Solitary winds blew across the vast and decimated lands of Ostia, this land has suffered a great calamity…or so Ryuga had heard. Ryuga’s interest was peeked when he had heard of this story in the local tavern in Ostia City. It was within his knowledge that there were many treasures lost during this calamity….lost knowledge within the sunken cities and temples that once filled the great sky cities. Ryuga had “persuaded” the men at the tavern to give up the knowledge of one such place… a temple supposedly containing lost treasures of a mighty empire. Ryuga’s footsteps resounded within the forest he had tracked the temples last known location to…as the crunch of leaves under his boots notified the creatures around him as to his location Ryuga pulled out the small map which he had acquired from the man at the tavern.

The man had been part of a traveling company of mercenaries…too inexperienced to take the job which requires finding the temple and recovering any valuable treasures inside. Ryuga always up for an opportunity to expand his understanding had gladly “borrowed” the map from the man and taken on the mission himself. Ryuga’s cold gray eyes looked over the small piece of paper….various markings and scribbles printed onto it as he figured and predicted the temples location, suddenly….a small noise escaped from the brush and Ryuga’s form stiffened…He looked around studying the small forest clearing he was in…One hand slowly slipping the map back into his coat pocket the other going to his blade as he anticipated battle, Ryuga was more than capable of handling normal monsters…but a magical one would provide a challenge. His steely gray eyes looked over the bush as he spotted movement he reacted instantly throwing up his free hand and shouting “Punctum quod congelo meus foes!- Gelu Partis!” his right hand surged with blue energy as the water vapor in the air condensed within seconds and hardened into a sphere of ice before shooting towards the disturbance and splitting into 5 icy shards that would freeze and damage anything on impact.

((OOC: Feel free to jump into the action- I was setting this up that he would be shooting at whoever attemped to join but have that just be an accident ^^ Have fun :P))

Whoa...

"Nice shot" a voice suddenly said as he stood right next to Ryuga.

Looking at Ryuga then walking over he pulled a woman from the bush, a much noticably younger women and walked back to Ryuga. He introduced themselves.

"Hey there, my name is Darren Silfer and this is my sister Amelia. We say you over at the tavern talking to the old man and decieded to follow you. This area is known to have many temples that are pretty fun to explore. Mind if we tag along?"

Ryuga lowered his guard slightly and let his hand leave his blade slipping Fenrir back into his white sheath. He studied the new arrivals with an inquisitive eye before re-sealing his magic completely not seeing either as an immediate threat, He had been followed? This was embarrassing…but Ryuga didn’t have time to figure out his own mistakes. He looked at the older brother Darren and calmly began to speak a slick almost icy scent escaping his lips like he was breathing pure frost “I don’t see why not…Im doing this for the money...and whatever may be inside the temple…as long as your not a burden your welcome to accompany me” Ryuga switched his icy gaze to the girl and then back to Darren “Is she going to be a burden? If so Im afraid she can’t come along…We won’t need dead weight going into an unknown place of power such as this...”

Hmph?

Darren Looked at Amelia. Short, Smiley and all kinds of Foolish he thought as he let himself laugh inward.

Haha, of course she'll be fine. I myself made her go through the magic school. Believe it or not she's an aspiring cleric.

And me I've pretty handy with a blade, as he produced a mess of them from his satchel.

That's right! Amelia said showing off her most basic of heals. Drenching Darren in the process.

...well then let's see how about you go home for now Amelia? OmegaRed is probably lonely without you.

...but

you know how I feel about that spell Amelia...

She knew arguing isn't going to help so with a sad look she headed home obviously mad at her big brother for not letting her come along.

Ryuga observed the scene before him and took in Darren’s words carefully, he seemed capable enough and seemed to be trust worthy…but Ryuga would keep his guard up. He turned his head slightly noticing the girl leave with her head hung low “Well then…..I suggest we get moving before nightfall…Id rather not see what comes out at night in these woods..” Ryuga stepped onward into the ever expanding tree line expecting his new companion to follow in suit, Ryuga would walk for well over an hour before finally the trees seemed to end as they opened up on a large stone doorway…with 2 large golem like statues standing on either side of it. Ryuga stopped in his tracks and examined the gateway carefully…noticing the runes carved into the sides of the door. He managed to recognize some of the runes and made out a rough translation…”e-ter b-t be-ae the stone” Ryuga mumbled softly to himself as he looked up at the massive stone doors...

They were far too large to be blasted open or manually pulled open…there must have been some sort of magical trigger… Ryuga pressed his hand against the door and let magical energy flow out of him and into the door, What Ryuga wouldn’t notice is the twin status raise there heads and awaken from there slumber as they both turned there gaze towards a distracted Ryuga…The statue on the left raised a stone fist to crush him as the right one let out a savage roar that sounded like a massive land slide-

Darren kept pace with his new companion. Hmm ^^ seems like he doesn't trust me just yet as he watched him turn his head every time he got to close.

Eh might be better if he's like that. I am sort of a bandit afterall. He thought as they came upon the new structure.

Watching him come up to the walls he listened. He heard the magic words and saw some of the magics charging near him.

Magic sure is something he'll never get tired of. Never knowing to much himself he saw magic incline-

He stopped 1/2 sentence when he noticed the stone guards waking up from their slumber. He look at his companion.

Hmm what was his name again?, he wondered. As he moved his hand and pushed him out of the way with a strong force of air.

Hey...you have ice magic as a forte right? he said

Innocent rage take shape! Endless Winter!

The area suddenly got a whole lot colder as the spell took event. He looked at his companion wondering what his capabilities were.

Better watch and see...

A deafening roar split its way into Ryuga’s ears as he felt a surge of wind knock him forward only for him to catch himself but to feel a spray of gravel splatter across his back, Ryuga spun on his heel to look up into the face of a massive stone golem his gaze tightened as his left hand reached to draw his sword and pulled it free from its white scabbard. The wolf born katana shimmered slightly in the sunlight as Ryuga prepared for battle his body preparing to summon the nessacary energy…there were 2 large opponents standing between him and lost knowledge and he wasn’t going to let them stop him… Ryuga suddenly felt a chill surge through the air as he looked to see his companion filling the magic with energy….turning the air into just what Ryuga needed…the particles were already frozen meaning Ryuga wouldn’t need to exert the extra energy…he smirked with satisfaction.

Ryuga leapt into action calling the already frozen water vapor to his blade coating it in an icy energy that made the silver blade glow a neon blue….Ryuga swung his blade towards the first giant on the left as he shouted the incantation “Glacialis Ululatus commodo mihi vires!~ Tundra Offendo!” a icy wave like energy sweapt out of Ryuga’s blade and collided with the giant with seconds splattering the beast with an icy rush that froze over half of his form and filling the zones cracks with icy power splitting the rock in twain before finally…the giant shattered and collapsed into rubble. Ryuga spun on a heel and raised his free hand collecting the left over energy within the air and the lingering particles from his first attack collecting the energy quickly he fired out a barrage of frost shards like the ones he used earlier that collided with the giant coating him in splotches of ice, Ryuga jumped back slightly and felt fatigue rack his body….a quick spell like that had drained him slightly…the ice continued to cover the roaring giant as Ryuga looked to his ally “finish him!”

Darren watched with a smile as his new companion broke thru the rock with his giant ice shards. Hmm he'd be fun to spar with if he ever wanted to train.

Mid thought he say him shouting at him.

He was yelling FINISH HIM!!! fervently

Darren's face was that of surprise, pointing at himself.

Oh right I have to also do something. He thought as he rumaged through his satchel.

Erm.. hold him for a second...

Greatsword, Greatsword, Greatsword...Ah! Warglaive!

He smiled as he turned towards the guardian. Then dashed at him with his new weapon the wind magic at work piercing the rock as he chopped him horizontally making the scene that of humor as the guardian was falling apart section by section to his doom. He looked at his partner with his hand behind his back slightly embarrassed.

Hehe there you go.

So tell me what's your name by the way?

It was bothering me right when those things attacked.

Hmm I should have brought Amelia along. She would have been a bit more useful then me here. Blades aren't so great against rock.

Ryuga caught his breath as he sheathed Fenrir and attempted to bring in any reaming frost particles lingering in the air in an attempt to ‘recharge’ him. Ryuga looked towards the stone doors ignoring his ally for the moment as a blue energy surged up the center of the doors and they cracked open with a loud –chink- the stone doors pulled themselves apart revealing a dark tunnel that lead into the lost temple. Ryuga smirked…they had found it, he turned to his companion and nodded for him to follow “My name is Ryuga…” he gripped his sword and shook it slightly “and this is Fenrir…” Ryuga began to walk into the darkness not intimidated by what could be inside “you coming?” he shouted beyond his shoulder as he raised his palm face up and brought a small bit of magic energy to his palm creating a soft blue light to guide them through the darkness.

Well what did I expect he thought as he made his way towards Ryuga.

He even talks to his sword I bet he joked as he looked around the area.

The temple was similar to the ones that normally go around the area.

Hmm so far nothing too new was seen so far. An scary figure to the left darting in and out appeared to him. But he ignored it as he looked around some more.

Usually these places have traps that are more dangerous then the creatures that guard it.

Well whatever it is you wanted in this place better be worth it

There are almost no traps here. Usually that means there are more monsters or sentient beings here more then anything. And by the look of that... pointing at a crystal. Bigger then the usual ones that litter these things. Means we are entering a possible crystal mine.

The great thing about these places is a chance for one of the Greater Temple Crystals. There are about 12 in this area minus the 2 in the main museums in the city. If you found one of those ah man the collectors would pay top dollar for that powerful crystal.

...or you can probably grind it up and see how it enhances you.

With that he threw a blade at the big crystal knocking it off it's mantle and unto the ground.

Hmm I'll need 5 of these at the end of the trip. Each cost around 15k while the small ones are 2.5k Dracama a very worthwhile job if you ask me as
he grinned towards Ryuga.

Ryuga raised an eyebrow at Darren’s words as he pondered and looked down at the small blue light illuminating the surrounding darkness. Ryuga thought for several moments taking into account everything that was said…he could always use these crystals to enhance Fenrir…or his own magic’s…ideas flooded the ice mages mind as he walked over to a small crystal jutting from the wall, Ryuga took the energy contained within his palm and pushed it against the crystal, there was a great flash that blinded Ryuga as the energy shot through the gem like a prism spreading light all thought the cavern as the magical energy surged through hundreds of small and large crystals alike….they had found what looked like a small repository for magical crystals…and Ryuga was eager to get a hold of them.

Ryuga turned to his ally and smirked slightly “Very astute of you…ill give you that much…but what do you say we get to work? These crystals seem to react to magic….we could definitely use them” Ryuga grabbed the first crystal he had introduced his magic to and pulled hard yanking it from the wall and holding it firmly in his hand before slipping it into the black pack he carried on his back and looking for another jutting stone, unbeknownst to either of the mages however figures loomed in the darkness…drawn by the surge of light and magic….the current home owners of this mind…and they were hungry.

Seeing this he sighed inwardly.

Hmph might as well act surprised for him. He's much younger then me anyhow he reasoned as he picked up his five and tossed him some of the smaller crystals.

So what do you think could be guarding the main horde as he started just throwing the crystals crazily towards Ryuga. It's fine he thought. You'd need 5 large crystals or 25 of the smaller ones to get a boost worth mentioning.

halfway through he tried to get his attention as he walked past him and stood in the dark trying to feel menacing behind him...


"Kukuku what do you think a bandit would do in this situation? Loot this small deposit and head out? Fight the chimera's here pointing at the droppings near the deposit and help you find a possible treasure?
Or possible lose to reason and fight everything here just for kicks?

Sometime before the speech the air around them got a bit colder and when he was finished was similar to that of days with hail instead of rain. Drawing his shiniest blades.

This is important for me to do if he ever wants to be able to be strong he thought sadly, looking at Ryuga and his reflection from the blades.

Ryuga went about his work in relative peace collecting the several crystals he could and taking the ones that Darren collected…in total he now had about 15…half the amount he needed. Ryuga felt something stir….whether in the cave or with Darren he continued to go about his work….keeping himself sharp and on guard as he quietly and discreetly charged a small amount of magical energy through his form…”Permissum snow cado…” a small surge of energy echoed outwards…barely noticeable as the air within 5 meters of Ryuga slowed….

His Fimbul Winter technique slowed down the particles in the surrounding air slowing down whatever entered within them. Ryuga continued about his work grabbing another 5 crystals and placing them in his pack until it he could no longer spot anymore within the chamber. Ryuga turned to Darren his gray eyes looking into his ally “Shall we continue onward?” the field around Ryuga would be strained to maintain as they moved but it was a nessacary precaution if he was to survive.

Better just let him do all the trap checks for me he grinned as he watched him go by.

Hmph...

He took another scan of the area and this time came up with something more then from last time. He noticed a small alcove right above him. Obviously it would be impossible to jump up there with just regular up's.

...well at least not without a bit of creativity he thought as he ran up the wall. He kicked off the wall and grabbed the small decorative arch the pillar supporting the alcove had. Using the small arch he continued the motion with a quarter circle fling as he pushed his body up, leaving him in the air for half a second before he grabbed the ledge of the alcove with his left hand and leg. He looked down. he was nearing 9 feet above the ground, maybe even 10.

His face turned into a smooth smile as he saw Ryuga didn't notice his little acrobatic feat. Easy when your trained as a thief also, he grinned. He went down the path of the alcove opening the door at the end of the hall wall and slamming it, causing a definite echo in the area.

On the other side there stood a grand room with 3 tunnels leading to different directions. One leading to that scary figure he saw from last time leading to the lower floors where Ryuga was, one that probably lead to the dungeon area of the temple and the last being the master room where the a good majority of the temple's dangers were probably were...and the riches too.

Contemplating this he noticed one of the minor crystal in a ceramic bowl next to the door. He took it and crushed it in his hands as the tiny mystic powers it had took effect over him.

I don't truly know what crystal really does... but I think the rogue in me doesn't have the patience to wait anymore.

Time for me to have some fun, he said as he donned his bandanna and facemask, TrickBlue coming thru

[If you don't mind I'll join, if you ask for it I'll delete the topic :)]

Nhieling was wandering into the ruin of this temple. Ostia, were like...A ghost of his past. A place of power that wasn't of this world anymore. Quite nostalgic, he was walking into what was one day a crowded place.
Then he saw the two guys, walking into the temple. The grave robber started to make him sick. He had already sent back the previous group, but this one seemed to be thougher, since they had already defeat the stone golem.

He was following them, observing them through his doll eyes ; they even damaged the cristal that were here... Young don't respect anything... Then he saw them going separated way.
Oh? Careless of them... I'll tag along and play with you ehe...

Nhieling went after Jukensong, since another of the magic creature guarding this place were already sneaking behind Ryuga

Pfft, that scary figure's shadow is coming closer, he thought as he looked to the left.

Hmph

He headed to what he believed to be the most dangerous room. Let's see if I can use the traps in the room, he thought

If not I can watch him from the shadows and probably get an ambush in.

It wasn't the the first time he stabbed someone that was trying to chase him.

Ryuga watched with relative amusement as Darren displayed his acrobatic ability, Ryuga wasn’t so easily impressed however…and seeing the young thief wander off in another direction Ryuga sighed and slipped his hands into his coat pocket as he let his Fimbul Winter spell break the distortion aura around his form disappearing as he reached out with his perceptions and tried to sense anything nasty nearby. As Ryuga walked deeper into the temple he began to see what seemed to be a large chamber at the end of the main floor he was on- Ryuga approached carefully…but eagerly. Something foul tainted the air behind Ryuga….It had tainted it since there arrival in the main crystal chamber and Ryuga had been slightly aware of it….but now the dark aura was radiating outward like a wildfire.

Ryuga walked closer to the light at the end of the tunnel finally passing through it he had entered a massive circular chamber with a large dormant crystal floating in the center of a massive pit- the crystal was suspended in midair by a large silver ring which had glowing runes on it. Ryuga’s heart skipped a beat as he studied the walls of the chamber…crystals of all sizes littered the floor and walls…He walked along the path of the left side of the room noticing several other passages leading to it…This ad to be the center of the temple- Ryuga began his work collecting various crystal sizes until his pack was full…a final count of 40 crystals….30 small and 10 large. He then turned his inquisitive eyes to the massive crystal in the center of the chamber….he would have loved to get his hands on it but-

A massive resounding echo resounded through the chamber….”that had to be Darren…” spoke Ryuga softly….the crescendo of the crash however was then followed by a sound Ryuga did not want to hear…A wailing scream pierced the room of the chamber as the beating of wings could be heard coming up from the pit in the middle of the room- a large shadow drake pulled itself onto the crystal its leathery bat like wings flaring out as its shrill cry resounded through the chamber…the passage where Ryuga had entered soon became filled with tiny whelps there red eyes anticipating the meal to come. Ryuga ripped Fenrir from it’s sheath and stood with both hands on the blade as he let loose his magical aura….the air within the chamber became icy and frigid as icicles formed on the stones- Ryuga could use some backup…but he wasn’t about to go down without a fight-

A dark red-eyed shadow was progressing after Jukensong, and pass just before him. Scruting into the shadow. The silhouette started looking right into Jukensong direction.

At the same time, at Ryuga location, the shadow drake spread his wing, and release a strident yell. Resonating with the sound, the cristal around him started emiting what seemed to be a black light. Thing were visible but loosing color on after another around the cristal.

Hearing the roar from the other room Darren didn't even bother to turn.

Told him there'd be a whole lotta craploads of monsters instead of traps in this placehe muttered

Judging from the sound he guessed it to be a drake and at least 5-6 whelpings, he thought his Dragoon mentor Jecht taught him as he was growing up.

Ah right I suppose to be sneaky he thought as he saw the shadowy figure keep his gaze on him as he progressed to the next room. Right when he turned the hall he ran up the wall and did his best statue impersonation while waiting for his would-be attacker.

The next room was a round one, with large pillar everywhere. The sound of water dripping could be heard from everyside. Just when Jukensong reached the center of the room, the shadow start acting. Attacking under the cover of darkness and disappearing behind another pillar right after.
The only thing Juken could see before being attacked was two red eyes.

Whoa there, he said as he let himself drop from the ceiling

He made a few flips as he landed and looked at his opponent.

Haha good thing Ryuga wasn't here to see that...

It'd be so uncool to get easily hurt like that...

Now... what type of matter of beast is this he wondered, I can barely recognize this thing in the darkness.
He's been to many areas like this in the region so the air of superiority and ignorance was shown in his voice.

...Hey there

Why don't you come down here and play with your good Uncle TrickBlue he said thru his facemask.

Drawing his longsword he stood at the ready.

Low position means faster response he thought.

Letting him waiting, Nhieling start observing him. He weren't that strong, just good enough to protect himself.
Letting him hear only the water drip sound for a few minute, he started back attacking, aiming for his back.
His puppet was tiny and fast enough to be perfectly fitted to this environement.

A look of distress almost spread across Ryuga’s face as he felt the surging presence of magic nearby….”It seems that things seem to be heating up….and as for you beast…” Ryuga reached into his pack and pulled out a large crystal and a handful of smaller ones…he let his magic fill the magic stones before raising them high and slamming them into the ground…the magically charged objects shattering sending a magnified pulse of energy into the air like a cloud of pure energy. Ryuga raised Fenrir and his free hand absorbing all of the pure magic essence into his blade and hand…….the entire chamber began to frost over at an alarming rate as the magical charge of the crystals radically enhanced Ryuga’s abilities sending a wave of power surging through the temple as Ryuga’s whole body began to glow a roaring neon blue, Ryuga smirked….the power was incredible…but it wouldn’t last forever….so Ryuga went to work “Frozen Howls lend me strength! Tundra Strike!” the surging energy engulfed Fenrir as Ryuga sliced his blade outward sending a crescent shaped beam of freezing power colliding with the shadow drake…it collided with the monster like a freight train causing it to flare its wings and roar in agony as it attempted to shake off the ice only for it to consume it faster. Ryuga turned his attention to the small force of whelps that emerged from the passage like soldiers ants protecting there queen, the largest of the whelps snapped out at Ryuga only to be met with a frozen blade to the throat severing the monsters head as Ryuga raised his free hand sending a blast of frozen energy outward freezing the remaining whelps solid. Ryuga turned his attention to the drake as the ice consumed its entire left wing….however as the ice magic took hold…the main crystal began to react…glowing with power and beginning to shine a vibrant blue the drake reacted accordingly leaping off the crystal and clawing at the stone wall of the pit with its claws…Ryuga reacted quickly raising Fenrir once more and slicing downward with all his strength “Tundra strike!” the half charged spell would be enough to finish the drake thanks to the crystals enhancement… the wave of ice slicing and freezing the drake down the middle…sending its frozen body falling into the abyss.

The shadow dragon suddenly disapear into the ground. Like he had be swallowed.
The cristal were still emiting this strange aura, eating away light little by little. Then the shadow itself start mooving, covering the ground and the cristal one after another.

Shadow drake weren't know for being the strongest, but maybe the hardest to kill into their own nest. Snake of shadow start surging from the ground. Aiming Ryuga. The first one missed him, and bite the rock, crushing it in a powerfull gnaw.

This immaterial snake were moving everywhere and seemed to swim into the unatural shadow of the room. Circling Ryuga.

Hmph this is getting annoying he thought as he slammed the doll on the ground for the 5th time and say it scurry off before he can get a hit off the strings.

Sigh whatever is controlling this thing is playing this relatively safe. I hate this type of fighter. Always hard to get in there and that annoying block then retaliate method was standing straight and true with this guy.

He looked around in the room he saw only one exit/entrance and he stood at the end of it. Whoever he was he could not let him get near Ryuga. Hmph it's better this way he kept reminding himself. I'm more of a 1 on 1 player anyway he thought as his eyes glowed cyan.

He muttered underhis breathe

Innocent Rage take shape, Enveloping winds.

The room now had a building wind that was about to turn into something more.
Sigh* Darn it I'm inside, it's gonna be a whole lot weaker then usual he said, as he rushed the figure behind the scenes for the third time.