*Hidden Nature* A Shapeshifting RP

[NickyKnack]

Aurora broke the tower they used to talk to the helicopters before turning to look at the trees and Aeval. "You got them?" She asked curiously. She had to be sure after all. 
~~

Kellan cursed in his native tongue then moved to the next door. "No more sleep spells" He stated, opening the door and shfting to his manticore form. Yep, time to start fighting unless they surrendered. 
~~~

"Only if they fight us" Jason said then looked to the speaker with the alarm before starting to shut down the equipment. Yeah, anything too young to live outside the sacs was going to die, and likely a lot of those that simply couldn't get out on their own. "If they haven't been programmed to hate us, then they may join us." 
~~~

Sorcha dipped her head, liking that report from Enoch before focusing on seeing where Avalon was now, so they could go there together.  She would take Racine's hand and lead the way there.
~~~

"Not as dragons" Foneth countered then smiled at Ender before looking to Horrvis. "Yes, strength and endurance is natural to our dragon forms, though I suspect they are natural the the sylph form as well. We have never been a weak people physically." Mentally was obviously a different matter which was shown by the sylph form to begin with. "We are quickfire, our emotions can get us into and out of situations we may not always wish for." 
~~
Nabal was silent for a moment then looked to him again "Please, get up. This is something I must talk to the full council about." She said then stood and came closer "Though if it were I alone, I would say fight for our two realms, since we are connected and the fate of yours would not long be outlasted by ours. A decision to go to war must be a majority vote among the council as well as myself. Rest here or return home as you wish, I will return as quickly as I am able" She said then turned and left the room, already calling for the council to be sent for and brought to the meeting hill
~~~

Cora, Byram and Amelia all stopped, circling and looking towards the castle then over to Starr and Falkirk with worry as a call in their native language sounded over the land.
~~~

The unnatural darkness made the dragonkin stop and turn around, coming back for a net. Something wasn't right here and she wasn't taking anymore chances. She flew over to the cave, watching the entrance from high above with the net in her claws. 
~~
The dragonkin had lost the trail. He had nearly made it back to the cave when he stopped flying in his search pattern, though he stayed just out of sight of it. He growled and headed back out again. If the infant had gone home, the others would catch it, but if he hadn't then he would be in trouble if he returned without the baby.

Aeval, Pandora and Ena gave Aurora a serpentine smile and said as one, "Oh yes. Most definitely." Aeval frowned and glanced upwards, " But there's something coming in fast over there. I've never seen anything like that before. What is it?" She asked.
~~~
Maxton looked to Anna with wide-eyed wonder as they looked into the third holding cell on their floor. "A Egyptian sphinx? I thought they were extinct and just had slipped into the realm of legends."

"The Egyptian Sphinx is called Sabra. Now are you here to free me or worship me? Or the all time favorite, asked me to ask you a riddle. " She asked with mild annoyance. He lioness tail flicked across the floor to reveal that fact.
~~~
Aurelius nodded and said, "It was fun while it lasted." As she hurried along in her griffin form with him. Degan close behind in his winged lion form. But the scientists had time to be prepared for them. They had gas masks on as the laboratories filled with nauseous gasses. A few even had hand guns to shoot at them.
~~~
The rooms older hybrids started freaking out at the loud sounds and bright flashing lights. The adrenaline infusion and the life support system being cut off, prompted a ingrained survival instinct. Some shifted fully, while others only partially to beat the threat of suffocation. As Jason had predicted, only the one's capable of escaping their synthetic wombs would survive. The gush of their embryonic fluid spilled out onto and through the grated floors as their shifted claws, teeth and spikes sliced, chewed and ripped through the vinyl sides. They fumbled awkwardly as they were forced to birth themselves. The single minded purpose of emptying their lungs of all fluids in order to draw in that first vital breath of air the only important thing at the moment. Many looked to the newcomers with infant like curiosity as they panted quietly with frightened eyes. They had not been taught to hate yet. That usually started with their induction training and subsequent lessons after that.

Keira tipped her head to look at the male she'd been locking eyes with, as he flopped on the cold grated floor and coughed up fluids. "Tasmanian devil? Do they even have a shifter of those naturally?" She asked quietly.
~~~
Racine watched around them cautiously as the walked to the throne room with Sorcha. As they came to the double doors, the two Sylphs guards opened them for them immediately. He dipped his head in gratitude to them and walked through the threshold. He glanced up to see Avalon and Bardou (He's still with her, right? ) speaking quietly amongst themselves. As Avalon look towards their arrival, she beckoned them forward.
~~~
Ender looked off at the castle and sighed softly at Foneth's last statement. He'd only dared to defy one Fae and it had been his queen.

Horrvis nodded and snapped at Dyrus as he swooped down from the sky in mock attack. "That is good to know. We have been witness to many injustices, but have held our tounges and held our head up high. That too is strength of a different persuasion. It will be good to be seen as equals and if not at first, it's nice to possess the same powers the other Fae see a desirable." He said resolutely.
~~~
Jackdaw climbed to his feet and smiled meekly to queen Nabal. " I understand your highness. I think I will take you up on your hospitality. I find a rest will do me good. I'm not as young as I believe sometimes." He said jokingly before she'd left. He then shifted and sprawled out into the cool stone floor.
~~~
Falkirk spoke with Star oblivious to the meaning of the call that had been sounded. He wasn't familiar with the Balors tounge and glanced upwards to see if it was for them.
~~~
Markus and Pariah had rejoined their party and were taking inventory of the one's they'd captured. All in all, it was quite a haul. He had to admit. He turned to look at the cloud of darkness that moved out of the cave. "Do I even want to know why you let her go?" He asked Pariah quietly.

Pariah looked hard at Markus and stated plainly, "We took enough from her for now." She then looked into the carrier hold of the vehicle. "Half is good. Don't be greedy Markus." She added as a caution to him.

Markus frowned at her tone, but didn't push any further.
~~~
Ravek slowly stretched his neck up to the surface like a snapping turtle. Only allowing his nostrils to break the cohesion of the water's surface. He breathed out and drew in a deep breath of fresh air before slipping back under again.

 

[NickyKnack]

Seshsais ate quietly as Zaasth briefed her upon the itinerary that he'd come up with based upon the arrival of the great dragons and the subsequent lessons in shifting and magic to the small group of Sylphs. "Our delay has cost us much, has it not? This war isn't going to be as easily won as first anticipated. These great dragons were to stay lost to the sands of time. This is complicated now. I trust you were not see?" She replied after she'd swallowed her morsel of food.

Zaasth turned his head slowly to meet her questioning gaze and replied, "If you doubt my effectiveness, feel free to relieve me of my useless head. As always, my life and purpose of drawing breath, is in the service of you to that end. I was small beyond their sight. But these dreadful flowers have to be destroyed. They are not palatable and they serve no function, besides that of annoyance."

"First the Fae! Then we'll customize the useful inhabitants in accordance to priority. You know this well, why do you test me in this, Zaasth? " Seshsais said with a flare of temper. She then looked at Cicest as he came into the room. "Yes?" She asked.

"Matriarch, your pets are refusing to eat their fellow Fae. Kohen, I believe it's name was." Cicest informed.

"Then let them starve!! He's prepared quite decadently, it's their loss really." Seshsais commented with approval. She took up another morsel of the Fae and placed it within her mouth and chewed it delicately.

Cicest smiled pleasantly and turned to leave the room. He'd expecially enjoyed telling Vatgkan and company what they were eating after they'd all had their mouths full with Kohen. Their reactions had been instantaneous.

 

[StarrNico]

Aeval, Pandora and Ena gave Aurora a serpentine smile and said as one, "Oh yes. Most definitely." Aeval frowned and glanced upwards, " But there's something coming in fast over there. I've never seen anything like that before. What is it?" She asked.
~~~
Maxton looked to Anna with wide-eyed wonder as they looked into the third holding cell on their floor. "A Egyptian sphinx? I thought they were extinct and just had slipped into the realm of legends."

"The Egyptian Sphinx is called Sabra. Now are you here to free me or worship me? Or the all time favorite, asked me to ask you a riddle. " She asked with mild annoyance. He lioness tail flicked across the floor to reveal that fact.
~~~
Aurelius nodded and said, "It was fun while it lasted." As she hurried along in her griffin form with him. Degan close behind in his winged lion form. But the scientists had time to be prepared for them. They had gas masks on as the laboratories filled with nauseous gasses. A few even had hand guns to shoot at them.
~~~
The rooms older hybrids started freaking out at the loud sounds and bright flashing lights. The adrenaline infusion and the life support system being cut off, prompted a ingrained survival instinct. Some shifted fully, while others only partially to beat the threat of suffocation. As Jason had predicted, only the one's capable of escaping their synthetic wombs would survive. The gush of their embryonic fluid spilled out onto and through the grated floors as their shifted claws, teeth and spikes sliced, chewed and ripped through the vinyl sides. They fumbled awkwardly as they were forced to birth themselves. The single minded purpose of emptying their lungs of all fluids in order to draw in that first vital breath of air the only important thing at the moment. Many looked to the newcomers with infant like curiosity as they panted quietly with frightened eyes. They had not been taught to hate yet. That usually started with their induction training and subsequent lessons after that.

Keira tipped her head to look at the male she'd been locking eyes with, as he flopped on the cold grated floor and coughed up fluids. "Tasmanian devil? Do they even have a shifter of those naturally?" She asked quietly.
~~~
Racine watched around them cautiously as the walked to the throne room with Sorcha. As they came to the double doors, the two Sylphs guards opened them for them immediately. He dipped his head in gratitude to them and walked through the threshold. He glanced up to see Avalon and Bardou (He's still with her, right? ) speaking quietly amongst themselves. As Avalon look towards their arrival, she beckoned them forward.
~~~
Ender looked off at the castle and sighed softly at Foneth's last statement. He'd only dared to defy one Fae and it had been his queen.

Horrvis nodded and snapped at Dyrus as he swooped down from the sky in mock attack. "That is good to know. We have been witness to many injustices, but have held our tounges and held our head up high. That too is strength of a different persuasion. It will be good to be seen as equals and if not at first, it's nice to possess the same powers the other Fae see a desirable." He said resolutely.
~~~
Jackdaw climbed to his feet and smiled meekly to queen Nabal. " I understand your highness. I think I will take you up on your hospitality. I find a rest will do me good. I'm not as young as I believe sometimes." He said jokingly before she'd left. He then shifted and sprawled out into the cool stone floor.
~~~
Falkirk spoke with Star oblivious to the meaning of the call that had been sounded. He wasn't familiar with the Balors tounge and glanced upwards to see if it was for them.
~~~
Markus and Pariah had rejoined their party and were taking inventory of the one's they'd captured. All in all, it was quite a haul. He had to admit. He turned to look at the cloud of darkness that moved out of the cave. "Do I even want to know why you let her go?" He asked Pariah quietly.

Pariah looked hard at Markus and stated plainly, "We took enough from her for now." She then looked into the carrier hold of the vehicle. "Half is good. Don't be greedy Markus." She added as a caution to him.

Markus frowned at her tone, but didn't push any further.
~~~
Ravek slowly stretched his neck up to the surface like a snapping turtle. Only allowing his nostrils to break the cohesion of the water's surface. He breathed out and drew in a deep breath of fresh air before slipping back under again.

"A missile I believe" Aurora said, looking over to the incoming thing then taking off to go after it. She flew fast, turning so she could catch the thing then twisting to throw it down at the ground. She had to try to protect the younger Balor type dragon.
~~~
"Many of the world's 'myths' only went into hiding" Anna said then looked to the Spinx, dipping her head a little in greeting and acknowledgement of her power."Sabra. We are waging a war to free all those trapped here. You can either fight with us or we can have our fae friend take you out to the void for the moment, then home once this war is finished." Though that last would likely be by wolf and plane.
~~~
Kellan flared his wings, flapping them then using his magic to create 'clear air' bubbles around himself and those with him, his version of those masks. Once that was done, he waded into the humans, striking with his scorpion tail and his claws at those who used guns on him and the others and trying to rip the masks off the others.He preferred not to kill, but he would if it was needed.
~~~
"Not that I know of, but it is possible I suppose" Jason said, going around to try to help those he could and gather them together into a group "They are like babies, even though they look grown." This was so weird, but it explained a lot from the other 'made' creatures they had rescued.
~~~
Bardou smiled at the two, dipping his head to them as they came in. He was glad they were able to be here together for this fight.

Sorcha smiled to Avalon, walking over with Racine to join her and Bardou. "That is as ready as we can make it." She informed softly
~~
Foneth nodded, looking up to the others then back to Horrvis "Yes, but it seems I am down one to teach magic now that Spyro has been called back. Would you like to help teach the others?" She wanted at least two teachers, then a new group to bring out their dragon forms. Eventually they would get through them all.
~~~
Bryan and Nova landed near the two, though Bryan was the one to speak. "Something is happening back at the castle, they are calling an emergency meeting of the council. We might be needed at it. We will leave Nova with you so you can continue on or come back." He said quickly. He had never heard the council called to an emergency meeting before and it was a bit scary but emergency or not, they would need 'runners' even if only to 'fetch and carry' for them

Star nodded and watched the young balors "Go, we will decide what to do." She said, taking Falkirk's hand in hers
~~~
Rhetta came over to Marcus and Pariah, glancing to the latter before focusing on Marcus "Should we recall the dragonkin?" She asked, motioning to one that was above the black cloud then to the cave as the other came out and growled, looking after the cloud. "We lost two of them, this one is injured, two are now after that blackness and one is missing" She reported, the missing one was the one looking for Ravek, though she didn't know that

 

[NickyKnack]

Slygotha teetered somewhat gracefully for not using her human shape often. Clinging to her son, she gingerly made her way towards the entrance, the blackness flowing out like a mist, the tendrils creeping along like a living thing as she moved. Nearly exhausted, she padded along as quietly as she could. Stopping often, she listened carefully in the heart of darkness for movement, and cautiously sniffed the air. During the firestorm, much of her beloved bog that made up the landing was evaporated to nothing, a brittle, scorched Earth, the pungent, acrid smell of burnt sulphur mixed with overcooked crocodile. It would take a while for the population of crocs to recover from this disaster, she thought. She desperately sought the water, where she could sink down into the mud, although her obnoxiously long hair would get in the way. She stroked Valstrath gently to reassure him as she broke out into a run, hugging the rock face and aiming for the jungle canopy, the blackness writhing like a living thing around her in a huge bubble.

Valstrath continued to cling to his broodmother. He trusted in her completely and promised himself that he would protect her while she was stuck in her vulnerable state. That is, if they ever escaped this nightmare. He trembled slightly within her arms, a weakness he couldn't quite hide at the moment. Be it a character flaw within him or be it from his experience of his young age. He still wholeheartedly believed his mother to make this all better.

 

[NickyKnack]

Shaylee was quiet, holding Anton's hand though she felt someone holding her other hand then...tears? She looked to that hand and frowned in confusion at the tear stains there. What was going on? There was no water in this place, yet she had the physical evidence right there on her. "Someone tried to come in Anton, who was it?" She asked softly then looked to him 

~
Shaylee seemed to relax a little more as Asclepius activated that healing spell and Ravek held her hand. It would certainly take a while to regain her strength since she had fully exhausted herself, but it was working without triggering the 'cage' her mind was in. 

"You tell me Shaylee. I'm not the one being attacked. As far as who it is, how am I to know the identity of your attackers, if even you cannot see them to recognize them. I know only that you're being drawn away from me by some unseen force. You long to sleep, but yet you told me of how Pariah kept you trapped within your very mind. That is why you must stay awake with me. I am the real one here, not them. You said yourself, you can feel my touch upon you very hand. Why do you doubt me now?" Anton questioned her gently. He too had noticed the droplets upon her hand but wouldn't acknowledge them as real.
~~~

"Excellent, she's doing better. Ravek, you are doing great! This configuration will last until I get back, but I shouldn't be there long. Be careful!" Almost as an afterthought, Asclepius snapped his fingers, remembering something. He dug into his desk, retrieving a fist sized bloodstone, pulsing with earthly strength and power, then handed it to Ravek to hold in his other hand. "It will make sure you are strong, and well grounded. It can help with keeping your emotions balanced, and lessen your anxiety through this stressful time. It will assist you in helping your heart touch hers, without you needing to touch minds. I'm hoping it does something useful."
Grabbing the spell scroll, he unraveled it before teleporting directly in front of his home in the Carpathian mountains. Several birds leaped into the sky, started by his sudden appearance near the rocky summit, but there weren't many people this far above the tree line. He glanced around cautiously before taking on his natural form.

Ravek took the offered bloodstone and nodded understanding before Asclepius left. He then looked to Fay with reddened eyes. "Thank you for coming for me. I can safely admit now, I was conflicted at best in that battle. I was there in body only. My mind was elsewhere. For I selfishly only wanted to find her and take her way from that earth dungeon. To ensure her survival above all others...including my countrymen." He replied before bowing his head with shame. "She's that important to me. And it would seem, the fates are using her to punish me for that mindset. For here I have her within my very grasp, yet she might as well be world's away." He sobbed softly.

 

[StarrNico]

"You tell me Shaylee. I'm not the one being attacked. As far as who it is, how am I to know the identity of your attackers, if even you cannot see them to recognize them. I know only that you're being drawn away from me by some unseen force. You long to sleep, but yet you told me of how Pariah kept you trapped within your very mind. That is why you must stay awake with me. I am the real one here, not them. You said yourself, you can feel my touch upon you very hand. Why do you doubt me now?" Anton questioned her gently. He too had noticed the droplets upon her hand but wouldn't acknowledge them as real.
~~~
Ravek took the offered bloodstone and nodded understanding before Asclepius left. He then looked to Fay with reddened eyes. "Thank you for coming for me. I can safely admit now, I was conflicted at best in that battle. I was there in body only. My mind was elsewhere. For I selfishly only wanted to find her and take her way from that earth dungeon. To ensure her survival above all others...including my countrymen." He replied before bowing his head with shame. "She's that important to me. And it would seem, the fates are using her to punish me for that mindset. For here I have within my very grasp, yet she might as well be world's away." He sobbed softly.

Shaylee shook her head "I do not know what to think." She said then took her hand from him to touch the drops on her other hand. "She did, but I thought I broke that prison" she said softly.

~~~
Fay came over and sat beside Ravek, touching his arm gently. "You two are connected deeper than even memories. You said yourself that she may have made herself forget in order to keep you and the wolves safe. Don't try to use her memory to bring her back to you, use your love."

 

[NickyKnack]

Shaylee shook her head "I do not know what to think." She said then took her hand from him to touch the drops on her other hand. "She did, but I thought I broke that prison" she said softly.

~~~
Fay came over and sat beside Ravek, touching his arm gently. "You two are connected deeper than even memories. You said yourself that she may have made herself forget in order to keep you and the wolves safe. Don't try to use her memory to bring her back to you, use your love."

"But you did. I'm testament to that fact. What are you looking at?" Anton asked obtusely.
~~~
"Is not love rooted in memories? And I know I said that. But the actuality of that scenario, is far harder to accept. I'm vain enough not to want to be forgettable." Ravek replied quietly. After a moment of conquering his despair, he tried what Fay had suggest. He leaned forward and whispered sweet benedictions in their Fae tounge softly to her. He then brushed velvet kisses upon her eyelids and silken cheeks. He concluded in the common tounge, "My beloved Shaylee, please come back to me. We had only just found eachother after so long apart. I never should have let you leave me. For every moment since our parting, has been an eternity of anguish and uncertainty."

 

[StarrNico]

"But you did. I'm testament to that fact. What are you looking at?" Anton asked obtusely.
~~~
"Is not love rooted in memories? And I know I said that. But the actuality of that scenario, is far harder to accept. I'm vain enough not to want to be forgettable." Ravek replied quietly. After a moment of conquering his despair, he tried what Fay had suggest. He leaned forward and whispered sweet benedictions in their Fae tounge softly to her. He then brushed velvet kisses upon her eyelids and silken cheeks. He concluded in the common tounge, "My beloved Shaylee, please come back to me. We had only just found eachother after so long apart. I never should have let you leave me. For every moment since our parting, has been eternity of anguish and uncertainty."

"Tears" Shaylee said, touching the drop then showing it to him "Tears from nowhere in a room with no water around it." She frowned then gasped softly, feeling light kisses on her face then closed her eyes as she heard the voice beside her ear. It was muffled to her, like listening through water or a door, but something recognized it and pulled towards it and away from Anton.

 

[NickyKnack]

"Tears" Shaylee said, touching the drop then showing it to him "Tears from nowhere in a room with no water around it." She frowned then gasped softly, feeling light kisses on her face then closed her eyes as she heard the voice beside her ear. It was muffled to her, like listening through water or a door, but something recognized it and pulled towards it and away from Anton. 

Ravek continued speaking to her lovingly, when something occurred to him. He looked to Fay and said with enthusiasm, " The twirl! It's instinctual to all Fae. Just as she'll know what it means to hear it and to answer back. All Fae know of its significance and though she may not know my name, she'll know I'm her mate. It's something to try." He then looked back to Shaylee's sleeping form and twirled softly to her as only her mate could.

 

[StarrNico]

Ravek continued speaking to her lovingly, when something occurred to him. He looked to Fay and said with enthusiasm, " The twirl! It's instinctual to all Fae. Just as she'll know what it means to hear it and to answer back. All Fae know of its significance and though she may not know my name, she'll know I'm her mate. It's something to try." He then looked back to Shaylee's sleeping form and twirled softly to her as only her mate could.

Fay looked to him then nodded then looked to the stairs, wondering when Asclepius would be back. She looked back to Ravek as he twirled to Shaylee, gasping softly at the response.

Shaylee heard the twirl and gasped then twirled back to him though she couldn't wake up yet, she had to get stronger to break through this cage that trapped her, though for the moment she was more aware of it. She could see in her mind again, looking around at it then looking to the spell that held her. "I used all my magic, I have none left. I have to rest, my heart." She wondered if any of that would get through, even through their bond.