~ Ignore ~

Eleanor's hair rushed behind her face as Breen flew brashfully in the sky twirling through clouds catching whisps within his claws as he centered himself in the sky the breeze cold and biting on Eleanor's skin as he folded in his wings decending at a great speed to the ground before them as she clutched tighter onto the black leather saddle on his red scaley back.
Breen dived towards a lonesome island not far from the coast of Forlorn, it was vast in landscape as she saw ranges from forests, deserts and lakes with terrains of caves hiding shadows and open grass lands of light. She wondered how these terrains would be used in the flight games, slight fear caught in her throat as the wind pushed hard against her as they fell through the sky.
She wondered if she would come out alive.
In the center of the lonesome island plagued with dragon and human deaths alike was a dome building made out of the finest steel large enough to house fifty dragons with enough space to fly to all of their delight inside. The dome structure was the flight hall, a building of residence for spectators to the flight games and the place she would rest for the first night, in reality that was the night which was slowly blooming upon her as the sun in the sky began to dip behind the horizon. As the light faded so did the little confidence she had plucked up as like the light was replaced by a hazy coming darkness so was her heart churning into a flutter of fear for the events ahead.

Breen moved his feet opening his wings and claws catching the wind as he suddenly slowed down his tremendous speed flapping them in a descent as he lowered them both a flat brow patch of ground beside the flight dome. Eleanor hastily jumped off touching the ground as her legs gave way feeling like jelly as she callopsed leaning on Breen great girth.
"Get up already, your showing weakness and we only just arrived!" Breen barked at her snorted a puff of smoke.
Eleanor half smiled to him shakily "S-sorry, I guess I didn't prepare myself for this aswell as I had thought" she laughed but it held no humour as thoughts of her death flickered through her mind.
She had to be strong.. she had to believe inherself... she had to do this for her nation, if they were to survive the next year they needed a high ranking in the hierarchy this year...
She needed to succeed, but she was just so afraid..
"Well get prepared" Breen growled at her in anger as he bit into the back of her thin clothing lifting her to her feet. "Who knows who could be watching right now, do you want people to decide you the weakest and try to pick you off first? I'm not going to do your part in this damn event so start stepping up brat" he released her as she caught her stance the rattle of her two broad swords of her back clanging together was loud as her small crossbow was attached to the belt on her hips.

Aerea was laughing as Tempest spun while flying that caused Aerea to be flipped up side down. Her short white hair was flying all over the place and her normally milky skin had a soft blush to her cheeks, "Tempy, stop" she laughed and clung to the white dragon whose scales glittered like small diamonds. finally Tempest did stop and laughed also, "You are so much fun my dear" she said in the chiming voice. When they neared the Island Aerea calmed down her heart hurt because her family had all been proud other then her twin, the only one who had mattered. "Will he forgive me?" she asked Tempy softly about her brother as she pulled on her head band so her hair was some what contained. She Dragon sighed and didn't answer, "We will win" she said instead with confidence. Tempest believed in herself and in the young girl on her back, the girl had more spirit then any of the riders of the past.

"I'm worried" Aerea whimpered, "I do not wish to take another life, on purpose or other wise." the delicate girl and dragon were a sight to see as the landed, all white and clearly from the Air nation. Aerea's bright blue eyes widened in wounder and she smiled a small smile, "Tempy...We made it" she said happily. Tempest laughed at the girls comment and also looked around, she had never battled for her nation before and was glad to do so now with Aerea as her rider.

Race sat comfortably between two spines near the base of Valoo's neck, right where his shoulders began. The spine there was curved to the shape of Race's back, and made a comfortable seat for him during flight, as Race prefered to ride bareback. He was absent-mindedly stroking Valoo's mottled skin, staring at the oceanic horizon. Valoo didn't fly quite as high as other dragons, prefering to stay as close to the ground as possible if forced to leave it. Race laughed, and called out in is usual baritone voice, "You do not need to fly with such vigor, my friend. I know you are not the fastest of flight, so I made preperations to leave with plenty of time for us to reach the island."

Valoo snorted, a sound rather like an elephant, and then responded in his gravelly voice "I do not like long-distance flights, they put me out of my element for far too long. They should make a land bridge to this island, really, it's quite inconsiderate of them." Race chuckled and patted Valoo's neck, "I'm sorry my friend, but since when have the politicians been considerate?"

And after that comment, both of them flew in a peacefuly silence the rest of the way. After another half hour, the island came in sight. "There we go Valoo, land on that plateau," said race with a pat to Valoo's neck. With a quick dive, Valoo touched down on the ground. With a thud and a crunch, Valoo's wings settled into rest, and he walked foward and knealed down, letting Race slide off and land deftly on the ground. Race straightened up and rubbed Valoo's snout, smiling at him. "Come on friend, let's see who's here already." Valoo snorted again (He was begining to make a habbit of it), and grumbled "Let's see what food they've prepared already, I could eat a herd of mountain buffalo."

Bane and Crim were over the landing area for the flight games. They were about 15 in the air and he looked down. He just jumped off her back ,as he fell to the ground he quickly took his sword and stabbed it into the ground while then using the palms of his hands to stay on his blade blanced perfectly. He then flipped himself over and landed on the ground. Crim landed a few feet away from Bane and looked at him a little impressed. "Well that was impressive," she complimented him. Bane placed one hand on his sword the rose it cracking the ground that it was enbed and began to walk toward the large building. Crim sighed as she saw what her rider did and began to follow him a few feet away.

CiCi and Pyras were keeping low, flying just over a small river, doing spins and twirls as they flew around. "Pyras, do you think we'll win!?" She asked over the wind and sound of rushing water.
The dragon kept swirling and dipping as he replied, "as long as we both stay as strong as possible, and stay together, we can do anything."
CiCi smiled, this was a good enough answer for her, Pyras swooped down, and now they were almost completely submerged in the cool water. She laughed and so did the dragon, "Oh, this is going to be such an adventure! Do you think we'll make any friends?"
But before the dragon had time to answer, they were there. As they landed, Cecilia knew they were going to be stared at. She was wearing her adventure clothes that were quite different from normal attire. Her brown hair was cut short and choppy, and to top it all off, they were both soaked. But, she didn't care, this was a whole new adventure, and she was going to make the best of it.
She walked in, and shouted, "HELLOOOOO PEOPLE!!" Smiling wide, and waiting for an answer, she stood.

Takeo and Varjo were closing in on the island that was going to be holding the yearly games. As they came upon the grounds Takeo was able to scout out some of the terrain on the island, it looked like each nation would have a strong point and a weak point while fighting. As they came to the landing grounds Takeo noticed that quite a few riders and their dragons have arrived. "We need to be very careful who we associate with." Takeo said the Varjo as she landed on the ground just outside of the housing dome. Takeo quickly slipped off of his dragon and then started to walk towards the entrance with Varjo following behind him. "Varjo be careful around the other dragons and with the food that you are given." Takeo spoke to her as they walked. "Don't worry I remember everything you have told me." Varjo said in a low growl towards him. Takeo wasn't going to take a chance that either of them got taken out of the games due to backhanded tactics.

"We will stay together until the other member from our nation has arrived." Takeo said as he entered the large dome with Varjo. He figured it would be best to stay in a pair whether it was human and dragon, or dragon and dragon. She should be arriving soon anyways, and then we can continue towards victory. Takeo and lead himself and his dragon to an area within the dome that would be similar to an area in a stable for a horse except for a dragon. He was expecting that Varjo would be able to sense when they arrived, or they would sense us. And with that thought Takeo sat down and rested next to Varjo the journey had been quite a long one and he would enjoy a quick nap.

Katherine and Howl were next. They must've been a sight to see. A beautiful girl with orange hair that came down to her shoulders, wearing a pretty blue dress that was her mother's and riding a majestic golden dragon. They both seemed to radiate light. Kat smiled a dazzling smile as they landed. "Howl, don't you think this will be fun?" She asked the dragon.
"Kitty," The dragon answered, "as long as you are having fun, I'll be having fun."
But Kat just closed her eyes, solemnly. As long as I get out alive. Looking up at the sun, she prayed to her mother. She prayed that she would survive this, and that no blood would be on her hands when it was over. This fate had chosen her, though she didn't know whether or not she wished it hadn't.

Moira's pale eyes glimmered in the sun. She stood, as she often did during leisure flights, between Whisper's shoulder blades, one hand holding one of his spinal fins to keep balance, and the other gently stroking the other. They were silent for the entire ride, Moira didn't even need to issue flight commands. They both enjoyed the beautiful day as they flew across the ocean towards the island at a breakneck pace. In the horizon, the coast of the island appeared, and they could both see dragons landing in the distance.

As the pair approached, they sighted a landing entrance to the large steel dome that housed the dragons. Moira smiled and nodded, and Whisper knew what she meant. In a heartbeat, Whisper pumped out his massive wings, eclipsing the sun and casting his black shadow on a huge area around the landing they had come upon. In the same moment, he let out a deafening roar, intending to make a big entrance. The ground shook as Whisper's heavy legs beat into the earth in pairs. He let down a wing, and Moira slid down, then brushed her pale blonde hair from her face. She smiled proudly as crewmen and citizens looked in awe, her goal accomplished.

"Takeo must be here." She spoke softly, but whisper acknowledged it, and the two entered the massive steel dome simultaneously, and glanced around. It wasn't long before they spotted Takeo's dragon, Varjo, and Whisper made a small grunt of happiness. The couple walked casually over to Takeo and Varjo, and saw that Takeo was fast asleep napping. Moira smiled a playful smile, and leaned down to put her hand on his shoulder, shaking him gently.
"Takeo, wake up. I felt like I was going fast, yet you beat me!" She smiled a warm smile, as she hadn't seen him for at least a week, and a friendly face was a welcome sight.

Takeo woke with a start and had drawn his blade halfway out of its sheath before he realized that it was Moira that had woken him. He smiled as he let the blade go back into its home. "You should have had Varjo wake me." Takeo said as he had almost plunged his blade straight into Moira but had stopped himself because if an enemy was coming for him Varjo would have woken him. "It's all thanks to Varjo. She wanted to get her early and scope the place out. I think she is actually worried we might not make it out." Takeo said laughing at the possibility of loosing as he rubbed Varjo's side. "I am glad to see both of you again." Varjo stomped down on the ground in agreement. She always enjoyed seeing other dragons of her kind.

He wouldn't admit it out loud but Moira was the only friend he had ever really had. Their friendship was a bond that had developed during the time that they trained together to prepare for the tournament. And it was one that he hoped he wouldn’t lose during the tournament. Even though he had been taught that any kind of bond to another person would just lead to weakness and defeat. But Takeo felt that instead of being weakened it strengthened both of them as they were able to work together and devise more strategic plans.

"I don't know about you. But I think that we should stay in pairs. Whether it's me and you or one of us with a dragon." Takeo suggested to both Moira and Whisper. "I figure it will make it harder to remove either of us from the competition. And maybe we could have a little sparring fun later." He was wondering if he had improved enough to beat Moira. He had always been behind her even if it was by the smallest amount.

"Twas a long night, not a cat stirred..." Rogarsh closed his book for the fifth time tonight. It was early morning and he had no intention to keep Haunter waiting (he know what Haunter did when she was bored...and he didn't want to think about it). He walked back from the "secret Black Tool hideout" home. It was a long walk, but necessary one. His leader said it was impervious to keep hidden "until the time was right". And when would that be? Next Tuesday? But Rogarsh lived well, there was nothing to complain about, his family was alive and well, so was his dragon. And he was paid well.

The track he took tonight was a long and winding trail up the mountains, and Rogarsh was happy to have his long staff (walking stick size at the moment) to help him up the more precarious parts of the path. As he neared his home in the mountain side he stopped and listened, it was quite...to quite. Then he heard so faintly the sound of shifting sand. But before he could react to the sound he was snatched up and threw him of his feet 50 feet and closing into the air! His mind said “goddammit why is it that every time I come home late this happens”!! But his Inner man simply said “isn’t she happy I’m home”. And she was, as she always is.

This happened often enough that Rogarsh knew Haunter would catch him before he landed, like always. As she swooped back to the house she screamed quite mentally “Rogarsh your home!!! Yes! Yes! Yes! How was work today? Tell me!” She had learnt how the local girls squealed quite recently and Rogarsh was not happy for that.
“Calm down Haunter, you’ll wake up the whole mountain side”. Rogarsh said quite sternly.
“So? Sleeping’s boring”. Haunter had no trouble saying things that other people would be wary of saying.
“Well you need your sleep. You’re still a young dragon remember”?
“Yeah but it’s not fair, I want to play! And besides your home late again”.
“I’m sorry Haunter. Ok how about this; if I tell you about my day will you go to sleep”?
“Fine”. Rogarsh had this conversation nearly all the time and knew how to get Haunter to sleep, and Haunter wasn’t the only one who needed sleep.

"Wow, Sklurk, slow down a little bit, if you keep on going this fast, I am just going to fall of!" roared Stan at Sklurk over the passing wind. Stan was standing on Sklurk's hind legs, trying balance himself as well as he could. He had drastically improved over the trip, but he couldn't stan still when at full speed. But well, as they say, training does the master.
"Don't come at me with this, Stan, we both know you want to get there soon, and the faster the sooner."
"Oh, shut up Sklurk." It was true. Stan was really anxious about this tournament. He had been training harder than ever, but he didn't feel ready. He did not know how strong his opponents where. He had to weight the odds as well as he could and make wise alliances. He had been chosen to represent his nation, and he could not let them down. "Oh, by the way, how much longer do you think it will take to get there?"
"Cant you look forward? The island can be easily seen. Give it 4.27 minutes" and with those words, Sklurk flapped his wings, propelling himself forward. "Nice speed. Perfect for some fire huh?" Stan loved to encourage Sklurk to do random tricks. Sure enough, Sklurk loved showing off to Stan, so he opened his mouth, and started breathing fire, and passing through it at an amazing speed.

Sure enough, 4.27 minutes later, they were landing on the island, near all the other dragon riders. There were about seven or eight of them. There were riders of many different nations. He noticed Eleanor, and he waved at her. "Hey Eleanor, how you doing? This is crazy stuff huh? Being the chosen ones to represent the Fire Nation... We are going to make the best of it!" He gave her a reassuring smile. They were of the same nation, and they shared the same goal. Bring respect to the country, and thats what they would do.

Eleanor took a deep breath as the sounds of wings beat in the air nearby, more dragons and their riders were arriving.. She would meet them soon enough, no wasn't the time to start getting cold feet, she had to do this task and would succeed with suitable results. She just hoped her fellow fire nation rider would be able to work with her alright, she tended to have an alternate opinion to most people and always ended up arguing with them.
Sorta of how she does with Breen, who grunted unhappily beside her as she strolled his large mighty form at least the height of three of her small 5ft2.
Just as she contemplated this a voice rang over to her "Hey Eleanor, how you doing? This is crazy stuff huh? Being the chosen ones to represent the Fire Nation... We are going to make the best of it!"
Eleanor felt her shoulders relax a little as she saw Stan, he had probably been training untill take off, "Crazy indeed.." she faded off feeling a little fear again but shook it off. "We will succeed this time i'm sure, after all the fire nation has us fighting this year" she laughed but it was a little forced with nerves. "I'll be sure to protect your back" she smiled hoping she could at least do that successfully if anything.

Suddenly Breen barged his red scaled head into Eleanors face "Lets get this damn thing over with, I swear if you do something dangerous I'll bite you" he snapped his jaws for effect making Eleanor sigh.
"Yes, yes I'll do my best to stay sharp and keep myself safe, if anything you should be worried about your eagerness to rush into things" she raised an eyebrow at him as he scowled.
"Do you want me to burn you foolish child" he snarled his teeth looking back at her as he had moved head of her towards the large cut out in the flight dome making a suitable sized doorway for dragons and people alike.
"When do you not burn me?" she muttered as they walked under it high and mighty structure, it was literally breathtaking how large the flight dome was, especially as she walked inside the first thing she entered was giant hall.
The hall had different height balconies fitted around the edge of the dome, on the balconies levels she could see various doors leading to unexpected rooms and possibly hallways. In the large round hall itself dragons of all nations flew up ahead some breathing their element in full force to show off their power, government officials wondered around in big fancy hats in groups of no less then three as the whispered to one another at each new arrival.
Eleanor would have thought they were analyzing each of the contestents, probably to make illegal bets like the snobs they were, she bit back her anger at the thought her fists clumping together. She would kill anyone who dare bet on the lives of others.
"its nothing much" Breen said in a hump looking around, Eleanor knew he thought it impressive as she did, there wasn't another building in all the nations that accomodated dragons not yet alone dozens upon dozens with, she noticed looking up, a removable sky roof.
Gears began to suddenly churn and metal on the cieling began pulling back revealing a sun poking out its last few rays the sky darkening. "That's impressive, you can't say it isn't..." she said staring at it in awe as some dragons flew out the odd star starting to show itself as night dawned.

(EDITED: Sorry Scrom you posted while I was typing :P all fixed now hehe)

Shadows as far as the eye can see, thought Indoril, What was done, must then be undone. He staggered through the sand, his war hammer dragging a trail behind him, as he approached a half broken statue which served as his target. Tonight he was going to smash it, but it was a promise that he had denied himself every night. It was because of the memories that he did not wish to be brought back into existence, memories which had haunted him for many moons. Raising the hammer high above his head, he charged the statue, a silent scream escaping from his lips. Several feet from the broken statue, he pivoted, bringing the hammer around, and slamming it into the stone. A loud cracking sound erupted from the statue, as part of its leg fell away. Staring down at the piece, he sighed, and crumpled to the ground. "When will the madness end?" He whispered to the settling dust.

High above him, his dragon, called Saariis, flew. She needed to stretch her wings, after being curled around her Indoril for so long. She performed several swoops and dives, but always keeping an eye on her rider, just in case he were to fall into any trouble. She watched as he dragged his hammer across the sand, and marveled at his ability to carry such a weapon, for it weighed more than half his weight, and came up to the center of his chest. He appeared more automaton than anything else, but she didn't much care for that. His arms tensed as he lifted the weapon above his head, so that the shaft was only a few inches above him, and the hammer head had drooped to the small of his back.

Watching him move more than a marionette would on strings always pleased her greatly, but she always wished that he would do more, such as speak to her with more words than a few sentences. She missed that greatly; wishing that their world could go back to the way it was, before he had witnessed the terrible crime of their past. Her head snapped towards the ground, as a large booming sound erupted from her rider's position. She watched as he had slammed his hammer into a weather-worn statue, then collapsed onto the ground as though his strings were cut. With a small sense of urgency, she dove straight towards him, but opened her wings a couple yards above him, and landed next to him.

"Are you alright, Indoril?" Saariis's voice was filled with worry, "Would you care for your water skin?" She pointed at the small bag that was strapped around her chest, one that was always filled with a few days' supply of food and water, just in case they decided to travel for a time.

Indoril's body twitched, as he rose up slowly, his head slumped to his chest as he stood. With the hammer in one hand, and his arm out in front of him, he moved forward, reaching for the bag and its contents. His eyes still held that same haunted look, but she could see the smallest of sparks trying to light within them. He fumbled with the bag for a moment, then opened it to retrieve his water skin. After drinking from it for a few moments, he replaced it back within the bag, and slumped against Saariis's chest, whispering, "Home."

Nodding slowly, Saariis gripped her rider in a foreclaw, and launched into the darkened sky above, heading south towards their encampment. All the while, she noticed that he had turned towards the north and slightly east, which was the direction of his old home, not the encampment of the Black Tool.

Moira listened calmly to Takeo. He had suggested that they stick together during the competition, which she immediately agreed to.

"Yeah, that sounds good." she said quickly, and then followed with a hushed tone, "we can double up, and take the competition two on one." She smiled deviously at him, and continued, taking on an almost inspirational position. "These games aren't always to the death, you know. But they can be, especially if we make them so." She looked around.
"We can size up the opponents at the ball, so make sure to meet all the riders." Whisper snorted behind her. "Quiet you!" she muttered playfully.

She smiled again, a bit out of breath. Takeo looked a bit taken aback. It was now, finally that she registered what he as said earlier, about the sparring. She'd always been ahead of him, though she had 6 years age on him, something she didn't like to admit. They'd sparred a few times during training, though she always beat him. She thought it was kinda cute how he struggled. "Oh, and sparring...haha" She started before he could respond to her speech. "You think you've got what it takes to take me?" She poked him the chest teasingly. "I think not!"

Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted a large fire dragon enter the dome, led by its rider. They were the first pair she'd seen since arriving, other than Takeo and Varjo. At almost the same time, the dome had begun to open, much to her surprise. She was impressed with the ceiling, and felt a familiar itch swell inside her. "Want to go for a ride?" She said, not looking at Takeo, but out into the sky.

Takeo stayed quiet listening to Moira's speech; he even cracked a little smile as she took her own inspirational pose. But before he could give his response she was poking him in the chest and exclaiming how she doubted that he would be able to beat her in a sparring match. He couldn't help but feel that she just wanted to get him to give an angered and thoughtless retort...well she was going to get one.

"Eh. I don't have to think. I know." Takeo said with emphasis. He had batted her hand away from his chest. He was already standing but he seemed to gain a few inches and it looked like his chest was puffing out a bit. "Besides I was holding back each time we sparred. I felt like an old woman like you wouldn’t be able to keep up with a young buck like me!." Takeo said triumphantly as he took his own heroic pose and gave a thumbs up. He may have been twenty years old but like any other man he could revert back to a child when arguing with a woman. And like most women, Moira probably wasn't going to let his comment about her age slide.

So without giving her anytime to respond. Takeo quickly hopped onto Varjo and without even having to speak the command she took flight and launched into the air. Quickly heading out of the dome and into the night sky filled with the moon and stars. Takeo and Varjo both loved night time so much. It was quiet, peaceful, had a gentle cool breeze. There usually wasn't a soul in the sky because at night shadow dragons ruled the skies. "How long before they catch up?" Takeo asked grinning to Varjo. He knew if they wanted to they could probably out run Moira and Whisper but then running was never that much fun...

It was already 9 o’clock when Rogarsh woke up. “ugh late again”, Haunter was not going to be happy he was missing training. So Rogarsh got up changed into his usual wear and had a bowl of what looked like cereal. He went out the back door (into the mountain) and walked down the scarcely lit hall to the training grounds. Along time ago he and Haunter started creating the training room, it was only small enough to fit Haunter in a few months ago but since then they had done a lot of work. The training room was now a mile high, one and a half miles long and a mile wide. All in all a very large training room, but it was necessary.

As Rogarsh suspected Haunter was sitting right in front of the entrance, again. “Sorry I’m late again”.
“yes, yes you are”.
“And why would that be”?
She was giggling at this point. “Because I switched your cereal with scale flakes”!! She shouted rolling around on the ground pounding her claws.
“Ugh… no wonder it was too salty”. He was joking of course; you don’t bond with a prank happy earth dragon and not learn anything. “well we should start training, I trust you’ve already practiced…”.
“Flying maneuvers (she was counting her claws) basic sand manipulation, stone manipulation, wood manipulation, and camouflage”.
“You forgot null technique”.
“You know I can’t do that without you”.
“Very good”. It was true the null technique needed the rider and the dragon together. The null technique allowed for increased awareness of the surroundings, it basically made all distractions of the mind null. “But I’m afraid we have no time for that the boss wanted both of us at the headquarters by noon today”.
“How about your day job”?
“I’m afraid it’s going to have to wait”.
“Ooh, ooh can we take the collar gorge”?!?
“No, not this time we must be there by noon”.
“Ugh, your no fun anymore”. And they set off.

As they neared the headquarters Rogarsh noticed that Saariis wasn’t outside. Strange he thought, Indoril was never late for duty.

It was a week before the Flight games that Blake was given the notice. He would be one of the representatives for the Air nation. AS he heard this, he immediately began training. While his sword skill were pretty good, he still needed to work on his arching skills and manipulation, and ever since that day, he and Tryfing had been focusing on their Air abilities.
Thwak The arrow had hit the inner ring once again.
He had been praticing all day for the time to go to Flight Games Island in a few more hours he would have to leve. As he was packing his stuff up, he thought about somethin thst hsd perturbed him, instead of just two riders from each nation, there were three riders representing the Air nation. Strange he thought, he was the third rider. But why then give him the notice now. He could have been chosen next year. He was going to think about it further when a cool, hoarse, friendly voice interrupted his thoughts.
"HUrry up already, else were are gonna be late. You still have not packed your bags, or armored me yet." That was Blake's best friend, partner and dragon. Tryfing. Named after the sword. He was really getting edgy about being cooped up in his house. Tryfing always liked to fly, than to stick to the ground, and as an Air Dragon it made sense.
"Will you relax already, just give me an hour, and we'll have everything done, besides, if we are getting late, we could always use teh Air Rush technique that we have been working on. Besides, you know how to put on your armor, do it yourself."
Tryfing merely grunted at that and went to put on his armor.
Blake too, jogged back to his house and put on his armor, and rider's clothes. Complete with a silver cloak, having the the Air Nation's symbo on it.
He unstringed the bow, and put it into the its alloted place on his back, to his right. A quiver full of arrows to the left side of the shoulder. He unshealthed his sword, gave it a few swings and was satisfied with what he had. The blacksmith had prepared this new one just for him, as a gift to help in the games. It helped to have friends, especially as Blake was good making new ones. Finally attaching his bracelet to his right arm and tucking the sword and the chain blade away, Blake walked outside his living quarters, put two finger in his mouth, and gave a loud shrill wistle.

With that, Blake jumped up high into the sky. Basic air manipulation allowed him to control the airways around him, to give him a boost of hieght, while if and when needed, he could also jump off of great hieghts that still be unharmed. As he reached the maximum hieght, Tryfing flew right below him, clad in the whitew and silver couloured armor, clearly enjoying wearing it. The armor was brand new too, and Tryfing did really like to show off, much like his master. Blake landed on the back of his Dragon, controling the air so as to not fall off when gaining speed. Blake hated being constricted to a seat. This type of Air manipulation had become almost second nature to him.
"Your late" Tryfing said with a grunt.
"Come on... fine whatever, so how much time to you think we will take?"
Tryfing gave no answer.
"Tryfing... fine you look cool in you new armor. Happy? Now how long?"
"Thanks for notcing, you look good too, don't worry its not too far, we will raching in under an hour, faster if we boost."
This was typical Tryfing, always wanting to have fun in the air. Blake didn't complain he liked it too.
"Fine then" Blake said as he crouched down, as held on to one of teh spikes on the back of Tryfing.
"Tryfing, Air Rush!!"
In a moment, Tryfing, rose higher into the sky, and after a quick barrel roll to slowly himself down, allowed the Air to boost his speed. This way, they were traveling much much faster than before, and the island was in sight in about 15 minutes.
"Whoa!! slow down there buddy, we're almost there... I wonder if Aerea is there yet?" Aerea and Blake were good friends back in the camp. And when he found out that there they were goign together he was happy, atleast there will one friendly face there. There was another
"She left before we did, he might already be there"
"What do you think about this game Tryfing"
"I think that it is an oppurtunity to see how we rank compared to riders of the other nations, and an oppurtunity to both show off our skills, and to improve them, as you know a battle is an..."
"Oppurtunity for us to evolve, yeah" Blake finished for him.
"What about you, what are your thoughts?" Tryfing asked slwogin down, ready to make his descent.
"Wel.. yeah its all that you said... but" Looking over at the island, watching the other riders assemble "it will also be a great oppurtunity, for us to make new friends"
"yeah... you ready, I'm about to land."
"Race ya" Blake shouted right before jumping off of Tryfing back pummeting to the ground.
Tryfing too, banked his wings and stalled getting closer and closer to Blake, but insttead of catching him, he continued down, and black up, right before touching the ground, landed gracefully.
Blake on the other hand, was not so graceful. but as he approched the ground, he manipulated the air around him to descend slowy, feet first. Touch down, his cloak flowing behind him.
"I still think having wings isn't fair" he mummbled to Tryfing who merely grunted in reply. Looking back, he found who he was looking for he waved him hands and went to her.
"Aerea, there you are, you ready for this?" Blake asked, Tryfing behind him, looking and majestic and poised as ever.
"Huh, don't mind him, he is just proud that he won again."

The fog rolled out to meet him, always searching, always hungry. 'Indril,' it whispered upon the wind, 'Indoril,' was its silent call. 'A dream,' he thought as he was engulfed by the fog, 'You cannot be real.' The voices were persistent, always hungrily reaching for him, trying to draw his essence into its grasp. 'Indoril,' it called once more, 'Come to me, come to us. Be one with us, and we shall give you everything.' A silent scream escaped his lips, as he ran from the fog, forever being chased into oblivion.

"Indoril," a voice called out to him, "Awaken from your slumber."

'Go away,' he thought at the voice, 'Let me be alone,' but as he turned around, he noticed the fog moving towards him, and knew that his choices had slimmed. "Awaken," the voice roared into his being, and a light blinded his eyes.

Indoril's eyes slowly opened, revealing a dimly lit chamber where his dragon, Saariis, stood over him, worry etched into her every scale. "You were having a nightmare," she said soothingly, "You were moaning in your sleep." She watched as he slowly stood up, hearing his bones pop into place. He moved as though he were still attached to strings, not caring where they led him, so long as he continued to move. "Your breakfast is off to your right, Indoril, just as it always has been." she noticed that he was heading towards the outside world, but had stopped when she spoke. He turned back towards her, the lurched towards the right. She could hear him slowly eating the small scraps of roasted meats and a few small fruits she had gathered for him the night before.

Moments had past, and their chamber was quiet, save for the low scraping sound of metal being dragged acros the stone floor beneath her claws. This made her rise from her position, only to find that the sound had stopped, and a bandaged Indoril stood looking up at her. His eyes had been bandaged by his hands, because they could not withstand the intensity of the light of the sun outside. she remembered that his uncle had the same condition, but had acquired some sort of brown colored protective eye wear several years prior to him taking custody of her Indoril. She had always wondered where she may get her claws on such a device, because it would have made things much easier for her rider to walk in the daylight.

Several beats on Saariis's chest brought her out of her daze, and when she turned towards her rider, she found him holding his warhammer, pointing it towards the entrance. "Need," he whispered, resting his head against her chest. Nodding slowly, she wrapped a foreclaw around Indoril's waist, and lifted him up, cradling him against her chest, as she made her way towards the entry way of what served as their home. A hissing noise escaped bother her rider's, and her own, throat, as their skin came in contact with the unforgiving sun. Once outside, she tested her wings slowly, making sure that there were no cramps in her muscles and joints. Finding none, she nuzzled her nose gently against the top of her rider's head, then leapt high into the air, her wings pumping furiously to gain height.

"Rogarsh is waiting for us," she said upon the wind, knowing that her words would reach her rider, and smiled when he said, "I know." They flew for a few moments before finding Rogarsh and his dragon, Haunter, close by the entrance of the Black Tool's headquarters. After climbing into the air for a few moments more, she folded her wings, and dropped towards the ground below. She took comfort in knowing that her rider had snuggled against her chest, complete in his trust for her, and waited for the ground to meet her claws. Several yards before smashing into the ground, her wings opened, slowing down her decent greatly, but she still smashed into the ground, leaving a small crater where she impacted with it.

Releasing Indoril from her foreclaw, Saariis watched as he staggered foreward, his hammer dragging in the sand. He did not acknowledge Rogarsh, nor his dragon, but pushed on and into the headquarters, leaving them to a slightly angered shadow dragon.

Bane had been sitting on the balcony where Crim had brought him. He scouted the competition as to see how they acted. Bane saw a girl walk in with a red dragon ,she was from the fire nation no doubts about he thought. He carfully landed three or four feet his tattered coat swaying back and forth from the fall. He saw that she had her fists clenched and sighed. He already knew why ,she was probably angry at the officals for betting or are gong to bet on there lives. "You do know you can't do anything about it," he said calmly ,he kept his cold menacing eyes on her and her dragon.

Markov kicked a rock hard as he leant against the wall of the Black Tools hideout, it wasn't much, just a cave which had been renovated enough to be considered a fancy home large enough to squeeze dragons inside with all the provisions a human would need. At least which a Black Tool human would need, that meant plenty of weapo training rooms, storage, escape routes, kitchens, hidden rooms, sealed rooms to hide their secrets but best of all to Markov the room he was in at the moment, the lounge room where you were free to relax by a coal fireplace built into the wall with a cushiony coach.
He would be sitting on it now were it not for some other peasanty members using it up as they chatted away idley.
A sick smile spread on his face as he thought of crushing the younglings making them bleed untill they bowed down to his supremness.
It was then that a shrill rose from a dragon somewhere as a young fire dragon ran into the room and into his owns arms still a baby so its rider could still carry it, the thing was practically crying which made Markov roll his eyes smirking.
He knew the probably reason why.

As he thought so the culprit came gliding in sweeping through the caves narrow passage way his form agile and swift, at least it was narrow to a full grown dragon. "Jayron" Markov said a little gleefully "Have you been picking on others again? I told you not to do such dreadful things" he snickered as Jayron landed beside him his golden yellow scales bright against he blazing fire keeping everyone warm.
"Markov the thing didn't take a joke is all" he shrugged smirking all the while as the young fire dragon owner stood up scowling at Markov.
"How dare you! he's just a child" the boy bellowed.
Markov shrugged like Jayron had "guess he's got to learn somehow" he strolled over to the boy looked at him and his friends, they had stood up in the boys defense. Markov smirked "Just like you've got to learn the pecking order" he plopped onto the now free coach quickly laying out across it as the three boys grew angry.
Just as they were about to say something Jayron boomed over them his height humongos compared "Ah, this is Jayron, he doesn't like anyone but me, can yo imagine?" he said sly as the boys backed away and without further word ran down the caves tunnels leaving Markov to his coach and fire.
"Well played Markov" Jayron nodded proud of his rider laying on his stomach comfortably.

Eleanor was surprised to see a light dragon and its rider descend towards her and speak out "You do know you can't do anything about it," as the riders eyes watched her just as she watched him and his dragon.
There were no friends here, only temporary allies and enemies, she had to remember that and keep on her stern face act.
She wondered what he meant when she realised her fists clenching were obvious. "I can still be angry about it, they have no right to do such things, besides" she moved to tie her long brown hair back, it had fallen loose during her flight to the island "the law is the law, if they get caught" she smiled a little as she fought to keep a stern face "then I will have no problem reporting them"
"Eleanor" Breen said only her name but it was in one of those knowing tones, she only glared at him opening her mouth to speak causing him to snort smoke in face.
"Breen!" - cough - "what did you do that for?" - cough "I was about to speak!" she said coughing as the smoke had gone straight to her lungs due to her mouth being open when he blew the smoke at her.
Breen only frowned at her trying to control her actions again as she did his sometimes, their personalities were so similiar that they clashed awefully. "i know that" he replied cockily before turning to the light rider and the female dragon himself. "Do you have buisness with us?" he asked sternly in his no nonesonse attitude which generally caused him to be an argumentive annoyance to Eleanor.

Bane looked at the rider and said calmly with a cruel look in his eyes", yeah a far word of advice ,if you get on my bad side I won't haste to kill you." With that Bane turned on the heel of his shoes and walked away. Crim stayed and sighed ",sorry for his rudeness he's not the nicest person in the world or happiest infact I never seen him smile," she told them in a apologeticly tone. She turned her head so that it was looking at Bane and saw a bit of fear in his eyes but it disappeared quickly.

Aerea looked at the guy who just walked up and the playful looking dragon and sent him a bright smirk, "I'm confident that I will survive and so will Tempy" she said while using her nickname for her dragon. The warm sun felt good on her skin and she reached up to the sun stretching, her pale white stomach being flashed to the warm skin, Tempest who had cuddled on to the warm stones snickered at the arrogant pose Tryfing had decided to sit in. Aerea cuddled in to Tempest's tail that was curled like a seat, She smiled at Blake and laughed easily "So Blake, how are you?" she asked him as she basked in the warm sun. "Hello Tryfing, Are you...uhh... Posing for something?" Tempest teased in her ringing voice, giggling the whole time.