Preparing For War

Sky stood by the silver gate just opposite of Elizabeth. Laying her hand on the stone she expected it to be cool but found it warm to the touch. Magic flowed through the stone and then out into the world. Following the flow, Sky could feel where it ended and seemed to pool. "Those are the other gates within the world," said Elizabeth as Sky watched Elizabeth's magic traveling toward one pool in particular.

"How do you know which is which," asked Sky not seeing a visible difference.

"Easy," replied Elizabeth as something gave Sky a strange tug.

Stumbling forward Sky looked at her hand that was now joined with Elizabeth. Looking backward Sky could see her body was still standing on the other side of the gate. Looking around at the blackness it reminded Sky of a cave or a tunnel. Other than just having the one or two entrances there were many of them. From this side, Sky could see many bustling towns through the openings of the dark tunnel. "Do you see the difference now," asked Elizabeth making her way over toward one of the many gates.

Stopping just on this side of the gate Elizabeth laid her hand on the stone. "Nock, nock, Amelia," said Elizabeth as the gate began to glow.

Minutes ticked by and nothing seemed to happen until a silver-blonde wind dragon rushed up out of breath. Moving everyone out of the way a small battalion of men took up arms around the gate. With everyone in position, Sky watched as the woman placed her hand on the dragon statue on her side. As soon as she did Sky found herself back in her body as the gate began to glow and the world on the other side changed. "Now we keep our hand on there until everyone is through or they all die," stated Elizabeth as she nodded to the Silver Queen and her men.

Watching everyone pass through Sky waited for Elizabeth to give her the signal that it was safe to remove her hand. Once their hands were removed the gait instantly closed surprising Sky. "Wait last time the gate didn't close right away because you stepped throw but it did this time," stated Sky looking at the gate in surprise.

"That's because I didn't step into it. If you step in you can still power the gate. Honestly you can power the gate without touching it but it's just easier to transfer power through touch," informed Elizabeth. "Are you ready to go to the Capital City of Fafnir," asked Elizabeth before laying her hand back onto the gate.

Having set everything up Sky had decided to put her schooling on hold. She wasn't done with her wind dragon training just yet, but some things took precedence. Especially the fate of the world and everyone on it. The High Lord had agreed with her and told her as well he will have his troops standing by for whenever they are ready to march on the dead army. With the information Elizabeth had shared with them the High Lord was going to start finding wind dragons with enough silver blood to operate the gates. Messenger birds where already being sent out to all of the major cities so that they might be able to get the gates up and going. It would be faster for them to move troops through the gates then marching them across the country.

Laying her hand back on the wall Sky returned to the cave with the many exits. "So this should be pretty easy," said Elizabeth as she flicked her wrist and several of the entrances disappeared. "All of those I know are not it. That, leaves, three? Shouldn't there be four?"

Walking up to each of the gates Sky looked through to find that they belonged to the capital cites of land, water, and fire. Three wasn't a gait a Fafnir which didn't make any sense. Thinking back about it Sky couldn't remember ever seeing a gate. Surely the King had his own gate but Sky didn't see it. "What do we do now? There isn't a gate," said Sky looking around them as if the missing gate would just show up. "It'll take months to travel that far."

"We make one," said Elizabeth as she placed her hands on the floor.

Sky watched as the floor began to glow as Elizabeth turned glowing blue eyes up at her. "I'm going to need your help on this one. I don't know where the city is or a good place to put the gate. You on the other hand do."

Making her way over to Elizabeth, Sky placed her hands just opposite of hers. "Okay, what do I do?"

"Just think of the place you want the gate to be. Picture it in your head just like nesting grounds for the Metal dragons. Then we let the mother do the rest," informed Elizabeth.

Thinking about it Sky decided the best place for it would be the courtyard just outside of the castle grounds. The archway by her favorite fountain was just the right size and location. It was close enough to the castle to be useful, but far enough away to safeguard from an invasion. The only thing missing was a dragon statue to open the gate from that side. Thinking about were to put, Sky frowned slightly. Unfortunately to use that gate to the fountain park the buildings would have to move because there wouldn't be any room. It seemed that all the dragons were all at the same distance away from the gate. Sky could only figure it was to allow whoever opened the gate to be out of the way yet close enough to view any danger that might come through and close it quickly if needed.

"Interesting location. That's a pretty cool fountain," said Elizabeth causing Sky to open her eyes.

A new exit now existed were only empty space had been. On the other side of the gate was her favorite tiger water fountain, but the park looked different. Now instead of just pretty flowers and plants around it, several beautiful dragon statues could be seen as well. People filled the park as they looked around with shock and all. "That's my favorite park in Fafnir. It's just outside the castle grounds, but I don't know anyone who can open it," said Sky laying her hand on the gate as she tried to peer around the gate to see more of the park.

Laughing Elizabeth pointed back at the gate when Sky looked at her. "I'm betting you do and he's looking at you in confusion."

Turning Sky could see Kyle standing in the park panting like he'd just ran a marathon. "Oh, its Kyle. Hi Kyle," said Sky waving at him.

"He can't see you Sky, he can only hear us. Ask him to open the gate," asked Elizabeth as Kyle seemed to look for the disembodied voices.

"Hey Kyle, it's Sky. Can you turn around and go place your hand on the top of that dragon's head."

"Does that dragon have reading glasses and is it holding a book," asked Elizabeth stepping up beside Sky.

Giggling Sky nodded. "It's like that southern wind dragon. He looks like a nerdy dragon."

"That's your representation of a nerdy book worm. I like it," laughed Elizabeth as Kyle opened the gate from his side.

Peering around the side of the gate Sky waved at Kyle this time since he could see her now. "Okay don't move your hand or we'll die okay," shouted Sky before looking backward at her guards.

With the wave of her hand, Owen snapped the reins. Sky's horses surged forward as they began to pull her van toward the gate. Without too much of a fuss, the horses passed through the gate. Watching them making their way around the fountain Owen pulled them to a stop once they are pointing back in their direction. Turning to look back at the reminder of her group Sky found Edward by her side holding his small bag of belongings. Tori and Kandis were crying as they hugged their proud parents one last time. Vivian looked back at Tori and Kandis as she waited in the wagon for them. Once they were back in she clicked at the horses sending them forward. Making their way through the gate Sky looked at Edward who still stood protectively by her side. "I don't like going through before you," said Edward as he glared at Shaw who laid silently beside Elizabeth's feet.

"It'll be okay," insured Sky. "Me and Elizabeth have to be last to keep the gate open. He'll be going through with you so you won't have to worry about him," informed Sky pointing at Shaw who was pushing himself up to his feet.

Making his way to the center of the gate Shaw ruffed at Edward. Mumbling something about stupidity and being dog chow, Edward joined Shaw before they made their way through the gate. With that Sky and Elizabeth stepped into the gate before moving their hand off the gate. Stepping through to the other side Sky watched the gate close behind them before looking around the park. The added dragon statues weren't the only thing that was new. The path around the fountain was wider too allowing for both wagons to pass around them easily. On the downside or an upside depending, was that no one was moving people in numbers through this gate. There was now only one way in or out of the park and that would be through the silver gate. A high wall now ringed the park on all sides limiting the space within.

"My Queen," said Kyle as he quickly made his way toward her but keeping a cautious eye on Elizabeth and Shaw. "Was this your doing?"

"Well I had help, but yes," said Sky turning around to see a street full of shocked faces.

"Is that a silver gate? You can operate Silver gates," asked Kyle pointing to the park entrance that was a lot more ornate then it use to be.

"It is now and duh," said Sky making her way over to Owen and climbing up into the driver's seat with him. "Shall we go home?"

Patting the seat for Kyle to join them Sky watched as Elizabeth crawled onto her mates back. Even with as big as Elizabeth was her mate made a perfect sized horse for her. She didn't need help getting on and she didn't kick him in the ankles as he walked. Wondering if being used as a pack animal bothered him, Sky thought about Michael. Would he get mad if she crawled on his back and asked him to take her for a flight? Actually that didn't sound too bad at all. She would find it fun even if Michael didn't, but he'd do it, because he kind of, sort of, liked her. Betting the same was true for that situation Sky watched as Shaw trotted right alongside the carriage, but not close enough to spook the horses. Something about him seemed to terrify them like they knew he was an apex predator and they were not above the menu.

Everything in the town stopped as they passed by. For once Sky wasn't the center of attention. This time it was a huge black wolf with a white-haired wolf lady on his back. There was such a commotion about them and the park that Michael and his guards stood waiting for them in the bailey. Waving at her mate as soon as she caught site of him Sky smiled at them as they passed through the castle gate. Trotting out from behind them and back to their traveling spot once through the narrow gate Sky watched Micheals smile drop off of his face. Before Sky could figure out what happened she found herself on the ground. People and horses screamed out as two dragons roared. Pushing herself up onto her hands and knees Sky looked up at the scaled underbelly of a white dragon. Her pretty van was destroyed but everyone else seemed to be okay. Her horses were laying flat on their sides as Owen and Kyle where on their faces. Pushing themselves up as well the dragon above them rocked as it snarled. The air vibrated around them as it rattled a warning at whatever was happening around them. On hands and knees, Sky crawled out from under the dragon to see two massive black dragons practically destroying the castle. One of the dragons she knew like the back of her hand and that was the smaller of the two. The dragons looked identical besides the number of horns on their head and the huge size difference. The second dragon had four horns instead of two but their horn style was the same.

The second black dragon was pummeling Michael and her beast wasn't okay with this dominance battle at all. Inside she blamed herself for bringing the second dragon here since it could only be Shaw. The white dragon who'd lowered her head down to Sky's level, eyes were glowing blue as she regarded her carefully. Laying her hand on Elizabeth's nose she could feel the reassurance that Shaw would not kill her mate. That it was a simple dominance battle that Michael had annunciated, but Sky's beast wasn't having any of it. This was Michael's territory and nothing here should outrank him. That was the problem if Michael lost, he'd lose the throne, but the bigger dragon wasn't going to submit to the littler one either. That's not how things worked, but Sky and her beast felt like she had to do something. She had to help Michael but she was just a flea compared to those two dragons. "Jump in and help it. You know it's allowed in a dominance fight. At least in my world, because you are a mated pair so you're a team. This is your land," said Elizabeth as moved the horses and the repaired van before moving it out from under her and sitting on her hanches.

"Um I don't know if you've noticed, but I'm only like five foot tall," snapped Sky as her beast began to rail against the confines of her skin.

"You're beast might not be though. You should let her out and you might be surprised," replied Elizabeth as they watched the east side of the castle crumble under the combined weight of the two fighting dragons.

"I can't, I don't have a mating mark," cried Sky as Shaw bodily through Michael into the horse stables. "Oh no!"

"Don't worry there weren't any horses there. The stable hands already move them. An yes you can. You might not have a mating mark like a dragon does, but that doesn't mean you can't shift. I think you just think you can't because you're hung up on the limitations of dragons. You're not a dragon. Well, I guess they'll keep fighting until either the King submits or he dies because Shaw kneels to no one," said Elizabeths as she looked at Sky out of the corner of her eye.

Sky was beginning to pace as her beast began making the knocking sound that scared most people. Elizabeth on the other hand just giggled at her as she said," You sound like a predator."

"I am a predator. I eat meat but I'm not sure why that's funny and how it deals with this," snapped Sky gesturing toward the fight that was raging through the center of the castle now.

"It's a movie, you know what never mind. Just let her go and give her free rein. See what happens, and you might want to try sooner than later. Looks like he's about to pass out from lack of oxygen," stated Elizabeth as she pointed toward the fight.

Sky would have climbed up Elizabeth's spikes to get a better viewpoint if Elizabeth had any. So instead, she jumped over to Eli who was sitting on the sidelines in his dragon form. Scrambling up his spikes to the top of his head Sky froze at the sight she saw. Elizabeth wasn't joking when she said Michael was about to pass out. Blood poured from all of his open wounds as Shaw clamped down harder on his throat. Screaming out everything froze except for the black dragons as they continued their fight. Shaw was shaking his head trying to rip Michael's throat apart while Michael clawed desperately at him. Sky could tell by the set of his wings that he was running out of steam and he was losing this battle quickly. Something in her seemed to snap as she leaped off of Eli's head. Her beast surged forward as she extended her claws. Landing on the back of the huge black dragon Sky watched as bird-like talons dug in deep. Roaring in pain Shaw let Michael go. Bringing his head around to bight her Sky jumped backward using her wings to assist in moving quicker. Snapping nothing but air, Shaw's dragon rattled at her before turning his attention back to Michael. Unwilling to let that happen Sky charged him again. Kicking, biting, and scratching for all she was worth Sky watched Shaw's death swirl around him as he retreated a couple of steps. Sky watched as the deep fishers she'd caused in his flesh began to heal right in front of her. Before a full minute had elapsed all but the deepest ones had healed.

Placing herself between Michael and the clearly bigger and stronger dragon, Sky let loose her haunting elk like scream. Crouching down Shaw looked like he was about to launch himself at her until a blur of white slammed into him. With a furry of her own claws and a rain of fire, Sky sat there and watched as Elizabeth attacked her own mate. Within minutes the massive black dragon was belly up chirping in submission under a raging white one. Snapping him one last time on the nose Elizabeth crawled off her mate and gave herself a good shake.

Prancing up to Sky, Elizabeth gave her a head butt in greeting before placing around her in a circle. "You look awesome! I've never seen a griffon in person before."

It was at that point Sky turned and finally looked at herself. For sure she wasn't a dragon or even a manticore. Nope, she was a catbird thought Sky as she looked at her lion-like back half and what she could see of her front half was a white bird. Turning her attention back to Elizabeth as she made her way over to Michael, Sky's beast or griffon as Elizabeth had called it began knocking again. "Breath easy I'm not going to hurt the poor man," laughed Elizabeth as laid her massive clawed foot on his hip.

Instantly all of his wounds began to heal and Michaels labored breathing began to ease. "Okay big guy up and at'um so that I can fix everything you two broke," stated Elizabeth as she gave Michael a shove to get him moving.

Stumbling to his feet Michael's dragon rattled at Shaw before it locked eyes with Sky. Suddenly fire flared up around Micheal's feet as he took in the sight of the white dragon, her, and the black dragon. Jumping back from Shaw as he flamed up as well Sky put herself in the middle and backed up toward Michael. When Sky heard a growl and a rattle in her direction she turned to see Michael's dragon being defensive toward her. "Oh and here I thought she was your mate," laughed Shaw. "I thought it would have been a two on one. That's why my mate stopped me. I guess she was wrong. Fine then, I'll eat the bird first, and then I'll kill you."

Fluffing up her feathers Sky's griffin knocked at Shaw as her tail swished angrily. Deep inside it hurt that Michaels dragon didn't recognize her. That was okay though because they would settle that latter. Right now she needed to protect her mate and fight for her kingdom. Shaw's dragon lifted its head in a great laugh before turning glowing red eyes to her. "So, you think this is your kingdom?"

"This is not just my Kingdom this is my world," snapped Sky as flames shot up around her. "I am Queen here! You are not more powerful than me. Your flames can not hurt me and neither can your death! Only one dragon here can outdo me and she seems very pissed with you at the moment."

Laughing again the big black dragon turned his glowing red eyes toward a snarling Elizabeth. "Ah yes well you see this is actually like the third time I've shown myself to anyone. The wolf doesn't like relinquishing control because he says I'm too volatile. I am an alpha after all and even if the wolf and the others have found their mate, I have not. I might just choose to claim you since no one else has."

Suddenly a black wall of mist surrounded the massive black dragon and Sky feared the worst. What would Elizabeth do if her mate attempted to mate with her? Was it possible for him to even do that? It wasn't like they were from this world, so maybe their rules were different. Even their different sides could have different mates so it wasn't a far stretch. Sky thought that her other side was just an extension of herself. She might think differently and more on a primal level but they seemed to like the same things. "I am not your mate and I want nothing to do with you," shouted Sky as she nocked aggressively at him.

"Well you just said you are Queen and you are the divine beast of this world," rumbled the dragon. " So if I mate with you then I am King of all."

"I would have to let you first," snapped Sky as the black dragon leaped at her.

Sky met him head-on in a flurry of beak, talons, and claws. Every time he attempted to mount her she shook him off quite easily. To easily to be exact. It was like he wasn't even really trying. As the fight raged on, Sky began to notice that Shaw's dragon was driving her in a direction. It wasn't until she was thrown up against another body did she realize who it was. Rattling at her Michael's battered dragon went to snap at her. Sky could feel his teeth against her skin but they never punctured it. Instead, his dragon began to breathe deeper and deeper dragging her scent in. Even if he wasn't hurting her, his grip was still tight enough that she couldn't move and Shaw was on his way back over. "You are unclaimed and so you will be mine. So will this Kingdom," growled Shaw as he prowled toward them.

Feeling Michael release his hold on her, Sky jumped to her feet ready for another one of his half-hearted attacks. Sky watched him closely while he'd fought with her mate. There was more fluidity, grace, and tenacity. Now he was just playing with her. Was he toying with her because she was a female? What was his game?

Shifting her position so that her back end was away from him, Sky's tail smacked something hard. Figuring it was Michael she ignored it until a weight came crashing down on top of her. Fight as she might she couldn't dislodge them. When teeth sank into the back of her neck her body went limp. Her beast purred as Michael's soothing rumble sounded behind her. Laying there helplessly Sky kept an eye on Shaw as Michael shuffled awkwardly on top of her. If she wasn't mistaken it appeared that Shaw's dragon was laughing at them, that was until Elizabeth walked up and nipped him on the shoulder. "Leave him be. It's not like she's a dragon," stated Elizabeth before she turned herself back into a human. "I'm sure it's going to be a weird angle."

Watching Shaw turn into a man, he glared at his mate as he stated, "Yey be owe'n me wench. Them claws n talons be a wee bit painful."

Placing her hands on her hips Elizabeth glared at him. "Well, you started a dominance battle for a job you sure the hell didn't want! So I owe you nothing for fixing your mess. You just dethroned the king you blethering idiot!"

"I'm not daff woman!"

"Some times I wonder," snapped Elizabeth. "You can't just fight for dominance and then be like I don't want to be king!"

"He be challang'n me first," snarled Shaw as his horns pushed from his head. "If he would have looked away like all the others we wouldn't have been in this position."

"He's the King! You expected him to look away," argued Elizabeth.

Sky was so distracted by their argument that it took her a minute to figure out what Michael was trying to do. That was until he mangey to situate himself correctly that she cried out in shock with it. Michaels dragon was claiming her as his mate and to Sky's embracement, it was in front of practically the entire kingdom. Of course, her griffon didn't care, but Sky wasn't sure she'd be able to look anyone straight in the eyes after this.

Moments later when Michaels dragon was nuzzling her as he stood on shaky legs. Shaw was still getting scolded by Elizabeth and a thought occurred to Sky sidetracking her from her embracement. Shifting back into her human form Sky made her way over to Elizabeth. Stepping up to the arguing couple Sky interrupted them. "Why is it his dragon speaks correctly with very little accent, but his human side I can barely understand?"

Throwing her head back Elizabeth laughed at Sky's question. When she was able to respond Elizabeth wiped a tear from her face. "His Scottish brogue is hard to understand especially when he's angry and then even I can't understand it. As far as the two different tongue's it's because Galic isn't his first langue, it's Latin. Shaw just prefers the Scottish brogue but it seems his dragon doesn't. To each their own I guess."

Turning toward Shaw he gave her a court nod before growling at Michael who was now standing behind her. Her mate stood tall and proud by her side. His head was held high portraying none of the weaknesses he currently felt. The only difference was that Michael was not meeting Shaw's gaze. From here it looked like he was looking straight at him but Sky suspected he was looking more toward his ear or hairline. Anything but locking eyes with him, because if he did then Shaw's dragon would have to show rank again. Considering that's not something Sky wanted to deal with again she quickly changed subjects again. "So you said something about being able to fix all of this?"

Gesturing toward the completely destroyed castle Sky turned to glare at the two who caused it. "Before she be do'n that. We be need'n a room!"

Placing her hands on her hips Elizabeth glared at her mate. "And how is she going to do that when you both destroyed the castle. I'll have to fix it before she can give us a room."

"Again ye ur call'n me daft wench!"

"Ugg," said Elizabeth tossing her hands up in exasperation. "Foget it!"

With a wave of her hand magic seemed to pour out of her like a fountain. Sky watched as bricks, mortar, and boards slid across the ground before reforming what they used to be. When everything was said and done all but one massive section of the inner wall was standing again. "Where is the rest of the wall," asked Jamie completely surprised that everything was back together.

"When things are broken," said Shaw's dragon as he picked his mate off of the ground. "Parts of it are lost for good. It is the law of equivalent exchange. You can't get something from nothing. To obtain anything, something of equal value must be used."

"Oh! I get it! So the missing section of the wall was used in restoring the castle and the ground," said Sky bouncing right behind Shaw as he packed his unconscious mate toward the castle doors. "Here let me get the door for you. We have a spare room in the royal wing for now. I can put you in there. It's gaurded around the clock so Elizabeth will be safer. How long do you think she'll be out?"

Shrugging his shoulders as he followed behind Sky, Shaw's dragon replied, "Passing out due to the over use of power isn't something she's normally prone to. The couple of times it has happened she was out for a couple of hours to a couple of days."

With that Sky showed him to the Silver room she knew was within the royal wing. Settling them in, Sky shut the door to come face to face with a very angry dragon. "Michael I didn't know he was going to start a fight with you as soon as we stepped through the gate," stated Sky making her way toward where her room should be.

Grabbing her as she went for the stairs Michael pulled her into his room. "All of your belongings are already in here and I'm not mad about getting my rear handed to me. That dragon is almost twice my size. Hell, the man is more than twice my size. He's a walking mountain. What I'm mad about is you jumping into the middle of the fight. I'm mad about you not telling me you've managed to change forms! I'm mad that you neglected to tell me about the white dragon who you say is more powerful than you."

"Well before today all I knew was that Elizabeth is super powerful. She and I are connected through the mother. The power of the mother courses through her as well as several other planets. Elizabeth told me that dominance fights are not just one-sided. That you are king and I am Queen meaning we both fight for this land. Because of this it's a team fight not a one on one fight for the crown. An my beast just kind of came out so that was the first time I've seen her too," informed Sky as Michael backed her all the way to the bed.

Stumbling backward onto the bed Michael pressed his weight against her as he growled, "An what a pretty beast she is too. We've missed you."

With that, Michael stopped whatever Sky was going to say as he crushed his lips to hers. Heat and passion flared through her body as his lips devoured hers. Letting her legs fall to the side as he slid between them Sky moaned as the feel of his ridged girth as he slid himself through her already saturated folds. Growling at the feel of her wetness Michael drove himself to the hilt before making Sky come apart on his dick. Several hours later they finally managed to get clothes on. Making their way to Michael's study Sky sat down in one of the many chairs. From there she told Michael everything she discovered about the dead army, as well as the Silver Queen. She also told him the reason behind Elizabeth's and Shaw's presence within the castle. "Well that's not how you start a conversation in which you're going to ask for help," said Tanner as his dragon drifted into his eyes.

"Actually it is," stated Shaw's dragon as he walked into the study. "It got all of the posturings out of the way. We can get down to business now that our dragons know the hierarchy."

"That is true," agreed Michael nodding in agreement with Shaw before handing him a glass of whatever he was drinking. "The women outrank us."

Lifting his glass Shaw toasted that notion before sitting down in a chair. Tossing his drink back Shaw grumbled before he abruptly stood back up. Elizabeth stole his seat as he began to strip out of his clothes. "By the Goddess," exclaimed Rebeca getting a snarl from Tanner as she blatantly ogled Shaw.

Tossing his clothes into Elizabeth's lap everyone watched the mountain of a man changed into his horse-sized wolf. "You know he looks nothing like a hound to me," said Sky making the obvious statement.

"Dogs came from wolves," said Edward as he glared at the Hell Hound. "Through selective breeding we have what you know as a hound. He is closer to the first domesticated dog. Just a lot bigger and a hundred times more dangerous."

"My question is why are you here," asked Michael trying to offer Elizabeth a glass.

Shaking her head and waving it off Elizabeth replied, "No thank you. I'm not much for day drinking. An that is to help you I guess. It's not like me and my friends came here willingly. We kind of got sucked here and spit out in a temple in the south. From what I can understand from what I've learned and what I feel from the plant. We need to assist you, meaning the people of this planet, in killing this boogyman. From what I pulled from Sky's head his name is Orcus. I don't know much about this god. I do kind of remember a Roman god by this name. He was a god of death and got his power from people dying. He's also the father and creator of the Orc. The Orc are nasty little buggers that love torcher and are masters of killing brutally. The longer it takes for the victim to die, and the more pain and fear they experience before death, the more power their god receives."

"You seem to know a lot about a this god," stated Michael a bit suspicious of Elizabeth.

Shrugging Elizabeth replied, "I can't say that your dead army god is this Orcus or not. As far as knowledge about him, I only know a little. It wasn't that far back that I had a battle with demons. Needless to say I had to do some research on the topic and he came up. All of my research was for not because everything we faced wasn't even close to being in a book," laughed Elizabeth which caused Shaw to snarl at her.

Watching Shaw bark, growl, and huff, Sky knew by Elizabeth's eye role he was yelling at her for something. "If he is this Orcus god then what is the plan of the silver Queen," asked Michael ignoring the one-sided argument.

Shrugging her shoulders again everyone began to murmur as Elizabeth replied, "I'm not one hundred percent sure. We are beyond sword fights in my world so our battle tactics are completely different. I was in the Navy and know a little about battle tactics when it comes to putting warheads on foreheads. I have no clue how to set up battlefields around archers, and swordsman. What we have decided because we are lacking in that field of knowledge is to get all of the heads of each army together in a war council. The start point is going to be Rabinaster. We're told you are close to the King of the northern Fire Kingdom."

"You can say that," replied Michael cutting a glance over to Tanner and Rebeca.

"What we have figured is getting as many ships as possible and gathering them at Rabinaster. From there we'd invade Balamb. Sorry, I don't have a better pitch there. You are more trained and knowledgeable on going to war then I am. That seemed like the most logical course of action here."

"Fair enough," said Michael leaning back in his chair and crossing his arms over his chest. "But why should I help you? I'm sure that my army can swoop in after yours if you lose and clean up the mess. It's not like this dead army as been causing havoc here like it has been in the south."

"True, but that's only because you're not easily accessible. And it would be a fool's errand to try to step in after the war. Have you forgotten that the dead army is dead? Everyone who falls in this war will join the ranks of the dead. If we lose his numbers will swell astronomically and you will lose. Not like it will matter after that anyway because you'll all die in the end," replied Elizabeth stone-faced and without care.

"An why do you say that," asked Michael with an air of cockiness as if he knew better.

"For everybody that Orcus controls is a soul that does not return to the mother. When and if the body does deteriorate past its usefulness and if he releases it. That soul takes with it the evil taint he'd given it. That evil is tainting your planet and causing her to die. If she dies then this planet will be nothing more then a chunk of rock floating in space. It might not be today or next week. It might not even be within your lifetime but it will happen."

Rubbing his chin Michael got a faraway look before turning it back Elizabeth. "Even if we don't join together this time who's to say the next generation won't. With the discovery of metal dragons and the silver queen returning who's to says they won't be stronger?"

Throwing her head back in a hearty laugh Elizabeth's demeanor changed abruptly. She went from laughing to deadly in a heartbeat as power burst from her sending everyone including Sky to the floor. Everyone struggled to breathe as the weight of the world seemed to be sitting on their chest. Sky looked up at a she-wolf who leaned forward in her chair to look down at him looking exactly like a female version of Wepwawet. "You are a foolish man if you think you or your kind can kill a God! Only a few things in all of existence can do that and they are created by gods to do just that and that is to kill other Gods. Devine beasts are rare. They are not born they are created. If you think you are strong enough to defeat a god then stand up and prove me wrong."

No one in the room moved an inch as they all gasped for air like a fish out of water. That was except for Shaw who clearly looked board as he lay in the floor under his own volition. "If your so powerful," growled Sky as she forced herself up on shaky arms. "Then why can't you just go kill him on your own and save us the trouble."

Huffing Elizabeth's wolf sat back in her chair. "Because this is not my world. I can not change it's destiny or its course. I can only ride in the wake of the champions of this world. You might think me powerful but this is nothing compared to what we'll face when we stand against the death god. I will fight by your side Sky and with the two of us it might be enough to kill him."

Forcing herself into a sitting position Sky huffed and puffed as she tried to remain in her upright position. "You're joking right?"

Letting her powers drop the wolf vanished leaving only the woman with its ears and tail. "I'm afraid I'm not. I am here to support you and only you. I can not fight in this war or kill its people. Something about rules that govern the planets and being punished by the three fates who guide the destinies of the worlds. I can defend myself but I can attack outright. I can however fight and outright attack the Death God. I'm as much a pawn in this game as you. Other then I was pulled from an outside world to play in this one."

Pushing himself out of the floor Michael brushed himself off before returning to his seat. "You never answered my question though of what I will get in return."

"Nothing that you wouldn't get anyway. You will get alleys in the south and that will create better relations, better trade. You will get knowledge and a cure for Egg Sickness once they perfect it," said Elizabeth before Sky cute her off.

"They know how to cure it," exclaimed Sky jumping out of the floor.

"Calm down and not just yet," stated Elizabeth as she leaned forward and rested her elbows on her knees. "From what I can tell your Egg Sickness is roughly the same as our gestational diabetes. It's when a woman body stops processing sugar. The only thing hindering this cure is your world is run and dictated by magic. My world is run and dictated by silence and science is the complete opposite of magic. So the wind dragons combined with a special team of healers in both the dragon and witch communities, are trying to come up with a magic equivalent of what we call insulin. Until then they are just issuing dietary changes and it's helped mitigate some of it."

Walking up to the front of the group quickly Jamie pulled the paper and quill out of Kyle's hands as he asked, "What are these dietary changes?"

From there Elizabeth explained the foods a woman diagnosed with Egg Sickness should avoid eating. She also discussed foods she should eat more of and how to diagnose Egg Sickness sooner. Once she was done explaining everything Jamie dismissed himself taking his notes with him. "Isn't giving us that information changing our destiny and course," asked Kyle getting his next page set up.

Shaking her head no Elizabeth stated, "We didn't give you a cure. We just explained what it is. As for the diet thing, it's no different from a normal healthy diet, to begin with. At least for humans anyway. All we did is point you in the right direction. You'll have to figure out on your own from there. It's not like you weren't working on it, to begin with. You were getting pretty close already. We just gave you a slight nudge in the right direction."

"Either way," said Michael waving the current topic off. "If we do this then we are doing it for free."

"No you're doing it for the same reason everyone else is, and for the same reward, everyone else gets," replied Elizabeth.

"Which is nothing," growled Michael.

"Incorrect," stated Elizbeth gesturing with her hand. "You will get the reward of further generations on a world that is not dying from an evil sickness that plagues her. Anything else you get it out of it is a bonus."

Rolling his eyes Michael growled, "Either way I will need to speak to the council about it. War is not something I can call for on my own."

Pushing herself to her feet Elizabeth yawned before she said, "By all means take your time and speak to your counsel. I will relay the message once you've decided on it. If you don't mind though I think I'll retire for the day."

With that Elizabeth left leaving everyone to discuss and deliberate their own thoughts. Once their discussions had stopped, Michael called forth the counsel. After informing them of everything he knew, Michael left them to deliberate. While they waiting Sky picked up her training with Elizabeth the next day. Surprisingly Michael and Shaw could be found walking the castle grounds having a one-sided conversation. Or at least that's what it appeared to be to everyone else. Sky had asked if Shaw could speak to him mentally like Elizabeth could her, but he really didn't give her a straight answer.

On the third day, the council requested the presence of all of the High Lords and their highest ranking generals. With Elizabeth's help, Sky managed to utilize the Silver Gates and get them all their within a couple of hours. From there the council held it's deliberations behind closed doors without their king. Several more days passed before they exited the war room in which they had locked themselves. Entering their throne room they brought an abrupt end to the normal court appeals the King was hearing. "I hate to interrupt," said Lady Winters raising her hands for silence. "We have come to our conclusion on the war in which you have proposed."

This statement brought an uproar of chatter and conversations on the topic of a war no one had any word about. The people looked between the council members and the King blindsided. "An what have you decided?"

"We will go to war on a set of rules and stipulations," informed Mrs Winters as the volume increased within the throne room.

"And what stipulations are those?"

"You will only take the soldiers passed breading age and anyone who is not mated. This also includes those with mating bonds that are not yet established," Stated Shelby drawing the Kings ire.

"You want me to fight a war with less then half an army! We would be destined to lose then!"

"An if you do then the next generation will be born," snapped Lady Winter. "We can not lose a generation of young ones on a war you are not even sure you can win in the first place. Even if we give you every able body in the land they all might die anyway. Those are your words exactly."

Hearing this the gathered crowd's volume passed the point anyone could hear each other. Roaring in anger and frustration of trying to talk over everyone the crowd instantly stilled as they watched the King's death float about his feet. "An how is it you're going to know if there is a bond there? When we can't see it," asked the King once he regained his composure.

"The Queen will look and see. If there is a bond then there will be a mating," said Lady Noctis.

"Not necessarily," stated Sky "He might not ever cross her pass, and then it'll be pointless of us to leave him at home, to begin with.

"So then you will take them all to their mates and we can avoid that," replied Lady Noctis earning her a snort and an eye roll.

"That would take years because their mate doesn't have to be close. Hell, they could be on the complete opposite side of the world! It would take me forever to find each of their mates," exclaimed Sky unbelieving what they were asking her to do.

"Then it will take forever for you to go to war then," stated Lady Winter. "We can't knowingly let you walk into a war in which you might not return from without insuring the survival of the next generation."

"And if we lose this war, the world fucking dies anyway," roared the King very upset with what the High council had decided.

"That might be but as you said it could be generations from now and who knows maybe another god will come around and kill the guy or maybe not. The future is not written in stone and is forever changing. Who says the dog lady is right," stated Shelby earning him a growl from both Shaw and the dog lady.

"You know what, take the deal. I can help with the finding of the mates. I can take each of them to their destined mate, But I'll tell you this now. I'm going to leave them there and they'll have to make their way back to base on their own. This is your world and you are the decider of its fate. You wish to squander it as such, then so be it, but everyone will have their own choices to make," said Elizabeth before walked over to the Michael and shoved her hand in his chest.

Snarling Michael dug is claws into Elizabeth's arms as she tightened her fist around something deep inside of him. "You can't say I've never helped you find loopholes," said Elizabeth within Michael's head as flashes of memories passed through him. They were of the blackness that plagues this world. They were of an old woman pleading for his help to end her suffering. Deep inside he knew it was the planet and the mother of them all. He knew she was sick and the dead army was the reason. Michael could feel all of this flowing out of him down the bonds and into his people. Right before Elizabeth pulled her hand free she smiled at him. "You might be King but not even you can stop people from fighting a war in which they wish to join. Next-generation be damned. This is everyone's fight not theirs."

Turning Sky bowed to the council and said, "Line up all of our troups and I will scatter them about for you."

With that Elizabeth left abruptly and if Sky wasn't mistaken she was leaning very heavily on her mate. She'd be surprised if she made it halfway down the hallway before she toppled over. Sky wasn't sure how much power that had to take to send a message out like that, but it was no small feat. "What the hell was that," snapped Shelby glaring at the King.

"The reason we are going to war. I guess the dog figured that anyone who decides to fight should know why they are fighting. Gather all of your troops into the Capital cities. Within three month's time we will be there for inspection and marching orders," stated Micheal.

With that the castle changed as every geared up for war. Training intensified as young men an women came from all over to join the cause. Mothers, fathers, brothers, and sisters all defined the council as they took up arms to save their planet even at the cost of the next generation. If there wasn't a planet to live on then there would be no next generation, to begin with. Hundreds of thousands of bodies set sail from the water kingdoms to the opposite coast and the City of Rabinaster. Days upon days of working the silver gates Sky and Elizabeth flooded the overcrowded city with millions of more people. War had come on a scale no one had ever seen on this planet before. It was a world war and everyone sat aside their difference for the most part to fight a common enemy.

Once all of his troops were camped out in their own designated little section of Rabinaster, and his mate was rested Michael ventured to the city himself. He didn't travel throw the silver gates though, Elizabeth somehow managed to move them all from his war room into a tent full of his generals. "Okay maybe that was a bad idea," said Elizabeth as she wobbled slightly.

"I told you to do it in two trips you dumb bastard," snapped Elizabeths best friend as she rushed to her side as blood trickled out of her nose.

"Hah but I proved you wrong," laughed Elizabeth as her friend clamped a rag on her face.

"True but was it worth it!"

Sky watched as Jolene pulled Elizabeth from the tent all while telling her how thickheaded and dumb she was. Michael had turned his attention to his generals as they gave him reports of what was happening. As it stood not everyone from the southern kingdoms had managed to gather yet. As soon as they had all arrived they would all gather in the throne room which was currently converted into the biggest war room ever. As soon as all their messages were delivered they escorted their King out so that he could look upon the most awesome sight in all the land. Millions of dragons, witches, and humans milled around together laughing, and being merry as far as the eyes could see. People were singing and in a couple of areas, Michael could see people had set up sparing rings. Miles and miles of tents and people spread out in front of him, and to his back was the ocean and the city of Rabinaster.

As they waiting for the all call for the leader's everyone milled around their camps and sparred with each other. Blacksmiths from all over gathered to make the tools of their trade and prepare everyone for the war that was to come. That just also happened to include Michael's dad who was again having his mate destroy swords. Once the last one broke everyone turned to Elizabeth who laughed and asked, "Why are you trying to re-invent the wheel? You're trying way too hard. Try this one," said Elizabeth as the pulled a sword out of thin air and tossed it Sky.

"And what is she supposed to do with that dainty little twig," laughed one of the guards who looked at the thin oddly shaped sword.

"This sword can take out whatever sword you put against it. It's the best style of sword created on my world," said Elizabeth as tossed another sword similar toward Tanner. "Here you'll need that."

Smiling, Sky effortlessly twirled the sword before she shot after Tanner. The blades sang as they battered each other. Even after the flames engulfed each blade the two contenders pounded each other until they were both out of breath. Panting they both stopped and looked at the swords in their hands. "This is light but very agile and manageable. Its balance is almost perfect," said Tanner as he handed the sword back to Elizabeth.

"That's because it's built to my size. This is a katana. Its hilt is built to the length of my forearm and the blade length is proportional to my height," informed Elizabeth as Sky tried to hand her the first blade back. Shaking her head no Elizabeth waved it off. "I killed a demon a while back and I collected that sword from its ashes. The sword's name is Onimaru. Since it didn't burn you or disappear I say it kind of likes you, so it's yours."

"I can't believe it didn't break. It must be a god sword," said Mike as he took a closer look at the sword.

"No, it was made by a human thousands of years go," informed Elizabeth with a shrug. "If you want I can kind of explain how that style of sword is made. From what I can see swirling inside of you, you might find it educational.

"Please do," exclaimed Micheal as his eyes beamed with joy. "My forge is this way!"

As Elizabeth and Michael began to walk away Sky looked at the sword in her hand wondering what to do with it. It's not like she had a scabbard to put it in to hang at there waist. She definitely didn't want to pack it around all day either. Standing there in shock she watched as a black case began to form around the blade with a long bit of white rope. Thinking she was supposed to tie the rope around her waist Sky stopped when Jolene laughed at her. Shaking her head no Jolene walked over to Johnathon and pointed to the black sash around his waist. Glancing up at her first and then Michael, Johnathon handed it over once they nodded at him. Walking back over to Sky Jolene knelt down in front of her. "These kinds of swords are made to be worth through a sash like belt. One that goes around the waist a couple of times like this," said Jolene as she tied a knot in the front. The sword slides through the sash at the front making sure you keep 2 wraps between you and the sword. Once it's through you take the ropes and you wrap it around the back end like so and tie it. And tada that's how you wear a Katana, but then again you can honestly wear it however you want. It's a magical sword if it likes you it'll show up whenever you need it even if it's not attached to your hip. They all seem to be a bit creepy like that."

At that point Jolene just walked away as if she hadn't just told her that swords could move on their own. Not wanting to delve into that line of thought Sky tested the fluidity of her drawing her sword from the sheath. Before long Michael had come to collect her for the war council at the castle. Everyone had finally arrived and the deliberations were to begin.

Walking into the throne room the low roar came to a screeching halt as Micheal and his entourage walked in. All of the kings of the south stood around a massive take with the Silver Isles laid across it. Everyone's dragons came to the surface as they each took the others measure, except for Andrew who smiled brightly at them. "My Queen it's great to see you," beamed Andrew as Sky rushed up to him and hugged him tightly.

"I guess congratulations are in order," laughed Sky as she looked him over before kissing me on the check. "I see you've moved up in the world."

"I have. My Queen I wish for you to meet my mate, Queen Amelia."

"The pleasure is mine," replied Amelia as she gave a polite curtsy. "It is an honor to meet the woman who sent me my mate."

"The honor is mine," exclaimed Sky as she tossed her arms around Amelia and embraced her causing many soldiers to tense up.

"I told you she was a hugger," laughed Andrew before turning back toward the table to see more several water dragons encroaching on Micheals side of the table. "Gabrial what did we just talk about," growled Andrew as Michaels guards began to lay their hands on their weapons as more Dragons seemed to gravitate toward them. "King Rainer," gasped one of the dragons as he came to a stop at the tip of Owen's sword.

Turning to look in the direction the dragons were looking all eyes turned to Jeffery who refused to look in their direction. "Jeffery I think he's talking to you," growled Michael as his dragon pushed himself to the surface.

"I see no kings in this group besides you, your majesty," stated Jeffery coldly ignoring the water dragons.

"It can't be," exclaimed another dragon. "King Felix killed them all. He said that line was dead."

"Ah where is king Felix," asked Andrew looking around the table. "I see his top generals but no King."

"We left without the sorry bastard," spat one of the water dragons whose eyes were locked on Jeffery. "He wouldn't care if the world died as long as his treasure was full."

"So you're saying you mutinied," said Andrew as he rubbed his beard.

"We did. We all saw the visions of the mother calling for help. We will not stand ideally by as she dies," snapped another water dragon.

"Well I guess it sucks to be you then if we win this, because you will not have a home to go back to," stated Andrew with a shrug.

"Either that or go home and kill him and be done with it. Your kingdom is nothing but a blood stained carcass of what it used to be," snapped another Water dragon King sparking an argument that every water dragon were vying to come out on top of.

Jeffery stood silently beside Eli as stoically as any good guard. "Enough," shouted Elizabeth as she snapped her fingers freezing everyone instantly. Stepping up in front of everyone Elizabeth pointed toward one water dragon King and said, "Jeffery Rainer second guard to King Fafnir and son of Eliza Rainer the previous King of Corapeake, this is King Azura of the southern water kingdom and King Noctis from the Middle water Kingdom. After this war is over they would like to sit and talk with You of course with Michael's permission. Okay now, can we get on with the pleasantries and stop acting like children? We have a god to kill and I'm sure he's well aware of us amassing."

With that Elizabeth snapped her fingers again releasing everyone from their prisons as the Silver Queen snapped, "Seriously Elizabeth do you have to keep freezing everyone!"

"If you want to act like children, I will treat you like children. If I have to, I will make some get along shirts for everyone and shove you in it," snapped Elizabeth as her eyes began to glow as she glared at everyone around the table.

At that point, everyone got down to the business of planning their attack. It didn't take long before the conversation downgraded to name-calling and bickering amongst themselves. Everyone thought their idea was better than everyone else. The only thing they could agree on was clearing a path for Sky and Elizabeth so that they could get to the death god. If they could kill him then they would be cutting the head off of the snake. With the head gone the body would quickly follow. That's as far as talks go the first day.

Days ticked by as they argued and when they weren't auguring at the table they were arguing off of it. Pour Jeffery was hounded at every turn by one water dragon or another. Sky could only guess he must be the spitting image of his father since so many people recognized him, but he wanted no part of it. By the end of the week they all kind of agreed on a battle tactic that might work.

They had decided to attack the main island just before dawn. In the cover of darkness, the water dragons with the help of the fire dragons would create a fog to obscure the ships from the island. Then with with help of earthmovers, they would beach the ships and launch a full scales assault. Sky and Elizabeth would hang back and preserve their energy until someone comfier the death god's presence on the battlefield. At that point, they would launch their secret weapon and hopefully take him down ending the war.

Of course, nothing ever happened as smoothly as they planned it and no one had time for them to argue over a contingency plan either. Because of this, they all prayed to the Goddess for strength as they gathered their armies to march on the Silver Isles.