paradisalost | dragon butt-whooping

Jade shrieks as Nudge's hold loosens and she starts to plummet to the ground. She looks frantically around her, and sees a large shape flying in the distance. Make that two large shapes. And the faster one is quickly coming into view. That too familiar green scaly monster that she's seen far too many times in ghost form, well, now he's real. And he's coming at her, hissing her name with pure malice.

"Aaaahhh, no! SHENDU!!" She screams as she hurtles closer to the ground.

[The screaming of the people gathered does not go unnoticed (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qrc5L-vrqMc). A shape darkens the horizon and approaches quickly, slicing through air and cloud alike with purpose. It casts a frightening shadow on the ground as it blocks the light.

A dragon.

His wings spread wide, he lets out a mighty bellow that bounces against the very walls of the castle. Sunlight glimmers from thousands of blood red scales. From wingtip to wingtip, he is massive. Not quite as massive as Deathwing, but he is of a similar creed, with horns and fins and spikes, a mighty frill, and a clublike tail. He beats his wings once and a massive wave of golden magic erupts from the ground beneath the fleeing children, a gratuitous display of magic that makes every plant in the vicinity flourish and flower. At the same time, it seeks to pierce the agony that plagues Jade and her group.

Even as he lets the spell loose, he dives with speed that one of his size should not be able to muster, plucking Jade and Harley out of the air with a delicacy that dragon paws are often ill-credited. Another flap of his wings and he gains enough altitude to support Nudge-- in fact, she should find herself astride his back. His scales back there should give some purchase.

The dragon's resounding mental voice is probably passingly familiar, but it's hard to put a name to it.]

No! Deathwing... You shall harm them no further!

Edited 2011-05-19 05:09 (UTC)

[ And with that, Deathwing begins to laugh. ]

Hahahaha... hahahaha!

[ His damaged jaw spreads into a crazed grin as he creeps forward, tail twitching with excitement. ]

So the meddling benefactor meets his appearance! Pardon me, fools, but may I introduce you to Krasus? This is his true form!

[ Deathwing thrusts a wicked, accusing claw Krasus' direction. ]

You were deceived from the start! He never intended you to retrieve the talismans... you were used as bait! I hope that makes you feel as utterly worthless as you truly are!

[ Deathwing's laughter is maddening... you may want to cover your ears, lest your own madness prolongs. ]

Suddenly Shendu was gone, and instead there was another dragon. But not a scary on this time. Wait, did Deathwing say Krasus? But... Eh, Krasus being a dragon is the least of her concerns right now.

Jade's confused. Krasus had told her he would help if things got really bad, but what is this that Deathwing is saying about being bait? That's not true right?

"Um, so where are the talismans?" She asks tentatively.

I don't have them.

[ This face, guys. This face forever. ]

[Takes a deep breathe and gets up shakily. Emotions are stuffed back into the corner where they belong (to be examined and picked at later), and she observes the scene with complete detachment.

Two dragons, one of them seems to have caught the fliers, they were bait (never hoped for this to end well anyway), need to get out of here, is the werewolf guy alright?]

The nightmarish vision fades away, leaving Nudge to realise that she's atop a dragon. She shakes her head, still feeling a bit dizzy and nauseous, but that doesn't stop her from unfolding her wings once again, and taking to the air a bit unsteadily. As she tries to collect herself, Deathwing's words reach her. The dragon is... Krasus...? That grumpy guy?

But she can't think of that right now. First, she makes sure that Jade and the blonde are alright, and they are; as alright as you can be in a dragon's claws. Then she looks to the ground, checking on the other two. She stays close to the new dragon for now; anyone who came to the rescue and made flowers grow couldn't be bad, right?

The insane laughter is fading. But the echo continues reverberating. It's brought everything she's been trying to avoid to a very palpable present. And it's nothing. It's the blank, dark patches of nothing. Starting in the university, with Guy, continuing to her job at Arkham, stretching throughout her time as Harley Quinn and growing wider and wider until her memories are linked by the thinnest of fibers.

It's almost like it's not her life. More like a movie. A movie that's skipped over key scenes leaving her to struggle to fill in what happened in a vain attempt to make sense of the present.

She slowly grows aware that Nudge isn't holding her anymore. Instead it's another dragon. Where did this one come from?

"Put me down!" she shouts. "And you better not drop me!"

Jade squrims in Krasus' grasp, turning to glare suspiciously at the dragon.

"Where are my talismans?" She asks, directing her question directly to him this time.

[There is a gentle amber glow about his eyes despite being a big fearsome dragon. Damn straight he makes flowers grow. But now that he's been outed, he can't really deny it. He eyes Deathwing with fury, but doesn't forget that he's carrying two people.]

Clever as always, Destroyer! How unfortunate that mind is wasted. For all your mad brilliance, you can do nothing to save yourself!

[He sets Jade and Harley down a safe distance away and places his massive scaled form between them and Deathwing in case they get any ideas.] It is as the dark one says. I could not deter you from what you had chosen, and so I sought to help you as only I am able... as the dragon Korialstrasz. Fear not; the talismans are protected. [He's bluffing-- they haven't retrieved the talismans yet, but Deathwing doesn't have to know that. And neither does Jade for that matter. He bows his head to her, eyes half-shut.] I did not mean for any of you to be hurt. Please, gather your brave people and retreat for now. You have done much today, but this quarrel is between me and the monstrosity alone.

[He spreads his wings as wide as he can and stares down the Aspect of Death.] You have sown enough chaos this day, overstayed your absent welcome! These lands are under the protection of Alexstrasza the Lifebinder, She Who Is Life! Leave this place!

Edited 2011-05-19 18:37 (UTC)

[ Deathwing snorts haughtily, dismissing Krasus with a wave of his claws. ]

And yet the supposed hero continues to deceive his charges! The talismans may not be in my possession, but nor are they in yours! I've made quite certain of that.

[ Of course, Deathwing isn't quite clever enough to put two and two together and contemplate the idea of a separate team infiltrating his room. Or maybe he's just overly cocky in thinking such a feat impossible. Whatever the case, he's going to hold his head high and grin down at the pathetic little dragon who dares challenge him. ]

What right have you to banish me from these lands? What right have you to invoke the name of my sister? You who believes that he is worthy enough to dabble in the affairs of Aspects! You are nothing but an insect, a coward, a disease to be cleansed! You think yourself a champion, but all you are is a tool of Alexstrasza! Even now, she is laughing at you, as am I!

[ Rather than attack physically, he's sniping at all the weak points, all his doubts. His words drip with malice, with cruelty, burning as brightly as the magma flowing down his sides. ]

I will return you to her in pieces and take your place, as one deserving of the honor! Now, my dear Korialstrasz...

[ That wingspan of yours? Deathwing doubles it, easily, and shrieks with such horror to make even a dragon quake. ]

Pursue me at your peril!

"Do all dragons talk like that or is it just them?"

Harley's shaky still, but trying to push everything she doesn't want to consider at the moment to the back of her mind. Past experience doing so helps her lock everything away. Humor speeds things up. Able to function again, she remembers Jade being deposited on the ground with her. Harley turns to her.

"You okay, kid?"

[Harley, honey, you have no idea.

Anyway, Korialstrasz-- no longer Krasus-- shakes his reptilian head at Deathwing's accusations. He doesn't take his eyes off the Aspect, either. He's nothing compared to Deathwing and yet he stands his ground, refuses to give in when the fight hasn't even started.]

How can you be certain of anything? Stripped as you are, you are powerless even to control your destiny! There is no rest for you. Not the rest you so desire, nor the death you deserve!

[It's that next part that fills him with doubt. There's a certain ring to his words—

No! Every fiber of his being hums in response. Those words are far from true. Alexstrasza would never mock her consort so. She would not think less of him were he but a fraction of his power now. She is loving and suffering, and would rather not see her once dear friend and her consort fight like this.

But it must be done. The red dragon bristles, his warm blood flowing with determination and tranquil fury. If he can just distract the Aspect of Death long enough, he can save so many lives. It might cost him his own, and the thought of Deathwing finally killing Korialstrasz, even in this place, gives him cause to shiver beneath his scales. Yet for all his doubts and insecurities, he responds by summoning a small, silent shield to cut out the sound of Deathwing's scream and mad laughter. Or most of it.]

You will never know such happiness as she brings to this world-- nay, any world. Alexstrasza is not a trophy to be taken and perverted by your power! You know nothing of her heart, nor of Life itself. That is why you shall always be driven away!

[His power is nothing in comparison to Alexstrasza's or even Deathwing's but he's still going to try. He concentrates. The plant life that flourished from the red's presence grows radically, seeking to rip that open spot in Deathwing's armor further. They'll certainly burn in the process, but it's the best he can do right now. Being airborne will be more of an advantage when Jade and the others clear out; he can still shield them with his body right here.]

[ The words cut deeper than Deathwing anticipates them to. Powerless to control destiny? No rest, no death? He shrinks back, if not visibly, burning eyes flaring with fury. All his original doubts are being thrown right back in his face. Yet even as Deathwing recognizes the truth in them, a voice calls out to his mind, a similar one that pulls Krasus from his daze.

"I'm sure that..." ]

I am the master of my own fate.

[ He speaks low at first, but with growing power, growing conviction. ]

I am the master of my own destiny.

[ With a vicious swipe, the growth of life speeding towards Deathwing is slashed in two. ]

I am now, and forever more, the master of myself! Not gods, nor dragons will tell me what to do! If I wish to die, I will die, and if I wish to live, I will live! And if I wish to be happy--

[ "...someone will come through for you, too." ]

--then you will not, cannot take that away from me!

[ Something has broken free in Deathwing, something that has been repressed for a very long time. The chains of madness give way to a momentary lucidity that fills the great beast with resolve. It is also in that moment that something else becomes terribly clear to Krasus:

This time, he has truly overstepped himself.

There is nothing else that needs to be said. With a shuddering howl, Deathwing charges. ]

Jade nods in response to Harley's question, but isn't really focusing on her. She's more concerned with the DRAGONS. She's sitting on the ground, (which looks like a volcano erupted) and staring at them with a mix of panic, fear, and utter terror. She definitely did not expect this to happen!

She looks around for the rest of the team. Akira and Natsuki look okay, and Harley's fine except for where the spike cut her. She glances around for Nudge (who she's not best pleased at... reliving memories of evil scientific experiments is NOT an excuse for dropping her thank you very much!).

But what she really wants to know is where her talismans are! Krasus has got some 'splaining to do.

[Korialstrasz registers that something has changed in Deathwing. Sanity yet remains, a far cry from the way Neltharion used to be and yet... and yet... The elder red finds himself chagrined, yes, but there's a streak of compassion within him even for this complete monster who was once a protector of the earth.

In that moment, he realizes he never had hope of controlling the situation.

He'll explain things to Jade later, when he's sure that his group is in possession of the talismans. There is much to be done.

Eyes on Deathwing's alarming body language, he flaps his wings and hops out of the way of the charge. Can Deathwing not fly anymore? He'll take advantage of that. Several vines leap to hold the Destroyer in place by the feet or at least trip him up. At the same time, a storm of jagged ice materializes above Deathwing's head in an attempt to blind him momentarily.]

[ Deathwing recovers quickly, whipping the scythe of his tail around to lash at his foe's side. But he does not expect the earth turning on him from below, and he is ensnared, only to be pelted with barbed icicles seconds later. Magma bleeds from his eyes, sears the edges of his face, draws from him cries of agony. Yet he shrugs it off and struggles with all his might to free himself from the thorny cage. ]

This pain... this pain is nothing! Nothing compared to what I have endured for thousands of years! You could never understand my torment, my curse! I shall inflict it on you hundreds, thousands of times over!

[ His bindings are fraying already, even as they cut deep into the metal holding him together. Krasus had best move unless he wants to get speared by a horn; the loss of blood is fast working him into a frenzy. ]

I will not crumble so easily!

[The red has another advantage besides flight: his smaller size and therefore easier maneuverability. Another flap of his wings brings him well out of range of Deathwing's thrashing, but he misjudges the speed and takes the scythe-tail to the shoulder. It burns. He hasn't felt a touch so hideous in millennia, but he manages not to cry out despite the dizzying pain.

Now he goes airborne and sends a gout of flame at the weak spot in Deathwing's armor. Fire itself isn't very strong against a master of the molten, but the fire of a red dragon carries innate properties that should aggravate the wound.

As for the ground cover, it's a lost cause. Whatever isn't dying by Deathwing's claws melts under the heat of his body. Korialstrasz focuses his efforts on that weak spot Jade and the others created instead.]

[ The fire connects, earning a shrill hiss from Deathwing. But unfortunately, rather than slowing him down as intended, the aggravated wound only seems to make him madder! It would seem there is truly no end in sight for poor Krasus... ]

I will paint the grounds with your blood, fool! You will not defile her any longer!

[ With those words, he begins launching himself into the air, snapping his jaws to try and snatch Krasus by the throat. He jumps and crashes, jumps and crashes, all in increasingly frustrated efforts to end this feud for good. ]

You will not take what's mine!

[ A great leap. ]

Mine!

[ And another. ]

Mine!

[ And another. He's panting now. ]

She... she promised me that we would always... we would always...

[ You can only evade Deathwing for so long. With a final heave, his teeth manage to close around Krasus' neck.

Whatever you're planning on doing, you had best do it quickly. In a few seconds, you'll be dead. ]

[Defile? Deathwing is most definitely crazy. Unfortunately, he's also crazy strong. Korialstrasz avoids the first few snaps of Deathwing's massive jaws. With the kids out of the way, he might actually have a chance of making this plan work... but he can't risk Deathwing turning on the castle, either.

There's the barest trace of remorse to be found in his draconian expression, but then it's gone as he's suddenly snapped out of the air. He roars in searing agony, the burning and the pressure too much for him to bear; yet he puts all of his strength into flapping his wings to rip himself free. It'll exacerbate the wound but he'd rather have crippling pain than suffer certain death when Deathwing manages to bring them both down. The rest of him is thrashing too. He knows, even as he strikes out with claw and club-tail alike, that what touches the dread black will be burned in return.]

My queen... still suffers from your memory, but I— will always suffer for my queen!

Then suffer you shall!

[ And just as fatal fangs are poised to sink deep into Krasus' throat, Deathwing is shaken off, and is sent spiraling to the ground. With a howl of sheer agony, he collapses onto his side, earth seared beneath him. Blood flows forth from his prone body, and in a hideous sort of groan, a hulking piece of armor is sheared clean off. It appears, for now, the conflict is over... ]

[ ...but as the sky begins to darken and thunder rumbles in the distance, Deathwing rises once again! ]

You think yourself the hero of this tale, do you? Acting on your own brazen authority, for the supposed good of all?

[ Deathwing spits magma at Krasus' feet, massive head lifting to regard him with furious eyes. ]

Let me tell you something about heroes, whelp. Heroes are corruptible. Heroes are weak. I was a hero once. The greatest breed, the noblest of all creatures! Respected and revered, loved, even! And yet gaze upon me now! Look what has become of the Earthwarder! Nothing but shambles and pieces of a lost soul!

[ Rain begins to fall, lightning flashing to illuminate Deathwing's hollowed face. ]

I wonder, Korialstrasz, the measures you're willing to take to ensure my obedience. Already you've tossed human young my way, knowing full well they would not be spared my wrath! You lie, you deceive, you manipulate and meddle, and yet you have the audacity to claim the moral high ground?! To prosecute me on the basis of stolen stones I've done nothing with? Fallen Aspect I may be, you dishonor and disrespect me as none would dare! You go too far, Red! Too far indeed! And so--

[ Deathwing is struggling for breath now, near wilts again, but he's strength enough to challenge him yet. ]

And so you force my hand. I will allow no further transgressions of yours, of any sort! If I ever catch you disturbing my affairs again, if you dare attack me once more as you have done this day, I hunt down every last child in this castle and gut them bow to stern, heads upon pikes! You believe to have seen the depths of my depravity, of my madness?

[ His laughter rises with the fury of the storm, until even it is drowned out by insanity. ]

Dearest consort, you haven't seen anything yet.

[ Welcome to the living embodiment of your nightmares. Do enjoy your stay. ]

Edited 2011-05-29 02:16 (UTC)

[Korialstrasz feels his strength begin to wane, but he knows he can't give up yet. The team isn't through, though it's close, and they need all the time they can get. He just hopes he can afford it.

Deathwing's words chill him, but even now he's able to keep his focus through the pain and stars flashing before his eyes. Ironically, it's Liadrin's conversation that haunts him now. He fights to stay aloft.]

I am... no hero, [he manages, ignoring the blood seeping down his neck. He's lost a lot, but so has Deathwing.] Merely a servant, and a guilty one. My crimes and the lives I bear responsibility for—they will weigh on me until I die! And your crimes... will swallow you as well!

[With a final roar, all manner of flora burst from the charred ground, though not where Deathwing's blood has been spilled. For a moment, the battlefield becomes truly, achingly beautiful. And then it all begins to die as the plants sacrifice themselves to keep Deathwing down, tearing again at his armor and his wounds even as they shrivel and burn.

He gasps. His team is through. He has all of Neltharion's pieces captured except the king. Check!

But it's hardly comforting as he begins to fade, his mana flaring one last time to protect himself, and he reaches mentally toward his queen... But he doesn't have the concentration to teleport, and so he crashes hard into the field beyond the castle.]

dragon butt-whooping

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A FLIGHT OF TL;DRAGONS

A CHALLENGER APPEARS

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1/2 I TALK TOO MUCH

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2/2, my tl;dr can beat up your tl;dr

/PUNCHES SELF OUT OF HIATUS