War of the Dragons - Chapter 9
Ace's wave of darkness smashed into the ranks of the eastern dragons, sending them reeling. Many knocked completely off their feet, sent tumbling head over tail. Overs were obviously lighter, and were actually smashed against the wall behind them before slumping down to the ground, winded and dazed. Thanks to the slight warning however, the captain had managed to duck underneath it, and the shinobi had pulled Kasai down.Now Arcantos rose to his feet however, grabbing his handcuffs and simply ripping them off, the metal having been greatly weakened over his careful work during their imprisonment. Arcantos felt his breath escaping him as the power that had been building in his hands and the power kept stuck inside of his body came together in an almighty rush of fury.Still, Arcantos needed the energy for his task, and it was a very simple one. The bipedal dragon balled his hand in front of his chest, left under the right. A few moments to channel the energy was all that was needed before he jerked them apart... and all of the Inanite were ripped apart by the opposing magnetic fields. Whilst the squad experienced a surge of power as all of their elemental outlets were unlocked in one sudden burst, the scrambling guards were further disrupted. The magnetic fields pulling on their armour, both up and down at once, putting them off balance. Smaller pieces of armour and their weapons were destroyed, whilst some of the large pieces were cracked and damaged."Sappers, roof!" Arcantos snapped out as everyone was struggling to recover from the rapid series of events, his order backed up by pointing upwards at the stone above. Being that he was one that just freed them, there was little hesitation. Nova was the first to strike, a white lance of fire streaking up to cut straight through the stone. Even as a barrage of other attacks followed it up, Ace spoke up."Scouts, up and cover!" As the roof above shattered with a deep roar, seven of the squad rose up to shot into the air, one of which with Giratina. They took perch around the hole made by the sappers and began raining down elemental attacks on the already scattering guards, though they had to be careful not to hit their allies as the squad hurriedly began to follow them up."Shoot them down!" The captain barked, through not after he had fired a powerful earth-bullet, smashing into one unlucky individual and sending her crashing back down into the floor. With the cover of the falling roof-parts, as well as the scout's attacks, no one else was hit. Through one misjudged and got hit by the remains of a roof and was soon grounded as well."We're going straight up! Sappers, create the route, snipers keep them from following." Arcantos quickly snapped out as the squad began to fly through the hole. Whilst they no longer had the initial burst of their energy surge, the sappers were no longer in surface with the
thunder-floor and its disorientating effect, meaning they could actually opening up holes in the building without too much debris. It helped that Nova's first lance had already cut right through all of the roofs. "Sound the alarm! I want everyone up and out to take these barbarians down!" The captain snapped out, knowing that in such a narrow spot the western sniper dragons would massacre his dragons. So instead they left the hall in order to take the fight to them later. Even still, a few remained in order to harass and draw the attention of the snipers, slowing down their retreat. It took only around ten minutes after Ace first broke his bindings and set of the chain of events for the squad to break through into the fresh air. Here they paused to catch their breath as well as wait for the snipers to catch up with them. Ace and Arcantos took this opportunity to come together to discuss their next move."I hope your plan extends beyond just getting us out of the building." The darkness dragon said a little grimly as he looked around. Already the guard was gathering and climbing up into the air to confront them... and all four towers could be seen from their position. "This place likely has an entire regiment, we need to leave before they can fully group and come down on us.""Get me to a tower, and I can create us an
escape route." Arcantos promised simply, knowing they had no more time to talk about it. Ace nodded, accepting these words. Without further ado he flew off, heading towards one of the towers, snapping out an order as he went."Follow me!" Whilst the order was simple, it got the job done. Those closest to Ace noticed that he had spoken, and soon followed after him. Then those near them who hadn't noticed, trusted their judgement and followed as well. Soon, the entire squad was on the move again, Arcantos staying still in order to do a quick head-count. Two down, forty-seven left... though that was not likely to remain as the eastern guards whirled round to come towards them."I want a mobile platform for the snipers and non wind and water sappers to use!" Ace snapped out, the squad quickly followed these orders, through Ace didn't leave it at that, quickly going on to say. "Remaining Scouts, split yourselves in two groups, and protect our forwards flanks, if they stall us, we're dead!" Even as the more nimble and agile of the squad shot of ahead to harrass any eastern guards who attempted to cut them off, the platform came together in the middle of the squad. A mixture of condensed air and ice, stable and light. However, it needed constant attention and energy to not break under the weight of the twelve dragons that were landing on it, as well as keep it moving. Arcantos could already feel the affect of the drain just having formed it alongside the other dragons, but trusted Ace's judgement in that they wouldn't be too worn out.With a stable platform, and having no concern about having to move, the sniper's were able to carefully strike out at the approaching guards, targeting their own snipers and their leaders. The sappers were actually more reserved
with their attacks, but the power and devastation they wrought made it worth the extra effort to support their weight. This, combined with the scouts efforts allowed them to break through the eastern's attempts to keep them corralled, sailing over the fortress wall and heading towards the chosen tower.It wasn't perfect however, as Ace ordered the platform to be broken, and recalled the guards, Arcantos did a quick head-count. They had lost seven in that quick exchange, two scouts, one sniper, and several others including Giratina. Frost meanwhile had taken a bloody wound across his flank, though he had quickly patched it with his ice."Scouts and Assaults, take the rearguard." Ace's voice was firm and cool, unwavering under their losses. "The rest of you, comet formation. We are going to cut right through the weather-shield at the top of the tower and smash into the crystal room, so I want every available dragon helping with the comet, whenever fire and earth is primary or secondary. Scorch, take point."'Well I'll be damned... they won't ever be expecting that and defending the crystal room would be much easier than simply trying to storm it.' Arcantos thought to himself, impressed by Ace's quick decisions as well as how daring it was. Diving right through a weather-shield was insane without proper gear... but the fire-earth mixture of the comet would protect them from both the ice and wind, through it would likely drain several of them and they were unlikely to come out of it entirely intact. As the remaining scouts we reinforced with
their assault, the fire and earth dragons moved to the front of the squad, alongside a the dragons that had one as a secondary element. Scorch took the front position, with Nova moving into position a little way back, and to his upper-left. Another fire dragon took up position to Scorch's lower-right, with two earth dragons filling in the square, forming the second rank. The rest the dragons created a third rank in a more star-shaped layout. Then, they all began to focus their energy forwards.First, was the shimmering green barrier that started from in front of Scorch, then swept back across the ranks, and a bit further to protect the squad that were not part of the comet itself. Earth energy, not as strong or tough as solid rock, but much more malleable and solid enough for the task ahead. Then the flames erupted, starting from in front of Scorch then sweeping back to cover the earth energy.Arcantos knew that it wasn't a complete coverage however, at the front his pink leader would be focusing intensely in order to create a small hole in the flames to see through, he had to guide the formation through the target, and make sure that the two coatings remained their integrity, and didn't start clashing... Arcantos was not envying Scorch at all currently.Getting into position, and preparing the comet took some time, so they were only a few moments from the roaring, whirling storm of ice, lightning and wind in front of the tower. Enough time for Ace to snap out an order. "Pull back!" And enough time for most of the scouts and assault to disengage from their skirmishing with the guard that was still pursuing them and slip under the cover comet... through one unfortunate assault, was not able to get under cover, and was consumed by the storm... four of the seven assaults, as well as another three scouts in all were lost from that exchange, with Sontius and Sig being amongst the felled.'Two scouts left... we're lucky that the first two lost was a JOAT and a tactician, otherwise the odds could easily of been tipped against us.' Arcantos realized grimly, through he had little more time to think after that. The comet had worked even better than expected, keeping everyone save as they cut right through the storm. Even the impact of the crystal covering of the crystal room didn't create too many fractures in the earth energy, allowing them all to pile through the hole opened up before the earth energy completely shattered. Teprogia was the last and did a quick patch job on the hole as she slipped through.The few guards, as well as the gem-mancers were quickly subdued by the sudden assault, and the earth dragons carved the stairs in so that no more guards could come reinforce them. Sadly however, despite their speed the gem-mancers still managed to fracture the giant pulsing crystal that dominated the room, meaning that the weather-barrier outside had expanded many times, trapping them all inside of the tower until its fury was spent, hours from now."Well, we're screwed." Caross said with a grunt, examining the large crack running down the middle of the crystal, repairing it would take hours and equipment they didn't have, especially as doing so whilst it was still lashing out wildly with its all fury was insane. "Unless one of you two know of a secret route from the tower away from the fortress, or a secret technique that allows us to survive in a storm like this." The last comment was of course directed at Ace and Arcantos.Arcantos was doing a quick head-count, already that had lost 16 of their members, all the
patrols having lost at least one, with most losing two... one unfortunate patrol had been completely wiped out. All in all, they had 33 dragons still standing, through Arcantos knew that the next step was going to have them lose more."No secret technique Caross, just one an advanced one." Arcantos said, stepping in when Ace had nothing in order to say, the black dragon uncertain himself as to what they were going to do next. "And a risky one at that... we're gonna synch with the crystal and drain its energy so its fury is spent much sooner than anticipated." Now that statement got a reaction. The discipline that had been holding the group under his and Ace's command broke as outcries rose up, dragons unable to believe that had been risking themselves on a technique that they couldn't do, others already making motions to towards the blocked stairs, as if to clear it... even Ace's composure slipped, looking at Arcantos in frank shock."I can do it." Arcantos' firm voice cut right through the din, asking... not demanding everyone's attention... and they fell silent to listen. "Myself and Ace had already proven that our training before the military is beyond the norm, being able to use proper elemental manipulation through our tail outlet. Mine however, is even further than that. I can synch with crystals, I can drain and regenerate them, even repurpose them. I'm not expert, but I'm just as proficient as an apprentice finishing his training. All I need, is for everyone to follow my orders and synch with me."A deathly silence fell amongst the crackling and faint roar of the fractured crystal, as the squad considered what Arcantos was putting before them. A way to get out of this mess, a way to survive... but trusting him to be able to perform a task that even the professionals would shy away from doing, and risking their lives to do so..."Why the hell are we even thinking about this? The choice if freaking obvious!" A loud voice spoke up, making several jolt, and Arcantos felt a cold thrill of fear down his spine as he turned to face the orange scaled body of Caross. "We either stand around here until those easterners come to kill us, or we carry on to fight and have a chance of success. I don't know about anyone else here, but I'm a bloody fighter, and I ain't gonna be a coward!"Caross words were greeted by several growls, the orange dragon stirring the blood of those around him. To be labeled a coward was the ultimate disgrace of a western dragon, and the implication that those who refused to help were cowards enraged many... but Caross wasn't done yet in his speech."Sides, this is our little War author here, and we all know that if it wasn't for the stupid restrictions placed on him and the mock battles, he would have to sit out of them because whoever sides his on would always freaking win! How many times can you recall him surprisingly us with that clever little brain of his? How many times has he created plans of strategies that seemed impossible, yet were followed through to perfection? How many times have the other tacticians deferred to him when it came to the inter-squad exercises?"The growls had fallen silent now, as Arcantos looked at the fire dragon in silent amazement. With how argumentative and aggressive Caross was all the time, Arcantos never knew that his sapper held such respect for him... nor did he know that he could make a pretty good and smart speech either. First grabbing their intention, and inciting their anger... and then using their attention to focus it onto a subject of his choice... he even used the power of three... that couldn't of been on accident, could it?After the silence went on for a few more moment, Ace stepped forwards. "Any objections?" The black dragon looked round at each of the patrols, the remaining members of the squad... no one spoke, and he nodded in satisfaction. "Good. Arcantos, who do you need?""I need every dragon that has water, wind or light." Arcantos said, already having known who he would need since they arrived. "A gem like this is going to be fully synchronized with the eastern dragon's preferred elements, so I'm going to need everyone that has one. That means both primary and secondary... and I can't have anyone hiding them either. We need every single possible dragon, if we are going to make it out alive." There was a bit of murmuring at this, as whilst the primary dragons of those elements already began stepping forwards - like Frost - others were a bit more hesitant. Except one, who coldly regarded the patrol members before stepping forwards. "Secondary element wind." Ace declared coolly but firmly. Almost instantly after, Caross stepped forwards himself."Secondary
element light." With two of their number having not just stepped forwards, but so easily revealed their secondary element, the others stepped forwards to do the same. No one wanting to be judged as a coward by their brethren. Looking around at the numbers, Arcantos was surprised to see that almost half of the remaining 33 dragons were able to help with the task... which meant they might even be able to pull this off."I want the remaining sapers at the back wall, prepared to blow out an opening once we're done." Arcantos ordered, putting into steps the preparation now instead of later. Once the gem was drained, they were going to be exposed and vulnerable. The quicker they got out, and fled the better. Especially as there was still guards sealed below in the tower... likely trying to work their way up. "The remain earth dragons, both primary and secondary will keep the floor secure from being breached. The rest will create a null-elemental barrier around the gem in order to contain or at least weaken its outlashes.As the remaining members of the squad moved into position to do their task, Arcantos turned towards the gem, contemplating the task before him... and ignoring Teprogia's concerned gaze. "Ace, I want you on my right. Caross, take my left, Frost you'll be behind." The primary redirectors, the second most important roles behind his own. The three dragons nodded, moving into position. Caross and Ace resting a claw on either side of his hip, whilst Frost placed his above Arc's tail.With those three in position, Arcantos then directed the others into position around them, taking careful consideration of the amount of power that they could effectively wield with their own elements. Ace, Caross and Frost might not be the most powerful, but you needed to have a strong trust for the primary redirectors, and those three were those that Arcantos believed in."Alright, here we go..." Arcantos said, mainly to himself as everyone settled into their positions. Closing his eyes, the bipedal dragon began slowly breathing.... in.... out.... in..... out.... in... out... around him, the others followed suits, their breathing synchronizing with his own... then, Arcantos reached within himself, to the elemental energy that moved through its pathways within his body... and it was these pathways that were taken and redirected towards the three claws resting on him... the outlets of the dragons around him.Arcantos shuddered briefly when the pathways touched, and the connection made. Their elemental energies began to mingle, as Arcantos became acutely aware of his three chosen dragons. The blazing, bright fire of Caross, the cool, refined water of Frost and the chill, controlled darkness of Ace... brief descriptions that did little to share the experience. Arc knew that they were feeling his own elemental signature, and wondered briefly what it felt like. Then he turned his task forwards, knowing that the others were busy establishing the other connections.His task was much harder... reaching out towards the crystal in front of them, seeking the pathways nestled within its hard shell, searching for its outlets and ends. The complex web being much larger and intricate than anything Arcantos had felt before... yet working over it meticulously, Arcantos managed to find the pathways that could move, that could connect, and he reached for them.Syncing with another dragon was an intimate experience, synching with a crystal was often a meditative one. But for a cracked crystal of such size and power, it was a rush... a punch in the chest that rippled throughout the bonds that had been connected between them all. Arcantos gritted his teeth however, keeping his breathing calm and steady as he began to draw it
in...Pain! So much Pain!The connections nearly shattered instantly when the first of the crystal's energy made it to Arcantos. Such alien and raw power, trying to fit within a pathway much too small was completely agony, feeling all the world like he had just dipped his hands in molten metal. Pain that quickly radiating outwards, some unable to stop themselves from crying out in pain despite their training and discipline.Digging down deep, Arcantos found a strength that he didn't know he had, and brought the energy further in... the burning torment spreading up his arms slowly... before spreading swiftly across his torso, setting all his body alight with pure torture... yet, Arcantos preserved, his fangs grinding together as it forced the energy outwards, to the connections created between himself, Ace, Caross and Frost. It was unfair really, that Arcantos would feel so much raw pain, yet the others would feel only a fraction of it. With the energy split three-ways, they were forcing much less through their bodies pathways, having much less stress placed on them. Those at the end of the group would likely only feel a little sting and the outwash from Arcantos' own pain. Still, this was only the easiest part of the process, joining everyone's energy together, and mixing it with that of the crystal... a swirling beam of energy, connection Arc's outstretched hands to the gem... a jumbled mixture of roaring wind, surging water, cracking lightning, frigid ice and blazing light. The difficult part would be drawing upon the energy, taking it from the crystal, and forcing it through their outlets to dissipate into the air, that is what would tax their bodies... too much strain on the pathways would make them shatter, and that spelled an instant painful death.Through the tenuous connections they had made, Arcantos felt when everyone had taken in at least a portion of the crystal's energy... and now the difficult task began. Focusing once more on himself and pushing past the agony in which he now existed, Arc forced the foreign energy to his mouth, wings, feet and even tail, pushing it out through his outlets to dissipate into the air.The pain lashed out as the crystal stormed its fury, more energy being drawn into Arcantos to replace that which was being lost. Energy that was directed not just through his body, but outwards to the others, who soon began expelling this energy themselves. In was only a short while until energy was being drawn out from the crystal, spread throughout the group to be forced out. To an outside perspective, the dragons began to emit light from their wings and tails, as well as breathing out clouds of light. One by one this was done, as these lights began brighter and the clouds ticker, until they were completely obscured from view. Now, all they could do was watch and hope... believing in the strength of those who were straining their bodies to complete a monstrous task.For the first few minutes, the squad stood strong. Arcantos bearing the torture with stoic strength, constantly reminding himself that it would not last forever, that the crystal would eventually run out of energy, no matter how long it seemed. With everyone able to handle the elemental energy flowing through them, they would easily be able to survive this.Almost as if in response to this thought, pain rushed through the connections forged, almost half of the group cried out as the agony racked their bodies. The bonds wavered, threatening to break as Arcantos' knees wobbled. Ace stepped closer however, supported him with his body, allowing the bipedal dragon to keep leading as he searched out for the source of the pain...And soon found the coldness of the dead. A shudder rushed through Arcantos as he touched the emptiness of the dead dragon's pathways... one of the outliers, whose body simply couldn't handle the task. Soon he was disconnected from the pathways they had forged, leaving those remaining to take on a more difficult task. Despite the threat of death now being shown to everyone so clearly, no one wavered or broke. In fact, it was almost as if the threat before them had strengthened their resolve, determined not to falter and let the reaper's cold embrace to claim them. Mental resolve could only take one so far however, as no matter how much the brain urged otherwise the body had its limits.First one, than a third outlier fell, several minutes afterward the death of their own. Slowly, the strain on their bodies was increase, their wills being
stretched to their absolutely limit. Tiredness creeping into their limbs, twinned with its brother pain to spread across their bodies. Arcantos having to be supported by Caross as well to keep him standing, beginning to wonder if the energy would ever end...Then the dragon standing on Ace's left collapsed.Instantly, the connection between all those to the left of Ace vanished. With no way to go, the energy roared through Ace's body, making the darkness dragon roar out in sheer torment before it backlashed across the remaining connections. The sudden surge of pain and stress made several dragons collapse as Arcantos was finally forced to his knees.'We aren't going to make it' Arcantos realized blearily, struggling to keep his connections with the crystal stable, to not be overwhelmed with a rush that would kill them all in a rush. 'The connections can't be reforged, and those standing won't be able to keep this up... we're going to fail because I chose the wrong person to be so close to me' In sheer desperation, Arcantos turned his attention inward. Digging down deep, deeper than he had ever gone before. Searching for every lest dreg of energy and power he had, searching for a hidden reserve of strength, despite having already found one. Searching... no, begging for a miracle that would save their lives."I ANSWER."Power surged out from Arcantos, spreading outwards in waves. The first that swept through those still alive and strengthen them, reinforcing the connections and keeping the synchronization firm. The second lessen their burden, easing their pain and relaxing their body. Finally, the third unlocked their outlets, allowing more energy to pour out from them and reducing the strain on their pathways.Whilst this happened, Arcantos rose back to his feet, the bond between himself and the crystal stable once more. Not only that, but those disconnected by the death of the one next to Ace moved forwards, the waves of energy allowing them to reconnect and further reduce the task that was put on them all. In moments, an impossible situation that was sending them hurtling towards the reaper's embrace had been completely reversed. Despite several having fallen, the task had never been easier for those that still stood. Something that amazed and awed many, looking to Arcantos in admiration... who knew he had so much power?With the stable connections and strong outlets, the crystal was drained rapidly. In ten minutes, the task was finished, and the gem dimmed, the connection fading away along with the glow surrounding them... and their finally allowed their pathways to detach and everyone to come back to themselves.Most staggered as they tried to move away, the exhaustion of their task hitting them all of a sudden. Some feel down onto their knees. Arcantos included, who looked around in confusion, blinking as he tried to speak through his panting. "W-w-w-whaa-a-a-at-""You went into a hazangon-lite trance and managed to keep us alive." Ace replied coolly, moving to support Arcantos back to his feet even as Teprogia hurried over to assist, relief mixing with worry in her expression. "I think the synchronization you had with all of us stopped you from going completely berserk, but was still able to tap into some of its strength." "R-right." Arcantos said sluggishly, allowing the two of them to aid him other to the opening that the sappers had created when the glow had started to fade. Already, there was fighting, as the remaining eastern guards of the tower tried to keep them from fleeing. This close to escape, after having fought for so long and performed what could be accounted for as the impossible, they would not be denied any more. Soon enough, the eastern dragons were felled, leaving the way open and exposed. The tired heroes that had calmed the storm, drained the crystal and given them this miracle supported by the rest of the squad as they left. Through, Arcantos
sadly noticed that even during this small little skirmish they hadn't left unscathered, with another two having fallen, one of which was Scorch.The squad flew away from the tower, away from their prison... away from death. They had managed to outfight and outsmart an entire Regiment of eastern guards, including who knows how many shinobi... but the cost was steep. Of the 47 dragons that had been captured, only 23 made it out alive, eight dragons having fallen whilst draining the crystal... a little over half of the squad was lost, with two whole patrols completely wiped out... all in the name of pointless revenge.