Welcome to Gaia! ::

"So... this is it, huh?"

Standing outside the rusting gate to Dead Man's Pass were two men. The taller man sported a frump of black hair that matched well with his equally dark attire. His emerald eyes gazed skyward, to the peak of the path that stood before them.

"What are you talking about, John?" the shorter man asked in response, running a hand through his silver locks. "You've been here before, just... not like this."

"Yeah, I remember." John answered, his hand shaking slightly.

The other man, Chris, could see John's uneasiness. Granted, were he in his friend's position, he would be a little edgy, as well. "Are you sure you want to do this? I think you're strong enough, but maybe you still need to refine it..."

John shook his head. "No, I have to do this, I... I have to prove myself. I have to show them what I'm made of!"

Chris smiled slightly. Although time may have dulled John's skills, it did nothing to smolder his spirit. "Okay, then. Let's go."

As the two walked through the time-tested gate, one would have to wonder just what they were planning on doing in Dead Man's Pass; what reason could they have to go into such a dangerous place by themselves?

John was going to slay the dragon atop Dead Man's Pass: the Ominous Myth of Gaia: Warsaw The Ferocious. That was quite a mouthful, so most Gaians just called the beast "OMGWTF".

Maybe it had been a mistake, but Chris had told his friend that slaying OMGWTF by himself would be an amazing feat; many Clan Leaders from long ago had fought the monster and were honored just by coming back alive. If he could somehow slay the beast by himself, it would surely prove John's worth as a Clan Leader.

Chris shook his head in an amused manner. Had this been anyone else's idea, he would've told them to find some alternative, but not John. Perhaps it was his innate luck or his genius ability to become proficient at just about anything, but Chris felt that it would work out alright. When all seemed lost, John had a great habit of coming out unscathed.

"Chris, are you coming?"

John was already across the drawbridge, looking impatiently at the "witness"; Chris would give testimony should John slay the beast or die.

The older pirate had stood in place, lost in his own mind. "I apologize." he said, using the pirate's speed to quickly dart across the bridge. "After you, John."