darkSpyro

Quote: A Guy

"I'm confident that we'll be able to take on the challenges that will be thrown at us," Latnok said. "We're still alive right now after what we've faced. What's a few more challenges here or there to us? I'll keep a good eye on him - and I know he'd do the same." Latnok very briefly recalled falling asleep in his drunken stupor the other day, before brushing the memory to the side.

Raclaw gave a smile and leaned into Latnok slightly, briefly wrapping his tail around the Guardian in a 'hug-like' manner. The claimed fur dragon didn't know why he had gravitated towards Latnok as much as he had-- all he knew that he had felt something for the human since the day his former traveling group and the Guardian encountered each other. He had initially hated the Guardians, but Latnok had been a bright spot even in that initial range of emotions upon first learning what they had done to him. And now here he was-- traveling with, loving, and even being claimed by an Guardian now. As Latnok spoke for their relationship and bond, it was clear that the beloved Guardian very much felt the same. "Latnok is right-- we'll look after each other. What we have is unique and I cannot imagine where I would be right now had we not crossed paths. And had we not.. connected as much as we had.," he then spoke looking up at his friend and technically owner. A very familiar and deep feeling of love could be felt over the bond as well as in his eyes.

The large minotaur didn't immediately respond. "Risar will admit-- what you two have reminds me of something I once had. The bond between Minotaur and Master cannot be entirely compared, but.. but what me and and Master had was strong. I cared for him and he cared for me, treating me better than any slave deserved to be treated. I do not regret leaving and forging my own path, but I do wonder. I.. I wonder what could've been and where I would be now had I not went away on that ship. I would've never been free, but no Minotaur ever truly is. We're at times stubborn, at times independent, but we're always loyal. And we never forget those we have.. those who have been in our lives. I had risen out of the ashes-- but perhaps... but maybe...," he then said almost releasing a tear and pausing. "As I've said, I have no regrets. Still-- Risar can't help but to wonder what could've been had he not made certain decisions in life. The bond between man and beast is not something that can be entirely forgotten. It remains with you, despite and no matter how far one had come in life.," he then said showing feelings and emotions he rarely showed. Seeing Raclaw and Latnok's bond grow had opened up certain doors.

MEANWHILE...
Quote: Felines

Having his prayers finished, Maverick went to pay attention to Chester, who seemed eager to play already.
"Hey boy, ready to play already? You just ate. Wouldn't want you to get a tummy ache." he said as he gently rubbed the beagle's belly. He wanted to be distracted, but he couldn't stop thinking about his friends...

Chester enjoyed and would continue to enjoy the belly rub while it was offered. He had to admit-- Mav was fun and knew how to have a good time.

The troll remained silent once more, not able to say anything. It was pretty clear how she felt. Angora couldn't look at anybody in the eyes, not even their guide anymore. Without commenting anything, she turned around... and left. It wasn't in the direction of the ship. She just chose a random direction and headed there. She needed to be alone right now. Raclaw and Latnok rubbing into her face how great their friendship was while hers was a mess due to to Shade's lack of control and her apparent uselessness felt like a slap to the face. A betrayal from the fur dragon's part. She really had thought he liked her, even if it was a little bit, but he chose to keep being with him instead of at least try to console her. It was too much to bear, so she needed time alone to unwind and clear her already unstable mind...

Quote: redwes

Chester enjoyed and would continue to enjoy the belly rub while it was offered. He had to admit-- Mav was fun and knew how to have a good time.

Maverick engaged into soft play, not wanting to be too rough on the beagle. They could play something like a tug of war later, but for now, he needed a little rest from the big meal he just had...

The couple eagerly eyed the money offered by the shadowy figure, and the man shamelessly grabbed it. "Sure thing! You'll find him in the square of one of the worker districts - right north of here," the man said. "He's giving some speech about life and healing and conflict and a whole lotta other feel-good jazz, and he's in some bug costume or something - you can try him if you want, but I wouldn't get my hopes up." The man looked at the direction the money came from expectantly.

”Thank you” Dex said and throwed another bag same size as the one before to the man.

Then Dex quickly made his way back to Sapphire. ”I got something worth checking out. So lets get moving. Follow me” Dex said to her.

Sapphire did not ask anything just started to follow Dex.

The two made their way to the square the man mentioned. It did not take long from them to find it and so they started to look around to find what they where after. It did not take long from them to spot a large crowd.

”That must be it” Dex said. And so the two made their way to a place they could hear and see what was happening.

Angora left the group to a place unknown, with nobody seemingly following her or making any efforts to stop her. Not that it really surprised her. It was better this way. She still remembered that time when Latnok followed her and didn't let her have that moment of peace she needed. Perhaps finally this will be an exception?

For now, Angora only wanted to be left alone, frustrated with everything that was happening. She hated having left Shade in that predicament, but she was also angry at him, and Raclaw and Latnok showing off their friendship made things worse. Why couldn't Shade resist his own evil? Was it because of Darkmatter? That thing was destroyed, so why did the evil and nightmare persisted. With all the frustration, combined with the lack of sleep she suffered last night, there came the time where Angora's body couldn't take it no more. She fell asleep right there in that opening, exposed to the elements but warmed by the rays of the sun. Similarly to Maverick, it was a deep sleep...

As Angora slept, she was still feeling guilty about leaving Shade just like that. She woke up again, or at least she thought she did. She was looking at Shade, who was all alone now. The Guardians and the companions were nowhere to be seen, yet there was no sign of destruction anywhere. At least she was with him now.
"Hey Shady? Sorry for leaving like that. I... you know..." Angora began to say, but Shade then suddenly grabbed her. He stared, and for a moment Angora believed he was angry at her, but he started licking her. She wouldn've preferred the nuzzling like he usually did, but he chose another form. Perhaps this meant he has forgiven her? Perhaps so, but the licking just kept going and going, without no indication of stopping...

It was then that Angora opened her eyes for real. She was dirty and her body somewhat ached from the uncomfortable position, but at least she wasn't sleepy anymore. When she looked up, the sun was already setting, showing an ominous orange sky.
"It's... it's almost night... oh no... Shady!" Angora yelled as she got up and started running to where the dragolet was contained. She didn't want her rude departure to be the last thing he saw before going out of control. She had to run and apologize to him...

Earlier that day, Sere had given the order to have the ship moved to another island - nearby enough to signal, but far enough away to not be in the immediate danger area should Shade become unmanageable. Obediently, the crew moved the ship, with Leoquin leading the navigation.

With nightfall approaching, Latnok tensely sat behind the ballista, somewhat nervous - for once, he was conflicted. Yes, it would be easier to just kill Shade - but did they have to? Why was he concerned? Shade was just a load. Besides, it wasn't his decision - Sere was the one who wanted to keep Shade alive. Not Latnok's place to care. Latnok gave a glance at Raclaw, before focusing his attention back to Shade - he wasn't sure how Raclaw would manage mentally with the upcoming effects on Shade, so he would have to keep a close eye out for his furry companion.

At the ship, Maverick had spent the entire time playing and taking care of Chester, releasing Dahlia so that she could go in on the fun. While he had fun and the distraction had been worth it, he still couldn't stop thinking about his friends, and he was certain the beagle was thinking the same about Raclaw. He knew he wasn't a great replacement for the fur dragon, but he still tried his best to make the absence much easier...

Quote: Spyroconvexity

Shade soon saw Angora. “Angora! What are you still doing here? You need to leave now! The blood moon will be rising soon!” He was very worried about her safety.

"I know. I just... didn't want that last event to be our last. I... I'm sorry." she apologized, approaching him without fear, and not even caring if Shade accidentally hurted her right now. She needed to make that apologize or she wasn't going to have any peace of mind. She didn't notice Sere and company when she ran, having been too concentrated on finding Shade, but she was certain they were nearby watching over him...

Raclaw watched alongside Latnok and briefly returned the Guardian's glance. Indeed-- the dreaded "event" would soon begin and Shade's powers would become more powerful than they ever had before. He and Shade were interlinked and worse... he had touched the darkness that resided within the cursed Dragolet. He had touched it and it had touched him, each instance of doing so only having become easier until he had promised to stop. It was unknown what effect the blood moon would have on him personally and so he had to be careful. "Angora-- it's not safe here! I will try to calm him as best as I can, but I can't guarantee that his powers won't accidently hurt you.," Raclaw called out not wanting to see the little troll be injured or worse.

Elsewhere-- Risar kept the crew in check and the ship where it was supposed to be. Chester had enjoyed the ongoing distraction, although he did occasionally look out onto the not-so-distant island. He was worried about the beloved fur dragon and unlike Latnok, he had no mental bond or other means of checking on him from afar.

Maverick kept looking at the distance, and as the orange sky turned to black. He knew the blood moon was near. Dahlia was very nervous. He could tell. She was very sensitive about these things. She was lying down on the floor, motionless. She knew...

Quote: Spyroconvexity

“I appreciate the apology but you need to go now! I don’t know what will happen I just want you safe!” Shade said. He winced in pain. “G-go now!”

Hearing both his and Raclaw's warning, Angora retreated slowly, only picking up the pace when she started sliding down the hill as if she was surfing with her own feet. When she reached the bottom, she climbed a tall, dry tree in order to have a better view of him. The sun had almost disappeared and the wind was starting to get cold. This was it. The infernal day everybody was dreading...

As the sky darkened-- Chester looked out alongside Maverick. 'It will begin soon. Raclaw, Latnok-- please be alright.,' he thought to himself.

Meanwhile, at the district square, an insectoid creature - just like the one that Dex encountered before - could be seen, with an audience gathered around him. As he spoke, they were captivated - he had their full attention.
"People of Redwater - do not put your faith in unworthy deities!" he called out. "They care not for you. They despise you. They wish only to see you serve them. You are nothing more to them than something to feed their vanity. They would leave you in the dark ages! Now, instead, see what Ishulgu can do - he is different from any other so-called 'god'. In the end, he does not seek worship in pursuit of his own vanity - he is a god that SERVES THE PEOPLE! He seeks our advancement - the advancement of all life!"
As the crowd burst into applause, the priest gave a moment for them to calm down before proceeding. "We are in trying times now. But like a blade on a whetstone, we shall come out stronger for it. What side will you be on when the battle for our own destiny comes? Will you side with those who would keep you in chains? Or will you choose to elevate yourselves? We do not need your answers now - please do not let this interrupt your daily living. But when the time comes - and it will - you will know. And at that moment, we need only that you ask yourselves this - what do you seek? And who will help you? There is someone on your side - you have already seen his power for yourself. You will know what to do. Ishulgu bless you all!"
The priest thumped the pulpit with his staff, leaving the audience to disperse.

Quote: redwes

As the sky darkened-- Chester looked out alongside Maverick. 'It will begin soon. Raclaw, Latnok-- please be alright.,' he thought to himself.

Maverick picked the beagle uo and placed him between himself and Dahlia so they could give comfort from each other. The island was looking like a wasteland with the eerie shine of the blood moon...

Quote: Spyroconvexity

Soon the blood moon was starting to just rise. It was a deep blood red. Dark energy began to come off Shade as he roared out in pain. Sparks of energy hitting the walls of the cave. Wind began to pick up as the moon got even higher. Out side the land seemed to shake and rumble as what could be described as red embers could be seen flying around.

Angora watched from her tree as Shade ominously roared like a creature of the apocalypse, destroying everything he could. How she wished she could do something, but she knew very well it would be inviting death. This had to run it's course. Why did something like this had to happen? Why to him?

As the vines absorbed energy from Shade, the vegetation around the island seemed to become more vibrant - as if the entire island were feeding off of him. Sere intently monitored the development of the situation - however, he saw no immediate need to offer any harsher intervention. Latnok remained on standby, ready to fire the ballista if need be, as well as ready to use the asphyxiate or detonate command.

Chester happily allowed himself to be moved-- taking his place between the two furry companions. He laid down, getting comfortable but keeping an close eye on the eerie sight. Risar stoodby, ready to receive the signal and order the ship to move at a moment's notice.

As the vines seemingly did their job and the dragolet's fire intensified, the island wasn't the only thing receiving the excess energy of Shade. The darkness, the corruption, whatever it was-- would soon find its way across Shade's mental connections and onto the others who had become interlinked with the cursed being. Veris, safe aboard the ship and only carrying a minor indirect connection, would be safe from any effects. Latnok, his own defenses greatly fortified from the prior 'training,' would not be the immediate target. Instead, Raclaw lit up to the darkness like a shining beacon. No-- instead it would go after Raclaw with everything it had. The fur dragon, despite his somewhat inexperienced attempts at blocking it, presented himself as shining beacon in the darkness. The dragon companion was the most 'open' among all those involved and had already reached out to it, thus priming the way.

It wasn't long until Raclaw would find himself the target-- and the fur dragon's eyes would soon turn black. 'Oh no you don't. I said... get back!,' Raclaw mentially shouted within his mind and he immediately began to fortify his internal defenses. His eyes then began to flicker between black and white, a state that indicated that he was fighting something. What looked like black sparks could be seen radiating off him intermixed with white sparks; a rare visual example of his internal struggle. It wasn't entirely clear who was winning, but Raclaw seemed to at least be keeping the excess alternate energy at bay.

Angora held on tight, feeling the heat and fatigue of Shade's overwhelming use of power. His energy as well as the blood moon blinded her, so she had no choice but to close her eyes. The ordeal has been going on for a few minutes, but for her, it seemed like hours.

At the ship, Maverick had placed Chester in his lap, and covered his eyes as well as Dahlia's. He tried to look around to see if he spotted Ilasi, but imagined she had decided to spend the oddisey inside the cabin like a few other crew members chose to. The heat was intense but somewhat bearable. The place felt like it was another dimension. It felt worse than the realm where Darkmatter resided. The island... it sounded like it was roaring. Or was it Shade in the distance? It was something Maverick has never experienced before, and doubted anybody else did. The feeling of dread was everywhere...

As Shade roared and thus far remained restrained-- the excess energy only grew and attacks Raclaw's internal defences with greater and greater numbers. The mini-visual show on display continued; the fur dragon's eyes continuing to flicker and the 'sparks' continuing. As Damon joined in and helped his host defend against the darkness, a different color of sparks could be seen-- that of green similar to Raclaw's eyes or the green on his collar gem. It soon began attacking both himself and the collar, knowing that the two no doubt shared an connection. The green, white, and black sparks seemed to be more/less equal in numbers. At least for the time being -- Raclaw and Damon were holding their own. Or so it seemed.

Quote: Spyroconvexity

Soon the blood moon was in full effect Shade struggled intensely and breathed green fire to the point that it turned white. The chains were glowing orange but were still holding strong. He let out a roar that shook the ground.

Angora kept her eyes closed, but she just had to see how Shade was doing. If those chains failed, she had no doubt Sere was going to kill him, or Shade them. She put a hand over her eyes and grasped the tree with the other. The chains were holding, and Shade was being nothing but a savage, feral beast.
"Shadyyyy...!" Angora managed to scream before needing both hands to hold on to the tree. She felt that if she let go, she was going to be absorbed towards the rampaging dragolet. Not even Darkmatter has been this terrifying. The heat, it was almost like she was walking near the mouth of a volcano. This disaster... was this what was beginning to happen in Redwater? We're his nightmares a warning of this time to come? How could she have known? She had believed that slaying Darkmatter would've made it stop, but Shade had been a literal ticking time bomb all along. This... this was taking so awfully long...

Raclaw's body had briefly started to glow a mixture of black, green, and white-- before suddenly ceasing as the fur dragon companion returned to normal. "That's it? Is.. is it over?," Raclaw asked still keeping his defences up just in case.

Angora closed her eyes again, and the only way she knew it was over was when the heat and blinding shine stopped. She opened her eyes, hurt from closing them so much. The moon... she sky... it has returned to normal at last. Just how long the power surge lasted? She watched her hands and could see that she had second degree burns on a few patches of skin. Most of her clothes were burned off, and a few of her hairs was missing. The only thing intact was the orb around her neck.

At the distance, Angora couldn't see Shade. Did he got free? Or was he... fainted? She went to look, but when her feet touched the ground, it was like touching magma. It really burned. But Angora didn't want to wait. She just had to know what happened, but was it risky to approach him? It didn't matter to her. If Shade was indeed lying on the ground, she wanted to make sure he was greeted by her instead of Sere and company's many weapons pointed at him. Using the wood of what was left of the tree, she improvised some shoes in order to get to him, feeling the sizzling sound of the wood burning below her as she walked to the source of the destruction...

By the time Angora reached Shade, her improvised shoes had burned off. The pain was unbearable. She got teary eyes as her feet took on the extreme heat. Unable to take it, she got on Shade's snout. His body was extremely hot as well, but not as much as the ground. As with every dragon and their subspecies, the scales isolated the heat.
"Hey Shady. Hear me? I'm here. It's... it's finally over..." Angora whispered, still teary eyed from the pain of the heat. It was almost as if being cooked alive. Sere and his team were nowhere to be found, but she imagined the heat was even worse for them. Trolls were better tolerant of cold and heat, but even she was hurting. She couldn't imagine how a human would feel. She didn't know if the danger was over, but she was ready to jump out of harm's way in case Shade still had traces of hostility. Still, she tried to be as calm and serene as possible, not wanting to show any fear of him when he woke up...

The heat on his body was gradually turning down, but it was still too much for Angora. Still, she was bravely bearing the pain, albeit with some teary eyes. To distract herself a little from the pain, but also to try and wake him up, Angora pondered about a distant memory. She lifted part of his upper lip and talked.
"Hey Shady. I'm going to steal one of your teeth." she said quietly and gently to him, reminding him of those times where she childishly wanted one of his sharp fangs as a necklace. They were barely getting to know each other by then. As she spoke, Angora still couldn't see the Guardians or their hairy companions anywhere, believing they had to retreat from their original positions due to the intense heat...

Though Angora was preoccupied with Shade, the bargain she made had not been forgetten. The mark on her hand began to glow incandescently as it warmed up and vibrated slightly. "Our end of the pact has been fulfilled. Now, we demand recompense - you will fulfill your obligation by granting the orb to us," the voice demanded.
Meanwhile, as Sere approached Shade to analyze the situation, Latnok checked on his dragon companion. "Raclaw... how are you?" he asked, with concern and uncertainty. "It's over... I think. We've beat it for now." Latnok's sight did not leave Shade, however; he was still at the ballista and ready to fire.

Angora was startled by the sudden glow. For a moment she thought she had been burned up by Shade's skin, but when the voice started to talk, she remembered the bargain.
"The... the orb? As in... now? My orb? But... Shade... at least let me wake him." Angora commented with stammers, addressing to her hand as if it was a communicator. She couldn't use telepathy, so her voice was all she could use in hopes that she would be heard. She fell silent as soon as she saw Sere approaching. That's when she had time to ponder...

All this time, the deal was for her to hand over the orb? Was that what the stranger meant when he explained it would take only a few seconds? She had truly believed he meant some sort of task. She never imagined he meant giving such precious possession. She's had that orb for years. Shortly after leaving her parents. It never listened to her, yet it always helped her when she needed it the most. She had magic now, but it was still helping her in times of need, especially when she couldn't use it. And then in those mines, it did something. She didn't know what it was, but she was certain it's magic somehow helped the poor Raclaw in that forsaken battle. Wasn't there another way? The orb was the most precious material thing she had. Was there really no other choice?

Quote:

Meanwhile, as Sere approached Shade to analyze the situation, Latnok checked on his dragon companion. "Raclaw... how are you?" he asked, with concern and uncertainty. "It's over... I think. We've beat it for now." Latnok's sight did not leave Shade, however; he was still at the ballista and ready to fire.

"I've...," Raclaw started to say as he looked at the aftermath. "I've been better.," he then managed to say with a slight smile. The fur dragon did not look like himself-- his top coat black as ash with burns throughout his body, particularly where he had been injured or burnt before. As he spoke, he was barely standing and almost losing his balance. In addition-- black, white, and green streaks could be seen surrounding his eyes. He looked as if he could pass out at any moment; his body and mind nearly drained of energy.

Quote: A Guy

Meanwhile, at the district square, an insectoid creature - just like the one that Dex encountered before - could be seen, with an audience gathered around him. As he spoke, they were captivated - he had their full attention.
"People of Redwater - do not put your faith in unworthy deities!" he called out. "They care not for you. They despise you. They wish only to see you serve them. You are nothing more to them than something to feed their vanity. They would leave you in the dark ages! Now, instead, see what Ishulgu can do - he is different from any other so-called 'god'. In the end, he does not seek worship in pursuit of his own vanity - he is a god that SERVES THE PEOPLE! He seeks our advancement - the advancement of all life!"
As the crowd burst into applause, the priest gave a moment for them to calm down before proceeding. "We are in trying times now. But like a blade on a whetstone, we shall come out stronger for it. What side will you be on when the battle for our own destiny comes? Will you side with those who would keep you in chains? Or will you choose to elevate yourselves? We do not need your answers now - please do not let this interrupt your daily living. But when the time comes - and it will - you will know. And at that moment, we need only that you ask yourselves this - what do you seek? And who will help you? There is someone on your side - you have already seen his power for yourself. You will know what to do. Ishulgu bless you all!"
The priest thumped the pulpit with his staff, leaving the audience to disperse.

As Dex heard what was said he quickly started to write. The letter was short and said

” They are clearly trying to make people Angry about their superiors. And so they seem to target poor people. Are they trying to make somekind of rebellion or even revolution happen, I am not sure yet.... but my quess is something like that. No new knowledge about the mysterious powers yet. New orderds or anything else - Dex”

He gave the letter to Sapphire. ”Take this to the blackmarket and make sure the one taking it to the guardians will bring back the answer.” Dex said

Sapphire quickly knew what Dex had planed and said ”I am not going to let you go alone. We can not know are these guys dangerous!” She said

”Dont be stupid we can not take the risk that both of us get in trouble. Take the letter to the blackmarket. If I am not back there after a day come looking for me.” Dex said and started to make his way closer to the stage and the mysterious priest makeing sure he stayed in the shadows all the time.

Before he was too far, Sapphire knowing She could not stop him just said ” Please be safe Okey?”.
Dex still not very familiar with this new kind of relationship especially in the Jobs just said ”Yea” looking at Sapphire, but clearly having great care in his eyes.

And so Sapphire started to make her way back to the blackmarket and sending the letter. And Dex started to shadow the priest and his possible company.

At the ship, Maverick had been hugging the two pets as the blood moon passes. When the sky returned to the bluish black starry sky it was suppose to be, he gave a huge sigh of relief... for a while. How was Shade? Or Angora? He was almost tempted to leave the vessel and go look for them, but he made it his duty to take care of these special companions. Hadlia was still nervous and lying down motionless, with some patches of her long fur burnt off, taking out some of the texture that made it so soft. The beagle looked slightly better having been protected by his own body, but he was very hot and possibly burnt out in a few places as well. As for Maverick, he could see part of the edges of his clothes were gone as well, making him look like a beggar. Such a dreadful event that the hybrid hoped never happened again any time.

Quote: Spyroconvexity

Shade winced pain. He slowly opened his eyes. They were their normal yellow color again. “A-Angora....” He faintly said.

Angora smiled at him.
"Hey Shady? What's up?" she answered, grasping her orb. It wasn't going to be easy parting ways with it if there was really no other choice to keep it. She wasn't even in the mood for joking with him like before, but for now, she wanted to be with Shade for a little while.

"All is well now Shady. All is well..." Angora commented gently, still flinching in pain, though thankfully, the heat from Shade's body was gradually mellowing down. If Shade was right, the corruption was no more. He had released it all that night. Perhaps at last they could finally live in peace. There was still the matter of the orb, but there would be time to worry about that...

Seeing how unbearably weak he was, Angora decided to let him sleep. She knew Sere wouldn't consider hurting him if he was doing something as harmless as sleeping.
"Rest for a while Shady. Let your body recover. I'll be nearby." Angora said as she left his snout to let him sleep peacefully, knowing he was going to need an overwhelming amount of rest to recover from this one. The power surge had been brief but dangerous, and it made her both relieved and surprised that the chains and vines worked against someone as powerful as him. But now, it was the time to pay.

Resisting the hot ground, Angora left Shade's side to near where she spent the surge, grasping the orb tightly. She knew the stranger was nearby, and now that Shade was awake and at rest, she knew she was going to get pestered due the deal. She waited, pondering about what she could say to him to make him reconsider...

Sere looked attentively, allowing Angora and Shade to have their moment. He then charged and fired a ball of light into the sky, which, after gaining some altitude, exploded into a multitude of colors - a signal to bring the ship back. The crew, ready for such a signal, obeyed, beginning the movement of the ship.
Latnok didn't know much more than basic first aid - certainly not enough to treat wounds such as the ones Raclaw had sustained. However,he had a feeling that Ilasi would have a much better idea of what to do. "Hang on, Raclaw," Latnok urged. "The ship is coming. We'll get you taken care of then. Just hold on a bit..."

Back at the black market, a human - mostly covered with a cloak and other garments, except with some barely visible discolored skin on his face much like other Guardians - could be seen - and, as if he knew what to expect, he set his gaze on the fox before him. "I take it you have a message for the Guardians?" he asked. "I will make sure it gets to him. Be ready for new orders."

While Angira waited nervously for the stranger, Maverick was eagerly awaiting for the ship to arrive for it's new destination.
"It's over mis amigos. Look Chester. We'll find Raclaw soon. The danger is over." he said encouragingly, still holding him in his lap while putting an arm around the neck of a still motionless Dahlia. She would need a good haircut if they wanted the fur's soft texture to return again.

The mine leader didn't take long before he approached Angora intently - he knew exactly what he wanted.
"I believe you know what this means now," he said. "We require your orb in order for you to fulfill your part of the pact. Surely a small price to pay for your friend's safety." Though the mine leader speaking with Angora didn't escape his notice, Sere didn't think anything of it.

Angora didn't like the way the deal has went. While she wouldn't have any trouble in the distant past to give away an artifact that never listened to her, the orb has saved her and her companions plenty of times in the past.
"Sir... there must... this orb was the first artifact that was ever truly mine. It has helped me many times. Is... is this really necessary? Isn't there another way?" she asked, believing there was a way for her to keep the deal without losing the precious orb. She never suspected the being would want such a priceless possession as payment for a service he didn't even manage to do alone. Him wanting the orb convinced Angora even further how valuable it truly was.

"This device will help us secure a better world," the leader said. "The world [i]you[/] desire. It is but a small price. We must make hard decisions. Throughout life, we face conflict - but we become stronger for it. You have managed with little help from this tool of yours - is sentimental value not worth discarding for the greater good?" The man's tone remained soft, as if he were attempting to reason with a child.

Angora gave him a brief glare, still not believing he was just sweet talking her and that his promise to help her live in a world where she'll be happy was all from the mouth up. She clenched the orb, knowing that the next move was going to be too hard.
"I'm sorry..." she whispered to the artifact, still treating it as if it was alive. She still believed it was in some weird way. With a small groan, Angora took it out of her neck and handed it over, angry by this outcome, especially since the stranger or the society couldn't even get the chains all by themselves. They just had to ask help from the Guardians, even when they were suppose to be stronger than them. It was going to be a hard departure, but Angora kept saying to herself this orb was just a material thing. And whatever magic it had, it was finally going to have it's true potential exposed at the hands of somebody more experienced.

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Latnok didn't know much more than basic first aid - certainly not enough to treat wounds such as the ones Raclaw had sustained. However,he had a feeling that Ilasi would have a much better idea of what to do. "Hang on, Raclaw," Latnok urged. "The ship is coming. We'll get you taken care of then. Just hold on a bit..."

Raclaw gave a weak nod-- almost leaning into Latnok, but remaining conscious. And it wasn't long until the ship was in sight. As it approached.. Chester watched spotting the vague black shapes of both dragons; the damage they substained not yet clear to the crew.

”Are guardians somehow connected with the blackmarket?” Sapphire thought, but did not say anything because She thought Dex had made the arrangements. ”Here you go.” Sapphire said and gave the letter. ”We will come back to here for the answer” She said and turned and started to walk away.

Dex had made his way close enough to the priest so that he could follow him and heard what he was talking. He looked around for possible comppany the priest might have, but he could not see anyone.... atleast for now.