The Kingdom of Layfette

The flight back from Neverland had been quiet. Very dreadfully quiet. The skies were black, and full of ash and storm clouds, and rumbled lowly with the threat of striking down the ship. Aarin and his father stayed on the deck, both just standing and looking over at the darkened world below. Everything was destroyed--entire forests, valleys, even the lake looked black. It broke Dyllin's heart to see his father's once-brilliant kingdom in such horrid ruin.

As the ship floated over Layfette, Dyllin and Aarin both felt their hearts sink. The castle was no longer recognizable, and the town looked as though it had been set ablaze weeks ago. Some buildings were still smoldering. Bodies were strewn as far as the eye could see, and dark monsters and creatures that had once been outlawed from the land howled and screamed up at their approach.

Dyllin turned to his son and checked him up and down quickly. He checked his armor, double-checked his weapons, made sure his mother's charm was around his neck--he just wanted to make sure Aarin was prepared. "Listen to me, son," he said in a soft, firm tone, "Reise is too powerful for you. Let me handle him. Mother and I have trapped him once before, we can do it again. Do not risk yourself, do you understand? Stay with Aveda and search the village for any survivors."

Aarin frowned deeply up at his father. He wanted to help him bring Reise down, and even though he knew his father wouldn't be alone with Anaita, Eon, and the sprites at his sides, he didn't feel right letting him go to fight his battles. "I am the one who let Reise loose on the kingdom," he retorted, "I'm going to fight with you, father. It's only right."

"No. I won't allow it. I cannot lose you." Dyllin said, shaking his head and keeping a firm hold on Aarin's shoulders. "Please... I beg of you, Aarin, stay away. No matter what you hear or see, please do not come to the castle. If I should die, then you, Aveda, Eon and the sprites will take whatever survivors you find and get them as far away from here as possible."

Despite his father's words and pleas, Aarin had already made up his mind inside. He would follow his father in secret. He could already feel that there would not be any survivors to find until Reise was destroyed and his black magic on the kingdom was reversed. He nodded though, to appease his father, and watched him relax. "Father... If this is the last time I see you..." His voice grew tight, forcing him to swallow.

Dyllin shook his head, and though he tried to smile, he had to pull Aarin into a tight hug to hide the fact that he couldn't. He stroked his son's sun-blonde hair, nuzzling him and sniffing back his own tears. "Don't say your goodbyes yet, son. We may just win this." He kissed his head and released him, giving him a strained half-smile. "You'll do wonders, my boy. Wonders." He clapped him hard on the shoulder, then stood up straighter and looked towards the cabin of the ship, seeing Anaita emerging from the stairs with the sprites and Eon behind her.

Odi, despite her pregnancy, had insisted on fighting. She stood in pants and a deep red blouse, her belt loaded with several daggers and her sword. She still refused to wear shoes, but her face was painted with bright, menacing white, a stark contrast against her dark skin, and making her look like one of the venomous snakes that Aarin had learned about. Her sisters, who filed out from the steps behind her, also had their faces painted.

Iswe's pale skin was donned in two shades of blue, which swirled and dotted her face like ocean waves. Idre's tanned face had winding greens and browns around her eyes and chin like vines and tree branches. Sein's was of red, orange and yellow like fire, reaching from her neck and up under her chin to her cheeks. Even Ihara, who sat cradled in Iswe's palm, had paint on him--an elegant shade of royal purple.

Aarin couldn't help but smile at his war-painted friends. He adjusted his grandmother's sword on his hip, then moved to hug them each tightly and whisper safe prayers to them. Eon's paws clicked on the floorboards as he moved to Dyllin's side, his fur painted with black in jagged lines around his muzzle, eyes and legs.

Finally, Aarin stopped in front of Aveda, and he admired her face. He reached up, fixing her hood and scarf for her, so that only her bi-colored eyes showed, and he drank them in. "Are you ready?" he whispered in an affectionate tone as he ran his hands down her arms to her hands. "You'll have to trust me this time."

"I trust you..no matter what you decide to do down there, I will be with you." Aveda replied softly as she gripped his hands. "I'm ready for this." As she said this her stomach couldn't help but give a nervous flip. She was used to dealing with guards and bandits and even the occasional wolf and bear but the creatures that were down in Layfette..she had never fought them before and she was nervous that she wouldn't be able to.

Aarin smiled at her gratefully. One of the most important things to him right now was her faithful trust. He brought her hands to his lips and kissed her knuckles, then turned and looked at everyone else. "Captain Hook is going to let us off in the graveyard, outside of my grandfather's tomb. According to my grandmother, there are no dark creatures there, so we will not be attacked right away."

Anaita nodded in confirmation, stepping forward a little. "The ground is sacred. I set a spell on it when its construction was completed; it has a barrier around it that will keep the lesser dark beings out." she explained. "Reise may be able to penetrate the wall, but the others will not be a concern." 

"Still.. make sure you are all prepared." Came a voice from behind them. Samiya stood at the top of the stairs from the cabin, cradling the little princess in her arms. She had dressed herself in a beautiful golden silk dress and pinned her blonde curls back, her small crown perched atop her head. "I expect to see you all back here; that's an order," she continued firmly, but was unable to stop her voice shaking slightly.

Aarin looked up at Samiya atop the stairs, and he gulped. "Mom.." he whimpered, moving away from Aveda and to his mother quickly. He pulled her into a tight hug, being careful of his new baby sister. He and Dyllin had both insisted that she stay with the baby back on Neverland with Odi's parents, but Samiya was stubborn. He kissed her cheeks and stroked the babe's dark hair lightly, smiling down at her. "We'll be alright, mom. I promise." he whispered, then looked at her again apologetically. He hated the idea of leaving her and the baby alone.

"I know you will be." Samiya replied with a soft smile before noticing his apologetic look. "Now I hope you're not worrying about us. You need to focus on the task ahead. Your sister and I will be perfectly safe. And if anything were to make it aboard the ship, they would have to deal with me." She joked before leaning forward and kissing his forehead affectionately. "Just remember when you're down there if you find yourself up against something stronger than you, you must run." She spoke in a suddenly serious tone before hugging him again. Finally after a few moments she released him and turned to Dyllin. "Make sure you stay with the others this time..I don't want to have to come and rescue you again." She said to him before smiling.

Dyllin smiled back at her, giving a soft chuckle as he climbed the stairs to join them, a hand on Aarin's back and the other around Samiya's waist, pulling them both closer. "I have no intention of becoming the damsel in distress this time." He kissed her lips, then admired his children fondly. "Besides, Eon has sworn to stay beside me this time."

"Just try to stay out of trouble." Samiya replied then leaned up and kissed him, one arm still cradling Ryse whilst the other gripped tightly to Aarin's hand. "I'm giving you until nightfall. If you're not back by then I'm coming down after you." Her tone was suddenly serious and as she pulled back to look at both Dyllin and Aarin her expression showed that she meant what she had said. "Now go..we're wasting time here. You both have work to do." She squeezed Aarin's hand one last time then turned to move away. But instead of retreating back down into the cabin she moved to Aveda and much to the young girls surprise pulled her into a hug. "Please..protect my boy." She whispered in her ear then released her and moved to bid farewell to Anaita, Eon and the sprites.

Aveda watched her retreat then glanced towards Aarin. She knew even without the Queen's request she would do whatever she could to make sure he was safe. He is Layfette's only hope after all.. She thought before turning and looking out over the darkened kingdom, lost in thought.

Aarin and Dyllin both smiled after Samiya, then both headed down the steps to the railing of the ship. It was hovering over the graveyard now, just beside Xander's tomb. Aarin then looked back at Aveda and said softly, "You should go say goodbye to your brother... and thank him from all of us for the use of his ship." he said softly.

Aveda glanced at Aarin and couldn't help but frown lightly at his words. She wasn't sure her brother would want to talk to her for they hadn't spoken much since Neverland. Not since she had told him her plans. "Alright..I'll be as quick as I can." She replied quietly then turned and moved to the stairs that led to the wheel of the ship. She climbed them slowly then paused when she reached the top and saw her brother standing at the wheel. "We're leaving now.." She finally spoke up.

Hook frowned, his hand tightening on the wheel as he looked over the clouds, his body stiffening, "I am aware" he sighed, "Thats generally what follows when you slow a ship down to a near stop" he mumbled, clearing his throat. "Have fun. Make sure your boyfriend knows I want my sword when all this is done, Or I will find him and slit his pretty little neck myself"

"Understood." Aveda said quietly as her heart sunk sadly at her brothers still distant behaviour towards her. "Aarin and his family and friends wished me to pass on their gratitude to you for allowing them the use of the ship. Without it none of this would have been possible. I'm sure that when this is all over they will make sure you are paid handsomely for your help." She bit her lip then made to turn and move back down the stairs but paused and looked back at her brother. "Goodbye..Captain."

"I dont want their gold" Hook said, looking over his shoulder at her finally, "I just want my sword and for my life to get back to how it was before any of this happened" he frowned, shaking his head a little, "Just go, Aveda. And dont die" he said, turning to look back at the wheel again and folding his arms.

"Stay safe.." Aveda replied quietly then turned and moved down the stairs, trying to ignore the tears that were threatening to fall. "I'm ready." She said after she had took a deep breath and moved over to the group and then to the rail of the ship. "Let me go down first..if something has got through your barrier your highness.." She said glancing at Anaita. "..then I have the best chance of outrunning and dodging it."

"I will go first with her." Eon said to Anaita and she nodded. Eon then turned and headed for the railing beside Aveda, looking up at her.

"Eon says he will go with you. Climb onto his back and he will get you down safely." Anaita explained to Aveda, watching her. "We will follow when Eon gives us the signal to."

Aveda looked down at Eon as he joined her st the rail then looked towards Anaita as she spoke. "He is welcome to accompany me but I don't need the help getting down." She grabbed up a piece of rope and quickly tired it to the rail then hopped up and stood on the edge, wrapping the rope tightly round one arm as she did. With one last glance at those behind her including Hook she turned to Eon unable to stop herself smiling at him. "Try and keep up Mr wolf." She said almost daringly before suddenly diving from the rail and down towards the ground below, the rope gripped still tightly in her hand.

Eon watched her leap over the railing, and he gave a gruff sound back at Aarin in annoyance at his nickname. He then bounded over the railing after her, and as she was still falling with the rope, he dropped past her quickly and landed on all fours on the ground easily. He looked around, his ears perking this way and that, his blue eyes wide as they scanned the area.

As she neared the ground Aveda quickly kicked herself off from the side of the ship, letting the rope slip free from her hand. She flipped over mid air then landed with a soft thud beside Eon. She quickly straightened up pulling her dagger free from her belt then looked down at her companion. "How's it looking? Are we alone?" She asked quietly as she watched him scan the area quickly.

Eon's ears flicked this way and that, his eyes slowly scanning, then he looked up at Aveda and gave a subtle nod of his head at her. He looked up and back at the ship, giving out a soft bark or two, and watched as the sprites began to come down from the ship one-by-one, followed by Anaita, Aarin and Dyllin.

Aveda stood by patiently as the various members of the group dropped to the ground around her. When finally it seemed that they were all there she turned to look at them all then took a breath to speak but paused at the last second as a look of confusion spread across her face. She raised a gloved hand and slowly began to count those around her. Aarin..Mr Wolf..the king..four sprites..the frog and myself..why do I get the feeling we're missing someone? She thought with a frown before sighing and rolling her eyes. Raina. She was never on time. "Aarin.." Aveda whispered to him, ready to tell them about their missing companion when she suddenly heard something from above. Looking up, her eyes widened at the sight of someone dropping from the ship and with only a few seconds to spare jumped out of the way as they prepared to land exactly where she was standing.

Raina landed with a thud next to Aarin. She quickly straightened up before looking round at everyone with an embarrassed smile. "Sorry i'm late." She said. "Poor Cyan wished to come along as well but I had to tell him he wasn't allowed." She gave a light chuckle as she brushed the dust from her clothes. She was dressed in a pair of brown leather trousers and boots along with a white sleeveless tunic that was covered with a shining silver chest plate for protection. Her long white blonde hair was pulled back into a tight braid revealing her dragon mark on her neck that seemed to have grown bolder with the awakening of her gifts. "So where are we going?" She asked brightly as she smiled round at everyone.

"That's smart," Odi grumbled with a glance at Raina. "We're about to fight the most powerful and fearsome sorcerer in the land of Cuole, and you tell the dragon he cannot come fight with us." She watched her a moment, then looked at Aarin and Aveda.

Aarin had his hand held up to Odi, telling her now was not the time to turn on one another in petty fights. "We go through the gardens. I know the maze like the back of my hand, which would give us an advantage if we run into any dark creatures inside." he explained. "But we have to hurry. If too many of them get wind that we're here, we could be swamped."

Dyllin bit his lip. He wanted to let Aarin have his moment of leadership, but in this case, he had to speak up. "Or," he said suggestively, "we could take the tunnel beneath your grandfather's tomb." When Aarin's eyes turned on him in surprise and confusion, he gave a small shrug. "It was Anaita's idea." He pointed to her and she gave a meek shrug and a modest smile. "I'm surprised you didn't know it was there, considering how much time you spend in that tomb." Dyllin said with a smirk at Aarin. "C'mon, I'll show you." He then turned and led the group towards Xander's mausoleum, stepping inside. He hesitated, however, when he saw that the marble lid was cracked and open, revealing Xander's disturbed corpse. He sniffed, stiffened, and clenched his jaw, then pressed on to the left side of the sarcophagus, kneeling beside it and pressing firmly on a square of the marble tile. The sarcophagus then gave a hiss of dust, before sliding to the right with a low groan of grinding stone. It slid open to reveal a dark, narrow stairway, and Dyllin looked up at everyone with a smile. "Who's first?" 

Hook folded his arms from his post at the wheel, stewing his anger and huffingout puffs of frustration before he growled loudly and turned from the wheel, walking down the steps, "Boris!" he called, grabbing a tall plump man by the arms, "You are in charge. I want you to stay here. If anyone but one of us comes to get to this ship, I want you to take her higher, there should be enough energy left in the tank that Odi left. If I die, Odi is your new captain, no excuses. If we both die, then you guys can fight it out between you. Do anything other than what I have ordered and I will gut you like a fish, understand?"

"Yes Cap'in" Boris nodded, instantly walking away to the wheel.

Hook frowned, moving to the rope and grabbing it, slipping his foot in a loop and sliding down it until he hit the ground and he dropped it, pulling his sword out and sprinting in after where he saw them go, "Well, someone go first, for Hades sake, we havnt got all damn day" he grumbled with a frown.

"Man, if I'd known there was a secret tunnel that led right into the castle I could have started stealing things from you long ago." Aveda whispered jokingly to Aarin with a grin as Raina pouted slightly at Odi's words. When Dyllin asked who would liked to go first she quickly raised her hand. "Disappearing down into a dark and mysterious tunnel? Sounds like fun.." She took a step forward but froze when she heard running footsteps behind them. She spun round quickly raising her knife as she did, ready to throw it but stopped when she saw it was Hook. She gave a small relieved smile, knowing their chances of winning had just increased considerably with him there to fight. As she took a breath to tease her brothers lateness she suddenly stopped and her smile weakened as she remembered his apparent disappointment towards her causing her stomach gave a guilty twist. "I'm going first." She spoke up after a deep breath, trying to push her emotions back. This wasn't the time to be distracted by such things. "Lets hope this secret tunnel is still as secret as you hope it is Your highness." She said to Dyllin as she turned back towards the tunnel, knife still in hand. After a slight pause she finally stepped forwards, making her way carefully down the stairway and into the darkness below.

Hook frowned around at them, shaking his head a little, "You letting her go down there first alone is the exact reason I had to come down to this damn dump" he sighed, pushing them out of the way and following down after her. He moved to stand beside her, his shoulder just in front of hers in case he needed to push her out of the way as they walked, his sword up and his amulet glowing to help with light, "You have a deathwish" he mumbled.

Aveda blinked at Hook in surprise then suddenly smiled brightly with relief and had to stop herself hugging him tightly. "You know me..not happy unless my life's at risk.." She replied with a shrug then fell silent as she waited for the others to join them.

The others had welcomed Hook's addition to the group silently, though Odi had given him a relieved and grateful smile. One-by-one, the sprites filed down into the tunnel, Aarin, Dyllin, Anaita and Eon following them. Once everyone was inside, Dyllin pulled the lever in the wall to close the lid of the tunnel, then Anaita's hands waved to conjure an orb of white light. Dyllin led the way through the tunnels, his sword drawn and his eyes peeled. There was nothing down in these tunnels--there were hardly any bugs, even. They walked through the dimness of Anaita's light for roughly ten minutes before they were met with another set of stairs that stretched steeply upwards. Dyllin led the way again, but this time Eon was directly at his side. As he pulled the lever and the floor of the castle dining room opened, Eon instantly slid out, giving a warning growl as he did. However, the castle dining room--while a mess--was utterly devoid of life. He gave a small gruff bark back at the group, and Dyllin motioned for everyone else to file into the room.

Sein moved soundlessly up the steps after Eon, not wanting to lose sight of him. When she reached the top she turned round and looked at the destruction of the room frowning lightly as she did. Finally she moved to Eon's side and was quickly joined by Aveda then Raina who both stared in disbelief at what they saw.

Hook frowned as he jumped up into the room, sighing at them, "And we are staking here looking at walls, why?" he asked with a frown, "Standing here isnt exactly giving us the element of surprise, and the quicker we get this done, the quicker I can get my sword and leave. Lead on" he frowned, rubbing his forehead with the back of his hand. He had stormed places and ravaged them and been away again faster than this. Amateurs.

"I thought we were going to split up? Is that no longer the plan?" Raina asked as she glanced round at the group. "Maybes its best if we all stayed together.."

Aveda listened to her talk but made no reply. Instead she began to wander round the room, inspecting the damage before finally she stepped up onto one of the large windowsills and peered out at the scene below. She could see many dark creatures in the village streets and she couldn't help but grow sad at the thought of what had become of all the Layfette villagers she had helped over the years. Maybe they made it out safely.. She thought before turning slowly back to the group, her back to the window now as she waited to see what they were going to do.

"We're still splitting up," Aarin nodded at everyone as the rest of them came into the dining room and the hole in the floor closed. "My dad, Anaita and Eon are going to look for Reise. The rest of us are going to head down to the village to see if there are any survivors." he said firmly, with a small glance towards his father. Even though that was the plan, he was not about to stick to it.

Sein did not look pleased with the idea of leaving Eon alone but she knew she had to trust that he would be safe. "It would probably be best if we split up into smaller groups to search the village. If there is too many of us together it may draw attention to us." she said silently hoping someone would catch her attempt to talk.

Aveda nodded to Sein to show she had saw her speak then jumped down from the windowsill she was standing on and moved to Aarin's side. "I will stay with the prince." She said then looked at Raina. "You should come with us too as the sprites will probably stay together.." She continued and Raina nodded in agreement. Finally Aveda turned to look at Hook but didn't speak. She would let him make up his own mind.

Hook clenched his jaw a little as he watched his sister before he gave a small huff out his nose and walked passed her, "I will go alone" he said simply, walking to the window and looking out, turning his sword in his hand and shaking his head, "Which way to the village from here?"

"Wait..you can't go down there alone." Aveda said quickly with a frown then turned to Raina. "Stick close to Aarin. Don't let him out of your sight." She said then stepped forward towards Hook. "I'm coming with you. Its not safe for anyone to be alone." She continued then turned back to look at the rest of the group. "Are we ready then?"

"Are you deaf or are you not listening to me on purpose?" Hook asked as he turned to look at her, "I dont want you with me. I am going alone, or I am going back to the ship" he frowned, his jaw set. He was better fighting alone. "Leave me be".

Aveda froze as she listened to him speak then finally turned back to look at him, frowning lightly. "Fine. If that's what you want.." She said quietly as she watched him. After a moment she moved back to Aarin, arms folded tightly across her chest. "Let's just get this over with, shall we?" She said not wanting to delay it any longer.

Aarin couldn't say he agreed with the idea of Hook going by himself either, but somehow he also understood why Hook wanted it that way. He was an effective fighter, and was used to being alone. Additionally, Aarin felt, if something were to happen to Hook, Aveda wouldn't have to be there to see it and feel helpless about it. He watched them closely, then nodded at Aveda and looked at his father.

"Alright then," Dyllin said with a final nod at everyone else. "Good luck." He looked down at Eon, who nodded once, and Dyllin, Anaita and Eon turned, running back through the castle and heading for the throne room.

Aarin watched them go with a gulp, feeling his heart sink. But he had to have hope and be strong, so he turned after pushing his shoulders back, and nodded at the group. "Let's go," he said and led the group through the exit of the dining room, into the main foyer and towards the giant double doors that led outside. He shoved one open with help from Iswe and Idre, and then looked around slowly. There was a troll and a few other dark creatures roaming the front pasture of the castle and near the gates to the village. He grit his teeth. It was now or never. "Take them out as quickly and quietly as possible!" he said, sliding between the doors and outside with swift steps, his sword drawn and raised.

Aveda watched him go then with a last glance at the others took off after him, blades raised ready to fight. She ran silently towards a group of three dark creatures and before any of them had even spotted her she had struck them all, sending them to the ground with a thud. Once they were dealt with she turned to Aarin as Sein and Raina rushed forwards towards the village. "Do you really believe there is anyone still down there?" She whispered to him.

Aarin looked at Aveda, the body of another dark creature at his feet and he shook his head, panting slightly. "It's worth the hope." he said softly, then moved after Sein and Raina, the other sprites close behind them. Once they reached the gates though, Aarin skidded to a stop and looked at Aveda, grabbing her arm. "C'mon." he said after the sprites had run past him. "They know what to do." He then pulled her into a sprint in the other direction, heading around the side of the castle.

"Where are we going?" Aveda replied as she followed after him quickly, blade still gripped tightly in her hand in case anything were to attack unexpectedly. She glanced round at their surroundings, noticing how close they still were to the castle before looking back at Aarin. "We're going after them, aren't we?" She said meaning his father and Eon. I knew this would happen.. She thought then tightened her grip on her blade. "Okay...what's your plan?"

"We can't let them fight Reise alone," Aarin said sternly as he ran, sticking close to the wall of the castle. He paused their running as they rounded a corner, keeping an eye out for any more dark creatures, then looked back at Aveda. "Be prepared to fight.... but if I tell you to run, you need to trust me and just run."

Aveda frowned at Aarin's words but finally gave a small nod in response. "I've already told you I trust you, so if you tell me to run I will do so." She replied as she watched him.But you better be running with me. She thought with a frown. A part of her hoped that they wouldn't be able to find Reise but she knew he was probably here somewhere and Aarin wouldn't stop until he found him. As they neared the castle she suddenly grabbed Aarin's hand and pulled him to a stop. "Before we go in there we must focus. Leave all our fear behind and prepare ourselves for whatever is in there. Remember all the training I gave you and make sure you use that sword." She said then quickly kissed him. "Now let's go get our home back." She gave a bright smile then turned and hurried on towards their goal.

Aarin blinked at her, blushing from the kiss, but nodded and smiled, running after her with a smile. They ran around the side of the castle towards the servants' entrance, and he yanked the broken door open easily. After sliding into the castle, he looked around. The inside of the kitchen was a blood bath. Blood covered literally everything. He fought hard to ignore it and not lose his stomach, instead choosing to pass quickly through the room and into the hall. Once in the hall, he looked up and down the path, before turning right. "This way!" He had a feeling as to where his uncle might be.

Once they entered the kitchen Aveda's eyes widened at the sight of the blood. She gulped at the thought of what could possibly cause this kind of destruction and she had to force herself to keep moving. She took a deep breath when they entered the hall then quickly followed after Aarin when he turned right. "Its so quiet.." She whispered as she glanced this way and that. Too quiet.. She thought nervously. Where is everyone? Where are all the creatures and Reise? "Maybe Reise is not here Aarin.." She continued quietly, hoping this was true.

"No... he's here, I can feel it." Aarin said firmly. He wasn't sure how he knew, but he did. Reise was in the castle, and he was close by. He gripped his sword tightly. He also felt unnerved by the fact that there were no dark creatures here. There had been so many outside, but the inside of the castle was barren. He led her up the hallway, then into a flight of stone steps that went upwards. The stairs opened up into another long hallway, this one with bedrooms and studies on either side. All of the doors either hung open and limp off the hinges, or were locked shut with bloody hand prints on the surfaces. Reise bypassed every door, not even bothering to peek inside at the destruction and dismemberment inside. Bodies were everywhere, and not just bodies of guards and servants--the bodies of dark creatures lay strewn everywhere now. Some were bitten clean in half. Now Aarin was starting to get very scared. What could have done this to so many, strong, dark creatures? Was there something just as--or more--powerful than Reise in the castle? "Dad? Eon?" he braved to call.

"Aarin!" Aveda hissed at his sudden calls, her heart racing nervously as she glanced round with wide eyes at the fallen creatures around her. "Whatever did this could still be here." She warned him not wanting to be found by whatever had done this. She didn't believe that they could fight it. "Lets just keep moving."

Aarin suddenly turned to Aveda, grabbing her arm. "If it is still here, then try not to make it obvious that there's more than one of us in here." he whispered. "Use your stealthy skills, Robin Hood, and hide. Follow me, but remain unseen." he told her firmly. "I'll create a distraction. That way, if the beast shows itself, we have an advantage."

Aveda frowned at his idea, not happy with the thought of him being the main target if something did show up. But she knew he was right. They would have a better advantage if they could take it by surprise. Finally she gave a small nod. "Be careful." She told him quietly then quickly pulled her hood up to hide her face. With one final glance at him she turned and quickly slipped into the dark shadows of a large and broken bookcase, disappearing nearly from sight.

Aarin waited until he couldn't see her anymore, then he breathed and turned, heading on down the hall, tense in his entire body. He could feel his uncle was close by. He could feel something else, too, but he didn't know for sure what it was. It didn't feel bad or evil, like his uncle. It was just... there. He moved down the hall cautiously, but quickly, heading for his once favorite place in the entire castle: the library. He gulped. His steps quickened until he reached the double doors, then he took in a breath and shoved them in with his shoulder, instantly holding his sword up and ready.

Looking around slowly, he realized that there was no one inside. Nothing moved, and he hardly breathed. "Dad? Eon? Grandmother?" he asked, looking around. The library looked completely untouched. The books were all still settled on their shelves, the furniture upright and without a single blemish, and a fire was blazing in the mantle. He stepped inside, letting the doors fall shut, looking around. "Hello?" He stopped. He suddenly had a chill up his spine. "I know you're here, uncle." he growled, his grip tightening on the handle of his sword.

Aveda had followed closely behind him, sticking close to the shadows that were cast against the walls. When he entered the library she quickly slipped in behind him before the doors shut then as silently as she could manage had pulled herself up to crouch on top of one of the bookcases that overlooked were Aarin was standing, her blade gripped tightly in her hand to attack quickly when needed. She glanced round for any signs of anyone else in the room before turning her attention back to Aarin as she listened to him call for his uncle. There's no one else here.. She thought to herself and hoped this was really the truth. Taking a small steadying breath she remained still, just waiting to see if anyone would appear.

The room stayed silent for a long few moments, tense minutes clicking by on the grandfather clock against the wall. Aarin's eyes scanned the room slowly and he breathed in short, silent breaths. "Come out, Reise!" he demanded again, holding his sword up. "I know you're here!" He looked around quickly, then quite suddenly the room dropped in temperature to an icy scale, and the shadows in the corners seemed to stretch along the walls. The fire in the mantel went out, and Aarin's jaw clenched nervously.

"You finally came back... my... savior." The voice was deep, and not like Reise's at all, but Aarin new it was him. However, laced with Reise's voice was another, echoing beneath it and sounding eerily familiar. "I was wondering when you would come to visit me, and finally see the wonderful work of art that I've turned your kingdom into." The shadows continued to stretch across the walls, and Aarin turned slowly, trying to keep his back from being too open to attack.

"Show yourself!" he growled.

Reise laughed, both voices cackling insanely. "But I'm right in front of you!"

Aarin was sent flying back, an invisible force shoving him into a bookshelf and rattling books from their perch. He lifted his arms to guard his head as the books fell around him. "Dammit, enough of your cowardly tricks, uncle!" he hissed once the rain of literature ceased.

Reise laughed again loudly. "But I enjoy toying with you! You're so small!" Slowly, Reise's body began to materialize in front of Aarin, appearing out of what seemed like thin air. Aarin was agape. Reise stood in front of him, a massive being, tall enough to rival the bookcases, and hulking in muscle. He was almost a giant. But what disturbed Aarin more, was his attire. Reise was wearing an executioner's hood--Scabbar's hood. The axe was clutched in his hand as he stood, hunched over Aarin, pinning him to the shelf with his sheer size.

"Enough playing around." Scabbar's voice came from Reise's body, his voice hollow and grating, as if coming from somewhere deep inside Reise. The hand holding Aarin in place was fetid with old blood, the copper stink overwhelming as Aarin was held in place. "Let's just kill him. You can pull the others ones apart later, but this one needs to die now." Carefully the axe was raised, Scabbar a little uncomfortable in this body, but he knew how to work his axe still.

Aveda's eyes had widened at the sight of Reise as he materialised in front of Aarin. What's happened to him?! She thought as she remembered the man she had seen encased in crystal. As Aarin was flung backwards she had to stop herself shouting out, knowing she had to remain hidden from Reise. Finally when it seemed that Reise was distracted she turned and silently hopped across the tops of the bookcases until she stood directly behind him. After removing her cloak she straightened up then took a deep steadying breath. Here goes.. She thought then suddenly took off running along the top of the bookcase. As she reached the edge she launched herself into the air straight towards Reise's back, her blade raised high ready to strike.

Aarin was frozen solid. Reise's body--or Scabbar's, he wasn't even sure WHOSE body it was--was covered in blood, but he noticed it was running from his chin and down his chest as well. That answered his question as to who had bitten all those dark creatures in half. He shuddered, shrinking in fear under the weight of Scabbar's hand. As the axe was raised, he took in a breath, fearing this was truly the end, but then he saw Aveda, flying towards Reise's back. Just as she landed, and Reise jerked in surprise, Aarin lifted his sword and struck, the blade slicing into the calf of Scabbar's leg. Reise let out a monstrous screech that shook the walls of the library, and Aarin took the opportunity to dive between his legs and scramble out the other side, panting as he turned to face him again, his sword raised. Reise and Scabbar together made them huge... how could Aarin and Aveda possibly fight this thing alone? They were puny compared to him.

Aveda quickly jumped back when her blade struck Reise, making sure he didn't have enough time to turn and strike. She watched as Aarin struck next then quickly moved to get away, giving him an approving smile as he did. "We can do this.." She whispered to him even though she worried also that Reise was too large an opponent for them to defeat. Turning her attention back to Reise she quickly pulled a second blade from her belt, ready to fight if needed. I just have to keep him distracted and away from Aarin so he can strike with the sword.. She thought then straightened up. "Surprise." She said mockingly to Reise as she grinned at him. "Did you really expect Aarin to come here alone?"

"I honestly didn't care." Scabbar said gruffly. The moment his voice came from the hulking mass of Reise and Scabbar combined, he seemed to no longer be injured by the gash in his leg or the wound in his back. It was still there, they could smell the blood, but Scabbar ignored it. He wasn't magical, but this was what he was. A monster, a monster that barely felt pain let alone remorse. The hood turned, one way, then the other, taking in the two figures standing in front of him. "Well, where's the rest of you?" he asked, raising his axe up and cradling it in both hands "Still in hiding?" He barely seemed to be paying attention to Aveda and Aarin, he was searching for something else, something more than just two people.

Aarin tensed, his body hunched and ready to spring into action just in case Scabbar or Reise decided to swing the axe again. He knew exactly who they were looking for. Scabbar wanted Eon, and Reise wanted Dyllin. He hoped they weren't close by... but something in him said they were. "Who cares about the rest of us! You have us here and now! What are you gonna do about it?!" Aarin growled, pointing his sword at the monster in front of him.

"I don't think he's going to do anything.." Aveda said with a small shrug as she watched Reise and continued to try and draw his attention to her and away from Aarin and any others he was now trying to seek out. "There's no one else here. Just us..in fact the others don't even know we're here. So apologies if you wanted to see someone else." She gave another bright smile as she twirled her blade in her fingers before taking a small step towards him, preparing for another attack.

Scabbar paused... then put one bloody hand over his mouth. "You two?" he said, mumbling the words past his hand "Alone?" He almost doubled over, clutching onto his axe as a sniggering noise came from him. Laughter was leaking from him as he stood before them, looking completely vulnerable... which was of course an act. Still he couldn't help the howls of laughter as he jerked upwards, swinging his axe wildly around as he laughed; the floor tore up in it's path, carving a wide gap between Scabbar and his two would be killers. The room was flooding with insane, howling laughter as he banged his fist against the wall in sheer overpowering mirth. "Two!" he yelled out again "Not... not even magic!" He covered his mouth, relaxing back against the wall, watching Aveda and Aarin from across the great carved gap in the floor he'd made. "Two. Just two of you. Where's the girl who can make plants grow? Where's the one who can capture people in ice? Where's the one who's BURNT ME." He suddenly lunged towards them, axe raised as if about to make one short swing and end this foolishness. The hood was glowering at them from Scabbar's side of the carved line in the floor. "You have made a grave mistake."

"MOVE!" Aveda shouted to Aarin when Scabbar suddenly lunged forward before jumping to the side herself. Turning back to look at Reise she quickly raised her arm and threw her second blade at him then ducked down, grabbing a long piece of splintered wood that had fallen from a broken bookcase. Swinging it round with all her strength, she aimed it for Reise's legs in the hopes of making him fall.

Aarin let out a shout, diving to the side as the axe was swung down in an arch towards the floor. He landed just in time to see the spot where he'd been standing seconds ago was obliterated into broken stone and splintered bookshelves. He panted and scrambled back up to his feet, his eyes wide and adrenaline pumping through his veins enough to make him dizzy. Aveda was swinging a large piece of shelving at Reise's legs, and it hit him in the back of his right knee, causing Reise to cry out as his leg buckled. But it did very little to stop him. On the one knee, he turned his torso, swinging the axe back towards Aveda. "DUCK!" Aarin screamed, then swung his sword as hard as he could into the back of Reise's left ankle. It lodged in his flesh, and he yanked as hard as he could, severing the tendon there that connected his calf to his foot.

Reise screamed as black blood gushed out of his ankle, and he fell forward hard enough to make the floors rumble. Aarin stumbled back, watching as Reise rolled on the floor to clutch at his injured foot, and their eyes met. He could see Reise's black eyes through the hood's stitching, as if they were burning holes into his brain. He moved quickly and grabbed Aveda's arm, pulling her towards the double doors. They had to get out in the open. Fighting in a confined space wouldn't do any of them any advantages. Within minutes, Reise's ankle was healed, and he pulled himself up, chasing them with an insane laugh.

"That was a good strike, nephew, I'll give you that!" he bellowed, following them through the door. He seemed to be getting bigger by the minute, as the frame of the doorway crumbled and collapsed around his massive head and shoulders when he passed through. He moved into the hallway, bumbling with an ogre's grace as he slammed into walls and furniture, knocking into and crushing everything in his path as he swung the axe wildly.

Aveda had only just rolled out of the way as Scabbar's axe struck the ground where she had been. She quickly scrambled to her feet when she saw Aarin hurtling towards her after he had struck Reise and slid her hand into his as they began to run. "Is he growing?!" She yelped after glancing over her shoulder to see how close Reise was behind them.

Scabbar growled as he charged down the corridor, half crouching as he clawed his way along, more animal in movement than a person. "They're getting away!" he screamed as he charged after the two, swiping at them as they got even slightly closer "Do something! You're the magical one!"

Reise gave another insane laugh from beneath Scabbar's hood. "You really are in such a hurry, Scabbar! Never in the mood for any fun!" he hissed. "But fine! I suppose these two have lived long enough!" He thrust out his empty hand, dark magic flying from his palm like sparks and into a cloud.

Aarin had managed to look back just as the cloud of dark dust was coming at them. He screamed and suddenly yanked Aveda's arm, pulling her in a hard left into the next corridor, the cloud of darkness just barely missing them and eating the next available thing, which happened to be the body of a werewolf dangling dead from a suit of armor in the hall. After the black dust had passed over it, nothing remained but bone, picked clean. Aarin panted a whimper as he dragged Aveda quickly down this new hall, trying to remember where in the castle they were. They were near his tutoring classrooms, which meant the battle training room--and all of the spare swords therein--was nearby. "This way!" he yelped, pulling Aveda into an open door quickly.

"Where are we going?!" Aveda panted as her heart raced with fear. She had seen what Reise's dark magic had done to the werewolf and she hoped they weren't going to be next. "I'm not sure we can fight him Aarin..he seems so strong..We should just find the others and get out of here." She continued to speak quickly as she gripped Aarin's hand tightly. "Maybe your father and the others have already gone.."

Scabbar had never enjoyed doors getting in his way, even partially open ones. He burst through the door after the two fleeing figures, shattering the wood from simply touching it and sending a shower of inch long shards firing across the room. "Stop running and take what's coming to you!" he yelled at them, his voice half echoing around the dead castle.

Aarin let out a yelp as they were showered with shards of wood from behind, crying out as a few lodged themselves in his shoulders and back. He pushed Aveda in front of himself to guard her from the spray, and directed her around another corner and into an open doorway. "The armory!" he shouted, slamming the door shut and locking it, though he doubted it would do much good. "There is dynamite and weapons in here!" He moved to a large chest, quickly unlocking it and throwing it open, then scrambling to find something to light it with. "Quick, your flint!" he said, opening his hands.

Aveda scrambled to find the flint in her pockets then quickly dropped it into Aarin's hands. She quickly moved round him and frowned when she saw then shards of wood lodged in his shoulders and back. "You're hurt Aarin!" She said then looked up at the door with wide eyes when she heard the echoing thud of approaching footsteps.

Aarin hardly noticed the pain. Adrenaline was coursing through him as he fumbled with the flint, striking it once, twice, three times, and finally sparks caught on the threads of the pounds of dynamite inside the chest. He tucked the flint back into his pocket, then moved around the chest, watching the door. "Help me push it into him when he comes through the door, then run!"

"Okay." Aveda said, hoping that they would be able to outrun this. She moved round the chest and stood beside Aarin then placed her hands against it ready to push. "As soon as he bursts through that door we push." She said as she prepared herself, eyes focused on the door in front of them.

As they stood there, waiting, panting, anticipating the pounding at the door and the shoving and rending of flesh by that giant axe... there came... nothing. There was silence, a haunting quiet that seemed to stretch well beyond this room. It was as if the entire castle had been vacated in an instance. Was Scabbar... gone? The answer came in the rattling thud, not from the door, but from below. Scabbar was trying to take the floor out from underneath them.

Aveda looked round in confusion at the sudden silence that seemed to befall the castle. "Maybe he's gone.." She whispered but was quickly answered by the rattling thud that seemed to shake the whole room. She stared round wildly trying to locate the source before finally with wide eyes looked down to the floor beneath her. "Aarin.." She gasped as she looked up at him. "I think we should run now."

Aarin looked down at the ground as well, his eyes wide and his breathing hitching in his chest. He yelped, regained his bearing on the trembling floor before giving a grunt and pushing the chest a little further. "Get ready," he said, nodding at her. As soon as the floor began to crumble, the stones and wood falling away to reveal the room below and Scabbar hacking away, he put his shoulder to the chest and shoved with a grunt, pushing with Aveda's help until the chest lodged in the floor, the dynamite spilling out on top of Scabbar. "GO!" he yelped, grabbing her hand and running with her back out of the room. They had barely made it through the doorway when the dynamite exploded, shaking the floors and walls of the castle as he pressed both himself and her to the wall to avoid the fiery blast.

As they pressed themselves to the wall, Aveda quickly wrapped her arms round Aarin pulling him close, her eyes shut tight hoping they would avoid the blast. When the explosion seemed to finally quieten down she opened her eyes and looked around. The air was thick with dust and smoke and bits of wood and stone lay all around them. That had to have worked.. She thought as she pulled herself free from Aarin's grip. "Stay here and rest..I'll go take a look." She whispered to him knowing she would be the quicker of the pair. She hopped lightly across the damaged floor until she came to the space that used to be the doorway and carefully she leaned forward, trying to see if she could see anything through the dust.

The dust swirled in the air, dancing back and forth as it fell, trying to settle after the sudden and brutal explosion that had happened moments ago. Aveda could see something through it... a dark, twisted mass, an unmoving mess; she could smell blood, but there was blood everywhere in this castle. As she peered through, leaning in close, the silence snapped. The mighty hand thrust through the cloud of dust, seizing Aveda dramatically by the throat and pulling her through into the ruin of the armoury. Scabbar was there, still there, beaten, broken, but very much alive; the hand holding Aveda might be missing two fingers, Scabbar's hood may be viciously bludgeoned in on one side, what might have once been blood flowing freely from the eye socket, and Scabbar's back may be bristling with a thousand pieces of red hot metal from every weapon and piece of armour caught in the blast, but Scabbar was very much alive. And as he began to scream into Aveda's face, and start trying to choke the life out of the girl with one hand, it was clear he was very, very angry.

"Did you honestly think that would stop us?!" Reise's voice wheezed through Scabbar's mask and bludgeoned lips as his grip tightened around Aveda's body. He was going to try to squeeze her until her head popped off like the cork off a bladder bag. "Come, Nephew! Come watch your pretty princess die!"

Before his grip could get too much tighter, a figure leapt through the smoke. Eon's painted fur blazed through the fire, smoke and dust, and his massive jaws sunk themselves into the inside of Scabbar's wrist, making Reise cry out and release Aveda, dropping her onto the rubble of the broken floor. Two sets of hands grabbed her, and Aarin and Dyllin were hoisting her out of the fray, trying to drag her back into the hallway.

Aveda had peered through the settling dust and spotted the unmoving mass on the floor. "I think we did it!" She said triumphantly as she turned to look at Aarin, smiling brightly as she did. "He's not mov..." Her words had been cut short with a small yelp when she was suddenly forced backwards, back to where Scabbar lay. Her eyes widened at the sight that met her and she quickly wrapped her hands round Scabbar's trying to prize it from her neck, gasping as she did. As his grip tightened she felt herself weaken and become light headed but she continued pulling at his hand, refusing to give in. Suddenly out of nowhere she saw something jump at Reise before she found herself quickly falling to the ground, taking a deep gasp for breath as she did. She lay too exhausted to move as she continued to pant for air. What was that? Aveda thought but before she could look up she found herself being hoisted backwards by two pairs of hands. Once back in the hall, She collapsed to the ground before slowly trying to push herself up to sit. "I think he's still alive.." She croaked painfully as she slowly looked up at Aarin and his father.

"You... MUTT!" screamed Scabbar as Eon's body buzzed out of the settling dust, his wrist twisting uselessly as he felt Eon's teeth bite through to the nerves. He yelled out, but responded at once, landing a heavy blow between Eon's eyes with the other hand. He wasn't trying to pull Eon off however, just stun him, stun him long enough for Scabbar to shove Eon, and his own hand, down into the piles of broken building around him. He slammed Eon's body down mercilessly, screaming "You betrayed me!" as he held the wolf against the building flames. The smell of burning fur immediately fought the dust and smoke in the air, all competing to become the most overwhelming smell of death and destruction.

There was a loud yelp of pain from Eon as his body collided with the burning debris of the explosion, and he could feel his fur and flesh burning quickly. He struggled, but he refused to let go of Scabbar's wrist right away. He had to keep him distracted so that Dyllin, Aarin and Aveda could get out. Eon, you have to get him outside! Anaita's voice echoed in his head urgently. Eon narrowed his eyes on Scabbar, tightened his jaws on the meat of his wrist, then shook his head violently, effectively ripping into him more before releasing him suddenly and scrambling away. He leaped at a window, crashing through it and outside, falling to the ground where he stumbled to land with another pained yelp. His fur and flesh were both badly burned away on his hind leg and back, but he still looked over his shoulder and barked provocatively at Scabbar, taunting him.

Scabbar let out a loud growl, grabbing his wrist and hissing as the thick, foul smelling blood leaked from his lips. "Mutt..." he hissed to himself, before the wall smashed open, Scabbar shouldering his way out of the building with no trouble at all. It showered burning debris, broken glass and brickwork down towards Eon as Scabbar landed heavily in front of him. "I'm going to skin you with my TEETH!" he growled at Eon, still bleeding heavily, the grass sizzling and dying where his blood splattered onto the ground.

Eon, to the training field! Anaita urged. Eon barked at Scabbar again, wiggling his burned rump at him. "You'll have to catch me first!" he growled, then took off in a sprint towards the large training field where the army practiced drills and fighting techniques.

Aarin watched from the doorway as Eon first leaped out of the window, then Scabbar obliterated the wall in an attempt to follow him. "He's outside... Dad, he's outside!" he said urgently, looking back at Aveda and Dyllin. "He's going after Eon, we have to help!" He helped Aveda to her feet with her arm around his neck and shoulders, then headed back down the hall towards the stairs, Dyllin close behind him.

"Aarin, don't try to be a hero, you cannot stop him! Why didn't you stay with the others?" Dyllin insisted irritably.

"Dad, please... I'm Samiya's son. Did you really think I'd listen?" Aarin asked coyly. Dyllin couldn't help but smile a little. "Besides, I have a secret weapon! And it's time to put it to use." he said, patting the hilt of his magic sword. "Rafe made this for me for a reason, and I'm going to use it."

"I'll be right by your side." Aveda replied with a smile, her voice still hoarse as she leaned heavily against him as they moved, hand gripping his shoulder tightly. "It's going to take more than than that to finish off Robin Hood. Just tell me what I need to do."

"Stop TALKING!" Scabbar yelled, swinging around, backhanding the castle wall violently, causing the brickwork to shudder and crumble. He was trying to bring the castle walls down over their heads; he didn't care about the castle itself, he just cared about killing. After making sure the others got the message, he moved on, chasing after Eon.

Aarin cried out, ducking down and protecting Aveda with his body as the walls behind them so easily crumbled inwards in a blast of wind and debris. The smoke surrounded them, choking them briefly. When it cleared, and Aarin could hear Scabbar's thundering footfalls chasing Eon away from the castle, he looked up and surveyed the damage. There was a gaping hole in the wall just behind them, leading to the outside, and bricks were still falling. It was then that Aarin realized he couldn't see his dad anymore. "DAD?!" he yelped, releasing Aveda and turning to get a better view. "DAD!" Through a hole in the floor, Aarin could see Dyllin in the room below them, his lower half trapped by the heavy rubble, and unconscious. "DAD!" He moved to the hole in the floor, trying to find a way down to him, but he couldn't see one. He would have to backtrack to the stairs and take the long way. "We have to get to him!" he told Aveda quickly, grabbing her hand and pulling her on down the hall towards the spiraling stone steps.

Aveda quickly ran after him, her heart racing at the sight of Aarin's father trapped below. "He'll be alright Aarin. He's strong." She told him with a nod as they moved though she couldn't help but worry. How are we going to move all that rubble? She thought but decided it was best not to voice this.

Aarin panted quickly in desperation as he pulled her down the stairs and then backtracked through the halls to get to the room his father was in. He shoved the door open as best he could with his shoulder, crying out with how difficult it was. Some of the debris was jammed against the door. He finally managed it open enough to squeeze through the crack, then stumbled over the rocks to get to his father. "Dad!" he yelped, kneeling beside him and starting to dig away at the rubble. He shoved aside large rocks and bricks from the wall, and wooden support beams until he could see more of his father's legs, and he gasped at how much blood there was. One of his legs was broken, clearly, with the bone protruding from his thigh. "O-oh gods..." he sniffed, ripping off his cloak and ripping it into smaller pieces, tying it around his father's thigh to keep the bone sturdy and to help staunch the bleeding. "W-we have to get him out of here..." he sniffed.

"Do you think it is safe for us to try and lift him?" Aveda whispered breathlessly after she had helped Aarin shift the rubble from Dyllins legs. "We need to try and get him out of here as quickly as possible because if Reise decides to return Aarin i'm not sure we could fight him and protect your father at the same time."

"I-I don't know..." Aarin whined, his hands hovering over his dad's body, not sure how he could move him.

Then, a light hand touched Aarin's shoulder. Anaita gave him a smile when he turned to look up at her, and she laughed when he jumped up to hug her tightly. "Aarin, I know you are scared... but do not worry. I will take care of your father. Eon is leading Reise to the training grounds, but he cannot fight him alone. I've already told the sprites to meet you there. You need to go, I will take care of Dyllin. Both of you, go." she insisted, releasing him from the hug and pushing them towards the hole in the wall that led outside.

Aarin sniffed, but he nodded at his grandmother's words. He looked at Aveda and grabbed her hand, pulling her over the rest of the wreckage to get outside, then he broke into a run once his feet hit flat ground. "We have to hurry... Eon won't be able to hold Scabbar off for long on his own.. he's already injured!" he said, cursing softly.

Eon panted hard as he ran from Scabbar. The ground rumbled under his paws from their footfalls. He didn't look back though. He had to get to the training grounds. It was a gated area, fenced in, but wide open, flat land. That could be both an advantage and a disadvantage for them both. He just hoped the sprites would be there, too. He growled through clenched teeth and pushed on, trying to keep ahead of Scabbar's swinging axe and avoid Reise's dark magic.

"Going to SKIN you mutt!" Scabbar growled, splattering blood across the ground as he lunged again and again, slashing his axe at Eon, occasionally causing a few stray hairs to flutter from him. He was quick, but the axe just seemed to keep on swinging. "Pull out your bones and split your skull!" Scabbar was beyond angry, he was violence, pure violence chasing Eon "I'm... going... to... enjoy... killing... you."

Aveda hurried along next to Aarin, gripping his hand tightly as they moved. "Eon will be okay and so will your father..you just need to be ready to fight. Clear your mind and focus on the task you have to complete." She told him as they ran motioning to his sword as she did. "If you can do this then it will all be over..remember that. We will all be able to go home." She quickly stooped and grabbed up an abandoned sword for herself, preparing to fight if she needed to. "So they were going to the training grounds? How far is it?"

"Just down the hill!" Aarin panted as they ran, gripping tightly to her hand. As they ran down the hill from the castle, he could see Reise and Scabbar's massive form, hulking after Eon and swinging the axe back and forth, grabbing at Eon with his free hand. "THERE!" he yelped, breaking into a sprint.

Eon tried to keep his eyes ahead, and his ears back against his head. He had to streamline himself as best he could. He was almost in the gates of the training grounds. He finally heard the whoosh of the metal gates as they passed him, and he was within the encircled training area. He risked a glance back over his shoulder at Scabbar, his blue eyes wide, then the ground seemed to crumble from beneath him. He tripped. The few seconds he'd taken his eyes from the ground, his paw caught on a rock and he tripped. He tumbled forward in a rough roll, yelping as he landed hard in the dirt.

A hand slammed down across Eon's back. It was a jarring, painfully solid hand that held the wolf in place with the sheer pressure that was being put down on him. Scabbar might have been chewed up, ripped apart, shredded and blown up, but he was still used to throwing his weight around. He didn't care about the body he possessed... and maybe he'd just take over Eon's instead, have some fun with THAT. He shoved the axe handle at him. "Take it..." he half laughed, prodding Eon's face with the handle as he held Eon down "I'm not going to kill you. Your friends are going to kill you."

Eon snarled, and snapped at Scabbar as much as he could, but he didn't take the axe handle. He knew they had to keep Scabbar and Reise in the same body. He growled, wincing at the weight and force of Scabbar's hand on his back. He could feel something cracking, and he yelped. He wasn't sure if it was his ribs or his spine.

"Take this, you son-of-a-bitch!" Iswe suddenly yelled from Scabbar's right. They were suddenly bombarded with a tidal wave of water from the well nearby, and hot steam shot off their body as the black, volcanic sludge that was their blood made contact with the cooler water. Reise shrieked in pain as the water forced them to stumble back and release Eon. As they stumbled, Eon shuffled away as best he could, while Idre's thick vines shot up from the ground and tangled themselves around his ankles, bringing him down with an earth-rumbling thud. "We got him! Sein, Odi, we got him!" Iswe cheered as she kept the water on him.

Sein nodded quickly to Iswe but didn't stop to help, instead running to check Eon. "Are you okay?" She mouthed as she dropped to her knees next to him and began to check him for injuries.

"The sprites are already there!" Aveda exclaimed as she looked down at the training field as she and Aarin ran towards it. "They caught him, you can do this." She continued quickly. "Let's go finish this!"

Scabbar... waited. He watched the others as they came closer, laying there, not even resisting. Not yet. If he fought the vines, they would tighten, and he would... Well, he wouldn't get his surprise now would he? He lay there, smirking beneath the hood. "About time the magic users showed up... I didn't want to skin the mutt without an audience after all." The hood just... stared at the figures around him. He had to wait for the best moment.

Aarin's heart was thudding in his chest. From the top of the hill, he could see Idre's branches pinning Scabbar to the ground, but he felt... terrified. He didn't feel the same elation that Aveda did. Something was wrong. Neither Reise nor Scabbar would go down that easily, and now they were in the same body. They were planning something. A hard lump formed in his throat and he had a hard time swallowing around it. He pulled Aveda to a stop and looked at her seriously. "Aveda, something isn't right. Stay back here, but be ready." He gave her a quick kiss on the lips, then turned and sprinted towards the training fields, his jaw set and eyes hard on Scabbar's pinned form.

Eon panted heavily as she felt Sein's warm hands on his fur. He was badly burned and injured all over his body, and his right eye was painfully fused shut. He looked up at her with a soft whine, but he pulled himself to his feet gradually, glaring at Scabbar through his left eye, the blue in it as keen as ever. He shook out his fur, stumbled and limped a little, then straightened up and growled at Scabbar angrily. He kept his distance, however. He was having the same thoughts as Aarin. Something wasn't right.

Odi eyed Scabbar's body, wrinkling her nose at his black, oozing blood, and the overwhelming smell of death on him. She walked slowly around him, taking him in, her eyes automatically seeking out weak points. She kept her swords in her hands, gripping them tightly and being wary to keep a good distance from him as well. "So you're Scabbar...? Or should I say Reise?" she asked, sounding bored. "You're the great threat to the world as we know it."

Aveda frowned as Aarin suddenly pulled her to a stop then told her to wait. She bit her lip as she watched him run on, wanting to follow after him but knew she shouldn't so instead stood waiting, preparing herself to fight if needed.

Sein straightened up and turned to face to Scabbar, still standing by Eon's side. She frowned lightly at him then took a small step forward before stopping and looking at Iswe and Idre. "Is he secure?" She mouthed silently. "I think he may have something of mine.." She continued then pointed to her mouth indicating her stolen voice.

"Oh, I'm both... neither..." Scabbar half laughed at Odi, the blood sizzling softly as the darkness seemed to sink straight into the dirt itself "But I am dangerous. Very, very dangerous." He shifted, his body twisting, flesh seeming to both rip and flow around the vines that held him down. He didn't escape, that would be too easy, but he just... remained there, waiting for the others to make a wrong move.


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