Author's Note: I said I wasn't going to upload anymore but I guess I lied, lololol

Chapter Seven

Escape

Dead.

Everyone was dead.

Rosette's eyes couldn't settle on one lifeless body for long before she had to force herself to look elsewhere. But everywhere she tried to look, another person she knew was laying dead before her. Unable to take much more she closed her eyes, holding her hands over her head in anguish, fear.

It is your fault they are dead. Everything is your fault!

"NO! IT'S NOT!"

If you had not been so oblivious to who this dragon was when you first met, everyone would still be alive. Everyone you've ever met is going to die because of you!

"T-That's not true!" she cried out. Tears stung at her eyes and ran down her cheeks. None of this was her fault, it couldn't be true! She didn't do anything to hurt anyone!

If you never met Sedisa, she might have still been alive because she would never have reunited with Audric and come to seek revenge which led up to these events. Your precious husband would never have gotten hurt. That Worgen wouldn't be fighting for his life. The elf would have never died if she had not met you. Even your child will come to meet her untimely death at the hands of the elements...

Something inside Rosette snapped. Her eyes shot open in a look of determination while her hands balled into fists. That was the last straw.

"Now I know you are nothing but lies!" she shouted.

Lies? Do you really think so? You are indeed foolish!

"I know you are lying because I would give my very life to protect my daughter! Your argument is flawed and invalid!" she again shouted. With the taste of reality the images in her head faded, slowly the views of the walls of the obsidian halls came in and Sedisa's body on the floor where she had dropped her. Rosette grit her teeth, quickly leaning down and picking her up. She had to be more careful to not let whoever it was get to her head again.

She still had no idea where to go but now the urgency to get back to Alexstraszsa was more now then it ever was. Time was running out and Sedigosa's spirit wouldn't be lingering in this world for much longer. Rosette could hear the sound of approaching feet, no doubt the reinforcement called in by the one who ran this place. She was going to have to hide if she wanted to make it out of here with Sedisa's body.

The hall seemed to shake just a little as Nightmyst was slammed against a wall. She coughed as the wind was nearly knocked out of her and she slid down, glaring up at the beast that was Edmond. He panted from the exhaustion of combat, but didn't look as if he was ready to back down. His shield was held in front of him, he having used it to slam her into the wall and his sword was held at ready in case she managed to get up anytime soon. The elf growled and now pushed herself up. Just as quickly as she had been thrown back, she was now swinging the Runeblade at him once again. The two metals clashed and both of them glared at one another, struggling against equal strength.

"Why do you fight for what is already lost?" snapped Nightmyst.

"She's no' lost! She may no' be here in life but she will always be here in spirit!" Edmond growled. The two parted as they pushed back, causing each other to stumble back. The beast that was Edmond bared his teeth in warning. Nightmyst simply glared back at him, a smirk playing on her lips.

"So you have come to accept her death. The first step to recovery is acceptance you know." she said with a sneer. Edmond's ears folded back while he growled louder. His weapons felt like they were becoming too heavy, a nuisance to even carry. They rushed at each other again, weapons clashing, sparks flying from the grind of metal. Every blow each one dealt was met with an even match. Nightmyst grinned, it was time to take things into her own hands.

The elf jumped back gracefully as if her plated armor did not hinder her. Blade held at her side, she lifted it in front of her and let her hand hover over the runes that skittered down the surface of the blade. The air around the Worgen dropped in temperature, even with the thick coat of fur he could feel the chill. Piercing yellow eyes darted between himself and the elf who still smirked in knowing.

"It was fun playing with you but I have a dragon to retrieve. Try to enjoy your eternity in ice." said Nightmyst.

"Wot are ya'-" Edmond began, his words cut short when a crack sounded through the air. His body was suddenly encased in a tomb of ice, his body caught in mid flight to try and move out of the way.

"I never said I play fair." she said, lowering her blade once the deed was completed and walking past his frozen frame. That was one down, one to go. Nightmyst lifted her hand, beams of purple energy leaping from her fingers and forming a dark doorway which she proceeded to walk through.

Rosette's heart beat hard in her chest while she pressed her back against the wall, waiting for the mob of Twilight cultists in her pursuit to go past. She held the body close to her, eyes locked on the corner where she was inches from. Once they had rushed past she poked her head out just a little, looking around to see if the coast was clear. Perhaps if she followed the path where they had come from it would lead out.

Her feet swiftly carried her down the hall, following the path and ducking into empty rooms and corners when she felt she was at risk of being caught. The farther she went, the more familiar the surroundings became. She knew for sure she was near the exit now. It was fast approaching as she broke out into a run, the teleportation pad glowing dully. Rose slid to a stop as she grit her teeth. She didn't know how to use the pad without the words and she was sure it worked both ways for getting in as it did getting out.

I didn't come this far to fail now. Sedisa is counting on me... Her eyes traveled down to the dragon's mortal body, looking as if she was simply sleeping. Edmond is counting on me too... There was no way she could stop now. Her head quickly lifted to the glass that served as a window. Surely a jump from this height would kill her. Her eyes closed and she drew in air, chest swelling with courage. Sedisa's body was clutched tightly to her chest and with that Rosette ducked her head down and ran full speed at the window.

Glass shattered as the human burst through the window, falling from the fortress and towards the rapidly approaching ground. Her eyes closed tightly, silently sending out a message that she hoped would reach the recipient. Her prayers were answered when she felt herself swooped out from the sky, her eyes opening to the crimson stone drake that belong to Edmond. The drake flew upwards, circling around the entrance of the citadel as if he was waiting for his master to emerge.

Rosette rose up and lowered Sedisa onto the dragon's back while he continued to circle. She too watched anxiously, waiting for him to come out so they could take Sedisa's body back together.

"What's taking him so long?" she said to herself. They waited before the drake could no longer keep himself aloft and came to perch on the mountain side where they had stayed before. The cultists seemed to still be looking for her inside so they were not seen the time they were flying, at least she thought so. No one was coming out from the exit at all.

Hours had passed and he still had not emerged from the gate. Rosette frowned, resting herself against the side of the dragon while her eyes never left the exit. Pushing herself off the side of the beast she walked towards his head. She couldn't waste anymore time hiding out.

"There must be something wrong with Edmond. Drop me off at entrance and then take Sedisa's body back to Alexstraszsa." said Rosette. The stone drake gave off a soft rumble and lowered to allow her onto it's back. The warrior climbed on, holding onto the scales of red stones while the large wings flapped and it took off into the air. She lowered closer to it's neck while it flew upwards, when it reached the platform it hovered, allowing her off onto it.

While the drake remained airborne beside her she made sure Sedisa's body was secured and wouldn't fall off in flight. Once she was sure she stood back and waved the drake off, watching as it flew back to the Dragon Queen. She stood there for just a little bit, eyes focused as the dragon continued off farther, but suddenly her eyes widened as something flew past the platform. Her head seemed to whirl as she turned to see the skeletal figure of the bone Gryphon flying pass the entrance and after Edmond's Stone Drake.

"No!" she shouted in a panic. It didn't take a genius to figure out that Nightmyst was already in quick pursuit of the dragon. So she was waiting all along? Rosette watched helplessly as Sedisa's body was chased and would surely be caught soon enough if she didn't do something. She looked left and right her eyes catching a glimpse of a Twilight Drake flying towards the platform. It looked like it was on a mission to attack her, but she would take advantage of this and turn it around in her favor.

Maw agape, the drake prepared to snatch the human up. As it swooped down Rosette grinned and side stepped before grabbing onto it's neck as it passed. The drake let out a roar, swinging it's head from side to side to throw her off. She clung tight, sliding herself up the dragon's neck until she was sitting on the back of it's head. A growl rumbled from it's throat but it was silenced when she balled her fingers into a fist and slammed her knuckles into one of it's eyes. It roared out in pain and Rosette continued to assault it in the face before stopping, her eyes glaring into the one she injured.

"Listen here you rat with wings, you're going to follow that bone gryphon and help me attack it or I'll do more then just punch you in the eye." she snapped at it. The drake however seemed defiant still.

"Why should I help you filthy human?" it barked out. Rosette suddenly tightened her legs around it's neck, nearly choking it and causing it to dip.

"If you don't I'll cut your head off in mid flight and use it as a trophy on my wall!" she growled out. The drake got the message quick and redirected it's flight path to follow after Nightmyst. With the unwilling help of the Twilight Drake she would catch up to them in no time, the Stone Drake roaring out while it tried to avoid the sword swipes from the elf. Nightmyst was unaware of Rosette following, her only mission at that moment was to bring down this drake and retrieve the dragon's body. The drake was quick, moving out of the way to avoid the swings of her sword. Perhaps she was going to have to take a more direct approach.

The bone gryphon moved to fly next to the stone drake and once she was in distance, the elf stood and leaped across the gap, landing on it's back. She smirked, taking the long blade and raising it in the air, ready to strike the drake down. The runeblade swung down but it never made contact with it's target. Nightmyst turned her head just in time to see Rosette descending from above, arms above her head while she fell and foot outstretched just in time to kick the elf in the head as she landed. The elf rolled to the side, clinging to the various stones that jutted out from the drake's side while she tried to steady her vision.

Rosette landed without a hitch, kneeling on the stonedrake's back before standing up and glaring down at Nightmyst when she spoke. "Fine, if you don't want to remember anything or anyone from your past then I will treat you as an enemy. I'm tired of trying to get through to you, from now on I will do whatever it takes to make sure you stay dead like the first time!"

"You think you can kill me?" shouted Nightmyst. "I've fought nastier things then you."

Rosette stared down at her then grinned, the look on her face something of craze. For once since their first encounter Nightmyst looked intimidated by her opponent. Rosette stared down at her, one hand on her weapon while the other was held up in a mocking position. "Bring it, I'm ready for your bullshit."

The stonedrake continued it's flight towards the Vermillion Redoubt as the battle on it's back began. Nightmyst swung herself up, rushing to Rosette and swinging the runeblade at her. The warrior quickly brought her own sword up, swinging it so hard against the elf's own that the two weapons bounced off each other and sent vibrations up the metal. Nightmyst was surprised by the woman's strength. Had she been holding back the whole time before?

Sounds the metal clashing and grinding together filled the skies as the two did battle. With every unrelenting attack the elf made, Rosette pushed back with one of her own. The stonedrake did it's best to keep on even flight, when it had to turn the two figures would move along the rocky skin of the beast like they were not effected at all. It was when it had to dip did the two fighters have to balance themselves as so. Nightmyst slid down the side of the drake, holding onto one of the gems once again while Rosette fell on the other side.

They both held on for dear life while the drake dipped, while their own survival was at stake they stared off while clinging with one hand and the other holding their swords. Rosette glared while the wind whipped at her hair, Nightmyst staring back at her with equal ferocity. While they both watched each other, they seemed to be smiling like this had turned into some sort of game.

"Your skills do not match your demeanor, Rose." said the elf, her expression never changing.

"I'd say the same but you suck as much as you look like you do." Rosette grinned, trying to hold back her laughter. Nightmyst looked shocked then rage flitted across her expression. They both looked down, the ground was fast approaching, the stonedrake was aiming to drop them off on the ground in a slightly safer environment to fight. When it was close enough the two let go of the drake, the instant they hit the ground they were back to fighting again while it took off higher into the air again. Nightmyst failed to realize her mistake until it was too late.

"No wait!" she shouted, turning her back for a moment as she watched Sedisa's body fly off in the direction of the Redoubt. Rosette took the distraction to raise her foot, kicking Nightmyst's back and stomping her to the ground. The elf had no intention to move when she felt the blade of Rosette's sword at the back of her neck.

"Game over Ashaldan." said Rosette. "You have lost and nothing else will make a difference."

"Why do you continue to call me by that name?"

"That is who you are. Nightmyst is just a name given to you, I know who you are and who you used to be. You are Ashaldan, once a great Rogue and an even greater friend. Now, you are nothing."

Nightmyst's eyes stared ahead as she listened hard to Rosette's words. While in this state of undeath she had thought all her memories of her past had slipped away, but now she could remember them. All the time she had spent in the company of Rosette and Audric, even Tula came back to her mind, her faithful friend and mount. She wasn't Nightmyst, she was Ashaldan, just like Rosette continued to tell her time after time again. And now everything she had done over the past year suddenly flooded into her mind like a nightmare.

Ashaldan felt the pressure pull off her back and neck. She didn't move but heard the sound of Rosette's steps rounding about to the front where she faced. Her eyes looked up to see the warrior staring down at her, silence exchanged between the two of them. What happened next the elf had never expected. With a smiling face, Rosette lowered her hand down, offering it to Ashaldan.

She reached up, taking her hand and with it her forgiveness.

Vermillion Redoubt, Twilight Highlands

Alexstraszsa stared up at the sky while she patiently awaited the champions return. The sun was starting to set, the light of day beginning to fade as was Sedigosa's spirit. The tendrils of light were fading from the Dragon Queen's fingers, if they were not to return to soon it would be too late. Her eyes closed, her thoughts focused on keeping the spirit with her as long as she could hold onto it. As if hearing her silent distress, the roar of a drake sounded in the distance.

Quickly her eyes opened to the sight of the red stonedrake soaring down from above. She could not see anyone riding it but she did see a familiar figure, Sedigosa's mortal form secured to the back of the beast. The drake put out it's claws for landing, flapping it's great wings and landing safely under the large crimson colored tree where the Dragon Queen waited. Alexstraszsa didn't waste time in moving to the drake and placing her hand on Sedisa's chest. The fading spirit that was wrapped around her fingers slowly pulled away, sinking into the elf's chest and vanishing within with a small glow of white light.

"Where is your rider?" she asked, glancing about while the drake lowered to allow her to remove the securing ropes from the now unconscious Sedisa. The beast gave a low growl which rumbled in it's throat. She frowned at the answer, it did not have a clue where Edmond was and it had dropped Rosette off in mid battle with Nightmyst. The Dragon Queen frowned, but deep down she knew that they would be alright. Their lights had not faded from this world yet.

Sedisa felt like she had been wandering through the darkness for years. Now there was something bright at the end of this tunnel of madness, something warm and welcoming. It was drawing closer, she could feel herself being pulled toward it without any effort of her own. The light enveloped her, wrapping her in a blanket of emotions she had not felt in a long time. Then there was nothing. Her eyes opened to the sight of red leaves falling down from the great tree above her.

Her body felt heavy, it took effort but she managed to sit upright enough to look at her surroundings through her good eye. Red drakes flew through the air above her, her first thoughts were that she finally was released from her torment and this was the other side. Her thoughts of that were quashed when she heard Alexstraszsa's voice speak from behind. "So you have finally returned to us, Sedigosa."

"Alexstraszsa." Sedisa spoke breathlessly. "Why am I here? I do not deserve to return to be among the living."

"You may not think so, young one, but you have been given the glorious gift of a second chance." said Alexstraszsa. "The ones you know as Edmond and Rosette have risked their lives in saving yours to give you that gift."

"Edmond?" The azure dragon pondered. She sighed at the thought, she had no idea why that worgen continued to do anything and everything for her. "Where are they now?"

"I do not know, but this one may be able to lead you to them." The Dragon Queen motioned to Edmond's drake who sat attentively on the ground like it was waiting for it's next command. "Your body has been freed from the Twilight's curse, but you still must be careful. Do not let yourself fall prey to their magic again."

Sedisa looked to the stone drake. Alexstraszsa was right, this was her second chance, her time to redeem herself and forget what grudges she held in the past. She may not have a future if she did not learn to let go. A light smile lined her face, she knew what she had to do. Her body shifted and scaled wings spread from her back, the rest of her body shifting into her dragon form. The dragon and drake exchanged few words before Edmond's mount took off into the air, the majestic blue dragon following after it.