"Are you sure about this? Are you really really sure of this? Making sure statements is a very bold move." The wind dragon spoke softly, bringing the steaming cup of tea to his lips, white eyes staring casually at the basin of water stood inbetween all of them, shimmering dimly in the light filtering from the entrance. It was a tradition, of sorts, to have a keepsake from each dragon placed in the centre to symbolize their part and unity as a counsel. The tradition had long since faded when they started losing members, friends, family, entire clans until it was almost like taboo to speak of their fallen comrades. He supposed, it was their down fall. 

 "I am sure, the days of Aureum A' Tua are over. Dare I say, the elders have been too merciful before us, many a death is on the counsels' hand for our complacency, our ignorance. The blood of our own flesh stains our hands. We have not acted fast enough, look around you, we have fallen apart. We have let ourselves be picked off." 

 "What do you suggest, we do then? Retaliate? They outnumber us, they have the ability to destroy our lands further. We have crossed that threshold of their fear being our advantage. They have long since become weapons of their own right. We have let them alone too long, what do you suggest we do now?"

 "A fail safe. A means to the beginning end. Should we fall, let there be a few to remain and rebuild. A few to stop the chaos from spreading throughout the earth. Be there but one survivor, that will be enough reason to begin anew. It is not pleasant news, not for what is expected to befall us, but it is perhaps the best chance out kind shall have. The only chance we have."

 "And who do you expect to be the saviors of our entire race? Who would you see fit? This is a serious matter you have brought up, even a more dangerous solution. Who will lead the new era?"

 A smirk, a sad glint in her eye, "I'd expect no less of the council and whoever is strong enough to awaken them for the new age. Perhaps it is not the right choice, but what else have we to lose?"
-------
 [i]Who are you? Why do you show me such things? Such nightmares, such memories. All the suffering. Why do you see fit to torture me so, my dear love?[/I]
 [b]I pity you. A thing worth less than dirt. Pitiful worthless creature. You're suffering is barely worth a thing to me. To anyone. The only thing you're good for fails to exist.[/b]
 [i]But I am king![/i]
 [b]You are destined to die, but even death does not want you. Worthless.[/b] 
-------
 His restraints were far too tight, the metal biting into his skin. Instinct told him to struggle, a lesser notion made him want to tell Ferrum to stop playing around, but the metal dragon was not here. Not as far as he could tell. The light was blinding as he opened his eyes, the burning smell of anesthetic burning his nostrils. He sought to lift his head but found himself unable to. A soft groan left him and was answered by several more returning groans.
 
 "Regnum?" "Terra?" Another longer drawn out groan followed by snoring, "Leo?" "Five more days..."

 "You're awake. You shouldn't be." A voice drifted over from across the room. Regnum shifted, trying to turn his head and catch sight of the wind dragon, but he couldn't, "They'll be coming to separate all of you. They already took Charon and Ferrum, though they're going to be doing worse to yoy. You've given him something to hate you for. I doubt you will continue to be anesthetized for the rest of your procedures." "What are you talking about? Anemoli, come free us!" "I am sorry, that is not within my authorization. Talk among yourselves, they shall be here for you soon..."
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 "Liar!" He swung around and pounced forward, sword in hand. The blade swung forward before it was abruptly stopped inches from the mirror and the dragon leaned in close, golden eyes nearly transparent, yet filled with a madness, a mockery as he pulled back and laughed, "I am king. I have always been king. I know you, inside and out, better than yourself. I know you. You are no more than a apparition. A false memory. I have your ash to prove it."

 With that, he turned and waved off the question, "You, specter, I am tired. Leave me be. I hath no time for your questions, my children are waking, they have a busy day ahead..."