Dragon Riders II: Revenge of the Riders (started, accepting)

BREE and NUKPANO

"I was watching," Nuk said, revealing himself as Manarian dissappeared behind the tree.

Bree turned to him and ran into his warm body. "Nuk, I'm so sorry. Please know that I love you more than life itself and I'd never blame you for anything. Nuk, I'd give my life for you in a heartbeat and I know you'd do the same for me. I love you regardless and I know you still love me even though I've become a monster. And I'm so sorry!"

Nuk didn't say a word but Bree felt his breathing slow and she could tell he forgave her. "We'll talk later Bree. You know I could never stay upset with you."

Brystianne squeezed her dragon one last time and looked up. "Nuk...I love Manarian. I've fallen for the guy I hated so much. Do you remember how we used to fight? I wish I could be that same girl I used to be. Isn't it unfair of my to love him and he only get part of who I was?"

Nukpano looked like he wanted to say something but didnt. Then he opened his mind to her and Bree let him enter, willingly. Nukpano closed his eyes and spoke into her mind.

I've missed this Bree. It almost feels like old times he mentally sighed.

I know. And I think that's why I've kept us apart. And I didn't want you to see what I've become, Bree replied

Bree...I don't think you or Manarian are completely whole anymore. I think you need each other. I thought I could fix you. But I can't do it alone. You need him and I think he needs you too.

Bree highly doubted that much. But she did need him. She didn't know what she would do without Manarian. He, besides Nuk, had become her very best friend. She would die for him. She trusted him. She longed to be with him. And she loved him. In a way so mch different than how she loved Nuk.

Let's go back to camp Nuk.

Bree touched the lips Manarian had kissed not even half an hour ago and walked with Nuk back to camp. She wouldn't be the girl she was before. But she felt more alive than she had since she was nearly killed. She had been kissed before. By an ex-so-called-boyfriend. Malachi. He had been the most amazing rider she had ever seen. But he had done the most evil deed...he was worse than Zara, in many ways, however much she hated Zara. He had left her lips cold and his smile had made her shiver. Manarian left her lips warm and tingling. She trembled with joy and amazement when he would smile at her, even now. His old smile left her feeling like mush.

Nuk and Bree walked back to camp neither one of them thinking about the battle to come, but lost in their own private thoughts. Bree thought she felt Nuk's utter sadness and dispair but she pushed the thought away. Why should he be sad? She felt like she had awaken from a coma. She was ready to fight now.

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I made this minor character but haven't introduced him yet. I'm pretty excited and this should draw Dreamy out and posting again! And I really do urge you to read his personality/history. Trust me. xD lol (page 2)
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MALACHI and BATO

Eighth was getting on his nerves. He ached to do more than just sit here. He wanted to fight. He longed to gain more power. Even though Eighth, impressed with his past, had gladly taken him in, he felt nothing towards her. In fact, he planned to kill her at first chance. He would rule these filthy Shadow riders. He was placed highly up even now, as high as the Elder's were considered, but he needed more.

Malachi thought that Eighth was a decent leader, he couldn't deny, but she wasn't ambitious enough. What were the rebel riders going to do? When he had been a good, Earth rider he was better than them all. Even the Elders had called him a prodigy. Even now, he was stronger and better than almost every rider here. No one could doubt it and he'd only been a shadow rider for a few years.

Every dragon stayed as far away from him as possible, besides Bato. They knew his tag. He was a dragon killer. Malachi gritted his teeth. He still ached for his old dragon, Elena, but he didn't regret his decision. If only she would have joined him things would have been so much better. Bato, however, was more ambitious. He was young and not as strong, but he would do. He held MAlachi back at times, but he would survive.

Eighth would not. He was going to let her smash the resistance, get in her good books, and then murder her. Malachi ran a hand through his curly black hair. He was extremely handsome. And he would make Eighth lust for him. Love was fictional but everyone could feel want. In fact he felt Alice's greedy eyes on him now.

Malachi grinned at Eighth in his frightening way, looking like a dark angel, and turned towards Bato.

"Let's fly," he laughed.

**ALright so absoultely no one knows what he's planning, okay? He's very secretive and a good actor and I know people (Although I haven't seen any bad riders post in a while) tend to have their characters know based off a post. It's okay to have a thought wondering about his loyalty to Eighth, but they wouldn't know. **

I looked around at the people as the people as they prepared to fight.

Is there anything we can do, to help? I asked Naj. I figured he could see more then me. He sat on his haunches, glancing around.

It seems everything is under control.Right now isn't really the time, but...

What?

My wings have been itching to fly.

Naj, you know this isn't a good time.

I know. But I have to soon, or I'll forget how! he said. I clamored onto him, climbing up to his head to look around. Bree was returning.

Thanks. I said. He lowered his head, and I hopped down. I wandered around, looking at the people, until I ran into Marian.

"Is there anything I can do to help?" I asked. "Naj needs something to do, else he will keep on trying to fly with me."

Wow, I have missed sooooo much. I read the last few pages- so they're about to attack Eighth's camp in an hour or so? And Eighth isn't being a very good leader to Malachi, I take it? Okay. I'm gonna post this- if it's glaringly innacurate/doesn't work with the plot, please tell me so I can edit it!I'm assuming Eighth knows they're gonna attack because of the Zara thing. And I'm guessing it's nighttime- do tell me if it's not.

Eighth-

We knew they were coming. We were ready- our swords sharpened, out bodies rested enough. My Shadows riders had twisted the darkness so it was to our full advantage. Malachi seemed in all respects to be an excellent fighter- perhaps only comparable to myself. However, he was cheeky, very cheeky, and rash. Something about him bothered me, although nothing was apparent.
"Let's fly." he said to his dragon.
Normally, I would strike down any one who was to simply leave without my permission. However, I was antsy, and in a particularly good mood because of the promise of blood to be spilt soon. I joined him in the air, calling Phobos. I hadn't flown in some time.

In the air, I turned to Malachi.
"When the time comes to fight, I have no doubt you can easily kill them all. However, stick with the smaller ones. I have scores to settle. If nothing else, leave Zara, Bree, and Manarian to me." I said. I traced the edge of one of my daggers with my hand. Malachi glared, and I almost laughed at the anger radiating from him. He nodded, obviously upset, and then pasted a charming expression over his angered one.
"Are you sure?" he simpered. Charm did not work on me.
"I don't underestimate you, my little Shadow." I said. "But you will have a time and a place. And that is not now."
I guessed there were maybe a few weeks to the attack. Most likely less. I swooped back downwards. We were ready.

Manarian

Manarian tapped his staff against the packed earth of the clearing, looking around. Everything was ready.

“I don’t think you need to do anything, Lily,” he said, “and Naj may soon get his wish. I think it’s time to fly.” He gave Lily a long look.

“You sure you still want to come?” He asked. Lily rolled her eyes, and behind her, Naj snorted.

“Yeah, I’m sure. Let’s go.” she said. Manarian nodded, patting her on the shoulder.

“Right, then. We’ll be off in a minute.”

He spied Zara, and with obvious reluctance, made his way over. He might not feel the need to torment her now, but he got the feeling that he would never trust her again.

She was leaning against the tree, her eyes closed. Fitz was off, rummaging around in the supply bags. Manarian crouched down next to her.

“Zara?”

She opened her eyes, giving a start when she saw who was talking to her.

“Yes?”

“Here’s the plan. You know where Eighth is better than I do. You’ll ride with Fitz next to Bree and me.” He said the last bit impulsively, before wondering if Nuk would let him anywhere near Bree after what had happened. He shook this thought off. He’d sort it out in a minute.

“Okay,” she said slowly, never taking her eyes off him.

“If it looks like we’re going the wrong way, you have to tell me, got it?”

“Got it.”

“Good. We’ll be moving in a minute. Tell Fitz to give you your weapons back when he returns. You’ll be next to useless without them.” Without waiting for a reply, he got up and walked away. It was probably stupid, letting Zara fight, but he needed all the help he could get. If she really was honestly against Eighth, maybe she would help.

“Riders!” he called to the clearing at large. “Mount up! We’re flying!” There were some whoops, and the dragons reared and cheered in anticipation. He hoped to whatever gods there were that his friends would survive the night. As for himself, well, that was another matter entirely.

He glanced almost nervously at Bree. She smiled at him, motioned him over. He went, his eyes flicking between Nuk’s face, impassive as only a Dragon’s can be, and Bree’s, looking more alive than he’d seen it in ages.

“Er,” he started upon reaching the partners. Er? He thought. He didn’t think he had ever said ‘er’ before in his life. “Um,” he started again, before pulling himself together. “May I ride with you?”

Bree and Nuk

It broke Brystianne's heart to watch who Manarian walked around ordering the others in a way that gave everyone hope. She almost let the tears of nostalgia wash over her as she remembered how angry she would get with him as he tried to take control. He was good at this. He was charasmatic and a true born leader. And now he would never be an Elder as he was meant to be.

Hatred boiled over in her gut at Eighth. She would kill her, herself. She had been the reason everything had changed. Her and Zara. She would never like Zara but at least she seemed to have changed sides. Eighth was the definition of evil.

Manarian walked towards her and Nuk. She thought she felt a wave of sadness and angriness come off of Nuk in her mind but he seemed to control it. Confused but happy, she grinned at Manarian.

He smiled awkwardly. "Er,"he started. "Um....may I ride with you?"

He actually looked a little nervous. It was weird for Bree to see him like that. It also made her stomach feel as if butterflies suddenly decided to have a pillow fight in there. She grabbed his hand and shook her head at him rolling her eyes.

"Do you really need to ask?" she asked. "Now is not the time to let...well, this new relationship get in the way."

Her face grew somber and true concern and worry clouded her face. The love that had made her shine disappeared and she took a deep breath.

"Manarian...we need to have our wits about us. I can't imagine going on without you. You and Nuk are the only ones I'm fighting for now. I know this sounds crazy but...before I was letting my bitterness at Eighth rule my life. We both know I'm not the same because of that. But now...I'm feeling so different. Manarian, we have to stick together. This isn't just about destroying Eighth now. It's about earning the life back that we both need."

Bree pressed her lips hard against his and wrapped her arms around his neck tightly, obviously suprising him as it took him a second before he could respond. She backed away just a few inches away, her eyes still serious.

"So I think that we shouldn't...let this get in the way. After we destroy Eighth we can be together...but for now...we have to pretend that nothing is different. Because I know that this will only mar our judgement...and if Eighth finds out she will use it against us and we can't let that happen."

**Silly Bree. It wouldn't be her is she wasn't so dramatic. xD**

Malachi fingered his blade. He remembered Bree with her firey hair and her even more fiery personality. A grin crossed his face. She had left him because he had scared her. She used to love to fly with him and Elena, but she soon learned that getting to close to him was dangerous. He was dangerous. There was no doubt in his mind she hated him now. As she must hate Zara.

And Zara. Zara, Zara, Zara. Oh yes, he remembered that sweet little traitor. He wanted her as well. She was talented, although not as she used to be. Coming to Eighth had weakened her. She wasn't as strong as he was...she didn't have what it really takes to choose evil. To choose power.

And Manarian. The tattle tale. He was in good with the Elders. He was the type to think before acting. He didn't have Bree's fierce loyalty and anger that caused her to become so scary...but he had more than her in turn. Bree was rash and let her fierce nature and opinions rule her. Manarian thought about his actions and then acted...and that made him more of a threat in his eyes....just in a different way.

Malachi and Manarian had never gotten along. Ever. Manarian had never really trusted him. Malachi grinned. He had always believe Manarian jealous. His talents had surpassed everyone. He was what the Elders called a prodigy and he was also handsome. Manarian still was the one who had told the Elders about how he murdered his dragon, Elena. He would make Manarian pay for that.

Malachi nodded his head. "Whatever you wish," he lied, gracefully. "I will leave Manarian, Zara and Brystianne to you."

He would leave Bree to Eighth, she would no doubt be a handful. He wouldn't want to deal with that. He would kill Manarian. No....he would torture the fool and then let Eighth kill him. He hated Manarian. It would be tricky to do it before Eighth found him...and even trickier to get the better of him...but he would try.

As for Zara...he would persuade her to join him. He had been there for her in the days of torture. He knew she still thought about him. He was very handsome and could be compassionate if he felt in the mood. Love was a fictional emotion...but lust...it was very real. And he would find Zara...and they would overthrow Eighth. She could be strong if worked with. He wanted Zara...and when he tired of her...she would die.

"Of course, I'll destroy the others. No help even needed," he laughed. "I'm ready."

Lily

"Let's let those two lovebirds... be all lovey. We've got each other, that's all I'll ever want." I mumbled to Naj. "Weather we make it through this or not, we're going to try. Right, Naj?" He hummed his reply.

Oh, absolutely, Lily. If i die, I'm bringing you down, too.

"Great to know." I mumbled.I didn't want to interrupt either of them as they talked.

Manarian

“… And if Eighth finds out, she will use it against us, and we can’t let that happen.” Bree was very serious. And she was right too. There was no denying it. But Manarian still felt like he would tear the eyes out of anyone who tried to hurt her again. He just decided not to mention that to Bree.

“You’re right, of course, Bree.” He said, matching her seriousness. “But… Just don’t do anything stupid. Got it?”

“I’m not promising anything there.” She gave him a small smile. It was probably the best he could hope for.

“Fair enough. Now, up you get, or the others will leave without us." It was true. Most of the other Dragons were already in the air. Bree scrambled onto Nuk’s back, before looking back at Manarian.

“Come on,” she said, extending a hand.

He waved the hand away. “One minute,” and so saying, went to stand in front of Nukpano’s great head.

“Thank you,” he said quietly to the Dragon. “I know it must be… difficult, but thank you.” Nuk nodded wordlessly. Again, probably the best he could hope for. He sprang up and settled behind Bree.

“Alright, let’s go,” he said, and they took to the air. Fitz and Zara flew by their right wing, Lily by their left, with Kallo and Tay bringing up the rear.

Here we come, Eighth, thought Manarian, gazing steadily into the lightening darkness ahead of them. I hope you’re ready.

***Now that class is slowing down and all I have to look forward to are 6 finals in the next two weeks, I can post a lot more often! Yays!***

Fitz

He made certain she was safe, sitting in front of him. He doubted that she would try to throw herself overboard now, if she would even attempt anything reckless at all. He was glad to see that some light had returned to her once dim, lifeless eyes. Maybe hope of redemption was brewing inside her soul?

The group flew on, heading in the direction Zara had given them. She wouldn't lead them astray, would she? No...he had more confidence in her than that.

"I don't know about the others, but I will need your help fighting Eighth," he murmured. "I know very little about her - what to expect, how to react."

"Just be careful, and do what we tell you," Manarian piped in coarsely. Fitz suspected he was still sour from their spat earlier.

Fitz swallowed. Hard. Had he alienated himself from the man? He hesitated, "I...I'm sorry about earlier. I didn't mean to...overstep boundaries." After a moment, he added, "I can assure you in the impending battle - because I know we're going to have one - that I will not let you down. I will fight until you tell me to stop. Or this Eighth person kills me."

Lily

Naj's graceful wings flapped on both sides of me. I looked over the side of him; he were riding over a valley. I glanced over to Fitz and Bree. I wonder what happened to his dragon. Maybe he never had one...? I knew i would go suicidal if i lost my dragon. He was the only thing to me.

"We don't know a lot about fighting, do we, Naj?" I asked. I didn't know if Bree or Manarian heard me.

We'll have to try, then. They took us in. We're killing someone before we are killed.

"Wonderful. You have such a cheerful mind." He laughed at my comment.

"Is that them?" I asked Manarian, looking at a small cluster of tents in the distance.

Zara:

When I saw the tents, I knew something was up. This had been a plan Eighth often talked about--using the tents as a decoy then attacking from above. I leaned forwards and peered down. Sure enough, I saw several darker shapes in the trees.

"Stop!" I yelled. "It's a trap!" And at the same time, a shadow fell over us. My blood ran cold.

((Sorry, it's short. Anyways, let's get this moving, eh?))

Eep! Had no idea things were going to start moving so quickly.... I thought there'd be a little while until the fight! But hokay. Me likey fighting. Oh, and is this a fight that anyone will win or lose? Is this the epic one for the stone or just.... a random fight leading up to it?

Eighth-


We were ready for the Riders. As always, my decoy tents worked wonders. As soon as they were in range, my Shadows began to swoop down on them. I stayed above. The weakest Riders would get picked off soon enough. I was waiting for the real fight to begin. Phobos breathed a veil of fear onto the Riders. How well would they fight when their minds were telling them only to run?

An arrow narrowly missed Phobos's head, and I caught it as it began to slow and fall. I sent a dagger down at the direction it had come from, and a resounding shriek told me my aim was true. Phobos flew higher. We weren't going to get involved, not just yet. I wouldn't give the Riders the satisfaction of seeing me so early on.

I heard screams from below, and elements swirled. Lightning forked the sky, flames shot up in spurts, and water quenched them just as quickly. Shadows swirled in masses, covering the eyes of unsuspecting Riders. I saw a bolt of lightning hit one of my Shadows.He fell, his charred body looking skywards. I sniffed. If he was really so weak as to be picked off like that, he was better off dead. Lightening forked around me, and I saw the shadow of a storm dragon in the clouds. Bree was coming for me. Phobos and I dived to the ground. No need to give her the advantage of being in her own element.




Is this okay? I figured if there was fighting, I'd kill off some ICs.

Lily

"Stop!" Zara yelled. "It's a trap!" A deep, black shadow fell over us. The Shadows were directly over us, diving down.

Naj! Go around and up! I shrieked. He dove down, pulling up quickly and dodging someone. The area began to shake like an angry beehive. Naj got a few scratches on some shadow dragons, and a gash on himself. Someone slashed my waist. My knife in my hand, I missed all my cuts. I should have practiced. I saw Maraian and Bree fighting someone heatedly.

Help them?

We'll only get in the way. A man on a huge dragon charged at me. I swerved out of the way as lightning struck him.I saw a shadow on the fringes, who seemed to be trying to run (to Eighth, a ic)And darted after him. II came up the back and knifed him. he fell from his dragon. Naj was busy keeping the dragon itself off. the spiraled down, until Naj came up, the other dragon falling into rocks.

Fist killed, hmm? He asked.

There is a first for everything.

***I'm still in this. Just got a few exams to take over the next few days...***

Fitz

Shyen roared, veering to the side as something shot past them. She hissed in anger and what Fitz assumed to be slight pain. Had she been hit?

Well, no other option. They were under attack.

He looked at Zara. As did Manarian. The bossman started shouting orders at the other Riders - battle orders, by the sound of it. Fitz could care less at this point; they needed to fight. And he wanted Eighth, or someone of equal value in terms of harming Zara...

He and Zara withdrew blades as another dragon whipped past. Shyen screamed. Fitz! I can't keep up! Not with two Riders on my back!

I know! he shouted at her. Land! Get out of the air!

She swooped down, closing her wings in so that they plummeted. One dragon pulled up beside them, the Rider on its back boasting a wild gleam in his eye and a bloodstained, lethal weapon. He eyed Zara. Now what did this one want?

***If you wanna wound him, have at it. Just don't kill me, please...***

BREE and NUKPANO

She felt the lightening tingle against her skin. She felt as good as new and the lightening seemed to be welcoming her back. She had always been as unpredictable and volatile as the lightening but when she was almost killed she hadn't been the same. Now....everything was changing. And it felt as if this was the first time she and Eighth had ever met. Except hatred boiled deep in her gut and she felt renewed...the last few months of fear and depression vanished and her old bravery and strength returned.

"I am going to kill you," Bree told Eighth calmly, smiling slightly. "You should have made sure I was dead. Because if you kill me now I WILL take you down with me."

Lightening cracked in her hair and down her arms, dangerously. Eighth just laughed and grinned in her frightning way. But Brystianne didn't back down or shiver. She was done being afraid. She was done living her life in hiding. She was going to finish this with every ounce of her being.

Manarian stood beside her, his weapons out. Bree took comfort in his presence. He was a strong leader and a strong fighter. But what was most important was that her fierce love for him drove off most of the fear that Eighth was sending at them.

Brystianne saw the shadows heading for them from Eighth's direction. Bree shot lightning through the shroud of darkness and made Nuk fly higher. She needed to be in the air. Nuk was faster than any dragon there, an advantage of being a storm dragon, so she could outrun any trouble. And she was also stronger near the clouds and atmosphere. However, Eighth was smart and was bringing the fight to the ground.

Brystianne landed on the ground. Manarian grabbed the dagger hidden on his wrist and flung it in Eighth's direction, she easily avoided it, laughing. But she didn't expect Bree's bolt of lightening. She barely avoided this one and she grimanced at her smoldering sleeve. Bree laughed.

But then she shivered as fear washed over her. She distantly heard Nuk roar out at another dragon but Manarian's hand grabbed hers and the fear vanished. She squeezed his hand, gratefully.

But she felt a new fear....something that had nothing to do with Eighth's magic, although it was related. She was looking at their intertwined hands, a grin spreading as the wheels in her head starting turning. Eighth knew.

Brystianne glared at Eighth, lightening barely shimmering around her now, but the threat and power in her voice rang around them.

"You and I have a fight. You can't beat me Eighth. You may have more power than I do, but I have more heart. You very nearly took that away from me but I won't let you anymore. I know who I am and what I stand for. I'll never give up until you are dead. So fight me and leave everyone else alone."

MALACHI and BATO

He found Zara easily enough.

"You always were a good fighter," he smiled at her. She looked at him shocked.

Malachi put on his most sincere face. She couldn't see through his face. No one could. He was good at manipulation. It was his gift.

"I've thought about you Zara. I worried and I looked for you. Have you forgotten what we had before you turned double traitor. I stood up for you with Eighth. I helped you and empathized with you. And you left me," he said, frowning.

Zara looked at me and he could see her face soften for the quickest second before she shrugged. "I made a wrong choice, Malachi. Now I know where I'm supposed to be."

"With me. I have a plan to kill Eighth and I want to take over. And I want you to come with me."

Fitz

He huffed; something was amiss. He wanted to wipe that pitiful expression off Malachi's face; it disgusted him, no matter how sincere and true it looked. He touched Zara's fingers with his for a brief second. "Don't listen to him, Zara..." he warned.

Malachi glared at Fitz, pure hatred and anger flashing in his expression before he concealed it again. The young rider could tell he didn't like having someone thwart his plans, whatever they were... And blood would be drawn for it. He was almost certain of that.

"Come along, Zara," Malachi urged, almost impatiently.

Fitz dismounted from Shyen, followed by Zara. The dragoness snarled, leaping into flight as another dragon - probably Malachi's - passed over, snapping and slashing at her. They were now alone on the ground, Fitz and Zara against Malachi. Fitz drew his sword and held it in a ready position, braced. "You want Zara? Then go through me. I swore to protect her, and believe me, I will."

"Fitz, don't - " she tried. He could tell she was confused, worried, afraid...

"I won't let them hurt you again!" he snapped at her. Determined, he returned his gaze to the man. "Well?"