Welcome to Gaia! ::

Ryugi landed on the ground as the mighty power of the Holy Dragon Crescent Slash lanced across the room, passing by his reflection and slamming into the opposite wall, cracked pieces of rock falling to the floor below. He looked on as the duplicate's weapons fell to the ground and began to fade away. As they did, Ryugi bowed his head in a silent prayer of respect.

The doppelganger may have been a being created by magic, but he'd fought just as bravely and as fully as Ryugi himself would have. He'd fought hard and given his all, right up to the end. It was exactly what Ryugi would have done.

And as he showed his respects, the wall between Maximos and Ryugi came down and Ryugi turned to face his friend.

Well... That's one case of seeing double I don't hope to repeat again anytime soon.

He placed Ragnarok on his back and he took a moment to collect and compose himself.

Maximos wouldn't have to wait long. ((Oh the OOC Irony)) Ancalaogn's massive form slowly came into view and his eyes gazed down upon the two combatants. It had started off as a simple vacation, but it had become so much more since then. They'd walked across vast plains, scaled dangerous cliffs, marched across mountains, and even trekked across on of the harshest and most dangerous deserts in all of Gaia. After everything they'd been through, this is finally what they were waiting for... His disembodied voice boomed across the cavern as he spoke

Many warriors rise and fall across the annals of history. Some become heroes and are remembered for all eternity. Others die meaningless deaths while chasing foolish dreams and desires. But on this day, you two warriors have proven your skill in combat by defeating the one enemy that knows you better than anyone else. Yourself.

Ankalagon's body would shine again, energy seeming to emanate from within as his body glowed and luminessed. As he spoke, two orbs of energy formed at his sides. Small streamers of energy flowed towards them, mixing together as if combining and building upon one another.

It is because of your will and determination to survive that I grant you these, your reward for your arduous journey.

As he finished, the orbs pulsed with light and each sailed softly towards their intended owner, landing softly at their feet. As the glowing faded away, it revealed something beautiful, still shimmering faintly with a faint aura. They were diamond shaped shards of glass approximately a three inches in length, and purer than any glass either of them had ever seen before. The thin light in the cavern alone was enough to make them sparkle and shine, casting a rainbow of colors across the ground below them.

These simple looking crystals are called Ancalagon's Tears. Do not let their small size fool you, for these crystals are imbued with magical properties. Simply touch the tear to any glass surface to transform its properties. You will find the glass no longer fragile, but as strong as the finest steel. They will last as long as I am alive to sustain their power.

Ancalagon's body stopped glowing as the crystals landed at the feet of the two warriors, however he continued to speak, his voice changing slightly.

However, only you will be able to use this power. If anyone unworthy attempts to use their magic, the crystal will turn red and release back upon the individual, turning them into solid glass. Only you shall wield this power, as only you have proven yourselves worthy.

As the two warriors would ponder the small shards of glass, Ancalagon's form would begin to fade from view, like a reflection dissipating in a mirror.

Farewell, warriors. May your lives be long, and blessed.

And with that, he was gone, leaving the both of them to stare in wonder at the small gifts they had been given by the Dragon of Glass.

Ryugi chuckled as he picked up the glass diamond and placed it away in the safety of his jacket. Ryugi had to wonder why Max went through all the trouble for a set of glasses, but the shadow always had his reasons. Always. That's just the way he was. After putting away the Tear, Ryugi turned to face Max as he adorned his new glasses.

Intellectual. They look like some fine eye wear, Max.

Ryugi would then brush himself off to get any remaining dust from his scuffle with the double removed from his clothing before speaking again.

Well, I suppose our journey is at an end, Max. For what its worth, I don't think there's another person I'd rather have made this trip with.

Ryugi would grin and extend his hand to his friend. He didn't know when they'd meet again, but he was certain they would. After all, fate had a way of bringing the two together, and it was unlikely that it would keep them separate for long.

Ryugi paused, but only for a fraction of a second before he grinned ear to ear and bowed in respect as he did.

Of course, Max. The honor, and the pleasure, would be mine. I used to do alot more when I was younger, but I can imagine we'd make a pretty good team, don't you think?

Ryugi would chuckle as he motioned for Max to follow him out towards the mouth of the cave.