Twilight and Shadow

[Tismri]

Weiss focused her attention on the battle at hand. It seemed uncanny luck that the four dragons and Riders had arrived at the exact same time. She drew Myrtenaster and leapt right into the battle alongside her kin. The enemy was distracted and they were able to take many of them down while they were distracted by the dragons. Everything was going well, and she hoped they would be able to rescue the captured elves quickly.
Then she saw the Shade before her. His face was all too familiar, though he seemed to stand taller and his expression was far more menacing than the kind expression he usually wore. He wore a wicked grin, and Weiss was simply frozen in place.
Durhan. How long had she known him? Almost her entire life, though it was a brief time for him. He had been like an older brother to her when she was a child, and she had recently felt her heart softening toward him. She'd loved him.
"Foolish mortal." The words from his mouth were like his voice, but not his tone. "You will pay for encasing us in this flesh." In a flash, he'd found a sword on the ground nearby and charged at her. Weiss saw everything as if the world had slowed down. It was surreal, seeing this. This man she had known and loved her entire life, now turned into a thing of evil. She couldn't make herself believe that hew as actually going to kill her. Not until he was merely one step away, sword thrust toward her. She looked in his eyes, and saw that they were completely alien, unfamiliar to her, cold and hard, full of hatred.
At that moment, the world resumed normality. This was not her friend. This was a Shade, and she had to defeat him. She turned the dial on her sword to a ruby and lifted her blade, causing the tip to meet with her enemy's blow, erupting into a red flash before she slid out of the way.

[Trinn]

OOC: I don't know if I'm worthy to play Vycus! Perhaps I give it one try.

Eos bore down on the shade that was killing her human. She could feel a burning in the pit of her stomach, a deep ache that was her brimstone. It boiled in her anger, wanting to be released. Do it! I have us warded! Eva said, her mental voice somewhat faint. That was all Eos needed to hear. Leaping over a dueling couple, the yellow dragon landed right next to Vycus. She opened her maw and released scorching flame down on the shade, enveloping not only him, but Eva and Antien as well.
~~

Vycus shrieked as fire curled his flesh from his bone. Throwing Antien and the girl aside, he ran from the flame, summoning magic to heal his injured skin, though his pride was less likely to recover as quickly. He could feel the vibration in the earth that announced the dragon's chase. Turning sharply, Vycus grimaced as he pointed down at the earth. Sharp spikes of rock burst forth in effort to impale the dainty yellow dragon. He watched with satisfaction as she seemed to become uncertain. Vycus's grimace deepened in disappointment when the dragon simply took flight, out of reach. "I am Vycus!" He shouted to the heavens, before turning his smoldering gaze back towards Antien.
~~~

Eva hit the ground and heard something crack. The fire had washed over her, but all she had felt was a pleasant warmth. The shade's throw did more damage. Attempting to stand quickly, she immediately cringed and gasped. Sharp pains lanced up her side, and she knew instantly that there was something wrong with her ribs. Fighting to ignore the pain and to remember lessons in meditation, Eva braced herself and moved to Antien's side. He seemed unhurt, from the flames anyways. "Antien..." she said softly, deathly afraid that it might not be Antien who answered her.
***

The elf attacked faster and more ferociously now. Trinn parried his blows with a bit more focus, moving Vanta in a blur of green. During her many years as a dragon rider, nonetheless a fighter, Trinn had developed a fighting sense that was hard to beat. She had trained under the masters of Vroengard, had traveled over vast lengths of ocean to reach an island inhabited by wild natives. They had tested her, too, until she mastered them and they accepted her as their own. She had faced many battles. And so, it was with ease that she could see the raised fist form the corner of her eye. She had always been a fighter, and that nature had grown stronger with the hatching of Thora. Thora had been and was an instinctive, fierce fighter, and that trait had grown in Trinn as their bond grew over time.

Reaching up her free hand, Trinn caught the elf's hand in her open palm and squeezed to break his bones. Vanta screeched against the dagger's blade and caught at the hilt. Trinn pushed down on the elf, trying to bring him to his knees. "Surrender!" She said, staring down at him, feeling an old and dormant blood rage rising. Thora fueled it, and Trinn began to feel more like dragon than human. The iris of her eyes seemed to ripple and grow steadily more green, until they reflected the brilliant shade of emerald that was Thora's scales.

[Max452]

OOC: Poor Weiss. And Trinn, of course you are! lol. And you did a fine job!

Antien's vision began to darken as Vycus squeezed his trachea with ease. His senses were becoming dull but he was still able to hear the thundering waves of fire. It took him but a moment to realize what was going on as he felt his body cast aside. Antien made a meager attempt to protect himself as he hit the ground and rolled several feet before he stopped. He coughed for air, his body reacting to the release of his throat. He coughed some more, breathing in air as he tried to get up on all fours. He turned his weakened body toward the commotion beside him, ever trained to be alert. He spotted the Shade fighting Eos, but his tired eyes spotted Eva coming toward him; he noticed her pain immediately. Antien struggled to stand. Staggering slightly, he reached Eva as she reached him. "Eva..." His voice croaked out, haggard and underused for the passed few days. "...you are hurt." He stated just as equally soft as she. It was then he spotted movement behind her and his eyes widened in fear. Pushing Eva aside, Antien took the stab that was meant for his mate. He grunted out of pain as a human rogue had tried to backstab Eva with his dagger. The dagger had sliced through Antien's hand as he tried to deflect it from Eva. Weak, but still dangerous, Antien's fingers clasped over the hilt of the dagger, forcing the rogue to remain where he was before the elf deftly struck out with his free hand. Using his martial skills, Antien struck at the human's heart, cutting off the man's circulation; an instant kill. His grey eyes watched the human's own brown ones fade into dullness as his spirit left for the void. Antien grunted when the Rogue's body fell, his fingers leaving the pommel of the dagger in Antien's palm.

Antien stumbled backward, over exhausted and spent. He was breathing heavily as he clenched his wounded hand. He glanced over at Eva, making sure she was all right before staggering over to her; he dared not remove the dagger, else he might lose more blood and functionality of his hand - for without his magically ability, he was unable to heal it properly. It seemed this day was not going to allow Antien rest, for soon, he spotted Vycus coming for them.

The menacing Shade's anger was evident as he directed his ill intent toward the couple. He would not be able to get the dragon, but at least he would make it feel pain from the death of its Rider. Charging, Vycus held out his pale hands Eva and Antien, muttering an incantation as he did so. A vicious wind began to surround Antien Eva as the Shade was conjuring a sandstorm...

***
A cry fled Adonis lips as his hand was crushed in the Ancient's hand. His dagger was soon halted as well and unwillingly, Adonis was brought to his knees. He managed a sneer through his pain as he glowered at Trinn. The killer intent seemed to roll off of the rider as Adonis locked his eyes with her own. It was in that moment, Adonis knew, they had lost. He sighed in defeat and hung his head, hissing lightly from his crushed hand. The elf could hear the scattering of his army as their foes were able to best them (Shades and all) with ease. The majority of the platoon fled, but Adonis could still hear the sounds of battle, knowing that not many had realized their defeat yet. Katriana would not be pleased.

***
In the distance, Tyrant emerged from the underground. His maroon eyes watched with utter distaste at the lost of this battle. But now, he could give Katriana her answer. For they had completed their experiment and it was clear to him now, how easily their little army of Shades was bested by the Riders. They would have to figure out a way to make the Shades more powerful, or at least, figure out another way to strengthen their army; it was almost time to truly unleash Katriana's might upon the land. Sulking away, Tyrant retreated back to the lair of the Shade Rider.

***

[Tismri]

Weiss concentrated on her battle, narrowing her eyes as she focused on her enemy. The Shade was strong, but newborn. It was likely he was unused to his new powers. She turned the dial on her sword to a sapphire, placing the blade in the ground in the appearance of submission. She waited, standing still until the Shade was almost upon her before rolling out of the way. Then she released her spell, causing an explosion that sent the Shade flying. When it landed on the ground again, she ran to him, sword raised to run it through his heart while he was stunned.
He gazed up at her, and for a brief moment she thought he recognized her. It was a familiar gaze that caused her to hesitate. Was Durhan really still in there? Maybe she could save him after all.
The hesitation was exactly what the Shade needed. He knocked Myrtenaster out of her hand and grabbed her neck, squeezing fiercely and laughing maniacally. Weiss kicked and struggled, her eyes barely open. A tear slid down her cheek. This wasn't fair. Yang was a soldier, and Ruby a renowned Shadeslayer. Yet Weiss was unable to defeat this enemy, because he was the shell of a friend.
I'm such a failure, she thought to herself as the world began to grow dark and spin around her.

[Trinn]

OOC: Uh-oh! Eva and Antien are both exhausted, and they still have to fend off Vycus! lol.

Thora! Immediately a great gust of wind pressed down upon Trinn and those around her. The great emerald dragon landed and hastily swept her paw down upon Adonis, with Trinn jumping out of the way just in time. Keep him in place! The younglings are in trouble!

Turning sharply, Trinn raced towards Antien and Eva. Dead bodies and littered the ground, making it evident that there were some in this group who had not been shade. She easily leaped over their forms, intent on reaching the two lovers before tragedy could fall.
***

Eva reached out to Antien to stop him, but he was too quick. The blade slid too easily into his palm. Before she could react, he had dispatched the assailant. It was clear it took a heavy toll on him. Ignoring the protests of her injured ribs, she moved quickly to meet him. "Antien, I'm so sorry." She said, just as she reached him. Her arms came up around him despite the pain it caused. Mostly she was sorry that she did not have the required energy to heal all the pain he had gone through, nor even to to heal the flesh wound he bore now. Fatigue and nerves suddenly overtook her, and she sank to the ground, dragging Antien with her.

A slight wind began to stir around them, just as a grueling voice spoke ancient words. Eva looked to find Vycus striding their way with murderous intentions. She was prepared for death now. Perhaps she had not been able to save Antien, but at least they would be together for the last moments of their life. She closed her eyes and waited.
***

She could not ignore the struggle before her. Digging her heels into the earth, Trinn tore to a stop and leaped backwards. She landed behind the shade who was throttling a young elf maiden. "Turn and meet your death, shade!" She called out, just as she thrust Vanta towards his heart.
***

Eos cried out a long roar as she dove at neck breaking speed. Vycus would be hers! Her dive grew rocky, then altogether hazardous as winds began to bluster around her and sand was driven into her eyes. She barked out another roar, squinting to see. There he was! With the wind as wild as it was, Eos did not break her fall until just before she was upon Vycus. Flaring her wings, she was pulled backwards, so that all four paws and all there talons were aimed at the shade. He looked up at her with sudden realization before she felt him crumble under her left front foot.

OOC: I shall give you final say of this guys death Max.

[Max452]

OOC: Hehe. You know, through all of this, I forgot about Veryan and Aradan lol. Whoops.

Gasping heavily, Aradan gripped his sword tighter as he lunged at the enemy dwarves that had surrounded him. He twirled his blade around him, parrying the axes and swords that were pivoted against him. Swiping his blade, he twisted himself around the enemy soldiers with his grace-like heritage, gutting them along the way, but gaining some cuts as well. Finally, Aradan was able to breathe in more deeply as he jogged away from the bodies he had left and toward an elf that was struggling with a shade. Veryan! Aradan called to his dragon.
I see her! You go and aid them, I just spotted Eos struggling with her own Shade! Veryan called out as he charged an Kull. The black dragon snapped and grappled with the beast before snapping its head off with his jaws.
Understood! Aradan hastened toward Weiss just as Master Trinn turned to engage the Shade.

***
Eva's apology tore Antien's gaze away from Vycus as he looked at his mate with worn out eyes. "Nonsense, Eva; we are together now." He shushed her before grunting lightly from her embrace. Weak, he was unable to stop Eva from falling to the ground, but managed to place them both upright as he held her firmly with his good hand - the other lying limp to the side. He buried her against his chest, so that her eyes would be spared from the sandy debris that was beginning to encase them.

Antien's raven hair swirled about him as the sandstorm began to increase in velocity. He held Eva closer, burying his head against her own and angling his body to protect her. Antien began chanting his own spell, mustering as much energy as he could. He could feel little power, but he knew that it was perhaps enough to protect Eva. She would not die today; he would not allow it. He continued his quick whisperings - a spell that would place a barrier around Eva so that she would not be harmed - intending to use all of his vitality just to preserve the woman that had claimed his heart. He continued his mutterings, unaware of Eos and Vycus battling.

***
Veryan charged as fast as he could toward Eos and Vycus, intending to help the dragon from the sandstorm that encased her rider and Antien. As he flew toward them, his dragon eyes spotted Vycus sneering with hatred before being overcome with something keen to surprise...

***
Vycus cursed as he realized that the yellow beast intended to slam herself upon him. He quickly ended his spell just as a dark shadow eloped him, hoping that he could conjure another spell. Vycus shrilled out in pain when Eos' claws pierced his skin and near his heart. The Shade spat out some blood, gurgling it within his throat as he felt one of her talons nick his heart. Impaled, Vycus tried to push Eos off of him, but he could feel his strength and power fading as her talon dug deeper and closer to his heart. It was a rare thing to witness a Shade dying slowly. "Curse....you..." Vycus spat out with a mouthful of blood. "We....are...Vy..." The words faded from the Shade's pale lips as his maroon eyes grew dull and then evaporated as his body seemed to explode from Eos' pressure. Swarms of spirits fled from underneath the great dragon's paw as they shrieked across the torn battlefield.

***
Sensing the sandstorm was fading, Antien stopped his spell quickly. Nearly drained of his vitality, Antien collapsed to his side with a groan. He gazed over at Eva with a weak smile. "You are safe now..." He whispered, pleased with the revelation. He groaned from his aches and wounds as he cradled his wounded hand against his chest - dagger protruding. "Forgive me...I...am...so...tired. Need to...shut my...eyes..." Antien drawled out before slowly closing his eyes...

[Tismri]

OOC: Yeah, I kinda forgot about Tismri as well. She's taking it easy because of the baby.

Weiss gasped and coughed as soon as she felt relief. The Shade had been stabbed, though she didn't see by whom, and he'd dropped her in his recoil. She hit the ground hard as her vision cleared. Before her, she saw the Shade shrieking in agony, continuing to snarl at her with hatred. She wondered if it was just the spirits, or if some part on Durhan hated her as well, angry that she didn't stop that cruel fate from happening to him. Tears fell down her face as she watched the creature's skin become transluscent, the spirits within becoming visible.
"I'm sorry," she mouthed. The damage to her throat stopped any noise from coming out. She turned away, still feeling faint, sick, and dizzy, as she heard the sounds of his skin splitting apart and the spirits escaping to their freedom. Nothing of him remained. The thought of that caused Weiss to faint completely.