The disturbed dust gave her no hint as to what awaited ahead, the confusing chaos of footprints resisting any attempt at identification. A frown twisted Skyler's features, heart pounding in her ears at the thought of having been bested at this race - this was something she would not let stand. She'd been skirting the edges of this mystery for far too long to let anyone else take the prize that was rightfully hers - at least in her mind.

Silver eyes followed the settling dust, widening briefly when it became apparent that whoever had passed through this place hadn't left. Better yet, the floating dust particles told her that the passage had been recent enough - she'd probably be able to catch up if she hurried. But for that she needed to illuminate the darkness ahead.

A flash preceded the sudden appearance of what appeared to be a floating rock. "Murzim, give us some light, please?" There was a crack as the Minior's outer shell broke away to reveal the swirling indigo energy on the inside, two swirly eyes focusing on its trainer. A glow emanated from the pokémon, casting strange shadows on the corridor ahead - but giving just enough light for the sea captain to be able to see. She wouldn't want to give her position away, at any rate, in case they stumbled upon whoever had beaten her here.

The path spiraled down, the occasional empty scounce on the wall the only measure of time as they descended into the depths of the ruins. Skyler kept as much of a fast pace as she dared, on the lookout for any strange sounds. The flickering of flames was her only warning before she nearly stumbled into a group of pokémon - and a large, red-haired man. The woman immediately scrambled backwards into the shadows, silver eyes following the man's movements sharply.

She hoped she hadn't been seen. Murzim's light was faint enough that it could easily blend into the shadows, but she still motioned for the Minior to stand back a little bit. Shoalgun, on the other hand, was immediately by her trainer's side, whiskers trembling with some sort of recognition. Skyler quirked an eyebrow at the Dewott's suddenly intent expression, though she didn't comment on it.

Carefully, silver eyes peeked at the group again, noting the gorge that opened ahead - and the two statues that guarded it. She easily recognized the Kabutops, its visage familiar to her. The other, an Omastar, was also recognizable, though that statue appeared to have sustained some damage.

A hand hovered over her belt, undecided. The sea captain could face whoever the other treasure hunter was, guns blazing - so to speak. Or she could attempt to follow them without being noticed. Leaving the inevitable conflict for a more opportune moment. Provided she wouldn't be noticed, of course.

That probably was the smartest option. Unfortunately, Skyler had never been the most patient of people. Or the smartest.

"Maybe you'd like to step aside, old man. I've come to collect my treasure, and I don't like to share."

Zac Ramsay

A brief moment of tension flooded the chamber when the man's Darmanitan assumed an aggressive stance, letting out a bellow in what was clearly a threat. Murzim's light flared bright in response, just as Shoalgun stepped from her position slightly behind her trainer to place herself between Skyler and the primate, shell in hand and whiskers twitching. Thankfully, the man returned the angry pokemon back to its pokeball, replacing it with a Tyranitar.

The slight humor with which the man answered Skyler threw her for a loop, not having expected the smile that tugged at the man's mouth. Then again, a smile and good cheer meant nothing. Not when you were the type to stab others in the back. Even so, Skyler felt herself relax just a tiny bit.

A raised eyebrow met the man's cheer, something sardonic taking over the sudden curve of her mouth. "No, not after statues. At least not that kind. Bit hard to carry that back to the surface, though you're than welcome to try."

Skyler approached Zac, stopping just close enough that he'd be able to discern her features. The captain didn't miss the intentness of Shoalgun, the way the Dewott's attention shifted to the Tyranitar - and stayed there. Sharp fangs glinted in the low light as something akin to a challenging smile was thrown Odium's way. 

"Work together, huh?" Something gleamed in Skyler's silvery gaze, but it was too dark to discern the emotion. "Until the time comes to... settle the score." There's a sharpness to her smile that seems all too cheerful. "That sounds like a fun deal, as long as neither of us turns into  dust. Or into a ghost. This would be a dreadfully boring place to haunt." 

Skyler stepped boldly forward, wide steps eating up the distance between herself and the man. There was no hesitation before she stretched her hand out for a handshake, eyes alight with mischief. "Skyler Dross, ship captain and treasure hunter."

Zac Ramsay

At first she thought it was a human skull. It wouldn't have been the first time she'd found one of those during her expeditions, though their presence never ceased to send a shiver down her spine. Superstition coiled itself around her throat like a hungry Ekans for a brief moment - then it dissipated at Zac's words. A humanoid Pokemon...? "Huh. Can't imagine many of those making their homes here, but I've seen weirder things. How'd you find out about this place anyway?"

Skyler followed Zac down into the mouth of the valley, silver eyes creeping up the tall rock walls as if searching for a trap.

Only half-listening to the giant red-haired man, the sailor found herself nearly bumping into his back when he turned his attention to the strange constructions that broke through the dirt like sharpened teeth of some primordial creature.

Bones. Bones everywhere.

"No idea. It's like something's trying to warn us." The only way to have it be any less subtle would be to have the words 'abandon all hope, ye who enter here' written somewhere. As it was, Skyler walked around Zac to approach one of the pillars, utterly disregarding the ominous ambiance to poke at yellowed bones. "D'you reckon they were put here on purpose?"

The bones proved harmless, however, compared to the electrified silk that stretched between them and above their heads. Distracted by the cracking of bones under her boots, Skyler failed to noticed a thin thread of electrified spidersilk ahead - yelping and jumping back when electricity jolted up her leg towards the rest of her body.

"Shit!" A string of foul curses followed, as was befit any sailor worth their salt. "Careful with those!" Her already unruly mane of gold hair puffed outwards like the coils of some wild beast. 

Ahead, the valley seemed to sink down even further into darkness. Quickly surmising that the Minior alone wouldn't help much, Skyler relased Boneling and sent both ahead to scout - blue-ish light reflecting uneven surfaces before a FIRE BLAST revealed what appeared to be -

- a temple ahead?

6h_SEMBh

Zac Ramsay