as many scholars as they can get their claws on to help hunt for every hint or rumor about it. I haven't had a chance to talk to them for awhile though and I don't know if they have found anything new of interest. I assure you this started long before Keero touched me but it is far, far worse now. If I go too far out of control... put me down." It pained him to say it but he had been expecting to be put down like a rabid beast for a long time. He had come to terms with it. He would however fight to the last to fend it off.

Star cried out in frustration, "We're not putting you down Taz, whatever it is can be beaten. I know you're not the type to just lie down and die."

"Dammit Star! Promise me you'll put me down if I lose control! Promise me!"

"No you stupid drake, I won't."

He roared in frustration and tore his gaze away from her trying to calm himself, he was breathing heavily.

[Nerva]

"...I'll Do it." Nerva said after a long pause. He had to think about it for a little bit, but if he was sure of anything about this situation, it was that Taz would rather die than live with himself as a monster...Especially if he hurt Star. "But just because I said I would doesn't mean you can just give up. If I'm going to be forced to promise to kill you should the need arise you have to promise me, no, promise both of us." Nerva nodded his head towards Star "That you fight whatever it is thats wrong with you with everything you have and then some." Camilliea had stayed silent during this conversation, not wanting to risk one of her own, often emotion controlled comments to rile up the dragon.

[Tazeel]

"I've been fighting it with all my will, it's just harder when you need to sleep for obvious reasons." Still looking away. "Thank you Nerva I promise I will fight it with all I have." He lowers his head and he sighs. "I don't want to die."

[Star]

She glares at Nerva and whispers to him "We brought him back once, we can do it again." She then moves over and rests her hand on Taz's neck. Taz was really turning her into a softy.

[Environment] ? Simon

The fighter wizzed by the troop transport soon after the trajectory of the sik-rantanan had been plotted. Crytherian lives were valued highly, 'one shall die so many shall live' was the saying among most soldiers and they followed the saying gladly, an order was not needed. The speed of the small fighter was almost not enough to stop the missile from hitting the transport, the middle flared as the fighters wing grazed it, throwing it off course. The troops inside would be safe, and that was all that mattered. The contact with the missile threw the guidance systems and propulsion systems. The fighter speed up to a top speed of over 1000 kph. The windshields black screen faded revealing the world around, the battle in the air and on the ground. The two sides seemed to be locked the Tryyshokk aim and the Crytherian weaponry evened the odds rather unpleasantly. It was like every battle went until one side or the other gave up. It was all the fighter pilot could do to keep the small craft stable. He searched the ground and quickly located the largest group of Tryyshokk soldiers and marked the location on the rader. The fighter shook as the pilot pulled up on the two sticks then quickly thrust them forward and to the side throwing the fighter into a barrel roll aimed directly at the Tryyshokk soldiers. The scene displayed before him was a gruesome one. He could clearly see a small black cloud forming on the surface and many bright disks flying through it exploding in a violent colourful display. The Crytherian artillery tanks we're raining digging shells on the ground in front of the soldiers leaving large craters in the ground. The pilot grinned, he was glad his fellow brothers we're doing well. "goodbye my brothers" was all he murmured into the vast shared consciousness of the Crytherian minds. The fighters engine was nearing critical levels, the pilot closed his eyes and waited for death. Crytherians took death very hard, losing a brother was like losing a part of your body. You were never the same, for a short time. After every battle a simple order was giving to the remaining soldiers and then they simply didn't care. It was as if nothing had happened. Some may not call it a very good way of living. But it worked, very well. There would be no mourning for this pilot for soon it may as well have been that he had never been born.

[Environment] ? Kevin

A squirrel was stashing nuts away for a winter that would never come when a large glowing metal object suddenly appeared before it, traveling at unknown speeds, the squirrel had no time to get out of the way and was impaled by a missile. The Dryad behind the squirrels tree saw what happened and ducked just in time to avoid getting hit and the fighter exploded on the tree behind her, raining bits of metal on the group below.

[Tazeel]

Tazeel flinched as the strange metal object crashed and shielded Star and Nerva from the shrapnel raining down on them. He took quite a beating from it being such a large target and ended up bleeding profusely in quite a few places. Once everything is at rest he pulls back and asks "What was that thing?"

Star said, "Thanks for the save Taz, and that was some type of fighter jet. Just a pile of scrap now though."

Tazeel having no idea of even the basics of this unsurprisingly asked, "So... what's a fighter jet?"

Star shook her head, "Something people built to fly around and blow shit up."

Tazeel continued to look curiously at the wreckage. "Humans ought to have just grown wings if they want to fly so bad. I really wish I could see your world, it must have many interesting things."

Star, "Ya, it'd be quite the trip. You wouldn't believe all the stuff you're missing. Doubt there is anything useful left in that husk."

The painful twinges when he shifted broke him out of his reverie and he started pulling metal bits out of himself with a bit of Stars help for the hard to reach stuff.

[Nerva]

Nerva had little time to react to the exploding aircraft, he would've blinked out of the way, and possibly attempted to grab star as well, but Tazeel had acted much quicker and shielded the both of them from the raining debris. "Thank you Tazeel, but you shouldn't have, look how much damage you took doing that." Nerva said, a light chuckle in his voice, he had nearly forgotten what it was like for someone else to save him for a change. It was a good feeling, one that helped keep his ever flowing need to help others going with ease. Nerva moved to the wrecked side of Tazeel, and began helping to remove the debris as best he could. One piece however seemed to be fairly well wedged into his hind leg. Lifting Camilliea to his leg he intended to try to cut it out. "Tazeel, you have a piece of that thing pretty deep back here, I'm going to try to carefully cut it out alright? Try not to move to much." Despite having told the dragon his plans, he thought it best to ensure he had gotten permission before impaling the poor thing.

[Tazeel]

This was a rather painful process. "Fine, just get it over with quick." He would have preferred a proper surgeon but that was him and working on oneself is always an interesting challenge to say the least. "Couldn't you find something a little more convenient than a polearm to perform minor surgery with? She must be a little unwieldy." Despite his complaints he held himself as still as possible. This was going to hurt a lot and he knew it. "You know even if I hadn't protected you I am a rather large target to say the least."

[Nerva]

For the first time in quite some time Nerva smiled, though it was more of a smirk "Go ahead Camilliea, do your thing." "With pleasure, hehe." Nerva let go of Camilliea, who surprisingly enough, remained afloat of her own will. Moving more slowly and precisely than anything humanly possible she inched towards Tazeels skin. The blade made contact and ever so carefully she worked her tip underneath of 3 of Tazeel's scales, a small cut was then made to widen the area the metal was stuck in by a fraction of an inch. Nerva walked over and grabbed tip of the debris and gave a light tug, it removed itself effortlessly as camilliea moved away having successfully removed the shrapnel without so much as a single scale being removed. "Bet you didn't see that coming huh?" Camilliea said as she returned to Nerva's hand, sounding quite proud of herself.

[Shirohara/Fanara/Cory]

Shirohara was heading back to Fanara as the ship exploded, he ran as the metal rained down, not quite fast enough to save Fanara, as a sliver of the plasma reactor had cut him in half. but he did manage to hold his wings over half of the group. Shirohara screamed in pain as the metal fragments penetrated his scales.

Fanara stared in fear and horror as the ship exploded and ran to Shirohara, he didn't get very far, because a sliver from the plasma core burned straight through his body, from his left shoulder to his right hip, and watched in horrified curiosity as he fell off of his own body onto the ground and died shortly after.

Cory watched in horror as Fanara was cut in half and considered himself very lucky to be one of the few that were able to find shelter.

As Fanara died Shirohara felt as though a heavy chain had been lifted from him, as though he was no longer restricted by anything. One of these restrictions was growth, normally a dragon such as himself would be 100 feet long but because of his 'condition' he could only grow to 20 feet, and because he now lacked an owner he slowly grew at one foot an hour to how large he was suppose to be. Looking around at the aftermath he sees that Tazeel had protected Star and Nerva who were now pulling bits of metal out of him, looking at the two other people that had managed to survive as they inspect a large body clad in white armor lying motionless on the ground.

K: follow the link Simon posted to see what a Crytherian in armor looks like.

FYI Simon told to put the Crytherian in there

[Tazeel]

"What in the..." He shuddered a little when the metal came sliding out, it really had been in there good and felt sickening sliding out of his flesh. "I definitely did not see that one coming. So, why does she need you anyway? May as well get yourself a sword or something and let her fight independently." He passed a claw over the wound which was now bleeding profusely and sealed it up with a bit of magic. They went back to work and after he pulled the last bit out he told them "Go and look to the others. I'll be done in a moment." Closing his eyes he placed a claw on the center of his chest before focusing himself inward healing the rest of the wounds. It was still miraculous to watch every wound seal seemingly on it's own.

[Mortymer]

Stands completely still unmoving as not a single piece of metal hits him but always comes close his expression is blank he appears lost in thought looking slightly up towards the sky. "Hmm I wonder." He said quietly under his breath, he shakes his head and looks around. "Holy what did I miss." while looking around at all the destruction.

[Nerva]

Nerva let out a sigh. "Well I suppose I shouldn't hide anything from you but-" Nerva cut himself off as he heard Shirohara roaring in pain and saw the rest of the party in the aftermath of the crash. "Taz!" Nerva grabbed Tazeel and they both disappeared in a cloud of black mist and reappeared beside the party. The moment they reappeared Nerva fell back first to the ground breathing heavily, his skin looking more pale than normal if that was even possible. "Do...your thing." Though Taz probably wouldn't feel like healing anyone after that, he knew he would, they were both driven by a compulsion to help others after all.

[Tazeel]

"Wha-" He cut off groaning and flopped down on the ground. "Where, what, ohhh my guts." If he was feeling up to it he would hit Nerva, hard. He glanced around. Fanara was very much dead, Shirohara was full of metal, for the most part the others looked all right. One body he didn't recognize as well, must be from the wreckage. "Pick that metal out of Shirohara so I can heal him. Is that uhhh..."

Star filled in for him "Pilot." She was looking in far better shape than Tazeel was.

"Thank you, Alive? Bring over any injuries to me and I'll patch them up."

Star went over and kicked the strange body in the head to see if it was still kicking. She'd had enough dragon blood for one morning. May as well get out of it while she could. "Hey, wake up!" Not honestly expecting it to be alive she wasn't going to do anything more in depth.

[Shirohara/Cory]

Shirohara screamed again as Cory and the others helped remove the metal from his back, the larger pieces coming out smoothly because he had grown by a fraction of an inch.

When they had finish pulling the fragments out of Shirohara, Cory went to look at Fanara's remains. "Poor guy, he seemed a nice enough fellow, just not quite fast enough." The battle sword and the kite shield seemed to have survived the plasma's effects and Cory unstrapped them and tried welding them, they were heavy but it was nothing he couldn't handle.

[Tazeel/Star]

Star shrugged, looked dead to her. She loitered a bit until they had finished with Shirohara. He was being such a pussy about it, screaming, Taz was too tough for that, he even picked pieces out of himself.

Tazeel having healed a few nicks and scrapes moved over to Shirohara. "Stop whining, you're a dragon for fucks sake. Act like it." His language really has been deteriorating, must be too much time with Star. "Sit down and hold still." He placed both his foreclaws on Shirohara and began his work, a small glow coming out from underneath each claw. He sensed something else was amiss with Shirohara beyond his wounds but it wasn't familiar to him whatever it was. As he finished his work he reopened his eyes and asked, "Are you feeling alright Shirohara? I felt that something is not quite right with you but I couldn't figure out exactly what."

Star moved over to Cory, "Never figured you for the sword and shield type."

[Shirohara/Cory]

"I may be a dragon, but I was, 'weakened' in my early years, and sold as a pet." Shirohara winced as he sat down to let Tazeel heal him "Now my father, he was a real dragon." After Tazeel had finished Shirohara nodded his thanks for the healing. "I don't know what youre talking about, I've never felt better."

Cory look over as Star came up to him, "Well, with what we're up against weapons don't seem like they'd be of much help. It just makes me feel like I can do more, the shield seems more likely to be of any use." Noticing something on the ground at Fanara's side Cory hooks the shield on his flight suit and bends over to pick it up. It was a rock, with the color of an amethyst and the shape of an egg, though it was about as big as his head. As it sits in his hand, it starts to faintly pulsate and he feels the magic he had sensed as they had gone in and out of Fanara's homestead, flowing into him. "Weird"

[Tazeel]

Tazeel snorted. "Excuses. Pitiful excuses unworthy of your heritage. Alright pet. What will you do without your cowardly master to make all your decisions for you and take care of you? You'll have to stop hiding behind that excuse eventually."

[Star]

Star looked over, "Pretty enough rock. Must be magical by the glow, nice keepsake till you can figure out what it's for. Ah fuck, Taz and Shiro are going at it."

[Shirohara]

"That may have been the way it started out as, but over the years he became my friend and let me make my own decisions. As for my 'excuses' I was only a baby when they made me a pet, and I could tell from the strength of my father that my growth had been severely restricted, and despite my age I have not grown an inch since I was 14. I am now 137."

[Tazeel]

Tazeel blanched, "One hundred and." He shook his head. "Shiro, I'm only fourteen." That this pitiful creature could be so old... "How many masters have you had, how you can live with yourself after such a time of servitude. Is this truly where straying from the Lunus path ends? Over a hundred years as a pet? The indignity of it. You are truly more pitiful than I gave you credit for, more than I could ever imagine was possible. Is your father also a slave, is he dead, or... did he sell you off himself!" This last a shout in his growing outrage. Is this why he had been brought here? To learn the error of his ways? Must humanity be snuffed out like a candle's flame? He had thought a middling path was best but this... all possibility must be eradicated.

[Shirohara]

"I've only ever had one master and as I've said, after the first few years we became friends. I do not know what became of my father and I can assure you that he was in no way a part of why I was made into a pet."

[Cory]

Cory took Fanara's inventory bag and deposited the stone into it and tied it to his belt. "This was Fanara's homestead stone and I think that because he is dead now, it has been passed onto me." he looked over at Shirohara "though I could be mistaken."

[Tazeel]

"But one? Humans don't live that long. And one would also think that over the course of a hundred years one would try to find out what happened to ones family. I may not on the best terms with my own but I still receive news of them with interest. You speak not of your mother or any siblings either. Is your life truly so bogged down in human matters that nothing else has meaning to you? Do you truly not care about what you had before you were taken? While you were free?"

[Star]

"So we still get some non freaky food. That's something at least. I wonder if Taz has any Jerky left?" She asked suddenly feeling her hunger.

[Nerva]

Nerva slowly sat up, still catching his breath. "You really have to stop being so impulsive." Camilliea chided. "Ha, perhaps you're right, but it worked didn't it?" Nerva looked over at Taz who seemed to have been doing all right despite the huge backlash that blinking through shadows had on those new to it. Star however seemed to be just fine, her body finally adjusting to the movement. Nerva decided that was all the more reason to stick a little closer to her in combat, she would be able to take much better advantage of the high mobility he could offer than anyone else in the party. Thoughts of conflict aside Nerva rose to his feet and noticed the large armored body. "Hey Mort!, You know plenty of the other races in the universe, care to identify our seemingly dead pal here?"

[Nogarde]

Nogarde continued slowly south, hoping his own sense of direction would be better than that of the Naga's. As he traveled he saw a bit more activity in the wildlife, the destruction of the tonorian queen in the area must have caused quite the widespread relief, and though they still seemed to avoid them, they seemed much less fearful of him as he passed through, not harming a single thing. Nogarde didn't ever care or desire needless slaughter, only killing those who cause more harm than good. "Ugh, by the time I find this accursed place Malorien will have up and gone..." Nogarde pauses and begins looking around. to the west he sees a tree that far surpasses the others around it in size. "hmm... Perhaps I can find the town from up there." Nogarde changes directions jumping into the trees and moving from branch to branch, tree to tree. It was a much quicker pace than walking though still not quite as fast as it would have been to simply sprint, but with all the forestry in the way, this was clearly the safer fast way to travel.

[Shirohara]

"It's amazing how long a human can live if he has the ability to be reborn, Fanara was 187 with 11 rebirths on his life. And I never said I didn't know my family, for they were all in the same boat as me, we consider ourselves lucky that all our masters were friends. I do sometimes wonder what I'd be like to be free." He began to feel a little stiff from his increased growth, and stretched. "I must say, it feels amazing."

[The Pilot]

The large black eyes shot open and the visor quickly went dark as the rest of the suit powered up. The lights on the boosters at the feet started to emit a steady white glow. The radar screen started identifying 'targets' the radar works in the following fashion. If it ain't Crytherian it's hostile. It then began sorting data locating the weakest physical targets. He stood up in a quick flowing movement at the same time drawing a disk rail rifle and aiming for a quickly backing away redshirt, grabbing another behind him and then pulled the trigger.

[Nerva]

"Looks Like you'll have to do it after I split him in half..." Nerva disappears into black mist appearing again at the backside of the new hostile creature. "Any last words?" Camilliea rested between the legs of the alien, a blade of yellow energy erupted from her tip into that of a scythe like blade, it curved up the creatures body, its tip inches from its helmeted skull."You probably can't understand a word I'm saying so I'll end this quickly." He grabbed camilliea in both arms preparing to pull backwards.

[The Pilot]

He tilted his head to the side and nodded as if saying 'so be it'. In one quick and fluid motion he jumped to the tips of his feet and jumped, the boosters aiding in this effort. He soared a good 50 feet into the air, halfway through he changed the direction and latched onto a tree. He exchanged the disk rifle for his lightning cloud rifle and aimed it at the center of the group, waiting for the next attack.

[Nerva]

Nerva disappears once more, this time ending up behind the tree the creature was hanging from. With a vicious swing of Camilliea Nerva hacks the tree down ensuring the scythe like blade passes through the area the creature was hanging onto.

`[Star/Tazeel]

"Fucking great." Pulling out her orb she summons a massive twenty foot spear of fire and sends it flying straight at the pilot. "Die you fucking bitch."

"Will I ever see a fight on this damnable world where I am not totally outclassed? We'll finish this discussion later." He moved off to protect star the best he could, if nothing else he could try to take a shot for her. He truly hated feeling so damn useless. He muttered to himself, "Degraded to nothing more than a meat shield or a mount. How far I've fallen myself."

[The Pilot]

The pilots face would have looked like it had a huge grin on it but his suit did not allow such actions. He quickly took one of the two nano grenades and shoved it into the tree bark. He loosened his grip on the tree slightly and slide down a good ten feet before stopping. Above him the grenade exploded unleashing a small cloud of nano machines that quickly disappeared, finding their way to the nearest source of metal. Camilliea.

[Shirohara]

Shirohara readied himself for a Thunder Breath attack as the pilot grabbed hold of the tree. "Can we go a full day without something happening? Please." He said in distaste as he stretched his wings and jumped into the air. He drew in the nitrogen from the air as he flew higher and faster, feeling his power grow to levels he never knew before. When he was high enough he shot a bolt of lightning, that was easily twice as powerful as his first in this world, straight at the heart of the pilot. And readied himself for another attack.

[Star]

The spear of fire whisked an inch from the pilots head and slammed into the tree piercing right through passing half it's length before star stopped it. She quickly readied two more to chase after the pilot. "Not getting away that easily.

[Tazeel]

"Don't forget the fires, we don't need this whole forest burning down."

[Star]

"Ya, ya, burning people here." Still she worked on keeping the burning tree under control. Actually, better idea. She pulled them to engulf the pilot so he couldn't see.

[Nerva]

The Nanites failed to so much as get a final meal in as they killed themselves, mindlessly heading towards Camilliea and obliterating themselves on the still humming scythe-like blade of energy projecting off of her tip. However before Nerva could look to follow his opponent the tree fell from his slash and revealed a giant spear of flame that soundly impaled him. "Ack!"

Nerva sputtered as the spear burned his insides, there was no blood for the wound cauterized itself, however it burned and seared him as he writhed in pain falling to the ground as the tree he was on toppled over to far for him to stand on any longer. The fire burning torched him further the damage spreading quickly. his skin on the outside had a very high resilience to heat and flame, but with the flaming spear burning away at him from the inside out caused beyond fatal damage to him before finally dissipating as he fell. Now on the ground there was little he could do to prevent his own seemingly imminent death. The last thing he heard before passing out was Camilliea screaming out in agony and pain calling his name over and over, but to no avail. "NERVAAAAAAAAA!" There was a silence as Camilliea's last cry out faded. And then an internal conversation was had, one that may do more harm then Camilliea could possibly realize.

"Can you save him?"

"Only if you let me out."

"Promise me that he will live and that the scum who caused it will die...and I will."

"Ha...haha...hahahahahaha! For years uncountable I have waited, your wish is my command, Camilliea..."

***Queue Music here***

A blast of Red energy emanated outwards from Nerva...No, Camilliea. Nerva floated upwards into the Air, the whole in his body engulfed in black flame and began to heal itself, perhaps not completely but enough for it to no longer be fatal. Nerva's eyes shot open, however His Iris' were not there usual red, but a stunning golden yellow, a matching glow lightly emanated from him, though barely visible and faded in and out Nerva's coat folded around him as it morphed and shifted into a giant set of black wings though they stayed wrapped around him like a shell, Camilliea was sticking out of the bottom a small distance. Two giant red lines appeared on Camilliea's blade as All the Red color in her drained away to a cold silver. "At last...I'm free!" came a shrill voice, like Camilliea's but warped and twisted. The ends of Camilliea's blade snapped open and an absolutely massive red scythe blade of energy erupted from either end wrapping partially around Nerva's concealed body, growing in intensity until the power was so condensed it appeared to practically be a solid blade. He unwrapped his wings

And beat them lightly, whatever spell or magic that possessed his body to float in the air had seemed to have faded and he was now keeping himself afloat, however his eyes were not his own, they showed none of the emotion that Nerva's eyes usually bore.

Nerva lightly swung camilliea almost as if stretching rather than attacking. However as Her blood red blade found a tree not far behind him she passed through it as though it had not even been there to begin with, the swing itself would have been miniscule in comparison to the massive two handed swing Nerva had used before to send the much smaller tree crashing down. "Over there, Nerva. He has to die." Nerva's head snapped towards the Armored alien and disappeared. He was in front of the creature in less time than it would even blink. which is the very last action it would be able to make before being soundly split in half, Camilliea's new-found blade cutting through its armor with as much or less apparent effort then the tree. "And, as per my deal...She has to die now too." Nerva's head looked towards Star. He said nothing.

[Mortymer]

Mortymer witnesses the change in Nerva and his emotion's disappear his opal ring shimmers with light then goes black. "This... This feeling of Malorien within that blade." Mortymer's cloak turns a blue color and begins falling apart revealing his arms in purple cloth which begins to melt away leaving nothing but bleached bone. Spike's erupt from his left shoulder with skulls hanging from their tips a face appears upon his chest with a great look of sorrow. white skeletal wings rup forth from his back with tendons holding them together, a lantern a book and a hourglass appear strung off the belt. his ribs can be seen from an opening in his cloak but nothing of his face. he extends his right arm and a massive black scythe with a purple center covered in the faces of the tormented appears in a blast of black energy. Mortymer begins floating before letting out a single breathe that chills the air.

[Star/Tazeel]

Star cursed and cut off the two spears the moment before they would have hit Nerva. "Damit Nerva! You wanna die... what the fuck?"

"Uhhh Star... from the sounds of it Camilliea wants your head. I don't know what's happened to Nerva but it can't be good. Hes acting more like her puppet than anything."

"What in the fuck is going on, NERVA! Stop being as bad as Keero. You can cut it out now." She didn't like where this was going, she held her orb nervously.

Tazeel stepped forward. "Nerva, You'll have to go through me." Something terrible had been unleashed, he was sure of that. Nerva truly emanated power like never before. It was more than enough to both worry him and bring his hunger out before he relocked it in it's box. He didn't draw confidence from his last defeat of Nerva that was purely luck at best and this would be even more challenging. Still, he had another trick though he had no idea if it would work even if he was entirely sure he knew how to do it. Hopefully it wouldn't be needed but it was there. He didn't really feel weaker than he did back home, if you ignore the comparative figures anyway, so there was some hope. Maybe if he was lucky it wouldn't even destroy his beloved spear collection or that old crown from some long forgotten kingdom, or the urn engraved with serpents or... BAH! Whatever it destroyed would be precious but Star was more so. Still, he couldn't help but idly go over every last piece of his hoard.

[Shirohara]

The amount of power that Shirohara was getting from the air was overwhelming, enough so that he felt that he had to release it before he exploded. He stretched his wings wide and let the energy flow from him in a brilliant show of deadly lightning followed by the loudest thunder clap anyone has ever heard. The overwhelming power knocked him out and he fell to the ground.

[Nerva]

Nerva stared coldly at Star through the thunderclap, though his eye's seemed glazed, as though he wasn't even conscious. "Go Ahead, after all...She is the one who tried to kill you." Nerva continued to stare, his arms unmoving. "Come on Nerva, kill her, tear her to shreds!" Nerva attempted to take a step forward and fell face first into the ground. Camilliea Snapped shut and her red color began to return. She could audibly be heard breathing heavily "It took...everything I...had." There was silence as Nerva's wings returned into their guise as a coat, and both him and Camilliea remained silent and unmoving, rendered unconscious and near death from their wounds and expended energy. Just then, it began to rain softly.

[Star]

Star flinched at the sound of thunder and saw Nerva slump to the ground. "Hey it worked, go figure." Taking full credit for Nerva going down.

[Tazeel]

Looking up at the falling Shirohara Tazeel knew had to save him before dealing with Nerva. "Star, tend to him." And he leapt off into the air. Stopping Shiro was going to be difficult. He was too big to simply catch and the dangling legs would foul up his wings if he tried to support him from beneath. Not for the first time Tazeel wished he had more of an aptitude for magic. Still, with brute force and ingenuity he could get this done and a plan was rapidly developing. He lined himself up with Shirohara's back and rammed him to flip Shirohara's back onto his own. Unfortunately Shirohara's wings were fouling this up horrendously, not only could he not properly flap them anymore, any hint or aerodynamics was lost rather thoroughly. He could slow their descent somewhat by keeping his wings extended and doing what flaps he could but it would be a rough landing. The rain certainly wasn't helping either. He silently hoped rough landings wouldn't become a theme like humans and bright lights had.

[Star]

Star ran over to Nerva cursing the rain. She was confused as to what exactly she was supposed to be able to do for Nerva but he seemed to be in rough shape. Kneeling down beside him she turned him so he at least wouldn't drown in the rain. "Nerva! Wake the fuck up!" It worked once, maybe it would work again.

[Nerva]

Nerva Remained still and silent, as did Camilliea. His breathing was heavy and laboured. her words, however loud didn't even phase or stir him in the slightest. If she checked for a heartbeat she would find none, and lifting up his eyelids would reveal that his Cornea were back to their normal white, though his iris' would be rolled back out of sight, as though he were sleeping...or dead. his only real sign of life were the short shallow laboured breaths Nerva took.

[Nogarde Delrone]

Nogarde grew closer and closer to the tree and was able to make out a figure standing atop it, there eyes locked onto something that was very far away. "...Malorien..." Nogarde continued moving from branch to branch, quickening his pace slightly.

[Cory]

Seeing the pilot of the fighter move about like he did, Cory instantly determines that only his Gundam would stand a chance against such a foe and, as if the homestead stone was alive and could read his thoughts, it brought him to his Gundam in Fanara's homestead. Immediately understanding what he should do, Cory hops into his Gundam and powers it up, as the controls come alive Cory pops back into Felarya just in time to see Shirohara and Tazeel falling to the ground and he boosts over to hopefully save them from going splat on the ground.

[?Peter?]

Peter ran through the halls of the old factory, he could hear the rush of footsteps behind him, rushing to catch him. He saw his shadow start to grow in front of him, a red-orange light surrounding it. He quickly jumped to the walkway above, He could hear other people following his jump. The air in the room began heating up very quickly. Jared. He thought with disgust.

"YOU CAN'T HAVE ME JARED! I'LL NEVER JOIN YOU!" he shouted behind him.

Jared simply laughed his usual insane laugh. "I don't need you to join me Peter!" he spat his name out of his mouth as if it was some kind of foul drink. "I JUST NEED YOU DEAD!" He yelled as the metal walkway Peter was walking on quickly turned red hot.

"Crap!" Peter mumbled to himself as he jumped back down to the ground. As he appeared Tony, Jared's counterpart and another slim man just behind him and a little to the left.

"Theres nowhere's you can hide Peter." Tony said quite calmly as the air in the room speedily grew in temperature.

Peters eyebrows scrunched together. "Why are you here Tony?" he questioned. "You can leave, better yet. You can stop HIM! Why don't you? What's in it for you?!"

Tony simply looked at him and said "Because we're better."

Peter yelled and threw his hand in a slapping motion, as it passed in front of his face Tony was suddenly falling a short distance towards the floor of the factory. "Now you!" he said as he began running towards the other man. His eye's widened considerably at the look in Peter's eyes. It was almost as if he had never seen a Bergen REALLY fight. Peter grabbed him and spun around and then threw him. The man immediately closed his eyes trying to gain some focus but he simply couldn't, he was in too much fright. Peter thrust his hand towards the man then watched as he smacked against the far wall of the factory. Peter fell to his knees in exhaustion but quickly stood up again as the heated air grew more and more unbearable. As he finished standing up he saw Jared just a few meters away walking towards him.

He raised his arm as he spoke "Peter. We ARE the Endowed." He flicked his hand and a second degree burn appeared on Peters right arm. He continued "I DO want you to join me." He flicked his hand again and yet another second degree burn manifested itself on Peters left leg. "But since you've expressed such... distaste..." he raised his arm higher.

Peter noticed Tony stirring and quickly closed his eyes and jumped away before Tony could get a trace on him.

There was a rustle of leaves as he popped into the forest. He looked around to make sure the coast was clear then Fell to his knees then on to his side as he passed out from the exhaustion of the encounter and the sudden change of temperature in his lungs. The rain making a light pitter patter sound on his jacket.

[Tazeel]

Tazeel was straining immensely, he was still new to flying and his muscles were not up keeping two dragons aloft especially with Shirohara's damned wings getting the in the way. He saw motion at the edge of his peripheral though and a glance almost stopped him dead in the air. Cory's battered mech was hurtling towards them at a breakneck speed. It would definitely reach them but he was more worried about the imminent collision with the mech than the ground.

[Star]

"Hmph. Whatever." At least he was breathing, "You can just damn well wait until Tazeel gets back then." She looked up to see how Taz was doing. "Fuck!" Taz didn't look like he was having an easy time of it. Cory popped out of nowhere with his gundam though and looked like he would reach them in time. Assuming the broken piece of shit held together that long anyway.

[Malorien]

"You know you aren't very sneaky Nogarde I saw you coming from 15 fucking light years away." Malorien smiles and turns his head towards where Nogarde is making his ascent Malorien adjusts his black hair and puts a cigar out on his hand. "Why are you following me around the multiverse anyways I'm a big boy I know how to not kill all of creation." Malorien lets out a cackle

[Nogarde]

Already within earshot, Nogarde smirks slightly as he closes the last of the distance between himself and Malorien with a powerful kick off of a tree, causing the bark to crack. soundly landing on another branch atop the great tree. "And since when have I been known for being sneaky? Furthermore if you knew I was coming for so long, why are you still here?" Nogarde drew his sheathed blade from his belt holding it in his right hand, though it looked more as if he was holding it idly rather than battle-ready. "Please don't tell me you're still running around trying to get power to beat me. That is naught but a childish pursuit." Nogarde's tone sounded more like he was chastising a child then talking with the most evil being to walk among the living.

[Cory]

Cory slowed down as he neared Tazeel and Shirohara, catching them just before they hit the ground. "Are you two Ok? What happened?" He asked as he set them down and looked around "where's the guy in armor?"

[Tazeel]

"Him? He's dead. Nerva got him." He began to inspect Shirohara. He seems to have suffered a severe electrical shock. Strange, the only one he knew of to use electricity was Shirohara himself. Damned fool, how do you zap yourself with a breath attack? He fixed the damage and moved on to waking Shirohara up. Here and here... "Done."

[Shirohara]

Shirohara groaned as he was woken up, "ugh, what happened?" he grabbed his head as the after effects of the shock wore off.

[Tazeel]

Tazeel rolled his eyes, "I was hoping you would be able to tell me that. I have another patient to go to so if you'll excuse me." He moved away before doing a short glide back toward Star and Nerva.

Star looked over as Tazeel landed. Tazeel asked, "How is he?" Star, irritated, said "How should I know? You're the medic. Hes breathing that's all I know." Star stepped aside and Tazeel began his own inspection. No heartbeat, yet he was breathing? This situation was beyond Tazeel's experience and left him thoroughly perplexed. He supposed Nerva was in a way undead but breathing seemed rather pointless without blood flow and somehow Nerva bleeds if you wound him. He shouldn't be able to bleed out if he doesn't have a pulse so he assumed this was new. He cursed himself for not inspecting Nerva more thoroughly on his previous treatments. One doesn't check if someone talking to you has a heartbeat though. What he needed a necromancer and Aeron came to mind. Tazeel asked Star, eyes still closed, "Star, find Aeron, I need his help." Star shrugged and went to find him and came back a moment later after asking around. "Hes dead, chunk of metal got him." Tazeel sighed. He had no idea if he should go through the immense strain of healing Nerva. No idea if it would help at all. "Mortymer? I am in need of assistance. I honestly have no idea what to do with Nerva. No heartbeat but he's breathing. It just doesn't make sense."

[Mortymer]

Mortymer's lantern jingles as he floats over towards tazeel his scythe no longer in hand simply floating by his side the hooded figure looks down upon the reaper and a cold breeze comes from it. Mortymer then grabs Nerva by his clothing and hauls him into the air and not a word is being spoken. with his other hand Mortymer causes Camilliea to float in the air in front of him. Twirling his fingers causing her to twirl before facing her blade towards Nerva and impaling him upon her. Mortymer then grasps his lantern with his left hand and a green light spews forth as the screams of thousands of souls come outwards into his hand. He takes the green ball and puts it into Camilliea before placing Nerva onto the ground still impaled. His form then reverts and crows are sent out flying out in all directions then dispersing into shadows. "Hopefully this amount of souls will give him the strength he needs to fight off this." Mortymer thinks of a proper term for what's going on. "Infection? I think thats a good way of putting it."

[Malorien]

Malorien rubs his eyes and the cracks in his skin show greatly. "Why would I run from you anyways? There's no point to it at all no matter how many times you kill me I will just come back." Malorien looks to Nogarde. "And honestly I can't run away if I wanted this body has seen better days and is now finally coming to its limits no matter how hard I try to regenerate it." Maloriens ripped up trenchcoat turns from a soft blue to a yellow color as it stitches back together and he completely changes the subject. "You know this thing changing color and shit is really starting to creep me out."

[Nerva]

Nerva's body flinches as Camilliea Impales him. A bit of blood flows from the wound, but no black flame is there to attempt to heal it, though the bleeding with Camilliea in the way is minimal. As the souls are forced into Camilliea her direct contact with Nerva allows his body to absorb them, his breathing becomes less laboured and more stabled, though he remains unconscious.

[Nogarde]

"You never do quit with the games do you?" Nogarde says with mild disinterest at the coat. "You know you've always been that one itch that never seems to go away, nevertheless... I may as well scratch at it from time to time." Nogarde steps forwards towards Malorien and draws his sword, then stabs at his backside.

[Malorien]

The blade strikes Malorien in the back and he just turns his head. "Funny you always say i'm the one playing the game yet you are always the one chasing after me for no apparent reason other than to include me in your sick fantasy of constant murder."

[Nogarde]

"The only reason I come after you is because your a parasite that, if left unchecked will try to destroy everything in creation at one point in time or another. Try to remember you are a mistake, and nothing more. your existence came to be because of my brother and his jealousy driven bloodlust." Nogardes sword begins to glow red and pulse with energy. "The life of one for the safety of many is a price I will pay for the rest of my life to keep you and your twisted plots and schemes at bay."

[Malorien]

Malorien screams at Nogarde. "YOU JUST DON'T FUCKING GET IT DO YOU. I have better fucking things to do with my time then destroy reality and to think of it that sounds like a big fucking pointless idea to me cause I kind of like reality since you know its the only fucking one I have to live. Or whatever the fuck I do these days." Malorien walks away off of the branch and keeps walking across the air. "Just leave me alone you fucking asshole god I am in no mood to deal with you day in and day out like seriously fuck me god damnit." Malorien then hurks over and blackness shoots out in all directions.

[Nogarde]

"What? I'm sorry, but what's with the sudden switch from evil cocky bastard, to angry emo victim? That isn't exactly like you. Hell by now I expected you to unleash some new stolen powers and try to kill me...again." Nogarde cocks his head trying to ponder what Maloriens game is. A part of him wanted to try and convince Malorien to simply stop being evil and to respect the powers he had attained as he had tried in the past, but another part of him kept wary, there was a good chance that this was all a plan for Malorien to either run or catch him off guard. He didn't like the sound of either. "I'll tell you what, come back on this tree and talk, perhaps we can find a compromise to this endless conflict."

[Tazeel]

"What are you... Well... I guess that's one way to heal someone... So you're carrying around a bunch of souls. Who are they? And what infection?"

[Mortymer]

Mortymer looks to Tazeel "These souls are from a race I put into extinction around 40000 thousand years ago, They are a powerful race that was bent on using special magics to take over all the known worlds. They even managed to take over hell for awhile." Mortymer looks towards Nerva. "There souls are incredibly powerful and just a few of them put into a reaper can enhance their own powers." Mortymer looks to the sky only to see tree overhang.

[Tazeel]

"Lets just hope it doesn't make him too powerful then. He wasn't exactly in a safe state when he went out." Why is it that the least stable people always have the greatest power? He supposed he was being hypocritical, hes not exactly stable himself after all. No great power in him though, must not be a perk. It was rather depressing putting himself on the level with the likes of Mortymer and Keero. Tazeel said drearily, "You never did tell me what infection you were talking about. I need to know for my own duties." The only good thing so far today was this rain cleaning him nicely, his scales had lost their gleam in all the dust and grime of travel. If this was the morning he feared what the rest of the day would bring.

[Peter]

His vision slowly faded from red to white to at first a blurry vision of enormous trees. As his vision cleared he sat up and leaned back on his hands, the wet blades of grass protruding from the spaces between his fingers. Peter enjoyed the rain, but having wet clothes did not appeal to him as much. He stood up and shook his jacket, water drops spraying in every direction. Before his stood fully he fell back to the ground in pain. the cool weather had dampened the pain of Jareds burns , but only slightly. He stood up again putting a large amount of weight on his good leg. The burn on his arm was not so large so it was only a nuisance to him at this point.

After walking for a few minutes he was already beginning to tire again. The battle at the factory had taken a lot out of him neverminding the burns. As he rounded a tree he could hear faint un-audible voices, people! His pace sped up as much it his body would allow. as he drew nearer his could make out some questions, they seemed to be... medical? What? Was somebody hurt? Better yet, was there a doctor that could treat him. The faster his burns healed the faster he could be back to his full strength, and he felt that he would need his strength soon. As he rounded one of the larger trees he saw some things that he was not exactly ready to see. Dragons?! His eyes rolled back in his head and he fell rather noisily onto a few sticks and leaves making a unhealthy crunching sound.

[Tazeel]

At some movement in his peripheral vision he turned to see a human he didn't recognize fall over as he entered their clearing. He made a rather unpleasant sound as he fell, probably hurt himself. When the human didn't get up it confirming his suspicion. With a sigh he said, "The work is never done. Don't forget my question Mortymer," and he went to go check up on the man.

Why did it always have to be humans. Dead humans, live humans, freaky magical humans and now a burnt human. Closing his claw on the mans chest he works his way through the damage. Doing the last touch ups he goes into the brain and wakes the human up, claw still resting on the mans chest as he looked down on him. It pays to be careful. "Hello?"

[Peter]

Peters eyes fluttered as the opened to the sight of a dragon about the size of a horse standing over him. His eyes widened as they slowly looked down the arm of the thing to its hand resting on his chest. "Yu... yu.. you can SPEAK?!" He didn't wait for an answer. He quickly looked around to find the nearest empty space, a small clearing a few yards away. Without hesitation or concentration he jumped to the clearing and quickly stood up, trying to regain his composure seemed impossible due to the sight that lay before him.

[Tazeel]

"Of co- Where the?" His head jerked back and he blinked a few times. He wasn't just invisible, he could tell that easily enough.

[Mortymer]

Mortymer walks over to Tazeel. "Did that man just teleport?" Mortymer shakes his head. "Humans always mutating more and more. Anyways Its not Nerva thats infected its Camilliea his weapon. A long time ago there was an angel by the name of Lelsarth known now as Malorien. To say the least he had a sick twisted mind of infecting other angels with a virus he created, the virus attaches itself onto the host's soul where it then manifest's into a new soul exactly like the original. Well only not exactly and has the mindset of a serial killer." Mortymer takes a shallow breath. "Long story short Malorien was cast from heaven killed and reborn as a normal human about 7 times until Keero interfered." Mortymer's gaze looks toward the tree's as he goes silent lost in thought.

[Malorien]

Malorien turns around whilst in the air. "I would stay here and chat with you Nogarde but I have family affairs to tend to so why don't you just leave me be so I can have room to think of how I'm going to deal with my father after 12 million years." Malorien then lets a smile and falls that sound of him hitting branch's while going down the tree can be heard with loud Thuds.

[Cory]

Seeing that Shirohara and Tazeel were doing Ok, Cory popped into the homestead and parked his Gundam, and set it to idle in case he needed to get it in a hurry again. Popping back into Felarya he sees a man being held down by Tazeel's fore claw and then, quite suddenly, the man was in a different spot. It boggled his mind that someone could do that even though he himself had just popped into and out of a pocket dimension. Being the soldier that he was Cory quickly in unboggled his mind and walked over to the man, "Morning stranger, what brings you here?"

[Peter]

He squinted at the man walking towards him. Who wears a suit like THAT? Gross... "I think you may need to ask that question to someone-.. i mean, someTHING else." he said as he gestured towards the dragons. "That ain't natural man, dragons are myths. MYTHS! That crap ain't real!"

[Cory]

Cory responded in Japanese because he knew it was somehow being translated "Ohayo Baka! (good morning idiot!)" and then in English "One question. Where do you think we are?"

[Tazeel]

"Dammit, all we need are more teleporters." As if Nerva hasn't been bad enough by himself. He shook his head. "Probably scared him witless standing over him like that, humans can be jumpy. Would someone be so kind as to tell him I'm not going to eat him?" He settled himself down and tried not to look overly imposing and longed for home where he used to be able to squeeze into a bar with only minimal disturbance. Though he may be a bit big for the doors for most places now.

[Star]

Star said, "I'll go tell him, wonder if he pissed himself too." Star walked over and shouted at them when she was halfway to Cory and the new guy. "Hey! New guy! You don't need to piss yourself around Taz. He's big but he won't hurt you. Hes the one that healed you so you ought to be thanking him." Pulling up closer she lowered her voice to more normal levels. "Got a name?"

[Peter]

"exCUSE me! Who you calling stupid?" He turned his head at the angry girl that was yelling at him. "Oh THAT type of girl." he mumbled to himself. "Angry all the time. fun." He sighed then spoke. "No ma'am, I did not piss myself." he rubbed his forehead. "Don't you people SEE? Those THINGS over there should not exist! Not where i'm from anyways." he sighed again and walked back a few steps. "The names Peter by the way." he said as almost an afterthought. "Know if you would please leave me alone for a few minutes i'll be on my way." He sat down on the grass and grabbed the pendant from beneath his shirt and held it in both hands and closed his eye's, focusing on the base and nothing else. After a few seconds he opened his eye's and stood up. He turned his head and looked at Cory. "You, here, now." he said and without waiting for a response or some semblance of action he jumped cory to right in front of him. "Screw YOUR questions." he said as he grabbed him by the front of his shirt. "Where am i and why can't i jump home!"

[Mortymer]

Mortymer dissolves into a pool of black muck which then appears behind Peter, Mortymer then slowly rises out of it unnoticed and places the back of his cold pale hand on Peter's cheek and whispers into his left ear. "Quite a gift you have there boy." Mortymer said slowly as his frosty breath makes contact with Peters skin.

[Cory]

Cory turned to Mortymer, "Excuse me mister grim reaper, but could you not interrupt a conversation." He turned back to Peter, "This place is called Felarya, as for why you can't 'jump' home. Well the stupid answer is, its just too far. And the real answer is, this is a different dimension, and I assure you that dragons are very much real. Just not in OUR worlds."

[Peter]

He flinched back from the cold hand of the reaper. "UGH! don't touch me with that!" He let go of Cory with one hand and flicked it back at the reaper, jumping him back a few feet. He shuddered and turned back to Cory, grabbing him again. "Just what do you mean by TOO FAR? Nothing is too far for me! And theres no such thing as Dragons or dimensions!"

[Malorien]

Malorien hits the ground at the base of the world tree with a bang standing to his feet and brushing himself off. "Well that was the most fun i've had in a long time."

[Mortymer]

Mortymer gets pushed back and it feels awkward for an odd reason him getting pushed by a mortal this power was well beyond him where did it come from and how did a low life mortal get ahold of it.

[Nogarde]

Nogarde is standing on the ground, waiting for Malorien as he hits the ground. "Listen, you have two options, either you talk to me about what's going on, or you die...again. Do not waste my kind temperament it may be the last chance you get at having my attention without dying."

[Malorien]

Malorien looks to Nogarde. "God dammit seriously fuck fine I'm having family issues yes me the most evil thing in existence even I have family, Though they aren't technically blood related anymore since they killed me like 5 times only thing that binds us is soul." Malorien ponders for a moment. "The one I really need to see though is my twin."

[Nogarde]

"Hmm... I do faintly recall this. I have been to the white city myself, although only twice. You were once an angel correct?" Nogarde stands there still, pondering for a moment. "You said twin right? Who is it and why do you need to see him?"

[Mortymer]

Mortymer stops pondering peter and walks back over to Nerva who's pinned into the ground and stares at him thinking to himself. "C'mon Nerva you can beat this." He places his hand upon his chin and nods his head contemplating some other things.

[Malorien]

"Thats funny I don't ever recall telling you that I used to be an angel Nogarde. Anyways my twins name is Keero he's a little bit deranged in the head but I guess we are twins so it's completely logical in a sense." Malorien smiles and thinks back to his life as an angel before exile. "Anyways thats the past now I just need to talk to my father and the gain entry into heaven I will need Keero or Mortymer, And it just so happens they are both here in this world."

[Nerva]

An internal battle, no, a war was being held within Nerva's body. He fought with everything he had, despite every odd possible stacked against him. however as the battle waged on, he did not tire, he refused to. instead with each of the souls that invaded his body slain, he grew in strength, in will. he had something worth fighting for, something, someONE to fight for, and that...that is the most powerful weapon anyone can have...

Resolve.

Nerva's body began to pulse just then. not just a heartbeat or a piece of him, but his entire body. his body slowly floated afoot Camilliea floating in front of him. he stayed there a moment and then screamed out in pain and agony. Chains erupted from his chest and back, swirling about like tentacles before wrapping themselves around Nerva and Camilliea. there numbers were uncountable and soon his screaming halted as his body was completely wrapped in the chains, like a coffin with an eerie glow.

It stayed there, slightly off the ground for almost a full minute. And then, a voice echoed. "I will not be killed off...I will overcome you, all of you. And if I am to become a monster in the process...so be it. I will endure the exile, anything...to protect her!" Golden light illuminated from underneath the chains they pulsed and swayed, trying to maintain their restraint on Nerva. one by one they began to snap, and there coffin like structure as a whole strained and swelled as more light erupted from within. a black feather slipped through the gaps in the chains.

"HaaaaaaAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!" The chains exploded off of Nerva who stay afloat, his wings outstretched to the sky and his body surrounded in a golden glow. His eyes had even gone from red to a stunning golden yellow, his retina black as night. Pieces of the chain began to reform and wrap around his left forearm, imbedding itself in his skin at the top of its winding. a small red mark shone on his chest, a pendant. Camilliea floated up into his left hand and vibrated Violently. The red lines on Camilliea Erupted forth once more and she snapped open on both ends, taking on the appearance of that deadly blood red scythe. However this time was different. the chain on Nerva's arm snaked up Camilliea's handle with lightning speed, coiling tightly, the eerie sickly green glow on it brightened a touch. Nerva swung Camilliea left and right, the chain didn't seem to impede his motions at all. then holding Camilliea so her emerald sat at eye level he spoke. "You shall control us no longer." With that, the red blade receded inwards and the chain re coiled itself around Nerva's arm. As he landed softly on the ground his wings wrapped around him like a cloak, however they remained out and did not take on the guise of his usual black coat.

[Peter]

His eyes widened as a voice echoed around the area. He slowly turned around to watch the man that was laying on the ground was floating in the air. "What fresh hell is this.." he mumbled. He watched in stunned awe as the scene before him played out like a hollywood movie, only it didn't feel fake, it felt very, very real.

[Mortymer]

Mortymer watches Nerva with a grin then looks over at Peter and notices his awe struck face before blinking over right beside him. "There's more where this came from mortal boy." Mortymer then begins walking away back towards Nerva who he hopes is feeling much much better by now.

[Nogarde]

"Hahaha, you forget, I've been around far longer than most. I know your father quite well, and though we don't always see eye to eye, I still consider him to be a friend, we have confided many things to one another." Nogarde suddenly looked to the left. "What in the whole of creation was that? I haven't felt power like that since...since I was last in the white city." Then returning his attention to Malorien. "Well, I warn you now, I've met Keero, I've even trained him a bit, I did not know his mind was twisted at the time." Nogarde pauses in a long thought. "Malorien...you yourself, are not the bane of everything. you are...you are essentially the key to pandora's box, a box that fails to contain hope at the bottom. the power you have now, what it truly is...is something well beyond your comprehension. which is why I have never allowed you to do anything without hunting you down." Nogarde's face looks almost sad. "I cannot believe...and I put great emphasis in those words. That I am about to say this, but, you never asked for this life, you should never have become what you are. And that is why, just once, I am going to let you go, to deal with your family matters. I will however, find you when you've finished with them. And after that...Well, thats up to you Malorien. The ball is in your court for once, I do wonder what kind of play you will make."

With that Nogarde turns and and begins to walk towards the eruption of golden light and power, still curious of its origins.

[Malorien]

Malorien lets a quick smile at Nogarde's back as he walks away Malorien then steps into the shade and disappeared reappearing roughly 1000 feet to the east looking straight at Mortymer with a massive grin on his face. "At long last Mortymer we meet again or should I say... Brother." Malorien lifts his right arm and it transforms into a massive claw which he then throws in Mortymer's direction moving at intense speed it grabs him before anyone can notice and rips Mortymer into the underbrush.

[Tazeel]

"By the gods." He edged his way to the rest of the group. He didn't trust any of this. More cocoons like what happened with Keero can't be a good sign and the same glow that Nerva had when he had been looking to kill star the second time. He felt very real fear. He had to wonder if this is how the silly human Peter felt looking on him. Peter would learn quickly that he was the least of the group.

[Star]

Star began to back away. This was some freaky shit going on. She saw Tazeel moving and moved towards his bulk. If they had to fight Nerva again they would need to work together. "Fuck today."

[Tazeel]

"Peter," His hearing was acute enough to have picked it up easily, "you walked into a storm I doubt any of us are ready for. If you think I'm the one you have to worry about your dead wrong."

[Cory]

"So you don't believe in dimensions, eh?" Cory put his arm on Peters and popped into the homestead, "your smart, right? Where is this?"

[Peter]

"WHOA, hey hey hey! Take me back! Right now!" he turned and grabbed Cory again. "DO IT!"

[Nerva]

Nerva took a step forward as he watched a large majority of the group move away from him. The glow he was surrounded with died down until finally it dissipated completely, though his eyes and wings remained. "Hello again everyone, its good to see that you're all doing alright." Nerva looked over to Star and Tazeel in particular. "I apologize, I've obviously done something in my own absence to strike fear into you." Nerva disappears and reappears in front of Star and Tazeel. "I want you both to know that I mean you no harm, I'm...for the most part, back to my good old self, granted with a few differences..." Nerva fluttered out his wings a bit and held his chained arm up for Tazeel and Star to inspect at their leisure. He wanted to make sure they weren't afraid or threatened by him in any way before they continued on their journey, especially Star and Tazeel...though he couldn't really explain why, his logical thinking decided it was due to them having been through more with him the the rest of the party, and by no small margin either.

[Cory]

"Answer the question!" Cory wasn't going to let himself be pushed around any more, he was a lieutenant commander after all.

[Peter]

He sighed and calmly let go of Cory. He looked down and turned and walked back a few feet. He let out a small laugh. "How about this." he said as he turned and faced Cory with a smile on his face. "I'll give you.. hmm... 30 seconds to take me home. After 7 it won't be very fun for you... 30!"

[Cory]

"Ok scratch my last question. This is a pocket dimension, it use to belong to someone from a world filled with magic. And before you say magics not real, I have witnessed it with my own eyes. This," he held up the stone, "Is how we got here." Feeling the magic in the stone, Cory senses that Shirohara could come and go as he pleased.

[Peter]

"Okay.. if thats how we go back and forth before you get hurt. 4!" He put his hand to his forehead and rubbed it, some people just don't get it do they.

[Tazeel/Starl]

He almost whipped Nerva in the face when he pulled that teleporting trick again. He was getting jumpy, for good reason. "So you don't remember mentioning you wanted to kill Star again? Or the glowing with the red scythe? What is this thing on your arm anyways." He honestly didn't know whether to be reassured or even more worried.

Star was noticeably irritated, "He said it nicer then I would have. You're getting as fucking bad as Keero."

Tazeel asked, "Are you going to keep the wings out? I never understood why you would ever put them away in the first place. I would never want to be without my wings." They looked good on him. More human types ought to have wings, then they would actually have a proper number of limbs.

[Nerva]

"Well..." Nerva was at a momentary loss of what to say. The insults and lack of trust stung deep, deeper than he thought they would have. and hearing that Camilliea...the 'real' Camilliea, had tried to make him kill Star... He would have to sit down and explain everything to them so they might understand. He shook his head, trying to remove his pained expression before they took notice of it and decided to focus on answering Tazeel's questions. "Sadly I do not remember much of what happened after i was hit by a flaming spear...for all intensive purposes I should have died there...But that is something I will come to try and explain later. As for the wings, most humans I find tend to be more comfortable when I am without them, that aside, having them out takes a certain amount of power from me. Being in a position where I had to ration what I had for fear of running out, I tried to keep from using them at all, though things began escalating too much for me to hold back on such a petty whim..." Nerva pauses, running through his head, how foolish he had been. If he hadn't been so worried and just given the party everything he had, many people who died might very well be alive... "Anyways, Now thanks to Mortymer, I have so much strength flowing through me that I can't put my wings away even if I wanted too." "Lastly this chain is the physical embodiment of a very powerful seal, one that I have put in place with my new-found strength to ensure that what happened before with Camilliea will never happen again." Nerva stopped to look around. "Speaking of which, where is Mortymer? I have a few questions to ask him." Nerva wanted to be able to stay there, to sit and explain everything and try to put their minds at ease, but there were priorities that he had to keep.

[Tazeel]

"Nerva, I can understand what you must be going through. I've done it I will have to sadly admit, more than once myself. Sometimes you just don't have a choice in the matter. As for Mort, good question, he did decide to show off his own teleportation not wanting to be upstaged so he could be on the moon for all I know."

[Nerva]

"Doubtful, his shadowstep is just as limited as my own, I doubt he could make it to the moon, if he could he would have left long ago." Nerva looked about to check for Mortymer once again. looking down he said. "Wow Camilliea you certainly have been quiet." "..." She remained silent.

[Star]

"Something wrong with Camilliea?" She actually liked Camilliea, hopefully she wasn't gone for good. "Where were you that you got hit by my spear anyway? I stopped it quickly enough."

[Malorien/Mortymer]

Malorien is now gripping Mortymer by his neck with his giant spiky claw. "Hey there Big brother how've you been since I killed your wife." Mortymer gives Malorien an evil glare. "I never thought I would ever have to speak with you again Lelsarth." "Shh its Malorien now and the only reason I haven't killed you yet for all the trauma I have been through it because I need your help." Malorien then goes through his entire plan with Mortymer who replies. "So what you want me to bring you into heaven so you can get your body back." Mortymer gives Mal a look. "Go fuck yourself." "Aww ok but i'll give you a moment to think about it." Malorien then raises his arm and throws Mortymer back towards the group making sure he goes through tree's. Mortymer comes flying through the base of a tree straight into the middle of the group landing flat on his face, he picks himself up slowly letting out a short Ouch.

[Tazeel/Star]

Tazeel turns at the loud series of snapping and cracking caused by Mortymers trip through the trees. "Well, it looks like Mortymers back. Something had a little fun with him." Tazeel making no move to help him. He didn't like Mortymer and it was doubtful he could heal him anyway considering how difficult it is to help Nerva. Star just smirked enjoying the spectacle. "Serves him right for being so high, mighty, and mysterious all the time."

[Nerva]

"Oh, there you are." Nerva says mildly, turning towards Mortymer. "We need to have a little discussion in private after you pick yourself up. And what grabbed you anyways?" Then turning back to Star for a moment. "And to answer your question, I was behind the tree that thing was hanging from."

[Shirohara]

Shirohara still felt a little, queasy, from his magical overdose. "I'm going back to the homestead to rest." He then popped himself into the homestead, and went to his bed in the stable.

[Cory]

Cory turns at the sudden appearance of Shirohara, and then back to Peter "I'm sorry, 'before you hurt me'? What could you possibly do to hurt me?"

[Peter]

"Oh you poor, poor man." He said rubbing his forehead again. "Here let me help you understand, also, i think you can count all by yourself now. Start at 23. The longer you wait to agree to take me back the more its going to hurt when you hit the ground." and with that he raises his hand slowly, palm up. When his hand reached the top of his reach his pointed his fingers straight up in a speedy fashion then closed his eyes To jump Cory 1 foot in the air. The space where he was suddenly went black then flashed white as the light and air rushed to fill the empty space. His hair waved in the wind the followed. He loved moving things like that. So much more satisfying. He looked up and watched as Cory reappeared 1 foot in the air. "Every time you say no i'm going to raise you one foot higher."

[Cory]

Cory's eyes widened as he was suddenly 1 foot above the ground, his look quickly turned to concentration as he landed on the ground like a ninja, straightening his face he stood straight up and made the act of brushing himself off. "I can see how that could hurt." His face turned to one of questioning "But why would you want to go back to a world where none of the creatures that exist there, exist in our own worlds? Which creatures can and will eat you alive like a jellybean."

[Peter]

"Why you ask?" He questioned Cory, his eyes widening slightly. He turned and and exhaled, His cheeks puffing out. He had never actually considered this. As he pondered and paced back and forth muttering "Why?" "I guess it's Because i don't like people.. uhmm.." he turned and faced Cory with calm eyes. "I DON'T LIKE PEOPLE TELEPORTING ME AROUND! IT AIN'T COOL MAN! FO-REALZ!" He shouted at him, eyes blazing, body shaking from the sudden rush of adrenaline. He turned back around and regained his composure. He shook his hands and arms and exhaled again.

[Cory]

That made Cory mad "You hypocrite! nobody likes to BE teleported!"

[Peter]

"HAH!" he laughed. He turned once again and faced him. "Wanna do it again?" he asked as he bent over slightly, rubbing his hands together excitedly.

[Cory]

Cory put on a challenging expression "So you wanna play that way eh?" He popped Peter out and then back in, facing the Gundam and 10 feet closer to it, "I can play that game too"

[Peter]

"WHEW!" he bend over and caught his breath. "Thats... Not... What... I meant!" he said between breaths. He stood up and dragged his hand threw his hair. "My turn? sounds good." he said without waiting for a reaction he runs at Cory and grabs him and throws him, jumping him at the same time, sending him flying to the foot of the gundam. "DON'T! DO! DAT!"

[Star]

"What in the world were you doing behind the tree. I'm not taking any blame for that one. Your funeral if you do something stupid like that again."

[Nerva]

Nerva's eye twitched in irritation. Feelings aside Star needed to be knocked down a peg and to learn some damn responsibility. "Listen here Star and listen well." Nerva turned towards Star and his wings unfurled and stretched outwards somewhat menacingly. "I had the situation under control, YOUR interference is what caused things to escalate to what they did. YOUR recklessness is what lead to me nearly dying and Then almost killing you, and everyone else here. You need to learn that your temper will not just hurt you, it can and will hurt everyone else as well. Your powers are not to be abused by some little girl in a bad mood!" Nerva's voice was straining on the edge of outright yelling so he paused a moment to take a breath, his wings beginning to recede "You have some incredible power locked away in that orb of yours, but... as someone from a long time ago said, with great power comes great responsibility. Fire is destructive, nothing more, nothing less. Throwing giant flaming spears headlong into a fray that you knew I or anyone else in this group for that matter was a part of was a blatant disregard for their safety."

[Cory]

Cory grabbed his head in pain "ahh! I can say the same thing, DON'T DO DAT!" He rubbed his head and with confusion on his face asked "What are we fighting over anyways?

[Peter]

His expression was that of astonishment. "What? You- You don't even know... Wow." He turned in a circle running his fingers through his hair. "How hard did i throw you man? Like really? You know what... Just.. Just take me back. and 'leave' me there."

[Cory]

"You wanna go back to Felarya? Fine." Cory popped Peter back into Felarya, trying to place him a few feet off the ground. Knowing that he wouldn't hear him he said "have a nice trip, I'll see you next fall." Cory laughed at his own joke and hopped into his Gundam, reaching into his first aid kit for a painkiller for his head. "Young punks gonna be a real handful." He sat in the seat to rest for a bit.

[Tazeel/Star]

Tazeel nostrils flared. Take a dominating stance towards HIS Star will he. He flared out his own wings taking his own stance to match Nerva's and growled threateningly. If Nerva wanted to rumble he was ready to fucking rumble. He was not going to let him or his own to be pushed around by a two bit biped with wings and a superiority complex.

"Back off Taz, I can handle this idiot myself." Turning angrily to Nerva she gave him a taste of his own medicine. "YOU weren't the one that thing was aiming his gun at. YOU weren't the one in danger. What am I supposed to do? Take a bullet to the face while you're playing peekaboo with the enemy? Maybe YOU should fight like YOU'RE in a group. If you keep teleporting behind things no one has any idea where you are, either you cripple the whole group that can't attack for fear of hitting you or you get hurt. When I knew where the fuck you were I stopped two more spears from hitting you because I could SEE you. If it had been a wide wave I would have just bent it around you safe and sound and got the enemy WITHOUT getting you. Responsibility! You ought to get some fucking responsability your fucking self!"

Tazeel who never left his pose growled out, "She has a point Nerva. If you're going to be part of a group you have to act like it. Particularly if you plan on damn well teleporting everywhere so no one can keep track of you. If me or star or anyone really is torching something we don't need to find out after the fact that you were hiding behind some damned bush or something and we caught you in the blast. When you hide from your enemies you also hide from your allies."

[Nerva]

Nerva took a single step forward and shadow stepped right beside Star. "Fine, I simply won't be part of the group then." With that He disappeared from all sight, nothing but a faint black mist where he once stood.

[Peter]

As he popped back into the world he simply dusted himself off and looked up just in time to see Nerva disappear in some kind of black mist. He was done with the astonished thing. He just accepted it as one of the weird things in life that he would never... ever... EVER understand. He breathed in deep then exhaled, preparing himself to talk with a dragon. He made his way over to Star and Tazeel, looking around him as if he had seen it all before. He eyes caught a weird shape on the ground, some kind of armour? It looked like it was once white, but now it was just scorched. When he finally peeled his eyes off of it he had totally forgotten what his was going to ask the dragon. When he reached the dragon he simply threw his thumb over his shoulder at the thing and asked. "What is THAT?"

[Mortymer]

Mortymer stands to his feet in pain a hand print burned into his neck and he begins rubbing his throat. "Well that was a very eventful family reunion." Mortymer coughs and stretches his limbs. "So Nerva left did he well then why don't we work to get off this world now." Mortymer gives a heartwarming smile

[Tazeel/Star]

Star and Tazeel looked at each other and blinked. From Tazeel ,"Well, that was unexpected." Star responded, "Guess he really can't take being told he fucked up." Still at least Tazeel could take this as a rescission of Nerva's challenge. Obviously he shouldn't have let the Fanara issue drop so easily, Nerva was getting far too overbearing. Star on the other hand was just annoyed at Nerva's lack of balls.

Tazeel looked over to Peter. "That used to be someone that tried to kill us Peter." He was a bit worried about what Mortymer said though. "Who's this family that supposedly showed up and yes Nerva wandered off when Star told him to be more careful because he needs to fight like hes in a group not solo. Apparently not one for cooperation. Now getting off this world would certainly be preferable to staying here but I don't see how we're going to manage that. Anyway we still have some people to kill first and an appointment with Jiech to keep to find said people. Just let me rub down my armor quickly to get the rainwater off since it's kindly stopped raining and then we can go."

[Cory/Shirohara]

Cory awoke after a few minutes nap and climbed out of his gundam, looking around he saw that the stable was crackling with lightning so he put his helmet back on to protect himself from the electricity and went over to see what was up with Shirohara.

Shirohara was trying to control his increased power when he saw Cory come around the corner and stopped the lightning, "Oh, hello Cory"

seeing that the lightning stopped Cory pulled his helmet off, "what was with all the lightning?"

Shirohara responded as simply as he could, "I was increasing my control over my increased power. We should go back to the group before they leave without us"

"Agreed" Cory ran back to put his helmet back in his Gundam and he and Shirohara popped themselves back into Felarya, "Shall we continue to the place that Jiech mentioned?" he went over to pick up the sword and shield he had left beside Fanara's body and started towards the place Jiech had mentioned, stopping to wait for them to follow after he had gone a few meters.

[Environment]

The Dryad just stood there, watching the events unfold, and decided that she would die if she tried to go in for a meal so she called down to them, trying to be friendly because it never hurts to have too many friends. "Hey there guys, that was pretty awesome what you did there. where are you headed?"

[Nerva/Nogarde]

Nerva stood alone in the wreckage that was once Safe Harbour. "The audacity of that child..." Nerva had set into destroying what remained of the already destroyed town. after thoroughly venting his anger and leaving the town looking as though it had been hit by a meteor he stopped to breathe and recollect his thoughts. In the end he knew he had been at fault as much as Star though his pride and temper- Not unlike Stars -had prevented him from admitting it in the heat of the moment. though even after admitting it to himself, he had to wonder if Star and Tazeel felt the same way... Shaking his head Nerva looks down at Camilliea, whom he had refused to use in his venting process. "Are you alright Camilliea? you've not spoken since I regained consciousness." "...I...I don't-" A figure broke through the bush covered tree line near the edge of what remained of Safe Harbour. Nerva stood, with Camilliea at the ready, unsure of what could happen. The man began to approach the town, a black long coat pants and shirt, sword at his side just under the coat, with platinum hair and blood red eyes that would have put Nerva's eyes to shame had they not been glowing a vibrant gold now. "About time I made it-Woah, what the hell happened here?" The man glanced around and saw Nerva, wings unfurled and all. "Well, I suppose this is all you're doing huh?" The man said, slowly reaching for the handle of his blade. "No, the town was like this before I arrived, bandits. I just came here to blow off some steam on the rubble. And just who are you?" The man seemed to relax a bit and his eyes went from accusing to inspective "I, am Nogarde Delrone. You must've been the source of the large release of power I felt and saw earlier. But what I want to know is, why are you here of all places, reaper?" Nerva was a little surprised that the man knew what he was, though he did his best not to show it. "surely you can't be here on business, there are no souls for you to reap in this dimension, at least none under your charge anyways. Wait a minute...Don't tell me you were brought here by a whiplash connection? really, that's rather sad for a reaper." Nogarde said, an oh so slight amount of pity in his voice. "Tsk..." Nerva wanted to jump at and strike down the man at that moment, his temper was already pushed and an insult from a stranger was not going to do him any favors, however a faint recollection of the mans name stilled his anger, for now. "I've heard your name briefly before, it was alongside Malorien's..." As Nerva recalled, Keero said Malorien was here looking for more power so he could kill this man, implying he couldn't do it right now. That meant... "Ha ha ha, I suppose someone like me can't do much of anything without someone taking notice huh? So, who told you about me? and what did they say about myself and Malorien?" Nogarde said, seeming to be in a near jestful mood all of a sudden. "As I said I only heard your name briefly, the discussion was about Malorien. I was told he was here looking for power to kill you off." Nogarde let out an audible sigh "Heh, some things never change. This isn't the first time he's gone looking to do just that, and it won't be the last time he fails either, I'm sure. But enough of that, you, at least in passing, know who I am. so who are you exactly?" "I am Nerva, Reaper of the Damned, And this Is Camilliea." Nerva held Camilliea up a touch signifying he was indeed talking about her though she remained silent. "Ah, so you're the famed Reaper of the damned, and the Crimson death. Well It is a pleasure to meet you both, tales of your deeds new and old spread through hell daily, though I myself keep my visits there brief. That also explains your knowledge of Malorien then, you were one of the 10 reapers that locked him away correct?" Nerva nodded. "Indeed, though how he escaped still eludes me, my best guess is that, like myself, A whiplash connection brought him here, though with news that he came here willingly I'm starting to believe that less and less..." Nerva was amazed at how much this Nogarde fellow already knew, it was almost scary. "Mmm, I should probably inquire about that the next time I see him." Nogarde said abstractly before returning his attention to Nerva. "That situation aside, you were traveling with others correct? the original blast of power you released led me to a group of people along with a dragon, one who seemed rather agitated. though I kept hidden, I assumed based on distances that they would probably head here, though I guess this must've been where you came from since you said it was attacked by bandits...That aside, you weren't with them when I arrived, so why are you out here alone now?" Nerva was rather blindsided by the question, He had hardly expected the conversation to take such a sharp turn, and onto a topic that Nogarde should never have really known. he really was something else. "Ah, well...I got caught up in an arguement with that Dragon and a human female friend of his. Tempers on both sides flared and I left before something happened that both parties would regret..." "Over 3000 years old and you still have problems with your temper? I find that pitiful to be honest. And just what exactly happened in that arguement?" Nerva didn't know what compelled him to even keep talking to the man, but somewhere in the back of his mind, he was happy to have someone to talk the situation over with, even if that someone had tossed insult after insult at him. Nerva sat on a piece of rubble to his side and began to explain what happened as best he could. After he finished Nogarde spoke. "And during your conversations with this Tazeel, did you ever consiously consider that he was a dragon and not a human?" Nerva seemed somewhat perplexed at the question. "Well its somewhat hard to confuse him for anything else." "Thats not what I meant. Dragons have their own hierarchy and body language, emotions and ideals very unlike humans. you should have taken that into consideration when speaking with him. No doubt he probably considers this girl Star as a possession, meaning that any action you direct at her, you may as well be directing at him too, regardless of whether or not he was involved at all." Nogarde continued on, pointing out some of the differences between dragons and humans, Nerva in turn, made special note of any motions in the wings and what they meant. he learned that at one point in his argument with Tazeel and Star, he had issued a direct challenge at Tazeel and hadn't even known it. The two men sat talking on the topic for over an hour. Nerva, though agitated at first, became quite glad at his chance meeting with Nogarde. As they stood to part ways a thought struck Nerva. "Why don't you come with me and travel with the group?" "...I appreciate the offer but, I don't do well in crowds." with that Nogarde turned and began to walk away, lifting one arm and giving an idle wave back at Nerva. "See you around, kid. Don't forget what we talked about, I won't stand for you hurting Tazeel." Nerva waved back though the split second thought that ran through his head of fighting Nogarde sent a shiver down his spine. Just being near the man he could feel he had power beyond measure, though he was good at concealing it. Realizing just how long he'd been gone Nerva shadow steps back into the clearing where the party was last. He assumed he would have been abandoned and need to find them again but he held onto some small hope that they had waited for him, or at least got held up by something else that delayed their movement.

[Tazeel]

"Surprises, surprises. Hello there Treant. Enjoying the morning light?" This was not his first time seeing a talking tree. There was a walking forest in Sarisa and he had had the rare opportunity to talk with one of the more peaceful Ents. Not usually a chatty species, it was actually a recent discovery that they could speak at all. This one seemed even more friendly than the last one he had met. "We're on our way to Ur-Sagol, that is honestly rather hard to say, to meet with a friend." It was still nice to see something even passingly familiar in this harsh land even if she was rather larger than he was used to and more humanlike.

[Environment]

The dryad was confused with the term the winged lizard had used, "Might I ask what a 'Treant' is? And who is this friend of yours? I might know them."

[Cory]

A talking tree? Why not, this world seemed to have everything. Cory wasn't as surprised as some of the others, he had heard of talking trees but only in games and movies. "A Treant or Ent is a living tree, similar to your self as they have similarities to the human body. And our friends name is Jiech."

[Tazeel]

"So what are you called then if not a Treant? I can't think of anything else I would call you."

[Star]

"Dryad?"

[Peter]

He stared at the tree. "Um.. What? Everybody. Hold the phone for a second. Dryad? No no no no. Dragons i can cope with, But talking trees, uh uh. No way. I don't care what you say. Thats not natural!" With the last words he pointed his finger at the talking tree rather accusingly.

[Environment]

The Dryad took offence to the humans comments, "What, can't even believe the world your in? well guess what, everything in this world is just as real as you and your teleportation" she then spoke to the others "you have nothing to fear from Jiech, he is the friendliest Naga I've ever met"

[Tazeel]

"Well, that's reassuring at least." He thought it prudent not to mention the main reason they had doubts about Jiech's to Peter, "And Peter, give it up already, you're just going to have to accept all of this just like the rest of us have."

[Peter]

"I'm sorry Mr dragon, But thats not natural!"

[Tazeel]

"It's perfectly natural. Why shouldn't a tree be able to speak? You can speak. I can speak. The tree can speak. And it's Mr. Bathorin, Sir, or Captain." He had never particularly liked humans use of Mr. It always sounded funny with his name but humans do too many silly things things to count so he made do. "A simple Tazeel or Taz will work as well. Formality is not entirely necessary when lost on an alien world. Use whatever makes you comfortable. My apologies if I failed to make a proper introduction, it has been a busy morning." Hopefully he would take the bait.

[Peter]

REALLY?! "Now see here Mr Dragon." he said clearly exhausted. "I ain't gonna call you MR anything. Ever..." He turned and looked the group over. "So are we leaving or what?"

[Tazeel]

"You just called me mr. just now if you have somehow failed to notice. Anyways as much as I hate to call him this we do technically have two dragons in our group. You can't very well go around calling us both mr. dragon now can you?"

[Star]

Star rolled her eyes, this guys a real piece of work. Turning to the massive dryad thing, she never did say what she was come to think of it. "Know anything about where we're going?" She idly wondered whatever happened to Nerva.

[Environment]

"Ur-Sagol is an ancient city of significant size that was destroyed thousands of years ago, all that's left is crumbling buildings and the great dimensional gate. Now if you don't mind, I'm tired and wish to sleep." with that she closed her eyes and fell asleep.

[Star]

"Well... that was sudden. I guess you can't expect too much from a tree."

[Peter]

"Ohhh yes i can." he said shaking his pointer finger at Tazeel. "I can. And I am!"

[Cory]

"Can we get moving people? We have an appointment to keep and it would probably be best if we didn't stand around talking" Cory started walking, expecting everyone to follow.

[Shirohara]

Shirohara looked over at Peter. "My name is Shirohara, and I suggest you use it." He ended with a growl and turned to follow Cory.

[Mortymer]

Mortymer turns to follow Cory staying quiet as he just walks along with a slight limp Maloriens grasp had sapped his strength and he was going to need time to replace it... Or just souls

[Tazeel]

Tazeel snorted in irritation as everyone started leaving and beckoned star to climb on. "Please tell me I'm missing something here and that hes not just an idiot." Star laughed, "Nope, just stupid." Growling Tazeel leapt into the air and glided over the group landing in the lead and narrowly missing Cory with his tail. Mostly intentionally.

[Keero]

The voice of Keero emanates into Tazeel's mind from an unknown location. "Kill them Tazeel. Kill them all make them suffer as you empty there eyes of life." his old hum is heard but then goes silent once again.

[Tazeel]

What in the world? "Star? Do you hear something?" Star shook her head, "No, why?" Tazeel gave himself a shake causing Star to yelp. "Watch it you big lug." "Sorry I just thought I heard Keero being crazy is all." Star leaned forward to whisper to him. "Personally, I think Mort and Keero are the same person." Tazeel nodded, knowing he probably wouldn't be able to manage a quiet enough whisper to be discrete even if star wasn't so far back he said simply, "I'll keep an eye out." Considering how little they knew about any of the many Keero's it may just be possible. Never put anything past a lunatic.

[Peter]

He watched all the people start to leave. "Oh, so we're actually doing something now? Cool." He looked around and located the White suited thing. He knelt down and examined it for a few seconds. "What on earth..." he mumbled as he picked up something resembling a large gun. He stood up and turned it over in his hands. "This looks cool." He looked over at the group walking away, He blinked and then he was walking beside one of the people at the back. "Sup." he said nodding at the man, putting the large gun on his shoulder. He smiled then blinked again, walking beside Cory. "So umm.. Hows the head." He said letting out a small giggle.

[Cory] Did he blink before or after the Tail? After

Cory's eyes widened a little as Tazeel's tail nearly hit him, it seemed almost intentional. "Tazeel, you're a captain right? of the army?"

[Tazeel]

Tazeel twisted his head back to look at Cory, still walking he said, "Yes. Why?"

[Cory]

Cory's easy going face turned to that of a battle hardened commander "I outrank you then. And as your superior officer, I would very much like it if you kept your extremities to yourself." he softened his face a bit after that, "Other then that, you make a fine leader"

[Tazeel]

Tazeel rumbled in annoyance. Must everyone question his authority today? First Nerva and now Cory of all the unimpressive Bipeds. At least he did end it with a compliment. "I'm the one that has been leading this expedition since the beginning, before you even arrived. You have submitted yourself to my command willingly and without question. That makes me your superior officer by submission even if we were in the same militaries. Now shut up and get back in line like a good soldier."

[Shirohara]

"You're wrong about that Tazeel, Fanara was the one that spoke up first, He was our leader"

[Cory]

"Be that as it may, the higher rank still needs to be respected." Cory kept his position in the line.

[Mortymer]

Mortymer limp walks up to Shirohara. "You mean this fellow right here." Mortymer holds up his hand and a white orb appears. "If it wasn't for me this soul would be gone from existence, this world doesn't seem to have a place for souls to go from what I can feel." Mortymer closes his hand upon the orb and it disappears. "Oh don't worry I'll make sure this soul gets sent back to where its from once we get out of here." Mortymer says as he smiles and the gem on his ring turns a mild pink.

[Cory]

Cory jumped slightly as Peter appeared right beside him, "Gah! Don't do that!" He quickly regained his composure, "Mild headache. Where'd you get the gun from?"

[Tazeel]

Tazeel stopped walking and snapped at Shirohara, "As if that pile of excrement was ever good for anything besides screwing up." Then turning himself around fully he glared at Cory and Peter. "Peter, you're interrupting a disciplinary session. Whatever you want can wait unless it's an emergency. Now than, Cory, I was courteous enough only to give you a warning and not a lump, perhaps you should just take that as your respect for rank." He turns away and begins walking again. They don't have time for this and he was already far too irritated today to deal with aggravating humans.

[Star/Tazeel]

"Taz aren't you being a little rough on him? He's not that bad." Tazeel just snorted back. Fools, all day nothing but fools. He could not understand why everyone had chosen today to challenge him. Was it his lack in the fight with the... thing? They were not exactly active themselves in that. Were the cowards worried about the problem with Fanara? If that was the case he would either need to beat some sense into them or abandon them altogether. What... screaming? He hopped back startled when a body landed right in front of him narrowly missing Cory again. Star yelled out "What the fuck?!"

[?Velkas?]

He had to wonder what century it was, he had been trapped in this brilliantly lit hole for so long the world had likely forgotten him...

Elsewhere in the temple. "Come on we're almost there, it should be just around that corn-" A massive blade swung out from the wall and cut him in half. Damn this place, whoever built really did not want this treasure to go anywhere. Crouching down the last two party members out of fifteen push forward. They had seen enough comrades die not to care anymore. They had to get the treasure and hope there was a way to disable the traps in this place or a tunnel to the outside. This last corridor was empty, ominously so, the dim magical red lights the only feature. They stepped out cautiously and made it halfway down before the walls at the far end surrounding the curved door opened up and started launching fireballs. The walls behind spewing darts and the walls slashing blades. This wasn't going to be fun. Diving under the fireballs and hopping or skidding under blades one stumbled when a dart from behind caught him in the shin, slowing him enough for a blade to slice his legs off and bring him face first into a fireball. Cursing the last one received a cut across his arm for his distraction and barely remembered to jump over the next wave of darts and then crouch under a high fireball. Next was a roll under a blade, keeping in a crouch to avoid the next volley of darts which were chest level but had to jump immediately to avoid a low flung fireball. Suddenly he was at the door and he desperately pressing his hand to the end stone, it had the imprint of a hand on it. It was left this time instead of right like every other which almost got him killed. Panting he winced as a painfully bright light emanated from the opening door. It was more blinding than staring into the sun. Pulling out a wrap for his eyes to block out most of the light he moved into the spherical chamber...

A grinding awoke him from the tedium of his existence. Could it be? Someone finally come to free him from this torment? The orange slitted eye built into the thick crossguard of the floating bastard sword opened and stared into the unnatural light. Yes a shadow of a man in a new opening. He had almost begun to doubt there was even a door to his prison. Finally he would be free of at least one prison. "It is by far about time someone came for me. Come on then, grab me and let's get out of here."

Finally what he came here for, smiling against his pained eyes he jumped and floated up to the sword, gravity having no place in this room. As his hand grasped the hilt the world suddenly changed. The blinding light was gone and gravity had come back with a vengeance. Confused and terrified he grabbed frantically at the cloth over his eyes.

"Yes, yes ,yes ,yes, YES! Oh I do so thank you for coming for me. It is dreadfully lonely in here. The eye widened as they were suddenly outside. Rather high up too. "Why good sir, a spectacularly fast exit I must say." He said cheerfully, "I assume you can fly then, we are rather high up. You know," His voice rising in pitch, "I never was much of one for heights!"

Of course there had to be one last trap, the last one had been too easy damn it all. He couldn't quite get the blindfold off with one hand so he released the sword to uncover his eyes. The sword had started screaming shortly before he got the blindfold off and the man joined it quickly enough. His scream was short though as he had been nearly upon the ground already and he landed with a dull thud nearly landing on a silver dragon. Not a lethal blow perhaps but more than enough to drive out his breath. The sword however, it's blade, etched with swirls and what looked like droplets of some kind fell into his back and stabbed down into his heart and was very much lethal. No blood came from the wound and the ominous looking blade stood like a grisly tombstone over the body, the eye on it's hilt held fast shut. The hilt itself was dark purple and grey with a rather spiky and malicious look to it while the blade had a more usual grey metallic gleam.

[Tazeel]

Tazeel grimaced. It reminded him of when Nerva fell into the group. No blood. Curious. Star was stretched and leaned to the side getting a better view past his head. She asked, "Is he dead?" Tazeel glanced back, "Probably though when you consider Nerva, who knows."

[Peter]

He jumped out of the way just in time to avoid the tail by a good margin, just to be safe. He still wasn't sure if he trusted this impossible creature of myth. He reappeared a few feet behind Cory, he tilted his head so that he could see the person laying on the ground. "So... Is anybody here a medic?"

[Cory]

Cory halted as Tazeel hopped back, nearly missing him with his tail, again. "What the... What happened?" he looked at the ground in front of Tazeel and saw a body, lying face down, impaled by a sword. "Well... He's dead."

[Tazeel/Velkas]

"I'm the medic." Tazeel began to reach out to touch the body and hesitated, he didn't want to be caught in a blast of fire similar to what happened with Nerva. It became a non issue though when the sword opened it's eye. Slitted orange staring from an expanse of purple. The eye widened as far as it could go and the sword made a gasping sound. A quick glance down, "Get up already!" The last thing he needed to be was tossed into a treasure pile and forgotten, again. He was flooding with the thrilling power of the drawn blood but he hoped to hell the fool was still alive. Apparently not however. "Well he won't be getting up anytime soon. So... how do you do?" Glancing around nervously he saw some humans with the dragon and even one on his back. There was hope yet. "I am Velkas." Tazeel was shocked, another talking weapon. He wasn't sure what pleasantries to extend a sword so he said simply, "Tazeel."

[Peter]

"What in the.." he said as he stepped forwards a few feet so that he was standing beside Tazeel. "Lemme see that." he said as he held out his hand and watched the sword appear in it.

[Velkas]

In hand? A magician. Potentially useful. Not to mention this likely meant he wasn't destined to a hoard. He had more tools to work with in hand as well. Extending himself mentally he said silently to Peter. That was rather rude of you... He pulled the name from Peters mind, Peter. Still I can be of great use to you, as long as you keep me away from that dragon. I give you immense power, you give me from an eternity sitting in a pile of trinkets. Deal? While he let that set in he idly pondered the changes around him. Style and garb had certainly changed a great deal while he was gone. He had to wonder just how much had changed, the trees certainly seemed larger. A lot larger.

[Peter]

He stared in awe as the sword talked on homing his mind. He tried to let go but his body had other thoughts. "How are you?... How are you doing that!" His face twisted slightly as he struggled to comprehend what was happening, flinched every time the sword spoke. "You're just a hunk of metal! And why would I need you anyways? If anything it is you that need me! I already have great power, what more could you give me?" his composure was speedily gained as the pride of his own power and strength flowed through his body and mind

[Mortymer]

Mortymer walks up to Peter and looks at the blade with rubbing his cold hand up its smooth edge. "Not very sharp very old indeed so Velkas correct? how long have you been trapped in this blade." Mortymer asked as if he knew what Velkas was exactly. Being able to feel souls has really given him a greater understanding of the oddities of the many universe's. Mortymer then looks over towards where Velkas had landed and notices a medium sized person standing there in full plate like armor in a battle like stance eyeing every little detail.

[?Tyler?]

The lab lights flickered in the damp room as the newest batch of infants was delivered to the experiment wing of the Red Serpent Hospital in the southern Ruko District. A man holding a clipboard standing near the cribs of babies is writing something down while speaking with his assistant. "Ahhh these children show high signs of Alutrium in there blood already good good m'yess." The assistant a young looking girl looks at the man with the clipboard. "Doctor the newest breed of Gears are ready to be placed into the infants at a moments notice." The doctor stops writing and looks to the girl. "Hmm yes that should be all for today you may go home." "Yes sir thank you." The girl leaves the office as the doctor continues writing and inspecting his clipboard. "Highest levels of Alutrium in the blood I have ever seen. this might be the strongest Gear ever created."

-19 Years later in the northern Ruko District 5:00Pm-

"Yo bro I'm home!." A young adult walks into an apartment. "Ahh Tyler where have you been." "Oh you know here and there." Tyler places a grocery bag on a table in the middle of the kitchen in front of his brother. "You could have just said grocery shopping Ty." The older looking male then grasps his head with his right hand tightly with a scream of pain. "Oh shit bro! where's your Alutrium shots." Tyler says panicked as he jumps up waiting for his brother's word. "Top drawer beside the cutlery." Tyler runs over to the drawer and pulls out a syringe with a silver like substance inside it, He runs towards his brother and jabs it into his leg pushing down hard on the plunger. "Woahh much better." The older brother stops crushing his forehead and leans back the light from the small window reveals his face. A metal Jawline and chin with a metal neck as well under his shirt you can notice a V-shaped line where the metal ends. "Fuck bro you killed again." "I...I had to Ty the pain was unbearable." "Who was it how old Sigmund HOW OLD!" Tyler is giving his brother a horrid look. "I do it to protect us Ty I have to be stronger than everyone else." Tyler looks at his brother tears welling in his eyes. "I understand but... I don't want to lose you like mom and dad." Tyler begins rubbing his face hiding his tears. "You won't lose me Ty I promise I will always be here for you.

-3 weeks later in the eastern Sholun District 10:00Pm Weather Rain-

Tyler and his brother are walking side by side laughing as blood splatters across Tyler's face, his eyes go wide as Sigmund begins falling to the ground limp. "NOO!" Tyler shrieks in fear as tears begins pouring from his eyes he drops to his knees and grabs hold of Sigmund who then speaks softly. "Ty dont worry bro its... its just a flesh wound." Sigmund then coughs up a large amount of blood.

-In the distance-

"Target down, Shall I take out the other one as well?" says a man in dark clothing towards a gang of people wearing red and purple clothing all with different looking artifacts on their bodies. "Oh hell no that would be a waste that little fuck aint got a gear just look at him, Lets go guys we got ourselves a class 4 to collect." the gang of people begins making its way over towards Tyler and Sigmund.

-Back at Tyler and Sigmund-

Tyler isn't holding back his tears while whispering to Sigmund. "You said you would protect me forever bro what am I going to do." Sigmund smiles as well as he can and speaks. "I am going to protect you Ty and I will always be with you but first... First you need the strength to save yourself just once." Tylers eyes go wide. "No! No fucking way I am not killing you Sigmund not a chance in hell." "Then you're gonna die here with me because of these fucking cowards." Tyler looks into Sigmunds dim eyes. "But what if I don't even have a gear bro like honestly its no where on me at all. "You do I just know it all you need to do is wake that lazy fuck up, And thats gonna take some serious power." Tyler looks away. "Power in which I can get from you." "Exactly now Tyler." Sigmund raises his arm up limply and slowly and puts his fingers into Tyler's hair. "Tyler I love you, you are everything in a little brother I could have hoped for and I'm sorry but this is for your sake." Sigmund then pulls himself as close as he can to Tyler at the same time stabbing himself with Tyler's hunting knife. Tyler then screams in horror as his brothers blood is sprayed onto him.

-the gang members show up-

The boss guy who spoke earlier see's Tyler alone in the middle of the street Sigmund nowhere to be found. "How the fuck did he survive that 50 cal shot to the chest." Tyler can be seen shaking tears falling on the ground in the pools of blood. "yo boys restrain him lets ask him some questions." the other 4 gang members look to the boss nod and start walking towards Tyler who is whispering to himself. "I...I can't do it." his eyes look almost mechanical now his iris spinning scanning its surroundings inside his new vision he see's a red arrow pointing behind him with a warning appearing in the center. *Would You Like To Activate Self Defence Mode?* Tyler stops shaking and says yes. A deep voice almost robotic speaks up from Tyler. "Taking direct control until those who threaten the host have been extinguished." The gang leader's eyes widen as he begins to shout at his gang members. "LOOK OUT ITS A CLASS 9!" But it was too late giant metal spines shoot out in all directions from Tyler's back impaling the 4 gang members and hoisting them about. There bodies then dissolve and go into the spines. Tyler stands up from his knees and turns towards the Gang member. "Go... Run... Runaway." Tylers voice is breaking through the robotic one. Tyler then holds up his left arm and a metal spike protruding from his palm pointing towards the gang member who has turned around and bolted to get away as the spike begins to exit his arm Tyler appears within a forest the blade flying outwards into a tree. Tyler looks around frantically and metal spikes shoot out from his body in all directions, the spikes then open up and attach to his body creating a thick armor coating on him as he looks around inspecting his surroundings with much detail.

[Velkas]

The orange eye bore into Peter. Your touching me, I can do anything to you while you're touching me. Including speak to you. As for what I can do for you, I can both annihilate and control your enemies, I am quite skilled at compulsion. He sent an addictive wave of power running through Peter. Making him feel stronger, feel like he was a god. Totally illusionary but he wasn't about to waste power on a show when he didn't have to. I can also manipulate shadows allowing me to both hide you and, he paused for effect, strangle them in the dark with what they can not touch or fight. I have many uses, some of which I may not even know myself. I do need fuel though, blood feeds me so you will eventually need to close with an enemy though I can destroy from afar. A fresh corpse will do as well, just dunk me in the blood, I need not their life. As he was sending this rather long message to Peter he also was looking at and speaking to Mortymer. He had learned mental multitasking quite well when studying compulsion. "Your touch feels unusual outsider. What brings one of your ilk to the mortal plane? As for how long I've been in the blade, I do not know myself. It was hard to tell the time in the white hell they locked me in. I was only a sword outside of various prisons for two or three years. I may not be the one they originally intended to lock away but I am stronger and more willful than they expected." His eye flicked to the newcomer. "We have company." He said it both out loud and mentally.

[Tazeel/Star]

Tazeel looked longingly at that sword. It would look very nice in his collection, if he ever got to see it again. For a sword like that he would be willing to risk the embarrassment of a failed sending. A flicker in his peripheral and Tazeel jumped back one more time as another man suddenly appeared in front of him, spikes shooting out of his body and covering him in armor. Star cursed Tazeel, "Fucking, are you trying to knock me off?" "Sorry Star. They're just pouring in aren't they? Welcome to Felarya and a band of refugees who are trapped here the same as you. And no we don't know how to leave here." Star peered at him from Taz's back. She had missed seeing the spikes but he still looked impressive, and strange.

[Mortymer/Tyler]

Mortymer looks back at Velkas. "Ahh a prisoner tis a horrible reason to be locked away also in such a crude manor, My kind only allows souls into their weapon's if the soul is willing in the first place." Mortymer raises his hand to show Shara his ring which then the gemstone turns black and speaks. "Greetings Velkas I am Shara." Mortymer looks to the ring. "Oh finally you talk to something." the gem turns a light blue and Shara goes silent. "Tsk always so quiet. Anyways." Mortymer then turns his attention to the panting young man. "hello there you can calm down we aren't your enemy." The masked teen turns his head towards Mortymer and the helmets eye sockets begins shooting out red beams that are scanning the group and a Robot voice is heard. "All enemy gears have been eliminated deactivating auto defence mode to evaluate damage to host." the metal armor simply liquefies and goes into Tyler's body who then falls to his knees letting out a short grunt in pain. Mortymer blinks over to his and grabs onto him to ask him some questions. "Easy now you seem to be in a lot of pain having that many metal spikes come out of you could do that." Mortymer is inspecting the boy when his clothes begin to mend themselves back together and the holes in his body begin closing upon themselves. Mortymer's eyes go wide as he thinks to himself. "This boy's body is filled with millions of souls how could this be. Inside Tylers head his Gear talks to him. "Tyler all your threats have been destroyed and the repair process of your body is nearly complete. I am sorry but my intervention caused much damage to you." "How are you repairing me anyways.." Tyler asked his Gear. "A simple use of many tiny life forms that work like robotic nanites but are much more beneficial to your body." Tyler then looks around as he regains the use of his eyes and notices he's in a very strange place. "Ummm what the fuck." Mortymer looks at him. "Ahh finally you are with us Welcome to Felarya a very strange place I should say now don't get worked up about anything and stay calm. What's your name?" "My. My name is Tyler i'm from the Northern Ruko District of the planet Stoyl." "Oh the planet Stoyl, Thats the world where people have become sort of like Cyborgs with the help of a weapon called a Gear correct." "Y..Yes sir." "Then that would explain everything we just saw then anyways up to your feet now Tyler get those legs moving we aren't staying here for long." Tyler gives Mortymer a look. "Where are we going and since you know my name what's your's?" Mortymer gives a smile. "My name is Mortymer, We have two dragons here the one with a Girl on his back is Tazeel the girl is Star the other Dragon is Shirohara the two humans over there are Peter and Cory, and those lot well no one knows them they just sit there in those red shirts and be useless." Tyler starts putting face's to the names so he can remember everyone. "Ok I think I got it... Well nice to meet you all, And Mort you didn't tell me where we are going." "Well its simple we are going to find a way off this world." With this Mortymer blinked back over to Peter. "You know you should really put that down before you get hurt."

[Tazeel]

"They are most certainly not useless, they cook and help me with my armor occasionally along with various other tasks and chores that come up. They may not fight but I'm about as useful as they are when it comes to that so it's certainly not a fair judge of them." He rather liked having a few servants around. It may be corruption of youth in a noble house but what is is and what was was. They were good for the especially fiddly tasks and he was obliged to defend them. He had learned it is always good to treat your servants well in his youth. Earning him quite a few treats over the years. His parents kept an oppressive household making him an easy favourite.

[Star]

"Hey Mortymer! Do you know everything about everything or what?"

[Peter/Velkas]

He looked up at the newcomer as soon as Velkas mentioned him. He squinted at Tyler the entire time, Analyzing him, thinking of ways to hurt him in case of an emergency. Velkas' voice filled his head. Do not worry, I'll handle the killing part myself. He nodded slightly as he listened to Tylers and Mortymers conversation he began to think about the 'souls' in Tyler, about how easily he could simply pull them out and render Tyler useless. But he wasn't sure that kind of thing was even possible for him, Granted he knew a lot about his power, but not everything. His power was something that required a lot of trial and error if left unguided. I can kill just fine on my own thank you, and i don't require 'fuel' to do it. I can make a man disappear without a sound. He smirked at himself, recognising the power he held. He replied to Mortymer as he told him to put the sword down. "I'll put it down when I feel good and ready to put it down." He turned his head and gave Mortymer a stare full of his own power and his want for more.

[Mortymer]

"Peter you are dealing with an entity that isn't one you can control more or less it would control you to further its own plans since it cannot get up and walk around for itself. Sure its power it would give you would feel nice and all but in the meantime it would probably eat your soul. Trust me I've seen things like this blade before." Mortymer turns towards Star. "And yes I do know everything about everything being as I am 27 million years of age."

[Star]

"Holy fucking shit, are you serious? Twenty seven million? What in the hell spawned you?"

[Velkas]

Now was probably not the time to mention that he could infact get up and walk on his own, in a manner of speaking. It could get a little draining in direct sunlight though. There was a good reason his prison had been so blinding. Instead he whispered in Peter's mind, Likely he just wants me for himself. What I would ever want with your soul is beyond me. The most it would earn me is you yammering at me for all of eternity about how I stole your soul. Quite a bother if you ask me.

[Mortymer]

"Well Star in the human religions called catholic and Christianity he is called God. And I must say I do find it quite funny how your race calls him the ultimate being that created reality." Mortymer gives a chuckle. "You see he created me and my 8 siblings from us we created the 9 most dominate races of the universe. Humans being one of them."

[Tazeel]

Nine? He knew of eleven in his homeland that are typically called the races and of each of the eleven patron gods. Though a few would be far from being called dominant. Likely Drulkar, the first dragon, would be considered being of the dominant races instead of gods which left him to ponder the last one he would need to drop to know who he may be dealing with. He could probably drop Kaasha. Of course they are possibly all unrelated, who can ever know. If immortals beget immortals than there may be many players in the celestial game.

[Star]

Mortymer's father was GOD!? Star stared absolutely dumbfounded at Mortymer. She couldn't even bring herself to cuss.

[Mortymer]

Mortymer gives star a puzzled look. "Are you alright Star? you seem to be staring at me in a weird way." Mortymer's ring then glows a bright white color and he holds it up to face and starts whispering to it.

[Tyler]

Tyler walks into the middle of the group of people and just inspects them all trying to remember all the names since his brain is a bit rattled from being taken over.

[Peter]

I agree. A man who has been alive for that long, how could he not want more power than he already has? He looked at Tyler again, noticing every detail of his movements, Then at Mortymer, watching him carefully.

[Nerva]

As Nerva Appeared in the clearing he noted that the group had moved though it looked as though they only just left, and had furthermore stopped to talk within eyesight of the clearing with yet more new people. blinking into the center of the group, keeping his wings wrapped around him, Camilliea tucked away under them protectively. "Hello everyone, I see we have some new arrivals. My name is Nerva, I'm sure I will be more formally acquainted with you in the near future." Then walking over towards Tazeel and Star. "Star, Tazeel. I would like to apologize about my short temper earlier. I ended up having a chance encounter with someone who gave me a small lecture and a great deal of knowledge. but enough of that, I assume we are off to Ur-sagol?"

[Tazeel/Star]

Tazeel nodded in both greeting and acceptance to Nerva. Humility is far more pleasant to deal with than arrogance. "I'm glad someone got through to you and yes we are, or were. We have a new talking sword and someone with spikes that erupt from their flesh that is apparently called a gear." Star grimaced at the mention of the sword, "Mortymer seems determined to take that sword away from Peter. For once I actually agree with Mort, something rubs me the wrong way about that thing." Tazeel glanced back, "It-He, is a very fine sword, I don't see what your trouble with it-him is." Turning back to Nerva Tazeel said, "Maybe you should introduce Camilliea to him, it can't be easy being sealed away unwillingly into a weapon. Apparently he doesn't even know how long he's been in there. Best to do it as we walk though, or Jiech may give up on us." Raising his head he shouts out loud enough for the whole group to hear easily, "We have an appointment to keep and we're moving out. Enough standing chatter, take it to the road." Tazeel turned and set a brisk stride. It would push some of the men hard but it would make up for lost time. Their immortal members should have no trouble though, or their teleporters for that matter. Damned teleporters.

[Velkas]

We have more company. He was disappointed at the lack of information about the group in Peter's mind. Apparently a VERY new arrival had chosen him, likely why this Mortymer wanted him out of Peters hands. He laid a subtle urge into Peters mind encouraging contact with the newcomer. It was a subtle hint, Peter should not even realize it wasn't his own idea. Velkas may be treading a knifes edge but it was an edge he knew very, very well.

[Peter]

He nodded at Velkas' prompting and jumped beside Nerva. "Hello Nerva. How did you come to be here? What's your story? "

[Nerva]

Curious, another 'living' weapon...Nerva might have introduced Camilliea under different circumstances, but she was still troubled and not her usual self so he decided against it. "Well, do you not think its a tad rude to come up asking such questions without formally introducing yourself? No matter, I heard your name was Peter, quite the sword you have there." Nerva looked over the blade, noting the eye staring back at him from the hilt. "I assume you can both hear and see me as well, I am Nerva, Reaper of the damned, a pleasure." Nerva slowly unfurled his wings revealing Camilliea though he made no notion to introduce her. "As for my story, it was the same as you I assume, brought here by a strange force, unexplainable and without warning, and with no way of knowing where to go to get home." Nerva recalled Peters odd mode of teleportation. "You seem to have quite the trick there Peter, is that you or the sword that enables you to move around in such a manner?" Losing focus as Nerva gains sight of Mortymer he adds "hold that thought..." Nerva walked towards Mortymer. "I apologize for the delay in our conversation." Nerva said quietly so none but Mortymer would hear. "I had a chance meeting with Nogarde Delrone...I had never heard of him nor met him before, but he seems to know a lot, too much to be specific. I wish to discuss this among other matters with you in private once we arrive at Ur-sagol." After that Nerva turned without waiting for a response and returned to Peter. "My apologies I had to clarify something with him quickly."

[Peter]

"the teleportation is my own power. The sword has not manifested anything resembling as kind of power, though it likes to talk as though it does. " he pondered Nerva for a while as he talked with Mortymer. Specifically his unnatural appearance, wings we're not something to be expected from something that looked so human, considering that he was the reaper Peter did not put him in the human category. "Would you mind if I ask what it is that you needed to clarify? " He asked after Nerva walked back to side. While he waited for a response he looked up into the canopy while sharing images and feelings of home with Velkas.

[Velkas]

This Nerva was certainly an unusual character. Rather casual in declaring himself a reaper, and rather quick to disappear mid conversation. He started receiving some rather pleasant images from Peter. Thank you, it has been far too long since I've seen the world, I do appreciate the thought and the courtesy.

[Nerva]

Nerva quirked an eyebrow at Peter. "I'm sorry, but had that information been up for public discussion I would not have gone out of my way to talk about it privately. Try to understand that you are walking amongst beings that are not mortal and that there agendas and priorities will more often then not be kept separate from you, for your own safety as much as any of the other many reasons." "So, Blade, can you speak as Tazeel says? and if so do you have a name I might call you by?" Nerva tried to read the emotion the sword may have, but only having a single eye in the crossguard of a sword limited any physical signs of emotion, though he guessed that he was pleased at the moment.

[Velkas]

"You may call me Velkas. I do speak though I may be rusty at social interaction. It has been a long time since I've seen anything at all let alone a living being. I don't even know how long I have been in here anymore. Had no way to keep track of the time."

[Nerva]

"I see..." Nerva stepped a touch closer to Peter and began to inspect Velkas. he glanced upwards and noticed a large branch overhanging the party. Without warning and with incredible speed Nerva kicked the pummel of Velkas causing the blade to fly out of Peter's hand and into the tree branch above. "So what, exactly, were you locked away in that sword for? People don't lock away others for eternity for nothing, and I don't want some evil sword going around corrupting these people." Nerva spoke from the top of the branch, he had shadow stepped up to it just as the sword struck the underside of the branch.

[Velkas]

He was honestly surprised no one had asked this earlier. "A little extreme a reaction. I assure you the people who sealed me away were thoroughly disappointed when they discovered who they actually had. They had meant to seal away my twin brother and naturally did not believe me when I told them I was not the one they were after. I am, or was a thoroughly civilized scholar, bothering no one in my studies. Quiet and remote in my dwelling. My twin on the other hand was rampaging the land spreading his vampirism as fast as he could. I think he had infected nearly three cities in their entirety. Efficient I must say. Their greatest difficulty was the fact that he was of indestructible even in direct sunlight. He could however be sealed away, which is what this sword was for. Later they tried to use me to capture my brother which I took severe offense to. He got away and I was thrown into yet another prison for my troubles. That my brother never freed me likely means hes sitting in a butter knife or something feeling sorry for himself and so I suffer in eternity for my brothers crimes." He went silent for a moment. The eye closed a moment. "No one deserves this type of hell."

[Nerva]

Nerva and Camilliea both listened to what Velkas had to say. Nerva wasn't fully convinced that the story was true, however, the tone in the swords voice was believable enough that he decided to chance it. "Don't worry...You'll get used to it with time..." Camilliea said quietly. "Well, finally talking again are we? I'm glad to hear your voice again, Camilliea, you had me worried." With that Nerva did a small backflip off the branch reaching out and grabbing Velkas by the handle yanking him free of the tree. Upon landing he placed the sword into the ground and let it go. "Very well I see no reason for you to be left behind then, the more the merrier right?" Nerva then walked away, heading towards Tazeel and Star. With Camilliea talking again he decided he should make sure the air was clear and all was well between them.

[Velkas]

What a bother, leaving him in the dirt like this. It was interesting though, Nerva's weapon spoke. He wasn't sure he wanted to get used to being a sword. What would happen to him then if he ever did get his body back? How long must she have been trapped in that form to have actually grown used to it? If he had the physical capability to shudder he would have. As it was his eye shook a little, that was about it. Too many unpleasant questions, including the question of whether or not there even was a way to free him from this cursed form. Hopefully some one not a dragon would pick him up. While he waited he worked to recall how he had built a shadow body back when they tried to use him against his brother. Then he could at least pick himself out of the ground if no one else did. Now how did that go...

[Star]

Star had been watching the whole charade between Peter, Nerva, and the creepy ass sword. She whispered to Tazeel. "Nerva's causing more trouble and he's coming this way now."

[Tazeel]

Tazeel glanced back and sure enough Nerva was making his way up to them. "He's already said his apologies, I wonder what he wants." Seeing Velkas on the ground he figured out pretty easily what the trouble had been. He could not understand why they were so worried over such a nice sword. He almost wanted to turn around and collect it and he would too if no one else did.

[Peter]

He watched Nerva's little fit with loose patience, he wasn't done talking to his new friend. As he walked by Velkas he picked him up and swung him around a few times, flinging most of the dirt off. That seemed like fun he said rather sarcastically as he eyed Nerva. He Took the gun he was holding and held it in front of him then quickly extended his fingers in an exploding motion and watched as the air and light where it had been swirled in to fill the empty space. That thing is quite heavy, and very awkward to lug around. He mumbled in his mind as he walked at his own pace, if he fell too far behind he could always just jump back up to the group.

[?Jerick?]

Jerick left his tower in the vale around mid-morning and headed north to Drasnia for an important meeting with the king, to shorten the time it would take to get there he changed his shape into that of a wolf.

He started getting really hungry about 2 days into his journey and took a detour to a nearby group of trees and began the hunt. As soon as prey was in sight, he crouched down low and crept forwards as to help conceal his scent, as he readied himself to pounce he heard a sound similar the noise made when someone used the will and the word, similar to the extent that only sorcerers were able to hear it, it came so quickly that he didn't have time to prepare himself and he suddenly found himself in an entirely different forest.

There were normal sized trees and then there were trees that were the same size as the tree in the vale that has stood since the world was created over 9,000 years ago. Looking around he saw some people and two dragons, as his eyes rested on Mortymer's face he sensed the immense power he held, at least as much as a god, and immediately assumed that he was the one that had brought him to this place. Letting a low growl exit his mouth he projected these words into everyone's mind "Who are you people! And why did you bring me here!?" The last part he sent only to Mortymer.

[Cory]

Cory was taken aback when a wolf seemingly popped into existence and spoke, to his mind. "My name is Cory Baker, and who might you be?"

[Shirohara]

Shirohara had on rare occasions talked to wolfs before, and was therefore not surprised when it spoke. "I am called Shirohara." He was however, surprised that it spoke like a human and not a wolf.

[Velkas]

It was most unpleasant is not overly surprising really. What is that... thing you have anyway. I've never seen the like before. His eye twisted to look at something. More company. Really? Does this really happen so often? Bloody miracle there is room to stand.

[Nerva]

Ugh, another potential threat or idiot to deal with... Nerva thought to himself as the voice entered his mind. He paid it little attention however as he made his way to Tazeel and Star. "Hey, I would like to have a word with both of you, I think Camilliea would as well. We can talk as we continue to move forward however."

[Tazeel/Star]

Tazeel nodded. "What do you want to talk about anyway?" Hearing another commotion behind them he glanced over and saw a wolf of all things confronting the group. It actually appeared to somehow be speaking. He shouldn't be surprised by anything anymore but he was anyways. Surprised and annoyed. "Are you fucking kidding me? How many people are going to get dropped on us?" Star slapped his neck. And laughed. "Hey that's MY line." Tazeel snorted mirthfully. Ah Star. Shaking his head he turned back to Nerva, "The rest of the group can handle the wolf and catch up as they will. Let's get this out of the way."

[Nerva]

Nerva nodded and began to walk a small ways from the group while maintaining the same general direction, motioning for Tazeel and Star to follow.

[Tazeel]

Tazeel followed Nerva a little ways, Star coming along for the ride. Tazeels stared impassively at Nerva waiting for him to speak. He had to wonder what needed to be said so privately.

[Nerva]

Nerva stopped after he was out of earshot of the group and turned to face Tazeel and Star. He unfolded one of his wings and Revealed Camilliea who he stabbed upright into the ground. "I-Pardon, We, would like to more formally apologize for recent events that have happened between us. I understand that our actions, whether ours or not have put your lives in danger." Nerva takes a deep breath and glances down at Camilliea, as if expecting her to interject at that moment, she remained silent however so he continued. "I told you that I would explain what happened earlier when there was time, and now is as good a time as any. During our fight with that odd armored creature I lost control of myself, as did Camilliea. A long time ago Camilliea was infected with an odd virus of sorts, one that manifested itself into an alternate personality...one with quite a lot of power. To stop this Camilliea was sealed away into this form, but this seal by itself wasn't enough to restrain this, virus. That menacing red blade you saw is the form it takes now. Fearful that in the wrong hands she could be used to cause untold amounts of destruction she was entrusted to me, and my body was used as a second seal, one to ensure the other Camilliea remained locked away, however she still had a lot of influence, and if my anger got the better of me she was capable of manipulating me, or in that case, completely controlling my unconscious body." Nerva paused once more, looking at Camilliea and taking a breathe after his long winded explanation. "Though you should have nothing to worry about now, With this new power that Mortymer gave me I managed to form a new seal of sorts into a physical form." Nerva holds up his chained up arm. "And I have more than enough energy to fuel it, so much in fact that I'm forced to remain in this state just to ensure I can release the excess that would otherwise begin to deteriorate my body." At that Nerva shuffles his wings about slightly to verify he was talking about them. Just then Camilliea spoke. She sounded sad and almsot helpless. "I couldnt...I couldnt stop her, I couldnt protect any of you... I don't know if you'll forgive me, I don't even know if I'll forgive myself...But I'm sorry." Nerva let her words hang in the air, remaining silent, deciding to let the other two speak before this conversation continued.

[Tazeel]

Tazeel looked between the two, his expression rather soft. "I thank you for the explanation but you already had my forgiveness." "And mine you crazy fucks. You're both alright. Even if you're crazy and I would call you friends, most of the time." "Well that's not quite the way I would have put it but it's true enough for me as well. Would that my own problems were so easily solved but I'm glad for you at least." He paused for a sigh before continuing. His own condition still weighed heavy on him. "I don't understand why you wanted to do this so privately though. Everyone you endangered deserved this explanation, why hide the information from them? I've seen some of the men look at you, they're scared and have every right to be. No one but us and I suppose Mortymer actually knows for sure what happened or why. What is this... infection anyway? How much do you know about it."

[Nerva]

"I wasn't sure how everyone would take hearing the information, so I decided it would be best to tell the people a few at a time, starting with those I trust most." Nerva smiled lightly. "As for what I know about the infection, I know very little of how it works, all I honestly know apart from what I told you was that Malorien was the one who caused it and Keero, before his death, told me that he was the creator of it...Just one more reason to hate that dead bastard."

[Tazeel]

"Malorien again is it? He certainly does come up a lot. You would think with all he has done to so many I would have heard of him long ago. I suppose I was just lucky." A little shake of his head, "Nerva, just remember everyone, even our lowliest members deserve to hear the explanation. Never forget those below you, especially when they rely on you for their lives. It would be a disservice both to yourself and to them." Quietly he wondered if Keero were truly dead. Had the voice merely been his imagination? Or was there more to this story yet.

[Keero]

Keero stay's in stasis regaining his strength the blow Mortymer had done struck his soul hard weakening him causing him to hide in the most obvious of places but yet no one would ever know.

[Mortymer]

Mortymer blinks next to Nerva and gives a smile. "How are all of you doing right now." Mortymer feels his strength return to him Maloriens grasp didn't do as much to him as he once anticipated. "Oh and star would you like to know any more of the archangels of the white city?"

[Jerick]

As Mortymer left without even acknowledging his existence Jerick nearly exploded with rage before he calmed himself down, darn immortals obviously didn't know a wolf from a sorcerer. Turning back to the 'wimps' of the group he asked them trough projected thought instead. "What is this place and how did I get here? The names Jerick by the way, eternal Disciple of Aldur."

[Shirohara]

"Pleasure to meet you Jerick. This place is called Felarya, and you got here the same way we all did. By a Whiplash Connection"

[Jerick]

"A whiplash connection?" He thought for a minute. "You mean, I'm in a different dimension?"

[Peter]

As he walked he started to notice a slight tingling in his fingers. Dismissing it he pressed on. His thoughts wandered as he listened to the idle chitchat of the group. Velkas he started how much power do you have? And can you make it flow through me, make it accessible to me?

[Shirohara]

"So it would seem. Honestly we're all just trying to get home."

[Velkas]

"I certainly don't want to go home. There's nothing left for me there if that was not obvious enough already." As he said this silently he said to Peter, A pittance compared to what I can hold but more than enough to cause plenty of damage and yes I can make it flow through you. Then silently to only himself he laughed, he could make it do more than merely flow through Peter. But that was for another time. What is it that you would plan to do with it?

[Star]

Star absolutely exploded. "Are you fucking kidding me? Have you fucking been spying on us the whole fucking time? When fucking people fucking walk this fucking far away from the fucking group they want some fucking privacy! Fucking, the white city can't be that great if it spawned fucking you!"

[Tazeel]

Tazeel grimaced, this would end badly he could tell. He really needed to get away from the group for a few minutes and test some things if they were going to have this many ingroup fights. Silver Strike and Gold Rage may not be overly useful against the inhabitants of this planet but they were practically his only recourse against his own group. He did not want to rely on them only to have them fail in a fight though.

[Mortymer]

"It's kind of hard not to eavesdrop when I can hear everything that you say through your soul star thats another reason why I hate who I am. Anyways Nerva we need to talk now." The urgencies in Mortymer's words can be heard as his expression has changed to pissed off.

[Keero]

The hum of Keero can be heard again in Tazeel's mind and a slight deep breath is heard. "C'mon why don't you just kill them all Taz I know you want to." The humming gets louder to the point where it would give you a headache then disappears completely

[Tazeel]

He put a claw to his head, that had been unpleasant. Keero truly was a fool though. The only one he actively wanted to kill was Mortymer but that is nothing new, he had wanted him dead or gone within the first few moment of meeting him. Keero was even more foolish to think he would be so willing to kill Star. The bright side is that his hunger has been less bothersome since Keero started his antics and those antics were far easier to deal with. Tazeel chuckled to himself. That scaleless biped probably thought he was being insidious and subtle or something. Out of all the damned things Keero was actually putting him in a better mood than he had started in. The absurdity of it! He couldn't stop laughing. By the gods, what a useless clown.

[Star]

"Listening to my soul? Rrriiight." This guy really was a loon. Making this shit up on the spot for sure. Not surprisingly Tazeel started laughing under her. She was half tempted to join him.

[Nerva]

Nerva turned back to Mortymer and gave a nod, moving towards him before walking by signaling to follow. "I'm sure this discussion will be...interesting to say the least."

[Mortymer]

Mortymer grabs Nerva's Arm and the both of them blink far into the sky above the tree's. "This seems like a good place to talk." Mortymer lets go of Nerva's arm. "Keero is down there somewhere in the group but I don't know where, Also Malorien is following us." Mortymer wipes his face. "We need to find Keero first before he does something Rash." Mortymer's ring is glowing a bright red.

[Nerva]

Nerva unfurled his wings as soon as he felt a lack of ground under his feet and floated backwards keeping himself afloat with rhythmic wing beats. "I thought you killed Keero...This changes things." Nerva then recalls his encounter from earlier. "Oh, do you know a Nogarde Delrone? I met him while I was away, the man seemed to know a lot more then he should...That and he knew A LOT about dragons, he started teaching me all sorts of mannerisms to watch for with Tazeel. Anyways, The reason I bring him up is because Mortymer mentioned his name alongside Malorien's, said something about Him wanting to kill this Nogarde fellow." The situation was becoming quite complex so Nerva decided he should get as much info out of Mortymer as possible. He began to glide casually over the party so as not to be left behind and motioned for Mortymer to follow as they talked.

[Mortymer]

"Wait you talked to Nogarde Delrone! When the fuck did this happen? Excuse my language but WHAT." Mortymer shakes his head. "What in my fathers name is he doing here." Mortymer then thinks for a moment and remembers that Malorien is currently on Felarya. "Never mind don't answer that but honestly all I have to say is that we really need to leave this world... Like now." Mortymer begins following Nerva walking across the air like its the ground.

[Nerva]

Nerva found himself rather perplexed at Mortymer's reaction. "That bad? he seemed like a rather nice guy, well a bit high strung, but a nice guy." Camilliea finally decided to join the conversation "So, just what is it about this mysterious man that has you and Keero in such a fuss? He can't be any worse than Malorien. And what in gods name is that dragon so merry over? you'd think someone just attacked him with a feather." Nerva looked down at Camilliea, a smile on his face. He was glad to see her acting more like her old self, but didn't mention it audibly in case it ruined her mood.

[Tazeel/Star]

Tazeel resettled his wings and regained control of himself. "Teleporters. I'll drop you back off at the group and then I'm going to head off for a second, nature calls as humans usually put it." Star sighed, she supposed she would have to walk eventually. "Make sure you fly back we haven't gotten much of a chance to enjoy it yet." "Only a short while, We can enjoy it later." Tazeel leapt up and into the air. There was nothing like the pleasure of wind flowing across ones scales. Star was just as happy, her hair blowing out behind her. They circled the group twice before dropping down for a landing. Star hopped off and Tazeel took to the sky's again heading south. Star combed her hair with her fingers as she walked towards the group.

[Jerick]

As Star rejoined the group, Jerick stretched out his mind to 'scan' everyone else's minds and found 8 humans, one with control over fire and another with the ability to teleport and yet another that seemed to be able to teleport between dimensions, a Thunder Dragon and a sword with a soul. Pulling back his mind he focused on his natural form, focusing his will he transforms back into himself, revealing his navy blue eyes and black hair and the dark grey traveling cloak he always wears. He turns to welcome Star, "Greetings master of fire, My name is Jerick, could you be so kind as to tell me yours?"

[Star]

"Some type of shapeshifter?" She assumed the group had told him what she could do. She wasn't sure why they left her name out though. Unless he did know and it was just politeness or something. "Star. If they told you how dangerous than they ought to have told you my name too."

[Jerick]

Jerick just stood there and chuckled, "I am so much more than a mere shapeshifter," He then held out his hand, palm up. Focusing his will, he made a small flower of pure ice.

[Cory]

Cory stared in wide eyed amazement as Jerick shapeshifted, and was even more surprised when he made the ice flower. "How are you doing that?" And then with obvious excitement added "is it possible that I could learn to do that?"

[Tyler]

Tyler finally gains for power over his mind and places his palms over his eyes and rubs them. "Oh god what the hell is going on holy crap my brain hurts so much." Tyler looks around and notices a bunch of strange people he doesn't feel gears inside any of them so he should be safe for now but where is he is the better question. He looks and sees the ice flower in Jericks hand. "Woah thats badass man thats like what the prophets of old would do where I'm from." Tyler has thought quickly that he's glad that he isn't home anymore with his gear active he would become a murderer and thats not what he wants to be.

[Mortymer]

"To put it easily Nogarde and Malorien are constantly fighting and it has been known to cause the destruction of entire worlds, And I fear now that Malorien is near his full strength again that there next conflict could happen here." Mortymer looks to Nerva. "This world may be large but when Malorien gets angry he can end up devouring star systems. After all it's what he was created to do."

[Star]

Star, not willing to be upstaged, pulled out her orb and created a small fire dragon in the likeness of Tazeel and had it land on her shoulder. "Not the only one who can put on a show." She said as she returned her orb to her pouch. Conveniently goggle eyed Cory already asked how he did it without an orb.

[Jerick]

Jerick closed his hand and the ice flower crumbled to dust, he brushed his hands and answered Cory's question. "I am able to do this through 'the will and the word' if you have the will and speak the word you could make anything happen, and only a few people in all the history of my world have ever learned the art. Though you may have what it takes." He turned back to Star and grinned, "that was only the tip of the iceberg Star, nothing is impossible for me."

[Velkas]

"There is a limit to everything. Just because you have not yet reached it does not make it limitless." he said in a lecturing tone.

[Star]

"I've seen better." Melisa had done a lot more with ice. A little flower wasn't too impressive though the lack of orb was. Better to give the point to Melissa then give this little prick one.

[Nerva]

Nerva came to a screeching halt and turned to wholly face Mortymer. Camilliea was the first to speak "I'm sorry what? Star systems? are you kidding me!?" Though she brought up a very good point Nerva had frozen up at a completely different section of Mortymer's explanation. "Just what, exactly, do you mean by created to do?" Nerva was realizing more and more that he had tangled himself up in a web far larger than he had originally given it credit for.

[Jerick]

Jerick raised an eyebrow as the sword spoke and turned to respond to it "Right you are on that one, everyone has their own weaknesses to consider, I myself am not perfect. I will correct what I said earlier, there are few things that I cannot do."

[Mortymer]

Mortymer stops as well. "Malorien L. What did you think he was a real thing he's a clone replicated from the DNA of me and my sibling Code named Armageddon. his name Malorien L is just a use of the nine letters of our first names. Mortymer, Asara, Lordin, Ordith, Rayle, Intet, Elderth, Nolma And Lyandrol or better as you know him Keero." Mortymer rubs his face. "And yes Camilliea he can devour Star systems." Mortymer stretches his arms and cracks his back. "He can't be stopped he will always be reformed until his task is complete. Though the only way for this to happen is for him to reach full potential. By killing me and my nine siblings and absorbing us." Mortymer pauses and waits for Nerva to take this all in.

[Star]

"Has anyone seen Nerva around? Him and Mort disappeared on us. And what's taking Taz so long, for all his pushing to keep this appointment he sure is taking his sweet time."

[Nerva]

Nerva stayed silent listening to Mortymer's explanation. After he had finished there was a long pause. Finally Nerva sighed and swing Camilliea idly. "Well, no choice then, Guess I just have to kill the bastard." Nerva cracked a smile at Mortymer. "After all, I can't have him running around and absorbing people, thats just wrong." Nerva glanced over and noticed the group ahead of them and began to move to catch up. "One more thing, There isn't a damn shadow to be seen up here, so how did you take us up?"

[Peter]

Ice, Fire. is that really it? he thought to himself. if he wanted to he could shapeshift. it hurts a LOT though so he doesn't do it often. He walked up to Jerick and Star while holding his free hand towards them, palm up. he closes his eye's and grits his teeth as a small ball of light starts to appear on his palm, A bead of sweat runs down his brow as a opal shield starts to form around the ball of light. The shield morphs around the ball as i flares slightly. His breath explodes out of his lungs as he opens his eyes. "You two may be able to make little flowers and dragons. but this." he nods at the ball in his hand. "I have a feeling neither of you can do. This ball in my hand. Is a part of a sun." He nodded to acknowledge Velkas just measuring my assets is all.

[Jerick]

"You have no idea how my power works, do you. The will and the word is given form through imagination, fueled by the strength of the users Will. In other words, Limbo Jumper, I can do so much more than you could even imagine." Jerick paused for a moment to catch his breath. "Appointment? Where and with whom would you have an appointment in such a dangerous place as this?"

[Star]

"We're hunting bandits that totaled a town and the guy who figures he knows where they are is meeting us at some ruined city or something. We're more than a little late, we've had a few... issues. Hopefully he won't give up on us before we get there." Pausing a moment an idea hits her. "Might be a good idea for me and Taz to go on ahead for a look around and maybe find Jiech before he gives up." Also an excuse to get some flying in, that was fun as hell and she could handle anything Felarya had she was sure.

[Tazeel]

Tazeel landed some distance to the south, the area seemed about as safe as you got on this world. He did legitimately take care of his necessary business before getting to work. Lying down on a pleasantly flat rock he began trying to feel for the power emanating from his hoard.

[Jerick]

"Hunting bandits? Destroyed town? Ruined city? Sounds like fun, count me in." things like this rarely happened, and it excited him "Where is this ruined city anyways?"

[Cory]

"The place is called Ur-Sagol, and it lies to the northwest. We don't know how far away it is though"

[Star]

Star waved the worry about distance off. "If he couldn't be bothered to mention the distance it can't be too far and he must have been sure we'd see it. Easier to spot it from above the trees anyway."

[Mortymer]

Mortymer was dumbstruck at Nerva's response. usually when someone hears that one is capable of destroying star systems they take it as a warning to stay as far away from said person as possible, so what was it that made Nerva so sure he could simply kill Malorien? Even as Mortymer moved to catch up to Nerva and the group he pondered this, whispering to his ring, Shara from time to time, asking for her opinion on the matter.

[Nerva]

As Nerva landed he gave an irritated sigh as yet another of his questions went unanswered. Moving to Star he noticed Tazeel was no longer with the group. "So where did our scaled friend run off too? More importantly who's the kid and the robed fellow, and what happened to that talking wolf thing?" Camilliea let out a sigh "Do you not pay attention to anything when talking? The wolf shape shifted into that robed fellow over there." "Oh? a werewolf then?" "You'd have to ask him."

[Star]

"Yep. Hes some type of shapeshifter, ice mage thing and he's got a chip on his shoulder. Taz flew off to take a shit and is taking his sweet time about it." She was tapping her foot impatiently. "Where did YOU run off to?"

[Nerva]

"Run off too? I was right above you guys the entire time, having a conversation with Mortymer."

[Jerick]

"I told you, I'm not a shapeshifter. Sorcerer would be a better term, but not quite." He turned to Nerva and held out his hand "My names Jerick."

[Star]

Star glances up at that. Then turns a baleful glare at Jerick, "Whatever, stop being picky, I don't really care." Since Taz was taking a shit she supposed she was in charge. "Taz ought to be back any second so we may as well get walking." Taking her cue from how Taz always does it she just just flat out turns around and starts walking, not quite the right way.

[Velkas]

He had spent most of this overly enjoying himself in the wealth sensory information he was pulling off of Peter in ever increasing clarity. He could not feel anything himself. He could only see and hear for purely practical reasons. That and he had conveniently killed the ones who knew the rituals to deprive him of that during his rebellion. Part of the reason for that hideous chamber they had stuck him in, if they had taken all his senses they could have left him hanging on a wall in childs bedroom for all the danger he would be. He withdrew himself at the mention of moving so he could think more clearly though he longed to feel and smell again. Being able to taste something besides blood would be preferable as well. It was a shockingly insufferable punishment even for a vampire; what he wouldn't give for a good cup of tea.

When he began to rerun what he had heard with a clearer mind he realized Nerva's weapon, the name escaped him if he had ever heard it, he really must be more careful with his sensory excesses. He was wandering again, giving himself a mental shake he began trying to puzzle out a polite way to ask her name. He had never been very good at talking to women...

[Nerva]

Nerva looks at Jerick and accepts his handshake. "Nerva, a pleasure. It's nice to see that manners are not completely lost amongst strangers." Nerva holds out Camilliea who floats out of his hand slightly and does a little twirl before coming back to his hand. "Hello, I'm Camilliea, a pleasure to make your acquaintance."

[Tyler]

Tyler watches over the group doing his best to take in each members face and names as conversations carry on. As Nerva lands Tyler looks him over. "You're, not human are you? Well in any case I'm Tyler. If you don't mind my asking what the heck is going on here I still don't really get it."

[Mortymer]

Mortymer appears behind Tyler. "I thought I had already explained this too you. you are in a dimension called Felarya, you were brought here like the rest of these people by an occurrence called a whiplash connection, which dragged you from your home. Now we appear to be on our way to deal with some rather rowdy bandits."

[Nerva]

"Jeez, don't just appear behind people like that and start talking, you're gonna give the poor kid a heart attack." Nerva said to Mortymer irritably before turning his attention to Tyler "Well, As I'm sure you've heard, I'm Nerva and this is Camilliea. as for the rest, Mortymer here pretty much nailed the explanation...In the end we all just want to get home, so we are going to travel together until we find a way to do so." Nerva then noticed Star marching off, as if taking the lead. Gliding over to her he spoke "Your kind of headed the wrong direction Star, close though." Nerva chuckled a bit. she seemed to try so hard to keep that strong confident presence up. Nerva turned back and, in a tone that was full of command and confidence spoke. "Alright everyone, we have people waiting on us lets get a move on, Taz will see us from the air on his way back." Nerva turned towards the direction of Ur-sagol and began to walk turning to motion for Star to follow him. Then he recalled some of what Nogarde had said and made special note to stay at least a few feet from her, just in case, no need to send the wrong message, especially to a dragon.

[Jerick]

Jerick jogged up beside Nerva as they started moving "so what's going on besides we're chasing bandits that destroyed a town, and a meeting with some guy in some ruins?"

[Cory/Shirohara]

Cory and Shirohara followed behind Nerva and jerick as the group started moving again

[Star]

Star blushed, fuck. Nerva was better at this leadership thing anyway. "How do you and Taz always know which way is which anyway. This place is just trees, trees and more damned trees." She frowned a moment, may as well, "And Nerva I was thinking, maybe me and Taz should fly ahead a bit to see if we can spot this city we're going to."

[Velkas]

Well that was convenient, Camilliea... rather beautiful name. Velkas unconsciously made sure Peter followed the group. He figured that since Star was talking to Nerva not Camilliea that she was free for a chat. "Camilliea..." He was rather embarrassed, "How long have you been trapped in there, if it's not impolite to ask."

[Tazeel]

It took him a few minutes but Tazeel did faintly feel the emanations of power from his hoard. It was so very faint, a moment and he managed to firm the connection. Opening his eyes he attempted the focus for silver strike... and was disappointed, nothing happened. Two seconds later though in a flourish of light his claws were sheathed in glistening energy matching his hide at it's best of polish in addition to an extended double blade from his wrist quivering faintly with pent up power. Relief surged through him, late but it works, the delay could be deadly in battle but it is still better than nothing. Gold rage would likely hold the same delay but it wasn't worth risking a test of it. One could not undo the damage the Gold Rage caused. Standing he rammed his claw down into the rock cutting through it with unnatural ease and fracturing it with the discharge of energy from both claw and blade dissipating them. The rock had split rather cleanly. He was not the type to blast a tree apart even though the rock had been most comfortable. Hopping down he froze at what sounded like the rustling of leaves. No other sounds followed and he didn't smell anything new. Must be the wind. He started walking towards the smell of water, hoping for a drink before heading back.

[Nerva]

Nerva noticed the light blush across Star's face, so she is just as human as the rest of them...well the humans anyways. "Well, simply remembering which way we were told to initially and using your internal compass to keep track of where all you've been since is how I would best describe it, though to be honest I simply recalled the direction Taz had us walking before he left. As far as the flying goes, I didn't see anything while I was up with Mortymer, but I suppose it certainly couldn't hurt."

Camilliea, surprised that someone other than Nerva had acknowledged her directly, took a moment before speaking. "Uhh, just over three thousand years I think, you?" If the time or fact she was stuck inside a weapon bothered her in the slightest her tone certainly didn't show it. If anything she sounded as if it was just a normal part of life.

Finally turning to Jerick Nerva replies "To be honest i'm not entirely sure myself, there was a lot of other things happening when these plans were made, you'd be better off asking Tazeel when he gets back, as I recall he made the plans to begin with."

[Velkas]

"I don't honestly know, you've heard my story, I haven't seen, felt, heard, smelled, or tasted anything in years. Complete sensory deprivation. You however must be pretty used to this by now I suppose. Three thousand years... not denied your senses I assume? How did you end up trapped in there."

[Camilliea]

"No I don't think I was denied much of anything short of walking. as for how I got here... I don't remember anything from when I was alive. See I died, and my soul had a terrible virus that spawned another much more powerful and evil version of myself, and so to conceal it I was locked away into this weapon, and I was also put in the charge of Nerva here, who has used his body as a second seal since this weapon alone wasn't enough." Camilliea giggled slightly, it was nice, finally having someone acknowledge her. sure Nerva always had, but after three thousand years, getting to talk to someone else certainly was a nice treat.

[Velkas]

"It's too bad about you lack of memories, I still have all of those. It does lead to a few issues I suppose such as wishing you could have a cup of tea, or smell the breeze off the ocean, enjoying the feel of rain on your skin, or... sorry I'm rambling. Ah it is nice to chat with someone again, especially one who may know what it feels like." He decided not to go into what his last few conversations, before his prison had been like. No one needed to hear about those unpleasantries.

[Tyler]

Tyler begins clutching his head while walking the sudden activation of his gear with so much force has been causing lots of internal pain without the help of Alutrium shots he's only going to get worse.

[Mortymer]

Mortymer brings his hand up to his face and whispers softly with Shara the look on his face is one of empathy, he then turns towards Peter and Velkas. "Velkas... What would you say if I could help you with becoming a living being again?" Mortymer has the most Serious face when asking this question

[Velkas]

Velkas' eye twisted to stare intensely at Mortymer, watching for any crack in his serious facade. Seeing none he said, "You're serious aren't you?" If, by Ismere's fortune, he had been dropped by pure chance, or perhaps, not by chance at all, into the hands of the one who could free him... "How?" he asked earnestly. "Please tell me how I beg of you."

[Taylor]

He was so sick of being ignored by everyone. Yah their important, helpful and do things but damn he was a person to. That new guy, Tyler was being ignored about as much as the rest of them so he supposed that made him one of the gang now. Something looked off about him now though, no one else was paying attention, typical, so he went over to him. "Hey, Tyler. You ok there? You're not looking good at all."

[Mortymer]

He looks to Velkas. "My name is Mortymer the truest meaning of Death I have the power to control souls in there most dominant form so therefore within the right circumstances I could rip you from that blade." Mortymer's eye twitches slightly and he walks away putting his hand back up to his face whispering quietly.

[Tyler]

His gaze switches to the one walking up to him his retinas are rotating as if they aren't human analyzing this random person. "I'm fine just a little shaken up from my Gear taking control of my body is all." It never dawned on Tyler that these people could be from places that aren't his world. "Its weird seeing so many people without gears." Tyler shrugs. "Oh what's your name anyways?" Tyler gives a half smile to Taylor

[Velkas]

"Wait, where are you going?" This sounded both promising and terrifying. "What circumstances would allow you to free me?" The lack of body could be rectified immediately once he was out of this prison. He had no worries in that regard.

[Taylor]

"Taylor. Just a woodcutter that got dumped in this mess." he shook his head, why did shit like this have to happen to him. "I've never heard of a gear before this, I doubt you'll ever see another gear." He frowned, "What does a gear look like anyway? You look, besides the spikes that one time, like an ordinary guy like the rest of us."

[Tazeel]

The smell of water led him, disappointingly to only a small pond. Just enough that he could drain it for a decent drink. They really did need to find a proper river or lake and clean themselves up. Swiping his tail blade across the base of his neck he unclicked the barding and pulled his helmet off, setting it to the side. He dipped his head to drink the cool water, it was too bad he didn't have time to hunt before getting back, he could use a good meal. A natural hunger was beginning to gnaw at him.

[Jerick]

"I suppose this Tazeel is the leader of the group then?"

[Star]

"Yes he is and don't forget it. Hes been getting snappy about it. Hes the dragon I flew in on." She was quite happy playing the part of the bad ass dragon rider.

[Tazeel]

Nothing to be done about it. Licking the water off his lips he leaps skyward soaring above the trees back towards where his group used to be. They weren't there. He was actually more proud of them then annoyed, they needed to keep moving and it should be no trouble to find them from up here. Anyway it gave him more time to enjoy the wind flowing across his scales. It didn't take him long to find them, all walking along in a general mash as usual. Except for Mortymer, who had separated himself with his head bent over his ring. All the better, following but not an actual part of his group, preferable to say the least. He took this all in a glance though for his eyes were for Star, his temperamental gem, up at the head of the column with Nerva a respectful distance away. He roared out a friendly greeting to the group and soared down toward Star. As he landed Star, naturally, yelled at him. "What in the hell took you so damn long." Tazeel grinned and made a quick bow of his head, "My apologies, I stopped for a drink on the way back, Glad to see you all moving." Star rolled her eyes, "Took you that long huh? You drink a whole lake?" Tazeel snorted in amusement, "In a way, it was more of a pond though."

[Jerick]

Jerick watched as the dragon came in to land, that must be Tazeel, he thought to himself then walked over. "You must be Tazeel, my names Jerick. If you don't mind my asking, what's going on besides bandits and an appointment?"

[Tazeel]

Tazeel turned to the newest member of his band. Yet another human naturally. He knew plenty of others who would have probably gone mad by now having to deal with this many humans. He inclined his head lightly to be polite. "You would be correct, welcome." An interesting question, he supposed the only other thing of note would be retreating from Malorien. "We are actually also retreating from some supremely powerful being named Malorien that would apparently be able to easily destroy us all. It would not be a pleasant encounter."

[Jerick]

"Huh, Well alright then. Thank you for the info." He just continued walking, contemplating everything that has happened and even occasionally stretched out his mind to try and find out more about this place.

[Tazeel]

Well... he was taking that better than expected. Humans. He never could figure them out. They could be equally jumpy and stoically oblivious to everything.

[Nerva]

Turning towards Tazeel as he arrived Nerva nodded his head and smiled at the dragon he had by some off chance befriended. "Hey Taz, good to have you back." "Yea good to see you again." Camilliea chimed in. Nerva thought as they walked. So many people in the world had wanted to see a dragon, to prove they were real. for a normal human this could have been a moment that made their life worth living. And to think he had found his arrival here to be more of a nuisance than anything at first...He walked in silence after his greeting contemplating over a touchy topic in his mind; His humanity.

[40 Minute time Jump]

[Star]

Star quietly decided to wait for some food before broaching the subject of scouting ahead with Taz, The more she thought about food the more she wanted to stay but she wasn't going to be a little pansy and give up that easy. Looked to be sort of close to noon. She hadn't had much of a chance to have a decent breakfast either which wasn't helping at all. "Anyone else hungry?"

[Tazeel]

A good subject to broach. He hadn't wanted to slow the group down just to get himself something. "A fair bit myself, I never ate this morning." He didn't actually have to eat as often as a human but certainly in more quantity. He usually tried to adjust to those he was with though. It was easier to take in small quantities more frequently then to drop an entire meal or more out of a day. Most of the rest of the group didn't seem all that hungry though, they had probably eaten well before barging in on them.

[Jerick]

Food. An excellent idea, for he had not eaten for a whole day. He glanced up at the sky, it was nearly lunch time. "Very Hungry."

[Tazeel]

"Get Shirohara unloaded and lets get some food out here. Keep track of how much we use up and give me the best estimate on how long those will last. We don't need any surprises when it comes to supplies. Those who don't want to eat will stand watch around the perimeter. This is not the clearest of spots but it will do." He was damned hungry.

[Shirohara/Cory]

Shirohara ? "Don't speak of me as if i'm some pack animal." He unloaded one of the barrels with Cory's help.

Cory ? He looked into the barrel. "Looks like about one months worth in just this one barrel."

Shirohara ? "Would it not be safer to eat in the homestead?"

[Jerick]

Jerick poked his head into the barrel. "No meat?"

[Tazeel]

Tazeel growled menacingly and snapped out a bit of dirt with a lash of his tail blade. "No meat? You had best be joking" He thundered over to inspect the barrel. His neck was long enough that he didn't need to shove anyone out of the way. Lucky them. He didn't catch a single whiff of meat from that one or emanating from any of the others.. "THAT DAMNED FOOL! IF HE WASN'T ALREADY DEAD I WOULD-" He cut off in a furious roar. After a furious moment he turned away from the barrels in disgust. "Crack the rest. Just in case. CORY! You can still access the homestead correct? Check it for any preserved meat." He hated to rely on magic for their supplies and that he would need to rely on Fanara's foresight which he had notably lacked just added insult to injury. His stomach rumbled.

[Star]

Star just rested her face in her palm. Fucking. With two dragons they needed meat, no question of that. She strode over to Cory. "Cory, take me with you, maybe we can find something and we'll do it a fuck ton faster together."

[Velkas]

A most interesting chain of events. He had to wonder at how this Fanara had met his end. It sounded rather likely that the most excitable Dragon had done him in. Probably for what he considered a good reason. Unfortunately Peter held no useful information in that regard. He could tell this group certainly did clash, particularly when the dragons were involved.

[Jerick/Cory]

Jerick ? "Don't speak ill of the dead. I presume it was he that packed the food, you should consider yourselves lucky that he thought to be prepared." then he turned to Cory. "Might I come with you? I would like to see this 'Homestead'."

Cory ? "yea, sure." He pulled out the Stone and popped the three of them to the homestead.

Jerick ? As Cory and Star went looking for the meat Jerick looked around the homestead. "My word. This place looks nearly identical to the farm that King Belgarion of Riva grew up on." he then turned to help Cory and Star, and saw heaps of cut up meat that looked like a Giant half-bird half-human, and it churned his stomach to see half-human remains like that. "What is that?"

[Star]

"Harpy," an awkward silence followed quietly by, "the wife of the guy we're going to meet. He knows but he took it alright considering. Taz and Keero, a dead guy and good riddance were the only ones who were willing to eat her after that. I couldn't stand the thought of eating any of it in the first place, don't know how the others could have eaten it in the first place." She frowned, "I'm not entirely sure why it's still here. Thought Fanara would gotten rid of it. That stuff over a day old by now."

[Cory]

"Fanara said that he planned to cremate her, though not in those exact words. I have no idea who you're talking about, but if this place looks familiar then maybe you could lead us to where the meat storage might be."

[Jerick]

"If its out of respect then we should probably wait until her family can be here, and that should be soon if we're going to meet him. I would presume that the meat is in the root cellar, over that way." He point to where it most likely was, near the kitchen, and followed by Cory, he started towards it.

[Star]

Star shrugged, it all made sense to her though if Fanara had wanted to cremate the bitch he could have just asked while Jiech had been with them and she would have torched it right up easy. "I'll be with you in a minute, I'll just be in the kitchen." She wanted to see if there was anything quick she could snatch up to eat and maybe he had a magic freezer or something in there. If he had magic and shit he could probably manage something a bit more civilized than a dank, dirty cellar for all his meat.

[Tazeel]

All the barrels had been opened and not a drop of meat in a single one of them. "THAT FOOL! Only Fanara could be such a fool." He continued his pacing, waiting for Cory's return. He would not have allowed the new human to go with them but he never had the chance to stop them. Anyone who would defend Fanara's name, even in ignorance had to be trouble. It must have been one of those human quirks to get him to defend Fanara's name in ignorance. It must have been some weird human quirk that the dead could not be cursed because in ignorance he should have seen the issue and been quite willing to call Fanara a fool. He muttered "Humans," with definitive finality.

[Shirohara]

"Don't be so quick to blame others Tazeel, It was YOUR barrels that held the meat." Oh the arrogance of some of their companions.

[Tazeel]

Tazeel froze in his pacing and snapped himself in Shirohara's direction. He started stalking towards Shirohara, wings extended in challenge and his breaths coming hot and heavy. "You dare! Tell me what type of fool would put all our necessary supplies in one spot like that?" Tazeel snorted. "Any one of intellect would have divided it evenly." The arrogance and audacity of this... this SERVANT! He continued venomously, "Go sit down and be quiet. I have no need to hear the opinions of a fools slave." He almost hoped the worm would stand his ground, his blood was aflame and he could use the exertion. "You two truly were a perfect couple." He said scathingly.

[Shirohara]

That got his blood boiling. "I AM NOT A SLAVE!" He started crackling with lightning with his outburst and calmed himself down, somewhat. "It is true that dragons in my situation were not held in high regard, and there were others smarter than Fanara."

[Tazeel]

Tazeel scoffed. "Can't even keep his blood burning for more than a little flash. If you were not held in high regard that is your own fault for never standing up for yourself, waterblood." He dismissively closed his wing in calculated insult. Declaring the challenge already won and Shiro not worthy of respect. "Your slavery will ever scar your behavior, you will never get beyond being someones pet, someones packmule, someones... toy." Tazeel tingled with the force of that insult. The lowest of low blows. He had to wonder if this pitiful thing would even understand the connotations.

[Shirohara]

Something clicked inside his head as Tazeel delivered that last insult, and Shirohara lost all conscious thought. Quickly building in electrical charge, he spread his wings and roared at the sky, calling forth the largest bolt of lightning anyone has ever seen. After a few seconds of such a display the lightning stopped. Shirohara could be seen, crackling with the raw energies of the sky and a look of pure evil on his face. Almost as soon as the lightning had stopped a lightning bolt, easily ten times as powerful as the one that knocked him out earlier, was blasted out of Shiro's mouth. Aimed directly at Tazeel.

[Mortymer]

There is a flash of white light as the lightning bolt flying towards Tazeel gets thrown off course a random direction into the forest. "Enough you single minded fools now is not the time and place for this." Mortymer was in his reaper form again the dangling objects from his belt which swayed back and forth. Small traces of electrical energy surge through Mortymer's arm Parrying lightning isn't such an easy thing to do.

[Keero]

Keero's cackle is heard in Tazeel's mind. "Want to watch that little slave dragon burn? hmmmmm." Keero asked Tazeel in a happy tone. "I can grant you some... Power to do so if you want." Keero continues to laugh maniacally waiting for Tazeel to respond.

[Shirohara]

A flicker of annoyance passed over Shirohara's face as the lightning was deflected. He turned towards the skeletal man, as the electrical charge built up again, with the intent to kill.

[Tazeel]

"Shameless coward. Accelerating to breath weapons immediately in a challenge." It was something cowards do only in desperation and suffer lifelong shame from it. Unfortunately for all that there is no way to dodge lightning making it distinctly effective. He braced himself, choosing to stay on the ground so he at least would not fall far. The bolt arced away from him though. He turned his gaze to Mortymer. The last one he would ever want to be in debt to. If it had at all been an appropriate challenge he would have complained at the interference. He surely would have survived it but he was inexperienced with facing electricity and didn't know all the effects he would suffer from it. And damn it all Keero was being noisy again. But sensible for once in his life. "I think we will need to beat some sense back into him, he does not seem to be stopping." Tazeel took off, he wanted to be in close before Shirohara could unleash another blast. He whispered too quietly for anyone to hear, "If you're actually there, lets whip this whelp into submission." This would answer the question as to whether or not Keero is actually there or all these humans were actually driving him mad, which honestly wouldn't overly surprise him either way.

[Nerva]

Nerva Watched as the fight escalated between Tazeel and Shirohara until he saw the bolt of lightning he still held onto a small hope that it wouldn't end in direct conflict, though he was glad to see Mortymer step in when he did. Nerva wanted to step in himself but his memory of his conversation with Nogarde stopped him. *"Don't worry, If anyone or anything tries to harm your two dragon friends, I'll deal with it."* But, could that include themselves? maybe this was just part of dragon life. hmm, well regardless may as well ensure the party is safe. Nerva motioned for the rest of the party to follow in behind him as he quickly moved away from the Dragons.

[Keero]

A small burning sensation fills Tazeel's chest as the shape of a dragons burns into his scales beneath his armor. "Oh Taz I have been here for awhile watching you feeling your anger swell for these idiots." The mark finishes burning into his chest. "The pact is sealed Tazeel the power to morph, move, speak and feel the pure strength of the living flame all at your command. Whatever you can think of you can create using any sort of simple ingredient around you... Even the bones of that fool right in front of you. And now my scaly gigantic friend I shall bid you adieu." a small spark unseen from anyone else would leave Tazeels armor and float away into the breeze.

[Mortymer]

Mortymer feels a presence that fades away quickly it was very familiar but it was only so sudden that he could not place it to what it came from but something about Tazeel irked his senses something that felt much too close to home. He looks towards Shiro and shakes his head from side to side before disappearing and reappearing behind him a safe enough distance to not get shocked. "Snap out of this Shirohara we don't want to fight you."

[Shirohara]

Shirohara looked around quickly as the skeleton disappeared. Ignoring the fleeing humans he turns his gaze to the now darkened sky, and launches himself off the ground. He barely heard Mortymer and increases the electric charge, causing the clouds to erupt with thunder.

[Tazeel]

Damn, he should never have accepted that. Keero could never be trusted and now what had be done to him? Idly he heard Mortimer saying something about no one wanting to fight Shirohara. Didn't want to fight him? Ridiculous. If he was going to suffer whatever this burning mark Keero had left on him he may as well make use of it. Any material? Lets try the very air. Let his world become flame. He focused his thoughts on a rush of fire extending from him toward Shirohara and consuming the very air from under his wings and into his lungs. Doubtful it would last more than an instant but an instant is all he needed. The fire started and began to course it's way quick as lighting towards Shirohara. The void left behind unsettled Tazeel's own flight for a moment as the air rushed to fill the void.

[Shirohara]

Like lightning Shirohara dropped a bit and the fire barely missed him, burning off his saddle. The lightning he then fired connected with the sky, directly in the path of Tazeel. As before, with the armoured creature, the magic overwhelmed him, knocking him out, and he fell limply towards the ground. And as he fell, the clouds began to break apart.

[Tazeel]

Tazeel roared in denied fury as the lightning blast arced in front of him blinding him. That useless filthy wretched creature. As his eyes cleared he saw Shirohara falling and in a roar of renewed fury he swooped onto Shirohara's limp form claws tearing into him as he delved into him forcing his way into his nervous system without his usual, necessary delicacy to wake him in burning agony and a splitting headache. He sunk his teeth in as they careened towards the ground, tearing into the base of Shirohara's neck.

[Nogarde]

The very air seemed to go still, a red flash of light bursting from seemingly nowhere was all that was seen. "Enough!" A voice echoed from the light as it died down, its tone full of authority, and an almost draconic anger. There stood Nogarde, having caught Shirohara and Tazeel in their death plunge to the earth. his arms did not budge from the impact, nor did the ground beneath him, as if the two dragons together were nothing more than a feather to be idly caught and laid onto the ground. He placed the two dragons down, and awaited their response. At this point the very world around the area seemed silenced in the man's presence, and everyone around would be overcome with a feeling of unquestionable awe.

[Mortymer]

his gaze switches towards Nogarde his emotionless skeletal grimace does not move an inch for he already knew something like this would happen if these two were to fight he blinks near but not that close to Nogarde and switches into his Angel form wearing his glorious golden plate. "Greetings Dragon king. I welcome you to this... Problem."

[Shirohara]

As Tazeel ripped him from unconsciousness Shirohara expelled the remaining electricity in a roar of agony. Landing softly on the ground was something he was not expecting. The voice he heard then, roused him from his insanity. And though still in much pain, he humbled himself before the awesome power and authority of the man before him.

[Tazeel]

Blood dripped from Tazeel's fangs as he looked to see what had caught them and was shocked the by feeling coursing through him dimming his blood lust. There was something about this man that reverberated through the core of his being. How did this human hold up two dragons and why did he feel this way. "Who and what are you?" He took a step back, cowed.

[Nogarde]

Nogarde looked into Tazeel's eyes, a piercing stare that could cut through intentions and pierce one's very soul, it was not filled with malice or anger however, more forgiveness, understanding and disappointment. "I am Nogarde Delrone, The Dragon king." Nogarde glanced over at Mortymer, a look of curiosity about his face, and though he nodded to acknowledge his presence he said not a word and returned his focus to the dragons. "Well, now that you both know who I am, I might ask for your names in return."

[Tazeel]

This human claiming to be the king of dragons? The absurdity! And yet, the feel of him was beyond compare. He shuddered, this was beyond any compare, he had never felt the like. In his shock his deeply ingrained court etiquette broke out and he numbly responded to this, this gods? Query. "Tazeel, second of the Bathorin line. Son of Talkan of the Bathorin line and Neleen of the Calasahn. A pleasure." A respectful bow of the head matched by a slight flourish of his wings. Fit for the highest of nobility.

[Shirohara]

In obvious pain, Shirohara responded to the man of seeming Divinity. "I am Shirohara, of the world Erinn. A hundred years of service as a pet has erased all knowledge of my parents." He began to grow weak from the loss of blood.

[Jerick/Cory]

Jerick and Cory returned from the cellar with a cart load of a three dead pigs and three dead cows, along with a dozen salted porks, and waited by the portal for Star to return from the kitchen. (she will find bread, fruits and dried meat)

[Nerva]

Nerva watched the spectacle before him. "Damn, he wasn't kidding." he said under his breath, more to himself than anyone else.

[Nogarde]

Nogarde stared at the two dragons before him looking them over. His look gradually softened as he saw there condition, mainly Shirohara's. Stepping forward he gently touched each of them on the snout. the resulting touch would cause a small surge of energy to travel through the Dragons bodies and heal them of all scars and wounds as well as fill them with energy. Stepping back after that into his original position, Nogarde made a small bow. "A pleasure to meet you both. I'm sure you will find it easier to have this conversation now that your pains have been lifted."

[Tazeel]

A surge of energy flowed through him, refreshing him, and damning him. The taste of blood in his mouth combined with his physical hunger, he had been but a moment from losing control completely he now realized. This Nogarde's intervention had broken him out of it soon enough to realize what had been twisting inside him and to wrestle it back under control. And then this unasked for surge of energy feeding into his desires. It was too much shock too soon. He was fighting so hard he didn't even feel whatever effects this had on the mark on his chest. His mind being consumed he lashed out at Nogarde with a bloody, life hungry claw and crying out in torment as for the first time, he consciously lost control, knowing exactly what was happening to him. His greatest of nightmares had become oh so very real.

[Star]

Sifting through cupboards and the pantry she snacked on some bread and a few bites of meat. Coming out the door, snacks in hand to see the absolutely ridiculous number of dead animals Cory and Jerick were bringing out of the cellar. "Fuck man does this guy just kill animals for shits and giggles or what. Fucking shit. Ought to keep Taz happy though. Shoving the last of her food in her mouth she brushed her hands off. She headed over to them, "Lets get out of here."

[Shirohara]

"Many thanks, my lord." He bowed his head and spread his wings low. he looked up just in time to see Tazeel lunging at the man and lunged himself at the raging dragon.

[Tazeel]

Shirohara stopped him an instant before his claws could connect. Instead Tazeel twisted himself to latch onto Shirohara. Darkness pulsing down his limbs as he fed off Shirohara's energies. Oh the ecstasy of it. He drove his teeth into Shirohara as the hunger decided to appease both it's hungers off of Shirohara's flesh. The taste of blood filled his mouth as he tried to tear a chunk out of Shiro.

[Shirohara]

Shirohara shrieked in pain as Tazeel bit into him and he randomly let out mild to strong bursts of electrical energy.

[Tazeel]

The jolt of electricity were more annoying than effective in this state, any and all damage caused dissipated by the furor of his feeding. If anything the twitches they incurred would make it hurt all the worse for Shiro.

[Velkas]

He had been watching the whole event with only a scholarly interest having no care for either dragons welfare. He did not know how he had missed some of the surprisingly vast differences there were between the two. This Nogarde fellow was curious, Tazeel reaction even more so. By what was happening now he was seriously considering the possibly that this Tazeel was some form of vampire. He ticked that point off for further study in his mental notebook. He had never heard they were susceptible to it but then they had not been the focus of his studies. He did so wish he could partake in some of the flying blood though, it should be particularly potent. Perhaps Peter... a quick conference with him reached an agreement from Peter to teleport bits of blood onto his blade. Ever an individual hungry for power it was an easy enough manipulation. It had a curious taste, tasting especially strongly of the usual coppery taste of blood with a tang he could not quite pin down. He would be most interested in pinning down the specifics.

[Nogarde]

Nogarde watched Tazeel lunge at him with a look of realization. To no surprise however Shirohara had put himself needlessly in between himself and Tazeel. Walking over calmy, Nogarde reaches down to the snout of Tazeel and prys his jaws free from Shirohara with one hand and then makes a slight flicking motion into Tazeels chest from the other, the force of the flick, as miniscule as the action seemed would send Tazeel over 50 feet and into a nearby tree. "I thank you for your fair display of loyalty and courage, however foolish and needless it may have been." Nogarde touches Shirohara's snout once more, repairing the damage caused by Tazeel.

[Tazeel]

In the thrashings of his hunger Tazeel did not even notice Nogarde's approach until the force hit him so suddenly followed by a severe pain in his side, the snapping of the bones of his wing and the cracking of ribs despite his armor. The tree didn't fare much better, a huge crater left in it, leaking sap as Tazeel fell to the ground. Helplessly in a dazed, pained shock. He couldn't get his eyes to focus properly on anything until they suddenly focused on the approaching Nogarde. He must have a concussion on top of his other wounds because he couldn't seem to focus his mind on anything but Nogarde either.

[Nerva]

Even Nerva was shocked at that, he knew Nogarde was going to be pretty strong, but shear strength of such a minor movement was just unseemly. Thanking whatever greater powers there might be that control fate that he had chosen not to fight the man he watched with a curious awe at what would happen next. He was fairly certain Nogarde wouldn't kill Tazeel, but then again, Tazeel did just lunge himself at him. Well, if he was going to kill off Tazeel there would be nothing he could do to stop him, and that thought alone clawed away at his mind, like an undeserved guilt.

[Shirohara]

"My thanks again my king." He then fainted from the mental fatigue of the previous events.

[Jerick]

As Star joined them with her snacks from the kitchen Cory popped the three of them and the meat back into felarya, what they saw was Shirohara lying unconscious on the ground and Tazeel slammed against a tree 50 feet away and a man, as Jerick sensed, easily as powerful as the god UL. "What happened here?"

[Star]

Star looked around horrified. "What in the fuck happened while we were gone. Holy fucking shit TAZEEL!" She started sprinting towards Taz. "DAMIT TAZ! What the fuck happened?" Damn she was worried, he did not look in good shape and that tree looked beat to fucking shit. He had better live dammit!

[Nogarde]

As Star tried to run past Nogarde to Tazeel he held out a hand idly and stopped her in her tracks. "I can understand your concern for your friend and I am happy to see that Tazeel has someone that cares for him, however what you see before you is not Tazeel. Please wait here and observe, I promise you no further harm will come to him." Nogarde slowly lowered his arm and began to walk towards Tazeel. Upon reaching him Nogarde knelt down by his head and stared into Tazeel's eye. He saw nothing but contempt and never ending hunger. "You poor poor soul, what sick humor fate must have to give you such a curse." Nogarde raised his hand and placed it on Tazeel's head Tazeel's expression would go blank and his eyes would close, as if in a trance. Nogarde slowly pulled his hand farther and farther away from Tazeel's head, as he did so a black sort of shadowy dust slowly extracted itself from Tazeel's very being, siphoning into Nogardes hand until finally, the shadow formed itself into the shape of a morphed and ugly dragon hatchling snapping and growling. although it was only a shadow, all could see in its face nothing but contempt anger and above all else, hunger. Nogarde looked at the thing in his hand with disgust. "This, is Tazeel's hunger, what drove him to attacking even me. It is a curse that dragons can get when they are a hatchling that can turn an otherwise humble and majestic beast into the most vile of creatures, desiring nothing less than the destruction of all creation..." The thing looked back at him and then lunged for his throat. He moved out of the way and circled behind the monstrosity, still floating near the palm of his hand. His hand had a small red and white glowing orb pulsing in it. he raised it diagonally towards the sky just above the trees. "Be gone." The orb just behind the creature exploded into a beam of pure raw energy blasting into the air for as far as the eye could see. The sound of a dragons roar, deafeningly loud emanated from the blast, through that sound one could barely make out the last screech of the thing Nogarde had extracted from Tazeel before it was completely obliterated. "Dust, to dust." After a pause Nogarde looked back to Tazeel and once more passed a wave of energy and healing through him, also snapping him from his trance. after that he stepped back and motioned for Star to come over.

[Star]

God did he really? Fucking she would hug him half to death even if she had to kick him in the nuts to get her arms around him. Tazeel first though, she sprinted over and knelt hugging his snout. "Dammit Taz did he really just fix you up just like that. Fuck tell me it's really gone. God.

[Tazeel]

Tazeel blinked his eyes and tried to sort himself out as he enjoyed the warmth and smell of Star's embrace. Well she did need a bath but she still smelled like Star so he could get around that. It felt like such a massive weight had been lifted off of him, the all oppressing hunger was gone, all of it. He had suffered it so long it felt alien not having that constant pressure on him. He stroked a claw through stars hair, he truly did love her dearly. "I'm fine now Star, it really is gone." Tears streamed down Stars eyes. "You're going to make me go soft you know that?" Taz snorted at that drawing an exclamation from Star. "HEY!" She slapped his snout causing him to chuckle. He raised his head up to look to Nogarde. "Thank you, Thank you. You have no idea what this truly means to me, to us both. If I can ever repay you, you need but ask whatever it may be." He stood and bowed supplication to Nogarde, head and forelegs low, wings spread. Star was grinning ear to ear.

[Nogarde]

A single tear rolled down his face as he smiled at the pair. "And just what kind of king would I be if I couldn't fix problems like that?" He was truly happy to see Tazeel happy and uplifted from his curse, but seeing him with a companion such as Star even more so. "So, judging by your surname, you're from Istaria correct? You must have opposed your parents and the Lunus faction, seeing how attached you are to that girl. Though it has been some time since I last had been there, perhaps the Lunus and Helias groups no longer exist. You will have to fill me in on the details of your home at some point."

[Nerva]

Nerva stood there, dumbstruck. After everything he had gone through trying to fix Tazeel just a little bit, enough that he wouldn't go killing everyone, and all Nogarde had to do was that and the problem was gone? Nerva simply sighed and shook his head, a smile across his face. No matter how he looked at it he simply couldn't be upset about something as amazing as this, and Tazeel and Star's happiness must have been a tad contagious for he held his smile for quite some time. Camilliea meanwhile floated around Nerva, twirling in circles happily. She was far too happy and excited to just sit there in his hand.

[Tazeel]

He was shocked this man knew so much and with such familiarity. "Oh those two are still at it and the Great Schism is still going. Still no blood spilled over it though and there is some cooperation going on currently if it is a bit tenuous. Between all the races not just the two factions. You are also right, I did end up going fairly heavily against my parents and ended up joining the Sarisan military. Star here," He placed a claw lightly on her shoulder, "truly has the heart of a dragon in her. One is sure even my parents would approve of her if they could be convinced to give her the chance."

[Star]

"Your parents can't be THAT bad, you turned out alright. So what in the fuck happened here anyway and what is this badass of a dudes name?"

[Tazeel]

"Shiro was just being difficult and we ended up in a mess of a challenge. His performance was most shameful. Not only did he shame himself with immediate escalation to breath weapons he also managed to knock himself out yet again. Everyone seemed quite ready to interrupt repeatedly and eventually he, his name is Nogarde by the way, showed up while I had Shirohara at my mercy after I had woken him back up." He rubbed the back of his claws against his breastplate and said with no little pride, "Got through it without so much as a scratch. The bloodlust combined with being rather hungry..." He inhaled the pleasant aroma of the meat the three had brought, "had gotten things a little out of control, Nogarde's intervention did prevent that up until he for some reason," at this he did raise a brow in question at Nogarde, "filled me with healing energies pushing me past the brink." He gave a toothy grin, "It really is gone now though and good riddance, I can finally have a life and a future to look forward to after all these years of doubting I would ever so much as reach twenty."

[Star]

"You two really just get under each others scales don't you? Can't you go five minutes without clawing each other's eyes out?"

[Tazeel]

Tazeel sniffed, "half the time hes shamefully meek as a kitten and the other half hes talking back like he owns the place. Too much time around humans for sure. A bad influence."

[Star]

"Hey! I'm human you know and you don't seem to have a problem with me now do you? What's wrong with humans anyway."

[Tazeel]

Tazeel raised his head and mostly closed his eyes. He had left one open just enough to peek out and watch her reaction. "A lot." Star just kicked him. It actually kind of hurt, she had fairly impressive boots. He chuckled anyway. This was as much fun as pestering Gallide ever was. That was a sobering thought. Gallide was likely a reanimated corpse right now fighting to kill those he used to protect. He fell into a far more somber mood.

[Star]

Damn he could be such a pest when he wanted to be. She had seen that eye watching her. She noticed the change in expression though. "What's got you so down all of a sudden."

[Tazeel]

"Just thinking of someone."

[Jerick]

Jerick slowly walked over and laid a hand on Shirohara's shoulder and looked into the history of his muscles actions. "Seems like we missed quite the party. Still, its a good thing he's just sleeping." He spoke mostly to himself, he then removed his hand and called to Cory and the others to gather wood so they could make a cooking fire.

[Malorien]

"Fuck I am so bored god damnit there is nothing to do on this stupid rock." Malorien paces back in forth, He hears rustling in the tree's and a massive naga slithers outward and grabs his with its massive hand hoisting him up and saying. "Yess Lunch!" Malorien is looking at the naga with his bored face. "Oh yes lunch indeed you look very tasty." The naga stops and looks at Malorien. "No you are the lunch and i'm going to eat you now so stop talking tiny human." Maloriens eyes go black and the naga takes a good look at them. "Hey wait a minutes i've never seen a human do that." Malorien cracks a smile and his skin begins cracking open and darkness seeps out of them. "Thats right you haven't seen a human do this because i'm not human and you well you're gonna be my lunch." Black Tendrils begin growing off of Maloriens back surrounding the Naga completely crushing it down smaller and smaller until the entire thing is the size of a golfball. "Mmmm Naga marshmallow." Malorien takes the new naga ball and tosses it into his mouth chews on it a few times and swallows it. "Well im bored again already." Malorien slumps down and twiddles his thumbs.

[Nogarde]

Nogarde looked at Tazeel and replied. "Well I had to be sure that you were truly suffering the effects of that curse and not simply short tempered. The process to remove it would have killed you had I been wrong." Nogarde then moved over to mortymer, not wanting to interrupt the moment the others were having. He certainly did have some important matters to discuss but they could wait for the merriment to die down a bit. "So Mortymer, what brings you to Felarya, especially in the company of others for an extended period of time? Oh, and how are you Shara? Last we met you still weren't exactly a ring."

[Tazeel]

Tazeel snorted to himself. As if anyone could ever mistake him for short tempered. He was a most even tempered individual and always fair when dealing with others. Now his father on the other hand; he was short tempered and arbitrary.

[Jerick]

As the others went in search of burnable wood, Jerick picked up the few rocks that were on the ground and cleared an area with his foot setting the rocks in a circle around it, though he didn't have quite enough. Picking some leaves up off the ground he put the thought into his head that the leaves were rocks, and focused his will on them. He set the rocks down, and completed the fire pit.

[Velkas]

Put me down you damned fool and go collect wood. Oh just teleport them around or something. He sent a wave of compulsion through Peter to enforce it. Peter sat him down in the shade of a nearby tree, close enough to extend his magical hearing to spy on Nogarde and Mortymer. He didn't want to miss something of potential import because he was out watching wood get collected or something foolish like that. Any way, he wanted to hear more about Shara. He also did not want any inkling in Peter, or anyone else's mind for that matter of what he was planning to practice out of view in the quiet ease of the darkness. Mind Wipes were of course not always wholly reliable though he had managed to reach a 72% success rate for actual spotless wipes. He had been writing that particular refinement down when those ruffians had attacked him. It had caused caused some damage to the nervous system but a 6% increase in success rate it was major breakthrough. Enough, enough. There was work to be done! He began to pull shadows of the vicinity until they coalesced into a vaguely humanoid shape. An echo of his old form. Lifting himself up in shadowhand he was enthused. And suffered a stutter in concentration sending him sliding back into the earth soundlessly. Far from his best attempt but it had been... had been... far too long...

[Mortymer]

Mortymer changes back into his robed form with his hood off. "I came here chasing after Keero I had finally tracked him down when he was ported to this world." Mortymer turns away and looks into the dark forest. "Yet he still lives somewhere on this world his powers have come back to him so tracking will be increasingly difficult." He turns back to Nogarde which then Shara speaks. "Oh Nogarde its been so long how have you been?" Mortymer looks to Shara. "I was just about to ask that." "Oh I know."

[Keero/Malorien]

Keero re-materializes into his true form far away from everyone else. "ahhh feel's good to walk on my own again." Keero struts around feeling all mighty. "Fuck I should just burn everything down would feel more like home haha." Just as Keero makes a fireball in his hand he feels the grasp of something powerful on the back of his head before he can utter a single word his face is planted into the ground with much force leaving a crater. "Tsk tsk Keero you think you are so cool don't you." "Oh fuck you Malorien get off me asshole." Malorien looks down at Keero's face which is pinned to the ground. "Keero Keero Keero won't you ever learn." Keero spits towards Maloriens face. "You said you would kill me last you fucker." Malorien gives a big grin. "Oh really well ummm I lied." Maloriens left arm turns into a blade which he then raises to impale Keero with who screams at Malorien. "FUUUUCK YOUUUU!" he goes silent no breathing is heard his life force has completely left his body which he then begins bubbling as Malorien absorbs him. "Heh heh heh this feeling is incredible." Malorien explodes with dark energy the wave of darkness spreads all across Felarya removing all sources of light for a few seconds as it then dissipates. "Thank you Keero for this gift." Malorien then creates a purplish flame in his hand and grins.

[Jerick]

Jerick shuddered as the darkness passed. Pausing from his work on the firepit he looked to the sky and stretched out his mind to find the source of the darkness, only to quickly pull back his mind as he sensed the pure evil of it. "Whatever that was, it can't be good."

[Velkas]

Velkas had just remembered to continue his experiment and had been holding himself up when the darkness rolled over the land. In the unnatural darkness the slit of his eyes and the blood drops and runes on his blade glowed a brilliant, hellish red and a faint red aura glowing around him through even the unnatural darkness as his dire origins showed itself. His power grew vastly in even unnatural darkness. Shade holding him he leapt out of the cover towards the majority of the group sensing their life accurately.

[Tazeel/Star]

"Come on you can't be- FUCK!" Star cursed. Her hand flew to her pouch as the world dissolved in darkness summoning an orb of fire at the same time Tazeel did. Not that either orb could be seen until the consuming darkness had passed. They did see Velkas' light though as he leapt towards them. That was enough for Star. That fucker looked evil as shit. Luckily she didn't need to see herself to aim. Neither did Tazeel though he had the presence of mind not to attack a party member without cause even if the situation looked ill. The lights flicked back on just in time for a spear of fire to burst around Velkas.

[Velkas]

The fire washed harmlessly over him. His shade however had been partly between him and the flame and didn't fair as well. He let go the remainder of it and brought the pieces to allow him to land on a set of spidery legs instead of dirt. He remolded it quickly into a remnant of his former shade. Just legs and an arm to hold him. Slowly in the sunlight he fought back the light to regenerate it. "We are allies! You can not simply snap out at just anyone in panic! Now what was that?" The glow was gone with the darkness.

[Mortymer]

As the Darkness passed over the land he had a sudden feeling of sorrow and he knew why even though he has so much hate for Keero he cannot resist the fact they were still brothers.

[Nogarde]

Nogarde was about to respond when the world was encased in darkness. A reddish white light burned off of his body twisting and moving about freely "Well, so much for your, family business..." As the Darkness dissipated Nogarde saw the look on Mortymer's face. "Hey Morty, look I know he was your brother and I understand you care a lot. But please try and keep strong, we have other responsibilities now that will require our attention."

[Nerva]

"What in the?" Nerva muttered to himself as the world was encased in darkness, the only two things he could see were Nogarde in his glowing brilliance and Velkas who looked evil enough to be the cause of this suffocating darkness. "Malorien..." Nerva nodded slowly as Camilliea spoke that bastards name. "Yea, probably..."

[Star]

"Maybe if you weren't leaping around looking evil as shit I wouldn't! I was damn sure you were the one fucking doing it."She flipped him off and turned to Taz and blinked at the orb of fire. "Since when could you control fire like that."

[Tazeel]

Tazeel waved the orb of fire away, dismissing it with a thought. "Since five minutes ago. Curious that the fire produced no light yet Nogarde and Velkas did."

[Velkas]

Well if he had been glowing that certainly explained the attack. "I do glow in the dark, an unimportant quirk. Pay it no mind." His eyes had done that even before he had been stuck in this accursed sword. It had carried over a bit more extremely, an intentional detail, a warning to be wary for the wielder and a reminder of the 'accursed' nature being sealed within. Also a sign of power. He could glow in direct daylight as well if conditions are right. The blood for it though... ah that sweet nectar. If he could but acquire enough he could perhaps even shatter his prison from the inside. Even Avenlight Crystals could only contain so much.

[Cory/Jerick]

Cory - Cory and the others soon returned with a small amount of firewood and laid it by the fire pit Jerick had made. "That darkness, it reminded me of that guy we encountered yesterday, Malorien. He's gotta be the evilest man i've ever met."

Jerick - "I've dealt with evil men before." He picked up the sticks they brought and set them in the pit, tipi style, and snapped his fingers. The resulting friction he then increased and set on the sticks and they caught fire. He then started piling on sticks that he had turned into logs and willed the fire to grow bigger and hotter. He stood up and backed away from the fire and called out to Nogarde. "So what is it about this Malorien that makes him so terribly evil?"

[Mortymer]

"Honestly I have no idea why I feel bad I hated Keero and everything about him his very existence caused me to go mad." Mortymer's emotions go away again. "Oh to answer your previous question I thought it would be nice to be around people for once being as I haven't for quite some time."

[Nogarde]

Nogarde's face is one of disbelief as he hears Mortymer talk about his brother in such a lewd manner "What are you saying? Last I saw you and Keero were inseparable, as far as brothers go. I even taught the boy some swordsmanship among other things. You will have to fill me in on just what it is that I've missed." Before he got an answer he was confronted with an odd man. "It...is something that is better left alone by mortals, even sorcerers such as yourself. It is a mistake, one that now, if left unchecked, could destroy all of existence. It was spawned from the essence of pure unbridled evil, and though the being inside that thing himself wasn't evil at heart..." Nogarde lost himself in thought and trailed off, a look of regret on his face. As his regret turned slightly more to anger little blasts of energy shaped somewhat like lightning bolts arced across him at random from time to time. waves of power unknown to the average peon could be felt coursing through the air before he reeled his emotions back into check. He had hoped no one would have noticed, though saying that was wishful thinking would be one hell of an understatement.

[Tazeel]

This tale had come uncomfortably close to what he could have become. "Temper, temper Nogarde. What was this great evil and what had Malorien been before it? There are... uncomfortable parallels." As he said this he still eyed Velkas' shade curiously. Why had he bothered with being carried about if he could move on his own as such. It would certainly make for an interesting challenge to keep him in a hoard...

[Velkas]

Obviously something close to home. "So are we, or are we not in immediate danger. How far did this darkness spread?" He planted his blade in the ground, and extended a bubble out from himself to reflect a portion of the light coming towards him and his specter causing the air to shimmer around him. The area inside the bubble dimmed pleasantly though.

[Jiech/Andrea]

"WAKE UP YOU OLD BELLY CRAWLER! BEFORE I CLAW YOUR EYES OUT!"

Jiech woke with a start as he was yelled at, "hmm. Good morning to you too Andrea." He rose and stretched his arms. "Ok. We're going to have breakfast and then we're going to Ur-Sagol."

"Why do we have to go to THAT dusty old ruin?"

"Because, I have to meet with some people. And you're still a little young to be out in the world on your own."

"Fine." Andrea knew he was right, she was only 10 after all.

Over the next hour they chased after duiker's and filled their stomachs. With their stomachs full, they started off towards Safe Harbor and then followed the groups trail towards Ur-Sagol, and around noon caught up to them.

"Good afternoon everyone." Jiech looked at them and noticed the group had changed in member composition. "I see the group has changed." Then he motioned to Andrea. "This is my daughter, Andrea."

"Hello." Andrea stood at 55 feet, her crimson eyes held shyness as she peered out from behind her fathers back, her rust colored hair blowing, and brown feathers rustling, in the light wind.

[Jerick]

Jerick was about to reply to Nogarde as the snake-man and bird-child appeared. "Odd." he muttered to himself as he looked over at the two. "How is it that a snake can have a bird-child?"

[Nogarde]

"Malorien was a creation of the archangels, a being that could be reborn over and over without end, becoming essentially immune..." Nogarde glance over to Mortymer "to Death. The reincarnation of him before the incident was that of a reaper." Nogarde shifted his glance to Nerva as he spoke. "The reason he is the way he is now, is a private matter. But enough of this, you are in no danger for the time being, and I have some things to discuss with you Tazeel, Shirohara." Nogarde inclined his head towards the two dragons. "However I must finish being caught up by Mortymer bef-" Jeich and Andrea appeared as he spoke. "Friends of yours?"

[Star]

"Fucking everyone's an archangel apparently." Star muttered to herself. "All fucking dicks too." She was surprised to see Jiech show up. "What the fuck are you doing here? These trees Ur-Sagol or something?" She asked looking around her. "Doesn't look much like a city to me."

[Tazeel]

"As long as the withholding of that information doesn't cost lives Nogarde." Tazeel turned to Jiech, "Jiech? I'm glad to see you but weren't you meeting us elsewhere?" He nodded to Nogarde and said, "Yes, we were just going to meet them." He looked up at the bird thing on Jiech's shoulder, harpy was it? Weird, snake making a bird; she was damned big too. Still, he thought she looked fairly young though the age of humanoids had always given him difficulty. He wouldn't bet a silver on his own guesses as to the age of anyone in the group. "Greetings Andrea."

[Velkas]

Velkas swiftly readied himself. "By the night, that thing is titanic. Are you very sure it is friendly?"

[Tyler]

Tyler finally raises his head to look around and noticed even more people in the group. "Wait I blank out for what 3 seconds and there's 3 more people here." Tyler scratches his head. Apparently he's more oblivious to his surroundings then he knows.

[Cory]

"Pay attention man, its been more like an hour." Cory then answered Valkas. "Of course he's friendly." then he turned to Jeich. "I assume Andrea can be trusted then?"

[Jeich]

"Of course she can be trusted, she IS my daughter after all. And she's 10, so no threat there." He then answered Jerick's question. "Well, considering there are no male Harpies, how else would they reproduce?"

[Tazeel]

Tazeel cocked his head and asked, "Could they not reproduce like the Sslik," not an easy word to say, luckily he has had far too much practice at it. "Just one sex, female, and laying eggs that produce more females without any males needed? Somehow they still maintain a fair amount of diversity despite that. I'm also curious, why is she no threat at ten? I had already been In the military for two years by ten."

[Jerick]

"Good for you in the military by eight, but I didn't find out I had power untill I turned 60, and as you can see, I still look 35." then he looked over Andrea, trying to ignore her obviously young features. "she certainly doesn't look like a threat."

[Andrea]

"Stop talking about me as if I'm not here before I claw out your eyes." she tried to restrain her naturally bad mouth, but it got through in the end.

[Jiech]

"sorry, but you seemed to not want to talk."

[Tazeel]

"I can tell she loves authority. So, does he always baby you this much Andrea? You're by far old enough to have an opinion of your own. I'm fourteen by the way."

[Andrea]

She was actually happy for the compliment. "Don't tell me what you think I love! He does not 'baby' me! And my opinion is none of your business!"

[Jiech]

"Easy on the language Andrea, he might take that for an insult."

[Jerick]

Jerick stood there silently, trying to piece together the anatomy of Jiech and Andrea, occasionally analysing them with his mind.

[Tazeel]

"He certainly sounds like he babies you girl." He liked her, she had spunk. "Look at him, telling you not to speak your mind. You papa's little girl or your own boss?" He turned a grin on Jeich, "Don't worry, I already like her."

[Star]

Taz really did have a thing for girls with a bit of fire in them didn't he. From the sounds of it this girl will end up pretty much like damsels around here. Good, she wouldn't have been able to stand some whimpering little brat.

[Andrea]

"He's only worried because he knows I'm almost ready to go out on my own." then she felt a soft touch on her mind and felt as though someone was looking at her insides, and turned to Jerick, as he seemed to be concentrating on something. "What are you doing?" her tone had a slight harshness to it.

[Jerick]

Jerick pulled back his mind. "Sorry, I was just trying to analyse your Anatomy." He had managed to get the idea of the Naga in his mind and changed himself into one, with the same relative height as his human form, near black top scales and cobalt belly scales. "The Nyissan's would love this." He said to himself.

[Velkas]

Well they all seemed to be having a friendly enough chat. He dispelled both his bubble and his shadow leaving himself stuck In the ground. This shapeshifter was a most odd sort. It did beg a question though. "I'm curious sorcerer, you appear to be able to turn into anything, but are you restricted to only their male form? Could you say turn into a harpy like that girl there? Considering Harpies not having males of course. Or is it that you just make yourself in whatever image you want and the actual biology of it being an unimportant detail handled by the magic itself?" He wished he had a notebook. Or hands for that matter. Shapeshifting was such a curiosity. He also had to wonder how shapeshifting would affect his mental experiments. Would certain forms be more resilient? He must learn more!

[Andrea]

The only emotion that showed on her face was Awe. "how did you do that?"

[Jerick]

"The will and the word, or in simple terms, Sorcery. The biology of the species is very important though there is one who seems to not need to know the biology, actually what would be hard for me is very easy for him. And yes it is theoretically possible for me to turn myself into a girl, though I have never needed or wanted to."

[Nerva]

Nerva and Camilliea stood and watched as Jerick turned himself into a naga. "I have to say, I'm impressed."

Camilliea remained silent though she herself was quite impressed. The shockwave Nogarde had sent out earlier had bothered her far more than the others though, a single being having so much power was just scary, and she felt oddly attached to it which bothered her even further. Nerva felt her discomfort and turned around walking a small ways from the group. "So what's bothering you?" "What? Nothing." "Oh come come now, you think I can't feel that?" "...Its that Nogarde guy. Something about him is bugging me." Nerva pondered at that for awhile in silence as he walked back to the group.

[Jerick/Jiech/Andrea]

"Well, I'm going to start cooking the meat now." He slithered to where the sticks had been dropped off, modified them, and set them up so that he could cook the salted pork. "Should be about 20-30 minutes."

Jiech and Andrea's stomachs rumbled as the meat was put over the fire, Andrea's cheeks went red and Jiech glanced at her knowingly. "We're going to be right back, cooked food is unnatural for us."

"Come on, stay, eat with us." Jerick focused all his thought on them, on their size, and pictured them to be just a little taller than what was normal to a human. As soon as he had what he wanted he focused his will on changing their size, sweat could be seen on his face as Jiech and Andrea slowly shrank. "Stay, try some cooked meat. I promise you'll enjoy it." He leaned up against a tree for a minute, panting as though he had just ran a marathon, then returned to look after the meat.

Jiech felt weird as he shrank, and though the process was odd, he actually liked being on the same level as the rest of them, it also kept the others safe as he would, on the rare occasion, be consumed by his hunger and crave live humans. "I must say that was an odd experience, though not entirely unwanted." He decided to stay, mostly because hunting for food when your 7 feet tall is very difficult.

Andrea felt weird as well, and though it was shown on her face that she too enjoyed being around people of the same size, the only thing that came out of her mouth was how much she disliked the experience and wished to be big again.

[Shirohara]

Through all the commotion and the smell of cooking meat, Shirohara roused from his nap and looked around at the group, noting the change of Jerick and the appearance of Jiech and a child-harpy, though they were smaller than they should be. It wasn't until he was fully awake that he realised the oddity of the three. "What happened here?" There was worry in his voice.

[Tazeel]

Tazeel HAD to interrupt this fool Jerick. "Damn you cook the unsalted meat first! Have you no common sense at all? Salted meat lasts longer you damned fool!" He rushed over to pluck the meat off the fire. "You can have a pig, I'm taking a cow." Tossing a pig full bodied at Jerick and picking out a cow out for himself. The largest of the bunch. He made no move to grab anything for Shirohara. Carrying it to the cookfire upright and counterbalanced by his outstretched wings and tail.

[Star]

"A whole lot." Freaky how that Jerik guy could manage to make something so big so small. She was glad to have already eaten and missed all the fuss going on now. "Go eat. Be careful around Taz too."

[Jerick]

He turned just in time to be hit by the dead pig and, being weakened from shrinking Jiech and Andrea, he fell to the ground. "Well sorry if I'm not use to cooking for overgrown lizards." He said spitefully as he pushed the dead pig off of himself. Picking up leaves, he made another circle of rocks one yard in diameter and set some enlarged sticks in it. Tazeel would feel a slight chill as Jerick pulled some of the heat he needed, from his body, to light the fire. He set up three 20 foot logs and hung the pig Tazeel had thrown at him. He then stuck a few more logs in the ground, strapped on six of the salted porks, and flash fried them, inside and out, with his power. It would only appear as if they just burst into flame. Looking at Jiech and Andrea he made only one comment. "Don't forget to chew."

[Shirohara]

Shirohara padded over to the cooking pig and sniffed it, realising just how hungry he was. Glancing at Tazeel he, probably wisely, decided to keep quiet, and sat trying to look as dignified as he could.

[Jiech/Andrea]

Andrea picked one of the smallest pork that had just been cooked, it was warm. She looked at it critically, it obviously wouldn't fit in her mouth. "How are you suppose to eat this?"

Jiech picked the largest one and eyed it critically. Then did as humans did, and sunk his teeth into it. The taste was unlike anything he had had before, it was good. Then ripping the piece off, he did something alien to him, he chewed before swallowing.

Andrea did the same as her father. "Mmm. thats the best lifeless snack I've ever had."

[Tazeel]

Tazeel set down his load and glared at Jerick. He felt an odd chill which did nothing for his opinion of Jerick who he suspected probably had something to do with it. "Overgrown lizard? Better than a hairless ape. And even the most wretched of worthless fools would know one always, always eats unpreserved foodstuff first when on campaign. We are lucky to have Jiech along." He nodded to Jeich and gave him an appraising glance. "You of course know of what to hunt and where to hunt it I would assume. We will need that expertise to last considering our supply requirements." Idly he noticed Shirohara and looked him over before waving in two of the men. He quietly gave them orders to drag the smaller of the remaining cows out with orders to help Shirohara cook it. Shirohara somehow lacking flame. Rather generous of him but Shirohara was behaving appropriately. Tazeel would just eat one of the pigs instead of two of the cows. The remaining cow would hopefully last for his next meal sometime tomorrow. He really didn't feel like eating only a portion to leave himself apatite for a human dinner schedule. He would just nap on the next rest break.

Now to cook up his own meal. "Star, if you could control the flames for me." He could do it himself now thanks to Keero's meddling but he remembered quite well how badly Star took to someone else controlling fire. He did not want to repeat the Keero, Star incident. A blast of his natural flame cleared the grasses and hair nicely. He followed it up with a less violent stream to cook it to his preference. Star made sure it never spread into anything dangerous. He offered her a portion which she declined so he dug right in, tearing at it with abandon. He was quite happy to have a few bones to crush as well. Unless it is something as exotic as naga or harpy meat no meal is complete without that satisfying crunch. Beside that it was a necessity for proper health in the long term.

[Nogarde]

Nogarde nodded in approval as he watched Tazeel ensure that Shirohara had his fair share of food as well. Walking over to the two dragons he motioned for their attention. "Well, its good to see you two not at each others throats. Now, as I understand it, you are both from very different backgrounds. However..." Nogarde shot a look at Tazeel. "That is a poor excuse to hate each other. You must understand that even though Shirohara grew up as a pet, he did so by choice, and he was happy during his time as one. Just as Tazeel will always act as a leader due to his royal lineage and military background." Nogarde was about to continue his lecture when an idea struck him. "Tazeel, as I recall you said that I could ask you for anything in return for curing your hunger, well I have something to ask the both of you. Tazeel I want you to teach Shirohara how to live and act as an independent dragon, to think for himself and the formalities of dragon hierarchy. In return I would like you Shirohara, to teach Tazeel the finer arts of flying both with and without a passenger." As Nogarde finished he looked over to Star. "And you miss, if I might ask a favor of you, I would like you to watch them as they teach each other, both to keep them from fighting and to learn a thing or two yourself, you seem quite happy to be with Tazeel so learning more about him and his kind would do you good. Perhaps you could even teach him more about humans so that he might understand the actions of this group better."

[Tazeel]

If it had been anyone else he wouldn't have looked up from his meal. He snorted at his mention of Shirohara being a slave by choice. That was what made it even worse if anything. He saw himself fully justified in everything. When Nogarde brought up his ultimatum he slowly closed his eyes and then dropped his head slowly onto his claw in a facepalm. He should never have said that it seems. "But he is so hopeless. One would suppose he has made some improvement since the fight but you truly have chosen a cruel task. It is not like I haven't tried to push him in the right direction. He always submits at the wrong times and gets snappy at the least appropriate moments. He's just so, so, human!"

[Star]

Star was glad she wasn't eating or drinking right now or she'd choke. Someone asking her to prevent fights? If the people back home heard that one they'd fucking die laughing. And teaching? What type of girl did this guy think she was? "Fuck, dude, you've chosen the wrong type of girl for this shit. Anyone here would be better for this than me."

[Nogarde]

"Oh? have I? Was it not you who swore to do anything to save Tazeel when he was no longer himself? Did you not push yourself beyond your own limits just to save those weaker than you? You have a kind heart Star, more than most may give you credit for. You can do what I've asked you too with ease, you need but assert yourself." Nogarde's gaze shifted back to Tazeel. "And you, would Drulkar approve of you giving up on this poor soul so easily? Perhaps if Star were to teach you more about humans you might just find it easier to help Shirohara. But I will not approve of one dragon looking down on another."

[Shirohara]

"It wasn't entirely by choice that I was made a pet, and at the time it was the only option for me. Also I'm not sure I would be a good teacher."

[Jerick]

"Could I then offer my assistance? I know a fair bit about flying."

[Tazeel]

"One would not presume to know what Drulkar thinks. He has ever required people to prove themselves on their own merit though." He turned to Jerick, "And how much would you really know about dragon flight? If you have ever become one of us one would not understand your current lackings." Tazeel sniffed, "You could at least give yourself a coat of scales. How you can like being so easily damaged I will never know."

[Star]

"You're creeping me the fuck out. Do you just stalk people all day every day? I still don't think I would be a good teacher at all."

[Jerick]

"About dragon flight? I presume its not much different than how a bird flies." He then turned himself into a 30 foot dragon, with black top scales and cobalt belly scales. He stretched his new wings and flapped them. "Yea. There is little difference between wing muscles. I feel I would be an adequate teacher."

[Nogarde]

"No, I'm far too busy to be stalking anyone. I simply keep track of events that happen in my general vicinity, in this case Felarya. There are many things the likes of which you will likely never understand, I am one of those things. And, what was that old human saying...Ah, You won't know until you try. What I asked of you was a request not a demand, discard it if you wish, but I think you will find it rewarding to at least try what I have asked of you."

[Nerva]

Nerva interrupted the conversation briefly "Well, If you need help in the flying department you can feel free to ask myself."

[Tazeel]

Humans truly had no taste. Of all the colours for his belly, cobalt? With black scales? What type of combination was that supposed to be. His father was black and at best you could call his belly scales a rather dark gray. He struck a truly imposing figure, Jerick on the other hand... unflattering at best. Why did he try so hard to get along with humans again? His gaze drifted over to Star, drawn to her. She's why. He breathed a small sigh. "I appreciate the concern, I truly do, but Shirohara will do. He is also certainly the only one with knowledge of carrying a rider." He was somewhat curious as to how Nerva's lessons would go. He eyes Nerva. He ought to pay more attention to how Nerva flies, likely he uses those gangly and long back legs of his like he himself uses his tail. They may perhaps end up sharing some similarities. Certainly more than damned birds. "Now I am rather hungry; if I could go back to my meal..." He left off hopefully.

[Velkas]

Velkas found it more than mildly entertaining to watch every one swarm over Tazeel. He did not look overly comfortable. He had thought to have to spent this whole time being bored watching others do what he could only dream of. This was a far superior way to spend an afternoon.

[Nogarde]

"But of course." Nogarde turned his attention to Jiech. "Why hello there, I suppose being this small is new for you huh? Haha. You must be a local, are you by chance guiding the group somewhere?" Suddenly while waiting for the response Nogarde recoiled slightly and let out a sneeze. As he did so a red aura flashed over his persona for a split moment like a shadow from a strike of lightning, it showed a menacing tail and very draconic wings, clawed hands and feet and shaped almost like some kind of armor but more, organic? It would be hard to get any further details due to how fast the visage disappeared. "Ugh, excuse me, that doesn't exactly happen to often..."

[Jiech]

"Haha, yea. However there was one other time." He thought about it and decided to leave the explanation until someone asked the question. "Yes I am from around here, and yes I am their guide. They want to hunt some bandits that destroyed a settlement, I know where they most likely went and how to get there."

[Jerick/Shirohara]

Jerick changed back to his human form. "Alright then, I did offer." He then went over and insta-cooked Shirohara's pig. Then, as the others did, he went and grabbed one of the salted pork and started eating.

"Thank you Jerick. It would have been just over half an hour before I could eat." Shirohara pulled the pig down and sunk his teeth into it.

[Velkas]

Most interesting. There was even more to this Nogarde then he wanted them to see. Everyone has their secrets, apparently Nogarde is not good at keeping them. Replaying the image a few times in his mind he saw a most impressive entity indeed. No real surprise he was hiding that. Some of the group may have wet themselves most disgracefully.

[Tazeel]

Curious... so there was more dragon to this 'king of dragons' than met the eye. It was not his place to ask though and he didn't care for another lengthy conversation with a meal in front of him. He was most displeased with Jerick giving the pig meant for the rest of the humans to Shirohara leaving the men he sent to cook the cow looking a little lost. He was glad they had set it up to cook any way; he would take a portion for himself and leave them the rest. This left him irritably with less meat than he had hoped for but it would not do to reward the men by taking all they worked for and leaving them nothing. He was also annoyed Jerick had decided to cook more salted meat any way despite his protests. Well, humans, stupid and useless in general. Saris were by far more pleasant to deal with. From all he knew of humans they relied on a select few with intellect to guide their species. The dumber setting the stage for the better to thrive and build upon. It was a cooperative structure just as they use in most things. Group dynamics allowing them to do what they, individually, could not do alone. This being an unpleasantly close view of the lowest chaff. Likely having a human leader would have helped, instinct could hold them in line when logic couldn't. A similarity found among many species. He was perhaps slowly falling into apathy regarding the humans though. He knew he should beat sense into Jerick with the flat of his tail blade but couldn't bring himself to go to the trouble. He would just take just payment out of Jericks hide if he ended up starving them because of his stupidity. A fitting piece of justice that would be. Shirohara's snubbing of his own gift of consideration and flocking like a sheep to the human however brought him ever growing fury. Nogarde had set him a hopeless task, said sheep would probably make a better dragon... Now he truly wanted some mutton... Damn. Another coal to be tossed onto the flames of his resentment. He continued eating, snapping a thigh with a resounding crack in his displeasure.

[Nerva]

"What the?..." Although knew Nogarde couldn't be human that visage was beyond words, It practically sent a shiver down his spine as it flashed before him. Nerva was going to ask him about it but thought better of it, deciding someone else taking the heat in case the topic bothered him a good idea. Then, blinking over to Jeich he decided to try and get the party moving again. "So where exactly do we head from here Jiech?"

[Jiech]

"We go northeast towards Ur-Sagol, then south across the river."

[Jerick]

When they had finished eating Jerick and Cory collected the remainder of the uncooked meat so that they could put it away in the cold storage of Fanara's Homestead.

[Tazeel]

Licking his chops Tazeel gave his claws a quick once over before going over to watch the men cooking the cow. They had smartly butchered into into small bits to get it done quickly. They had excess meat to be sure. The less uneasy of the two tossed him a piece when he noticed Tazeel watching which he snatched out of the air. Not the most dignified of meals but notably an entertaining way to eat. The man took his good reception of it for encouragement and kept tossing excess chunks to him, making a game of it. Star, watching, chuckled.

[Jerick/Cory]

After Jerick and Cory entered the homestead and put the meat away Jerick considered the dead Harpy and decided to call the others inside, presuming that Jiech was in fact her mate. "Cory, could you go out and tell the others that they're needed in here."

"Yea sure." Cory left the homestead. "Everyone, Jerick wants you all in the homestead. Presumably for the cremation of Celandra."

After Cory left, Jerick considered his options. He could dig a hole, but if he did that he'd have no strength left to burn the Harpy. Or he could make a pedestal, but again that would sap his strength. He would just have to burn her right there on the ground.

[?Akagawa?]

The sun was high as Akagawa made her way to the entrance of Ciar Dungeon. A single coin was dropped, and the magic of Erinn whisked her away into the dungeon. The undead monsters were no match for her superior skill with sword and shield not even the Goblin Archers stood a chance. And when she reached the boss room she patched up what wounds she had, entered, and laid waste to the Golem that barred the way to the exit, and the treasure.

It was odd that Fanara and Shirohara weren't there with her, riding back to Tir Chonaill to sell all the random materials they collected in the dungeon. With it being almost exactly 3 days since his disappearance, Akagawa had decided to see if he was lazing about in his homestead, to which she had been given unlimited access to. Suffice it to say she was not expecting to see what she saw.

[Jerick]

Jerick looked up as Akagawa entered, looking somewhat dazed. Although he sensed that she was older than she looked, she had the appearance of a young but knowledgeable adventurer, though a bit odd because of the wings that protruded from her back. He clasped his hands behind his back as he walked over to greet her. "Greetings stranger. What brings you to this homestead of a dead man, that I thought only Cory now had access to?"

[Akagawa]

'A dead man? Surely he must be joking, Fanara can't possibly be dead.' Was her first thought, but seeing as Fanara wasn't here, she was inclined to believe him. She glanced at the robot and then at the pile of meat that resembled a giant, cross between a human and a bird. "Who is this Cory, who are you, and where is Fanara and Shirohara?" Her tone was of one that was worried they might actually be gone. "And what are those!?" She gestured to both the gundam and the harpy.

[Tazeel]

He didn't particularly care for the funeral of the harpy but he would act it out for Jiech's sake; they needed him as mentally stable as possible if he would be their guide. Offending him yet again could be deadly in ways they would not see coming until it was too late.. "Jiech, what funeral arrangements are normal among your kind, if any?"

[Jiech]

"I presume you mean death, right? Bodies are generally left to nourish the forest and other predators, though that hardly ever happens." Pausing a minute he realizes that he doesn't know what cremation meant. "What's 'Cremation'?"

[Shirohara]

Having finished eating, Shirohara answered Jiech's question. "Cremation is when you burn the dead body to ashes, after which you can either bury or scatter said ashes."

[Tazeel]

"Well that makes it easy enough for us then. We'll just leave the body here when we leave and all shall be as it should be." It's good to know naga could be practical even if they looked overly human on the upper half. Not all the negative traits got carried over.

[Cory]

"Based on the lack of objection, I'm going to assume that nobody is going to mind being teleported." As he said this, he pulled out the stone and popped everyone into the homestead.

[Jerick]

Cory and the others entered as Akagawa finished talking. Jerick gestured to Cory. "That man with the sword and shield is Cory." Then to Shirohara. "And as you can see, Shirohara is here and alive." He then turned back to Akagawa. "My name is Jerick, and I can do a great many things. As I believe I mentioned earlier, Fanara, I assume it was he that owned this homestead, Is dead." Then he looked at the mech and harpy. "I know nothing of the metal statue. And that giant corpse over there, is a dead harpy we are going to burn shortly."

[Tazeel]

ANOTHER HUMAN! Of all the damned- he will be drowning in humans at this rate. Without thinking he muttered, "Is this really how humans breed? Spontaneous generation?" Turning to Cory, "I'm fairly certain we had just established that coming in here was pointless. Their ritual is to leave the body for scavengers to eat after all. Helps breed up food for the next generation to eat."

[Star]

She was surprised to see another person and silently laughed at Tazeel's comment. Still she fingered her orb pouch.

[Velkas]

How interesting! The man appears to have teleported them to some form of pocket dimension or some such. He had in the past gotten distracted from his research into the possibility of such things by his compulsion theories but he was glad to be proven correct is his past musings. He rather wanted to get into Cory's hand now so that he could study the workings of this place and the teleportation matrix.

[Nogarde]

Nogarde's body lit up a bright red and white for an instant as the the stone futilely attempted to drag him into the homestead, the end result having been left outside. "Heh, guess I just won't fit in there..." Nogarde chuckled slightly at the thought as he sat down on a tree branch slightly above where the party had exited, awaiting their return.

[Nerva]

As Nerva entered the homestead the first thing that caught his eye was another human, and a woman no less. "Great, more people to watch out for..." he muttered silently to Camilliea as he found the nearest wall to the shack to lean against, listening to the conversations ensuing. He -as a reaper- had no input and no feelings towards funerals of any kind, he knew how death worked and what was to happen to those since past, however he would not blindside the human race, and inform them that there rituals for the dead they've conducted for over 10,000 years did nothing and in the end accomplished, nothing.

[Jiech]

"It doesn't really matter what you do with her body. If you wish to burn it, go ahead."

[Jerick]

"Alrighty then." He turned to Jeich and Andrea. "If theres anything you two wish to say, now is the time."

[Jeich]

"The laws of nature are absolute, She knew that but still wanted to fill her stomach. I already miss her, though I know there is nothing I can do about it. Nourish the ground my love." Tears stood in his eyes, but he did not shed them.

[Andrea]

"Good Riddance you moth eaten feather duster." She wiped her leaking eyes with her wings

[Jerick]

"Whenever you're ready Star." He set up kind of an invisible heat shield around the body. "don't worry about the heat, I'm taking care of it."

[Star]

Star slapped him. "What type of pansy ass useless girl do you think I am to need to worry about my own element? You want fire! I'll show you fire!" She whipped her orb out and let out a fiery tempest engulfing the whole body in a raging oxygen suffocating inferno. It was so intense the whole body, even the bones was turned to ash in mere seconds and in the whole area around it became near impossible to breath. She let the flame go and visibly sagged. Panting she still managed to give Jerick a satisfied smirk.

[Jerick]

The slap almost broke Jerick's concentration on the heat shield, but it held strong. He was almost worried about her limits, but obviously those worries were unnecessary. After he caught his breath he spoke. "Welldone Star, you have exceeded my expectations." He turned to Cory. "Send me back to Felarya with the ashes and I will see about 'blowing them around'."

[Tazeel]

The lack of air did not bother him much despite his size but it let off a blindingly intense glare and he had to turn his head away from it. At the end of it, knowing star tired heavily in such displays, he moved and placed a claw on her shoulder, quietly giving her strength.

[Star]

If it had been anyone else babying her like this she would have slapped them. Instead she leaned into Tazeels gentle warmth only muttering, "I can handle myself you know." He replied quietly in his gentlest voice, "I know."

[Velkas]

This girl managed to put on quite a show. It was obviously the orbs work but the lass certainly knew how to use it. He would have given her an applause if he had hands. An, 'Impressive, most impressive," would have to do.

[Jiech/Andrea/Cory/Jerick]

Jiech ? "Send me out as well." He turned to his daughter. "You coming?"

Andrea ? "I have better things to do than follow you around everywhere."

Cory ? Cory popped Jerick and Jiech, along with the ashes, back into felarya.

Jerick ? A light wind was blowing, Nogarde and Mortymer were there as well. "So gods can't fit inside pocket dimensions?" Jerick began concentrating, he would need a lot of wind to blow away all of the ashes. When he had more than he thought he needed, he focused on the ground under the ashes, looked up, and released his will with the word 'Fly'. The ashes blew into the air in a generally south-west direction. he was panting when it was done.

[Nerva]

Nerva watched in silence as Star did her work. As she finished Nerva walked through the group to the newcomer. "So, you knew Fanara correct?" He asked her in a tone that implied an outcome dependent on her answer.

[Nogarde]

"I don't know Mortymer's reason for staying behind, but simply put the energy put out by my presence alone would have torn that dimension apart, in a way I guess you could say that I wouldn't fit" Nogarde stopped leaning on the tree and moved over to Jerick. "You okay there bud? no need to go over exerting yourself now."

[Jerick]

"Yea, I'm fine. Its just the air, it weighs more than it should." He soon caught his breath and stood as if nothing had happened.

[Akagawa]

For a split second Akagawa curiously eyed the look Nerva gave her. "Yea, I knew him. He and Shirohara are some of my best friends."

[Tazeel]

He took his claw off star and looked around. Nothing else to do so he begun to poke around the homestead. He had to wonder where Shirohara slept. Perhaps the stable like structure was more than it appeared.

[Star]

Leaving Tazeel to his roaming she went to go inspect the new girl. Nerva was already questioning her. No surprise she knew Fanara, how else would she end up here? "No surprise there, don't mention it around Tazeel" She gestured at him. "Might not be a good first impression if you catch my drift. Oh and Fanara's dead by the way."

[Nerva]

"Well since you're here I will assume you have a way back to where you came from, if only we could all be so fortunate... But I digress for I am missing my own point." Nerva reached into the small cass hanging at his side and retrieved his little black book. after flipping through the pages for a moment he stopped near the back and stared. there he saw Fanara's name. "I am about to entrust you with a task not meant for mortals. I want you to take Fanara's soul back with you to wherever it is you both come from so that he may find his way into the afterlife. I would explain more but you do not need to be weighed down by details." Nerva slid a finger over Fanaras name and began to lift his hand. the words lit up in a bright sickly green, and peeled off the page. they formed an orb that rested gently in Nerva's palm seemingly made of glass, an essence with the same green glow swirled and danced mesmerizingly inside. "Take this back with you, and when you get there simply smash it upon the ground near something close to Fanara's heart. shouldn't be too difficult. But do know if you break it elsewhere you will have doomed Fanara to an eternity of hell and loneliness and despair far greater than you dare fathom." Nerva stared into the girls eyes as he spoke before finally handing her the glowing sphere.

[Akagawa]

She didn't know what exactly needed to be done with the orb containing Fanara's soul, but she did know that Nao would be able to bring him back. "Thank you, But I will take him to the Soul Stream and leave him in the hands of it's guide, Nao, she has the ability to make him live again" She looked around. "Do you know where his body is? having it would guarantee his rebirth as a human."

[Cory]

"His body? It's back where we stopped last night, that is if a predator hasn't eaten it yet, though that seems unlikely considering he was sliced in half by a sliver of a plasma core from a fighter that crashed after suddenly appearing out of nowhere."

[Star]

"Yep, you're not going to get a body. What's this about rebirths?" If Fanara actually came back to life there was no way she could assure Tazeel's behavior. He would probably just snap him right in half.

[Akagawa]

Akagawa put Fanara's soul into her inventory bag and turned to answer Star's question. "To be reborn means to abandon an old body and be born into a new one. The soul itself is not altered, and you can chose to keep your old appearance." Then she turned back to Cory. "If there is the possibility that his body is still there, then we should go back for it. Though you will have to do the popping in and out, because the homestead stone saves your location upon entering the homestead. And I want to be able to go back to Erinn at some point."

[Star]

"We just spent the whole damn day traveling; We're not going back for an old rotten corpse."

[Velkas]

"Pardon me if I interrupt but... I have a most definitely just cause. Can I be..." Oh it was too much too hope, "Reborn?"

[Akagawa]

"A spirit weapon?" Akagawa turned to the sword. "No, it seems more than that. A weapon with a soul? I won't pretend to know all of what Nao is capable of. Maybe, maybe not." Then she turned to Star. "It doesn't matter how long he's been dead. As for the issues of time, I apologize for the delay, but I feel that his guaranteed life as a human is worth it."

[Cory]

"Time will not be an issue, for I have a flying machine." He gestured to his Gundam which was ever so silently humming.

[Jerick]

Time was wasting away, and Jerick was starting to getting a tiny bit impatient. "How much longer do you think they'll be?"

[Environment]

The stable like structure is exactly as it appears. A barn large enough for 5 dragons. Shirohara's bed is a large pile of soft hay

[Tazeel]

A rather quaint place, somewhat roomier than a typical stable. He could smell Shirohara's sent in here, obviously he has spent quite some time here. The strongest scent came from it came from a pile of hay. He had never liked hay, neither the smell nor it's tendencies to stick under ones scales, particularly on restless nights. He would stick to bare ground over hay every time. He knew some preferred it over bare ground though. He's was not surprised Shirohara sleeps on it though he had somewhat expected a cushion more. They do have to be replaced often though so it was likely a financial decision. Not everyone could sleep like he himself did. He grinned thinking longingly of his own personal sleeping chamber. Not so much the barracks style arrangement he sometimes was stuck in. He was surprised Fanara never let him keep any trinkets though, the area was barren except for the hay. Another reason to dislike Fanara as if he needed any others.

[Cory]

"Alright everyone, It's about time we went back." Cory quickly looked around and saw that Tazeel wasn't there. "Somebody tell Tazeel I would like to see him at my Gundam." He turned towards his Gundam. "Come on new girl, we're going to see about saving Fanara." Akagawa followed Cory towards his flying machine.

[Tazeel]

With nothing else to look at in this dull little peasants shack Tazeel walked out and saw star wave at him.

[Star]

"Cory wants you at his Gundam for something." She had been about to tell him Cory was going to use it to look for Fanara's body but perhaps she'd let Cory handle that. She didn't feel like dealing with that shit.

[Tazeel]

Tazeel snorted, "He could have found me himself." But he went anyway. He had to truly wonder why, there was not a chance he could fit in that thing though he was curious as to how it worked. He pulled up to Cory and asked, "Yes?"

[Cory/Akagawa]

Cory ? "I am going with this girl to collect Fanara's body so that she can take him back to their world and do what needs to be done. I will be dropping everyone of outside, do not wait for me 'cause I should only be gone no more than an hour." He grabbed hold of the cord hanging from the cockpit and held his arm out for Akagawa.

Akagawa ? She went to him, determining that that was the only way into the machine. "I understand this is necessary to enter your machine. Correct?"

Cory ? "Yes" The line reeled in, taking them up to the cockpit.

[Tazeel]

What would they need with a rotten, probably already eaten body? Cory was already rising up and away from him though. Tazeel was not one to be put off and avoided so easily, time to teach him a little bit about politeness. He raised himself up and grabbed the platform and pulled as hard as he could. "Not so fast, What exactly needs to be done with that old corpse that is worth wasting our time on?"

[Cory]

He was lucky the line was strong because Tazeels full weight was on it, and it wouldn't hold for much longer. "Well if anything he needs to be given the same respect as the Harpy. Now let go before you break the line!"

[Shirohara]

Shirohara popped them all back to Felarya as he padded over to Cory and Tazeel. "Let go of the line Tazeel, Fanara needs to be honored by those who love him." His tone was of no nonsense.

[Tazeel]

Tazeel let go of the lift and turned to glare at Shirohara. Deciding the rat wasn't worth his time he turned away to go find Star, feeling the need for half decent, agreeable company.

[Cory]

The line started up again as Tazeel let go and Cory led Akagawa into the cockpit. He motioned for her to get behind the seat and put the sword and shield he took from fanara's body on the other side of the seat. He then grabbed his helmet and put it on, and sat in the seat. "Off we go." He switched the Gundam from standby, boosted into the air and sped off to where they had 'made camp' the previous day.

[Jerick]

"Finally!" He started in irritation but mellowed quickly as he analyzed the situation. "What happened?"

[Nogarde]

"A gundam? This place certainly doesn't care what it grabs, does it?" Nogarde watched the mech fly off before turning his attention over to Tazeel. "Glad to see your back, I would like to have a word with you and Star before I depart."

[Tazeel]

These homestead transitions are always overly sudden and they always left him feeling uncomfortable. He shook himself and walked with Star over to Nogarde. He was curious as to what Nogarde could want, hopefully it would not be yet another task regarding Shirohara. Tazeel inclined his head indicating he was listening and Star asked, "What?"

[Nogarde]

Nogarde was silent for a moment as he eyed Star up and down. "Tazeel, you truly care for Star a lot, enough so in fact that you complimented her, saying she had the heart of a dragon..." "So now I ask you Star, what are your feelings towards Tazeel?"

[Star]

Star was shocked by the question. Tazeel was looking expectantly at her and she didn't know what to say. What was Nogarde trying for? It took her a moment to respond. "He's..." How to put this? "He's one of the best friends I've ever had."

[Nogarde]

"I see..." Well then I suppose I will be blunt. Star, due to the feelings held for you by Tazeel and your care for him. I offer you my blessing." Nogarde held out his hand and his sword sheathed, Appeared in his hand. "Should you accept you will be transformed, reborn if you will, into what you see before you." At that nogarde motioned towards both Tazeel and Shirohara. "This is the first time in over 1000 years I've seen a human such as yourself." After taking a moment for his words to sink in "I understand you might need some time to make such a choice, But I have matters to attend to elsewhere. Therefore I can only give you a day to make up your mind."

[Star/Tazeel]

Stars jaw dropped and Tazeel's eyes widened. It was beyond Tazeel's wildest hopes and beyond Stars comprehension. "Time is damned right! Holy shit!" She blurted out. This was like some sort of crazy dream. What would happen if she said yes? How could she ever go home? Can she even go home anyway? For all their talk about going home none of them had a clue how to actually do it. Excluding the self termed gods who apparently couldn't pop any one else out. God but she could fly, flying was the best she'd ever felt in a long time. Would her orb even recognize her after this 'rebirth'? God too much to think about, her thoughts were scattering in every direction. "I've... I've definitely got to think." Star turned to walk a bit away from the others.

[Tazeel]

Tazeel watched Star go with hope he could never have imagined being possible blossoming in his heart. Hopefully she would say yes. He would gladly spend the rest of his life with her. He turned back to Nogarde, "Thank you, I can only hope she takes up your offer. I'll give her some time to think before I go talk to her."

[Keero]

A beam of light shines forth from Tazeel's left eye onto the ground and a holographic form of Keero appears with his arms crossed and a look of sorrow on his face its mouth opens and begins speaking. "Hmm I don't really know what to say here but here goes. Hi everyone by the time you see this... I will be dead." The hologram takes a slight pause. "I have grown tired with everything my life has handed me so I am going to give myself over to Malorien. But first I have removed Yinromag from my mind and placed him within Tazeel for safekeeping as he finishes his Rebirth. By now Nogarde would have made it to you all, if he is present I ask of you please save Yinromag. Without me being alive his essence will soon fade and he would be no more and I do not wish that of him." The hologram leans back and places its hand upon its head as tears begin to roll down its face before turning to face Tazeel. "As you know Tazeel I have given you a portion of my power this will stay as long as Yinromag is saved meaning you shall become the conjurer of the living flame. And to my brother Mortymer." The Hologram sits upon the ground. "I am sorry for everything I have ever done to you but my inner rage consumed me too many times and it drove me to do terrible things." The hologram turns a random direction. "This is the last time anyone will ever hear from me so brother... Tell father I'm sorry." the hologram then disappears completely with the sound of a crackling flame.

[Mortymer]

The sound of his brothers voice is the first to in a while to grab his attention from his conversation with Shara after the hologram of Keero dissipates tears well up within his eyes and roll down his face Shara begins glowing a bright dark blue and the sound of crying can be heard coming from her. Mortymer then speaks under his breath. "Keero you fool it didn't have to happen like this." Mortymer then turns away and blinks into the sky far above everyone where a short scream can be heard.

[Nogarde]

"That idiot...you're not supposed to return gifts." Nogarde seemed rather upset, though he shook it off and moved over to Tazeel. "Well, what to do about Yinromag...I could simply bond him to you, Tazeel, but I don't know how you would feel having another dragon inside you, able to talk with you and share your thoughts. The advantage would be your gain in knowledge and power...The disadvantage though...well I guess you would have to get used to not having true privacy ever again." Nogarde looked Tazeel in the eye. "Well don't worry to much its not the only option, simply the easiest. Though now I suppose you will have some questions of your own so, ask away."

[Nerva]

Nerva listened to Nogarde's proposition to Star in silence and without intrusion. his opinion on the matter was quite jumbled. A part of him thought that if it made her and Taz happy that she should go through with it, well that and his curiosity of how it would happen. On the other hand it seemed rather unfair in a way, she was born human just like every other human here and should live and die as such. But was that his inner reaper talking, or his inner human being jealous. and if it was petty jealousy who was he jealous of...Star, or Tazeel? Bah!, merely thinking on the topic made his brain hurt. Nerva let out a long sigh. "It could work." "Damn it Camilliea you know very well that it couldn't. I'm half dead and immune to age." "And thats the only thing thats ever stopped you?" "I'm not willing to go through eon's of hell for half a century of enjoyment. And besides, She's made her choice, and I'm not so sure if we would have been a good match anyways." "So you're using logic to cover up your human emotions?" "And if I am? I'm not a human, not anymore..." Nerva Stabbed Camilliea into the tree he had been resting in during their private conversation and disappeared. Standing near the top of another nearby Tree, Nerva stares up into the sky his mood having turned rather somber. After some time he hears Keero's voice oddly enough and looks down to see his hologram. "What a pain in the ass..." Nerva blinked down lower in the tree so he could hear what Keero would have to say. "Well, not exactly what I expected from the crazy bastard."

[Jerick]

"Why?" Jerick asked Nogarde plainly. "Why would you change the natural order of things for the love of two souls? Not even the gods of my world were willing to do that, though prophecy had demanded it." The idea of a god offering to change people based on feelings baffled him. Then the hologram came. "Poor fellow. Seems good at heart, though I have to ask. What has he done that he would willingly throw his life away?"

[Nogarde]

"Let me ask you something." Nogarde spoke without turning to look at Jerick. "Do you believe in fate, Sorcerer?"

[Jerick]

"Then why else would I have said 'prophecy'? My world was created because the fate of the universe was split in two, and the prophecies came to guide us in mending the universe. Belief or not, things happen for a reason. Though this place seems to throw a wrench in the grand plan of the universe. Its just that I never would have expected you to suggest the change."

[Nogarde]

"But of course. And you will accept anything that comes your way and dismiss it as fate won't you? Even if I were to cut you down. Just like every other mortal who clings to such things as fate or religion. Such is the way of humans, to hold themselves back with self-imposed inhibitors and bindings, looking for a crutch wherever they can. Tis both your greatest strength and weakness." Nogarde then turns to face Jerick and speaks loud enough for the majority of the group to hear him. "However, what bothers me is that you keep comparing me to one of your gods. I have not once claimed to be such a thing, and I will follow no rules or regulations as though I was." Nogarde knew from time to time that he could seem rather high strung, but in truth he was often quite humble about himself, especially when dealing with lesser beings who could never comprehend the true difference between himself and them.

[Jerick]

"Well," he sighed, "I'm sorry, this is just a little unnatural for me." He put his hand on his forehead as if dealing will a headache. "Should Star say yes, I would be willing to guide her through the experience."

[Tazeel]

What in the... "Damn Keero." Tazeel said under his breath. Using him as some sort of recording device! He gave his head a shake as the image cut out and grimaced. He grimaced again at the thought of having another dragon in his head, free to hear his every thought. How many of his thoughts had Keero heard? How many will Yinromag already be able to remember? Tazeel was lucky he had scale so he couldn't let off a blush at the thought of someone listening to his thoughts on Star. Some of it may still have conveyed to his face though. Luckily the others seemed to be in a heated discussion and unlikely to notice either way. He felt a twinge at the mention of the love of two souls. He could only hope that in her heart that she felt as much for him as he did her even if she didn't realize it. As for fate, one lived or died on ones own merits, prophesies come true because they are believed to be true. With enough conviction even the wildly implausible can happen. He did find it humanly ironic for Jerick the shapeshifter to be complaining about the transformation of someone. He let off a rumble to remind them he was still here. "Nogarde I would have you remove Yinromag All the power in the world would not be worth the loss of privacy. Power is not my goal in life anyway." There he managed to say it all without a hint of his prior embarrassment.

[Star]

Star glanced back at the sound of Keero's voice. That bastard was using Tazeel like a projector! She muttered, "Good riddence," when she heard Keero was dead, not that you can trust him to be telling the truth. Wasn't Yinromag that corrupted dragon they were fighting in Keero's head? The last thing they needed was Taz turning into a freaky tentacle monster. As for control over fire, SHE controlled fire. Luckily Taz had the sense to get rid of him. "Taz doesn't need to control fire anyway because I can control fire." With that she turned away and went back to pondering her predicament.

[Velkas]

He had heard the offer for Star and it sounded a good deal to him. It would also be a unique event for him to observe and preserve in his mind if not writing. The private conversation between Nerva and Camilliea was also most interesting. Likely he was the only one to notice it and that only because he has been keeping tabs on the most interesting Camilliea. Apparently Star was the core of more than one males attention. Not surprising honestly considering the distinct lack of females on the premises. Knowing nothing about Keero the message meant nothing to him and he had seen that trick used before only making the event even more bland. He used the time to order his thoughts and arguments and as star came closer he gave her his own advice. "Take the deal, whatever life you could live as a human could be lived a hundred times over with the lifespan of a dragon. I have seen too many fall to age and infirmity, sometimes right as their greatest triumphs could have been achieved. This simple offer can give you more than you can imagine in your own concept of time."

[Star]

As much as she hated taking advice from that damned evil looking sword he had a point. How many people dreamed about living forever? It may not be quite forever but it damned may as well be compared to her own life expectancy. "I'll think on it." She wished she had someone she trusted she could talk to. She didn't want to dive in on talking to Taz quite yet because a lot of thing had been clicking into place regarding him. There could only be one reason for this king of dragons guy to be making an offer like this. Toss that into the bucket and a whole lot more became crystal clear. It's too bad Cory was gone and Nerva was who knows where.

[Tyler]

Tyler sits upon the ground holding his knees to hit chest his eye's are glazed and his breathing is very light like he's suffering from some sort of illness he swallows what spit appears in his mouth from time to time while his body continues to shake ever so slightly. Tyler then says to himself. "I... I need Alutrium" Tyler then falls over onto his side where he enters the fetal position trying to stay warm as his gear goes into relapse because it needs more alutrium after having so much so fast.

[Mortymer]

Mortymer blinks down into the group his expression is one filled with much rage and Shara is glowing a blood red like color Mortymer's breathing is heavy and he speaks quietly. "I'm going to go away for a moment and let off some steam before I do something I would regret greatly." as he finishes his sentence Mortymer disappears into a flash of light appearing a great distance away from the group his hand covering his face as he cries softly, his face tilts back towards the sky and his arms shoot out as he screams releasing an over abundance of power shifting him into his True form where the screaming turns into a ghostly sound. A massive pillar of energy shoots up much like when Keero first snapped but instead of a Demon looking down from the fire a Giant white skull appears making a hissing noise that echoes across the landscape. The tree's which are nearest to him begin to bend until they snap. Mortymer continues to release this power for about 45 seconds where he then falls back onto the ground staring at the manifested skull in the sky which stares back down at him before it fades away into the wind.

[Nogarde]

"Don't feel so worried Tazeel, Yinromag hasn't been bonded to you yet, he cannot hear any of your thoughts or share your feelings at the moment, you would have known if he had, he's quite talkative." Nogarde chuckles a bit at that. "That said the poor guy isn't going to much like the alternative." Nogarde walks over to Tazeel and places a hand on his head. "I'll assume he is simply locked away in your mind, I'll have him out in a moment." There is a small red glow emitting from Nogarde's hand. the Skin on Tazeel's head begins to ripple as though made of water, though he wouldn't feel it. Nogarde reaches inside the ripples and extracts a small soft glowing Orb of light. Upon fully retracting his hand nogarde places his other hand onto the orb and it begins to grow and reshape. Once finished the light dissipates and what is left is a rather large looking egg. "He's probably going to dislike me for that, though he'll stop complaining when he can fly on his own in a few years."

[Nerva]

"Perhaps he wasn't a complete ass after all..." Nerva could relate to Keero in that being consumed by rage and anger could drive you to do terrible things. He shuddered at the thought of sharing much of anything in common with him. Nerva's thoughts switch as he see's Star looking just as confused if not more so than he was. Nerva shadow stepped back to Camilliea. "Done?" "Yea..." "Good. Now then, I won't tell you what to say, but I think you should talk to Star. She looks like a lost puppy." Nerva Removes Camilliea from the tree. "Well, aside from the fact that she would probably try to toast us both for that analogy, I think you're right." Nerva jumps out of the tree and makes his way towards Star. "Hey, Quite the option you've been given huh?" He would say more, but decided to wait and see if she even wanted to talk to someone at the moment.

[Tyler]

Tyler stands to his feet and almost falls over again his eyes are twisting and twirling in a violent manner as his gear loses its mind trying to locate Alutrium anywhere near its vicinity Tyler then speaks quietly but just loud enough so that if anyone nearby would be able to hear him. "You know you aren't going to find anything we're a long way from home." the sound of clicking metal emanates from Tylers neck as his skin vibrates in the area. "Yah you just keep telling yourself that you insane creature." The clicks intensifi as Tyler nods to their sound. "You know if you could just go to sleep or something and let me think normally and control my body easily that would be nice too." A few short clicks and then the sound of a computer shutting off pulses from Tylers neck as he cringes as falls onto his hands and knees. Tyler lets out a short squeal of pain but then stands up and walks around with ease. "Wow I can't believe that worked." Tyler lets out a sigh of relief as he adjusts to carrying around an extra 85 pounds of living metal in his body.

[Star]

Star was glad Nerva turned up when he did. She nodded, "Yah, no kidding. One of those ones you'll remember for the rest of your life. I can only hope I don't end up cursing myself for it either way. You've certainly got me beat on life experience so... what's your opinion?"

[Tazeel]

His gaze flicked over in the direction of Mortymer's outburst. He could help but roll his eyes at the truly ridiculous amounts of power being used so wastefully. Dismissing it he turned his attention back to the egg in Nogardes hand, sniffing it curiously. "It's not very well like he could fly from the inside of Keero's head. If anything he should be thankful to you for his freedom."

[Taylor]

He'd been watching Tyler's outburst from a safe distance. He'd seen those spikes shooting out when he arrived and he hadn't lived this long by being brave. Him talking to himself and those weird mechanical noises were not inspiring of confidence. "I see you've calmed down. You're moving pretty stiffly there though."

[Nerva]

"I wouldn't exactly call what I have 'life' experience, but if its my opinion you're after..." Nerva pauses, the next words that come out of his mouth may very well determine the way the rest of this girls life pans out. "I think you should go with your gut, do what feels right in your heart. And above all else remember it's your life, don't make the choice for someone else." Nerva smiles warmly at Star. "And also know, regardless of the decision you make, I'll stand behind it, one hundred percent." "I will too!" Camilliea added in. "Oh oh oh, If you do say yes, what colour would you want to be?" Nerva shakes Camilliea around a bit. "I was just curious..."

[Nogarde]

"Well, you would be surprised Tazeel. Yinromag is actually quite the pacifist. closest thing you'll ever find to a dragon philosopher. When I offered him an existence where he would have no need to hunt fight or kill, and the ability to see all over the universe and its various dimensions, and to study whatever interested him for as long as his heart desired he was ecstatic. however being around Keero for as long as he was that may have boiled his blood enough that having his own body won't seem so bad anymore. We will have to wait and see I suppose..." Nogarde rests the egg carefully on the ground. "Now for the next issue. I can't exactly carry around a dragon egg, nor can I watch over Yinromag until he is sizeable enough to hold his own."

[Tyler]

Tyler turns to Taylor and smiles warmly. "Ya, calmed down is a good way of putting it." Tyler starts moving his arms in a circular motion they have gotten extremely heavy with all the metal thats been applied to his bones. "You look quite scared by the way I'm sorry if the noises I make are doing that but I cannot control it. Also its not just noises, I can hear what they are saying in my mind because I have a Cerebral uplink to the creature in my bones." Tyler continues to strut around still adjusting his muscles to the weight.

[Tazeel]

Yinromag sounded like Nyestra Helian. Only male. Now as for this egg... he didn't like where it sounded like this was going. Still he would not demean himself by feigning ignorance. "It would be difficult leaving it with us, we're not exactly... I suppose there is the homestead as a safe enough spot for it. Who would look after if though?"

[Star]

Well not a decisive opinion but good advice. Not that she would ever make a decision like this for someone else. Still she nodded. She raised her brows at the colour remark though. "What colour? I have no idea, I've been thinking about things a bit more important than colour."

[Taylor]

"A cerebral uplink?" He frowned trying to remember where he had heard cerebral let alone uplink. Brain? He was at a loss for uplink though. Connected maybe. "Creature in your bones? Connected to your brain? Damn! And you say you can't control it? Who would make something like that?"

[Tyler]

Tylers scratches his head and looks back at Taylor. "Well see it's not like some lab experiment its actually a Bio-Mechanical organism half living half machine able to bond to basically any part on the human body. All that it requires is a silvery liquid metal called Alutrium to survive, and the more it gets the stronger it becomes but the more you get in a short period of time the more reliant it becomes to need more sooner." Tyler tries to crack his neck but now thats its made of metal it cannot. "basically Alutrium is a very common metal on my world it's also poisonous to the lesser races of society but my race has been using alutrium as medicine for a very long time, meaning we have grown one hundred percent resistant to the toxic agents inside it." Tyler then begins tapping on his skull in random places quite hard and across his jaw line then up and down his arms and legs.

[Cory/Akagawa]

It wasn't a long flight, and they reached last night's campsite in only a few minutes. Scan's showed normal air levels, though there should have been at least a small amount of radiation from the fighter. The air must have cleared fairly recently because Fanara's body was still there. Cory set his gundam on the ground and opened the cockpit. "Here we are."

Akagawa went down the line and dashed to Fanara's side. "Take us to the homestead." When they arrived Akagawa pulled out an orange feather that glowed blue as she waved it over Fanara's body. "Live!"

The blue glow of the feather expanded to engulf Fanara's body and became so bright that he was no longer visible, when the light dissipated Fanara's body was whole. Akagawa then smashed the orb on Fanara's chest and waited. "Come on Fanara. Come back to us."

Cory waited but nothing happened. "Umm. Nothings happening... I'm going to rejoin with the group." Akagawa responded. "Yea. go ahead." Cory left the homestead and flew off to rejoin the group.

Akagawa waited a minute, then reached into her inventory pouch and pulled out a clear stone that faintly glowed blue, she held it above her head and spoke to the sky. "Nao, I need your help."

Not long after, Cory set down his gundam close to the group and got out. "So? What's new?"

[Star]

The colour would be important in the end yes IF she went with it but she had been making it sound like the decision had already been made and the trivial shit mattered right now. Colour hadn't even crossed her mind once yet. Guess that was her actual vote though, she had probably been dodging around it because Nerva had told her to and then blundered into it anyway... How in the hell did Taz get by so easily on four legs? Her head lowered in thought. He was shockingly dextrous but then he also hadn't taken on anything overly complicated or time consuming, at least while moving. That stunt, simple as it was, carrying that cow while walking upright had impressed her. There was a steady confidence you don't see when you say, train a dog to stand like that. He had obviously been showing off though. Ugh too much to think about. She'd need to relearn how to do damn well everything if she took this on, she wasn't sure she'd be up to the task for all the benefits. She was also damned sure she would probably miss her own body after the glamor of it had worn off though she would probably settle in after awhile. Damn she was thirsty, she really ought to wear a canteen or... Hey, she thought, looking up, that sounded like Cory. Oh damn he had missed a lot. "A fuck ton, that's what. Message from Keero saying he's dead and Nogarde wants to turn me into a dragon."

[Cory]

"Woah. Really?" Cory was utterly surprised, and he honestly didn't know how to take that information. "A dragon?" He couldn't get his mind wrapped around the idea. "Why?"

[Akagawa]

Nao came in a soft flash of light. "Yes Akagawa? What do you need?"

"Fanara's been killed, and his soul's been separated." suddenly, she had doubts about Nao's abilities "You can reunite his body and soul, right?" Akagawa really hoped she could. For if she couldn't, then Akagawa would have lost a friend.

"Sure I can Akagawa. Was that all?" "yea." "Alright then. I will talk to him." Nao vanished from Akagawa's eyes.

[Environment]

Vibrations can be felt through the ground and the sound of thunder heard in the distance...No not thunder, something...big. In the distance the group will be able to see the trees begin to fall and smaller wildlife to run. the source of the destruction is heading towards the party at an alarming rate until finaly the head of a tonorian breaks the treeline into a clearing. More follow, numbered in the hundreds. It seems the hive that Nogarde attacked earlier has ended up on a huge rampage without a queen to lead them, and they couldn't have picked a worse direction.

[Jerick/Cory/Shirohara]

Cory ran to his Gundam as the alarms blared in the cockpit, and the ground began to shake. He looked at the radar. Hundreds of large creatures were rampaging towards their position. "We've got a massive number of giant locals about to overrun our location!"

Jerick returned Jiech and Andrea to their original sizes. He made himself a greatsword and enlarged himself to match their size.

Shirohara turned his head as the rumbling started. He launched himself into the air and readied himself for his Thunder Breath attack.

[Fanara]

Nao sent Fanara's body and soul to the soulstream for rebirth. "Greetings Fanara. Your body and soul have been separated. Would you like me to reunite them and return you to your Homestead?"

Well, this is a first. Fanara looked at his body on the floor then back at Nao. "Yes, I would like my soul to be reunited with my body."

Fanara's body and soul were reunited and he was sent to the rebirth chamber. He kept his appearance and his age of 17, though he would have gone back to 17 had he been older. When he was done, he was sent back to where Nao was waiting. "Your body and soul have been reunited and you will be sent back to your last location. I hope to see you again soon. Farewell, and good luck with your new life." Nao disappeared and Fanara was sent back to his homestead. He was given a new inventory pouch, in which was his armor and dragon sword, both of which were ruined beyond repair. He now wore plain clothes. He looked around and saw Akagawa. "Akagawa? What are you doing here?"

[Akagawa/Fanara]

"What am I doing here? I just saved your life!" Akagawa calmed herself down. "how did you die anyway?"

"How did I die?" Fanara looked at the ground, and then back at Akagawa. "Well as i'm sure you're aware, I was sucked into that world, it likes to do that apparently. Three days in, just this morning actually, a flying machine crashed into a tree above the group and a part of it sliced me in half. I tried to resurrect myself, but Felarya, that's the name of that place, pulled me away from my body, it would have taken me but one of my companions saved me by sealing my soul." He scratched the back of his head. "Then I was in the soulstream with Nao."

Tears stood in Akagawa's eyes and she hugged Fanara tightly. "I'm glad you're alright."

[Mortymer]

A flicker of power from Mortymer's position occurred once the ground started shaking from the Tonorian's. A massive black skull flew past the group completely disintegrating tree's as it flew through them striking a Tonorian and causing its body to erupt in a violent display of gore. From where the skull had emerged a black mist full of crows came flying outward blanketing the area. A skeletal figure walked from the mist carrying a scythe roughly four times larger than itself wearing nothing but tattered and ripped robes. The very ground this being walked upon was sucked of life and burned away not but It's head pointed to the sky and it let out a shriek sending out a shockwave of energy that would destroy the bases of the closest tree's sending them toppling over. The face would look back down towards the direction of the Tonorian's and hiss violently twirling its scythe in the air at incredible speeds before tossing it over the party whizzing past them with nothing more then the sound of a lawnmower blade spinning. The skeletal figure would then disappear in a cloud of black smoke and appear grasping his scythe spinning through the air chopping a Tonorian in two before its corpse disappears in a puff of black smoke. The figure begins porting from Tonorian to Tonorian seemingly removing their heads with ease having their bodies blow away into black smoke before coming to a stop amidst a large number of them. The same Shriek is heard as the wave is more intense this time pushing the Tonorians back and stunning them slightly The figure would raise its Scythe and toss it from the very base of the staff like a boomerang. after but moments the entire area is a barren wasteland covered in nothing but smoldering ash. The Figure turns to face a direction Shrieks once again sending the ash flying out in every direction, the ash would collect itself upon the figure and form massive wings that would solidify into black bones. The figure then flaps its wings and goes airborne still looking the same direction. A sonic boom emanates from the location as this monster is gone dragging its scythe behind it shrieking all the way to its destination.

[Nogarde]

"Tsk, and this is why angels were never supposed to have emotion..." Nogarde straightened himself out. "I will be back shortly, I need to go prevent that fool from doing something he'll regret..." With that Nogarde put down Yinromag's egg and disappeared in a small flash of red and white light.

[Nerva]

The entire display had sent a shiver down Nerva's spine. "That bastard is as crazy and reckless as his damned brother..."

[Tazeel]

"Star!" As the rumbling started he made a leaping dash for Star but slowed as a skull came ripping out of the woods in an orgy of destruction. He flinched at the volume of the shrieks and ended up staring stunned at absurd carnage taking place before him. He has to drop and cover his auditory canals with his forelimbs to block out the later shrieks of increased intensity. Luckily it seemed to be moving off. "Such beings should not exist. The world in not meant for such as... THAT!"

[Star]

She had been preparing an inferno to push back the bugs when it hit. She flinched at the shriek and as the destruction unfolded, and most importantly started moving away from them she slowly lowered her arm not quite able to comprehend what she just saw. "What... The... Fuck?"

[Velkas]

He didn't care for bug guts so it was just as well. Curious that such large insects could exist, but then this world obviously has rather high levels of oxygen concentration. Or perhaps they do not breath like most insects do. Probably not the easiest of test subjects though. The figure cutting them down was obviously Mortymer; the power clearly had the same feel. Rather absurdly powerful, he was for a moment glad he was inside such an indestructible prison, it is doubtful that even that could break the hilt. The blade might be a loss though the crystal weaved so thoroughly through it may hold it together. The rather crude ritual they used to bind him would of course free him instead of destroying him if the weapon should be shattered but being in the middle of that would no doubt be unhealthy.

[Cory]

Cory just stood there, staring at the radar as the dots vanished in a violent wave of destruction. 'Mortymer sure has a way of dealing with trouble doesn't he. Probably could have taken them by myself though.' He thought to himself, then he turned to the group and saw that Jiech and Andrea, as well as Jerick, were giants now, and Shirohara was in the air. "Seems like everyone was prepared to deal with the incoming threat. Why did Mortymer have to ruin it for us?"

[Nerva]

"Perhaps now you will have begun to understand what I meant when I said mortals such as yourselves should not get involved with the agendas of immortal beings." Nerva stretches his wings slightly. "Although I must admit Mortymer went quite over the top, he could have dealt with them in a much more, subtle manner."

[Environment]

The ground begins to tremble once more. the ground where Mortymer laid waste to the tonorians cracks and trembles as more of the insects dig their way up to the surface, having hidden underground during the slaughter of their brethren. as they surface a few of them throw themselves at the party.

[Nogarde]

Suddenly an arm out of nowhere. Nogarde close lines Mortymer's Skeletal form. As his arm connects however Mortymer's body explodes into ash. It reforms whilst moving and continues towards its final destination, whatever that is. "Hmm, As unstoppable as death himself seems to have gotten a whole lot more literal...What do you hope to accomplish Mortymer..." Nogarde continues to ponder his own question as he idly chase's Death down.

[Star]

Star raised her orb quickly again and her orbs light burned as she summed her fire only to have it splutter out, orb dimming with no destruction unleashed. She looked down at it feeling betrayed and confused. "What the fuck? Taz!"

[Tazeel/Star]

He landed from his leap right beside Star. He had seen the orb splutter out. "I'm here! Get on! NOW!" As she climbed on he asked, "What happened with the orb?" She shook her head, "No fucking idea." Suspicious he tried to form a bolt of primal energy in his claw, it failed as badly as it had always had since his hunger had surfaced. It could be his own incompetence but considering Star's failure it was likely to be, "Counter magic, it must be. By Istar... FALL BACK!" Glancing around he realized Yinromag's egg was lying on the ground. King of Dragons he may be but practicality was obviously not his strong suit. But then you can probably say that for far too many dragons so he supposed it was not unexpected. Leaping over to it he carefully picked it up sitting on his hind legs for balance. It was lighter then it looked. He handed it up to Star who was leaning over curiously. "Here! Keep it safe!" Star's eyes bugged out a little. "How the fuck... Ok it's not THAT heavy. It had better be tough though, you're not that smooth of a ride with all your fucking hopping!" Fucking, she always hated buying eggs because she was always sure she would break them and now she had to care for some fucking giant ass one on dragon back. Tazeel looked around, nostrils flaring. The nearest people now were Tyler and Taylor. Leaping over he snatched each in a claw and using his momentum along with a powerful kick of his back legs to take off. "Grab who you can and FLY! To the Gundam and Shirohara! Jerick shrink Jeich-" Damn he hoped he still could shrink him- "and carry him!" A thought occurred to. "CORY!" He roared at his loudest. "DON'T YOU DARE USE THAT STONE!" The last thing they needed to be was stuck in some other world with no way to know what they would appear back into. He swooped around ignoring the struggling of the men in his claws to lay streams of fire to try and slow the insectile nightmares down.

[Nerva]

First the bastard goes completely overboard and then he leaves only for us to find his work undone... Noticing Star's orb sputter out Nerva came to the same conclusion fast enough... "Antimagic... Everyone go! Get out of her, I'll hold them off as long as I can!" Nerva unfurled his wings and shadow stepped just in front of the rampaging bugs. "Ready?" "As ready as I'll ever be..." One of the Tonorians fell upon Nerva mouth first and seemed to swallow him up. It then began to convulse and twist and writhe around. A giant red scythe blade cleaving its body in half. Nerva flew out of the insectoid and began his bloody work. hacking and slicing at any and all who dare tried to get between him and the party. however there numbers were outrageous it seemed as though for every limb he severed or body he gouged, two more would take its place. it was clear they were being outright overrun. Nerva made no signs of stopping however. "Bastards... I'm not letting a single one of you through to them while I still stand!"

[Cory/Jerick/Jiech/Shirohara/Andrea]

Shirohara unleashed his thunder breath on the tonorians, only to have it dispelled. "Well that was useless." He landed and told two of the others to get on his back, and took off to follow the rest.

Jiech and Andrea knew they couldn't do anything against the tonorians so they fled towards Ur-Sagol.

Jerick glanced at the others. "Antimagic? guess its up to me, Tazeel, Nerva and you Cory."

"You can do what you want. There are far too many for me to deal with." Cory turned and picked up the rest that were still there, and took off, following Jiech and Andrea, towards Ur-Sagol.

[Jerick]

Jerick looked back. "Very well, I guess its up to me, Tazeel and Nerva then." He lit fires under half of the Tonorions and gave himself black fairy wings, he then flew after them and began chopping them to pieces with his greatsword, all the while avoiding their pincers and claws.

[Tyler]

As Tyler was grappled in a massive claw he screamed out for a moment only to realize it was Taz. "Oh sweet Jesus I thought something was about to try and eat me." Tyler relaxes and lets his body go limp as he feels the cold air rush past him and lets out a short sigh of relief.

[Velkas]

Well, it appears I have been thoroughly forgotten. He disliked the idea of being left out in the middle of nowhere in a jungle where surely no one would ever find him again. Peter never had come back. Perhaps a little demonstration was in order. If nothing else a bit of flash might remind the few members left here that he exists. Summoning another shadow man he picks himself up. As he charges the nearest insect various runes flash across his blade in red bursts of light. He leapt swinging and a purple covered the edges of his blade and extended much farther out away from it. The purple light flickering in the antimagic field as it sliced not quite halfway through the 80 foot tonorian. The light bending more the further away from the blade it extended forming somewhat of a crescent as it tore through the Tonorian. The cut was jagged for each flicker left behind untouched flesh. He landed making retching noises. The taste was just as bad as expected and did nothing for his bloodhunger. He felt far more drained than he ought to as well, fighting so many insects with anti magic. It was good he had gotten that hearty dose of dragon's blood. Suddenly a leg broke him from his thoughts and drove him into the ground as the stumbling Tonorian started to fall on it's side. The strike did no damage to him of course though it did dissipate his shadow. As more Tonorians began to overlap their fields over him he found the shadow denied to him. Another Tonorian stepped on him and he summoned his blade edge again except shorter and fully covering the flat of the blade. The Tonorians leg began to steadily get eaten away as fast as it fell on him before it jerked the limb away screeching. Surprisingly the blade did not flicker as long as he kept it this close to himself. Still he would not do much good lying here in the dirt.

[Nerva]

Through the Carnage he saw Jerick had come to assist him in holding back the seemingly never ending wave of tonorians. As he went to strike another down however he ended up having to glide backwards to avoid being cut by an odd purplish blade of light. looking for its origins he spotted Velkas. "Hmmm..." Nerva flew down to Velkas cutting clean through a tonorian as it tried to get in the way. Picking up velkas he turned to the Sorcerer. "Jerick, Catch!" He flung velkas at Jerick hard enough that it would fly rather straight, but softly enough that it would be catchable. "you two better get out of here, things are about to get messy..." Nerva looked at both Tazeel and Jerick as he spoke. Camilliea's giant scythe blade lit up a bright golden yellow and crackled as if made of electricity and Nerva took high into the skies until he was nearly at the cloud line. "Time I ended this..." "Be careful Nerva don't push yourself too far while we're like this..." "...Trust me." Nerva readied himself and watched for Jerick hoping he would get out of the danger zone with Velkas before the tonorians made too much ground.

[Jerick]

Jerick turned and caught the tiny sword, he was about to enlarge Velkas when Nerva told them to get out of there. "Right." He turned himself into a large wolf, 6 feet at the shoulder, and ran to catch up to the fleeing group. Not wanting to share thoughts with a sword, he made sure to keep velkas strapped to his back.

[Tazeel]

What was Nerva going to do now? He tilted his wings using the warm air from his fires to get a free bit of lift and flew off after the others. He was running low on fire anyway, his last stream had been rather decrepit. He could hear Star muttering under her breath behind him, or on him, but he couldn't quite pick up the words. Likely she was annoyed at having to watch him burn things without her. It wouldn't be such an issue if humans didn't lack every possible useful feature besides thumbs.

[Velkas]

This must be what a stick felt when playing fetch with a dog. It resembled it even more when Jerick turned into a wolf. He really wanted to watch what Nerva and Camellia were planning to do. But just in case it would blow him off into the jungles he would go along with Jerick.

[Nerva]

Nerva watched as Jerick got himself and Velkas out of the swarm of Tonorians and Tazeel flew himself the egg and Star to safety. "Good, Now then." Nerva Raised Camilliea overhead. The golden glow surrounding her began to pulsate and crackle violently *Unison* "Die!"

Nerva swung Camilliea Towards the Tonorians and a Scythe like blade made from the energies that had been surrounding Camilliea flew outwards towards them. As it connected with one of the tonorians it cleaved through it and, upon making contact with the ground exploded. The blast was short in radius but deep creating a crater roughly 200 meters around and over 40 meters deep. every tonorian above and below in the immediate blast radius was obliterated, not even gore remained. the ones closer to the outskirts were missing limbs knocked on their backs and lacerated in multiple places, most either dead or fatally injured. however, anything that still moved in the mess attempted to crawl and claw its way onwards. "Hah, hah...these things just don't know when to quit huh?"

[Tazeel]

For once he couldn't say he thought such a show was wasteful overkill. He never thought he would ever face a situation where such a capacity for destruction would be useful let alone so mandatory. It sent a chill down the length of his spine at the thought of one individual holding such power. Such things should not be walking the land with the rest of them. As much as the dragons of all factions praise themselves for their strength and power, the reaper could probably end them all. It left his heart cold.

[Velkas]

Looks like it would have been safe enough. Alas it appears he will never get a proper blooding in this damn land. It seemed to be nothing but plants and insects. "How long do you intend to run?" He could not for the life of him get a good view from wolfback.