[IC] The Lost God (RDG and Aoiki)

[Aoiki]

Pyrrus continued for the door. At this point it seemed futile to go on with Rashim, especially in his state. He surely didn't want to give up he wanted him to at least say he remembered him so he would know for a fact that he had just changed. Pyrrus didn't want to go on with that bothering him. But Rashim seemed just as done with him as he had simply brushed past him even after he yelled. The dragonkin decided to leave it be for now. Instead he would get back to the matter at hand. The expedition.

That thought comforted him a bit. Here he was still headed upon his journey. Still past the first part of the check with second surely not to be an issue. Now from his spectacle not to long ago the dragonkin knew he was able to control and amplify he dragon fire to huge measures. Sure it was a bit messy...but at least he knew he was able to do it. Perhaps in a panicked state it would even go through smoothly. The dragonkin of course had taken a specialty to fire once he learned he was a dragon. The scholar had told him that it would be best since it would always be available to it. Although he felt it was a little cheap....it was much easier to control and amplify the raw power of dragon fire as opposed to normal fire. The feat would look harder to anyone who didn't know, but it was a feat in its own to be a dragon. Showing of his power wouldn't be a problem, hopefully his control would improve from that fire works show.

The expedition calmed him. With that in mind he didn't have to worry so much about Rashim. Sure he was hurt, but at least he could continue on, pass the checks, set out on his expedition, and ultimately find Rin. Then he would be able to understand so much more about the things that confused him. Or at least things would change...somehow..for him he knew it. Maybe the dragon would be able to finally learn about his father or other dragons he rooted from. It didn't exactly make sense, but he felt that this was the way. Were these thoughts all just distractions in the moment.

Pressing through the doors paying no more attention to others he entered the next area for the sigil test. Adventurer dispersed through the area, all with own proctor instructing them. All of them amplifying some sort of element with their sigils. Show of your ability and pass, seemed simple enough. Rashim had mentioned this was next step and surely he was in the room. Here they were with such similar goals, they should be rejoicing but instea..Brown hair shuffled a bit as Pyrrus shook the thoughts out of his head. No use in getting more worked up.

As the tall young man stood there examining a proctor approached him. "Ahh, are you here to take part in the Sigil course. Surely you are! Very well I will be handling you." Pyrrus was a bit startled as his golden gaze quickly shifted to the proctor. "Ahh...yes right" The dragon of course became a bit nervous. Pyrrus definitely did not have nerves of steel. The honey eyed boy followed behind the proctor to their station.

[Red Dog Krim]

Of course, this was not one of Rashim’s lucky days. His eyes cast about in the largely open room for one of the proctors, his eyes, however, landed on his only other sibling to be taking the trials. The teen was the youngest of the five, and in last place of their fathers favor. He seemed to enjoy himself more of the time, or more than the rest of his siblings. The blonde boy was smiling and speaking to a small group of various beastkin and humans, ones that Rashim had never seen him with.

Shaking his head, the blonde turned his eyes from the small scene of camaraderie and continued his search for a proctor of the trials. There, off to the left, an old man in one of the black robes with Rin’s symbol embroidered in blood red across the front. Grizzled looking features, and a scowl that seemed to scream to stay away from him, and it seemed to be working. The man didn’t have a single person in his immediate vicinity.

With a faint smile, the blonde headed that direction, brushing through the small masses of people that had made it through the door already from the courtyard. The man’s scowl intensified as he drew nearer, and finally spoke when he broke free of the crowds and stood before him in an open space. “Go away boy, you’d only fail my test.”

“We will not know that until we try,” Rashim replied with steel and conviction in his voice.

“You only get the one chance, are you sure you’d like to waste it here?” The old man stated coldly, as if warning him off. He wasn’t wrong. This was definitely the Magic proctor for him.

[Aoiki]

The silence increased the nervousness of the dragonkin as his self appointed proctor stood nearby. He seemed to be going over something. Pyrrus shook a bit wondering what he had planned. Would it be something too difficult for himself. Would they want to know special things? There was something so intimidating about the proctor. Honestly though, there should have been nothing. Pyrrus was significantly taller than his proctor and his proctor seemed like a harmless person. Not rugged, small framed glasses, and a small figure. There was just something about officials.

Looking more into the situation perhaps the golden eyed boy was over reacting. For one, he had been raised by a scholar who had vast knowledge over the world and sigils. His guardian had taught him all of it. The dragonkin was actually quite knowledgeable on these facts, but one couldn't tell from his demeanor when ever challenged over them. Pyrrus had sat through classes every day, boring one's, exciting ones, and even adventurous ones. But there was something about himself and his nerves that always got to him

Pyrrus' nervous thoughts were finally broken when the proctor had finished going over some things, "Ahh okay, This is quite simple. Nothing too extreme, I just need you to show me how you use and control you sigil's powers. Nothing has to be super spectacular. All you need for a good adventurer is someone who know's how to control themselves and make use." The proctor looked up and smiled. His was small and calm. Yet it unnerved him some more. "...Are you okay? You look a bit clamy.." Pyrrus looked up to his forehead and noticed droplets forming. Quickly, he raised his large hand and wiped it away. "Don't...don't worry just amplify a simple element or such it's nothing huge...don't shake." The dragon looked to his legs which were strangely vibrating a bit. 'Why do I have to be like this under pressure'. Normally the young man was humorous and outspoken, there was just something that freaked him out about presenting himself. " O..Okay"

The dragon motioned for the proctor to step back and he faced to the least crowded area. Pyrrus quickly removed the gloves from his long fingers and placed them into his side pocket. "Okay...just stand back a sec". The proctor chuckled and took a step back slightly. Clearly from Pyrrus' behavior he had simply assumed he was a fledgling sigil user and was beyond nervous about his ability. Yet he was humoring him, strangely a very nice proctor. The dragonkin clapped his hands together, placing them upon the front of his face. Quickly, he rubbed his palms together as if he had just been holding ice and needed to warm them quickly. This was just to create some sort of distraction. He couldn't simply cough out the fire, they would surely know something was up. The proctor looked on in worry. Something very strange in his eyes. "Do..Do you need something to help you process an element..I see you must've not brought anything.." The dragon shook his head and continued. "Honestly I don't think you're goin..." Pyrrus interrupted him by clapping and quickly opening his palm in front of his mouth where he spit a small spark into the center of his cupped hands.

From there the dragonkin took a hold of his sigil's power to control the spark in his hands before blasting his palms outward as if he was doing some super powered hand shot. Then he simply used his sigil to amplify the raw power of dragon fire to create a large cone of fire the blasted upwards ferociously for a few seconds before dispersing into small embers the floated around a bit before quickly burning out. Pyrrus' legs still shook as he looked over to the proctor. "Ye..yeah fire is my.. I'm good with fire" his voice cracked a bit. Looking to the proctor's face he noticed that his jaw had dropped slightly and he was still staring dumb founded at the dispersing embers.

"Uhh...is that...do I need to... Uhhh" Honey glazed eyes looked into the face of someone who's brain had just cracked a bit. The feat was a simple fire cone, was the proctor so done with him that he didn't have words. Or did he know more, had he seen him spit the fire into his palm?" "uhh sir I...I" The proctor finally looked at him and broke silence " My...Oh my..My...Did you simply create that dazzling fire from the heat of the friction between your hands." Pyrrus grew more nervous. "Well yeah I..." "Marvelous!" interrupted the proctor. "All my days I've seen even seasoned sigil user's have trouble amplifying a simple spark into anything more than a flame, but you! You're just a young man and you'e mange to create FLAMES from just simple heat!" Pyrrus began to try to play down his feat but the proctor wasn't having any of it. Of course the proctor's loud exclamations had grabbed the attention of a few others who had their gazes over when the flame brilliantly erupted. Now the proctor's words had reached them and they all began to whisper among themselves. "So spectacular! Any of the expedition groups would be blessed to have someone so skilled with fire. They wouldn't ever have to worry about and struggles with flames. You pass easily! Nothing else needest to be shown. You're amplification power is brilliant enough to be useful in any expedition." golden eyes scanned around the room and locked eye contact with the many others, no doubtfully discussing him, with smug and impressed looks on their faces. Pyrrus simply stood there and grinned nervously. He was quite unsure if he wanted to be played up this much, maybe he should have been a bit more simple.

[Red Dog Krim]

“Well, what are you waiting for then?” The old man asked as everyone in the room turned to face a direction near the opposite wall. He didn’t really know what was happening over there, but it had certainly been a spectacular show… if the whispers were anything to go by. The firefly embers in the air hinted at fire, perhaps the nutcase from outside had managed to pass this spot as well. If he was correct, which he tended to be, then it was that strange boy with the brown hair. Or, the boy had claimed it was him in so many words.

The wily elder proctor didn’t seem to want to wait around though, so Rashim turned back to the matter at hand. He had requested that the blonde teen amplify any element to his liking, but not just a flashy show, he wanted control, something definitive. With a slight sigh, Rashim pulled the decorative fan from its little holster. “Wind…” The old man stated ambiguously.

“Amplification, and control.” Rashim said to the old man as he opened the fan and flung it out to his right side, back at the crowd. Father had shown him one once, his idea, the great fire serpents with wings that were feared in the eastern archipelago.

The fan produced a small wind which quickly turned into a gale and blew angrily through the other trail examinee’s. Once the wind collided with the wall the dust on the ground was hurled into the air like a fine cloud, but Rashim was not finished there, channeling his mental image and power through the Sigil on his hand the wind collapsed in on itself and began to spin and elongate.

When it was complete, the dust had turned into the image he had seen so long ago, hovering over the heads of the examinees and proctors was a fire serpents with glittering, falling dust for wings. It’s roar was a releasing wind that allowed the dust swirling inside to cascade slowly to the ground, reflecting little rays of light here and there.
“It was sloppy and could use some work, but you pass this stage boy.” The old man said with one of those smiles only old people could pull off. Like he knew much much more than you did, but wasn’t looking down on you. More like he was trying to picture your future and smiled at what he may have imagined to see.

“Thank you.” He said with a bow, then flipped his fan closed, turned, and headed for the next door.

[Aoiki]

The proctor could not seem to get over his fascination with what the dragon had done. He had simply continued to boast Pyrrus' ability to Pyrrus himself before moving to the other proctors. It quickly got into the crowd and everybody's eyes had fallen on him. Pyrrus' own golden eyes sunk to floor as he tried to hide in his own shoulders. Apparently his skill with fire was far to useful to pass up. The proctor said that he should expect a lot of recruitment offers. Pyrrus was a bit nervous since had exaggerated his ability, however he still had the capability so he would be just as useful as he was being boasted to be.

Pyrrus feared being approached by strangers the most at this point. He knew he tended to be loud and outspoken around familiar faces, but like always, his fear of first presenting himself troubled him. But now he also felt hopeful. Honestly traveling alone would be a huge burden to face. But now he had been told he would easily be able to be recruited into some of the best groups. It wasn't as much status as it was that this meant he had more of a chance of himself finding Rin. Maybe he could be recruited into THE group. This though excited and calmed him from the pressures. The two feelings fought inside of him leaving him with a sick feeling in his stomach.

"Excuse me." Pyrrus jumped at the sudden interruption of his thoughts. "Y..Yes!" Honey eyes flowed over to the figure of a woman. "Is it true, you can create spectacular flames from simple heat". "Well..uhh.I.." Pyrrus stuttered. Now he knew he wasn't ready for this. Why couldn't he just be loud and outspoken from the start. "Of course he can! I saw it with my own eyes". "Did you now? Surely there had to be some way else" "No I saw it too and even was told..." Great now people were talking in front of him like he wasn't even there. These two seemed to have distracted themselves with their own argument so the dragonkin simply stepped away.

Pyrrus was walking for the door when a large wind began to blow through the room. The brown shaggy bangs and tufts of hair began to flare around. "what the.." The dragonkin spoke to himself as his golden eyes began to scan around. Then, further in the room, he spotted Rashim holding a fan and doing something strange. was he testing his sigil now as well? The dragon assumed this was his doing since he had been told Rashim was the one that had had created the cortex which had stopped his embers. The wind quickly thrashed around and blew harshly before causing tons of dust to rise into the sky. The wind picked up again and then left an image towering above everyone in the room.

An image of a dragon filled his golden eyes. He store in awe as it animated with wind effects and dust . Everyone was most likely looking at it, it was far to spectacular to ignore. The image remained for a bit before dispersing and then chatter began to fill the room once more. "Wow..." Pyrrus then changed his gaze back to Rashim who had closed his fan and seemed to be proceeding. Sadness filled him up again. Here the two should be celebrating and congratulating for obviously impressing both their spectators. But instead this. Pyrrus also took a mental note of the fact he had made a dragon. Did he know something about them or was he interested in them? This was something perhaps he should bring up to him later...if he ever did speak to him. Pyrrus lowered his head and began to proceed to the next destination.

[Red Dog Krim]

The next trial was simple, easy, almost too much so. A test of strength and or skill. Rashim wasn’t a very strong beastkin, he was of the lesser cat’s not something like a Lion or Tiger. As such, he was agile, fast, and lithe. He would never pack on the muscles that his larger kin would and could, and he was perfectly fine with that. While the oafish were wading around all of their muscles, the blonde would be inside of their defenses and hitting every spot that mattered then out in time to move onto another target. His father had stated that skill outstripped strength in almost every way.

The large double doors that lead back into the main courtyard had people moving in both directions. Luckily, no one deemed him worthy of notice, at least, not the ones going in. Whispers abounded behind him, and he hoped they were about the fire controller near the other side of the room. The air serpent had been a feat naturally, but it wasn’t all that impressive. Circus performers could do better, and usually did. It wasn’t anything meant for ATTACKING, but air wasn’t his best element in the first place. His father had proclaimed that the element was useless for anything aside from petty tricks. Rashim had disagreed vehemently… but only in his mind. One could use any of the elements in so many ways, it merely showed that his father was not ALWAYS right… just most of the time.

The crowd in the small courtyard was much smaller now, and Rashim wasted no time making his way easily to the next set of doors on the far other side of the Courtyard. The last test… he wasn’t worried, but his heart still fluttered lightly. Father would be ashamed.

[Aoiki]

Pyrrus had become overly clouded with to many different thoughts. All of this talk about him was making him nervous. Maybe he had stepped it up too hard and now other would question it. It was strange to hear yourself being talked about, without people knowing you were right there listening. Soon he feared descriptions would get out and people would start noticing him. The tallness of the dragon made it next to impossible to just hide in the crowd. He was easily distinguishable from any one on the crowd. It also didn't help that his proctor had become quite the fan and directed a few people in his favor. For now he would do his best to stay away and simply mind his own business. What better way then to ditch this room and head to the next trial.

The dragonkin decided this was his best course of action at them time and scanned for the next door his proctor had pointed him in after the trial. His golden eyes locked onto the one that matched the description and he headed in that direction. His steps were slow and easy as he walked in no hurry. Pyrrus tended to be lost in his head especially when walking. He had always found it best when he made trips alone or when he'd walk through the forest or up the river alone to get lost in his head. Pyrrus had grown up quite lonely. All he really had was his guardian, and as much of good company that he was, there was something about growing up with friends that made youth much more enjoyable. The dragonkin never really had friends. Of course he considered his guardian his closest friend, but it wasn't the same obviously. Apart from the occasional people that greeted him nicely in the town every once in a while, there was not much more interaction. Nobody else lived out in the forest except him and the scholar. Maybe it would be easier for someone to get over growing apart from a friend, but when that person was the only one you had ever know, it made it harder to let go. Maybe this is why he couldn't stop being depressed over the Rashim situation.

Small memories of their childhood flashed through his head albeit very cloudy. All the recent stress seemed to have an effect on his mind. The dragon was tired and of course it had been a bit since he had eaten. It was not an easy feat to power such a large young man, let alone a dragon! Great his mind always loved to link topics and he had somehow linked to the fact that he was hungry. Of course shortly after his stomach began to rumble. "You think they would offer some food in here.." Pyrrus finally approached close to the door and he retreated from his thoughts while rubbing his head a bit. Now more conscious, he decided he would do this next trial quickly and get some food.

A glimpse of blue caught the honey gaze of the dragon and he quickly move his eyes over. What a chance. Pyrrus had reached the door at the same time as Rashim. Pyrrus eyes widened and he jumped back a bit. "Ohh uh sorry go first..." The dragon backed up a bit to allow room for Rashim to enter the door. His mind was clouded with tons of questions to ask him. Pyrrus wanted to just blurt them all out, but he was afraid to tarnish their relationship any more. He didn't want to see any more of that side of Rashim. "Ohh...I saw what you did with your sigil....That was pretty amazing! I didn't know you had such a skill! Well of course I wouldn't know..It's been so long we were too young with our sigils! I mean I was....we were.. I mean who you're suppose to be....uhhh" Pyrrus closed his mouth. Here he was trying to talk as they were familiar with one another, but of course sadly, the case was different. Now he would surely just see him as a prying annoyance. "That Dragon! That was really something, I didn't know you had such a interest in them, well I mean I shouldn't....It was a cool dragon." Pyrrus honey eyes fell to the floor as his words quieted towards the end of the sentence.

[Red Dog Krim]

Naturally, the doors did not open in any semblance of a timely manner. The next part of the test apparently had a maximum occupancy, and in such time as he was standing there, he got company. The same teen from earlier, he seemed to attract the honey eyed boy like a horse to carrots. “We have to wait for someone to leave first,” Rashim replied while motioning to the door.

Without waiting for the other to respond, and for reasons unknown even to himself he went further… like an idiot. “When I was younger, I didn’t have the training that I have now. And… Dragon’s can be majestic creatures… when they aren’t burning and killing entire villages.” Yeah… he needed to shut up now. This wasn’t like him, and father would certainly not approve of this.

Hesitantly, he finished, father liked it when he was polite at least; he could redeem himself a little bit. “Thank you.”

[Aoiki]

The dragon's heart raced as he waited in silence for the blonde to respond. Would he be sour like before or would he simply brush him off as an annoyance. By now he must of thought he was some creep who was just prying at this point. But Pyrrus hadn't brought up the past and pushed him to remember him so he hoped that it wouldn't set him off. The dragon kin perked up as Rashim began to speak back. His golden eyes lit up as he was pleasantly surprised by this.

"oh of course not….pft who would train that young. Me too remember my dad! He taught me everything a few years after…I mean you should…I mean you don't remember….you shouldn't. " Pyrrus was terrible at this. All he seemed to do was bring up the past when he didn't want to. It was difficult though, he still felt connected to Rashim somehow. "Yeah, I learned a lot about myself and what I could do with fire….." Honey eyes averted to the ground as he became a bit blushed from the embarrassment. He for sure looked even more prying now.

Rashim continued to talk onto the dragons and the dragon himself perked up once more. "Ahh yes they are very majestic creatures" Pyrrus' eyes delighted at the fact that Rashim now had something in common and an interest in Pyrrus himself…even though the cat didn't know it. He continued on to the negatives of some dragons. Of course, people always did. "Well there's good and bad dragons. Just like everything else, just like humans. We all make the conscious decision to be who we want. Just because one does, doesn't make them all. I guess.. it's just ruins the image more when something that can be so destructive chooses to be that way. But humans and others have all done just as much". Pyrrus was passionate, mostly about defending himself. All he did want was a positive image for himself, to make his future brighter. "Ohh huh yeah your welcome, you deserve it!" Pyrrus flashed a large grin over to the evergreen eyes before him.

[Red Dog Krim]

The teen obviously didn’t know his father. The man had questioned which one of his ‘idiot’ parents had decided that he didn’t need to start training on anything yet. Naturally, Rashim had been confused by the question at the time. He’d figured a few things out himself… and with… someone else. Tricks mostly, funny little things children could do for pranks. Shaking unbidden images away from his head, the blonde turned evergreen eyes back over and up into Honey blended ones.

“Those with power may use it how they wish,” His father had taught him that. It was one of the main points of all of their lessons, and one reason the man insisted they learn all they could to boost their martial and magical abilities. He had taken to the practices with fervor, and was in second place on both. His eldest brother was the only one who bested him, and there was no doubt as to which position the elder blonde was in his adoptive fathers mind. He was the best at everything he did, the rest of them could only struggle to pull off a little here and there, managing to come in second in one or two pursuits. Rashim, was not good at the social parts of being in high society, or in general. His elder brother had said that he was too cold, too straight forward, did not take others desires or feelings into account when he spoke. That was probably true, his elder brother was usually right.

The door creaked open and a group of five smiling faces came rushing out, followed by two angry or sad ones. “You two are getting along so well,” the black wolf again, evergreen eyes shot to the direction of the man who had snuck up behind them and waited in silence for the door to open, much as Rashim should have. “Come on then, it seems there are a few openings.” The late teen wolf said with a shooing motion in the direction of the now open doors.

Without another word, Rashim turned and headed inside. Anything else the other two had to say was now inconsequential. With any luck, he was done with them for the time being.

[Aoiki]

Pyrrus shook his head in agreement with Rashim's statement of power. It was a very true statement. Especially in the sense of dragons. Of course every dragon was bestowed with amazing power. So if one choose to use it negatively the impact would come of much more destructive than your average misuse of power, which is why they had such bad reputations. What Rashim had said was true they could choose too burn down whole villages, but it's not like humans and other had never done that to their own extent before. Pyrrus didn't wish to make any more argumentative points. They were already technically agreeing on something....and technically getting along. They had been able to keep conversation and Rashim had not given him the detrimental cold shoulder as he would have expected. Hope filled the dragon.

The door caught the young dragonkin by surprise as it creaked open and few other trial goers exited the room. Some excited and some not as much. Pyrrus gulped again as the thought of presenting himself crossed his mind again. The brown locks on his head rattled as he tried to shake the though from his head. The surprise from the wolf behind them speaking up was enough to distract him momentarily. Strangely he complimented their current interactions as "getting along so well". Pyrrus was unable to detect if this was sarcasm or not. The dragonkin just blushed as the phrase reinforced what he had just thought about earlier, the two were getting along. Even though Rashim had changed and forgotten him, he was still able to at least get along with him. Maybe this was sign they could start anew and maybe Rashim would finally remember.

Being distracted by his own thoughts, Pyrrus had not noticed that the two had entered the room. Golden eyes grabbed onto the entrance way before him. Another trial....nervously the dragon followed in behind them.

Once inside, his honey gaze caught glimpse of the many racks of weapons and other weighty seeming items resting upon various spots of the floor. Pyrrus began to search where Rashim had wandered too. Maybe he could converse some more over the trials or test near each other. Of course before he could even think, he was approached by another proctor. This one was the complete opposite of his last one. Large, bulky, and way more intense looking. If only he could have been just as lucky as before. The proctor quickly took a hold of him and zoned him from the rest of the room.

" You're a tall large boy eh! But all those clothes, they make you look lean, scrawny, like you'll snap!" Pyrrus nervously nodded as if he had no choice to agree with the insults about himself. Of course, he had the proctor that was looking to insult and embarrass his trainee. Pyrrus sure was easy to embarrass, so he felt that this proctor was going to get what he wanted. "So lets get down to it boy, do you have any weapon skills? Anything you'd like to show off, or are your skills as bare as your bones." The dragonkin had never really received weapons training beyond the simple hunting tools of the forest. "Well...Uhhm.. I've never really had any experience with weapons..but I uh.." The proctor interrupted with a booming laugh. "Well I can see no physical strengths and now you say you have no weapon skills! How do you expect to pass this trial!" Pyrrus once again nervously laughed with him as if he was suppose to be agreeing. "Well..I never said I don't have any physical strength I can.." "Boy anybody could see you lack it, with height like this you should build bulky like me! Or else you'll just snap! But very well I guess I have to give you a chance. Let's see if you can hold a sword the size for your height".

The proctor smirked and pulled a heavy looking sword from one of the racks. It was quite long and had a basic design too it. "Here you go, hold this up without your arm snapping off" The proctor placed the hilt into the dragonkins hand and let go, expecting it to drop to the floor. Of course being a dragon had it's strength perks. Pyrrus was definitely stronger than your average beastkin and definitely than any human. Just because he chose to wear this amount of clothes didn't mean he was scrawny. The sword stayed in place in his hand. His arm's didn't shake and this seemed to leave a disappointing look in the proctors eyes "Oh well you can actually hold a sword properly. That doesn't give you enough to pass the trial, someone your height should have far superior strength and I'm going to hold you to your level to pass this trial." The proctor snatched the sword and placed it back. From there he brought a long sword. Pyrrus could tell this was much heavier because even the proctors arms were being a bit shaky. "Here we go a long sword for a long boy!" The proctor smirked again and shakily placed it into Pyrrus' hand expecting his wrist to probably instantly break.

The dragonkin gulped and let the sword transfer to his hand. He didn't know what to expect but he wasn't too worried...he had lifted boulders before when helping his guardian in the forest. There was some strange natural strength from being a dragon. The dragonkin however was worried about how his proctor would react. The sword simply rested into his hands and his golden eyes traced over the proctors face who seemed a bit dumbfounded at this boys ability. This was one of the reasons Pyrrus hated presenting himself, you didn't know how the person expects you to present and how easily it was to disappoint them. Although he realized he shouldn't feel bad since this guy was technically an ass. Surely one of the people leaving disappointed moments before had acquired him as their proctor. "Well you can handle long swords too, but you stated you have no skill with these, so in order for me too pass you your physical strength has to make up for all other lacks". The proctor took the long sword shakily once more and placed it down. He trotted away before returning dragging something along the floor that made a noisy scratch. The proctor reached him huffing a bit. "Here! This war hammer!" He stopped to catch some breath. "Lift it over your head and hold it before slamming it to the ground" The proctor tilted the handle to the dragons own grasp.

Pyrrus looked upon the hammer a bit annoyed. This thing was impractical in all skill an physical strength. The proctor was clearly prying now. Pyrrus rolled his eyes a bit annoyed and let out a sigh. Feeling a bit heated his nervousness began decimate as fire replaced it. The proctor looked on in pity. Pyrrus grasped the handle with both hands taking a deep breath and then lifting the hammer releasing all of his heated breath with his exertion. The hammer carefully raised until it stood floating in the air far above his head. Pyrrus took another deep breath as he held it there for a few seconds before bringing it down to the ground with the release of more hot air from his lungs. The hammer crashed into the floor with a large and loud thunk echoing beyond the room. Pyrrus breathed heavily for a second before glancing his honey gaze back to the proctor who now looked like the embarrassed one. "How....how....you...I...how did you....you..you..pass" The proctor uttered the words and Pyrrus let the handle clank to floor as he quickly retreated to the side of the room. Of course he had to summon some primal instinct to be able to achieve such a feat as that. The heat quietly burned inside of him as he took to the empty part of the room to calm himself down.

[Red Dog Krim]

The room was crowded, naturally, and the proctors seemed to be few. The small group that left had probably been two groups from two separate proctors. Not long after entering, he’d spotted a proctor off to the right leaning against the wall. He seemed to be in his late forties, and had a scar running down the right side of his face. A fiery tempest of hair sat atop his head and around his mouth. As Rashim approached the man he smiled broadly and laughed.

“Well well, one of Lord Lystraan’s boys.” The man said in a boisterous and jovial voice. Evergreen eyes narrowed, he hoped he hadn’t chosen wrong. He did not want a free pass just because of his last name. He wanted to be on this expedition because he deserved it, which he did.

“Yes Sir, I am Rashim Lystraan, the middle child,” he said with a light bow of his head. It was just enough to be respectable to someone who may know more than him in martial arts. He was of higher status than most of those in this city, and Father said that he was supposed to reflect that in the way he greeted people.
“And I’m Daryoon,” the voice of that black wolf that seemed to be following him around.

“I am Arc, I suppose I’ll be your martial proctor,” the man said while turning around and picking up a claymore from the table behind him. When he turned back around he pointed to Rashim, “You first Lystraan. Score a point on me with your blade, you must do it without me scoring three points, and you must manage to not actually inflict any damage to me by accident with your blade. That should be easy for you, no?”

“Of course,” Rashim said while pulling his gleaming steel ‘hand and a half sword’ from his waist and taking the appropriate stance.

The man was on him in an instant, claymore flashing with speed and precision bought with years of hard fought use. Rashim’s blade met the Fire haired proctor’s and was forced down and back. Barely his Sword deflected the massive thing from biting into his shoulder. Spinning lightly on his feet, the blonde moved back around to swing at the man, but the claymore was there to meet his own sword, deflecting it with ease.

He leapt nimbly out of the way and watched as his opponent lazily took up a new position. “You’ll have to put more effort into it than that little lordling.” The man tossed an insult, but Rashim brushed it off for what it was. In ‘duels’ like these the fight could also move into the verbal sphere. It was a ploy to anger him and throw him off guard, so paying it no heed, he dashed in at full speed, ducked nimbly under the man’s quick swing. The room shook violently, unsettling the man’s balance, the blonde took the odd chance presented to him and stuck the point of his blade intot he man’s back lightly, no harm done… so long as he didn’t decided to fall backwards.

How anti-climactic. He’d been either allowed to win, or the man who seemed more proficient with his weapon had made a simple mistake. He was going to aim for the original, but the odd shaking and loud crash had perhaps thrown the man for a loop. It was odd, what could have caused such a thing…

“hmm, you pass. Much as I hate to admit it already,” the fire haired man stated before turning back to his desk and pulling a scroll from it. “Take this to the central office. They’ll add you to the roster of participants in the Expeditions. From there, you’ll have to form your own group, or join one already in the making. They will explain the rules and regulations for it. Now go on, I’ve got others to test.”

The man didn’t seem happy, but Rashim was fighting back the butterfly’s in his stomach, he’d passed. Sure, it was inevitable, but still he had passed. Was he not allowed to be happy for such a thing? “Of course,” he said with a light nod of his head after all but snatching the paper from the outstretched hand.

[Aoiki]

The edges of the young man's head ached a bit. Leaning his rear against the wall and bending over, the dragonkin placed his hand upon his brow. Slightly he rubbed back and forth to alleviate some of the ache. Using his power could be tiresome, especially in strong burst like that. Not to mention he had been traveling all morning and training. Also it had been a while since he had eaten. That's where he could mainly tell his light headed feeling was coming from. For sure when this was over he would get something to eat and probably take a nap. It wasn't easy being a large boy, also a dragon, with out some large energy intake.

Before the dark haired youth could fully collect himself he was interrupted by the familiar gruff voice of the proctor that had just tested him. "Aye, Boy". The honey glazed eyes of the boy rolled through their sockets before opening and scanning up to the proctor approaching him. Still leaning back and over he lifted his head to make eye contact with him.

"Uhh..hi again" What else was he going to say. Surely they didn't want to converse with each other after that display. "Uhh Sorry, you still seem a bit off about the whole thing. We just gotta test the recruits and have some fun and....yeah. Anyways I got so distracted with what you did there! You made the whole room shake! That boom was loud enough to knock anybody standing to close back from simply the force! I think you even managed to crack through the floor!" Pyrrus looked at him but didn't have an emotion to express. All he was doing was what the people were telling him to do, and some how they were making a spectacle of it. "It...it was nothing I just did what you asked" The proctor let out another boom of a laugh. "Nothing? That sure was something that we didn't expect any of the recruits to do today! You blew us away!" Pyrrus gave a questioning look. "Us?" The proctor looked back to him "But of course, some of my colleagues who were told and even saw, not to mention the whole room who felt the effect"

The proctor lifted his hand to the young man. "Here it is! " Golden eyes locked onto the item in the hand, a scroll. "Take this to thee central office to let them know you passed, which you did with flying colors. There they'll enroll ye in the expedition. Then you can be on your way, even join up with a group. Word does travel round here quickly. I'm sure plenty of people be wanting you to join their group. You can get yourself in a good spot". The proctor handed him the scroll and bid him farewell.

The dragonkin looked upon his palm where the scroll laid. There it was, his token of passage. The young man had done it. He had made it through all of these surprise trials and he was on his way to begin his expedition. A second wind hit him and filled him with joy. He jolted up from the wall with a grin on his face. Somehow he'd managed to tackle through the first part of his adventure. Even with all the curves thrown at him he had done it. He didn't know why but he felt that he was on his way to something big now.

Now all he had to do was go hand this over and he could begin the rest of his adventure. The proctor's words re entered his mind. Apparently he had also impressed this proctor a little too much too. The proctor said for sure the word would get around. Hopefully the word would spark anything foul to come towards him. Pyrrus shook his head. No he was happy, he wasn't going to let his toxic pessimistic thoughts take over this time.

The proctor had also mentioned that he could join a group and he should have no trouble too find a good one apparently. The dragonkin had not thought about this at all before. A group... That would be something new. Pyrrus never really had ever done anything in a group effort before. The question of should he take this into thought began to flood him. With a group traveling sure would be a lot easier. He wouldn't have to be lonely. There would be more versatility in situations. His chances of succeeding would also be higher. On the other hand he would have to present himself to a group of people, prove worthy, perhaps get mixed up in something foul, or maybe he might even be putting his group in danger if something was to happen with his dragon side.

Both sides were equally compelling. This would be a tough decision to make, but he had time to make it. For now he would go turn this sheet in, then get something to eat and relax for the rest of his day. The dragonkin placed the scroll in his jacket and stretched out a bit. The excitement had made him feel quite a ways better. Golden eyes turned to the door and the young boy set his body in motion for it. Walking past a few other proctor stations his eyes caught Rashim in another part of the room receiving a scroll from his proctor as well. The dragonkin let out a hot sigh. If only he could run up to him and congratulate him and the two could celebrate together. Of course he couldn't now. His eyes locked onto the blonde boy and saddened a bit as he yearned for Rashim to only remember him. Imagine, the two still friends celebrating their victories before heading out on an adventure of a life time together. If only. That would definitely be group he would join. 'If Only' he thought once more. The golden gaze scanned the bit for a bit more before slowly falling back to the door. Letting out another hot sigh, the dragonkin made ways to it.

[Red Dog Krim]

The Slow and steady strides did not betray the inner feelings of the Golden eared cat. His tail threatened to ‘pop’ out at any moment, and he was having a harder time than he thought possible containing his happiness. Father would be displeased in this situation. He had to be in control, calm, and collected at all times. Sure, he appeared as such outwardly as he stopped at the double doors before pushing them open. Outward appearances would only fool the man for so long. He must strive for outward AND inward calm. Not an easy feet with the constant eruptions of butterfly’s.

After stepping through the doors he shook his head lightly letting blonde hair free from its neatly done trimmings, and soft golden ears ‘popped’ up on his head. He could not care less for the fact at this point in time, his father WASN’T THERE. He was free of the man for a time, he was not going to be under the constantly scrutinizing blue eyes gaze. “I thought I smelled cat coming from you.” The voice of the black wolf brought him down from the momentary high.

With ears now perked up he turned back to face the teen… that was following him. The piece of crumpled parchment in his hand showed that he had passed. Good for him… Rashim supposed. He had not seen any of the raven haired wolf’s trials, so he didn’t know much about him other than that he was a bit of a stalker… or simply interested in whatever Rashim was up to. “I do not see you’re point.” The blonde stated and turned back to the matter at hand - getting to the central doors in the courtyard.

The place was still rather full, or rather… was back to being nearly full. They had not been there long, but it was definitely past time for afternoon feeding - lunch. His stomach was not demanding sustenance just yet, so he would easily be able to last a short time longer before heading that way.

The largest oaken double doors loomed before him, the main building leading up into the spire high above. It would not e long now.

[Aoiki]

Pyrrus pressed through the doors back to the room he had been in before. Not much had changed beyond new faces with the proctors now. He wondered how many of them would soon be in the same position he had been before. It was hard to believe just this morning he was a lost traveler in a huge city. Not knowing much beyond the fact that he wanted to sign up for expedition. Now here he was, passed through trials he had no knowledge of before hand, on his way to sign up. The joy was overwhelming. Thinking back to the morning he had left his home, he remembered how he and his guardian had separated for the first time. How uneasy it was for the both of them. Yet they managed to part with just reassuring smiles on their faces. Pyrrus gleamed at how proud he would be. Thinking about the adventure being over was quite exciting already he had so much to tell him. Maybe even about Rashim. The dragonkin was sure he would remember him. Would he even want to keep that in his head was the question.

Golden honey eyes regained focus as they looked around the room. Okay....which was the way to the central office. The dragonkin pondered a bit. Why didn't they offer tour guides to people new to the city or place some signs or something! This was too much. Now here he was, a lost little dragon once again. Pyrrus let out a deep breath and slumped with defeat. The tiredness all re entered at one time and he just wanted this to be over once more. Too eat something and sleep a long time.. "Oh hello again" The familiar voice startled him again. His golden gaze quickly locked on too the young woman that had guided him before. "Uhh hi there" Pyrrus smiled a bit. "You always seem to find me when I'm lost...could you help me find the central office" The dragonkin placed his hand on the back of his head and let out a helpless chuckle.

The young woman smiled and nodded her head. "You do always seem to be lost around here! Perhaps you should find yourself a travel buddy." Pyrrus blushed a bit with embarrassment. "Would I suffice? I was headed there myself for some things, I can show you the way." The young woman kept her cheerful look on her face. "Re..Really! That would be great, I'd probably get lost if you just told me anyways." Pyrrus stuttered a bit in awe with the kindness this lady offered. " Uhh Uhh..oh manners....My names Pyrrus. THANK YOU!" The bright haired woman smiled and motioned for Pyrrus to follow. "Ahh Nice to meet you Pyrrus. I can finally put a name too your face and all those stories. I've been hearing a lot about someone who matches your description doing superb in these trials. I only assumed it was you. You're very easy to find in a crowd." The draonkin had begun trailing behind her. "Uhh..yeah...It seems that way...I don't really know what I did." A giggle left her small mouth as she lead on. "I'm Lyirah" She quickly faced forward and lead on.

Golden eyes looked downwards upon the female before them. 'Lyirah'. His gaze had caught that she was a very pretty girl. Very polite and very controlled. She had the small mouth and the small voice you would expect from someone with her small frame, yet the officialness of a city worker about her. Pyrrus gulped, overlooking her as he followed close behind her.

She lead him to large oaken doors before stopping, then turning to him with same cheery look on her face. "Well these doors will take you right through to the central office. I remember now that I had some other business to take care of before I made my way there." She smoothed out her dress and bowed before him. "It was nice engaging with you once again Mister Pyrrus. I hope great things enthrall you upon the rest of your adventure in this city. Hopefully we may meet again". She smiled and headed off from the door. in another direction. "you..too!" was all the young man managed to reach to her. Had she really needed to come here? Or had she just wanted to bring Pyrrus here?.

The dragonkin let the maiden float in his mind for a second more before looking back at the door. By far, it was the largest door he had seen in this place. For sure it led somewhere as important as the central office. Pyrrus thanked the girl mentally before pressing through the doors. In just moments he would be part of the expedition and on his way.

[Red Dog Krim]

It was over and done, finally. Rashim had managed to turn the rolled parchment over and was officially ‘licensed’ as an expedition member. Now, he had stepped back out into the sun, he couldn’t go home, but with the small funds he had been given he could at least get started on his journey. Food came first, his stomach had begun to growl before during the long boring two hours that he had been stuck waiting to finish the sign up. At the time he had noticed both of the two people that had been ‘following’ him through the trials, but ignored them as best he could. After the meal came the gathering of camping and other necessary supplies. Traveling alone would be a hassle, but he did not think sticking around in the city to team up with random people would suit him. He could always find others at the next check in one month from now at any of the other government offices affiliated with the Expedition.

An evergreen gaze caste about to be sure that wolf and the giant weren’t tailing him… to no avail, it seemed that both of them were nearby. How was he supposed to avoid them if they were so close by, he wasn’t his second youngest brother. That boy could sneak in and out of anywhere.

A way out… a way out… His gaze continued to search for just that. A way out, and to some food.

[Aoiki]

The dragon kin continued through to the doors he had been shown to and made his way to the central office. Once there it was simple enough. Wait a bit in the line and then turn your scroll in. The young man perked up as it became his turn. He quickly handed the scroll over and he was officially part of the expedition. The excitement hit him all again as he was simply dismissed.

The young dragon made his way out of the office with the large grin that his face was accustomed to. For some reason every step of progression had become more and more exciting. But now, his progression was fully completely. He had passed through all the trials, with very good results apparently, and he had turned in his scroll. Now it was official and that seemed to trump all other moments of excitement. What was wrong with being proud with your own achievements? That's all the reason the dragon needed to excuse his excitement. A large rumble manage to cut through his little joyous moment.

Golden eyes followed down to to he source of the noise. The golden gaze soon made contact with the stomach of it's owner. Another large rumble erupted from it. Pyrrus slumped a bit and placed his hand over his stomach. Oh yeah! He remembered. He was starving. Well now that all and all was settled, it was about time to grab some celebratory food. The tall boy had been waiting hours to eat. Now all he had to do was find a good place. Where could that possibly be in the huge city.

The dragon kin continued to make his way from the central office as he mapped out thoughts. It sure sucked being alone and unfamiliar in a city. Pyrrus found himself constantly lost. Maybe he could find his lovely lady friend from before, and they could share a meal. But finding her would be just as difficult. He slumped at the thought of the exertion and effort he would have to put to navigate through the city once more. Pyrrus whined to himself about how hard that would be on an empty stomach.

Back out to where the sun shone upon him the dragon squinted. He was immune to the heat but he for sure wasn't to then light intensity. Pyrrus puffed a bit and looked around. For the first time his guardian angel was not their to surprise and help him. He sighed, of course not this time. His large stomach rumbled louder. Well now he hardly cared if he even found a good place. The first place he passed that had something edible would be devoured and ravaged by the dragon. In a much more civil normal way of course. Pyrrus pouted a bit more before deciding to be on his way. Honey eyes opened again from the pouted expression and scanned around.

Surprisingly they caught site of a blonde head if hair...with cat ears. Pyrrus' honey gaze shot yo the face revealing Rashim. Somehow he managed to keep bumping into him without even trying. Although it wasn't really surprising since they had such a common track right now. But something else ignited the dragon'a interest. The ears! Pyrrus had kept hold of himself and calmed himself because he had not seen Rashim's ears. That was the only doubt in his mind that it might be someone else because the Rashim he knew wasn't human. But now before him stood the familiar boy with his ears exposed. There was no doubt that this was him now. Pyrrus became intensely ignited once more. All he had to do was get Pyrrus to remember him or admit he did remember her and just chose to no longer associate with him.

The dragon made eye contact with him and wondered what step to take next. He wanted to just jump the boy and point out the ears and how he could've know about them if he didn't know from before. But the way Rashim had been acting it seemed wiser to be calm. Pyrrus decided to be more casual about their current situation. The dragon approached him with his large grin. "EY, again. I keep bumping into you, I guess were on the same track with this whole thing! I saw you get your scroll. Congrats! Now we're both officially part of the expedition." Pyrrus gave him a thumbs up and continued to eye his ears. "I'm really glad.." A large rumble erupted from his stomach again. Food... Everyone needed to eat. Rashim had to be hungry by now too. "Haha...sorry about that. I'm just really hungry haven't had a chance to eat through all these trials. Are you familiar with city? I'm not very...well not at all. By chance would you know somewhere good to eat." Pyrrus hoped he would be hungry as well and offer to show him to a place, maybe there he could approach more subjects with him.

[Red Dog Krim]

No, no, no, no don’t look over at him, don. Crap. He was destined to run into this guy again and again and again it seemed. What was he, metal and the other a magnet? Next thing you know he would be trying to… why was he walking over here. Rashim sighed inwardly, he knew why, he really did. This brown haired fellow seemed to think that they had been friends once before, and he was adamantly persistent about it. Just because you were friends with someone before did not mean you could merely pick up where you left off after… however many years it had been.

The teen spoke as their eyes stared into each other, or… as Rashim’s ever green gaze remained polite by staring way up to the other’s. Yes, he was right, they could be on the same track… or he could be stalking him still for reasons unknown, though money was probably involved. And a thumbs up, really? He definitely wasn’t getting rid of this giant any time soon. He would probably follow him around for the rest of the day.

The boy could talk, he would give him that. The only other person Rashim knew that talked that much was his second younger brother. The one that was popular with everyone, he’d been in the trails earlier chatting with a group of who knew who. Breaking his gaze away from those honey eyes he looked around and noted that at least the black wolf was missing. “I know a good cheap place, follow me if you’d like.” Were his only words before brushing lightly past the teen and heading out into the crowd. If the other boy lost him, then he was on his own.

[Aoiki]

The young dragon waited nervously for an answer. Rashim could either be courteous and offer to show him to a place or simply turn him down being done with his antics. Pyrrus kept eye contact with the evergreen eyes before him until they finally turned away. Pyrrus' heart stopped at what might come next. Luckily he actually offered to show him to a place. The young dragonkin's jaw almost dropped open. He didn't expect him to so easily offer. He had expected him to be more annoyed that he was coming around again. Pyrrus sat there with a loss of words for a moment. Honey eyes stared into disbelief. Rashim than began heading into the crowd. "Oh.. Rea..Really" His eyes widened. " I would love......I mean that would be great".

The dragonkin perked up as his honey gaze followed Rashim into the crowd. He grinned, even more excited now. All he could think of was Wow, this was going better than expected. Maybe he did kind of remember him and that's why he was sort of giving him his time of day. Why else would he invite him a long. If he had been tired or annoyed with him he would've ignored him completely. The whole situation was quite confusing and didn't make much sense, but Pyrrus hardly cared. He was about to spend some time with his old friend. The dragon realized he had begun to step away into the crowd, and he quickly followed behind him.

[Red Dog Krim]

The trek was thankfully quiet, though that may have been due to his pace through the crowded streets. Rashim forced his head to continue looking in the direction he was headed, and not turn back to the possible follower. Their destination had been a ways off when he’d first set out, and the light grumblings in his stomach told him that he should have eaten a while back. The governmental district did not have anything other than government offices, so if one was foolish enough to not bring food along, then one had to walk all the way back to the commercial or Merchant District.

The blonde preferred a nice, small place in the Merchants quarter. He was partial to their roasted tuna, though the Lamb was also very good, when prepared one specific way. He had to wonder if the teen following him around could read, or if he was going to have to explain everything to him. He certainly wasn’t buying the honey eyed boy anything. He could sit there and watch Rashim eat if he had already lost his Expedition funds, or anything else he may have brought.

Finally, the restaurant came into view, well it couldn’t really be called a restaurant. The small ‘hovel’ was just an open front wall with a few stools hanging out in front of a bar for anyone to take. The light brown canvas awning gave some shade and protection from most any elements that may come along. “Elmiire, you’re slow right now,” Rashim stated more than questioned as he took one of the six free seats. With there only being 10 seats total, one would think that he would have a line… at least, with all of these people filling the streets thanks to the Expedition Trials.

“Yeah, you caught us at a good time, barely had a break all morning.” A rather rotund man in a stained blue apron stated as he glanced up from the meat like object he was currently cooking.