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Rockwall and Bloodlust stared at each other for the longest time, energy building the entire duration. The very air around them sizzled and popped with static electricity as each will grew. The air became so charged that Rockwall and Bloodlust lifted off the ground a few inches. If Rockwall hadn't been so focused on his opponent, he would've noticed the static energy bouncing off his scales. However, this was not the case as he felt Bloodlust's power matched his and soon surpassed it. Rockwall knew he was in trouble.

Rockwall, nevertheless, would not let the amount of energy from any enemy intimidate him. He was a veteran of many years in the Supreme Region's Army and even more in the Terrain Region. Terrain Dragons were the longest-lived among the four races and had long memories. Rockwall was old enough to remember the first time the barrier leaked out dark energy, and General Braxious had escaped. Thankfully, he was pushed back into the Dark Realm, but he did a lot of damage before leaving.

A small team that Rockwall was a part of was put in charge of banishing Braxious. As Rockwall thought about it, that was almost forty cycles ago or one-hundred-sixty years ago. He was barely an adult at the age of seventeen. This made him feel old suddenly, and he knew that the years ahead were considerably less than the years behind. The max cycle he'd heard of any Terrain Dragon of living was seventy to eighty.

However, Rockwall was by no means weak and has been claimed as one of the most formidable Dragons in all of Dragos. Right now, that claim was about to be tested and prayed to the heavens above for strength.

"I must be getting old." He thought.

Praying was something he never really did before, but now it seemed appropriate. At this point, if anything could help with this fight, he would take it.

Suddenly, the winds stopped as they both exploded off the ground, breaking apart from the force and sending rocks, dust, and sand into the air. Rockwall went full speed to land a strike on Bloodlust, who was still smiling. This was not the most disturbing action Rockwall saw in that fight. No, the most problematic was that Bloodlust didn't even raise his sword and danced around Rockwall's attacks. Moreover, it might've been Rockwall's delusion, but even though he knew Bloodlust was moving just as fast as he was, Bloodlust looked as though he was moving in slow motion.

Then, instantly, Bloodlust disappeared altogether, and Rockwall quickly looked around. He couldn't see Bloodlust anywhere until he spoke, "Are you looking for me, your Dragonship?"

Rockwall looked up and saw Bloodlust floating upside down directly above his head. However, before Rockwall could react, Bloodlust spun right side up instantly, kicking Rockwall so hard in the jaw that part of the bone broke. Several teeth went flying, as well. Rockwall flew back with such force that it left elongated craters when he skipped across the ground. Finally, he crashed into a line of rocky ridges as several boulders came crashing down on top of the ruble.

"It seems that I broke a bone, that I did. Of course, I said I would drain every last ounce of blood from your veins, that I did." Bloodlust said as Rockwall blasted out of the ruble, flying on a boulder. He threw two stones at Bloodlust, who easily dodged them.

Rockwall came in swinging his two swords at Bloodlust, who side-stepped him. Then he put an elbow into Rockwall's back and crushed him to the ground. Bloodlust looked down at him as Rockwall struggled to push himself up, only to be violently kicked in the stomach and sent flying across the ground a few feet away. Rockwall felt a couple of ribs break in progress and felt pain explode across his body. He struggled to look up at Bloodlust, who was walking over casually and coughed up blood.

Bloodlust smiled again at seeing the crimson liquid smeared across Rockwall and picked him up by a horn. "This is almost too boring, that is true. I was expecting to work up an appetite, that I was. But you barely did anything; this is so." Bloodlust said as this truth rang through Rockwall like a bell.

Rockwall wasn't even putting up much of a fight, and he hated himself for that. Attacking him head-on wouldn't work with Bloodlust, and he needed to switch tactics. He turned his hand into a fist as the ground suddenly burst apart as spikes went through Bloodlust and himself. Bloodlust looked down at the spikes and chuckled as he went to take one out. However, as soon as he did, an electrical discharge flared up that only he felt.

"You thought it would be that easy to defeat me? Well, sorry to disappoint you, but I have a few surprises for you. Take these spikes, for example. They are filled with salt, and as fortune would have it, you evil creatures don't like that kind of thing, do you?" Rockwall said as Bloodlust's face didn't show any disappointment but to the contrary. It seemed to be one of impressiveness.

"You certainly have me in a bind, your Dragonship, that you do. But, I wonder how long you can hold me for, that I ponder?" Bloodlust said as Rockwall was wondering, as well. The spikes impacted his body, too but didn't hit any vital organs. However, this did not stop the bleeding; he knew the blood loss would wear him down. Rockwall knew he was in deep trouble now.

As the day drew on, Rocky regained much of his mobility. However, his right arm was still in the sling because even though the bones were mended, they were still pretty sore. This Rocky discovered when he bumped it against Ian and quietly grunted. He slowly breathed through his nostrils to avoid snapping Ian's head off. Ian was going over totals with him and was grateful for his help.

"So, how bad is it, Ian?" Rocky asked as he rubbed his right arm gently.

"Well, most of the city is in ruins, but most were able to make it out before the main battle happened. With that being said, there were about four hundred that died, give or take a number. Many more were injured, but I suppose we should be grateful. Without you, it would've been worse." Ian said with a smile.

"No, without any of us, this would've been worse. I'm just glad it's not." Rocky said when the ground near them suddenly opened up, and another Terrain Dragon emerged. His face looked worried, and he seemed out of breath because he was trying to form words, but nothing came out.

"Whoa, Stone. Take a deep breath and then speak slowly." Rocky said as Stone took a deep breath.

"Rocky, there is a battle being fought right now in the Abandoned Lands. Head General Rockwall and another enemy are fighting. I heard this one is by far stronger than the Four Horsemen." Stone said as Rocky turned to Ian. Rosemary came running up at the sound of the urgent voice as Rocky reflected over the part of the Abandoned Lands. It seemed strange that General Rockwall would choose such a place, as it is said to be surrounded by unusual magic.

"What are the Abandoned Lands?" Rosemary asked as Rocky was about to answer when Ian took them all by surprise.

"There are many legends around the Abandoned Lands and the ruins within that area. However, the one that rings true is that it was once home to one of the two races of Dragons that came here before we did. It is said that they were pretty influential in setting up Dragos herself and the seven barriers that block the Dark Realm from entering this world. The Abandoned Lands are roughly the size of the Supreme Region and are on the opposite side of the world. The two races lived peacefully, but no one knew what drove them away except the Arch Angels.

"The two races were Light Dragons, who lived in what is now called The Supreme Region. Adversely, the Dark Dragons lived on the opposite side in what is now called the Abandoned Lands. Both races had their approach to life. Still, each greatly respected the other and created all four Elemental Dragons before leaving Earth. Light Dragons were mainly concerned with promoting energy and caring for nature. They made the Elemental Dragons of Air and Earth. Dark Dragons were charged with the death aspect of life to prune off the old to promote the new. They were responsible for creating the Elemental Dragons of Fire and Water.

"The Abandoned Lands hold many of the Dark Dragons' secrets left behind. Additionally, according to the scrolls in the Supreme Region's Library, the two races disappeared without explanation. That was the most baffling part to our historians; that is about all I know. The area in question still holds a lot of magic left by the Dark Dragons. Magic that could be explosive if other magic comes into contact with it." Ian finished as Rocky nodded.

"Thank you, Ian." Rocky said as he thought, "It would seem that Ian's been researching a lot or has been studying this for a while."

"Well, we need to go help Rockwall," Rosemary said as they all agreed. Most jumped to the ground while Rocky summoned a flat sheet of stone to his side. He jumped on and took off into the air.

As soon as Rocky drew close, he could feel the presence of Earth Working in the area. When he came over the ridge, Rockwall and Bloodlust came into view. They were several yards away, and Bloodlust's back was to Rocky. When Rockwall saw Rocky, he gave a look that said don't interfere. Rocky received the message and backed off, landing on the ridge. Soon he was joined by the others.

"What is going on, Rocky?" Rosemary said as he quickly turned to them.

"General Rockwall is fighting the enemy right now, and it looks like they are in a stalemate. But...he didn't want our help." Rocky said as the others looked perplexed.

"Why? It looks like he needs it." Ian said indignantly.

"He may have his reasons as to why, but right now, we need to trust his judgment," Rocky said as Ian slowly nodded.

"I know. It's just hard sitting on the sidelines." Ian said as Rosemary put a hand on his shoulder.

"I know how you feel, but we might worsen the situation. Rocky is right; we have to trust Rockwall's judgment." Rosemary said as they all looked on.

Rockwall couldn't believe what he was seeing. Help did arrive but a little too late. He and Rocky together might've been able to defeat Bloodlust. But, as soon as Rockwall saw the sling on his arm, his heart sank into his stomach. The others were strong but were nowhere near Bloodlust's caliber nor his own.

However, Rockwall knew one thing that might permanently put Bloodlust out of commission. He'd been dreading the very thing since starting this fight and confirmed when Bloodlust unsheathed his sword. Not only that, but he had narrowly escaped ever since he used it the first time. It didn't need repeating because using it left an impression, and it was called Helena's Tomb.

Rockwall gritted his teeth and started pulling out the spikes from himself. The pain was overwhelming, but he finally cleared the last one and had to fight to keep standing. Bloodlust attempted to pull out the spikes, but the same electrical discharge flared up again.

Rocky saw this and grinned inwardly to himself while thinking, "Binding Spikes. Clever."

Rockwall backed up a few steps before sitting down on the ground and folded his hands in prayer, closing his eyes simultaneously.

Bloodlust chuckles at this before saying, "Your time is running out, your Dragonship, that it is. Don't waste it with prayers, do not."

However, Rocky saw Rockwall do this and shouted, "General Rockwall! No! Anything but that!"

Everyone around Rocky looked confused and scared at his sudden outburst. General Bloodlust turned his head to see the other upon the ridges and smiled evilly. "It would seem we have an audience, your Dragonship, that it does. But I'm curious, That I am. What does younger one mean, I wonder."

Rockwall didn't answer him but was, instead of glowing in a green aura and floated a few feet off the ground.

"Rocky? What is he doing?" Rosemary asked as Rocky slowly turned his head towards them. Tears were streaming down the sides of his snout, and he spoke slowly.

"Rockwall... he's...using...*Gulps*... Helena's Tomb!" Rocky said as almost everyone there yelped out in surprise.

Rosemary had heard of Helena's Tomb but didn't quite understand why it was so terrible. Rocky saw her expression and explained, "Helena's Tomb is the most advanced technique a Terrain Dragon can master before using gem augmentation. However, the cost of using such a dark technique requires a sacrifice of not only the user's body but also their soul. Basically, your body and soul are destroyed every time it's used."

"That's terrible! How many times can it be used?" Rosemary asked with a look of trepidation.

"It's usually a one-shot deal, but a very effective one. It also allows the Summoner to obliterate their opponent's soul and body. But I'm surprised that General Rockwall would have to use it. That must mean this enemy is so strong that he feared the destruction it could cause." Rocky said as the ground began to shake below their feet. The world trembled from the onslaught of the power output.

Rockwall himself started to turn into pure green energy and started screaming out in agony. The ground between him and Bloodlust broke apart, sliding back as molten lava spewed. Soon the whole floor of the ravine was only a lake of fire as Bloodlust struggled to break free.

Then, out of the molten lava rose a she-demon with a long sensual body and horns that sloped down toward her shoulders. Her colossal size towered over them, making ants out of all present. "Rocky! Who or what is that?" Rosemary said, sounding scared, and clung to him.

"That Rosemary is Helena. She is Queen of the Underworld and not one to mess with." Rocky said as the others cowered back from her.

Helena let out a glass-breaking screech and looked down at Bloodlust, who was desperately trying to escape. She smiles evilly as she reaches down and stabs Bloodlust through the chest. He screamed out in pain and was put into the lake of lava. Then Helena turned to Rockwall, and there for a moment, Rocky saw a faint smile within that green energy.

"Take care, my friends, farewell," Rockwall said as Helena wrapped her hand around him and ultimately destroyed it. Then, there was a deafening CRACK, and a flash as the ravine turned back to normal.

Rocky stood there in disbelief as to what he had just witnessed. It seemed impossible, and yet, it happened. His mentor and friend gave up everything to keep Dragos safe from that General. Whoever he was. Rosemary was still clinging to his arm and shaking from seeing such a monstrous creature as that. Ian was feeling the same way and ambled up to Rocky.

"Why didn't he want us to help him? He obviously had that guy trapped by the spikes." Ian said as Rocky turned towards him.

"If I had to make a guess, then it would be that he didn't want to run the chance of this enemy escaping. Something about that enemy made him believe that using Helena was the only way, making me cringe for future fights with the enemy." Rocky said as Ian looked down into the ravine.

"What do you mean?" Ian asked thoughtfully.

"Because if it took this long to defeat this enemy, how much more are we going to need before this is all over. Not only that, but the level of disturbing evil creatures now coming into our world. It is starting to affect everything living on Dragos. The sooner we put an end to this war, the better." Rocky said as Rosemary finally let go of his arm.

"I agree! I hate this whole ordeal. So many are dying and getting hurt. This wasn't supposed to happen." Rosemary said as she sat down on a stone.

"There's nothing we can do for it now. We must move on from this and plan for the next assault. This will help save lives." Rocky said.

Rocky understood how Rosemary felt. The idea of hurting another living creature still appalls him, but he knew that sometimes it is unavoidable. Now, he would use Rockwall's time to rest and develop some fresh ideas. His stomach growls. And, perhaps, get something to eat.

Rocky turned to leave with the others when he noticed something reflecting light in the ravine. He quickly jumped back on his stone sheet and took off into the area. "Rocky, what are you doing?" Ian asked but didn't get an answer right away and decided to follow Rocky. This wasn't the first time Rocky did something without explaining what he was doing.

Rocky finally landed next to the item to find out it was Rockwall's Emerald belt buckle, only without the buckle. Rocky surmised it must've fallen out of its setting during the fight. He knelt and reached for it, but Ian shouted, "Rocky! Don't touch it directly!"

However, Rocky heard him too late, and as soon as he grabbed the Emerald, there was a sudden uprush of power. Rocky screamed out as his body suddenly had overwhelming power rip through. This paralyzed him for a moment before the energy arched out and blasted him several feet away with a loud BANG! He landed on his back as his hand and body smoked from the extreme amount of energy.

Everyone rushed over and stood there, looking down at Rocky. Rosemary immediately knelt and checked him over but found nothing physically wrong with him except his hand. It had Emerald's shape burned into his palm, and he groaned out loud. Rocky had never felt so much power course through him all at once and was sure that if he didn't have the vast reservoir of his own, it would have destroyed him.

Rocky slowly sat up, looked around at everyone, and said, "What happened?"

"I tried to tell you. As soon as I saw that Emerald, I knew what it was. Or, at least, an idea. They were part of a legend as well." As Rocky put his right hand down and quickly withdrew it back, Ian said but didn't feel any pain. He flexed his arm using his left hand to massage it but still couldn't feel any pain.

"What happened to my arm, and what are you talking about, Ian?" Rocky asked as Ian smiled and continued.

"If I'm assuming correctly, the energy from the Emerald helped heal you faster than normal. The Emerald is one of the Four Elemental Stones given to Dragos by the Arch Angels. They entrusted the Stones to the Light and Dark Elder Dragons to watch and protect. The Stones hold so much power that to have direct contact with them could be lethal. If you had not been blasted away, your body would've been vaporized." Ian said grimly.

"Good thing I did, huh? So I'm assuming this Stone is the Terrain Stone?" Rocky said as Ian nodded.

"That's right, but the other four stones are still missing as far I know," Ian said as Rocky thought about this for a moment. Then a question came to his mind.

"How did Rockwall acquire such a stone in the first place? I mean, he ever mentioned it before." Rocky said thoughtfully.

"And for a good reason. Can you imagine how many would try to use it just because they thought it would help? Too many, that's what. Rockwall was wise not to tell everyone. Initially, I think the only ones who knew were Rockwall and your father, Rocky." Ian said as this struck Rocky the hardest. Was it possible that his father knew about the Elemental Stones or the Terrain Stone? If so, he might be able to gain further information on exactly how Rockwall obtained it.

Rocky rose from the ground and looked at the imprint in his left hand. It was most likely a mark that would stay with him for the rest of his life. However, he didn't mind as it did two things. One, it would be a constant reminder to always use caution before taking action. Two, it gave him a medal to wear in remembrance of Rockwall. After all, it was he who gave up himself to save them.

Rocky and the others took off back towards Twin Peak City. However, unbeknownst to them, a piece of Bloodlust's flesh survived and started to vibrate. Then it slowly morphed and grew as it glowed red, followed by evil laughter upon the wind.