Fantasy Howl's Flying Castle (Finished! ---Whoo! (*＾▽＾)／)

[Katsuya]

When Seifer panicked and pointed behind her, Echo sucked in air and pounded hard on the dry dirt; Quickly creating a hole that the both of them fell into. Deep enough for Echo to stand without being in the worms' vision. Then with a basic horse stance from oriental training, she punched the air with a tight fist as if she's gripping onto something before pulling.

That's when Seifer can see the dry dirt being pulled over their heads, covering the hole enough. Then Echo changed her stance, sweeping one of her hooves widely as she pulled again. Black dead roots and vines appeared right under the dirt ceiling, criss-crossing each other as they supported their hiding spot. Once again Echo fluidly changed her stance, now as if she's holding something up with her arms and hands. Thick pillars of dirt grew out in their space and held up the ceiling in case the worms slighter on top.

********

Chenglei stared at where Serena left, blinking before snorting. "She needs to be more careful with that acting of hers. It's like talking with another person." He squeaked at Johnny as he can tell that Johnny was confused about something. Probably why Serena is the way she is right now. The soldier was confused too when he saw Serena until he realized that she's just acting; believing she's a thief and making it easier for her to steal something.

As a mouse, Chenglei stood really tall and still like a typical soldier would. His dark gold blonde fur would've sheen under sunlight if there were any sort of sun. Ash violet eyes are narrow even in his mousey form. He patted Johnny's shoulder in thanks for his concern earlier.

Renee didn't let go for a while as if she's trying to hold on as much as she could. James could feel her heart pounding hard against her chest and her grip didn't falter. She sighed in relief when he kissed her forehead; wings flapping happily as she snuggled into their hug. "I-I" She swallowed. "I'm sorry. Valdanr took my bracelet and my necklace. I was trying to ask Seifer if he has with him but I guess he couldn't hear me..."

In the meanwhile, Serena found what Johnny asked for: A sword, a bow, and arrows. However she can tell they weren't ordinary, not with the magical essence practically seeping out. The blonde only raised an eyebrow as she held up the arrows close to her face, squinting her eyes at it. "How strange...Is this Ragnite?" She whispered before looking around. There was so much of the red crystal material, she wondered if Bahamut even knew of this place. Probably not or he does and is a backstabbing spy.

Serena couldn't help herself as she grabbed ragnite ores, gems, silver, and a bit of the iron ore too, pocketing them in a bag that she found with the weapons. Then she hid around the corner, her azure eyes observing the guards that are flanking the door. She wondered what's behind the door so she grabbed the iron ore she grabbed before and tossed it away from her. The blonde waited for the guards to check the clacking noise that's echoing in the tunnels, hoping they will walk away for her to freeze them without them noticing.

Zer0 Roleplay Skittle

 

[Zer0]

- Awashima -​

Izanagi and Isanami were shocked at Lydia's news. They then told her that all over the land, since yesterday morning, the feuding clans had also been sabotaged. It seemed that Valdanr had been spending the whole night conditioning certain individuals to start a coup, all to distract them from this.

They immediately sent messengers to warn Amaterasu's clan. And Amaterasu himself flew out with his dragon companions with all haste. The black army was taking the long route around, there would be a few hours at least for his clan to prepare for the inevitable siege.

The guardians thanked Lydia immensely, they stiffness gone. She had put herself at great risk like that and they were grateful.

As of now, Mizutsune and her dragons were too injured to fight because of yesterday, so all they could do was just send word to the other clans for reinforcements. Hopefully Amaterasu's people can hold on until they arrive.

Meanwhile, Bahamut was accused of treachery and locked up. He protested his innocence, but who would believe he didn't notice an army being assembled right under his nose, and in the Barrens of all places. It takes weeks of preparation to ready an army as large as that, but Bahamut swore he didn't know.

Roleplay Skittle

- The Barrens -​

"We checked Seifer when we found him. He didn't have your necklace nor bracelet either." squeaked James, quite ignorant of Lydia's warnings as his eyes and ears weren't on his bees at the moment. "They're important to you, Renee, but we can't look for them. Lydia's infiltrated that army that's heading for Awashima, and we only have a few hours until she needs Sasha again, so we need to go now."

Meanwhile, underground, the guards had fallen for Serena's bait and were now popsickles. The door she discovered was sealed by magic and she could not get through. Giant clawed footsteps moved about inside and there was a faint scent of something that smelled like that hand-made hair product Renee made for Seifer a long time ago.

"Serena, what are you doing?" whispered James voice. "We got the weapons, let's go!"

Katsuya

- ?? -​

Kenren's vision was hazy as he staggered around like a drunken man. Something pushed him to the ground, rumbling deeply in amusement. He tried to get up, but it pushed him down again. Who was doing that?; He heard the sound of Historia wincing and the gasping of Bertrand's ragged breathing.

Suddenly something large grabbed his entire body, his arms were pinned, he couldn't move. There was the flapping of great wings and the woosh of wind. He knew a dragon landed nearby, but he couldn't make it out except that it was black.

"Historia, you little, little cuss." said a woman's voice. "Good work, where is the master?"

Whatever was holding the prince did not speak. It must be a dragon.

" Very well, but we must rescue him. Who do we don't need?"

Kenren was thrown to the ground. No, he was going to be killed. He knew it. He can't die, he wasn't finished. He was going to unite the Orients, he promised Chenglei and all his followers. "Chenglei." he spoke unbidden. No, he mustn't beg. If this was the end, then he'll take them down with him.

"I-is he crying? Pfft --- hahahahaha! What a prince, more like a princess hahahahahaha ---" Kenren lunged blindly for the kill.

OOC | Characters | Moments in Time
​

 

[Katsuya]

Chenglei place a hand on his twinging heart as he looked at a random direction, worried for an unknown reason. He thought he heard Kenren...

'Probably my imagination...' He thought, but wasn't convinced as his heart pang in pain.

Renee's wings wilted but she nodded in understanding; now looking down at the ground in a bit of despair for losing two very important items from two very important people. She nuzzled and hid her face in James' clothes as she continued to hug him.

In the meanwhile, Serena snorted at the frozen guards before going closer to the door. She isn't a real thief, she knows that even if she was acting like one, however she needed help with opening this door. "James, get down here. There's a door and-" She took a moment to sniff.

"I can smell Renee's homemade hair care. James, I think someone's in here." Then she added. "Actually bring Renee too. I have this weird feeling that we might need her help for this."

Zer0

 

[Roleplay Skittle]

When Lydia didn't hear back from James about the fact that the army was going straight in the direction that Echo and Seifer were, she became frustrated and clasped her hands together, all she could do was hope that Echo could safely hide herself and Seifer and that the army didn't know that they were there.

* * * *
​

The fact that Izanagi and Isanami so easily accepted her news came as a relief to Lydia. There wasn't time for her to talk circles and try to make them realize how important it was to act right away, and unless she just blew something up to express how serious it was, it likely would have taken a long time for her to do so.

She felt bad for Bahamut if he was truly as innocent as he claimed, but she had to agree that it was very suspicious that he hadn't caught wind of all of the goings on of his kin and so simply told him that if he was being wrongfully accused, he would understand that it was necessary and wait until they could prove his innocence. She also told him that she really wanted to believe that he was innocent, but there wasn't time enough to find out and he'd just have to be patient.

The fact that the guardians relaxed somewhat made her glad, but she took this moment to let them know that appearances weren't the most important thing at stake, "if you really want to preserve your lineage, help defeat Valdanr. Whether or not you are the true guardians doesn't matter because we are all here now. Defeating his evil will ensure us each a place in history no matter where we come from or who we are," and with that she requested that Amaterasu allow her to travel with him so that she could help his clan defend against the black army until help arrived from the other clans.

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- The Barrens -​

" I think Serena found your things, Renee." squeaked James, noticing her wings wilt. "Serena, will it take less than ten minutes to get in and out of there?"

He was anxious for Lydia. He wasn't going to waste any more time for things while she's risking her life up there. It's already been almost twenty minutes since the army left and they had already gone beyond the eight mile link he has with his bees.

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

Renee's wings perked up as she stared widely at her brother who's talking to Serena through his bees. She looked so hopeful...

"It should. I just need to open this blasted door." Serena growled quietly, agitated that this thing is blocking her way to stealing something...or someone. "The guards are dealt with and barely anyone is here. I believe we should be fine with using magic because this door. Has. Magic. Sealing it-!" She sounded really irritated as she pushed and pulled the magical door, trying to find a way to dispel it.

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- The Barrens -​

"Alright, we're coming. Let's go up Sasha, everyone --- you alright, Chenglei?" James had a firm hand on his shoulder. He looked relieved to see the mousey soldier.

James filled them in on what Serena told him. After passing the popsickled guards and arriving before the gate. Johnny looked at Serena. "Serena, I thought you said someone is here. It sounds like a dragon's in here."

Renee could definitely recognize Sirius' shuffling. But whatever enchantment is in the door it's preventing their mind link.

James was mad and said he was not getting into a fight with a dragon for Seifer's hair care products.

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

Chenglei didn't move for a moment before looking at James with a charming grin that made a twinkle; he could hear the 'ping!' sound as the blonde patted James' back. Hard. "I am fine, dear little brother. Come now-! Let's get going." Then he walked over to the owl who's looking at him like he was lunch.

When the group reached over to the magical door and James got mad at Serena, the blonde sighed. "Well, dragon or not, it is someone and Valdanr has them behind a magical doo-"

"Sirius?! Is that you?!" Renee quickly reached to the door, her body practically melding onto the door as she hears his shuffling. Why isn't the mental link working?

"The door...It's the door. Please James, open it. It's okay. This is...This is someone very important to me and Seifer." She begged her angry brother; her wings flapping excitedly. "Please? I swear he won't harm anybody, he's a good baby dragon. Just please open the door and let him out." Oh how her soul is screaming at Inner Seifer that Sirius is found and she's trying to get him to be free right now.

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- The Barrens -​

Something heavy rammed on the huge door that made Johnny and James jump back in alarm, but it held. Scuffling, anxious scratching from giant claws, and booming squeaks ensued.

James gave Renee a look like what have you been doing the past two weeks? But reserved judgement to after they see what they're dealing with. He told them to stay back and after turning back into his human form, opened the door.

Sirius' presence flooded Renee's mind, happy and relieved to be with her. At the same time a big furry snout that didn't fit the door burst out licking Renee.

It was unlike any of the black dragons they saw. Johnny looked like he was trying to control himself; James just stared. It smelled like Seifer's shampoo and it looked too well groomed and that hairstyle was too Seifer-ish to be normal.

The room inside was humungous. It must have been Valdanr's chambers as it was better furnished than the other places. And in a locked chest that was soon dispelled of enchantments, was Renee and Seifer's things.

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

"Hahah! My baby-!" Renee chortled happily as Sirius licked her, covering her being with his saliva; She hugged his snout tightly as she could while she transformed back to her human form. The return of their mental link made her soul sing loud enough for Seifer to 'hear' as well.

"That fat lizard didn't hurt you, did he? Did he? Were you scared? You're so brave. I'm sorry, my poor baboo~. Don't worry; Daddy's okay too. He's with Auntie Echo." She cuddled and nuzzled Sirius as she comforted him; her wings are fluttering and flapping happily. Completely ignoring James' expression. This interaction reminded Serena of a very dotting and relieved mother for her child's safety...

Serena had to hold back her cackle when Renee introduced Sirius to James as his uncle, watching his expression very closely. She couldn't wait to tell Seth about this.

"Sirius, this is your Uncle Jams, Uncle Johnny, Auntie Rena, and Uncle Lei-Lei. Everyone, this is my big little one, Sirius Twinkle Pendragon Rathmore." Why did Renee say that with a bright smile like a proud mother?! What's with that name?

Chenglei pinched the bridge of his nose, closing his eyes for a moment. He took a deep breathe. The whole two weeks, Renee was being a mom to a baby dragon and Seifer is obviously the father with the way Sirius' fur is all stylized. 'Buddha, give me strength...' The blonde soldier thought as he walked up to the fluffy dragon and smiled warmly while petting his snout gently. Okay, he's cute and very fluffy. He has a weakness for cute and rarely does anybody know that little tidbit of his. The only one who knows is Kenren.

Serena, after the enchantment was gone and greeted the large baby dragon with a nuzzle, bagged Seifer's items and gave Renee's stuff back. The Pendragon sister looked relaxed now with her necklace and bracelet on their proper place as she stared at her brother with a calm glance. She didn't move away from Sirius, her hand on his large paw.

"Okay, let's get going. I'll shrink Sirius so it'll be easier to hide him. Hold still for Mama, Sweetie." She added (cooing in a gentle and soft tone, mind you) as she shrunk the baby dragon to the size of a mouse; getting better at the spell with so many times of doing it before. Then she asked Johnny to change everyone again so they can get out of here quickly, pick up Seifer and Echo to reach Lydia.

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

Episode 12: The Awakening

- The Barrens -​

Sirius did feel scared, but Renee's closeness soothed him. When he was being introduced, he sat on his haunches all noble like just as Seifer taught him, and its presence beamed inside everyone's heads in greeting, while it wiggled his ears happily like Renee's wings.

"Hello, Sirius!" whispered Johnny enthusiastically, launching himself flat on his fluffy tail. "You are so fluffy, awwwwoofywuffywufffy!" his arms rubbed his tail like it was a soft bed. "I like you!" he grinned, "We're going out and going to your papa, okay?"

James stared at Johnny too. He was speechless when Renee insinuated that the hatchling was coming with them too. "Sirius Twinkle Pendragon Rathmore . . ." he repeated, flabbergasted, " I have a lot of things to say to you, Renee, but now isn't the time."

When Sasha finally flew off after the army, Mousey-James kept glancing at the tiny Sirius that was being hugged and cuddled ceaselessly by Johnny if Renee let him. James seemed to be thinking about this whole new addition to the family.

When they arrived at their hiding place in the wasteland Johnny and James were shocked to see it all destroyed as though a giant snake had slithered through it, a great furrow in the ground with mounds of dirt on either side. But Seifer and Echo were alright.

Sheep Seifer cried and bleated madly when he saw Renee and Sirius, his hoof waving at them frantically; he couldn't be set free yet, but he nuzzled Renee and his little hatchling as much as he could. Since Renee still had a piece of Valdanr's soul, James said that she too must be turned into a sheep and then bound. He suggested Renee shrink Seifer and herself and then maybe Echo can wrap them in tiny tight roots instead before they continue their journey.

Katsuya

- Frostfire Festival -
" Night Time, City of Numenor "​

The others arrived in Awashima an hour after Lydia did. They had lost sight of the army and spent some time searching for it, but didn't find it. Eventually they headed for the city, but weren't able to catch up with Lydia when she left earlier with Amaterasu and his companions.

During their six hour flight, apart from asking Renee about Sirius, James told her about how their dragon friends can exorcise Valdanr's soul from her, and whispered about Izanagi and Isanami's plan to exorcise Seifer too, which would definitely kill him. It was something they had promised the royals, but James had a different plan. He and Johnny had been talking about it and they planned to hide Seifer somewhere and Johnny would stay behind and guard him, or they could somehow talk to the royals about it. James wouldn't spend time talking with them though, he'd go help with the inevitable fighting as soon as possible; Johnny was willing to stay with Renee and Seifer, and help with persuasion.

Meanwhile, the dark army had a three hour start, so by the time Lydia and company caught sight of the fortress city of Amaterasu, the city of Numenor, it was already under siege.

The night skies were dotted with floating lanterns. Icy-blue frost bolts and flaming orange pillars of fire illuminated the clouds, as the frost dragons sped through the air, battling the armored blacks. Smoke was billowing from the city; masses of arcane mechanized soldiers engaged the skullies and lizard men flooding down the streets.

The clanging of blades against shields echoed throughout the icy landscape. Several explosions erupted into a shower of blinding sparks that rained down upon the chaos. The enemy had taken the front gates, and gained dominance of the skies. There was no way into the city or straight through the sealed gate of one of the Nameless One's servants without getting caught in the crossfire.

At the sight of this impending doom, Amaterasu was stunned and for a moment he just stood there staring as his companions asked him for his orders. If they should wait for reinforcements, or join the fray.

Roleplay Skittle Katsuya

 

[Roleplay Skittle]

Upon their approach of the fortress city, Lydia's bright green eyes widened in horror at the sight. The army had attacked as soon as they had reached the city, there had been no waiting, no time for them to prepare. Her stunned gaze shifted to Amaterasu and her brow furrowed as she saw that he was virtually immobile, stunned to the point of just staring at the havoc being wrought by Valdanr's army.

She shook her head and grasped his arm firmly, her expression determined as she spoke, "we can't just stand here. We have to do something," a pincer attack was better than nothing. If they could cause enough chaos from the rear of the battle, even if the front of the army was already through the gates, their attention still might be divided enough for the city to remain standing until reinforcements arrived.

Lydia didn't wait for a response from Amaterasu, giving the enemy the advantage by allowing them to somehow break through the gates of Nameless One's servants was simply not an option, they had to do everything they could to break the army before then. Lydia focused her will and gazed out over the battle, drawing in a deep breath before she spoke the words, "To elude our enemies, sweep this dust up in a gale. Cast them into darkness, leave them blind, Shadow Veil!"

Zer0

 

[Katsuya]

Renee agreed to changing into a sheep and let Echo tie her up with tiny roots as she understands how dangerous Valdanr can be. All teary eyed, she snuggled Sheep-Seifer silly and muffled 'Sheep-boy-Heheh!' in his wool as she still remembers the various of nicknames he gave her. Throughout their flight on Sasha, she answered all of their questions honestly, noticing how her brother kept glancing at her baby dragon. She stayed nearby Sirius, not minding Johnny's crazy hugging; it helped keep Sirius safe from falling off. However she was watching the entire time, just in case they do fall off and she needed to be free and jump off too.

When James mentioned about Seifer's predicament with Izanagi and Isanami, Renee blankly stared in disbelief. Her wings puffy from her agitation of these royals. While she understands what Seifer has done is not good, but they shouldn't try to kill someone off. Especially when he had nothing to do with this whole thing in the first place. She told James that she wants to talk to the royals to give Seifer a bit of time until they find a way to using her Skarn necklace. Chenglei mentioned to her before about Hisaya's recovery and how the red stone fell into pieces; she pondered about how she can stop Seifer's body from destroying itself and his sou leaving while waiting for the others to come...

So she thought of her stone, the Skarn necklace. Renee looked over at her brother. "Remember what I told you? It's an ore that they use for hearts?" It just seem like a good idea. They just needed to figure out on how to make it as a heart and in Seifer's body...somehow.

Zer0 Roleplay Skittle

 

[Zer0]

- Awashima -​

"Bhmm, bmm." bleated Seifer through the muffling roots, and gave Renee a tight one-hoofed hug;
He too watched as Johnny nuzzled and nuzzled Sirius, waving his hoof gesturing that he wants to hug him again, but
Sirius was tentative of him, thinking that he's bad, which hurt, but Seifer understood. The hatchling still didn't understand that he wasn't Valdanr. Seifer supposed that Sirius had always felt that dark presence in his soul and thought that was part of who he was.

James nodded at Renee's decision, "The people in Awashima are half arcane machine, maybe they make prosthetic hearts too?" Upon arrival, when he learned that Lydia had gone ahead to battle, he promptly announced that he was following immediately, leaving the persuasion to Renee, Johnny, and the rest.

Mizutsune was too injured to battle, but she had enough strength to exorcise Renee. James had left Lydia's notes to Johnny and he was ready to begin creating the spell circle. Izanagi and Isanami were too busy with all that was going on to listen to Renee's and everyone else's persuasion about Seifer, but it was clear that there was probably going to be a fight with Renee herself and Johnny at least if he was going to be killed, sot they decided to detain him until they can discuss this matter more thoroughly. Sirius was a surprise to them. It turned out he was one of the rare black dragons, one of their most powerful that would grow to be as big and strong as Valdanr and Bahamut's kind. Often they were nurtured into becoming leaders or powerful warriors for the black dragons. Sirius was wary and curious of these new type of dragons like that other one that bowed at Seifer's feet as his first experience with his kind had been unpleasant.

There was no sign of Kenren's men except for four soldiers who reported to Chenglei that the prince was missing with Historia and that the rest had left to track him down. The soldiers were very glad Chenglei was alright and said that in the absence of the prince, he was in command of the men now.

Katsuya

- City of Numenor -​

The enemies at the rear were simultaneously struck blind. There was mass confusion and panic as a gale of billowing dust clouds swept up the foes' flanks. There were no Numenorians here, and so they were wondering what was going on. Officers were shouting at their soldiers to stay calm as the black dragons in the sky began searching for the source.

There was still time for Lydia to cause some chaos, before there was a roar and many dragons began surging towards them.

Roleplay Skittle

 

[Roleplay Skittle]

Lydia took no pause, it wasn't any time to panic and she had to act quickly since she had to speak her spells still. As soon as she had seen the confusion of the enemies on the ground when they were blinded by her Shadow Veil, she began to cast once more, her gaze turning to the sky above the dragons that currently headed their way with a focus on the ones that were more speedily flying towards them, "Children of the heavens, let them feel my ire. Set mine enemies ablaze, Rain of Fire!"

Zer0

 

[Katsuya]

"Perhaps. I'll ask them about it when the topic comes up." Renee whispered to James before nuzzling Seifer's fluffy wool, keeping a watchful and wary eye on Johnny hugging Sirius the whole ride. Her face pensive as she stared at the little black dragon.

When they arrived to Awashima and heard the news of Lydia leaving with Amaterasu, Renee quickly hugged her brother tightly, telling him to come back safely with Lydia in tow. "I still need to apologize to her too." She said with a bit of humor in tone. Her wings tucked tightly against her head as Echo and Serena left with James to help with the fight. As much as Renee wanted to help out too, she couldn't. Not when she still has Valdanr in her soul right now and she will not risk their side of the battle either.

Chenglei told James that he needed to stay behind, letting him know that he'll watch over Renee, Johnny, and Seifer while waiting for news on the missing Prince. His face was blank, eyes shadowed, and he turned to the four men who stayed in the city. "Keep me in touch with any news on Prince Kenren and Historia if she's nearby. Find him and bring his body back here." The blonde soldier in charge is already expecting the worse but hoped for the best. He looked like he wanted to walk in death's door but kept his head high and continued on with his duties of watching over the men and his charges. So he stayed close to Johnny, staring into space as he created the spell circle for Renee's exorcism.

As for Renee, after changing their sizes back to normal and free from Echo's roots, she handled Seifer since he was still a sheep for now and asked the ones who are going to detain him where she needed to go. Once they were in the cell area, where she noticed another large black dragon, the Pendragon teen put him down on a futon of sorts, squeezing him meaningfully. "Don't worry. We'll get you back to normal." She swore quietly before letting him go to go out of his cell, wings wilting a bit.

Then she looked up at the seemingly adult black dragon for a second and she smiled. "Hello. My name is Renee. I do hope you get out of here too." She didn't know why she said that, but she did like this dragon. Maybe it had something to do with him being a black dragon, all sophisticated like Sirius was taught by Seifer. She left him alone too, walking back up to meet with Mizutsume, the one who's going to help with her exorcism. She blinked her eyes at the injured long dragon with petals on her head and summoned Mica to help with the healing.

Luckily for her, Sirius stayed beside her as she did her work, talking to any of the curious dragons with a bright smile and gentle demeanor. She wanted to show Sirius that it's okay to talk with strangers as long she's nearby. She didn't mind the stares they were gaining as she healed Mizutsume, keeping an orange eye on her wary and curious baby dragon. Once she was done and told the pretty dragon that all she needed was some rest, Renee asked her if there was a way to make a prosthetic heart out of her skarn stone. "I want to make sure that there's a way to keep Seifer alive during his exorcism, to keep his soul in here since he won't have a heart for him to stay in after getting Valdanr out of him too."

Renee already talked with the royals before dropping Seifer off in his cell, patient and understanding that they have important matters to attend to. However when the topic of Seifer's fate was brought up, Renee stood her ground with soft gaze and a determined stance. She knew that she will fight them about it if they go too far but she preferred to talking, persuading them to let Seifer live. There were many reasons why she's so bent on saving him and she will wait until the topic is brought up again for her to talk with Johnny helping her out.

Then she looked up at Mizutsume with a smile. "I heard that you really wanted to save Hisaya even after he hurt you. Thank you for understanding his plight despite everything." It's something she empathizes all too well. Then she payed attention to Sirius, playing peek-a-boo with him until Johnny finished drawing the spell circle; when she can finally get rid of her connection with Valdanr once and for all.

**********************************

Echo and Serena went James, determined to help when they arrive at the city of Numenor with back-up. The fawn placed a hand on James' shoulder. "Don't worry. Lydia is strong. She'll hold on until we get there to help her."

Serena added. "Yea and then we get to brag about we just kicked evil dragons' butt when we get back home." She just wanted to cheer James up in case he got too tense.

Zer0 Roleplay Skittle

 

[Zer0]

- Awashima -​

"We will." said James, hugging her sister. After clapping the back of Johnny, who wished them luck and was now hugging Echo, James ran with Serena to a long dragon waiting for them.

"Whoop their buttocks, Echo." said Johnny, pulling her cheek to his, as he hugged her tight. "Come back together with everyone." he gazed into her green eyes for a moment before swiftly kissing her, his care, anxiety for her safety, and hope in her expressing, before he let her go.

As they rushed through the night sky, James briefly hugged Echo and Serena together. "Yeah. Thanks." he said stoically. His quiet voice was anxious, but not as anxious as before.

* * * *​

Meanwhile, back in the Jade Palace, Mizutsune was healing quickly because of Mica. It was taking a while for Johnny to make the complex spell-circle as he was extremely careful to get it right. He had Lydia and James' notes on the cuffs, that only needed the tiny but mighty witch to double check the last arithmetic calculations and carve the runes on the cuffs now.

As he worked, Mizutsune told Renee that there were heart smiths in the city and called one of her companions to see the skarn made into one as soon as possible. She seemed to understand how important Seifer was to Renee, and knew what it felt like to cast things aside to save a friend. Her companion came back, and said that it will be done in three days, but the smith needs to take measurements and perform a medical exam on Seifer before she can begin crafting. It would require Seifer to be in his human form and to talk, as she needed to know any past significant medical history, allergies to metal and other materials that would be used for crafting, and she also needed to examine how the stone connected to his system so that she can craft the skarn to fit and not be rejected by his body.

Katsuya

- City of Numenor -​

The night sky was alight with a hail of fireballs that burst into orange plumes as they struck the backs of the oncoming dragons. Dozens careened from the sky as the bursts tore holes through their wings, roaring and flapping in vain as they fell. It seemed that the black dragons were resistant to fire, but not the thinner membranes of their bat-like wings against the fireball's explosive impact.

This snapped Amaterasu out of his paralysis and, seeing the magnitude of Lydia's prowess, commanded the handful of dragons with them to protect her with their lives. They roared angrily at the oncoming black dragons and unleashed a breath of frost bolts that clashed with the black's pillars of fire.

Aerial battle was quite different from the ground. They were always moving, and enemies came from below and above, and to have your enemy chasing behind you was a disadvantage. The long dragons weaved through the air, grappling with the larger black dragons while the smaller ones attempted to scratch their eyes or snatch Lydia and Amaterasu off their backs.

Suddenly one of them did, grabbing Lydia painfully by the shoulder as it yanked her off into the sky. The dragon she was riding on roared and kicked off the armored black it was fighting and made chase.

Roleplay Skittle

Spoiler: Le Battle

First two rolls, enemies. Second roll, Amaterasu & Company. Will edit after rolls.

Amaterasu & Company (1-6)
2/2 Hp

* * * *​

Heavy Armored Blacks
4/4 Hp

Light Speedy Blacks
0/2 Hp
*+1 success

 

[Roleplay Skittle]

"Stupid fire retardant dragons..." Lydia groaned under her breath as she saw that her spell wasn't as devastating as she had hoped, but at least several of them fell from the sky as the fire seared holes in their wings. She jumped slightly as she heard Amaterasu commanding the dragons, smirking at him slightly and giving a brief nod, though the gesture was interrupted as shortly she was snatched from the back of the dragon they rode on.

Lydia cried out partially in surprise and partially in pain as her shoulder was tightly grasped, her other hand moving to hold on just so her arm didn't get dislocated as she was hauled away. She couldn't even utter an insult at the dragon as she watched the one that Amaterasu rode flying after them, all she knew was that she wanted the dragon carrying her to stop. Her whole body willing it so, and at that she yelled out, "Stop!!"

Zer0

Spoiler: Lydia's Stats

Lydia (1-9 Conjuration) ---> Heavy Armored Blacks
3/3 Hp
Phys. Def. 5 || Mag. Def. 7

 

[Katsuya]

The little ferret was terrified when he saw the large huge MASSIVE dragon, trembling behind Renee as she coaxed him to please heal her. So Mica tentatively healed her, slowly getting used to the size of the mythical creature as he did his job. Then once everything was done, Mica chuckled curiously at the baby dragon and Renee smiled at their interaction before listening in to what Mizutsume was saying. Her eyes glistening wet as she smiled in appreciation when she heard the wonderful news. Her wings flapped excitedly.

"Thank you so much." Renee said in gratitude, lowering her head as she wiped that pesky tear away before it fell with an arm. Then she looked up when the companion came back, telling them what the heart smith needed when she comes over. "Okay. Think she will be okay if I stay nearby him, Lady Mizutsume? I-I just want to make sure he doesn't panic." She asked, watching Mica hopping around wildly like the little weirdo that he is as he wants to entertain the baby dragon now that Renee's resting near the white long dragon. Renee might not have notice but she's sitting up straight with her hands on her lap and never left her sight off of Sirius the whole time they were there.

Her wings perked up about something that popped in her mind. "Who's the large dragon that's in the cell right now? Did he do something?"

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- City of Numenor -​

The dragon stopped, paralyzed as though frozen out of the blue. Lydia, still with those claws clamped on her shoulders, began to fall.

Her long dragon friend attempted to catch her, but the armored black right behind it breathed a bout of flames before slamming into it; Lydia and the paralyzed dragon were knocked apart as they crashed against the scaly side and fell through the flames together, the heat searing hot and burning her clothes and hair, but she was still alive!

The ground was coming closer and closer.

Roleplay Skittle

Spoiler: Le Battle

Amaterasu & Company (1-6)
2/2 Hp

* * * *

Heavy Armored Blacks
4/3 Hp

- Awashima -​

Mizutsune told Renee about Bahamut and how he was the leader of the black dragon flight. She told her that they'll wait for her exorcism to finish before they'll let the smith come in and take a look at Seifer, and said that Renee can be with him.

Meanwhile, Chenglei learned that the men who had gone to search for Kenren had been gone for days. Their last radio call said that they were heading south west, following the foot trails of the prince and Historia which had been difficult and roundabout as the prince had covered his tracks and made misleading signs, but that on the second day, the men encountered dragon marks as well. It seemed that a dragon had come upon them and that was where the tracks ended though there wasn't any blood.

The soldiers were now searching for the trail again with a dragon from Awashima and haven't radio'd since.

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

Renee nodded in agreement to Mizutsume's decision to waiting for a bit more, smiling wide. Sure, she's a bit impatient to talking with the heart smith and wanting to ask questions about how the whole thing works but she stayed calm and relaxed. The pretty long dragon knew better so Renee will stay quiet as she listened about Bahamut. Besides they were so close to recovering Seifer's soul that she can't let her guard down yet and she can visit Seifer whenever she can. Which is good. She'll probably go to Seifer after her exorcism, tired or not.

Then she tilted her head, wings fluttering lightly. She pondered about something and told Mizutsume that she can look into souls. Maybe after taking Valdanr out of her, she can check Bahamut's soul if he's really innocent or not.

In the meanwhile, Chenglei continued to stare at the spell circle, thinking about what he heard from the Prince's men. So...Kenren while under Valdanr's spell took Historia and meet up with a dragon. That's not good. Even worse when their stuff is missing. He wondered why they would need their items, probably to know more about Kenren's master plan and that- that made Chenglei grit his teeth in agitation. "Let me know when they radio back. I do not want to endanger them if they are currently staking out right now." He will not risk anymore lives then necessary

Zer0 .

 

[Roleplay Skittle]

The beating and tugging of her tiny fist against the the claw of the black dragon that had nabbed her stopped as she realized that the dragon's motion had stopped... entirely. Panic struck her then as the two began to fall, her green eyes wide in terror. Did she make the dragon do that? Stop and freeze up? Her horrified gaze fell on the dragon that was trying to reach her before it was attacked from behind and she felt her mouth go dry as she couldn't even scream, only a croak escaped her when the long dragon crashed into the dragon carrying her and she was knocked away.

Her breath caught when the wind whipped past her as she fell and it was all she could do to put her arms over her head and face in an attempt to keep the fire from burning her anymore, her whole body balling up as she tried not to look at the encroaching ground that marked her impending doom, trying to calm her mind and focus enough to cast, "Sagittarius A!" If her cast was successful, Lydia would be suspended in the air, and hopefully the next dragon to grab her would be a comrade and not an enemy.

Once she was afloat and no longer hurtling towards an untimely demise, Lydia once more began to cast, hoping to give her dragon friend an advantage and in particular a chance to catch her by blinding their enemies.

Spoiler: Lydia's Stats

Lydia (1-9 Conjuration) ---> Heavy Armored Blacks
2/3 Hp
Phys. Def. 5 || Mag. Def. 7

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- City of Numenor -​

And catch her he did after he smote his foe down on the army below; cries of death rent the air as lightning bolts fired at them from below. "Alright, Lydia?!" called Amaterasu as the long dragon that caught here, flew away from the heavy crossfire, bleeding, and panting.

Most of the opponent's in the air were blind, struggling. They couldn't see and that made them sitting ducks. Meanwhile, an explosion rocked the fortress city as the enemy moved up to the gates of the Nameless One's servant.

Lydia caught something familiar in the distance, the vaporish head of a certain Historian as she was forced into the gates, struggling against her captors.

Roleplay Skittle

Spoiler: Le Battle

Amaterasu & Company (1-6)
2/2 Hp

* * * *

Heavy Armored Blacks
4/1 Hp

 

[Roleplay Skittle]

She breathed a sigh of relief as the dragon caught her, "y-yes... I'm okay!" She felt terrible for all the damage it had taken even though it wasn't her fault, it was Valdanr's and his army's.

That caused Lydia's ire to rise anew as she looked out over the battlefield, taking in the carnage for a moment before she flinched at the sound of the explosion, her gaze drifting in the direction it came from, "oh no...." her heart sank as she saw who was being herded through the open gates. She knew what that meant after having spent all that time in her home. They wanted her to open the gates, "Amaterasu!" She cried urgently to the guardian, "They have Historia and they are headed for the sealed gates!"

The urgency of the situation caused Lydia's panic to rise and she summoned her strength to wipe out the last of the dragons that were impeding their progress, hoping to rain fire on them one more time to clear the way so that maybe they could reach the gates before Histora was forced to open them.

Zer0

Spoiler: Lydia's Stats

Lydia (1-9 Conjuration) ---> Heavy Armored Blacks
2/3 Hp
Phys. Def. 5 || Mag. Def. 7

 

[Zer0]

- City of Numenor -
" Victory! "​

Lydia's spell opened the way. Amaterasu rallied his scattered troops and frost dragons joined the charge as they made for Historia and what seemed to be Bertrand being shoved along with them and looking scared for his life. The enemy seemed to recognize Lydia, and now the dark army commanders were shaken.

Lady Deathbane has come

Troops fled before her, and now none but the bravest or the dullest turned to face her, charging, blocking the way as Historia and her captors hastily made their way up the snowy mountain. One of the enemy, a lady who blew a horn of ebony that called a black dragon to swoop down and lift her up, rose to face Lydia. She wore Kenren's sword and on the hilt hung the hair ornaments the prince usually wore.

"Lady Deathbane, there someone in the underworld dying to meet you!" she smirked, her voice echoing above the battle, and began casting a spell.

Roleplay Skittle

- Awashima -
" Three Hours Later "​

The four soldiers left in the palace waited for news on the highest roof, where the radio signal was best. They had taken turns sleeping and keeping watch for days ever since the heroes left for The Barrens. And then the scratchy voice of a comrade spoke through the radio.

Minutes later, a soldier was running hot-foot to Chenglei. "My Lord Zhou, the others are returning, they have his Highness!" The rest of the soldiers were calling healers, while two remained on the roof relying the prince's medical condition. He was dying. The group was riding on their dragon companion as fast and as carefully as they could for Awashima; Izanagi and Isanami were alerted, and so was Renee who wasn't allowed to go to Kenren as she still had Valdanr's soul in her, but Mica was okay.

A green dragon landed on the courtyard gently and healers immediately went up with the ferret to assess the situation. The prince's face was unrecognizable, it had been clawed by something giant and an ear and an eye were missing. Blood was everywhere on his bandages, and he had a neck brace on him because it had been broken. A tube from one soldier was connected to his wrist, giving him blood. The prince's breath was wheezy and his arms were horribly mangled, each with a splint and a tourniquet to stop the bleeding.

Katsuya