A Sort Of Reunion, tag: Aeree

[Abaddon]

He imagined that his attack had been heard of by now. It was why he was hanging around, just waiting. He knew Aeree well enough to know she'd be curious about the report of another dragon that wasn't a part of her family. He would have been curious in her place anyway.

The problem of course was that he had no idea exactly what he was going to do. It wasn't like he could outright ask. Well he could but somehow he didn't think it would happen without a reason given, and if he even mentioned Bronagh it would prompt a reaction and probably a fight. Besides, he wasn't allowed to mention the Blood Lord, or his child would die.

Sighing, smoke curling from his nostrils, he laid on the rock outcrop and waited. He wasn't trying to hide. He wanted Aeree to find him. A part of him was almost looking forward to this. He had missed being around other dragons even if he wouldn't admit it out loud, and he missed the friendly rivalry between them.

A claw scraped against stone as he shifted a bit, stretching out his neck a little more and taking in the sun.

He missed the competitiveness and the camaraderie that had between their generation, and hell, he even missed Shi. As much as the other male had annoyed the hell out of him he did miss the sparring. Sighing heavily, he realized that what he regretted the most was the fact that he was going to have to destroy any bonds he might have left with the others. But it was for his daughter, and he would do anything for her.

Abaddon growled and stretched his wings out too, so they could get the heat as well. He was used to living near a volcano, and this honestly felt cold.

[Aeree]

There was another dragon in their... her territory. Aeree wasn’t even sure if it was a shared territory still at the moment as she hadn’t heard from Shi for more than just a few days or so since the confrontation when he’d attempted to kill Caleb. The words he’d left her with still caused a sharp pain whenever she considered it, and she had begun to even wonder if he really had left for good. Certainly, he had little other reason to remain since his daughter had left the nest, and he wanted nothing to do with the humans Aeree was associated with, which might mean he wanted nothing to do with the Gate anymore.

That left the elder female alone to guard the portal between this realm and the other, and it was a much more difficult and lonesome task for one than it would ever have been for three. There were times she found it difficult to fight the desire to simply go through and find Caleb – but the thought of what happened... or more precisely, what didn’t happen the last time, helped her stay back.

However, it seemed she wasn’t destined to simply be left in peace to stew in her own dark and depressing thoughts about the mess her life had become. Already she’d met up with two strange dragons that had come through this area over the past few months. It seemed there was now another one. So far it had been proven a fifty-fifty percent chance that the Gate had something to do with it, and she wondered what side of the coin this one would fall on.

What brought her now was the attack she’d heard about. It was a fire dragon, and apparently a hot-headed one from what she’d been told by a couple of beastlings who had approached her very cautiously earlier. It was strange to be called upon to help them after so many years, but it was more the curiosity about this dragon that intrigued Aeree.

From the high cliffs of the mountain, she’d spotted the large red when he brought himself out in the open to sun himself, and her first reaction was for her breath to catch. From this far away, it looked like a ghost from the past. And yet...

Diving off the cliff, the black female dragon glided down toward the patch of rocks not far from the mountain. It was as if he was waiting for her, and as she approached and recognised him, she realised that it was very likely the case. Goddess, how long had it been? She didn’t think she’d seen him since the death of his brother. What was he doing here? And more importantly, why did he choose to gather her attention by attacking those around her territory?

The black female landed not far from the sunning red male, though didn’t approach him, sintead simply watching carefully. Even after so many years, the appearance of him reminded her very deeply of how much she'd lost, and that she'd probably never have, “It had been a long time, Abaddon. I would say welcome, but I must ask; what has brought you here to disrupt the lives of the local inhabitants?”

[Abaddon]

He heard the wingbeats but didn't look up, didn't even move until Aeree landed not far from him. Only then did he lift his head even slightly to look at the female. She hadn't changed. Still glinted like obsidian in the light and hadn't even aged. He sighed when he realized this was going to be hard. Until she'd landed in front of him he hadn't realized how much he'd missed the temperamental female's companionship. And he was going to have to be a total jerk.

“It had been a long time, Abaddon. I would say welcome, but I must ask; what has brought you here to disrupt the lives of the local inhabitants?”

The dragon fully raised his head and folded his wings to his sides.

"I didn't harm them. I was only after the human anyway. Even after all this time I see one and...," well he was telling the truth about this oddly, "I lost it. Surely you can understand that."

Sighing, he hung his head a bit. "And I DID stop the flames before they got out of control. I just regret I wasn't able to eat the human. I stopped because of the beastlings... I didn't want to hurt them." Though that was because he thought he'd recognized the tigress. Not that he was going to tell Aeree that.

"As to what brought me here... I had no reason to stay at my castle anymore. Did you ever meet Irinia before we scattered? Well she became my mate and then she died egg bound." His eyes flickered with emotion, though his expression didn't change from a haughty glare. He still cried sometimes about that, when no one was around. "So figured I would come and find you. And possibly beat up Shi in a spar again."

He grinned, exposing large fangs that glinted in the light.

"Besides, it's about time I offered to help with the Gate."

Yeah, he'd try this way first. If he could convince the female to let him help guard it, he would have more of a chance to get Bronagh through.

[Aeree]

Aeree continued to watch Abaddon cautiously as his head raised to regard her; even with old allies she was careful. The years had changed many, and the recent events had brought out a lot of things from even more. The world was changing and so were those who lived in it, if they hadn’t already. Still, it was something to see an old familiar face. The past few days, she’d been avoiding others and staying to herself – it had only been luck that someone had found her.

"I didn't harm them. I was only after the human anyway. Even after all this time I see one and..., I lost it. Surely you can understand that. And I DID stop the flames before they got out of control. I just regret I wasn't able to eat the human. I stopped because of the beastlings... I didn't want to hurt them."

“I suppose I may understand... somewhat...” Aeree spoke softly, but now her guard was up a little more. Part of that was the reminder of her brother having gone after Caleb. Somewhere there was someone who probably cared about the life of the human who Abaddon had picked on. “I have no intention of stooping to the level of the Blood Lords, however. Despite the past, I will not allow it to turn me into a murderer.”

At least he had stopped, but it didn’t mean Aeree felt any better about the thought of hunting down someone who probably didn’t stand a chance against him. "As to what brought me here... I had no reason to stay at my castle anymore. Did you ever meet Irinia before we scattered? Well she became my mate and then she died egg bound."

"As to what brought me here... I had no reason to stay at my castle anymore. Did you ever meet Irinia before we scattered? Well she became my mate and then she died egg bound. So figured I would come and find you. And possibly beat up Shi in a spar again."

“You have my deepest sympathy,” There was sincerity in Aeree’s words as she softened her stance and her eyes to show that she truly was sorry to hear of ill tidings. She could only imagine the deep pain from losing one’s mate, having witnessed her brother’s own years ago. “I am afraid I do not remember her, but then there were more of us before the Purge, so its possible we simply never crossed paths or were preoccupied with our own territories. You will have to look elsewhere for Shi though; I have not seen him in a few days.”

Aeree’s head then tilted at the draconic grin from the male before he spoke again, "Besides, it's about time I offered to help with the Gate."

At that Aeree straightened, her gaze hardening slightly once more, “That is not necessary. I am quite capable of taking care of it, I have for over nine hundred years, there is no reason for me to stop now.” The dragoness’ gaze narrowed slightly toward him in scrutiny, “Besides... you said yourself that you ‘lost it’ just from the sight of one human. I am not sure if watching the Gate that leads to their home would be a wise move for you.” Suddenly, she felt suspicious about the all too coincidental interest in the Gate from the male dragon after so many years.

[Abaddon]

“I suppose I may understand... somewhat...” Aeree spoke softly, and he nodded.

"I thought you might." He really did too. He knew Aeree had lost ones she cared about in the Purge. Some of them had been the same ones that he had.

“I have no intention of stooping to the level of the Blood Lords, however. Despite the past, I will not allow it to turn me into a murderer.”

He growled, a little angry. "It is NOTHING like what a Blood Lord does. They kill for sport and for food. If I killed it would be for justice."

“You have my deepest sympathy,” There was sincerity in Aeree’s words and he almost, almost showed genuine emotion for a moment, but quickly quashed it. He couldn't afford to show any weakness right now, not really. So while his eyes showed his pain at the loss of his mate his posture was stiff, like he was over what had happened. That was far from the truth.

"Thank you," he said softly.

“I am afraid I do not remember her, but then there were more of us before the Purge, so its possible we simply never crossed paths or were preoccupied with our own territories. You will have to look elsewhere for Shi though; I have not seen him in a few days.”

It boggled him that someone could not remember Irinia, but then again she had been everything to him... maybe he should not expect the same level from everyone else. Something in her voice bothered him when she mentioned Shi though and he blinked when he realized it was the words too. Since when did Shi leave Aeree alone for that long? As far as he knew they were close. "Aeree... did something happen? You two are close. Had a fight?"

Her straightening, and then her hardened gaze had him sigh. He should have known this wouldn't be so easy.

“That is not necessary. I am quite capable of taking care of it, I have for over nine hundred years, there is no reason for me to stop now.” The dragoness’ gaze narrowed slightly toward him in scrutiny, “Besides... you said yourself that you ‘lost it’ just from the sight of one human. I am not sure if watching the Gate that leads to their home would be a wise move for you.”

Abaddon only kept from snarling by sheer force of will, his wings quivering slightly as he glared at the female. He HAD to do this. After a moment they settled, but he couldn't quite soften his eyes. "I am not saying you should stop," he said, making his voice sound as hurt as it possibly could. "I was simply offering to help the load." He sighed, his head tilting slightly. "As to the other part, well, I can learn. Besides, not many come through the Gate. They're being pulled through the Veil are they not?" He kept his eyes on her, though all he could think was believe it Aeree. Believe. though he knew better than to expect it to work. Gods he hoped it did, because he did not want to have to hurt her. He would though, for his hatchling.

[Aeree]

"I thought you might." Of course, they had all lost loved ones in the Purge, but she still didn’t see how it meant it was their right to start a conflict again. The growl from Abaddon didn’t move the female as she simply watched him with a dead stare, "It is NOTHING like what a Blood Lord does. They kill for sport and for food. If I killed it would be for justice."

“It is hardly ‘justice’ or even ‘noble’ to kill someone who was not even alive all those years ago and who has no say in whether they come here or not,” Aeree spoke quietly still as she tempered her own feelings in regard to it. Yes, she was still angry about what happened so long ago, but she would not revert to killing people who were not attempting to harm her. “Killing in defence is one thing, killing in cold blood is something else altogether... the humans who wronged us died a long, long time ago old friend.”

There was a large part of the dragoness that wished others would realise that things had changed. The humans were more capable now, and she certainly wasn’t trusting them as a whole, but from the few she’d seen so far, there was a possibility that they may have even advanced in their thinking when it came to that which was different. At least, she had a hope of such... if the veil one day disappeared then what would happen otherwise?

"Aeree... did something happen? You two are close. Had a fight?"

Aeree had almost drawn off into her own thoughts before Abaddon’s voice broke through again and the female snorted softly and glanced away, “I don’t know.” And she honestly didn’t. The way they had parted had been... strange. There had been no definite argument between them or anything. Shi had simply said his piece and then left, and she hadn’t seen hide nor hair of him since.

At the polite refusal from the dragoness in regard to sharing the gate guarding duty, she noticed almost instantly the tension in the male and her own body tensed in reaction as he glared at her. There was something amiss about this, and since her own revelations about the other side, she was not about to take chances.

"I am not saying you should stop," There was a slightly hurt tone, but it didn’t move her as she watched him carefully. "I was simply offering to help the load... As to the other part, well, I can learn. Besides, not many come through the Gate. They're being pulled through the Veil are they not?"

“I have already seen proof that those with volatile tempers do not simply learn to stave them off if there is a factor which sets them off,” Aeree’s voice was still cool as she spoke, but it had lowered in subtle warning. Why was he being so insistent? There was definitely something she didn’t like about it and her wings twitched slightly as she further straightened despite her smaller size. Perhaps she was simply being paranoid, or maybe there really was something amiss. But either way, she did not feel comfortable with this sudden offer out of nowhere.

And there was one reason for certain that she knew why, as she continued to speak quietly as she watched Abaddon and her eyes narrowed in suspicion, “It is not necessarily the humans I worry about using the Gate...” After all, even Shi had broken their personal rule and tried to kill Caleb... “It is rather convenient that you suddenly offer now that the veil wavers, don’t you think. What are you doing here Abaddon?”

[Abaddon]

“It is hardly ‘justice’ or even ‘noble’ to kill someone who was not even alive all those years ago and who has no say in whether they come here or not,”

He shook his large head in disagreement, at least with part of it. It might not be noble but it was certainly just. Whether they had a say or not really didn't enter into it.

"Not noble, but just? Most assuredly." His red-scaled head tilted slightly, curiously. "They may not have a say in whether they come over, but them being drawn across the Veil is not random. There is a meaning to everything, and if that means I come across them then perhaps it is meant for them to die at my talons."

“Killing in defence is one thing, killing in cold blood is something else altogether... the humans who wronged us died a long, long time ago old friend.”

Abaddon snarled a little, but quickly tempered the sound. "They did die. Without paying for what they had done, without others even remembering what they had done to our kind."

“I don’t know.”

The red sighed heavily. "You do not know if you have fought with your own brother? Are you alright Aeree?" He smiled slightly and it was actually genuine. Despite what he was thinking he was going to have to do he had missed Aeree. She was a little spitfire and some of the arguments he had used to have with her had been so much fun.

“I have already seen proof that those with volatile tempers do not simply learn to stave them off if there is a factor which sets them off,” Aeree’s voice was still cool as she spoke, but it had lowered in subtle warning and he tensed. Why couldn't this have gone well? Something had happened, because he didn't remember her as being this defensive. “It is not necessarily the humans I worry about using the Gate...” Why could she have just agreed? He didn't want to hurt her, oh by Luna he didn't. “It is rather convenient that you suddenly offer now that the veil wavers, don’t you think. What are you doing here Abaddon?”

He had to try once more. He HAD to. "Just offering to help Aeree... that's all. You call it convenient, I call it coincidental. The Veil wavering had nothing to do with my decision. Just.. it was the first time in a long time I've been able to let go of my home, the place where I lost my mate. Once I could do that I headed here. I need a purpose."

Please, please let it work! Abaddon did not want to hurt her. "I can learn Aeree. Please, just give me the chance to have a purpose again." There was a desperation in his voice that had nothing to do with wanting a purpose.

[Aeree]

"Not noble, but just? Most assuredly... They may not have a say in whether they come over, but them being drawn across the Veil is not random. There is a meaning to everything, and if that means I come across them then perhaps it is meant for them to die at my talons." Aeree’s eyes narrowed and held back the growl that wanted to sound in her throat – she had met some humans, and it was certainly not their destiny to be slain in petty revenge. The snarl from the other dragon ruffled her a little though.

"They did die. Without paying for what they had done, without others even remembering what they had done to our kind."

Abaddon sounded just like Shi, was it simply all males that were so twisted in their hate that they couldn’t see past it to something else? Yes, there had to be purpose behind what was happening, but she was beginning to feel it had something to do with Lunariata as well, “And so where does the killing end? When everything is dead and ashes?” It was spoken quietly, but with strength behind her words. Violence only begot violence – it had been proven numerous times.

Older creatures like dragons were supposed to be above such things, “We are supposed to learn from the past, not repeat mistakes others have made.”

"You do not know if you have fought with your own brother? Are you alright Aeree?"

“No, I do not know... It is complicated,” Golden eyes watched Abaddon carefully though, “But certain words were spoken and feelings revealed.” Her voice went quieter as her gaze shifted off at the thought again of what her brother had said to her and a sadness swept over the dragoness before she pulled herself together once more, glancing up at the mountain which she now wanted to retreat back inside so she could watch the gate.

"Just offering to help Aeree... that's all. You call it convenient, I call it coincidental. The Veil wavering had nothing to do with my decision. Just.. it was the first time in a long time I've been able to let go of my home, the place where I lost my mate. Once I could do that I headed here. I need a purpose... I can learn Aeree. Please, just give me the chance to have a purpose again."

Though she was turning, the dragoness twisted her neck to look back at the large red and snorted, “After the speech you gave about how ‘just’ it is to kill people who have nothing to do with what their ancestors did? There’s only one purpose I can see you having given yourself and I will not be an accomplice to that.” She hated having to be like this, to feel so suspicious, but there was far too much to lose by letting someone who carried so much... hatred, near the Gate.

Aeree sighed, “I am sorry for your loss, truly... and your company would even be welcomed. But not while you carry this preconceived notion that you must trample every human that you might encounter. I do not need the extra stress.” Large black wings stretched out and came down to lift the dragoness into the air, and she watched Abaddon still for a moment while she rose, “You are not the only one who has suffered loss – take time for yourself to think properly and realise that we are not judge, jury and executioner. Until then, I will guard the Gate alone.” And with that, the female began to fly up to one of the cave entrances. Paranoia caused her to want to be near the Gate right now.

[Abaddon]

He watched her narrowing eyes at his first comment, a little annoyed about it, and if he had heard the word 'petty' in relation to what he was doing he would have been even more angry. How was revenge for the loss of loved ones petty?

“And so where does the killing end? When everything is dead and ashes?”

"No. The killing ends when they either learn to change or fear us so much that they don't attempt to harm." He was of the opinion that the humans were never going to change, and if he waited to find out which ones had and which ones had not then he'd be dead as those not so scrupulous took advantage of his indecision.

“We are supposed to learn from the past, not repeat mistakes others have made.”

Abaddon snarled, his jaws opening slightly in subtle threat. "How is it a mistake to be proactive in the defense of this world?"

“No, I do not know... It is complicated,” Golden eyes watched Abaddon carefully though, “But certain words were spoken and feelings revealed.” He calmed slightly though when he saw just how sad she was. Something HAD happened, and it made him want to smack Shi around all the more. Obviously he had said something pretty nasty to his sister, and Aeree didn't deserve that. Despite fundamental disagreements he liked the black dragon.

"I am sorry you are not getting along," he rumbled soothingly, "but that will change. It is the way of siblings to fight, but also to forgive." He gave a heavy, sad sigh as he remembered some of the fights him and his brother had had. He had hated him at the time but gods he would do anything to change that now, to have him back. He imagined Aeree would too.

“After the speech you gave about how ‘just’ it is to kill people who have nothing to do with what their ancestors did? There’s only one purpose I can see you having given yourself and I will not be an accomplice to that.” The red tensed but didn't say anything. Oh please Aeree don't say no. He couldn't tell her what was going on, or Bronagh would kill Leyra. How he wanted to though.. “I am sorry for your loss, truly... and your company would even be welcomed. But not while you carry this preconceived notion that you must trample every human that you might encounter. I do not need the extra stress.” He tensed. No no no no. He really didn't want to fight her, but her wings were stretching out. She was going to leave.

"Please Aeree. Don't say no..."

“You are not the only one who has suffered loss – take time for yourself to think properly and realise that we are not judge, jury and executioner. Until then, I will guard the Gate alone.” She flew off, and he watched her for a moment, not even thinking about what she had said, though even if he had he still wouldn't have agreed. Someone had to be judge, jury and executioner after all. He was thankful for one thing.. well not. Shi wasn't around. He didn't want to have to go through them both. Flaring his wings he jumped into the sky, rising after Aeree. He didn't want to do this... but he had no choice. He didn't call after her, didn't anything as he flew as high as he could. He flew towards the Gate, to where he knew it was, and he would try to sneak past her. When he saw one of the cave entrances he knew eventually led to the Gate, he dove as fast and as silently as he could. Landing on the ledge he slipped into the cave, and hoped, no prayed that she hadn't seen him.

[Aeree]

"No. The killing ends when they either learn to change or fear us so much that they don't attempt to harm... How is it a mistake to be proactive in the defense of this world?"

“And how can you judge them when you haven’t even met any of them properly?” Aeree retorted with a snort that bordered on defensive and almost aggravated. She had met some, and they hadn’t tried to kill her, hurt her, or anything of the like. Certainly with a couple of people she’d had to maintain the cover of a human herself, but still... It seemed that just like everything else, humans had been tarnished by those who were more cruel and power hungry. But if there were a few good ones, didn’t that mean there was hope?

Deep down, there was also the large fear – that she would lose something precious that she’d finally found. Despite being denied it partially, she couldn’t lose that small spark of something she’d waited so long to experience.

The dragoness didn’t want to speak about what was going on with her and Shi, almost internally feeling ashamed because it could almost be possible that her brother was right... that their father was right. It was possible that there was something deeply wrong with the dragoness and that she should not have ever survived her time as a hatchling. Despite the personal argument that she was strong and supposed to be here, it was beginning to grow tiring – especially when so much was falling apart around her.

How long would it be? How long before something else happened to prove that she was nothing but a mistake, a terrible accident that shouldn’t have happened.

"Please Aeree. Don't say no..."

The plea almost hurt to hear, the desperation clear in Abaddon’s voice, but she wouldn’t waver, she couldn’t give in. I’m sorry old friend, I wish I knew your motives, but I cannot risk what it is you may or may not do. So much is already falling into ruin, I won’t let you make decisions you may regret.

And so without another word, she left and flew back toward the caves. However, she did keep a single eye on Abaddon’s movements, and almost couldn’t believe it when she watched him fly up high, and then quickly make a sweep toward one of the caves. A sharp cry of anger sounded from the female dragon as she then moved quickly into action. Darting into another cave, one that she knew would intersect with the passage he’d entered into. As soon as she was inside, the smaller dragon moved quickly and fluidly through the passages.

What are you doing Abaddon?!

Already she could feel the charge building within her scaled body due to the anger and tension she now felt, topped off with the fear of what could happen if he made it to the Gate. Static began to fill the air around her as the magnetic charge in the air changed to the dragoness’ call, the electricity buzzing loudly. When she reached the intersection, she stopped and placed herself in the path of the direction which led to the Gate before Abaddon could get there.

A low growl rumbled and her voice travelled along the passage, “Leave now, Abaddon, I will not allow you through the Gate!” The female tensed and the charge continued to build, thickening the air almost suffocatingly – there was too much to lose, too much to protect. The female would not let down the people that she did not want to see come to harm – she couldn’t bear to lose more.

[Abaddon]

He was moving through the caves but either he'd grown or they had shrunk. Some places he actually had to squeeze through, but he wasn't going to shift back. Still, he remembered the path, it was burned into his mind as it was into most dragon's. It was almost like coming home, he'd used to play in these caves all the time, they all had. Hide and go seek with Shi and Aeree and his brother.. He shook his head. Abaddon knew he couldn't afford to think about the past. he had to NOT think so he could handle what he was going to have to do. He was going to have to hurt her at least, but he didn't think she was going to give in easily so..

Abaddon didn't hear her angry cry, he was too deep in the caves by then but a couple of minutes later, after he'd almost got stuck in a narrow portion of the cave, he felt the electricity. Oh no.... She knew, and gods she must be angry. He wished he could tell her, but he could not think of any good outcome. if he knew without a doubt that it wouldn't get back to Bronagh then he would, and he even knew Aeree would help, but he couldn't, and he refused to put the safetly of his hatchling at risk.

So reluctantly he let the flames build in his throat, the magic welling in him as the flames came to his call. He even knew where she must be. There was an intersection a short way ahead, and past that a short tunnel that lead to the cave the Gate was in. She must be blocking it.

“Leave now, Abaddon, I will not allow you through the Gate!”

The red paused, feeling the air thicken almost suffocatingly, and a snarl ripped from his slightly open jaws. It wasn't he that wanted through. "Aeree... I don't want to go through. But I need you to let me watch the Gate for a couple days." He knew, now, that she wasn't going to let him do it, and the words were only meant as a distraction as the flames built more and more in his throat and chest. "Please Aeree. You have no idea.. how much this needs to happen." Suddenly he let the flames go, letting them rip down the tunnel in a near solid plume, and he charged forward after them. He was going to have to hurt her, and he was under no illusions it was going to be easy.

[Aeree]

Just as the electricity built up inside the cave, Aeree was almost certain she could feel the heat rising as well as she heard Abaddon nearing and she tensed further. This was going to get ugly, he wasn’t slowing and she doubted he was going to either. Whatever it was that was motivating him was strong, and she wanted to either know what it was or else she was going to be just as stubborn and they’d have to come to possibly more than blows. She had a lot at stake, and wasn’t going to risk what she had on the other side to someone who was acting irrationally and not listening to reason.

"Aeree... I don't want to go through. But I need you to let me watch the Gate for a couple days." No... because even if he didn’t want to use it himself, there was a reason why he would want to watch it – and the only conclusion was that there was a use of some kind he needed it for. So no... "Please Aeree. You have no idea.. how much this needs to happen."

The dragoness was about to ask why – perhaps try to calm the situation with one last attempt to find out just what was going on with the other dragon, but she felt the heat increased just before the fire rolled through the passage toward her...

So that was it then, he was going to try and force his way through her? So be it.

The dragoness crouched low as she possibly could, closing her eyes and screeching sharply against the harsh burning element that rolled across her scales, as she then summoned her own element to command, and lightning cracked deafeningly through the passage straight toward the oncoming other dragon. Smaller bolts struck the walls, causing the cave to thunder around them and rock to crumble slightly, while a larger one shot straight ahead. Blind against the searing heat at the moment, the dragoness could only barely feel in the air as Abaddon approached.

The female launched herself upward and across, aiming to pummel into Abaddon’s side, using her draconic body against his with claws out to attempt to grip onto him. Hopefully it would push him off his path and into one of the cave walls while she released another surge of electricity aimed directly at the larger dragon.

[Abaddon]

He felt pain himself as she screeched. Oh how he didn't want this but he didn't see any other way. It was going to come to worse than blows, he could see it now. Neither of them would give up, but this made him wonder... He didn't remember her as being quite so zealous before in protecting the Gate, so what was she truly protecting?

The lightning cracked then, and he hissed as he crouched, but he was bigger, and the large bolt burned right across his spine, scoring a line in his scales and almost to the hide beneath. He roared in pain but he didn't stop his charge, he couldn't, he HAD to get through! Rocks were falling, and one fairly large one hit his head, rolling off to the side but hell it hurt. The lightning had virtually blinded him, he wasn't seeing much, so he only heard her move, couldn't really avoid it as Aeree smashed into his side. He roared again, as her claws latched into already seared flesh, and he lost his balance, smashing into the wall. The pain was like the electricity that he felt- Oh hell! He shoved away from the cave wall two moments before she let loose the electricity, knocking her backwards slightly, and the energy hit the same spot, right along his back, and he let out an agonizing sound of pain, a mix of a roar and scream as it burnt through the scales there.

Muscles along his back twitched with extra electricity, and Abaddon snarled, feeling himself slide into rage as he let flames erupt along his entire body, almost like a flaming armor, kept close to the skin, random tendrils snapping out as he hissed, barreling into the smaller female and pushing her back along the tunnel and into the large cave.

He saw the Gate, and it registered, but in order to secure it he had to deal with her. The red was going to try to knock her out, because he did not want to kill her. She was a friend. Though through his rage at the pain he was hard-pressed not to lose himself totally. Backing slightly from the female now that they had more space he lashed out at her with a massive, taloned foot.

"I DON'T want to hurt you but I must secure the Gate!"

[Aeree]

Aeree managed to latch onto the larger red dragon and she was glad she was able to at least take him off course for a moment. She knew it wouldn’t be enough, but it was at least one small step in her goal of keeping him from whatever it was he wanted with the Gate – especially when she noted the injuries already. Not that she was a lot better, with the scales along her back and side damaged from the earlier blaze.

Right as she was about to let loose another charge, Abaddon managed to push her off, and Aeree landed against the opposite wall before moving to straighten herself with a snarl at the male. She’d still managed to get him at least, but it seemed she’d only managed to spark his own rage as Abaddon then burst into flame in front of her before charging and ramming into the female. She tried to brace herself, but her smaller size placed her at a disadvantage when it came to brute strength and she roared at the flames licked at her scales again right before she was thrown into the main cave where the Gate rested.

Picking herself up, Aeree’s eyes cleared just slightly, enough to be able to watch Abaddon near her as she pushed herself to her feet and poised low in a readied stance. Lips curled up over sharp fangs and she felt her own tempestuous rage building and turning her vision to a red haze. Electricity was visibly crackling around her obsidian flesh and the air grew thick with ozone. Though smaller and physically not as strong as most dragons, Aeree had learned to use speed and agility to her advantage, which she would have to do now.

"I DON'T want to hurt you but I must secure the Gate!"

Watching carefully, Aeree waited for the swipe, and then moved, darting down and forward, a snarl tearing from her throat as she felt sharp claws slice through just the very top of her back, before she lunged upward again, “FOR WHAT?!” The words were roared, before ploughing into Abaddon again, this time teeth bared as she latched onto the back of his neck and sending another current – though a little weaker – at him.

Quickly, she leapt off with the intention to attempt to place distance between them in case he tried to latch onto her, though even if she wasn’t quick enough and he managed to get a hold of her or strike her, Aeree's angry words of reason would come anyway, “It IS secure! Have you gone MAD? What would Leyr say if he could see you now?!”

[Abaddon]

His talons moved forward for a tearing swipe, but not as fast as it could have. Gods why did this have to happen? Why could she not just trust him? Then again it was probably a good thing she wasn't trusting him. He had no idea what Bronagh wanted to do on the other side, but it couldn't be good. Nothing a Blood Lord ever did was good... Just the thought of Bronagh had him giving unintentional power to the strike, and he felt his claws slice into the obsidian female's back but not where he had wanted them to.

Aeree was lunging upwards before he could blink, roaring, “FOR WHAT?!”, right before she ploughed into his side, her teeth digging into the back of his neck and he roared, thrashing his thicker, powerful neck around in an attempt to dislodge her. Oh by Luna that hurt! When the electricity shocked through him he felt it, muscles twitching spastically, slamming his head into the wall of the cave and he hissed, snarling and even stumbled slightly as she leapt away. He managed to right himself, his large, blocky head turning and glaring at her. “It IS secure! Have you gone MAD? What would Leyr say if he could see you now?!”

Abaddon snarled, smoke curling from his nostrils and out his mouth as his neck extended low in threat, and he stalked forward, a little uncoordinated as the last vestiges of electricity left him. But by Luna he felt like he was burnt from the inside. He was angry, seeing red by this point. "HE WOULD BE HELPING ME! By Luna do you think I'm doing this for FUN?" He charged, not even thinking tactics at this point. All he knew was sheer rage and desperation. He had to get his hatchling back.

Charging forwards he bowled into the smaller female, scrabbling, feeling his claws meet scales and dig into flesh, and he even used his large, blocky head like a battering ram. "GO. Three days is all I ask." He smelled her blood but also his own, but his he couldn't care less about. "I don't want to do this Aeree but I HAVE to." He struck like a snake, his neck curling back then snapping out, biting at the back of her neck and crest of her head.