25- End of the Line
#30 of The Legend of Rift Book III: Downfall
The Palace doors crumbled open from the shoulder bash of the orange dragon. He winced in pain, remembering that just a while ago, it was reset back into place after being dislocated. He rolled it a few times, ensuring it was still in place.
"Really? I do ask hon that you refrain from doing that again. I don't care to set it back in after you already injured it." Sithris chuckled at his side. "It does make me wonder how you survived alone for a year."
Rift shrugged and looked around for Shara, to no avail. "I think the key was trying not to survive that year. The moment I changed my mind, I got a hole in the chest."
The black drake lowered his head. "All because I froze. Just don't die this time. I really can't go through losing you again."
They watched momentarily at the large marble statue of Shara, one paw outstretched with claws bared to display her ruthlessness. Rift nuzzled him gently. "We'll try upstairs in her room. From what I remember while under her control, we spent quite a bit of time there." He shivered, feeling horrible about the things he had done under the Queen's influence.
Sithris kissed his lips softly. "That's in the past hon. I'll deal with Shara, you make sure evil you doesn't cook me."
They slowly stepped up the stairs and found a large door, marking their destination. Rift looked to his mate, taking a breath before both pushed the doors open. The orange drake shivered as he saw the room he had been corrupted in.
It was massive, occupying a large chunk of the upstairs level of the Palace. A navy blue coated the walls and the floor was covered in dark red stone. The far end lay a large bed, covered in turquoise and burnt orange. Large enough to fit multiple of the older late Guardians.
Rift growled at the bedding, holding back his desire to torch it and the whole Palace. He began to worry at the emptiness of the room, looking to his mate. "We need to get out of here."
Sithris ran to the doorway and motioned the orange drake over, only for another drake to slam into him, through the door and into the hallway. Rift yelped and dashed for him, only for the doors to shut, revealing the Queen.
"We have some catching up to do."
Sithris yelped in pain as he was forced to the ground. His sight locked onto the dark version of his mate, no doubt intending to make quick work of him. He flailed as the evil drake repeatedly slammed his paw on him, making quick work of his thin armor. The insets of lapis lazuli shattering into pieces as the armor deformed like crushed aluminium. With a desperate thrust, he pierced the drake's wing membrane with his spear tail.
Dark Rift snarled in pain and slammed his fist into his victim's head, knocking away the helmet. He smirked and stepped off. "It seems your previous victory was just a farce. I must say I'm disappointed."
The electric dragon winced and rubbed his jaw, forcing himself up to scowl at the dark orange male. "I'd prefer not to show that part of me, thank you very much. He tends to be less forgiving." He looked at the male, seeing a large gash in his chest. "You're lucky to have survived. Had he swung again, you would have been dead. I do have to thank you for stopping him though, for in a sense, you returned my pest to me."
The fire drake growled, tail flicking in irritation. "Don't get used to it. You'll be dead, and his body will be mine again." With a roar, he charged at the black dragon."
The turquoise dragoness whistled in approval as she walked around the nervous drake. "You look even better than when I first met you Rift. Your muscles seem even more defined. Your horns have grown back, impressive. And that scar, it suits you. Gives off the strong Fire Guardian vibe. You look so much like your father."
Rift growled softly, lifting a paw to his eye, feeling where Carmine has purposely torn at it. "Let me out Shara, I need to save my mate."
The dragoness laughed aloud, silently manipulating her magic into the mind of the drake. "Save your mate, but I'm right here. Surely you didn't forget the months of time we spent together."
The fire drake whimpered. "You mean when you lied and corrupted me? Sent me out to kill my family? What about those innocent people you had me murder?" Why can't I move?
Shara smiled at him. "Ah yes, I simply did it for the greater good. Guardians were never meant to be in a position of power, they simply guarded dragon eggs. They became too engrossed in politics, so it was necessary to deal with that. Those people in New Schatten, and that dragoness you killed in the dungeon, they wanted to keep the old way alive. I simply did it for the future of our species."
Rift snorted. "We have most of the Realms at war Shara. Yes, the old way was in need of changes, but murdering all those people wasn't the way."
The Queen shook her head softly. "This is the only way. Now you can either submit to me, or I will take you back by force, and Sithris will die."
The fire drake snarled. "Like you would keep your word, just like last time. I should tear out your vocal chords so you can't lie anymore."
"Oh, I'm serious!" Shara pleaded. "I know about yours and his... alterations, how three dragons created a child. I very much want your egg, so I'm willing to strike an agreement for him to serve me as well. If not, well I guess there are other drakes."
Rift gritted his teeth. "You touch him and I'll personally ensure that your head is removed from the body." Please, move dammit!
The Queen laughed. "Then please do." She smirked as Rift continued to stay still. "Still nothing. Are you scared of me drake?" She walked around him like a predator stalked its prey. "Or maybe..." She swiped her tail under, tripping Rift onto his back. "You want a reminder of your Queen's abilities."
She snaked her muzzle up to his neck, clamping hard in dominance. Satisfaction filled her brain at her victory as Rift whimpered weakly. She whispered in his ear. "Let's get this armor off."
"Keep it up everyone!" Silvus shouted as he blocked a spear, curling his tail around it to pull his attacker to him, slashing through the panther's chest in one swipe. He looked over at Kara, watching as she weaved around with grace, dodging attacks and accurately retaliating with her own. His distraction was a perfect opening.
"RAGGGGGH!"
Silvus screamed in pain as a tailspade lodged partially into his broken wing. He collapsed from the sudden shock and forced his eyes open. Carmine grinned evilly as he looked down on the Light Messenger.
"I have a score to settle with you dragon. You conspired with the orange runt to overthrow me as Fire Guardian, then froze me solid. I'm going to take that wing before I burn you to ash." The red drake grinned.
Silvus whimpered in pain, chuckling as he looked up at Carmine. "I wish you luck with that." He motioned behind the large drake.
Carmine gulped as he turned around, finding both Spyro and Cynder growling. With a small breath, both released a beam of Convexity, hitting the red dragon in the center of the chest and launching him through a building.
Spyro smiled and helped up the silver drake. "I still owe you one for forgiving Cynder. We're starting to push them back."
Silvus grinned and nodded. "Nice. Start cutting them off. The less casualties now, the better."
Sithris dodged a quick tail swipe, ducking under it to headbutt Dark Rift to the ground. He had been forced to abandon the remains of his armor, taking extra care to protect his vulnerable hide. He clamped his maw on the dark drake's paw, shaking it in an attempt to cause extra damage. He yelped as the blood burned his mouth, allowing the fire drake to take control.
Sithris groaned when a heavy tail slam connected to his belly. He tried to shake himself off as another struck his throat. He gasped for air and his vision fogged.
Dark Rift sneered and slammed his head into the defenceless dragon's chest, knocking him down, putting a heavy paw on his head. He smiled as he watched the drake yelp and try to flail about. A whispered traveled from his maw. "At this point, my Queen is definitely regaining her hold on your precious dragon. We shall be one again, and you will be but a stain on this floor."
The black drake opened his maw just wide enough to release a bolt of lightning, flinging the dark orange male off of him. He winced, one eye shut as the other began turning red. He clenched both eyes, shaking his head to regain control, overcoming his Warp just as a tail spade lodged in his neck.
The pain was excruciating, forcing a loud screech from the drake as he collapsed from the shock. He had never felt physical pain so intense. He could feel every bit of pain, yet felt distant from his body. Right then, he heard a roar.
Rift shivered as his other shoulder plate was removed, watching with grey eyes as his Queen nipped at his muscles. He didn't know why he was here, just that he was Shara's center of attention. He smirked slightly, licking her face as she moved to his chest.
"My strong drake, once both sides of you are one again, nothing will stop us." She grinned as she reached up his neck and unbuckled the top strap. "We will make the Realms see the light under my rule." She unstrapped the buckle to the lower part of the armor, grunting in surprise as she realized the weight of it. She blinked at what lay underneath.
Rift watched the dragoness in curiosity as she stared at the blue bandanna around his neck. He didn't know why it was there, only that it had some important meaning. "My Queen, I-I'm not sure what that is."
Shara shrugged. "Then it is of no use to us. Why don't we remove that silly thing."
Rift yelped as she reached for it, quickly backing away. "I don't think that's a good idea. It seems important."
The turquoise dragoness sighed and rolled her eyes, ignoring the drake's request. "Don't be silly, it's just a rag." She gripped it.
Eyes quickly flashed to blue as memories flashed in the drake's mind, remembering all the Queen had done. "I SAID NO!" He roared and slammed her head to the ground, snarling as he realized she'd had him again.
Shara yelled in rage as she looked at the drake with angry eyes. "If that's how you want to play it, I'll take you by FORCE!" She screamed as she launched at Rift, claws dripping with poison. She tried to swipe, but the enraged drake pinned her down.
"YOU KILLED MY FRIENDS, MY FAMILY!" Rift slammed his head into the Queen's own. "Zapras did nothing wrong, he didn't even fight." again, head connected head. "You even manipulated me and turned me against everyone I care for." He went for another headbutt, but snarled as poison claws struck his face.
He didn't give her time to act again, as he clamped hard on her leg and flung her through the bed. He stalked toward her, intent to finish off the now injured Queen for good when a loud screech filled his ears.
He stopped for a quick moment as he realized the source of the noise. His pupils shrank as he launched at the door, splintering it to nothing as he roared. His evil counterpart had no time to react as horns slammed into him, launching the dark drake off of Sithris.
The electric dragon cried at the sudden removal of the spade and clung tightly to Rift. "I thought I lost you again."
Rift licked his mate's cheek. "I'm so sorry, you almost did." He frowned as he inspected the wound. "I'm gonna need to cauterise it hon. You'll bleed out."
Sithris watched as Rift heated his tail spade and whimpered. "Please make it quick." He gently placed his maw on Rift's neck, preparing himself.
The orange drake tried to block the cries of pain as his tail quickly melted the wound shut. He looked down and tightly hugged the now trembling dragon. A snarl turned his direction.
"That was a pretty dick move." Dark Rift growled. "Just for that, I'm gonna beat you senseless before I regain your body. Then I'm gonna saw the black one's head off."
"Honey." Rift blinked and looked at Sithris, a scowl on his face. "I'll be alright now. You kill him." The orange drake nodded slowly, before Sithris cut him off. "Make it gruesome."
Recommended Song: 3 Doors Down- Dangerous Game
The room went silent as two dragons stared into each other's eyes. They were one in the same, yet vastly different. Dark Rift could almost taste making the other's body his, while Rift wanted to defend his mate.
Both drake's roared as they charged, head connecting as they struggled to overpower the other. Multiple slams saw Dark Rift falter, his lack of horns offering no protection as another hit knocked him away. He snarled and swung a paw, slicing through his other side's shoulder.
Rift growled, spinning his tail around and creating a shallow, yet long cut through Dark Rift's side. He followed by jumping and slamming his tail down, but found it had been blocked with the other's own tail. His eyes widened, watching his counterpart fade away into a portal, before getting struck with a dark fireball from behind.
Before he could stand, Dark Rift pushed his weight onto him, clamping onto his muzzle and biting hard. Rift yelped and flailed, trying to push the other off, finally slamming a horn against his attacker's neck. He was free, launching his own fireball into the face of the corrupted drake.
Dark Rift dodged, but took a tail slam to the head. He grunted, wrapping his own around his opponent's neck, bringing him forward for a hard punch to the face. He grinned as the bright orange drake staggered to his feet. "Not very impressive for a Guardian. Seems that I got the better end of the deal."
The Guardian growled. "All your creation did was give me the chance to be in control of myself." He lunged for the dark dragon, ducking a paw and ramming his horns against the drake's belly, throwing him into a wall.
The corrupted drake dashed back, slamming into his counterpart. They tumbled and exchange blows, smashing through the railing as he pinned the Guardian partially off the edge of the floor. He grinned, slamming a hard paw into his face.
Rift yelped as the punch forced his head back and into the wall under the floor. His neck screamed as another punch followed. He squeezed his eyes shut and found a foothold, flinging the dark drake off of him.
Dark Rift smiled. "Not bad, maybe some fight in you after all."
The Rebellion roared as they began surrounding the army as Silvus and Kara fought their way through the actively fighting. The silver drake felt pride in his chest as he realized they had the army made.
" HALT, EVERYONE!" A panther panted, garnering the attention of both sides. He wore armor that practically screamed "general." He looked up at Silvus with defeated eyes. "The Army of Warfang, stand down. We are done."
Cheers roared from the Rebellion as Spyro and Cynder joined Silvus and Kara, all sharing hugs. A glimpse of yellow caught the Messenger's eyes, running to confirm it. "Hunter?"
The Cheetah grinned as the sight of Silvus. "It's good to see you again old friend. They thought that leaving one mole to guard me was enough, such a shame. What did I miss."
Silvus frowned. "I'm sorry, we hadn't had a chance to raid the dungeon. Short story is that Rift is now two dragons, Shara is still crazy, and Carmine..." He looked around, beginning to panic at the lack of the red dragon. "Follow me."
He dashed with the Cheetah, Kara, Spyro and Cynder following as well. They burst through the Palace entrance and stood in shock as they watched two Rifts fighting. Judging by the wounds both wore, the darker one had the upper hand.
Dark Rift laughed as he repeatedly smashed Rift's face into the floor, claws digging in deep to expose the dark red of blood seeping out. Rift wiggled his tail under his attacker and tripped him, allowing Rift to slam his horns into Dark Rift's jaw. He faltered when a portal swallowed up the other, leaving him open to Dark Rift slamming him into a wall. Rift yelped and flailed, gasping as his evil counterpart gripped his neck tightly, cutting off his air.
"You are nothing without me. Did you really think you could beat me? Who knows your mind better than anyone? What a disgrace." Dark Rift snorted, looking over at the injured Sithris. "Maybe you need a push?" He slowly opened a maw, grinning as a look of horror appeared on the face of the black dragon as he prepared a blast with the intent to kill.
Rift's eyes snapped open, his deep blue eyes replaced with a fiery mixture of oranges. Blue flames surrounded him and with a roar, he grappled the dark dragon, forcing him to miss his target. With renewed strength, he quickly forced Dark Rift off of him, snarling with anger.
Dark Rift roared in pain as his opponent slammed his tail spade through his thigh. He snarled as he swung his tail, eyes going wide as Rift countered with his own, tail spade hitting under his own, its superheated edge cutting through the tail like butter. He screamed in a mixture of rage and pain, slashing his claws through Rift's wing membrane.
Rift growled and retaliated with a strong paw to his counterpart's face, leaving large gashes. Dark Rift retaliated with the same to his side. Rift noticed his opponent starting to slow. With one quick jump and downward tail slam, Dark Rift screamed and collapsed, the tail spade having shattered his back at the wings.
Rift panted and shook himself, realising the dark drake was done. He turned away, moving over to Sithris and licking his cheek. "He's done, he won't be able to even lift his front legs." He winced, feeling his strength leave him, collapsing from exhaustion.
Sithris whimpered and held him tight. "You did good hon. Thank you for saving me again."
"You, I'm not finished with you!" Carmine growled as he stepped up in front of them. "You're both weak, I could easily finish you off."
"Hngh!" Rift grunted, pushing himself up. "You leave him out of this Carmine, this is between you and me." He staggered, paws spread wide to keep himself standing.
"So be it. I'll make this quick." He yelled and charged at the orange drake, tail facing forward to finish off the drake that had ruined his life. He smirked at the dragon's lack of defense, seeing that this would be an easy victory.
It wasn't.
Sithris watched in fear as he saw his mate about to again lose his life defending him. With a split second, he knew what to do. He slammed into Rift, knocking him down, as he now stood in line with Carmine's tail. But as he got near, clamped tightly around it, using the larger drake's momentum to slam him down to the first floor of the Palace, quickly hitting him with all of his element.
Rift and the others watched in awe as Sithris kept his control, continuously electrifying the large drake until he no longer moved. Smoke rose from his body, what remained of his blood slowly trickled from his maw.
Sithris stared with little emotion, watching the once proud fire drake reduced to literal cooked dragon. He growled softly. "Bastard."
Kara quickly dashed up the stairs and pulled her mates into a big hug, as Silvus, Spyro and Cynder followed. Rift shuddered as he squeezed Sithris. "Don't you ever try something like that again."
"Please, Queen Shara, help."
All eyes turned to Dark Rift. His eyes were clenched as tears fell from them. The turquoise Queen stood beside him. "I can't move my body, it hurts. Please, save me."
Shara watched with mixed emotions, trying to decide what would be done with her mate. Silver eyes closed for a moment before she finally answered him. "No."
She watched the dark drake slowly look up at her, heartbreak in her eyes and looking for an explanation. "You failed me again. New Schatten, killing the black and white ones, even giving me an egg. You failed to do them all. I can't allow my mate to continue to disappoint me." She slowly lifted his head, placing a poison claw to his throat.
"Y-you can't do this." He pleaded, shuddering as he tried to change the Queen's mind. "You can make me better, please let me live!"
Shara ignored his begging, making quick work of slitting Dark Rift's throat. His eyes went white and his muscles spasmed, before slowly, he went limp. She sighed as the body slowly began to dissipate, Dark magic burning off until there was no trace left of the dragon.
She stared at the remaining Rift with hatred. "I gave everything to give you a good life with me as your queen, and you chose to waste it with these misfits. I wanted to bring an end to the Guardians to create a world where their influence would be nonexistent. No worries of children watching their parents murdered. I see now you would never willingly join me."
Silvus frowned. "Hundreds died at your order, many by your own hand. You took what the late Guardians did out of personal attack, they were just trying to protect the Realms. What they did to you was wrong, yes. But they didn't take pleasure from it as you have."
The Queen rolled her eyes. "Ancestors you sound like them. They had what came to them, no harm in enjoying it."
Kara snarled. "And what of Zapras? He did nothing wrong."
Shara shrugged. "Precautionary measure." She rolled her shoulders and yowled. "Guess it's time I head out, rebuild my army to take back my city."
"No." Silvus growled angrily. "After all that you did, you are hereby under arrest. Make this easy for yourself and come with us."
The turquoise dragon looked around. Six of the strongest dragons in the Realms were against her. "So be it." The Palace filled with a loud screech as she jumped in the air and curled into a ball. Puddles of poison launched from her, forcing the dragons to dodge the highly volatile substance.
Rift snarled as he quickly held a wing in front of Sithris, the poison quickly burning a hold in the membrane. He watched the others continue to dodge the poison, and saw Shara run to where the railing of the second floor had been destroyed. He quickly gave chase, watching as she jumped, right as he gripped tightly onto her tail.
The hold on her tail created a swinging effect, the body of Queen falling downward. She went wide eyed for only a moment as she caught sight of her statue, right as the marble claw pierced through her throat. She gasped and flailed, trying to find the strength to get free. Blood spurted from the wound as oxygen failed to enter her body. Her vision began to darken.
She blinked, seeing a ghostly image of Ravine looking at her without an ounce of emotion to her voice. Her voice sounded almost sad, but her words echoed through her mind.
"Once more into the fray,
Into the last good fight I'll ever know.
Live and die on this day.
Live and die on this day."
With one last closure of her eyes, Shara was gone.
Recommended Song: Ashtar Command- Dead Man's Gun
Rift watched as another body was laid down in a small barren patch of land just outside of Warfang. The cleanup had taken most of the remainder of the day, as bodies were lined up for a Dragon's Funeral. He sighed as he saw the large numbers of dead. "Why must we keep fighting?"
A paw found its way on his shoulder as Silvus joined him. "For as long as creatures continue to have minds of their own, there will always be conflict. Beings like Shara, the conflict is so great that she ends up causing chaos everywhere."
The orange drake nodded slowly. "Thank you for taking Kara and Sithy home. They've had enough of this for now."
Silvus agreed. "No problem cuz." He sighed. "My sister and I have a busy road ahead of us with rebuilding the Guardians and Messengers."
Rift gave him a small hug. "Kara and I are still Guardians, it's our responsibility as well. Besides, we need to make some changes." He frowned as he saw Shara's body placed among the dead.
The Light Messenger smiled slightly. "Thank you Rift. And again, I'm glad we have you back." A nod from another drake told him what was happening as he looked at his cousin. "It's time."
The Guardian of Fire looked directly in front of him, staring at the remains of Zapras. You didn't deserve to die like that. You had a lifetime still to spend with Rose. I'm sorry. With a small puff of fire, the body ignited, followed by more and more, as the dead were brought to peace.
Rift wiped a tear away and looked at Silvus, appreciating the portal already summoned. "Thank you. Let's go home."