Xisuma blasted a bolt of fire at the three. They scattered in different directions, but found themselves chased by other dragons. Biffa locked on to Nebris, Mumbo flew after Pause and Xisuma attacked Etho.
Xisuma was the strongest and toughest of everyone, and the guys knew it. His fire was hotter than normal, he was larger, faster, and his talons contained a strong poison which he could release at will. Of course, when he was in human form none of this came into play. He was just a normal - shapeshifting - guy.
Anyway.
Xisuma flew at Etho as fast as possible, gaining speed every second. He crashed into him, knocking the smaller silver dragon out of the sky. Etho desperately beat his wings to try and avoid a collision with the ground, but he made impact with it at a high speed, throwing dirt up as he slid along the ground. Still slightly dazed, he had to get up or Xisuma would finish him.
He stood up and ran, performing a running take-off, beating his wings hard to gain speed. Xisuma was soon behind him again. He avoided the sudden burst of flames for the most part, but received a severe burn on his neck and minor ones on his back. Etho tried to ignore the pain as he ducked under Xisuma and lashed out at the weak spot on his underbelly with his talons.
Xisuma roared in pain and flew upwards. Etho used this to take a moment to recover, but, before he really knew what was happening, Xisuma shot down like a bullet, delivering a deep neck-to-tail scratch.
Blood streaked along the tiny gaps between Etho's scales, shimmering in the moonlight. Etho roared and flapped towards the ground. Xisuma stayed suspended in the air, satisfied with his work. Etho suddenly switched direction and ducked under Xisuma once more, scratching and burning his stomach. He retaliated quickly, lashing out and shredding Etho's left wing membrane. Etho roared, more of a squeak, really.
He flew - more fell - to the ground, landing in a crumpled, broken heap. Xisuma landed beside him, smirking.
I thought you were meant to be a strong fighter.
No reply from Etho.
Come on, speak to me, Xisuma purred in a malicious tone.
Nothing.
Xisuma reached over and jabbed Etho with his talon. Etho flinched, but otherwise didn't react at all.
It seemed to snap Etho out of his little trace, though. From his position, he could see the portal. If he ran, he could get to it before passing out. He wasn't thinking about being scratched by Xisuma, he just felt awful.
He stood up slowly, folding his wings along his back. He flinched again, as this hurt. He acted like he was inspecting his injuries, as not to alarm Xisuma, then bolted for the portal, roaring the Mindcrack battle cry to get the attention of Nebris and Pause.
Xisuma did nothing as Etho ran through the portal, only smiled.
He's going to die anyway.
