[Rosekitten]

Warning: Mature themes may be present in this tale. Though this might be more in place of gore and violence. Either way you hath been warned~!




Martreath Fell, a small but sturdy little town tucked away in the hills and valley that lead into the mountains. Just north of the town as the vast range dwarfed the day to day life that rested under it's watchful eye. The town was named after a great beast that once fought here and fell in battle to another lord of the sky. It's remains long forgotten about and the stories faded through the years. Though some still recall the tale. Most think the area is cursed but others call it home. Elders of the town will say the great spirit still guards it's valleys to this day. These legends and tall tales are part of the reason a recruitment post is stationed here. Near most elements it makes for an elite training ground and is open to most races. So long as they manage to live through the trek to reach this tucked away place.

This town was also one that sat very close to the kingdom of Elventonia. A well off kingdom with a strong ruler. There had been eras of peace in the lands thanks to the current ruler. Even the more hostile races seemed to accept certain terms and conditions to either follow the rules of the lands or agreeing to not tread cross the boarders. Though the years of peace made some believe the kingdom was soft.. it's military was still held in very high regard by most neighboring kingdoms.

It was the time again for recruitment to start for the year and each year had a decent turn out. Of course certain posts had better results than others. This one had a low turn out rate but those who did manage to pass or maybe a better word would be survive the training would be in a rank far superior to most of the other branches in the kingdom. Any that were late would not be allowed to take place in the try outs. Those in charge here knew right away if you would be worth their time in training or not and didn't think twice about booting someone back to their home after this trip.

The head instructor was one of the retired or so called retired lead commanders in the forces of Elventonia. He was stalking the lines walking back and forth as he barked out this and that some basic expectations, rules. All the basic stuff that if you came here you already read up on or knew. Some looked ready to feint now just listening to the list go on and on while others were better prepared for the pressure being exerted here.

"Taking bets?" Was what someone said under their breath to a larger looking human who stood next to him. The larger of the two had to hide the bit of a smirk he seemed to flash for a second only nodding enough to show he agreed to whatever they seemed to be talking about. He was trying to hide any amusement that was for sure. Messing up on day one, heck before day one was even started wasn't the way to get on the instructors good side.

The taller of the two was a Norde, dusty brown hair that was pulled back and the build of a small wall. Ok not quite a wall but most had to think twice before they went up against a Norde, even on a good day. They were known to be berserker types in combat and hitting them only made them all the more angry and ready to kick your face in. They made great guards just as a deterrence for someone to act up at most events.

The one who was next to him was a more uncommon race. Least not one of the races you saw on the surface areas. A dark elf with crimson hair and amber gold eyes. It was already odd one of his kind would be willingly attending something like this, talking to a Norde just made things all the more strange.

There was various other races, though most of the group was elves of the kingdom and humans who also mainly shared these lands. Of course this outcome could have just been at this location. All the while the instructor still going over what was expected and what they should prepare for in the trial to see if their pathetic looking arses were even staying through the night.

"With that you are dismissed for now. I suggest you whelps get yourselves prepared." At this time a older looking female clad in armor stood forth and spoke. "Let it also be a reminder that if you fail the trial the group with you fails and you will all be sent home. You are here to train to be soldiers! Cooperation is key to seizing victory on the battlefield. There will be no heroes of war." With that she gave a salute before following the head instructor to a tent where they could further discuss the trial and probably certain recruits they already picked out who would fail.

Once the two were out of sight a few of recruits seemed to get weak knees. One complaining already about how stupid this was. There was just a lot of noise going on if Thalion had to be honest about it. "Well prepared to lose that bet?" The Norde seemed to laugh slapping the dark elf on the shoulder. "Just means I'm buying dinner again if it happens." Yep odd was a good word for those two. No one befriended a dark elf lest they wanted some death wish or enjoyed looking over their shoulder.

"But enough about that. We need to find a few extra bodies.." Felix seemed to catch himself. "Rather others who can put up with you.." Thalion didn't seem as entertained with that comment as the Norde was. Felix smirking at the scowl he got. "Oh it's not that bad. You said you wanted to get some training.. Could always go back now and work for-" He was cut off as Thalion scoffed and waved the larger male off to not finish his words. "Not even if six of the seven hells froze at once and the already frozen one turned to fire an brimstone.. I follow your ass here because you didn't want to go alone. Oh lets not forget that you are avoiding your wedding by being here." Felix sighed heavily holding both hands up as if admitting defeat. "I could go on." Thalion decided to add with a bit of a cocky smirk.

[Pinkie]

Recruitment day, what a joke! If you ever wanted to see the largest group of dead people welcome to recruitment day! Thats what this years men looked like. Over the years one could look and judge to see who would and would not pass. Then some seemed to be a mystery. That was his thought at least as he himself looked over the men that began to gather around in the yard. He himself stayed off to the side. Why? So he could see every single man and women who entered the training yard and also so he could tell who he wanted on his team.

You see he had an edge on everyone. Seeing how these things turned out year after year was a bonus in this aspect so when he was forced to be here and actually partake in the training he would know what to look for. Most were humans that came through. Some were big and well built but most were scrawny and more then likely failing. Then something caught his eye as a giant male walked through the gate. Not human but a norde. Very far and few between do you see them down this low off the mountain. However it was who walked in next that really caught his eye. A drow... of all things. "How interesting..." He said lightly more so to himself then anything. "Sir?" He heard to his right and he lightly shook his head and dipped his ears. "Its nothing." He said before heading out into the groups.

From there they were lined up and gave the normal talk through. Then the lines parted with the orders of a group and so on and so fourth. Watching the people who came here with each other pair up he gave a smile. "Come Luna." Mizuki said softly as simple padded feet took him to his destination. "Well. It seems as though we have no choice but to pair with the drow and norde." Mizuki said as he approached the two. "Mizuki. Luna." He said gesturing to the female beside him. She stood tall and regal. Black horns bent down and along her head as white hair flowed long around her. Black scales covered most of her pale cream skin and along slender spiked tail lightly thrashed behind her.

Mizuki on the other hand had a different approach. Light lavender eyes and pail skin. Long pointed ears and long white hair tied back in a braid that reached just below a well toned ass. Black leather pants held everything in shape and a black shirt hung loosly on his upper body. Light leather guards sat on his shins and arms. "And who might you be? Its very interesting I must say to find.." Here he paused a moment as he looked at the two. "...your kind this far into the kingdom." He said looking at them. "That goes for the pair of you." He said with a smirk.

[Rosekitten]

Well this was slim pickings. The whole reason they decided to go to this recruitment area was because of the stories of how damn hard it was to get here. Half of the group here looked ready to drop dead if anyone wanted to ask Thalion's opinion on it. Of course he'd have to care more than he did to bother voicing it. Literally the plan was to stick around a little bit and ditch this little set up after Felix got tired of trying to be some great warrior. Not that he could blame the guy. Felix's grandfather was well known as a strong warrior. Just the stories faded over the years. Felix was just trying to prove everyone wrong, that he could do this.

Thalion on the other hand had zero desire to get turned into the kingdoms loyal pet. Though he was no push over. His own parents having legacies of their own. Both paths he refused to walk down just to spite their memory. But he held little concern that anyone would figure out his past. No one kept too many tabs on his kind unless they hailed from the underground.

He was about to say something when a voice cut him off and he shot a bit of a glance to see who it had come from. Oh great.. Clean cut, new gear. What was this one babbling on about? Crossing his arms he listened to the white haired one speak up giving out the name of himself and the.. was that a dragonkin?! Oh hells. That was his first thought. How he hated a dragon, personal experiences lead to that but the Dark elves enslavement periods in history didn't help the winged lizards and their enjoyment of being around his race.

Felix was ready to step right up in the whole greeting thing. "Felix Esteed. My clan's home is in the deep North." Giving Thalion a moment Felix seemed to laugh like he was amused or expected the silence. "The ray of sunshine here is Thalion Lo-" A sudden elbow made him drop the last name. "Heritage is a waste of breath. To finish this and answer that burning question. Exiled." That was one of the few lies he would say. Felix sighed at this just hearing it.

The pair were dressed properly for something like this. Felix in mostly chain and heavy armor, though styled in Norde fashion to allow free movement. Thalion was in a mix of lighter plate with leather. The larger of the two dawning a battle axe and the dark elf from the looks of it being duel blades. Probably first assumption is rogue or least a thief type in skills. The common assumption from most towards his race.

"Bah where or why you are here isn't that important now." Felix tried to speak up to get rid of the sudden tense air. A bit guilty of causing it himself by forgetting Thalion hated his name and had almost no recollection of how he ended up outside of the dark elven city. He always said exiled but.. they normally killed those they exiled.

Given there seemed to be no other recruits Thalion shrugged at the make up. "Great an over grown human, a cave dweller, pale skin and a dragon.. what could go wrong." He sighed a bit. Though Felix laughed clapping Thal's shoulder. "You worry too much for yer own good. Just think you have a few weeks to win that bet." Though a bit of a shrug was all Felix got before the two that had vanished into the tent came back and started speaking again. Probably sizing up the groups now. That would make or break some of the recruits here.

"You all start the trial at the same time. The only goal is to get to the other side by any means and to stay together as a group." The ex commander speaking of this as he walked between the various groups and sizing each other. Only halting for a moment at the odd make up of a few groups.

"You will start at the pass down in this valley. The goal is to make it to the top of the shortest mountain. If Martreath blesses you and your party you'll make it there without frost bite. Stragglers will be escorted back after tomorrow. You have till tomorrow eve to be at the marker.. You are dismissed and will await trials to begin. Plan accordingly."

The female who had spoken before walked over to the group as she seemed to have a stern expression on her face. She knew something but she didn't let on to it. "You will have to manage with one short. I expect the rules to be followed." That seemed more directed at one person in the group than anything else. When she walked off Thalion seemed to shoot a bit of a glance towards Felix. "So .. dinner was it?" Felix sighed nodding. "Guess I don't have to spend a week trying to win that bet anymore." Thalion laughed.

"Still have to finish this before you are cut lose." Felix said, almost a hint of regret in the words. He knew Thal didn't want to be here and the sole reason was because of him. "Yeah yeah caves, mountains.. You act like it'll be hard." Felix shrugged looking to the two that seemed to be joining them. "Maybe.. we should plan to be as quick as possible and prepare in case of the worse." Suggesting a bit more in the supplies department. The trial was set up to where you could take whatever supplies you wanted with you. So long as you could carry it.

[Pinkie]

Mizuki stood there as he looked to the large male. "Felix. Common but not so much now adays in the tribes up north. Your line must be an old one." He said with a tilt of his head. There could be alot to learn from this male and about more then one thing. But that didnt take his attention more then the interruption of the drows name. Thalion lo... thats all he got. There was alot of names with the start of lo. That was going to drive him nuts! Though not as much as the fact that most exciles from drows were killed before they left the kingdom. Either that or they escaped and died in the mountain caves trying to get out. Curious.

However before Mizuki could say anything the leaders were back saying there last bit and all the while Mizuki just tuned them out. He had heard it so many times before it meant nothing to him at the moment. Have to complete as a team. So that would mean that he would have to watch out for everyone. The last talk and they were dismissed for the night as the travel up and down the mountain would start at first light. After the leads walked away he turned to them. "I suggest the pair of you get what is needed and some rest. I need you alive to get through this." With that he moved and pushed himself between them having Luna fallow. As he walked away he could only smirk at the curses Thalion threw out behind him.

There was some herbs he needed to stalk up on before this trip so that was what he did first. After that a few light meats and breads and he himself was finished. Meeting back with Luna they pitched a spot in a clearing near camp and called it a night. Mizuki rose early. As he did he gathered what was needed including Luna and headed for the base of the mountain. It was a about an hours walk from the town to the meeting point and when they got there no one was around. "People. Always waiting until the last minute." He said with a shake of his head. Hell it was sad when they even beat the instructors there. Just when he was about to make a little camp there was a rustle in the trees behind him and with a twitch of an ear he smirked. "A little late this morning are you not?" Mizuki said and looked over his shoulder as he gave Thalion a look just to piss him off.

Getting the curse he was expecting he turned and faced him. "Just remember that sadly I do need you to stay alive so ill slow my pace just for you." Here he gave a little smile that was mocking in the highest order. His ears dipped up and his lavender eyes perked a bit. "Okay pumpkin?" He said in an almost sing song voice. Thalion however didnt think it to be funny and tried to retaliate when the commander walked through the trees. "Team work is not egging one on." He said in a stern voice as if chastising a child. Mizukis ears dipped and he turned his head. "Yes sir." He said almost grumpy before turning.

"Early birds get the worm however." The commander said as he turned to the group. "Since you are the first full group here you reek the benefits." With that he walked forward and passed over a little vile. "You will know what its for when its needed. With that I bid you safe travels and an ado." With that he pointed to the gate. "I would start walking if I was you. And I will see you in about six days. Five if you hurry and four for a new record." With that he turned and stood at the entrance waiting for the other groups. Mizuki sighed. "Might as well get this over with." Turning he didnt say another word as he began walking towards the gate then up the east side of the mountain.

[Rosekitten]

"Tsk shove off!" Of course that was followed by a few curses and insults directed at the race Mizuki was. "Need us alive.. Who in the seven hells dose this guy get off-" Felix laughed cutting Thalion off. "Let it go, you're not even planning on staying. We'll get through the sign ups and trial and you can happily leave like your planning." Thal sighed heavily but still was pretty furious at this.. what was he a noble? Only damned nobles acted so stuck up their arse like this. That or maybe the son of some general. Also possible. Either way Their team had an advantage. Felix was right though. He planned to leave. First chance he got once this whole team bull was over with and Felix was in the group as an official recruit.

Regardless supplies were easy. Felix had the bad joke they didn't need fire starter as Thalion gave him a glare that very well may have killed most. Sleep didn't come easy, though it never did in random locations. Probably not a real surprise if what Thalion said about his past was true. Being an exile would explain a lot of his actions. If it were so simple. He gave up on getting so called rest in the middle of the night. Getting up and figuring a walk would at least keep him from going stir crazy. Being left alone to his thoughts never ended well and he couldn't afford anything to happen before the trials even began.

Of course said walk turned into scouting of the first part of the trail and meeting back up with Felix who was still sound asleep. "You'd sleep through the ground crumbling beneath you..." With some effort he managed to get the over grown male up and moving finally. The next task was tracking down.. What he'd say his name was? Oh hells if he cared.

The greeting they got was what he expected though, not that it pissed him off any less. Sure he was ready to deck this guy. Felix was already nudging him to hold back. That ended as soon as pumpkin left the pale skins mouth. Luckily the retired general stepped and and spoke. Pretty much scolding the pair of them though Thalion was ready to almost be impressed if it was directed more at Mizuki.

"Not sure I want to bother telling him." Felix sighed as he followed Thalion when he finally moved. "Can you at least try to be nice today? The weathers good and there isn't any signs that it'll change for the next day or so." Thalion shrugged before speaking up. But only because the sooner this was over the better. "The first part of the expected path is clear, till the tunnels. After that the main passage is blocked by the mountain giving way and climbing is something I suggest against. Least you want to be buried alive." Hey it was a fair suggestion. Who better knew how caves and mountains worked than the races who lived in them.

Not that he was happy either way. No he was ready to be done with this group and be on his way back home. Rather where he called home. There was the amused thought that even being a member down from the expected five they could pull off the four days if they got lucky with one of the tunnels and all went well. But why would it be that easy?

[Pinkie]

He couldnt believe that he as being forced into this. But when something happens and your father demands it one cant really say no. Well some could but not Mizuki. "Your thinking to much." The voice to his side drew his attention and his ears dipped a bit. "Yes I know." He said lightly. "Though I cant help it at times." With out even looking to his feet he jumped over a fallen log and turned to look at Luna at his side. "You know as well as I that his goal from this wont be accomplished." Here he shook his head a little. "His hopes are to high." With that he picked up his pace a little and walked out in front of everyone. He was done talking for the moment.

From there a few days had past with nothing more then a little raid here and there. Mizuki honestly thought that the test and trials would offer more then this. In his mind he was a little disappointed. Reaching the caves they stopped at the base of a cliff. Pausing Mizuki stood there and leaned the stone of the cliff side waiting for the rest of the group to catch up. "As much as I hate to admit it I can not make this choice alone." Mizuki said as the group came into view. "Do we go through the caves or do we climb higher then down the other side?" It was a tie in his mind thinking about it. Going through the caves would cut time off there travels by at least a few days. However the chance of hitting a drake or other mountain dwelling creature was high.

Luna grunted a little "I say we go through. With our ability together we should be able to make it through and get the drow to the other side." Here she gave a little snort of laughter. Thalion naturally gave his input on the subject and Mizuki growled a little. "Its not a time to joke." He said to both of them. "Either we go through the caves or we go over which is it?" Mizuki looked to them. "We have one for through. Anyone else have a vote? Either way we have to get there." Mizuki said as he crossed his arms causing his ears to dip down a little.

[Rosekitten]

Thalion tried to bite his tongue through the next few days though it didn't go as smoothly as planned. Luna as he came to know the dragon-kin got under his skin far more than he should let her. Though soon enough they were traveling again. All the pointless trials and tests. To what end? Still he had to remind himself that he was here to help Felix not get stuck with some worthless group or a bunch would for sure fail the over all trial.

Once more Luna seemed to get at him. "Tsk.. right because my one use is when we're in caves. Thanks." He had more but Mizuki cut him off so he dropped it for now. Hell he had half a thought to drag the lot of them deep into the caves if the paths would allow and just leave them there. He could easily get him and Felix out.

Regardless to pull the conversation back Felix chimed in. "Through would be faster and while this isn't a race.. it looks a hell of a lot better if we're the first through or to finish." Couldn't argue there. "It's not the right season for a drake ta be nesting up in the caves so we shouldn't have too much trouble."

Thalion shrugged a little. "Sounds like cave exploring is the popular choice. As thrilling as that sounds.. I am all for proving that stuck up general a thing or two." Ok so his reason was a personal one but at least it was an attempt at working as a group. Over the last few days Thalion had more than one run in with the two leading this little training camp. Most of the so called jabs from the ones in charge were based on race and past experiences with said race. Thalion hated one thing it was being tossed to the said and people assuming what they had no idea about.

It was mentioned that over may be safer but with the clouds over head there was a good chance of a storm so that took care of the over option. If the storm shifted this way the last place you wanted to be was climbing. So with the group settled on the course of action they started towards the caves. With luck they could cut some time back due to their group make up compared to the others in the trials.

Felix was quite happy to hold a torch to keep some light, granted it didn't help a whole lot in the darkness once they were far enough to escape the light from the entrance. "For someone who hates caves you walk far enough ahead!" Felix half joked at Thalion who seemed to sigh a bit. "You want me to do my apparent one job or not? Being near the torch isn't going to help me any."

Though it was true that Drow were known to be able to read caves rather well, they had to given where their capital was located. They took a few turns and smaller passages that were easily over looked before Luna seemed to start up again. Complaining that they were probably being lead off to their death in trusting a Drow or something like that. Either way it was enough to cause the two to be ready to go at each other's throats again. With Felix being near Luna and Mizuki closer to where Thalion was scolding the pair of them that they didn't have to get the last word in. Really they shouldn't be making that much noise either... A love of cave creatures were attracted to movement and noise. Vibrations in the rock and ground.

[Pinkie]

When the choice was made to go into the caves Mizuki gave a little sigh. He didnt really like the idea of heading into the caves but at the same time Felix the large male did make a very good point. Being the first at the base camp on the other side of the mountain would look really good on them. So through the caves they began to head. Mizuki had to stop himself from lighting the way in the cave. He wanted to keep his energy if anything seemed to happen.

Deeper and deeper they headed into the caves. Mizuki was at the front with Thalion seeminly close by. Luna was behind them keeping a watch making sure nothing happened between the two and Felix was at the back with the torch in hand. The group was silent for the most part. Then a sudden sound to his left made his ears twitch. Pausing a moment he held up his hand and Thalion also halted his movement. "Did you hear that?" He asked lightly as his ears twitched again. Light lavender eyes looked about the cave to try and make out anything in the darkness.

Thalion listened as well and within moments brushed it off like nothing was wrong so Mizuki did the same and fallowed slightly behind him. Then out of no where a groan of rock sounded and he had only the time to give a little yelp as heat came from the floor causing it to cave in under him. Mizuki and Thalion fell through the whole in the floor. "Shit!" Mizuki cursed and had no other choice. With a small spell and a wave of his hand his staff appeared from no where taking form and becoming solid. As they hit the ground Mizuki drove the end of his staff into the solid rock. A sound of an incantation and a soft purple glow left the cave roof whole as if nothing had happened.

Twisting the handle of his staff once the chrystal ball on top began to glow brighter and brighter until the little area they were in was lit as if day. "Thalion.." Mizuki said looking around until he found the male laying on his back staring up at the roof with a simple expression on his face. "Instead of laying there catching a cat nap we should move." Mizuki said with a little growl. "Whatever caused that floor to give has to be still arou-" However his words died on his lips as a hiss from behind him sounded. It was deep and long and seemed to gather Thalions attention rather quickly because from one moment to the next he was laying then standing staring at something behind Mizuki.

[Rosekitten]

Sure he had heard the noise.. but it wasn't anything he could pick up on as a danger. Plus he was still pretty ticked at Luna from earlier. Half of him wanted to show anyone who questioned him just how wrong they were. But at the same time his stubborn pride kept him in check. That and it was too much of an effort to try to prove the world wrong.

Though any thoughts of brushing the noise off came to an end when the floor seemed to give way and before he had any real time to think on it he found himself winded and on his back. Thanking whatever higher being was listening, that wasn't the spider goddess, that he didn't break anything.

"I wasn-" He was about to make a smart remark when he quickly rolled over and stood drawing both swords that he had on him. "Get down!" He barked at Mizuki who seemed to react slower than Thalion would have liked as he tackled and forced the pale skinned elf to the ground. Where Mizuki had been standing a bright gush of flame burst past and a trail of molten rock on the floor.

The creature Revealed itself now as it hissed again and the heat between it's plates and scales lit up showing the lava like blood running under the skin. "Fuck fuck fuck.." Thailion hissed out righting himself again and forcing Mizuki to his feet. "Just run!' He seemed to bark at Mizuki shoving him. Sure as a group they could take this thing but just two of them, hell if he was going to fight what seemed to be a mature lavamander. A Fire salamander that could melt rock, set traps and spit fire.. No he rather liked living and one wrong move was going to cut this trial short.

A sudden roaring hiss and another glob of molten fire was launched just past the direction that had the better odds of escaping from. The room becoming sealed in quickly as the large beast started to circle a little, what appeared to be lava dripping from it's mouth and the light from it's heated body giving light to the room.

"Tsk... right then..Let's see if all those big words of yours matches your will to live." Thalion said to Mizuki but not really directing it at him. Before the other could reply the beast Lunched forth and split the two up. It's tail slamming into the cavern wall and making rocks fall from the ceiling. A trail of fire and heated rock left where ever it stood. Getting too close was a uncomfortable experience to say the least from it's body heat alone.

[Pinkie]

"Get down!" That was the only warning that Mizuki had before he was tackled and found himself on the ground with a grunt. Getting to his feet he was about to yell at Thalion as he noticed a trail of molten rock on the floor right where they had been standing. "Holy shit." He said lightly more to himself then anything. Just then into the light came a creature that looked like a large salamander. However this one glowed a deep red and the saliva that fell from its jaws was indeed molten rock.

"Fuck fuck fuck.." Turning he looked to Thalion before a shove came his way. "Just run!' Then out of no where another hiss happened and one that was loud and strong enough to vibrate the walls. Another glob of molten lava spit out from the creatures mouth landing in the one place both of them had hoped it wouldnt. Then the beast began to circle them. Leaving any route of escape impossible.

"Tsk... right then..Let's see if all those big words of yours matches your will to live." Mizuki chuckled a little and gripped his staff tighter.The creature gave a deep growl; It's tail slamming into the cavern wall and making rocks fall from the ceiling. Being split up was bad and the falling rocks was worse. Dodging a swing of the beasts tail Mizuki gave a growl. This was not going to work out the way that he wanted it to that was for damn sure. Just was he was forced to dodge an attack from the a snap of the beasts jaws he noticed something under the belly of the beast.

"Shit!" He cursed again and backed up from the beast with a hiss. "Thalion!" Mizuki yelled but the male didnt seem to hear him as the beast jumped about. "Fine!" Casting his spell Mizuki was back behind Thalion in a flash. "Thalion!" Mizuki said again as he jumped with the male in the same motion to dodge the large tail swinging their way. "I need you to distract it!" He said and the only thing he heard was a loud "What?" Mizuki however didnt wait for Thalion to make up his mind and headed intowards the creature.

[Rosekitten]

Great.. how did you even go about fighting something like this Sure you heard tales of raid parties fighting giants and dragons but it was not something most wished to experience for themselves. Thalion had been quite content with things being easy in the trials. Though he flinched by the sudden voice behind him yelling at him. Where the hell did Mizuki come from?! Not that he got to question it.

"What?!" Did Mizuki really just ask him to distract it?! Not that he got to question the crazy idea further as Mizuki was already gone again. "Yeah like that's easy!" He hissed before grabbing a rock near-by and aiming for the creature's eye as it's head turned to follow Mizuki. Getting a dead hit seemed to get the job done as the salamander hissed and roared thrashing it's tail against the ground and quickly returning to focus on Thalion. "Yeah you don't like it when a fucking rock hits you now do you!"

Great now what.. had it's attention, no idea what Mizuki was planning and he was not equipped to take a blow from this thing in the slightest. Though one of Thalion's questions where answered as Mizuki was to the creature's side and preparing a spell from the looks of it. A rather large ice spell. One that did land it's hit as several spears sunk into the lavamander's flesh.

The hissing from the ice melting and hitting the lava and fire was drown out by the beasts scream before quickly turning and slamming it's wide tail into Mizuki. His back crashing into the wall behind him as he fell at the spot. Dazed at the least, probably some burns if not worse from the open fire spouting from the tail.

The creature turned fully to continue it's attack on Mizuki, it's intent to kill and probably eat him. Though it's path was blocked as Thalion ran putting himself between where Mizuki was and the giant beast. Even with all the spats and though he didn't really like the guy Thalion wasn't about to stand there and let Mizuki die to some over grown fire monster. Odds were Mizuki was still conscious at the moment. probably in a lot of pain but that could be handled later.

"You want to pick a fight, fucking do it with someone else!" Thalion said, like taunting the thing was needed. It hissed and opened it's mouth as a burst of fire erupted from it and surely that was the end of the pair. Though.. Thalion had a trick still that he didn't like showing off and he rather wouldn't have to use. The fire seemed to stop a few feet short of where Thalion was and spread forming a wall almost. Not hitting him or Mizuki. "You are going to have to do better than that.." He said though the strain was pretty obvious and he wasn't having the easiest time of controlling the fire.

Still the creature was taking back a little before closing it's mouth expecting there to be nothing left but corpses. Though it was quickly met with the backlash of the fire it had just released hissed and gurgling a little at the mouth. This seemed to turn into a new battle. One of a fire user fighting a creature nearly immune to the element.

He had to stay on his toes for this as the beast kept trying to target Mizuki who wasn't moving from the spot he fell in, all the while keeping his own guard up. The latter of keeping his guard up he forgot for a moment as he ended up pinned to the ground by a clawed foot. Something that he remedied as quickly as he could by forcing a blade into the softer part of the foot of the creature.

Bleeding more than a little and knowing he didn't have the upper hand he took to a new tactic. One that the beast didn't catch onto till it was far too late. He had been getting the creature to attack the same spot over and over. A few rocks fell here and there before some of the ceiling of the cave finally gave in and seemed to cripple the creature and pin it to it wasn't able to move as well.

This was where the final blow came in, two swords through the skull and where the beast's brain should be seemed to finally still it after a few moments of thrashing. Half stumbling from atop the creature Thalion made it over to where Mizuki still was. The pair of them had seen better days. Mizuki having a large burn on his side and Thalion was bleeding from a number of lashes, the bit form his mouth was the least of his worries as he knew what caused it.

"Damn your plan sucked.. you know that?" He said forcing a slight laugh that ended up being more of a cough than anything. There were various markings that appeared to be runic letters on his arms that were still glowing faintly, the marks seemed to trail from his arms to his neck. Normally they weren't really visible.

Mizuki was still breathing as Thalion moved and leaned against the wall half using it for balance and to slide down to sit. "Fuck.. I hate magic.." hissed out trying to find something as he took out a small container of liquid. "Nod if you can move enough to put this on, if not I'm doing it and it's going to sting worse than the actual burn." Really he didn't want to put it on Mizuki either, for all he cared the other could suffer. Plus moving wasn't something he felt like doing. Yet at the same time it had to be done and now his blades were melted in the top of that salamander they fought... Probably the worse part was he had that feeling he was going to have to carry Mizuki. Where's that darn dragon-kin when she could be useful.