darkSpyro

Angora had been praying and hoping that there was at least an ounce of heart in that stone he had inside the chest, but now Angora knew that Latnok was as heartless and hard as his armor and history. Her feelings were simple manipulation to him, and he refused to acknowledge her tears and pain as genuine. He was a far more of a hopeless cause than her. He refused to see the good in her. If Neo and even Orion the Galaxy dragon himself had chosen her for that mission back then, it was because of something both Latnok and Sere made themselves blind to. Her heart, the nobility, or whatever caused her to be chosen, it was something that the Guardians didn't want to see, and at this point, they most likely never will. They were heartless bullies, and Angora was certain they would die that way. No more atoning for them. She believed that one of these days, life would make them pay for all their sins. For all the abuse they did to this little creature who wanted nothing but to change for the better and concentrate on family.

Meanwhile at the ship, Maverick was looking at the ocean with Dahlia, completely unaware on the dastard misery his beloved friend was facing. Dahlia was more concentrated on the ocean, seemingly still concerned for the beast that lurked out there. Maverick decided to sit and stay there with her, to assure her everything would be alright.

Sere, searching the deck for Maverick, found him without much issue - his mount was very easy to distinguish. He came over quickly, to deliver the news to him.
"Angora is dismissed from the crew, effective immediately," he said, as he suddenly stood by Maverick, making no bones about the situation. "You can choose to join her, or not - I know what you will choose, though."

Maverick's good mood was shattered like a crystal glass. What happened now that Sere reinforced his original decision.
"What? Que? Capitán! Wh... what are you saying? What happened now? Por favor! Everything was going so well! We have done everything you asked! Please! Whatever she did, let me talk to her! Please Capitán? Reconsider. Please!" Maverick begged, almost falling to his knees, believing he made a mistake leaving Shade and Angora alone. Did Angora said something offensive again? Or was Sere once again overreacting and misunderstanding? Maverick had been so proud when he landed the ship so smoothly and when Latnok was starting to be more patient to her. This unpleasant blow had been too sudden. Why was Sere so hostile to them all of the sudden? Just what happened between him and Angora right now?

Sere paused for a minute, thinking of what to do next. He then came up with an idea. "You can speak to her. And I'll give you an opportunity. When you're done, prove to me that, despite all evidence to the contrary, I can trust her one hundred percent. Not because you feel bad for her - show me that, in the grand perspective of things, I'm not going to risk her jumping in front of a harpoon because she doesn't want us to destroy a creature that has been terrorizing the seas and has killed gods know how many. Because right now, I'm not completely sure that she won't do that." Sere looked at Mavericj expectantly, waiting to see his response - would he go through with it?

Maverick was rather shocked to see how reasonable Sere had become, and more so how he was willing to give them another chance after he had proven what a stubborn old man he was. With what Sere said, it become quite clear what happened now. Sere was actually crazy enough to go after the creature that attacked them and Angora had been trying to make him see reason. Even though he didn't blamed her, Maverick had been expecting her to be smarter than that. Contradicting Sere, no matter how subtle or gentle it was, was always a big mistake.
"She wouldn't do such a thing. I will talk to her and demonstrate you that." Maverick responded, ready to walk to the island before Dahlia offered him a ride, but not before glaring at Sere. She had no idea what happened, but with what she was seeing, it was clear that Sere somehow made Maverick feel sad, and she didn't like it...

As Latnok spoke, Raclaw was somewhat pleased to see that his beloved Guardian hadn't gone to the same extreme as before-- at least not yet. "If-- if there is doubt about her claimed intentions, than perhaps I may be able to help. Clarify things so-to-speak; one way or the other. With permission--," the fur dragon spoke looking at both Latnok and Angora. "With permission, I may be able to look into her mind and sense rather she is telling the truth or not. Sometimes words alone don't reveal the full meaning and sometimes words can be misunderstood.," he then concluded offering to use his abilities to perhaps resolve things once and for all.

Latnok, having a lot more respect for his companion than for Angora, was receptive to his suggestion, knowing that it came from a good place. "That actually sounds like an excellent idea," he said. "Just one thing - how can I ensure that you're not just looking to protect her out of sympathy? How will I verify what you're telling me?" Latnok's trust would only extend so far in this matter - as close as he and Raclaw had become, he still remembered how he was sympathetic to her, taking abuse from her out of a sense of guilt, how she tried to turn him against her, and the betrayal he felt when he decided that reconciling with such a toxic personality was more important than the integrity of their mental link. After that, he wasn't going to be so quick to trust in any matter related to Angora.

Angora couldn't believe what she was hearing. All this time? All this time he had such ability and he waited until now to talk about it? All this time, Raclaw could've demonstrated how genuine her pain was and how unfair she was being treated, and he let this cycle of abuse go on and on. Was it because he had been afraid of Latnok? As Raclaw asked his permission, she had already given him hers, but as she did, Angora couldn't help but feel so much pity for Raclaw. Just how much of his abilities he didn't dare to show? Just how limited the fur dragon felt because of Latnok? Was that really a friendship? How could you possibly be friends with someone you were terrified of and makes you feel so limited? With the nervousness in his voice, Raclaw looked more like a servant or a pet than a genuine friend, but of course, who could make friends with someone as cruel and enslaving as a Guardian?

"You won't have to. In the past-- I have used our bond to share my abilities, just as you have done with me. You know how much I trust you, but I understand your hesitation on the matter. Just as I have shared my abilities prior, I will do the same here. Everything I see, hear, and sense-- you will see as well.," Raclaw said reassuring Latnok. He was prepared to use his bond and his abilities to share everything with Latnok. It was a risk-- and would only work so long as Angora had been genuinely telling the truth.

Latnok was satisfied with the answer. "Go ahead, please," he said. He prepared himself for the turmoil and hatred that no doubt filled Angora's mind. Everything would be laid bare here - he would know exactly what she thought of them, what she was planning to do, and whether she cared a shred for the mission.

Raclaw nodded and quietly triggered the connection-- revealing the full range of his senses to the trusted Latnok. To the average human, it would be as if they had suddenly been flooded with information. To an Guardian, however, and one whom held a powerful bond with a telepathic fur dragon-- it wouldn't be less managable than dealing with the former mess that was his connections. "Angora-- I'm going in. Please don't be alarmed if you find that you're sensing new emotions that seem to come from someone else. Every connection is a two way connection and is only a side effect of that.," he then warned. With such a deep connection, some of his own thoughts were bound to slip through as well.

Without hesitation, Angora let Raclaw inside, Shade's nuzzling not making her feel better. Perhaps that was the only way Latnok would finally feel how she feels. Inside Angora's mind, there was a strong feeling aright. But it wasn't the one Latnok expected. It wasn't hatred at all. Maybe at one point there was, but it wasn't the case anymore. What she had was... fear. Pure, and absolute terror, for Sere and Latnok.

Sere: Look at her! Why do we even keep her around? She has been nothing but a load to us! Banishment isn't good enough for her. We should just throw her overboard.
Latnok: Certainly. Darkmatter is dead. She's no longer useful. The poor fool doesn't realize there's nothing special about her. Neo only chose her out of pity. So she could feel special for once in her life. All she knows is how to be manipulative and evil. Just look at the way she spoke to Ilasi!
Angora: Please! I never meant to offend her. I was only angry at her because of the way she talked about Maverick!
Sere: Hah, as if we're going to believe a troll! You're nothing but a miniature beast who talks trash about others and manipulate the weak willed!
Angora: That's not true! I never want to do that! I'm good! Please see it! I'm good! Neo... he saw something in me! I know there's good in me! He saw it! Orion saw it! I'm really trying to be good! Why can't you see it?
Latnok: Please! Look at you! You're a troll that never grew up! Your're just a being who inspires pity! Your own parents didn't love you! Why should anyone else? Shade hangs with you because he thinks he owes you something. Maverick does it because he's a mushy fool who feels too much guilt for abandoning you!
Angora: They DO care! There is no motive for their love. They like me for who I am! They have been my only true family!
Sere: It's so despicable pathetic how much good you think you are. You're just a pitiful manipulator who knows only to conspire and contradict my orders! You should've just let yourself be eaten by the behemoth. You would've done everyone a favor!
Angora: No, please! How can you say that? I wasn't contradicting you! I don't care about what happens to that sea monster! I care about US! I was just trying to help! I was just trying to give you some friendly advice! Why do you guys always misunderstand my words? Why do you always see me as this horrible fiend?
Latnok: You'll never be good to anyone! You'll never will be, cause you'll never change. A troll is what you'll always will be! A creature that is meant to be extinct!

The thought quickly turned into Latnok and Sere literally kicking Angora to the floor until she was all bloody, crying and in complete despair. Her feelings weren't fake. This was exactly how Angora felt about Latnok and Sere. She didn't hate them, even though one would think she had every reason to. She was completely horrified of them. The feeling was so overwhelming that Raclaw would have no choice but to break the bond immediately. The feeling that Angora had been keeping to herself for so long, the terror she felt for the Guardians, Raclaw just forced it all out. The mental breakdown had been so severe, Angora actually bled from the nose and fainted right there. Whatever Raclaw's ability was, it took a severe toll on her...

Latnok physically reeled from the pure shock of everything he had just experienced. The pain, the agony they had been inflicting... he wasn't expecting anything like that. Looking at the now bleeding, fainting Angora, Latnok was completely unsure of what to feel right now.
For a while, he didn't say anything at all. He didn't know what to say about everything. But... he had to know.
"Raclaw... is this... real?" he asked, for once feeling incredibly unsure about all of his actions in regards to Angora up until then. As much as Latnok wanted to believe that it was a really good fake, he had experienced her thoughts for himself - and it was pretty hard to fake passing out with a nosebleed. Still, the idea of acknowledging the reality, that they had been wrong about her (or at least her intentions), that they had brought her to this point - that would be hard.
Latnok no longer saw a defiant, hateful, spiteful troll who was looking to oppose them. He saw someone who needed help.

"It's... it's real.," Raclaw simply said staring at the fallen Angora in shock and dismay. The damage that Latnok and the Guardians had done to the poor Angora was very real. The damage that he had done just than was so very real.

At that moment, the stomping of hooves indicated the arrival of Maverick. He had been having his own share of despair, and it pained him to imagine just what happened between Sere and Angora. When he arrived, there was Shade, with Latnok and Raclaw, as was expected.
"Hey. Where's Angorita? Por favor. I need to talk to her." Maverick asked, only after talking noticing what Raclaw was holding. Angora herself, bleeding and unresponsive. Maverick went as white as a sheet of paper, a cold sweat dripping from his fore head. He had never seen his troll friend in such a shape.
"Ang... Angorita? Angora?" he began to say as he gently held her. He shook her, and even gave her a few soft slaps to the face, but not even a flinch. If it wasn't for her shallow breathing, she could've easily been mistaken as dead.
"What... what happened to her?" he asked with moist eyes to Latnok, almost asking what has he done to her, but managed to resist the urge of accusing him. He knew it would be bad for the both of them, especially now that they were in hot water with Sere once again...

"Well..." atnok said frankly, "what had happened was that, in order to see if Angora's feelings were real, whether she really did have good intentions, we pried into her thoughts." Latnok took a look at Angora before looking back at Maverick. "We... got our answer." Latnok didn't want to say any more on the matter - he knew he would have to address it some time, however.

Raclaw looked at Maverick with a look of "I'm sorry." He hated having to do it and having to force Angora to re-experience everything that hurt her, but it was the only way. It was the only way force Latnok to understand what he and others had long suspected-- and the only way to keep the troubled pair on the ship.

"If her feelings were real? What do you mean IF her feelings were real?" Maverick asked undignified, feeling like he could scream, but thankfully managed to resist himself easily like he had done so all his life. What did Latnok mean by prying into her thoughts? Invading her privacy like that? Just how much damage did Latnok had to do to her before his sadism was finally satisfied? Not wanting to prolong such thoughts, Maverick gently grabbed Angora on his arms, and carefully mounted her on Dahlia.
"I... lo lamento Oscurito. I... I have to leave for a little while. Angora needs medical attention. Raclaw can keep you company." Maverick said, trusting Raclaw more than he did Latnok. He then mounted a Dahlia and carefully lead her back to the ship, resisting the tears so that if Angora woke up while she was still there, he could receive with a smile. He believed that was the best way to receive anybody regardless of each other's feelings at the moment. In other times, he would've greeted the woman that was with them, but this matter was just too urgent for introductions...

Dahlia took Maverick and the unconscious Angora to the ship, at a slow but steady pace. When Maverick got off Dahlia, the buffalo cuddled the little troll in worry. As annoying as she found her, it was horrible seeing any creature in such a shape.
"She seems worse. I have to cure her. I'm alone in this Dahlia. Nobody will help me." Maverick said in deep depression, dropping most of the optimism that distinguished him so well. He didn't bother anyone for help, especially not Sere. Despite ordering Dahlia to return to her enclosure, she accompanied him all the way. Maverick had hoped that Angora would feel at least slightly better by the time they arrived on the ship, but her state deteriorated. She had lost more of her natural skin color, and the bleeding of the nose hadn't stopped. Is this what the Guardians have been waiting for all along? For her to be on the brink of death because of them? Maverick headed to the cabin, thinking of what first aid kit he could possibly have in his hyperspace bag, so that when he searched for it, they would come out immediately...

Raclaw watched as Dalia and Maverick left the scene, carrying the now injured Angora. For what seemed like the longest time-- he, Shade, and his beloved Latnok merely sat and watched each other. Latnok was seemingly speechless, but had more emotions flowing through him than ever seen before. Shade was mentally hurt but at the same time relieved, glad that someone had finally gotten through to the Guardian. As for himself, he wasn't entirely sure to feel. He was glad to have finally taken the courage and to be show Latnok exactly how Angora had been feeling the entire time. However, his attempt had also forced the poor troll (and former traveling companion) to relive all of her memories to re-experience the pain that she felt time and time again. It had seemingly broke the poor Angora and despite everyone agreeing-- he had been directly responsible for it. He feared for life, knowing that his abilities had once put both himself and another into a near permanent coma. In that instance... he had put the involved parties into it and only he could get them back out again. For Angora's sake; he desperately hoped that he hadn't done similar just than and that the already emotionally injured troll wasn't somehow trapped in her memories. Or worse.

'Please be alright-- please be alright.,' he desperately thought feeling a mixture of both regret and guilt. As thoughts, memories, and emotions rushed his head; the little Chester remained on the fur dragon's head sensing the others' pain although not quite to the same extent. Jumping off, he laid down next to his furry friend and and placed a paw over of Raclaws-- a move that sometimes helped to comfort him as to say 'It's alright.' Raclaw's mind flashed through everything that led them to that moment and to that revelation-- the initial journey, the caves, the Guardian base, the court case, the arena, the ship, and... the caves again. With such strong emotions flowing through everyone's minds including his own-- it was hard to some of the emotions and memories not to slip through via the mental link. "Don't think I didn't forget about Angora...," Latnok's words (perhaps paraphased) could be heard coming from the dragon companion's mind. "If you ever think of talking to her again...," the moments leading up to the incident began to replay themselves. "I will sever the link...," strong emotions began to be transmitted alongside the (perhaps altered) memories.

What came next was something else-- something that Raclaw started to try to block and tried to stop from leaking before any damage could be done. "I'm sorry Raclaw-- you weren't going to tell him and now is a better time than any.," the voice of Damon could be heard over the links. "No-- it's not time! You'll ruin... You'll..," Raclaw audibly pleaded over the links. He tried to block the entities attempt at doing something, but it was no use. As previously discovered, the collar entity's use of his abilities took priority over his own actions for better or for worse. "You keeping this to yourself is why we'll now in this situation. If you are truly committed to this Guardian, than he deserves to know. You can only avoid the topic for so long.," Damon said Raclaw off from responding and seemingly doing 'it' anyway. The image that was sent was not simply a memory or even an altered one, but something similar to what came from Angora's mind several minutes prior.

First there was blackness, than a single spotlight, and suddenly.. Angora crying in the middle of the spotlight. "Please-- do something Raclaw! Do anything! Just make him stop!," the sobbing voice of Angora begged looking at a distant figure just watching. "How dare you not say you're welcome! How dare you say the wrong word! How dare you try to speak up for defend yourself! You don't deserve to be on this world! You're only a rebellious stubborn troll who seeks to savatage everything!," the voice of Latnok could be heard soon accompanied by Latnok himself seemingly emotionally abusing Angora. The distant figure than stepped forward revealing himself to be Raclaw. The in-vision Raclaw stepped forward and was seeming about to do something, when his collar suddenly glowed and shocked him-- forcing him to step back. "If you ever think of talking to her again..." a similar line could be heard repeating itself as a distant echo. "I will take away your control. I will threaten your freedom and your freewill. darkness or not-- I will remember.," the in-vision Latnok than said clearing repeating what was a fear of Raclaw's. The in-vision Raclaw than merely put his head down and stepped back-- as Raclaw's emotional abuse soon manifested a physical whip. *Ker-Chack* *Ker-Chack* *Ker-Chack* The sounds of the whip rang again and again... as the in-vision Angora fell to the ground."Please...," the beaten troll audibly pleaded. *Zzzzzzzzzz* the sound of a large electrical shock could be heard as Raclaw tried, and failed, to step forward. The vision ended with Raclaw falling to the ground himself in real life. That was something he would've revealed, would've resolved when the time was right and now-- Damon had seemingly decided to let it all out and at the cust of another emotional breakdown. "Damon-- why? You didn't have to---," Raclaw started to say out loud before passing out himself. Before he passed-- Raclaw himself clung onto happy memories of Latnok (of their growing bond and friendship) and transmitted them in an act of desperation, as if to say that the incident and the fear that resulted from it was only one of many memories. It could be be sensed that he truly cared for his beloved Latnok, but was only afraid in one specific instance-- that of Angora and of interacting with her. "I'm sorry Raclaw...," Damon said before going silent himself.

OCC: Since Shade is within range and the Hexphage doesn't stop others from sending thoughts/emotions/etc-- he'll likely experience this too to a degree.

Despite the very shocking revelations Latnok had received, he had a much more pressing matter to attend to - Shade was losing control. He had to act quickly. "Collar, suppress," he called out - triggering the power drainage of Shade's collar. Shade wasn't capable of controlling his powers yet - he would need the hexphage for a while longer, apparently...

As everything happened-- Chester looked at Raclaw and whined, unable to do anything to help his furry friend and not telepathically linked to experience the essey of tears that was Raclaw's troubled thoughts. Even than, he could sense the tension and emotions in the air-- and he felt. For everyone.

With Shade subdued, Latnok once again had the subject matter at hand. What he saw as a genuine friendship - was it all based on fear? Was that what it truly was the whole time? Was Raclaw just as cooperative as he was because he felt he had no other choice? Despite Raclaw's transmission of happy memories, their impact was very weak in comparison to the strong fear of his memory in the caves.
Latnok thought they had a legitimate friendship... after the events recently transpiring, however, that seemed very far from the truth. Angora feared him. Raclaw feared him. He wanted people who worked with him because they wanted to - not because they dreaded the consequences of not doing so.
It went deeper than that, though - how could he trust them? How could he trust anyone who he thought he had a good relationship with? Did Leoquin fear him too? Did Ilasi fear him? Did Risar fear him? Probably not the latter... the concern was still there, however.
What would he do now? Latnok dreaded going back to the ship - he couldn't just pretend everything was fine as it was. Not after everything he experienced. He perhaps needed a little time to clear his head...

Latnok reached into his bag. After fumbling for a second, he found the items he needed - writing utensils and a scroll case. He wrote a short message - there wasn't much to say - before locking it in the scroll case, which required a combination that only Sere would know, unless someone forced the case open somehow. He didn't even want to head back to the ship to deliver it. Instead, he tossed it behind a rock nearby - certain that someone would find it without much effort if they looked around - and left on foot for somewhere else on the island. Somewhere that wasn't where he was. He had a lot to think about...

As Latnok left-- Chester whined and almost followed Latnok, but stopped short and looked at Shade. Even if he couldn't understand him, Shade could surely recognize his desperation. Raclaw was unconscious and Shade had the Hexphage-- someone had to get Sere and they couldn't just leave Raclaw here.

Seeing Shade collapse-- Risar looked to one of the sailors and shouted an order. "You there! Get the captain and bring him now!," he ordered keeping an eye on the fallen Shade and preparing to help stop him if he got out of control. As he peered down to the shore, he soon spotted the fallen Raclaw and the little Chester trying to wake his friend up. It all has happened so fast and now-- now nothing was certain.

At Maverick's cabin, he made the biggest bed much more comfortable than before, and placed Angora carefully on it. He took all the first aid kit he knew he had in his bag, and the first thing he did was stop the nosebleed. He was successful, but Angora didn't looked any better. Her brown green skin color now looked more like an opaque green, and the troll looked more wrinkled. Just what kind of torture she had to endure in order for Latnok to pry into her thoughts as he claimed? Just what Angora did to him to make him so cruel to her? Ever since he encountered them in the caves, Angora was rude and sassy to him for sure, but what else there was really besides that? Angora has always had a very strong and somewhat volatile personality, but was that really a sin? Even after all the abuse, Angora not once ever got physically violent with Latnok or anyone else. She had only gotten physical with Maverick, but that had only been rough play, and after a while, even that stopped.

There Maverick was, putting a wet, warm towel on his friend's forehead and cleaning up the remaining blood. He genuinely thought he was alone with this. Dahlia was too big to enter the cabin, so all she could do was offer her support by prying her head through the entrance. Now Maverick wondered if getting into this ship had been such a good idea. Was Shade destined to be alone and let the Guardians train him themselves? Was this his punishment for forcing Angora into a situation he knew would cause her pain? Maverick cringed with the thoughts. Sere was there when Maverick entered the ship again, but he had his back to them, and he was so angry at him, he didn't want to ask for his help. He didn't see Ilasi or Leoquin either, which was probably better with the latter. Maverick did think of Leoquin as heartless enough to make fun of Angora even in this state, so it had been better if he wasn't there. Risar had been there, but Maverick doubted he had seen them. It was him and Angora alone. Shade couldn't be there with them, so it was just like once upon a time on his father's ship, where it was only the two of them each other's support. Angora had once taken care of him and kept his sanity intact. Now, it was his turn to return the favor...

Sere looked out onto the deck, contemplating the crew's next course of action - disk was setting in, and night would soon be there. He would start repairs in the morning; that would give everyone a chance to rest up.
He didn't get long to think before a sailor found him, shouting out an urgent call for his attention. Scrambling, he found the issue; Raclaw and Shade - they both seemed to be unconscious. He didn't have much information on what had happened; there were no sounds of fighting, and neither of them appeared to have any wounds.
A bit of triage would be in order. Sere would be gchecking Raclaw first; being much smaller, he'd be easier to inspect.

As Maverick attended Angora, he still had many thoughts. There was so much he had to talk with her. He had been looking for her to convince her to talk about Sere, later Ilasi. He started to wonder what the mermaid would think if she knew Angora was in this state. Would she be glad if she died cause that would mean he would spend more time with her?
"No no! Estupido Maverick. She would never think such a thing!" Maverick scolded himself, feeling extremely guilty for having such a horrible thought about Ilasi. The mermaid admitted she didn't like Angora, but he doubted she would actually wish harm on her.

"Oh Dahlia. Gracias for staying with me. You could've left any moment, yet you decided to stay with us despite our ordeals." Maverick said with much gratitude, remembering all the times he tried to release Dahlia back into the wild, but the buffalo found herself unable to leave him behind. She once values her freedom greatly, but now, she valued Maverick more, even if she still didn't have the highest opinion of him. She cared much about him, and believed only she could provide him with the genuine protection he desperately needed.

As Godfather Sere checked Raclaw-- no visible wounds could be seen nor any sign of discoloration. At first glance, the trusted fur dragon appeared to be perfectly healthy. A further inspection would reveal two important factors perhaps more relevant to the telepathic dragon. First-- his body remained inanimate, making it less likely that he was stuck in some kind of dream or memory. However; this isn't entirely discount the possibility of something worse such as a coma-like state. Second-- his pupils, if checked, would present their regular green color verses that of black or white. This suggested that he wasn't currently using his powers nor were they currently being used against him. This also decreased the possibility that a coma was responsible for his state, although it didn't completely discredit the possibility of a non-telepathic coma being related. At best-- Raclaw had simply passed out from mere exhaustion, perhaps from prior power usage or as a side effect from something else. At worst, it was something that couldn't immediately be determined.

As Sere completed his triage on Raclaw, he deduced that, though Raclaw wasn't conscious, there didn't appear to be any imminent threat to his life. No wounds, no apparent power usage. Sere wished he could understand why - based on Shade's current state, perhaps the two were once again experimenting with Raclaw's powers to help Shade control his own?
Sere conducted similar triage on Shade. Despite his detailed inspection, he wasn't able to come up with anything else - his theory held, but he still had no certainty in the matter. Seeing that neither of the dragons were in any immediate danger, Sere decided that it would perhaps be best to let them rest there for a while.
Sere wondered where Latnok went to; he didn't immediately suspect anything wrong involving him, however, as Latnok would often take the initiative to do things, and there was nothing to suggest anything unusual about his absence. It would also explain why Raclaw and Shade were passed out; Raclaw could have decided to push the limits of his powers without Latnok there to object. Perhaps Shade asked Raclaw for help when Latnok wasn't immediately available? Whatever the matter was, Sere saw nothing he could do; he began to head back to the deck, to inform Risar of his findings.

"Arf! Arf! Arf!," a little voice coujd coming from close to the ground-- Chester. The little Beagle tried to stop the Godfather and get Sere's attention. Running around him and barking to get attention, he would try to direct the Guardian towards the scroll which he had witnissed Latnok drop. Elsewhere-- Risar watched Shade on deck.

Angora's health got worse when she arrived on the ship, but it hasn't from Maverick's cabin. Soon, the troll found herself in a green field filled with sunflowers and a lake. There was Maverick, giving her one of the goofy smiles she used to find annoying.

Maverick: Hey Angorita. I see you're up. That was quite the scare. That Raclaw, he's a nice fellow but I don't think he realizes how much power he has. He at least controla it better than Oscurito though.
Angora: At least he was only trying to help, which is more than the Guardians ever did. Why did I even tried to have a civilized relationship with them? I should've known they would've never given me a chance.
Maverick: They just don't understand you Angorita. They are so focused on their own ideals to feel any real emotions.
Angora: So what? You, me and Shade, we are the only ones targeted. They're only jerks to us! You don't see them being mean to others, do you? Not even that stupid Leoquin.
Maverick: Perhaps because they're getting paid and we're not? Can't know for certain mi Angorita, but I suppose that certain people Just Can't be helped. But don't let them discourage you Angorita.
Angora: But what ir they're right? What if I am... just a load? I defeated Darkmatter, yet Latnok simply has the galls to suggest anybody could've done it with Neo's powers. Don't you see? That's what they're saying! I'm no good to anybody. I'm not... good.
Maverick: Are you freaking kidding me Angorita? Don't you see all the good you have done? You helped me so many times on my father's ship, you saved Shade's life many times and even helped Ilasi clean that lake, even if you didn't have to.
Angora: And yet her... Ilasi, hates me too.
Maverick: You misunderstood Angora. She doesn't hate you. I promise. You really think you're no good? Not only you destroyed Darkmatter. You did a miracle in Redwater. You managed to face a behemoth without magic, and without using your one weapon. The king and it's people, they all wanted you spared. You, a troll. How often do you think that happens? You changed their views Angorita. And you changed mine. Still think you's no good? Just because a few people don't like or understand you doesn't mean you're unworthy of love.

With that final comment, it was when Angora really started to think. She had a miserable time in Redwater... and yet she managed to gain fame, and the sympathy of a society in war with her kind. That really said a lot. She still suffered the Guardian's abuse. She was mistreated by them for supposedly just being a rude, manipulating beast... but now she understood that it was her actions, not other's opinions who defined who she was...

As Chester attempted to intercept Sere, he initially thought nothing of it, being rather distracted in his thinking; however, as the dog's attempts became more insistent, Sere realized that Chester indeed had something to show him. He followed Chester off the ship, being directed towards the scroll case that Latnok had dropped.
The scroll case was evidently crafted by the Ardent Guardians; Latnok, most likely. Sere moved the various symbols on the lock, aligning the proper ones and opening the scroll case, before pulling out the letter and tossing the case aside. It read:

To Godfather Sere,
I am currently mentally unfit to fulfill my duties. I intend to be back as soon as I have sorted myself out.

-Latnok

The letter was very vague, not explaining what had happened - which was undoubtedly uncharacteristic of Latnok. Usually, if Latnok needed to clear his head for a moment, he wouldn't go through the trouble of writing a letter, encasing it in something only he could open. Just what was it that happened?
Sere looked back at Raclaw and Shade; was it something in regards to them? Perhaps Raclaw's powers had drastic effects and inflicted some sort of mental harm onto Latnok as well? In any case, it was clear that Latnok didn't want to discuss it; Sere would leave him be, for a while at least. Latnok would no doubt return before long...

Upon Sere giving the scroll a good read-- Chester gave a whine and if one didn't know any better... almost seemed as if he was asking what it had said. He gave a curious look and sat in front of the Godfather, tilting his head in a inquiring mannor.

Sere didn't know exactly what Chester wanted; nevertheless, with his posture, it seemed appropriate to say something to him. "Latnok... he'll be gone for a bit," Sere said simply. "He should be back before long." Sere couldn't help but dwell on how unusual everything seemed - was this place, perhaps, cursed? No - he couldn't sense any magic of that sort. But maybe it was past his detection...

Chester gave a slightly disappointed whine, before proceeding to return to Raclaw's side. Since most of what happened had been via telepathy-- he had little idea of what had gone on between Raclaw, Shade, and the departed Latnok. He could at least be there for when his beloved fur dragon woke from unconsciousness, however.

While Maverick continued nursing Angora back to health, dusk came with a more awaken island. Many of the fauna was nocturnal. Snakes, frogs, crows, parrots, lizards, dragonflies, and many other creatures that were mostly nocturnal in other parts of the world left their activity for the night on this island, where even the flora came more alive. Instead of using the rays of the sun like most plants, these mostly used the rays of the moon, welcoming the presence of many kinds of herbivores, including the small caribou like creature Sere watched. The island was normal enough except for some of the unique flowers that covered the strange marshes. Most of the animal activity was common and uninteresting except for a creature who targeted the caribous, sinking them below the soil and leaving nothing but the antlers behind. Nobody on the island knew how big it was or even what it looked like, though thankfully, it has never targeted humans.

The rest of the island filled up with fluorescent flowers and glowing insects, showing it's true beauty. During the day, the island looked like a damp, miserable place to live in, but at night, it was when it's true, deep wonder was shown. The few farmers who lived there, contrary to the usual, did all their harvesting at night, where the soil was richer and the glow of the flowers a guide to them.

Latnok had been walking for a while... he couldn't remember how long. Just lost in his thoughts. Everything Raclaw said to him - was it all lip service?
That's what it was. He let himself become vulnerable. He dared to trust, to believe, that there could be any genuine friendship between them. This, he figured, was why it was important for Guardians to have limited emotions - so it wouldn't cloud their judgment like it did now. So it wouldn't hurt them like it did now. Physical wounds were one thing, and could be healed by resting - this was something else, however. Something he was not accustomed to. Something he didn't quite know how to defend against, short of complete avoidance.
Where there was once uncertainty was now being filled with resentment and indignation. Of course Raclaw defended Angora so much - he sympathized with her, with the sense of fear. And he had the nerve to wait until he was already reeling from what he just saw to kick him while he was down.
Truly, his fellow companions in the Ardent Guardians were the only ones he could count on to be sincere to him. He was a monster to everyone else. So be it. He didn't need their approval to do his job. Unlike others, he wasn't suddenly going to go rogue because he felt the world owed him something. He was owed nothing but the pay he earned.
As the night settled, Latnok decided that he'd stay out, for now at least. Grabbing some dry, fallen wood, he made a tinder pile and ignited it with a flick of magic. He then began focusing a spell - the ward spell he had taught Angora and Ilasi earlier. He did not wish to be disturbed. What he didn't know was that there, in the shadows, was a figure - an indistinct, cloaked figure, waiting for the right opportunity to speak to him...

Angora looked slightly better, but there was no sign of her waking up. With all the care he could give, Maverick felt the urge to check on Shade.
"Dahlia? Would you please watch over Angorita? I don't want to leave her alone, but I have to check on Shade." he said to his mount, her being the only one she could trust. Like the loyal steed que was, she agreed, with Maverick giving her a few oaths in reward. Dahlia couldn't enter the cabin, but she could still guard it.

Maverick then left to the main deck, not knowing what to expect. News usually travelled fast around there, so he feared that Angora's condition was known. What would happen now? What will the Guardians do? Will Sere still kick Angora out of the crew even in her condition? Would they still go after that monster? The future was too uncertain to think about it...

Maverick came to the deck, only to find his other friend unconscious also. It was being too much for him.
"Shade? Oscurito? No no no, what's going on with HIM?" Maverick demanded to know, expecting an answer from anybody, starting to believe everything was a conspiracy. It was too much coincidence that his two only friends were unresponsive. Was Shade submitted to the same mind reading as Angora?

As Latnok finished conjuring his ward, he turned to face towards the sea, in some contemplation before sleeping. However, just a few seconds later, he was interrupted by something - telepathy.
"Greetings," he heard telepathically, being unfamiliar with the source. "I sense you are troubled." Latnok turned around, grabbing his bow, facing the unfamiliar presence - a cloaked, masked, robed figure, right outside the very limit of his ward.
"What do you want?!" he demanded. A conversation with a stranger is the last thing he wanted to have. Whatever this thing was, it seemed to know exactly what sort of magic he was using.
"What we want... we want the same thing you want. Constant improvement, adaptation... We seek perfection. It is an ever-shifting goal - but one we must always endeavor to pursue nonetheless."
"Okay..." Latnok lowered his bow, not quite sure if such idealism would come from anyone with any sort of common sense. "What does this have to do with me?"
"You see, my friend... conflict drives improvement. Through the fires of conflict, the unfit are separated, and the iron bonds with coal to forge steel."
"So... what are you getting at with this?" Latnok was rather curious now - the figure seemed to be speaking in riddles. What was there to hide?
"You... we know you. You are a man who was born in conflict, grown through conflict... yet, here you are, stronger than ever for it. And now, you face conflict again. You can grow stronger still..."
"And why is this in your best interest?"
"You see, we are not after power - power is the goal for some, but, as you know, it only truly has purpose as a means to an end. And our end goal is perfection. Now, what is perfection? That, we cannot answer for certain - but we are learning. We become more knowledgeable, more powerful, and more focused. We have a definite goal right now - use our knowledge to seek something which will give us the direction we need. We know where your loyalties lie - but perhaps you would be open to letting us show you more."
The offer seemed ridiculous, and something Latnok would normally flat-out refuse - however, he had grown more unsure, and less steadfast as a result of recent happenings. One thing was certain - when he had power, he had purpose.
"Well, let's see what you could possibly show me."

Next to the still unconscious Raclaw, Chester lifted his head up from where he had been laying-- hearing the desperate voice that was Maverick not that far away. 'No doubting finding Shade-- Poor Guy. I wonder what went wrong...,' the little Beagle thought to himself as he watched the figure of the beloved hybrid desperately trying to audibly wake the large Dragolet. He at least had somewhat of an idea of what had occurred-- of Raclaw probing Angora's mind, Angora passing out, a very long moment of silence, and finally the collapse of both Raclaw and Shade. Of course, it didn't matter what he did or didn't know when he had no way of communicating-- at least not without Raclaw who knew more himself and was still unconscious. Instead, he went to spot directly between the two downed dragons and gave off a gentle whine. With almost everyone they loved unconscious or absent due to mysterious terms; they could at least comfort and keep each other company. Elsewhere-- Risar watched Shade, while occasionally glancing over to where Raclaw's body lied and their furry/hairy companions. As Chester briefly looked away, Raclaw began to twitch perhaps slowly awaking into consciousness -- although the micro movements were barely noticable.

OOC: Leaving room for some more interaction while the others are still unconscious, but also leaving opening for Raclaw's awakening should Maverick or someone else want to trigger it.

As Chester still looked towards the desperate Maverick and not noticing the coming to of Shade-- Raclaw's movements slowly became more erratic with the micro movements causing some of the dirt to move and for a slight shuffling sound to be made. "Raclaw...?," Chester barked noticing the subtle noise and looking back at his beloved fur dragon. He ran to the fallen Raclaw and proceeded to try to physically wake him.