Disclaimer: Don't own the Teen Titans, yadda, yadda, yadda, ya know the drill

A/N: On with the story! Enjoy!

--

Call On Me

Azarath …

It's Sunset …

It's Sunrises …

Beautiful, lovely, and unscathed even with the clouds in the sky that slowly began to part, unable to hide the beauty that was one of Azarath's most prized possession. Its Sunsets … its Sunrises … the golden flower that with its soft kiss exploded within the sky a splash of colors unnatural to a supposed blue sky. The clouds though gray even helped to prolong the soft kiss.

Breath taking it was …

Yet sadly enough, not many were able to experience this phenomenon justly because held within the darkness of the dungeon, Malchior's sensitive ears picked up the sounds of the unlocking entrance to his cell. The large doors outside his barrier slid open and in flooded a light bright enough to blind the unsuspecting dragon. Growling in annoyance, Malchior sat up from his bed and glared at the clear barrier, What now? He wondered with the itching need to scratch the eyes out of the guard that dared to blind him.

Said guard came into view dressed in his uniform, primed and proper, Malchior scowled at it and stood at his full height, which was a good three inches taller than the guard that was to handle him. Glaring at the Azarian who raised a hand to the barrier and dropped it with a flick of his wrist, Malchior was about to step forward, but the guard held up a hand to stop him, "I'm going to have to ask you to turn around and get down on your knees, cooperate and this will go as smooth as possible for the both of us."

"What the fuck man! I'm already on my knees don't gotta' be so fucking harsh about your treatment. Ow! Burn in hell!" Malchior heard X on the side shout, which didn't help his nerves any when the guard held up the one device he knew would muffle out not only his power, but also his dragon heritage. Meaning … he couldn't be able to transform for his life if the liquid in the needle coursed through his veins. Should he fight against it or go for it? That was the question.

However … the question turned to an answer when Malchior thought of Raven … he already put her under a lot of stress, why worry her even more. Turning around and getting on his knees, he gulped down the urge to slaughter the guard when there was a hand placed at the back of his head, "Please lean your head forward."

Doing as told, Malchior closed his eyes when he felt the guard lift up the back of his hair and then with a small barely noticeable prick a needle injected the substance that'll leave him as weak as a human in a matter of however strong the potion was. Medical Science meets Magical Arts … a very, very effective combination. When the guard as done, he instructed for Malchior to stand and follow to the exit, looking down at his hands Malchior frowned when his claws were gone and left to be as dull as a humans blunt nails. He cringed in disgust.

Rorek and X – even though he had no magical ability what so ever – was also injected he noticed when Rorek tried to at least spark his power. It was frustrating to say the least … powerless and walking the Palace like criminals. Lovely … I always wanted an Imperial Escort, sarcastic, but still serious about the situation, Malchior had to wonder how was he supposed to get out of this mess.

X … however … sour about the treatment he had with that damn guard was already trying to cook up a plan. Hey, he wasn't a thief for nothing, but he was going to see how this played out before he got to do anything stupid. Like last night … yeah … still feeling awfully guilty and crappy about Raven's mother X always knew guilt would be the death of him and never his greed. Ironic, no?

--

Still in the control center with Arella still in the reconstruction chamber, Raven had – somehow – passed out on the same hover chair she was floating on before Saligia came to her last night. Only this time, she was hunched over, her head resting on her arms, which were, folded on the control panel – yet ever mind full of her mother's state was careful of the buttons and levers – Raven slept without dreams. Thank goodness, because the last thing she needed was a dream to disturb her.

Actually … the last thing she needed was someone to wake her up, and the Gods of Azarath weren't sympathetic when a servant was sent to retrieve her. Knocking upon the side where the door had slid into, the servant carefully entered and got the demoness's attention, "Lady Raenell? My lady? Are you awake?"

Sensitive ears heard the approach and opening her violet eyes, Raven was hit with a sudden bad feeling. In her head, and her gut, sitting up with a groan she turned the hovering chair around to look at the servant that bowed low and respectfully at his better. Raven took a deep breath and in the process sucked in the nasty smell of blood … Saligia's blood that she carelessly splattered on the floor on the side. Turning green, mouth watering over in nausea and head spinning ruthlessly.

Raven doubled over and held her gut, Oooh … what did I eat last night … Miles was right … I don't feel so good …

"Lady Raenell?" the servant called with a curious voice, his eyes looking upon Raven in slight worry – yet mixed with slight fear because of what she was, "Lady Raenell … are you well?"

Good question … Raven thought as she slowly got to her feet, but that just made her dizziness worse … shivering, suddenly sensitive to the chill in the air of the Palace's ventilation system. Raven stumbled forward when she took a step towards the exit, but caught herself against the wall. The servant overcame his small sense of fear with instinctual worry for the woman, she really didn't look well and she wasn't feeling well.

That nauseating taste in her mouth wasn't helping either. Raven closed her eyes and held her stomach, clenching her fangs together, shivering once more when the chills raced through her body. She couldn't hold it, the smell of Saligia's blood – and it wasn't even that much – got to her. Hand to her mouth, and with inhuman speed Raven raced to the nearest bathroom and doubled over the toilet ditching her innards into the bowl.

The servant followed her with pure anxiety on his face, "My lady! Would you like me to call to a nurse?"

"No!" Raven shouted, but it made the pounding in her head worse and her stomach didn't even settle yet. Throwing out vile from her gut, the servant stood helpless, unsure of what to do he ran to the woman and knelt next to her, making sure to hold her silky flawless violet hair back as she finished her illness. Raven sat back on her heel and the servant checked her forehead, worried when he felt not a single trace of fever, but slight beads of sweat.

He had her look him in the eye and checked to see if her eyes were dilating properly and was glad when they were fine, then knowing she was a demon. He lifted the corner of her lips to check her fangs and stopped when he saw they had increased in length considerably. Since he had become a servant in the Palace, every servant was required to have a background in Azarian, Demonic, and Dragon health. Right now … if he remembered correctly … only Demons and Dragon females had lengthened fangs and had ailments when … "My lady … are you well?" he asked once more.

"Well …?" she was dazed, that much he could tell, but coming through enough to stand herself up with his help, her violet eyes closed and clenched then reopened. Trying hard to gain her senses she must had gained some because she gasped with a look of realization in her widened violet eyes, "Oh! Isn't today the meeting?"

"Yes, that it be my lady" the servant informed as he lead her down the hall towards her room, "yet … I don't think you're fit to attend."

She growled furiously, and the servant coward in fear, "I can very well handle myself. It was only a moment of illness, I'm fine now, don't dare doubt that."

"Never my lady!" the Azarian gulped and jumped when she pulled herself from him and struggled to stay on her feet by herself. She gained her footing, but still held her quivering stomach, "I'm just … you … uh … are you up to attending the meeting?"

"Yes. Let me just get ready." Miraculously, Raven made it to her room with no help from the servant, but once inside she collapsed on the soft rugged ground. Weak and vulnerable, Raven groaned and curled on her side holding her sides … AH! Come on Raven! Get up! You have to see if Francesca found Malachite … and the other's … they need you … come on it's just a little cold or something. You can get over it, just get off the ground! reopening her eyes and releasing the rug she had dug her claws into and clenched it for her life, Raven slowly sat up, but fell back when her stomach was stabbed with an excruciating amount of pain, "AH! Malchior!"

She screamed his name and she didn't know why … her demon was just calling to him, she needed him by her, it hurt so much! Little to her knowledge Malchior in the conference room waiting hissed when a stab of pain went through his head. Growling he doubled over and held the side of his head. The guards all raised a brow at his odd behavior, X and Rorek glanced at one another not sure if Malchior was planning something or if he was really hurting.

Rorek was the first to ask, "Malchior? Are you alright?"

"Raven …" he half-growled, and half-whispered … the serum that was supposed to suppress his dragon blood was doing little to nothing when he opened his eyes to glare heatedly at the ground. Glowing scarlet and snarling, his claws came forth as well as his fangs … Raven was in some kind of pain and he wasn't there for her! It took everything he had not to just jump up and go after her … his instincts screamed for him to go and to hell with the guards.

Kill any and all that got in his way to his mate.

She was in trouble and his logical mind wasn't allowing for him to move. He couldn't get to her, and Malchior would have burst in tears in frustration because of it, but he had to hold it together as best he could. X raised a brow and tilted his head low to try and see Malchior and stilled when he saw the glowing scarlet in his eyes. Quickly sitting back up he gulped and looked over to the guards, Shit … not good … what triggered this? He didn't know, but he knew Malchior had to hold his head.

Raven in her room took a deep breath and tried hard to control her pain … on her hands and knees staring weakly at the ground she gulped and shook her head slowly. Her head pulsing in pain and her stomach still not cooperating with her, Raven sat up on her knees then got to her feet. Shakily at first, but once she gained her balance she leaned against her door and closed her eyes.

Panting, and breaking out in a cold sweat, she cringed when she felt a tear roll down her cheek. Reopening her blurry vision, she turned around and pressed the side of her face on the cold surface of her door, anything to bring her back to reality from her pain. Feeling so weak … so helpless … so vulnerable … Raven clenched her fists careful of her claws and let loose a whimper, "Malchior …"

With every whisper of his name it was driving Malchior insane!

He can hear her calling him, feel her fear and vulnerability.

He had to be there for her and he couldn't because he was trapped in this damned Conference Room waiting for his sentencing. Malchior didn't care about it anymore; they could have given him the death sentence just as long as he was able to see his Raven he didn't care. The funny thing about this whole situation … Raven didn't know what she was doing to Malchior … all she knew was now, more than ever she needed Malchior right next to her.

She needed his touch, his warmth, his words … just … she needed him that was the only way she could describe it she needed him dearly. Feeling so helpless, Raven sighed and stumbled to her closet, she had to get ready … though she was a lot weaker than she first thought. Because with every step she took … she felt faint. Breathing was more a reminder than second nature, and the will not the sleep and forget all her troubles was becoming near impossible to handle.

Yet … somehow … she pulled it off, he settled pain and anguish gave Malchior a break from his frustrations and had him finally relax. However, it did little to settle the fact that Raven was somehow in pain … and he wasn't there to protect her, not even to hold her if there was nothing hurting her. Making him feel like just wanting to just fall over and die. Where was she anyway was his next thought other than complete worry, and concern for his mate.

"Stand." A direct order came from the guard that had given Malchior an odd look – still is looking at him cautiously as the three stood and the doors opposite the one they had entered opened and in entered Prince Reign Azar the eldest of the three siblings. Prince Miles Azar, the youngest, and Priestess Gwen the middle child, only there for advisement and mediator, although Miles had the distinct feeling she was going to be very middle mediating and more biases.

After them entered Raven, which Malchior almost made a single bound to hold her, and she the same, but somehow – really it was a total mystery to either them – they stayed civilized and communicated through the eyes. Malchior asking if she was alright, her blinking and softening her violet eyes in reassurance all the while she stood next to her seat closer to Miles.

Reign, the ore refined of the two brothers eyed the "criminals" with skepticism and glanced at his sister in question, she just shrugged, nonchalantly answering his silent question. All the silent communication was driving X up the wall, but for the sake of his freedom he kept his mouth shut. Rorek felt the same way, but like X kept his mouth shut, however more so for the reason of wondering how this will all play out. He knew how to play with words, so he was pretty sure he could handle talking to the royals without worry of saying something stupid.

However … X was a different matter all together.

The thief could say anything and not even know he just got himself killed for saying it.

That was how oblivious he was to etiquette.

Though, X never failed to impress whenever he improvised.

Golden amber, ice-blue, metallic-black, violet, and three blood-red eyes gazed at each other all around the room. Tension built and it was only Reign that would start the argument, "Alright then … what are we here for?"

The guard to his right flank answered, "The three before you are charged of various serious cases of crimes committed against Azarath's government. Those crimes including first degree murder, second degree attempted murder, obstruction of justice, first degree theft, impersonating an officer –" Raven shot an odd look to X, who jerked his head to Rorek, who cleared his throat and held his head high to listen to the rest of the reading, " – unauthorized use of concealment spells, trespassing, assaulting an officer, and the suspicion to attempted assassination upon the royal family."

Miles had held his breath for the entire time they read off the list, just waiting for when the guard would stop and once he did he had to remind himself to breath. Raven was semi the same way, but refused to show it, she just kept her emotions to herself and held her indifferent face. While Gwen nearly snickered at the impossibility to disprove all of those accusations, Reign was much like Raven, just kept his feelings to himself, but he sighed tiredly and motioned for everyone to take a seat.

The order was obeyed.

Reign eyed Rorek, then X, and then Malchior after settling his gaze on Raven for a moment with a very odd look, which was returned with a sarcastic raised brow just daring him to asking her anything. He didn't … he looked back at the three guys across from him and asked them a question, a very straight forward if not hilarious question, "How do you plead to these charges? Think carefully … because what you say may change your fate."

"Not guilty," X immediately – WITHOUT thinking – shot out with a glare. Rorek rolled his eyes and slammed his head the desk muttering something along the lines of: "Stupid blooding frickin' idiot!" X ignored him and shrugged, "I mean, not guilty to those murder charges, either of'em, even against the royals. We didn't mean harm to anyone, nope, no one, but to the asshole that put us here. That's a different story."

Even Miles on the side was begging X within his head to shut-up!

He wasn't helping at all!

Rorek immediately took over least he wanted his head still intact, "What we mean to say sir, is … the perpetrator that had killed the 13 Monks is no one within this room."

"Yet we have proof of your theft connection to the 13 Monks," Reign challenged, "a surveillance camera caught one of you sneaking into the East Wing Meditation Chamber stealing three of the Seven Amulets, which, from a reliable source we are lead to believe that the 13 were holding the real Amulets rather than the ones locked in the vault."

Raven's brows furrowed and she turned sharply to Reign questioning just as suspiciously as his tone, "Who, may I ask, is this reliable source of yours?"

Reign paused for a moment as if to think, but returned Raven's sharp narrowed look with his own, "The source has requested to remain anonymous."

"Than I'd count your source invalid," Raven bared her lengthened fangs dangerously with a challenging warning, to the glaring Prince as she spoke her reason, "the only one to knew the true location of either of the Seven Amulets are the High Priestess and my mother who is currently lying in the Recreation Chamber unable to speak on our behalf."

"Why would your … mother know of the Seven Amulets location? What connection does she have with the High Priestess?" Gwen fought.

This time Miles defended, "Gwen you know very well Arella was the High Priestess personal and well trusted right hand servant, plus they were friends. I can vouch for that and state myself a witness to Raenell's claims."

Gwen scowled, "Fine, but you can't defend the solid proof of the blood that was upon the dragon's hand when found and tipped off of his crimes. As well as the Sorcerer."

"Um … excuse me," Rorek held up a finger to interrupt the argument, all heads turned to him and Rorek neither faulted under their multiple stares. His Ice-blue eyes seem to reflect them off as he spoke with an eerie calmness to his wise tone, "yes, about that blood showing up on me as well as my friend, Malchior, I can prove that we are being set up if you give me the chance of traveling through the Grand Dimensional Portal to Earth in order to retrieve the proof required to wipe our slate clean."

Reign sneered, "And what proof is this you speak of?"

"A book," Rorek answered calmly, "If you look upon it with open minds I assure you, you shall understand that this is all a big misunderstanding."

Gwen tipped her eyes up in a half rolled eye and looked ready to yawn in boredom as she sneered at Rorek, "So … you expect us to turn a blind eye to you while you take the chance to run given the excuse you're retrieving proof for your friend? I'm not impressed."

"The Teen Titans," all heads this time turned to Raven, as she glared at Gwen and challenged her, "they can watch him."

Miles knew where she was going, "Yes, I've heard of the Teen Titans, the Earthen superheroes correct? I agree, they can watch him, meet him at the portal and follow him to where his location is than bring the book back."

"The Teen Titans are nothing but kids with mutant powers running around in tights and claiming to be saviors of the universe," Reign scoffed, "feh, they're a joke, they can't do anything to protect themselves against a mystic like him, I have read his aura level and it's stronger than I'd even like to know was possible. The Teen Titans can't handle that."

Raven glared, "Don't underestimate them, Reign, they are far more powerful than you perceive them to be."

"Excuse me," Reign growled and stood up to tower over Raven, Raven, not one to be intimidated stood up slowly and matched him glare for glare defiantly, "but as long as my name leaves your lips, half-breed, you'll speak it with respect. I am not one of your little friends, am I clear?"

Raven scowled, "The day I speak your name with any kind of respect, will be the day you've earned it from me, Reign … and we're on trial for Malchior, Rorek, and Kenneth, not for my mannerism. That, you can judge me on once business is through here."

With his superior sneer Reign looked ready to throttle Raven and chock the life out of her, she was never one to obey authority. Ever since Miles made friends with her she's shone nothing but defiance towards him and to say that it was infuriating was an understatement, "Insolent demon."

"And proud of it." standing back and crossing her arms over her chest, Raven held her glare and turned to Rorek in thought, and turned back to Reign, "So … back to the matter at hand. Are you going to let him go?"

Reign scowled, she was testing his patience greatly, "No."

Miles frowned, "Why not?"

"Because …" Reign faltered, he didn't think of a good reason yet.

Gwen came to his rescue, "Because it's too dangerous."

"Too dangerous? Or are you just refusing to lose? Tabloids won't like the fact that Prince Reign won't grant a chance to prove a criminal they are innocent just because a half-breed got under his skin," Raven allowed herself a smirk of triumph when she saw Reign's face take on a thoughtful expression. Oh yes … Raven knew the ways of boardroom, manipulation was in her blood, her mother's done it and her father's made of it, "doesn't look very good for you Reign."

Gwen sneered, The little bitch! Yep, she knew Raven's game and prayed Raven wouldn't use that card … however … when they were playing dirty, there was only so much for Raven to do in order to ensure Malchior, Rorek, and X's freedom.

The only way to play with dirty players is to get down and filthy.

Reign turned his glare from Raven to the concerned Rorek, he didn't know his suggestion would have stirred up so much controversy, but in the end … Raven won, "You can go to Earth … Rorek … but if you do not return by sunset … Malchior and Kenneth will be put to death. That is the deal, and it's only a few hours till sunset, so I suggest you waste no time."

"Whoa! Hold on a minute here!" X stood up and looked ready to bolt for the door, if it weren't for the guards that were standing at every corner to block him off, "This is bullshit! Why should we both get a death sentence, let alone had our lives put up for bids here! That shit ain't right!"

Reign snorted, "Welcome to Azarath. Take them away and take Rorek to the portal room."

"Asshole," X snarled, and flinched when he felt the guards take a hold of his arms and pull him away, he yanked himself free, "get your fucking hands off me I can walk on my own goddamn it! Rorek! Your ass better be back here by sunset."

Dryly, if not sarcastic, Rorek sighed in response, "You have my word."

Malchior was motioned to stand responded without saying a word and trained his eyes on nothing. Sighing tiredly, he looked back at Raven and was glad she seemed fine, but smiled and winked when she looked at him worriedly. He loved the way she handled herself with the Prince, entertaining to say the least. Raven shook her head, Malchior was an odd one … and Rorek was his last hope at living.

If he didn't come back by sunset, she'd carry out X's threat herself.

Rorek knew it and sighed exasperatedly, Great … I'm the key to our survival … why did I have to open my mouth? Wow … this is irony … shouldn't Kenneth be thinking this?

--

With a grunt and a well-aimed leap, Francesca leapt off a low roof and threw her claws out for the world to see and slammed them into the building that was slightly talker than the one she jumped off. Snarling with determined brown eyes glaring at the wall, she scaled the wall and jumped onto roof of the taller building. Huffing and puffing she dropped down to her side in a whining whimper.

I … have not … recovered … Malachite … I must … cannot … rest … until I find him … struggling to her feet, Francesca weakly walked to the edge of the building on all fours and stood on her hind legs, resting her front paws on the ledge of the building and looking over to scan the city before her. Sighing tiredly when she reached a rather frustrating conclusion, The Central Skyline … is much larger than it looks from the Palace … how am I to find Malachite in all this within the time I need him to be at the Palace? I'm sure they had already stated the meeting … am I too late?

That thought … frightened Francesca.

To be too late … meant she had failed in her duties as a nightstalker, a forever loyal servant to her master(s). Roaring in anguish Francesca leapt up on the ledge and glared down at the city, I refuse to fail my masters, it cannot be! I have been given a very important mission! I can't fail … it's … it's unthinkable … indeed it was to the little nightstalker. Finding the perfect landing spot, Francesca leaned back slightly then pushed off and glided across the city to the lower more dangerous parts of tower in the middle of the rising morning.

The rain had slowed and was drizzling … though sadly however it did not help her much to locate the Malachite she was told to retrieve. Going my magical memory Saligia had transferred to her before she left, Francesca kicked her claws off the side of one building to another then another and another until she touched ground. Crouching low, the nightstalker sighed another growling whine and stared sadly at her own reflection in the puddle. Oh … Malachite … where are you? My masters need you dearly … pleading and at the end of her rope.

Francesca jumped from her spot and ran through the back streets looking Malachite … Saligia said that he was weak and would pass out soon from exhaustion. So would it not be easy to find a dragon in such a place? That's what she thought … apparently she was a bit too optimistic about the search.

It was all starting to look hopeless!

"Oh look what we found here boys …" ears perking up at the sound of Azarian language. Francesca ran after the voice sniffing the air and snorting when all she smelt was the stench of the slums, all she had to rely on was her sights. Demons, dragons, nightstalkers and all other creatures that had sensitive hear that would be muffled out by rain and water. So it was nearly impossible to use her sense of taste or smell when all she smelt and tasted was mostly water. The downfall of being a superior creature, the unpredictable weather. "… I think our luck just changed. How much you think he'll go for?"

"He's an Emerald Dragon, pretty pricey in the market I think." The first's partner spoke, with a sinister chuckle, "Yeah. Yeah! I know a friend that said these things are hard to obtain! This one's just right here in our grasp! To bad it's not a female though, now those ones, if Emeralds? They'd be sold in a heart beat by friend."

"At least we'll get something for him being an Emerald right?"

"Better then nothing I guess."

Francesca frowned, I do not like this conversation … they sound like the traders on Azalon … but why would they trade a Dragon? Dragons are creatures of great majesty … it would be … degrading. Running faster, Francesca had to put Malachite on hold for a moment, because of her injustice at being a sold and traded creature than beaten and used because she was bought. Francesca just felt; if she could at least save this dragon … her day would not have gone in vain.

"Ah! Hey! What th – Luther! The thing's still got fight left in it!"

"Take it down, but don't use the acid dart! We can't mar his scales least the damned price goes down!"

Oh no! Panicked Francesca went faster and just as she entered the alleyway that she head the conversation come from, she yelped and jumped back when a Azarian was flown across the air and slammed into the wall behind her. Hiding behind a dumpster, the nightstalker blinked and crouched when she heard an enraged roar.

The dragon had transformed!

His glistening dark green bright scales beamed under the Azarain sun. Shinning and reflecting off his colors upon the buildings, it was a beautifully breath taking sight if not for the fact that he was in danger. Too big for the small alley way to open his wings and take flight to escape, yet large enough to fight back. Francesca sniffed the air and frowned when she smelt heavy blood-loss, apparently this drake had already been in a fight.

With his sharpened crest upon his head and opened in a fan to and horns that only added to his fierce persona, the emerald dragon sucked in a deep breath and blew out his infamous breath of hotter than molten lava flames. Francesca stayed hidden, not wanting to be at the receiving end of such fire. The Azarians that had survived the attack all hollered and cooperated with each other to how to take the dragon down.

Still not willing to be taken without a fight, he spun around and flicked his tail at the many men after him, hitting a good bunch, however much more were smart enough to either jump of duck down under his wide swing. Coming back around he swiped his claws at the remainders, but leaving his left side blind and open an Azarian came running out from under his wing. Bravely he jumped and swung a chain around his neck, the chain came back and the Azarian caught it.

Running quickly back to his men, the men pulled hard and the chain endowed with much magic was strong enough to yank the already weakened dragon down. Roar and scrapping at the chocking sensation around his neck the emerald dragon pulled back, but when another chain went around his front leg and was pulled with equal strength. To say he was in trouble was an understatement.

Francesca growled, How dare they … angry, the white nightstalker stalked out of her hiding place and took off at running speeds, out of the corner of the hunter's eyes she jumped up and caught the chain within her teeth. Using the momentum of her run, the jump, her weight, and the pull of gravity in perfect sync, with a simple twist of her head the chain snapped and freed the dragon.

"It's a white nightstalker!" gracefully touching ground, Francesca crouched and snarled snapping her fangs at the Azarians she ruthlessly charged the men and leapt at one. Digging her fangs into his neck and tasting his flesh, she tore it off then leapt at another. Using her claws instead she slashed at his chest and without skipping a beat dodged an aimed shot of a laser gun from an Azarain behind her. Skidding on the slippery ground she snarled and bared her blood dripping jaws at the man knowing she sounded just as fierce as she looked.

Francesca snickered when the Emera;d dragon came from behind an wiped his massive claws at the Azarain impaling him into the wall and thus killing off the last of his threat. Big hunter green eyes looked down at the white nightstalker in wonder and blinked, "You've saved me, who be your master so I may thank them and you properly?"

"Lady Raven, Master Kenneth, Master Rorek, and Master Malchior, they be my masters I am most loyal to till the end of my existence."

The Dragon's eyes widened in shock and within a gather of mist and smoke the dragon no longer stood before her … but a young man with dark hunter green eyes and dark down messy hair, his face still held the youth similar to that of her Master Malchior. Francesca stepped up without fear to the young man and tilted her head when he continued to stare at her as if he had seen a ghost, "Is there something wrong? What be your name?"

"Mal … Malchior …" he breathed her master's name in wonder, and … did she smell fear? Why would he be afraid of her master? "Your … your master is … Malchior?"

"Yes … is there a problem?" naïve in the understanding of the young man's emotional shiver Francesca gave a good look at his face and gasped a snorted whimper when the face of Saligia's memory flashed in her head, "Mala – Malachite! You were friends with my master! You can save him now! You hold much valued information from the Northeastern Lands!"

"Wait!" Malachite yanked his arm back from the nightstalker that had taken the cloth of his long sleeved ripped uniform within her mouth and began to tug him towards the palace, "Where are you talking me? I am needed at the Palace for important business!"

Francesca gave the drake an off look, "Yes, you are there to save my masters from their terrible fate of being framed from Ellris'malchron. Now enough talk and follow … unless you are to weak to move on your own?"

Malachite growled at the nightstalker, "Look here I am needed at the Palace, but it isn't to save that damned drake related to those insane duo that destroyed my home in a matter of a night! I am here to prove the innocence of those that Ellris is setting up."

Now it was Francesca's turn to growl, "I think you have fallen on your head more time than your brain can handle dragon, but my Masters are the ones that are being framed by Ellris you idiot!"

"You lie!"

With a roar, Francesca jumped at the drake and with him being weaker than before couldn't fight or hold the nightstalker back when she dropped him to the ground and pressed a clawed paw to his neck to chock him, "We are wasting time with your insane dribble! My masters are in jeopardy and I need not have you playing ring-around-the-rosy with me. Understood?"

Malachite had learned the hard way never to imply nightstalkers to be liars.

They get a bit touchy after that.

With a weak nod Francesca let him up after putting a bit of weight on him then with a snarl jumped off and looked over her shoulder, watching the dragon get to his feet by himself she snorted, "Are you well enough to move on your own?"

"Yes."

"Good. Then follow me … and try not to get killed."

This creature, Malachite growled and when Francesca crossed the alleyway in one bound, he followed effortlessly, if not ticked that he was being challenged by a nightstalker, she is indeed Malchior's pet, only one with such an attitude as hers could be tolerated in his presences … but Malchior … he's really alive? I thought he died years age? With that, Malachite learned another lesson; assumptions are never good to be made on someone's life unless the body is seen.

--

Me: Hmm … let's see the problem I put them in here … the meeting already started without Francesca, Rorek has the grandest pleasure of retrieving the book back from Earth where he will be escorted by the Teen Titans (wonder how that'll work out), Malchior never said a word through out the whole meeting (wonder why), X is being his normal annoyed self, and Francesca at the end of the chapter finally found Malachite, but will he be enough (will he even be on time)? Yeah … I smell even more problems cooking up ahead … I tell ya, I'm having fun with this whole plot twisty thingy. It's fun! As for Raven's illness (sneaky grin) I'll leave that for you folks to ponder on – but keep it to yourself!

Raven: Though I'd be careful, otherwise you'd loose your viewers due to boredom of your story.

Me: AH! Boredom? Is my story getting boring you guys? Tell me? Is it? NOO! I have failed as a writer! NO! I'm ruined!

X: So does that mean you'll end the story (finally!)

Me: (still crying) I-I-I don't know! If it's too boring than I'm afraid I'm going to have to, WAH! I'm a failure!

X: YES!

Raven: -.- this is ridiculous, since cimple is too dumb the figure out that the chapter has ended and to stupid to notice that you readers are still reading her story, I'll say it. l8er daez. cimple, what are you doing?

Me: Digging myself a 12-foot grave to bury away my shame!

X: Drama queen.

Raven: (rolls eyes) You guys better review her or she'll bury herself alive.

X: Though you're encouraged not to! Please I'm begging here! You don't know the torture she puts us through!

Raven: Leave them alone; they'll review if they want to … though … if you have any sympathy for cimple whatsoever I suggest you start now because … she's already starting to pour the dirt on herself.

X: She's suicidal, don't review!

Rorek: (walks in out of no where licking a cone of ice-cream) Um … why is cimple in a 12 foot grave?

X: She's about to put herself out of her misery – and ours! YES!

Rorek: (looks at the grave, still enjoying is ice-cream) Well now … that's not very good … not my problem.

X: Go for it cimple, you're not wanted, loved, or card for!

Me: O.O … WAH! (digs faster)

Raven: … o.O this could get ugly.