darkSpyro

Angora nodded, glad to have the answer. If it was Sere, he probably would've answered her in a harsh matter. Now she could see why Raclaw thought so highly of Julian. She didn't have any more questions, and was convinced on what they must do now. Maverick smiled, glad that she had a valid question, but at the same time for being treated with so much kindness. Angora looked at Veris, having thought he would be eyeing the food, but surprisingly, that wasn't the case. He looked... lost. She figured it was because of what she said. She owed him a talk. But looking at him, a new question arised.
"What about Veris? Will he be joining the battle too?" she asked, hopefully being the final question. Sere didn't brought Veris in the last battle, so she wanted to make sure it would be alright. Veris was quite reckless when hunting, so she didn't want to risk putting him in much danger...

Julian shook his head. "We cannot fit a wyvern in the root - at least not one of his size - and Veris is identifiable enough that the sight of him near the area could be suspect. Veris will be staying here," he answered, with Veris giving a disappointed grunt.
"Eat up now, and prepare. Once you've made your preparations, we will set out."

The guards watched with a little satisfaction as Shade picked up the pace. "this is a device meant to keep you useful," one of them answered plainly. "And that's all you need to know. Now get in. We have somewhere to be."

Quote: A Guy

Julian shook his head. "We cannot fit a wyvern in the root - at least not one of his size - and Veris is identifiable enough that the sight of him near the area could be suspect. Veris will be staying here," he answered, with Veris giving a disappointed grunt.
"Eat up now, and prepare. Once you've made your preparations, we will set out."

Once the speech concluded and Angora had no more questions, Maverick pulled the cart around and rang the bell so that everyone would know the food was ready. Despite Veris already being there, Angora took her platter, hoping the wyvern would let her eat in peace as she lead him back to the pen.
"I'm sorry big guy. Not my orders. You'll still feast upon those Ishulgites. I'm sure of it. Sere will give some to you no doubt." Angora assured, knowing that Julian made much sense. In a way, she was glad Veris wouldn't be able to join. Not only would he be safe, but it would spare some of the brainwashed Ishulgites his merciless kills, although she doubted the Guardians would do any better.

As they walked through the hallways and she ate, Angora remembered that they still had a conversation pending.
"Look Veris, I owe you an explanation. I... should've used my words better." Angora explained, realizing Veris took things too literally. She had to be more direct.
"It's not about giving your enemies a pleasant death or anything of the sort. That was a poor choice of words. It's about... not letting them suffer. You know? Giving them as less pain as possible before they die, especially if the enemy is just a poor, misled soul. I'm certain that most of those Ishulgites are people that were brainwashed into believing such horrible things, like they tried doing to me." Angora started to say, but she didn't want to use herself as an example.

She then tried to take another road in her argument, fearing that she was confusing Veris even further.
"All I'm trying to say is... you could just kill your prey or enemies first or wait until they are dead before eating them, you know? Or... what would you have done if that fat prisoner was given to you alive?" Angora asked, almost certain she knew the answer. She started to wonder if Veris just preferred live prey. She fed him meat, things that were already dead, but in the few times she has seen him hunt, he never bothered with the killing unless of course the prey was too big or struggled. If that was the case, she began to think that Latnok killing the fat prisoner before giving him to the wyvern was an act of mercy.

As Angora spoke, Veris eyed her food occasionally, licking his maw, though he still listened to what she was saying. "So... death without pain? I do not know how I would be managing such a thing," Veris said, understanding somewhat better but still at a loss - before coming up with what he felt was a most brilliant idea. "I think I know! I should be biting and crushing the head first, yes? That will kill immediately."

With no more power to feed the machine for now, the operators had to be satisfied with what they had. The machine continued to roll towards what would soon be a new battleground. The behemoth was already ahead, with its heavy weight guaranteed to set off any potential mines ahead - none of which could actually hurt it.

Once everyone had eaten, Maverick took the cart and the dishes back to the kitchen and returned to Ilasi's cabin to get themselves ready to leave. As they did however, Maverick felt like he needed to take something off his chest. He didn't want to burden Ilasi with his venting, but she was the only one there, the one he trusted with this.
"Angorita... she told me that after the battle with the Ishulgites, she will go with the Guardians to keep working as Veris' caretaker." he suddenly said, with clear anguish in his voice.

"I told her I didn't like the idea, and deep inside, I know she doesn't either, but she think it's for the best. She doesn't want to come with us Ilasi. All this time, she barely approached me cause she think it's wrong to interrupt my relationship with you. She has accepted you Ilasi... but I think she thinks it means I won't accept her anymore. Mi Angorita has been so lost for so long. That's why those Ishulgites intercepted her. Cause they thought she would be easy to manipulate. And I wasn't there for her when she needed me the most. How could I do that to my best friend? I think of that... and all I can think of were those children back at the island. Those pobres niños. All there, all killed, because they likely didn't have anyone to help them. One of them could've been Angorita. I was such a bad friend..." Maverick tearfully said, wiping his eyes. The thought of Angora going to Guardian headquarters where she will likely be humiliated for being a troll, and probably even in constant danger due to the other wyverns was a thought too painful to bear.

Quote: A Guy

As Angora spoke, Veris eyed her food occasionally, licking his maw, though he still listened to what she was saying. "So... death without pain? I do not know how I would be managing such a thing," Veris said, understanding somewhat better but still at a loss - before coming up with what he felt was a most brilliant idea. "I think I know! I should be biting and crushing the head first, yes? That will kill immediately."

Angora kept her food out of reach, knowing Veris would be capable of stealing a bite if she got too distracted. His stomach knew no boundaries. The food was mostly gone, but she lost her appetite when he mentioned the thought of biting someone's head.
"That's... a little gruesome for my taste, but you'll certainly kill someone quickly that way, so yeah, you get the idea." Angora said, glad that Veris understood her ideal, but recoiled at his idea, grabbing her own head without realizing.

Not hungry anymore, Angora left the plate to Veris so that he would lick the rest of it clean. She would come pick the dish up later.
"Well Veris, have to leave soon. Sorry I have to leave you locked up in here, but order are orders. It's probably for the best though. You'll be safe here." Angora said, giving him a small kiss on the wing. She remembered doing the same to Shade, her other dragon friend from time to time, but it just didn't feel the same.

Ilasi's expression dimmed as she was faced with a sudden bout of guilt. "I... I..." She didn't know what she could say to that. Angora was making this choice because of the mermaid's relationship with Maverick. The two were being forced to separate because of her. She had thought she had done a good job of suppressing them, but was this a direct result of her own insecurities and jealousy?
And to go with the decision to work with the Ardent Guardians, of all groups? Didn't they generally hate trolls? Was she really going to be treated well there? And what about the other wyverns? Trolls were prey to t hem. How well would they be able to stop one from trying to eat her?
"She can't go through with this," Ilasi decided. "We have to talk her out of it..." If Angora abandoned her friend and chose to work with the Guardians because of her, she doubted she would be able to live with what she did.

They were scraps at this point, but food was food - Veris ate it all the same. Yes, he would be safe - but what about his human? What about Angora? "Please come back... you and my human..." he said, somewhat saddened to be left behind at such a crucial moment.

Now Maverick was the one starting to feel guilty after seeing his girlfriend's expression.
"Oh lo siento Ilasi. I'm sorry! This wasn't the time and place to tell you about this. It's just..." he started to say, but then wondered if Ilasi felt responsible for Angora's decision.
"If it's anyone's fault, it's mine. I should've paid more attention to her. You shouldn't feel bad about it. Angorita was just being respectful. She's... cool that way. She said she takes the job to see Oscurito, so that makes sense." Maverick said, trying to eliminate whatever guilt his dear Ilasi was feeling.

"Anyway, it wasn't nice of my part to bring this up to you at a time like this. Not fair to you to bring you such burden. I thank you for wanting to try to talk Angorita out of it, but there will be time to do that later. We need to focus on the battle ahead. Vamos. Let's go feed Dahlia before we leave. You can give her a hug to make you feel better." Maverick finally said, opening the door for her. It was too stupid of his part to vent so close to the battle. He had to learn to keep his mouth shut when it counted. Perhaps hugging Dahlia would help. The dirt buffalo was rather smelly, but her soft fur was very calming.

Quote: A Guy

They were scraps at this point, but food was food - Veris ate it all the same. Yes, he would be safe - but what about his human? What about Angora? "Please come back... you and my human..." he said, somewhat saddened to be left behind at such a crucial moment.

Angora nodded and smiled.
"I will. I will even protect your master as best as I can... for your sake big guy." she assured.
"I mean, both Latnok and your master hated me when we first met. I... think they still do... but not you. You chose to befriend me despite their own feelings. You seeked me out whenever I felt down. Remember? Before the battle against the Darkmatter? I felt as if everybody was against me... except you." Angora said, unable to forget that moment. Before finding Maverick again and befriending Shade, who was recently out of his evil ways, she only had Veris.

"Don't worry. This battle will be over before you know it. I'll leave you a big ration of food in case we take a while. Just try not to eat it in one go, alright?" Angora asked as she prepared to leave through the door, although she doubted Veris even knew what ration meant. Even if he did, he would have to wait for her and the group for probably a long while. After so many battles with the Ishulgites, she knew they weren't going down so quickly and easily.

Ilasi calmed down, becoming a little less distraught with Maverick's consolation. "Yes... that sounds like a good idea," she agreed. Despite her fur being somewhat rough, hugging Dahlia was still a very calming experience. Ilasi would have time to consider the situation later. For now, it was time to prepare for the climax of this whole ordeal.

Veris nodded, though he doubted he could effectively keep such a promise. Leaving food around to potentially go to waste or be taken by some other creature wasn't something he was fond of doing. If he couldn't help anyone right now, he would do what he could, and stay safe - patiently awaiting their return, or at least as patiently as he could manage.

The rehearsals were complete. It was a matter pretty similar to a simple formation drill by soldiers - hard for anyone to mess up. Underneath their robes, the Guardians had weapons they were aching to use - but they had to wait for the most opportune moment.
More and more esteemed guests, and more and more security, arrived at the stage to be used for the coronation - a raised platform with stone stair leading up to it, a fountain in the center, and incensed torches lit up in various places. Rigel himself would be arriving soon - just a matter of waiting...
Latnok felt inside his quiver underneath the robe. The enchanted arrows. The explosion should disable the Scepter, depriving Rigel of its power in the key battle. At the very least, that would be what happened - ideally, they would be able to just shoot Rigel, but there was little chance of that happening past whatever barriers mages were likely to erect.

Angora left the enclosure and headed to the kitchen, serving Veris a triple ration of meat and covering it with a tall, metal top to make sure the food didn't spoil too fast. All Veris had to do was lift it.
"Here you go Veris. Just life this metal top and the food is there. You can use your mouth and tail..." she explained after reaching his pen, giving him a demonstration, just not lifting the top all the way in case he got te toed to eat all in one gulp.
"Well... this is it Veris. Have to leave now. I'll... see you later." Angora said, clearly distraught about having to go to battle. But if things went well, this would be the last time they ever had to face those stupid Ishulgites.

On her way to the main deck to meet with Julian, she had a small talk with Neo.
"Well, this is it. I know I have much magic right now, but I will still need your help Neo." she asked him, knowing that with new powers, less likely to be controlled properly, if Shade's example was anything to consider.

Quote: A Guy

Ilasi calmed down, becoming a little less distraught with Maverick's consolation. "Yes... that sounds like a good idea," she agreed. Despite her fur being somewhat rough, hugging Dahlia was still a very calming experience. Ilasi would have time to consider the situation later. For now, it was time to prepare for the climax of this whole ordeal.

Maverick headed with Ilasi to Dahlia's pen, letting her pet the giant dirt buffalo and giving her a handful of oats so she could feed her too. After letting Ilasi hug her and giving her some time to unwind, Maverick bid farewell to his precious mount.
"Well, so long Dahlia. I know you would want to help, but you'll be safe here. Here, I'll leave you all the oats." he said, leaving her the entire bag.
"Vamonos Ilasi. Señor Julien is probably waiting for us already." Maverick commented, hating the ordeal already. He and Ilasi were already ready, with their preferred weapon and some protection. Maverick was going to make sure he and Ilasi stayed as far away from the crossfire as possible, not only to keep themselves safe, but to make sure Ilasi could use her arrows. He had to keep an eye on Angora and all of their friends too, even the three nice men, who were already waiting in the main deck...

Once everyone was assembled, Julian led the way, calling forth a root from the ground, similar to the ones they were familiar with. Soldiers looked at the root warily, until they spotted who was approaching it.
Once everyone was inside, the root was sealed up, and began pushing its passengers along after burrowing. There would be much time for dwelling on what was to come...

After what felt like an eternity, the root surfaced, letting them off at what seemed to be a forested hill of some sort. Though the scene wasn't immediately visible, one could hear the crowd which was assembling for the ceremony to come. Ilasi could only think about how so many people were willing to back someone who would seek to gain power by creating divisions where once there was unity.

Angora entered, still not used to this unorthodox method of traveling. Maverick on the other hand kinda enjoyed it, liking the different. He liked the traveling, not the destination. He grabbed his girlfriend, but then looked at Angora all alone, being as distant as she could from everybody's not those circumstances, and looking like he was neglecting her again, Maverick picked her up and placed her on his shoulders... but Angora didn't comment anything of it. Maverick wanted to believe it was because she was nervous and not angry at him for paying more attention to Ilasi than her.

On a hill near where the coronation would be taking place, Huntress watched. After spending almost the entire day of yesterday keeping an eye on the ship, she decided it was time for some action. Researching where the coronation would take place last night, she lied down in place on that hill, leaving her steed far behind her to avoid drawing attention. There would be time to get rid of the main pest. For now, the ones that should concern her were the ones threatening her dear city. She watched and waited, looking for the perfect opening to strike. If it was the king wannabe, then better...

Far off in the distance was a rapidly approaching chariot pulled by horses in light, resplendent armor, made of silver with blue cloth and gold trim. The chariot was escorted by cavaliers who were, themselves and their horses, armored in the same fashion. As the horses approached, the head overseer stood on the stage, giving the command for silence, and the crowd obliged. Latnok waited in anticipation for his moment to strike - and the combat which would ensue afterward.

It took several minutes, but the horses arrived in quick fashion - Rigel, as expected, being the man in the chariot. In his hands was the Scepter of Storms. A security detail of mages joined him as he made his way up to the stage.
Soon, the ceremony would begin. Latnok just had to wait for a good moment to shoot - he would not get another chance. They had to make this one count.

Ilasi felt self-conscious with Angora around as Maverick hugged her, imagining she could feel Angora's resentment - though she avoided betraying such emotions at this time, simply letting Maverick hug her in the somewhat cramped space.
With the vision limited, Ilasi focused a divination spell in the general area they would be trying to look - about a mile or so out. The image from her divination was presented for all to see - everyone coming together for the assembly, and Rigel's approach. She steeled herself for the fight to come...

Maverick wanted to talk about how she was feeling, but knew they couldn't't afford any distraction. They had to keep themselves focused on the task at hand. While everyone was traveling through root, Huntress used some binoculars to see what was going on, seeing Rigel. Had to be the wannabe King, since he was the one with the infamous scepter. So that was the jerk who wanted to dethrone his beloved Seraos. Well, he will get what he deserved. She was too far to strike anyone though, so she had to try approaching as quietly as she could. A place like that was bound to have hidden guards, so she knew she had to be careful. If lucky, they would just confuse her for a frail woman passing by...

Once Rigel was on the stage, the coronation officially began. The head overseer ordered all of the processionists to attention. The crowd became silent as death in eager anticipation of what was to come.
The head overseer moved forward, remaining below - but in front of - the stage, before performing an about face. The two other overseers remained in their positions. The head overseer pulled out a scroll case, withdrawing a formal document to read as all waited to hear his words.
"To all whom these presents shall come, greetings," he called out, projecting his voice with the assistance of the acoustic design of the area. "Today, we gather here to celebrate the appointment of a new king, by right of the Mandate of the Scepter..."
Latnok had to wait just a little longer. The most opportune moment to strike would be once everyone had settled down a bit, and were more focused on the ceremony than anything around it. As much as he wanted to use telepathy to communicate with the other Guardians, he couldn't risk something a mastermind could pick up - which would undoubtedly cause them to not only reveal his own identity and that of the other Guardians, but would also cause them to search the area for any other intruders. No - he had to wait. Just a little longer...

Unaware of the plan ahead, Huntress marched forward, but without a horse, she was still too far from where the ceremony was taking place, but still near enough to hear the announcer. She wanted to reach the place already, but the foliage was hindering her progress. She knew behemoths were in their way to help overthrow these usurpers, but she knew that underground, it was going to take too long. If only she could reach this false king and kill him before the people of Aelinon are convinced of his self proclaimed title, all should be fine. She didn't care if she was executed by his followers afterwards. She wasn't going to let Seraos lose his position, even less his credibility...

The head Overseer continued with his ceremonial speech, with the audience dutifully silent and paying attention. Most of it was a recounting of a history of the monarchy from the time of its founding, with the corresponding drill movements being performed by the Guardians and the other two groups of processionists. A sharp eye could detect the slightest hints of impatience and agitation from Rigel's motions.
Finally came the part everyone had been waiting for. The head Overseer sharply pivoted to face Rigel. "Rigel, do you swear to be a weapon of the people of this great nation?"
"I do," Rigel answered. Ilasi, looking at the event with her divination spell, could only roll her eyes.
"Do you swear to act in the best interest of all of your subjects, and of our great nation as a whole?"
"I do," Rigel answered.
A crown was brought up by some of Rigel's own royal guard. The head overseer turned to take it from the case it was being carried in, to present it to Rigel.
With everyone's focus on the crown, Latnok, like lightning, drew his bow and an arrow, and shot.
As predicted, a magical barrier was in the way, and stopped the arrow from making direct contact with anyone on the stage - the explosion, however, rattled them, and the Scepter was blown out of Rigel's hands.
The Guardians hastily tossed up their robes and began their offensive. They would use the chaos of the moment to strike down as many foes as they could before the enemy fully came to grips with what was happening.
Rigel scrambled for the Scepter. Upon grabbing it, however, he found himself unable to call upon the magic from it. It might as well have been a useless stick at that point. He was counting on some kind of interference... but to have the enemy literally right under their noses? His brother certainly did earn his reputation.
The crowd was a completely chaotic mess. Some rushed to support the would-be king; others sought to escape from the whole ordeal. A messenger sounded a battle horn; the place, already packed with many soldiers, would soon be even more full. Those reinforcements could not come fast enough.
As Sere struck out at enemies with sword and magic, he couldn't help but be very satisfied at how they had managed to get so close. He called a shadow spell to summon the shadows of his enemies to engage and confuse them; in response, Rigel cast a spell of his own. The air above seemed to shimmer, eventually leading to the intensification of the sunlight from the cloudless sky above; the shadows were subdued. Rigel wasn't a complete slouch. This would be no easy task.

As they kept traveling through the root near their destination, Angora and Maverick took peeks through Ilasi's divination spells, and knew that they were running out of time. The coronation was already underway. Angora groaned while Maverick sighed, both feeling different emotions for the event. It was then that all hell broke loose, almost literally. Once that root opened, they knew they would have to interfere. While Angora wanted to protect everyone, her main priority was Maverick, Ilasi and Sere. The last was due to promising Veris, but Maverick and Ilasi had a potential, happy future together, and Angora wanted to see it fulfilled. At least the lovable Maverick had the best chance of the three once traveling friends to be happy, and honestly, he deserved it the most.

Huntress almost made it to the reunion when she heard all the scandal of the melee. What the heck was going on there? Did the behemoths already arrived and war was starting? No, impossible. It was too soon. Godfather Sere perhaps? She knew he would be involved. He always helped the king. She had to make it...

Though many fell at the onset of the surprise attack, the royal guard were prepared, and were no easy enemies to face. The mages protecting Rigel launched spell after spell while keeping the barriers up against the various attacks as best as they could.
Rigel himself did not intend to go down without a fight. While his soldiers were buying him time, he began focusing on a more powerful spell to match the situation.

With the sounds of the battle clear as day-- Raclaw immediately began to do his job, scanning for any signs of nearby masterminds. He picked up something else too; Latnok was to be expected, but. . there was also Shade. He could sense the Dragolet and he could somewhat sense the Dragolet's pain. 'The machine.,' he thought as he tried to focus on his job. He couldn't afford to focus too much on Shade or to falter, not for either his sake for the sake of the others. Risar remained ready for battle, having long prepared himself.

Elsewhere, Chester remained safe onboard the Enduring Legacy. He wished he didn't have to stay behind so much, but he knew that it was for a good reason.

Maverick wasn't good with a bow and arrow, so he let Ilasi in charge of the best one he had. He was better with a sword, but it was too risky letting their attackers get too close. Fortunately, he had a crossbow that he could use well. He only had one, so it was better if he had it. He readied the weapon, but Angora could see from her position he was trembling.
"Calm down Maverick, and focus. He have faced these jerks many times before." Angora assured, not wanting her dear friend to had any distractions. Maverick knew she was right, except there was more at stake this time.

Angora massaged Maverick's head as best as she could while she looked at Raclaw, trying to ignore Ilasi in case she was unnecessarily jealous as sometimes.
"Anything you're feeling Raclaw?" she asked the fur dragon, knowing his important task. She wanted to suggest to Latnok to ride his friend so that she would attack faster, but knowing her disdain of her and still with the trauma of the time Raclqw forcefully rejected such approach, said nothing...

As the machine continued to approach the battle in what was now the underground segment of its path, Sere, Latnok, and the rest of the Guardians present fought tenaciously to overcome the enemy who was beginning to pile on them. Matters would not be helped by the spell Rigel was casting.
In a clear space in front of him on the stage, stones from the floor and nearby environment began to pile, as water from the fountains and fire from the torches came together to coalesce into a giant elemental creature.
"What a crafty plan, brother," Rigel called out. "but I have plans of my own. You cannot win. you are just causing even more needless death - we could have this brought to an end already.'

Leoquin was anxious for a chance to join in the battle and put this matter to rest - when he received transient but strong images of... his brother? Parents? "Your family... they are with us," he heard in his head. "We can reunite you with them..."
Leoquin gave a brief shiver at such a message. His mind had to be playing tricks on him...

Angora could hear the battle already. They were close.
"You have to calm down Maverick. Once that root opens up, you know what we have to do. We have been doing it the entire voyage. Use your crossbow, but also have your sword ready just in case. You hated your past life, but it taught you to fight. Use that now... for survival..." Angora recommended as she kept massaging Maverick's head, and to her relief, it was working. She would be using her force bolts to strike, but most of her focus would be on the ones in danger, so that she could use her trusty shield when it seemed like they were going to get striked. Sand Dune, Random and Opium found it touching the way Angora cared for her friend, and were glad to have met her.

Hiding her face, Huntress reached the battleground, but she remained at the edge of the foliage to avoid being seen. It was quite the massacre up there. Using the coverage of the tree, she would use her deadly stars to strike at the enemy. Fortunately, Guardians and Ishulgites were quite different from each other, so she could distinguish them well even if they were wearing the same robes. She made sure to strike only at those whose face were visible so she knew friend from foe...

The Guardians in the midst of the fight focused on cutting down their opponents - though a few of them were able to catch glimpses of foes falling to shuriken. There were already allies in the battle - but they still had a massive threat to consider before them.
The large elemental didn't seem to immediately move, at least not steadily - it seemed to be collecting itself. Latnok took advantage of a window to fire an arrow at one of the mages of the royal guard on the stage, hitting him in the chest and causing him to collapse, before considering how to approach the creature. Sere - and all of the other Guardians - were undoubtedly considering the same thing.

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Anything you're feeling Raclaw?" she asked the fur dragon, knowing his important task. She wanted to suggest to Latnok to ride his friend so that she would attack faster, but knowing her disdain of her and still with the trauma of the time Raclqw forcefully rejected such approach, said nothing...

"I feel.. I feel Shade-- and the machine. But beyond that, ah yes-- there you are. Masterminds, at least two of them." Raclaw said trying not to dwell too long on the Dragolet to whom he had so long ago connected himself to; even before Latnok even. "Attempting to disrupt them-- now!," he then said as he and focused their shared energy between the two immediately obvious targets. They had to succeed..

Angora listened, and if Raclaw could feel the mastermind already, it meant they were already near the battlefield. Saying he could sense Shade, she remembered the connection he had to him, but knowing he had to focus on the masterminds, didn't ask.
"Osc..." Maverick started to say, but Angora covered his mouth.
"Not now Maverick! We can't ask about Shady yet. He has to concentrate on the masterminds. Angora said telepathically, evidently Maverick not having the same idea as her. She looked behind her and could see Sand Dune, Random and Opium ready for battle.
"And what do you three think you're doing? Don't you think it's better if you stay far away from the battle?" she asked, believing that their healing would be much better than them battling and risk injuring themselves, or worse, dying.
"Come on Angora! You think we'll stay on the sidelines and watch how you all get hurt? You'll need all the help you can get." Sand Dune commented, but Angora wasn't agreeing.
"Don't you worry little troll. We know how to fight. We were pirates, remember? And a pirate that didn't know how to fight... well, that's sort of like a cat not knowing to scratch, don't you think?" Opium said with a raised eyebrow, but Angora simply rolled her eyes. Maverick smiled, always a happy though knowing he wasn't the only redeemed pirate. There had to be some extreme circumstances for them to have been pirates before, cause those three were just too nice to have chosen such a life.

The massive elemental stirred briefly before fully animating. Its fully stabilized form was was an awe-inspiring manifestation of the four classical elements, in a humanoid form with no legs.
"I AM JACTURIS. I AM THE DEFENDER OF THESE HOLLOWED LANDS. I AM A MANIFESTATION OF THE SACRIFICE OF COUNTLESS MEN FROM SEVERAL SPECIES IN ORDER TO BREAK THE CHAINS OF BONDAGE AND OPPRESSION. WHO HAS CALLED ME HERE?" it demanded in a booming voice.
"It is I, Rigel! The rightful king of Aelinon!" Rigel answered proudly, as he blocked a force bolt while firing off a blast of light. Despite their low numbers, the Guardians were utterly lethal warriors - fine-tuned killing machines able to hold their own. His brother must've brought the more elite among them. He was prepared to fight his brother head-on if need be - yet it was a terrifying prospect. He had to hold out for those reinforcements to arrive.
"BY WHAT RIGHT DO YOU CALL YOURSELF THE RIGHTFUL KING?" Jacturis once again pressed. By now, the Guardians seemed to be content at least hearing out the exchange before turning on the creature.
"By right of the Scepter of Storms!" Rigel answered hurriedly in the heat of battle. "I wield it, which signifies my right to the throne!"
Jacturis paused, before giving a slow, resounding laugh. "THE POSSESSION OF SUCH A DEVICE MAY GIVE ONE THE LEGAL AUTHORITY - BUT A MERE BAUBLE WILL NOT MAKE ONE A RIGHTFUL RULER," it criticized. "FOR OUR SACRIFICE WAS NOT ONE MADE FOR PROPERTY, BUT FOR IDEALS. WE GAVE ALL SO THAT WE MAY NEVER BE UNDER THE HEEL OF THOSE WHO WOULD IMPOSE ON US FOR THEIR OWN SELFISH REASONS."
Rigel struggled to come up with an immediate answer. Why wasn't this working? Why didn't the creature just do as it was told? It was supposed to answer to the King. Having the Scepter was supposed to make everyone acknowledge him as the King! Why wasn't it working? What else did he have to do? What did he miss?
Meanwhile, Sere himself began to have a few ideas of just the kind of personalities that could compose at least part of Jacturis' mind. Perhaps there was a way to relate...

Finally, the root opened up, revealing the chaotic mayhem going on. Before it did however, Angora and the group were close enough for her to hear some of the sentences from the mighty new addition to the war.
"Jacturis? Am I the only one who heard that?" she asked, her delicate hearing picking up most of the sentences. Where was that voice coming from? It sounded like a giant. Not quite a behemoth. It sounded way too different to be one. Maverick also heard the voice, but couldn't make up the words. When the root opened up, they all knew now how severe this war was, far worse than what they have faced before on the archipelago. Above all, they weren't expecting some imposing abomination being there. But was it friend or foe? As Angora tried to deduce, Icestorm talked.
"Orion? He's coming?" the troll asked, wondering if it was such a good idea. The Ishulgites could be anticipating his arrival, or in the worse case scenario, Orion's overwhelming powers could strike both ally and enemy. But while he was a deity that couldn't interfere with mortal affairs for the most part, this war was quite a big deal. And the arrival of this creature just gave rise to more questions... and confusion...

Huntress stopped her shuriken attack as soon as the creature appeared. Did the false king just summoned him to attack the Guardians? She soon got the answer when the beast spoke. It's voice, while too loud and annoying, was enough to be understood. She didn't know what this beast was, but it didn't seem to like Rigel at all.
"Come on creature. Come on. Kill that usurper." she whispered with gritted teeth, liking how the odds seemingly turned to her favor. While she would've wanted the pleasure of killing Rigel herself, she didn't care anymore who did it as long as it was done. She didn't know much about deities except for Orion, and while she still didn't know who or what this creature was, the fact that it was focusing on Rigel and not liking the way he was proclaiming himself king was enough for her to believe the beast was going to make things right...

Rigel wasn't done yet. "Jacturis, was it? I seek to lead the world into a new era of unity," he explained. The Guardians wisely decided to hold off on attacking Rigel directly while the two had their conversation, lest they unnecessarily provoke the elemental. "There has been much unnecessary death and suffering in this world - but I seek the means to put an end to it. With the power of this great nation, we can solve the inherent issues of sapient beings. I seek the good of all! Lend me your power!"
Jacturis did not seem to be significantly influenced by such a declaration. [b]"YOU WOULD SEEK TO USE AELINON TO FULFILL YOUR AMBITIONS? THE PEOPLE ARE NOT A TOOL, TO BE USED FOR WHAT YOU WILL. YOU MISUNDERSTAND THE PREMISE OF A 'KING' IN AELINON; THE REASON WE EXIST. THE KING IS NOT MEANT TO USE THE PEOPLE TO SERVE HIS OWN DESIRES. WE HAVE SACRIFICED MUCH TO OVERCOME THE SHACKLES WHICH KEPT US BOUND TO DO SUCH A THING FOR DRAGONS. RATHER, THE KING EXISTS TO SERVE THE WILL OF THE PEOPLE. A PARAGON TO ASPIRE TO; A FIGURE TO UNIFY."
As much as Rigel wanted to condemn such a being, he was not in the position to do so without sacrificing everything he had worked to achieve. He would need another solution.

Wyvern riders from the Ishulgites approached the battlefield from the sky, soon to join with the rest of the Ishulgite forces. Far in the distance, from the opposite direction, were more wyvern riders; these, however, were loyalists, and they bore the color of the royal guard.

Angora, Maverick, as well as the three friend halted the attacks, everyone seemingly frozen and looking at the mighty creature talking to Rigel. Angora didn't like what this Jacturis said about dragons, but maybe in a different era, most dragons were indeed evil and indeed enslaved humans like he claimed. Shade himself was evil at one point, although his circumstances were special. While everyone waited what would happen next, the wyvern's flapping wings up the sky didn't escape Angora's attention. She looked up, both Ishulgites and Aelinonians facing each other and ready for a bloodbath. So the Ishulgites also had wyverns. That wasn't a lie. She recalled the time the orb messanger tried to make her desert her friends, including Veris, claiming they had other wyverns for her, so that at least was the truth. Like the rest, Angora was at a loss on what would happen next. This giant creature was not something she was expecting at all.

Like the rest, Huntress settled to just watch what would transpire next, though she was growing impatient. She was too far to use her shuriken or her sables, and she didn't have a long range weapon like a bow and arrow cause it would occupy too much space and weight her down. She preferred the smaller, lighter, yet lethal weapons. As she watched, she started wondering why the the creature wasn't getting rid of Rigel already.
"Come on beast! Crush him with your fist. Step on him! Eat him! I don't care what you do, just do it!" Huntress whispered between gritted teeth again, acting as if the deity could hear her. While she was eagerly anticipating a kill, she was also listening to what the creature was saying. At least it was acknowledging that Rigel wasn't fit to be king. She only wished it would do something about him already...

Sere decided to seize the opportunity, given a brief pause in the action. "Jacturis! Pray heed me for a moment," Sere entreated. He was answered by the creature turning its body to face him.
"WHO ARE YOU, AND FOR WHAT PURPOSE DO YOU CALL ME?" the elemental demanded.
"I know of the sacrifices made in Aelinon's history," Sere explained. "When the Ardent Guardians - the organization I now lead - were founded, they were originally volunteer humans in the resistance army who would, as needed, perform the ritual we now know as Draconic Ascension. This ritual was, at the time, invariably fatal; the practitioners would become destructive forces of nature, to burn out like a sudden conflagration running out of fuel. Though the Ardent Guardians are now separate from the nation of Aelinon, we nevertheless understand the value of those sacrifices to allow us the world we have today; a world which Rigel puts at stake with his efforts. Those of us who oppose him and his cult would fight to protect all that our precursors knowingly gave themselves for."
Jacturis gave an eerie pause, as the battle around Sere below him and Rigel on the stage continued. "IF YOU ARE THE LEADER OF THE ARDENT GUARDIANS, THEN YOU INDEED KNOW THE DEDICATION IT TOOK FOR THEM TO GIVE THEIR LIVES FOR SOMETHING THEY KNOW THEY WOULD NEVER SEE. YOU MAY, INDEED, STAND FOR THOSE IDEALS - BUT WHAT ARE YOU WILLING TO GIVE FOR THEM? DO THEY HAVE SIGNIFICANT MEANING FOR YOU, OR ARE THEY JUST A CREED TO CALLOUSLY MENTION? AS FAR AS I SEE, THE SQUABBLE WE HAVE HERE IS BETWEEN TWO FACTIONS, EACH BELIEVING THEMSELVES TO BE IN THE RIGHT. CIVIL WAR HAS RAVAGED OUR NATION BEFORE; INEVITABLY, IT SORTS ITSELF OUT WHEN ONE SIDE IS WILLING TO GIVE NO MORE. IF YOU BELIEVE THIS TO BE MORE THAN A MERE POWER STRUGGLE TO BE WON BY THE STRONG, WOULD YOU BE WILLING TO DEMONSTRATE YOUR RESOLVE TO ME?"
Sere hesitated; but he knew what had to be done. Too much was at stake for him to back down now.
"I accept. Let me know what needs to be done."

Seraos and his royal guard drew nearer to the fight, seeing the carnage unfolding. despite the better judgment of his officers, Seraos insisted on coming to the fight himself; the people needed to know that their king would stand by them in the worst of times. The most important matter he had to attend to in the battle was getting his hands on the Scepter of Storms; once that was done, the magic disabling it could be undone, and the loyalists could turn the tides.

Angora was waiting what Sere would do, when Orion manifested himself.
"Is it a good idea for you to be here? I mean, what if things get worse?" Angora asked telepathically to the celestial dragon, having expected him to watch from the heavens as he usually does, but maybe things were too bad NOT to interfere? She was still unable to pinpoint what Jacturis was, but maybe another deity just like Orion and the White Shadow?

Maverick was sort of glad they didn't have to fight... at least so far. But one thing was certain; things have escalated severely. Sere and Rigel, not to mention Aelinon had very different ideals, and evidently, none wanted to budge...

Many eyes turned to Orion - including Jacturis', or at least what you could call eyes on the elemental. "LEAVE US," it demanded. "AELINON WAS FOUNDED ON THE STRENGTH OF MEN, NOT OF GODS. YOUR INTERLOPING HAS NO PLACE HERE."
Rigel, in the meantime, did not immediately answer Orion. Instead, he would take advantage of what the Ishulgites had been taking advantage of so far - residual power from the dragon. He began harnessing it, preparing himself for the intrusion.
"Orion. You were always fine leaving people to die as long as they didn't kiss the ground beneath your feet," he said. "Fitting that you only show yourself when there is a threat to such a thing. Of course, you will serve to facilitate your own undoing. How fitting."

Angora could sense what the Ishulgites were doing. That was her main concern.
"Orion! You have to leave! The Ishulgites, they have... something that takes away your powers! That's why they wanted me in the first place!" Angora stated, remembering what Julian told her. She started to wonder if all this war was precisely to lure him in.
"Please leave! You gave us power! Isn't that enough?" she urged, wanting Orion to leave immediately before the Ishulgites increased in power.

Maverick wondered also why Orion was there. Impatience? The great dragon chose them to help for this purpose, so he wondered why he decided to make an appearance in such a vital moment...

Raclaw looked up at Orion and could relate to the possibly of one's powers being taken away. "Orion-- we've got this. You gave us your power, you trusted us,.. ," Raclaw telepathically pleaded with the god.

Rigel gave a slight chuckle at Orion's suggestion. "How long will it take you to understand that we do not fear you? The balance of the world facilitates suffering on a large scale, and such a thing will never come to an end on its own. You may be satisfied with that state of things, but you will find that us 'little folk' are capable of more than just bending to your will.
"But you never did care about us, did you? Faced with the vile creature Darkmatter, you chose to vest your power into an inexperienced, petulant, mercurial dwarf troll instead of someone more suited for the job. You had pity on a wild creature because it 'had a family', whereas you didn't seem to care about all the families which were at stake should said wild creature not wish to comply. You doted on the Scourge, failing to restrain him as he killed hundreds of people due to his obsession with the troll you have also doted on. And here you are, showing your face knowing full well that we have taken advantage of your presence on multiple occasions to help our own goals - because in the end, it isn't a matter of practicality for you, but pride.
"We refuse to have sapient creatures at the mercy of your capriciousness. Your presence is not desired - it is nothing more than a plague on this great world. Leave us be, or you will be swept aside to make way for the road to a better world."
Jacturis made a slight rumbling sound after Rigel's speech. The human, at the very least, had significant resolve... that could count for something.

Maverick looked at Angora immediately after Rigel's offensive speech. She wasn't crying, but she was frowning, with watery eyes.
"Don't listen to him Angorita! Listen to Orion. See why he chose you? He chose you, and only you, because you have more heart, more compassion than many. You have more moral, more power than those 'experienced'. You are more than your size, or your species." Maverick said, on his knee and touching her shoulder. While she listened, she had some serious doubts. Was it all a whim of Orion's part choosing her? Or was it to get back at the Guardians or anyone else for angering him, by choosing the least special? No no! Couldn't be! What did Rigel know? He was an Ishulgite, master manipulators, so it couldn't be true. He chastised Orion for abusing his powers. How could anyone be so hypocrite? He was far worse than what he was claiming Orion to be.

Huntress looked open mouthed everything that was going on. So there he was. The legendary Galaxy Dragon. She knew that king Seraos had his disagreements with him at some point, yet she has never seen him in person until today.

As one could likely predict, Rigel did not concede. "Live peacefully? Oh, we will live peacefully - you can count on it," he declared. "We'll have our peace when we're done, and you can have your peace when you're gone." Harnessing power, Rigel once again focused the spell he had previously used, and the sun began to shine through the clouds.

Leoquin was ready to engage in combat - when his head was haunted by a coaxing voice. "Cut them down. The troll... the mongrel... while their back is turned. Do that... then join us... we will reunite you with your family. You can be happy once again... things will once again be right. Your new brothers and sisters will never betray you, like others you have come to know on your journey. Remember how you despise those people, and do the right thing." Leoquin couldn't pinpoint it, but the presence felt so strong, as if the thoughts were his own. Were they his own? He drew his sword, but hesitated. Could he really...?

Finally, Jacturis intervened, forming earth into the shape of a long blade and interposing himself between Rigel and Orion. "THE GODS HAVE NO BUSINESS INTERVENING IN THE AFFAIRS OF MEN FOR THEIR OWN DESIRES," it asserted, pointing its weapon. "THE FATE OF AELINON WILL NOT BE DETERMINED AT THE WHIM OF ONE WHO HAS NO PLACE IN OUR NATION."
Sere shook his head in disappointment. Things were going so well, too...

Paying no attention to any potential danger, Angora couldn't take it any longer. She left Maverick side and got a bit closer to where Rigel was so that he could listen.
"THAT IS ENOUGH! Look at you! You're such an abhorrent mess right now! You claim that Orion let us suffer, but look at YOU! Your so called ideals! Orion created this world! What makes you think the world won't be destroyed alongside him? You think he's doing wrong, that he's abusing his power, but what do YOU think you're doing!? Messing everyone's head to get what you want! Killing those who oppose you. Wanting to create mass genocide! Just who do you think you are? Denying life to those we share the world with? What makes you think you have the right!? You say Orion is abusing his power, but what do you call what you're doing? And what if you succeed, huh? You think the rest will achieve happiness that way? Huh? You can't force happiness, even less exterminate entire species like that! You're angry at a god, yet you practically want to become one! Is it maybe because you are jealous that Orion has power you don't?" Angora claimed, the last bit more to taunt him. She doubted she could get through that thick skull of his, but if maybe she could plant seeds of doubts in Rigel's followers, then her speech would be worth it.

Maverick was in awe at how bold Angora was being right now, though he didn't know whether to feel very proud or very worried. Like Angora, he was still unaware of the danger. Huntress listened to the troll's speech as well, though most of her attention was in Maverick, whom she managed to spot thanks to everyone standing still so much. She was still very obsessed with him, but as she watched him, something... or rather someone, didn't look right...

Jacturis maintaned its stance. "THE MATTERS AND FATE OF AELINON ARE FOR MEN TO DECIDE," it insisted. "YOU NEED NOT INTERVENE. WE WILL NOT SUFFER HEAVENLY INTERLOPERS."
Rigel's attention was captured by the small creature which now dared to challenge him. "Pathetic. You think someone as morally bankrupt as you has the right to decide what is right and wrong?" he said accusingly. "Need I remind you about how you were tempted to abandon your duty to the world - bestowed on you by the ever so doting Orion - and leave countless others to die, in order to spite one man? Or how you betrayed your own allies in an effort to seek your own happiness? We really did see some potential in you - with some direction, you may have lead the world to a great future. Unfortunately, we were mistaken when, in your fickleness, you betrayed our trust. Tell me - whose trust haven't you betrayed by now at some point or another? How many of your allies were killed because you were secretly assisting us? People are nothing but a means to an end for you. That attitude has no place in a perfect society - or even a normal society. There is a reason you have always been, and always will be, an outcast. We'll be sure to have your crimes branded into the skin of your well-preserved body as it hangs as an example to others."
Rigel paused a moment for effect before continuing, as Latnok - and now Julian - listened as they fought. "You also happen to be wrong about one key detail. We do not seek to become gods - quite the opposite. We seek to bring them down to our level - the products of which you may very well see soon enough. For what use is all of that power if you do not use it to work towards an ideal world? I have seen countless people die - including my own family - for senseless reasons, and I have spilled much blood myself at this point. It will not be for nought - we will succeed."

With his sword drawn, Leoquin wound back for a thrust - but hesitated. No. This wasn't... what was he doing? This couldn't be how he-
"Brother!" the sound of Audax's voice rang in his head. "we can be together again... please. Do it for us... all of us."