Welcome to Gaia! ::

((I'm here, I'm here!))

John chuckled a little, a deep sound from the pit of his chest as Hono'o raced up his arm and stuck her nose in his ear through his long golden locks. "Aw, c'mon now Hono'o...she's harmless..." He reassured, lifting his hand to stroke her a little as Vargus explained the Angaran customs. His eyes were wide with interest, and he could not feel a little thrill at the tone of her voice - she sounded in command, like a general rallying her troops, and he was always one to pay attention to authority. Especially given the circumstances....

He looked at the table, taking in the positions of Ryugi and his family as well as Maximos. If their seating arrangement was to note possible threats and defensive positions, then his massive frame would easily take up a decent portion of vantage. The best position for him would be on the edge, furthest from the door and closest to the kitchen, where there was no obvious access from the outside - and if someone came busting through a wall, they would find a pissed Tribal barbarian trying very hard to be civil in their path.

Sitting, he lifted Hono'o off his shoulder to place her down on the seat beside him - "C'mon Hono'o, human form now, unless you want me to ask Vargus for a saucer of milk..." - and looked up to Vargus, smiling to her politely and winking as she made her subtle double-take of his portion size. "Thank-you Miss Vargus..."

Damn that smelled delicious. He'd been present during the creation, but to see it fully formed before him and ready to be devoured...

But then Ryugi rose his glass for a toast. Luckily, John hadn't polished off his glass just yet, and lifted his in unison. This was a grand day. A day of creation, of celebration. Of new beginnings and the reaffirming of old bonds. A day where a group of warriors could set down their swords and shields and give thanks to what is most important - not the wind in your hair or the sound of steel against steel, but blood with blood, kin with kin. Mead and bread shared amongst friends along with story and laughter is the best recipe for bond in the entire world.

He smiled to Maximos. The only man in this world he could call brother. It was good to see him again, and in circumstances such as these. He made a note to do it more often...

The others - even Ryugi and his family - he did not know. But...he wanted to.

"To future bonds." John said with a grin, taking a sip...before placing the glass down and clapping his hands together, rubbing them with glee at the prospect of such delicious smelling food.

Months had passed since the birthing ceremony. After all, it takes a while for a man to go to Guldor, fight an epic battle, die, and get reborn, and who knew how much time had passed before that whole ordeal. The universe doesn't just snap its fingers and out comes a remade man after all. That kind of s**t takes time! Roughly six months in fact, or possibly more. Time flies when nothing happens, strangely enough, and it just so happened that time had not stopped for the Kazamaru household, or Ryugi's business.

As John poked his head in, he'd spot the forge burning away, but no weaponsmith. Now this was odd. Why would the smithy leave all his gear and belongings in the forge and not be around to attend? Perhaps he'd simply forgotten it? Perhaps he was out and about, and perhaps John would have to wait for him to return. However he'd feel a fairly strong poke poke against the lower right side of his back. As the big man turned, he'd spy a young girl appearing to be perhaps seven years old at the oldest. Maybe closer to six... In any case, the girl had pinkish-red eyes and a head of very light lavender hair. That, and she looked fairly pouty and cross. At her hip was a small wooden sword, something similar to a gladius, and she looked up to the hulking man with her arms crossed as she spoke.



The girl's right arm snapped to the hilt of her wooden sword and she pulled it to her hand, striking up a fairly formidable fighting stance. Even more strangely, she seemed completely unintimidated by John's size. Of course, a wooden sword wouldn't do anything to John except perhaps give him a splinter, which might possibly get infected. Such a thing probably wouldn't even bruise the big man at all regardless, but alas, the young girl's gaze was steady, strong, and determined. It looked somehow familiar. However, before John would get a chance to react, except perhaps blinking in confusion, another familiar voice would speak up from behind him.

Yes, and hasn't your father told you not to go around harassing customers? Especially the big ones... The girl immediately snapped the sword back to her waist and looked defensive. But Dad! He's being all nosey and stuff! You told me to watch the shop while you were in the washroom and this guy comes poking his big nose into everything... Ryugi simply smiled at Ryumi. Yes, I did. And you've done a good job. However, let's take a look at this behemoth for a moment...

Ryugi stepped out from behind the counter wearing an outfit John would have never seen on him before, or really anyone else for that matter. He wore his usual black pants and armored boots, however he wore a thick white shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his biceps, thick black leather gloves, and a thick brown leather apron tied around his back. It was classic smithing attire if ever he'd worn it. The white shirt and the apron were stained in spots with black soot and burns from the hot metal that Ryugi would work with as he moved next to John and pointed at him.

Examine his muscles. They're big. While you're smaller and faster, he can hit harder, and you aren't exactly as bulky as this man. Also, feel that? Ryugi paused a moment and his daughter blinked, raising an eyebrow. Yeah, it's magical energy. What's so special about it? Everyone around here has it. Another grin from Ryugi as he continued. But his element is electricity. He's bulky enough to withstand your attacks, and his element compensates quite well for his lack of speed with speed of its own. Quite simply...he'd flatten you.

The change in attitude was immediate. Oh come on! You've got to give me more credit than THAT! Ryumi pouted again. Bigger just means he falls harder. I'm a dragon aren't I? I'm stronger than half the people here. This guy might actually pose a challenge! Ryugi sighed. Trust me when I say you couldn't beat this man, Ryumi. And just because you're a dragon doesn't mean you're the toughest thing on two legs, or two wings, whatever form you happen to be in. Respect your opponent and what he is capable of. Simply being rash and charging into a fight with a headstrong attitude will just kick you back down on that butt of yours. Ryumi looked a little dejected and Ryugi glanced to John before walking over to his daughter and patting her on her head with his gloved hand, stooping down to reach her level.

That fighting spirit you have is a wonderful gift, Dearheart. That strength and courage you have is something I'm proud you inherited from me. However, that strong self-assuredness is troublesome at your age. What do I always tell you, hmm? Ryugi's red eyes met his daughter's pinker ones and she sighed and spoke softly. Know yourself first, and your opponent second... Ryugi nodded and smiled. That's right. I only say that because I charged into one too many fights when I was younger, and I wound up learning the hard way. I just wish you didn't have to learn it that way. You're a smart girl, Dearheart, and on the field of battle, your brain will save you more than any weapon or attack possibly could. Ryugi tussled his daughter's hair and she made a soft smile back at him.

Ryugi then stood and turned back to John. Now then, Ryumi, this man here is John Tomorrow. He's a good friend of your Uncle Maxi and a distant acquaintance of your father... As Ryugi mentioned the man's name, Ryumi's eyes bugged and she looked surprised. Omigosh!! The REAL Tomorrow!? You mean that guy you said can stop a punch with his face and not break a sweat, that crackles with more electricity than a thunderstorm, the Thunder God himself!?! Ryugi looked a bit sheepish. Your father may have exaggerated his claims a bit, Dearheart... Ryumi huffed. That just means you lied... Ryugi narrowed his eyes at the snarky comment. That MEANS that this man deserves a little more respect than you gave him, and that you should apologize for harassing him. It was Ryumi's turn to look a bit sheepish for once as she fidgeted a moment before speaking.

Um...right... I'm sorry Mister Tomorrow, Sir. I'm Ryumi Vespera Kazamaru, and, um...I'm sorry for trying to cut you up with my sword. She looked up at the big man and smiled. So, we're friends now, right!? Ryugi just smiled and chuckled as Ryumi finished and spoke once again. I'm sure Mister Tomorrow forgives you, Dearheart. Now, head back up to continue your training with your uncle. As I recall he's going to cover some basic swordfighting again with your powers. Ryumi huffed again.

But Dad, Uncle Grumpy is so BORING! All he does is talk! He isn't at all fun or interesting like Uncle Maxi! Plus, he's creepy! I feel when he looks at me he can see into my brain! Ryugi grinned. That's because he can, Dearheart. He's psychic, so you'd better behave and listen to what he has to say. Ryumi looked a bit freaked out by her father's admission and glanced warily up towards the Kazamaru household. If you behave I'll see if your mother has any extra Dragonfruit Tarts laying around, or I'll give you a nice treat myself. Ryumi beamed.

Does that mean I'll finally get to see you fight?! Ryugi sighed and could only smile a bit. We'll see, but right now you have studying to do, and I have business with Mister Tomorrow. I doubt he came all this way with a full-body makeover and a new lease on things to simply say hello. Ryumi huffed once more. Alright, I'll go. She turned to John and smiled. Bye Mister Tomorrow! It was nice to meet you! And with that, the young girl scampered up the steps to the side of the Kazamaru Ironworks and into the Kazamaru's home.



Well then, John, long time no see. Been a while, but I doubt you came all this way just to see Ryumi and catch up, or browse my wares. Is something on your mind?

Ryugi laughed. In the human state, she appears to age more quickly up to a point. In her true form she's still not very old. The rapid outward aging is a side effect of her human state. He sighed and continued, glancing towards the house where she'd left. As for the handful aspect, she keeps Vargus and I busy, that's for sure. She's a little fireball: sweet, loving, courageous, and pure-spirited. She fights with her heart before her head sometimes, and while that's dangerous at her age, it can be a great asset as well.



Mercenary work... I haven't done that in years. Brings back some memories, though not all of them good. Ryugi paused, deep in thought for a moment as he weighed what he would need to have in order before going on a trip. He didn't have a backlog of custom orders, so his presence wouldn't be needed for a while. They were well stocked on regular products, so Vargus or Ryudo could run the shop while he was away. And there were no immediate pressing matters to attend to either. Plus, this could essentially be called a business trip, and he could possibly be paid for his services. One thing weighed on his mind, however, and he turned back to John. I've nothing preventing me from joining you. You need a weaponsmith and someone good with magical sensing abilities, and I'm certainly your man. However, if I join you, it will be on one condition. Ryugi paused for a moment to let John ponder about what he was going to say before he spoke again. I want to bring Ryumi along with us.

Ryugi continued. You see, a long time ago when I was young, my father took me with him on some business trips. He delivered his wares into the Suhal Desert and the Altin Mountains, and sometimes took me with him to see the sights and sounds. As Ryugi spoke, he began gathering his things. Various weaponsmithing equipment was put into a medium size leather bag, some things larger than the bag itself. Ryugi had recently discovered the wonders of the item known as a "Bag of Holding" and had found it quite useful when carrying items around with him. He wanted me to know what life was like elsewhere on our island continent so that I could have a better understanding of life outside our village. Quite frankly, I want Ryumi to have the same experience. He finished packing his bag and tied the strings of it to his belt and placed in on the counter of the forge, before reaching up behind the counter and pulling free the handle of something, wrapped in bandages and linens, and hefted that onto the counter as well. He wouldn't travel anywhere without it, after all... As a growing youngling, she needs to be shown that the world around her is bigger than Latent or the Stadium, and that not everything is so simple. Ryugi crossed his arms and leaned against the wall of the forge, glancing to John as he waited for the big man's answer. So, will you allow me to bring her along?

Ryugi seemed to understand, but he raised an eyebrow as the man spoke. I wouldn't underestimate my daughter, John. She's young yet, but already quite capable of defending herself. In any case, I would not suggest we bring her if I was not absolutely positive I could protect her from any harm that may befall her. He paused a moment more.

And exactly what are you dragging me into Mister Tomorrow? As far as I knew I was needed for my forging experience and my magical sensing abilities, you mentioned nothing about the potential for combat. Ryugi shifted his position against the wall and took another glance at the Aesir. Before this goes any further, I think you should tell me exactly what we should be expecting here. I'm in no position to go charging into combat all willy-nilly these days. Not with a family to think about.

Ryugi listened completely to John's story. It seemed like the typical tale of two cities where something had gone awry. He was fairly skilled at diplomacy, and it seemed that this job required more of his skills than the skills of John. In any case, given the circumstances, he saw no real reason why Ryumi couldn't come along on their trip. She wasn't kidding when she stated she was stronger than most people running around Latent, all she really lacked was experience. Whatever John's misgivings, Ryugi was certain the trip would be a good one for him and his daughter. Well, it sounds to me like a typical job. I may even get some business out of it. All things considered, I don't see why Ryumi couldn't come along. She'll have me for protection against any ill will targeted against her, so I'm certain things will be fine.

Your incentive is not needed, I'll go with you, and Ryumi will join us. It will be a good experience for her to see the world outside Latent, and to gain some perspective on her own life. That said, Ryugi hefted the bag over his shoulder and the wrapped object onto his back and called up the stairs to Ryumi. Ryumi! Come out here for a moment! I have something I want to tell you! A moment passed and after a short pause, Ryumi's head poked around the corner of the shop.

What's going on? Ryugi smiled and spoke. Well, Mister Tomorrow and myself are going to be going on a bit of a business trip to the Tellasa Province. It seems they're looking for someone to identify a lost sword of theirs, and they might need a diplomat as well. Ryumi looked puzzled as Ryugi spoke. However, I've decided that you should come along with me and see this place for yourself. Ryumi's pinkish-red eyes bulged and she smiled brightly.

Really?! I get to come along with you? Then she paused. Wait...but what about Uncle Grumpy? He was going to train me more tomorrow. Ryugi chuckled. Your uncle's training can wait. This is a chance for you to learn something you can't learn through training. You just have to see it for yourself, and...Mister Tomorrow says there is a slight chance of hostilities. The excited squeal that Ryumi unleashed was one only a young girl full of excitement could produce.

So I'll finally get to see you fight!? Ryumi looked absolutely giddy. Possibly. But we hope that's not the case. Anyway, you should run and tell your mother and uncle where we're heading, then we can get going, assuming your mother doesn't kill me first. Ryumi chuckled. Naw, Mom will be fine. She's always telling you to take me out of the city anyway and get me some fresh air. I'm sure she'll be happy. I'll be right back! That said, Ryumi disappeared behind the corner and footsteps were heard as she rushed about the house talking to people.

A few moments later Ryumi came down the stairs, a bracelet on her wrist and a feather around her neck. She still had her wooden sword at her hip as well, and a small bag of what Ryugi could only assume was snacks for the road. Vargus always thought about Ryugi's stomach, even if he sometimes forgot. Now don't you eat all that in one sitting young lady! And that goes double for your father! Ryugi chuckled as his love shouted a last minute warning from the window overlooking the storefront. Next time you show up Mister Tomorrow I expect you to come up to the door and knock. You're a friend, not a stranger, so don't be one! She left a final wave before she disappeared from view.

Well then, let's get going. We've got some traveling ahead of us before we get there I'd imagine. With that, Ryugi and Ryumi gathered their things and waited for John to lead the way.

Ryugi blinked. Well, yes, I can fly, just not in this form. And the form that can fly, well... He glanced around the crowded streets of Latent. ...Let's say it isn't exactly middle of town material. Ryumi chuckled. Her father was right. If she'd learned anything from her training it was that humans generally preferred their human state over their true forms. Walking around town as a dragon tended to cause concern and general ruckus. Humans were strange creatures. So many species walked around town and they thought nothing of it. Lizard men, elves, dwarves, and all manner of magical beings seemed right at home in Latent. But a dragon walking around was seen as a danger. Perhaps it was because of the old stigma of dragons eating princesses and hoarding treasure...

However, once we get outside of town, then we can get this thing underway. So, I suppose you should follow me for the time being, Mister Tomorrow. Ryugi would then turn and head through the streets of Barton, after a brief swap to his more usual attire. If there was the threat of battle at all, his smithing clothes wouldn't hold up like his battle gear. The two dragons made their way through the crowds for some time, passing by shops of every sort and size until they would exit the city streets of Latent and pass beyond along the path towards the plains.

Now clear of the city, Ryugi motioned for John and Ryumi to stand back and wait for a moment.I'd stay about here if I were you. This could get a little windy... The warning in place, Ryugi would walk a few more yards down the path before stepping off the main roar and wandering into a small clearing. The energies about to be utilized and released weren't always the safest to be tossing around. As he came to a stop, Ryugi closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

The soft breeze common across the plains blew across Ryugi's body as he stood perfectly still, calmly focusing his mind inward. His breathing slowed, and the world around him seemed to slowly fade away. More inward still he he became aware of the feeling of a soft thumping in his chest, the beating heart of his body, and the beating heart of his true form. Then, he found it, a small spark of energy within his body, a conglomeration of heat, light, energy, and strength. As calmly and serenely as he found it, he pressed all of his mental effort into it, focusing simply on his true state.



Wind around Ryugi began to pick up, swirling around his body, slowly at first before pulsing into a furious gale that whipped and tore the green grass around him into the air. The thumping of his heart grew faster, stronger, more mighty and energy shot through his veins, his eyes snapping open, pupils shrinking to bestial slits and fiery red orbs. As the energy whipped around him in streamers and an aura of golden light pulsed from him, the young man threw back his head and let out a thunderous battlecry that echoed across the plains, along with a torrent of expanding energy that tore the ground under him to pieces.

The human state was maintained by keeping a lock on Ryugi's elemental powers, while still allowing him access to them for combat, but when that lock was removed, it forced his body to manifest into it's true form. For Ryugi was not a simple man, that was the true transformation. Ryugi Kazamaru was a proud and noble beast. He was a golden dragon. As the unbridled power of Ryugi's elements of fire and light burst free, his body evaporated in a shimmering aura of white light, blindingly bright, that permeated the ground and tore into the sky. The powerful human voice changed, warbled and boomed into the roar of a beast of legendary power and grace.

The white light expanded, huge sheets bursting free from the howling windy crater as Ryugi's mighty golden wings snapped outward. A jutting spear of flowing energy swept across the plains as his powerful tail came into focus, followed by the thick sinew and muscle of his limbs, and the regal spikes atop his head. There, for a moment, the huge form of the mighty beast was outlined against the white and gold, and twin red orbs gazed back upon the big Aesir and the young girl. This was the might that fueled all of Ryugi's powers. It brought life to his elemental bond with the planes, and drove his ferocious valor and courage. The shimmering golden scales came into view as the light faded to reveal the true majesty of the beast.

Scales as hard as the sturdiest plate mail adorned the entirety of the dragon as its red eyes seemed to burn from within with a fire of relentless strength and fervor. The wingspan was massive, as was the rest of the beast. Ryugi in his human state would only be roughly as large as the beast's head. The body was lithe and muscular, like the body of a cat rather than the body of a great lizard. This beast was built for strength, natural defense, and agility, the perfect blend of form and function rolled into a single form. Among the ancient and modern world, there was a reason that dragons still held an air of awe, mystery, and power, and as Tomorrow and Ryumi would gaze upon Ryugi, it was certainly clear why it was so. The energy emanating from the mighty dragon spoke volumes of its true power, but the strength of the creature was not being tested or challenged this day. The true form of Ryugi Kazamaru was ironically released simply to offer its mighty wings for transportation of the girl and himself to the town of Tellasa. As the energy faded and the wind discontinued its quickened dance across the plains, the mighty beast spoke, its voice booming, growly, and yet still that of Ryugi.

Well, now you know, John, what my true state is. Do be sure that you don't go around blabbering about it. I like to keep a fairly low profile... Now, Ryumi and I will follow you. Once we get within range of Tellasa we can land, allow me to change, and walk the rest of the way there. Something tells me they would not enjoy a mighty golden dragon landing at their front gates...

The mighty beast motioned for Ryumi to come forward, and the young girl happily made her way over to her father. This was the first time she'd ever seen his true state, though she knew instinctively what he was. It was still reasonably impressive. As Ryumi neared she made sure to examine the musculature, the thin wing membranes, the black claws, pearly white teeth, and strong red eyes, memorizing every detail. She wanted to remember this sight of her father for as long as she lived. Seeing him fight or not, this was a treat she wouldn't soon forget. She hopped aboard her father's back, and then looked back to John with a smile. Let's go Mister Tomorrow!

Except the Angaran Hero was seen by an observer who happened to be around the area by chance. Said bystander was by no means anywhere near the dragon, but it wasn't exactly hard to spot a giant flying reptile. Having known the gold dragon personally, it wasn't exactly difficult for the man to figure out who it was.

Ryugi and his compatriots abandoned flown the coop. This was a opportunity the Void Knight couldn't let go to waste.

Decked out in his full battle regalia, the Death Knight strolled through the streets of latent. Without his helmet, chaos wyverns, or his multitude of intimidating auras, Argon wasn't nearly as frightening to the general populace as he usually would be. Granted, there were still those who were intimidated by the undead shade and eyed him suspiciously from afar, including choice members of The Lantian Spear.

"Don't cause us any trouble, necromancer."

Bemused that the ever suspicious metahuman authorities assumed him as nothing more than a necromancer, Argon allowed himself a smirk.

"Heh. You needn't worry about me."

Argon couldn't get within 1,000 feet of the Ironworks in any direction without revealing his whereabouts to its inhabitants; his magical presence was actually far too powerful for him to completely suppress from beings with great magical senses. However, the Void Knight scarcely had a reason to hide himself. Even the powerful shadow dragon Ryudo Kazamaru was outclassed by the power of the void, having been decisively bested in Angara by Argon's own hand.

Taking roost on a taller building well outside what he figured was the Shadow Dragon's maximum passive detection range, he focused his gaze towards the port side of town. His eyebrow perked as he looked down upon his enemy's home. The Kazamaru Ironworks were protected by enchantments of nearly unimaginable power, to the extent of which the void knight suspected that even the dragon brothers couldn't pull off such defensive magics without outside assistance. It was of no surprise, given Ryugi's chosen company, but Argon remained impressed at the handiwork nonetheless.

Impressed, but undeterred.

Focusing magical energy between both of his armored hands, the Death Knight created a sphere of pitch black energy roughly the size of a basket ball with no discernible physical features other than the sheer absence of such. Concentrating harder, the energy output shifted, with arcs of red-purple energy cackling from his fingertips into the suspended midair sphere between them. The Void Sphere responded, changing its color and form to mirror that of the energy poured into it.

"Seal Breaker."


With a sudden shove, the Void Sphere was propelled towards the building with admirable speed. The sphere would collide with the figurative 'walls' of energy surrounding Ryugi's home, bolts of void energy cackling menacingly as those walls came crashing down under the power of Seal Breaker. The Void Knight's soul purpose was to destroy the seals set in place by the dragons around Destruction in Angara. While impressive, the enchantments surrounding the Ironworks stood little chance of stopping him.

No sooner than the inhabitants were no doubt instantly alerted of his presence, Argon emerged from a rift created within the ethereal void, literally right on their doorstep. Without hesitation, he pushed open the front door and allowed inside. The undead shade had waltzed in nonchalantly into the dragons den, circumventing the magical portion of their defenses in a single spell.