I am going to be wrapping this up as soon as possible because I plan on having a sequel

Chapter 12 A Showdown Between Lords Part 3

Third Person

Snapping of jaws, the crunching of flesh and bone. Neither brother showed signs of slowing down. Attacking with melee and melee alone. Now it was just a battle of dominance. A battle to see who was stronger. To see who was worthy of being at the top of the hierarchy their kind as so painstakingly setup.

While Skylar clearly had the speed advantage, his darker brother kept thwarting him with unexpected blows from his wings to his tail. Dakota was blessed with his stamina and unpredictability.

What was a battle appeared to be a dance of death. An angel clearly dancing with the devil. Both somewhat enjoyed the thrill it brought. Precise movements kept them both on the ropes. Brutal attacks kicked up dust and dirt.

Ghirahim was watching with complete interest now. As both brother's stopped holding back, the obvious change in their intentions and movements. Dodging, countering and dodging again. Like an intense dance that was formed by gods themselves. Graceful and deadly all the same. Both did have blood on them, and most was not their own.

In speed Dakota was only a step behind, a single second keeping his brother from getting hammered and beaten into a pult with the superior attack that Dakota possessed. The younger took to the air, firing his precious and dangerous feathers towards his elder brother. The elder simply rolled out of the way. Taking to the air half a second later. He who was already charging an attack.

Skylar retreated as Dakota's intentions became clear. Darting across the sky like an angelic graceful dancer. Shortly after he was followed by Dakota's attack. Glowing red lightning bolts chased after the lighter being, roaring as it touched anything that was near it.

A white blur kept at bay by this attack. Yet even after missing his brother the first time Dakota kept it up, chasing Skylar. Aiming where he would've gone, but his faster counterpart weaved and dodged it at every turn.

Alas Dakota gave up that attack, shaking his head with utter annoyance before lunging for said brother. Furious that his brother was one step ahead the whole time.

Rage is what fueled a shadow dakotian's power. Hope is what fuels a heaven dakotian's power. That very rage turns into hate as hope stays the same. Hate fuels the weak while hope fueled the strong. Both struggling to stay above one another. Even as one becomes stronger the other must do the same.

If you don't you will fail, and you will be forgotten. Shamed upon even.

This rage boiled into hate inside Dakota's mind, sending him further over the edge so he could win this fight. Hating his brother for coming back. Hating Ghirahim, and hating the situation most of all.

The brothers climb higher into the sky, circling each other as they just kept going higher and higher.

What happens when enough hate fills up and boils over the edge? It turns to pure raw power. As Dakota closed in on his brother from the side, his speed becoming greater. Power rising to the point in which his body burst into red and black flames far larger and more wicked than before.

Skylar saw this, his eyes widening at the sight. He to burst into flames of his own. Blue and white clashed with red and black as their talons locked together.

Each trying to jerk one another to flail out of control. The result ending in a deadly spiral downward. Claws, wings, teeth anything deadly enough struck into each other's bodies. Each of their flames repelled one another, not ever mixing. Each flame appear to be afraid of the other, just barely touching as the pair fought in the spiral downward.

Then one slipped up after seconds of falling. The end result was the retreat of Skylar, kicking his older brother in the gut taking flight, flying backwards away from Dakota. Seconds after Dakota righted himself, hovering just a few feet lower than Skylar.

No words spoken but deadly glares were exchanged. Followed by a single roar from each of them. Skylar's sounded higher pitched while Dakota's was deeper and hoarse, and stronger. Skylar ducked into a dive, winged tucked in as he lunged towards the elder brother.

Teeth bared into an uncontrolled snarl. Dakota set loose another mighty roar, this time it effectively shook the very surface itself. Ghirahim had to adjust his sitting position as to not fall over, eyes not once leaving the pair.

Yes to Ghirahim, this was the best entertainment he'd had in a good while. Fully content on letting it go on forever.

The younger and smaller made impact to Dakota's chest with his skull and horns. The force was strong but not enough to send the sturdier brother falling back. A foot or so is as much as Dakota was sent back, claws gripping onto his brother as a result.

Intent on not letting go. Skylar struggled to get free, growling and clawing at said brother. Dakota wasn't letting that happen. Fangs sunk into the white beast's neck, crunching down into bone. The entire time descending till the ground was felt under his feet. While Skylar struggled to get free from the crush grip that killed so many. Even if Dakota's intent was not killing him, Sklyar still knew full well what jaws like his brother's could do.

He was in check, but not quite checkmate. Thinking quickly the younger of the two sent power to his wings, over taking the flames with a pure glowing blue aura. They impacted creating a sonic boom at point blank range of Dakota's shoulder's. The impact was enough to cause gashes and blood to taint those pure wings.

Hissing in contempt and pain was all the eldest did. Not letting go through the whole process. Eyes squinted shut.

But then those red eyes opened quickly and narrowed down as he gave a small smirk. Skylar immediately knew he was in deep shit. How deep? In the pits of hell deep. Dakota's signature attack was just about to be released, and Dakota didn't need to shout it's name to let it be known.

The lighter brother gasped unintentionally, eyes widening. This was checkmate and it was indeed going to hurt. Pain beyond reckoning. With the threat of being in massive pain and losing Skylar yelled out loudly.

"A-alright! You win, just don't use it." With eyes closed shut in pure shame at forfeiting. His heart beating against his chest, adrenaline and fear working as one to give one hell of a reaction. The eldest turned back into his stoic emotion, backing off his brother, scowling even. Scowling like they always did.

Ghirahim narrowed his eyes on the pair. Was it really over so soon? Ah, oh well There was always next time. "Get lost. Go home and find Ari, then go track down my friend's you have hurt so. Don't even think about coming back without them or I will tear you apart, piece by piece brother." Dakota hissed with contempt, loathing.

Which was entirely true, as of right now he hated his brother's holy worthless guts. Skylar responded with a submissive nod and backed off quickly, not once turning his back to his brother or Ghirahim for that matter. Looking utterly defeated.

When the whiter brother was out of site he broke into a full sprint, getting as much distance as he can before he opens the way home.

Dakota's P.O.V.

'Damn brother never listens unless you beat him into a bloody pulp.' Dakota seethed secretly in rage. Gritting his teeth at no one in particular, and Ghirahim only raised an eyebrow at the action. 'Yes Salv's incarnate is just as stupid as he was a couple thousand years ago.' Tarue added cheerfully, coming back once the younger brother had left the area. 'So, about that deal? I do hope it is still on!' Tarue sneered, she seemed restless to me.

Well all of them where. I'd be too if I were stuck in someone's subconscious with no light and fresh air. 'Of course you spineless bitch.' Dakota hissed with sarcasm, frowning on the outside. 'Thats just cold.' Was Tarue's response to my comment.

'You are cold.' I countered easily. Upon hearing her growl and throw a small fit I smirked, eyes now staring down the spineless bitch in the flesh. Our surroundings were dark and wet. Soundless if you didn't count our breathing. Those red eyes that were the same as mine.

Tarue was larger than me, thanks to her parent's blood she is stronger than any living subspecies of dakotian. The ones my grandfather exterminated from existence, with a few exceptions.

Tarue wasn't a full blood, then she really would be a total bitch, and that wasn't something I wanted to deal with. But who am I kidding? I am Tarue, a reincarnation of her. That thought alone sent chills down my spine. My fur to stand on end in her mere presence and her dark aura that hung around her prideful form.

She grinned at me. Those long saber fangs really added to her appearance. Studded earrings on each side. A lean and somewhat long head. Pointed long ears. Large broad half feathered half dragon wings. Large talons on each foot. A long lean tail that ended in a deadly red bladed tip. Slightly curved blood red horns extended from her skull. Styled red hair that covered most of her neck and forehead. It draped all over her upper body like a horse's mane.

Lean yet thin form is what she had. Tarue was skinny compared to me or my brother, or anyone that I know for that matter. You could just barely see her ribcage under that charcoal fur.

Those features didn't matter it all added to her defined, sculpted body.

The way she held herself reminded me of the demon lord that must be utterly confused at my sudden statue stiff form. 'Well? Go on.' I challenge, giving her my signature scowl. One that I copied from my father. She grinned like some sadistic demon that I know. 'My pleasure.' She scoffed, laughing like someone that belonged in a mental hospital, before she vanished from sight.

I sighed, sitting down to survey my surroundings. Nothing new in the slightest. Yeah I've been here a couple times. A shithole is what it is.

Tarue's P.O.V.

Blinding light. The outdoors. Something I haven't seen in such a long time, decades from when I last gotten free. Naturally I cover my face from the light. It's sheer intensity to me reminded me of that wretched Salv.

A few more seconds and I am already fully enjoying the feeling of being alive, or something closer to it again. Eyes trailing down to claws that did not match my own. I flexed them experimentally, smiling wickedly as they were already bloody. It was then I noticed that Dakota was much less hurt than I had originally thought.

Surprising because he's never relied on us with such desperation. Someone cleared their throat, obviously showing signs of impatience. I snapped out of my blissful haze. Really did someone have to ruin this moment.

I stomp the foot onto the ground. Head snapping towards the being who interrupted my humble reunion with the outdoors.

Ghirahim

Yes I knew who he was. The reason doesn't matter, but I'll enlighten the situation.

Dakota has more than one pair of eyes and ears.

"Excuse you. Do explain to me why thou has to ruin such a moment." I chortle in a more feminine voice. A female in a male's body messes with your wonderful tone. Lashing my tail onto the ground. It would take some time for me to revert back to my original form, one that doesn't look like the brat.

The changes were already starting to take place, even if they were small. My tail was slightly longer, and the furred tip was slowly turning into a bladed tail tip. It was becoming a darker color and slightly redder. The fur on my skull and neck was growing longer but wasn't red yet.

The teeth were extending into fangs and feather stubs were growing on my wings. I wonder when the demon lord would notice.

Ghirahim puts on a pissed face, crossing his arms. He doesn't respond to my question. I growl aggressively, head tilted down with my neck arched. "I asked thou a question. I damn well expect thy to be answered." I hiss, claws digging into the ground. "This change of behavior. I find it utterly annoying yet regal and I have to say it's leaning on me." Ghirahim speaks finally. About time.

"Thou feeling may be mutual Lord Ghirahim." I say smoothly, saying his name with nothing but respect. I don't care if Dakota is screaming inside my head.

Ghirahim unfolds his arms and lets a shocked expression appear on his face. I only smirk darkly at that. Boldly I step forward. Thus Ghirahim readies a rather fantastically colored weapon if I do say so myself.

Deadly, black and red just like I.

I stop advancing only to stand more like myself. Chest out, head and neck held high and backward. Stance widened boldly as my wings laid flat along my back and spine. Tail curved out and upward like a deadly scorpion's barbed tail. My features seeming more like me as each second passes by.

Fangs and claws already becoming what they once were. Longer, deadlier… more me.

The fur that is supposed to be my hair was becoming longer, becoming a red coloration. I dare say Ghirahim is beginning to notice these… changes of mine.

"Does Lord Ghirahim understand what is going to happen?" I say in a demanding tone. One that was spoken as if I were talking to a stupid child. My fangs just reached their full glorified length and I smirked at that.

I don't wait for him to respond.

"That I am going to rip thy into shreds. Only I will kill thou brat. Not some glorified flamboyant being!" I bellow in utter hatred. Both the brat and his brother's lives belong to me. I own their souls. I decide when their last breaths happen.

How they die…

How they are remembered…

How much I care for them both… Salv and I…

"Don't you dare mock me!" Was his response after my statement. "I mock whom I please. If thou thinks otherwise face me in the bliss of battle." I said calmly as could be. I needed to keep myself down to a minimum for now.

Only a 'Tch' was risen out of the demon lord. He teleported by snapping his fingers. So unneeded from what I could tell.

Dakota has many pairs of eyes and ears….

I was ready for him. Whirling around behind me. Sure enough there he was. Now with two of the same sword. By the look on his face I could tell he was beyond furious. No words could be said from my vocabulary.

Unlike the brat that is a sorry excuse for a shadow dakotian, I don't do melee attacks.

Red eyes narrowing and a simple smile raked across my face. Without any warning or time needed my fanged mouth opened, only to release a horrid air stinging attack as he neared. He was too close and before he knew it he wouldn't be able to dodge this.

A broad, wide and blinding burst of energy shot out. Its pure form nothing like fire or smoke. Pure concentrated power in the form of red and white glowing energy.

Broadside Embrace

A lesser known but my most powerful attack. Energy is something I had in spades. The attack surely costs a lot but I have plenty more to go around. Point blank range leads to a truly devastating attack. Not even Dakota knows of it. However he does now.

I only show it to those who I kill, that is the soul reason no one knows of it. They're all dead.

When the light show cleared I saw the demon standing there. Arms out in front of him, sword still in hand. He blocked it head on. Not a smart move. He was looking worse for wear. No seriously his clothing looked like shit. Can't wait to see his reaction.

"You… YOU'RE DEAD!" He screamed, even his hair was disheveled. Ha and there it is. A wonderful reaction.

I decided to respond with sarcasm and to just give him another hint. He still didn't catch on.

"Correct, I am dead." That'll get him riled up. He growls in annoyance. See I was correct.

"Just get it over with Tarue. Messing with him will only make it worse. We need to go after Demise once he is finished." Dakota groaned inside my head. Aww the poor baby. Just kidding!

"Who cares about this world. It's not ours. Fuck it." I sneer inwardly at him. I get a growl in return. "Watch it, Ghirahim has vanished old hag." Dakota snickers, he of course had the balls to mock me. Of course he did. He is me! I roll my eyes at the notion and his statement.

"You can't hide from me Ghirahim. I can see you." Yes I admit it, having Dakota exist has it's perks. Being in his body lets me obtain some of his skills. But sadly being in his body I have lost some too. Something he doesn't have or ever will possess

A sense of smell. Not like you need it when you can actually see through vibrations in your feet. A mental map you could say.

Like a bolt of lightning I launched myself towards his hiding place. He was on the nicely colored castle. Just as I was about to smash his hiding place and himself into pieces he teleported again. 'Damn him!' I raged inwardly at myself. My claws smashed into the black bricked walls.

They gave way to my might. Ears flying backward to try and get a reading on him. Even as I listened in I reacted with pure instinct. Attack fearlessly and strike first. That is my way of fighting.

Dakota's weakness ends with him and the rest of our species that are alive. Only my kind and the rattlebacks have evolved around that obvious weakness. Armored weak spots is truly a blessing. My long bladed tail swings around like a crocodile thrashing mercilessly. Causing whipping sounds as it sailed through the weightless air.

I hit nothing. Ghirahim is smart enough to not attack me directly.