Hanging By A Moment

[Trinn]

Gianna felt anger rising within her as Fergus did not reveal the information she desperately needed. She was on the verge of slamming her fist on the table when a firm hand settled on her shoulder. Vana looked down at her calmly, "A word, Gianna." She said, and that was enough for Gianna to open her mind to Vana.

Fergus will not be satisfied unless one of us stays to help his men. Here is my suggestion. In your current pregnant position, it is not wise to go off facing any enemy. However, chasing after Fergus's men would seem, to me, safer. Search for them, call Cherilyn or Einar to your aid, and I shall go on to find your son.

Gianna felt incredulous, outraged, even offended. Heed her advice, my rider. Gladia called out softly, brushing against her consciousness. The dragon's voice soothed her roiling emotions, and she could think of Vana's advice more calmly. She thought back on Fergus's words as well. Ian was counting on her to help these men of his. If she were in his situation, Gianna knew she would do likewise, and feel the most terrible of guilt to be rescued while her freedom fighters were hunted down. Sudden tears sprang to her eyes, and she blamed it on her pregnancy.

"I will look for your men, Fergus." She said at last, turning to look at the man she could not help but to despise at this moment. "You have my word as Dragon Rider. Vana will continue on after Eva and Maude. Now, tell her where they went to look!"
***

They had flown no more than an hour when they spotted the tragic scene. Eva quickly contacted Maude, and they made a desperate plan. Flying as fast as they could, Magda and Eos raced toward's the fortress, towards where Selene was torturing Ian and Castiel. They swooped in low over Ian, and together dismounted their dragons. Landing, Eva unsheathed her rider's blade, facing Selene. Maude did likewise, but she immediately went on the offensive, lashing out at the enemy rider with her bluewhite blade. With Selene distracted, Eos turned to Ian and hastily began to undo his bonds, healing the most obvious and terrible wound in his shoulder as she did so.

Magda and Eos landed by Castiel, biting frantically at his bonds to free him.

[Max452]

"Toward the sea." Fergus replied quietly, feeling guilty for making Rider Gianna cry. "They headed toward the sea; toward the Isles." Fergus elaborated. "Thank you, Rider Gianna. I will not forget your scarifice; we are indebted to you." He turned to Lucus and gestured for the ring once more. The magician tiredly gave it back and with a nod from Fergus, left the Riders and Freedom Fighter alone. Fergus took the ring and held it out to Gianna. "You have a fine boy, Rider Gianna; you should be proud of him. I am."

***
A sudden hiss escaped Slade's mouth as he sensed enemies in the sky. A rumbling sound erupted from his throat and Selene instantly recognized it as a territorial and challenging growl. The Black Rider glared as she recognized the two Riders sweeping in. Vanasdaughter. She unshealthed her claymore and glared at Eva before Maude took her place as her opponent. "So eager for another lashing, child?" Selene hissed out, blocking Maude's attack, before turning her attention to Eva. "GET HER!" She ordered the men that were standing by, surprised at the sudden attack. The two men (one who was twirling Ian's weapons) attacked Eva, hoping to retain her and stop Rider Ian's escape.

Selene returned her attention to her own battle. She pressed hard against the girl, knowing that her experience and strength outmatched the youngling. "Lady Katriana will enjoy squeezing out your heart." Selene declared as she pushed her blade's side at Maude, while her other hand revealed a jagged dagger. She used the dagger to swipe at Maude's face.

***
Slade growled out as Magda and Eos came to Castiel's aid. Fresh Meat! The black dragon announced and he went and lunged at the closest dragon: Eos.

***
Little...one? Castiel called out as his eyes hazely watched Magda swoop to his side. Was this a dream? He wasn't so sure. Ian...save Ian... He called out weakly to his kin as his other hazy eye turned to glance at the slump form of his Rider. That last shock had placed him unconcious, or he so hoped. He cursed Selene and Slade for hindering their mental link.

***
Ian's pain had subsided as he tried to force himself awake. He hought he heard swords clashing but was unsure. He thought he heard dragons roaring, but again, was unsure. The darkness that shrouded his mind was apparent as he tried to force himself awake...

[Trinn]

Gianna nodded her head at Fergus, accepting his praise for her son as she tenderly took his ring from Fergus. "I have never not been proud of him." She remarked, standing to her feet. "I will direct the men of yours that I find to come here to find you and regroup. Farewell, Fergus. Expect to see your men soon." And with that, Gianna turned around and hurried from the inn, Vana trailing behind her. They returned to their bonds outside the village. Gladia and Viel sat rather tensely, tails twitching. Gladia still felt uneasy about Viel, as Gianna had at first been uncomfortable with Vana. In time, perhaps they could be friends. "Find our children, Vana. If there is anyone more able to defeat Selene, it is you."

"I thank you for the compliment. I know Selene better than most, and Viel is aching for a good fight. It has been sometime before we've been able to match ourselves against a worthy opponent. Never fear. We will return Ian to you." Gianna nodded, finding herself unable to speak.

"Thank you." Those were the last words spoken as they mounted their dragons, and parted ways.
***

Eva had managed to free one of Ian's arms when the guards attacked. She twirled on them, ready. She was grateful that the two men were only human. If they had been shades.... well they would have been more doomed than they already were. Twirling Aiedail deftly, she danced around the two men's swords, drawing in close every now and then to slash and stab. She was somewhat quicker than they, but not by any great amount. The side effects of the bond would settle in slowly, and it would be a few years before she became as quick and deft as an elf. With a grunt she maneuvered around one man, stabbing him through the ribs as she swept by. He gurgled as he dropped dead. Eva's eyes flashed as she turned to face the one who held her brother's sword. "Hand over the sword and flee for your life." She warned, hoping to avoid more bloodshed.
***

It was obvious from the moment they started their duel that Maude was far outmatched by Selene. But she would not let that deter or scare her. Her determination would give her the courage to succeed. "She won't get the chance!" Maude shouted back, darting backwards to avoid the dagger hissing through the air towards her face. Reaching behind her back, Maude unsheathed her other sword, the scimitar. It was oddly matched with Reona, but Maude was accustomed to dual blades. With a wild war cry, Maude sprang forward at Selene.
***

Eos felt a sharp pain in her flank, and soon after the warm drizzle of blood down her leg. She had not been able to get quite out of Slade's way, but fortunately the wound was not very deep. Roaring at him challengingly, Eos spewed bright yellow flames at him as she jumped into the sky, hoping he would chase after her.

[Max452]

Fergus watched the two departing women, hoping that not only Arucane was saved, but also Ian. He bid them farewell, assuring and thanking Gianna once more concerning the topic at hand. He would wait once more, diligently hoping that his fellow comrades would be seen again.

***
Ian felt one of his hands free fall in the darkness. What was going on. He managed to crack open his eyes and it took him a moment to realize that his sister was before him. "Eva?" He croaked out, unsure if this was one of Selene's torture tactics again. He saw swift movement to his left and quickly deduced Eva was now in a fight. He blinked some more and heard a familiar voice in the air. Maude? His vision cleared slightly as he spotted Maude fighting with Selene. No. This was not what I wanted. You weren't suppose to come. Selene probably planned this...to get to Magda and Eos....no...I need to move. Ian struggled with himself as he forced his free hand to move and to try to free himself.

***
The remaining guard stared at Eva, a flicker of fear in his eyes at her words. No. Katriana was worse! He would not fail the Queen! He picked up his reserves and twirled Ian's blades once more. "FOR KATRIANA!" The soldier shouted as he charged at Eva.

***
"You will die, Child!" Selene seethed out as she met Maude's attacks. The Black Rider used her claymore to block the rider sword, while the dagger when to block the incoming scimitar. She maneuvered her footing forward, hoping to push Maude back. "I will enjoy watching you die." Selene continued to spit out, annoyed with the little Red Rider's determination. She thrust her claymore to the side, hoping to clear a temporary path so she could kick Maude in the chest.

***
Slade roared at the flames that came toward him. He swiped his mighty talon, causing an airy wave to part it. You called that flames, hatchling? I'll show you true fire! Slade screamed out as he bounded into the sky against his prey, ignoring Magda as he chased after the dragon that dared to attack him. He let out a deafening roar, followed by a black torrent of flames at Eos.

***
Save Ian, save Ian! Castiel continued to say as he struggled against his bonds. Ian was more hurt! And he was too wounded to move, especially fly. Slade had seen to it that one of his wings was broken so that he could not chance an escape. His snout was bloody, his feet were drilled with holes from the spikes that were slammed into him earlier. He was in no position to leave; Ian had to be saved.

[Trinn]

A frown fell onto Eva's lips. The fool soldier would persist in dying. She met his attack head on, snapping Aiedail up to block the two swords. Flicking her wrist, she smacked one sword away, and followed with a pushing thrust to the other blade to knock the man off of his feet. As he was fighting for balance, Eva had no time to deliberate. With an almost mournful shout, she buried the pale yellow blade into the soldier's chest. Her blade remained there as she watched the life drain from his eyes. Shaking her head, Eva wrenched Aiedail free and retrieved her twin's blades, then hastened back to Ian's side to finish undoing his bonds. She risked a glance over at Maude. Her companion seemed to be holding her own, but it wouldn't last long. With shaky fingers, Eva undid the last of Ian's bonds, using a bit of magic to help. She caught her brother in her arms and gently laid him on the floor. Knowing there was not a moment to lose, she placed her hands on his shoulders and shouted, "Waise Heill (sp?)".
***

Sweat beaded Maude's skin as she used every ounce of quickness she possessed to stay out of Selene's grasp. The claymore's size and strength were hard to deflect, though, and Maude found herself barely able to stay out if it's path. "I won't die here, witch!" Maude shouted back at the dragon slayer. Fueled by anger, Maude suddenly broke the defensive and leaped forward. She dove into a roll, barely going under Selene's leg, and hopped back up swinging Reona at Selene's neck.
***

Eos yelped as a tongue of black flame rolled across her right wing, crisping the delicate yellow membrane. Wobbling, she fought to steady her flight, all the while giving Slade more time to gain on her. With her wing damaged, it was all Eos could do to fly swiftly away from the giant enemy.
***

Magda ignored Castiel's pleas. She could not abandon him to save Ian. Eva was doing that. Hold still! she snapped at him, her inner voice somewhat frantic. Raising a paw, she dealt a mighty blow to the shackle around one of his ankles, and was satisfied when the thing broke free with a crisp clink.

[Max452]

A cooling sensation slowly coursed through Ian as he felt the hands of his twin sister hover over him. He was barely aware of Eva placing him on the floor, or even releasing him completely from his bonds; his eyes were latched over at Maude and Selene. "Eva. My swords." Ian hoarsed out as he struggled to sit up. "Selene's trying to get the heart of hearts..." His green eyes flickered over to the aerial battle above them. "You guys have to leave. I'll distract Selene and Slade...I can't let them harm you." He grunted out, reaching out for his blades as his protective nature seeped out freely. He may be hurt and wounded, but he would not allow his precious people to be dragged into his problems; he would take responsiblity...even if it meant sacrificing himself.

***
Selene uncharacteristically snarled at Maude as the child rolled away and under her legs. It seemed the young Rider was a bit faster than the last time they fought; it did not matter - she was still faster. Selene fully allowed her body to continue the kick, but added some strength into her grounded leg to flip herself vertically in the air. She landed lithly to the right, just in time to bring her large claymore up to block Maude's blade. "We'll see about that!" Selene retorted as she swung her blade and the gathered air in the palm of her hand, intending to create a dangerous shockwave at Maude too.

***
At the sound of Madga's voice, Castiel silenced his protests, but let out a string of growls instead. You do not understand! He growled out, reeling the paw that his redded friend had freed, upward with a clatter. With one of his paws freed, Cas tried to swipe his other bonds free, while Magda helped. He continued to let out a string of growls as he began to remember his draconic nature; he was a dragon! He would die like one and protect his bond and friends! He hissed slightly at his devastating wounds, but managed to free himself with Magda's help. Hurry, Selene want's our Eldunris. We must help Eos and Maude. He struggled to stand; the pain from his wounds making it hard to move.

***
Slade let out a shrilling sound, that was keen to draconic laughter as he watched Eos get burned by his massive flames. You're no match for me, hatchling. I'll tear you into pieces with my jaws! Slade promised as he pumped his mighty wings to gain speed. He was going to enjoy ripping this dragon into shreds, but not before having her beg for her life as he'll force her to remove her heart of hearts. He elongated his neck for a split second and then snapped his body forward, his whole body launching forward slightly to gain more momuentum. He opened his large maw as he neared the yellow dragon's flank, intending to snap down upon it.

[Trinn]

Eva followed Ian's gaze upwards, and her heart fluttered uncomfortably at what she saw. Eos was fighting with Slade, but her bond was clearly hurting. From where she sat on the ground, it looked like a songbird trying to outrun an eagle. Firming her resolve, Eva handed Ian his blades and then got to her feet. She would not let that woman steal the dragons eldunari's! "First, you should heal your dragon while those two are still distracted. Actually... I"ll help you. You probably have almost no energy left!"
***

Eos panted as she fled just out of Slade's reach. She could feel his hot breath upon her yellow scales, and her courage began to slip. Acting in desperation, Eos called to mind all the maneuvers she knew of, and settled on one. In mid-flight, she halted the flapping of her wings and snapped them shut to her sides. Immediately she began to plummet towards earth, the weight of her body making her fall through gravity faster than she could fly through it. Tipping herself forward, she entered into a wobbly dive, her injured wing not fully cooperating. Suddenly there was a giant, outraged roar. It made Eos want to fly into a cloud to hide. Leveling out her flight by flaring her wings, she twisted around so that she was flying on her back, so that she could see the dragon that had made such a noise. She felt a sudden flare of hope when she who it was. Viel was racing through the sky, an equal match for Slade. The garnet hued dragon charged the black dragon, coming at him with razor talons and teeth.
~~~

Just as Viel gave voice to her fury, Vana appeared in front of Maude, and pushed her daughter backwards just she flicked Domia up to take the full blow of the giant Claymore. She deflected the shockwave with a bit of magic, but it managed to still push her backwards, away from Selene. Viel's fury was fueling Vana's own anger, though she was able to control it. After being bonded to a dragon with intense blood lust for 19 years, Vana had learned to keep herself safely distanced. She looked at Selene now with calm, but deadly, eyes.

"Selene." She aid in a cold voice. And that was all the warning she gave her old comrade and she surged forward, twirling Domia in a pattern of strikes at the rider of Slade.

[Max452]

OOC: Yes! The anticipated battle! Mwahahaha!

Ian was grateful that his sister was not arguing with him. With some renewed strength, Einarson gripped his swords, feeling glad to have them in his hands again. Twirling his left sword, Ian placed it onto his back, while his right still held the white sword Arucane. His shoulder still ached from the torture he suffered, but adrenaline made him press himself up and forward with his sister. "Thanks, Eva." Ian quietly replied, knowing that his sister was right about his condition. He spared a worry glance at Maude, but was surprised to see a flash of red careen in front of her. Master Vana! Ian realized just as Maude was pushed back. They may have a chance now! Master Vana was known to be one of the fierciest warriors alive! He turned his attention back to Eva and their dragons, knowing that Maude would be safe with her Mother. He hurried with his sister to Castiel and Magda, just as the white dragon was released from his bonds.
Ian! The bloodied dragon exclaimed, glad to finally be able to touch his rider with his snout. He affectionately rubbed Ian's head as the young man hugged the dragon.
I'm sorry you had to suffer, Cas; you're the strongest dragon I know! I'll make it up to you one day. Ian told him, glad to feel Cas's mind intwined with his own.
A strong dragon deserves a strong rider; I'm glad I have mine. Castiel replied quickly. Enough of this mushy stuff, we have to get out of here. Castiel implored to Ian, Eva, and Magda (but not before nuzzling Eva a bit too).
"Agreed. Hold still, Cas. We're going to heal you while the others are distracted..." Ian quickly went to work to healing Castiel, despite his weakened strength.

***
Slade let out a bellowing roar as his body rippled with pain, his wings contracting together from the impact with Viel. You traitorious lizard! The black dragon hissed out as he realized what had attacked him. It is about time I show you that I am the superiour dragon! Slade cried out at Viel, ignoring Eos once his blood rage against Viel emerged. Snarling and snapping at Viel, Slade managed to outstretch his wings to steady himself as he clawed and manuevered himself to harm Viel, whilst ignoring the damage she was causing him. Slade lifted his hind legs, hoping to claw at Viel's underbelly whilst kicking her back at the same time, while his mighty maw stretched out to latch itself on her neck.

***
Selene's ears vibrated from the loud clashing of metal upon metal. Her eyes lifted slightly in surprise as she realized who was before her. Outrage filled Selene then, as she faced her former commander. The Black Rider lifted her upper lip into a snarl. Of all the people she had served with, Vana was the last person she believed would betray their cause! And for what!? Love?! She was no better than Einar! Then Gianna! All her respect and admiration for the Red Rider vanished the moment she witnessed Vana and Kyler retreat from the battle at Uru'baen. They were commanded to fight until the end! And she had fled like a cowardous dog! With that stupid half-breed! She knew Kyler was weakening Vana! She knew it! She should have done something, but believed Vana capable of rational thought. Well...it didn't matter now...Selene would rectify her mistakes. She'll kill Vana and everything will be better. Katriana promised that the world would be better. She will show Vana the true meaning of loyalty. She glared as Vana deflected her shockwave with minimal recoil. Her glare deepened when Vana uttered her name. Selene was never one to utter so many words. She preferred action, and right now, action was all that was required. Selene snarled, feeling the affects of Slade's rage, as she charged at Vana, blocking the flurries of attacks with equal ferocity and skill, whilst mixing in her own offensive strikes toward Vana's vital organs.

[Trinn]

Standing on Castiel's other side, Eva bowed her head and and concentrated on aiding her twin in his dragon's healing. She was aware too of Eos landing nearby. Her bond crept close, gingerly holding her injured wing aloft.
***

The pain of the wounds that Slade inflicted outraged and thrilled Viel. It had been so long since she had fought such a worthy opponent, too long training whelps and weaklings. As much as she hated Slade, she loved him for this fight, for the chance to prove that she was still leader of the hunt! With a great bellowing roar, she darted her head away from Slade's searching fangs, and retaliated by spitting a fireball at his face. She had no intentions of releasing him from her grasp, and they swung through the sky in a beautiful and terrifying dance of death.
***

Vana at times slipped backwards, on the defensive. Other times, she pressed forward, Domia a blur of red. At the beginning of their duel, Vana had been surprised at the fury in Selene's eyes. It seemed her old comrade hated her, and for more reasons than upsetting this kidnapping. In the end, it mattered little why Selene hated her, though Vana did feel some responsibility. They had never really been friends, but Vana remembered a time when she had thought of Selene as a kindred spirit. Selene had always been reliable, always able, always loyal. Loyalty. How many wars and tragedies were to blame because of loyalty. Thinking of such long past memories, of
the way she used to feel, Vana hesitated, and it was a costly mistake. The great sword came down on her shoulder, dislocating it. Vana merely sneered at the pain as she back peddled. "Quit this fight and join me, Selene. Be my comrade again, and together let us bring down the abomination that Katriana had become!" She called out, buying a moment of time. "Join the dragon riders in Bromsland. That is where you belong! You, and Slade!"
***

Magda watched the duel between the elder riders with fascination. It was hard to keep an eye on them for long, they moved with such speed and agility. If not for the red of her mothers cape, Maude would probably not be able to keep an eye on them at all. But suddenly they broke apart, and her mother held her shoulder awkwardly. "no..." Maude whispered, unbelieving that it was her mother, the Red Rider, who had been injured first. "No." She said, a little louder, when Vana began to speak. Was her mother mad? Selene needed to die! There was then the sound of a thick pop, and her mother shrugged her shoulder and resumed a fighting stance.

"What say you?" Vana said, and Maude felt her hand harden it's grip on the hilt of Rheona.

[Max452]

With the help of Eva, Ian managed to heal Castiel to the point that he was at least able to fly, for the great white dragon refused to allow the two precious riders to waste any more energy on his account.
I'll be fine now. Once we get to a more safe area, you can finish healing me there. Castiel told them when Ian started to argue. Safe your energy, this battle is far from over. Castiel added as his eyes turned to Master Vana and Selene's battle, and then upward to Master Viel's and the abominable Slade. He couldn't help the growl that rumbled in his throat. I fear we might get in the way if we try to help though... Castiel whispered to them as he was barely able to follow the dragons' mighty battle.

***
Ian followed Castiel's gaze for a moment before leaning against his forepaw. He was lightheaded from the usage of magic; he was still considerable weak and his muscles were still aching from his whole torture, despite Eva's healing. He closed his eyes, calculating a plan. He was a silent for a moment as the the echoes of blades ringing and roars thundering cascaded about them. He opened his eyes after he decided upon a plan.
"Eva, Eos. Help Castiel out of here. Oh, don't give me that look, Cas." Ian's voice was firm as he spotted Cas curl his lips in a pre-snarl. "You're still gravely wounded and Eos is too. Together you both can aid one another enough to escape, and with Eva there, you will succeed. I'll ride with Magda and Maude." He turned to the red dragon, "if that is acceptable. You're still unharmed, and we can provide support should Master Vana and Viel need it." Ian purposed his plan.

Thinking of Maude, Ian turned his head in her direction. She appeared tense and anxious if her body was any indication. With in good reason: her mother was fighting. "Eva, do this for me." Ian glanced back to his sister. "Protect Castiel and get him out of here; Maude, Magda, and I will follow suite - I promise. Just get him out of here." Ian pleaded and without waiting for a response, Ian ran off toward Maude to assist in anyway, despite his labored and tired movements.

***
Slade let out a painful roar as charring flesh formed on the left side of his face from Viel's fireball. Instinctively, he gripped Viel harder, wanting to tear her apart for the slight against him. In his bloodlust, his body produced the adrenaline needed to ignore the painful burns on his face. Eyes dilulated and filled with hate, Slade increased his attacks and manuevers, hoping to tear Viel from her limbs. He would not allow this traitor to best him. Her betrayal disavowed her title as leader of the hunt. He would no longer obey her! He would strip that title from her as he stripped her of her wings! He let out a mighty roar as his efforts were rejuvenated. After a moment, however, Slade realized that Viel still had the advantage over him; her mighty talons were embedded deep in his shoulders, while his were still scrapping about to penetrate properly. His solution to this problem was simple: Slade folded his wings close to his body (as best as he could as Viel had managed to injure one of his wings) and allowed his body to freefall...

***
Selene's eyes flickered with triumph as she watched Vana pull back from her attack; she had heard her blade cause the first damage. As Vana pulled away, Selene continued her onslaught, not wanting to give the Red Rider a chance to breath. She poised herself to strike, but instead, screamed out in pain.

Selene clenched the left side of her face as the phantom echo of Slade's own pain reverberated to her. In her own pains, Selene had to force herself to concentrate on Vana's words; for she barely registered her speaking. Selene sneered when she processed Vana's words.
"Never! We will never betray anyone! We will remain loyal!" She yelled at Vana. "That halfbreed has made you weak!" She screamed, all her pent up emotions finally surfacing; it was seen clearly on her face now. "We will not be weak! We will KILL you!" Selene screamed out as she charged at Vana now, her claymore brandishing above her in her blind rage.

[Trinn]

"Ian, no!" Eva tried to argue, and began to race after her twin. Eos intervened, placing a leg in her path. "Eos!" Eva shouted, tears beginning to make her vision blurry. "I came here to save Ian!"

Yes, but he has made his choice. We must respect it now. He will resent you forever if you force him to come with you now. Biting her bottom lip to stop it from shaking, Eva tried to think of a way to argue with her bond. But Eos was right. She had to let Ian make his own decision, no matter how much she hated what it amounted to.

Crying out in a defeated sob, Eva turned on her heel and hurried onto Eos's back, before she could change her mind. Eos then nudged Castiel's shoulder tenderly with her pale yellow snout, urging him to follow her into the sky and away from the furious battle between the elder riders and dragons.
~~~

Straining, Viel flapped her mighty red wings, trying to stop the free fall that Slade had entered into. Her talons were still lodged into the meat of his shoulders, loath to release her prey. But it was no use. Despite their similar age, Slade was still larger and heavier than she. With a last angry roar, Viel released Slade, giving him one last kick with her hind legs to help push him towards earth as a plan formed. As soon as her talons slid out of his flesh, she quickly dipped downwards to dive after her onyx foe. Her plan was to pester him from above, to not let him be able to reascend. Her plan was to pulverize him into the ground.
~~

Vana met Selene's attack eagerly. She lifted Domia and parried the giant claymore, and then the next attack, and the one after. It was clear that Selene was fueled by her anger, and if she did not let go of her emotions soon, it would be her downfall. Vana was done with speaking now. Sidestepping the claymore, Vana switched deftly from defensive to offensive. Weaving Domia in and out, she tested Selene's agility with the claymore, using the swift and sure strikes of a small sword.

[Max452]

Castiel let out a sound that was divided between a whine and snarl; he did not want to leave Ian here! He growled and grumbled for a moment, debating whether or not to listen to his rider.
Go, Cas. Please! I don't want anyone else to get hurt. Ian's thoughts spoke to his dragon as he ran toward Maude.
If you're not with us by sunset, I'm coming back! Castiel threatened before Eos nudged him. He swiveled his head and let out another whine before stumbling after Eos. His wings still hurt, as did his whole body, but the white dragon persevered as he flopped into the air unlike his graceful self. You have until sunset! Castiel roared out, not caring if the others around him heard.

***
Ian skidded toward Maude, eyes glancing at her briefly before turning to face the fight between the two former Empire Riders. Despite all his urges to embrace Maude, Ian knew that this was not the time or place for such actions. Instead, he focused his mind to the battle. "We have to help her, but I don't know what to do." Ian admitted as he watched the sparks coming off their blades. "We might just end up getting in Master Vana's way." He added, his right hand tightening on the pommel of his sword. He hated being useless. He glanced around them, trying to find something, anything to move the battle into their favor.

***
Slade let out a roar as Viel kicked him in the stomach. He tried to shift his weight so that the freefall would allow his wings to open, but then he noticed a shadow coming toward him. Slade's dark eyes widened as he realized his mistake; she was going to crash into him and he had no room to manuever. Knowing that a crash was emminent, Slade did the only thing he could think of: he opened his maw and unleashed a torrent of fiery flames at Viel.

***
Selene's face was contorted with anger as she blocked and attacked with her claymore. Her enhanced eyes watched Vana's swift movements and her sword equally followed with a fluid motion, blocking Vana's seemingly random attacks. She snarled; it seemed the Red Rider was trying to test her manueverabilty with her claymore. Selene, determined to succeed and kill Vana, continued to block, but a brief glimpse of Slade's dilemma, caused her to twist her wrist a second too late when blocking Vana's strike to her side. Selene screamed out as she felt cold steel enter her side, possibly striking a kidney. She stumbled backward, swatting her claymore toward Vana so that she could distance herself from the deadly rider.

[Trinn]

Maude spared Ian a quick glance, making sure that he was, for the most part, uninjured. She already knew from Magda that the others had left the island. That was good. They would be less to worry about. "Help them? How can we hope to interfere?" Maude said in response, directing her gaze back to her mother and the raging duel. Then there was the sound of a great tearing, as if the sky were being torn in half, and Maude whipped her head up, just in time to watch Slade release a roiling pillar of black flames. Her heart skipped a beat, and Maude felt as if it might never start again.
***

Viel had no time to avoid the flame, and so, she didn't try. Ducking her head, she let the flames envelope her. The heat instantly touched her, no matter how thick her scales were, nevermind the ward. And Viel thanked the dragon Gods for magical wards. It was the only thing from keeping her scales in tact against the flame. Still, she couldn't see, blinded for as long as the flame lasted. Determined, Viel pushed herself faster forward, reaching out with her talons to grasp for Slade.
***

Sweat suddenly sprang up across Vana's skin, and she felt herself unconsciously tearing at her clothes with her free hand to try and get some air. The heat was unbearable! And such bad timing! She had to focus now, not give into the pain, not think of Viel! Screaming, Vana charged forward, hoping she hadn't given Selene enough time to heal herself. She jumped up and pounced at Selene, stabbing forward with Domia, the blade already slick with her enemies blood.

[Max452]

Ian didn't know the answer to Maude's question. He watched in respect and awe at the two riders. It seemed that Master Vana held the upper hand, but Ian was not foolish to count the black Rider's defeat. He continued to glance around the ruined castle, trying to think of a plan; he was so engrossed that the sound of Slade's flames barely registered until his peripheral vision spotted Maude's head jerk upward (it was rather strange that he was aware of her presence). "She'll be fine." Ian assured Maude before staring back at the battle.

Selene was having a troubled time now; her wound was barely able to heal when Master Vana attacked her again. It was hard to spot the large claymore's block on the red sword, but Ian was still managed. His eyes flickered back to Selene and then an idea occurred to him. He turned to address Maude. "Get her closer to the wall." He told her, knowing she would get his meaning when she followed his gaze. Perhaps Master Vana was aware of it as well: Selene was being backed into the ruined wall, where, chained shackles were attached. If they could get Selene close enough, Ian and Maude could use magic to chain the Black Rider's hands and feet.

***
Slade's throat contracted as the last of his flames flickered out of his maw. He snarled out as he continued to fall far too quickly in the sky. He tried to flip himself so he could unleash his wings, but the moment he tried, he felt powerful claws grip his shoulders. He shrieked in pain as Viel's talons bore into him. Furthermore, he let out a pained roar as his body thundered into the sandy beach; a ripple of sand exploded around his body as a response from the powerful impact.

***
Selene's shrill echoed the ruins as she felt the pain that erupted through Slade's body; she could feel the cracks in his bones and hear the weak snarls that were seeping out of his mighty jaw. She could do nothing for him except destroy the Rider that had caused them pain. Further angered and now, far more vengeful than before, she blocked Domia with her blade before unleashing a crackling thunderbolt at Vana.

[Trinn]

There was no time to save herself from the fall. When the last flame washed over her head and she could see again, it was only to find the ground less than a mile away. Pushing with all her might, Viel shoved off against Slade, releasing her talons from him. But there was no time to gain more altitude. The speed of the fall would not allow for it. Spreading her wings wide, Viel fought to slow her own fall, trying to catch what little wind she could from the low altitude.

It softened her fall only a little. Viel landed on her hind legs first, and they immediately buckled underneath her, causing her to fall into a sliding roll on her side. Her vision went black. A minute passed, two, and then Viel awakened from her daze, whining from immense pain in her back legs and both wings. One toe was missing a talon and leaking great globs of hot blood, and it felt as if the left side of her body had been scraped clean of all her beautiful garnet scales.

Blinking slowly, Viel lifted her head and looked about, until she found Slade nearby. They had landed on the beach, just below the tallest wall of the fortress. Her only comfort was that Slade looked in just as bad shape as she. With great effort, Viel lifted herself with her relatively whole front legs and began to drag herself forward. Her back legs trailed uselessly behind and her wings drooped at her sides like torn curtains. Relentlessly she dragged herself on closer to Slade, to deliver the final blow.
***

Maude looked to where Ian did, and instantly understood his meaning. Her mother kept pushing Selene back, untiring. Selene was almost close enough when the ground beneath their feet shuddered and rumbled, and almost at the same time, looks of agony and misery crossed both Vana and Selene's faces. A soft brush of wind, and Maude felt with her mind Magda flying off towards Viel. Her dragon-mother...

Her stomach sank sickeningly when she thought that Viel was lying broken, if not dead, on the beach below. Goosebumps rose on her arms, and then the hair on her neck. A second later, bright crackling lightning burst from Selene, striking towards Vana. Maude watched as Vana took the full force of the hit and was pushed backwards. "NO!" Maude screamed, and rushed forward. Using all her strength, she ducked her head and charged into Selene, hoping it was enough.