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The elder who'd lead the group to the cavern stepped forth, and addressed those gathers. "My fellow dragons! We face a danger, unknown to our kind! A dangerous beast has chosen to layer just east of our mountains! In the old realm, of our now deceased neighbor. This creature has attacked our people, and has stolen others! Now, I know she is also responsible for the creation of changelings, and controlling humans, and possibly those of our race, or others, against their will. This group, gathered before us, has chosen to attack this monster. I ask, shall we give them our aid?"
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There was silence. Then, the elder began again. "Dark Wing, and his linked one have already volunteered to aid them. I say, we give them passage through our realm. This menace must be stopped! Would you like it if it were your hatching that vanished? I have spoken to mothers whose hatchlings have been stolen. I've spoken to life mates, whose mate has vanished. I've spoken to those who fear to leave the mountains to feed. And I ask you, can we afford to live in fear?"
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Once again, the chamber was quite. No one chose to respond to the elder's words. Then, a youngling, yet large for his age, stood up. "I may not be an elder. My words may not affect this meeting, but I wish the right to speak." The elder nodded, the youngling continued. "You see me as a youngling. Yet, I was soon to be life mated. I gave my heart to one. She, like I, was a well know warrior. She chose to aid in the last attack upon the monster's layer. She never returned. I wished to follow her, yet the Elders forbade me. Now, an opportunity has been given to us, to strike the evil one."
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"I say we take it! For my fallen lifemate-to-be, for the lost hatchlings, the missing life mates, we must respond. If our kind is to be forbidden by the elders, I say we aid those who can aid us!"
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His words had more effect upon the gathering, than then elder's. The other dragons began to cheer. The elders looked at one another. They knew that the final choice would be theirs. But, to ignore the clear support of their fellow dragons, would be to invite disaster.
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The largest dragon one again called, and silence was restored. "The Elders shall meet. An answer shall be given soon."
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One by one, the Elders filed out of a door at the front of the chamber. After the last one had passed, the door was shut. The gathered crowd sat down upon their ledge to await the elder's decision. Although it was unlikely they'd risk angering so many, there was always a chance. It was that chance that many dragons were waiting for. Should they decide not to help, a battle would break out, and a new council could be chosen. To be on the council was every dragon's wish. And any risk was worth it. So long as it was an honorable risk. There were stories of those who tried to use treachery to enter into the council, but they always paid the price. And that price was far more expensive than any dragon could afford.
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For several hours they waited. Dragon, human, and every other creature there. It was getting unbelievably tense. Cloud, Chrono, and their companions were becoming aggravated over the long wait. They were uncomfortable around so many large, carnivorous beasts.
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Suddenly, the door once again opened, and the elders emerged. They took their places at the front once again. Once again, it was the largest that called the meeting to order, and he who spoke first. "My friends, we have come to a conclusion. It wasn't easy, for we feared to take the control from the leaders. Our decision is this. That we shall aid the humans pass through our realm, however, any leader, or cave owner may challenge them to the right of passage. As well, We shall allow both Dark Wing, and the youngling to accompany these warriors, should both groups agree."
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A cheer arose from those gathered. At last, they had a method to challenge the evil that had laid siege to their realm. The elder came forwards to the group. "We have a few caverns in our realm that were designed for humans. If you wish, you may rest in one and discus everything before making any decisions."
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Dragon Shadow said nothing. Cloud and Chrono looked at each other. Then, Cloud spoke. "I think it would be for the best. There is much that needs to be explained before we dare attack. Thank you."
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The elder nodded. "It is we who should thank you. Follow me. I fear that you may not be able to enter, Dragon Shadow."
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Dragon Shadow laughed. "I have a few more tricks up my sleeves. Or should I say, in my scales."
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The elder led them to a cavern, not far from the main chamber. The others entered then Sephiroth and his brother descended from Dragon Shadow's back. There was a flash of green light, and once again, Dragon Shadow was her shrinking size. She took up her usual perch on Sefiroth's shoulder. The elder was amazed. "It seems you are capable of much. I shall return within a few hours. However, you may take as long as you need. Dark Wing, Dark Knight, and the youngling shall be along soon. However they, like you, have things they must do."
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The elder turned and left, and the three entered into the cave. They kept as much distance as they could between themselves, and those who traveled with Cloud. The other two groups had broken apart as well. Three separate groups, three different ideas. Sefiroth, his brother, and Dragon Shadow stayed near the entrance. They didn't want trouble. But they were uncertain how to approach the other groups. However, Chrono's group didn't wait for them to approach. His group went to the three. Chrono was in the lead. And he wanted to know about what had happened. "So tell me, why have these dragons offered us aid?
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The two brothers said nothing. Dragon Shadow knew it was right for her to lead, and the brother's actions confirmed this. "They are having the same problem with the beast as the humans are. Jenova has stolen dragons, hatchlings, and eggs. No one has ever entered her realm, and returned. She's killing them, like she's killing everything else."
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The others nodded. But Chrono wasn't convinced. "What dose this have to do with them offering us aid?"
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Dragon Shadow shook her head. "They need our aid to defeat Jenova. It's faster for us to travel through the mountain, rather than over it. And the two that have chosen to come have their own reasons. I don't know Dark Wing's reason, but I understand the youngling's. The youngling was to be life mated with one of the missing dragons. A dragon will only choose a life mate once. If this youngling's, chosen doesn't return, then he shall never choose another. And will most likely die soon. Such is the way of the dragon."
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Chrono nodded. "I see. And I can understand the reason. Forgive me for being suspicious, yet…"
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Dragon Shadow shook her head. "I understand well. I'm glad you chose to trust me." She glanced over at Cloud's group. "I only hope they can do the same…"