The Battle of Death Mountain: Alpha

[Tom Marvolo Riddle]

All things considered I wasn’t nearly as weary as I had been in my previous fights against the primes. That did not mean though I was untouched by it. No. My limbs felt deadened, almost numb, but not enough to limit me significantly. However in a situation such as this… even minor weakness would be far more deadly than what would be the norm against foes of the place.
 
The superheated air surged in another fury of monumental movements as those who remained in the battle engaged the beast. Their moves while impressive did not seem to overly phase the dragon beyond injury that were far from being fatal. No most of their effort seemed to be getting in range of it as it careened across the battlefield, spreading glittering orbs of crimson-gold light. This entire effort was entirely working out in Volvagia’s favor.
 
We hurt it, and by the end of this it would have several human sized roasts promptly ready to be served if nothing was done to curtail its efforts.
 
As I had no intention of being made a meal, metaphorically or otherwise, I began to work my way to a better position. With little preamble I forced myself to navigate across the network of platforms in a hopscotch like manner, to find a better location of attack. It was for not though.
 
The roar of synthetic thunder crackled in an explosion that wayload my movements further. That sound from the beast jerking suddenly as the aura covered Gildarts and Zack pressed whatever advantage they had created just moments prior.
 
Everything quaked and rippled as our platforms rolled with a wave of lava. Nearly being unseated, I caught myself in a crouched that brought my gaze towards my target, its titanic form slamming to the ground before me, prone. Better so, was the wounds I had inflicted earlier were exposed and dripping with life’s blood.
 
That was it! My bull’s eye so to speak.
 
I breathed in the superheated air; the human action of respiration saturated me with the ambient primal magic and force that permeated the volcano. It would have to be enough.
 
My wand thundered in cadence with my voice, “Crucio!”
 
Lightning struck the gaping wound and the entire beast seized with great jerking spasms of agony. The lava around it practically frothed as the mountain itself in sympathy of my spell shook with each impact of the dragon’s body. It was almost wormlike.
 
All at once further attacks rained down from my compatriots. This what this spell was for. Disabling greater opponents so others could deal it superior injuries.
 
Fighting against my draining limbs, I flexed my arm to maintain the direction of the tip of my wand towards the chink in the dragon’s hide.  Cold cruel light tore through the air, undulating. It penetrated deep into the wound, radiating soul wrenching agony that kept it down. However like all things, the spell had its costs.
 
Every pulse of power brought me closer to a deeper wariness that I could not hope the maintain myself under. It was a burden I had expected but not truly understood to  any degree.
 
Each breath gained weight but with it another attack brought my efforts further value. Strike after strike fell from the heavens upon the mythical reptile; bringing it closer to its ultimate demise. However I knew two things that gave me worry. First was that I could not maintain this much longer, and second Volvagia was resisting the torture curse with increasing effectiveness.
 
Every seizure brought a growing succession flame that scorched me and the others.
 
If it was allowed to regain mobility we would be lost to the eternal heat of its maw.
 
We had to bring it down now, and I only had one thing left that could see to it that Okor could deliver the final banishing blow.
 
With a twist and ended the crucatus curse and brought my wand whipping back around.
 
In an instant, Volvagia was back on its feet and it was out for my blood again despite its maw being completely ruined. No it would end me for my insolence. I could see it in its eyes. That burgeoning sentience, just barely that of a muggle.
 
It was time to finish this.
 
Its head reared backward as the air vibrated and flowed with a massive intake of breath. A breath that ripped out my school robes and tie… and then the world was lost in a glow of light as its flame met my spell.
 
“AVADA KEDAVRA!” I screamed. My words took with it every last ounce of power within and without. Emerald lightning raced from the tip of my wand and then I knew only the burning sounds of power against power.

795, crucio and avada kedavra. 2 Sp remaining.