Exploring the Sky Ruins [Open]

The sun was high in the sky on a cloudless day. The clouds lazily drifted across the horizon. The land of sky was a nearly desolate place, void of large plant life. A few sparse grasses covered the ground, but harsh soil and rock were present. Wind eroded the soil, carrying the dust far off to more hospitable lands.

Raleth traveled along side Zaine, his huge blade sheathed across his back. He had on his black sunglasses to reduce the light from the harsh sun. Raleth wore his red coat with his left arm in the sling of the coat. He walked normally, not rushing. Raelth scanned the horizon and the area around him, and broke the silence that he and Zaine had been walking to.

"See anything that could look like a suitable place for a fortress?"

Raleth said this in a slight sarcastic tone, still not believing that Issac would assign him and Zaine this trivial task.

Zaine followed close behind his partner Raleth with his Combat knife in his right hand. Swinging it in front of himself in a horizontal fashion as he walked forward. He seemed completely focused on this task alone, not paying much attention to the true task at hand. The two shinobi were supposed to be looking for a suitable place for the Akatsuki to place its headquarters.

Zaine looked over at Raleth as he asked about this barren destination as fitting for the akatsuki hideout and he sheathed his combat knife and sighed before saying "Seems pretty quiet. No signs of life so there doesnt seem to be anyone who would alert villages to our location or attack us. So I think this could be a good candidate" Zaine would take the lead and begin sprinting at a rather fast pace so that he would be covering 6 feet per second. he gave no warning to Raleth assuming that he would follow close behind without an issue. It all seemed abrupt but Zaine had a thought in mind. he wanted to cover as much ground as possible so that they could truly see what this land had to offer. Better to find out than to be surprised by anything detrimental to their mission.

As he sprinted Zaine would begin to close in on two boulders that were parallel to each other in placing and exactly 30 feet apart. the boulders had weird markings on them and noticing that there were also holes on the sides of each boulders that seemed to match up with the other he came to a halt. He was 20 feet away from the boulders when he stopped and he would wait for Raleth to come to a halt as well before asking him a question. "These boulders seem weird dont they?they're placed perfectly parallel to one another and those markings...what could they mean?" Zaine would await the reply of his partner while crossing his arms at chest level.

Raleth slowly caught up with Zaine, keeping his walking pace. As Zaine mentioned the two boulders Raleth paid no attention to them. He began to walk forward with his head cocked towards Zaine

"What's got you so excited?"

Raleth laughed teasingly, and as he stepped between the boulders he heard a lock ticking sound. He looked to his left quickly. The holes Zaine spoke about seemed to be humming with the sound of gears. A quick flash of metal could be seen before the sound of a release of air pressure. Two kunai shot out of the holes at high speed, and Raleth knew that the other "boulder" had shot out two kunai as well.

This entire action happened within a split second, and Raleth knew that he wasn't fast enough to roll out of the way. The kunai hit Raleth in the chest and stomach, as well as his upperback and lower back, but instead of piercing him a metallic clang rang and the kunai were deflected off his body. Raleth then rolled out of the way as the rocks began to reload for another shot.

Raleth turned to look at Zaine, his hands in a snake handseal. Raleth's lower neck was a dark brown, slowly receding under his clothes as Raleth let go of the handseal. He put his left arm back in his coat sleeve.

"Well, looks like we need to be a bit more careful"

Chakra: 515/520

Zaine smirked as he saw the dark brown receding from Raleth's neck. It was his Earth release: Earth Spear jutsu. Zaine had only seen him use this jutsu a handful of times because it was a rare occasion when he allowed himself to be hit. Turning his head slowly to the left to look at one of the boulders he nodded. "Yeah this place seems to have a few tricks." Zaine would then draw his blade with right hand and lower it to his side. "But so do we. Im actually a bit excited to see what this place to offer."

Walking forward the entrance to a cave could be seen and the need to explore and look around inside flowed throughout Zaine. "I think we should head over there. We already established that this would be the place we would recommend to Voltaire as the headquarters. Our mission has basically been fulfilled." Zaine felt that at this point their journey to the sky ruins should be to learn as much about the area as possible and what better way to do that than to explore every single inch of it.

He would turn his head to the right so that he would be facing Raleth directly, attempting to make eye contact while awaiting his reply. If Raleth was in the mood, he might go for this and they would be able to explore a bit but he was always one to get a mission over with and leave just as soon as he had completed his task. Hopefully today would be a different.

Raleth looked at he cave and sighed heavily. He unsheathed his blade with his right hand and rested it on his right shoulder. He looked at Zaine, and nodded.

"With traps like this it would pay to be careful. Wouldn't want to set up base in an area that could kill you"

Raleth began to walk toward the cave, with Zaine following close behind. As they got to the entrance they found the cave to be quite larger then they had originally thought. The cave ceiling had to have been at least 30 meters high, and the cave walls no more than 20 meters apart. The walls were carved and ordained with runes and symbols. Large stalagtites decorated the ceiling and hung precariously. Raleth motioned Zaine

"We'd better try to avoid using are more powerful jutsu here, it can cause a cave in. Or worse.."

Raleth gripped his blade tighter out of instinct.

Upon hearing the accptance of his idea Zaine was elated, a feeling he did not experience very often, for he now had the go ahead from his partner. It was even better so because it seemed as though Raleth was interested in venturing to the cave himself. Zaine nodded back at raleth as he followed behind him to the entrance of the cave.

Still a few feet behind Raleth Zaine was looking at the patterns on the cave walls with awe. The designs were nothing short of remarkable. The detail that must have gone into every stroke and carve was very clear.

Hearing Raleth warn him not to use "too much power" Made him laugh a bit before saying "Yeah I should be careful huh? Youre the one carrying a sword that's practically scratching the ceiling of the cave." After uttering these words Zaine looked forward to see that the path the two shinobi were walking down was blocked off. This was fairly different however because it wasnt as if it was an ordinary wall that was linked to the cave,no, the wall that lay in front of them seemed to be a large boulder that had been put there as a means to keep people out. Or maybe to keep something in? There was no way of knowing but one thing was for sure Zaine was curious and not ready for their voyage to end here. He placed the palm of his left hand on the boulder and slowly moved it downward as to get a feel for how tough the boulder was. He was able to deduce that it was significantly stronger than the two that had shot weapons at Raleth before. "Very curious" he thought. Not removing his left hand from the boulder and still having his knife in his right hand next to his hip he turned to Raleth "This Boulder isn't ordinary. It was definitely placed here. But why?" Zaine after asking this would direct his gaze back to the boulder as he moved his left palm up the boulder and back down it again.

Raleth walked to the boulder, determined to destroy this obstruction. As he did he spoke to Zaine swiftly.

"To keep someone out"

Raleth stood one foot away from the boulder and began doing handseals, his left arm still in his coat sling. Boar - Ram - Snake - Horse - Dragon. As Raleth completed the seals his hand soon began to crackle and spark with electricity. A low humming of energy echoed throughout the cave.

Raleth stretched out his arm and place his palm onto the boulder. Raleth closes his eyes as the electricity hums louder. He mutters under his breath.

"Jibashi..."

As he said this the electricity surged from his palm and into the rock, covering the crevices and any imperfections. Moments later flashes of light could be seen bursting forth from the cracks of the rock. The electricity began to hum louder and soon the light started to swell, bathing the rock its self in a loud and bright electrical surge. Soon the entire boulder was covered in this electricity and suddenly it crumbled.

The force behind this was great enough to shake the entire cave, the stalactites shifting precariously. The force, however, was controlled enough so that they would not fall.

Raleth's right hand was covered in the boulder's dust, his hand smoking from the sheer energy he exerted. He shook his hand clean from the dust and opened his eyes, to a site that completely amazed him.

It was a village gate, much like the ones surrounding the Leaf, Zand, and Mist village. It was obviously not in the best shape. Time was not kind to the old stone doors, as moss and vines grew on them. There were large cracks and splinters in the frame, but the inscription on the top of the frame was still legible.

"Welcome to the Village hidden in the sky.."

Raleth said in wonder. He himself had never heard of the village, and was surprised to find it in such disarray. He looked at Zaine and motioned for him to go first.

Chakra: 495/520

Zaine watched on as Raleth unleashed a lightning release jutsu of his. It would have more than enough destructive power to make quick work of the boulder that was blocking their path, this was advantageous to the two shinobi. As the rock crumbled, leaving nothing but dust in its wake and smoke from the blast of electricity mixed with the boulders remains, Zaine looked forward to see a village gate saying "Welcome To The Village Hidden in The Sky". This was extremely surprising due to the fact that the legends regarding the Village of the sky, or the sky civilization as many know it was said to be left in complete ruins. So why was this gate still in tact. All so puzzling and interesting at the same point thought Zaine as he began to walk forward after nodding at raleth.

Walking past the gate entrance Zaine was now able to truly see what the legends meant by "Ruined Civilization" The buildings that at one point were no doubt tall,colorful and and awe deserving now lay  battered, crumbled and at best shadows of their former glory. Zaine veered of slightly to the left making sure not to leave more than 4 meters of space in between him and Raleth, this area may have had more traps so he knew that they needed to stay relatively close to one another. As he walked over to the left he would crouch down to pick up a small sign with his left hand. It was covered in dust to the point that the writing would only be legible after removing it. Zaine did so and the text would be revealed as "Equipment Of The Skies." No doubt where shinobi acquired their weaponry in the village. Zaine shook his head and dropped the small sign being sure to dust his left hand off on his pants after doing so.Continuing on forward after.

They had now made their way through about a tenth of the village, keeping on its main path the entire time. Much of the same had been seen throughout this time period which spanned about 2 hours, nothing more than totaled buildings and dusted over signs, as well as boulders lying around in a scattered fashion. Zaine would turn his head to look at Raleth while sheathing his combat knife. "I feel like theres so much to this place. As if weve only discovered the surface, not even scratched it..and I dont know why but im getting the feeling that something down here is alive.I mean who else could have put that boulder there?" Zaine would leave this question open for Raleth to answer as he averted his gaze from his partner back to looking around the ruins of the once strong village.

As Zaine said this a mechanical release of air pressure echoed throughout the village. It was to far to be pinpointed directly. Raleth slowly unsheathed his blade, a glimmer of sunlight reflecting off the mirror edge of the sword. He again rested the blunt side on his right shoulder.

"We're not. Something is definitely here..."

They both continued to walk and soon came upon the kage tower. On the top was a decayed statue of a mighty eagle. A green splash of moss was on the head of the eagle, giving it a strange look. Raleth walked up to the tower and kicked the door open, the old wood nearly crumbling to dust. Raleth walked in, and as Zaine came in with him he asked

"You've read a lot in your time, anything on the history of the Sky Village?"

Upon hearing the loud sound of condensed air being released Zaine began to look around him moving only his pupils. The origin of the sound could not be pin pointed so the two shinobi would have to leave whatever that was as an affair for later. Zaine followed behind Raleth making sure to keep his eyes peeled for anything suspicious.

They would soon find themselves looking at what seemed to be the kage tower for the Village of The Skies. Raleth wasted no time and kicked open the door that stood at the entrance and Zaine followed him inside. "I only know a few things. This place was damn near buried away and a good amount of its secrets went along with it. What i do know is that the sky village was once a powerful nation bearing shinobi that could take to the skies by manipulating mist with their chakra. This ability was the main feat they were known for." Zaine paused as he made his way to the steps that would presumably lead up to what used to be the kage's office, he was now leading the way.

"The sky village grew cocky however and turned its blade towards the country of fire. They were crushed mercilessly and the result is what you and I are walking through today." Zaine hadn't been too sure as to why the Sky Village would make such a reckless move but in any case it wasnt for him to know he figured. Having made his way up the flight of stairs Zaine was met by a wooden door similar to the one previously kicked down by Raleth. Shifting his body weight predominantly to the left half of his body Zaine lifted his right leg while keeping the knee bent. He would then force his leg to straighten as he directed it towards the door. the force from this kick would be enough to force it open, leaving a loud booming noise, created by the door after hitting the wall that it would usually gently touch upon opening.

Lowering his leg and walking forward slowly Zaine began to look around the room. Rusted cabinets were in every corner and burned remains of paper littered the floor. One of these burned pages had been stepped on by Zaine upon making his way towards the desk located directly next to a large window which was parallel to the door. He moved to pick up  this piece of paper and when trying to read it he could only make out the words, "Flight" and "Destruction". He set it back down on the floor and then made his way to the desk. Placing both of his palms on the table Zaine looked over his rights shoulder at Raleth "Burning documents? This wreaks secrecy and corruption. What could they possibly have had documented that couldnt be seen by any other shinobi?

As Zaine walked toward the Kage's desk Raleth looked at the cabinets, noting how the wood was charred. Upon touch some of the cabinets would be reduced to ash. Raleth was rubbing the ash of his fingers when Zaine spoke to him.

"Maybe they were being overrun and wanted to conceal their shinobi for an uprising..."

Raleth walked to another cabinet and opened it, only finding charred ash and ink. He examined it to see if any documents survived this mass burning

"Maybe any special village jutsu. Perhaps they had a powerful clan they wanted to protect..."

Raleth then looked down and saw a small piece of paper that was charred around the edges, but still was able to be read. Raleth picked it up and saw a diagram of some sort of flying machine that any ninja could use. Raleth handed the paper to Zaine.

"Or there technology blue-prints. Maybe they wanted to make sure their technology couldn't be replicated. It would make sense..."

Raleth continued searching. Perhaps he'd find a blue-print that would aid the Akatsuki.

Another hour passed and the search was fruitless. The leader of the sky was very through with the burning of village information. Raleth looked to Zaine and sighed.

"It looks like there's nothing here. If there were any remnants they would have been destroyed by now. We should leave"

Zaine looked over at Raleth and nodded as he requested that they leave the sky ruins. Their next destination would be a major village that went by the name of Otogakure. There were rumors hinting at the fact that it was un-occupied and this would act as an excellent place for the Akatsuki to dwell and perform their operations. "For the purposes of our mission its safe to say that this place would make for an excellent fortress site. However I have another idea. lets venture off to the land of sound, there has been talk that it has not been occupied and this could be a very good opportunity for the organization."

Having said this Zaine would proceed to exit the ruins with Raleth and head towards Otogakure

[Exit]

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