Bast woke the group four hours later, and once they were ready, they had their mitchi guide leade them out. Once they were sure they knew where in the city they were, Bast nodded to jing, “We’lls eparate now… good luck Jing.” He said to her with a small smile.

Jing smiled at Bast, waving her hand a little “Good luck to you all too.” She said before heading off quickly and silently.

Bast nodded to the mitchi guide, as Silver began to count to 500, and they all headed down into the sewers of the city.

The streets Jing went down were empty of both guards and mitchis, the city eerily silent.

Jing felt uneasy with how quiet it was, but just continued on, counting silently in her head to 500 and making her way to where she needed as fast as possible.

No one stopped her, and by the time she’d reached the outskirts of the city square, she had counted to 270.

Jing smiled and nodded, continuing to count as she looked around before bringing up her hands. She had already planned the distraction, planning to use her powers to make the buildings around collapse. If that didn’t get the guards and dragons attention she didn’t know what she would do. She started working on making the weight of all the buildings grow, making sure not to use enough force to make them fall until she hit about 450. For now it was just getting them near enough to be ready.

As she was concentrating, a sileng draconian crept up behind her, quickly bringing down a heavy mace on her head.

Jing hadn’t heard anyone coming, and let out a cry of pain as she was hit, blacking out and falling forward to the ground.

The draconian smirked, picking her up and carrying her off to the temple.

Jing let out a small groan as she was picked up, tail twitching a little but not waking up.

“Jing!” It was Bast’s voice that woke her. She was on her back on an altar, a huge clawed hand over her, one sharp tip biting into her chest, right above her heart barely enough to make it hurt. “Don’t move!” Boomed the voice of the dragon, “Or she dies.” Bast cursed, frozen where he was with the others.

Jing twitched as she heard the call, whimpering quietly as she heard a different booming voice and she opened her eyes, face going pale as she saw the black dragon above her.

Onxy turned her gaze to the wakening rakune and smirked. “Don’t move, or you will die first, then you friends.” Warned the dragon, then she turned back to the small group at her mercy. “Now, give me the blue staff!”

Jing’s body was already trembling badly as she heard the dragon, looking at the claw above her chest before trying to look towards where Onyx was talking to her friends.

Bast stood closest, fists clenched at his sides, his sword on the ground where he’d been forced to throw it at the dragon’s command, as had Silver. He stood in front of Iris though, refusing to let Iris obey. Had they come all this way just to lose it all?? “And Let me take the girl… I have plans for her.” The dragon smirked. Rena whimpered, clutching Iris’s skirts, hiding behind her fearfully.

Jing felt panic rise in her as she looked at the others and listened to the dragon above her. This was all wrong! What had happened?!

Lei, who was still strapped to the couch in the room twitched as he heard Onyx’s voice, biting his lip. “Not good…” He muttered, struggling agenst the straps again.

Bast shook his head in refusal, “No! I won’t let you… I…” He felt despair stifle him. How could they defeat this dragon without Leria?? Iris seemed to not be looking at Onyx, or hearing her, expression slowly losing the fear the dragon gave the companions. Slowly, she moved, disentangling Rena from her robes, she smiled at the girl. “Wait here okay?” She said softly. Bast looked back at her in shock, “Iris no!”

Jing watched in shock, not moving to try to get away but shook her head a little. “N…No! Iris! S…Stay back!” She pleaded.

Lei listened as closely as possible, struggling more before looking down at the binds. He could probably fight his way out of this by freezing it… but what good would it do?!

Iris ignored them, but stopped by Silver’s side, moving to kneel and hug the small jerboa as if in farewell, then she moved to Bast, seeming to falter, and begin to fall, as if overwhelmed by the dragon’s aura of fear. Bast quickly grabbed her, “Iris, you can’t just give up the healing staff!”

Jing nodded in agreement with Bast. “Iris please stop!!!” She pleaded, looking up at the black dragon and glaring a little at her “W….Why are you doing this?!”

Lei felt frusteration grow as he heard all of this. “Stop it!” He finally yelled, hoping Onyx could hear. “Just let them all go!”

Onyx was enjoying all this immensely, “Come, little wocky, lay your staff at my feet!” She said. Bast cursed under his breath, but finally nodded to Iris, and helped her approach the dragon, until Iris could walk on her own, and she stood, smiling faintly at Jing reassuringly.

Jing looked at Iris, shaking her head quickly. “D…Don’t do this! Why are you letting yourself do this?!”

Iris simply smled, then walked forward, Bast watching her, then looking to Jing grimly. He didn’t like this, but had to do as Iris had told him… The wocky walked right up to the dragon, holding her staff out as if to place it on the floor, then suddenly she struck Onyx with it, a bright blinding flash of blue light making it so no one could see, Onyx screaming out in pain and anger, trying to pull back, but she was caught n the staff’s magic, and the blue light began to consume her.

As soon as Iris struck the dragon, Bast jumped forward, taking Jing from the altar and away from Onyx’s claws, running back to where Rena was, and placing Jing on her feet to take the girl’s hand. “Can you walk?” He asked her.

Jing’s eyes closed tightly from fear, shocked as she wasmoved away from the dragon and looked at the Kankiru worried and nodding a little “I think so.” She said quietly. When she was standing her head started pounding a little from the hit she had taken before but said nothing about it.

Lei twitched as he heard the scream from Onyx, what were they doing? He looked down at the binds then, blowing freezing air on them to holefully make them easly shatter and let him go.

“Good, we’ve got to get out of here.” He said, looking back painfully at the bright light that now consumed both Iris and the dragon, slowly disintegrating them both. He grit his teeth and looked away, “Where’s Silver??”

Jing watched in shock and horror at Iris and the dragon “W…Whats happening to Iris?!” She asked in fear.

As the binds froze Lei was able to break them, standing and quickly running over to the door to open it.

Lei opened the door right smack in Silver’s face, the small jerboa squeaking as he was thrown back, falling on his rump as he grabbed his nose. “Hey! Wh…” He looked up to see Lei. “…What are you doing here!?”

“She’s killing the dragon, we have to get out of here!” He’d spotted the open doors and Silver with Lei, and moved quickly towards them, Jing’s hand in one of his, Rena’s in another.

Lei blinked in suprise as he saw Silver, blinking a couple times “Um… Long story explain later. Where is the bl-” He cut himself off as he looked towards the light confused “This doesn’t look good…” He said before seeing Bast, Jing and Rena coming. “Come on” He said, moving to run back into the room. One lucky thing he knew his way around atleast a little. He had to get back to Dalit!

Jing let Bast lead her, looking back at Iris in worry “W…We can’t leave her behind!”

Bast looked grim as he led her on, nodding to Lei, “We have to get to the lift!” The whole cave was now shaking, and rocks and pillars were beginning to fall around them, “This place is collapsing!”

“I’m not leaveing without Dalit!” Lei said strongly. “The lift is that way. I’ll catch up!”

Bast blinked, “Who the hell is Dalit?? We have to go, come on!” He insisted, as they ran out of the temple. Bast let go of Jing, and pointed to the lift, “This way!”

“I’m not leaving that little dragon to die!” Lei yelled, still running back towards the mines and to the cell he knew he was at.

Jing kept by Bast, blinking in suprise as she heard Lei. Did he just say dragon?

Bast frowned, “I thought there were no dragons left…” He muttered, but shook his head, he had to get the rest out first! He looked around for Silver, who was right beside them, though he looked towards the crumbling temple in sadness. “She disappeared… with the dragon…”

Jing felt tears form in her eyes as she heard Silver “I…Iris…”

Lei was soon back to the mines, heading to the right cell quickly, breathing on the bars to freeze and shatter them as fast as possible.

Boulders and rocks tumbled, buildings collapsed and it was getting harder to breathe with the rising dust. “Let’s go!” Bast said, ignoring Rena’s crying as he grabbed the girl in his arms and began running towards the lift, followed by Silver.

The cell Dalit and Lei had shared was empty, and so were the cells that had held the other prisoners.

Jing followed closely behind the others, scared out of her mind and hoping the lift was there to get them out of here.

Lei paled as he saw that Dalit wasn’t there, looking around in panic. “DALIT?!” He called out, heading further into the mines to look for the little dragon. He wouldn’t leave without him!

The group ran towards the lift, seeing one of the cauldrons coming down towards the ground, filled with mitchi, the one rising with draconians escaping. The bottom was filled with more of the reptiles, waiting to escape via the lift. Bast cursed as he moved Rena to Jing’s arms, Silver… my sword!” He said, looking to the jerboa, who nodded, tossing the kankiru’s sword to him as he gripped his own, both rescued when fleeing the temple.

The mines were empty, everyone was gone, bot prisoner and guard.

Jing held onto Rena as she followed the others, planning to keep back a little ways. “I’ll slow them down so you can beat them fast!” She told them.

Lei swore, panic rising as he turned, running back out of the mines. Where would Onyx have taken Dalit….?! “Shit…” He muttered before running back towards the temple.

The temple was in bad shape, many of the columns already collapsed. But as he came closer to the entrance he heard a terrified wail in his mind. “LEEEEIIIIIIII!!!!”

Bast nodded, looking back to see if Lei was coming WHat was taking him so long?? And who was Dalit anyways? He sighed, “We can’t defeat them all, we’ll have to fight our way to the cauldron and hope it goes up fast enough.” He said to the others, as they approached the draconians, the two males, swords ready, pushed into the battle, hoping the panic and disorder from the collapsing cave was enough to not have all the draconians attacking back.

By now the gush of water was bigger, the waterfall had grown and all of the lower level was beginning to sink under the waters.

Lei looked around in panic as he heard the call, going into the temple and looking around “DALIT? Where are you?!”

Jing watched in panic, nodding a little “If we get in the cauldron I can get it moving even if no one else is in the other one!” She said, working on slowing down the draconians that the two male’s attacked, planning to keep behind them to get to the cauldron.

Bast nodded, and the small group worked it’s way into the draconian mass, slowly getting to the cauldron just as it landed. Bast grabbed the side, and took Rena from Jing as Silver held off the draconians as best he could, a fast blurr between the reptile’s legs. Then Bast turned to attack another who had tried to lunge for Jing. “Get in!” He shouted to her.

As he entered the temple, he could sense it would not stay up much longer. The water level was rising up the stairs to the entrance of the temple, but Lei could hear a more feeble cry, guiding him to one of the rooms to the side of the dragon’s lair.

Jing got in quickly, moving to the far side of the cauldron and looking up to the other one far above their heads. “Tell me when and I can get us up there quickly!”

Lei felt panic rise as he felt the temple nearing collapse. He followed the cries from Dalit though, making it to the room and going in quickly “Dalit?!”

Bast nodded, “Silver!” The small jerboa leaped into the cauldron, and Bast grabbed the edge. “Now!” He said as he thrust up to jump over the edge.

Dalit was chained to a stone dais in the center of the room. One large rock had already fallen upon the trapped dragon, and lay beside his head, which sported a large bloody gash. ‘L…lei..’ whimpered the almost unconscious dragon, as another pillar began to collapse, this time directly over Dalit, the stone slabs coming loose bigger than the dragon itself.

Jing nodded once and she made the weight of the other cauldron suddenly grow as if there had been a lot of other pets in it to start lifting the group up.

Lei looked at Dalit in shock, quickly going over beside him and blowing freezing air at the falling piller to stop it for atleast a second before he froze the chains around the little dragon to free andpick him up. “Don’t worry Dalit… I’m getting you out of here!”

Bast grimaced as he felt a sword stab him from behind, but he stumbled forward into the cauldron with a groan. Silver kept the draconians off as the cauldron began to ascend.

Dalit whimpered weakly, curling up as Lei picked him up, closing his eyes as he trembled.

Jing kept her consentration on getting them up as fast as possible, not noticing for the moment that Bast had been hurt.

Lei held onto Dalit as he quickly made his way back out of the temple and towards the lift, hoping he would make it in time.

By the time Lei was in sight of the lift, the water was knee-deep and rising rapidly, the lift halfway to the top already. The second cauldrion was coming even with it on it’s way down.

Bast grit his teeth as he sat up, Silver examining the wound. “You’ll live, but we gotta stop the bleeding.” He said, beginning to rip strips of cloth from his own cloak. Rena huddled in a corner of the cauldron, frightened and in shock from Iris’s death.

Jing’s ear twitched as she heard Silver. Bast was hurt? She just kept consentrating for now, knowing they needed to get to the top.

Lei swore quietly as he got closer to the lift and saw one of the cauldrons just coming down. He needed to get on that one… but how with all those Draconians around?! “I really wish I could fly…” He muttered quietly.

As the cauldrion with Jing and the others reached the top, they could hear the strain of the lift’s mechanism. Bast pushed SIlver away, “No time…” He growled, then managed to jump out of the cauldron and took Rena from Silver before the jerboa jumped out. Bast turned back to help Jing. “Let’s go!” He shouted.

Jing jumped out as well quickly, nearly tripping and only keeping her footing things to Bast’s help.

Lei looked up at the top cauldron to see Bast and the others getting out. Ok atleast they were safe… He would have to get into the bottom cauldron somehow, and fast.

As Jing stopped holding the cauldron up, there was a loud ceaking nise, and the lift’s mechanism finally broke, crashing through the ground with the cauoldron, that flew bast the two at it’s side and down the other hole, as it fell towards the mass of draconians along with the mechanism itself. Bast watched it go down, spotting Lei and his cargo. “Lei…” He said quietly, sighing faintly. He could do little to help the draik, he had to worry about the others. “Come on… we have to keep going.” He said, getting to his feet with a wince, and staggering after Rena and Silver, who had already begun running down the collapsing tunnel.

Jing watched in worry, spotting Lei as well but just followed beside Bast, trying to help him atleast a little, looking at his wounded back a couple times.

Lei paled as he saw the lift collapse and the draik slowly stopped running, standing there in panic. “O…Oh no…” He muttered, looking around a little. How were they going to get out now?! He looked down at the little dragon in his arms, biting his lip a little. He said he would get Dalit out of here and he would. Looking at his back for a second he sighed “If I did have wings there would be no better time for them to come out…. Please!!!”

Dalit lay unconscious in his arms, trusting Lei to save him, or content to die with him. His mangled wings twitched faintly as Lei spoke.

Bast had aa deep sword wound in his back to one side, it had soaked through his clothing and cloak, and he held an arm against his side as best he could. He looked grimly ahead, face ashen and twisted in pain, but pace strong as he led Jing away from the cavern.

Jing looked at Bast, worry growing. “Your losing a lot of blood…” She said before consentrating a bit to make Bast lighter. She hadn’t tried doing this since bakc in the desert… But. “Don’t complain and jsut hang on!” She said ebfore moving closeer to the kankiru and trying to pick him up. As long as he didn’t struggle she could do this!

Lei’s panic just rose as he held onto Dalit, hugging him and closing her eyes. “You said I should have wings…. And I need them to get out of here!” He muttered. After a minute something shimmered on his back, forming into large, silver scalled wings

Bast scowled, “I’m fine! Just keep running.” He said, moving slightly away from her as he ran on down the tunnel. Up ahead Silver and Rena had reached a staircase, and were quickly running up it.

Jing glared at him a little but nodded “Fine, but if you start slowing down I am carrying you! No arguments allowed!!” She promised, looking back up ahead towards the stairs.

Lei looked back at his back, eyes widening in shock. “Wings…” He muttered before nodding a little. He could question why that happened later. “We are getting out of here Dalit!” He said before taking to the air and flying up towards the exit quickly.

The cave was already collapsing in earnest, and Leiw as forced to swerve and move quickly to avoid the big chuncks of ceiling that was falling around him. The cave would not hold much longer.

Bast smiled grimly, but just continued to run, making it to the stairs and beginning to climb.

Lei held Dalit close to him as he struggled to avoid the rocks, but he just continued on up to the cave to get out of this doomed place as fast as possible.

Jing followed right behind Bast, planning to keep to her threat. If Bast slowed down she WOULD carry him!

The stairs seemed endless, but finally the group came up out of the cave into a place that was outside the mountain, into a temple that was old as the city below it, but not as dilapidated. The ground here did not shake, and Silver and Rena were sitting by the wall of the room. Bast was breathing heavily, and he collapsed beside them.

Jing was breathing hard as well, falling to her knees beside Bast and trying to catch her breath. She didn’t waste much time to get behind Bast and look at his wounds though. Knowing it needed to be bandaged quickly.

Lei was able to make it up into the cave, starting to run down it as fast as he could, wings unconsiously folding agenst his back.

Bast let her, and SIlver helped, producing the bandages he’d cut already. Bast slowly undid his cloak and let his back be exposed, gritting his teeth in pain. The gash was large and his side, sash and pants were drenched in blood. Bast was pale but stoic.

Jing sighed quietly, helping bandage his back. She didn’t say anything though. This was all her fault…

Bast was silent as well, he closed his eyes against the pain. This had all been stupid! They had not gained anything, and lost Iris… and possibly Lei as well. Rena was crying quietly to the side, hugging her knees and face burried against it. Silver watched them all, then sighed, “Well… at least we got what we came for?” He said timidly.

Jing said nothing, hearing Rena cry made tears form in her own eyes and she looked over at Silver in silence. What was he talking about?

As the group sat there they could hear running from down in the cave they had come from, a minute later Lei coming into the safty of the cave and sighing, falling back agenst the wall. “G…Glad… I…I caught up…”

Bast looked up at Silver sharply, anger flashing in his eyes. “What do…” He looked to Lei and sighed in relief. “Glad to see you made it.” He said grimly, then his eyes strayed to the small figure in his arms. Was… that…??”

Jing looked at Lei then the creature he had in his arms, blinking in suprise.

Lei nodded a little and smiled, looking down at Dalit “We both did… Dalit? We are safe now…” He said quietly, sitting down and moving a little to let the dragon lay on his lap.

Bast was amazed at the sight of the tiny dragon. Dalit was still unconscious, and his head was red with blood from the gash in his forehead. “A silver dragon…” Bast breathed, “I thought they had all left…” He glanced at Jing.

Jing was in shock as well, looking at Lei “Where did you…?” “When I ended up down there… The black dragon had him chained up. She said if I worked in the mines without causing problems she wouldn’t kill him. So thats what I did.” Lei explained, looking at Dalit sadly. “His egg was one of the many being made into Draconians… but he hatched before that happened.” Jing listened in shock. “Thats weird… Maybe he hatched after… After Leria and the others were called away.” She suggested quietly.

“Maybe…” Bast admitted, still surprised to see Lei and the dragon. He leaned back against the cool stone wall of the room they were in, tired. “Lei, better clean up and bandage the kid’s wound, that’s a pretty nasty hit he took.” He glanced at Dalit’s head wound.

Lei nodded in agreement with Bast, Any chance any of you have a little water…?” He asked as he tore a little bit of the sleave of his shirt off. “All my stuff is kinda gone…”

Jing watched them in silence before going over to Rena, looking at the little girl sadly, moving in to hug her.

Bast nodded, grabing his water from where it hung at his waist and passing it to Lei. He watched Jing, as Rena trembled, then moved to hug Jing, crying more openly, sobbing in distress.

Lei thanked Bast quietly, hiving a tiny sip and putting just a little on the cloth. He then passed it back to Bast and got to work gentally cleaning Dalits head. “I was starting to wonder how we would get out of there… Thank you guys.” He said, looking up at the group for a second and smiling in thanks before looking at the crying little girl sadly.

Jing hugged Rena back, tail curling around her as well, the rakune starting to cry too.

Bast watched the two, sighing. “I’m afraid we paid a rather high price for our excursion…” He said quietly. Silver sighed, “This is what we were sent to find.” He said, taking out a group of thin platinum disks united by a chain. “Iris pointed them out to me when we were in the dragon’s lair, and I grabbed them in the confusion.”

Lei looked at the disks confused, not understanding what was so important about them. He then looked back down at Dalit, finishing cleaning and bandaging his head up.

“Its my fault…..” Jing said quietly, still hugging Rena. “I…Its all my fault…”

Bast sighed, looking at the disks in disappointment. “How is that supposed to help us!” He demanded, shaking his head as he looked to jing, “It’s not your fault Jing…”

Jing just shook her head a little, it was her fault. She had been the one to insist going down that new tunnel! Even after they saw the draconians… Bast had been right… it had been to dangerous. And then when she went to do the distraction like she had been trusted to do… she got taken out quickly and used by the black dragon like that. It was all her fault… it was her fault Iris was dead!

Lei looked at the disks again before Jing sadly. He didn’t know what he could say to help and just moved a little agenst the wall, twitching and looking back at his wings. It was really weird seeing them still.

Silver was the first to notice the wings. “Hey! Since when do you have wings?” He asked curiously. He seemed the least affected of the group for Iris’s death.

“Um….” Lei muttered, looking back at Silver “Since about ten minutes ago… Its how I got out of that collapsing city.” He admitted.

“Oh… how fascinating! I wish I had wings too.” He said. Bast scowled, how could he talk so easily about that when… Silver noticed Bast’s look, and got to his feet. “I’ll… uhm… go explore this place out while you guys rest.” He offered, and not waiting for a reply, scurried off and out of the room.

Lei watched Silver leave, confused about the way he was acting. He then just sighed, looking back down at Dalit, putting a gental hand on the dragon’s back.

Dalit stirred, but did not wake, sleeping more peacefully now in Lei’s arms. Bast sighed, turning back to see Jing and Rena, feeling sorry for the two. Rena had been very attached to Iris…

Jing was still crying, shaking her head once in a while as she hugged Rena, still blaming herself over and over again in her mind.

Silver’s sudden cry came from another room, and Bast frowned, “What now…” He moaned, trying to get to his feet, grabbing his sword to go defend.

Lei moved as well, picking up Dalit gentally “I’ll go look…Take care of Dalit.” He insisted. “Your hurt to just please sit back down and take him.”

Bast frowned, but sighed, nodding as he took the silver dragon, sitting back against the wall. “Guys come quick!” Came Silver’s excited voice.

Lei smiled a little at Bast before heading off quickly, following Silver’s voice.

Jing’s ear twitched as she heard Silver but didn’t move besides that. She wasn’t sure if she could.

When Lei left the room he entered a chapel-like hall, a large beautiful statue at one end. Silver crouched beside a figure at it’s base.

Lei looked at the statue in awe before going over to Silver to look at what he was. “Whats the matter Silver?”

The figure stirred, and Silver helped her sit up. It was Iris, who looked unhurt, dressed in fresh white robes, a silver and blue medallion in the shape of two teardrops joined by their tips hanging at her neck. Silver beamed to Lei, “It’s Iris!”

Lei looked at her in shock, moving over to the other side of Iris in shock. “How is that possible…?”

Iris opened her eyes finally, sitting up and looking at them, then smiling. “Hey…” She said softly. The staff lay at her side, and she grabbed it, “Where are the others?”

Lei looked back in the direction they had come. “Not to far… Do you need help getting over?” HE asked, still shocked to see her… Hadn’t the others said she was gone?

Iris smiled, “I’m fine.” She stood, and Silver jumped to his feet. “You’re safe! I bet the others will be glad to see you, I thought we’d never see you again!” Iris smiled faintly, “I thought so too.” She admitted.

“So… What exactly happened…?” Lei asked confused as he heard back to the others, looking back at Iris.

“I’ll explain with the rest.” She said, walking with the two, Silver clasping her arm in excitement, and probably to make sure she was really there.

Lei nodded, leading the two back to the others, smiling a little towards the two crying girls “Guess who Silver found.”

Iris walked into the room to see Bast staring at her in shock, eyes open wide and mouth slightly agape. Silver giggled happily.

Jing turned from where she had been hugging Rena to look at Iris, frozen in shock. There was no way… Was that…?

Lei grinned at their reactions but went over to take Dalit from Bast, that way he could go over to Iris.

Bast let Lei take Dalit as he stood slowly. “But… how?? I… we saw you disappear…” Rena looked up, tear-streaked face confused as she saw Iris. “I…Irisva?” She choked, suddenly letting go of Jing, she ran towards the wocky, flinging herself into the cleric’s arms. Iris smiled, picking Rena up in a hug. “Yes it’s me, Rena, I’m fine.” She said soothingly.

Lei sat down away from the others with Dalit, petting the dragon a little as he watched the reunion.

Jing slowly stood but didn’t move forward or say anything. Was this really her… she hadn’t died?

Finally Bast recovered his voice. “How??” He asked in a slightly strangled voice. Iris had come over to them, and looked in concern at Bast’s pallid face and blood-soaked clothes. “You’re hurt!” She cried, letting Rena down.

The girl didn’t move from her side though, clinging to her robes. Iris walked over to Bast, placing a gentle hand on Bast’s arm. “I’m sorry you were hurt…” She said quietly, closing her eyes. She began to murmur a prayer, instead of using her staff, and Bast felt his pain lift, the wound closing.

Jing was finally starting to regain the ability to move, slowly going over to Iris and looking up at her, still at a loss for words.

Bast sighed slightly and smiled as he felt the pain recede. “Thanks Iris…” He said, “I’m glad you’re back, but mind explaining?” He asked. She smiled and nodded, then invited them to sit down. “We’ll be safe in this temple.” She said, “We can rest tonight. This is a temple to the goddes Merial. And now I am officially her cleric.”

Jing sat down again, still suprisingly silent.

Lei blinked cnfused as he heard Iris “Who is Merial?”

As they were all seated, Iris began to explain. She told the group how she had heard Merial’s voice in the dragon’s lair, and how she had trusted the goddess with the task give, and how she’d been taken to her side once she had defeated the dragon. “She taught me more of the gods and herself, and I became a cleric.” She said, “My prayers can heal, I have magic now, magic given to me by Merial for my faith.” She put a hand over the medallion at her neck and smiled. She turned to Silver, “You recovered the disks?” She asked.

Lei listened quietly, surprised with all of this. Ever since meeting the group he had seem more and more things he really didn’t understand. He looked down at Dalit quietly, eyes going to the little dragon’s wounds. He would ask Iris if she could heal him once they were done talking.

Silver nodded, taking the disks and handing them to her. “What are they for? Why are they so important?” He asked, as Iris looked at them. She smiled, “Contained on these disks is all the information lost ages ago, about the real gods, and the old ways. Also about the dragons. Both evil and good.” She glanced at Lei and the small dragon with a smile.

Lei blinked in suprise as he heard that. “About the dragons?” He asked, looking at the disks for a second before back down to Dalit. “Um… Iris? Can you please heal Dalit?”

Iris blinked and saw the bandage around the dragon’s head, nodding she moved to Lei’s side, placing a gentle hand on Dalit’s head. Closing her eyes, she prayed once more to Merial, and Dalit’s wound was healed. Slowly, the small dragon stirred, eyes opening as he looked around in confusion.

Lei smiled in relif as he saw Iris heal the little dragon and he looked down at him. “How are you feeling Dalit?”

Iris smiled as she looked at Lei, then at the others, “Is anyone else hurt?” She asked.

Lei looked around the group, he hadn’t seen anyone else in pain… He just looked back at Dalit though and smiling “We are out of those mines.”

Jing, who still hadn’t said a word in ages just shook her head a little when she heard Iris. Her head was actually hurting more then before, from the hit she took to the back of it before. But she wasn’t going to mention it.

Iris sighed, “That’s good…” She said, moving to sit back. “We should all rest, and decide where we’re going from here…” Bast nodded, looking to Lei, “What mines are you talking about?” He asked, as Dalit looked happier, though glanced at the others suspiciously.

Lei looked over at Bast “The mines that were down in the caves. The valley was attacked and a lot of people captured and forced to work there as slaves.” He explained, sighing quietly. He then smiled at Dalit “Its alright, these are friends. They killed the black dragon. And they are also the ones who know Kinu. Remeber I told you about her.”

Dalit perked up, looking at the others, ‘Kinu? Where is Kinu? I wanna meet her!’ He said. The others winced, and Bast glanced at Jing.

Jing winced as she heard Dalit, hands going into tight fists and she jsut looked down at the ground. “S….S…She isn’t… here….” She said quietly, voice breaking as she finally spoke.

Lei sighed a little, looking at Dalit “She went away for a while… She will be back soon though and you can meet her I’m sure…”

Bast looked saddened at Jing’s reaction and he moved over beside her, putting an arm around her shoulder. “Lei’s right, she’ll be back soon, with Leria. You have to trust them, right?” He smiled at her.

Dalit blinked, he hadn’t meant to make her sad… ‘I’m sorry…’

Jing nodded slowly but didn’t look up at Bast.

Lei shook his head, putting a hand on Dalit’s head. “Its alright Dalit. You didn’t know…”

Bast smirked faintly, “Come on, Kid, lighten up.”

Jing twitched a little as she heard Bast but didn’t say andthing towards him.

Bast sighed at her lack of response. “I think we’re all very tired, how bout we get some sleep?” He suggested finally.

Jing was silent as ever but Lei nodded as he heard Bast “I think thats a good idea for all of us.”

The otehrs nodded, Rena already fast asleep on Iris’s lap, relief at seeing Iris again having released the tension from the girl who had fallen into exhausted sleep. Bast smiled slightly as he watched her. “I think I envy her right now, she can more easily dispell her fears and sleep.” He said quietly, “But I don’t like the idea of her continuing along with us… she’s been placed in a lot of danger lately.”

Lei looked over to the little girl, he did agree with Bast. “Why did you let such a small kid go with you guys… Seems like you get into danger a lot…”

Bast sighed, “We didn’t really seem to have much choice…” He looked at Iris. She nodded, “We tried leaving her in Shenkuu but the place we thought was a good orphanage turned out to be a slave training place.” She explained to Lei, “Since then, well, we haven’t really found a good place to leave her. I thought of Happy Valley too, but… now I see she would have been in danger there too.” Bast scowled, “I wonder if there’s anywhere safe in the world now that tose draconian armies are on the move.”

Lei nodded slowly as he heard Iris “Ya… The whole valley had been destroyed from what that dragon said…” He muttered sadly. “The people there… didn’t deserve being made into slaves…”

Iris frowned sadly, “We’ll… find a way to rescue them… unless… they died with the destruction of the city…”

“There was no one left in the cells or mines…” Lei explained before sighing “Maybe they were moved somewhere else… Besides, if they had been there they wouldn’t have accepted my help with trying to get them out.” The draik added.

Bast blinked, “Why not?” He asked.

“Because everyone from this mountian is scared and or hates me.” Lei explained, closing his eyes.

Dalit looked up at Lei at this, ‘Why would they hate you, or be scared of you?’ He asked indignantly.

Lei looked down at Dalit, smiling sadly “Because I was different then all of them. And after fifty years of being in one town and barely aging at all they were scared of ‘The Freak Lei’ and they ran me out of town. Then went and told all other towns and citys about me so I wouldn’t be welcomed there either.”

Bast frowned, “Longevity? Do you know why you live for so long?” He asked.

“Until fur days ago I didn’t…” Lei muttered, looking down at Dalit for a second. “That black dragon was the one who realized it…. I have Silver Dragon blood in me.”

Iris and Bast looked shocked at this “You… have dragon blood??” Bast asked incredulously.

Lei nodded, looking back up at Bast. “Yep.” He said simply.

Bast blinked, “How… is…” He lapsed into silence. “Of course… if they can shape-shift, mating with other species is possible… and Dragons live for eons as far as Leria told me, a full-blooded dragon can live thousands of years.”

“You know more about dragons then I do. So I guess thats how it could have happened. I just really don’t know myself.” Lei explained, looking back down at Dalit and putting a hand on his back.

Dalit watched them, but was growing sleepy himself. Bast chuckled, “And now you’vebecome mother to a Silver Dragon yourself.”

Lei chuckled quietly, smiling at Dalit “Yep… But I don’t really mind that. I enjoy taking care of Dalit.”

Bast yawned, “Does this mean you’ll be coming with us? How DID you end up down here?”

Lei nodded a little before sighing “After the three hours it took to get out of that cave I was heading home and noticed smoke. When I got closer there were…a LOT of draconians in and around it… Looked like they were just starting to burn it down. When I was moving back I was spotted. When I tried to run I um… took more then a couple arrows to the back. They were poisoned and I blacked out. Next thing I remember is being tied up and muzzled in a cell.”

Bast winced, “Wow… sorry bout that. Guess these things really are overrunning everything.”

“Seems like it… And its not your fault or anything so no reason to say sorry. But ya… What is left of my house is probably just ashes by now. I don’t really have a home to go back to… So… Do you mind if I came with your group?” Lei asked, looking at Bast and Iris.

Bast smiled, “I’d be glad to have you along.” Iris nodded in agreement. “I told you before.” She said, “I really did want you with us.”

Lei smiled at them both. “Thank you.” He said before looking down at Dalit. The group seemed to know a lot about dragons, so atleast they could help him with any questions he might have about caring for the little dragon.

Iris moved slightly, adjusting the sleeping Rena. “I think we need to sleep as well.” She said, glancing at the other sleeping members of their small group.

Jing had moved back away from the others some time in the conversation, back agenst a far wall and obviously had wanted to distance herself from the others. She was curled up a little, tail wrapped around her as well.

Lei nodded in agreement, yawning “I think your right there…” He said, moving just a little to get more comfy. He had no problem sleeping while sitting up and his arms went gentally around Dalit.

Iris lay beside Rena, and Bast nodded as well, glancing about at the group. He missed Kinu and Leria, though was glad they were all okay. Smiling faintly, he too lay down, using his hat as a pillow, he promptly fell asleep.

It didn’t take long for Lei to fall asleep as well, relaxing more then he had in days, arms still around the little dragon that was asleep in his lap.

The next day, Lei was working in the mines when four draconians came up to him. “Come with us.” They instructed, “Her Dark magesty wishes to see you.”

Lei turned to look at the draconians confused and nervous. That black dragon wanted to see him?! What for he had kept to the agreement! “Fine…” He muttered, not planning to cause a fight.

The draconians nodded, prodding him along out of the mines and back into the temple. FInally he was taken to a smaller room off the main Dragon Lair, where a tall slender black draik waited. The guards left him there, and closed the door as they exited with bows. The draikess was quite beautiful, with long black hair and piercing yellow-green eyes, that Lei could easily recognize from his meeting with her in dragon form. She wore a long ebony dress studded with small diamonds that glittered as she moved. “Sit down.” She waved a hand to a couch to one side as she stood.

Lei blinked in suprise as he saw her, she might have looked different but for him the eyes were a dead give away it was the same person as before. He didn’t move for a minute before nodding slowing and going over to the couch, sitting down. Why the heck had he been brought here again?!

Onyx moved over to a table, pouring herself a glass of red wine, then turned to gaze at the silver draik. “I heard you had made friends with the little dragon… he speaks to you now, doesn’t he?” She said.

Lei watched her nervously before nodding just a little. “Yes he can….. Why does that matter?”

“My guards heard you talking the other day… that little one is not the first you’ve met, is he?” She smiled.

Lei blinked in suprise as he heard that, oh shit the guards had heard him? “T…Those guards must have… misunderstood.” He muttered quietly, not wanting to talk about Kinu and risk the little girl getting hurt by this monster.

She laughed, “You’re a horrible lier, Lei.” She said, sipping her wine. “Tell me, what of this other silver dragon do you know? Where is she?”

Lei bit his lip a little, watching her, still obviously nervous. “Not much to tell… I saw her one night. I didn’t even know she was a dragon, she just looked like an odd draik to me. I…I only realized she was a dragon after I saw Dalit and realized he looked like her.”

“Where is she now?” She asked again, “Surely you know where she was headed, and who she was with? Who else traveled with her?”

Lei was silent for a second, trying to deside what to say. “The group had come to the mountians to do something… But they kept quiet about it and I didn’t ask. There were a couple others with her… a xweetok, a weird mouse looking creature, a old ixi and a rakune…” He explained, making sure to mention Leria and Grisfam, just because those two wern’t with the group right now.

Onyx frowned, “Where were tehy headed, and who else was in that group?” She prodded.

“I don’t know where they were headed.” Lei repeated. “They stayed at my house for the night then left in the morning to continue up. And I told you who was in the group.”

Onyx scowled angrily, this was no sue to her! How would she find that silver dragon with so little information? As she was about to asks omething else, she was interrupted by a knock on the door. “What is it?” She snarled. The door opened and a guard came in, bowing. “I’m sorry to interrupt Milady, but we’ve been informed that a group is going to try and steal from your treasure.” He said.

Lei’s tail twitched a little as he heard that, a group coming here…? Was it them? But why were they coming here?! Did that path lead here?

Onyx caught the movement, glancing at Lei, then back at the guard. “What do you know of this group?” She asked. “I believe it is a small group, the ones that escaped us yesterday at the lift, a Kankiru, a Rakune, a small rodent, a wocky dressed in white robes and a small child acara.”

Lei was silent as he listened, but his heart started to pound hard as he listened. This was not good… his lie had been caught and was worried about what might happen now.

The dragon female frowned, “No silver dragon?” She asked, glancing at Lei with interest.

Lei was still quiet, not looking at Onyx. He knew Kinu wasn’t in the group right now, neither was Grisfam or Leria.

“No Milady, not that we were told.” Onyx sighed in exhasperation, “Well, perhaps the dragon has already learned to shapeshift, she could be the acara girl…” She turned back to the guard, “How do these pitiful creatures intend on gaining access to my treasure?” She asked. The guard told her, the whole plan Bast had laid out to Jing and the others.

Lei went a little pale as he listened to the plan. No… This was not good! Onyx knew about the whole plan they had made… they would all be in danger. Not onlt that… but she thought Rena might be Kinu.

Onyx nodded, “Have someone waiting to pick the rakune when she reaches the main square. Be sure to be quick and sudden, I don’t want any mistakes.  will wait for the others in my lair.” She turned to the pale draik and smiled. “Are these your friends after all?” She asked.

Lei looked at Onyx, shaking his head. “They arn’t my friends… I havn’t known them long enough…” He muttered, knowing it was best not to lie more. He didn’t like the sounds of this more and more… and there was nothing he could do!

She laughed, “But it is the group you spoke of then.” She grinned faintly, “As they are not your friends, you will not mind if I kill them all.” She smirked. “Thoug perhaps I’ll have some fun with the little acara girl.”

Lei twitched as he heard that “No! They don’t deserve to die! And don’t hurt Rena! She is just a little girl!”

“Of course they do… petty thieves who would attempt to rob me of my treasures?” She smirked, “As for the girl… we shall see.” She moved one hand and black tendrils shot out from the couch, strapping Lei in place. “I think you should just wait here.”

Lei’s eyes widened in shock as he saw the straps, struggling agenst them in panic. “H…Hey! Let me go!” He yelled. “Don’t kill them! They don’t deserve to die! And Rena… Y…Your wrong about what you said! She isn’t the dragon!” He said quickly, worried that Onyx would kill the little girl and had to think of a way to somehow save her.

The dragon sneered, “Really now?” She smirked, “You’d better behave or your own friend will not live to see another day.” She said darkly.

Lei paled at the threat, the draik growing still as he stopped struggling. “No… Please don’t hurt Dalit. I…I’ve kept my end of the deal!”

Onyx smiled, “Of course, I was just reminding you.” She waved as she went to the other door of the room, that led into her lair, closing the door behind her.

Lei watched Onyx, sighing quietly as she left. This just kept going from bad to worse, then even worse! He looked at the binds that kept him strapped to the couch before closing his eyes. He couldn’t even go warn the others of the trap.

“Move on.” Bast said, checking the corridor before nodding to the others, and they continued to walk towards the sounds of machinery.

Jing was quiet as they walked towards the noise, confused as to what this lift was for.

The reached a room that was full of small mutant mitchis, hovering around an opening in the ground where a chain was suspended, that went overhead to a mechanism. The chain was rising, and when Silver peeked over the side he eeped. “Draconians coming up!” He said to the others, “QUick hide!”

Jing jumped in suprise as she heard Silver, backing up quickly and looking around for a place to hide with the others.

The mechanism itself provided the best cover, and the companions hid quickly. The mitchis paid them no heed, besides glancing at them curiously.

Jing was silent as she waited in worry, hoping they wouldn’t be spotted but confused as to why the mitchi’s hadn’t tried to stop them.

The large cauldron finally came into view, the draconians getting out and without even looking at the mitchis, went on their way down the path. As the last disappeared, Silver spoke. “Now! We gotta get in that pot!” He said, as the mitchis began crowding in. Bast was quick to sprint forward, pushing them aside, “We go first.” He told them, to socwls of the creatures.

Jing followed behind Bast quickly, letting the larger pet push the mitchis aside and hoping they they could get down without many problems.

The mitchis didn’t like this, and began complaining. Bast scowled, trying to make them shut up as Iris got into the pot, followed by Rena and Silver.

Jing looked at them worried, not liking this at all “Bast… What if we let some of them in too…?” She asked, moving to try and get him into the pot with the others. “We have to hurry!”

“We will need them too, we’re not enough to provide enough weight for it to go down.” Silver explained, as Bast got in and the mitchis began clambering in beside them.

Jing hated how crowded it was but just kept quiet and close to the others. “Where does this go Silver?” She asked quietly.

“Down into the city.” He explained. “It’s the only way down, or so the Mitchi told me.” He looked to them, and they shrugged.

Jing nodded slowly “I see… That will make getting out again harder… But we need to remember where it is.” She said, half to herself.

Bast nodded, as the caudron began to move downward again when the weight was enough, and it swung slightly as it left te room they had been in, soon exiting into a larger space.

Jing moved a little, looking over the side of the caudron, though just barely able to as she tried to see what all was around with where they were going.

She could see a large cavern the size of a city, and that’s what it seemed to once have been. The city was now divided into two levels, one higher than the other, as if during it’s destruction part had fallen more than the other. Most buildings were rubble, or tilted to one side, and rubble littered the streets. A river ran along the middle, falling in a waterfall to the lower level and forming a moat around the central town square, an open area right in front of one of the only buildings that seemed intact, that might once have been a temple. In the city closest to the lift were more repaired buildings, and the streets were overrun by… draconians.

Jing didn’t like the looks of this at all, looking over at Bast. “Where are we going to go when out of this?”

“Not sure…” He said, having seen something more pressing. As their caudron moved down, the other was moving up, and it was filled with draconians, that had spotted the two peering over the edge. “Shit…”

Jing was confused as she heard Bast, turning to look over towards what he had commented on, face going pale as she saw the draconians.

“We have to go back up!” He said, looking up at the opening and then down at the other cauldron, drawing ever nearer.

Jing nodded a little “Alright then we will.” She said quietly, closing her eyes before consentrating to make the cauldron with the draconians just a little bit heavyer, hoping it would make them go back down.

Bast smirked as the caudrons stopped, and the draconian filled one began to descend, the draconians angrily yelling in irritation. “Great work Jing, keep it up till we reach the top!”

Jing smiled a little, keeping her eyes closed and consentrating. “I will Bast… Just tell me when we are back to the top.”

Bast nodded, watching the ones below and then looking up. “Almost there.” He said, ignoring the mitchis who were babbling around them, others peering down from the hole in the mechanism room.

Jing nodded as she heard Bast. She was glad this was working and her magic was actually being useful for this.

Soon enough they were back in the mechanism room, and bast jumped out of the cauldron, elping the others out. “We’ll have to find another way down.” He said, as Silver jumped out of the cauldron. One of the mitchis blinked, “Other way?” It said, “I know other way.”

Jing jumped out with Bast, sighing in relif they it had worked and she looked over at the one mitchi. “Can you show us the other way?”

The mitchi looked doubtful. Silver beamed at him, “You must be really clever.” He said. THis made the mitchi beam, “You just not know. Me clever, me smart.” Said the mitchi. “So can you show us?” Asked the Jerboa.

Jing was silent now, just letting Silver do the talking since he seemed to be better in convincing the mitchi.

The mitchi finally nodded, “Me show.” He said, and trotted off to a smaller corridor hidden to one side of the room. Silver looked to the rest, “Let’s go!” He said, walking after the mitchi. The other mitchi had piled into the cauldron, which was lowering once more. Bast watched this and groaned, “We’d better be far from here before that other cauldron makes the top.” He said.

Jing nodded in agreement with Bast as she followed behind Silver and the mitchi quickly. “I hope so or we could be in a lot of trouble.”

The mitchi led them into a smaller room, and a hole in the side. He climbed into this, and looked back, “This way down.” He siad, then disappeared. The others came to the hole, and bast scrunched his nose. The hole led into a tube slicked smooth with slimy moss, and wasn’t very bit. The others would fit fine, but it’d be a tight fit for him.

Jing looked down at Bast, “Want to go first?” She asked, noticing the size and not wanting to leave him behind if for some reason he couldn’t fit.

Bast hesitated, “No, I’ll go last.” He said, “Go on first!” He said, urging first Silver in, then Iris and Rena.

Jing waited until everyone besides Bast and herself had gone down before going herself, going as fast as possible, looking up to make sure the Kankiru was following.

Sounds of running and shouts could be heard from the mechanism room, and Bast cursed, putting his sword away he moved to the hole, wriggling in, “Hurry!” He called to the others, sliding forward, the slime smoothing the way.

Jing went as fast as possible, heart pounding in her chest. “What are we going to do if they follow the tunnel?” She asked up at Bast worried.

Bast laughed, “I doubt they’ll fit with those big wings of theirs.” He said, “And the armor they wear.” He hoped though that they hadn’t seen them disappearing down the tunnel. If the draconians thought they were up there, they’d be safe down in the city.

“Hope so…” Jing sand, looking down to see how much father they had to go.

It was impossible to tell how far they had to go, the tunnel was pith black.

Jing just continued down in silence after that, hoping they wouldn’t be stuck in here for to long.

About five minutes of descending there was the sound of voices up ahead. “Back up!.” “No you go back, we go up.” “We go down, see High Bulf.” Said their guide. “We go up, bring cauldron down.”

Jing was confused by the voices, finally finishing the climb as she looked around for the sourse. “Whats wrong?”

“Go down!” Insisted their guide, and finally with some mutters, they started moving, and continued on their way down.

Jing was still confused by this, continuing down in silence.

Finally there was a light at the end of the tunnel (Lawl) and one by one they popped out into a slanted room, falling a few feet to the ground. Rena eeped as she fell, then finally it was Jing’s turn, Bast coming up behind her, sliding on the slippery tube.

Jin looked down, making sure no one was in the way before she jumped down as well, sighing quietly and backing up to give Bast room.

Bast slipped out of the tube and fell to the floor with a grunt, covered in slimy green moss, and looking quite unhappy. “Well, we made it!” Silver said happily, seeming the only one (besides the already dirty Mitchis) to not mind being covered in the muck of the tunnel.

Jing sighed quietly, moving over to Bast to help get atleast a little of the gross moss off him since he was the one covered most in it.

Bast growled, but let Jing help him. “So now what?” He said, “We’re in the city, and it’s overrun by draconians, how will we find what we came for?”

Jing sighed quietly, unsure herself “Um…” She muttered, looking at the mitchi “What are the most important places in this city? What places does no one go to?”

“Big temple, dragon lair.” The mitchi replied at once, “Lots treasure, but none go or be eaten.” He nodded. Bast grimaced, “Another Evil Dragon!?”

Jing paled as she heard that “There is a chromatic here?! What collor?” She asked in panic.

“Black.” The mitchi nodded. “You want dragon?”

Jing was shocked as she heard that “Black… Thats one I’ve never seen…” She muttered before closing her eyes, trying to remember what Leria had told her about them. “Those ones can be big… not as big as reds…. bad tempers and acid breath attack.”

“Acid??” Bast groaned, “You really think we need to go to that dragon’s lair to find what we’re looking for?” He said in a wail of despair. Iris nodded, “Yes, I’ve got a feeling we’ll find our answer there.”

Jing nodded in agreement with Iris. “We were sent here for a reason… I think what we came for is in there too.”

Bast sighed, “How do we get in there?” He asked resignedly. Their guide waved a hand, “Go High Bulf, he know.”

Jing blinked a couple times confused “High Bluf?”

The mitchi nodded, “He know many things!”

“Where is he?” She asked, sighing quietly, still shocked there was a black dragon here.

“I show, you come.” The mitchi said simply, leading the companions out of the building. They were in the dirtiest, most destroyed par of the town, and there seemed to be no guards in this area. Still, Bast kept a hand on his sword, as did Silver, keeping the girls between them as they followed the mitchi.

Jing looked around nervously, ears up as high as they could to hear any possible noise as she followed.

They only encountered other mitchis as they went deeper into the destroyed parts of the city, and finally came to a dark alley of what was probably the dirtiest part of the destroyed city. “In THERE?” Bast said in shock.

Jing looked around, tail twitching a little. “Is this really the place? Do you think this High Bulf can help us?”

The mitchi nodded, “High Bulf here. He help, he know way to dragon. Secret way.” Bast groaned, “I suppose we’ll have to see what he can do for us.”

Jing nodded “Its our best chance Bast…” She said before looking at the mitchi and smiling. “Thank you very much.”

The itchi nodded, and led the group into the alley, and to a door. He stopped, and knocked twice. Someone on the other side knocked back twice. He smiled and nodded, waitng.

Nothing happened.

He frowned, knocking twice again. There was a reply of two knocks, and once more he waited.

Jing blinked confused, looking at the door before the mitchi “Whats going on?”

THe mitchi sighed in exhasperation, “I knock secret code, you open!” He shouted. The door opened a crack. “You no knock secret code, secret code four knocks, you knock three.” Came the reply from within. “I knock four, you open!” “No, you knock three!” Bast rolled his eyes at this.

Jing sighed quietly as she listened to the argument, hopeing it wouldn’t last long and they would be able to get in.

The mitchi scowled, “Okay, I knock four times, you let in.” “Fine.” The door closed again, and the mitchi knocked twice. The other knocked twice in response. There was silence.

Jing was silent as she watched, looking at the mitchi “You only knocked twice…” She said quietly.

The mitchi glared at Jing, then knocked again louder, “YOU OPEN!” He cried, “I do secret code already!”

Jing twitched at the glare, confused greatly as she looked over at Bast.

Bast looked ready to bash in the door, but finally the door opened grudgingly. “You enter. But you only knock one time.” “I knock four!” The other said, pushing past and inside.

Jing sighed quietly but looked at the others before following the mitchi in.

Iris watched them, smiling warily. These mitchis were not very bright at all… Their guide led them to a grubby room, where sat the biggest, fattest mitchi they’d seen so far sitting on a high chair, obviously this was the High Bulf.

Jing looked at the huge mitchi in shock before looking at Bast. She suddenly felt unsure about this.

Bast didn’t seem very happy either, he didn’t see how these idiots would be of any help, but this was the only lead they had so far.  He moved forward to the Bulf, “We were told you know a secret way to the dragon’s lair.” He said, “Can you take us?”

The high Bulf looked pale at this, “T…take you?” He said in alarm. “I too important for that!”

Jing sighed quietly as she heard him, of course he would be scared of going anywhere near a dragon! “Can you show us the secret way to get in? You would be in no danger that way.”

“You go… kill dragon?” Asked the mitchi, eyeing the swords at the male’s sides.

Jing grew silent, looking at Bast and Silver for a second. She really didn’t think there was any chance they could kill a dragon on their own.

“Uh…” Bast shrank back slightly, “N…no, we just want to get… something from the lair, perhaps we could go in when the dragon’s not there…” The Bulf frowned again at this. “No, you not go then.” He snorted, just a bunch of thieves… if they took something from the Dragon and ran off, then HE and his people would have to stay and face Onyx’s wrath?

“Its something important. Something that could help us all.” Jing explained, looking at Bulf. “We arn’t strong enough as we are right now to beat a dragon… but we know others who are. If you help us… we could tell those others about this place. They could come later on and beat the dragon.” She explained. It was a kinda half lie. There was a chromatic dragon here… so sooner or later their group might end up back here when they were stronger, and had a fighting chance.

The Bulf didn’t seem very convinced, but he had an idea of his own. He smiled, “Well then I have map, I give you map and you go slay Dragon!” Bast frowned, “Er… whatever, sounds good to me.”

Jing looked at Bast before nodding a little. If they got a map that could work… even if they couldn’t kill the black dragon.

“You wait in waity waity hall.” He said importantly, “Me get map.” He waed them off and their guide nodded, turning to lead them off to another room.

Jing looked at the mitchi before following in out of the room.

The group was led to a room decorated in mouldy tapestries and decaying furniture, but they were so tired, that most of them sank to them greatfully. Bast paced the room, galncing at the others, “You guys think we can trust this High Bulf?” He asked dubiously.

Jing looked over at Bast and sighed quietly “I don’t know myself… But how else are we going to get into that temple?”

He frowned, “I guess you’re right…”

Jing nodded, sighing quietly and closing her eyes. “Atleast we have a place to rest for a little while…”

Bast nodded, sitting on the ground, tail flicking impatiently. “True enough…” He admitted, looking at the sleeping Rena. “We have to make a plan, we can’t just go into that temple, we’ll need to lure the black dragon out. And that means making a distraction.”

Jing nodded as she heard Bast “Your right…” She muttered, growing quiet for a minute before looking up at him “I can be the distraction.”

Bast blinked, “What!?”

Jing nodded once at Bast’s reaction, half expecting it. “I can make a distraction and lure the dragon  out while the rest of you go in.”

“How?” He said, doubting the safety of this, “How would you escape after making the distraction?”

“Make it so they can’t run after me. Bast no one else in our group has magic that can be used in a fight. Who else here could be a distraction?” Jing asked, crossing her arms.

Bast frowned, but knew she was right. He sighed, “Promise me you’ll get out of harms way?”

Jing nodded and smiled at him “I promise.”

“We’ll meet up at the lift, okay?” He said with a sigh.

“Ok Bast. Sounds good to me.” Jing told him, still smiling.

Bast nodded, “We’ll wait for the map and see how we’ll move from here, then get some rest.” He suggested, “Might as well be refreshed before trying this, we’ll only have one chance.”

“Your right Bast.” Jing said, yawning a little and rubbing her eyes. Him mentioning rest she had rememebered how tired she was.

Their guide returned finally with a rolled up piece of parchment which Bast quickly took and opened, setting it out on the ground. Silver moved over curiously to look at it as Bast’s face darkened. The map did not make any sense at all.

Jing moved over as well, looking at the map and sighing a little. She had been hoping for something a little more… understandable.

“This is of no use! I bet that Bulf doesn’t even remember this secret way.” Bast groaned. Silver examined the scribbled map, then glanced at their guide thoughtfully.

Jing looked over at the mitchi as well, “Can you help translate this? Or can’t you just show us the way?”

The mitchi squirmed slightly, “Me… know secret way.” He said finally, looking to Jing and nodding. “Me show?”

Jing smiled happly “Do you mind if we rest for a little while. Then you can show us the secret way?”

THe mitchi nodded, “I bring food?” He suggested.

Jing nodded, “If you can bring us food that would be appritiated.”

The mitchi nodded happily and trotted off. Bast looked dubious at this, “How will we plan anything withut a proper map though?” He asked, staring down at the useless scribble.

Jing was quiet for a minute, trying to think. “When we  were coming down on that lift I saw a weird temple. It was one of the places that seemed fixed up the most. Thats probably where we are going to. So we atleast know the direction of the lift from there…”

Bast grunted, but he was not satisfied. He barely knew where they were now in the city! Silver spoke up then, “Hey look here, guys!” He said, pointing to a tapestry. Bast got to his feet and walked over, blinking in surprise. While faded, the tapestry was a map of the city, albet before whatever had happened to sink it into the mountain’s bowels.

Jing followed behind Bast, looking at the tapestry in suprise. “Wow… Think you can figure out everything you need from this Bast…?”

Bast studied the map, “It’s old alright, but I think we might…” He looked over it, then pointed, making a line through one section of the map. “This is where that cliff is, and the water must be flowing down this main street, falling here and pooling in this square.” He motioned along as he spoke. “Guessing by what we saw when coming here, I think we’re around this part of the city.” He pointed elsewhere.

Jing nodded, just listening and watching Bast. He was really good at reading maps to get all that so quickly.”Alright then. Whats the plan?”

“You’ll head this way…” He pointed the way to one side of the plaza. “Here, and make a distraction.” He said, “Judging by distances… we’ll give you 500 seconds time before heading to the dragon’s lair.” He said, looking at Jing, “Sound good to you?

Jing watched and listened to Bast, nodding a little and looking at the path she would take a couple times to make sure she wouldn’t forget. “Alright Bast. I can do that.” She said with a nod.

“Good, once your distraction is ready, head to the lift, and find a place to hide. There’s plenty of buildings, and rubble so it shouldn’t be too hard… I hope.”

Jing smiled a little, looking at Bast. “I’ll be able to hide don’t worry.”

Bast nodded, “Okay then…” That was it, the most they could prepare for this crazy scheme. He just hoped it would work. Their guide returned with something smelling faintly lke food that had been left out for too long, and placed it down on the floor for them to eat. Bast wrinkled his nose at the smell. “THAT is food?”

Jing nosed twitched a little as she smell of the food hit her, looking at it in silence for a minute. “Better then nothing…?” She muttered, hoping they had some of their own food left.

Bast was already rummaging in his own bag, taking out some of the dried fruit he still had left. Iris did likewise for her and Rena, politely refusing the foul-smelling food. Silver was more curious, and moved over to the pot, experimentally trying the stew. He immediately hacked and spat it out, moving back away from it. “It tastes worse than it looks!” He cried.

Jing watched Silver, glad he had tried a little and given his report on it, going through her bag to get a little of her own food out. “How long should we wait before heading out?” She asked, looking at Bast.

Bast shrugged, “A few hours, get some sleep.” He said, sitting with his back to the wall and watched in disgust as their guide shrugged, and ate heartily of his own stew.

Jing nodded and after eating a little she put the rest back in her bag and moved a little to lay down and get some sleep.

Soon all but Bast were asleep, and he paced the room restlessly. He was tired, not having slept for almost three days now, but he did not want to lower his guard enough to sleep. He did not trust these mitchi completely, and just hoped they would actually make it out alive.

After another gruelling day working in the mines, Lei was led back with the others to the cells. The small silver dragon was curled up in a corner of Lei’s cell, sleeping restlessly.

Lei was more sore and tired then the day before as he was taken back to the cell. He walked over to the little dragon, going on his knees before placing a hand gentally on its sholder.

The small dragon woke with a startled squeak, shrinking back in terror before recognizing Lei, relaxing immediately. The draconian that stood by the door watched with a small smirk. “Will you behave if I take that muzzle off?” He asked.

Lei smiled a little at the dragon to comfort it before he turned to look at the draconian, nodding a little. Finally he would get this stupid thing off!

The draconian watched Lei, but finally nodded, moving towards Lei, he motioned for the draik to turn around, taking out the key to the lock at the back of the metal contraption.

Lei turned around in silence, waiting for the draconian to take off the muzzle.

It only took a moment before it came loose and the draconian took it off, moving back out of the cell.

Lei sighed in relif as it finally came off, opening his mouth and moving his jaw a little. “Much better.” He said with a nod before sitting down clsoe to the little dragon.

The draconian left one bowl of stew and closed the cell once more, moving off. The little dragon waited until the draik was gone to crawl up into Lei’s lap, smiling timidly up at him.

Lei smiled at the little dragon, using his tail to grab the bowl and bring it closer like last time. “Hey there little guy… How are you doing?” He asked, placing a gental hand on its back.

The dragon watched him in silence, tail wagging faintly.

Lei smiled a little, looking at the bowl of stew “Mind if we share tonights food?”

The dragon looked to the bowl, and nodded at once, realizing Lei was quite tired and had not eaten the day before.

Lei smiled, bringing up a spoonful towards the little dragon first, wanting to let it have the first bite. “Thank you very much.”

The dragon smiled, eating the offered food, taking it’s time this time.

For every bite the dragon was given Lei had one himself, and soon enough they were done the food. The draik looked down at the little dragon then and smiled “By the way, my name is Lei. Whats yours?”

The silver dragon blinked, tilting his head questioningly.

Lei blinked a couple times confused “Your name? Um… Right you can’t talk… Darn I wanted to know what it was…”

The dragon looked sad, looking down. He didn’t HAVE a name!

Lei thought for a minute, seeming unsure “Can you spell your name by any chance…?” He asked, not expecting it but desiding to ask.

The small dragon shook his head. He could barely speak, how could he write! He’d just been born a few days before…

Lei sighed and shook his head “Sorry… I just had to ask. But I don’t just want to keep calling you kid or anything like that…”

THe dragon looked at Lei with slightly pleading eyes, hoping he would give him a name of his own.

Lei thought for a minute, trying to think of something “Um… How about Dalit…?” He asked, looking down at the dragon to see if he liked it.

The small dragon’s face lit up immediately. ‘Dalit?’ The small boyish voice was in Lei’s head, but it was quite clear. ‘That’s a wonderful name!’

Lei blinked in shock as he heard the voice, looking around the cell for a minute before down at the dragon confused “Wait… Did you just… talk?!”

The dragon smiled and nodded. ‘Yes! I can talk to you now because you gave me a name!’

Lei blinked a couple times, obviously confused “Oh wow… And I’m guessing from your voice your a guy also?”

Dalit nodded, ‘Yeah, what, you think I was a giiirl?’ The dragon scrunched his nose.

Lei chuckled a little, shaking his head “No, I didn’t know if you were a girl or guy. I didn’t want to assume either way.”

‘Well now you know.’ Dalit huffed, ‘I’m glad you gave me a name though, it’s kinda scary… not having a name or anyone there… I… I didn’t want to die…’

Lei sighed quietly, hugging Dalit gentaly “Don’t worry… I won’t let you die alright…?”

Dalit nodded faintly, ‘But… will we have to stay here… forever?’

Lei shook his head slowly “No… I’ll try and find a way to get both of us out of here… Alright Dalit? Just keep strong.”

Dalit nodded, curling up in his lap. ‘I trust you Lei…’

Lei smiled at Dalit happly “Thank you.” He said, putting his hand lightly on the dragons head. “You know I am amazed… Until a couple days ago I didn’t know dragons existed…”

Dalit’s eyes flickered, then looked up at Lei. ‘Why not?’

“Because… there arn’t really that many dragons around. I had never met one… Well… Met one and knew they were a dragon.” Lei corrested, chuckling nervously. “I actually met another little silver dragon, though she was bigger then you. But I didn’t know she was a dragon.”

Dalit blinked in surprise, ‘Really!? So there’s other good dragons and you know them?’

Lei chuckled a little and nodded “Well… Just one.”

‘Well that means not all the eggs were… were…’ Dalit trailed off, suddenly shaking as he closed his eyes, horror sweeping over him.

Lei blinked confused, looking down at Delit “Were what?” He asked, worried how upset he suddenly was.

‘They… those draconians… they… they were made using my brother and sister’s eggs…’ The small dragon trembled, clutching onto Lei tightly. ‘They were gonna do the same with my egg when I was born.’

Lei looked at the small dragon in horror, hugging him. “I’m so sorry…”

Dalit sniffled, weeping as he trembled. ‘They killed them all…’

Lei just helt Dalit closely, trying to comfort the little dragon. “I’m so sorry Dalit… I won’t let you die alright? And I met one other dragon… and she only looked a little older then you. So there is hope that other eggs are still safe right?”

Dalit looked up at Lei hopefully, ‘You really think there’s still eggs out there that are safe?’ He asked, ‘But where are all the adult good dragons?’

Lei sighed sadly, shaking his head “I’m not sure… It might be better… when we get out of here if I can find the group that was with Kinu. They might know.”

Dalit nodded, snuggling closer to Lei. ‘I’m glad I at least have you.’ He said, ‘You’re part Silver Dragon, so you’re like family…’

Lei smiled at Dalit, hugging him gentally “I actually just learned of that a couple days ago too…”

Dalit smiled, ‘Really?’

Lei nodded, smiling down at Dalit “Ya… I always wondered why I was so different. My family kinda disowned me… because I looked nothing like my father and they didn’t think I was really blood family.”

‘That’s sad… what about your mother?’ Dalit asked.

Lei shook his head a little “I never knew her. My dad had left the mountians to travel… when he came back home to the valley he had me with him. I was only a few weeks old. He just told everyone that my mom was gone. My dad… died in an accident a year later so I never had a chance to ask him myself.”

‘Oh… I guess we’re both orphans then.’ Dalit looked rather sad at this.

Lei nodded “Ya I guess so… But thats not so bad. Atleast we each have a good friends now?” He asked, smiling at the dragon.
 
Dalit nodded, snuggling against Lei. ‘Yeah… that’s good.’ The small dragon winced slightly as he moved his mangled wings, then settled down.

Lei looked down at Dalits wings sadly “When I get you out of here. I will find a healer for you. Hopefully they can fix your wings.”

Dalit looked up hopefully, ‘You think… I’ll be able to fly some day?’

Lei smiled a nodded slowly “I really hope so Dalit. Anyone who has wings should be able to fly. I bet it feels amazing.”

Dalit blinked, ‘You should have wings too, you have Silver Dragon blood in your veins. All Dragons can fly.’

Lei chuckled nervously, shaking his head and looking at his wingless back. “No… I never had wings Dalit… I’ve always wanted to fly… I’ve envyed the birds since I was a child. But… I don’t have them myself.”

‘I bet you do, I bet they’re just hidden!’ THe small dragon said.

Lei chuckled again and put his hand on the dragons head. “If that was true I would love that.”

Dalit smiled, ‘Maybe some day you can have them appear then!’

“I hope so Dalit.” Lei said with a nod. “But then havn’t shown up in over 130 years… If they were going to wouldn’t they by now?”

Dalit blinked, ‘Maybe because you haven’t needed them yet?’ He offered.

“Maybe” Lei said before yawning a little and hugging Delit “BMaybe its time for us to get some sleep don’t you think?” He asked, very tired by now from the work he had done all day in the mines.

Dalit nodded, “Yeah, you need to rest…’ He sighed faintly, ‘I’m sorry you’re forced to work like this…’

Lei shook his head a little and hugged Dalit again, curling up around the dragon as he layed down. “Its alright Delit. I chose to do this and its not like you have been hurt from now.”

Dalit nodded, moving closer to Lei and closing his eye.

Lei curled up close to the small dragon, closing his eyes as well and quickly falling asleep, wishing he wouldn’t have to go back to work in those mines the next day.

The small group slept uneventfully through the night by the waterfall,a nd the next day they travelled on through the network of caves. They came to a shaft of stone that seemed to have been carved at the end of the day, and Bast suggested they hide further up and wait till they had rested to continue.

That ‘night’ Bast saw many groups of Draconians passing by the other tunnel, frowning.

Jing had gotten tired of all the walking through the caves, wishing they could just finally go back outside into actual sunlight but knew they couldn’t do that yet. She was sitting with the others now, eating some food and wondering how much farther they would hvae to go.

Bast scowled as he walked back to the others. “I don’t like this. He said gruffly. “There’s too many of those creatures going down that corridor, we should just go back up and leave!”

Jing looked over at Bast, fidgeting nervously “More Draconians you mean…” She muttered quietly, confused greatly. Why had she been told that they need to come this way of all of those things where here?!

He nodded. “What do we do?” He asked her, glancing at Silver, then Rena and Iris.

Jing was silent for a minute, biting her lip a little. “Palari… He told me we need to continue down the mountian.”

“And get caught and killed by those draconians?” Bast said angrily.

Jing winced a little as she heard Bast. “I’m just telling you what Palari told me!” She pointed out, hands in fists. “Said something about finding more answers.”

Bast sighed, “I know, but I frankly don’t see why we should believe in him.”

“Why not?” Jing asked curiously.

“He could be just a figment of your imagination.” Bast pointed out to Jing.

Jing twitched a little as she heard that, biting her lip a little before pulling out her medalian “A figment of my imagination couldn’t have changed this!”

Bast glanced at the medallion and frowned. “So you still think we need to go on?” He said quietly.

Jing bit her lip again, trying to thing. “What if… What if I go on ahead? See what else is down there? If we go in a group like this it can be more dangerous.” She suggested.

Bast quickly shook his head. “If you’re going, I’m going with you.” He said firmly. “And me!” Added Silver. Bast looked to Iris and Rena, starting to speak, but she shook her head, “You aren’t leaving me behind.” She said quietly, “And Rena will have to come with us too.”

Jing sighed as she heard that “We are in a tunnel! One maybe two can hide quickly if needed… but what happens if we run into trouble and need to hide?”

Bast sighed, “Then we fight. But I don’t think we’ll be able to just wait here.” He said, nodding faintly. “I have an idea though… Silver, since ou’re the smallest, I want you to go first, scout the tunnel and see if there’s places we can hide, then come back.” The jerboa nodded, “You can trust me! I’ll be right back!”

Jing nodded a little, watching Silver run off. She then sighed quietly, looking at Bast and seemed a little annoyed still. “Do you really see me as someone… who would imagine stuff up?” She asked, refuring to what he had said about Palari.

He shrugged, “I think you’ve been through a lot of pressure of late, and might think up something to help you cope with it all.” He said.

Jing’s tail twitched as she heard that before turning her head away from Bast and saying nothing else to him. She felt really insulted with him saying that. Yes there was a lot of pressure, but she wasn’t such a kid to let it effect her that badly!

Bast watched her and sighed, “Look… I… I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to sound so harsh, we’ve all been through a lot lately.”

“I know we have Bast.” Jing muttered, closing her eyes. She was just going to relax for now until Silver got back.

Bast looked to Iris, who shrugged slightly, and then he walked back to the tunnel entrance, hiding in the shadows to wait for Silver.

Jing kept quiet now, falling into a light sleep as they waited for Silver.

Silver came back ten minutes later to report to Bast in quiet tones, and the kankiru nodded, “Okay guys, get ready to move out.” He said as the two walked back to the females.

Jing’s ear twitched as she heard Bast, waking then standing. “Are there enough, and big enough places for us to hide in?”

Silver nodded, “There’s plenty of places to hide up ahead, and they won’t be coming around too often now that it’s night in the city.” He explained.

Jing nodded and smiled a little “Thats good to hear.”

So it was that the group set out into the larger tunnel, flitting down the passageway in silence and with no light of their own. They came to a place that had niches along either side. These were the hiding places the jerboa had mentioned. The atmosphere made them shiver though. “Crypts..” Bast whispered, after looking into one and seeing the stone coffin laid within.

Jing didn’t like this at all, tail curled around her. “How far did you go Silver?” She whispered to the Jerboa, hoping that he knew of a hiding place that wasn’t in the company of the dead.

“To the lift.” He said with a smile. Bast blinked, “Lift??”

Jing blinked confused as she heard that “What lift?” She asked quietly.

Silver began to explain but was cut off as they heard approaching running feet. Bast motioned to the others and they dashed into the nearest niche in the wall, hiding around and behind the coffin.

Jing moved quickly with the others, hiding behind the coffin and peeking out just a little to try and see who was running down the tunnel.

The patter of feet came closer, and soon a group of ten or so mutant mitchis, grimey and small, ran down the tunnel and past where they were hidden, disappearing down the other end.

Jing blinked a couple times, confused at the mutant pets as she moved back behind the coffin fully, looking at the others. “Why do you think they ran by so fast?” She whispered after the sound of running feet faded away.

Silver spoke up. “They’re the ones that make the lift mechanism work.” He said, “I think they’ve lived here for ages, and were enslaved by the draconians.”

Jing blinked a couple times, obviously confused. Wow… Didn’t take him lokg to come up with a theory huh? “I see… What should we do now?”

“Move on.” Bast said, checking the corridor before nodding to the others, and they continued to walk towards the sounds of machinery.

Jing was quiet as they walked towards the noise, confused as to what this lift was for.

Basics

• Name: Lei
• Nickname: Lei
• Species: Draik
• Sub-species: Silver Dragonkin
• Age: 132
• Alignment: Lawful Good
• Origin: Unknown
• Home/Current Location: Terror Mountain
• Personality: Polite, Reserved and Understanding
• Likes: Cold Places, Friends and Peace
• Dislikes: Fire, Spicy Food and Hot Places
• Weaknesses: Low tolorence for heat
• Strengths: Fighting experience
• Weapon: Crystal Sword
• Powers: Ice Breath, Muscle Numbing Breath
• Skills: Trained in many different kinds of martial arts. Good teacher.
• Marital Status: Single
• Job: Former teacher

Colors:

• Eyes: Sky Blue
• Hair: Black
• Skin/fur: Silver Blue
• Bones: White

After three hours of walking Lei finally made it to the exit of the cave and out into the snow of the mountian again. It was around noon by now and he nodded a little, looking up at the sky as he started the short walk back to his house. There was enough time still that he could probably get some repairs started, or atleast move that giant boulder out of the way!

He saw the smoke first, coming from the direction his house lay in.

Lei looked at the smoke in shock, quickly starting to run towards his house. “Not good…” He muttered, worried that maybe some of the villagers from places near by had desided to try and burn down his house… again.

As he got closer, he saw a large group of odd looking krawks in and out of his house, they had looted the place, and had begun setting fire to the building. All in all there were at least 50 of the creatures, all armed and wearing armor.

Lei froze as he saw the strange creatures, and the huge amount of them. “Oh no….” He muttered, shaking his head in disbelif. A couple angery villagers he could have dealt with… but all this?! “My house… Not good…” He said, backing up slowly. He didn’t want his home destroyed but he couldn’t fight all these… things!

A couple of the draconians spotted the movement and saw Lei. They gave a shout of alarm, and a group of ten or so dashed up towards the draik.

Lei backed up in shock, desiding this was one of the times it was better to run then full out fight. Bringing up one hand to his mouth he inhailed before blowing out a huge cloud of gas, cold enough to hopefully freeze the krawk creatures. He then turned quickly running away.

The group paused in alarm at the cloud, but plunged on, though they quickly stopped as the cold threatened to freeze them, and retreated, letting Lei escape.

Lei continued to run for a few minutes before slowing down and turning to look back the way he had come, sighing in relif when he didn’t see anything following. “What the heck were those things?!” He asked himself.

As Lei paused and looked back, twenty of the creatures poured over the upper outcrop of rock along the mountain’s surface, another group charghing from below.

Lei paled as he saw all the creatures, looking around in panic before running again, trying to get away from them all. “Damn it this isn’t good!” He said, heart pounding in his chest.

The draconians swarmed after him, a dozen arrows flying after the fleeing draik.

Lei turned quickly, pulling out his sword and using it to block the arrows from hitting him. One did hit his arm but it wasn’t effected at all, just falling back to the ground. He then blew out another cloud of the freezing gas, hoping to slow them down so he could run off again. This time he wouldn’t stop till he was safely back in the cave!

A few stoped at the cloud, but others flew into the air, flying ahead to try and cut off his escape.

Lei looked up to see some of them flying, not liking this more and more as he turned, trying to run quickly before his escape path could be blocked.

More arrows flew, as the group closed in on Lei.

Lei cried out in pain as a couple of the arrows hit him, while others bounced off the armor scales of his back. He didn’t know what to do at all and so just kept running, hoping to lose them somehow.

Sadly for Lei, the arrows were poisoned, and as he ran he began to feel drowsy. THe group chasing him had now diminished to just five draconians.

Lei felt something wrong, panicing more but it didn’t take long for him to fall to his knees, groaning quietly and holding his head. “No… Don’t… Fall asleep…” He muttered quietly.

The draconians immediately caught up, forcing Lei to the ground as they pulled at his weakening arms to tie them behind his back, his face burried in the snow.

Lei cried out as he was forced down, weakly struggling but it was useless, to weak from the poison now to bring out much resistance.

It did not take long for Lei to completely lose concsiousness, descending into darkness as he  was pulled to his feet and carried off.

Lei groaned quietly as everything went dark, mind still filled with panic at what was going on and what would happen now.

When Lei next woke up he felt groggy and weak, his wrists bound behind his back, feet tied and muzzle bound shut, laying on the stone floor of a cell in a cave.

Lei let out a weak groan as he started to slowly wake, trying to move but barely able to. He slowly looked around, eyes a little foggy still but he already didn’t like this at all… Where was he?!

The cell he was in had four other occupants, bedraggled pets he might or might not recognize from Happy Valley. They kept away from him, though watched him as he began to wake.

Lei blinked a couple times in suprise as he saw the other pets, struggling to try and sit up but the poisons after effects still making him to weak. He noticed how they all kept their distance easly enough, but that was nothing new.

No one spoke, the other prisoners huddled and keeping to themselves, glancing out of the cell then back at Lei.

Lei sighed quietly, ignoring the others after a minute and looking out of the cell confused. Where the heck was he?!

Outside the cell he could see more cells along the cave walls, each filled with prisoners much like his own. He was the only one bound and gagged though.

Lei didn’t like this and was also annoyed in the back of his head that he was the only one tied up. As his body started to gain a little bit of streingth back he struggled agenst the ropes a little, trying to break through them.

The ropes were quite resistant to this, and did not budge however.

Lei swore in his head, looking around outside the cell once more before over to the other pets in the same cell, hoping one of them would help him to get untied, but didn’t expect it to happen.

Not one of them made a move to help Lei, either too frightened to help or not trusting the draik at all.

Lei sighed quietly again as the others kept away from him. He was stuck in the same situation as them and they STILL didn’t trust him! He just kept silent after that, not wanting to waste energy.

A few minutes later, one of the draconian guards came walking into the cavern, and to the cell holding Lei. He smirked as he noticed the draik awake. “Oh, you’re awake.” He said, pulling out the keys to the cell.

Lei looked up at him nervously, great now what…? Why did he care that he was awake?!

The draconian opened the cell door, and walked inside, cutting through the binds on the draik’s legs and then pulling Lei to his feet. “Come along now…”

Lei glared at the draconian as he was pulled to his feet, knowing fighting was impossible right now he just did as told.

The draconian led him out of the cell which he locked once more, then pulled the draik along out of the cavern and into a larger area. This place was also underground, but it was as large as a city, and had many buildings in diferent states of disrepair. Some of the building closest to the cave were in better state, they had been recently repaired. The draconian led Lei towards one of these, a rather large building that once might have been a temple.

Lei looked around in silence, taking in everything he saw, mainly looking for signs of some kind of exit incase he got a chance to run later on.

There didn’t seem to be any obvious exits, the cavern walls smooth. There was a cliff face running along the center of the city, dividing it into two levels, and on one side, closest to him, there was a lift system that raised and lowered two large cauldrons to and from the only aparent exit.

Lei looked at the only visable exit before over to where he was being led, confused greatly as to why he had been taken out of the cell, or why he had been the only one tied up.

The draconian led him into the building, past columns and statues and into a large chamber within. The chamber was filled with all kinds of treasure, from gold coins and gems, to goblets, swords and other armor pieces. Sitting on this bed of riches… was a huge black dragon.

Lei looked around in shock and awe at all the treasure, but when he saw the black dragon his face went pale from horror. He had to be seeing things… Right?! That… That couldn’t be a dragon!

The large dragon turned to face the two, and smiled faintly at Lei. “So this is the new captive…” Said a deep, surprisingly feminine voice. “Yes… very interesting specimen…” The dragon sat up, large black claws moving to surround Lei, as if to grasp him, the draconian stepping back with a deep bow. One claw moved closer to Lei’s chin, forcing the draik’s head up to stare into the dragon’s eyes.

Lei was to scared to move back at all, body trembling a little as the claws came towards him and he was forced to look up in the dragon’s eyes. This had to be some kind of dream right?! This couldn’t actually be happening!

“Yes, I can see what you mean, this draik seems to have some Silver Dragon blood in him.” She mused, staring down at the tiny draik.

Lei blinked a couple times, expression showing confusion besides the fear that he still felt. What had she just said? She was joking… right?

The claws moved deftly, and the leather binding Lei’s muzzle was cut loose. “Tell me draik, what do you know of your family tree?” She asked.

Lei was silent for a second, still confused as to what she has said before. “My…My father and that side of the family… are all from the mountians here.” He explained, desiding it was better to cooporate for now. “My mother I… no one in my family knew who she was.”

The dragon hummed, “How old are you?” She asked then.

Lei was confused by the new question, and it took him a minute to remember. “Um… 132…” He finally answered quietly.

“And how long do DRAIKS usually live?” She smiled, revealing her long, sharp teeth.

Lei’s fear spiked as he saw the huge teeth, body trembling a little. “Maybe… 80… 90 if luckly normally…”

“And yet you look quite young still.” The dragon nodded, “Yes, you must be DragonKin…” She chuckled, “And now you are my prisoner.”

Lei didn’t understand completely what she was talking about with DragonKin, but he was not liking what she said last. “Why are you doing this…?” He finally asked.

“Because my Queen wishes it so.” She replied. “You are one of Silver Dragon blood, I will have to see what I plan to do with you. For now, you will work in the mines with the other captives from Happy Valley.” She gave a amused smile, “Well, ‘Happy’ might not be the best name for it anymore.”

Lei blinked confused when she mentioned Silver Dragon, but his attention changed to her last comment. “Wait… What did you do to the valley?!” He asked in shock.

The dragon laughed, “We raided it, took prisoners of those who were of use as slaves in the mines and their families as hostages… and razed the place to the ground.”

Lei looked at the dragon in horror, shaking his head in disbelif. “No… Why would you do that?!” He yelled angerly.

“I do not need to answer that, DragonKin.” She smirked, “Now, go off to your cell, you start working in the mines in the morning.” She retracted her claws from around Lei, and the draconian walked up to drag Lei back the way they had come.

Lei glared at the black dragon before looking at the draconian who had grabbed him. He was seriously tempted to freeze him solid and smash him to peices! A small cloud of frozen air coming from his mouth as he held back attacking and was dragged away.

The draconian led him out of the temple and back to the barracks, where he placed a new muzzle made of steel over Lei’s mouth, to keep his mouth shut.

Lei didn’t like the idea of being muzzled again, and when the Draconian tried to get it over his mouth he moved back quickly, glaring daggers at him. “No way I’m going to wear that!” He yelled.

“You will.” Hissed the draconian, “We know of your breath’s effects!” He moved to grab Lei’s head to force the metal muzzle on him.

Lei moved back again before turning to try and kick the draconian in the head quickly.

The draconian twisted out of the kick’s way, then moved to shove Lei back against the stone wall, hoping to bash it against the wall.

Lei didn’t have time to move as he was pushed back into the wall, but he then quickly blew freezing air at the draconian, hoping that at this close of a range it wouldn’t be able to dodge and insted get frozen solid.

The draconian snarled, but it was too late, and Lei’s breath froze the creature one hand still clutching Lei’s shoulder.

Lei smirked at the draconian, nodding a little, tail swinging up to hit its one arm hard and hopefully shatter it.

It shattered immediately, as six more draconians rounded the corner, charging at Lei.

Lei looked to the draconians, swearing a little “Not good…” He muttered, turning his hand for a moment to blow air at the binds around his hands to hopefully freeze and shatter them before blowing another cloud of gas all around him to stop the draconians. Luckly the gas didn’t effect him.

There was a roar of anger, and as Lei shattered his binds, a flow of green acid spewed into the hall where he stood from the opposite direction of where the draconians were coming.

Lei jumped in fear as he heard the roar, then saw the acid through the cloud a little. “Oh shit…” He muttered before  backing up a little, trying to figure out what to do. Where had that acid come from?!

The acid flowed rapidly along the corridor, some of it freezing in the mist around Lei, but most of it continuing to go rapidly towards Lei, it’s hissing sound quite apparent as it ate away t the rock floor.

Lei felt panic rise as he backed away quickly from the acid and was forced out of the mist cover he had made before the acid touched him.

As he backed up the grinning guards grabbed his arms, pulling him back as one knocked him over the head hard with a mace.

Lei struggled agenst the guards as he was grabbed but it was no use and he cried out when his head was hit, falling unconsious quickly.

When Lei next woke up, he was chained to a wall in a standing position, arms above and to is sides, and a tight muzzle keeping his mouth shut. More chains kept his legs pinned to the rock wall he stood against.

Lei groaned weakly as he started to wake, eyes slowly opening as he looked around. Great… Where was he now?! He asked himself, trying to move but it was useless.

He was in a dark chamber, a pillar of stone rising from the center in front of him. On it was chained a small silvery-blue figure. Looking oddly familiar, yet much more tiny, the small figure twitched in it’s binds, the small silver wings pierced to hold the chains that forced them apart to each side, the small head bowed, facing Lei, yet hanging limply forward.

Lei blinked in suprise as he saw the small figure. Kinu?! No it kinda looked like her but it wasn’t. The fact the tiny creature was chained up like that and looked to weak, made him want to go over and help the poor thing down.

The small figure stirred as it heard Lei’s movements, lifting it’s head weakly, liquid-silver eyes opened faintly to look at him. They reflected the fear and pain the small creature had been through, the small body trembling faintly, causing the chains that held it to tinkle.

Lei looked at the small creature sadly, struggling agenst the chains desperatly. He wanted to go over and get the little guy down!

“I see you are awake.” It was the black dragon’s voice, and as she spoke the small dragon stiffened, eyes widening in horror as it whimpered weakly.

Lei twitched as he heard the voice, looking around for the dragon, a look of fear but the same time anger on his face.

The dragon walked into view, and the small dragon thrashed, as if trying vainly to escape. Onyx smirked as she watched the two, walking up to the stone pillar, resting one large clawed hand above it, claws grazing the child’s head. It cried out if terror, wings flapping as it tried to get away, causing the rips in them to widen and bleed anew.

Lei watched in horror, struggling agenst the chains desperatly, not wanting to see the tiny dragon hurt!

Onyx laughed as she watched Lei. “Let me introduce you.” She said, “This here is a Siler Dragon wyrmling, a new-born dragon of good.” She said, scratching the dragon’s head, causing it to cry out again, tears streaming down it’s face as it stared wide-eyed at Lei in terror.

Lei blinked in shock as he heard that. Wait… That little guy was a dragon?! It looked so much like Kinu besides its size… so Kinu was a dragon to?

“I don’t really like dragons of good though…” She moved to tower directly over the small silver dragon, and let a few drops of acid drip from her jaws, falling hissing onto the smaller dragon’s wings. It screeched in pain, jerking in it’s binds as the acid bore into it’s soft new-born scales.

Lei glared at her angerly as he heard the little dragons cries and struggled more agenst the chains, desperatly trying to get free.

The chains did not budge, and Onyx laughed as she watched him struggle. “I will give you one chance, DragonKin, to save one of your own.” She said, “Work for me in the mines, and as long as you behave, I will let this little dragon live.”

Lei blinked in suprise as he heard the offer, looking at the little dragon. He didn’t care that it was a dragon or ‘one of your own’ like she had said. But seeing such a small creature being hurt like that… he hated it! Looking over at Onyx again he nodded a little. He would work if it met saving the dragon.

“Good, I was sure we’d come to an agreement.” She smiled, moving away from the whimpering dragon.

Lei watched her move away in silence before looking at the small dragon in worry. He wanted to help it get out of those chains.

Three draconians came into the room and moved to free Lei from his chains.

Lei didn’t move much as he was freed, though did try and go towards the little dragon, wanting to atleast see how bad he was hurt.

The draconians glanced at Onyx, and she laughed, nodding. They let Lei go towards the silver dragon.

Lei ignored the draconians for a moment, going over towards the dragon and looking at him worried, putting a gental hand on its cheek.

The whimpering newborn looked up weakly at his touch, pleading eyes searching Lei’s, shivering. It’s scales were torn where the chains bit into it’s body, and blood poured from the wounds on it’s wings.

Lei looked at him worried, then the wounds in his wings, turning to look at Onyx. If he was willing to work… couldn’t she atleast let the little guy down! Those wounds were really bad, especially for someone so young!

Onyx chuckled, “If you behave, I’ll consider letting the dragon down.” She said, “For now…” She looked tot he guards, “Take him to the mines.”

Lei nodded a little as he heard that, alright. For now he would do as told. He looked back at the little dragon again, hoping he would be able to help it more later on.

The small dragon looked at him pitifully, then closed it’s eyes, head slumping once more as it continued to whimper in pain from the acid on it’s wings.

Lei looked at its wings worried, moving to tear off the bottom of his shirt a little quickly and try and use it to gentally clean its wings, looking at Onyx for a second, silently asking to give him a couple extra minutes.

Onyx watched in amusement as he tried to clean the dragon’s wings. The cloth quickly shriveled away upon contact with the acid though.

Lei didn’t like this at all, looking at the cloth before tossing it to the side, still looking at the dragon sadly and wishing he could do more to help it.

Onyx laughed, then the draconians moved forward to take Lei away.

Lei twitched as he saw the draconians but didn’t fight, just letting them take him away.

The draconians led Lei to the mines, gave him a pickaxe and directed him to a spot to begin working. The others he had seen before in the cells were already there working silently, eyes concentrated on their work.

Lei looked at the others around sadly. Even though everyone else on the mountian hated him… he hated seeing them like this! He just got to work in silence, knowing it was all he could do right now until he found a way to get out, along with that little dragon.

As the day came to an end, those in the mines were exhausted, and shuffled out towards the cells listlessly and in silence. here was no will to fight in them as the men filed out of the caves and back to their cells, Lei led to one on his own.

Lei was as silent as ever thanks to the metal muzzle over his face. He was tired by now, just wanting to rest, though confused why he was in a different cell. Oh well, wasn’t going to complain, it was better then being stuck in a cell that everyone else in hated him.

As the last of the men were taken to their cells, a group of women, their wives, came into the cave, and began handing out bowls of stew to the men. There was some low conversation, and embraces, though it was mostly silent.

Lei watched quietly, he hated all of this so much… why had the valley have to be attacked… and so many hurt because of it?

It was after all the men had been fed that a draconian came over to Lei, the small silver dragon in his arms. He opened Lei’s cell and thrust the limp creature towards Lei.

Lei looked up in suprise when he saw the little dragon, and moved to catch it, stumbling back to the ground and looking at it worried.

The dragon was still alive, though very weak. The acid had been cleaned off it’s wings, but they were mangled, and possibly scarred forever. The draconian smirked slightly, and left a portion of stew in the cell before locking it.

The little bundle in Lei’s arms trembled faintly, it’s dull scales cold to the touch.

Lei didn’t mind the cold at all, carefully holding the dragon in his arms as his tail moved to grab the bowl of stew and bring it over closer.

The small dragon seemed unconscious, eyes closed as it whimpered quietly, curled up slightly in Lei’s arms.

Lei looked at the little dragon worried, bringing a hand gentally over its head to somehow comfort the badly hurt creature. He didn’t know what to do for it!

The little dragon was no bigger than a regular three-month old draik baby. The small creature opened it’s eyes slightly as it felt the gentle touch, looking up at him.

Lei looked down at the little dragon sadly, moving a hand to pick up the bowl of stew and bring it closer, wondering if it was hungry.

It sniffed as it caught the smell of food, and turned to look at the bowl with large eyes as it’s mouth watered.

Lei smiled a little at the reaction, alright that was good atleast… hopefully the little guy would like it. He brought up a big spoonful towards him, giving the dragon the option if it wanted some.

The small dragon looked at the spoon, then at Lei hesitatingly, it’s stomach grumbling.

Lei smiled a little at the dragon, nodding slowly. He had eaten the day before being caught… he could handle one day without food but the little dragon needed it.

The dragon gave a small timid smile, and opened it’s mouth, taking in the stew and swallowing quickly.

Lei chuckled quietly as the dragon took the food nodding before moving to put more on the spoon and give it another bite.

The dragon ate heartily, relaxing in Lei’s arms as it felt no threat, and the warm food helped the dragon feel better.

Lei smiled, letting the dragon eat all the stew before moving the bowl a little away and putting a hand back lightly on its head. Atleast it was relaxing now.

The small dragon sighed contently, leaning against Lei as it relaxed, eyes half closing as it gazed up at Lei, and the metallic muzzle over Lei’s mouth.

Lei just smiled down at the little dragon, trying to comfort it in some way… even though everything around them was so grim.

The dragon returned the smile weakly, then shifted to curl up against Lei, closing his eyes.

Lei nodded a little as he saw the dragon smile back, arms going around it gentally to comfort it before he closed his eyes as well.

Jing found herself in darkness, surrounded only by the soft glow of the flame she held, but it illuminated nothing around her. She was floating again in the void.

Jing blinked surprised as she looked around confused and scared. “Hello?” She called out, not understanding where she was… or why she was floating.

There was a familiar chuckle. “You seem to visit me a lot, Jing.” Came the voice that had spoken to her twice before.

Jing blinked in shock as she heard the voice. “Wait… Whats going on?! How am I here?!” She asked, confused more then ever.

“Well, that’s one thing I’d have to ask you, Jing. Why have you come here?”

“Everyone is in a tunnel right now… trying to get to a Gold Dragon Leria has talked to a lot! But… there was this huge hole that showed up blocking the path. Leria headed down it to see how far it went but she hasn’t come back! We all fell asleep… but when we woke up Kinu and Grisfam were gone too!!! I tried using the teleport ring to get to Kinu or Leria… but it didn’t work. I tried to go to Grisfam… And I ended up here.” Jing explained, growing quiet by the end. Why had she come here while trying to get to the ixi?

“Aa… I see.” The voice chuckled, “Well, don’t panic, your friends are safe. But for now… you will have to continue on without them.”

“What are you talking about?! Where are they? Bast can’t sense Leria and I can’t sense Kinu! And why couldn’t I go to them with the ring? And… Why did I come here when I wanted to go to Grisfam?!”

“So many questions!” He chuckled, “I have called all dragons to me, and thus you cannot sense them because they are no longer in the same Realm as you are.” He said, “As for Grisfam…” He chuckled again, “You’ll understand some day…”

Jing didn’t understand this at all, and bit her lip a little. “But… We don’t know which way to go now! We are stuck infront of a hole that seems bottomless… And… If we do move how will those three be able to come back?”

“Oh they will find you, when they are ready.” He assured her. “You and your friends need to head down into the mountain though, for there you may find some answers yet. But the chasm is not the only path.” Jing’s light flickered, then died, and she felt ground beneath her feet.

Jing was surprised when she felt the ground below her again, and her light went out. Looking around a little “What the heck happened?!” She asked herself.

Jing had reappeared where she was before disappearing, to the astonishment of the others. Bast moved in front of her, “Jing?” He asked uncertainly.

Jing blinked a couple tiems, looking at Bast “I’m back…?” She muttered.

Lei looked at Jing in suprise as she suddenly showed up again. That hadn’t taken long…

“Yeah… you were just gone for five minutes, what happened? Did you find someone?”

Jing shook her head a little before explaining what happened and who she had ended up talking to. Again.

Bast blinked, “So… they’re okay but we won’t see them for a while?” He said, rather confused.

Jing nodded a little “Thats what he said… And its why we couldn’t sense them. But now… We have to head down the mountian…”

“Down where?” Bast said in confusion. “We don’t know where Leria was leading us, or if that dragon will be there!” He said, “If Kinu and her are gone as you say because he called them, then wouldn’t this dragon be gone too?” He had of course completely forgotten Lei was still there.

“He told us to continue on so we should! He told me there is more then one way! We just have to find it!” Jing insisted. “We can’t stay here either! Our best chance is continuing on! Maybe by the time we get there the dragon, will be back along with Leria and Kinu!”

Lei listened to them all, getting more confused by the minute. “What is all this talk of dragons?!” He finally asked.

Bast looked at him in sudden surprise, then sighed, standing back. “Right..” He muttered. “Well… Leria and Kinu are dragons, and we were heading to see an old Gold Dragon that lives under this mountain.” He said.

Lei blinked in shock “Wait… What? Your joking right?”

He shook his head. “No, I’m not. Why do you think Kinu was so angry at you last night?” He asked.

Lei sighed quietly, crossing his arms. This was getting WAY to complicated for him!

Jing looked at Lei for a moment before back to Bast “We need to head down the mountian.” She insisted again.

Bast sighed, and nodded, “Fine, then…” “Where’s Silver?” Asked Iris suddenly, noticing the missing jerboa. Bast blinked, looking around Wasn’t he just…” He turned a full circle. “Uh…” He’d actually completely forgotten the small rodent. But now that Iris mentioned him… it HAD been awfully quiet for the chatty male.

Jing looked around in shock “Oh no! Someone else dissapering?” She asked, not loking this more and more. “Silver?” She called out.

Lei kept back, looking around slowly. He was seriously thinking of going back and getting to work repairing his home. This was all to complicated.

“Right here!” Came a cheerful voice from the darkness of the tunnel behind them. Bast moved over, shining his torch towards the voice, to see the light glint off the small rodent’s helm as he trotted towards them. “You will NOT believe this! I found this other tunnel and it was SO amazing I just lost all track of time!” He said oblivious to anything that had happened in his absence.

Jing blinked surprised, looking at Silver. “You found another tunnel?!”

Silver nodded, “Come on, you’ve GOT to see it!” He said, grabbing her hand and tugging her to go with him. Bast rolled his eyes. “SILVER!” he said in exhasperation. “We…” He sighed, “Oh nevermind, show us the tunnel.” He said, grabing his pack.

Jing let out a surprised ‘eep’ as her hand was grabbed. “Whoa! Let me grab my bag first!”

Silver sighed as he let go of her, and waited as the others gathered their belonging. As he did he noticed the disappearances. “Hey… where’s Kinu and Grisfam?” He asked.

“They are going to be gone for a while.” Jing explained, putting her bag on her back before going back to Silver. “lead the way?”

“Oh…” He looked surprised. “That’s odd, they were here when I woke up… in fact, Grisfam was awake. When I told him I was bored he suggested I explore, so off I went!”

Jing was surprised when she heard that “Really…?” She grew silent for a minute before shaking her head. “Come on… Lets head to that new tunnel.”

Silver shrugged, “Let’s go!” He smiled, leading the way. Bast sighed as he walked after the jerboa, Iris and Rena close behind.

Jing followed Silver, still worried about Kinu and the others but atleast she knew they would be back.

Lei followed a ways behind them, tail twitching a little. Maybe once the others went down the other tunnel he would just head back the way they originally came.

As they reached the branch in the tunnel that they had missed the day before, SIlver disappeared down it first. The others piled in after him, and Iris smiled at Lei. “This must all be quite strange to you.” She said.

Lei nodded a little, stopping at the branch in the tunnel. “Yep. To strange. I’m heading back to my home.” He said with a wave. “Good luck with what ever you guys are trying to do.”

Isis blinked, “Wait, what!?”

Lei chuckled a little “This is way to much for me. I’d prefure to just go back and start fixing my house and go back to my uneventful life.” He explained.

Iris looked saddened by this. “Oh.. I see… well I… guess that’s true.” She smiled, “I suppose we are a rather… odd lot. I’m sorry we’ve caused you so much trouble after you were so nice to us.”

Up ahead, Jing came into a larger cavern area, the walls and ceiling covered in crystal formations in blue and purple colors.

Jing looked around at the crystal’s in awe, bringing a hand forward to touch them.

“Its alright. You better catch up with your friends.” Lei said before waving a little and turning to walk back down the tunnel.

Iris nodded. “Take care.” Iris called out to him, then went with Rena to catch up to the others. Bast was staring pen-mouthed at the wonders of the cave, and Silver beamed proudly. “Told you this place was amazing!”

Lei headed back through the cave in silence, wondering how long it would take to get back to the exit.

Jing nodded in agreement with Silver, looking around at the crystals “It really is…” She mutterd, hand going across the gems.

Bast had taken out his sword and was trying to chip some of the gemstones off the wall and ceiling, but that wasn’t really working. He sighed, “Well, let’s see if this leads down, shall we??” He said, taking the torch from Iris who had held it while he worked.

Jing nodded a little, looking at Bast “Good idea. This really is amazing though…”

Bast nodded, “I wonder how long this cave has stood undisturbed. With the right tools, you could be a millionaire with all this!” They continued down the new cave tunnel, the gems reflecting the flame’s light in a myriad of colors, glistening in the dark.

Jing laughed and nodded in agreement “Yep! I can see that happening easly with all this! I wouldn’t mind being a millionare would you?”

He laughed, “Would definetly make living forever easier!” He declared, chuckling. Iris smiled faintly, watching their enthusiasm.

Jing nodded again, smirking “Yes it would. Thing about living forever though, even millions don’t last that long…”

Bast grinned, “It would if you invested it properly!” He said.

Jing shrugged when she heard Bast “Well I know nothing about that stuff so it wouldn’t work for me!”

The companions walked on for two hours through cavern after cavern of different colored gems, always heading downwards into the mountain. They stopped for a brief lunch, then went on, the sound of something thunderous roaring in the distance. It got louder as they went on through the cavern network.

Jing grew nervous at the roars, tail twitching behind her. “What do you think that is…?” She asked, looking up at Bast.

Silver looked around, then smiled, “Probably an underground waterfall!” He said, “It’s getting more humid and there’s moss between the rocks.” He pointed.

Jing looked over at Silver before smiling a little “Ya… Your probably right.”

The group moved on, and just as Rena was lagging behind in exhaustion, the tunnel opened up into a large cavern. From one side of the cavern fell the waterfall, causing the whole place to be slightly misty, and a lake of water pooled out at it’s base, where they came out on a ledge. The lake glistened with a greenish hue, which Silver was quick to discover came from the moss.

Jing smiled as she looked around the cavern before turning to see the tired Rena. “I think we should rest here for a while…” She suggested, looking over at Bast.

Bast nodded, “Sounds good to me.” He said, walking over away from the falls to a dryer section of the cave, and placing the torch in a natural hold. He stretched after placng his pack down on the ground and looked around. Rena gave a small sigh as she plopped down on a moss-covered stone, and Iris unpacked the blankets to make Rena’s and her bed.

Jing yawned a little, sitting back by the others, tail curling around her a little. Walking so much was tireing.

Bast and Silver collected their water canteens and went to the pond, Bast carefully tasting the water before washing his face and refilling the canteens.

Jing watched Bast and Silver for a minute before closing her eyes and relaxing, wanting to fall asleep right now.

Rena had already curled up in her bedroll and fallen asleep, Iris sitting close to her and watching the waterfall. The deafening sound did not make for conversation, so she remained silent as well.

It didn’t take long for Jing to fall asleep as well, curling up on the ground. It felt weird to her… not sleeping close to Kinu. She missed the little dragon already.

The time went by slowly in the complete darkness, and it was hard to tell how long they had been there. Jing was still sleeping in the same spot as before, not wanting to wake up yet.

Lei on the other hand woke up to the silence, looking around in some way to see the group of friends he had ended up following but it was hard in such darkness. Insted he just sighed quietly and sat as still as ever.

As Bast too woke, he grabbed the torch and ignited it, bringing light to the tunnel. He glanced around, and blinked. “Wasn’t Kinu just beside Jing last night?” He said, standing and looking around. He frowned. “Where’s Grisfam?”

Lei twitched as he heard Bast, opening his eyes and looking around in suprise. “What the….” He muttered, moving to stand.

Jing moved a little in her sleep from the light but didn’t wake yet. Which might have been a good thing since she would have been panicing.

Bast frowned more, “Could those two have gone off on their own??”

Lei blinked a couple times before looking towards the hole “I’m not sure… They must have been really quiet. How strong are those kid’s wings? Think she tried looking for Leria?”

Bast twitched, “I hope not… she can’t fly very well yet, she only recently began flying any distance.” He said, leaning over the edge of the hole. “No… maybe Grisfam and her went back up the tunnel…”

Lei was a little confused as to why they would do that but nodded, looking back down the tunnel “Um… Want me to go look?” He asked.

Jing started to move a little as she heard the voices, finally waking and sitting up, rubbing her eyes and yawning. “Morning…” She muttered, looking over beside her and expecting to see Kinu. When there was no sign of the little dragon she stood quickly. “Kinu?!

Bast looked to Jing, sighing. “I think she went with Grisfam up the tunnel.” He said tentatively. “Lei will go find them.”

Jing looked at Bast then Lei then back to Bast, trying to call out to the silver dragon. “I don’t understand! Why would they leave in the middle of the night?!”

Lei watched Jing, able to see her worry and panic easly. “Listen, just calm down. I’ll head back down the tunnel and try to find them.”

There was no response from Kinu, Jing could not even sense her presence. Bast looked to Jing with worry, surely Kinu was fine…

Jing felt more worry fill her as she realized she couldn’t feel Kinu at all. “Whats going on?! I can’t sense her Bast! I don’t understand… Kinu wouldn’t leave so suddenly like that! Why wouldn’t I have noticed her leaving I was sleeping right beside her!!!”

Bast’s face dropped as he heard her. “I… can’t sense Leria either.” He said quietly, slowly falling to sit on the rock he’d been on before.

Jing’s heart was pounding in her chest as she thought of this, shaking her head. “Somethings not right Bast! We have to find them!!!”

Bast frowned, “But where could they be? And how will we get to them?” His hand went to his chest, resting over the amulet he wore around his neck and under his shirt.

Jing was silent for a minute, trying to think. “I don’t know… only Leria can teleport…. Wait.” She muttered, turning to look towards the sleeping Rena, specifically her hands.

Rena was sleeping curled up in Iris’s lap, her hands curled into tiny fists against her chest. She did have one ring on her thumb, the one Jing had given to her in Shenkuu.

Jing nodded a little, moving over to Rena to quietly wake her. She didn’t want to, but she needed that ring!

Bast watched without nderstanding as Jing woke Rena, who yawned in confusion, Iris waking from the commotion. “What’s going on?” She asked.

Jing smiled a little as she looked at Rena “Sorry for waking you… But Rena can I have that ring back?”

Rena blined, but nodded mutely, taking the ring off and giving it to Jing. Iris had looked around and blinked, “Where’s Grisfam and Kinu?”

“I’m going to go find out alright…?” Jing said as she put the ring on.

Lei stood back, watching confused more then ever. Why did she want that ring?

Bast was equally confused, not having seen this ring being used before. “Jing wait, what are you going to do?” He asked.

“Teleport to Kinu. This ring will let me do it.” Jing explained with a nod.

“I see…” Bast frowned, but nodded, “I hope it works…” He said, grabbing a spare torch, he lighted it, handing it to her. “You’ll need this.” He said.

Jing nodded, taking the torch and smiling. “Thanks Bast.” She said before closing her eyes and wishing to be with Kinu.

The others remained silent, watching Jing with baited breath. But… after a moment, Rena shifted. Nothing was happening.

Jing blinked confused, looking down at the ring “Whats going on…?” She muttered, again wishing to be with Kinu.

Bast frowned, but was silent. But as the moments passed, it seemed like nothing would happen at all.

Jing didn’t like this more and more, hands trembling a little and this time wishing to be beside Leria.

Iris frowned, “It’s… not working?” She asked in the silence that followed as again, nothing happened.

“I don’t understand though… Why wouldn’t it work?!” Jing asked, panic obvious in her voice as this time she tried wishing to be beside Grisfam.

This time she shimmered slightly, then disappeared. Bast stood, “Did it work!?” He asked, looking about. Jing was gone. He sighed, glancing at Lei, then sat down slowly. “I… guess we’ll have to wait and see.” He said finally.

Lei blinked in suprise as Jing vanished but sighed, sitting down again. “Seemslike it… I hope all your friends are alright.”

Bast nodded, looking to Iris as she hugged Rena close. “Yeah… me too.” He said slowly.

A more in-character picture of Silver, our little rodent swordsman. You can adopt him over at Squiby!