The Dragon Children: Second Generation

[rocklobster]

--Michael--
Michael stepped out and saw his wife.
"What's troubling you, my love?" he asked.
--Xavier--
Xavier laughed. "Maybe I can find a worm. That seems to work for my dad."
--Joanne--
Joanne smiled. "Love is patient. Love is kind. Love never dies." She then turned around and faced Anei. "Perhaps I should show you." She embraced Anei warmly, filling her with all the warmth she could.
OOC: free cookie to anyone who can tell me where in the Bible Joanne quoted!

[Twister980]

Eruan's ears were twitching again, he shook his head. 'If it's something I need to know, It will be said to my face.' He turned his attention towards the few people walking through the camp. "Love is patient. Love is kind. Love never dies." He paled. He hadn't even been listening to anything in particular, but he had managed to hear that. He smiled. 'That was something Uncle Brom told me before I left...' He wiped his eyes, and wandered off into the camp.

OOC: That was 1 Corinthians 13. Right?

[rocklobster]

OOC: yep! What kind of cookie do you want? (That's one of my favorite passages, btw. St. Paul, you are just awesome!)

[Twister980]

OOC: Oooooh... So many. Double Chocolate Chip. :3 xD

[Phantom_Sorano]

OOC:*reads up* Y'all are silly.

--Adelphi--

Aaliyah was almost dumbstruck seeing Micheal; with Sophia preparing to take the throne, she had not seen him since she and Morigan left for Krangor. Suddenly, she felt a sea of emotion bubble up inside; her eyes began to water. All she could do for the first few moments was to grab onto his robes and bury her face in them, softly crying as she tried to no avail to regain your composure.

"It's been so long," she began, "since I've seen you...Micheal...I'm sorry. I'm sorry...I'm sorry!"

The lonely and guilt-stricken figure clung to her husband tighter as she began to cry harder; her body was feeling weaker and weaker.

"I...I cannot return to Krangor to get Morigan...I can't barely manage anything....dear...something is wrong with me...and I'm worried....because...because..."

Her voice caught in her throat as hot tears streamed down her face. All she could do was to take Micheal's hand and place it just below her stomach.

"I can't feel the presence of life there....but I....but we...I'm sor---"

Before she could finish her sentence, her body seized up and she hit the floor, all going black. The angel in gold that had been guarding the door was truly moved by what he was witnessing. He soon gathered Aaliyah up and bowed his head to Micheal.

"Arch Angel, I will gladly take the lady back to your quarters if you wish.I am sorry we had to interrupt your important business."

~~~~~~~

--Heilgrad--

Adarah's dark red lips curved into a smile as Lann got on one knee and addressed her; her song had worked. With great pose, she sat up from her throne and circled around Lann like a lioness about to attack her prey. She placed a cool hand on his arm, motioning him to rise.

"My faithful subject, I am so happy that you have at last come to me. I don't know what I could do without someone as strong and skilled as yourself", she said oozing with lies and slight seduction. She had him right where she wanted him, she just needed to control him further she thought to herself as she glanced at the red dragon and winked.

[rocklobster]

OOC: Hey, what about Joanne? Are you going to leave Pandora alone? She can't possibly counter Joanne's biblical quote without you rebutting it!
--Michael--
"No, I know what must be done. She was originally bonded to Iawia. With her dead, her soul is in danger. There is only one thing to do. We must bond her to either Sophia or Ariel. I will take her to Ariel myself. I don't care what Aaliyah thinks. There are three lives at stake, especially if you count our unborn child. This is no time for her usual stubbornness." He sighed. He usually secret admired Aaliyah's stubbornness, but this was going to be an exception. He hoped she'd forgive her. He recited an incantation, and within an instant, he was in Ariel's quarters.
OOC: OK, Soran, I think you know what's next.
--Reika--
Reika tried desperately to stand. She had to get to her mom and tell her what was happening. But suddenly, she felt her life force draining.
"no." she gasped.
OOC: Diamond Dragon, have Ai intervene and attempt to heal her.

[Lockon Stratos]

After removing myself from the heap that was my tent, I just stood there and stared at it.
How many times have you done this now?
I gave up keeping track about a year ago. I think I was up to 54 or something.
You really should...,She trailed off.
Feld?
Something's wrong. People are upset about something at Miss Reika's tent.
"What?"
It seems that something is wrong with her. She's in some form of coma.
Hearing that set me into emergency mode.
Alright, I see what I can do to help her. Feld, you go see if you can find her mother. Without so much as an affirmative thought my way, I saw the long serpentine form of my partner surging through the air. As for myself I set off towards Reika's tent.

[Ally-Ann]

--Joanne--
"Pandora is an old enemy of mine. She knows nothing about love because she refused to accept Iawia's plan." Joanne said kindly. "If you side with me, I promise you will know love."
--Karin--
Karin sighed. She never could keep a good rhythm going with her tonfas if she was engaging in telepathic conversation. And with weapons like tonfas, rhythm was important. (for the curious, tonfas are kind of like those clubs that police use. Karin has to spin them like nunchucks to use them. That's why she has to keep a rhythm)
"If you were an enemy, I'd be dead by now." Karin sighed. "Nolk spotted a new arrival. I think you might know her. Could you explain what Chrysanthe looked like again?"

OOC: Sorry, been very busy with school.

IC:

Eulalia's eyes widened as her mouth dropped open slightly. "C-Chrysanthe? She... she's here? I know her! I know her! She was in the orphanage the same that I was..." Eulalia whispered in shock. Her eyes suddenly lit up with utter eagerness. "Where is she?!" Berenike smiled at Eulalia's excitement and for once did not shush her.

Maybe I can make everything right with Chrysanthe and I. Perhaps I could try to be a little less demanding... Perhaps. Eulalia thought as she waited with suspense for Karin's answer.

[Diamond Dragon]

-Ai-
Ai, seeing Reika's sudden weakening, ran to support her. "Reika, what's wrong?" she asked urgently.

[MomentOfInertia]

IC:Cathiar.

"Dawn."
I've slept through almost anything, markets, mobs, armies, church bells, and hammering smiths. of course you'd expect that from a boy born to a busy smith, all the work and people all hours, you learn to sleep through it or you don't sleep. To this day I sleep the best in a good smithy, it's familiar, warm, and there are plenty of nasty things in easy reach if trouble comes knocking.
There is one thing I can't sleep through.
"Isn't it lovely?"
A dragon with telepathy, an echoing call from within my mind.
"Wake Up!"

We had made camp on a ridge a little ways off from the rest of the Resistance, by made camp I mean I set up a firepit, Rowena curled up around it and swung a wing over the fire; nice and cozy. No muss, no fuss, and we don't need to pack a tent.

"All right I'm awake, what's gong on?"
"Well some new people have shown up since last night."
"Alright, let me unpack something to eat, then you can go hunting And after we'll go see what's up."
"No, you go see while I go hunting, you don't take as long so you can get started earlier"
"You're sure you don't want me to wait?"
"I'll just listen in alright?"
"Yeah, fine."
Rowena set of in search of her meal, and after a short breakfast I started down into the main camp.

OoC: Sorry this was so slow, life's been a bit hectic lately, I'll try to keep up better.

[rocklobster]

--Karin--
Karin nodded. "Well, here's your chance, kid." she said. "If I were you, I'd lay off the 'little miss queen' routine. You remind me of one of our worst rulers when you do that."
She returned to her telepathic conversation.
Nolk, give me a location. Send me some kind of landmark. I'm sending Eulalia, all right?
OOC: Is it just me, or does this sound like she's using a walkie-talkie? Oh, and Diamond, we also need to see what Anei is thinking about Joanne too
--Brylin-- (Reika's dragon)
Brylin noticed his rider's condition. He glowed brightly, hoping that his light would waken her. Nothing.
"Don't do this to me, mistress." he exclaimed. "We've been together too short of a time!"
Kilin could sense something was wrong. He burst in and saw what had happened. "You there" he said to Brandon. "The reason this is going on is that her guardian spirit's health is fading. You have a red dragon, right. Your dragon's still within range a little bit. Send some warmth into her. She's in shock, and that's the most important thing right now."
OOC: Depending on your age, dragons can be a limited range away from their riders. If they're too far, the bond is ineffective and the rider is powerless. Just thought you should know.

[Phantom_Sorano]

OOC: Okay Rockie....I've made up my mind.....be ready.

--Drivalia--(a dream realm for those deeply spiritually intuned)

"Joanne.....Joanne....how can you say such things with confidence?", hissed the cold, sinister voice. "Love is an allusion for the weak; if evil can be there, it will and it will prevail. You fight so hard to be good, when you are destined for evil. You have to be...you are bonded by blood to the goddess of all darkness."

--Adelphi--


Ariel had returned to her chamber when she saw a brilliant flash of light and saw Micheal standing with a black cloaked mass in his arms. Her eyes flashed with sadness as she sighed.

"I suppose she told you then and you have an understanding of what must be done."

Ariel motioned for Aaliyah to be placed on a lush rug on the floor; the young goddess bent down and surveyed the angel's pale face.

"She has been getting worse...my poor friend...you know the dangers of me doing this...but there isn't much time to waste."

Ariel's golden head bowed in prayer; soft words of incantations and light began to fill the room. Severing and making a new contract would be difficult with Aaliyah being unconscious, but she had faith she would be able to find the piece of her human soul quickly. Besides, the goddess thought to herself, Adarah had been quiet and she was still to new to power to realize its range.

Aaliyah's body began to glow; slowly, deep within herself, Ariel appeared to her.

"Are you ready for what must be done?"

"Yes...I am."

"Anything that you would like to have preformed....in case this is not successful...?", the goddess asked with a heavy heart.

Aaliyah understood her though. "Yes...watch over Morigan and have her returned to Adelphi...if I am not here....please appoint my son as the guardian to Reika...he is a tender spirit and will serve her well...and...tell my husband I am sorry and my feelings towards him will never change."

Tears brimmed in Ariel's eyes and she nodded. Resolute, Aaliyah joined hands with the holy figure and prepared to break the contract that made her an angel. Suddenly all went black and cold; her body was gone and she struggled to make out anything.

"Princess? Princess? Can you hear me?"

"No one can hear you now, little pet."

"Who is there?", the severed soul demanded.

"I think that you know, Saiyanna. Saiyune...Aaliyah...whatever name you wish to hide behind. You are mine now..."

"No....no...."

"Oh yes. Iawia was able to catch part of you, but I will not make the same mistake. You were able to get away from me once, but I knew one day you would be mine."

"No! I am a child of Iawia!"

"I'm afraid not, pet. That bond to your dying master has been broken, and your little 'princess' doesn't have the power to find you here. I am still all powerful, though my body was destroyed. You are mine now! You were always destined to be a child of Pandora!", the voice said as it appeared from the darkness in the form of the dark queen.

--------

"Aaliyah! Aaliyah! No....NO!"

Ariel sank to the floor in tears, grabbing the shoulders of the lifeless vessel and pulling it to her chest. She began to rock back and forth, overcome with her own guilt.

"Mich...Micheal...I...I am sorry....I....I wasn't able to find her...."


--Krangor--

Nefron was just waking up from the new pandamonium of the camp when suddenly it felt as if his heart had been set ablaze. The dragon cried out in agony as his body fell to the ground. Impossible.....there was no way....but he felt it.

"Sai.....SAI!", he called out.

He could feel her; somewhere distant. Though it was weak, his heart would never forget the bond to his precious human girl. He got a quick flash of her panic and fear. Whatever it was- he had to do something. But what? His mind was not intent on ration. Slowly, he raised himself and began to search the campgrounds.

"Minerva! Minerva!"

[rocklobster]

--Michael--
"No! We're not going to lose her!" Michael exclaimed. He sent two telepathic messages, one to Raphael, and one to Sophia. Because Sophia was closer, she got there first.
"What is wrong, my friend?" she asked Michael.
"It's...Aaliyah. We've lost her." Michael explained.
--Joanne--
"What do you mean? You're lying! I may be your niece, but I am not like you! I gave birth to a beautiful, lively daughter and a wonderful son. You? You can only destroy. We are nothing alike." Joanne said.

[Phantom_Sorano]

--Krangor--

Nefron began to cry; his heart ached as he felt the soul's pain. Minerva was busy attending Joanne and Reika. Why had this suddenly happened? Then he remembered: before Aaliyah was appointed to her position and given the holy relic, she was appointed guardian over Reika; the girl was feeling aftershocks much like her was now.

Trying to gain some sense of calm, he bowed his head and prayed, trying to contact his old friend.

"Shaalon....please hear my prayer....ask the goddesses to bring me to Adelphi. I must talk with Micheal."

With a more resolved feeling in his heart, he thanked the goddesses and went to find Morigan.

--Adelphi--

Nefron's plea arose Shaalon from her slumber. Confused and dazed, the green scaled sage made her way to Micheal's chamber, but found no one there. Her feet brought her to the door to Ariel's tower. She walked in the great doors to find the golden-haired goddess bent over a figure, with Micheal standing close by. It took her a moment before she realized what was happening.

"Great Iawia! Princess", she said addressing Ariel with a hurried but formal air, "I have just received message from the wind sage Nefron. He says he can sense the formal human soul of Aaliyah and would like permission to be temporarily allowed in Adelphi to have an audience with you and Aaliyah's family."

Ariel turned to look at the creature; Aaliyah's lifeless body still limp in her lap. She took a moment to compose herself and to rationalize what was happening.

"I honestly thought I would be successful...especially with Adarah not yet knowing about the depths of the different areas of Heilgrad. I don't know where her soul could be trapped...but for her former dragon to be able to sense her now....there just might be a way. With my mother as busy as she is, I do not wish to worry her over my rashness. Micheal, I hope you will explain this all to the Queen in due time, but I will grant Nefron's request to visit Adelphi to have an audience. Because of the Myerian Scythe, Aaliyah was the only one that could cross into Krangor....Micheal....with your aid and the assistance from a band of your finest and most trusted...we will leave for Krangor to retrieve him aswell as your daughter within the hour."

[rocklobster]

--Raphael--
Raphael burst in and saw Aaliyah. "Mother! No!"
"I am sorry, my son." said Michael. After a hasty explanation, he told her about Reika as well.
"Father, I do not wish to fight in this battle." He sighed. "But I will do as mother wishes. I remember when we were invited to Reika's baptism. There is no way I will allow her to die before her time. I will enter her mind immediately and establish the bond."
"Very good, my son. I'm glad we have taught you the importance of duty over desire." Michael said.
Michael turned to Ariel. "I believe I know just the people to contact. My friend Anubis is excellent in matters such as these. You know very well his reputation. I will also contact Zenthos, my best white magic sorceress. I believe they will be all that we need. As well as Minerva."
Sophia nodded. "As much as I would like to help, you are right, my child. I am far too busy. I must also tell you that even now, Joanne is fighting Pandora herself. I was watching her battle for Anei now."
OOC: I'll do Raphael's conversation and introduce Zenthos and Anubis later. Yes, Anubis is named after the Egyptian god. He's my favorite Egyptian mythology character. He's just awesome.

[Lockon Stratos]

"Understood."I took a kneeling postion, that I found useful in channeling power from Feld, over her. I focused on the center of her body heat, and set up a temporary link to Feld from her, using myself as a form of convertor. She seemed to warm a small amount, but not much. "I'm using all I can without incinerating her. It should keep her stable for a while, but if that angel doesn't perk up soon... Well there's nothing more we can do."
While saying this I kept kicking myself mentally.Not again. I can't let another flame go out.

[Masquerade1412]

Trevor watched as Xavier started jumping with excitement. Trevor gently grabbed the string and began pulling the string back. He pulled it, struggling to get it all the way out. When he did, he was dismayed. ....A boot?....

[Phantom_Sorano]

--Adelphi--

Shaalon watched all that was happening around her, preparing to send message back to Minerva and Nefron of what was going to take place.

Ariel slowly laid the angel body on the floor; great bronzed feathers falling as she did so. Another pang of giult surged through her. Two angels, both fair and incredibly beautiful came up to the goddess and bowed.

"Mistress, what would you have us do?", they asked in unison.

"Take her body into the Hall of Roses. Wash her and place her in fine linens....something more regal than black. She is always in black...what irony. Aaliyah has three days...three days to reclaim her body and make the contract to be an angel."

"Yes, Mistress.", they replied as they stooped down and each took the body and lead it out of the room.

Ariel then turned to Micheal.

"I am sorry, old friend. I knew of her weakening condition, and only recently became aware of the fact she was carrying a child. Because of Iawia's condition, it seemed as if she was not fully aware of her total condition. Your choice in comrades is a good one, and I am glad you can always remain steadfast in times of uncertainty. Once Nefron is brought back to Adelphi, he must go alone. I can only open the portal for so long and i have only the strength for the two of them."

[Ally-Ann]

--Karin--
Karin nodded. "Well, here's your chance, kid." she said. "If I were you, I'd lay off the 'little miss queen' routine. You remind me of one of our worst rulers when you do that."
She returned to her telepathic conversation.
Nolk, give me a location. Send me some kind of landmark. I'm sending Eulalia, all right?

"Yeah, well--" Just like the day before, Berenike pinched Eulalia's arm sharply. Eulalia hissed in pain as Berenike scowled at her.

"Obey, Eulalia."

"Right, right..."

[rocklobster]

--Adelphi--
At that moment, two angels entered the throne room. One had long black hair and dark skin. He was dressed in a jackal-skin robe and carried a staff with an ankh, the ancient symbol for eternal life, on the top. He had raven-black wings. This was Anubis, the keeper of the blessed. Next to him was a purple-haired female angel clothed in battle armor, with a phoenix-decorated breastplate. She was Zenthos, a former spirit mage who was granted angelic status as a reward for her years of service as a human.
Anubis knelt before Sophia and Ariel. "We came as soon as we were summoned."
Zenthos unsheathed her katana and dug it into the ground. Then she knelt as well. "I am your weapon, my queen." she said solemnly.
"Well, I guess we should go, then." Michael said. "We'll descend to Krangor to get Nefron and Minerva and then you can open the portal, Ariel."
They flew off to Krangor.
OOC: Have Nefron see the angels and greet them, Soran.
--Raphael--
Raphael concentrated and entered Reika's mind.
"Where's Aaliyah?" Reika asked.
"She cannot help you now. The best you can do right now is pray for her. I am her son, and I will take over as your guardian."
Reika knelt before Raphael, not out of worship, but respect. He poured holy water on her head to bless her and revived her.
Her eyes slowly opened.
OOC: Lockon, you can see her eyes opening.
--Joanne--
Joanne heard a command from Sophia. "Fight her, my child. You must keep her distracted. There are 4 souls at stake: Anei, Aaliyah, and her two unborn children."
Joanne nodded and adopted a fighting stance. She hated violence, but even she knew when it was necessary.
OOC: Let's get ready to rumble, Pandora!
--Xavier--
Xavier rolled on the ground with laughter. "Honestly, why are there so many boots in lakes?"

[Diamond Dragon]

-Ai-
Ai put a hand to Reika's head and tried to send some healing energy into her body.

-Anei-
Even though Pandora's words were for Joanne, Anei knew they were aimed at her as well. When she saw that they were about to fight, she backed away to a safer distance.

ooc: She's gonna join in the fight in a moment Rock.

[Twister980]

Eruan shuddered, there was so much going on... Even with his limited abilities as a human, he could still sense how much was going on. 'Stay calm little one, this is not our battle... Yet.' Saphira nudged him with her nose. He sighed. 'It's hard to stay calm at a time with so many battles going on.' She licked him. 'I know, but we cannot do anything yet. So we will stay here. But you will be praying for them, won't you?' He smiled. 'Yes. Yes I will.'

[Phantom_Sorano]

--Krangor--

Nefron soon saw a large burst of light illuminate the sky to a holy white. He tried to make out the forms descending from the heavens, but the light was almost blinded. When everything had seemingly returned to normal, he was shocked to see the former pagan god and well-known mage aswell as the arch angel and young goddess herself. Immediately, he lowered himself to his belly and arched his head in a bowing stance.

"My fair goddess Ariel...holy warriors...Micheal", he said as his voice began to catch, "please forgive my rudeness. Thank you for coming and I hope you will grant my request."

"Rise, Nefron.", Ariel said in a warm but regal tone, "Your request to visit Adelphi in order to retrieve the human soul of Aaliyah has been granted. Please, if you and Minerva would follow us-the portal must be reopened quickly."

--Heilgrad--

The shattered soul began to take a physical form. Aaliyah's soul looked in surprise at the difference in her body; her hands went through her dark short hair.

"My human body"....she muttered.

"Yes", Pandora chided as her figure appeared more clearly and powerful. "You are just a normal human being now. But we can change that....remember Saiyang?"

The soul shuttered at the thought of being trapped in the body of the sorceress while under Pandora's control and of having to destroy her evil soul that she had split from.

"Your words to not intimidate me...", the soul replied boldly. Her mind and heart went into prayer; she did her best to find someone on a similiar spiritual wavelength that could help her. Then she saw the priestess in a fighting stance.

"Priestess, please aid me...", she asked in her mind on a different plane. She could feel the holy power coming from Joanne; she tried to channel it and soon an orb of light appeared before her. She reached out for it- the ball soon transforming into a golden sword adorned with roses.

"Come Pandora. If you want me....come and get me!"

--Drivalia--

Pandora was growing irritable; these two Iawis worshippers were interferring with her plans. She needed to defeat both of them. Thinking quickly, she soon disconnected her spirit from the demonic vessel she had been able to create in the physical realm of Heilgrad and her spiritual form stood before Joanne in Drivalia ready to battle.

[Twister980]

Eruan's breath came in shallow gasps. 'What is it Eruan?!?' He gasped. "She's here."

[rocklobster]

--Michael--
"We shall do what we can." Michael said.
The rest of the angels awaited the portal's door.
OOC: OK, we're ready, have Ariel open the portal.
--Joanne--
"Anei, I will need your help. This is your fight as much as it is mine. Has your dragon taught you how to concentrate wind energy?" Joanne said.
OOC: read my PM, DD

[Lockon Stratos]

Seeing her eyes open was my cue to shut off the heat.
"Welcome back to the land of the living. Looks like your angel's feeling better."

[rocklobster]

Reika looked up at the new arrival.
"Sorry, I haven't seen you before." Reika said. "Did you help me when I was out?" she asked.

[Lockon Stratos]

"A little bit, yeah."

[Masquerade1412]

--Xavier--
Xavier rolled on the ground with laughter. "Honestly, why are there so many boots in lakes?"

Because that's where people bury their dead.

Trevor shuddered at the thought and tried to beat it out of his head.
No, no, no! Happy thoughts. Maybe someone was on a bridge and dropped a shoe!

Revel came out of the forest and saw that he had went in the wrong direction. Oops. The camp is the OTHER way....oh well... He raised an eyebrow at the young child sprawling about on the ground and Trevor's "boot" dripping from the line. Sigh...not again...

[Twister980]

Eruan began spazzing, Saphira held him down with her talons. 'Eruan! Eruan! It's me!' His eyes had gone white. "Pandora is here, she is here!" He slipped out from under her talons. "She must be stopped!" He yanked Bedaestael out of it's sheath, the sword glowing, and ran off. 'He is like a man possessed!' Saphira thought to herself.