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Post by Shade on Oct 24, 2012 18:56:25 GMT -5
Shade tried to pull himself together and be strong. But this one time, he couldn't. The nightmare had pushed him over the edge.
He attempted to nod, but the emotion broke through. His lips quivered, and then he broke out into a sob. "No," he said, pressing himself close to Silver. "No, I'm not. Blackheart's dead, I just know it. And it's all my fault." _________________________________________________________________________
Blackheart gasped for breath, still reeling over the shock of what he had seen in his nightmare. He heard Misael's inquiry, and felt Ashmore drape a comforting wing around him.
"Yeah," he said, once he had his breath back. "Just a nightmare, that's all." ________________________________________________________________
For a human, she's pretty good, Flameskull thought to himself. He felt the human holding the blade to his neck hesitate as he was distracted, and quickly used the distraction to flip over, sending him falling to the ground. He stood up quickly and slashed the soldier's throat open.
As the soldier lay dying, he turned to the others. They were all carrying swords, but they were no match to his fury in a tight space. Before long, he had killed all but one. As he looked around for him, the soldier jumped on top of him, grabbing his neck and putting his knife in the perfect position to kill him.
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Post by toothless11 on Oct 24, 2012 19:20:05 GMT -5
Silvermoo's eyes began getting filled with tears as well as she felt the pain Shade was having. She muzzled his neck affectionately, trying to make him feel better.
"I know how you feel," she began sobbing. "But if he's dead, it's not your fault. You've got to be string, Shade. We both have. There's still hope that they're alive."
Silvermoon thought for a moment. Her brother was really having a hard moment right now. She couldn't let him stay like that and let the sadness take him. They had to leave already to make sure that their riders were still alive. They just had to.
"I don't want to let you stay like this. So I think it's best for us to leave now. I just feel it, they're still alive. And we need to be sure about it." she said. ------------------------
"Okay, that's good to know." Misael said as he looked around the cave once more.
He stood up and said "We should get some food so that we can eat something and get out of here." ----------------------
"Morning, Klink," Sulphurwing said as she noticed that he had woken up. "Yes, we should. The Sanctuary isn't as far anymore, so we should get there in no time. First, though, we should get something to eat," She said as she stood up. "Do you want to go hunting with me?"
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Ashmore
Not Quite...
...Mary? Yes... ...I'm Mary. I am Mary! I'M Mary! I AM Mary! I'M MARY!!!!!!!!! HAHAHAAAAAAAAA!!!!!
Posts: 49
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Post by Ashmore on Oct 28, 2012 6:50:53 GMT -5
Ashmore looked down to the human. He seemed to be getting a better handle on things. Blackheart was calming down from the nightmare.
Ashmore smiled. He unfolded his wing and walked up past Gyratha and towards the cave entrance. He looked back, saying "I'm going to go out and get some breakfast. I'll be quick, so be ready to go when I get back. We need to move today."
He thought the humans understood him. He turned and took off in search of food."
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Samantha was just about to run out of the fiery cave when something caught her eye. Seth had fled like she said, but Flameskull hadn't. He has started to attack the nearby soldiers, expending his limited time and energy. If he didn't decide to eventually get out of there, the fire would consume him as well.
She ran towards him as he was ending his frenzy. She needed to tell him to get out, and fast. That was when the last soldier he had been looking for jumped up onto his neck with the sword poised for the kill.
Samantha stopped running. She wouldn't be able to reach him in time. Even if she threw her blade, it might miss as her aim was generally poor. She only could watch.
And then she felt a wave of pure hatred. For everything the Soldiers had done and for everything they had taken away from them. They had killed her friends, her family, and wouldn't stop at anything to keep the onslaught going. They had no human soul within them. They were vermin.
And as with most vermin, they needed to be eradicated.
Without moving a step, she raised her arm and pointed it directly at the soldier atop of Flameskull. Her mind was an inferno of hate for these people, and the real world inferno around them listened to her command.
The blue flames surged up her arm and shot out like a cannon. The bolt of flamed followed her aim and sliced clean through the soldier's sword and chest. The flirebolt died down almost immediately. The soldier had an expression of shock on his face as he looked down at the gaming hole in his torso. He then fell to the side, hitting the ground with a thud, where the flames of the inferno raced to greet him.
Flameskull was looking at her in shock. Samantha was still angry. The cave was getting worse, and the Boneknapper wasn't moving an inch. The flames had eaten through most of the interior and were starting to cause rubble to fall. If they weren't out soon, they wouldn't be out at all.
She glared at Flameskull. "What are you waiting for! RUN! GET OUT OF HERE!"
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Klink was a little surprised. Nobody had ever asked him to accompany them on something. It felt good. It felt like he was being accepted. Another first in hi slife. "Sssure!" Klink replied. "I'd love to! Let'sss go!"
With that, the two dragons set off to look for a meal.
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Post by Unitedmoviemaker on Oct 28, 2012 21:12:59 GMT -5
Seth looked back as he was running out of the cave and noticed that the others weren't running out immediately.
"Guys!" He yelled as he stopped.
After some screams of Imperial soldiers were heard, Seth saw the two run out of the cave.
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Post by Shade on Oct 29, 2012 12:13:28 GMT -5
Shade sniffed, and nodded. "Okay," he said. He stood up, and he and his sister left the cave. "Is your shoulder okay?" he asked after a while. ________________________________________________ "Alright," Blackheart said to Ashmore as he left. He turned to Misael. "Sleep well?" he asked. (block ) ________________________________________________ "I could say the same to you!" Flameskull roared. He ran past the falling rubble, grabbing Samantha as he did, and burst out into the open air, just as the cave fully collapsed. He grabbed Seth. "We're leaving!" he yelled. As he flew off, the adrenaline faded away. He took a deep breath. "Alright," he said. "Let's get something to eat." He landed, and dropped the humans off in front of him. "I'm going to look for some prey," he announced. "You two stay here and do... whatever it is you humans do when you're alone." He walked off, but then turned back to Samantha as he remembered that she had saved his life. "Thanks," he said. He turned and began his hunt. (Do you guys think we should start trying to bring the groups back together?)
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Post by toothless11 on Oct 29, 2012 18:35:50 GMT -5
Silvermoon was silent most of the time after they left the cave. She was still in deep thought about what was going on.
"Is your shoulder okay?" Shade asked her. She was still limping since they came out of the cave, and pain stung a lot still.
"It still hurts...And I couldn't sleep much. But I don't care. That won't stop us from reaching the sanctuary." she said. ---------------------
Misael nodded at Ashmore before he left. "Sleep well?" Blackheart asked him.
"Yeah, I did...Thanks." he yawned.
((Block here as well)) ------------------------------------
"Let's go then!" Sulphurwing smiled. She let Roran know that they were going to go hunting before they left. The human nodded and stayed inside by the fire as they left.
After a while of searching in the woods, Sulphurwing had found a deer.
"This might be enough for Roran and I..." she said.
((Well if you want some of them to meet before they get to the sanctuary...then sure ^^ That's a good idea))
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Ashmore
Not Quite...
...Mary? Yes... ...I'm Mary. I am Mary! I'M Mary! I AM Mary! I'M MARY!!!!!!!!! HAHAHAAAAAAAAA!!!!!
Posts: 49
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Post by Ashmore on Oct 31, 2012 19:54:50 GMT -5
Ashmore got up from next to Blackheart, who seemed to being much better. He walked to Gyratha, who was just waking up herself. She looked up at him sluggishly. Ashmore smiled. "Morning. You ready to go?"
She grumbled and stood up. "Sure. Whatever. So long as you guys are, I don't really care." She lumbered outside to get some air.
Ashmore looked a bit dejected. He knew that having her with them would be best for her, but she would certainly be an interesting character to have those at the Sanctuary adjust to.
He turned to the humans still in the cave. They day may have only started, but they needed to move. They would get back to the Island today. He spoke up. "Alright guys. It's time to move. I know it's early, but the quicker we get to the sanctuary the better. You ready?"
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Flameskull grabbed Samantha just as the cave collapsed from the flames. He picked up Seth and flew off a ways before setting down the humans. He turned and declared that he was going to get food, and mumbled thanks to Samantha for saving him. With that, he was gone.
Samantha tried to call him back, but he was gone. She turned around, frustrated out of her mind. She knew that the dragon was a bit stubborn when listening to humans, but he didn't know everything. If she hadn't been there, they would most likely be dead now.
She had tried to be nice and to earn his respect, though she was beginning to get a bit fed up with his actions. She turned to Seth, irritated. "Can you believe him? He acts like we're not even here. Like we're not important. Last I checked, we've all been doing things equally to help out. You agree?"
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Klink noted the deer that Sulphurwing had found. "True, it may sssussstain both you and the human. However, It may not for all of usss. Wait here."
Klink put his head to the ground and listened carefully. He lifted his head and grinned. Like lightning, he shot through the trees and out of sight from Sulphurwing. Within seconds, he re-appeared, rather slowly, with something wrapped in his coils. He revealed it to be a fully grown Moose. He grinned. "Well? What do you think?"
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Post by Unitedmoviemaker on Nov 1, 2012 10:44:29 GMT -5
Seth yelled a bit when he was picked up by Flameskull. After he and Samantha were put down, Flameskull left to hunt. Seth listened to Samantha's aggravation with Flameskull.
"Oh, I can believe it. This is nothing new with him. I know how much he hates our kind. Ever since I first encountered him, I've been trying to avoid him. Of course now I can't because he's the only way to the Sanctuary. I totally agree with you though. We're all in this together. We've all done what we can for the better of our group." Seth said to Samantha, annoyed as well.
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Post by Shade on Nov 2, 2012 23:34:58 GMT -5
Shade nodded. "Good," he said. "We won't really be able to treat it until then." ______________________________________________
Blackheart stood up. "Alright," he said. "Let's go." He jumped onto Ashmore's back and waited for him to take off. _______________________________________________
Flameskull walked off into the woods in search of prey. As he walked, he reflected upon what had just happened. She saved my life... he thought. That human girl saved my life... _______________________________________________
Sirrush woke up.
He sat up from his spot and stretched out his limbs and wings, chasing away the sleep. Then, he saw the Night Fury lying next to him and remembered what had happened the previous day. Rosco... he thought. That was his name...
(Sorry guys, really bad post. I didn't have time to post yesterday because I had so much going on, I didn't even have time to go to bed on time. And today I also was pretty busy, and I forgot until now, when I'm really tired, have to wake up early tomorrow, and just want to go to bed. So yeah)
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Post by toothless11 on Nov 3, 2012 0:42:06 GMT -5
"Yes, that I know..." Silvermoon said with a slight grunt of pain as she accidentally stepped on the ground too hard with her arm. ___________________________________________ Misael understood's Ashmore's message and stood up as well. "Yeah, let's get moving." he said as he walked over to him and climbed on behind Blackheart. Then he waited for him to take off. ___________________________________________ Sulphurwing watched as Kilnk disappeared into the woods and came back a few seconds carrying a moose in his coils. "What do You think?" he asked. "Well...nice one. That's actually quite impresive," Sulphurwing grinned. "Well, now lets head back to the cave so we can move on, shall we?" and with that she started heading back. (A bit of block...and it's okay man. No need to worry ))
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Ashmore
Not Quite...
...Mary? Yes... ...I'm Mary. I am Mary! I'M Mary! I AM Mary! I'M MARY!!!!!!!!! HAHAHAAAAAAAAA!!!!!
Posts: 49
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Post by Ashmore on Nov 3, 2012 11:56:38 GMT -5
Ashmore glanced behind him as the two humans climbed on top of him. Gyratha had risen up as well. He turned and took off, soaring up high into the sky. As they rose, the ocean came into sight.
When he and Gyratha had gained a suitable altitude, he called back to her. "We need to stay alongside the shoreline. We need to stay over land for enough time in case something happens. Once we get to the point of departure, we'll head straight to the sanctuary."
The point of departure was the secret are where the rebel army had stationed their boats. From there, those who escaped the mountain would go to get to the island. If all went well, there would only be a few members of the rebels left there, indicating that the rest of the humans had already set off for the island.
They flew on for a few hours. Soon they had reached the are where they had stationed their boats. Ashmore descended down and around the cliff wall that lead to their cove...
...and saw something that made his blood turn to ice. The area was a wasteland. The boats were gone, any of their remaining supplies had been destroyed, and signs of battle were present everywhere. It was clear that the imperials had come here.
Ashmore immediately darted down into a cluster of trees and lay in the shadows, observing what was going on. Gyratha followed suit. It seemed that there were only a few Imperials left in the area, and there was little sign of life anywhere else. If there were any rebels left alive, they certainly weren't showing themselves.
Ashmore glanced up at the humans and Gyratha. They caught his gaze and understood immediately. The humans drew their swords and Gyratha prepared the fire. He turned towards the few remaining soldiers and roared, leaping from the shadows, preparing to obliterate them.
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"Glad you feel the same way. I just want him to realize that we're not worthless. That we really can get through this with the best of out abilities. We should talk with him when he gets back. Or at least, "attempt" to. If he listens."
Samantha walked over to a nearby tree and leaned up against it. She looked up and saw that the branches were easily climbable. She grabbed one and worked her way up. When she found a suitable place, she leaned against the trunk and looked out over the hills. She could see the ocean in the distance, and in her imagination, the sanctuary.
She hoped that Ashmore was alright, and had gotten there safely. The cool breeze and the warm sun began to get to her, and she drifted cleanly off to sleep.
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Klink and Sulphurwing dragged their prey back to the cave, where a hungry Roran awaited them. After heating it over the fire, they began to feast on their catches.
(Need to come up with stimulating even for Klink. Samantha and Ashmore... that's another story...)
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Post by Unitedmoviemaker on Nov 3, 2012 20:21:27 GMT -5
"I don't want to talk to him. I feel like it would be a waste. I mean, maybe he could come to his senses, but I don't think anything I would say would help. I think he might listen more to you than me." Seth said to Samantha.
He then watched as Samantha climbed a tree and stayed there, seemingly ignoring him. Seth just took a sigh and found a place to sit.
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Post by Shade on Nov 4, 2012 10:06:06 GMT -5
Shade and Silver kept walking for a few more hours. Sometimes they talked, other times they didn't. But they kept going. After those few hours, however, Shade realized he was hungry. Really hungry. "Hey, let's take a break," he said. "I'm hungry. ____________________________________________________________ Oh gods... Blackheart thought. No!They landed, and he saw the others preparing for battle. Oh, so we're gonna do this? he thought. Alright. Here goes nothing.He drew his sword, and with the others unleashed a battle cry. He charged into the fight, and began slashing at unsuspecting imperial soldiers. He killed two of them before the element of surprise wore off. Now, however, they knew what was happening. They drew their swords and began to fight back. Blackheart slashed out at one, only to feel the impact of steel on steel as their swords clanged together. He swung again and again, but the soldier he was dueling with was good. He continued to block his blows, and even tried to get a few of his own in. Finally, Blackheart took him down. The soldier thrusted his sword at him, but Blackheart stepped back and dodged it. With the soldier unbalanced, he swung around behind him and brought his sword into the soft flesh behind his knee. The soldier screamed in pain, and in his distraction, Blackheart dislodged the sword from his flesh and beheaded him. He turned to the others, who had finished the fight as well. "We did it!" he said. He turned to the dead soldier in front of him and spat on his body. "That's for Shade," he said. Suddenly, one last soldier who had snuck up on all of them flung himself at Blackheart. Taken by surprise, Blackheart was pushed to the ground. Above him, the soldier raised his sword and prepared to shove it into Blackheart's back. ____________________________________________________________ Flameskull returned from his hunt with two large, dead bucks. They sat and ate for a while, and then they continued their journey. Flameskull flew them for hours. He lost track of the time a short way into it. Everything disintegrated into wingbeats, sun, and the wind over his bone armor and the scales beneath. Finally, after a few hours, they reached the beach where the boats had been located. What he saw made him gasp. "No..." he said. The boats had been destroyed. The charred remains lay scattered about the beach, and he could see a few bodies between them. A few imperial soldiers were walking among them as well. Flameskull immediately turned around and flew back. Once he had reached a safe distance, he landed. The humans on his back dismounted. He turned and said, "Stay here, and stay quiet. I'll go see what happened, and if there are any survivors." He turned without waiting for a reply and walked into the woods. When he reached the beach, he found a thick, shadowy bunch of trees and laid down in them. Staying relatively hidden from sight, he watched what was going on, waiting. After a while, he heard something in the woods near him. A quiet rustling. He looked over, trying to tell what it was. But before he could, something burst from the woods. He heard a loud, battlecry, and saw some warriors, two human, one Night Fury, and one Typhoomerang, attack the imperials. It all happened so fast. By the time Flameskull was able to process who it was, the battle was half over. When he didn't, he couldn't believe what he was seeing. It was Blackheart, Miseal and Ashmore. He didn't recognize the Typhoomerang, but he didn't care. They weren't alone. There were more survivors. He decided to help them, but before he could, the battle was over. Blackheart. who was standing right next to his patch of trees, spat on a soldier's dead body. "That's for Shade," he said. Flameskull saw him before anyone else. The soldier sneaking up on Blackheart. He was about to yell and give a warning, when the imperial attacked. Blackheart was helpless. He went down like a rock. A very surprised rock. As he struggled to pull himself back from the shock of such an unwanted surprise, the soldier swung a killing blow. Before his blade could strike, however, Flameskull shot out his tail and impaled him through the armor and chest. The soldier looked shocked, as he dropped his blade and looked down at the massive, bony tail sticking out of his body. Then he slumped over and died. Flameskull removed his tail from the body and wiped the blood off on the sandy beach. He stepped out from his hiding point and said, "I don't think so." ________________________________________________________ Sirrush decided to go hunting. He left the cave and returned a few minutes later with two deer. (block for Sirrush )
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Post by toothless11 on Nov 4, 2012 11:45:08 GMT -5
Silvermoon thought about it for a moment. There was still some bit of walking left until they could reach the beach, but a quick break would be alright. They had been walking for hours after all. And She too was starting to feel really hungry.
"Fine." she said as they came to a stop. She sat down to rest her arm for a moment. She stayed there for a few minutes, observing the area. There didn't seem to be any nearby lake so they could eat fish. So they would have to hunt for a wild animal.
"Come on, let's find something to hunt." she saud As she stood up once more. Her arm trembled a bit, almost begging for a longer rest. In fact, her whole body was. She barely slept after all. But Silvermoon didn't want to want to wait any longer to get to the Sanctuary, unless her brother wanted to. ________________________________________________________________
Misael was speechless at the sight before them.
The imperials had found their secret area where the rest of the survivors were to leave. It didn't seem as though all of them were killed, however. But he prayed tothe gods that all the other people were alright, and that the imperials hadn't discovered where they were heading to.
He felt nothing but hatred inside right now. He drew his sword and yelled a battle cry, just as the others. And he began charging towards the soldiers. He killed one by slicing his sword into his head. The soldier hadn't had enough time react and draw his sword out. He quickly pulled his sword out and swung at the other soldier, who already had his sword out. He faile as both swords collided, and they began dueling. However, the imperial was easy to beat. While he was unbalanced for a moment, he plunged his sword through his heart, and watched as he fell to the ground, dead.
Another soldier came. As they dueled, he realized this one was more experienced. They faught, getting no where and their swords just repeated clanged. Then, With all his strength he swung his sword. Upon colliding with the other one, he knocked it out of the solider's grip. He did not hesitate to immediately plunge the sword into the soldier. He brought the sword out again, and with fury stabbed the poor man many times in the chest. The dying solider only watched in shock and horror, blood dripping out of his mouth as he fell to his knees, and fell face down on the snow.
"Demons..." Misael muttered as he kicked the corpse harshly. He turned back and saw that all the soldiers had been killed. "We did it!" Blackheart said.
They seemed to have one yet another fight. The whole ground was stained with red now. Misael wiped the sweat on his forehead and sighed out of relief. Then he went to find a place he could clean his sword.
Then he gasped as he saw a soldier sneak up on Blackheart and push him onto his chest, ready to strike him in the back. Misael stood there, thinking what he could do. He almost thought there was no way of rescuing him until suddenly a bony tail appeared out of no where and slice through the warrior's back, killing him within seconds. As the owner of the tail came out from his hiding spot, Misael recognized him.
It was Flameskull.
"Flameskull!" he said, glad to see another survivor. He finally cleaned his sword and then approached them. _________________________________________________
After a few minutes of eating, Roran and Sulphurwing were finished.
"Thanks guys." said the human as he wiped his mouth clean. "Id say we should move on now. Before the imperials get here. We should be arriving at the Sanctaury very soon. He stood up and stretched a bit. Sulphurwing stood up as well and stopped the fire with her tail. Then she hid the ashes with the dirt on the ground.
"Let's go." she said as she and her rider began heading out the cave.
(Hey Ashmore, what if we make Kilnk, Sulphurwing and Roran meet up with the others? They're all at the beach, and not too far away. Perhaps they can catch up before they leave.))
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Ashmore
Not Quite...
...Mary? Yes... ...I'm Mary. I am Mary! I'M Mary! I AM Mary! I'M MARY!!!!!!!!! HAHAHAAAAAAAAA!!!!!
Posts: 49
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Post by Ashmore on Nov 6, 2012 20:46:24 GMT -5
Alrighty then, Here we Go.
MentleGen, prepare yourselves for what may be the LONGEST post in RP history. I've had quite a plan for this for the past week or so, and now I'm puttin' it into action. I've spent the past two and a half hours working on this, so I hope you all enjoy.
Klink followed Sulphurwing and Roran out from the cave, agreeing with the idea of moving on. The Point of Departure wouldn't be very far away according to them, and from there it would be a straight shot to the sanctuary.
Once Roran had mounted Sulphurwing, the two dragons and human took off through they sky towards the Point of Departure, and from there, the Sanctuary.
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The battle was over almost as soon as it had begun. The two humans and dragons charged the soldiers and caught them by surprise. Half were dead before they could draw their swords. Who were left put up a good fight, but not good enough to win. His fire and claws bested any sword that the imperials could wield.
Just as the final soldier lay dead and he turned to his friends, he saw a hidden one pin Blackheart to the ground and prepare to deal a finishing blow. There was no time for him to act. There was however, time for Flameskull to.
The Boneknapper’s tail lashed out from the shadows and struck down Blackheart’s antagonist, killing him on the spot. The Dragon fully emerged from the shadows with of a sarcastic retort of “I don’t think so.”
Ashmore was in shock at the sudden sight of their friend. He didn’t know what to say. There were more of them still out there. Samantha could very well be alive.
Everyone was rejoicing at heir victory and the appearance of another survivor. He was happy too, but he had only one thought in mind. He approached the Boneknapper. The opposing dragon must have known what Ashmore inquired from the look in his eyes. He nodded his head in response. She’s alive.
The wave of joy that struck Ashmore was monstrous. He could think of nothing else. His best friend was safe. That was the only thing that mattered in the world. They would get to see each other again.
If he had been more focused, he would have realized that she wasn't present with them at the moment.
Just then another human ran to them. The dragons and humans paused in their celebratory meeting. They recognized the human as one of their own, a high ranking official in their army. He seemed a bit beat up, but otherwise alright.
He ran to the humans and explained what had happened, out of breath. “I’m glad to see you guys! I thought it all might be over soon. We were just setting sail when the Imperials found us and attacked here. Most of the experienced fighters stood their ground and ensure that the boats got away safely, which they did. They overpowered us, but by the time they had gotten to the point of even getting near the docks, the boats were long gone, and they had no clue where off too. They burned everything that was left here in their rage. They left only a few as survivors, to try and weed out any information on what our plans were. Nobody cracked. Though it wasn't easy.”
He held up his hands, which were clearly vacant of his fingernails. The party grimaced. He began to talk again. “If it weren't for you showing up, those left here probably wouldn't be here anymore. Or worse, would have fallen to pressure. Now the only thing left to do is to gather up everyone here and make our way back to the sanctuary. It seems that we might have just enough dragons to help us out, though It could get a bit tight. Though our haste will be in good use though.”
The human glanced nervously up towards the cliffs and hills that were to the northeast of the cove. “Just an hour ago the imperials sent out a party to search the woods for any other survivors. We falsely hinted that there were some there, maybe to throw them off course for a bit longer. They should be back soon, though. We need to be long gone by that time. Their leader is a nasty one, and he’ll be with them. Don’t want to mess around with him much.”
It was then that Ashmore realized. Samantha wasn’t here. She was alive, but not here. He looked over to Flameskull, who had a look of dread in his usually stone cold eyes from the last words of the official. Ashmore turned to him, deathly serious. “Flameskull… Where is Samantha?”
The dragon looked to him, the look of dread still there. He gestured out towards the outside area of the cove: directly in the direction that the official said the soldiers would come from. Samantha was out there. She might be alone, or with others. He thought he heard that Seth was out there as well through his initial wave of joy. Even so, the two of them wouldn’t be able to hold off an entire squad of Imperials on their own…
And then a detail that the official had told them pierced his heart like an arrow of ice. There was a squad of imperial soldiers out there. Along with their leader.
There was only one person in the world who Ashmore could think that to be.
Without consult or even a glance to the companions at his side, he shot off the ground like a rocket and took off towards the hills where Samantha supposedly was, fear for her echoing throughout his body.
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Samantha’s blood turned to ice at the sight of the ruined cove. She knew it had to be imperials. They had found them, and might know where they were heading.
Flameskull immediately U-turned and flew back a ways to a small plain amidst the hills and cliffs. He set them down in the midst of a small patch of trees and told them to stay put and quiet. He would be going off to see if there were any survivors. Without waiting for their consent, he was gone.
Samantha looked out after him in vain and sighed. She knew there was no changing who he was. She turned to Seth and shrugged, walking slightly out of the trees ways towards the cliff that he had flown out over. She could see the ocean in the distance.
She stood there awhile, in deep thought. It was all so messed up. They shouldn't have to run and hide like this, from people who hated them because they were different. They shouldn't have to be chased from their homes and be hunted like animals. They should all just live peacefully with one another. Why couldn't they all see that?
She shook her head and turned around. “It’s all pretty messed up, isn't it Seth?”
There wasn't a reply. She glanced around. “Seth?” She spotted him, crouching behind a tree in the small grove where Flameskull had deposited them. He was looking out across the plain, eyes wide and skin deathly pale. She glanced in the direction of his gaze and froze to the spot.
Approaching out of the woods was a troop of Imperial soldiers. All of them were armed to the teeth and ready for battle. There were about Fifty of them at the very least. Above them, storm clouds hovered far up in the sky, almost as if following them. The worst part was who was in front of them, leading the troop to the edge of the plain.
Waldorf.
She had become unaware in her state of thought. She glanced to Seth, who caught her eye. Samantha knew that their numbers would be too much for them both. Stay put, she mentally told him. There was only once chance out of this scenario, and she wanted at least one of them to get out alive. He understood her intentions. They wouldn't see him.
Samantha was preparing to do the same thing that had happened in the cave, but this time hopefully without the worry of Seth or Flameskull getting harmed. She needed to do it alone.
Waldorf caught sight of her and smiled. He signaled for his troop to stop moving. He stepped out a ways and outspread his arms. “Samantha!” ha called mockingly. “Old friend! What a pleasure it is to see you again. How have things been?”
She glared at the Imperial leader. “Oh, just fine,” she returned sarcastically. “You know, life’s just wonderful when a bunch of hell driven demons are out to kill you every waking second.”
Waldorf, looked humorously saddened. “Now, now, Samantha, that’s rather rude to call someone that, someone as virtuous as us? We used to be friends!”
Samantha said nothing. She was holding back her rage at what this mad had done. She didn't want to act rashly. This situation was balancing on the tip of a knife as it was.
Waldorf sensed her anger. He jabbed at her more. “You’ll never get anywhere where you’re at. Your efforts are futile, and will lead nowhere but death. There is a way, though, to bypass this. Join us. We could use a soldier like you. Give up on those lousy vermin you side with and come to us. Why don’t you see our ways?”
She had enough. Enough of his acting, enough of his treachery and enough of his nonsense. He was a lying wretch, and every second of his speech burned her. She released her rage, screaming at him. “Because you are INSANE! You have no love or care for those around you! You killed your best friend! He loved you! You’re just an empty shell. An empty shell filled with hate and lies. I will never be deceived by you! I won’t let anyone else be either! Never again!”
The joking left Waldorf’s eyes at her outburst. Cold anger filled them in its place. “Fine. So be it. I didn't know what I was thinking. It would be a complete waste to bring such vermin as your kind in with us. You pests are barely even human with your ways. It’s time that I eradicate what is deserving to die.” With that, he motioned his troop to stay back where they were, and advanced, alone, sword drawn, towards Samantha.
She shut her eyes and spoke. “You’re wrong. The ones who aren't human are not us.” She reached into her pocked and grabbed the flint. She hoped that Seth remained under cover. “The ones who aren't human… … ARE YOU!!!”
In one fluid motion, she drew out Pyra, ignited the blade, and slashed at the ground near her feet. The flames on the sword erupted onto the earth and raced at full speed towards Waldorf and his troop. The blue flames were hungry, and their desire to consume was overpowering. The soldiers in the troop stepped back at the inferno rushing at them. Waldorf kept his ground and kept advancing.
The second the flames were upon him, he swiped his sword through the flames. The flames in front of him split like a knife through hot butter, and were extinguished. The Imperials remained where they stood, partly from Waldorf’s command and shock of the spectacle.
Samantha was frozen to the ground, speechless. She was staring in shock at how Waldorf had sliced through the flames as if they were not there. She had never seen anything bar herself that could withstand the fire that she created.
Waldorf glared at her with fury burning in his eyes. He was focused only on her, oblivious to any fear that his army might have had. “None of your witchcraft will work here. Not on me. I know your tricks, and I know how to counter them. I've even learned a few tricks myself.”
Almost on cue, they clouds above them rumbled with the sound of thunder. Samantha flinched, the sound bringing back awful memories. She pushed them away. She couldn't have any panic attacks at a time like this. She stood her ground, trying to hide her fear and brace for attack. She had no clue how well she would fare in a one-on-one match with Waldorf.
Waldorf knew her fear, and grinned at the sound of the sky. His voice was calm, quiet, and laced with poison. “It’s all over, Samantha. You’re all alone. Nobody’s here to protect you now. It’s just you, me, and the storm. There is a storm coming. Did you know that? Not just the one here. Oh no. Far bigger. And nothing is going to stop it. Not the rebels, not yourself, and especially not any of your friends. Certainly not Ashmore.”
She froze at the mention of the name of her friend. Fear coursed though her veins. Waldorf chuckled as he saw her fear. “ Didn't you hear? We had a little encounter back in the battle at the mountain. We dueled a bit and, well, I came out on top. That’s right. He’s gone. I killed him.”
Samantha couldn't move. The words that Waldorf had spoken rang through her. She couldn't believe them. Ashmore couldn't be dead. It wasn't possible. He had to be lying. But this time, she couldn't be sure. Her eyes started to water. She looked to the ground.
Another rumble of thunder shook the plain. Waldorf saw her grief and laughed. He was feeding off of the despair that he was casing. He shook his head and chuckled. Without saying a word and his sword drawn for the kill, he causally advanced toward Samantha.
She looked up at him. One word rang through her head. The grief and sorrow, the hopelessness, the fear, all of it was gone. It was all replaced by one, burning, echoing, rage filled word. She gripped Pyra in her hand and lunged at Waldorf at speeds that even she though impossible.
“LLIIIIAAAARRR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”
Pyra met Waldorf’s blade with such force that he was knocked back a few paces, stumbling and recoiling from the blow. He glared hatefully at Samantha, and she returned the gaze. They lunged at each other and the duel began.
The slashed out at each other and blocked their shots. Their moves were swift and fluid, and each one looked for an opening in the other’s fight. One opening was all it took. But neither found one.
Samantha was aware of every movement that she and her opponent made. She blocked, dodged and slashed with rage-fueled power. Never had she fought so rigorously. She kept perfect awareness of any opening that Waldorf might make in a strike. There wasn't any.
Then she had an idea. It was swift and instant. Waldorf had slashed out at her in a near perfect blow, but Samantha barely ducked underneath it. She lashed out with her legs in a powerful low kick. She struck Waldorf’s shins with incredible force, completely taking him by surprise and kicking his feet out from under him. He slammed to the ground flat on his back, getting the wind knocked out of him.
Samantha stood up quickly and kicked the sword from his grasp. She then pointed Pyra down at him, the tip of it resting in Waldorf’s neck. She looked him in the eyes, prepared to see the life drain from his soulless eyes. What she saw instead made her gasp in surprise.
His eyes weren't cold and soulless. They were the eyes of Waldorf. The Waldorf she had known before his betrayal. When they were friends and things were good. This wasn't a trick. He was looking up at her in real terror and pleading. It was like he had snapped out of a trance. It was the old him, and she was sure of it.
His hesitation was all it took. Like a flipped switch, his eyes grew dark and lost all traces of color. He knocked her blade away and kicked out at the temporarily stunned Samantha. His kick landed in her gut, and she stumbled back, doubling over in pain. Waldorf grabbed his sword and got quickly too his feet. Samantha looked up from the pain to see Waldorf lash out at her with a powerful, furious, and deadly swing. The battlefield flashed with lighting.
And then there was pain.
Never before was there a pain such as this. It burned through her body like thousands of bolts of electricity, searing her every nerve and thought. She felt like screaming, but no sound came out. If she had ended up getting struck by lightning when she was younger, it would have felt a lot like this. Only this pain didn't end. It was like her nightmares. Only real.
She was falling. She landed with a thud on her back, too in shock to even attempt to break the fall. Pyra slipped from her grasp, and lightning flashed overhead. The world was flashing in and out, a vortex of terror that only let through the storm and the lightning that was burning through the stump of her severed left leg.
Throughout her pulsing vision and swirling pain, she could make out Waldorf standing above her. He was smiling down with a cold, black gaze of pure, insane evil. He lifted his sword without saying a word. Samantha was in too much shock to move. Only one thought coursed throughout her mind.
I’m going to die.
Her vision started to fade just as there was a flash of blue light from behind Waldorf. She barely made out him turning to face behind him just as a massive black shape descended full force upon the insane Imperial leader. That was the last thing that Samantha saw.
And then the darkness took her.
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