The End of an Era

Twilight Everlasting

     Everyone is frozen. The world is still. Razz feels his legs grow weak. He looks down at the silver blade driven through his chest. His mouth is dry and his blood cold. Cael wants to make a move but can't find the resolve. Tiny tendrils of silver light pour forth from the wound.

     "I won't give you to the formless. I wouldn't subject you to that fate. But our battle ends here." Zaak whispers solemnly to Razz. Zaak looks into his friends eyes. The injury there is more than physical.

     "Why couldn't I cut you?" Razz whispers back. "I tried. But..."

     "Nevershatter is made from your will given physical form through your desire for battle. It is the fury you show to your enemies. You could never turn such a weapon on a friend. At least, not with any sincerity." 

     Zaak lets the blade of formless dissipate. Razz can't help but to buckle as the last of his strength leaves him. A surge of boundless power springs forth from Zaak as he breaks free of the debilitating vexes placed on him. He turns away from Razz who begins to crumple. But as he does Razz grasps his wrist. 

     "Don't turn your back on me!" Razz says as he slams his fist into Zaak's jaw with every ounce of his strength, knocking Zaak flat onto his back. "If I can't cut you with my sword. Then I'll pummel you with my fists. If it means we save you I'll fight with nothing but my teeth." Razz grits his teeth and digs deep. He feels the movement of the universe. It courses through him and reinvigorates him. Yet instead of using it as a springboard for attack he seizes it.

     Razz's muscles shred themselves in an attempt to tame the power coursing through them. His bones groan and are seared by it's magnitude. He screams in defiance of their violent authority. Yet he persists. And the force of the universes coalesce and settle into roaring flames in his arms and a fiery mane falling down his back.

     Lilyth follows suit and kneels placing her palm flat against the floor. She bows her head in prayer and recites the words of her covenant. 

    "Oh, ancient kings of the land, sea, and sky. The heavens, underworld, and the eternity between. I call upon you to honor your oath to me and my sovereignty. I lay claim to the gifts of which I bestowed to you as young drakes. Return them to me now and be rewarded with my promise of old. To soar with me at the end of times." As she finishes her incantation hundreds of ethereal dragons of every shape and size materialize behind her and ever so slightly bow their heads in honor. Her eyes take of the likeness of dragons and two vast wings spring forth from her back along with a ribbon of soulfire that dances like a dragons tail.

     Cael looks at his reflection in his blade. He's been fighting with one arm tied behind his back. His true nature is dark. Most of his powerful existences are evil or at very best apathetic to their consequences. No one has truly understood his hesitation at using his full power. Except Zaak. He's had to find workarounds to winning fights at every turn. Ways to edge out a win. Were this fight against anyone other than Zaak... that might not have been the case.

     Cael removes his jacket and looks at the small charm around his arm. No one but he can break it. But to do so is an irreversible decision. It is victory at the cost of his life. No second chances. No coming back. It is the end. He locks eyes with his friend and executioner. Cael is no hero. But that doesn't mean he can't be heroic. With a smile and a chuckle he reaches up and effortlessly snaps the charm.

     Blaze takes a deep breath. Zaak stands before them watching as the others push themselves to the very limit of their powers. To Blaze he seems conceited. As though by allowing them to transform and power up he's saying that it changes nothing. But Blaze knows it's more than that. It has to be something of a test. To see just how far they'll go. Or maybe it's a trap. Like boxer letting their opponent wind themselves before firing back with a knockout combo. Blaze can't tell.