A haunting shriek vibrated through the dungeon walls. Wamma was the first to react to the sound. He bolted upright. Antennas raised high. "Gahhh! What was that?!"
Prince Mudeenu groaned. He had a lousy night. All he could think about was Sansi. Her distressed expression was seen across from his cell. The revelation that she and her sister were royals. It plagued him up to the point where he barely slept. His scales felt cold. He turned to see his cousin also waking up. Concern hit his stomach once he saw that Prince Iflar was listless.
Odu leaned forward as he could toward the bars. His antennas twitched. He nearly jumped as the sound came back again. His brain was spiked by annoyance. This time, he knew it was Aura's as much as his. "Trouble," Odu muttered.
The door creaked open. Heavy footsteps echoed as they made their way to the group. All eyes were turned to the group. Even Aura was now awake, fins red with rage. Before long, King Ruinscorch stood before them. The Blaze Elf King held a big smirk on his face. He had his hands folded behind him.
"Good morning!" He spoke in a voice that was far too cheerful for the likes of him. "Ready for the first round?"
Aura let out a hiss. If her head wasn't throbbing right now, she'd be more than happy to tear apart the creature where he stood. First..round…of what?
Ruinscorch gave an unnerving laugh. "Oh dear! Silly me! I forgot you're new here." He clapped his hands, alerting several servants to his side. He put his hands back in their original position. His eyes gave an all to eager gleam.
The servants each held a strange bundle. They set them down. As they unwrapped the burlap cloth, everyone in their cells felt their heart sink. Weapons of every kind gleamed in the light. Twisted and cruel like the blacksmith who made them. Their dark gray steel stained with blood.
Odu grimaced. "Oh! You gotta be kiddn' me!"
Scorchruin let out a chuckle. "Glad you appreciate my humor, Bug!" He waved a hand. "New or old, I love creatures fighting each other. The struggle. The pain. But you know what I love most?"
"When it's over and someone won?" Wamma's voice shrunk with each word. He found himself moving further back in his cell. His antennas set upright.
A wicked grin spread across his face. A dark-blue fire surrounding his body. "Seeing the life leave your opponents' eyes."
Wamma gulped. Regret rang through his brain. Oh Cothica, I'm gonna die!
Everyone growled. Eyes glowering in the dark. Sansi peaked her head out between the bars. "You truly are insane."
Ruinscorch said nothing. His grin remained but his eyes took on a glassy look. He picked up the nearest weapon. Then, he threw it at Sansi. He scowled as it missed its mark. He turned to leave. His servants followed behind him.
Prince Mudeenu scrambled to his feet. "Sansi! Are you ok?" He flinched the moment his claws touched the bars. Brief shots of pain went through his arms.
Sansi sighed. "I've been through worse. Dodging weapons is just my specialty." She picked herself off the ground and dusted herself.
Aura stared at the weapons. She was extremely thankful that her powers didn't read memories of the people who lived…and died by these weapons. A shudder crawled into her scales. Fins flared out. Her headache finally subsided long enough for her to look around.
There didn't seem to be any windows or holes big enough to escape through. She took a moment to use her mind. Gargling and knotted emotions were hard to make out beyond the doors. Their bars seemed to hold some strong magic that is made specifically for one creature.
"You ok, Aura?" Odu asked. His voice was a bit unsteady. His claws shaking.
My head hurts but I've been through worse, Aura answered. I can't sense anything. She paused for a moment. Her eyes narrowed at the only answer. I'm afraid we're going to have to fight.
"What?!" Wamma leaped from his spot. His claws touched the bars. A volt of electricity shoots through his entire body. Before long, he collapses and lays there for a moment. He coughed. "Ow!"
"I don't think we have much of a choice," Prince Iflar said after being quiet for such a long time. He was sitting on the floor with his arms crossed. "Fight, don't fight, it would only result in us dying."
"What if we have to fight each other?" Mudeenu asked. "By the looks of him, he seems to tingle at the idea." He cringed at those words. Mentally thanking the Cothica for Ruinscorch not being in Perim.
Aura's face grew solemn. As much as she wanted Khybon to be by her side, she knew that Perim's fate rests in finding the soul elements. They need the enemy to have eyes on them. For now, let's just play Ruinscorch's stupid game.
—-(Back at Ashmoon's house)-
H'earring slurped down the last of his soup. A loud belch filled the room. He was soon met by several groans and disgusted expressions.
"That's disgusting H'earring!" Khybon cringed as his fellow tribemate put his bowl down and leaned back into his chair.
"What?" H'earring whined. "It's the best thing I've had in a while."
We left the cave two and a half days ago, Ab'lop corrected. He was nestled on a soft bed made out of griffin feathers. The Water Soul nestled in his tentacles. If I remember correctly, you've had a large brunski fish that was supposed to keep a traveler full for a week.
H'earring pouted. "Well can you blame me? I nearly died and we've yet to find the Fire Elemental."
Ashmoon, who had been quiet all this time, tensed. His wife took hold of his hand. His eyes wander from Skithia, to Khybon and to Ab'lop.
Cinderlin was the first to speak. "You're all fools to try and find it."
Khybon stared at Cinderlin. His eyes intense. "We have to Aura's the only one who can stop this madness completely…" He curled up his arms. "And…she means a lot to me."
Ashmoon gave a small smile. "My sister said the exact same thing about Skithia's father." He took a deep breath. Then, he wiped away the tears. "All right. Here's something we can do." He got out of his chair to grab a map.
He soon came back. He began to point at the strange twisted building that resided in the Blaze Elf territory. "This is where Ruinscorch castle is."
H'earring peered over to look at the spot. He squinted at it. "Looks like the rip-off of Queen Takli's castle."
Ashmoon nearly fell out of his chair. "You've been there?"
Khybon, Cot and H'earring heaved a great sigh. "Yes…" They said in unison.
Ashmoon's face beamed. His smile revealed rows upon rows of teeth. "Then this shouldn't be a problem for you." He went back to the map. "Here's what we'll do."
—-(Blaze Elf Arena)-
Aura couldn't help but feel sickened by this. The crowd cheering in the far off distance. Some of the thoughts she could sense had this wicked glee that unnerved her. The other thoughts were hoping that this would be over. Most of the Blaze Elves had no choice but to watch this sadistic show conjured by their master.
Her fins flared out, angry colors of bright red. Her back hurts from having a thick leather binding wrapped around her wings again. Chains clasped on her wrist. She slithered on the ground. Her body stung with each movement.
"You ok?" Wamma's concern voice was so low that even the nearest guard could hear him. Not that they would care.
I've been through worse, She responded. I just really hate getting this stupid thing back on after all this time! Aura shifted. She suppressed her urge to growl.
Wamma nodded. "I don't blame ya." He peered behind him. His shell crawled as he saw two guards grinning at them. "They look like they have a few screws loose." He cried out as a spear stabbed him.
"Aw, is little buggy cranky?" One of the guards jeered.
Aura hissed. Before even thinking, her head transformed. It turned into a ferocious dragon head. Teeth sharp. Scales ruled her face. She bit down hard on the spear that stabbed Wamma earlier. She even went as far as snatching the nearest Blaze Elf and tossed him to the wall.
The other Blaze Elf raised a spear at Aura. "Stay back!" The voice had so much fear in it.
Aura hissed again. Her teeth glinted in the light. "Hmph! That's pathetic! You're bold to stab someone with a spear, but the moment someone shows spine you turn into a cow. Perhaps you can prove yourself in the arena?"
The Blaze Elf was silent. Then, just slunk away to get the large doors open.
Wamma stared in shock. His claws tenderly holding the wound on his leg. "Woah…"
Odu shuffled over to them. His chains rattled with every movement. "You all right, Wamma?"
Wamma grimaced. "Kinda. Just didn't expected to get wounded before going into battle."
"Well…Try to fight with the pain," Odu commanded. "It's the only way to get out of this without a plan."
Aura still kept her form up. Teeth flashed at the other Blaze Elves. They all were fearful of her. She couldn't help but grin.
Wamma stared at her in shock. "Wow…Aura…Th-that's really impressive."
Aura's colors swirled with pinks and golds. "Well…One benefit of having an Underworlder Taskmaster is finding a new form of bravery. Aaaaand having someone being afraid of me instead of the other way around for once."
The others stared in shock. However, Odu held back a chuckle. Oh Khybon, if only you could see your girl now. The creaking of the door jolted him back to the reality of their situation. His heart felt uneasy.
A heavy silence filled the air as the group walked out to the arena. Eyes focused on them. Every Blaze Elf looked exactly like Skithia but without the horns. Even their skins were taught that their cheekbones looked sharper than they should be. Lips drawn into frowns.
High above the crowd was none other than King Ruinscorch. His armor was seen on the balcony he now stood. His crown gleamed in the light. He lifted his arms as he greeted his subjects. "Greetings everyone! Thank you all for coming."
The citizens cheered. However, Aura knew that most of them were fake. The buzz of fear entered her mind like a drill. How it disgusted her even more now being outside.
"I hope you're all excited because we have something special," Ruinscorch continued. His voice grew higher with excitement. "Coming from a new world, I give to you: The Tribes of Perim!"
An excited roar filled the stadium. A few jeers erupted further. Even a few children looked at them with curious eyes.
Aura raised her head. Eyes defiant. Suddenly, she felt something. A thought. One filled with worry but pure relief. One that was always calculating the next steps. Warm as a small fire. Her heart skipped a beat. Khybon?
Aura! His mental message came loud and clear. Joy rippled in the bond. Are you ok?
My head hurts and these accursed thoughts and emotions by these elves aren't doing me any favors. Aura focused on Scorchruin. She knew that if she tried searching for Khybon, it might create problems. I'm just glad you're able to get away.
Khybon metal sigh verberated throughout her skull. Good to know. The others?
Wamma got stabbed by some Blaze Elves. Nothing serious, but it'll be a nuisance when he fights. You should've seen how they cowered at seeing my outburst! A mental laugh rippled in their bond. Aura fought the urge to roll her eyes as Ruinscorch prattled on. The others are a little shaken. I don't know what monsters that Ruinscorch will throw at us but please do me a favor.
What's that? Khybon asked.
If you have a plan, please act soon! Aura's pleas turned into a playful wave with a hint of desperation. His mindless and sadistic blathering is making him dangerously close to ripping him to shreds! Also, GET THIS STUPID THING OFF ME!
Khybon's laugh vibrated in her head. To her, it reminded her of the fireworks the Underworlders used for one of their festivals. You've really gotten fierce! I'm sure the Chieftains are going to be really scared of you after this.
Aura felt the corners of her mouth twitch. She slapped his mind playfully. Come now. I can't do that all the time otherwise I'd be crazy as they are.
Khybon sighed. Fair enough. If you hear a whistle, duck!
Their mental link ended, leaving Aura to prepare herself. She nearly jumped at the sound of trumpets blared. She turned her attention to a set of doors to the west of the group. A few Blaze Elves above it shuffled away. She looked at the others.
Wamma was starting to look pale. His legs ready to give under him, but he tried not to show his fear. Odu and Mudeenu were glaring from all sides. Prince Iflar gripped his sword, a wicked blade that resembled serrated teeth. Sansi took on a fighting stance. Frafdo followed while Bondu growled through her muzzle.
Aura stiffened. She could sense something behind those doors long before they creaked. Something large. Menacing. Hungry, but not for food. It seemed to share the same madness…as its master.
Once the doors open, a hush filled the crowd. All eyes focused on the open doors. Some were making gestures as if to repel the evil that was leaking out. Heavy footsteps followed. They sounded like thunder. An invisible whip cracked. Yellow eyes began to appear into the light followed by a breath that wreaked of sulfur.
An enormous head popped out. It was bald with a long, snake-like neck. A vicious curved beak gleamed in the broken light. It came with a greasy gray mane with black feathers. Wings spread out to the sky. A tail resembled a scorpion's, smacking the ground hard. Back legs encased in hard carapace. What made it more terrifying was the fact that it was as big as a warbeast!
"That…can't be a griffin." Odu uttered. "Right?"
As if insulted by Odu's words, the creature let out a shriek. More shrill than a M'arillian's cry. Paper-like wings unfolded. It flapped them as hard as it could. A large gust of wind began pushing the group back. The wind became stronger with each stroke. Finally, it sent them flying to a wall.
Wamma let out a wail of pain. "My leg…" He whimpered.
Odu grunted. He got up slowly, he reached for Wamma and helped him up. "Quit belly aching. Th-this is nothing compared to the invasion." His voice held a twinge of fear that betrayed every word he said. His eyes widened at the monster before him.
King Ruinscorch let out a loud cackle. His form arched back as he stared down the group. "Surprised? My griffin is of a special breed. Queen Tikali put a little shadow magic and-Poof! A griffin that's loyal only to me!" Aura could see well but she knew that his grin was only growing wider. "Normally I'd use my other warriors but consider what we have here…it might as well be a special occasion."
Aura's fins raised. Frantically, she tried to send a message to the others. You guys- A sharp sensation sliced through her brain. She cried out in pain. She pressed against her head. No…
King Ruinscorch tsked. "Goodness have you know manners? Though being the daughter of a dragon royal can do that."
Aura froze. Her colors turned into pure pastels. "W-what?"
King Ruinscorch stood on top of the railing. His weapon gleamed in the light. A wicked grin on his face. "Oh…Don't be stupid I know the face of the Princess Argelina when I see it? Or is…" He tapped his finger on his chin. "Arge? That's what that stupid fluidmorpher, Quinlins called her anyway."
Aura froze. Her whole world drowned the moment she heard those names. Voices drowned out. She stared at the ground. A royal? She wasn't a regular hybrid, but a royal?
King Ruinscorch continued. "Queen Tikali told me this story. Quinlins, a washed-up weakling, met with the princess one fine day on the beach." He began walking on the railing. His steps were that of an acrobat. "He was taken in by the royal family, the main rulers of this land. Then, one day, she got pregnant with an egg! She had managed to make an egg with Quinlins. How pathetic her demise must've been for her husband to fall and her daughter a slave." He let out a laugh that was so shrill that anyone close by would have their ears bleed. His griffin also matched that laugh.
Odu grabbed Aura by the shoulder. "Aura! Snap out of it! This isn't the time to think about this!"
Aura turned her head. "You knew?"
Odu bit back his answer. Guilt gnawed at his gut. He tried to help her up but she swatted his hand away. He watched her fins and wings turn blood red with rage. He could even feel the heat bubbling underneath her skin.
Ruinscorch merely smirked. "Time to end this absurdity right now!" He jumped, his weapon unsheathed. It revealed a wicked broad sword with tooth-like edges. Blade angled to deliver the final blow. Suddenly, an explosion to the left sent him flying into a wall on his left.
Everyone stared in shock at what they had just seen. Mouths agape. Ruinscorch coughed out the dust and ash that had gotten into his mouth. "Who did that?! What's the meaning of-" He was soon kicked in the face. He briefly looked up to see three red eyes glaring right at him.
"Don't!" Khybon's words growled out. "Don't ever talk like that to her!" He swung another punch that landed square in the jaw with a sickening crack.
Ruinscorch spat blood out of his mouth. A tooth soon followed. He stared in pure shock. He shook himself. "How dare you!" He let out a whistle.
The large griffen turned in their direction. Neck arched. Its body glowed in a lavender hue. Mouth opened as a light leaked out. Before it could attack, a small black body struck its back. The fireball flew to the south of the arena. Blaze Elves scrambled to get away.
In the sky, a black griffin squawked defiantly. Feathers puffed out. Eyes glowed in the torchlight. It narrowed its wings into a dive. It barely missed the talons aimed for its back. This time, it struck back. Claws raked above the eye.
Blue fireballs exploded around them. Dust surrounded them. Screams filled the air. Blaze Elves ran out of their seats. The guards jumped into the arena. However, a few of them were met with fists with a blue-haired Underworlder.
"Skithia!" Aura's colors flashed in pure joy at the sight of her friend.
Cot soon hovered in front of Aura. A soured look on the bird's face. "Hey! What about me?!"
Aura hugged her Cot. "Come here you sarcastic bean!" She felt relief flow into her as her cheek is pressed into the warm feathers.
A Blaze Elf guard was about to strike, but Aura unleashed a Rip tide before he could create a flame orb. Then, she heard a groan. She turned to see Wamma pressed against the wall. The Danian Battlemaster tried to avoid the spears but it seemed one had made contact with his hand. Odu covering for him.
"We better focus on the fight." Aura ducked as a sword swung at her head. She let go of her embrace with Cot. She slithered over to Odu's side. She grabbed a spear in mid-air and flung it back. A scream of anguish soon followed.
The giant griffin hissed in anger. It was ready to attack when the black griffin attacked. Two other griffins joined in the fray. Before long, it was madness of wings, spears, dust and fire. Screeches and screams filled the air. Most of the Blaze Elves had gone so no one noticed two cloaked figures slipping past them.
The figures reached to the most western portion of the arena. One raised a weapon while the other readied a canister. The second figure furiously set up the equipment. "Hurry it up!" A female voice, Cinderlin's voice, hissed. "I don't know how long they'll last!"
Ashmoon huffed. "I'm well aware of the danger our griffins and friends are in, but if you hadn't noticed, this mechanism is far more complicated than what Bodal showed me!" He adjust a green wire to a metal plate, getting zapped as a result. "I'll just need a few seconds. At least I didn't give H'earring that key."
Cinderlin whipped her head back to her husband. "It was all I could think of!"
Footsteps were heard in the distance. Getting nearer with each step. By the sound, they were heavily armed. Tide Hounds and griffins with them no doubt.
"Better think of something else and fast!" Ashmoon continued to fiddle with his contraption. The wires slowly becoming less of a mess.
Cinderlin raised her sword higher. She began muttering a few prayers in hopes that nothing happens. More footsteps resounded in the opposite direction. Suddenly, she could make out H'earring and Bodal coming to them in another direction.
"Run!" H'earring yelled. His long ears flapped about as he ran towards the Blaze Elf couple.
"You better have the explosive ready!" Bodal screamed.
Cinderlin stared at the small duo in confusion. Then, she soon noticed what they were running from. Three large beasts were at their heels. One that was a red wyvern. The other was a strange mixture of a coyote and centipede. The third resembled a leopard and cicada with acid dripping from its mouth.
"Time to go!" Cinderlin ran towards them. She swooped both into her arms. She was about to run in the opposite direction until she saw the guards in plain view. "ASH!"
"Got it!" Ashmoon backed away as the little device began blinking. As he got up, his eyes widened. "Oh boy!" He began to lead the way. He pointed to a hallway that was nearest to them. "Get ready to jump!"
A loud boom resounded behind them. Fire roared around them. An invisible force pushed them out of the hallway. Ashmoon and Cinderlin jumped into the air. The walls crumbled around them. Air rushed into their faces. Feathers went into their faces. Their griffins had caught them before they hit the ground.
At the arena, everyone was knocked down by the explosion. Dust covering everyone from head to toe. Aura was able to protect Odu and Wamma from the blast. Her shield was up. She breathed hard. Skithia coughed under her griffin as he fluffed out of his own feathers.
Cot shook herself free of debris. "Everyone ok?"
Khybon coughed. He winced as he realized a blade had raked against his skin. Not too deep, but it did hurt. "Present."
As everyone got up. Ashmoon's griffin lowered down slightly. "We have to go now!" Ashmoon pointed to a large hole that was made in the arena. Just as an enormous griffin head rose out.
"Don't have to tell us twice!" Odu yelled. He lifted Wamma up, one arm draped over his shoulder. He began hustling towards the door.
Aura raised her mental shields as the pain had finally died down. She could feel all the emotions flooding in now. She was even able to find Khybon in the chaos. She snatched him up just before Ruinscorch could land a blow on him.
Ruinscorch summoned another fire orb. Then, Skithia stepped in and knocked it out of his hand. She twisted his arm until it snapped, then she unleashed a blue flame. The cruel leader howled in pain. She flung him to the side. However, she wasn't fast enough and felt something stab her abdomen.
Skithia cried out. She stumbled back on the ground. She looked down to see a sword sticking out. Cothica! She tried to get up but Ruinscorch stepped on her arm very hard. She cried out once again. The pain filled her with agony.
Ruinscroch leaned over her. A menacing glare ready to burn her. "So, after all this time…your mother managed to keep you alive." He pressed his foot deeper. He grabbed her by the throat, his grip grew tighter. "There's only ONE blue flame! One! Me alone! I'll not have that power taken away from me." His nails extended. Flames appeared. Purple with hints of blue.
Skithia clawed at his hand in hopes of breaking free. She wanted to reach out to Aura and her griffin but she knew both would be in danger. They're too important…Her thoughts were starting to fade as terror was starting to seize her. Then, she summoned her own fire. It only loosened a few fingers.
"Pathetic…I guess the apple doesn't fall far from the tree." Ruinscorch smirked. "Your mother and uncle were nothing more than cowards to defy me. Now…It's time to punish you." His fingers went long and slashed down on one of her arms.
Skithia wanted to scream. The air trapped in her lungs. She increased the intensity of her fire. She could see some of the flesh starting to burn.
Ruinscorch raised another hand. A sneer on his lips. He was about to say something when a roar resounded.
"No!"
Skithia's world spun for a moment. She felt a large force slam into her and Ruinscorch. She rolled into the dirt until two large hands scooped her up. Her hair waved in the breeze. She looked up to see none other than Atrapol staring down at her.
Atrapol's eyes were filled with concern. Hovering next to him was Noct. "Skithia! Skithia! Can you hear me?"
Skithia coughed. Her throat felt raw. She rubbed it gently. Fatigue finally kicking in. "Yes…You bonehead, focus on running…"
The group continued heading for the hole made in the wall. They knocked down every guard. Griffins knocked from the sky. However, they weren't able to get far enough away to hear Ruinscorch's last words.
"You wretch! Just you wait!" Ruinscorch was on the ground. Sitting upright, he tried his best to hold back his bleeding nose. "When the moon is full and the clouds are blood red, you'll burn!" He looked at the sky. His eyes narrowed. "You will burn…"