Shadow and Dawn traveled from the west to east coast back and forth fighting thugs and monsters to sharpen their skills. Making enemies along the way. That didn't matter. They wouldn't be able to stop the duo. They both became slightly bitter, but that didn't stop their infinite love for each other. The R.A.K. forged the orphans whose parents were slaughtered by Garren into warriors. With the relentless training and missions they became experts at using the hoof-blade.

Garren and Lacoden were doing the same. In secret Lacoden killed her very own mercenaries to train herself. Testing out ways to deliver fatally instant strikes. Garren was readying the band of pirates and mercenaries he hired at the halfway mark between Fallen Star and the mainland to create a blockade. Garren knew Shadow would get through the blockade, but he just wanted to mess with his enemies mind. Meditation was his preferred method of training. He would sit in front of the crystal of Fallen Star and bathe in its presence.

Excaelum and Centerra traveled with Lord Chronin. Lord Chronin tried her best to teach them how to master Gravity by feeding them her memories of her experiences with Gravity dragons. How they moved, spoke, acted, and killed were all vital for them to keep Gravity dragons dominate in the Dragon Kingdom. Shiste hunted down all of Orcusin's allies in order to protect Excaelum. Excaelum relieved Shiste of his service out of anger that he couldn't kill them himself and gratitude to him. Shiste also traveled with Lord Chronin since she was the only one who he can connect personally with. Ula, Lord Chronin's ambassador, escaped from Orcusin's inner circle and retreated back to his Lord.

Canon and Retina were still prisoners of Lacoden. Working the decks and living with rats. Their spirits were nearly broken. They followed orders as if they themselves were Changelings. Not once have they tried to escape. There were too many Changelings and without Canon's wings he was unable to fly Retina or himself out of capture.

Ever since Saddle Arabia has been liberated there were no attempts from Garren to take it back. Shadow didn't know why, but he knew that if he didn't stop Garren he will go insane.

"Dawn, can you have the princesses meet with me at Share? I need to have a few words with them." Shadow said. Shadow and Dawn were overlooking Saddle Arabia from a hill.

"They're busy with the group of griffons you saved and left at the castle. I'd think they would be angry, they're actually happy to have new faces in their home."

"I just want this damn conflict to end. It hasn't felt like it's been three years since our last battle. Then we can go back to our home."

"You think we can have the next one be our last?"

"Yes, a lot of our friends would die though in the process."

"I hope not." Dawn was looking to the sky, "What's a griffon doing here?"

"It's headed to your ship." The griffon landed on the deck of Share and was directed by Knight Black Soul to Shadow and Dawn's location. "Damn, it's headed here." Shadow laughed. "This could be interesting."

The griffon landed in front of them, "Shadow, Dawn, my name is Gizzard." It bowed. "May I have a word?"

"We meet again. I'm sure you're gonna say more than "a word" but go ahead." Dawn smiled.

"You've grown much since the last time we met." He looked at Shadow, "My commander, Talon, is gonna attack Fallen Star. And she would like to know if you would aid us."

"When?"

"Tomorrow."

"Tomorrow?! How's she plan on attacking?" Dawn asked.

"An aerial assault. Our plan is to ambush the island."

Shadow thought to himself about the time when he was living at Fallen Star and how their plan sounded familiar. "They have thousands of Changelings. Who Lacoden may have developed weapons to take aerials out of the sky. I wouldn't risk it."

"We have already scouted the island thoroughly. They don't have many numbers. Like they're on the verge of defeat."

"Garren and Lacoden aren't stupid. They knew you were there. Tell your commander to not attack the island. "

"I will tell her you rejected her request. We will understand." Gizzard opened his wings.

"Wait!" Dawn shouted. Gizzard looked at her, "Take care of yourself."

"Worry about your own lives." Gizzard smiled, "Oh, and one more thing. According to our records of the island it seems the island has expanded. I'd look into it." He bowed then flew off.

Dawn let out a deep sigh, "We aren't gonna see him again, are we?"

"Sadly. Griffons are as stubborn as a brick wall. Dawn, did you notice anything about their attack strategy?"

"No. What about it?"

"Sounds like the same tactic used when we were there."

"Now that I think about it does. And what was that thing about the island expanding?" We'll find out soon enough. Teleport us to Share." Dawn's magic has improved greatly. Ever since she gained authority next by her father she felt unstoppable. They appeared on the ships deck and the crew bowed and turned to them. Knight Black Soul greeted them, "You know you could've told him we were sleeping?"

"He felt trustworthy enough. Why was he here?" "She turned around, "Back to work please."

"Belay that last!" Shadow shouted and got the crews attention, "Scrubbing spotless decks will be over. The griffons plan on attacking Garren tomorrow. They will get there before we do, let's just hope they aren't all dead before we get there. Prepare to sail. We depart tomorrow morning. Check our munitions, food, supplies, and sails. Get to it!" The crew scrambled. "Soul, sorry to drop this on you."

"Attacking while there defenses are well, less strong. I don't blame you. We will have enough time to prepare sailing there." Dawn shouted called for her dad then, Shadow looked over his shoulder to her and she pointed to the sky. "Ah, just in time too." Excaelum was flying over the horizon with a few other dragons.

"Conversation will in order with our old friend. Looks like they're landing on that hill. Dawn, come on." Dawn ran up next to Shadow and teleported them to the dragons. They bowed to the dragons and the dragons to them. "I hope all has been well, Lord Excaelum."

"Yes, it's been quite busy." Excaelum replied. "And yourself?"

"Likewise. And it's about to get even more so. We are beginning our voyage to Fallen Star tomorrow. Following up on an attack by griffons."

"Luster, will change the direction of the current west." Chronin said, "Personally I suggest you move now." Chronin called for Luster and she flew over into the water. Waves were forming and moving away from the shore. "That will speed up your journey, should be there within a week or so."

Dawn said, "Thank you, Lord Chronin."

"I haven't done a thing yet. Thank her." Chronin replied with a smile. Luster flew back up to them. "Well, I will retire now. Dawn," Chronin bowed, Dawn bowed back, "Shadow." They bowed to each other then, Lord Chronin flew off with Shiste right behind her.

"My fight is not with the Changelings, Shadow. I must save my strength to fight Orcusin." Excaelum scolded.

"I understand. Dawn, set sail now. I'll catch up." Shadow said. Dawn said her goodbyes to Excaelum and the ships had their sails westward. "The sooner we finish this the better. I haven't slept with both my eyes closed in a long time."

"I don't sleep at all." Excaelum chuckled.

"You're gonna have to. It'd clear your mind. Now listen, Excaelum. If I don't come out of this alive promise me you'll look after Dawn."

"What happens to that promise if I die?"

"You'll be fine." Shadow smiled. "My gut is telling me that there will only be a hooful of us coming back."

"I better be on my way, brother."

Shadow laughed, "Brother? Well, ain't that a little bit of change from you. We'll see each other again soon, brother." Shadow flew towards the ships.

"Lord, why won't you help them fight?" Luster asked.

"A timberwolf wouldn't waste his energy fighting a cat. To put it in simpler words. We have a ghost to visit, Luster. Let's see what he knows."

"You told me his cave collapsed."

"Something tells me that's not his only lair."

As Shadow was just over Saddle Arabia he looked down and saw a few crew members on the pier, he descended to them, "Got left behind, Cloudfire?" He asked.

"No, sir. Just thought it'd be best to hold the down the fort. Grazer and a few others stayed behind as well."

"You aren't ready. That's just fine. I trust that you can take care of yourselves. Keep yourselves busy, we'll be back soon enough."