Fantasy Mountain Magic Mayhem (Luc/Sazz)

[Anshelical]

"Heheh," Vine let out a breathy scoff. "Yeah, we sure would had been. Honestly, I'm not in disagreement with escaping if need be, though. Think the guy's got us a little wild goose chase going."

Liernoine brushed back more of his annoying, curly hair bangs. "No contest, hmm?"

The atmosphere lightened up when the great wings pushed much of the fog away, revealing the cool-painted clouds above. With a few attempts, the Dragon adjusted to its weight in air as it steadily rose above the rocks. Flap, flap! More glitter rained down the higher it went.

"Yes... but I like me some adventure," Vine said. "While not being stupid after all."

 

[St. Clover]

"Keep an eye out in case he tries anything," Milly warned as the dragon took flight. She reached up and snatched some of the glitter, then examined it curiously. "Worst case scenario at this point is we use the scroll and get out of dodge. Best case is we get your friend and get out of here unharmed." She rubbed her fingers together. "But something tells me we're in for more than he's letting on..."

 

[Anshelical]

The crystalline granules had an abnormal curl to them as each gradually shortening face was sensitive to light. The fearful lad's glossy eyes met with Erro's stale ones, exchanging their inner doubts of this agreement as well. Vine just a few steps ahead of them smiled to Milianor then held his hand over his eyes to watch the Shadow Dragon. "Gotta go with our guts, I'd say."

Lier definitely felt uncomfortable too, making his observation of the matter as well. How subtle the Dragon wished to lead them -- was it seeking to take them to its lair? This "Chamber" it was talking about?

"Gusinth!" the dragon shrilled out, giving its leading call and salutation to the problematic situation. And with a heavy swoop, it slung some weak rocks and plants behind it after its liftoff, gliding with a conscience to remain slow for its followers.

 

[St. Clover]

Not wanting to be peppered with debris, Milly raised her hand and worked her fingers into a sign. Pale blue magic formed an oval shaped field in front of her, blocking the flying rocks and plants. It hummed with each impact. "Looks like he's not one for waiting around," she observed, her pace picking up a little. "Lier, you said you know how to use fire magic, right? 'bout what's the extent of that?" she asked.

 

[Anshelical]

Erro unsnapped the canvas from his waist brace, using it to protect himself from the glitter shower. Iso crouched up right beside him to join. But Vine was enjoying the endless opportunities for mementos, taking as much of the downfall that stuck to his hand as he could.

"Yeah, it can be pretty potent during stress, but it requires a lot of cool-down, too," Lier said. "I've controlled it to where I can at least hurl moderate amounts, but sometimes it'll come out as fragments."

 

[St. Clover]

"Keep some of it ready," Milianor whispered as she leaned over to try and secure some amount of privacy. "In the event things go sideways, we're going to need a diversion. Given all the foliage around here, it wouldn't be too hard to start a fire. Between your ignition, and my own talents, we could make something work. Long enough to get out, at least. Okay?"

 

[Anshelical]

"Got it," Lier nodded. "Keepin' an eye on 'em."

The peeking light between the clouds' cracks answered the Dragon's shimmering backside. The creature lead, unfolding with question as it exchanged no roar, no fuming smoke from its still flared nostril. The trail it led pushed some trees to the side from strong winds, exposing a rocky trail embroidered with dust and its eroding gems. When the shadow passed over it, the path glowed.

"Goin' down there, I guess," Vine said. "Hey, Iso, keep up."

"I-I'm coming," the lad sped from his careful trot. "I'm coming!" He met up beside Erro the artist, interested in his new drawing. "D-Drawing and running?"

"Gotta do something. Didn't forget about the letter, by the way."

Lier charged a fire spell from his core to his wrist, glancing back at the historian. Was he more interested about the art he had to offer or his own life? Why is it in Huujar that power is more valuable than knowledge? Lier spotted weak, swirling leaves about trees and headed off the rocky hill onto the shining walkway.

 

[St. Clover]

Milly moved along with the group as they descended down the trail, making note of the gems. It fascinated her how they lit up when the dragon passed, responding to its presence no doubt. She briefly pondered if she could ever do something like that. She shook her head. Her own magic wasn't that potent, not by itself anyway. Besides, she mused with a sly grin, stage magic was much more her style. That, and causing things to spontaneously combust. She looked up ahead of them and squinted in an attempt to see just where they were going.

"Hot, muggy, and probably being led into a trap by a dragon," she said aloud to no one in particular.

Her hand went into her jacket, taking out the polished wand she kept on hand. Almost a foot long, the cherry oak hued wand was wrapped partially in leather, and sported a flawless ruby in its hilt. A brass like cap was fitted over the tip. A wave of the wand produced a mote of flame above the group, which began humming quietly.

"Pretty good way to spend the day, wouldn't you boys say?"

 

[Anshelical]

The bundle of trees afar shortened into an igneous plateau after so many steps. However, the trailing path of the Dragon's shadow continued to form the separate path of its treasure, elevating upward for the skies.

"N-N-N--!" Iso shivered to the flaming mote above. "N-Not really!"

"Hmph," Vine was enjoying himself for sure. "Why not? Scared?"

"N-N-N--! No! I-It's going to the sk-sky!" And, of course, he was missing Diger right now. He wondered how much longer it would be... not only to see his face again but also to find the truth of his murder perhaps.

"I'd say it's a good way," Lier said. "But going into another realm? That's all too different for me." The spell was ready, but the wielder was not. He felt as though he would possibly mess up again and risk the lives of his comrades again, especially for the new member. Of course she can take care of herself, though, he thought. But there was that obligation at the back of his mind to protect not only them, but himself also, from the heaps of pressure his city awaits them for.

Toward the middle of the sky, the streaming walkway stopped with a whirling portal -- a coiling concoction of jade blurs and faded contours of occupancy within -- at its end. The Dragon slowed above this power and faced the travelers.

"Hei shauv bei retreived widein," it said, assuring Diger was to be "retrieved within." It forced out a deep call to the skies and downward for the gateway, waving above.

 

[St. Clover]

Looking up to the swirling portal, Milly raised a brow. She'd been through plenty of portals in her time, but this was new. Most tended to be see-through, or opaque, yet this one was a whirlwind of color. It reminded her of a Prismatic Barrier. She shivered at the idea of touching one of those again. "Looks like it took him through the gate," she announced, waving the wand. The mote of flame grew limbs and wings, turning into a tiny dragon that flew ahead of them. Sparks shot from its wings.

 

[Anshelical]

Vine wanted just a piece of the summoned spell embodiment. He could feel the zealous burn in his crusty fingernails, the desire of its livelihood in his jagged palms. Milianor can work so many wonders, he thought. She would be a great asset to our return. There had to had been a way other than the Tonic in his possession to accomplish this.

Liernoine slowed beside Milianor, eying the Dragon's wait above the portal. Of all the sorcery of this type he had seen, most were without form of sorts. But, just as the vision of the mural the Chamber guardian showed them, this portal definitely reflected this. It would be interesting to be a part of another mural. He glanced at the Dragon's watch on the tiny, firey dragon spell above, giving a light smirk of enjoyment.

"G-G-Geik!" Iso flinched to the sparky limbs. "W-What is that?"

 

[St. Clover]

"Flare Guardian," Milly murmured as she studied the gate. "It'll explode if anything tries moving too close without my permission. Sort of a sentry against things trying to sneak up on us." She began walking forward once more, curiosity tugging her closer to the gate. Despite knowing this was a trap, she felt a certain incurable desire to see what was on the other side. Maybe something worth telling the others about at the bar? She wasn't entirely sure, but she wanted to find out. "It's just an illusion, though, won't hurt you. Just makes a lot of noise and light."

 

[Anshelical]

The four travelers observed the illusion floating about with the Dragon. The portal spun into its warping image of the sky about them, the glittering path below them stable with the Dragon's elongated shadow. It seemed a lot chillier up high, which Vine's adrupt shiver implied. Iso was truly fearful of the dragonness's capabilities, steering closer to Erro with his eyes on the dragons about them. Erro couldn't help but look from the aware Dragon to his comrades and Milly, wondering if the Dragon had plans of its own. "Explode?" He whispered.

"Whaut uf dis?" The guardian asked. "Whaut uf dis imauge emeirged?" ("What of this image emerged?")

 

[St. Clover]

Giving the wand another shake, Milly conjured another Flare Guardian. Then another, and another. She continued until one hovered over each member of the party, filling the air with blue and gold sparks. "A precaution," she announced a she lowered the wand. "In case anything tries to get the drop on us. Even with you around, I don't know this area. Might be some predators or something, I don't know. But I don't want to risk it."

She looked back to Erro. "Yeah, explode," she said quietly. Her eyes shifted from him to his new companion. "Like a flash-bang, but focused away from you."

 

[Anshelical]

Iso curled his shoulder to the bitty guardian taking to his side with a fearful whimper. But, hearing the dragonborn's explanation, he at least loosened the tense pose. Vine reached to touch the organism with gradual contact, feeling its warmth as his own vanity-ridden grin. Lier kept his hand on the bumpy handle of the blade, thumbing about it as he watched his personal guardian glide up beside him.

Erro smiled and shrugged. "Never seen something like that before."

The Dragon remained above the portal with a cold glare to the careful action, saying nothing.

 

[St. Clover]

Milly had to hold back her smirk when she noticed the dragon's expression change. She'd been right, she realized. There was more going on here than he was letting on. "Everyone got a Guardian?" she asked rhetorically, surveying the group. "Good. Let's go get your friend! It's getting chilly and I'm missing my couch blanket," she announced, before turning on a heel and marching up towards the gate.

"And that's cause I made the spell myself!" she called to Erro. She lifted the wand and waved it, blue magic tracing behind it. "Modified the normal Flare spell with a bit of dragon-y goodness!"

 

[Anshelical]

The self-proclaimed knight could definitely notice the change in the Dragon's demeanor as well, releasing his light grip on the blade's handle in assurance to the fledglings. For now, the Dark was putting forward some effort in tricking them, as any typical descendant of the Dragon Stone Crisis. Well, if that was the matter taking place. And it may even had been targeting Milianor personally and not as than he initially thought.

"That's pretty neat," Erro said. "I'd be tagged a madman if I told people that, though. Exploding illusions, hmhm."

"Sooch untray," the Dragon started, "Weil opun de way to thraut frum de otheir dragounes weiven." If they went inside of this portal, the dragons on the other side would see these spells as a threat? Iso thought to himself. They would hold on to Diger much so to resist the truth to why they killed him perhaps.

 

[St. Clover]

More dragons? Milly paused mid-step when she heard that, surprised. She hadn't quite accounted for there being more than one dragon to contend with. Her grip on her wand tightened. "...How many more are there?" she asked, looking up to the dragon. "How many? Are we just walking headlong into a whole colony or something?"

 

[Anshelical]

The whooshing of the Dragon's wings picked up with a deeper swoop. "Manay," it said. "Ei whole faumilay uf dem."

"A-An entire family?" Iso echoed.

"That's what it said," Erro sighed. He didn't want to have to deal with any more dragons, let alone the one in front of them. While he had some confidence Milianor's help could save them, he could even notice the slight discomfort in her question. Lier could feel the discomfort too as his fire spell almost sparked out of nervousness, reddening his fingers from a light burn.

"Zaa--!" Lier waved his hand.

Unlike the rest of them on edge, Vine wanted to go the way on his own life and see what this realm had to offer -- down to every species -- to have every possible scale in his hands. Of course, he still did not want to lose his life as first choice. He reached for his personal flare dragon guardian for a quick pet, forgetting it was made of fire.

 

[St. Clover]

Though made from sparks and flame, the small dragons were safe to touch. Contact with them would feel warm, and slightly tingly. They were, after all, just illusions.

Milly bit the inside of her cheek in dismay. A whole family of dragons waited for them on the other side of that portal, and she wasn't sure they could be trusted. Her gut told her this entire situation was dead in the water, they needed to abort. It took all the willpower she could muster not to take the scroll back and tear it then and there. "Son of a..." she began in a hushed tone. Her mind worked on a potential solution. Nothing came to mind.

"Can they bring him to us?" she asked, edging closer to the group. "It'd help get us our of your scales a lot quicker," she explained. "Plus we don't really have a right to be intruding on your land, y'know?"

 

[Anshelical]

The pure shadow of the Dragon's eye reflected into Milianor's with hesitation. And with a dive, the Dragon charged into the portal itself with no word.

"N-Ngh? Is it just going to leave?"

Vine chuckled. "Guess so. Good thinkin', though. For sure it was giving off some bad vibes."

There was a chance the Dragon was going to bring the others out, or so Lier thought. "Hey, Scales. If it doesn't come out with Diger, what's the plan, 'uh? This is seeming a little too suspicious."

"Th-They'll explode," Iso said. "Th-These things."

 

[St. Clover]

It was a few seconds before she responded, Milly's eyes glued on the portal. Eventually she nodded. "If things go south, which I'm pretty sure they're gonna," she started. "I'll send out the Guardians and detonate 'em. Should give us enough cover to use the scroll and get the hell out." She paused, considering her options. "Range on the scroll's about a mile... Should get us far enough away to get some decent headway. Forest and treeline is dense enough for cover, if needed we could hunker down for the night. Know a couple illusions that'd keep us hidden from sight... Unless they can see through them. Anyone got any other ideas?"

 

[Anshelical]

"Some village's not too far from here," Erro shrugged. "Could stay there for the night."

"That village is much farther than we can bargain right now," Vine said. "Gotta stay cl--"

Wheeerl! The portal howled as its size widened. The whirling of the wind about it picked up as some leaves were snatched off their branches, as rocks tumbled and raised about to the power. The hue of the portal remained with its murky pane, revealing the moving draconic figures within.

"Gotta stay close," Vine finished.

Iso inched closer to his flare guardian. "W-Why is it making that noise?"

 

[St. Clover]

"Something's about to come through," Milly said solemnly, though she wasn't entirely sure. The scales on the back of her neck stood on end, something she hated. Not knowing what was about to happen irked her to no end.

She closed her eyes and breathed deeply. Calm down, she thought to herself, just keep cool and work with what you've got. Just like dad taught you... Except right now dad would be hiding right now. This made her bite her cheek. Now was not the time for self doubts. She gripped the wand a bit tighter and waited.

 

[Anshelical]

Weightless rocks, stray leaves, the surrounding cloud of fog levitated about the axis of the roaring gateway. Each wafting silhouette in the phasing margins sharpened in form as the static shrills amplified. To their sight, the scene decayed into a pale view with a crumbling pressure to hold their places.

The knight's fire spell insulated at the blade's sharper edges, the hilt warming to his sweat-drenching apprehension. Like any typical operation, he memorized the plan to himself, in and out, the possibilities thereof, and the back-up plans. This Dragon may had been out to kill them after all.

A harsh gust of wind burst with an much larger, glittery wyrm charging for the five. "Rwrwaaa!"