Post by Samantha on Dec 4, 2013 22:37:13 GMT
Selgar and Shendu belong to Kaguya. Shendu has been replaced by Viamor, and anything referring to the former can be perceived as applying to the latter.
Thorndike belonged to Zu, a roleplayer who left the group some time back, and Linhmesh likewise. Anything pertaining to Linhmesh can be perceived as referring instead to Astraeus.
D belongs to 27th.
Quintus belongs to Pine.
MoonJem belongs to Val.
Darkflame belongs to Sam.
This section takes place after D, Darkflame, and MoonJem have located their missing friend Selgar; languishing in a cave in the Ice realm (after his Creator had stripped him of his ability to deal with the cold, poor dear).
***
His breath was light as the other creations talked amongst themselves to determine where the closest and safest territory was. Thinking about the reality of it though, really any territory would do, since he was pretty certain that none of the other Elementals enjoyed Shendu’s power of presence. Or at least, he hoped not. The male shifted his body again, making the weight more bearable as he took a step to the mouth of the cave. Winds had grown calm yet eerie at the same time, they whistled and hummed as they crawled along the edges of boundaries. “I am gaining my strength back every moment we stand, do not worry,” Selgar responded to D as he gave a reassuring nod to all them that had come, “gather yourselves then.” His head turned to the mouth of the home, taking another step to leave while being aware of where he walked for the sake of the others. Perhaps he was stiff, but it would not keep him anchored there nor would he keep them there. Dangers were coming and his home was not going to be safe anymore, as sad as it sounded. “The temperature has dropped a tad, though the treck out should not be long,” his blue hued bodice twisted to look at D, “will you lead the way once we are outside?” Selgar did not believe the navigation would be hard to reach the Life territory, however he planned to be the drag of their small group so leading was not an option.
MoonJem could feel the coldness nip at her sides. It was a very faint feeling, although it would deteriorate the longer they hid here. She could honestly care less on which territory they entered, as long as it wasn’t the current one. She listened carefully to Selgar’s words, then replied, “Shouldn’t we wait a bit longer? Just to assure that you regain all your strength.” Although MoonJem preferred to leave, her new acquaintances must come first.
A strange noise rang in her ears. It was vague and distant, but there. The noise didn’t vanish as she had figured, however. It seemed to draw closer with every precious moment. It was probably nothing, but it still left her deep in wonder.
D nodded his head in affirmative. It was immediately clear to him that Selgar would not want to stay but he also listened to what Moonjem had to say. He would not speak for his Ice creation friend, Selgar could certainly handle that. D swept past his friends and stared out into the Ice territory. D was large enough to brave the winds but if he needed it, he could easily make himself bigger than he already was to make it easier.
The Life creation hoped his wake would make it easier for the others to fly, namely Selgar and Moonjem. He would lift off when everyone was ready and not before.
"I'm ready to leave now, everyone. Just let me know when you're ready," D said, not facing them but letting the icy breezes nip his hide.
Darkflame slid up alongside Moonjem, wanting to talk to Selgar, but feeling the air of urgency around them all. It scared her. Was there something she didn't know? Whatever the case, she knew that they had to go. It was cold, and none of them- not even Selgar, it seemed- were adapted for these sorts of conditions.
Again, she saw before her eyes the image of Selgar lying in the snow, slowly dying. She turned to him where he now stood nearby, a question in her eyes. But after a moment she thought better of it and turned away, looking forward at D.
"I'm ready," she said, shuffling her wings in preparation for the flight.
D realized that everyone was ready to head off and so he spread his large wings, feeling at once the varied winds uplifting them. He stepped out of the cave and was airborne with one strong flap. The ice winds were strong, blowing snow against his body but he was large enough that they didn't rock him like a feather. He circled once, making sure everyone else could handle it before heading straight as an arrow for his home territory. He was quite looking forward to being in safety once more.
The Life creation merely hoped that they would all make it that far.
MoonJem nodded. The sooner they had left the better. The crisp winds began to pick up every breathing moment they rested here it seemed. She hesitated, noticing that D was even having difficulties balancing. Her tense muscles softened when she saw him circle the cave. Now that she was assured, she stepped out of the bitter cave and into the open arctic. She shivered, suddenly feeling that the cave was much more hospital than the frozen wasteland before her. She reluctantly unfolded her tattered wings, letting the wind easily lift her. She frantically flapped and flailed her wings, trying desperately to fight the currents. ‘MoonJem… you idiot! Stop fighting it!’ She scolded herself, stiffening her wings. Eventually the winds picked her up, with a few helpful bats of course, and carried her towards D’s direction.
Darkflame shivered suddenly. Now that the others were no longer between her and the entrance, there was nothing to protect her from the icy wind.
She spread her wings, which were already beginning to tingle as the blood rushed to warm her core. If she wanted to fly with any degree of skill, she would have to start soon. She flapped them quickly a few times to loosen them up, then tensed her muscles and pushed away from the rock, a few small stones tumbling loose beneath her paws. Almost immediately, as soon as she was free of the rock face, she began to drop.
The Dark Creation fought to stay aloft, knowing that she should be used to this by now. Unsteadily, she began to rise towards her friends until, after maybe a minute, her movements had become stable. Then, she concentrated on catching up with them. Who knew what could happen if she strayed too far behind?
Selgar nodded to D as he left the cave and took off, the Ice creation waited until all of them exited before leaving himself but took one last look at his home. The moment did not last long, he knew he would return to his home eventually, though not any time soon when Shendu reigned. Meaning that the creation would soon to be out of home and a safe haven. His head turned to the others as they left and his legs followed quietly with a somewhat stiff movement. He saw as Darkflame looked his way, there were probably many questions on her mind, but time was short and he hoped she would understand why he could not answer them now.
He stood outside the mouth of the cavern as they all took off, the winds growled and whipped fast all around them and even the snow had become dense and heavy. Nature’s temperature had no effect on him again, however he could tell that it was still dropping and the feeling was not comforting either. The wings upon his back finally spread open, letting the feeling of the cool chilly air run over them as his legs pushed off the snow covered ground, rising up to the other creations to leave the, now, wretched territory. His movements were not nearly as fast as usual, however they would suffice for now, after all he was only trying to get to the Life territory. Or so he hoped.
The blizzard of snow was coming down on them faster than it normally would and his sight became slightly clouded, even with his great eyes the storm was tough on them. “We must make haste,” he called forward, hoping that they all could hear him, he could see their shadows and pick out who was who but he assumed they could not, “the storm will onl-” Selgar stopped mid-sentence as a flash of something slid out of the corner of his eye, however when the creation twisted around, he found nothing.
‘Am I seeing things…?’ questioning himself as he looked around and around again, yet there was nothing. The feeling was still unsettling, however he made himself turn back to his friends and flew forward again. “The storm will only get worse,” the Ice creature finished finally, his voice was strong even with all the chaos. Selgar moved to one side of the rear of their group, his wings straining partially against the winds as they were stiff too and it gave him small shocks of pain here and there but it was all bearable. He kept moving, he knew he could recover later and the main importance was-
*=Such easy pickings,=*
Their-
*=Which one should I choose, oh~ Which one, which one.=*
Safety.
*=I choose this one!=*
Selgar’s head whipped to the left as he spotted the movement again, but it was not for him. Shifting his wings to catch the draft of wind, the creation soared forward without a second thought and pushed Darkflame out of the way putting his body in front of the attack. Soon his muscles screamed in pain as the razor sharp edge sliced across the inside neck causing an opening for the frigid air to claim his body. It was not long before his body withdrew and crashed to the ground as the leak from him continued to flow, his eyes pierced through the thick to see the one he hoped to avoid. “Shendu,” Selgar gasped as he felt the pain continue creep over his body. “You know,” the beast said with a malicious voice, “you should really watch where you fly. You never know what dangers lie out in the sky.” The creation of ice could see as the Ice Elemental’s face grew a dark smirk, he had planned on Selgar protecting whomever he had chosen to go after. It was Shendu’s trap for him.
***
Finally he was alone, though having that new creation was good and the newborn would provide efficient results from the way he made him. The beast pushed forward, tearing through the curtains of wind that blew to him, and repeated this process twice if not more. The land was responding to him, it felt the emotions as he did, it was the cold ice as he was, and it was great. Shendu took a deep breath and released a puff of air as the snow, that fell ever so softly, changed into a heavy and engulfing storm. Although, his sight stayed clear the entire flight and it would as long as he wished it. Beyond the land reacting only to him, the dragon thought of how he would play out his plan on them, the group of creations that came to save that pitiful ice creation. There were many ways that he, the Ice Elemental, could make it work, however what would make him the most satisfied with the outcome was his aim. A smirk spread wide across his face as a play was decided and he flew faster through his territory to start it all.
It was not long before he could see them, the group of creations, though they could not see him. Why? Because his wings had taken him high above them, far above that they could not sense, see, hear, or be prepared for him, however that meant that he would have to move quickly if his plan was to work properly. For now, he watched as they all rose into the mighty winds, one creation was of the Life element, another was of the Time element, another was of the Dark element, and the last was of Ice. The male brute thought a creation of Air had come with them too, but perhaps that one left already. He did not know nor did he care, all of what was in front of him now was them and from them he would choose. “Time to play,” he whispered to the land and his eyes began to glow.
*=Such easy pickings,=*
Shendu was letting Selgar know he was here as he descended from the cloud covered skies above them, swinging his tail through the air.
*=Which one should I choose, oh~ Which one, which one.=*
The Elemental drew closer with a large push from his wings, sending him right to his target, though already knowing the outcome of this action, his tail of the reapers still sliced at the feeble Dark creation.
*=I choose this one!=*
If he could have laughed, he would have but he held it in as his scythe made contact with the Ice creation’s neck. It whistled as it sliced across the air and across the pathetic creation, drawing the nectar of life that flowed within every creature’s body. Blood. Shendu watched with his head held high as Selgar fell to the ground, the sound of the crash echoed through the caverns that surrounded that area, and the Elemental chuckled cynically. “You know,” he said with a dark and cold tone yet it held a joy to him, “you should really watch where you fly. You never know what dangers lie out in the sky.” Shendu looked to the others that were still hovering and began to descend with a force that could crush a part of the fallen creature. However, in the last moment, the Creator of the Ice shifted and landed right before Selgar, sending mound of snow up into the cutting gales and shaking the ground that lie beneath him.
***
Darkflame could hardly see the dragon in front of her. The storm was so thick, and the winds so strong- the elements were battering at her wings, trying to contort her body, and she had to concentrate hard to stay on course.
Suddenly, someone slammed into her, and she cried out in surprise and alarm. It was Selgar. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw a massive blue dragon hurtle out of the storm, and her friend's considerably smaller figure begin to fall. Her muscles tensed with fear, and she desperately tried to speak, but was unable to find her tongue. She wasn't even certain of what had just transpired.
But Selgar could be hurt! That could be Shendu. Shendu! He could be hurting him.
Darkflame turned quickly, looking for the others. But Selgar's maneuver had thrown her off course, and she could no longer see any of them, nor whether or not they had witnessed the attack.
"D!" she cried out into the darkness, voice choked with fear. "Selgar!"
Nothing. She couldn't see anything but the fierce, biting flakes of snow that churned about her and bit into her skin. She listened desperately for the sound of their voices, but could only hear the howling of the wind in her ears. It was useless.
If she remained there, she would be destroyed by the storm. If she landed, she would freeze. And what of Selgar? Was he in trouble still?
She gave a desperate, hopeless cry. Either way, this would end badly. She broke out of her hover, began to gain momentum once again, but could see no-one. She was alone. Or was she? Would she no otherwise? The others could be only a few meters away, and she wouldn't see or hear them.
"Selgar!" she screamed, then came to her senses and remembered that Shendu was out there also. Biting her lip, the small Dark Creation began her descent towards the unseen earth below.
D was at the head of the group and he growled as the storm began. Even he was beginning to be knocked about, like a feather in a light breeze. He used his shapeshifting skills to become larger, which helped a little. He strained to listen as he realized that someone was calling out...Selgar? With the roaring of the wind, he couldn't make out much of anything but his great wings curved in the rough drafts (lol, is he writing an essay?) as he changed course to find out who it was.
It was then that the Life creation saw a flash of movement and he realized with great shock that Selgar was spiralling towards earth and so was Darkflame. D shapeshifted, again and made his body streamlined, charging towards the ground. He landed between Darkflame and Selgar, not sure who to see to first. Darkflame was almost in a panic while D could tell that Selgar was hurt and badly. Coming to a decision quickly, D walked towards the fallen Ice creation.
Seeing the wound, D growled, again,"Oh no!"
It seemed like they were trapped in the Ice territory, for D couldn't lift Selgar by himself and they needed protection from the storm. What could they possibly do now?
“Welcome to my word,” MoonJem muttered, picking out the creations’ frantic bats over the harsh, hissing winds. She froze when a caterwaul pounded in her ears, let out by none other than Darkflame. The stench of blood wisped up her nose, terrifying the Time creation. Words began to trail afterwards. This voice was bitter and callous, obviously not an ally. D’s scent scurried past her along with a blast of air. He was already determined to save the two morsels plunging to the frozen grounds. She followed soon after, her wings unable to endure such harsh conditions. She recklessly continued down, but the massive winds continued to toss her like a feather. She looked down to check on the others, only to receive the usually black enclosing.
The only thing visible for miles was a blinding white, obscuring the vision of any living being there. Both hail and snow pelted the skies in such a ferocious manner that even the typical inhabitants of the land would be made uncomfortable. The weather was unusually violent, and the Air Ambassador was having great difficulty navigating it, which was hardly ever the case. As he pushed against the winds, that of which were mercilessly tugging at his hair and body to pull him back, the long blue body whipped from side to side as he delved deeper into the relentless blizzard.
Quintus grimaced deeply as he did so, tail lashing the air. Despite the taxing matter at hand, he exerted all of his energies into continuing on, for he was aware that if he were to stop now, this would be it for him. Moving was the only thing managing to keep him alive. The occasional block of ice had already gotten through his fur, slicing open his skin to a mild extent in several areas. Quintus was beginning to grow weary of this, though. There was no such thing as a small territory there, the Ice Territory being no exception. Even still, he hadn't a fathom of an idea of where to look, and returning to the Life Territory to rest was an option he had pondered once or twice.
A fire burned inside him that drove him forward, despite all of his other concerns, he had his own selfish antics. Yes, perhaps he hadn't been as prompt on showing up to Lihnmesh as he typically was, but what reason had he to send Thorndike? To go together with his grimace now came a scowl, both to brace himself against a random gust of wind, and in irritation. Hadn't he been doing well enough for the Elemental?
Sub-consciously, at the thought of it, Quintus had sped up. Or, rather, was straining even harder against the storm. He hadn't realized it, but the blizzard seemed to be growing even more intense. It was remarkable that throughout the mass of snow he spotted a flash of light.
Snapping back to reality, Quintus's ears twitched to a perked position the best they could and he drew to a halt, body curling into spirals as he tried to make out the scene before him. Perhaps there /was/ some life left in this vast territory, and hopefully it was an intelligent being. Observing it, he soon heard a cry - in his own tongue, nevertheless - that of which was unclear to him, but the tone was obvious. In reaction, a snarl curled his lips as he hovered there, a spark here and there leaping from them, but he soon ceased this, as nothing seemed to care for his presence, if he was even being noticed at all.
Curiosity overtook him, and now remembering to move as a cold burst of wind brushed up against him and howled in his ears, he began to spiral down, tail curling in eradicate directions as he came to a surprisingly smooth landing, his front legs crunching against the surface shortly followed by the rest of him. Instantly, amidst the full force of the tempest, four blobs turned into four dragons. Three faces were unfamiliar to him, so all he could do was assume they were Creations, and the fact that one was wounded disturbed him, and the other...
“You know, you should really watch where you fly. You never know what dangers lie out in the sky.”
The voice itself sent a shiver done his spine and seemed to be the coldest thing there. The fur on the back of his neck rose slightly, and his swishing tail became a little more stiff. As well as being familiar with the voice, the face was also vaguely familiar. Shendu. The Ice Elemental. Well, he was certainly as intimidating as he sounded. Quintus hesitated, unsure of what to do. It was rather obvious that he could wind himself up in a lot of trouble here very, very quickly, seeing as that Creation seemed to have been attacked by him. Surprisingly he was still alive, it seemed.
Quintus pondered his options. Knowing that he was just behind Shendu, he may still be able to flee, though at the same time, he may have still noticed it. Finally making a decision, he mustered up his courage, the best he could, at the moment, and cleared his throat sharply before speaking, struggling the control his jaw so that it may not chatter.
"Hello there, Lord Shendu," he said politely, only in a firm enough tone to be heard while still trying to keep an air of respect. "I am Quintus... Lord Lihnmesh's ambassador. I have been sent her in search of a fellow Creation." His eyes darted away for just a brief moment to look at the injured Creation, before back at Shendu. "Please pardon any intrusion he may have caused," Quintus said, and ear twitching again. "You wouldn't happen to have seen him, if it isn't too much trouble for me to ask?"
D was still pondering what to do when he realized that two others had joined them. One-though he had never met the great Elemental-he realized was Shendu. For a heartbeat, he thought the second was Thorndike but on hearing the stranger's voice, he corrected himself. He lashed his tail across the snowy ground in high agitation. Perhaps this Quintus fellow could help them out.
If so, it would certainly be appreciated. The Life creation took this moment in time to check on Darkflame and MoonJem. They were both there and seemed none the worse for wear, at least considering the circumstances.
Everything was going as he had planned it, the play continued to move along with no mishaps, and all he needed now was. "Hello there, Lord Shendu," a voice called, coming from an area of which he did not see, however his tail flickered at the voice. He heard very word of the creation that dare sneak into his lands but this time the ambassador’s timing was absolutely perfect. Shendu took a moment before doing anything as the panic and chaos revealed itself to him and he showed his wonderful smirk. His eyes glowed with an intense white light as the storms and winds died down, the land and weather were becoming calmer and silent again, was it really because of him? The Elemental was giddy for this and would definitely use it in the future, however for now the task at hand.
The brute’s massive body slightly turned to face the group and the new arrival, his eyes glancing over the fallen, the ones over him, and then over to the Air creation. His message would soon be heard and told over and across the territories, patience was key unfortunately, however he knew he could pull it off. “I would not worry about such a low creature,” he finally said, focusing on the group that was around Selgar, “he is not worth anything like that. Your time, feelings, and effort should not be spent about or with him. He is completely pathetic and only causes the downfall of others or himself.” His tone was harsh as the winds that dialed down and cold as the ice that made his territory His. “What is your name Air Creation?” Shendu commanded more than asking, changing the topic with a whip of his tail.
Black. The world was black. The world was silent. Yet, this world had feeling. Pain. Chills. Where was he? Had he passed on? No. Passing on, there would not be pain, or he hoped this. But, truly where was he? Yells and shouts finally into his hollow ear canals, Darkflame was worried and now they landed. He could feel the ground as each landed in the somewhat soft snow, the crunching below their feet was almost music and with that thought the creation heard another enter. This voice was new to Selgar, however this voice asked for Thorndike which meant that the voice had connections to the Air Elemental. His muscles shifted to rise from the snow once again, the air around him had ceased to whip and twist, leaving the snow to just falling slowly with a dance about them. Opening his almond eyes slightly, he first saw the crimson stream that flowed lightly now from his body, it was almost like a painting, beautiful and silent, but it caused him pain once more.
Selgar would live from the attack, the tail had sliced at his neck, and drew blood. However, it was not deep enough to kill him or cause too much blood loss. He was sure, also, that Shendu knew these details too. It was not long before he heard the Elemental speak and it was about him, the fallen creation in the snow. The creation of Ice moved again, letting them around him know that he was alright, rising to where his head was lifted to see and struggled once again to rise to his feet. Although, almost falling in the process but trying not fall on Darkflame as he knew her strength would probably not hold them both. What was this Ice Elemental plotting? And why was he so happy about now? “Shendu,” speaking with a raspy voice but even with that, it held a strength that was his own, “why are you doing this? What could you possibly gain?”
D was relieved to see Selgar sit up, though now they were in a real mess. The Life creation stayed silent, knowing Shendu and Quintus were having their own conversation. The Air Ambassador could have the Ice Elemental, for all that D cared. All he wanted was to reach safety with his friends in one piece. The weather was better at least, one plus in a world full of negatives.
MoonJem released the concealed breath clinging to her lungs once the cruel weather had subsided, forming a calm environment. No longer baffled by the winds, the Time creation gathered up her senses and swiftly glided down to her comrades. Whoever it was that had calmed Lord Shendu couldn’t have had better timing. Another blow of that wind, and MoonJem would be as good as gone. She panted quietly, catching her breath. Her ears poised once she heard Selgar rouse. ‘Thank goodness!’ She wailed in her mind, rushing over to the direction she had assumed the others were at. She halted near him, wafting the reek of blood gradually into her nose. He was obviously injured… too weak to continue. They would have to endure this madness for a bit longer.
All at once, the snow had cleared. She could now see the vast plane of snow that lay before her, rising in the distance into the foothills of mountains- the mountains themselves almost invisible against the richly clouded sky.
Darkflame whirled around, searching, and a massive dragon caught her eye. His scales were of a rich blue, his whole person radiating a sort of suppressed ferocity that turned her bones to lead.
Shendu.
No one had told her, but the name seemed to fit. This was the dragon of Ice, who had Created Selgar, and who had knocked him out of the sky...
Her friend had struggled to his feet, was facing his master. He was evidently weak and, with numb horror, Darkflame noted the open wound at his neck. She barely even registered that another Creation had joined them. All that existed was Shendu, and Selgar, and that wound, and her fear. The fear that kept her frozen where she was, unable to help her friend, or herself.
Quintus made a great effort to hide his discomfort. Even as the wind died down and the snow became more gentle, he still felt chilled to the bone. Shendu seemed to be enough of a menace to be mistaken for the Death Elemental. But he digressed, as he was clearly not one to upset. And now, upon closer examination, the Creation that was on the ground looking ever so frail appeared to be one of his own.
The thought of him provoked a shiver that coursed through his body. In that instant, Quintus snapped his attention back to the Ice Elemental, hoping that he had not seen the slip up of his composure as the attention was returned to him. Quintus hadn't a clue as to Thorndike's whereabouts, as Shendu had collectively ignored his question.
Forcing his body to relax and to make vague eye contact, the ambassador began responding, "Quint-" when a slight stirring in the background drew his attention away. His brows lifted in surprise to see the wounded one getting up and to now be surrounded by a few other Creations as it spoke equally cross words back to the Elemental. /What a blind fool he is,/ Quintus thought, rather alarmed by this act, his tail flicking nervously side to side. He wasn't even affiliated with any of their current affairs, and he found himself clamming up, not daring to breathe a word to intervene.
The monstrous creature looming high above those who invaded his territory, awaiting the newly arrived to answer his own question. His eyes watched carefully as the Air ambassador’s mind was drawn else where and this somewhat angered him. However, he kept his own composure since it would do no good to attack this one, not yet at least. It was time to get his own point across and each of the creations before him would surely do it. Shendu snorted lightly as the blue hued frame rose with the wound around his neck still not stabilized, the betrayer’s words rung in the air to only him. His head slightly turned to them with a grin held within his eyes as he did not acknowledged the question in the end and went back to focusing on Quintus. "A sad excuse for a creation, isn’t he?" his voice echoed far and beyond to the caves, the deep throaty tone with dark and icy, "I am surprised he has made it this far, quite pathetic actually." His tail floated over the ground, making a silent slicing sound as it swished of boredom. "Now, what did you say your name was again, Air Creation?" Shendu said as his optics drew upon the ambassador’s frame.
A change surged over his mind as he made a step forward again, even with the pain that coursed throughout his entire body. That thing that caused pain and destruction would answer the question without hesitation and he would do it now. The creation had not felt this emotion before...
Or...
Not for a long time. Anger. It was forming from within and he was not sure if he could contain it. Selgar’s facial expression morphed slightly and only those who were close to him would be able to see such anger grow across his face. "Shendu," his voice with a deep tone than before, it was not threatening but perhaps could send chills up one’s spin, "answer me." His rich almond eyes grew dark as he spoke, they did not hold the gentle caring that he was know for.
What it was that was changing him?
Perhaps the Elemental had finally influenced his actions and was changing him from the inside out?
Whatever it may be, it was showing and the Ice Creation stood tall enduring all that passed through his veins as his heart pumped harder and harder to keep him alive.
The brute of a creature only glanced his way and said such simple words to end Selgar’s demands. "Be silent Creation," the Elemental’s own anger showing before looking back at the Air creation, "your name, Air creation."
"Quite," he muttered in agreement, not meaning a word of it, his eyes taken off of Shendu. In truth, Quintus was a little envious of how bold the Creation was. Either that, or he was simply ignorant. Whatever it was, Quintus was not portraying a sliver of that confidence at that moment, and only managed to look unperturbed.
A second time the Elemental asked his name, but before he could answer, the Ice Creation distracted him again, and would have ended up interrupting him anyway. This reaction seemed to only anger the Elemental as he had been put off once again by the ambassador. Quintus had never before felt as scatterbrained as he did now. All that he could thing of was how he wouldn't be in this awkward situation if he had kept his nose in his own business. Now he was intervening with things he shouldn't even dream of tampering.
Finally, on the third time, Quintus corrected himself without any interruptions. "Quintus," he said, struggling to keep his voice calm, though he could feel his heart rate accelerate.
Darkflame shivered at Selgar's tone. His eyes had hardened, grown dark. Standing there, even with that gash in his neck, he suddenly seemed stronger than ever. More dangerous, too. Darkflame was transfixed. She'd never seen him like this.
She took a step closer, the ice crunching beneath her feet. Shendu had his back turned, but he seemed to be talking with the newcomer. MoonJem and D were near Selgar. Suddenly her legs moved, and Darkflame scrambled to her friends' side, sliding into a position just beside MoonJem.
“Quintus,” he mumbled to himself with a dark power emitting from his vocals, “what an interesting name for an Air creation.” The way he stood was quiet enough to give off the impression that he was not paying attention, a very good act one could say, but indeed he was paying all the time. Was it because of his senses? No, not really. Because of him being a top notch warrior? No, not that either. What it was to be a secret and he planned to keep this one secret until his demise. Lifting his head over to the splay of creations, the brute of a beast snorted with a condescending glint in his eye as he turned back to the ambassador. “I will not play games with you, Quintus,” he finally responded, not changing his tone, letting it him deal with whatever released from his mouth, “I do not know the location of that creation you are looking for.” His massive head motioned to the creations near Selgar and snorted again, “they are all the creations here right now.” Shendu swung his tail out for the brief moment, more out of sheer boredom than anything, letting the sharp whistling sound cut the internal ears of those who could hear, and the thought of anyone’s pain would make the Elemental smirk quietly.
“Now for the main event to play out,” the dragon chuckled darkly, letting it roll into a longer laugh that echoed deep within the bellows of his chest. His eyes traced the muscles of the Ice creation below as they reacted to his words, this was going to be enjoyable to the very end. Winds of a chilled temperature began to wrap around them as the soft snow curled beneath their feet and the Elemental let out a low but deep hum. “You wonder why I am doing this,” his voice sharper as the icicle shards that protrude from his body, “then let me ask you this. Have you ever wondered what will become of you in the years beyond? Have you ever really wondered what was our purpose here? Why each of us were created?” His body seemed to grow in size as he spoke, gaining more momentum as he spoke, and letting whatever energy that boiled from within surge over his body. “No, I did not think so,” his nostrils released another snuff of harsh air again, “nothing of your standard would even think of this. There are stronger forces at work and it is time to upstage them. We are not puppets for their control and it is time for them to understand that. The time of a new era is dawning, and whether many like it or not, it is coming and cannot be stopped.” Shendu chuckled lightly again, if anyone had maybe thoughts if he was crazy before, now perhaps they would think more of it. However, he was not completely insane, the powers that kept them from ever being more than what they were, the ones that created them, the ones who watched from another place, time, or world were about to get loud awakening call.
“And you believe that you have the right to force such a hand?” the voice was strong and yet still beneath his power that spoke such challenging words, “Shendu, Elemental of Ice. You believe that You, simple you, can do such a thing?” The Elemental roared quietly as one could roar and spun, not caring where his tail spun too, letting his eyes met the Ice creation that stood solid. “I do not believe, foolish Creation,” his face inching closer to the male, “I know.” He raised his head to the sky above and felt the wondrous ice around him, letting it over take him and taking over it.
“There are going to be many changes soon,” his vocals changed slightly, they were not as angry or emotional as before, just warning, calm yet deadly, “I wouldn’t sleep so soundly from now on if I was you.”
That is when it happened, the ground shook from beneath them and the land seemed to live. Its soul rising into a shape of a monster, stretching out to grab whomever it could devour, and it would in an instant. Rolling hills became alive, ready to kill by their touch, and the winds came to whip their victims too. The freezing air growing colder as Shendu laughed again, his bellows echoing all around, the monster was not fast enough to catch the creations really, but this was his way of getting rid of them and soon his warning. “Let the word spread that the old is done with and the new era is just beginning. I am always open to those who are know the truth, they are always welcome to join me, and I will be watching for them. Creators who are blind be warned of this,” he spoke with such power as his words were meant to be carried on to the other Elementals, “I show no mercy to the ignorant and will make this change forever lasting. I am Shendu, an Elemental of Ice, and I tear will down the old worlds and create a new!” Everything trembled beneath his every waking force as they all would have to be in the air at this point, leaving the Ice territory, and giving the news of his awakening.
Everything was falling apart right in front of him, his mind was being manipulated unintentionally, his emotions were changing slowly, his home was becoming the enemies territory, and the Elemental that /created/ him was now claiming the world that they lived in was nothing more than hoax of lies and cover ups. The slender framed creation’s muscle made a slight twinge as the monster’s mind was shifting or that is what he thought or felt…
‘Our minds cannot be merging,’ the silent blue of a creature told himself as he stood his ground, hearing the cry of such promises, ‘no. If that were true, he would be able to read my mind instead of invade it.’ Selgar’s head watched carefully as more was spoke about the true nature of the world and its intentions, what they did not understand and what Shendu was truly wanting from these events. The creation disagreed with every word that spouted from this Elemental though, power this, upturning that, it was all unbalanced and not correct. In the pit of his gut, he knew that it was what the Ice Elemental truly was aim for though.
“And you believe that you have the right to force such a hand?” his voice calm as before, like that Ice creation that everyone had knew to fly with, “Shendu, Elemental of Ice. You believe that You, simple you, can do such a thing?” His words may have been challenging but the anger or the emotions that spilled from him before were no longer present, thankfully. Selgar watched as the Elemental curved his long serpant neck towards him, seeing eye to eye for once. “I do not believe, foolish Creation,” the cold face inching closer to his, “I know.”
The response was short and to the point, everything was going according to the brute’s plans, the creation could tell that much, but why had Shendu not attacked again? It was too easy for him to make them squirm right now, but he did nothing except warn, talk, and preach. ‘Something is not right,’ the male creation glancing from corner of his eye to the next, trying to see what maybe could happen, but nothing appeared. It was then, that it happened.
The land became alive, roaring from the deepest of all hells, moving like a rapid animal on the kill, it was wild and strong. “Fly!” Selgar called quickly as his wings spread, taking him into the frigid air that wrapped around them all, his eyes searched fast to those who may needed assistance, and dove to help. The grounds moved with such quakes as if to eat them, the snow upturned and twisted, and like chaotic waves on the rocks the icy land grew wilder. His head turned fast at Shendu as he spoke again, watching every action of this Elemental, and from this he determined. “He is letting us go,” his voice at a whisper now as his wings took him to the friends that came to his aid, “spreading his word...” Selgar glanced over to Quintus and saw why the ambassador was not attacked. Shendu wanted him to deliver the main of the message since the ambassador had direct or should have direct contact to another Elemental. The word would be spread definitely now and now his home was no longer.
MoonJem’s eyes widened as the Ice Territory began to stir. Raging winds welled beneath the Ice Elemental’s rasp chortle. Unable to pinpoint the precise crisis, the ground beneath her feet moaned in agony. Flooded with dismay the Time Creation wasn’t hesitant to obey Selgar’s command. Fighting the wind’s appalling current, she could hardly inch towards Selgar without being flung around like a feather. Beating her wings as fast and as hard as possible, MoonJem managed to increase her speed slightly. It wasn’t much, but perhaps it was enough to slide through the Elemental’s grasp. Her ears began to swerve in every direction, catching every painful wail the territory made, and listening to the chill shudder of the ground. A gulp slithered down her throat as anxiety washed over her. How could this fiend cast a cataclysm over his own land? She had doubts that the Lord of Ice was possessed with insanity.
D knew at once that danger was all about him. He knew that Shendu was insane. He also knew that they were going to escape this icy prison. Shendu wanted them to escape to spread his doom filled message. With a mighty flap of his wings and wishing that he had the ability of an Air creation to mold the air to his wings and make flying easier, he shot into the sky, his purple eyes flashing from friend to friend, making sure each was going to become airborne and follow him out to the Life territory.
A grimace cross Quintus's mouth, hardly bothering to censor his emotions any longer. Where could Thorndike had gone? "Play games" with him? Something was ominous about the way he spoke, something off that made him wish that he was not there. He, however, could not leave until dismissed. Otherwise it would be a rude gesture, and he may as well impale himself on Shendu's scythe of a tail before the Ice Elemental did so on his own.
However, the Elemental seemed to have lost interest in him as he turned away. Quintus lifted a leg as though to leave, but placed it back down again as he made a friendly reminder of where he was to himself and the precautions Linhmesh had advised to him. The blizzard had moments ago settled to the soft, gradual fall of snow to the ground, but now the winds were stirring up again, it's cool touch brushing against him as though circling him, prowling him.
Quintus looked down at this, partly out of fear of what may happen if this so happened to turn out to be an attack, but Shendu seemed to have lost interest altogether, and was caught up in his own explanation. There was a glint in the ambassador's eye, suggesting that he felt that the Ice Elemental was mad as he continued a challenge to an invisible enemy. Quintus had the urge to smart mouth him, saying that even if such a being existed, it should not be one to be meddled with, but the storm grew stronger, and he still knew better than to be curt to an Elemental.
It was then that the ground rippled. Quintus's eyes widened, and he looked below his splayed feet. This sudden force came as a surprise to him as the frequency and sheer power increased rapidly, as though something was lurking in the earth beneath them that had been resting for quite a while, but now was up to a rude awakening. The intensity of the quake suddenly became explosive, and if it came anywhere near him, he had the feeling it would knock him over without mercy, and it was heading within the relative proximity of himself.
"Fly!"
This was needless to say. As soon as a wave had approached him, Quintus had launched himself into the air, pushing from his back legs and, as though to be slithering atypical serpentine creatures, swinging his entire body from side to side to propel him forward throw the thickening ice. He glanced over his shoulder briefly to confirm that the other Creations had made it back into the skies and, seeing no trouble, banked in the direction of the Life Territory, slowing a little so as not to get ahead of the other Creations, glancing back at them every now and again.
Darkflame yelped as the world began to roar, and twist about them like some huge beast.
The air whipped at bit at her fur as, desperately, she flung herself headlong into the storm in an attempt to get away. Take offs had never been her strong point, though. The wind seized hold of her, spinning her almost one hundred and eighty degrees, and sent her tumbling back to earth before she had even risen six feet.
The ground pulsated. With another cry, Darkflame flung herself back into the air, wings beating furiously, paws scrambling, wanting with all her being to be away from that living ice and terrifying Elemental.
D was having trouble seeing in this terrible storm but he felt, amongst all of the chaos that Quintus was with them and that Darkflame was struggling behind. Shapeshifting to make his body as streamlined as possible, the Life creation pinned back his wings and dived back to his friend's side. He was beside her in an instant and back to his larger body frame.
"Darkflame, relax! I'm here to help you. I have a plan to get you up in the air and help you stay there but you have to listen to what I tell you," D was glad that he could use telepathy to communicate; there was no way any dragon could hear another over the mighty roar of the storm.
D thought back to a better time when he had visited the Air territory and he had seen an older dragon helping a younger one learn how to fly. He had admired the ease of their skills and he had stayed in the Air territory, practicing his own flying skills until he had mastered them. He was glad of that experience now.
Thorndike belonged to Zu, a roleplayer who left the group some time back, and Linhmesh likewise. Anything pertaining to Linhmesh can be perceived as referring instead to Astraeus.
D belongs to 27th.
Quintus belongs to Pine.
MoonJem belongs to Val.
Darkflame belongs to Sam.
This section takes place after D, Darkflame, and MoonJem have located their missing friend Selgar; languishing in a cave in the Ice realm (after his Creator had stripped him of his ability to deal with the cold, poor dear).
***
His breath was light as the other creations talked amongst themselves to determine where the closest and safest territory was. Thinking about the reality of it though, really any territory would do, since he was pretty certain that none of the other Elementals enjoyed Shendu’s power of presence. Or at least, he hoped not. The male shifted his body again, making the weight more bearable as he took a step to the mouth of the cave. Winds had grown calm yet eerie at the same time, they whistled and hummed as they crawled along the edges of boundaries. “I am gaining my strength back every moment we stand, do not worry,” Selgar responded to D as he gave a reassuring nod to all them that had come, “gather yourselves then.” His head turned to the mouth of the home, taking another step to leave while being aware of where he walked for the sake of the others. Perhaps he was stiff, but it would not keep him anchored there nor would he keep them there. Dangers were coming and his home was not going to be safe anymore, as sad as it sounded. “The temperature has dropped a tad, though the treck out should not be long,” his blue hued bodice twisted to look at D, “will you lead the way once we are outside?” Selgar did not believe the navigation would be hard to reach the Life territory, however he planned to be the drag of their small group so leading was not an option.
MoonJem could feel the coldness nip at her sides. It was a very faint feeling, although it would deteriorate the longer they hid here. She could honestly care less on which territory they entered, as long as it wasn’t the current one. She listened carefully to Selgar’s words, then replied, “Shouldn’t we wait a bit longer? Just to assure that you regain all your strength.” Although MoonJem preferred to leave, her new acquaintances must come first.
A strange noise rang in her ears. It was vague and distant, but there. The noise didn’t vanish as she had figured, however. It seemed to draw closer with every precious moment. It was probably nothing, but it still left her deep in wonder.
D nodded his head in affirmative. It was immediately clear to him that Selgar would not want to stay but he also listened to what Moonjem had to say. He would not speak for his Ice creation friend, Selgar could certainly handle that. D swept past his friends and stared out into the Ice territory. D was large enough to brave the winds but if he needed it, he could easily make himself bigger than he already was to make it easier.
The Life creation hoped his wake would make it easier for the others to fly, namely Selgar and Moonjem. He would lift off when everyone was ready and not before.
"I'm ready to leave now, everyone. Just let me know when you're ready," D said, not facing them but letting the icy breezes nip his hide.
Darkflame slid up alongside Moonjem, wanting to talk to Selgar, but feeling the air of urgency around them all. It scared her. Was there something she didn't know? Whatever the case, she knew that they had to go. It was cold, and none of them- not even Selgar, it seemed- were adapted for these sorts of conditions.
Again, she saw before her eyes the image of Selgar lying in the snow, slowly dying. She turned to him where he now stood nearby, a question in her eyes. But after a moment she thought better of it and turned away, looking forward at D.
"I'm ready," she said, shuffling her wings in preparation for the flight.
D realized that everyone was ready to head off and so he spread his large wings, feeling at once the varied winds uplifting them. He stepped out of the cave and was airborne with one strong flap. The ice winds were strong, blowing snow against his body but he was large enough that they didn't rock him like a feather. He circled once, making sure everyone else could handle it before heading straight as an arrow for his home territory. He was quite looking forward to being in safety once more.
The Life creation merely hoped that they would all make it that far.
MoonJem nodded. The sooner they had left the better. The crisp winds began to pick up every breathing moment they rested here it seemed. She hesitated, noticing that D was even having difficulties balancing. Her tense muscles softened when she saw him circle the cave. Now that she was assured, she stepped out of the bitter cave and into the open arctic. She shivered, suddenly feeling that the cave was much more hospital than the frozen wasteland before her. She reluctantly unfolded her tattered wings, letting the wind easily lift her. She frantically flapped and flailed her wings, trying desperately to fight the currents. ‘MoonJem… you idiot! Stop fighting it!’ She scolded herself, stiffening her wings. Eventually the winds picked her up, with a few helpful bats of course, and carried her towards D’s direction.
Darkflame shivered suddenly. Now that the others were no longer between her and the entrance, there was nothing to protect her from the icy wind.
She spread her wings, which were already beginning to tingle as the blood rushed to warm her core. If she wanted to fly with any degree of skill, she would have to start soon. She flapped them quickly a few times to loosen them up, then tensed her muscles and pushed away from the rock, a few small stones tumbling loose beneath her paws. Almost immediately, as soon as she was free of the rock face, she began to drop.
The Dark Creation fought to stay aloft, knowing that she should be used to this by now. Unsteadily, she began to rise towards her friends until, after maybe a minute, her movements had become stable. Then, she concentrated on catching up with them. Who knew what could happen if she strayed too far behind?
Selgar nodded to D as he left the cave and took off, the Ice creation waited until all of them exited before leaving himself but took one last look at his home. The moment did not last long, he knew he would return to his home eventually, though not any time soon when Shendu reigned. Meaning that the creation would soon to be out of home and a safe haven. His head turned to the others as they left and his legs followed quietly with a somewhat stiff movement. He saw as Darkflame looked his way, there were probably many questions on her mind, but time was short and he hoped she would understand why he could not answer them now.
He stood outside the mouth of the cavern as they all took off, the winds growled and whipped fast all around them and even the snow had become dense and heavy. Nature’s temperature had no effect on him again, however he could tell that it was still dropping and the feeling was not comforting either. The wings upon his back finally spread open, letting the feeling of the cool chilly air run over them as his legs pushed off the snow covered ground, rising up to the other creations to leave the, now, wretched territory. His movements were not nearly as fast as usual, however they would suffice for now, after all he was only trying to get to the Life territory. Or so he hoped.
The blizzard of snow was coming down on them faster than it normally would and his sight became slightly clouded, even with his great eyes the storm was tough on them. “We must make haste,” he called forward, hoping that they all could hear him, he could see their shadows and pick out who was who but he assumed they could not, “the storm will onl-” Selgar stopped mid-sentence as a flash of something slid out of the corner of his eye, however when the creation twisted around, he found nothing.
‘Am I seeing things…?’ questioning himself as he looked around and around again, yet there was nothing. The feeling was still unsettling, however he made himself turn back to his friends and flew forward again. “The storm will only get worse,” the Ice creature finished finally, his voice was strong even with all the chaos. Selgar moved to one side of the rear of their group, his wings straining partially against the winds as they were stiff too and it gave him small shocks of pain here and there but it was all bearable. He kept moving, he knew he could recover later and the main importance was-
*=Such easy pickings,=*
Their-
*=Which one should I choose, oh~ Which one, which one.=*
Safety.
*=I choose this one!=*
Selgar’s head whipped to the left as he spotted the movement again, but it was not for him. Shifting his wings to catch the draft of wind, the creation soared forward without a second thought and pushed Darkflame out of the way putting his body in front of the attack. Soon his muscles screamed in pain as the razor sharp edge sliced across the inside neck causing an opening for the frigid air to claim his body. It was not long before his body withdrew and crashed to the ground as the leak from him continued to flow, his eyes pierced through the thick to see the one he hoped to avoid. “Shendu,” Selgar gasped as he felt the pain continue creep over his body. “You know,” the beast said with a malicious voice, “you should really watch where you fly. You never know what dangers lie out in the sky.” The creation of ice could see as the Ice Elemental’s face grew a dark smirk, he had planned on Selgar protecting whomever he had chosen to go after. It was Shendu’s trap for him.
***
Finally he was alone, though having that new creation was good and the newborn would provide efficient results from the way he made him. The beast pushed forward, tearing through the curtains of wind that blew to him, and repeated this process twice if not more. The land was responding to him, it felt the emotions as he did, it was the cold ice as he was, and it was great. Shendu took a deep breath and released a puff of air as the snow, that fell ever so softly, changed into a heavy and engulfing storm. Although, his sight stayed clear the entire flight and it would as long as he wished it. Beyond the land reacting only to him, the dragon thought of how he would play out his plan on them, the group of creations that came to save that pitiful ice creation. There were many ways that he, the Ice Elemental, could make it work, however what would make him the most satisfied with the outcome was his aim. A smirk spread wide across his face as a play was decided and he flew faster through his territory to start it all.
It was not long before he could see them, the group of creations, though they could not see him. Why? Because his wings had taken him high above them, far above that they could not sense, see, hear, or be prepared for him, however that meant that he would have to move quickly if his plan was to work properly. For now, he watched as they all rose into the mighty winds, one creation was of the Life element, another was of the Time element, another was of the Dark element, and the last was of Ice. The male brute thought a creation of Air had come with them too, but perhaps that one left already. He did not know nor did he care, all of what was in front of him now was them and from them he would choose. “Time to play,” he whispered to the land and his eyes began to glow.
*=Such easy pickings,=*
Shendu was letting Selgar know he was here as he descended from the cloud covered skies above them, swinging his tail through the air.
*=Which one should I choose, oh~ Which one, which one.=*
The Elemental drew closer with a large push from his wings, sending him right to his target, though already knowing the outcome of this action, his tail of the reapers still sliced at the feeble Dark creation.
*=I choose this one!=*
If he could have laughed, he would have but he held it in as his scythe made contact with the Ice creation’s neck. It whistled as it sliced across the air and across the pathetic creation, drawing the nectar of life that flowed within every creature’s body. Blood. Shendu watched with his head held high as Selgar fell to the ground, the sound of the crash echoed through the caverns that surrounded that area, and the Elemental chuckled cynically. “You know,” he said with a dark and cold tone yet it held a joy to him, “you should really watch where you fly. You never know what dangers lie out in the sky.” Shendu looked to the others that were still hovering and began to descend with a force that could crush a part of the fallen creature. However, in the last moment, the Creator of the Ice shifted and landed right before Selgar, sending mound of snow up into the cutting gales and shaking the ground that lie beneath him.
***
Darkflame could hardly see the dragon in front of her. The storm was so thick, and the winds so strong- the elements were battering at her wings, trying to contort her body, and she had to concentrate hard to stay on course.
Suddenly, someone slammed into her, and she cried out in surprise and alarm. It was Selgar. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw a massive blue dragon hurtle out of the storm, and her friend's considerably smaller figure begin to fall. Her muscles tensed with fear, and she desperately tried to speak, but was unable to find her tongue. She wasn't even certain of what had just transpired.
But Selgar could be hurt! That could be Shendu. Shendu! He could be hurting him.
Darkflame turned quickly, looking for the others. But Selgar's maneuver had thrown her off course, and she could no longer see any of them, nor whether or not they had witnessed the attack.
"D!" she cried out into the darkness, voice choked with fear. "Selgar!"
Nothing. She couldn't see anything but the fierce, biting flakes of snow that churned about her and bit into her skin. She listened desperately for the sound of their voices, but could only hear the howling of the wind in her ears. It was useless.
If she remained there, she would be destroyed by the storm. If she landed, she would freeze. And what of Selgar? Was he in trouble still?
She gave a desperate, hopeless cry. Either way, this would end badly. She broke out of her hover, began to gain momentum once again, but could see no-one. She was alone. Or was she? Would she no otherwise? The others could be only a few meters away, and she wouldn't see or hear them.
"Selgar!" she screamed, then came to her senses and remembered that Shendu was out there also. Biting her lip, the small Dark Creation began her descent towards the unseen earth below.
D was at the head of the group and he growled as the storm began. Even he was beginning to be knocked about, like a feather in a light breeze. He used his shapeshifting skills to become larger, which helped a little. He strained to listen as he realized that someone was calling out...Selgar? With the roaring of the wind, he couldn't make out much of anything but his great wings curved in the rough drafts (lol, is he writing an essay?) as he changed course to find out who it was.
It was then that the Life creation saw a flash of movement and he realized with great shock that Selgar was spiralling towards earth and so was Darkflame. D shapeshifted, again and made his body streamlined, charging towards the ground. He landed between Darkflame and Selgar, not sure who to see to first. Darkflame was almost in a panic while D could tell that Selgar was hurt and badly. Coming to a decision quickly, D walked towards the fallen Ice creation.
Seeing the wound, D growled, again,"Oh no!"
It seemed like they were trapped in the Ice territory, for D couldn't lift Selgar by himself and they needed protection from the storm. What could they possibly do now?
“Welcome to my word,” MoonJem muttered, picking out the creations’ frantic bats over the harsh, hissing winds. She froze when a caterwaul pounded in her ears, let out by none other than Darkflame. The stench of blood wisped up her nose, terrifying the Time creation. Words began to trail afterwards. This voice was bitter and callous, obviously not an ally. D’s scent scurried past her along with a blast of air. He was already determined to save the two morsels plunging to the frozen grounds. She followed soon after, her wings unable to endure such harsh conditions. She recklessly continued down, but the massive winds continued to toss her like a feather. She looked down to check on the others, only to receive the usually black enclosing.
The only thing visible for miles was a blinding white, obscuring the vision of any living being there. Both hail and snow pelted the skies in such a ferocious manner that even the typical inhabitants of the land would be made uncomfortable. The weather was unusually violent, and the Air Ambassador was having great difficulty navigating it, which was hardly ever the case. As he pushed against the winds, that of which were mercilessly tugging at his hair and body to pull him back, the long blue body whipped from side to side as he delved deeper into the relentless blizzard.
Quintus grimaced deeply as he did so, tail lashing the air. Despite the taxing matter at hand, he exerted all of his energies into continuing on, for he was aware that if he were to stop now, this would be it for him. Moving was the only thing managing to keep him alive. The occasional block of ice had already gotten through his fur, slicing open his skin to a mild extent in several areas. Quintus was beginning to grow weary of this, though. There was no such thing as a small territory there, the Ice Territory being no exception. Even still, he hadn't a fathom of an idea of where to look, and returning to the Life Territory to rest was an option he had pondered once or twice.
A fire burned inside him that drove him forward, despite all of his other concerns, he had his own selfish antics. Yes, perhaps he hadn't been as prompt on showing up to Lihnmesh as he typically was, but what reason had he to send Thorndike? To go together with his grimace now came a scowl, both to brace himself against a random gust of wind, and in irritation. Hadn't he been doing well enough for the Elemental?
Sub-consciously, at the thought of it, Quintus had sped up. Or, rather, was straining even harder against the storm. He hadn't realized it, but the blizzard seemed to be growing even more intense. It was remarkable that throughout the mass of snow he spotted a flash of light.
Snapping back to reality, Quintus's ears twitched to a perked position the best they could and he drew to a halt, body curling into spirals as he tried to make out the scene before him. Perhaps there /was/ some life left in this vast territory, and hopefully it was an intelligent being. Observing it, he soon heard a cry - in his own tongue, nevertheless - that of which was unclear to him, but the tone was obvious. In reaction, a snarl curled his lips as he hovered there, a spark here and there leaping from them, but he soon ceased this, as nothing seemed to care for his presence, if he was even being noticed at all.
Curiosity overtook him, and now remembering to move as a cold burst of wind brushed up against him and howled in his ears, he began to spiral down, tail curling in eradicate directions as he came to a surprisingly smooth landing, his front legs crunching against the surface shortly followed by the rest of him. Instantly, amidst the full force of the tempest, four blobs turned into four dragons. Three faces were unfamiliar to him, so all he could do was assume they were Creations, and the fact that one was wounded disturbed him, and the other...
“You know, you should really watch where you fly. You never know what dangers lie out in the sky.”
The voice itself sent a shiver done his spine and seemed to be the coldest thing there. The fur on the back of his neck rose slightly, and his swishing tail became a little more stiff. As well as being familiar with the voice, the face was also vaguely familiar. Shendu. The Ice Elemental. Well, he was certainly as intimidating as he sounded. Quintus hesitated, unsure of what to do. It was rather obvious that he could wind himself up in a lot of trouble here very, very quickly, seeing as that Creation seemed to have been attacked by him. Surprisingly he was still alive, it seemed.
Quintus pondered his options. Knowing that he was just behind Shendu, he may still be able to flee, though at the same time, he may have still noticed it. Finally making a decision, he mustered up his courage, the best he could, at the moment, and cleared his throat sharply before speaking, struggling the control his jaw so that it may not chatter.
"Hello there, Lord Shendu," he said politely, only in a firm enough tone to be heard while still trying to keep an air of respect. "I am Quintus... Lord Lihnmesh's ambassador. I have been sent her in search of a fellow Creation." His eyes darted away for just a brief moment to look at the injured Creation, before back at Shendu. "Please pardon any intrusion he may have caused," Quintus said, and ear twitching again. "You wouldn't happen to have seen him, if it isn't too much trouble for me to ask?"
D was still pondering what to do when he realized that two others had joined them. One-though he had never met the great Elemental-he realized was Shendu. For a heartbeat, he thought the second was Thorndike but on hearing the stranger's voice, he corrected himself. He lashed his tail across the snowy ground in high agitation. Perhaps this Quintus fellow could help them out.
If so, it would certainly be appreciated. The Life creation took this moment in time to check on Darkflame and MoonJem. They were both there and seemed none the worse for wear, at least considering the circumstances.
Everything was going as he had planned it, the play continued to move along with no mishaps, and all he needed now was. "Hello there, Lord Shendu," a voice called, coming from an area of which he did not see, however his tail flickered at the voice. He heard very word of the creation that dare sneak into his lands but this time the ambassador’s timing was absolutely perfect. Shendu took a moment before doing anything as the panic and chaos revealed itself to him and he showed his wonderful smirk. His eyes glowed with an intense white light as the storms and winds died down, the land and weather were becoming calmer and silent again, was it really because of him? The Elemental was giddy for this and would definitely use it in the future, however for now the task at hand.
The brute’s massive body slightly turned to face the group and the new arrival, his eyes glancing over the fallen, the ones over him, and then over to the Air creation. His message would soon be heard and told over and across the territories, patience was key unfortunately, however he knew he could pull it off. “I would not worry about such a low creature,” he finally said, focusing on the group that was around Selgar, “he is not worth anything like that. Your time, feelings, and effort should not be spent about or with him. He is completely pathetic and only causes the downfall of others or himself.” His tone was harsh as the winds that dialed down and cold as the ice that made his territory His. “What is your name Air Creation?” Shendu commanded more than asking, changing the topic with a whip of his tail.
Black. The world was black. The world was silent. Yet, this world had feeling. Pain. Chills. Where was he? Had he passed on? No. Passing on, there would not be pain, or he hoped this. But, truly where was he? Yells and shouts finally into his hollow ear canals, Darkflame was worried and now they landed. He could feel the ground as each landed in the somewhat soft snow, the crunching below their feet was almost music and with that thought the creation heard another enter. This voice was new to Selgar, however this voice asked for Thorndike which meant that the voice had connections to the Air Elemental. His muscles shifted to rise from the snow once again, the air around him had ceased to whip and twist, leaving the snow to just falling slowly with a dance about them. Opening his almond eyes slightly, he first saw the crimson stream that flowed lightly now from his body, it was almost like a painting, beautiful and silent, but it caused him pain once more.
Selgar would live from the attack, the tail had sliced at his neck, and drew blood. However, it was not deep enough to kill him or cause too much blood loss. He was sure, also, that Shendu knew these details too. It was not long before he heard the Elemental speak and it was about him, the fallen creation in the snow. The creation of Ice moved again, letting them around him know that he was alright, rising to where his head was lifted to see and struggled once again to rise to his feet. Although, almost falling in the process but trying not fall on Darkflame as he knew her strength would probably not hold them both. What was this Ice Elemental plotting? And why was he so happy about now? “Shendu,” speaking with a raspy voice but even with that, it held a strength that was his own, “why are you doing this? What could you possibly gain?”
D was relieved to see Selgar sit up, though now they were in a real mess. The Life creation stayed silent, knowing Shendu and Quintus were having their own conversation. The Air Ambassador could have the Ice Elemental, for all that D cared. All he wanted was to reach safety with his friends in one piece. The weather was better at least, one plus in a world full of negatives.
MoonJem released the concealed breath clinging to her lungs once the cruel weather had subsided, forming a calm environment. No longer baffled by the winds, the Time creation gathered up her senses and swiftly glided down to her comrades. Whoever it was that had calmed Lord Shendu couldn’t have had better timing. Another blow of that wind, and MoonJem would be as good as gone. She panted quietly, catching her breath. Her ears poised once she heard Selgar rouse. ‘Thank goodness!’ She wailed in her mind, rushing over to the direction she had assumed the others were at. She halted near him, wafting the reek of blood gradually into her nose. He was obviously injured… too weak to continue. They would have to endure this madness for a bit longer.
All at once, the snow had cleared. She could now see the vast plane of snow that lay before her, rising in the distance into the foothills of mountains- the mountains themselves almost invisible against the richly clouded sky.
Darkflame whirled around, searching, and a massive dragon caught her eye. His scales were of a rich blue, his whole person radiating a sort of suppressed ferocity that turned her bones to lead.
Shendu.
No one had told her, but the name seemed to fit. This was the dragon of Ice, who had Created Selgar, and who had knocked him out of the sky...
Her friend had struggled to his feet, was facing his master. He was evidently weak and, with numb horror, Darkflame noted the open wound at his neck. She barely even registered that another Creation had joined them. All that existed was Shendu, and Selgar, and that wound, and her fear. The fear that kept her frozen where she was, unable to help her friend, or herself.
Quintus made a great effort to hide his discomfort. Even as the wind died down and the snow became more gentle, he still felt chilled to the bone. Shendu seemed to be enough of a menace to be mistaken for the Death Elemental. But he digressed, as he was clearly not one to upset. And now, upon closer examination, the Creation that was on the ground looking ever so frail appeared to be one of his own.
The thought of him provoked a shiver that coursed through his body. In that instant, Quintus snapped his attention back to the Ice Elemental, hoping that he had not seen the slip up of his composure as the attention was returned to him. Quintus hadn't a clue as to Thorndike's whereabouts, as Shendu had collectively ignored his question.
Forcing his body to relax and to make vague eye contact, the ambassador began responding, "Quint-" when a slight stirring in the background drew his attention away. His brows lifted in surprise to see the wounded one getting up and to now be surrounded by a few other Creations as it spoke equally cross words back to the Elemental. /What a blind fool he is,/ Quintus thought, rather alarmed by this act, his tail flicking nervously side to side. He wasn't even affiliated with any of their current affairs, and he found himself clamming up, not daring to breathe a word to intervene.
The monstrous creature looming high above those who invaded his territory, awaiting the newly arrived to answer his own question. His eyes watched carefully as the Air ambassador’s mind was drawn else where and this somewhat angered him. However, he kept his own composure since it would do no good to attack this one, not yet at least. It was time to get his own point across and each of the creations before him would surely do it. Shendu snorted lightly as the blue hued frame rose with the wound around his neck still not stabilized, the betrayer’s words rung in the air to only him. His head slightly turned to them with a grin held within his eyes as he did not acknowledged the question in the end and went back to focusing on Quintus. "A sad excuse for a creation, isn’t he?" his voice echoed far and beyond to the caves, the deep throaty tone with dark and icy, "I am surprised he has made it this far, quite pathetic actually." His tail floated over the ground, making a silent slicing sound as it swished of boredom. "Now, what did you say your name was again, Air Creation?" Shendu said as his optics drew upon the ambassador’s frame.
A change surged over his mind as he made a step forward again, even with the pain that coursed throughout his entire body. That thing that caused pain and destruction would answer the question without hesitation and he would do it now. The creation had not felt this emotion before...
Or...
Not for a long time. Anger. It was forming from within and he was not sure if he could contain it. Selgar’s facial expression morphed slightly and only those who were close to him would be able to see such anger grow across his face. "Shendu," his voice with a deep tone than before, it was not threatening but perhaps could send chills up one’s spin, "answer me." His rich almond eyes grew dark as he spoke, they did not hold the gentle caring that he was know for.
What it was that was changing him?
Perhaps the Elemental had finally influenced his actions and was changing him from the inside out?
Whatever it may be, it was showing and the Ice Creation stood tall enduring all that passed through his veins as his heart pumped harder and harder to keep him alive.
The brute of a creature only glanced his way and said such simple words to end Selgar’s demands. "Be silent Creation," the Elemental’s own anger showing before looking back at the Air creation, "your name, Air creation."
"Quite," he muttered in agreement, not meaning a word of it, his eyes taken off of Shendu. In truth, Quintus was a little envious of how bold the Creation was. Either that, or he was simply ignorant. Whatever it was, Quintus was not portraying a sliver of that confidence at that moment, and only managed to look unperturbed.
A second time the Elemental asked his name, but before he could answer, the Ice Creation distracted him again, and would have ended up interrupting him anyway. This reaction seemed to only anger the Elemental as he had been put off once again by the ambassador. Quintus had never before felt as scatterbrained as he did now. All that he could thing of was how he wouldn't be in this awkward situation if he had kept his nose in his own business. Now he was intervening with things he shouldn't even dream of tampering.
Finally, on the third time, Quintus corrected himself without any interruptions. "Quintus," he said, struggling to keep his voice calm, though he could feel his heart rate accelerate.
Darkflame shivered at Selgar's tone. His eyes had hardened, grown dark. Standing there, even with that gash in his neck, he suddenly seemed stronger than ever. More dangerous, too. Darkflame was transfixed. She'd never seen him like this.
She took a step closer, the ice crunching beneath her feet. Shendu had his back turned, but he seemed to be talking with the newcomer. MoonJem and D were near Selgar. Suddenly her legs moved, and Darkflame scrambled to her friends' side, sliding into a position just beside MoonJem.
“Quintus,” he mumbled to himself with a dark power emitting from his vocals, “what an interesting name for an Air creation.” The way he stood was quiet enough to give off the impression that he was not paying attention, a very good act one could say, but indeed he was paying all the time. Was it because of his senses? No, not really. Because of him being a top notch warrior? No, not that either. What it was to be a secret and he planned to keep this one secret until his demise. Lifting his head over to the splay of creations, the brute of a beast snorted with a condescending glint in his eye as he turned back to the ambassador. “I will not play games with you, Quintus,” he finally responded, not changing his tone, letting it him deal with whatever released from his mouth, “I do not know the location of that creation you are looking for.” His massive head motioned to the creations near Selgar and snorted again, “they are all the creations here right now.” Shendu swung his tail out for the brief moment, more out of sheer boredom than anything, letting the sharp whistling sound cut the internal ears of those who could hear, and the thought of anyone’s pain would make the Elemental smirk quietly.
“Now for the main event to play out,” the dragon chuckled darkly, letting it roll into a longer laugh that echoed deep within the bellows of his chest. His eyes traced the muscles of the Ice creation below as they reacted to his words, this was going to be enjoyable to the very end. Winds of a chilled temperature began to wrap around them as the soft snow curled beneath their feet and the Elemental let out a low but deep hum. “You wonder why I am doing this,” his voice sharper as the icicle shards that protrude from his body, “then let me ask you this. Have you ever wondered what will become of you in the years beyond? Have you ever really wondered what was our purpose here? Why each of us were created?” His body seemed to grow in size as he spoke, gaining more momentum as he spoke, and letting whatever energy that boiled from within surge over his body. “No, I did not think so,” his nostrils released another snuff of harsh air again, “nothing of your standard would even think of this. There are stronger forces at work and it is time to upstage them. We are not puppets for their control and it is time for them to understand that. The time of a new era is dawning, and whether many like it or not, it is coming and cannot be stopped.” Shendu chuckled lightly again, if anyone had maybe thoughts if he was crazy before, now perhaps they would think more of it. However, he was not completely insane, the powers that kept them from ever being more than what they were, the ones that created them, the ones who watched from another place, time, or world were about to get loud awakening call.
“And you believe that you have the right to force such a hand?” the voice was strong and yet still beneath his power that spoke such challenging words, “Shendu, Elemental of Ice. You believe that You, simple you, can do such a thing?” The Elemental roared quietly as one could roar and spun, not caring where his tail spun too, letting his eyes met the Ice creation that stood solid. “I do not believe, foolish Creation,” his face inching closer to the male, “I know.” He raised his head to the sky above and felt the wondrous ice around him, letting it over take him and taking over it.
“There are going to be many changes soon,” his vocals changed slightly, they were not as angry or emotional as before, just warning, calm yet deadly, “I wouldn’t sleep so soundly from now on if I was you.”
That is when it happened, the ground shook from beneath them and the land seemed to live. Its soul rising into a shape of a monster, stretching out to grab whomever it could devour, and it would in an instant. Rolling hills became alive, ready to kill by their touch, and the winds came to whip their victims too. The freezing air growing colder as Shendu laughed again, his bellows echoing all around, the monster was not fast enough to catch the creations really, but this was his way of getting rid of them and soon his warning. “Let the word spread that the old is done with and the new era is just beginning. I am always open to those who are know the truth, they are always welcome to join me, and I will be watching for them. Creators who are blind be warned of this,” he spoke with such power as his words were meant to be carried on to the other Elementals, “I show no mercy to the ignorant and will make this change forever lasting. I am Shendu, an Elemental of Ice, and I tear will down the old worlds and create a new!” Everything trembled beneath his every waking force as they all would have to be in the air at this point, leaving the Ice territory, and giving the news of his awakening.
Everything was falling apart right in front of him, his mind was being manipulated unintentionally, his emotions were changing slowly, his home was becoming the enemies territory, and the Elemental that /created/ him was now claiming the world that they lived in was nothing more than hoax of lies and cover ups. The slender framed creation’s muscle made a slight twinge as the monster’s mind was shifting or that is what he thought or felt…
‘Our minds cannot be merging,’ the silent blue of a creature told himself as he stood his ground, hearing the cry of such promises, ‘no. If that were true, he would be able to read my mind instead of invade it.’ Selgar’s head watched carefully as more was spoke about the true nature of the world and its intentions, what they did not understand and what Shendu was truly wanting from these events. The creation disagreed with every word that spouted from this Elemental though, power this, upturning that, it was all unbalanced and not correct. In the pit of his gut, he knew that it was what the Ice Elemental truly was aim for though.
“And you believe that you have the right to force such a hand?” his voice calm as before, like that Ice creation that everyone had knew to fly with, “Shendu, Elemental of Ice. You believe that You, simple you, can do such a thing?” His words may have been challenging but the anger or the emotions that spilled from him before were no longer present, thankfully. Selgar watched as the Elemental curved his long serpant neck towards him, seeing eye to eye for once. “I do not believe, foolish Creation,” the cold face inching closer to his, “I know.”
The response was short and to the point, everything was going according to the brute’s plans, the creation could tell that much, but why had Shendu not attacked again? It was too easy for him to make them squirm right now, but he did nothing except warn, talk, and preach. ‘Something is not right,’ the male creation glancing from corner of his eye to the next, trying to see what maybe could happen, but nothing appeared. It was then, that it happened.
The land became alive, roaring from the deepest of all hells, moving like a rapid animal on the kill, it was wild and strong. “Fly!” Selgar called quickly as his wings spread, taking him into the frigid air that wrapped around them all, his eyes searched fast to those who may needed assistance, and dove to help. The grounds moved with such quakes as if to eat them, the snow upturned and twisted, and like chaotic waves on the rocks the icy land grew wilder. His head turned fast at Shendu as he spoke again, watching every action of this Elemental, and from this he determined. “He is letting us go,” his voice at a whisper now as his wings took him to the friends that came to his aid, “spreading his word...” Selgar glanced over to Quintus and saw why the ambassador was not attacked. Shendu wanted him to deliver the main of the message since the ambassador had direct or should have direct contact to another Elemental. The word would be spread definitely now and now his home was no longer.
MoonJem’s eyes widened as the Ice Territory began to stir. Raging winds welled beneath the Ice Elemental’s rasp chortle. Unable to pinpoint the precise crisis, the ground beneath her feet moaned in agony. Flooded with dismay the Time Creation wasn’t hesitant to obey Selgar’s command. Fighting the wind’s appalling current, she could hardly inch towards Selgar without being flung around like a feather. Beating her wings as fast and as hard as possible, MoonJem managed to increase her speed slightly. It wasn’t much, but perhaps it was enough to slide through the Elemental’s grasp. Her ears began to swerve in every direction, catching every painful wail the territory made, and listening to the chill shudder of the ground. A gulp slithered down her throat as anxiety washed over her. How could this fiend cast a cataclysm over his own land? She had doubts that the Lord of Ice was possessed with insanity.
D knew at once that danger was all about him. He knew that Shendu was insane. He also knew that they were going to escape this icy prison. Shendu wanted them to escape to spread his doom filled message. With a mighty flap of his wings and wishing that he had the ability of an Air creation to mold the air to his wings and make flying easier, he shot into the sky, his purple eyes flashing from friend to friend, making sure each was going to become airborne and follow him out to the Life territory.
A grimace cross Quintus's mouth, hardly bothering to censor his emotions any longer. Where could Thorndike had gone? "Play games" with him? Something was ominous about the way he spoke, something off that made him wish that he was not there. He, however, could not leave until dismissed. Otherwise it would be a rude gesture, and he may as well impale himself on Shendu's scythe of a tail before the Ice Elemental did so on his own.
However, the Elemental seemed to have lost interest in him as he turned away. Quintus lifted a leg as though to leave, but placed it back down again as he made a friendly reminder of where he was to himself and the precautions Linhmesh had advised to him. The blizzard had moments ago settled to the soft, gradual fall of snow to the ground, but now the winds were stirring up again, it's cool touch brushing against him as though circling him, prowling him.
Quintus looked down at this, partly out of fear of what may happen if this so happened to turn out to be an attack, but Shendu seemed to have lost interest altogether, and was caught up in his own explanation. There was a glint in the ambassador's eye, suggesting that he felt that the Ice Elemental was mad as he continued a challenge to an invisible enemy. Quintus had the urge to smart mouth him, saying that even if such a being existed, it should not be one to be meddled with, but the storm grew stronger, and he still knew better than to be curt to an Elemental.
It was then that the ground rippled. Quintus's eyes widened, and he looked below his splayed feet. This sudden force came as a surprise to him as the frequency and sheer power increased rapidly, as though something was lurking in the earth beneath them that had been resting for quite a while, but now was up to a rude awakening. The intensity of the quake suddenly became explosive, and if it came anywhere near him, he had the feeling it would knock him over without mercy, and it was heading within the relative proximity of himself.
"Fly!"
This was needless to say. As soon as a wave had approached him, Quintus had launched himself into the air, pushing from his back legs and, as though to be slithering atypical serpentine creatures, swinging his entire body from side to side to propel him forward throw the thickening ice. He glanced over his shoulder briefly to confirm that the other Creations had made it back into the skies and, seeing no trouble, banked in the direction of the Life Territory, slowing a little so as not to get ahead of the other Creations, glancing back at them every now and again.
Darkflame yelped as the world began to roar, and twist about them like some huge beast.
The air whipped at bit at her fur as, desperately, she flung herself headlong into the storm in an attempt to get away. Take offs had never been her strong point, though. The wind seized hold of her, spinning her almost one hundred and eighty degrees, and sent her tumbling back to earth before she had even risen six feet.
The ground pulsated. With another cry, Darkflame flung herself back into the air, wings beating furiously, paws scrambling, wanting with all her being to be away from that living ice and terrifying Elemental.
D was having trouble seeing in this terrible storm but he felt, amongst all of the chaos that Quintus was with them and that Darkflame was struggling behind. Shapeshifting to make his body as streamlined as possible, the Life creation pinned back his wings and dived back to his friend's side. He was beside her in an instant and back to his larger body frame.
"Darkflame, relax! I'm here to help you. I have a plan to get you up in the air and help you stay there but you have to listen to what I tell you," D was glad that he could use telepathy to communicate; there was no way any dragon could hear another over the mighty roar of the storm.
D thought back to a better time when he had visited the Air territory and he had seen an older dragon helping a younger one learn how to fly. He had admired the ease of their skills and he had stayed in the Air territory, practicing his own flying skills until he had mastered them. He was glad of that experience now.