Beyond the Snow : The Journey through Mt. Gagazet!

Mt. Gagazet, the tallest peak in the world of Spira, and the coldest place in the entire world, loomed before the trio as they walked up to the base path. The air was already getting cold, and Cypher knew it would only get colder from here on up. He found himself pulling his coat close and took a look over at his traveling companions.

He never would have thought that his journey to the Calm lands would have lead to meeting the woman to his right, or the tiger to her right. Emerald and Crystal, the woman who fought with him twice, taking down an Eater and a massive sand worm from her own world, and the tiger who had wanted to eat him upon the pair meeting.

Her own world…Another world entirely, the concept still seemed strange to Cypher, but after seeing what he had during the fights, after watching her summon, he knew it was the truth. And now, the trio was traveling to Zanarkand to see the ruins, to hunt for the truth of what really happened two years ago with the death of Sin, to find out the truth that Yevon, and probably New Yevon, where hiding. To uncover a truth buried for over a thousand years. It was the kind of adventure he never dreamed he would be taking, but the very thought of finding out the truth, finding the reason for the loss of his family by a beast that was summoned by Zanarkand’s own leader and defender…It was too tempting a bait to resist. And it didn’t hurt that Emerald wanted to go to see the ruins, as well as slap some sense into Cid, the Al Bhed leader, after turning the ruins into some sort of tourist trap.

So, the trio, who had only met less than 12 hours ago, who had already gone through so much, were faced with their greatest challenge : climbing the great Mt. Gagazet, home of the Ronso and frigid snow, with air so cold that it could cut through some of the thickest coats.

“Welcome to Mt. Gagazet Emerald…I hope you don’t mind the brisk weather,” Cypher said to her with the smallest hint of a smile. That was another thing, ever since he had met her, he couldn’t help but feel…more at ease? Happier? No, those weren’t the words, but he didn’t feel as burdened with his own sins and pains…Perhaps this was simply the power of having a friend. Another first for Cypher in the past 12 years.

“Our path leads us up and over, where at the top, we should meet with the Ronso. It is at that point that we will find if they will let us pass or not…if things go well, it should take about a day to get up to that point, then a day and a half to get down and around to the ruins,” he said softly, before giving he a faint nod of his head, indicating that they should get moving.

The trio walked up the path into the cold weather that this mountain started to hold for them. Emerald had no idea the portal would lead her to another planet. It took her to the calm lands and there she met Cypher who both were attacked by some sort of monster from this world and another by a Sandworm which somehow managed its way into this world from hers. It was a nice feeling to have a new friend by her side as she walked through the path in the cold. It wasn't as bad as she thought it would be but they just started to walk so the cold could get worse.

The 12 hours really did go quickly and next thing she knew the sun was shinning and their was a light blue sky in the air. But the sun was blocked by the tall mountain so she couldn't see the sun shining down. "I don't mind the weather been through worse. My world has a similar place but its bigger way bigger and is split into two areas and its always a snowstorm their. If your lucky it wouldn't be snowing there." She spoke to herself as Crystal growled trying to agree with Emerald. Crystal had been their and she loved that place because their were other tigers there she was able to play with or fight. Of course she would always win.

As the three of them kept walking she listened to Cypher talk about where they were traveling too. "What would they do once we reach to the top? Will they judge us by our looks or business? Long journey ahead of us. Hopefully it will just go by fast like today." She spoke softly to Cypher and waited for his response.

Cypher listened to Emerald as he focused on the path before him, wanting to know and see this world she spoke of. It sounded…far more interesting then the goings on of Spira. But then, he was quite certain, that was what she thought of Spira in comparison to her own world. The grass always did seem greener…

He paused as they reached the start of the incline, turning his head and staring right into Emerald’s eyes as he spoke.

“Hm, you keep up that wishful thinking, you’re going to end up jinxing us,” he said with a hint of a smile. It was still hard to do after so long. “It does get colder as we start climbing, with the coldest areas just as we reach the peak. As for the Ronso, well, it all depends on who their leader is at this time. There haven’t really been any problems between the Ronso and Humes, but if their leader isn’t too keen to us, we will have to find a different route. Just remember, the last leader of the Ronso was killed by a Guado, who had a Hume mother,” he said, before nodding his head and starting to lead the way up the path.

“So…tell me, if you are so inclined…I’m curious about your world. What is it really like? Is there war? Are the people happy? Is it…a better place?” he asked, before mentally berating himself. What kind of questions were these, and where did they come from?

‘It isn’t like I have anything here…if it is possible…Perhaps I could leave Spira for another world…one that doesn’t have so many memories…’ he thought to himself, a slightly troubled look appearing on his face, even as his pace slowed down slightly.

Well it seems that once they get to the top peak they will be faced with judgement on either moving on or not being able to move forward. She laughed at Cypher's small remark as they both walked further on the path on the mountain. "Cold is cold...but rather be cold then hot and sweaty. I feel all disgusting and other things.....Now your jinxing us. Hopefully we everything will go good then." She spoke to his statement he had made about the cold weather and about the so called ronso people. It made it seem they were not going to make it through but both of them will find a way.

Crystal notice the path ended up turning uphill now. She started to sprinted forward to scout ahead. The path up the hill would still take a long time but crystal didn't need to know that. When Cypher asked about her world she went silent and had to think of what to say. There was so much to say and began to try to summmrize everything she knew. "Well from the start we had 3 main cities. San'Doria where i'm from, Windurst, and Bastok. We have couple races Humes, Galka who are from bastok who are more powerful warrior types and kind of similar to your ronso type. Then the tarutaru who are small little midgets who are magic users mostly who are from Windurst. Miithra who are female cat people who are know for thieves and rangers mostly who are also from windurst. And then we have Elvaan who are tall people almost a similar resemblence to elves but don't say that or you would be in trouble and are from San'doria. Thats mainly where all the races are from but millions of people are from everywhere. Each city has their own enemy and are called beastmen. San'Doria beastmen are the orcs, Bastok beastmen are the Quadav, Windurst beastmen are Yagudo, and then we have more beastmen who are on their own like goblins, moblins, tomberrys, gigas, anticas, demons, sahagins, and dragons who are seem outside the cities all over in the northen areas and such. But the three main beastmen formed together and started a war on all three nations which we call the crystal war. Who lead the war was known as the Shadow Lord. Anyway in was a very dreadful war, we lost so much but in the end the three nations formed together and had created the city Jeuno. Thats really all i know. I don't know much about the crystal war but my friend back home knows more about it their." She explained in a huge monolouge to cypher. It seemed like a lot of info for one person but he would catch on quick.

"As for your other questions. Are people happy? Well yes and no. Depends who you talk to. And is it a better place? Well yes and no. Depends where you go and what race you are and well its politics. If you want after we finish up at Zanarkand ruins I can take you to my world and show you my home town and maybe take you around to each city and what not." She spoke to cypher trying her best to respond to his questions. She would love to have him visit her world, she would have a true friend their who didn't vanish on her for over a year.

Cypher continued to lead the way up the mountain, absorbing everything that Emerald was saying, his mind’s eye going into overdrive as he tried to picture each of the scenes she was describing. Each place she described, each creature she talked about, he tried to picture. His face hid his true emotions; inside, he was growing more and more anxious, more interested. He found himself ready to leave at this very moment, which only grew more when she even offered to show him around her world.
Even the history of the world seemed interesting, a war about the crystals, how each part of the world was under a similar but different disturbance. Sure, not everyone was happy, and that was to be expected in a world where each village was being raided by ‘beast men’. But at least they weren’t all bickering among themselves like a bunch of children; they knew what to do and how to do it.
‘We could learn much from them,’ he thought as he pulled his coat tighter against them as a strong wind blew down the mountain, cutting through his coat like a sharp knife. He shivered slightly but kept moving upwards.
“I would love to see your world Emerald…It already sounds like the best place for a fresh start,” he said, before realizing his slip of tongue. He mentally shrugged and continued to trudge ahead; what would be accomplished by keeping a secret from her? He was all but ready to leave this world behind, and now someone other than that damn book knew.

Emblem passed a cup of a steaming hot liquid to Cid as they both sat around a small campfire in the middle of the Ruins of Zanarkand.

''Drink, Cid.''

Cid thanked Emblem and drank. Emblem himself poured another cup and drank the liquid himself. It was a rather cold period in Zanarkand. There was only a lonely traveler every now and again, but the monkeys had made sure the tourist attraction was not long lived. Come to think of it, why was Cid here? Where was Isaaru? Only monkeys and pyreflies were here.

Emblem thought those questions were for later. It could only be described to see Yuna and Rikku angered with the one Al Bhed leader of old, before helping the monkeys to find their love mates. The end was worth it though, as Emblem did not like to see this place as a tourist attraction. It was a poor homage to this holy place. Cid had slowly shut this place down after Rikku's angry fit and the connection she stated to Home. At least, that was what he thought. Rikku had told him, and about their monkey business.

Cid had been mentioning to set up shop with O'aka XXIII, something about hot springs. Emblem did not like the idea of that becoming a success. It was Ronso ground. If anything, Ronso tend to Ronso business, and you should let them.

''Well Cid, be sure you ask permission from them. While the mountain is not truly deemed a sacred place anymore, I think they still do. I do hope Kimahri approves, if not you're not gonna.''

Cid replied, stating he had already started the business, but it was alright with the Ronso. The hot springs were not a place the Ronso tread mostly, nor was it one of the more sacred places. It's location was way off the old pilgrimage road in any sense.

''...At least this time, you're trying to rebuild Home.''

Emblem finished his cup quickly and poured another one. The temperature was not dropping, but still, Emblem had adorned his crimson red haori to keep himself warmed. As he threw another patch of dry wood into the fire, his mind raced. This place, memories, how his Aeon had reacted to the pyreflies...

Emblem stretched out as he intended to keep Cid company for a while longer. While he never had been best buddies with Cid, he respected the older man for various reasons. He had been leader of a very (thanks to Yevon) controversial race, he had acted stalwart in times of need, and while not always thinking things through, he was decisive. After all, he blew up Home himself when all Al Bhed were out. Not an easy decision to make. Emblem had a good understanding with Cid, who in turn, never minded Emblem's company.

Both listened to the silence of the Zanarkand Dome as the wood chirped, being consumed with a gentle fire.

((OOC: Asked to join. If anything is wrong in this post, do tell so I can modify it. Events stated happened in FF-X2 PAL version and FF-X2 International: Last Mission))

(Emblem np....just it might take a few posts to get their maybe 5 to 10 idk depends how fast we speed up things. I prob can speed it up to the top of the mountain which then we will need to talk to the ronso so im guess we will reach you in about 7 or less. Or we can get to you in maybe 5 lol i just came up with something lol.)

Emerald always wondered why Cypher wanted a fresh start from life. Was it something he did? Was she actually walking with a crazy person and he was going to kill her as soon as we reach the top of the hill. Emerald began thinking many scenaros but knew none of them fit. It was strange to her, she felt a connection with Cypher and knew he was a good guy with a sense of humor when its right. Looking at him she smiled, "So Cypher tell me....why do you need a fresh start. Your more than welcome to join me in my world. But why?" She asked him as the were now reaching to the top of the hill. It seem like they were walking for ever when she heard crystal growling at something. "Crystal!" She shouted and sprinted faster then ever.

The tiger growled at two large beast or well thats what they looked to Crystal. They were tall with each a horn on their head and blue fir holding spears pointed at crystal. Emerald pulled out her sword and jumped to the right side of crystal, "I dare you to strike her....Then you will feel my wraith!" She sneered at the two Ronso's who seemed look like warriors but she wasn't from here so she didn't know who these people were all she knew was that their were monsters. She pulled out her sword and pointed it at the Ronso as she didn't move an inch. She ment business any harm that goes toward crystal she will cause havok.

(Holy crap, I didn’t even notice that she had posted…@_@ sorry for the delays)
Cypher continued to walk before her in silence, the comfortable silence. He didn’t feel like he had to fill the dead air with useless chatter, with meaningless conversation…he could just be himself, and she herself. Then she had asked her question. Innocent enough of itself, but it stirred something painful in Cypher’s heart, and it took him a few moments before he answered.
“I’m…tired of hating…I’m tired of sadness and grief. I find myself wondering if I should even be alive at this point…survivor’s guilt; I’m told it’s called. I was ten, when Sin took everything away from me…my family, my home…and it wasn’t till years later I realized it took something else. My own life, my childhood, my ability to be with someone…My whole life, I vowed an avenger’s path…then Sin was killed, and it wasn’t by my own hands. Now, Spira is going through its own chaos, and I’m…I’m just tired. Perhaps I’m just being weak…” he said with a shrug, before hearing Crystal Growl as well. He rushed right behind Emerald as the trio came face to face with the advanced guard of the Ronso.
“No, Emerald, please stand down!” he said, his voice suddenly much stronger than it had been moments ago. He walked forward and looked up at the Ronso with the larger horn on his head, staring him right in the eyes ; Yellow eyes reflecting on Golden eyes.
“Mighty Ronso, please, we come with no intentions of harm. I, Cypherous Montarus of Kilika, wish passage to Zanarkand Ruins, along with my partner Emerald Blackburn of Vana’Diel of another World. Please, allow us passage,” he said, before bowing his head while performing the hand motions of Yevon. It sickened him to have to do so, but the Ronso were still fully spiritual people. He turned his head to Emerald and nodded his head, hoping she would apologize and call off her cat, and hoping that the Ronso wouldn’t decide to attack them here and now.

When Cypher began to explain his life story she felt his pain inside her and she wanted to help him but her focused changed as her pet tiger was now growling at something and knew she had to defend her.

When Cypher made his way toward the group of ronsos he demanded that herself should stand down. This had upset Emerald a small bit because he knew how she felt about crystal and to not defend her was like abandoning their own child. But with respect of her friend she turned to crystal, "Stand down girl.....It's okay....." Emerald whispered to crystal and layed her hand on her head as she pet crystal's top of her head.

"She means you know harm unless you decide to attack me or cypher." She spoke toward the group of ronso's who had huge horns on their heads and their yellow eyes sparked the sky as they glowed. They quickly left their offense stance and stook their long lance and hit the ground as it stood standing up. "We do not like threats!" One of them spoke who seem to be on the edge and not liking the fact their was on off worlder on their mountain.

Cypher quickly moved out of the bow and moved, cutting off a visual view of Emerald and Crystal with the Ronso. If they were going to attack anyone first, it was going to be him, and he made that very clear with his body stance and the way he spoke.

“Again, we mean no harm, we are simply wishing to pass through. We are no threats to you or your remaining kin,” he said, staring right up into the eyes of the one that spoke, causing the Ronso to shift slightly under the glare. Now that was something Cypher hadn’t expected.

“Now, may we pass in peace?” he asked, taking a slight step forward, before the other one stepped forward as well and gave Cypher a rough push on his chest, causing him to stumble back.

“We not like threat human. We guard sacred mountain, we decide who pass!” the Ronso growled before taking another step forward.

‘This is going magically…’ Cypher thought, and knew things were getting close to exploding in the tension. He took another step back and racked his brain, trying to think of a way. He paused for a moment, before giving a rather rare grin.

“Would you dare to interrupt the Pilgrimage of a Summoner?” he asked, causing the two Ronso to growl and look at each other in slight shock.

“No Summoners anymore, Sin Gone, Fayth Gone,” the one on the right said, before staring up at Emerald.

“Perhaps not all of them are gone brother Ronso…she is a Summoner, and I am her Guardian. Sin may be gone, but there are other threats to this world…Let us pass and seek Zanarkand in peace,” Cypher said once again, before stepping closer, making hi s final choice. The two Ronso looked at each other, before taking a few steps back and discussing what could be done at this point. He could only wonder what Emerald was thinking of all this.

Things began to explode fast as Cypher took charge and began to try to talk to the ronsos in peace. But it seem nothing was working, the ronso's were true to their word and didn't want any of them to pass. But something changed when Cypher said something that caught her off guard though she didn't respond or act toward it till after it happen.

Summoner and Guardian? Summoners were common in her world but they didn't need guardians but then again this wasn't her world so she would play the part. She rather not release her summon she has because it would take some of her magic out which she would hate to use when she has a much dangerous journey ahead toward the ruins. "May Sin be gone. But their lurks a dangerous foe more greater then sin approaches. And Zanarkand has the answers I seek. The fayth may be gone but allowing us peace and journey to the ruins will get me farther in my pilgrimage." Emerald spoke trying to help persuade the ronsos more so they could pass the mountain.

The trio stepped back as they began to discuss about the facts and Emerald took this time to talk to cypher real quick before they let out their answer. "You keep surprising me Cypher...and I like that about you! Hopefully this works!" Emerald spoke with a smile on her face though her mouth was hidden by her head piece that covered her portion of her mouth.

The trio of ronsos turned around, "Perhaps there are more. Pass through quickly before change mind." The leader of the group spoke as he waited for Emerald and cypher to move through further on the path to the ruins. "Me don't trust." the taller one of the three spoke. "We follow after they pass." the smaller one spoke very quietly to his brothers.

Cypher simply smiled slightly, before nodding his head towards Emerald, keeping his eyes on the three Ronso. The thing that really caused him to grow uneasy where that, while all three were large, one certainly seemed the eldest, while the other two were still fairly young…for Ronso that is. He had heard that the youth were growing restless, and this might be the reason why they were so…aggressive at this point.

Cypher moved backwards slightly, moving closer to Emerald and whispered back softly in her ear.

“If things go south, I’ll distract them while you race up the mountain…keep to the left paths, and I’ll catch up with you once I get the chance,” he said softly, his lips barely moving as he had leaned in very close to her face as he had spoken. He didn’t want any chance of being overheard. However, it turned out that this was unneeded in the end.

When they granted Cypher and Emerald, and by extension Crystal passage, instead of growing at ease, Cypher found his shoulders squaring, growing more concerned and tensed. On one side, he was glad they didn’t want to fight, but on the other he wasn’t quite a fan of the looks he was getting.

“Let’s move quickly Emerald, and we will talk,” he said softly to her as he passed by her, leading the way past the trio. As they passed the clearing the Ronso had made for travelers, they started up a very steep climb with a narrow ridge, making it very clear that either side wold result in a very long, and quite painful, fall. He made not a single look back at Emerald, not a glace or a sound, for a good ten minutes as they climbed, before finally stopping and running a hand through his hair. He looked both relieved yet troubled as his eyes started to dart to the left and right, as if to see if anything was nearby. Seeing nothing, and hearing nothing, he finally spoke.

“Alright, I think it’s safe…The chaos of this world, I tell you! We can’t even climb a mountain without getting growled at,” he said, taking a breather as he leaned against the mountain. The area they had stopped at was actually the remains of a battle ground, one against Yuna’s group and the previous Maester of the Guado. It was a fairly open area, mountain on one side with some sort of ice tunnel that wrapped around the walkway, but left the area off the mountain completely exposed, giving a wondrous view of the area.

“I don’t like deceiving like that, but I didn’t find any other way…I’m glad you enjoyed that little surprise though,” he said with a small smile. He was enjoying this little adventure, and while he thought the end would be rather fruitless, he continued with his new friend…hm, now that was something he never thought himself able to say.

Emerald followed Cypher up the long path up the mountain as they passed through the small camp of the Ronso only to recieve dirty looks as they passed. The hill was indeed hard and painful but Emerald could withstand it and kept moving as cypher kept moving as well. It seem it was fairly quiet as the walked untill it was safe. Cypher spoke breaking the silence to say it was now safe. Smiling she felt a warm feeling deep within herself to feel happy to be around cypher.

She found this feeling fimilar, like with her old friend who seem to be gone for ever a year and never came back. It was a wierd feeling and didn't like to feel like this but it was hard not to feel this way as she kept getting closer with cypher as the\y made their way further on the path to zanarkand. "Chaos seems to be in every world if you like it or not. But were safe now I hope. What a great view...glad i'm with you...made this trip very fun." She spoke sincerely as she smiled at Cypher.

The elder of the trio made his way back to his camp and made nothing of the group and decide to move on with his life. But the smaller and taller of the trio decided to follow the group but gave Emerald, Cypher, and Crystal a break showing no sign of being followed.

Cypher began to move again after a small break they had and so Emerald and crystal followed in silence. It seem they were going down the mountain fast or it felt like that so Emerald decide to bring up the topic once again as they were interupted last time. "You know cypher....it wasn't your fault that happen to you. And if you need someone to help you through this process or find your way....I'm here for you!" Emerald spoke as she made her way down a steep path.

Cypher continued to lean back against the mountain as he stared off towards the horizon, watching as the sun continued to travel through the sky. It wouldn’t be much longer before night fell, and Cypher wasn’t much of a fan of staying up three days straight with only small camps for rest. He turned his head slightly as she spoke of chaos and smirked slightly.

“Perhaps it is everywhere, but when it shows up in your face as such, in the form of teeth and claws, it makes more of a direct impact,” he said simply, though he did break eye contact for the brief moment when she mentioned she was glad she was with him. It was…something he was very unfamiliar with, something that caused him a bit of discomfort, only because he wasn’t used to such a compliment. To cover up the moment, he nodded his head towards the slope, indicating that they should continue.

He lead the way down, before the slope changed once again, leading back up.
It wasn’t too much longer before they met with some level ground, passing by several large pillars; ruins of a past that Cypher wanted to know more about. He paused and reviewed her words in his mind, not saying a word as he looked at the pillars for a moment.

“Emerald…I thank you for the offer…I just really wish I knew what to do with something so special,” he said softly, before turning his head and looking directly into her eyes, giving a faint smile. He honestly wasn’t’ too sure what to say at this point, so he turned his head and nodded his head, once again, showing the way. It seemed strange that he knew the way, having never walked this path before, but it just seemed to make sense to him, keep moving up, when out of up, start moving down. It certainly helped, albeit grimly, that there were stones every so often, makeshift tombs for fallen summoners.

It was about another twenty minutes or so before they finally reached the summit, or rather, the summit cave. He started on in, before pausing for a moment and leaning against the entrance wall.

“I think…we go through here. It should lead to the downward path,” he said softly before rubbing his eyes with his finger and thumb. They were starting to burn slightly.

Emerald quickly fell silent after Cypher's comment, it was a topic that didn't need to be discussed and so she left it in the past. She followed him downward on the path which lead them off the mountain shortly. Hours passed as they soon found themselves where Yuna and her guardians had made there stop for camp right before they made there way into Zanarkand.

Making a small camp fire, crystal laid down watching the path to make sure no one would get near Emerald or Cypher. As the crackling of the fire appeared the night sky grew dark as the stars began to shine the path of light on the road around them. It was a long journey and surprisingly they didn't get into to much danger but then again there was room for that still. "Cypher it's been a good few days and just wanted to say thanks." She spoke as if she stared at Cypher but then turned away as she felt butterflies in her stomach. Emerald had no idea why she was feeling this way but she needed to quickly get rid of this feeling before she acted on it and before she made a fool of her self.

Crystal perked up and heard something and begin to growl, she must have heard something. Quickly Emerald got up to see what was going on but saw nothing but darkness, "What is it girl? What do you see?" She questioned her pet tiger. Crystal just continued to growl at the darkness like she knew something was there. Crystal darted into the darkness. "CRYSTAL?" She shouted and soon ran out after her not knowing what she was getting herself into. As she followed she felt something wrap around her. Within the next second she found herself being dragged onto the ground by a full blow pull which knocked her down on the ground.

As they started to set up the camp, Cypher was going through his own perilous thoughts. This was new and dangerous territory for the broken swordsman, and he was quite unsure as to just what was actually happening between the two of them. He broke off for a bit to gather some of the fire wood, and when he returned, he placed a few of the dryer branches on the already bright flames.

He looked up as she spoke, seeing the side of her head, as though she couldn’t bear the thought of looking at him. His eyes soon drifted down at the ground as he took a seat at the base of a rock and pulled out his blade and a whetstone, slowly sharpening the edge after such an exciting few days.

“There is no need for thanks…it has been my pleasure to lead you here Emerald,” he said softly, pausing the sharpening process only when he spoke, but picking it back up. There was some time of an awkward silence, or perhaps just a more focused silence for the two warriors, before the growling started.

As Emerald stood up, so did Cypher as he focused the grip he had on the blade. Then Crystal darted out into the darkness, just out of reach of the light of the flames. And Emerald rushed in right behind the tiger.

“Emerald!” he cried out, before following the pair into the darkness. He quickly grabbed a stick with a flame on it as he rushed out into the darkness, hearing a loud thud, not knowing that it meant Emerald had been grabbed and pulled down…though he soon saw it with his own eyes.

It was huge, at least 20 feet tall, and probably that wide as well. It was deep purple in coloration, with green tips at the end of its tentacles. Yes, tentacles.

“Its an Ochu…a damn Ochu…” Cypher muttered, before realizing that Emerald had been grabbed by one of its tentacles. His gaze narrowed, before he dropped the flames. Before the stick had even landed, he blurred forward, his blade glowing brightly in the darkness as he eyed his target.

“Best let her go before I get upset…” Cypher growled, before the Incandescent Blade fully charged, lighting the blade up brightly in the purest white of flames.

“Too late,” he growled, before striking down hard on the tentacle that held his friend prisoner.

Emerald was in shock on what had grabbed her off the ground. What ever it was it had a nasty bad breath coming from its mouth. She notice Cypher striking down the tentacle that had a hold on her as she fell to the ground in seconds. The monster screamed and released a fury of whips with its tentacle's toward Cypher.

Shaking off the impact Emerald had when she fell to the ground she got up and pulled her sword off her belt and began to strike every few seconds toward the back of the monster. Crystal was pissed at this point and wanted to rip its head off and began to release its claws at the monster.

"Take some heat!" She spoke slightly as she raised her left hand which was her free hand at the moment and released her fire spell toward the Ochu. Flames sprouted from her hands and darted toward the plant like monster. As she began to feel the need to use one of her abilities she was hit from behind by something she didn't see coming. Crystal turned and growled with angry and leaped at the foe who attacked Emerald.

The taller ronso from the trio they saw earlier smacked his lance toward Emerald's back. Emerald turned her head to see what decide to hit her from behind and grew angry. She knew she had mix feelings about them but didn't say anything to Cypher. Crystal was on top of the taller ronso having the ronso's lance blocking itself from crystal's teeth. Grabbing her sword that had fell on the ground she notice a quick strike went toward her and hit the ground from the second ronso who was smaller then the taller one. "You guys need to learn so manners." She hissed at the ronso's. Cypher seemed busy with the Ochu and knew he couldn't do anything about it so decided to fight this battle on her own.

90/100 mp

Cypher saw the incoming tentacles and dodged by moving just barely enough to avoid being hit. He shifted slightly to the left and right, moving in closer to the creature, his yellow eyes narrowed dangerously. He was clearly quite annoyed, but Cypher couldn’t tell why. Why was he getting so upset…it was just another monster, granted it was an Ochu, or some variation of it, but that didn’t explain that burning rage inside of him.

He watched as Emerald brought down her own fury in the form of fire, causing the creature to cry out in pain once again. Cypher’s eyes darted between the two, before he focused in on the Ochu. As he closed in, his blade held at his side as he was planning a strike through, he heard Crystal growl, causing him to look to his left and see Emerald on the ground, with the two Ronso from earlier looking down at her. Those burning rages built up even more, even as he watched her get up and start dealing with the Ronso on her own. He was about to rush and add her, when a sweeping strike struck him in the chest and sent him tumbling to the ground. He gasped slightly before getting back up…right, she didn’t need his help, it was even two on two, and he still had to deal with the overgrown weed.

He looked down at his blade, before sheathing it. He needed distance and power, and right now, because of those damn tentacles, he couldn’t get in close enough without being hit and probably poisoned if they broke the skin.

“Fine…let’s play with distance,” he muttered, before calling upon his own magical powers. Maybe it was too early in the fight, but he didn’t care…he was upset and angry and he was even more upset that he didn’t know why he was so angry. Anger fueled his magic and he called upon his attack.

“Double Cast: Fire!”

He rushed forward, dodging one of the tentacles, before aiming the first fireball right at the creature’s ‘face’, hitting home and causing it to cry out in pain. The second fireball was a little off, aiming for the creature’s mouth, but hitting its midsection instead. But hey, fire to a plant was fire…it didn’t matter where it landed. Just like a sweeping tentacle to the side of the head was a hit to the side of the head, causing Cypher to cry out now as he landed and hit the ground hard, the side of his head now bleeding from the blow.

Emerald made full force strike at the Ronso, one after the other. She was angry and mad and was now using her strength and pushing the Ronso back farther and farther. She went in for a strike toward the head but then kicked the Ronso in the left leg hard. Emerald notice the Ronso fall to the ground and she took this chance to try to end the life of the Ronso who tried to attack her but fell short as the Ronso tripped her from the ground. Both their weapons were on the ground inches away from each other but couldn't do anything at the moment as they were both now fighting each other. She was close to her sword when the ronso grabbed her feet to make her closer to him. Emerald shot her hand at the Ronso and sent a whirling wave of air at him. The blast of the wind came from her hand and sent the ronso flying away from her. "Never try to do that again." She snarled at him grabbed her sword and the ronso's lance and sprinted over to the Ronso. Once she got there she pointed both sharp edges at the Ronso's neck and waited for a responce from him.


Crystal was not having trouble at all, she was use to fighting all her life, mostly animals who were bigger than her. Letting go of the lance Crystal darted backwards and then came at the Ronso and did one of her attacks that was in a formation of an X and sent lightning damage toward her target. The Ronso was smacked full force and landed on the ground knocked out from the lightning base attack. Crystal grabbed the ronso by its shirt and dragged him over to Emerald and placed her paw on its neck. "How are you doing Cypher?" She shouted as she made no intentions of moving at all, she couldn't trust the ronsos one bit.


(Sorry short and took soo long)

The Ronso were pinned down hard by the duo of Emerald and Crystal, one knocked out, the other having his own spear pointed at his neck. He found himself growling greatly, staring up at the human who dared to disgrace him in such a manner.

Cypher was started to get back on his feet, his head reeling from the blow, and finding it hard to find his balance. He reached up and felt the blood, and knew right away why he was feeling so out of it…Poison. And because it was so close to his head, of course it would affect him this badly. He tried to focus his mind and gripped his blade tightly, turning around to face the creature, only to get another blow to the chest, sending him back down on the ground. He cried out and started to try and stand again, only to have a boot appear and slam down into his chest.

“Tsk tsk tsk…now, what is this? This is the fighter our leader is so vastly interested in? Please, this must be a joke! How could a small, insolent child like you be the sole interest of our great leader? I just do not understand him…” the owner of the boot spoke. He slammed Cypher’s chest again, before reaching down and picking him up with ridiculous ease.

“Just look at yourself…its pathetic…do you really think you look impressive with that scowl on your face?!” he screamed, back handing Cypher and sending him back to the ground.

“Ju-just who the hell are you?” Cypher finally managed to ask, his head throbbing painfully as both the hits and the poison were taking their toll on his health.

“Ambassador of the Black Flames, Servant to the Great Flame Lord of Benediction and Justification…You may call me Yykon,” the man said with a small smile. “It should be easy enough for you to say, or should we change it to Kon to make it even easier for you, you pathetic worm,” he concluded, forgoing any pleasantries with the blue haired fighter. He then turned and looked at the scene before him.

“My infernal gods, you are pathetic…you can’t handle the plant, but the woman can handle the two beasts with nary a scratch on her? And you? You look like you’re about to die already and the fight has just started…What the hell is wrong with you? Were you that concerned for her safety that you would sacrifice your own? I knew you were thick, but come on you runt, you can’t be that blind. Clearly, she can easily hold her own, you should have realized that when she did most of the work against that Abyss Worm! What could the great god ever see in you?!” He cried out, kicking Cypher hard in the ribs, lifting him up and sending him flying a few feet.

“Go and help him, I need him, he holds the key…the key for what? For being a little brat? Sure, that key I will believe, but this? Heh…pathetic…” the black and white hair man said with a scowl. He clearly wasn’t worried about the Ochu behind him, nor did he seem to care about what this would look like to an outsider…he had bigger things to deal with.

Cypher, on the other hand, was in an absolute world of pain, and he didn’t even know who this guy was?
“Alright…enough…of your crap…” Cypher said, getting back up to his feet and the flames of the Wyrmfire burning brightly on his arms. He readied his blade, but was soon forced to dodge a strong kick that would have sent him flying back once again.

“Oh, so he can move…that is good…however, as much fun as this would be, your partner over there is about to die? Can you save her fast enough? Probably not…” the man said with a grin, just as he indicated to their left.

The Ronso that was pinned down was going to use this to his advantage, and started to inhale, before starting to blast out a ball of fire. A blue magic, and a strong one at that. Emerald would be hard pressed to dodge out of the way completely.

Emerald had pinned down the ronso with his own spear and found victory for the moment. She began to hear someone talking to Cypher about how weak he was and everything else you could think of to sink low into ones confidence. She was distracted for just a second which seemed like hours trying to listen to the man with black and white hair. "Key...cypher a key...to what....Black flames.....must be a this world thing of guilds of some sort..." She began to think to herself but something had pushed her out of the way. A impact shoved her to the ground quite hard. "What the...CRYSTAL NO!" She shouted as she relized that crystal had caught onto the Ronso's plan by inhaling in its breath and releasing a fire ball.

Crystal had leaped and pushed Emerald out of the way with her head and found herself being struck by the medium size blast of a ball of fire. Crystal hissed in pain as she fell backwards from the impact knocked out. Crystal sprinted over to crystal, the tiger was breathing very slowly but she was indeed still a live. "I can't lose you...crystal." She spoke as a tear fell down her cheek and onto crystal's body.

The ronso had got himself off and grabbed it's spear and then something happened that Emerald was shocked and couldn't move and react. A black figure came behind the Ronso and stabbed the ronso with its sword in it's back. The Ronso wasn't expecting that to happen and found himself dying on the ground from an attack behind. Emerald couldn't find her sword on the ground as she watch the shadow figure come close to her. Her vision seemed to think it was a shadow figure but in reality it was a hooded figure that wore black armors with a patch of a flame on its chest over its heart. The warrior vanished and reappeared behind Emerald and gave a strong kick to her back. Emerald fell forward from the attack and saw herself staring at the hooded figure who was about to end her life at this very second.

Right when the hooded figure began to strike at Emerald's body a sword had blocked the strike. A knight stood to the side of emerald extending his sword to block the attack. A man known as Angel Lionward stood before the warrior. "You will not harm her." he spoke as his full plated armor was designed with gold and around his neck had a face of a lion head. His sword was a blade of great steel and a golden shield carried on his left arm. Angel then kicked the hooded figure and sent him backwards tripping over the dead Ronso laying on the ground. Smiling through his helmet he raised his hand and sent a small cure spell toward cypher and then used another spell toward the ochu. A spell that would make the monster attack Angel. A circle blast surrounded the ochu and it made it come toward angel. Provoke was what angel used on this creature and soon found himself engaging in battle with it. In just several turns the ochu fell to the ground...dead.

(sorry been long....trying to get active...and i think i will since now this thread just got good. )

Cypher turned his head and stared in horror as the ball of flames started to race towards Emerald. He found himself moving, but was then pulled back and slammed back into the ground.

“No you don’t little fighter…this is what you get for putting yourself in such danger…watch and perhaps, you brat, you might actually learn something,” Yykon sneered, stepping on Cypher’s chest and keeping him pinned, but moved slightly so he could watch.

And watch Cypher did, as Crystal pushed Emerald out of the way and took the hit for herself. He watched the scene unfold before him, Emerald nearly killed, the Ronso dying, then the attacker falling victim to yet another warrior.

“As you can see, normal fiends are not your only concern you idiot. Attacks shall be coming from all sides, a great war between worlds is coming, and there are only so few who know about it…my Master has decided to let you know about it as well. Why, I cannot imagine, but he thinks some pathetic worm like yourself can help…” Yykon explained, before reaching down and picking Cypher up by his vest, and shoving him backwards, just as the cure spell hit the blue haired fighter.

Yykon turned his head and stared at the trio, more specifically, at Emerald’s hero.

“Stay out of this peons, this is for the dragons, not the whelps,” he growled, before snapping his fingers. Black flames shot up from the ground, creating a wall to keep the ‘spectators’ separate from the main event.

“Back to business…” Yykon said with a sneer, only to receive a punch in the face. He stumbled back, only to look up and see an extremely aggravated Cypher, his arms radiating the black flames of Salamander’s Wyrmfire.

“Ah…I see. A man of few words and uses fists and violence to find his way in this world of chaos and pain. A selfish brat…” Yykon growled, before bringing up his strange bladed weapon. It glowed faintly, before black flames engulfed the weapon.

“Your…your with that freaky zalamander…the one in my dreams…I know that black fire from anywhere…What does lizard face want now?” Cypher asked, his yellow golden eyes staring straight into Yykon’s eyes.

“Blatant disrespect to someone so great…and yet he still wants you…I’ll never understand…”Yykon said, shaking his head, before he twirled his blade. “It matters not…As even your pea brain could understand, yes, I am with the great Lord Salamander, The Great Flame Lord of Benediction and Justification…The Lord of the Twin Flames, the Great Flame God, The –“

“I get it…” Cypher interrupted, drawing his blade and shifting into a ready stance. “What the hell do you want with me?”

“I don’t know what he wants with you, but I was sent to help.”

“And kicking me around is your idea of helping me? Remind me never to ask you move the couch…” Cypher said, still reeling in pain even after the cure spell. The poison was still in effect, and it was burning through his veins…however, he had been in more pain before.

“Hmph…I merely wished to test you…I was greatly disappointed…” Yykon said, giving his blade another twirl, staring down his nose at Cypher. “A being such as yourself has no talent for summoning, but here I am regardless…perhaps you won’t be so disappointing next time…” Yykon said, before tossing a bright red and black coin at Cypher, who caught it without thinking.

“Till next we meet brat…” he said, before vanishing in a pillar of black flames, the rest of the flames vanishing. Cypher took a deep breath, before slightly stumbling forward to a knee and panting heavily. In the span of only a few minutes, he had been poisoned, beat down by an Ochu, and kicked around by whatever that being had been, then given a coin and told he had been helping…on top of several days without sleep. He turned and looked at Emerald and the others.

“I’m sorry…” he said softly, struggling to get back on his feet to check the condition of Crystal and Emerald, and to thank the random warrior for the help. Also, he felt he needed to find out more about that black cloaked fighter that had appeared. As for Yykon and lizard face…he would worry about those after he made sure everyone was alright.