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Somewhere Out There Act 22 - Relapse Collapse

By Bartan Tirix

The group of soldiers and crew members rested in the bridge, or at least attempted to. After the raptor made his announcement, the only thing left for them was to wait. At least there were no signs of a nearby battle, but at the very same, they all felt unsafe. Stuck in a foreign area, literally turned upside-down and under attack by an enemy they didn't quite understand.

The yellow wyvern took a deep breath, still holding onto that rifle a little too tightly. Though she was near someone she trusted, those red eyes glancing at Sebastian, even he couldn't protect her. Only this weapon could, but it was up to her to guide it. Just as her first victim stated, Adine had to fight in order to survive. Be it to fight the enemy, or her own instincts.

A few deep breaths as she recalled back to that time, barely remembering the soldier's look through the darkness. But his words... "You can do this. If you want to survive this, you need to fight back. You won't be able to get out without fighting them." Only to then pull the barrel towards himself, resting it on his muzzle, it's end pointing directly between Usite's eyes. "But I need you to do something for me first..."

"Are you okay?" A shaky exhale from her nearly released a sob in front of the runner. Choking it down and nodding faintly. "They'll be fine, you'll see."

"...What else will we have to do?" She asked, getting a strange look from those faded purple eyes. "I can't stay here and do nothing. I need to..." A paw on her shoulder as he nodded.

"I know it isn't easy, Adine." Another breath gave her strength. "...Well, we'll have to turn the power back on. If we can, that is. This emergency power won't last forever."

"What else?"

"Send out some recon and scouts, gather the supplies that can be found on the ship." A breath from Sebastian. "Once we can do that, we'll secure the exit to the ship, then work on getting everyone off it."

"So, we find the main door?"

"A-actually..." One of the soldiers spoke up. "Odds are we can get the teleportation system running enough to get us safely off the ship easier. The docking is just down the hall." The non-walkers looked at the soldiers for a moment. "It'll be a lot safer than to attempt to jump off the ship through a door."

"For you, maybe." The green wyvern snorted.

"All we would have to do is get the scanners running and secure a safe area for us to depart." Another troop stated.

"How many can it teleport at once?" The runner questioned.

"It did your entire town in about three jumps. The areas outside were just the difficult part."

"But wait..." Malic started, holding his head. "How were you able to abduct us and not, say, houses-?" A small yelp as a crescent yellow tail half slapped him.

"Connotation, you!" She hissed, getting the pink wyrm to whimper.

"It worked by finding a certain DNA patterns along living creatures. Specifically, fresh draconic ones." Another soldier stated, a bit shyly. "Due to evolution, ours would be different from your kind, but we were able to identify a certain pattern within your strains to lock onto. After that, it was a matter of a few buttons. Honestly, you would've been 'abducted' naked if you wore any clothes."

"I supposed that makes sense." Malic mumbled. "But..." He looked at Klay for a moment, getting the same worried gaze back.

"How are you still alive?" A slow nod from both of them. "That, I'm not sure. It's never been able to bring anyone back from the dead." The room fell silent in thought for a few moments, then some nearby gunfire was heard. Putting many on edge, but it was only a few shots.

"Something evil is coming..." The lead scientist started whispering, almost sliding into the far corner of the room. Once again feeling everyone tense up as footsteps were heard getting closer. Signals from other soldiers outside were somewhat understood as an enemy being defeated, but...

A few moments later, as all eyes rested on the doorway, an orange wyrm slowly peeked through. Hearing the pink one sigh in relief as they caught sight of each other. Washing away the stress within the room as she walked in and grumbled. "I see you were caught." A bit of a lowered head from Malic as she gazed across the room. "And still no sign of Vara."

"I..." She just snorted at him, but laid down beside the pink dragon regardless. "I did find some food though."

"Here we go..." Klay muttered, getting one of her transparent teal ears to flick.

"Yet, you kept the same company." Topanga snorted at the other wyrm, looking over at Adine for a moment. "Did he promise you such things too?"

"No. For your information, we weren't caught." A gesture towards the soldiers as the yellow one grumbled. "We teamed up. We're all in this together-"

"Aren't you a waitress?" That actually stunned the wyvern for a moment, almost growling at the wyrm's tone. "Adine, right?"

"Yes. But-"

"You worked over in Yorks the first time I seen you." A puzzling look as those red ears perked. "It was also the last time I went there. That blue elyssian cobbler was terrible, like it was made when they were too old." The orange one grumbled. "I swear it gave me food poisoning. What a wonderful _anniversary_that was." A glare back at Malic who only lowered his head.

"I..." Adine took a moment to look at Sebastian, then back to her. "Vaguely remember that. I don't think I made it though."

"Of course you didn't." Topanga grumbled. "It was that geezer Sarilan. I remember him throwing out the peelings after I complained about it. Bright red ones too. I just hope nobody was seriously poisoned for using expired materials." Again, that tone started to get to the yellow wyvern.

"Well, the only reason why we were was because people complained about us wasting too much food! You can either have the freshest materials, or you need to clean out what's left." Adine hissed, getting a beige paw on her shoulder. "You can't have your cake and eat it too." A snort in response, as the orange one was about to lash back. But was interrupted by Sebastian.

"Enough. There's no reason to make enemies with each other, especially in this situation." A low grumble from the female wyrm.

"Yes, officer."

The shots from afar were getting less and less frequent. Only getting a few every minute or so now, worrying the large group. As Bryce and Maverick took the lead, scouting around every corner carefully. Once in a while hearing dragging footsteps of something injured nearby, yet it was moving rather quickly parallel to them. Hearing the black wyrm half grumble at it, attempting to follow the creature without the ability to see. Not that the darkness was any help anyway. "It's close..."

"It's also no dragonkin." Harrak muttered at the grey wyrm, feeling a worried gaze from Vara on him.

"It's not?" Li whimpered, getting the white and pink runner beside him to shhh.

"Not anymore." That chilled most of the group, or at least the ones that could understand the black one. "Up here." He whispered to Bryce, getting him to face the next turn. "Yes. The rest of you, stay behind."

"Be careful." The pink wyrm mumbled, jumping onto Maverick's back and watching the two go down the dark area carefully. Hearing the creature come around the hallway before the drake slowly. Humanoid, staggering with the weight of a large black growth on its shoulder and back. It's left leg looking like it's been damaged, nearly falling off as it called down the hallway in a hideous voice. Getting the chief's instincts to growl at it, watching as it started to drag itself closer.

"Harrak?"

"Don't move." The wyrm commanded, hearing a loud impale on the creature's lower end as it's good leg was snared to the floor. The tip of a metal spike barely seen coming out of its kneecap. "Okay, now-duck!" The drake double taked, soon hearing gunshots from the other side that sent massive warning signals through his mind. Near flashbacks from several months ago before feeling a couple of bullets bounce off his armored plates. Ones that passed through the creature, instantly making it fall backwards.

However, the growth started to detach itself from the body with horrible ripping sounds. Soon getting incased with sheets of metal where it couldn't escape. Barely making out faint lights on the other side of the hallway as voices called in a language they couldn't understand. "Hey, hey!" The brown one called, sitting down and lifting a paw in a gesture of peace. "I'm Bryce, Chief of the police department in the town of Nowhere. I have a group behind me, some of them children." He called down, hearing them talk a bit as the soldiers carefully approached. Hearing the grey wyrm come around the corner slowly as well.

"What do you mean, 'The Meaty One'?" Maverick snorted at the troops, getting a double take from Bryce that squeezed the black wyrm's snout. Causing him to growl a bit. "Collar-"

"-Right. I remembered!" The drake playfully snorted at his officer. "We're just following Sebastian's directions."

"And you must be Maverick?" A soldier asked.

"Yes."

"Good. We heard you both were... Reliable." He responded a bit awkwardly, getting a noise in question from the two at the tone. "N-nevermind. Please head down this way and take a right at the T. You'll find the bridge soon after that."

"Thank you." The large wyrm stated, getting a look from those golden eyes for a translation. "Down this way, then a right at the end."

"Alright, home stretch then everyone." The drake called back, getting up and moving forward with the grey one by his side. Though, noticing the soldiers were avoiding eye contact with him while they passed, yet almost felt a gaze along his haunches. Letting that large tail swing a bit while turning the corner and hear a couple of whimpers from the suits.

"Must you?" Mav grumbled, getting a chuckle from Bryce. "I swear, it feels like they've seen us..."

"Naked?" The brown one bluntly asked, getting another grumble from the grey one. "Technically, we are."

"Not what I'm talking about. And you're currently not naked."

"I suppose not completely, but it's not like there's anything over my cr-" A whimpering growl from the larger looking one.

"Please, Bryce..." Another chuckle, but the drake started to become a bit more serious.

"I'm not going to lie, it does kinda feel that way. Maybe that's what the bear was warning us about beforehand."

"You mean about the awkwardness of working with someone that you..."

"Plowed?" That actually made the wyrm stop and hold a paw over his eyes, hearing Vara giggle on his back.

"Even in front of the children, huh?" Maverick snorted.

"To be fair, I didn't know she was still there."

"You knew I was here." Harrak grumbled, getting a look from both larger dragons.

"You're not a wyrmling." The grey one snorted.

"You're a weapon of mass destruction." Bryce added that time, though releasing a sigh afterwards. Getting a slightly puzzled look from those red eyes. "He wasn't with you."

"Who?" A bit of a sad look from the Chief and it ached Maverick's heart. "Oh... He wasn't with you either."

"In some ways, I kind of wished he was. At the same time though..." A nod in understanding from the larger wyrm. "Maybe he's with someone else."

"Or he's not here at all."

"Who are you two talking about?" The smaller pink one questioned, looking back and forth between them.

"That bear." Harrak grumbled, half angry. "And I don't know either. I didn't see him in the room."

"Room?" The two larger ones asked at once.

"The one where I woke up in. One moment I was resting in Anna's closet, the next I was in that damn room filled with half that damn town. Including..." The three stared at the paralyzed one for a moment. "I would be pointing to her if I could."

"So, we were all...?" Bryce trailed off.

"Abducted, for lack of a better word. Knocked out, save for several. And I took it upon myself to get the hell out of there." A breath from the black one. "The rest of it is kind of fuzzy right now."

"I see..." The grey wyrm mumbled, picking up some harsher hisses up ahead. "That sounded like..." The two shared a look before moving a bit faster, the drake just ahead of Maverick as they came up to a door. The chief walking inside the dim room suddenly and getting a surprised reaction out of many soldiers, ones that took aim at him while the lead scientist cried out from afar.

"Evil! Evil!"

"No-no-no! Hold on!" Both Bryce and Sebastian shouted, lifting up their paws in surrender. Even if the raptor was rather surprised at the earth dragon's new wardrobe.

"Death Has Come For Us! The Black Death-!"

"Stop!" One of the soldiers growled at the scientist, eventually getting them all to lower their weapons as the grey wyrm walked in carefully, snorting.

"You should've let me go in first-"

"I should've let you go in first, yes." Bryce grumbled, getting sighs of relief as they smiled at the beige one before going in for a three-way hug. Hearing a whimpering gasp from the pink wyrm as she slid off Maverick, looking over her mother and diving in her arms.

"How...?" Vara could barely get out, looking over her father too as many others came inside the bridge. "Even...?"

"It's... Hard to explain." Malic mumbled, a tear coming out of his eye as they shared a tight embrace. Same for Amely and Adine, even getting a motion for Li to join in beside her as he looked a bit worried.

Yet, there was also no sign of the cyan wyrm, one that the noodle was looking around for. Instead looking at their upside-down controls a bit before addressing some of the soldiers. "This is what you used?" They gave a nod before gathering something out of a nearby container; the white collars that others were wearing. Looking at it strangely for a moment, but if Adine, Sebs, and Maverick had one on...

A breath, and Ipsum equipped it. Taking a few moments before the soldiers replied. "Yes. This is what we used to broadcast Sebastian's message."

"How did you meet him?" Maverick questioned, attempting to help the raptor get one on Bryce's thicker neck. Let alone under the metal plates that seemed to move on their own. Those red eyes double taking at every troop's awkward look for a moment and making a noise in question at them. "Why are they looking at us like that?" That time, Sebastian whimpered, blushing a bit while Adine giggled. "What?"

"Apparently wearing these collars for so long will allow you to transfer thoughts." Klay grumbled, getting the officer's to double take at the green wyvern as he tossed his snout. "Yes, I know. We're supposed to be dead."

"How the...?" Bryce mumbled, getting a bit of a gag as the collar became tighter. "One thing at a time. Transfer thoughts?"

"A-as well as... Memories." The runner admitted, getting a strange gaze from the two larger ones. A few moments of silence as Maverick started to blush, piecing it together, then releasing a whimper as the drake started to laugh.

"And you thought of...?" A louder laugh. "Out of all things? I love you too, Sebs-"

"It wasn't intentional!" The raptor groaned, covering his eyes with a paw. "Moving on, I ended up waking in some sort of..."

"Pod?" Almost everybody in the room answered at once, getting those faded purple eyes to glance around.

"Yeah. Gunfire woke me up. I managed to escape it, and..."

"He saved our tails." Lamb stated, working on some of the damage controls. "We got cornered by several of those damn blob things, and Sebs managed to open a way out for us. Sealing it shut after and saving our bacon." Several stomach growls were heard from those who just came in. "Let's get you something to eat first, then we'll answer any questions."

"What's so funny?" A larger pink runner came from the doorway, getting a few more sighs of relief as others came through. Almost immediately, Amely and Li chirped when they seen their fathers and jumped to them. Getting heartfilled reunions, all around as the room nearly started to become crowded. Though the injured scientist came though with little problems, and the doctor started to examine others that were possibly hurt, Anna glanced over at the black wyrm's condition. "Oh, you're still around. Good."

"Thank you, legal guardian." He grumbled loudly in response. "Be careful, I almost felt Caring in your voice that time."

"To be honest, I had very little to worry about." She smirked, pulling on his limp body a bit. "Why aren't you moving?"

"He was paralyzed in the fight." Ipsum stated, still holding onto Lorem. Grabbing the attention of Dr. Taute and examining his black body. "Bryce has been carrying him, but..."

"Can you feel-?"

"No, Genius. I can't. I swear someone just stated that I was paralyzed, but I could be wrong. I'm also suffering from a concussion." A bit of a grumble from the red wyrm as he came into view. Studying him for a few moments as those frilled ears went back.

"...You are that bratty little wyrmling, aren't you!?"

"Yeeeep. And you're welcome for attempting to save the life of someone you misdiagnosed." The two growled at each other. "If you would've just listened to me in the first place-!"

"By performing a surgery on someone's heart that clearly did not-!"

"Enough!" The drake growled, silencing both of them. "We're not out of this yet. Do what you can for him, because Harrak's our best chance at surviving this."

"A wyrmling is our best chance at surviving evil black slimes?" The green wyvern snorted.

"Yes." Maverick grumbled. "Because he-"

"He Is Death!" The lead scientist shouted from the corner of the room, still almost cowering. "You doomed us all, bringing the Black Death to us!"

"Black Death?" Anna grumbled in question, no too impressed by the name and looking over Harrak for a moment.

"Wait, I thought the Black Death was the..." Malic stated, looking over at Klay for a moment. "Black slimes that were...?"

"He is Death...!" Another vague statement. "Ancient... Powerful, Death...!" A bit of questionable silence.

"He's right." The black wyrm admitted, getting several eyes on him. "...I am what he says. They even used to call me The Black Death a long time ago. I brought this ship down alone, yes-"

"Harrak-" Bryce attempted to stop him.

"But I did not bring those... _Things_here! That was not my doing." More silence before Lorem spoke up.

"He's right." All eyes on him, still holding onto the small purple noodle. "Me and Anna found a data log of a crew member here. You ventured... 'Out of Space' and something likely boarded your ship from there." The soldiers and crew all shared a look, and admitted with a nod. "There's no one person to blame for this."

"But we need a solution. A game plan of sorts." Sebastian stated, getting a playful glare from the drake. "R-right. Your show, boss. Go for it."

"No, no. You go ahead. You've got this, Sebs." A questionable look. "I'm terrible at sci-fi stuff. I wouldn't have the first clue where to start."

"Alright. Well, the captain is out on a scouting trip. Hopefully he'll return with supplies soon." The raptor started. "Until then, let's brainstorm ideas." A bit of a worried look from Maverick as the runner made a noise in question. "What is it?" A glance at the doorway.

"...Bartan's still somewhere out there. I want to find him."

"I'm going too then." The drake offered, getting a nod from the grey one.

"I don't think he is." The three looked over at Adine, a bit seriously.

"She's right." Sebastian vouched.

"What?"

"The hell do you mean, Sebs?" Bryce grumbled.

"Chief... These guys have never seen a bear before. Let alone him." A worried look.

For the first time in a while, tensions were relieved. If not just a little. Though the people within the bridge were still on edge, knowing at any moment they could be under assault once again, it was nice to at least have a small breather. Let alone, see some more familiar faces, as the cyan wyrm almost cuddled up to Ipsum. Wrapping the purple one with one of his wings as they leaned against the wall in a broken chair. The blue one lightly stretching like he just woke up from a small nap. "Feeling better?" Ipsum asked, getting a slow nod as the two almost felt embarrassed to do such a thing in front of strangers, let alone a quarter of the town.

"Yeah... I must've..."

"Dozed off a bit, yes. I can only imagine how exhausted you were."

"Especially with Anna?"

"-_Especially_with Anna." They whispered, chuckling and thankful she was occupied with the white wyrm. "You don't need to tell me how much of a handful she can be, with her demands and such."

"She... Wasn't that bad, actually." A curious look from the noodle. "A bit demanding and angry, that's a given. But... I almost felt safe with her around." A defeated sigh from Lorem. "Maybe I just didn't want to be alone."

"You never are, Lorem." The purple one stroked the back of that blue neck. "Though, sometimes you can be without others... Sadly, that's just truism." A bit of silence.

"...I'm worried about him, Ipsum." A noise in question. "About the bear."

"You have a right to be."

"Not only where he is, but..." Another deep breath. "Something's wrong... Off. I can feel it."

"What do you mean?"

"It's like... I've lived through the same two or three weeks over and over. Like... Time is folding on top of itself, and everytime it creases, I..." A heavy breath as the noodle's embrace got a bit tighter. "I lose who I am, even just a little bit. I feel like I'm missing something, like I've drowned. That I've been hurt by someone, yet fell in love with them all the same."

"Fell in love with who?"

"Bartan... I swear it's him. Like I've had the same conversations, the same dates-" A chuckle from the purple one.

"I'm sorry. I know you're being serious, but I've just never seen you on a date before." A bit of a blush, but the blue wyrm smiled at the interruption.

"I know... Some of them were good, and some of them were... Almost hurtful. Like a lot of my faith was cracked."

"You did tell me before that he revealed quite a bit about the nature of humans to you. At least, the ones he has lived with."

"Yeah... That's come to mind when I seen this." A noise in question. "...During one of those nights when I was in heat."

"And I was out of the house?" They shared a chuckle.

"Yes... He told me a secret."

"Oh?" The purple one attempted to look the wyrm in the eyes, but Lorem was almost deliberately looking away. "What was it?"

"He told me that... We were 'created' by humans. Not because they believed that we deserved better or anything. He stated that they made us as biological weapons. Ones that were to be trained to fight other humans for warfare."

"...So they wouldn't have to sacrifice their own kind to do so..." Ipsum mumbled, feeling the cyan one nod. "That's different from many religions."

"That's... Disheartening altogether. I almost didn't want to believe it, but..."

"Bartan's never lied to you."

"Yeah..." Lorem looked at the soldiers on the other side of the room. "...If he's right, then their story makes sense. Their history..." Another pet.

"The future is still yours, Lorem." The noodle stated seriously after a long silence. Getting the attention of the winged one. "They can't take that away from you, as long as you're willing to live."

"Ip...?"

"They might be able to take away the future you want, but they can't take the future itself from you." A bit of silence, and the blue one just nodded. Once again just resting in the comfort of his friend.

"Alright everyone." The soldier captain started, getting the attention of the room. "I haven't fully introduced myself yet. I'm Captain Songg. I am one of the leaders of the militia that had come with this mission, one you've all heard about by now." A look around the room, and most of them nodded. "I understand that there are different feelings about us coming to your world and attempting to alter it without your permission. But I'm going to ask you to set those feelings aside until we know we're safely out of this ship. Understood?" The group nodded. "We'll think about the aftermath of our mission once we're out of here. During the last hour or so, we've been planning a list of things we need to do with your leaders."

"M-more like Officers." Sebastian lightly interrupted. "We're not military, we're just police officers."

"Today, you're more." Songg stated, almost with a smirk across his dark green muzzle. "But take it away, Sebastian."

"Right." The raptor cleared his throat. "What we're planning to do is two main things. The first, we need to get the teleporter up and running so we can perform a Mass Evacuation. According to Harrak and Vara, the waters are very cold, meaning that we're likely in the Artic right now. So it's very cold outside, and we'll need to gather as much clothing and ways to help support our heat. There will be three main scouting groups to help gather supplies for this, as well as food for the trip towards... Where ever."

"I would like Volunteers from both sides on each mission. Everyone will need to help out in order to make this go faster." A breath from the captain as he felt worried gazes. "As much as I hate to request this, we might also need the help of those who are young. Even if it's just to carry a few things."

"Isn't that dangerous?" Remy asked, holding onto his daughter a bit tighter.

"I know how you must feel, but we do have half of this ship secure at the moment. The longer we wait, the more dangerous it is for everyone to remain here. If we can speed this up by even seconds with them helping out, then it's worth the risk." A bit of mumbles from others.

"That's not all, either." The beige one spoke up again. "The second part to our plan is to get this ship up in the air again. We're planning to send it back to that void if possible. That way we can be sure that most of the threat of this... Ooze is completely terminated. But in order to do either of these two things, we need to get the main power to start up again. We're just hoping that the system shut itself off when we crashed for safety measures, but..."

"But what?" Zhong asked.

"The power system is in enemy territory." Songg stated, almost feeling the morale of the room sink. "So, we're going to get our bravest to do that mission, as well as Narull."

"Thanks, Captain." The brass soldier grumbled, getting a smirk from his superior.

"I'll go." The black wyrm muttered, grumbling like he was recently woken up. "All I'll need is for someone to move me."

"Then I'll do that." The brown drake stated, getting a few serious looks from his friends. "I can carry him and fight at the same time, if I have to."

"If you're going Bryce, then I'm going too." Maverick stated thickly, getting an equal stare of disapproval from the Chief. "Someone needs to cover your tail."

"You don't owe me anything, Mav-"

"And you need to come back alive." He growled. Hearing Bryce sigh for a moment then nod, at the disappointment of Zhong and Sebastian.

"I'll go too." The pink wyrmling stated, getting a large double take from pretty much everyone in the room.

"Vara!? No-!" Topanga hissed.

"You can't possibly-"

"Harrak isn't the only one able to shape metal." She said sternly towards her parents. "He... Taught me how to do it too. I'm not nearly as good at it as he is, but... I know I can do enough to help." Her and Maverick shared a look as the others grumbled at the decision.

"It'll be dangerous, Vara. Are you sure?" The grey wyrm mumbled.

"Yes." A sigh through his muzzle, and Maverick nodded.

"That's not your decision to make, Officer-" The orange wyrm hissed.

"I know it isn't." He growled back, looking over at Vara once again. "It's hers." A look of disbelief as the small family stared at each other for a few moments.

"I'll be fine. I've got Death looking after me-"

"Black Death." Harrak corrected her with a grumble. "I'm not a Force." A sudden clamp on his black tail and Bryce swung the helpless wyrmling onto his back. Letting him ragdoll over the small wings. "No need to be _careful_or anything, Officer." He snorted.

"Chief." Bryce smirked, looking over at Narull for a moment. "I hope four will be enough?"

"Should be an easy job, just in dangerous waters."

"Quite possibly literally." The black wyrm grumbled, feeling Sebastian adjust him on the drake's back. Those metal chains starting to move on their own and attaching to Harrak's forearms. "We'll worry about that when we get there."

"Right." Songg nodded. "I'll get the other teams ready, you five be very careful. Understood?"

"Yes Sir."

Tensions were high once again, as the three walked down the hallways. The two larger ones carrying small wyrms on their backs, while the soldier carefully watched their backs. Though trying to stay far enough apart from their wagging tails, especially the brown one. Equipped with a half a dozen knives on each side that has already scratched Narull's leg protection a few times. "So..." The brass one mumbled a bit, though carefully keeping their surroundings guarded. "This power of yours..."

"What about it?" The black, paralyzed wyrm half grumbled.

"How does it work?" Another grumble that was a near groan. "I guess, I'm asking if there's anything I should know about it. Any limitation, energy pool, or...?"

"Shouldn't you know that already?" Harrak snorted.

"He does have a bit of a point." Maverick stated rather peacefully, now armored like Bryce is. "You're from our future, correct?"

"Yeah, but..."

"Buuuut?" The drake joined in.

"That 'power' has been outlawed. Three times over in our history." Narull said, stopping when he heard a noise, but nothing nearby. "They eventually found a way to remove it from our kind entirely."

"Which is what you were planning to do with us." Vara mumbled, a bit sadly. Hearing the soldier sigh afterwards.

"You need to realize that they've started a lot of wars-"

"Started, or were _used_in a lot of wars?" The black one almost snapped.

"Easy there, troublemaker." Bryce half scolded, getting Harrak to take a breath before speaking.

"Atonements are a discipline. They take years of training and respect to use properly."

"Something you could honestly say about any weapon." The soldier added, getting a growl from the smaller male. "Hey, I'm just saying-"

"Hardly. You can still give anyone a firearm and they can shoot it. To do so without harming themselves, even long-term, takes training. The initial damage itself can be done without even pulling the damn trigger."

"And these powers can't?"

"The essence is likely, or was likely, in your blood. But that doesn't mean you know how to use it." Harrak snorted. "That's where the training comes in. What you've probably had in your _wars_were those forced to fight and use those powers to harm others, or die as so-called _enemies_of your nation. Don't speak of them like they were given a choice outside of that, especially when you weren't there to witness it."

"Yooooou do realize they time traveled from the future-"

"Shut up." The pink one giggled at the black wyrm.

"Yet, you still do a lot of damage with them. Even brought the ship down-"

"Because I was trying to protect someone I cared about." Both Vara and Bryce awwwh'd at that, getting the others to double take at the drake for a moment.

"...I know who he actually means, but don't ruin this for me." The brown one stated.

"My point is," Harrak continued. "If you're going to fighting for your very survival, or the survival of those you love, then you would use every god damn weapon you have. You would rip gaping wounds in the flesh of the earth if that's what it took to protect them. Damn everyone who gets in your way."

"Even the innocent?" Bryce almost growled, nearly coming to a stop.

"When you lived as long as I have, Chief, you realize that you can't save everyone. You need to choose who you can save."

"That's not right..." The grey wyrm mumbled.

"The bear could." The smaller male growled at Bryce for that. "Say what you want, but he did-"

"That bear had eight thousand second chances. When you only have one chance to save everyone, what would you do? Give up the ones you consider close to you? Or sacrifice half a world that literally means nothing to you?"

"You can't answer that question-" Maverick started.

"Can't or won't?" A bit of silence. "Someday you'll have to make that sacrifice."

"But it's not right. You don't know those people who..."

"You're the one with the choice, Mav. Not them." The black one sighed a bit. "I'm not saying it's easy, it never is. But as someone who's made both of them, I know which one is better."

"For you, yes." Bryce growled, getting one in return.

"Guys." Vara scolded, letting them all take a breath to cool down.

"We... Kinda went off topic." Narull mumbled a bit after, getting a breath of frustration from the black one.

"I don't even remember what the question was."

"More or less, any limitations to your-"

"Right." Harrak took a breath. "It's more mental endurance than it is physical. Though some do tend to find it easier to do physical motions as a form of concentration, you don't need it. Same goes with touching the material you're trying to alter, it helps the focus."

"Which is why you're able to do things while..."

"Paralyzed, yes. And don't say that like it's my first time being like this. Let alone, that there isn't a cure."

"There is?" Maverick double taked.

"...I would be glaring at you if I could." Harrak snorted, his muzzle hanging over the earth dragon's right shoulder.

"Oh... That."

"Let's try to focus on the mission for now, we shouldn't be too far-" A loud roar right beside the grey one as something large rammed against Maverick, shoving him into the drake and nearly throwing them prone. Rising up a large gauntlet to slam into the dragon, his armor jolted up against the behemoth in large spikes, piercing it's flesh with horrible sounds and hearing it roar against the snares. All before a few gunshots to its head, making the body cease to move. Hearing the soldier pant loudly almost in fright as the larger wyrm shoved off the very stocky creature as his armor returned to his forearm and shoulder. "Damnit, that scared the sh-"

"It's not over." The black one said rather calmly, incasing the body into the metal wall as several others called nearby. Nearly getting everybody to curse. "Vara-"

"I'm not leaving you."

"Not what I was-" A grumble from Harrak. "Don't panic." A breath from her as several shadows started to move. "Reinforce your left! I'll get the right and the back!"

"The back-!?"

"On it!" The pink one chirped, almost ignoring Narull's yelp.

"The back is our retreat-!"

"The back is our flank! We'll force these guys to come from one direction!" The black wyrm growled through the noise of thick metal warping. Nearly triggering the soldier's claustrophobia. "Bryce, Mav! Get them down! We'll execute them once they hit the floor! But watch your step!"

"Got it!" Though there was a few attacks on the newly created walls, the main warcries were coming from dead ahead. Getting the two larger dragons to charge forwards as the soldier whimpered a bit.

"These guys are crazy..." The drake took the first body that came forward, nearly trampling over it with his shoulder ram. Stepping on the head harshly to stun it before forcing it's chest to stay down. In a fraction of a moment, a small spike shot through its brain and ripped it into the floor before a second hook grabbed the ooze attached to it.

The grey one was next, slashing at the next one with a wide hook and nearly throwing it against the wall. Ramming his armored shoulder against its chest and feel the plates morph with the force. Puncturing it's lungs while crushing those bones, before turning into blades and cutting up through the rest of its body a bit. Stabbing the blob into the wall where it was swallowed up.

Bryce charged past that to two more that were approaching side by side, a bigger than the first two. Pouncing at them with a paw for each one, he tried to drive those dull claws into the armor, but they resisted for a bit at first. Until that armor was suddenly broken inside, morphing into spikes that drove into each late soldier's chest. Fitting those claws like gloves and allow the drake to take two steps forwards on his hind legs before slamming down both bodies, hearing the metal 'roofing' work it's magic while Bryce continued forward towards a much larger one. "Not your right-Not Your Right-!" Harrak nearly squealed.

But the drake rammed it with his right shoulder and side, driving the large creature into the wall of the T section hallway. Hearing the black wyrm hiss loudly at his stinging muzzle before taking out his frustrations with the Chief on the creature. Gathering several spikes of metal to warp around its chest and limbs before breaking every bone and ripping out every rib before stabbing them in its head. "Seriously!" Harrak hissed while the grey one covered Bryce's left side, slamming down another one with a heavy downward swing. "Why did you use your right!?"

"I forgot you were there! And I'm Right Pawed-!"

"You're _ Anti- _Pawed!" Another hiss from the black one, as a bar from the wall tripped another incoming creature. Getting the drake to stomp on its lower back before its upper half was swallowed up by the ground. Cutting the body in half easily.

"Nevermind that! Narull! Which way!?" Bryce called, getting the soldier to come by and look both ways. Signaling the right path.

"Down here, then left! Should be right there!"

"Maverick! Move!" A nod from the grey one as the group continued down the hallway, still hearing several dozen cries coming behind them. Getting to a large set of double doors as the soldier cursed. "What is it?"

"It's locked-!" The doors suddenly caved inwards, ripping out of their sliding rails and warping them a little bit. "Ooor, that works."

"Do what you need to! We'll hold them off!" The brown one commanded, getting a nod from Narull as he started to tamper with the controls. Finishing off a couple that were right on their tail before getting a chance to breathe. The two little ones sealing another exit, forcing the corrupted to find a long way around to them.

"That likely won't hold them for long." The black one said, unusually calm about the situation.

"How are things looking over there, Narull?" Maverick called.

"The system will take several minutes to recharge!"

"We don't have several minutes!" Bryce growled, seeing a few up ahead charging down the hallway.

"Well, unless you can summon a damn quasar next to it, I can't speed it up." That time, the black dragon growled a bit.

"Vara, take over!" Harrak growled, getting a chirp in question before a small sheet of metal was ripped beside Bryce. Getting stripped into a dozen small rods, which then pierced through the black wyrm's forearms and hind legs. Hearing him growl a bit and the others feel a bit off about the sound of such a thing.

"What the hell did you do, kid!?" Bryce roared, only to feel that small weight suddenly lifted as the black one 'puppeted' himself over to the soldier.

"Which one is it?" A bit of an odd look from Narull, as the wyrmling's body limped a bit funny. Gesturing at the two large machines strapped to the ceiling of the room.

"That one. The other is the backup power-"

"Good enough." Harrak made a platform for him to stand on before changing purple and placing a paw on the outer casing. "I wouldn't touch anything."

"Define 'anything'." A grumble in response as the soldier took a few steps back. Hearing a growl that eventually morphed into a roar as arcs of plasma came out of the purple one's paw. Breaking a few lights in the area, but the ones in the hallways were slowly turning on underneath Bryce's and Mav's paws. Nearly getting overwhelmed by the amount of contaminations before Vara panicked and morphed the entire wall in front of them, cutting a few bodies within the way of it before reinforcing the metal several times over.

Narull withdrew from the room when the jolts of lightning started arcing around the generators, getting a steady strip of bent light as one was quickly transferred to the other. Through the loud snaps and breaking lights, the purple wyrm roared loudly for a few moments before stopping. Panting heavily with his paw still stuck to the side of the generator's casing, the smell of burning flesh and melted scales filling the room as the smaller one coughed a bit. "How's everything down there!?" Maverick called, getting a double take from the soldier before he cautiously entered the room.

"Are you okay?" He asked, hearing the smaller dragon growl loudly as he attempted to do something. Soon forcing his paw off the generator's casing with a loud snap, as a small rod of metal was seen still stuck to it, welded onto the side and covered in what nearly looked to be caked blood. "Taath..."

"I'm..." A few more pants from Harrak. "I'm..."

"Okay?"

"So damn glad I can't feel my body right now." He grumbled, getting a bit of a worried smirk from Narull as he looked over the upside-down computer.

"Everything seems to be okay... Somehow. Normally something like that would just-"

"Ruin the entire electrical system?" The now black one grumbled, hearing the others make their way back in a single group. Though, stopping at the smell of it. "That's not the first time I've done-"

"W-wow...!"

"...Electrical transfers."

"You Taath-head." The pink one snorted, getting a look from the two adults.

"Language, young lady!" The grey one growled at her.

"But seriously, are you okay?" The drake questioned, almost thickly. Getting a slow nod in response that was almost jittering. "How's the system or whatever?"

"Aside from a few lights being broken during the transfer, and the emergency being completely dry, it should be enough to get everything working."

"So, we're done here?" The soldier nodded at Bryce. "Alright, let's not stay out here any longer than we have to." Taking a breath and holding it, the brown one went inside the room and retrieved the nearly barbequed wyrmling. Leaving Maverick to ponder the pounds and scratches from the walls.

"...How are we getting out?" A moment of silence as the group looked around, each wall being clawed at by a barrage of creatures.

"We're surrounded." The soldier mumbled, nearly giving up.

"We're not dead yet, kid." Bryce nearly growled, getting a worried look from the grey one as well, but Maverick still stayed strong. "...We'll get out of this. We just need to think-" A few sounds of something being impaled on the other side of a nearby wall got their attention, silencing the attacks. But only for a few moments.

"Thought I would try it." The black wyrmling muttered.

"You could keep doing that-"

"Only to have each ooze thing start running around ramped, being a harder target for anyone attempting to survive this." Harrak snorted. "I can't detect where they are exactly. And too many of those buggers is just..." A sigh from the drake, nodding in agreement.

"...What about outside?" Mav asked, looking up at the floor.

"If you want to nearly freeze to death guessing where the bridge is..." Another snort, though the black one was nearly passing out.

"Even then, that'll likely just make them realize that the exit has been above or below them the entire time." Narull added, hearing a sigh of remorse from the group.

"...I'm getting out of here." The Chief nearly growled. "No matter what, there has to be a way." Those golden eyes of his looking into Maverick's. "We're going to see Bartan again-" A growl from the young male on his back. "What?"

"Nothing. Just reflex." He grumbled.

"A reflex for mentioning the bear-?" Another one, louder this time. Getting the grey one and Bryce to share a look in question. "You really hate him, don't you?"

"If I could somehow convert all the damn things that furball has done to me into a sphere of anger, it would be the size of your sun multiplied by 146-" A sudden interruption from Harrak.

"That's... Pretty big." The soldier chuckled.

"...Keep talking about him." The black wyrm demanded, getting a double take from everyone.

"But, doesn't he make you angry-?"

"-Exactly!" A breath and a grumble from the smaller male. "It's... A damn stupid idea, but it might be our only chance of getting out of here." The group shared a questionable glance. "Do it. I just hope my body is mature enough-"

"To do what, exactly?" The grey one growled, hearing another violent slam against one of the walls.

"I don't have time to explain! Just... Talk about the damn furball!" The two larger dragons looked at each other for a moment.

"...This is a lot harder to do under pressure." Mav muttered a bit shyly.

"Just...!" A growling breath from Harrak. "Tell me, what did he do when he arrived here-?"

"What or Who?" Bryce asked, getting a giggle from Vara. "Because that's quite a list."

"Then do that!"

"Well..." The drake thought for a moment, feeling awkward glances from Narull.

"...Are you guys seriously-" A whimper from the brass one, as he covered his eyes for a moment. "Nevermind, I can see it now-" A loud growl from the black dragon.

"I think his first was Lorem." Maverick started.

"Then Adine." The brown one that time, hearing another growl from Harrak.

"Remy next, along with Anna."

"At the same time?" Bryce questioned with a double take. "That must've been awkward."

"That's what he told me." The grey one shrugged his wings.

"So, he saved me for last?"

"He saved the best for last, yes... Kiiiinda." A noise in question from the drake. "Well, there was also Zhong, Ipsum, Kevin, Sebs-" Another growl for every name mentioned.

"Even y-you!?" Narull whimpered, avoiding eye contact with Maverick. Though, still making the grey one blush. "O-oh, wow...! Along with..." Another whimper that was nearly on pitch with that frustrated growl.

"Seriously, kid. Are you alright-?"

"Tell me he touched Vara!" Harrak interrupted his mount. "Even if it's not true!"

"Well, he didn't." A real growl that time at Bryce, nearly feeling the heat come off the smaller one.

"He did save me though-" A massive roar from the smaller one as a dim light started to come off him. Witnessing his scales nearly shed off in iridescent flakes, as he once again puppeted himself up using the metal rods in his limbs. Growling constantly before looking the pink one in the eyes.

"_ Leave _." He growled, exhaling thick heat. "When you get the taathing chance!" A worried look.

"Harrak-!?" Bryce tried to look at him, being the only one unable to see what was happening. Then the wall beside them exploded outwards into the creatures attacking, nuking the entire hallway as the walls turned a bright orange before the color shifting dragon threw himself out into it. Sealing the wall once again before they could follow.

The explosions, several roars of the contaminated could be followed as each surrounding wall was cleared out. The horrid sounds of bodies bursting into what could only be described as showers of red nearly made them nauseous, but soon several dozen walls were heard being created, and the one at the far end of the hallway opened up. Completely cleared of soldiers, but a small part painted densely with red. Nearly dried, but the smell was...

Bryce and Maverick shared a look, and nodded. Taking their one chance to get out of here, while the enemy was distracted. As much as they wanted to help...

"Marcus..." The white dragon glared at 'Adine'. "I don't know if the area can take another reset. Even back a few months-"

"You've seen what's here! Even if it means we have to erase this planet entirely, we can't keep things like this! It's too dangerous!"

"What are you talking about?" Another growl at Bartan. "What's here?"

"Nothing you have to concern yourself about, bear. Now stand on the damn platform already, that's your last warning!" A defiant look from those brown eyes. "I shouldn't even be asking you to cooperate! Move or be devoured!"

"Marcus, there's another way-"

"I Am A Dragon, And You...!" A heavy breath as the large one started to stagger a bit towards the bear. "And you..." A few grumbles as he started to get a migraine again. "I told you there was no fixing these damn...!"

"Marcus, what's wrong-?" Bartan stopped himself, seeing a trickle of blood come from that white scaled muzzle. "Are you okay?"

"Just do it before I...!" Another few breaths and the wyrm passed out, collapsing on the platform. A look towards Fate who was showing the same symptoms before falling over as well, getting caught by the furred one before hitting the ground.

"Guys? Guys!" The bear shouted, not getting a response. But they were still breathing. "What the hell?"

"An aneurism?" The orange tiger appeared on the other side, getting a look from those brown eyes.

"Both of them at once is no coincidence." A brown one this time, overlooking Marcus. "Try to keep their airways cleared. Other than that, there's not much else you can do..." Ryoko trailed off, noticing the appearance of Izumi soon after.

"What happened to him?" The woman asked the furred one, now noticing Fate was doing the same thing. "Are they...?"

"They're alive, but..." Bartan looked over the two for a moment. "Something did this."

"What do you mean?"

"Something..." Those brown eyes of his trailed off to Deago. "An Outbreak?"

"An outbreak of what?" A double take at Zuzu.

"N-no, not that kind of outbreak." A noise in question from her, as the woman overlooked the large dragon. Though, still waiting for his explanation. "Oi, how do I explain this...? This must be what he feels like half the time."

"Just out with it bear. Make it simple."

"It's like... An Adrenaline Rush. Just thrown out of proportion." An odd look from her, getting the furred one to grumble and think for a moment. "Think of it as... Someone gathering a large amount of energy within their bodies, allowing them to break out of the boundaries of reality. They become seriously overpowered, and often go a bit... Berserk sometimes."

"And by breaking these boundaries...?" Izumi looked over Marcus again.

"They can often put a lot of pressure onto Forces, sometimes even killing them." A worried look.

"How do we stop it?"

"Well... Most areas are not 'insulated' enough to support that much energy into one area."

"And what happens if it can't?" A heavy breath from the bear.

"...Reality will start to collapse around the person. Wounding it's fabric, and likely start ripping holes within the universe itself. Being often structured around a Terrasque..." She got up, almost towering over Bartan.

"What do we do." She demanded, getting a head shake from him. "We can't just do nothing-"

"We are limited, here. Stuck under their rules by default." He growled, giving a gesture towards them. "We don't even know where it is, or who."

"Well, what would have the power to do that?"

"That's more vague of a question then you realize." The bear grumbled, taking a breath and looking at the orange panther again.

"...Haytre?" Deago responded.

"Maybe... Is he even old enough?" A shrug from the quadruped.

"What?" A double take from the bear. "What did you say?"

"Haytre... Or Harrak as he's called here right now. He has one."

"So this is his fault?"

"I don't know." An exhale from her, one of frustration. "They're still alive, Izumi. They will likely survive this." A worried look from the woman.

"Then let's try to make them comfortable for when they wake up... If they wake up."

With every landing on the heated floor, his color-changing scales started to melt a little more. The sheer warmth from the sphere of plasma the small wyrm was controlling heating up everything around it, as Harrak struggled to keep himself in a decently safe position. Unable to move his own body properly, only pulling on those metal rods impaled deep into his arms and hind legs. Leaving the rest of his body to flail about, dodging every claw attack from the contaminated soldiers with swaggered movements. Almost as if the younger one was drunk.

But a single touch from that bright ball was all it took for their suited bodies to burst into a red mist, making some of that metal armor to break out in large chunks. Sometimes hitting his small body, sometimes ricocheting into other soldiers. Stunning them for an easy touch and keeping the chain going, one body after another. Until this hall was empty, but more were heard further down.

Those frilled ears flicked quickly, picking up the movement of the dozens of black oozes jumping at the blood stained wyrm nearly at once. Only to soon be skewered by several metal spikes each, letting them struggle a bit before getting shelled into such things and carried away as they floated around the dragon. Connecting and fusing into the others until they were trapped into one solid sphere, then stuffing the ball of plasma inside it as the foreign creatures within started to scream.

Reinforcements started coming from down the hall, charging towards the heavy ball of light as arcs of energy snapped and jumped loudly to anything it could. Barely seeing Harrak behind it awkwardly slamming the sphere, launching it down the space and causing everything it touched to burst violently in a storm of red until it hit the metal wall at the end. Igniting the entire space with a near nuclear light as the impact exploded loudly, sending what almost looked like obsidian shards through the walls and even tearing into his wing membranes from afar.

Taking a moment to pant and release his power, but a large amount of movement was heard behind him. Seeing a near flood of that ooze further towards the rear of the ship. Roaring loudly at the small wyrm as he roared back, not nearly as intimidating. Yet the dragon was still charging at it, gathering all the heat and energy he could into one paw. Draining the entire hallway of any trace of warmth and nearly getting the metal to crack loudly at the sudden temperature change with every touch.

The ooze spread widely, as if to devour the wyrm with one single swallow as Harrak slammed that paw into its 'mouth'. Instantly turning it into a hard glass as it spread through the blob's entire body, barely petrifying it before those Jaws surrounded the wyrmling who was soon drained of its light and color. Nearly passing out from the energy loss as he collapsed for a moment. Struggling to keep himself awake, to attempt to see through the darkness. But all he could hear was the generator running, and the creature before him struggle within its newly created shell.

He wasn't strong enough to fully kill it, meaning they were on a time limit. Taking a few more breaths before staggering outside of the cave of glass, his vision started to return. Overlooking the damage done around him: the metal corridor was basically beyond repair, the lights had no hope of even being replaced. The wiring was dangerously exposed, but nothing much else... Nothing much else?

Harrak took a few moments to study the opened space for a bit longer, his purple eyes just constantly shifting. Was the wyrm just not seeing it? This place wasn't insulated in the slightest, how could he possibly...? A loud growl of anger left his throat as a realization came to mind, giving him the energy he needed to stagger through the halls and back to the main group. "Bear...! That Taathing Bear...!!" He roared between his pants.

"What the hell is going on down there?" One of the soldiers mumbled, looking at the large metal wall that was sealed before them suddenly. Leaving several crude marks like it was done very quickly, as several explosions, roars, and terrible noises were heard from a distance. Getting the pair on duty to glance at each other with worry, as heavy footsteps were heard getting closer. Taking a few paces behind and aiming down towards the wall before it started to get close, then-

"Vara!" Maverick shouted from behind, soon seeing the wall warp open as the two quadruped dragons charged in. The wall resealing soon after Narull made it through, the group panting for a few moments before looking at the nervous soldiers.

"It's okay." Bryce stated between strong breaths. "That's..."

"Are there more coming?" One of the others asked, only to hear a large explosion which got everyone's attention. The lights flickering a bit, but not going out completely. "What is that?" The group shared a look of worry, trying to find the words to explain such a thing.

The explosion was felt through the bridge, getting the cyan dragon to hold onto Ipsum tighter. Hearing him grunt a bit in response as the ship shook a bit. "S-sorry."

"It's..." Another grunt from the noodle. "It's alright. I'm just..." A shaky nod in response as the entire crew worried. Hearing the footsteps draw closer to the bridge, then the brass soldier rushed in. Getting everyone's attention.

"Get everything running-!" A massive roar in the background, nearly triggering panic through the ship's original crewmembers. Causing them to almost become stunned for several moments before seeing Anna and Sebastian start attempting to run the controls. Gathering the courage to continue on. "We don't have a lot of time to get out of here!"

"What about the others?" Malic asked, getting a worried look from the soldier. "Where's Vara...?" The brass one gazed at the doorway, causing both parents to scamper up and rush through it.

"W-we need to leave!" One of the soldiers almost whimpered, still aiming down the now opened hallway as both Maverick and Bryce guarded it. Hearing the silence for far too long and debating whether or not to check it out. Once in a while hearing noises before seeing some movement. "H-halt!" No response. "Say something or we fire!" A bit of a snarl as the pink one's ears perked up.

"Harrak!?" Hearing a familiar groan before nearly chirping and jumping over the grey wyrm before he could stop her. Scampering towards the damaged black one as he collapsed in her arms. Panting heavily as the sheer touch of her made his scales crinkle loudly from how fragile and damaged they were. "You taath head! Why did-"

"Language." Both the drake and larger wyrm grumbled, instantly hearing the slight noise of overdone crispy skin and nearly making a face at each other.

"Is everything clear?" Bryce asked, barely seeing a look from those purple eyes and a faint nod.

"Question is, for how long?" The two feral adults shared another look.

"Few... Hours?" The black one panted, coughing from how dry he was before nearly growling from Vara's hold. "That... Bear of yours...!"

"Harrak." The drake grumbled.

"He's been lying to you this entire time...!" They curled their necks. "He's... Hiding-!"

"What are you talking about?" The grey one growled that time.

"One thing at a time, troublemaker." Bryce looked behind at the other soldiers. "Get him some water!" A faint nod as one started to move, turning corner and almost yelping as Vara's parents came around. Still bolting down the hall until they could see her, but being stopped by the other two, just in case. "She's fine, relax."

"What are you talking about, Harrak?"

"That...!" A few more pants, as he barely motioned behind him, at the damage and struggle. "It should've ripped the fabric of reality... Or at least wounded it!"

"Meaning what?" The brown one asked sternly.

"You were trying to blow up reality on us?" The pink one attempted to joke, but nearly cracked up.

"There's not a damn mark in that hallway...!" Harrak nearly roared in anger. "Unless your Counterweight is living in these damn mountains, that means there's another one around! One that knew this was going to happen!" The two larger adults shared another look, one that was quite stern. "That Bear Is Lying To You! He has been ever since he got here-!" A cough interrupted him, as his breaths started to sound horse.

"What...?" The other soldier started, getting a look from Bryce and the grey wyrm. "What is a... Counterweight?" The two shrugged at him.

"Basically a creator of the universe." The earth dragon stated bluntly, like it was almost common knowledge and not dwelling on it any further, regardless of the questionable stares they were getting.

"...We can worry about it later, if anything." Maverick stated, getting a nod from the drake. "Until then, we need to get you refreshed-"

"Don't... Bother..." The black one growled, barely lifting himself up to look at the pink female. "Release me..." A sad look from those yellow eyes as she rested his muzzle on her own.

"...Okay." She whispered, holding onto his overcooked body once again before releasing a few grunts. Getting the smaller male to growl a bit. "I can't-"

"Just..." Another growl, and the metal rods within his limbs were ripped out. A couple welded onto his bones and muscle tissue as he started to bleed. "See you in a few hours..." It hurt her heart, but she nodded. Sniffing her tears back.

"You better come back."

"If I don't then..." No response.

The hill was silent as the sun started to set in the late afternoon. The white dragon still lying on the grass near the platform to the portal, only to suddenly grunt awake. Coughing a bit and snorting out what could only be described as blood clots that formed in his muzzle. Growling at the condition his head was in while holding it for a bit longer. "You okay?" The woman asked barely, getting the wyrm's attention.

"I'll be fine." He grumbled, not even looking at her. "Just set it over there."

"Set what over there?" Marcus made a noise in question at Izumi, now focusing his eyes a bit. Double taking at his surroundings then her.

"W-what...?" Another gaze around, and he found the furball off to the side. Embracing the dragon's red brother while he recovered from what seemed to be the same type of wound. "Where are we-?" He looked at bit shocked at the woman, letting those wings droop as if he came to a terrible realization. Then those eyes glanced at the portal. "Did it...? Not work?"

"Donno." Another double take that was doing horrors for his neck, getting him to grunt a bit while tending to it. "You never went through it."

"We didn't?" The woman shook her head. "Oh..." A breath of relief, then he felt the glare of anger over him. "I-I can explain-!"

"That you were going to leave without telling me what happened?" A whimper from the large one as Izumi stepped forward. "I hope you _can_explain." Another whine as those purple eyes looked guilty. "You may begin anytime now."? ? Marcus' head just lowered, not responding. "You can't." It was barely a question, making him look away. "Is it me? Did you learn to hate me after all those years-"

"N-no! No, it had nothing to do with..." A heavy sigh. "...You. It had nothing to do with you." Another breath as he looked at the portal, a strange mix of shame and undeniable hatred. "I... _ Just _couldn't."

"Couldn't what? See me again?" She asked, with less anger this time.

"Zuzu..." He almost collapsed in defeat. "I felt it... I won't lie to you, you raised me better than that." The white one mumbled, feeling her touch on his shoulder and almost shuttering from it. "You... You were the only enjoyable thing about it. The rest was a damn nightmare..."

"You mean...? When you told me about the portal acting up before?"

"Before I became a reaper, yes..." A heavy breath that was almost quivering. "I still have bad dreams of that place. That somehow this itself is all some large dream, and any moment now, a toilet seat from outer space is going to strike me in the head. And I'll be back in that space again and again. Replaying those same damn weeks of my life over and over until...!" He choked up, getting an embrace from the woman as he continued.

"I felt it... I damn well felt it happen again...! And I knew what I had to do, I just..." A nudge towards her, nearly embracing Izumi with his large body while still hiding his face from her. "I just couldn't bring myself to willingly go back. To enter that hell once more, create an unending eternity of losing you. I thought I was over it, but I..." A long silence between them, as the dragon gathered his strength. "But no matter what, it looks like that is the only fix."

"...Maybe not." The bear said, instantly getting a high pitched yelp from Marcus. "Sorry to listen in, but..."

"What do you mean, Bartan?" The woman asked, still noticing the white wyrm freezing like a petrified beetle.

"Fate stated before that it's not likely the timeline can take another reset." A noise in question. "I honestly think she's right-"

"It." The larger dragon groaned.

"What are you talking about?"

"Picture the timeline as a large piece of... Plastic wrap. Scrolling across, or up and down-it doesn't matter. But everything flows all at the same time. However, during Time's movement, if you hold onto a small piece of that wrap while it continues to move..."

"Then it would rip... Likely causing a larger tear down the longer it lags behind." The woman thought out loud.

"This is why I like Forces being straight with me. I know more about this stuff than they think. The timeline itself is stretchy, to a degree, but if it rips..." He started to get up, getting a response from Fate as 'Adine' started to wake up. Letting the furred one look over at Marcus for a moment. "If you go back, then... It will rip. Maybe not immediately, if you're lucky, but that's not fixing the problem, as you can see."

"Then..." The wyrm sighed, tossing his snout afterwards. "What do suggest? I can't even believe I'm considering this, but-"

"You trust me." A bit of a whimper that barely escaped his throat, causing the dragon to freeze again. "What you need to do is: take everything here, everything that was effected by this time loop, and match it with its original destination."

"That won't work-"

"It can, if you work together." A growl from the larger dragon as Fate looked back and forth between everyone. "I'm not saying it's without its wrinkles, but they're much easier to deal with than having a hole directly towards your Terrasque."

"Please. That thing is just a legend." Marcus snorted, getting a blank stare from Bartan. "...Right?" A couple of blinks, making the wyrm whimper. "...Right?" The furred one looked at Adine.

"How long has he been a Force?" A shrug from the yellow wyvern. "Try to find Reality, I'll explain what happened to you guys in the meantime."

Voices he didn't recognized disturbed him from his precious slumber, nearly growling at them and the nonsense that he couldn't understand. A few bits and pieces caused his ears to flicker, but the black one was just too damn tried to care. His warnings growing louder when something nudged him a couple of times, then a smaller one from the other side. Being flanked by muzzles that he was just trying to paw out of the way. "Come on, Harrak." A stern male voice grumbled, causing the small wyrm to half hiss and half yawn at him. "I know it's not long for you, but we need to get things moving."

"M'then move." He placed those black paws over his own eyes. "M'll catch up later..."

"We're wasting time." Another voice sternly stated. "Move him around." A few more nudges as paws were trying pick up the grouchy black one.

"He's able to move properly at least. A damn miracle if I've ever saw one." Something large and red snorted, pawing and squirming out of the embrace was making him more awake though.

"Fiiine, fine! What!?" Harrak grumbled loudly.

"We have a few problems." Bryce started, looking over at the soldier captain.

"And?"

"We need your help with them."

"Well, do everything you can without me then get me up-"

"That's what you said twenty minutes ago." The drake chuckled, though others didn't really find the situation amusing. "And even then, we were ready."

"We've waited long enough for you to recover, Harrak." Songg stated rather strictly. "Now we need you to move."

"Move where." It was barely a question.

"Not where; what." A long noise in question that lead to another yawn. "In order to operate the teleporter properly, it needs to be on the floor."

"Well then, put it there _ then _wake me up-" He snorted.

"The ship is upside down, Harrak." Maverick stated that time.

"What ship?" Again, barely a question. Glaring at the grey wyrm with his ears flat against his head, then a gaze at everyone looking at him. Sighing and holding his head for a few moments. "Give me a minute, things will come back." Another few breaths. "Right... That ship-"

"This ship." Songg corrected him.

"And you need it flipped over. Fine." The smaller one yawned as he looked around the room. "Where's the quickest way out?"

"The cargo bay-" One of the soldiers answered.

"Not looking for a door, I'll make my own." A few looks in question, especially when his scales shimmered to a grey like Maverick's and he placed a paw on the metal 'flooring'. Prying it up like a trap door, along with several other layers until he hit snow. "That's a good sign." He yawned again, stretching while changing white and diving into the white. Popping back up to close the metal door. "I'd hang onto something if I were you." The wyrmling grumbled before slamming it down. The bridge fell silent for a moment, as they all stared blankly at each other before feeling the large ship quiver a bit. Causing them to yelp and attempt to find a good spot to remain in during the change.

Outside in the snowy desert, a chunk of white parted ways nearby some water. The small black one popped out of the hole and looked around, growling at the stinging winds that hurt his ears before building a small shelter of ice away from it. Overlooking the crash site of such a massive ship, the rear end slowly sinking into the massive crack in the ice, already beginning to be tilted up.

Taking a moment to overlook the entire thing, Harrak exhaled. It was hard to believe that it could house so many dragons, but then again, considering their technology... Still, it was hardly the time to think about such a thing. Turning his scales into that silver grey once again, the dragon positioned himself like he was going to lift it with his own body. Taking a deep breath before straining, hearing the entire ship start to move a bit. Slightly rotate before he gave up. Taking a few breaths to regain his energy.

He didn't expect it to be this big, but that wasn't the only way to make it roll around. Hopefully it doesn't damage much in the process, he started manipulating the snow underneath. Alternating it from being soft, sand-like and flexible. To hard ice, providing an excellent structure for a base. Refreezing the large cracks to prevent it from sinking again, and fortifying it quite far below just in case.

Now for the hard part, avoiding the ship's actual weight, but he had to control several dozen areas to slowly rotate the massive vessel on its side. Hearing the frame of it almost warp from its own weight as a few places started to split open, from wounds that were already made. Either by the landing or the dragon itself. Easily spotting the cargo area where an engine was missing, making him wonder where it landed to. Granted, any pieces that were scattered around were likely covered with snow.

Still, the now white one repaired the damages the best he could. Not risking anything else inside to escape into the... North? South? The planet. Whatever. Snorting afterwards before taking off and finding the bridge area once again. Pulling opened the trapdoor and slipping inside to find most the dragons whimpering and groaning. "I told you to hang onto something." Harrak snorted.

"Is everyone okay?" Sebastian called, not really getting a response, but no alarming ones. "Alright, we all have our jobs. Harrak-"

"Is going back to sleep." The black wyrmling snorted, getting a double take from several others. "I need my rest to recharge, considering, and _ correct _me if I'm wrong, you're not planning to leave this ship on this planet." He glared at the soldiers, who shared somewhat cross looks.

"We were planning to throw the thing back into temporary space, yes." Songg answered.

"And how are you planning to do that with _one_engine?" No response, and Harrak curled into a comfortable position. "I rest my case. Get done everything you need and wake me when you're ready to leave." The group shared a few looks, but nodded.

"Alright everyone, let's head out, and get home." The beige runner ordered.

Evening was starting to set in, as the bear climbed back up the hill. A package over his shoulder as he overseen a few others somewhat by the portal. Specifically, a large white dragon attempting to explain the situation and plan to a very intimidating golden theropod. One that didn't seem too pleased about what she was hearing, but with how composed the dragon was, Bartan wasn't worried too much about the conversation. However, another white wyrm caught his eye, sitting afar and looking over the town. Walking towards it and sitting down next to what looked like Remy, Fate double taked at the bear for a few moments. Curious about his mysterious package, and overlooking potato wedges that had a mix of garlic and rosemary over them. "May... I?" He asked the furred one, a bit shy about such a thing.

"Sure, go for it." Taking a white paw carefully to one of the smaller wedges and tossing it in his mouth, purring a bit at the strange taste. "They cooled off quite a bit during the travel, but-"

"No-no, it's... Fine." He smiled at the bear, taking a breath afterwards with a worried look over that scaled muzzle.

"Something wrong?"

"Nothing, no." A paw on his shoulder, just under the wing and those blue eyes looked at him sadly. Knowing he couldn't hide such a thing from this strange creature. "You... How long were you there?" A gesture towards the portal.

"You mean back in the other world?"

"N-no..." A bit of blushing and a sharp breath. "Don't take this the wrong way, but... You're a... Pervball?" A chuckle from Bartan. "M-Marcus' words, not mine!"

"It's alright. But where are you going with this?"

"I guess..." Another breath as the Force looked away. "Why didn't you... Touch me?"

"Touch you?"

"While I was asleep?" A blank stare from the furred one. "I know it's an odd conversation subject, but I'm... Struggling to understand this. I can take the rejection-" A paw from the bear interrupted him.

"It's not about that." Those wavy ears perked a bit in question. "We don't do those things until we have consent."

"As in... Permission?" A nod from the furred one as he ate a few more bits of his meal. "But...?" Those blue discs gazed behind them, towards Death.

"He mentioned Rape, right?" A confused nod, and Bartan shrugged. "Some people would rather... Admit such things before admitting to..." Another glance back.

"So, it's about pride?"

"Maybe. It might be something else, but regardless, it's his choice." Though Remy's look was still puzzled, there was still a bit of sorrow within those eyes. "Is there something...?" A sigh in defeat from the dragon.

"...Can you answer me something?"

"Likely-"

"Who do you see?" Another gaze as their eyes met, that bear muzzle still half chewing his supper. "When you look at me, who...?"

"This moment?" A half shrug from those wings. "I see Remy, but it changes between your moods." Those blue circles fell back towards the town landscape.

"...Do you like him?"

"I love Remy." They almost looked Bartan in the eye, but stalled halfway. "Along with many others that I see." A small smile from the Force. "Is that what this is about?" Another breath in defeat.

"...It's hard to control, really. Most of us don't even know how to, let alone learn." The dragon mumbled. "We're... Honestly formless. Everything from the idea of touching or even movement of objects, it's all just playing on the perception of those around us." Another breath as he looked over the lands. "Your worlds... Everything here, it's all so strange. To be stuck in this... 'Physical' plane. Crippled by the mass of others, controlling your lives." Another paw on his shoulder, stroking that scaled arm. "I don't belong here, that's something I've come to terms with honestly. But because of how I'm... 'Designed', for lack of a better word..."

"You naturally deceive others." That time, those blue eyes looked at the bear. "They often mistake you for being the real thing, sometimes even consider you to be a fake of what they once remembered." Those wings drooped, as the brown eyes looked back at Marcus. "He sees his brother, someone who he was nearly in competition with, or didn't get along too well. I can only imagine what Xakoda sees from you... My guess would possibly be her assistant during her last job."

"She never told me."

"And you're wondering if I've ever seen...?" As much as he wanted to, Remy didn't look the furred one in the eyes. Only sighing at the idea of it, but that paw slowly pulled his muzzle towards Bartan's own. Still keeping his eyes closed to avoid that stare, only to feel those furred lips press against his own and make him yelp a bit. Pulling back in surprise, but submitting to that tongue soon after. Yet, once those moments passed, he couldn't keep it up. Letting the bear stop on his own and rub the back of that scaled neck. "...There's something else."

"I..." Another breath, but that furred body moved in a bit closer, giving the dragon a hug that he participated in. "...Yes. And I'm sorry."

"What's wrong?"

"...Bartan." Remy pulled away from the hug, looking at those brown discs with guilt. "I found them." Those eyes shifted into wonder, yet worry. "They're... Fine, but still in danger."

"How long-?"

"There's nothing you can do for them-"

"Have you known?" His heart sank in that scaled chest, exhaling deeply like he was just stabbed. "Fate...?"

"...Nearly all day." A bit of a cross look from Bartan. "I'm sorry, I-"

"How?" Those wings fell to the ground again. "Where are they?"

"...Far up north." The furred one looked in the distance for a few moments, only to get a scaled paw nudge him in the correct direction. "I... I got some kind of signal- Picked out something...! And they were there." A bit of silence. "I'm sorry-"

"Can you get me in contact with them?" A puzzled look. "Even just one."

"You're not...?" A noise in question. "Mad?"

"Some could argue that, yes." Bartan smirked, not getting any relief from that puzzled look. "This is good news."

"But I..." A paw interrupted the dragon.

"You are a Force. It's almost your job to keep secrets." That gaze fell, but soon returned.

"I'll... I'll find someone for you. Who?"

The drake flinched a bit while the red wyrm examined the back of his head, releasing a few unintentional growls in the process. "Quit being a wussie!" Dr. Taute snorted, almost getting another one in response. "Here I was expecting the chief of police to be a lot less squirmy."

"The bear told me it makes your job easier." Bryce grumbled, feeling those paws tend to his cracked horn.

"An excuse if I've ever heard one." Another flinch and a growl, but the doctor left the rest of it alone. "You seem to be fine, though there's no real repairing the structure of that horn."

"It's fine. What about the concussion?" A look in question from the red one, getting the drake to double take. "I know stuff!"

"It's very minor. It's hard to tell if you were just lucky, or you have an unusually thick skull." A glare from those golden eyes. "I have a lot of people to see, is there anything else you might be concerned about?"

"Just..." A glance at a reflective surface, revealing the large brown arm. "I got a shot earlier. From a needle, around here." The wyrm looked at it carefully.

"It doesn't appear to be infected, but I'll seal it just in case." Taute turned about, getting a few items.

"Ipsum should have one too."

"You say that like I should know who that is." Another snort, though when he wasn't being harmed by the grouchy red dragon, Bryce almost found him amusing.

"Small, purple. Almost noodle in form." A look in both question and concern of the drake's mental state. "What?"

"...Noodle?"

"That's what the bear called him once." The earth dragon chuckled.

"And of course you would hang on his every word." Another snort. "I know who you're talking about, and I've already examined him."

"Good-"

"I didn't find anything." A double take from the drake. "He was perfectly fine, not even a single bruise that could be found. Unusual for anyone who's just been in a vehicle accident, but I considered him lucky. He stated he was in the pod during the landing, so..." A shrug from those wings, but that look of worry never left those golden eyes. Getting that red snout to toss. "I can request him to have a follow-up if you're that concerned about love partner-"

"W-what? No, we're not..." An unimpressed stare from the doctor.

"That was my attempt at a joke. Clearly I should be leaving it to the jesters." A look in question from Bryce. "If there's nothing else wrong, get out of my office."

"But it's just a room walled off by a blanket-"

"Get out of my Office!" He hissed, nearly shoving the drake outside. Getting a few looks from those rescued from recent pods. "Next!" A bit of a shy look from the Chief as he passed through the doorway and made his way back to the bridge. Seeing many familiar faces, including Songg who looked like was receiving some rather poor news. Chatting with the other soldiers and Sebastian, likely about something they would soon discuss as a group.

It was strange, really. He's gotten so used to the ship being upside-down that seeing it correct was just... Weird. Granted, it made sense after a while, and the hallways were much easier to walk through. It was just strange, as those golden eyes overlooked the area. Seeing Anna, Remy, and Amely all together, along with Li and Zhong near them. Having a wave of relief still wash over Bryce everytime he seen his old friend still around.

Ipsum and Lorem off in their own little corner like before, not really leaving each other's side since they reunited. They would honestly make a decent couple, if they ever thought of such a thing. Maybe they think it's odd now, but if the drake could learn to love a certain grey wyrm the same way... A gaze over Maverick, laying down with a sleeping black dragon that was occasionally grumbling at a certain pink wyrm's attention. Even getting the yellow wyvern to giggle at the reactions.

It was hard to believe that they didn't lose anyone. Even after all this, everyone was here and hopefully returning home soon. Taking a deep breath before sitting beside Mav, finally relaxing a bit while a large wing covered him. Though, still not without a slight blush. Getting the tongue of torment from such a thing before nearly scolded by a grumble, which only got Harrak to respond with one. Making the group start mocking him a bit before the soldiers started to move a bit. "Alright, listen up. We..." Songg started, taking a breath. "We have some news. Updates on our situation." A gesture towards Narull to start, getting him to clear his brass throat.

"The good news is the teleporter is up and running well, all things considered. Along with the..." A glance around at all the rather puzzled looks around him. "Erm, the... 'Thing' we used to jump back in time. Everything seems to be working, however..." A glance around. "We don't have enough power for everything."

"Meaning what?" Anna asked a bit sternly.

"Meaning: we can't get everyone home and send this thing back into... Erm..." Sebastian glanced over at the brass soldier for a moment.

"Temporary space-?"

"Temporary space. There just isn't enough power with all the damages, and not enough time to risk waiting for the generators to recover that charge." A bit of mumbling from the large group, and even those in the hallways who were able to hear the conversation through the intercom.

"It sounds a lot worse than it actually is." Narull stated, still getting worried looks. "We can deliver most of your people back to your village-"

"Town." They all corrected him.

"R-right. But..."

"There's going to have to be a group staying behind." A worried look from everyone towards the Captain. "This is us crunching the numbers too. Those who were unfit to operate due to our last mishap... Are going to remain in stasis. Whereas they are mentally unreliable and are more of a danger to others if they become released." A look towards his fellow soldiers. "It's a hard decision to make, but we all knew the risks when we accepted this mission." Faint nods from them and the other crew members.

"Go back to this group thing." Klay grumbled. "So, some of us are still going to have to stay behind? That's what you're saying?"

"We can get them off the ship, but they'll have to make their way back home on foot. Honestly, we first thought of doing that to begin with, but..." Sebby started.

"A mass exodus like that would be very harmful for the environment." Harrak snorted. "It would be difficult to find enough food for everyone, shelter, etc." A nod from the beige one and Songg. "I'll stay." A look from Vara, one of a bit of sorrow before looking at the captain.

"Me too-"

"Like hell you will-"

"I'm not leaving you, Harrak." A growl from him, but the pink female ignored it. "How many people have to be in that group?"

"The more, the better. But I would like at least a dozen outside of-" He started to gesture his soldiers, but several dragons in the room stood up. Bryce, Maverick, Anna, Adine, and a few others.

"I'll go."

"You're not going alone."

"I need a damn vacation, so-" A double take from Remy at the pink runner.

"You're...?" A bit of a crossed look from her, and the white wyrm took a breath. "Me too."

"Guys..." Narull started. "We're not done." Another set of worried looks.

What do I do?_The drake's head shot up, looking around for a moment. _Really? Just that simple? Speak-?

"Bear!?" A double take at everyone in the room at the Chief. "Is that you?"

Oh wow, he can hear me. Can he hear you too?

"Are you okay, Bryce-?" The beige one started.

"I can hear you! Where are you?" Several puzzled looks.

I'm near the portal with Fate.

"Who?"

The one who kidnapped me a bit after the meteor incident.

"Bearrrr." The drake grumbled, looking at all the eyes staring at him. "Can... You guys not...?" They all slowly shook their heads.

"This is why I told you not to drink so much of that Orange juice, Bryce." Maverick snorted. "You're starting to go crazy."

"Nonsense." The brown one snorted back. "I'm glad to hear you're safe, but give me a minute. You caught us in the middle of a meeting."

_Sure thing._A nudge towards the grey one.

"Fill me in afterword, I've got to explain this Fish to Bartan." A puzzling look from those red eyes, but the drake left the room. "Bear, you would not believe the day we've had!"

Though questionable looks at the doorway, still hearing the Chief's voice down the hall. Then eventually all gazing at Maverick, Harrak, and Vara for a moment. Getting them to share questionable glances.

"Are you sure he didn't get attacked by the...?" They all nodded in confirmation at Sebastian. "Fair enough. This whole event has been crazy enough to believe that Bryce is hearing voices." A gesture for Narull to continue, and he released a heavy breath.

"We have one large... Problem on our hands." A gaze around. "The... Way the 'Time Travel' thing works is by creating a small hole outside of the universe's fabric and passes through, traveling into empty space."

"You said that was working." Remy stated.

"It is yes... But..." A glance at his Captain, and Songg nodded.

"The device to open such a hole is also the same one to close it." A few caught on. "We can't leave it opened, and to do so is putting many things in danger, especially if the ship runs out of power before the hole is repaired." Another look around. "Someone reliable is going to have to stay behind to close it." Nearly the entire ship's occupants had their hearts sink at once, creating a long silence for those who were paying attention. The small blue wyrm's grip becoming tighter when he felt Ipsum move a bit.

"...I'll do it."

"So, wait." Marcus grumbled, holding a paw over his eyes. "They were kidnapped by aliens, who were trying to take out something in their blood to prevent future conflicts of war- Aren't we supposed to be _preventing_things like this!?"

"It kinda shows how good of a job we've been doing." 'Remy' shyly stated.

"This is all your doing, not mine." The golden dinosaur growled.

"There's no point in blaming anyone. Marcus did what he could, but the real issue is what caused the portal technology to begin with." The bear interrupted. "Regardless, the plan is that they're going to teleport as many as they can back here, and the rest will have to travel back on foot."

"So, what do you want us to do?" The larger dragon snorted, getting a slap from Reality. "Ow!"

"Our jobs, you Motaur!"

"I'm not a Motaur!" He hissed back, seeing her wind up for another one and yelping while stepping out of reach. "And be more specific, please!"

"Once the ship leaves the area, we fix the timeline here." Fate explained. "Force it to catch up to the rest of your structure and ensure that it remains there. After that, you'll have to fix any ripples the change might create, and there might be a lot." A whimper from Death.

"Sounds like work-"

"I swear I will slap you out of your own scales!"

"What is with you and taxidermy!?" The two larger ones growled at each other.

"Guys." The bear interrupted them. "You don't have time to argue, get yourselves ready and work together." They all shared a glance with each other. "With as little threatening as possible, please." Marcus and Xakoda tossed their snouts, leaving the area while still continuing their fight under their breaths. Getting 'Lorem' to sigh, but smile at the furred one.

"Thank you." A solid nod from Bartan. "I mean it. However... It looks like I might need to take a rain check on that..."

"Session?" A blush from the cyan one, but a nod. "That's fine. But I want to check up on Bryce before you leave, if you don't mind."

"Not at all." A paw on his blue head, getting the Force to smile uncontrollably

"I swear you just enjoy me touching you." A whimper from the small one.

"There really isn't much to it." Narull explained to the purple eastern dragon, showing him the controls on the bridge. "This screen will let you know when everything is through, and from there... It's just a simple button press." A nod from the smaller one. "...Are you sure about this?"

"I am." A heavy breath from Ipsum. "It's likely for the best anyway."

"Alright. I'll head down to the teleporter. Once you see a spike of energy drop from this console, you should be cleared."

"Or feel when this thing gets launched into the air." A faint chuckle from the noodle. "It's likely best to activate the device before the take-off, isn't it?"

"Likely. Harrak said him and Vara would handle the rest." Another nod and a bit of silence. "I'm sorry about all this-"

"You had good intentions, Narull. It's alright." They shared a look. "It's my choice regardless."

"...I suppose so." The brass one's gaze fell. "Thank you, Ipsum."

"Enjoy your future." A solid nod from the soldier as he left the bridge, now completely empty of bodies aside from the purple one. Dragging over what appeared to be a chair and resting in it until he felt everything start to move on its own. Though, pawsteps nearby flicked his frilled ears, gazing over at the small cyan wyrm in the doorway. "Lorem?" Those wings drooped as Ipsum left his chair. "What are you doing here? You need to be back with the others or you'll be left behind-"

"I don't want..." He choked, taking a breath before the purple one hit a button on the control.

"Don't teleport out just yet. There's someone still here."

"Affirmative." A speaker nearby said, getting the eastern dragon to press the button again to turn off the intercom.

"I'm not leaving you-"

"Lorem-"

"Anyone else could've taken this job, why-!?" A frustrated breath as the purple one held him. "Harrak can do something. Maybe he can teleport out of it before the thing closes-"

"Only to risk being trapped inside here. Besides, he has a lot to teach here." Ipsum smiled sadly. "Someone needs to learn how to control those abilities, or else..."

"Then... Why not one of them!?" A gesture towards the ship, knowing the cyan one was talking about the crew members. "They're the ones who decided to do this! To risk everything in order to change...!"

"Yes, but think of everything could learn from even a single mind of theirs. They must know a lot, and are still valuable to your world-"

"But you're valuable to me!" Lorem snapped out of instinct, nearly collapsing after he said that. Knowing how selfish it sounded. "Please... I need you in my life, Ipsum. I don't have... I'm lost without..." The tears fell to the floor as the eastern one just comforted him. "Please... Don't do this. Tell me what I can do in order to..."

"Lorem..." A quivering sob from the wyrm. "Hey, it's alright."

"Let it be me then-"

"I can't let you do that-"

"Well, I can't let you-" Another choke. "Why does it have to be you!? It can be literally anyone else, but...!?"

"Lorem... Death is an Open Door, not one being closed." A head shake from the blue one. "You may think that you're lost now, but it will get better. Things will change-"

"You can't know that!"

"I can." The noodle reached over to grab something nearby, holding up a full syringe and handing it to him. One that contained the Black Death's Blood. "Souls don't Break, they Bend. You can be more than what you are now, and maybe now that you are lost; you can truly live." Their golden eyes shared a long look, regardless if the blue dragon's were still wet with tears. "You don't have a lot of time. Please, go live a happy life before it's too late. There's nothing here but darkness."

"There's you..."

"Along with a cold death." That nearly deflated the cyan one, getting held tighter. "Please Lorem, you are stronger than you think you are. You are able to take control of your own future if you just grab a hold of it." He handed the wyrm the needle, letting them share another look before taking it in his small blue paws. "It is yours. Please, live." A heavy breath and a tight embrace from Lorem as he whispered through his sobs.

"I love you."

To some, it was a home they lived in for a long time. To others, a prison they were forced into. To many, it was a coffin for those who fallen, and for an old friend. Watching the large metal beast get pushed upwards by layers and layers of snow, like a large paw grasping it from below and creating a large ramp for it to slide down. Those who finally left it were either home, or huddling in the makeshift shelter of ice to protect the group from the harsh winds.

As a large portal opened nearby, and the large slopes adjusted towards it, the dragons took one last look at the ship and exhaled. Some heavier than others, as Anna placed a paw on Lorem's shoulder. Holding him a little closer, and unable to see the syringe in his paw. Now empty of such red fluids, like for the first time in his life, he finally took control of it.

Once the winds calmed down, the smaller, now silver wyrm, gave a signal to the pink female. Grasping the metal from afar and pulling it down the slope, letting the large ship slide through the large guidelines like a form of railgun. Launching it into the air and through the black portal, remaining there for a few moments before closing off completely.

Doing so disconnected the power of their collars, letting the soldiers no longer able to communicate properly with their ancestors. Something they would just have to learn to deal with, while adapting to the old language. As the night sky glistened, and the party was exhausted, they were also relieved. Now officially rid of the threat, but at a price.

The group looked at each other a bit, as the two smaller wyrms rejoined them. Nodding to state it was all done, and getting one in return from Bryce. "Bear? You there?"

Yep.

"Everything's fine here. Though..."

I know... Just make it home safely, alright?

"It'll be a long trip." Another look at the group: Maverick, Anna, Remy, Harrak, Lorem, Vara, Narull, Songg, Sebastian, and Taute, among a few others. "I'll be away for a long while, Bartan."

It's okay. I'll be here waiting for you. Stay safe, Bryce.

"Yeah... Oh, and bear?"

Pants off?

"They damn well better be."

The button released a loud click that echoed through the ship, now surrounded by an empty darkness. Leaving the purple one to stand there, looking out the windows as the power soon faded. Timing everything rather well, as Ipsum released a heavy breath. Not even flinching when a presence was felt. "You did well." The purple one didn't respond. "I'm surprised really."

"About what specifically?" The dragon calmly asked.

"Many things. Keeping the blood within your body, then withdrawing it in privacy." A slow nod from the eastern looking one.

"It was impossible to combine it with my own. You must know that."

"I do." The beast calmly stated, giving off a small smile. "Were you always planning to give it to him instead?" No response to that question.

"What else?" A breath in thought from the larger one.

"Well, your social skills have improved quite a bit since the last time we've met."

"Perhaps." The noodle mumbled a bit. "But even after all these years, I still can't... Identify what they're feeling."

"Yet, you feel it." That time, those golden eyes looked at what was a large, six legged wolf with a polar bear's head. "I know you do. I know it hurts you to let them go." A bit of silence.

"You are not wrong." A slow breath. "It took 146,000 years of living among them to even mimic their actions near flawlessly, but..." The furred creature walked towards him. "This cannot be what Naughterrjvarijl was so..."

"Enthusiastic about?" The bear smiled. "Kind of."

"I cannot understand why. I do not feel..." A slow hug as the small dragon was nearly engulfed in the white forest.

"There is more to it than such emotions, but this is one of the harder ones to deal with." A sad smile from the beast. "There are better ones out there, ones worth the pain."

"And those are the ones it was... _He_was energetic about?" A chuckle from the bear while he nodded. "It is too late, I'm afraid." Another chuckle got those frilled ears to perk a bit.

"It's never too late. It is yours."

"But I've already said..." A soft paw lead that purple chin towards the bear's, allowing them to share a gaze with those brown eyes.

"It is never too late."

"They will know what I am."

"And?" A puzzled look from the dragon. "What is so wrong with that?" Those golden discs drifted off towards the empty void. "You chose to do this _because_you knew you could escape. You care about them."

"If I go back, they will feel..."

"Betrayed?" A slow look at the beast once again. "I can promise you, they will not. They might not understand at first, but you will not bring them anger." The creature got up, offering an invitation for a purple scaled paw. Smiling brightly at the almost frightful expression, not of the bear itself, but... "Come with me."