Fiery [P]

[Katsumaru]

A volcano stood within the wastes of Kaze no Kuni, thick smoke rising into the air only to be carried into the distance by an omnipresent wind. The odor of burnt rock filled the nearby desert, the stench a reminder to a few of what lurked within, a mysterious noble beast, a mighty phoenix. Will anyone face the challenge to glance upon the beast, enter a contract, or will it simply remain without a comrade? The challenge was not simply a test of strength, but one of passion and will.

Standing atop the volcano, an elderly man glanced into the fiery pits beneath. The years wore on him as he stood with a hunched back, cane in hand. Creases covered his brow, and lengthy, white hairs reached past his ears to rest lightly on the shoulder, finely combed and well kept. His brown eyes rested solemnly,”The years have worn on me. I guard this place, day after day, but I feel as if my duty is coming to an end. It is time.” he muttered with a sigh. A screech rung out from the volcano. Flames rose. Something stirred within. With a nod, the elderly man descended.

_________________________________________________________

A village stood several miles from the volcano under the watchful gaze of numerous guards. With a population of only one hundred, it was quite small, a lack in size that stifled development. Numerous tents spanned the village, no stone or even wooden structure standing to resist the constant gust of winds. At the center of this village, a large pit stood, constantly ablaze, sending a bright gleam throughout the village, flame standing mighty.

Through this village, the elderly man walked, quite well known. Guards greeted him with a nod, children ran towards him, smiles upon their face. But he did not return the nods, nor the smiles, much to the surprise of the villagers, for he was known to be good in nature and light hearted. Something wore heavily on the man’s heart. His bones creaked as he proceeded through the village towards the central pit of fire. Again he muttered to himself.”Yes, yes, my time is coming to an end.”

[/justify][/font]

[chiatsuki]

x; FIERY !
x; SUMMONING CONTRACT QUEST

[DE]

[/font]

---

Nostrils lifted to the stench of burning rock. In HYOKA’s perspective only a few things actually made this smell stick out. [1] One was the fact that it was nowhere near hot in the present time in the country of wind and so [2] it had to have been recent. EUMA could smell it too, her nostrils perking upward in reaction to the smell. It was a feverish curiosity which had kept the two going but still they yearned more for the answers surrounding bijuu and mythical creatures alike. “A volcano. .” he calmly spoke as his eyes quizzically scanned the volcano’s fumes pouring out from atop the lava-filled volcano. A knee buckling shake would vibrate through the land as flames spouted from outside the volcano. EUMA’s eyes would open widely with anticipation as he caught onto an important detail – a figure atop the volcano.

“funikumi-kun, there’s someone going up there!” she’d say whilst staring in amazement at the scene unfolding before her eyes; a man of elderly age walking humbly across a path hidden to their view. “I know. . I’ve been trying to figure out how he’s going to get up there…” HYOKA would retort as his aquamarine hues settled upon a the pathway the elderly man was to trek. His eyes would also too open just like EUMA’s as the lava painted path revealed itself to them. Screeches of the unknown procuring from the pits of the volcano would disrupt the flow of society as everyone seemed to stop what they were doing. Ashes rained down from the heavens and an illusion of snow was created with its whiteness overshadowing the true color of this town. “We have to follow him; he looks like he’s going to confront whatever it is that’s in there. .” EUMA would conclude fixating her goggles over her eyes.

“Cute..” the funikumi would respond to her as they both began their journey behind the old man. “I’m glad you noticed. .” she would antagonize, smiling underneath it all although they both walked hesitantly to the outstanding presence of chakra that they both felt. “What do you think it is. .?” HYOKA would contort in concern to his partner in crime as his left hand gripped upon the edge of his hilt focusing his restlessness onto the support of the blade. Dressed in a white button up, black tie, and black dress pants the funikumi descended into the path of the phoenix with his cloaked counterpart EUMA. Unfolding his arms fate would acknowledge the two into his hands letting loose the chains of impossibility around their arms setting them free into their destiny.

[/blockquote]
[/justify]

[Katsumaru]

The elderly man, while derelict in appearance, reacted with almost surreally sharp senses, turning on his heel to glance downwards at the approaching figures. Silent he remained for several moments, a judging, impassionate gaze meeting Hyoka from where he stood beneath the grounds. Unfortunately no path lead directly upwards to the volcano, but rather, the entrance of a cave stood not far from the behemoth, two ten meter pillars at the left and right side. ”It is a dangerous path that you walk.” the old man roared, voice mighty.

Figures have been delicately carved into the pillars, images on both identical – an enormous bird, as it would seem, and painted in a bright red and orange. Its wings spread and flames have been carefully drawn beneath. The path leading into the caverns emanated with an intense heat, quick to send sweat dripping down the brow. From above, the old man roared again, voice booming as he spoke in an eerily mystic manner, words seemingly making little sense,””I guard this volcano, and for which purpose? That is for you to decide. The screech that you have just heard? Think, do not ask what it is. But do know that it is time.”

The screech continued, and as it did, a fiery flame shot upwards from the volcano, so bright that the sun’s gleam scarcely compared. Yet, the elderly man was unaffected as he stood, cane in hand, a thin smile upon his face as the fires erupted behind him, his gaze still locked downwards on the travelers,”Should you chose to explore, come here, and glance within, you will walk through the caverns. But the path is complex. I will have to lead you. So wait, and decide what you will do.” The man seemed almost desperate in his attempt to send someone through the trials within. His time, truly, had come to an end. He descended downwards slowly, wait almost over an hour.

But when he reached the bottom, immediately he beckoned for Hyoka and Euma to follow. ”It is fateful that you pass by here. But whether fate has chosen you, the caverns will decide.” he mumbled, voice no longer mighty, but soft and weary. As he walked, his bones almost creaked, great age easily betrayed by an arched back and slow steps. Immediately behind the pillars and entrance to the cavern, an enormous room awaited, the heat here even greater, almost unbearable. Yet, the old man was unaffected.

The room was thirty by thirty meters, an enormous rock statue, twenty meters high, reminiscent of the images on the pillars outside, but lacking in paint with its completely gray shade. Another screech roared from within the volcano, causing the entire room to shake. Three doors stood within the room, one to the left, another to the right, and one directly ahead. The old man spoke again. ”Choose”
Delicate writing stood above each of these doors.”

Door One: For the mighty, a test of strength.
Door Two: For the cunning, a test of thought.
Door Three: For the courageous, the greatest challenge to be faced.

[/justify][/font]

[chiatsuki]

x; FIERY !
x; 2/?

[/font]

---

It was an unsettling greeting meeting the path with such ease. (‘This is only the beginning..’) he’d think to himself. A pace not too brisk led EUMA and he to the mouth of a cave complimented with two obelisks edging from the base of it like fangs in a vampire. Upon their backs symmetrically the symbol of a bird bathed in flames sat before him. . .HYOKA smiled at the omnipresent glow, the unnatural feeling, as if to greet the unknowing nature as his home. Euma looked at it as well with curiosity lingering her figure in thought as to what was to come next. The elderly man they had met before yelled, at the tops of his lung seemingly, to express that ”It was a dangerous path that you walk.”; a laugh would procure from NATSUFUBUKI’s mouth in response to his cur.

As the man spoke an intense heat would escape from the pits of the volcano releasing a spray of steam emancipating over the two figures approaching the entrance. HYOKA would take the top piece of his black suit – rolling up the sleeves on his white collar dress shirt as he proceeded in. The echoes of the elder could be heard as muffles of screams from within the volcano. “Let’s go..” NATSUFUBUKI’s response to euma after the screams of the phoenix fueled through the base of the volcano. Eyes would widen to the sudden intrusion of the elderly man once more as he made his way past the two figures without a murmur.

”It is fateful that you pass by here. But whether fate has chosen you, the caverns will decide.”

HYOKA would nod to Euma as he proceeded after the midget man. “I don’t really believe in that sort of stuff..” HYOKA would respond to the old man as he bought them into an adequate sized room. At the edge of each corner there stood a door, three in total, all signifying a different test. “What say you, euma?” he’d retort in a calm manner gesturing to his uchiha companion. Her eyes readily scanned for each one – yet her eyes stayed true to the center after having glanced at it more than a couple of times. “I’m up for an adventure..” she’d reply with a smile racing into the pits of darkness before HYOKA even had a chance.

A smirk too would cross his maw as he chased after her with a calm sprint making sure to take note of any and every thing.

---

Door Three: For the courageous, the greatest challenge to be faced.

[/blockquote]
[/justify]

[Jun]

Enter.

[/color]

I had scaled the mountain, its hellish flare and irregular outcries only raising my desire to meddle around. An earthen scarf became swept up in the heated breeze, meanwhile crimson spectacles kept a wary watch on the cliff-side. If there was a time when I was led solely by inner feeling, now was it. Only a sharp sensor could have picked up on the chakra signatures stored deep below ~ one of which being faintly familiar. That was the only excuse I had for investigating the caverns in search of the trio of hidden entities. And sure enough I found them standing among three sacred doors. The first I noticed was an elder, the second a past acquaintance. Upon laying eyes on him the features hidden behind my beige veil softened. How could I ever forget his passionately ocean hued locks? This volcano was full of life and I was certain it had brought me to stand here before Hyoka-kun once more. What other reason could there be for such an odd reunion?

"It's been a while, sky hair."

[/blockquote][/blockquote][/justify][/font]

[Katsumaru]

”And a woman approaches.” the elderly man stated, his brown eyes resting on the woman. ”I presume she is here for the challenge.” he muttered, turning on his heel to walk towards the third door. His step was slow and leisurely with the occasional glance shifting backwards to warily gaze on the shinobi that have gathered on the volcano. A thin smile crossed his lips as a satisfaction washed over his senses. His duty had grown long and weary, but it seemed as if it finally approached an end, assuming that they shall pass the challenge.

With a surprising strength, the man opened the door, and a heavy wind blew from behind. Strangely, that wind was utterly cold and bone chilling, freezing enough to send the bones into an almost instantaneous shiver. ”As you may suspect, there are several challenges. The phoenix are a beast of flame, but do not let that dampen what you expect to face.” he declared, lip coiling as he too shivered. While the man was accustomed to the intense heat of the volcano, the advanced age and bitter cold did not do well for him. Regardless, he stepped forwards, for he was the only one who could lead them through this.

”So that you understand…” he said with a short pause,”While I lead you through the caverns, the challenges are for you and you alone to face. I am simply a guide, not much more than that.” With a grunt the man proceeded forwards into the bitter cold, walking along the path that lead upwards, his figure quickly shrouded by the wall’s above. His step, still, was slow, for he truly was derelict, could no longer function as he once had when the former guarding lead him through here. That brought the slightest sadness into his heart, for no longer could he engage in the thrill of battle, the constant challenges the blistering deserts have to offer.

The path lead upwards , cold intensifying with each step. Halfway upward, several words were written on the wall to the right. A blistering cold amidst the greatest heat. Be it a curse, a blessing, it matters not as the deathly embrace blesses you with its sweet smile. Unfortunately the words were cryptic, giving little hints towards the meaning. After several more minutes passed, the elderly man reached a large, circular room, covered entirely in ice, numerous pillars standing high, unwavering even in the intense heat of the volcano.

Suddenly, mirrors appeared. Mirrors of ice.

”The first challenge begins.” the man declared as, again, the room grew colder.

[/justify][/font]

[chiatsuki]

x; FIERY !
x; 3/?

[/font]

---

SPOILER: Click to show

A smirk too would cross his maw as he chased after her with a calm sprint making sure to take note of any and every thing.

Cold blue eyes would shake un-readily to the raven haired female he’d met at the infamous Soho Sanctuary. “It surely has” he’d say whilst motioning euma to stop. She took it as a gesture of weakness – readily pursuing the trail ahead of him in anger as he stopped to talk to her. “I guess fate has brought us at the same path once again. Lets pursue it in confidence..” he’d say, grabbing at tesaiga pulling her halfway out as he shuffled once more past the elderly man as he spoke out – the steam from the volcano was finally getting to his lungs.

SPOILER: Click to show

“As you may suspect, there are several challenges. The phoenix are a beast of flame, but do not let that dampen what you expect to face.”

NATSUFUBUKI’s stature changed completely as he chased after euma. (‘Damn..there’s no telling how far she got’) he would say increasing his speed tapping into his raiton energies letting loose a spark of lightning with each stride. The master of raiton pursued the phoenix in his attempts at questioning the beast of its origin, he needed to know more about it. For a second or two every couple of moments he would look back as his body disappeared into the distance searching for the raven haired mistress, missing the sign of danger whilst rolling up his sleeves due to the change in temperature.

SPOILER: Click to show

Be it a curse, a blessing, it matters not as the deathly embrace blesses you with its sweet smile.

The first challenge had begun. HYOKA looked onto euma, “s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-sit this-s-s-s one out” he’d say in a repititous ‘c-c-c-c-cchatter.’ They would both simply stare in wait as to what was to come next.

[/blockquote]
[/justify]

[Jun]

“It surely has.”

[/right]


Hyoka-kun's feisty companion left him behind in favor of the timeworn man, leaving the two of us to recollect the past. Alas, he remembered my face, then again what straight man wouldn't? I'd give him only a youthful smirk as he drew the same blade that threatened Lady Usagi and joined the others in their ascension to the next jagged room. I kept pace at his side, enduring the sudden drop in temperature by blanketing my torso with a pair of willowy arms. Only after opening the antique door had an icy current began to spring forth and envelope our small party. My grip on the coffee scarf tightened; I had never been a fan of the cold.

"Still searching for members of your clan?" I'd question him promptly as we continued to progress up the summit, black soles echoing off of the stone inspired floor. How the air had undergone such an extreme shift while under the presence of active magma remained a mystery to me, though it wouldn't keep me from sparking a bit of conversation along the way. Our expedition led us to colder things, namely a room dressed in pillars of ice where an arcane note lay in wait. Regardless of what was to come I was intent on getting out of the unpleasant weather as soon as possible. Even my breath was visible while standing silently in the frigid space.

It wasn't natural.









[/blockquote][/blockquote][/justify][/font]

[Katsumaru]

A closer inspection revealed that the pillars could be shifted easily, and yet a further hint towards the opportunity for movement lied in the signs beneath, scraping on the ice. Lines intermingled, hence a direct way to push them could not be seen. Four squares, approximately the same size as the base of the pillars, stood at each corner of the room. Upon them, several figures were drawn. The top-left square contained an image of wings, the top right of a torso, the bottom left of a claw, and the bottom right of a beak. Two further pillars manifested from the ice, the exact means somewhat obscure, but possibly related to the ice mirrors, of which another formed two meters directly beneath the ceiling.

The four pillars each also portrayed a rather crudely drawn image, somewhat similar to those found on the squares. One of the pillars contained an image of a tornado, crudely drawn. Another contained the image of legs, another of a wild beast, a bear, and the last simply a tree.

A total of five mirrors manifested, one at each corner, near the squares, and the last the most recent, by the ceiling. The frigid conditions of the room worsened as the cold became almost unbearable, sending the body into a shiver as muscles became numb. Suddenly, a senbon flung forth from the top right mirror, directly towards Hyoka’s throat. Moments later, with scarcely a second passed, a second senbon was flung forth from the bottom right mirror, darting towards Umeko’s back. An icy door stood at the opposite side of the room on the far end, directly opposite of the entrance.

[/justify][/font]

[chiatsuki]

x; FIERY !
x; 4/?

[/font]

---

A wave of cold air was sent permeating through its center to course around the room that UMEKA and HYOKA had settled into. The air, so cold it, immediately began to send shivers down his spine, tightening muscles from the sheer feeling in that one moment the two had stepped foot into the frigid room. There was only way to keep from freezing in this type of temperature. HYOKA described it as to (‘keep moving..’) - he would think this to himself as his hands calmly collided with one another in a moment of urgency as his eyes scanned over the room sporadically. His eyes would settle, only for a second, on the plethora of pillars and handful of obelisks scattered about each corner of the room. Their significance was somewhat hidden and would take time to truly decipher.

But before HYOKA could even begin to think of what these symbols could mean . . ice would have began to form slowly along the center of the ceiling in the shape of two mirrors. (‘…..’) The funikumi would take no time in preparing for the worst outcome, “Keep on your feet Umeka-chan!” HYOKA's voice hummed as his eyes transitioned over to the right corner where the first assault was made as his feet began to stray away from his last position. A hand outstretching from the mirror would fling a senbon toward HYOKA’s head but it wouldn’t make it very far before his position transitioned, once more ,away from the endpoint of the senbons’ flight path. HYOKA had always been fast when it came to evading a frontal attack, especially when he could see it coming. Footsteps would bring the chunin away from the trajectory of the iron needle. It would only be a moment before dodging it to where his handseals would cease.

If it was going to be a game of hide and seek it was more fortunate for the opposer – HYOKA, who loved silly little games.. and he couldn’t wait to see what was in store. His chakras coursed through him like an adrenaline... If the assailant wasn’t going to show his face – HYOKA would have to draw him/her, or it, out. “This oughta be FUN!” he’d coo aloud as his chakra escaped him. Four lightning bolts would strike down to his upper left, upper right, lower left and lower right all facing different corners of the room – five meters away from their masters position. Eyes of ocean-water rushed up near the ceiling as the clones of lightning paid very attention to their respective corners. In a simultaneous effort to confuse the man, woman or entity behind these mirrors, HYOKA and his four clones would engage in another set of seals much longer than the ones made before.

SPOILER: Click to show

CONSUMPTION - CHAKRA REDUCTION level 4; S = D 7000 EXP

---

Raiton Bunshin no Jutsu (Shocking Clone Technique)

[/u] ²⁰⁰
Rank: C, C, C, C
Type: Supplementary / Raiton Ninjutsu
Range: See special!
Handseals: Yes.
Chakra: Mid
Special: Up to one clone can be made at a time, plus one more each time retrained. Being elementally based, this clone can use any c-ranked or lower raiton techniques the user knows. Can be relearned up to 4 times for a maximum of 5 clones created.
Description: With this technique, the Raiton user is able to call upon aid from a perfect copy of themselves. Comprised purely of lightning, this clone retains the user movement speed and strength. While easily capable of being use for offensive means, the raiton bunshin also makes for an equally solid defense due to its ability to harness raiton-based techniques.
Domain: Raiton. Karai Shin 'C'.

[/spoiler]
[/size][/font]
[/blockquote][/blockquote]
[/justify]

[Jun]

I was bitter all the way down to my spine by now. As frost started to plume from soft lips and goosebumps formed on my pale skin I momentarily eyed over the plethora of designs etched into the stone walls and columns. I foresaw a riddle in the near future and didn't look forward to it in the least. Then my sight wandered towards a collections of five mirrors, their appearance eerily occult. Suddenly, it became so cold that the thinnest layer of mist began to settle over the coarse flooring. Those reflectors had us at the best of angles and it hadn't taken Hyoka-kun's urgent warning to spur me into activity.

The first assassination attempt was made on my ally, though he avoided it with minimal effort. Milliseconds later a threat on my own life was made, yet the initial attack had already placed me at a high level of awareness. As such I was thoroughly prepared for the projectile aimed sharply to my flank. With a brief look over my shoulder, a swift and efficient duck was made allowing for the weapon to pass by safely over head. Sky hair went on the offensive, summoning several Raiton infused replicas to aid him in the next few moments. My counter was simple, I stood upright once more and formed a single seal, it in turn arousing my talent of detecting chakra. I'd hoist the charcoal katana resting on my back a bit higher on my shoulder, signaling its potential use. Only when I located the foreign presence would I point an accusing finger. Regardless of the odd reflections I was able to determine where the genuine article lay.

"You will come face to face with us, whomever you are."

---

SPOILER: Click to show

Kagura Shingan (Kagura Mind's Eye)
Rank: D, C, B, A, S
Type: Supplementary / Sensory Ninjutsu
Range: 0 - 50 meters
Handseals: Yes [1]
Chakra: Very Low - Very High
Special: Determines the range at which they can detect chakra, whether it comes from person, animal or even object, By closing their eyes and forming a simple seal, the world of chakra around the user becomes unveiled. Upon learing the 'S' ranked version, the user will no longer have to close their eyes nor form handseals to activate. Highest rank known also determines detection time, as well as the amount of chakra-related masteries needed in order for that level of Kagura to be reached. Keep in mind chakra masteries do not need to be from the same group; as long as it has chakra, any form of ninjutsu mastery (from releases to clan jutsu) will do.
D: Full Turn detection delay // 1 Mastery
C: 3/4 th of a Turn // 2 Masteries
B: Half a Turn // 3 Masteries
A: 1/4 th of a Turn // 4 Masteries
S: Near-Instant! // 5 Masteries

[/justify][/font]

[Katsumaru]

The chakra sensing girl soon registered something in her senses, but ultimately, the eyes of the Kagura were of little move, for the figure moved so rapidly that her senses could not follow. Simply, it seemed as if that single source of chakra was everywhere. Worsening the matter, the mirrors reflected the man's image, revealing a thin, narrow, brown haired man, cheeks covered in frost. By the times the clones had formed, the ice-clad warrior was on the move again, fingers dancing as fuuton and suiton intermingled.

For the slightest moment the figure appeared in the mirror on the ceiling, coming to a pause so scarce that it left only the shortest of time to react. As the man appeared forth from the mirror, the ground morphed as the ice upon it changed its shape, adopting a mocking imitation of swallows, thirty to be exact. The dim light of the room reflected off the swallows as they flew only moments after the clones had been created.

In their flight they split, five towards each clone in their respective corners and five towards Hyoka, wings fluttering as they proceeded forth with their attack

SPOILER: Click to show

Efficient Sealing: II

Yuki no Kami; A
Makyou Hyoushou (Demonic Ice Crystal Mirrors); Active
Tsubame Fubuki (Snow Storm Swallows); C C C

[/justify][/font]

[chiatsuki]

x; FIERY !
x; 5/?

[/font]

---

SPOILER: Click to show

Eyes of ocean-water rushed up near the ceiling as the clones of lightning paid very close attention to their respective corners.

In the time his sky-colored hues fell upon the mirrors along the center of the ceiling, in a nonchalant gaze, him and his clones would synchronously mirror the same set of seals, performing them with a perfect abundance in their structure. HYOKA’s hands would end upon the fourth seal and his hands would spread from each other imitating the symbol of an ‘arc’ and his clones would follow suit creating bows of lightning within their hands instantaneously – eight arrows complimented within each pocket. Being that the distance from the floor to the roof was somewhere around fifty meters high it would take a moment for the ice swallows to truly make distance seeing as they were travelling directly from the mirror itself. In the nimble seconds they wasted flocking out, taking aim at HYOKA and his clones, an attack of same caliber would have already been prepared from the moment the clones had been created.

“FIRE!’

His voice, echoing through the icy walls, would demand to his clones to release their arrows at the oncoming group of airborne projectiles bringing in light to the approaching darkness. The birds of ice would meet their fate swiftly as a stream of lightning manifested through the gaps of each of their figures purposely bumping into each other in order to create a river of raiton energy within the air that held the potential to stop any and all of the swallows approaching it. This feat would seem, in itself, extraordinary but it would prove but a small percentage in what HYOKA was truly capable of. His attention would shift from mirror to mirror in advance after having defended himself against the swallows. . (‘come out you punk..’) his thoughts rumbling on as his senses stayed keen to the battlefield. A static pulse, radiating out of the bow of lightning, created noise amongst the awkward silence that had fallen upon the air in the icy cavern. NATSUFUBUKI had once more been awakened. . but to what extent?

“THAT ALL YOU GOT !?”

The approach of a taunt lingering from the kusa shinobi’s tongue as he and his clones moved about the room in search for the assailants position. The room would fall silent once more as HYOKA awaited this man’s next move.

SPOILER: Click to show

CONSUMPTION - CHAKRA REDUCTION level 4; S = D 7000 EXP

---

Eshaku Raikou (Lightning Bow)
Rank: C, C, C, C, C, C, C, C
Type: Offensive / Raiton Ninjutsu
Range: See special!
Handseals: Yes
Chakra: Mid
Special: Range and speed of arrows is determined by the user's higest 'Karai Shin' range. Up to one arrow can be made and shot each time, plus one more each time retrained. However, for every 4 arrows the user is able to fire off, their chakra consumption will automatically go up by one.
Description: After performing the needed handseals, the user will wave both arms through the air, leaving raiton chakra behind in the shape of bow and arrow. The lightning arrow can then be shot at an opponent and stun them from afar. By taking extra time to focus their energy, the arrow can be re-shaped for distance, rather than power.
Domain: Raiton. Karai Shin.

[/blockquote]
[/justify]

[Jun]

The reality of ice mirrors being able to survive while under watch of a functioning volcano led me to the assumption of our ambush being none other than the effects of Ninjutsu ~ and a potent one at that. And as I watched Hyoka, his indigo eyes boiling with the temperament of a maniac, I couldn't help but admire his lunatic craving for the battlefield. He surveyed the ceiling, with my maroon orbs ensuing, only to discover a torrent of icy minions converging on our viewpoint many meters below. My companion was given ample time to retaliate, for he and his clones unleashed a vibrant display of Raiton induced darts all aimed at the frigid flock. The two sides would intermingle, with the bolts out rivaling the swallows.

Ocean hair was perhaps enjoying himself too much. He mocked our adversary, daring the assassin to give us his worst. My sensory hadn't been able to pierce his location, instead I was given a chakra signature that spanned across all five mirrors ~ the topmost one included. It threw me off, as I hadn't come across a situation like this ever. Still, it wouldn't show on my face as I drew drew my weapon ~ onyx blade glinting in the slightest of radiance. A tight grip kept the katana by my side while I called out to Hyoka, looking to put an end to this skirmish before it even unfolded. "Do you think you're strong enough to destroy those mirrors?"

After all, he was supposedly a true demon.

[/justify][/font]

[Katsumaru]

The arrows proceeded rapidly, smashing into the ice and sending the waves of lightning throughout. The intense heat from the arrows of lightning, the electricity, and the water from which the ice was made roared as the electricity flashed through them, slowly beginning to melt the ice. Within the blink of an eye the mirrors were destroyed, leaving the figure from within flinging to the grounds. As he was on the mirror in the ceiling when the destruction commended, the master of ice plummeted down and rammed into the grounds, bones cracking.

The puzzle remained, but it was quite a simple one, and once they solved it the path ahead awaited. A lengthy path lead upwards, the cold finally dispersing only to be replaced by the intense heat. For over five minutes they must walk to reach the top most room, yet another representation of the extremes of temperature with the lava that flowed around a circular platform, quite large, with a diameter of twenty meters. From each side, a short, thin path lead towards the circle, most likely, judging from the simplest of appearances, an arena.

[/justify][/font]