Flauros Raising and Gate [Plot/Yoshiro/Tenma]

A rumble would carve the hinges of a door into the side of the dead volcano. Ashen rock would crack and form, a mural of the dead kissed by flame across it. The chants of the Torran language would command the gateway to take hold. With a wave of his pipe, it would trace every detail of the gate. There to witness this work of art was the chosen candidate, Yoshiro Zu, and his dragon of the left, Mikazuki Tenma. This was a chance to claim the power to take back his nation, to further beat back the threats that loomed in Kou.


The magi knew what he was capable of, he was rather fond of the optimistic ones. He smirked as the king waited with a stern yet excited glare. A rockfall would follow the dungeons raising, unlike most which appeared as towers this one seemed to be a deep cavern, a true dungeon. He could sense the djinn was quick to notice the doorway to his realm. While they were yet to see his face he knew this would be a rigorous test.

The sly magi would turn towards the Kou elite "Well all you need to do is as you have before and press your hand on the entryway, your majesty." His tone carried his almost showman-like demeanor.  "Tis likely your bond will be further tested within this dungeon. You seem to already carry favor but I see the rukh dancing around you both, fate has plans for you in there.

While Jiryu's strange words would surely linger they would have the chance to talk. The Emperor had already walked up to the gate but managed to stop shy of touching it. He would need his trusted commander by his side but Tenma would have the chance to speak up before they did.

Jiryu would move to the backside as the ruler would look back one last time, a fire was in his eye but Kou's pain was reflected on his face, the bags under his eyes, and lines in his brow. Yet determination would seem to grow, he was bringing his djinn with him, and he trusted his general.


The last thing the magi would see before entering the sky was the ruler's question for his warrior. His voice was like a canary's call but with the strength of a tiger's roar. "I'm ready to write the next chapter in Kou's history, my honorable Dragon, are you ready to enter this world together. We've been fated against worse, now let us move with favor in our stars!"

It was an excitement he had not shown much since the war. His nation was constantly under attack. His policy was doing well, but those with power took advantage of the distraction attack the nation's weak points. He couldn't keep solving problems, he had to root out their causes. Sadly, it seemed like that was resorting more to force, hopefully, this power would lead to inspiration.

DM notes: Please post when ready, next post will be Yoshiro entering the gate but you do have a chance for conversation.

The swordsman would never imagine that he would be entering another dungeon with the Emperor of Kou himself. While the man felt confident of being a companion, knowing in his past experience, he was doing pretty good accompanying Zubaidah, but he was still going inside with the Emperor into an unknown place. There was a burden on his shoulder actually, a burden that he would never tell the Emperor because Tenma knew Yoshiro wouldn't like it. The man had to make sure the safety of the Emperor, first and foremost, of course. But at least in this dungeon, he would have an undivided focus.

The one eyed man would be staring at Jiryu with a smile on his face, tentatively listening as the Magi cheerily welcoming them into the dungeon. Tenma chuckled upon hearing that the bond between Yoshiro and him would be tested, "I can only hope that whatever happens inside, would make the bond between me and your majesty stronger." As cheesy as it sounded, the swordsman was true to his word.

"Of course, for Kou." He would say solemnly, with his hand on his heart, saluting the Emperor. Tenma would be ready beside Yoshiro as his sword, waiting to be unsheathed...

[Ready to enter]

Weapons & Items:

Yoshiro would waltz up to the gate, pressing his hand firmly on once he knew Tenma was close enough by. In his first dungeon one could say he had been lucky. For many king candidates, this was reality, it was the small trait with a chance to grow. This time, it was a challenge for him to rise to, this djinn was someone, something he didn't know but he had to rise to the opportunity. He wasn't really sure how to feel. There was only one certainty, he had to win for the people of Kou. It turned his face firm, a slate of cold porcelain as he stayed resolute. He would let go of his thoughts, and allow himself to be brought into the dungeon.

In a flash, everything would go white. It was a familiar feeling even if it had been quite some time now. It really was unforgettable to have your body whisked away to another dimension. It felt like a dream, and just like any dream, the Emperor would awaken. Thankfully, his companions would still be by his side. "Well it looks like we have quite a way down now don't we?"


Steep slick steps would peak just beyond the plateau of black stone in which they stood. It was their refuge but also their prison. For 80m down they had to climb down, as a river wider than a house of ebony oil gushed past. It was splashing against the rock, staining the stone and leaving a thick scent. It was the only thing that could be smelled in the cave in fact. It wasn't that difficult for them, they would have to be careful not to trip however, he wasn't one to take on every challenge alone.

Turning towards Tenma he would ask "What do you think is the best course of action, this vile river seems to flow into a pond down there. We can try and climb down, use a cloth to absorb the oil. My biggest worry is if we get attacked or ambushed, we have no idea what challenges this dungeon holds."

Yoshiro had won a dungeon sure, but Tenma had ventured in more than just a few of them. He was learning it was best to head the opinions of smarter men. Hoping to make the wiser choice he would be open ears on what they could do to make it in further. While he awaited an answer he would gaze down. The stone was smoldered, not volcanic but heavy with soot. He would focus on the surroundings, looking for anything besides a myriad of muted colors. Unknowingly, the scent of ash would start to creep on in.

DM notes: Make a suggestion on how to move forward down the cliff face.

Once Yoshiro touched the gate, the one eyed man felt the similar feeling all over again. The sensation on his body warping to another dimension, the funny feeling inside his stomach... lucky for him, he experienced this before. The first thing he would check would be the emperor's wellbeing. But seeing the remark coming from Yoshiro made Tenma chuckled amusedly, relieved that he was alright. Well, if not because of Dong Zhu lectured him for hours on how to protect Yoshiro, Tenma might not be that protective. He knew how capable the emperor was, especially that he was chosen by a Djinn before. However, the general wanted to avoid to get another earful from the Right Dragon himself.

"Yes, it really reeks though... the oil scent."

Tenma would look around his surrounding, but there was no other option besides to climb down for now. His eyes squinted as he saw the smoldered stone. Even though he only had one time experience entering a dungeon, the one eyed man already had a grasp on what kind of creatures they might be facing. It worried him, he was certain that it would be a bit annoying because the enemy will have a very suitable terrain if his assumption was correct...

As the emperor asked Tenma's opinion, the general would still look down towards the river. "It's more than 50 meter down there... I'm not sure if we have enough cloth to absord the oil as well. Not only that, if a heat elemental creature ambushes us, we are at disadvantage." He paused for a second, trying to think of a solution. "But I guess we can fly... I can create a parachute that will take both of us down there. Although we have to find the way to the next area as soon as we landed."

"Let us make haste then!" he would say, with a smile on his face the emperor would add on "Thoughtful of you to consider something that allows us to avoid magic tools, who knows when we may need to pull out the bigger guns." He was mostly joking but that was also the sad truth of a dungeon. Once their makeshift gliding device was made Yoshi would grab on tightly to the dragon. For a brief moment, he would be defenseless, and he would find it hard not to stare down. It was a long flight once they would break off the slick rock. The room was humid and the air seemed warm enough to help keep them afloat longer.

It would be anything but fun flight, as putrid fumes would continue to assault the both of them. The slick oil river had expanded the further it got into the cavern. Now it was twice as wide as an average commerce bridge. It reminded him of the massive new bridges they were planning to build in the capitals repairs. Yoshiro stared at his reflection, how it warped in this shimmering river. It didn't seem like it would be fun to take a dip in thankfully there was a small bank of ashy stone on their right as they would the river slowly start turning into a creek.

This gleeful sight of escape from growing in this awful stream would be interrupted as another smell began to assault them as they got further in. Ash, its' scent had previously lingered but now it was beginning to cloud, caking the walls and replacing any other aroma. It burned, it was harsher than most burnt materials, it was a pitch-black smoke riddled with hints of death, It seemed as if their descent had only led them further into danger. It was unsure what was producing such intense heat, but one thing was certain it provided a guiding light.

Yellow, amber, and scarlet piled on one another as the echoes of fire flickered to show a small stony path leading to a great wide arch. The black stone showed a door of burnt rock and bone, with the faces of more skulls staring at those who dared to place their hands on it. The origin of the light appeared to be coming from the left and the right of each end of the arch. If luck were on their side it would be something least dangerous than they expected.

"Well, I hope the landing party is a lot more polite than the other dungeons I've been in" Yoshiro would joke, as he prepared himself for the danger to come.

Dm notes: Please perform the Main Hall beast roll along with your next post

"Well, we don't know what could happen, right?" The one eyed man chuckled as he took the skeleton key from his pocket. As he infused his magoi inside, the general created a 2 meters wide parachute. Right after that, Tenma carefuly hold Yoshiro as he grabbed on tightly to him before jumping off to what would he waiting for them below. "Here we go, this makes me wants to have a flying carpet to be honest..."

As they were floating together, Tenma would continue to check the surrounding. The general had to be honest that it would be hard to do anything as he was holding Yoshiro with one hand and the parachute handle with the other hand. Well hopefully it can continue to be a peaceful flying experience for both of them until they reach the ground. Although that small wish wouldn't seem to come true at the moment. Even though they could safely land on the ashy stone and continued their journey by following the creek, a disturbing scent began to appear. Tenma knew the scent very well, it reminded him of the day where he first encountered that pale lady who burnt one of the city in Kou. "This scent, the flickering light... fire?" The man would mumble, trying to understand the area better. "Huh, but it doesnt spread here..."

As soon as they landed, if they could, Tenma would carefully lead the way towards the door. "The skulls on the door..." He stared at the gate before noticing the light coming from the arch but he couldn't find out what would be coming for them. "I agree, we can only hope..."


Magoi: 300/310
Stamina: 440/400

item:

The member 'Mikazuki Tenma' has done the following action : Dice Roll

---

'Main Hall - Beast' : 3

Fire darted around, the source of the flames would dance around the oil-sodden stone. The warm hues would flicker in the thick black pools that would rise up to their ankles. Their company allowed them to dirty themselves coming closer to their intended exit. Watching and waiting its' flames would finally stop resting above to the top right of the gate. Within 10m of the exit, the guard would jump down, a small gnarly green creature that wielded the power of flame and ash. The Hell Goblin had gotten a whiff of their scent, and he sure was hungry from some flame-broiled human.


Upon drawing closer the creature revealed his aged face which appeared like moss-covered leather.  His smile held broken dagger-like teeth with breath reeking of burned meat and marrow. A snarl would follow HRKAAAAAAAA! It was almost like a battle cry as the creature would leap in the air, attempting to attack Yoshiro. It would throw an Ash Bomb directly at him, gathering his hands to create the 3m sphere of burnt material before lobbing it at the Emperor.


The sizzling ash ball wasn't was Yoshiro was expecting, neither was a small fiery goblin but that was often the surprise of a dungeon. Quick on his feet, he would pull out his blade to perform a calculated parry. The ash ball would go past him, singe some of his skin but not enough to hurt the young Yoshiro. Quick on his feet, he would rush down the goblin moving his hands quickly in order
to draw his spear. He would follow his charge with a usurpers gamble four his hits would land on the creature before it could jump up to the ceiling.

It seemed to be pretty intelligent, as the creature planned to take advantage of his environment. He was 15m in the air above the gate on a stalactite, it threw ember snake eyes one for Tenma and the other for the oil on the floor below. They would have to move quickly but the fireballs had both been thrown behind Yoshiro. He could either help Tenma and risk attack or charge forward and try to finish the Goblin, he would turn towards Tenma for a brief moment to get his commander's response.

Dm Notes: Yoshiro has a temporary move sheet until his character sheet is finished as I am filling in quite a few items and moves. Goblin and Yoshiro exchanged, it is 15m in the air across on stalactite throwing 1 B-tier fireball at Tenma and the other on the oil below which will spread and burn both players if it lands.

Hell Goblin:

Yoshiro:

"Uh oh, we got a company..." The one eyed man would say to the Emperor as his eye continued to observe the mischievous creature. The goblin leaped in the air and threw a rather strange ball towards Yoshiro. "Watch out!" Tenma attempted to protect his companion but it seemed the latter didn't really need the warning. The man was quick to react and managed to parry the ash ball. Although the hot ash would find its way to give Yoshiro a little burning sensation, he was also able to hit the goblin with his attack.

Unfortunately the attack wasn't enough to bring down the goblin and Tenma had to be careful as he kept trying to find a way to prevent the goblin from throwing fiery stuff into the oil. "Finish it off." The general would say to the Emperor, encouraging him to go ahead and deal with the creature. It seemed like the swordsman had a plan on what he could do at the moment.

Tenma prepared his magic katana and activated the Winds Judgement. He slashed the two fireballs simultaneously and using the razor magic to push the two fireballs towards the ceiling. It should work to prevent the fireball from touching the oil and from burning Tenma.

Magoi: 290/310
Stamina: 440/440

Skill:

Item :

A Usurpers Gamble would meet the goblin as he got close to the ground. With ease, his blade would slice through the creature as its body turned to ash. There was no dying breath from the creature, it was surprising to the Emperor but comfort as well. The deaths he saw in the civil war, the countrymen he had to kill still lived within his heart and memory. After his decisive action, he would turn to see that Tenma had quickly disposed of the incoming attacks as the flames flickered away just as quickly as they appeared. He would saunter over to his dragon and give him a congratulatory pat on the back.

"This may just be the beginning but I'm glad to have you by my side." he would say with a light laugh. It was always good to try and stay light, even with his jokes and calm demeanor he was quick to move after that small moment.

Yoshiro would hurry over the gate. Stepping over oil and ash he would pick a torch off the wall to make sure he found the exit. The Torran writing graced it, burn marks covered most of it but he could tell the script from his previous encounters. While he could not read it, he could tell that this was the exit. Giving a moment for Tenma to catch up he would wait, and once he was waiting by the door with him they would venture into the next room.


The world around him turned to burning bright light upon being transported. Each sense was caught in a tsunami of light and sound as reality began to rebuild around them both. The sky and world began to fill with ash as great floating diamonds scattered across the torn landscape. Burnt sand and stone cradled the nearest of the buildings. It was no more than 30m away from them, and it was more than three times that in its size. They seemed to be engraved but he was too far away to tell.

The Emperor would walk into the midway further. There would be no answers found just lying about. The quickest way to find answers would be to start looking for them. Hoping that there would be some clear guidance he would make his way over to the diamond which rested upon the sands. Upon reaching it he would brush his hand across, dusting it clean he could see that words of Torran were on every inch of it.

"Well it looks like we might have some clues here but I can't read Torran, unless you can do you have any ideas of how we could venture further. I could equip and we could try flying but I feel as if the answer isn't as straightforward as just going up. I don't see a clear exit so there's something we're going to need to do. He would say as light strangely reflected from the face of the structure in front of him.

DM notes: Next room entered, Midway challenge has started

“Nicely done, your majesty. I’m glad I can accompany a strong warrior like you as well.” The swordsman chuckled as he congratulated The Emperor who defeated the creature without breaking a sweat. It reminded him of the little spar they had a long time ago, where they exchanged blows and gained respect for each other after each clash with their sword. The swordsman would follow Yoshiro’s lead towards the gate, he also picked up the torch, just in case they might need two of it before proceeding to the exit. Tenma’s eye scanned through the writings that he couldn’t read, but he thought to himself that Noir would love to decipher this. Alas, he didn’t bring any notes and writing utensils with him at the moment, guess his sister wouldn’t be able to get a souvenir upon his return. Well, that if he could return safely… but he must and he would fight for it.

As they entered the next room, bright light showered him and Yoshiro. Fortunately, it wasn’t an ambush or anything, or else it would give them a disadvantage because their sense would still be affected by the light. The warrior would begin to observe the area again, staying cautious and careful. He noticed the floating diamond and he found several points that resembled the previous area such as ashes and burnt objects.

Tenma noticed Yoshiro was heading towards the floating diamond. When the latter mentioned that there was another Torran language writing, Tenma would shake his head, “Unfortunately I can’t read Torran language, so maybe we have to try something else. Also, I wouldn’t recommend flying at the moment, we should save your magoi and stamina.”  He would then approach The Emperor to see the diamond closer. Then he had an idea, “Mmm, I want to try something. Since all of the things here are being controlled by a being, a Djinn, then it kind of being operated by some kind of energy right?” He would pause himself for a second, wondering if he should suggest it or not. “Maybe I can try to infuse some of my magoi in it and we can see what will happen. But I also have another idea, since the last two areas have burns and ashes as well, we can use the torch to burn the diamonds. Which one do you think would be good?”

Any option that Yoshiro would take from Tenma's suggestion, or even outside of it, the one eyed man would be willing to follow.

"I think you should try putting some of your magoi into it, my intuition tells me that these are tools of some kind. They might not get us moving but it could be the first part of figuring out the puzzle." the Emperor would suggest. Yoshiro placed his hand gently onto the bizarre structure. The engravings brushed against his hand, they were weathered enough for there to be no edge on his finger, they were lucky that they could be read, something had to keep them protected. He could only ponder, he looked between them all, looking as they lead up to the light.

The spiraling glow would hypnotize him for a second, a trance that began to open his thoughts. "Wait... I have an idea, just wait one second before putting your magoi into it." Yoshi would say, his eyes still fixed towards the sky. The structure was awkward, but there were still obvious marks, there were cracks neatly following the diamond that would allow the Kou leader to get a decent grip. It dug into his fingers, but it felt like he was supposed to hold it, or as if these grooves that barely reached had a use.

His head would turn towards Tenma, determination was now spread on his sharp brow. Yoshiro would look firmly at the Dragon, nodding while saying assuringly "Give it your best shot, if I get hurt we can blame it on the bad architecture."

His joke would slice through the tension in the room, yet there was truth in it. Yoshiro was putting all of his faith into his general, but that was why he brought him along. It was tense, but he was lucky to win his first dungeon and from the tales he heard it seemed as many king candidates were finding out how different, how troublesome djinn could be. It was worth the risk, but like any great leader he wasn't making these decisions alone, he needed to be firm, to lead more, and be direct, it was why he now held on with a death grip awaiting to see how his actions would go.

Dm notes: Pour as much magoi as you wish into the diamond

"I agree." Tenma nodded to what the emperor said. Well, at this point, there wasn't a lot of action that they could do at the moment anyways. So they had to use whatever they could think of, although they still had to do it in caution. Just when he lifted his hand, getting ready to pour his magoi into the structure, Yoshiro stopped him. "What is it?" The one eyed man would ask, his eye would try to figure out to where his leader was looking at. But when the other man dug his finger into the crack, Tenma would try to understand what it meant.

"You want to crack it open?" He said jokingly, but maybe it was one of the way. He just need to blast it from the inside...

When the swordsman was lost in his thought while trying to figure out another way, Yoshiro's voice would bring him back to the reality. It seemed that the emperor was sure now, so the swordsman would give his best as well. "As you wish, Your Majesty." He said with a bright smile as he put his hand on the diamond before infusing a small amount of magoiy there. "Let's see if the architecture is good or not now."

Magoi: 280/310
Stamina: 440/440

Putting 30 magoi

The small amount of magoi Tenma would put into it would cause the diamond to start rising higher into the sky. The diamond, from the small amount of magoi, would line up till it was slightly matched with the second magic construction. A smile cracked on his face as lightning sparked through his body, the emperor believed he had figured out the puzzle before him. Looking down at Tenma he'd offer him the chance to join him before it was too late.

"I think we need to hop between the 4 of them, raising them till we reach the top, come on its' like a game!" Surely, it was nice to be able to enjoy the adventure rather than be surrounded by blood-thirsty monsters. Combat had already become most of his life. As an emperor it was a tide he could not escape, the tow always bringing him back in further. It wasn't a comfortable swim that was the ocean of his life, but he had to persevere even further.

"The view here is rather magnificent my dear dragon, the ruins look like a checkerboard of history, how the ruins and desolate spots scatter across this seemingly endless world." he said.

Yoshi was just offering a bit of poetic prose in this moment. Once Tenma had arrived by him, he would leap from their diamond to the one below it, then offering a hand to the general. Once they were both on the second diamond the emperor would fill it with more magoi causing the structure to raise, matching the amount of energy he would poor into it.

"Well, I guess we just continue from here, would you do me the honors of continuing our game of leap frog?

"Ah... like a stairway to heaven?" The general laughed seeing how the Emperor became very excited. Tenma thought Yoshiro looked a little bit like a child playing happily with his new toy, which was actually a relief because he knew the ruler of Kou needed a small entertainment to refresh his mind. Well, if the Right Dragon saw this scene, he might fall down on his knees, crying his heart out happily.

Just as his companion mentioned, Tenma also felt that the scenery was magnificent and it felt rather relaxing. Although he knew he couldn't feel that relaxed because the dungeon was still a very dangerous place. "Even though it looked amazing, I couldn't help but wonder about how it became a ruin. Did something destroy the civilization... or was it time that turned it into ruins. We never know but we could've found out if one of us can read the language." Tenma wondered if Kou might look like those ruins if somehow Yoshiro lost the war... but it was all in the past and he had a responsibility to help restore the country and to prevent it from becoming a ruin.

"Well, your wish is my command, Your Highness." Tenma would jump towards the third diamond and offer his hand to Yoshiro to return the gesture before he fill the diamond with the same amount of magoi. He would repeat the process until they reached the last diamond, hoping they could go to the next area right after.

As they hopped amongst the diamonds, using the combination of their life force they would climb further up the midway. They ascended further, each taking turns to help raise the other and keep a proper balance. Yoshiro would reach up, extending his frame as a glowing gate would begin to etch itself into the sky. No, it wasn't just etching, it was burning in the sky as wood formed around the marks that bored into it. A great wooden gate, round in shape would break open as the language of torran had inscribed deeply onto it.

"Well looks like we've managed to pull it off, hopefully, the rest of the challenges are this breezy, shall we go through together?" he would ask.

Once they were both ready, their hands would match, layering over the gate which would embrace them in embers across their skin. The magic from the door burned them, it broke them down until their bodies were nothing more than black-white ashes tainted with impurities of their bodies. Then in the world of the Necropolis, in the world of Flauros, they would appear.


The scent of scorched swamp wood would, mud mixed with ashed strolled by, wafting into their noses. Yoshiro was displeased by the scent but would ignore it. The waters were ankle-deep shallow but it was a mucky walk through what seemed to be a manufactured mountain of a city. What was most confusing by the layout was there seemed to be a hundred different doors illuminated by the dancing torch lights. Night reigned supreme in this city of the dead but the torches valiantly guided the way.

It wasn't the only thing trying to guide them on. Dark scarlet feathers fell like snow before them, the owner of them seemingly swooped by without them noticing but would teasingly swoop down once more speaking to say "Find the right door, all is right all is wrong, one last trial, what pushes you what is your truth, what is your pride?"

The creature seemed to taunt as a harsh cackle followed from it, but was that really the case? This was a dungeon that would push him, if he wanted to truth maybe he would just need to believe in it. Having some faith in it would be the path to finding it he believed.

"My dragon, are you ready to begin this search?" Yoshiro would ask him, staring at him with eyes of embers.

"Hopefully, but let's stay cautious." Tenma would warn the Emperor, beaming him with a bright smile before touching the gate and letting the door to burn them. The swordsman read something similar to this somewhere, about the fire of judgment. The fire would either burn you to death or it could cleanse your sins and impurities. Well, the general could only hope that he wouldn't be burnt to death as he passed the gate.


As they appeared to the next area, Tenma would lift both of his hands on reflex, as if he wanted to make sure that he was intact. Tenma would also check on Yoshiro but seeing his expression that looked like he was smelling a bad stench, the swordsman could finally smell it too. Despite all of that, Tenma's eye would sparkle as he saw the abandoned city. The scenery was amazing, with light illuminating each door and as the light helped to brighten the night sky.

However, his attention was divided when he saw feathers falling as if an angel with dark wings was trying to get their attention. The swordsman looked up to search for the creature but it seemed he didn't have to work really hard as the creature appeared again on their own. As Tenma listened to the word of wisdom spoken by the creature, he began to think about how to find the right door within those hundred doors. But maybe he should focus on figuring out what the words mean.

"Of course, I have some ideas of how we can find the door. But before that..." Tenma would wrap his arm around the Emperor of Kou's shoulder, "I apologize in advance for my rudeness but... Yoshiro!" He called the other man's name excitedly, "I'm talking to you as a friend and I would have to thank you for inviting me to be your companion."

The dragon would pull his arm away and laugh, "It feels strange for me to say this but I truly feel I can trust you, I trust your gut too." He would shift his attention to the doors and he would say, "As for this, I think there's no right door, we just have to believe and have faith when we open one of them."

"There is no need for apologies my dragon, we share a bond beyond the need for formality, though others may not appreciate it when we are moments of national importance. I imagine we can be composed then" Yoshiro would say playfully.

Moving onward through the swamp the signs of homes burnt down poked through the muck. The cities which once stood here seemed to cit upon the water, maybe they were all man-made mountains that sat on the loose swamp soil. It was quite impressive but the grip of time had a good habit of being able to get its' hands on everything. He had seen the sorrow of a Necropolis before. The city of the dead was a fitting name for such a location.

"I trust you and that bird are right about whatever choice we must make. It won't take us long to get there, but I'm sure there will be something to slow us down" he would say looking around.

This was only his second dungeon, but there were similar elements that he was able to connect so it didn't harm to at least prepare for potential delays.

The water did gurgle, some did move around in the muck. It began to move around as if the earth itself was breathing. Then in a great tremendous burst behind them, a swarm of giant salamanders appeared. Their skin was black as coal, their eyes and mouths burned bright orange and red like fresh flames.

He couldn't tell if they were harmful but the creatures would speak as they began to move around their turf, closing in on them as they approached the city. "Do you trust each other, do you have secrets, are you sharing the full truth."

They would keep repeating their phrase over and over again like a strange song. Yoshiro was sure Tenma was honest with him, but the warrior did have a big life. Was there anything he had been keeping from his Emperor? Yoshiro had to think about himself even, was there anything he kept from Tenma?

"I'm not a fan with how pitchy and human-esque their voices are, hopefully, they don't break into song, no offense. Come on, we must pick our exit together, if we are to find the truth we must forge one as a pair" Yoshiro would say with great fervor.

Dm notes: talk just keep moving forward, will be at the doors next post. Dialogue matters in this part.

"I am glad you don't mind." Tenma chuckled and followed Yoshiro as they walked forward. He looked aside for a bit, wondering if he should tell The Emperor the truth. Now would be a good time, especially when there was no one but them and the resident of the dungeon here... Hopefully. What he said when he proposed to be the general was not entirely a lie though. Kou was his mother's birthplace and it was just as important for him, especially when his mother was very proud of her country. But would Yoshi accept his other reasoning? Well, he would find out soon...


Tenma proceeded to walk behind Yoshiro cautiously, knowing very well that the dungeon was not just a trip to a backyard. As the water gurgle and a creature appeared from there, the general was ready to protect The Emperor. But then it would say something, some questions. It said the words repeatedly, like a reminder for Tenma himself. The one-eyed man wondered if Yoshiro was hiding something from him as well, but the swordsman respected it and he didn't want to pry until the other man was ready.

"There's something I need to tell you," Tenma said with a determination within his tone. "The whole truth on why I became your general, the whole truth about what is happening and... the truth about myself." The man sighed before continuing, "I wouldn't blame you if the truth makes you have a different view towards me, but, all these years I am always alone, I couldn't trust anyone else but myself, and everything I do was only for temporary because I have my own agenda. But you are different..." The man looked at Yoshiro right in the eyes. "There's something within you that makes me feel like I can trust you, something that makes me feel you are worthy as a King...and a friend."

The man's hand would reach to his eyepatch and he would take it off, revealing his crimson-colored eye. "My name isn't Mikazuki Tenma, but... It's Caine Ecryola."

He stared at Yoshiro while telling him his story. "My mother was a Kou citizen before she moved to marry my father who was a Reim citizen. Long story short, they were killed while I was away to study abroad and my sister, Noir, disappeared." He clenched his fist, still couldn't forget the pain when his whole world was shattered. "After years of searching, I finally found her in your palace, aiding you." He smiled sadly, he could remember how desperate he was looking for her. "You see, the reason why I had to change my whole identity was that I believe my parents weren't killed because of a simple robbery... But there was something much more complicated that happens to be related to me and Noir's condition."

The one eyed man lifted his hand up, touching his red-colored eye with his fingers, "I have no idea what the condition is, but I feel my red-eye throbbing and I crave for violence, blood. As for Noir, I am sure she had a similar trait but I haven't spent a lot of time with her to find out nor I can ask her directly about it. I couldn't tell Noir who I am, or she will be in danger... It is better that she remains oblivious...and doesn't remember anything about her childhood for now."

Tenma halted his steps, but he kept telling his story, "That night, before I proposed my interest to become a general to Dong Zhu, someone who seems to be related to my parents' murder appeared in front of me and ordered me to join a rank in Kou empire. He never explained anything, he only said I should join you or Noir's safety would be at risk and I had to so she would be safe." His chest felt heavy, he felt the agony as he told Yoshiro his story.

"I'm guessing that... it is to limit my movement because by holding a title within a country, it means I will be having a lot of responsibilities, people will know me and I can't be reckless. I am a very weak person and I let them take advantage of my weakness..." The  swordsman let out another sigh as he wore the eyepatch to cover her red-eye again.

"So there it is... the truth. I...could've been selfish, I could've abandoned the role, but I couldn't... I want to help you, I want to help rebuild the Kou for my mother's sake as well. That's why I'm trying to live up to your expectation while doing what I can to protect Noir from afar. I know she is very strong now, even stronger than me... and I should worry less about her, but after years being parted makes me feel paranoid, like what if I couldn't see her again if I am away from her."

"And... that's my story." He said as he looked at Yoshiro, waiting for what the latter had to say.

Yoshiro had moved forward towards the gate while Tenma had spoken. The Emperor of Kou allowed his back to face him as they moved forward towards the exit. This dungeon demanded the truth of them, and it compelled his general to reveal his heart. The words said by Tenma, not by Caine as he had revealed fell upon his shoulders as cold rain. There was weight, so much crushing pressure behind the truth that the dragon had been bearing all of this time. He knew the pain of family, of one's blood in peril. Maybe it wasn't his place to say with the dead ones that he didn't honor, that he took power from.

It had started to eat at the aging emperor. He was still young, but the years behind him, the years spent unaware of the truth underneath his nose. It was mind racking, it surely had made him question the way things had played out. Yet, he heard the truth, the passion that roared as his dragon's flame. What he couldn't see, what he couldn't imagine was the search, that search to find your desire and then to find only more work following it.

He absorbed everything, but he did not stop, not until they would arrive at the door he believed to be the exit. Then, he waited for the flood of emotion, the flood of honesty to end. His words would then finally come, a flame of his own had been ignited.

"Enough!" he roared.

With a sudden turn, he firmly would smack Tenma. He turned around not with a face with rage, not his normal calm marble expression now sagged with sadness. The frustration in his heart had turned him pink, as he would grab Tenma by the arms embracing him in a hug. The bandaid for the wound he had given, he was hurting but there was so much more to one's pain, to the truth.

"A lie can be amended, but how dare you think that you were alone, that you could not give the truth!" he held tightly to Tenma's arms, pushing him forward so as to stare into his mismatched eyes as spoke.

"You have fought for me, you have bled for me. Even if you chose to fight for something different, to become strong to protect your own. You are far from weak my friend, you have fought as my brother, as more than most of my own blood ever did! You chose to fight with me, to fight alongside me. As you said, you never left, you chose to stay by my side, to fight for Kou. I had to fight my family, I had to watch many of them die for my people, so I know the dedication, I also know what it is to have lost. To have something you long for, I do not know the pain of your search of such an intense longing but I can guess. You are my dragon, I forgive you but never doubt yourself, your heart, and your passion. You did what you could for those you care for, now show it, fight that darkness, together we shall find your answers."

Passion poured from Yoshiro's heart, he had grown to care for Tenma as someone close. It was hard honestly, but they lived in a world in which people did worse to their allies. This was his redemption, if they could truly connect, if they could be a team then anything could be possible.

Now that his own speech was done, he would firmly press against the door behind him. A creak would shake the Nercropolis. The water would shake and the marsh would bubble with its stench. From it would come a great light, there was no answer if this was the way but this was the path they were forging. In a team, in a partnership, to succeeded then needed trust, and the truth no matter how painful, to challenge and push each other.

His kind eyes, his smile now warm once more would shine upon not Mikazuki Tenma, but Caine Ecryola softly, with words filled with a kind melody he would ask"If you wish to prove anything, then will you take my hand?"

The smack from the Emperor made Tenma surprised, even though it was not hurt or anything, but the swordsman was caught off guard. But before the general could even give reaction, he would receive an embrace from Yoshiro. The first thing popped up in his mind would be how Dong Zhu would lose his shit if he saw The King of Kou hugging him. However, in all seriousness, Tenma would chuckle before giving the other man a firm pat on the back, actually appreciating the friendly embrace.

Yoshiro's respond to the truth he shared made him felt that he was not entirely alone, that he might be able to ask for help anytime he needed it. For the first time ever, in front of The Emperor, Tenma showed a genuine smile, showing his true expression. "Of course!" He laughed as he grabbed Yoshiro's hand before making a joke, "I don't want to be punished if I say no to your request." Then they would march towards the next area together, with stronger trust growing between the two of them.

"Welcome winners, you've learned the truth, but have you learned its' value.... a voice would rumble. The tone rumbled as a plume of ashen grace welcomed them into the chamber. When Noir and Yoshiro had touched the gate they would have felt warmth encompass them in a tight hug of smoldering smoke. Strangely enough, it wouldn't irritate their lungs the way burnt debris usually did.

Before them, as their vision returned, they would see the mighty Djinn Flauros standing before them proud and powerful. His ultramarine fur was dotted with indigo spots He looked down on them with a gaze that bore into them, burning holes into the weak of heart. Thankfully, this pair had already battled through hell fire. Yoshiro would turn to Tenma, checking to see if his dragon was okay before stepping forth towards the djinn.

"I'm guessing we managed to do good enough if you're calling us a winner, I've found the djinn normally aren't so quick to decide" Yoshiro would say hoping the djinn would break some tension.

"Those who prove themselves need not explain their actions but simply live up to them. I have seen how you value your truth, and how you value it in your relationships with your allies. You have both earned your keep, and to you king I shall join your side with my old friend Shax. I sense them with you. Before you are granted your gifts, I must ask, what value had you learned from the truth? My trials did not test your ability to use it, but rather your bond with another, to see the trust you built with allies. Why do you think I would do that?"

Yoshiro would ponder, they were expected to each share their own thoughts. Yoshi touched his temple, for a moment his mind flooded with the value of this dungeon. Eyes loke with Tenma, he felt it in his heart. It pounded and pumped his blood, the strength in life's bonds, and the value in knowing you could find trust in them.

"I believe it was to test the truth we had in our relationships, in how much trust we could give. There are times in which lying is a tool, whether or not I use it, with those closest if you are to build strength, to build a proper bond you must have the truth. With that foundation, you can create a force that sends tremors throughout history."

Yoshiro had spoken with a strong, firm voice. WIth out missing a beat, his passion poured out, but it wasn't just on him to speak. Flauros would look to Tenma and ask "Now, tell me, Dragon who joins his king what value did you see in it? I can grant you power based on your bond, and I can strengthen it. I've seen how you both speak, but I wish to not hear how you speak to him. I want to hear how you speak of your bond to others, how you would talk of your king in a humble and true manner."

Tenma raised an eyebrow upon seeing the Djinn appearing in front of both of them, making this as his second encounter with a Djinn. The swordsman was cautious, he was ready to protect Yoshiro or fight for him if somehow the being got aggressive. But it seemed it was all good at the moment and the creature itself didn't show any sign of malice towards the emperor.

He would stay quiet when Yoshiro answer the Djinn's question, but he would never expect the being would throw him a question as well. The swordsman could feel the pressure on his shoulders, but he knew the answer to that very question. The king had shown him a lot of great things and Tenma looked forward to seeing more of it. "It is hard to find someone with sincerity, especially when you have power. But Yoshiro had proven to me that he is a capable king, the one who shines the brightest like a beacon of light for his people. He has a voice that rallies people, his ideals and how he pursues his goals are resolute."

The general chuckled before continuing his words, "Our bond was forged in an unexpected way. Two men having their own agendas in the land of Kou and as the time to pick a side came, I chose to support him just because of his visions, one of which was to abolish slavery." He recalled the civil war moment when he had to choose between Yoshiro's side and Gao's side. "I've seen how he inspired his supporter at the war and how he showed utmost care for his people as well in the time of crisis. Witnessing such a noble feat from him made me want to help him and I ended up pledging my loyalty by becoming his 'sword'."

A smile formed on Tenma's lips as he shifted his gaze towards Yoshiro for a second before focusing back on the Djinn again. "The mutual trust that was built between us helped to strengthen the bond. But now, as I bare my soul to Yoshiro. I believe the bond between us is unwavering. Like a blood brother if you may say."

“Very well, for your honor, for the truth you shall be aptly rewarded. O great king before me, I ask that you choose your vessel, the object in which I shall dwell with passion worthy of your loyalty. You already carry one of my brothers aside you, so I hope you do well to honor what is truly being bestowed upon you. Flauros looked, turning towards Tenma. He had been with the Emperor for some time, yet no power radiated from him to show it. He didn’t doubt his loyalty, but he believed he should be granted the strength he showed.

[color=#cc0000]”Oh Dragon, step forth as well, I am sure you may have heard rumors of those who stand by king candidates. I can sense power in you that shoulder have be answered long ago, so choose something as well. Something of your devotion of your cause, join your kings household. Become closer in a bond tied by the pacts of magic if you truly wish to be of aid in the times to come. After that I expect the boy of you to take your treasure and leave.”

Yoshiro would think for a moment. Awe wasn’t enough to describe the inspiring confidence, and gratitude that pushed through him. This was it, the moment that would mark the turning point for Kou. They would be able to build back, he would be able to take the fight to those who harmed his nation. Punishment would come to the wicked, nay he couldn’t think that way, he couldn’t let power consume him. In was here in honesty thanks to his loyal compatriots. It was something Yoshiro could never forget. The Symbol of his power, the reason for his being was the crown but the crown was for the people.

“I choose the crown which clings to my hair. A crown is more than a symbol of power, it is a reminder of the duty to one’s nation. I am servant of the people, and I need to serve them well if Kou is to truly become a modern nation.”

The djinn smirked, his sharp teeth opening up into a great laughter. “VERY WELL, OHAUAHAHHHHA, YOUR WISH IS MY COMMAND!” Flauros would turn to smoke and cinder, floating into the crown burning the magic star of Solomon onto it to signify it’s place.

The heat, the weight of it felt like a great burden, one he would try to wield wisely. It was his second djinn, but now he really felt like an Emperor. A true king of kings. Ash would spread forth from his crown, towards the object of Tenma’s choosing. He would feel the great power in it. They would also feel the world begin to crumble as a portal would open for them to depart.

”My dragon, Tenma your words you spoke of me, of our bond shall live forever in this memory. I wish for nothing more than you joining my house. Our bond is eternal my dear friend, for that you truly deserve this. I’ll have my fair share but take what you can. We don’t have long in here, we also have big things to come so I hope you are prepared. I could go on, for the gratitude I feel is boundless, but it means nothing if we get crushed.”

He would allow for Tenma’s response but he would lead the way towards the exit. A smile, a small token of appreciation was the last thing he would show to Tenma before stepping towards the exit. Yoshiro, gently offering his hand to pull him through.

DM notes: Choose your household vessel, leave to get your gold. Your vessel will be allowed to start at the second stage because of the work you have put in for your plot with Yoshiro and in this thread.

If Tenma could be honest, he didn't expect to be rewarded by the Djinn. But if the Djinn thought that he deserved it, then so be it. With a nod, the swordsman looked around at the pile of treasures. He didn't take too long to spot something that would be an appropriate vessel to symbolize the bond between him and the Emperor of Kou.

"I choose this tassel."


"This tassel symbolised the beauty and strength of Kou that I have to fight for, something that will be hanging at the hilt of my sword as a constant reminder of what I am fighting for."

The swordsman turned to his emperor, with a genuine smile on his face. "Of course, it would be funny if you get crushed after all the work we just did." He laughed at the other man before walking towards the exit.

This was just the beginning of his conquest of power...