Transported: A Wings of Fire story

Ink and Paper

Daniel stared forward at Barren.
Half of the Sandwing's face was marked with an inky black, which dripped along the ground as he walked.

Dark, smoky shadows erupted from the corrupted side of his face as well as from dark, black, inky cracks which were imprinted along his body.
Meanwhile, the rest of his body and face looked somewhat normal.

It was as if Barren had tried to go into his Gatekeeper form but was only half successful, leaving corrupted animus magic all over his body.

Daniel scowled, his talons clenched the ground tightly as smoke started to rise from his mouth and ears.
He stood there defiantly, watching a corrupted Barren and his twelve shadowy minions approach.

It didn't take long for Barren to notice him, and when he did, he responded with a large, unnatural, and sadistic smile.
"I see you've gotten your strength back..."

Daniel scowled as Barren continued walking forward.
"You see, that's what I like about you, Daniel... You're stubborn, not willing to give up... Makes for a good challenge," he chuckled for a moment.
"However, you still have something that belongs to me."

Daniel clutched his bag, which held the map, accidentally smudging it with dirt in the process.
"Not a chance."

Barren growled.
"I'm not asking Daniel..."

Daniel stared him down.
"Why are you even after it? You gave it away, and now you want it back?"

"My motives are none of your concern," he stated, "now I'd suggest you comply unless you want to end up like your fiery friend over there..." He snickered.

Daniel's eyes darkened.
"Watch your tone..."

Barren let out a chuckle as he crept his way underneath Daniel's scales.
"Hey, it's not my fault she couldn't handle my heat... I thought it would be fine, she was made of fire after all, right?"

Daniel bared his teeth.
"Don't play dumb! You know what you did! You killed her!"

Barren shrugged,
"What does it matter? She's not real, never was, never will be, similar to everyone else here."
He paused.
"Look around you Daniel! The world is black and white! Ink on paper used to tell a story!"

Daniel glared at Barren.
"You're wrong,"

Barren laughed.
"Is that so...? Well then... Why don't you prove it...?"

Daniel paused for a moment before he spoke.
"This world is real because it shifts to what happens within it, it reacts, it cares. Much like how the dragons living here are real because they have a conscience, they react, and they care about others, why can't you do the same?"

Barren's eyes glinted oddly as Daniel continued to speak.
"Why can't you do the same? Why can't you ADMIT that THIS world is just as REAL as the world out THERE!" He screamed.

Barren closed his eyes.
"Shut up..." he mumbled.

Daniel kept talking. "Why can't you see that you're manipulating and torturing this world with your stupid powers!"

Barren bared his teeth.
"Shut... Up..." He mumbled again.

Daniel glared.
"You've been causing everyone in the world pain and suffering! YOU'RE the reason animi fall to corruption! YOU'RE the reason dragons have negative thoughts and desires for power, and all because you believe this world isn't real!? GET A GRIP ALREADY-!"

Barren's eyes shot open with rage.
"I SAID SHUT UP RUIN!"

Daniel's eyes widened as he was silenced.
The world went quiet while Barren bared his teeth.
Nothing except flashes of silent black lightning was seen in the sky.