Will listened to Cora with intent. Then the ice came to him. He rubbed it in his hands until it became warm. He then played with it a little. "Being Ice isn't so bad. Adaptability, that's your strength. Watch." Will said and began to take away any melted water from the ice. "I gave the ice warmth" he began then had a hand with floating water and a hand with Ice "and now I have power. You're essential to the team Cora. If you believe you are destined for a cold heart, we can fix that." Will finished. "I mean we can damn well try" he said with a smile.

"Did you tell the group at all where you were headed?" Cora asked after thanking him in a way. Will looked at her. "Kinda, I left a tra-" He was interrupted when two Vygorns took them and threw them into a truck. Two sat guard on their journey, Will lowered his head so the fedora covered his eyes. The truck came to a stop as they were binded and gagged with a rag. They were forced to kneel in the garbage. He looked at Cora, winked and let her see his eyes turn dim blue as he lowered his head so the Vygorns couldn't see his eyes. "This Fedora is great" he thought.

[Please Ignore]

Phil watched as Gilfred used metal objects around him to create bindings for their prisoner. Then, Gilfred nodded at Phil who then nodded back at him. Phil then realized, slightly later than everyone else, that Will and... Cora? He think she was called, was missing. "Alright, screw the plan, we need to go rescue Cora as a team." He heard Aerilyn shout at the top of her lungs. She then struggled to say "Phil, Shida, and Thelma... would you please...", She took a second to pause, "please... help me find Cora and Will." Phil Replied Boldly "Of course I'll help, we're a team right?". He then saw the man named Shida start making sexual accusations about Cora and Will, Then he quoted himself and Aerilyn. Phil just couldn't wait to see how this would turn out. Shida was quickly sized up by Aerilyn who then seemed to... sharpen the air around his neck and press her dagger up towards his crotch. Phil had mixed emotions about how he wanted this to end but it only seemed to be a threat. He then followed their group up towards the fortress their friends where being held.

The group begun their long journey together to Riverdale where Cora and Will were likely being held captive. The sun was beginning to break over the horizon. Day had come, and the world was still as dark, treacherous, and an awful sight as it had always been. However, this was the only kind of world they knew. Shida always despised this god forsaken rock floating around. All the meaningless trials and tests presented by our controlled and corrupted society. Each day he was alive he muddled through the haze of this plague that had sickened this world, but now he knew exactly what it was, and where to begin rooting it out. "These Vygorns are real bastards, if I'm getting the image right. There isn't much they wouldn't do to stop their world from collapsing around them. We have to be the ones that make sure it does." he said out loud to no one in particular.

They were getting closer to Riverdale, about four miles now. The sun was shining bright, on a day like this. "Those fools, thinking they could handle this all by themselves. They surely deserve whatever they're getting. That Cora girl runs off, and Will disappears. I almost was beginning to think more of them. But no, instead we're stuck walking into a trap in broad fucking daylight." Shida was having second thoughts, he looked around him. Thelma could use her powers well as he had seen, but he wasn't so sure about her resolve. Aerilyn was biting off more than she could chew he already knew that, she barley looked at him as they walked. His presumptuous attitude told him that she was living in some kind of denial already. Phil, seemed level headed so far, but he wasn't so sure about his powers, and how they might come into play. Although healing would be ideal, and it was day time. He thought about it for a moment. Phil, light, Ghost, dark. It works, they would be able to use each others powers to a tactical advantage if he was imagining it right. The earth elemental as well, Kimberly, she should be with them, earth and shadows, light and darkness. That leaves, Me, Aerilyn, Thelma, Beau, and Gilfred. Gilfred.. was Will's brother, he imagined what he might be going through now, but he didn't seem like the emotional type. A cold look in his eyes, unlike his brother, who was strong as an ox but more heart than head. As for Beau, as little as he knew about him, he could see that his loyalty our cause was unwavering. Shida, however, tended to make more promises than he kept, that was the way he lived his life. He was finding it hard to fight that instinct and just abandon them all, but he realized the importance of this mission. As well as the importance of killing the Vygorns.. he decided to use Beau's similar personality trait's to Will's to his own advantage, he would have him protect Aerilyn, as well as accomplish one of their goals. He was done thinking about it, it was time to let the others know; they could still make the storm.

Just two miles outside of Riverdale, their destination, Shida gestured for everyone to listen to him as he stopped and turned around to face the group.
"We're nearing our destination, it's time to talk about exactly how this is going to work." he looked at all of them.

"The Vygorns likely know we're on the way, who knows what they have told them. I've seen strong men crack as easily as little girls when put to hot iron. So don't get your hopes up about anything like that, we're here to accomplish a goal, and we'll find out what we can, and handle it to the best of our abilities. But for now everyone needs to get their head on straight, we have a grueling battle ahead, and it's not a guarantee that we'll all come back alive." Shida wanted to know who would crack right now, it's better now than during the fight, that's how people die. Some of them he could see the fear in their faces, others, looked like they knew exactly what the risks were, and had no doubts. Shida had always been a leader, and he naturally composed a plan along the way here. He was always looking at others strengths, and weaknesses, which gave him an insight you have to be sturdy enough to handle. They would hear his opinion.

"We still have the element of surprise, believe it or not, they don't know where we'll hit them, or how hard. The odd's are still in our favor, you could say. However, without Will and Cora, we'll likely suffer some loss. But this is to change that, so don't lose sight of that goal now."

Shida continued, "Myself, Phil, Ghost, and Kimberly, we will be the assault team, our job is simply to kill as many Vygorns as we can, when you get the signal. Beau, Aerilyn, and Gilfred, Thema, you'll be creating a storm above the encampment as a diversion tactic, Gilfred and Thema should be there in case anything goes wrong a long the way, after that, your goal is to join us in the fight. We need a good distraction, and regardless of how much I give a shit about any human, id rather my arrow pierces a Vygorn heart. Any last words or requests from any of you before we do this? You may not get another chance to tie your shoes."

Aerilyn walked alongside the others without a single word of comfort or anger. She looked just as withdrawn as she normally did, and her eyes were no longer giving away any of her concerns for their friends. Her thoughts at the moment were worth more than a penny--rather a life. She wouldn't be sharing all of the scenarios that were going down within her head--all of the plans that could be made that would most certainly go wrong. They have the power advantage... they know how to use their powers... we're probably equivalent to their children in terms of control. She thought with slight disdain. Though she didn't know how well the others were capable of controlling their element, she knew for a fact that she could barely summon up a strong gust on a whim to save her life. Inwardly, she was kicking herself for her lack of being able to control something as simple as wind. The others had more difficult elements, by the looks of it. She wondered why she would be the one stuck with the useless element. But it isn't useless if I could just get a grip on it.

Her hands clenched into fists inside of her shadowy cloak that covered her from head to toe. She took a silent, deep breath and focused on bringing about a slight breeze to give them some sense of relief from the boiling sun, but no wind answered her. Skyff landed on her shoulder, making sure to land on the one with the pad, and muttered into her mind, "Remember earlier, when you were about to neuter Shida?" The hawk's voice had a whimsical amusement attached to it. "You were angry then. I'm not saying that anger could bring your powers about, but it is the emotion that you find easiest to come by. Your emotions are going to be the key to your power." Then her launched off of her shoulder and flew ahead, keeping an eye out for any more scouting parties that the Vygorns may have sent out. She inwardly detested the thought of summoning up the emotions that she so desperately had to conceal. But if my emotions are going to be the key to my power... I guess I have no choice.

When they had finally reached a safe distance from the encampment, she noticed that Shida tried to take the lead and had devised a plan similar to their former plan. She simply gazed at him and then the others with indifference as she nodded. Then he asked if there were any requests and she finally spoke up for the first time that day, "If possible... I believe it would be best for me to keep my distance from the other distractions, as the storm I'm going to summon will most likely be dangerous even for the rest of us." She stated this because she intended to become the heart of the storm. If I'm at the center, then I can try to keep it from spreading beyond our reach. The more damage that we cause to those who are not with the Vygorns, the more fear we'll bring upon our own.

Phil felt the Sun finally reveal it's self from the dry crust of the earth over the horizon. Phil felt energized and more awake as the sun's rays hit his face. Phil smiled with enthusiasm but was interrupted by Shida, thinking up a plan. Shida thought it was a good Idea for Phil, Ghost, Kimberly and himself to make a main onslaught in the enemies base while the remaining devise a tactical attack. Phil liked this plan himself, then again it might just be the fact the sun has come out... Then Aerilyn told Shida that she'd rather stay away from the others as a storm she planned on creating might be dangerous to us. Phil just looked at her with concern, Doesn't she feel confident or something Phil thought. Phil stretched before summoning a one handed sword in his right hand. he then tested the sharpness of the blade with his thumb. It was sharp enough he thought as he removed his thumb from the edge of blade. Phil then felt confident enough to conjure a shield in his left hand. He then turned to Shida and the rest of the group and said in a fairly Over-confident tone "Ready when you are!"

As impeccable timing goes, Cora only heard a few words from Will on whether or not their team was coming to the rescue. The military tent flaps flew wide as a Vygorn commander and his entourage entered their chained dwellings. Fear was demanded in their presence. 

"So you know each other. All the better." He glanced at his associates. "Take them to the truck."

Cora snapped an apologetic glance at Will before their cages were unlocked. She offered herself up without a struggle, letting them grab her by the arms and lead her away. Partially because she wanted to walk with her own two feet, but she also knew deep down they could overpower her at a moment's notice. With Will and his escorts right behind her, they were marched outside. 

Dawn broke the night sky with bright yellows and orange hues, but Cora only caught a glimpse of the colours before gravity shifted and she slammed into the back of the military vehicle, the air kicked from her lungs. She groaned, feeling the metal bite of the cuffs around her wrists as she struggled to sit up. Two Vygorns sat on either of the small benches, someone slammed the truck doors shut, and they were speeding off seconds later. The sudden movement dropped Cora on her side again, and her stomach twisted nauseously. Swallowing hard, she eventually dragged herself onto one of the benches, resting her head on her hands as she tried to make the dizziness stop. 

Where are they taking us, I wonder...

It was either an awful short ride, or her panic attacks made time seem faster. After lots of ripping around on both pavement and hard dirt, the truck came to a halt and the doors opened to a hot wasteland with trash heaps she didn't recognize. The Vygorns accompanying their captives hauled them out of the truck, forcing their legs to buckle in the trash a short distance away. One of her cuffs was released for a moment as they changed to have her hands locked behind her back -- she wasn't sure if they did the same for Will. Someone slipped a cloth over her mouth, and Cora grimly thought farewell to speaking for a while. 

Hairs on the back on her neck felt like live-wire as Vygorns took up positions behind them and all around. Her most disliked alien out of them all, the Vygorn with the red streak in his hair, took up his place behind her, scoffing as he patted her head with mock pity. She could feel his eyes on her even after refusing to meet his gaze, the only grace she could maintain while gagged. His touch made her twitch. 

After discussing amongst themselves, the commander nodded, his gaze searching the hills. "Good. Now, we wait."

Wait? Wait for what? Cora frowned, sending an anxious look to Will. The Hygron didn't seem concerned, as she should have assumed from Water. His eyes shimmered with power, and she nodded. 

Wait for them...

Aerilyn looked between the others and noted that None of them were really prepared. Hush. Just keep calm and allow things to play out to their advantage before taking the reigns away from them. That's our best bet right now. She then gave the others a grim nod before moving to a place where she could see the small encampment that the Vygorns had made to draw them out. There were several military type vehicles in a semicircle in the middle of the flattest stretch of trash. Inside the semicircle was a decently proportioned circle of Vygorns, all who were armed not only with their guns, but also their wits and prides. I hope their egos get ripped a new one after this fight. She couldn't help but smirk at the thought. That's when she noticed that Will and Cora were in the very center of it all. She felt a slight twinge of guilt when she saw that they were gagged and bound. They didn't really stand a chance. But now with the rest of the group, she wondered if they really could pack a punch that would send the Vygorns running. All we can do is try.

That's when Aerilyn slowly stood up from where she was crouching, revealing herself as a single black cloaked figure hardly shooting distance away. Showtime. She then clenches her hands and began to focus on the anger that she felt for the Vygorns, for everything that they had done to their friends and the rest of the human race. They had disgraced her on a personal scale one too many times. The rage that she felt began to pulsate through her bloodstream and her heart rate sped up. That's when she felt the first gust of wind on the back of her neck. The power that resided within the core of her being slowly grew into what felt like a storm within her.

Just as quickly as the wind picked up, she felt the air beginning to become thick with her own soul. Just let it become an extension of your spirit... She thought she could hear gunshots and even some shouting from the Vygorns, but her heart was pounding too loudly for her to tell. The wind grew stronger and more vicious by the second. A tinge of power hunger burned in Aerilym's ivy colored eyes. The thought of being able to retake the world by storm nearly consumed her thoughts. I can kill them all if I want to. I can make them pay for every sin. I can become God.

The strong winds then began to circle around her, picking up trash, dirt, and metal. With her at the eye of the tornado that was beginning to form, she started walking towards the group of Vygorns, each step that she took was another off the ground where she had once stood. She didn't even begin to discern the thoughts of "burning out", like the Light girl had. Power and self-justifying anger were the only things on her mind as the storm not only began to consume the trash heaps, but also herself.

Gilfred listened to the plan as the morning sun came over the horizon, it's light already starting a steady rise in heat, a rise that the metal elemental found quite nice from the cold of the night. He yawned involuntarily as the lack of sleep touched on the edges of his mind, shaking his head Gilfred brushed the heavy concept out of his mind, he had more important things to worry about. From what he could hear, it sounded like he the Thema were to be two back up for the main raid group and as body guards for Aerilyn as she distracted the Vygorns. He understood this well, and though he would have like to have been part of the initial assault, accepted what he was supposed to do. Walking to his place he awaited the signal that would begin things, the now almost familiar weight of his sword keeping his hand steady as his mind raced through all different possibilities of what might transpire, most of which involved death. Closing his eyes he took a deep breath, counting down he eased his nerves. Confident that all thoughts and nerves were settled and steeled, Gilfred let out the held breath, only to have it ripped from his lungs. His eyes snapping open in response to the sudden void of oxygen, he staggered forward as the wind buffeted him. He drew in ragged breaths as he looked forward, what he saw both amazed and on a a small level terrified him. He watched in awe, grabbing something solid to help keep himself up right as the whirlwind. As it advanced towards the enemy a grin began on his face and he gripped Clarent tighter, today, today was going to be a good day.

"We still have the element of surprise, believe it or not, they don't know where we'll hit them, or how hard. The odd's are still in our favor, you could say. However, without Will and Cora, we'll likely suffer some loss. But this is to change that, so don't lose sight of that goal now."

"Myself, Phil, Ghost, and Kimberly, we will be the assault team, our job is simply to kill as many Vygorns as we can, when you get the signal. Beau, Aerilyn, and Gilfred, Thema, you'll be creating a storm above the encampment as a diversion tactic, Gilfred and Thema should be there in case anything goes wrong a long the way, after that, your goal is to join us in the fight. We need a good distraction, and regardless of how much I give a shit about any human, id rather my arrow pierces a Vygorn heart.”

It seemed as though fate was twisting Thema and Gilfred together again. Though they got along well and he was handsome, their two elements contrasted each other greatly. Fauna was the embodiment of life while metal was inanimate and cold. The thought of steel encasing her sent shivers down the young girls neck. She looked towards the metalbender and gave a small nod, hiding any hints of untrust she had.

Thema traveled close to Gilfred. His powers sparked a range of emotions in her. Fear, unknowingness, and curiosity covered the basics. Eventually, she began to ponder what he thought about her abilities. Did he think she was some hippie freak who lived among the wilderness? If that’s what he thinks, hed only be half wrong.

The time had now come. This was the moment everyone was preparing for. Though she was worried, she had to stay strong for the group, for Cora, and for herself. Her job was to protect Aerilyn from any threats and that’s what she planned to do. Rubbing her ball of her foot into the ground, she deduced that even though it was ideal, the dirt would have to do. The thought crossed her mind of what would happen if they were to ever fight inside a building or if the floor were made of concrete, but she was unexpectedly interrupted as a large gust of wind nearly knocked her off her feet. She immediately reached out for Gilfred, trying her best to regain balance. It would be nearly impossible to protect her with such strong gusts knocking them down constantly and not to mention how hard it was becoming to breathe. Thema looked up towards Gilfred, unsure of what to do next.

Phil turned back to the fortress and noticed two people being held hostage in the courtyard. Phil focused his eyes, looked across the courtyard at the multiple Vygorns who seemed to be protecting the hostages, including one who seemed of high importance which was shown by a red streak in his hair. This isn't going to be easy, Phil thought, but they must be the missing Hygrons . "I'll see you guys down there" he said pointing at the two hostages. He then sprinted down the hill and toward the gate, as fast as possible. Phil didn't notice the storm the air elemental, Aerilyn, had conjured till he was nearly pulled off the ground. Using his sword, though, kept him on his feat and allowed him to press on after he regained his balance. Phil thought about how much of a disadvantage he was at and that he was going to need to change his attack plan. He let go of his sword and shield, which deformed as they left his hands. the Vygorns seemed confused at the storm that Aerilyn was still maintaining. Phil crouched and made his way around some boxes and waited for an opening in all the chaos to get near to the hostages. When he found that opening, he silently dashed towards them. It was Will and Cora! "Hey guys I'm here to get you guys out" he whispered in comparison to the storm. He then conjured a dagger of light and cut the bindings off of Cora but as he went to free Will. A swift foot appeared and kicked Phil in his face and causing him to lose balance and fall on his arse. Phil held his head, he felt dizzy. When his vision cleared up though, the Vygorn with the streak in his hair smiled menacingly as he approached Phil. The Vygorn then stamped on Phil's Neck, who's eyes widened with pain, and started choking him using his foot. The Vygorn's expression didn't change as he stared down at Phil with that smile. Phil attempted to claw at the Vygorn and couldn't focus enough to create another weapon as his was located out of reach to his left.

Gilfred caught Thema's hand and, holding her tightly, backed up to at least a point where they could stand without being drawn up into the storm. When they were able, he reluctantly let Thema's hand go, giving her a quick smile as he did so. "Well it looks like our roll as guards has met it's end, eh?" He said in a slightly joking tone "I guess that leaves the secondary option." Turning he watched the assault on the base swing into full motion "I suppose this is the part where I ask you to keep close, so that way you can save my skin when something in there goes wrong?" He asked as he turned back to Thema, a slightly mischievous grin beginning on his face. Starting forward towards the compound, the ghost of his armor began to form around him, perhaps his powers were already anticipating the fight he didn't know, nor did he care all that much. As he advanced one of the Vygorns caught sight of him and began to move towards him, his own blade filling his hand. In an instant the two blades met, dark sparks flying from the contact point, a high pitched screech also emanating from the contact. The Alien drove forward, it's strikes coming in rapid succession, each being met with Clarent's blade. After a period of ferocious dueling between the two, the Vygorn made a mistake. In an attempt to catch the Metal elemental off balance tried to use his weapons shorter length and lighter weight to close the gap and maneuver around the longer blade of Clarent. But as he moved, Gilfred drove forward with his now armored shoulder, slamming it into the aliens torso. As his opponent fell onto the ground, gasping for breath, Gilfred moved forward and drove the point of Clarent into the alien's chest. Wrenching out the sword, the Metal elemental looked up to see that he had attracted the attention of two other Vygorns. Splitting shatter into its fragments, he stood his ground, his face impassive and quietly hoped Thema was alright.

Meanwhile Gawain stalked through the chaos, following a sent that would lead to the elemental that his master had sent him to find. As the sent became newer, the Enfeild's ears picked up the sound of a fight, one that someone was losing. Picking up its pace Gawain broke into a near run, ears flattening, as it approached the source of the sound, turning the corner it saw three elementals, Ice was free of her bonds, but water was still tied, and light was literally under the heel of the Vygorns. Gawain bared his teeth, flexed his claws, and after a short growl, lunged at the Vygorn holding light, his teeth digging into the alien, his claws ripping at his flesh.

Will's head still looked down at the ground, wondering whether waiting was the right call. A sudden gust of wind sent his hat flying of in to a vygorns face, which crumpled the fedora and left it on the ground and amongst the rubbish. Will's face contorted in to a face of anger and dismaynas hit hat was casually tossed asidelike the trash the enemies thrive in. Will turned the other way, seeing that a twister had formed not too far from their position. "Aerilyn..." he whispered. Hang on, if there is a huge twister forming that only Aerilyn could make out of nothing then that must mean... the other elememtals are here!. Will's thought struck him as a surprise. However, right on cue Phil, the light Hygron appeared out of no where, ready to cut the bonds. Cora was free first then Phil was about to move on to Will but a bastard Vygorn spotted them. He immediayely lunged for Phil, swinging his dark blade. Their battle was a flash of white and black, each swinging at each other's throat until Phil tripped and the Vygorn moved in, stamping Phil's throat with his boot. Will stood up, his messy brown hair showing and his eyes glowing blue. "Oi!!!" He yelled, but no need. Gilfred's elemental sprung forth and took care of the Vygorn. "Gilfred!" Will thought. There was no time, Will had to help fight. He whipped around and ran towards the other lesser Vygorn and with all his momentum and strength he shoulder barged into the Vygorn's chest, sending it's blade flying out of it's hands and both of them landin in the rubbish.

The wind picked up as a twister formed over the ridge, descending Into the valley of Vygorns. Cora smirked under her gag, knowing Aerilyn had the power in herself all along. And as the stomy distraction played out, Phill snuck in behind them and preceded to cut through metal with light. Cora was freed first, and she ripped off her gag the moment she could, standing. The gag tore away in the wind. Remnants of cuffs still remained around her wrists, but she could remove them later. 

Before Will was freed, Phil found himself underneath the red-streaked Vygorn's boot. Its soulless eyes revealed the malevolence she knew it wasn't afraid to unleash, and Cora felt a chill up her spine. A huge beast came to the rescue, digging its teeth into the Vygorn. Will took it a step further and tackled it, despite still have his hands bound. Cora moved to his side, seeing the red-streaked Vygorn struggle to breath as the air was knocked from it.

Thick, fearsome Ice snakes burst from the desert soil, wrapping themselves repeatedly around the limbs of the Vygorn, from wrist to shoulder, then a couple times around his chest, constricting his breathing movements. However, she was well aware he only needed to flex his muscles, and the ice would shatter. But this would buy time.

"Will, Phil, we have to get the fuck outta here. Now." She said matter-of-factly, urgency coloring her words. "Come on, get up." Her hands pulled up on Will's elbow, getting him to stand. She held his wrists for a moment, inserting a growing chunk of ice in the chains, nodding to herself as she heard the pop of a broken link. A part of her mind lingered on their touch, but she dismissed it just as quickly. 

"You're good, now let's go. That ice won't hold him, and we're outmanned and outpowered. We have to go before they get organized with their attacks and start picking us off like flies." She shuddered, remembering what happened in her last battle with the Vygorns. 

Irys pinged Cora's mind, and she turned around just as a blade soared toward her eyes. Without thinking, she pulled out one of the ice daggers tied to her back. The clash of metal on metal sent sparks and shockwaves ricocheting off the valley mountains. Cora struggled under such a powerful hit, knowing she couldn't keep it up. She opened her mouth as a fine, powdery mist exhaled from her lungs in an attempt to flash freeze her assailing Vygorn. It leapt back in a snarl of disgust, arms and face already half frozen. 

Using those extra seconds, Cora made a dash for the twister, only getting close enough to use it as a cover in her way out. The air was sharp and unbreathable with all the sand flying around. She pulled her face mask up over her nose, breathing haggardly through her mouth as she aimed for the steadily inclining terrain. The sand bit and stung her exposed arms, but she ignored the pain as best she could. It was difficult to see, was she going the right way still? 

Phil was losing consciousness as his heart started to slow from the lack of air. But, as luck would have it, one of the guardians from the Hygron in his group lunged at the Vygorn. As the weight from it's foot lifted off of Phil, he rolled away and slowly rose, coughing up the dust in his lungs that was replaced by air. When Phil looked back up, Cora stated "Will, Phil, we have to get the fuck outta here. Now.". she turned to will and said "Come on, get up" and pulled him to his feet as she used the sharp coldness of ice to unbind Will. She then stated "You're good, now let's go. That ice won't hold him, and we're outmanned and outpowered. We have to go before they get organized with their attacks and start picking us off like flies." Phil became short sighted by the dust kicked up by the storm and lost sight of both Will and Cora. Phil backed up and formed his sword of light, once again. Phil knew those two would be fine, they where better trained after all. Phil who was confused by Aerilyn's storm, Seemingly whispered to himself "Where do I go Toran?". After a pause, Toran appeared in a flash of light and, in a wise tone, said "towards the twister, Phil. The confusion will allow you to escape". With that, Toran flew high into the sky, ready to help any one who may need it. Phil then ran towards the twister, but was halted by a Vygorn whose eyes met Phil's. he drew his sword and lunged at Phil with speed that could only be compared to a cheetah. As their blade met, Phil started an onslaught of Slashed that seemed to put off the Vygorn. Who fell back with a hiss as Phil's blade slashed his cheek. Phil focused hard as the Vygorn then attempted to impale him with his blade. Phil took the opportunity to stray right and let his blade met his foe's. Then, Phil twisted his blade around and pulled the Vygorns blade from his hand, Phil then slashed the Vygorn across the throat. The Vygorn then let out an other worldly scream as he squirmed. Phil heard the footsteps of multiple Vygorns after that. He had no chance on his own he thought as he made a mad dash for the twister. Phil got close enough to the twister to scare off his pursuers but also to make a... Not so clean getaway, He thought as the Sand seemed to blow up in his face. Phil was about to run around to find the area this "excellent" plan was formed, hopefully to find Shida or someone, but Cora nor Will where anywhere to be found. Phil took a deep breath through his still aching neck and shouted at the top of his lungs "Cora, Will, Where are you!". Pitifully, his shout was as loud as a whisper in comparison to the twister. Phil Stood where he was waiting with his sword out, hoping to find one of his fellow Hygrons and not the, less than friendly, Vygorns.

Irys, I'm so lost. Where do we go? Cora squinted through the sandstorm, throwing her arms up in an attempt to shield herself from the biting shrapnel. The howl of wind was stronger on her right, probably where the eye of the storm was. Standing in the eye sounded like a pleasant idea, especially with all the grit flying at her. But getting closer to the tornado would probably take her off the ground. 

"To the left!" Her spirit's voice chimed in her thoughts. At first Cora was skeptical, the left direction felt like the way they came, the way that led back to the Vygorns. Those terrible, terrible aliens. But as she shuffled closer, a figure appeared in the whipping sand. She got closer and tapped his shoulder. Phil, an iron grip on his weapon and a confused look in his eye. 

She nodded to him. Kay Irys, how do we get out of here? It was too painfully windy to bother trying to communicate, so Cora took him by the wrist and started leading the two of them out. It felt like they were walking forever, taking turns here and there as Irys expertly led them away from Vygorns trying to scout the storm. Eventually the wind slowed down, and the haze of sand cleared as they broke out of the tornado's grasp. They were on the same ridge Shida had commanded the team behind, but no one was there to greet them. 

No one. 

Oh God. Cora swallowed the guilt building up in her chest, turning to Phil. "The aliens aren't too far behind us, we have to keep moving. I abhor leaving the others behind, but there's nothing we can do..."

She broke into a jog, using the scattered trash of the wasteland as cover. "We'll rendezvous with them back at Nature's Haven, and sort this mess out then." She didn't say anything else as she navigated the way back to Kyra's oasis, trying to ignore thoughts of death clouding her mind. Who made it, who didn't. She felt sick when she remembered the Water Hygron. Will was right beside her when Phil freed them, how could she have lost sight of him? God, what if he didn't make it back? What if none of them made it back? 

Stop this. Now. She begged herself, feeling a panic sweep through her body. They were almost there, she could see the mountain path clearly. She just had to hold out a little longer. 

Cora was in a dead run all the way up the mountain. She had to run from the thoughts, from everything. Keeping it together was top priority until she was inside. Wolgran would have to be told, and she knew his reaction wouldn't be good. Hell, Kyra was probably mad at her too. Yeah? Even the goddess of the earth? Fuck. 

She could see the mouth of the cave, a black hole surrounded by hot stone of the mountain face. But as she neared, her steps slowed. Something feels wrong. Cora couldn't put her finger on it, but there was definitely something going on. The air of the cave felt much drier, and she entered with apprehension. What greeted her gaze was something beyond the most unholy of unholies. 

It was dead. The Haven was dead. The grass lay in clumps of matted brown, the trees were withered and skeletal. Scatters of shriveled mushrooms were all that remained of what used to be huge and beautiful. Even the brook had dried to a trickle, almost impossible to sip from. There was a feeling of desecration in the walls of the cave, and it was as silent as the grave. Not a breath of wind. Nothing. 

Cora slowly removed her hood and mask, jaw slack with doe eyes. Every part of her denied what she saw. "...W-Wolgran? Are you there?" The cave didn't stir. The sound of nothing was her reply. "Wolgran? Please Wolgran!"

Her voice cracked, and she collapsed to her knees, head in her hands. "Please, you can't be gone too. We have nothing. We have nothing and it's all my fault. I wanted to do something on my own, and my arrogance was my downfall." She drew a haggard breath, feelings of guilt and pain pouring in tears from her eyes. "It should have been my doom. I should have died! But I was saved, because those idiots thought my life was that important. I was saved, and I'm here now. And what do I have to show? Nothing. The Vygorns still breathe, and I bet it was they who destroyed this precious Haven.

"It's my fault. It's all my fault. Will, Aerilyn, Shida, Thema, everyone... Their deaths will be on my head, and mine alone. And there is nothing I can do to atone. Nothing... Nothing... There is infinite emptiness in nothing. How could the aliens find such beauty in a shadow?"

Cora tilted her head back, staring helplessly at the cave ceiling. "How could this tragedy be?"

Will was picked up by Cora and she broke his chains. "I agree, let's go!" He said. He nodded to Phil. "Great job, Phil. Let's go!" He yelled. The dust picked up and slowed down their progress. Will ran back a little and picked up his fedora. That sucker was going nowhere. As he turned around he lost sight of everyone. "Cora!!! Gilfred!!! Phil!!!" He cried out hoping for an answer. Nothing. Was he alone? Not his brother nor Cora or anyone else? He shielded his eyes for cover from the sandstorm and he summoned Tsunami to lead him. Solidifying the surface of the water wolf, he could ride it for a period of time. He mounted the wolf and wrapped his arms round it's neck. "To Haven!" He said to the water wolf. Tsunami bounded through the rubbish and rubble and god knows what else.
After running out of the sandstorm for what seemed like ages. Will could finally open his eyes and saw the perch Shida was supposed to be. "No..." Will whispered. "Shida too?" He tried to hold back his tears... but everyone he knew was... gone. His brother, a fist of iron with a heart of gold. Gone. The girl Cora... god Cora... a thing of beauty who encased herself in a barrier of ice. Metaphorically speaking, of course. Gone. Phil... the light Hygron. Raw power, untapped potential. Gone. The wolf still sprinted to Haven and howled when they were in view. Standing there... two silhouettes. Looking directly at Haven. Hygrons!!! Will couldn't contain his joy as some have made it. "Heeey!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" He yellled, waving his arms frantically. Tsunami howled again to gain their attention.

A thick layer of dust fluttered around Thema. Her hands clutched onto Gilfred as he led her to a safe distance that was farther away from Aerilyn. It was hard to see through the storm the air elemental had created and as much as Thema hated relying on someone else, it was nice to have backup.

"Well it looks like our roll as guards has met its end, eh?" Said Gilfred as he released Thema. "I suppose this is the part where I ask you to keep close, so that way you can save my skin when something in there goes wrong?" A mischievous grin grew on his face as he spoke.

Thema nodded in appreciation for his help and watched as Gilfred began to duel one of the Vygorns. Though he won that round, two others began advancing towards him. Thema took this as her queue to step in. The plant mage uncorked her small vial and lobbed the contents towards her enemies. She expected the same results as last time: exploding seeds which release constricting vines. Though to her surprise, something much different happened. Rather than detonating, the seeds that scattered across the field began to enlarge and swell. Soon they stood two feet tall and were thicker than soccer balls.

Thema was unsure what was going on. How were these giant seeds supposed to help fend off the Vygorns? As the masked enemies approached, the bulbs began to vibrate. Soon after, they bloomed, exhuming a foul gas that the storms winds carried throughout the field. The smell was so putrid, the Vygorns began to cough and tear up. Though they tried to advance, one fell to the floor, gasping for fresh air while the other began to puke from the retched stench. Thema began to feel her stomach churn and pulled her tunic up to cover her mouth to try and filter the gas. She called for Gilfred, hoping he would retreat from the battle with her while the Vygorns were weakened.

Phil just watched as Cora beat her self up mentally... He really didn't know what to say. This place was dead, The last place on earth where you could just forget about the outside, dead. Phil just started to think about how they could of stopped this. maybe they should have left half the group behind, to defend. Or they could of... His train of thought was interrupted by Cora finishing with "How could this tragedy be?". He had to say something now, just to reassure her. "H-hey, don't beat yourself up! none of us knew THIS was going to happen... Just think about what would happen when we beat the Vygorns" He said hopefully as he stared through the cave entrance, "Do you think the grass would grow green? Or the trees won't just die?". As he finished his hopefully effective pep-talk, A figure started approaching the cave. Phil stayed cautious until he saw that signature fedora. Phil was next to ecstatic when he saw someone else make it out alive from that disaster. He turned to Cora and said "Cora look, Will is back!". He saw Will wave his arms like a lunatic, which he replied with a calm gesture to approach. Phil thought, maybe he knows what happened to the others.

Gilfred watched his two adversaries approach, his grip on Clarent tightening, fighting one had been taxing and the prospect of fighting two of the things at this point didn't appeal to him that much. He barely caught sight of the seeds as the flew, his view being restricted by the armor, only really seeing them as they started to grow. His gaze shifted from the Vygorns to the plants as they swelled in size, he silently wondered what their exact purpose was, as he had never seen any plants like them. Then after a moment they bloomed and his questions were answered.

The smell hit his senses full force like a freight train, though thankfuly he was far enough away that the effects were mitigated and not as bad as the two, who were now vomiting and what appeared to him to be writhing on the ground. Blinking through the tears, taking breaths only when he absolutely needed to, and keeping a firm grip on his sword, Gilfred slowly made his way back to Thema. As he retreated his armor slowly began to dissipate, leaving only the gauntlets once more. As he approached the plant elemental he loosened his grip on Clarent, but kept his eyes on the downed Vygorns. "We should probably head out now, you go ahead and take lead." He said, a hint of tiredness creeping into his voice "Also, thanks." he stopped to give Thema a slight grin before turning his attention back to the Vygorns.