Yosai Fortress

Yōsai Fortress is the headquarters of Phoenix, located somewhere within Fantasy, though it is hidden by powerful magics beyond most's capabilities to discover. The fortress towers from the sea straight out above the clouds at times. It has eight sections, one for each of the Elements.

It is practically a city in terms of its sheer size, and its military might is strong enough to threaten even Chinmoku, the most powerful nation in Echo. The power of the seven enslaved Elemental Warlords is used to protect the fortress, and any unauthorized entry via Phoenix's portals will result in the enslaved Elementals attacking and annihilating the intruder.

It has a astounding standing army of at least a million troops, though more may lurk within the halls, as no outsider has yet seen the fortress and lived to escape.

Occupying Faction: Phoenix
Main Members:

White

Hiroshi (Deceased)

Torrent

Toma

Noriko

Naomi (Former)

Aoi

Kado (Former)

Minions/Bosses
Hitomara - Earth/Fire Elemental-Dragon

Razorwind-Wind/Lightning Elemental-Wolf

Caess- Water/Ice Elemental-Endlos

Dimrune- Light/Dark Elemental-Incubus

Eve of Battle
Naomi walks through the many halls of Yosai, and eventually comes to the meeting room. With a deep breath, she opens the doors to find Hiroshi, White, Torrent, and Aoi discussing the organization's next moves.

White looks up to see her, and a faint smile crosses her face. "What are you doing here, Naomi? Shouldn't you be getting your rest for our incursion onto Earth in the next few days?"

"...I...I couldn't sleep. I've just been... You see I... ...I've been worrying about..."

White has a knowing look on her face. "Oh I see. You're worried about him, aren't you?"

Aoi remains looking down at the map as always.

Hiroshi: Shame the boy took this little test abit too seriously. He complains over how things used to be. All he had to do was take our hand and it could've been that way again.

White looks at him, then at Naomi. "We did find him at one point, Naomi, and we offered him a second chance. However he sunk too low into his desire to obtain power. Out of mercy I gave him one more chance, but seeing as he hasn't responded, or perhaps can't respond, it is doubtless we will have to deal with him in our mission to bring redemption to the world."

Torrent chuckles. "Oh I don't mind that at all. I'm sort of looking forward to seeing how far the runt of the pack has come since he left us so long ago."

Hiroshi: Ofcourse you are. You've been at his neck ever since you two were just apprentices.

Torrent smirks. "Let's not forget that it was he who did the challenging. I just did it so the little kid would shut up."

Naomi clutches her chest, still obviously not at ease. "I just... I don't want to fight him... ...not after all we..."

Hiroshi: Hush child. It will be ok. You do not have to fight the boy along with us. We might have something else for you to do. Might is most definate.

Aoi looks up quietly. "Kukyo is free." All members present whirl their heads towards her.

Hiroshi:...How could this be? Has she devoured the boys soul?

"No. He still lives. But Kukyo has be undeniably freed. I cannot see properly, but it is a powerful being whose doing caused this. It appears though as though Kado... willingly released her."

White blinks. "He allowed Kukyo to be set free?"

Torrent closes his eyes. "If Kukyo is free, we must be wary. She could come for us."

Hiroshi: Definitely: What she is doing with her freedom is unknown, whether its too take the happiness of those who are wrong or to destroy us for the past events.

They suddenly hear roars and screams from the Warlords assembled at the fortress, almost triumphant in nature. "They rejoice. They must have picked it up as well. If Kukyo is free we must be cautious now. Without her darkness, those who are powerful enough will be able to sense us." She is about to return to her quiet nature, when she looks up again.

"Kado has also learned of the invasion. From what I understand there is discussion on the matter between the nations, though it seems Kado has his mind set on going. He will no doubt have to wait for his men to arrive to Chinmoku in order to transport troops, he will not risk another attack from the M.C.C.P. Though Chinmoku may not support Azure, seeing they do not like violence to begin with."

Hiroshi: Will it be likely for them to make an exception?

"Maybe. The future is not that clear right now. Too much at stake is going on." She returns her attention to the map.

White stretches. "What will be will be. For now we should rest. If you cannot sleep, try to stay to your wards."

Naomi still appears upset, and Hiroshi understands too well that her compassion for Kado hasn't died, unfortunately his betrayal to the organization clearly only makes her heart ache worse. She had always been the most unable to properly handle her emotions.

Hiroshi: Listen child. Maybe you should stay up with us, if it will take your mind off these problems.

White sighs. "Not to be insensitive... but this was supposed to be a private meeting Hiroshi."

From behind her, Noriko appears. "Whatcha doing?" She says in her playful tone. White sighs. "Or at least it was one..."

From her anxiety, Naomi's ears and tails sprout, and she ends up burying her face in one of the black furred tails. "Awwwww! Naomi's cute again!" Noriko cheers.

Hiroshi: *moans in disgust at Noriko*

Noriko looks at him blankly. "What?"

Aoi sighs, and looks at Noriko. "You've got more energy than usual, Noriko."

"Energy is my middle name! Besides, we get to do something for the first time in forever! These next few days could go so much faster!"

White closes her eyes. "I see you're enthusiastic to join the battle as well."

Noriko nods. "Besides, I want to see how much little Dark Boy has grown!" She looks at Torrent. "...Don't even." He sighs with exasperation.

Hisroshi: *cracks a smile at Torrent*

As Toma comes in, White just lays her head on the table. "...Fine. We might as well discuss the pairings for the battle. Everyone, get seated. ...Noriko, no funny buisness, understand?"

Noriko puffs her cheeks. "Can I at least sit next to Torrent?"

"NO."

"Please?"

White looks up and glares at her with dragonic eyes, and she quickly sits down.

Hiroshi: For one, I believe we should all spread out within the fortress. I also feel that not everyone needs to be paired up.

"I refer to when we move out to enact the Trimaster Plan, Hiroshi. As you know, Kado is likely to attempt to intervene. I know that you all may not value him as a serious threat. Understand though you all received the same instruction. Of all of the members, only me and Hiroshi remain from the old roster.

I do not want to take any chances. I think it is best if each of the Trimasters has a additional member standing by to keep guard, to allow them to carry out their part. It is too dangerous for underestimating at this point. We can't take chances."

Hiroshi: The boy is driven by his hatred for us an will release the same rage that caused his own downfall, that might be our own. Though he is rage driven, he's not above thinking.

"I will be assigning Naomi to Hiroshi, Aoi to Toma, and..." She hesitantly looks at Noriko, whose face lights up. "...Noriko with Torrent." Torrent groans.

Aoi looks at White. "...Are you sure about my selection? Might it be better for me to stand guard over the fortress?"

Hiroshi: As long as it proves to be effective. What is your reasoning for this?

Aoi blankly states, "I do not like conflict. You know that more than anyone, Hiroshi. Fighting to me is a pointless affair that is better spent avoided. I will do as asked, but I would rather guard the security of the homefront rather than enter the battlefield."

Hiroshi: Hmm. We can't have any mistakes happening out there, and it is possible that he might have set up a strategy where he comes through the front will another division comes through somewhere else. Heh, listen to myslef. I sound paranoid. Fine. You guard.

"Thank you."

Naomi lifts her head up, one of her tails brushes against Toma's face, who just laughs. "I must say it's been a while since Naomi showed her true form." She looks at Naomi. "You should be this way more often."

"..." Naomi silently looks away.

"Don't be that way, I'm serious. You always feel all tense when you're hiding it."

Hiroshi: No matter where you hide, your enemy will find you. It is best to face him where he can see you. In otherwords, Kado will show us no mercy if we are to make one mistake. So get ready.

Naomi's tails wrap around her, her habit when she is trying to comfort herself. "He's that far gone...?"

Hiroshi: I'm afraid he's gone even farther...*tuns his back from the others and has his hands tied behind his back*

Naomi eventually looks at White. "...May I be dismissed?"

White nods.

She gets up, and walks out, Toma and Noriko watch her leave.

Torrent sighs. "This is why I think emotions are pointless..."

Hiroshi: They keep us from reaching our goals...That's why we toss ours aside for the greater good of Phoenix.

"Says the man who tried to drill his ethics and codes of conduct in battle into my head. The only thing that matters is embedding your sword into your enemy's heart, the killing blows. Pretty words and respect do not win battles."

Hiroshi: And that attitude will lead you at your enemies blade...Besides, didn't a certain 'baby' you mention somewhat prevented a battle with Kukyo?

"If I meet an enemy's blade, I will simply destroy them. Kill or be killed. And as for him, last I heard he committed suicide. Only proves my point. Emotions and ethics just lead to your own demise."

Hiroshi: But here are those who have a strong will. It is easier said than done to not to fall at the enemies blade.

Noriko shakes her head. "Ok I give up, this is getting pretty boring hearing you two chatter like old men." She looks at Hiroshi and laughs. "Well, one of you is at least actually old."

She gets up and runs out, not bothering to wait for permission.

Toma just shakes her head. "She really has her head on too loose."

Hiroshi: Then I just make a big enough screw-driver to scew it back in. Real tight.

White sighs. "Best if we get some rest. We have more supervision of the proceedings tomorrow. Dismissed."

Hiroshi: *leaves the room with has hands still tied behind his back*

As he leaves the room, he sees Naomi perched on the rooftop of one of the buildings that surround the courtyard, staring up at the moon, appearing deep in thought. She briefly turns towards him, he can tell she was crying. She turns back to the moon, curled up in a fetal position.

Hiroshi: You understand we don't want to do this. We have to, to unsure Echo's safety from destructive forces. The boy that you nce thought s your friend, no longer exist. Only an empty shell of a man. *walks off*

Naomi eventually walks off to her ward, once in her room, she weakly goes to sleep, still crying.

Within White's private chambers, she ponders the day's events. ''Soon enough we'll see the destruction of humanity. Regardless if he intervenes, we will no doubt prevail.''

Next Day

The man concentrates on the summoning spell that binds Hitomara to the man's will, allowing him to control the titanic beast's every action. The strange being that continually harassed Hitomara would have to be taken care of.

He looks at his twin blade sword, and the dull green glow marking the existence of the spirit of the girl he had imprisoned. ''A shame White ordered us to rely on the Terrors for now. I was looking forward to coating my sword with the blood of the humans... ah well.''

{Inside the sword, a pich black room with no floors, walls or even celings is encasing little Ameno}

Ameno: *Tears stream down her face* This must be Hell... MUST be! When will Jonas come? When will he save me? And what demonic jackass soul would do this?! WHO DID THIS?!!!

She hears a rough man's voice growl out from the void. "Shut up already, stupid elemental." The voice seems clearly irritated. "I'm trying to focus on something here."

Ameno: Is.. Is there anyone... Here? Anyone?

"No, I'm just a voice in your dumb skull. Yes. The more important question you should have asked is 'Who are you'?" The voice replies.

Ameno: Who- Who are you?

Suddenly sensations begin to rush back to her, and she lays collapsed next to a gruff, battle scarred man. His lower jaw is replaced by a steel one looking as though a literal jaw bone, and three long gashes on each side of his face only add to his savage appearance. In his hands he holds two brutal looking swords, and she feels a strange connection to them, as though they were... apart of her.

"I am Ripjaw. Or at least, that's the name I earned for myself." He says in the same primal, rough voice as she had heard a moment ago, now only more solid and firm than before.

"Now will you cease your idle chatter and allow your master to focus?"

Ameno: I think I'll call you 'Metal Mouth'! *She smiles* And do you need any help? Looks like you do...

"You can start by keeping your mouth shut. I need to concentrate. You may not damage or touch anything, and you must stay within my line of sight. Call me metal mouth again and I will replace your jaw with one and see how you like it." He closes his eyes. "And that's not an idle threat."

A woman in white robes walks by. "Progress report, Ripjaw?" She says coldly.

"Hitomara is engaged with that baboon at the moment. I'm counting on the enemy to blindly assume they have the upper hand. That technique is a problem, but I know to watch for it. Soon I'll play my own deck of cards."

Ameno: Ooh, Ooh! Who're we fighting? Can I kill 'em Ripy?

He sighs. "We already have Hitomara destroying the M.C.C.P. defenses, and we have already defeated Weapon Ultima, or Jonas as you know him. Unless you wish to turn against your own, you would not volunteer."

The woman stares at Ripjaw. "Who is this?"

Ripjaw jumps. "...An elemental I bound to my blade, my lady."

"...Why did you not inform me of this?"

Ripjaw bows his head in her direction. "You were in a meeting with the others. I had to wait..."

She closes her eyes. "Very well then." She leaves.

Ameno: I only cared about Joney. If he is out of the way, can I please try out this new power? *Waves hand and a chunkof the floor comes up, molding into a Ripjaw statue*

He grips his sword hilt tighter, and she collapses onto her knees in a forced bow. The statue falls apart.

"You will only do as I say. Nothing more. Nothing less. If you disobey my orders, I will take away your form and you shall remain my mindless blade."

Ameno: ... *Looks at thebroken statue* ... You ... Broke it ... *A tear falls to the statue, turning it to mud*

"I will do worse to you, wretch, if you disobey me and do not stop talking."

Ameno: Sorry... One tip though - It's better to have friends to drink with, than enimies to clash with... Sorry, sir... *Bows in respect*

He ignores her. He stands up suddenly, swearing violently. "Get back in your sword. I have to report this to my lady."

Αmeno: Yes sir. *vanishes into the sword* Back to the void... Back to torture...

"Stop whining or I will make it so you can't even think without my consent." He growls. She notices that she is now partially sharing his vision and hearing, and hears him describing the details of the battle he had been overseeing to the woman in white.

Ameno: Who is that? She looks nice. *Attempts a smile*

A man's voice echoes from the left, and a man with a cloth mask and a fur coat stares at Ripjaw. "Why have you not restrained her conciousness completely? It is standard procedure."

"I was hoping to use her as leverage against Weapon Ulitma of M.C.C.P. He won't dare hurt me as long as I have her as a leash for the mangy mutt."

Hiroshi: That 'mutt' would have destroyed us, if we had met him personally. Actually, he would have decapitated a limb. Dogs tend to be rather savage when a stranger comes to close, so it's only best that we steer clear from them.

"Hmmph. I ain't scared of any dog. I didn't get this metal jaw and these scars from nothing. When you present me with a dog that can do what Hitomara did to me when I first tried to catch him, I'll be scared of em'."

Torrent looks at Hiroshi. "A pride comes before a fall, would you not say so, Master?"

Ameno: Why do you people keep treating me like a slave? I used to have a life! i had a job and a lover...

Hiroshi: Your words are lost on us, for we do not show sympathy towards our captives.

Torrent looks at the blade. "Do us all a favor and shut her up. I have no desire to hear your sword's chatter."

Ripjaw growls. "Neither do I. You in there, quiet or I won't allow you to see or hear. If you wish to converse, do so when it is helpful in combat. I suspect the ground troops will need to return to continue the fight in place of the Terrors. To think Hitomara would be defeated... ridiculous."

Hiroshi: Whoever did so must have been quite the specimen. I wonder if the Chaos Engine can be more capable than that.

Ameno: *Thinks to herself for a good minute..* Hey, could it have been Admin? He can consume anything...

A very distinctive growl comes from the woman in white. Her eyes appear dragonic, and she stares directly at Hiroshi with them.

"Hiroshi. Do not speak of it. Rest assured Hiroshi, that if used at full capacity, it could completely destroy that puny world. The powers of it are beyond any mere experiment of the M.C.C.P. But have I made myself clear? No one is to speak of that. It's forbidden for a reason."

A tall woman next to the white woman speaks up quietly. "It was the one named Jumbo. Apparently Hitomara broke the mind control device that controlled him and Jumbo in turn broke Hitomara's."

Hiroshi: Amusing and interesting. But hold on. With Hitomara free, he will surely try to seek revenge on us.

White has a smug look on her face. "What do we have to fear? Hitomara cannot access this world without our portals, and even so, the Warlords will quickly strike him down. It would be like handing himself on a silver platter back into our hands. Hitomara may be a brute, but I am aware that he also carries a degree of awareness when it comes to self preservation. If it means avoiding falling into our hands, he won't make such a mistake."

Hiroshi: And what of the other 3?

"I don't see why you concern yourself with them. It was no difficult task to capture them to begin with. If they prove to cause problems, we can always just destroy them. We wield a force far greater than the Terrors. We command their very creators. We do not have a need to fear them. In fact... I say we move dates to tomorrow."

Hiroshi: Are you sure that is wise? My apologizes aswell. I am being quiet paranoid. Only because we cannot tolerate failure.

She closes her eyes, and has a smile on her face. "One moment please."

After several long minutes, she opens her eyes. "Kado is coming tommorow. And he's bringing.... Azula with him. Azure moves to come to Earth's aid tomorrow. If we act and move ourselves into position preemptively, we won't have to worry about Azure focusing in on our portals to wait for us to appear in person."

Hiroshi: That sounds good, but why do I have the feeling something...horrid is coming?

Aoi sighs. "It could be that the fates do not smile upon us. I cannot see what the future will bring, but perhaps it is because we are doomed to failure. Or perhaps another catastrophe is getting ready to occur besides the one we will deal to Earth."

Hiroshi: Highly possible. We are so close. It will only take a little while longer and the plan will be complete.

Ameno: I'm going to sleep. Wake me if you guys need help! *The sword's glow dims, as Ameno dreams of happiness in the void*

Naomi walks into the meeting hall, looking very tired.

White looks at Ripjaw and quietly says, "Dismissed." Ripjaw bows his head and leaves.

Torrent looks at Hiroshi. "I see someone didn't take another someone's advice to rest..."

Hiroshi: If it keeps her consciousness from going against the plan.

Torrent sighs. "Still, a tired mind is a feeble mind. And on the battlefield such mentality is fatal. Even if disillusioned, it is never best to risk losses when it can be avoided. Every member is valuable, for the sake of the efficency of the organization's strength. It's bad enough we lost the Fire Slayer to Kado."

Hiroshi: That is too much overkill. They're is enough of as it is. I'm not sure who all the boy will bring,but I know it wont be much for us to handle.

Torrent looks at Hiroshi, looks at White, and leans in to Hiroshi's ear. "If the boy has brought Azula into this, you know that the only one capable of stopping her is White, you realize that? What if she gets involved in one of the battles? Did you think about what would happen if she got involved, or did that slip your mind?"

Hiroshi: *mildly smirks* That's what I'm counting on.

"You forget how the boss is. She could care less about our safety, and only about the mission. She wouldn't come to our aid... let's face it, unless it was I who was on the receiving end of it."

White looks towards them. "I can still hear you know."

Hiroshi: *looks at Torrent* How can you not be as silent as the winds you control?

White sighs. "Let's pretend for a moment that you didn't forget that I'm a half dragon and have rather good hearing, and that you are sitting right next to me."

Hiroshi: *facepalms in shame*

Toma looks up from her book. "Caess is freed. Some Mythos defeated her. Not sure what kind."

Hiroshi: These 'Mythos' are proving a much bigger dent in our plans than we expected.

White closes her eyes. "Very well. We will go at midnight, not by portals, but a slower route they cannot trace. Tomorrow we will prepare to enact the plan." She looks at Aoi. "I ask of you to send Ice Emissaries to slow them down. We will prepare to extract Dimrune while you hold them off."

Aoi nods slowly, and huge chunks of ice flow from her body, 20 splitting off and crashing into the ground. They slowly shift into the form of Aoi, even taking on skin, eyes, and hair, even the exact clothing Aoi wears, each with a mock version of Ice Slayer. They all turn towards Aoi expectantly.

"Go now." She says quietly, and the clones immediately disappear.

Hiroshi: Is there anything else that needs to be done?

"Not unless someone wants to entertain Noriko."

Hiroshi: *is shocked and points at Torrent* Torrent!

"Absolutely not. I would rather play with a hungry lion."

Hiroshi: I called not it, so you know.

"I'ma right behind you, ya know." Noriko says from behind their chairs.

Hiroshi: *is surprised and disgusted* Gah! *jumps back* Why are we so close together?

"You were leaning back in your chair. I was just bored anyhow. SO, who wants to play... tag?"

Torrent coughs. "Oh, I have to be going somewhere."

"That's ok, we can play tag on the way!" *Touches Torrent's back, sending shockwave down his spine. "You're it."

Torrent gives her an angry look. "I told you not to do that!"

Hiroshi: What are you going to do about that, Torrent? Let her get away? Let her play you like that?

"What are you talking about old man?" Torrent sighs in irritation.

Hiroshi: Your letting her poke you around. She wants to play a game. Wouldn't you like to beat her at it?

Torrent sighs. "The best way to 'win' her games is to ignore her. I won't be baited by her so easily.

Hiroshi: She will never stop. Not matter how much you annoy her, you know she's there. And the only way to make her go away is to walk away or beat her at her own game. Or even wait until she leaves.

"Hmmph." Torrent disappears in a rush of wind, and Noriko looks at Hiroshi. "How are you doing today Master Hiroshi?"

Hiroshi: *swallows deeply* ...fine. H-*nearly gags* How about you?

"I would feel better if you would relax, Master." She sits down where Torrent sat, and looks at him. "Naomi has been rather off the past few days."

Hiroshi: I know. She is plagued with dreams of the boy. I fear it may compromise her conscientious about the plan. Or it might lead her into a unstable state of mind to where we will all be in a terrible situation.

She looks at Hiroshi in a way he doesn't recognize.

"Can we talk alone for a moment, Master?"

Hiroshi: *is a bit concerned and confused, unaware of what's he supposed to expect knowing Noriko*...Suuure.

She suddenly grabs his arm, and everything appears to stand still for a breif moment of time, before a brilliant light envelopes his vision for another second, and everything comes back in a split second, yet he feels absolutely breathless for a solid 3 minutes: she had just traveled using lightning.

When he catches his breath, he looks around and sees they are on one of the many tall spires of the fortress. Noriko is sparking with electricity, a quiet hum of energy around her.

"I admit I must seem like an airhead with plenty of drive to make most people's head spin. Perhaps I am. But I'm not stupid. I knew Kado for many years, we all did. I knew that what White told us didn't make sense when she first told us what happened. I kept quiet about it, and just went with things. But then it kept going. The things she told us, never added up.

I eventually did digging, Master. I don't particularly like what I found out. I'll serve like always master, but I'm telling you now I'm through with watching little Naomi cry herself to sleep every night because of some lie you told her. And frankly, you're one to talk about salvation. You're half human. And don't bullshit me. I know. I learned that little jewel years ago. I want you to pull Naomi out of this operation. Permanently." She says all of this in a tone very alien to Hiroshi: angry. Noriko never got mad at anyone before. Not even as a child. Especially not like this.

Hiroshi: Frankly, this surprises men. You of all people, so care-free, actually caring. I must say I'm impressed, but you've only scratched the surface. I maybe part human, but their is dominance. I'm more elemental than i am human. If you want to pull Naomi out of the operation, then go ahead. Just remember, like it or not: The boy dies.

"I know a lot more than you think. And have it your way. But you have to get down on your own. Bye." She disappears in a bolt of lightning. He looks down at how far down solid ground is, and cannot help but recall his slight fear of heights.

Hiroshi: What does she take me for? I'm the freakin' Earth Slayer. *a floating rock platform comes from beneath him and begins to make his way back to the castle*

Torrent walks on the air beside him. "So how was your little playdate with Blonde Disaster?" Torrent chuckles mockingly.

Hiroshi: She knows.

"What, just now realized that? And here I thought I couldn't keep up with her games. She's a damn good actress ya know."

Hiroshi: Damn it all. I'm not sure what she intends to do with that knowledge, it my jeopardize the plan.

Torrent chuckles. "You're really out of the information loop then. Aoi has reported multiple times suspicious activity over in the secret archives. White and Aoi eventually caught on to the fact it was Noriko, but we haven't done anything because as far as we know, the only thing she really has done is self educating herself on the organization. Frankly we weren't surprised when we found out she was looking for information. Lightning strikes on a whim. Where it will strike is unknown. But as long as proper caution is exercised, it usually will never strike a single man in his lifetime. It is only the fools who stand clear out in the open with no caution that are struck by lightning.

This whole thing has been going on for years, the issue with Noriko. She has gone off to Earth countless times. I would swear that she actually is employed in multiple private security firms and possibly even a movie actress, though those details aren't confirmed. I think it's more of a desire to be independant from the pack. All wolves eventually either join the pack or find one they belong in. It's just a rule of nature."

Hiroshi: Hmmm, I might as well be a paranoid old man after all.

"It is never a bad thing to be cautious. It is another thing to allow caution to prevent action or to create undue suspicion of others. Caution allows one to see the enemy at the face value and even deeper with practice, but too much ails the mind and creates fractures.

We should head back, do you not agree? Or would you like to try your hand at chess? Who knows? They do say 100 times is the charm."

Hiroshi: What do you think I'm doing? I' heading back there now.

"Pity. I was rather hoping to have some entertainment today. Ah well."

They notice one of Aoi's ice clones walking towards the central palace from the portal gate, holding a crystal with a icy blue tone, behind her a group of soldiers carry a black crystal.

Hiroshi: I presume that is Caess, is it not? And the other is Dimrune?

Torrent nods. "Appears so. I take it that extraction was successful. I'm curious how she managed to recapture Caess."

Hiroshi: Obviously, she did not run when she had the chance.

The clone of Aoi and the men disappear, and only a few minutes later, she appears to everyone of the major members.

"One of the Mythos that freed one of the Terrors intends to try and free Caess and Dimrune. I have foreseen their demise, but it is still better to be ready. Please report to the main hall for instruction from our Lady White." She disappears again.

Hiroshi: What is the extent of these Mythos' power, that they can wield the ability to combat the Terrors, just like we can and succeed in defeating them?

Torrent looks at him. "No time for questions. When Aoi sees something in the future, it usually means it is imminent. We should go now and stop asking questions to thin air."

Hiroshi: Hm. *heads into the main room where all the major members are*

All five of the others have assembled, White seems to have a particularly amused smile.

"It would appear someone has finally come to gallantly die before us." She chuckles.

Hiroshi: Hmm it appears so, but surely we cannot observe him before he get's involved?

"He serves the enemy. The only way he will be permitted to live is in chains. And that won't be willingly. Prepare to unleash the Avatars. He shall know the true meaning of our power."

Hiroshi: Yes White. Send forth the Avatars.

The Enemy
Drake appears on what appears to be a long tiered walkway, with a portal ring behind him. Ahead in the distance he can see a long courtyard, but the entire place he feels is dead silent, he cannot pick up any signs of life anywhere.

Drake: *Takes a look around then continues walking towards the courtyard* Hmm... Well this was unexpected, this looks like any other fortress... Then again, knowing what happened back then. Ugh, I need to focus... *He takes another look around before sighing in annoyance* Where the hell is everyone!?

A slow rumble is his reply, as something moves along the tops of the high sections of the fortress roofs. A single loud footstep can be heard.

Drake: So there are people here then... Wonder who's first... *He turns his head towards the source of the footstep*

He first thinks it is merely a part of the building, but as he looks closer, he realizes he's staring at a whole toe... of a dragon. He looks up, and sees a massive dragon of pure light staring him down, larger than even Hitomara, coiled among the many countless roofs of the fortress's complex weaving structure.

Drake: *Growls before focusing his sight on the dragon's head* You first then...

Drake flies up until he is at eye level with the dragon's, waiting for the dragon's attack.

The dragon suddenly flickers out of sight.

Drake: The hell... *Drake clenches his fists and turns his head, looking for the dragon*

As soon as he turns his head, the force of a mountain crashing into him smashes him and sends him flying clear over the sea, where he eventually smashes into a large outcroping of rock. He looks back to see the dragon still where it was, its tail had smacked into him, and it appears to be staring at him.

Drake: *Roars* DIE! *He flies towards the dragon at high speeds, with a silhouette of a large dragon covering Drake and mimicking his movements. The moment Drake reaches the dragon, he extends his arm out to the side and claws the dragon across the chest, drawing a large amount of blood in the process. Drake glares at the wounded dragon with the look of bloodlust stained in Drake's eyes*

The dragon makes an amused laughing sound. The wound vanishes, as if it was never there. The dragon opens its mouth, and a massive beam of pure light blasts Drake, sending him flying back into the cliff...

which is now even closer to the fortress than before. Suddenly something like a massive hand picks him up between two fingers, and lifts him up, and he realizes he's staring at a massive giant towering above the entire fortress, its earthen face blanking staring at him.

''Drake places his hands between the giant's finger and pushes them apart, standing on it's hand. Drake begins to sprint up the arm, with each step causing cracks on the arm itself. Reaching the shoulder, dark energy channels into Drake's hand, who jumps up and slams his fist against the side of the giant's head. Causing it to stagger, also creating more cracks on the giant.''

The giant effortlessly rights itself, and the cracks disappear, and the giant becomes a colossus of pure metal. The metal suddenly rises up, and bonds with Drake's body, completely immobilizing him, he finds he cannot break it, it seems to not be any metal he's ever encountered before. Suddenly he is pulled off by the hand of the giant, and he is thrown back over the fortress. Above him, something vaguely shaped like a bird made of every color of electricity flies over and grabs him with its talons, shocking ever cell in his body with more voltage than a lightning bolt.

''Drake endures the pain for a short while before coughing up blood, Drake fades away in black fire and reappears ontop of one of the rooftops. With his whole arm raised into the air, conjuring a massive black sphere with black lightning discharging and surging around it, he throws it towards the bird. Colliding with it and causing it to blast into one of the many towers, making it collapse ontop of it.''

Drake: ...Who's next.

The earth giant throws a pike of the strange metal at him, and at the same time, the bird appears and shocks the pike with the same lightning Drake had fired at it, only purified, just as the pike rams into Drake's lung and shocks him with his own attack.

''Drake staggers back before looking at the pike and seeing more blood drip from the wound, he pulls the pike out and stabs it into the floor. Revealing the dark energy resembling fire emitting from the hole, the three creatures notice Drake's sudden energy change. Pure black dragon wings and tail form, with Drake's aura becoming more unstable and animalistic and changing to black also. Drake roars again, causing the entire fortress to shake for a moment, as the energy corrupts Drake even further. He appears infront of the bird and grabs it's wing and throws it towards the giant, firing a massive black fireball that explodes on impact. Causing the two to get push back a considerable amount, Drake then focuses on the dragon and growls once again. Flying towards him and grabbing both of it's fangs and swinging it around, then slams it into some more towers before dropping it down.''

A screech comes from behind him, and he is set on fire by the grasp of a massive phoenix, which then tosses him straight into the air, where out in the ocean a huge giant of pure ice rises from the ocean and blasts him with a massive burst of ice, freezing his front half and partially his blood, making every thought process sluggish. From behind him, the phoenix blasts his back with an inferno ten times hotter than his black flames.

''Drake roars once again, causing a shockwave which shatters the ice and extinguishes the flames. He glances over at the ice giant and the phoenix before narrowing his eye sight towards the ice giant, he flies past the phoenix and slams his feet against the ice giant's chest and bounces off. Hovering between them, the ice giant and phoenix fire their respective element at Drake. Drake flies upwards, completely dodging the attack and causing the fire to melt through the ice and into the ice giant. Drake then glares at the phoenix, having a slight laughter that sounds feral and demonic...''

The illusion shatters, and his reflexes fail him as he is blasted a second time by the two beings, this time his efforts to repel their attacks fail completely, and the blasts punish him for five minutes straight. He plummets, only to be extinguished by a huge wave of water, and a massive gale of wind, the wind blowing him straight into the ocean.

''The ocean splits in two as Drake is in the center, as he points towards the creatures. Multiple dark figures, covered in tribal markings that also share resemble their counterparts burst out of the ocean and fires a massive dark energy beam towards the creatures. Blasting them all away from the fortress, Drake jumps ontop of the fortress' roof and charges two energy spheres in his hands, with the dragons charging dark energy in their mouths. All of them including Drake fire, with the power overwhelming the creatures, Drake laughs as the dragons fade away in black fire.''

The entities remain unaffected, as far as he can tell. A lion made of water rises from the ocean, and a wolf of wind appears as well, seven total entities encircling him. They all appear to have some kind of glowing markings brighter than the rest of their bodies. Suddenly, Drake is in a massive black void, with nothing but the seven encircled around him. They begin to charge massive beams, the energy concentration far greater than Drake's entire being. Just as they fire, they appear to dim and defuse a large amount of energy out of no where, before firing each one straight at him, too fast and too powerful to dodge. Before the beams even reach him, the sheer energy density blows away his form, leaving him exposed to the pure power onrushing him.

White watches from the courtyard as a massive explosion of pure energy rips open the sky, deafening everything with its pure almighty power.

She watches as a figure falls from the heavens, and eventually lands at her feet, unconscious, almost with a pulse, his heart on its final beats. The seven descend from the skies, and return to their respective positions of the fortress.

"Well fought, Drake Ryunexo... such power has its use... even if you shall exist in a mere vegetative state... for all of the concern of the world of the living... you have indeed died..." She smiles. "A death worthy of such a brave spirit. But in secret... I shall know the truth of your eternal unwaking slumber..."

She nods to Aoi, who touches Drake, but her power only stabilizes his heart, nothing more. White attaches a strange metal braclet, which begins bonding with his DNA. A green light flicks on, and Drake's powers are sealed.

White picks him up, and carries him down into the deepest dungeons of Yosai, where an angelic figure sleeps, surrounded by preserved various Mythos, such as an Endlos, a Spirit, and even a Aetherborn.

She places him within one of the preservation chambers, and activates the seal, entombing Drake with the rest of the beings.

She looks at him with a malevolent smile. "From you, we will finally perfect the Chaos Engine. Thank you for donating yourself to our cause... your sacrafice is not in vain." She chuckles darkly. "I will record your battle within my memory for all time... it was most poetic."

Drake comprehends and hears none of this, trapped within a comatose state.

The Dusk Before Red Dawn
White looks among the gathered members of Phoenix. "It's almost time. Are you all ready to go?"

Hiroshi: We've based almost our entire existence on the plan. There is no doubt that we are ready.

White closes her eyes. "Alright then. Once you are on Earth, you will wait for your phase to begin. Hiroshi will make his move only when I tell him to. Caution must be taken. That goes for the rest of the Trimasters. None of you engage unless it is Kado himself, or any other significant threat we have discovered thus far. Understood?"

Hiroshi: *bows in acknowledgement* Understood, White.

A brilliant light envelops them, and they feel themselves slowly disappearing.

"Good luck to you all." White says, and they disappear, leaving only Aoi and White behind.

"...We shall stay and observe."

The Distant Land
Daikeim looks at the figure with a hazy look on his face before slowly flying through the barrier and fixate his eyes at Eta.

Daikeim: I believe this is yours...

"Ah, the 'Draken'. If you were simply here to return her you needn't bother. We would have taken her back ourselves. Still, I suspect you're here for something else. I don't offer candy at this house, kid. Might try the next door neighbor, the rock." She pauses.

"I should really not get back into making puns... I thought I broke that habit..."

Daikeim: Draken... I heard someone tried a suicide mission here, I intend to see him... I think you'll allow me that much, besides, you're lucky Draken here came back in one piece...

"She's a mere prototype. We have more in development like her, now we know the Eta are viable. And as for the specimen... I rather much doubt I should let you see him. Much less anything to do with the CE's. You should thank me. You wouldn't even have ashes to let blow away in the wind had I not intervened. He chose to involve himself in my war, invade my fortress, he paid the price. It was a combination of dumb luck and my mercy which is even why there is a vegetative corpse even left of him. In war you take no transgression lightly.

I can be reasonable, but you ask too much. With set circumstances, I could bring him up... but you cannot have him. ...Not yet at least. With the completion of the newest Eta's, I won't have a need, as I could completely clone his genetics into a specimen that way. I must see to the perfection of the Eta Generation."

Daikeim: I don't care what happens to me, I don't care about the CE's, I don't care... Just let me see my best friend...

She narrows her eyes slightly at him, but says nothing. She turns and lands on the courtyard silently. A woman made of ice approaches the woman.

"Lady White?" She asks.

"Bind him in your chains. Afterwards I want you to remove the memory of what he will see. The information within here remains secret." She turns back at Daikeim. "No exceptions. I can allow the mere specific memory of him... though I very much doubt you would prefer to remember him as he is. Nothing else. The secrets of Yosai remain secrets."

She lets out a dragonic growl. "Attempt to remember afterwards, and I shall personally ensure you and whoever you tell dies."

Daikeim: I've seen him worse, and I have much worse memories buried within my mind... Secrets... Yeah, using my friend as something for your sick tests must remain a secret. *He says that in a sarcastic yet angered tone, giving off the same energy signature as Drake's Primitive forms*

She says nothing, but thick icy cuffs form around his hands, tougher than any steel. She walks up to a wall and taps it, and it disappears, revealing a circular platform elevator. She walks on to it and turns toward him, and the icy woman follows, splitting into as many as ten.

Daikeim: *Sighs* Guess you can't be too careful... *He walks onto the platform, noticing Eta* What about her, surely it's fair for the first of your creatures to meet the person they're copying off from.

She silently walks on the platform as well. "News flash. I don't need an invitation. I live here." She leans into Daikeim's ear. "The mere fact you're alive right now astounds me. Don't push your luck with her."

Daikeim: If you saw my entire life, you'd be dumbfounded at what I've managed to live through. And besides, you wouldn't of walked on this platform if I didn't mention you...

"Why you litte-"

The platform lurches, then suddenly drops so violently that both Daikeim and Eta almost lose their stomachs, White and the frozen woman seemingly not even bothered in the slightest. With a sudden crash! The platform smashes into the water, but continues to travel at an intense speed, sinking deep into the water, yet a bubble of air protects them. With a more definitive crash, the platform lands inside some strange massive underwater complex, dim blue light the only thing lighting it up. A faint electric hum can be heard from the place. White walks off the platform, straight down one of the halls.

Daikeim: Impressive... How you've managed to create all this under Fantasy's radar, *He steps off, following White* I'm guessing we're getting close now... *He looks around* Hmph, you seem confident in these CE's... *He starts being quiet as he continues to examine the complex*

The halls open up into much larger ones, with many rows of containment chambers, dimly lit figures of humanoids all present within them, a great deal of them on one side seem more like just basic shapes of humanoids rather than the others, which look like individuals.

Eta doesn't seem at all bothered by the sights of the facility.

"You and I have more in common than you'd imagine, Daikeim." White says silently, not stopping.

Daikeim: Is that supposed to be a compliment or an insult... *He looks at the humanoids and shudders* Disturbing enough as it is... I got a feeling that worse is still to come.

"You were exiled from your world, you and Drake. Why? Because you defied the Vitae Gods and saved Cyanic from enslavement. You and I are not so different. We once fought to protect humanity. And they too scorned us. I know much more than you think, Daikiem. Humanity has committed wrongs you cannot begin to fathom."

Daikeim: How do you know about all this... Oh, Drake, right. And although humanity has caused some unforgivable sins, I'm willing to give them a second chance... But I'm guessing you're different.

White looks back at him. "Humanity is beyond saving. The only way to relieve them of their hatred is through their systematic extermination. They have had more than a second chance. Time upon time. And yet, see their actions. Calls for change fall on deaf ears, even as their very actions are bringing them back into the cycle they started years ago. The weak will be trampled by the strong. No matter how hard they try. And I don't need Drake to know about you. I've known about you since you first met Kado. As soon as he fought Razorwind, I knew his path would eventually lead him here. Apparently shows of force do not dissuade you two from anything. He should have taken the hint the time he fought Aoi. Just as you should have taken the hint with Eta."

She turns back and continues walking, and comes to a solid wall, and simply looks at it for a moment.

Daikeim: A genocide isn't the answer... There are millions of humans that don't deserve death, your penalty of death due to the actions of some should not linger on others... *Daikeim looks at the wall* Why have we stopped here?

Suddenly the emblem of Phoenix blazes to life on the wall, and it rumbles open, revealing a large chamber within.

"The only truly innocent are children. It is already too late for the ones who have already been exposed to hatred." She walks in, and Daikeim notices the room looks like an operating room. In the center of the room is an operating chair, and White indicates for Eta to lie down.

"I need to inspect her for damages, and collect data." Eta lies down, and White grabs the facemask and pulls it off Eta, once again exposing her face, which seems to cause her to become sleepy, and she soon closes her eyes. White places it on a scanner of sorts.

Daikeim: Hatred is manifested in everyone, it's a basic instinct... I see why you would suggest such an action, but it's ultimately a lost cause... Since the children will grow up, find a life and the cycle repeats... Attempting to off the world because of the hated born within it is useless... *He glances at the facemask then over to Eta* Collect data? I guess it records fights and automatically adapts towards it.

White seems to be observing something Daikeim cannot see, and then she turns and walks back to Eta, with a slight concern on her face, and lifts up the simple shirt Eta wears on the side, and seems to be feeling for something. She then presses hard against Eta's side, and her body flinches.

"...A rupture..." She places the mask back on Eta, and she almost immediately wakes up. She looks down at Eta, who looks away. "You had a rupture of your internal systems during your firing sequence. You declined to tell me this, why?"

"...I failed. I failed to maintain power. You would have canceled if you knew... what point would the Eta have then?"

"The fact you used Chaos Drive at all with success and a minor injury is insignificant. The Eta class can fire a Chaos Drive without a direct power source. What I've been hoping for. Your name is Kanashimi Draken. Remember it."

White walks to the other end of the room, and the wall slides open. "We're done here. Come on, Kanashimi." She reluctantly gets up and follows White.

"We will continue on now, Daikeim. You can still settle for turning back if you desire."

Daikeim: I am not turning back now... *He glances at Kanashimi before following White, he sighs* Why would I want to turn back... So, what was all that about...

"I was nameless. She gave me a name. I only had a designation, never a name to call my own. Proof of my worth as a CE. ...When I fired that beam, I have a internal failure that could have lead to me... exploding. Many CE's that have been born could not fire the Chaos Drive without a power source. An immense power source. The few that could were unable to fire powerful enough beams to cause the damage needed for our purpose."

Daikeim: Oh, then I'm guessing getting a name means a lot to you? I'm surprised that CE's have emotions, you think that it would hinder you... But then again, she did choose Drake as your "ancestor", who managed to keep his attitude while doing missions flawlessly... Most of the time.

Kanashimi looks at him with an irritated scowl. "We're augmented with machines, that doesn't make us emotionless, moron."

Daikeim: *Smirks* Doesn't change your mouth either it seems...

Ahead is a door, but White turns and looks at Daikeim. "Remember what I said. You cannot have him. Not yet." She seems to freeze for a whole minute, until he blinks, and the image completely changes to her being right in his face, and only then does he feel the cold steel of her blade dangerously close to his throat. "So much make a slight twitch I don't like... you won't realize your head was lobbed from your neck until a whole minute passes. Am I understood?"

Daikeim: *Loses his smirk* You're understood... Now put the blade away, I'd hate having to come this far only to attack.

"Glad I made my point." She puts the sword away and keeps going, Kanashimi walking next to Daikeim.

She turns her head and cackles. "Spooked much? She can go pretty fast eh?"

Daikeim: Yeah, she can... *Looks at White* Hmm... What other tricks do you have up your sleeve...

White walks up to the door, and takes out the sword again, Daikeim notices the blade is pure white, a white more solid than any other he's ever seen. She inserts the sword into a strange keyhole of sorts, and the door rumbles, and slowly begins to open.

''Daikeim's Soul Stone begins to glow as he watches in anticipation, catching the energy signature. But not to his surprise, it's faint, like a ghost, he has trouble keeping sense on it but soon manages to pinpoint it as Drake's. He takes a quick sigh and slows his walking pace, he wonders what Kanashimi's reaction will be, but with that being the least of his concerns. He just hopes that Drake will be fine.''

The door opens, and they step inside. In the center of a massive room in a large glass container is what Daikeim couldn't even describe as an angel, too powerful to be dismissed as just a mere angel. The room is shaped in a large circle, with similar tubes containing various other Mythos. He looks throughout the various tubes, eventually seeing a figure recognizable as Drake, but no where near 'prime' condition. From his appearance, he appears very haggard, almost as though as if he had been severely burned all over. His eyes appear listless, if he is awake Daikeim wouldn't be able to tell. Compared to the life signs of the other Mythos in the room, his vitals appear quite low.

White quietly looks at him. "And this just how he looks after Aoi patched him up."

Daikeim: *Starts walking towards Drake's tube, with nothing but a blank stare as he approaches him* Dammit Drake... You crazy bastard...

''White notices something odd with the two, as Daikeim approaches closer, a blue aura in the shape of a dragon winds it's way around Daikeim. While with Drake, a black aura of a similar dragon is wrapped around the tube, growling at Daikeim. Surprisingly, the two half dragons don't notice this and just look at eachother. ''

Daikeim: Why... Why did you do this... God dammit Drake WHY!?

''Daikeim knows he cannot respond and sighs, looking down at his feet. Unable to see that Drake has a small smirk, but due to his injuries, is hurt while he smirks, making him lose the smirk quickly. Daikeim turns to look at Kanashimi and prompts her to come here, regardless if she wants too or not.''

Daikeim: I got a feeling this'll be your only chance of seeing him so you might aswell...

Daikeim can feel White studying him intensely for a moment, and then she looks over at Kanashimi. "Come here for a moment, Kanashimi." Kanashimi complies, and White appears to whisper something to her, then returns attention to Daikeim.

"I don't know what you expected to find or see. You should have expected this. I did tell you." White says in a passive voice.

Daikeim: I know what you said, I infact expected worse... But I-- ...*Daikeim suddenly growls at Drake uncontrollably*

''White can now see the aura dragons growling and taking shots at eachother, she can also see air bubbles coming from Drake's mouth as he somehow manages to make a faint growl. Daikeim's Soul Stone darkens in colour, as they both manage to stop, he takes a step back.''

Daikeim: What the hell...?

The lights in the room turn red, and the aura dragon surrounding Drake feels a powerful shock run through it as the Power Suppressors in the room activate, crippling both Aura dragon's from acting out further.

"Foreign spiritual entities detected. Threat level: Hostile. Suppressors activated."

"So it would appear the Aura Dragons are sentient after all... how interesting..." She stares at the one surrounding Drake. "Mind yourself or you'll find just how painful it is for these Suppressors to seal your powers."

Daikeim: I don't know what you're talking about, something like this hasn't happened before...

Daikeim looks at Drake and notices that his eyes have darken in colour.

Daikeim: ...Primitive, that's what caused it. *He soon realises* Oh shit... *He steps back as his Soul Stone darkens to black*

"Don't go just yet" can be heard throughout the room, Daikeim is shocked to see Drake's mouth move...

Daikeim: H-how can he talk!?

"Because he isn't. Or at least, Drake isn't. I know plenty about the affairs of spirits and their kin to know possession when I see it." White says calmly.

"I'll have none of that behavior in my fortress, whoever you are. Identify yourself and your intentions, and I might consider lowering the Suppressors."

The 'spirit' talks again... "Now, let's not be hostile people... I'm only keeping Drake alive, along with you. Daikeim, you know who, or at least what I am. Besides, I did give you some of my power for your own, but it seems that you managed to purify it to my surprise. Don't worry, Drake is fine, he doesn't feel a thing due to what those creatures did to him... Isn't that right, White. Drake's sacrifice only to defend you, Daikeim."

Daikeim: What are you doing...

''The spirit laughs. "Haha... It's honestly nothing, it's just that Drake here isn't taking a liking towards them two... Then again, could you blame him?"''

''Another voice is heard, as muffled as it is, the three manages to understand. ''

Drake: S... Shut... Up... Corruption..

Daikeim: No way... No fucking way...

White looks on with impartiality. Kanashimi remains by her side, the red light in her mask turned on.

Corruption: Don't make me laugh, child... I'm the one keeping you ali--

Drake: Shut up... You bastard, listen to me right now... I will not stand in this damn tube to be lectured by a fucking spirit! Stay the fuck away from them three or I will end myself!

Corruption: You haven't got the guts...

Daikeim is unable to speak, staying in shock at what's happening.

Drake: Daikeim... I can tell that you'd want to attack, don't be a dumbass... It's thanks to her that I'm alive, despite the shape I'm in... *He makes eye contact with Kanashimi, he gains tribal markings all over his body* ...There, he shouldn't be able to talk. So then, who's that...

White looks at the markings. "Sounds like someone doesn't want someone else talking. Don't want him to say anything you don't like? Perfectly fine with me. I can still hear his thoughts anyway." She gives it a strict look. "The suppressors remain on for the time being. As for who she is, you must not be very self aware if you couldn't tell I've been extracting DNA from Drake. Consider her his child, of sorts."

Drake: *Faintly laughs* ...A child? Jesus, I wasn't planning to settle down this early... So then, how is she like me?

Daikeim: *Is surprised Drake is taking this pretty normally, like he's done this time and time again* How... How are you so calm?

Drake: There's stuff in my past life you don't know about, and it's best if I don't mention it...

White has a slight smirk. "From my data she seems to be plenty resourceful in the attitude department. Like you. She even has some of those curious 'aura' powers of yours. I'm surprised you're not interested in trying to escape. You were so intent on smashing the place. A pity all it took was clobbering you with the Eig- Seven." She catches herself, and then has an irritated look, as though remembering a rather sour detail.

Drake: Look at me, do I look capable of walking? Let alone breaking out and fighting the other members? Hmm, why did you catch your tongue...

"None of your concern." Suddenly they feel a shift come over White, and her calm aura crumbles quickly, becoming oppressive and heavy, like the sudden outbreak of a thunderstorm. Her eyes are closed, and Daikeim has to check twice, but he thinks he sees two fangs sliding from her mouth. She silently stands up, and begins to walk out. Aoi appears, and Drake gets the sensation this one is the real deal, not like the clones.

"Mistress?" She asks cautiously as White walks by, but a deep powerful rumble is the only reply, strong enough to shake the whole room with the force of an earthquake, and it takes a moment to realize it is a dull growl.

"Watch them. They do anything, kill them." A much more powerful, ancient version of White's voice rings out as she leaves. Aoi turns and looks at them quietly as the door closes.

Drake: Speaking of the other members...

Daikeim: Hmm?

Drake: One of the members me and another person fought... Tough son of a bitch, but makes sense... *He looks at Kanashimi* So if you got my attitude, throw an insult at me... Go on...

Daikeim: ...*Walks up to Aoi* Umm, I don't think Drake meant harm on her... Will she be fine?

Aoi just passively looks at him. She then looks up. "You might want to grap a hold of something. She's angry. Not at you."

Kanashimi looks at him dully. "How about I take a golf club and smack your head flatter than the surface of this floor instead?"

Aoi's feet freeze to the floor, and Kanashimi sprouts wings and idly flies as a massive roar deafens them, the sheer rage shaking the whole of the fortress.

Daikeim: *Manages to keep his balance* Wow... *He turns to look at Drake* The hell did you do?

Drake: Nothing, stop blaming me! Anyways... That's an ok insult... Try this; Listen to me fuckface, if you want to keep those wings on your back and not through your chest. I suggest sitting down, shutting up and let your good ol' Daddy Drake smack the bitch right out of you.

"Go ahead and try, Cripple." She flaps her wings and descends onto the ground again.

Aoi was about to pull out a book, but sighs and looks up. "Quiet both of you, before I elect to shut the two of you down for a few hours. Lady White's anger is directed towards the death of one of our senior members. He was killed in action fighting a traitor." She pauses for a moment, then looks back at Drake. "As a matter of fact I may just shut you down anyway. I still remember your rather... distasteful comment from our encounter before." She quietly opens the book and begins quietly reading.

Drake: Hey... That's a bit unfair, I was only having a bit of fun...

Daikeim: What did you say?

Drake: ...Let's not get into that, shall we?

Daikeim: *Glances over to Kanashimi and Drake, watching them throw insults at eachother* ...Two Drakes, that's someone's nightmares alright...

After a moment, the roaring quiets and the door opens, and White returns, the calm aura about her returned, though there is still an edgy tone about her. She looks at Aoi. "Check on the other Eta's." Her voice is closer to what it was, but still a lot stronger than before. Aoi leaves silently.

Drake: *Glances at Kanashimi's armour* ...You're one to call me crippled, tin woman... Besides, do you even have a name?

Daikeim: *Notices White* You seem tense...

She ignores him and walks over towards Drake's container. She then looks back at Daikeim. "Leave. You've seen him. Now I have work to do."

Kanashimi looks over at White. "What about me?"

White looks over at her idly. "Do as you wish, Kanashimi. Should I need you, you'll know."

Kanashimi blinks in confusion. "Do you mean...?"

"You're dismissed to go wherever you please. I will recall you if necessary." The face mask and armor retract into a small headband sort of device, and she looks stunned.

Drake: Oh you were doing that just to spite me!

Daikeim: Hehe... *He turns to look at Drake* Goodbye...

Drake: Hey, you'll be back, you'll miss me too much. Tell Elaonore I said hi, oh, and try not to die.

Daikeim: *Laughs* You too, you crazy bastard.

Drake: I'll be fine... Just go...

Daikeim sighs and walks out, soon realising that he's gonna get lost pretty easily...

A finger taps him on the shoulder. "Didn't think you'd just get rid of me that easily eh?" Kanashimi says.

Daikeim: Hmm? What are you doing this time?

"Coming with you. That a problem, 'Almighty Grouch?"

Daikeim: Why are you coming with me? Ain't you got anything better to do...

"Dude. There is nothing to do here except stare at mossy old brick walls. Or bash your head in boredom against said walls. Wherever and whatever you were doing has got to be more interesting than sitting here waiting for White to decide to make me do something. And with her new errr... toys... ...that could take a while."

Daikeim: I doubt it but ok... *He wonders through the hallways* So, what did you think of Drake? Strange meeting someone who's just like you, isn't it?

"He's a guy with a bad attitude and you two seem to be really close buddies. I can so see how he'd draw out the worst in you though. Anyway, I shudder to ask the question again, but what is with that girl you were with earlier? You seemed ready to chop my head off for no reason, all because I asked about her." She pauses and points down a hall. "It's this way by the way."

Daikeim: *Sighs and begins speaking in a more calming yet empty voice* The girl's name is Elaonore, a Mytho and the love of my life... She's been through so much thanks to me and I can't help but feel tragic every time she says my name or when I see her. Despite that, I'd protect her with my life and would stop at nothing to rescue her if she got captured... Knowing what you guys did to Drake, I threatened you because I don't want people to take her away again... The last time that happened... *He makes a soft growl and clenches his fists as he goes down the hall that Kanashimi pointed at* Let's just get going...

They eventually reach the platform and before they go up, Aoi appears. "So we're clear, you interfere with Phoenix, you will never see Drake again. That is not a threat. That's a promise. And Kanashimi. Don't forget your loyalties. It would be most... unfortunate for you if you did."

Daikeim: I doubt that I'll need to do anything... Just make sure he doesn't do anything stupid... Promise or not, if he dies for something he didn't do... I'm coming back.

"I know you will." She says with a certainty almost prophetic in nature.

Daikeim: *Looks at Aoi with a sense of anger in his eyes, but sighs once again and looks at Kanashimi* Just get this working and let's get out...

Kanashimi smiles, and presses her hand against the button. "Ready to lose your stomach again?"

Daikeim: Yep... I'm not gonna feel well in the morning...

The platform shoots up, and when they finally stop, Daikeim has to adjust for a moment. "So then Chief Vomit, where to?"

Daikeim: No idea... Actually, Forest City. That blast of yours almost destroyed it... If not all of it, and after that... I don't know. *He continues walking*

"Oh err... I can't really fly anywhere right now... see we're not supposed to use our powers if we're err.... off duty." Kanashimi laughs wearily. "In a fight to protect myself I can use my powers... just not carelessly, White doesn't want people knowing about the CE project."

Daikeim: Yet you go to a city and almost destroy-- Nevermind... I'll get you airborne, just get me out of this place first.

"Hey, I attacked you two under orders. When we have a target, that's different. Plus I only shot the douche. Let's not forget the two who were blowing the place up and knocking each other through buildings. Let's not forget who brought the place back to life and reversed the damage you guys did."

She opens the door to the room's exit.

Daikeim: And then blew it up again, but fair point... Actually, that reminds me... Why was Drekavas ordered to kill, and me to punish? I never done anything towards Phoenix prior this...

She looks at him with an irritated face. "Did I not just say I didn't aim at the city? Plus with your shield the damage would have been minimal. As for the second question, Phoenix's goal is basically to purge sin. Violently. Mythos who use their powers to blow up innocents? By all accounts they're sinners in Phoenix's book. He was just another hit to be destroyed. As for you, if you ever found out on your own, you would likely have gone against Phoenix. A more accurate term would be 'scare' or 'intimidate.' By showing you what Phoenix is capable of, White was hoping to scare you off by using me."

Daikeim: I'm surprised I managed to hold back, heck... Even Drake managed to hold back against you... Anyways, then how did they find out about me?

"I'll just say that White is very thorough in removing possible threats."

Daikeim: Right... *He looks around* So, where too now?

She gives him a look. "Scatter brained much? You said Forest City, isn't that correct?"

Daikeim: Ok ok... *Daikeim goes into his Half Dragon form, he looks at Kanashimi and his eyes flash gold, giving her a pair of aura wings that'll allow flight* The Mythos will mistake your for a Heroa God or a Cyanican, so don't worry about getting caught... *He flies up into the air and turns to the direction of Forest City, waiting for Kanashimi to arise aswell*

She does so, following him closely.

''Daikeim starts to fly towards Forest City, but staying silent. The only time he talks, it's only to himself, after a while... Daikeim's Soul Stone gives him an electric shock, causing him to slow down and look around.''

Daikeim: The hell... Ugh. *He shakes his head and continues flying, catching up to Kanashimi soon after. They soon make it back to Forest City*

A Rude Interruption - The Knight
''A lone figure, clad in a black medieval looking armour with also sports a dark blue, tattered cloth around the neck. Looks at the intimidating towers, he puts his arm up to his helmet and quietly speaks into it... "Target found, and what of your ends?" A faint whisper can be heard coming out of the figure's arm, after the conversation, the figure says one more thing. "Ok, approach with caution, both of you. Either eliminate or disable anyone who gets in your way, finally, keep the targets alive." He puts his arm down and hovers up to the barrier, he pushes his hand through it and floats through it. He takes a look around before seeming to be a bit transparent, he continues to move towards the fortress.''

His arrival does not go unnoticed, as a alarm of some kind immediately blares as he crosses the barrier and approaches. He can sense the presence and gaze of many countless soldiers, but they do not appear to be rousing to attack, merely watching him as though they aren't concerned with his presence. However the largest building, which appears to be the main complex has a different sort of barrier, and as he gets closer to it, a strange red bolt nearly strikes him, even though it doesn't hit him, it feels as though he was just dipped in acid.

''The figure looks towards the new barrier. "Hmm, I can't seem to enter. So, the target has obviously sensed my presence. I guess I have to wait..." He looks around, seeing the multitude of guards surrounding him."Like vultures to a corpse..." He takes a moment to glance at his surroundings before exploring the area he's in.''

Where ever he goes, he notices guards assembled at the entrance to every building and tower, eyes coldly watching him. The only activity he sees is the south wing, where some of the forces are entering and leaving via a single massive portal connected to the fortress via a long walkway, though the portal itself has its own battalion standing guard, observing him. They do not appear to be hostile, but the air about the fortress is immensely tense, as though the guards were just waiting to see what he would do, either that or they were waiting for something to happen.

''The figure walks towards the battalion and examines them before smiling, although this cannot be seen because of the helmet he wears. "I'm looking for the one who leads this organization, do you know where I can find her?" The faint dark smoke cloud weaves and turns it way around the battalion, as the figure examines his blade. "Oh, and don't bothering opening fire. It'll result in your own deaths."''

One of them chuckles beneath his own helmet. "Oh we know. We can't take you there, but we know. If I were you, I would invite yourself out. Before she invites you in."

''"Oh, that's a shame... Well, you've filled out your usefulness... Now begone." The smoke manages to reach into their lungs, causing them to suffocate and drop dead. The smoke then traverse its way to the other guards, the smoke thickens until it's impossible to see, the figure walks past the dead bodies and into the south wing. "Now that's done with, time to find my target..."'' The smoke doesn't even phase the guards. "Air tanks and air filters, moron." A guard points toward the main building. "If you're so desperate to die, go right ahead. Now you begone, fool."

From where the Knight stands, he can see part of the barrier over it lift. As he walks up to the doors, they silently slide inward, revealing a massive great hall in the building's first floor.

The figure walks into the hall, with the smoke emanating off of him, it slowly covers the floor like a mist. "Hmm, I guess after that incident, this structure still stands fairly." He continues to wonder through, until he comes across something.

At the end of the hall, White sits upon a throne, apparently sleeping softly.

''The figure walks up to White, stopping only a couple of feet away. He then gets in the knighting stance, shown as a respectful gesture. "Lady White, I presume. So what do I owe the pleasure?"''

She stirs and lifts her head, one of her eyes opening. "I should ask to what purpose do you intrude in my fortress? I'm not fond of uninvited guests." She says quietly.

''"Well, I have arrived to meet you. Maiden, but this isn't for a house warming gift, I'm afraid." The figure stands up and looks towards White, the sword on his back gathering small smoke around it. "Now don't worry, this won't hurt... Only a small capsule of energy will be needed." ''

Her eye closes. "Your right... only a small amount of energy will be needed to remove you from existence..."

Time seems to suddenly come to a crawl. Sound stops. Deafening silence infact. Everything begins to turn white, the last thing to fade from view is White, as she twitches. For what seems like an eternity passes, before everything returns in one colossal explosion that instantly destroys his eardrums completely, as a blast erupts near the vicinity of Earth's capital with the force of a blast 2,800 times stronger than the blast that took place at Hiroshima, the immediate area turned to charred stone and in flames, the blast zone reduced to nothing but desolation.

At the edge of the blast zone, she calmly stares at the center of the blast, where a liquefied pool of atoms lies, a violent shroud of heat and radiation surrounding her, and she glows bright as the sun.

''The smoke in the area converts to a black slime which forms into The Knight, who equips his sword. "Interesting attack there, Maiden. But useless..." Black smoke fills the room, pitch black as the sound of The Knight's armour disappears. White feels nothing, but a small prick on her back, before she has time to react. Black spikes rip through her skin, appearing on her torso before The Knight blasts her to the floor. "Dark Arts: Puppeteer. " White mysteriously stands up, although not by her own doing. The black smoke clears to see strings attached from White to The Knight's fingers, he swings his arm across to the side. Causing White to fly into the wall... "You made a mistake opening fire, maiden. If I wasn't on a mission, you would be nothing but a husk... These strings are unbreakable, your move..." The Knight clenches both his hands, causing White to stop moving, similar to paralysis. ''

His vision flickers, and she stands in front of him, not even phased. "Interesting intention. But useless. Not only did I see it coming and evade it, but your eyes are your enemy. I can be anywhere... and nowhere." She flickers again, and she is to his far left this time. "Of all of the members of Phoenix to attack... I'm the last one anyone should pick a fight with... alone."

''"Your speed doesn't phase me in the slightest, considering that you have a very unique and strong energy signature. Tracing that becomes a breeze, so it's useless against me. And also, you were chosen to be my target. We know a lot about you and your organization, your toys, the one that died and I know there's someone that triggers something in you... Dark Phoenix, am I right?" The Knight turns towards White and disappears into nothingness, he forms out of White's shadow and grabs hold of her and throws her over his shoulder. He then grabs her neck and picks her up then throws her across the floor, as she stands. Dark spikes fly out of her shadow and stick into her, The Knight picks up his sword and charges at White and slashes at her. Causing a massive cut across her arm, he then kicks her on the side of her head, sending her to the floor again. "Face it, despite your power. I can break you, maybe not psychically, but mentally..."''

She smiles and simply gets up, all the damage done to her none existent. "Trust me little lamb, that isn't likely. Physically or Mentally." Suddenly his vision flickers again, and they are back in the same spots they were before, White at the edge of the crater, and once again him standing farther away, a gash on his forehead this time and her hands dripping with his blood, which burns off, pearl white claws instead of nails retract.

"Like I said... I'm the last person within the organization you should fought with. The mere fact you're alone displays your arrogance and lack of knowledge."

''The Knight laughs. "Ah, so this is what your doing... Interesting, and cowardly. Hehe... So an illusion. Ah well, I came for that sample, and I'm not leaving until I get it." The Knight appears infront of White and places his hand on her forehead... "Black Arts: Rememoration." Suddenly, every tragic event that has happened to White flashes infront of her eyes. "Your speed is remarkable, but time to put an end to that" White gains black stitch marks on her body, The Knight then slams his arm against her face, drawing blood, when White tries to attack back. Her speed is slowed down to a normal humans, allowing The Knight to easily dodge and knee her in the gut and throwing her into the floor once again. ''

The scene flickers again. Just in time to get his faces crushed beyond recognition by a nunchunk which in seconds strikes him countless times, instantly shattering his armor like glass as well as his bones and body in general. With a single swing the force is strong enough to tear off his arm. He notices now that her skin is broken up into scars... no, scales, and she then begins striking him with a whip of pure light, which sears his nerves with every strike. She then lashes it around his throat and flings him over her shoulder like a rag doll and repeatedly smashes him into the ground.

When she is done with that, she strikes him with the very same sort of mental attack, only her attack is infinitely stronger. "Unfortunately for you I have no such tragic memories. So even if that attack hit me, it would have been useless. I don't feel pain or misery. What you fail to understand is that you are alone, and will always be alone. For that reason fate has already decreed your demise. When one fights in the name of God... such things as fear are beneath me.

I will say it again. Even if you do not die by my hand, you will not defeat me. You cannot have a chance of it. Because I have something you lack... there is no such thing as honor or pride. Such things are for those people who rely on a crutch to live. I have no code... except that of my sword. All who stand before me face the wrath of the Eternal Sun and of the Almighty God."

She grabs ahold of her sword hilt. "And allow me to inform you... any attempt to remove my power is useless. Because in reality..." She draws her sword, and all light immediately goes out, leaving him blind, not even the stars shine, a solid black sears his eyes.

"This is a two on one battle." Her countenance becomes filled with the power of the the sun, and around her blade a serpentine dragon curls around it. She points the blade at his heart, and while the explosion that follows decimates his body, the dragon bites his soul, and greedily devours him, consciousness and all.

White turns toward the horizon. "It appears as though I need to take matters into my own hands..." She begins walking off.

''I hate getting my hands dirty. But at least this way... I'll ensure the second phase can begin as planned. Here I come... Dark Phoenix. ''

Final Preparations
Drake hears footsteps slowly grow louder, and the lights in the room begin to flicker on one by one, until the room is fully lit, and the footsteps grow even louder.

Drake: Hmm... I wonder who this is, probably one of the members... But that would only be White or Aoi, regardless.. *His eyes narrows down* It's way to damn bright here.

To his surprise, White and Aoi show up, but along with them are three others. White stops right in front of the glass and looks up at him quietly. The glass muffles her voice, but he swears he can hear her say, 'Open the glass'.

Drake: Wait... What? Did you just say, ok... I think the fumes here have gotten to me.

One of the people who had come with her presses a red button, and the glass suddenly swings wide open, letting a rush of fresh air blast his face. The man wears a fur coat along with a cloth mask on the bottom of his face, his eyes look borderline feral.

"Come with us, and come quietly, Drake." He says coldly.

The two others who had come leave in front of them, while White, Aoi, and the masked man wait for him to come down from the tube he had been in so long.

''Drake steps down from the tube and looks at his burn marks and wounds, stretching his arms out. He has faint tribal marks stained on his body, he turns his head towards White and sighs.''

Drake: I'd like my clothes back...

Aoi looks at him. "The Avatars destroyed them. We will have to get new clothes for you."

The masked man sighs. "I'll be back..." He disappears in a breeze. A minute later, he appears with a change of clothing. "Hurry up and change. We have things to talk about." He points toward a door on the right side of the room.

Drake: Of course they destroyed them... *He quickly changes into his new clothes and yawns, he looks towards the door and walks towards it* So, who are you and what do you want? Because honestly, I liked it in that tube, it was quiet... Peaceful, and I didn't have to look at her... *He glares at Aoi before looking at White* By the way, what was all that noise up in the fortress?

A red tint appears in White's eyes. "I just was busy killing a little gnat that buzzed too close to my ear."

The man speaks up. "I am Torrent, one of the main members of Phoenix. And with White finishing analyzing your DNA, she won't need you any longer. I don't want anything from you. Phoenix however has an offer for you, once that comes with your freedom should you accept it. We will speak of it upstairs, nothing further." He chuckles. "And if I were you, I wouldn't offend Aoi."

Aoi just gives Drake an impartial icy stare.

Drake glances at Aoi and smirks.

Drake: I love ya' too sweet pea. *He looks at Torrent* I honestly wouldn't care what Aoi does, as you can see. I've pretty much been to hell, beat the devil at checkers and returned to shoot someone in the face... But ok, we'll speak of this offer in a minute... *He sighs and summons his HSC and pulls out a book and reads it while walking*

As he walks, it gets much colder for some reason, almost as though he had plunged into arctic waters. Torrent holds out a hand and White sighs, angrily tossing him a gold coin.

Drake stops and looks at Aoi, giving her a death stare before growling, with small flickers of fire leaving his mouth while doing so.

Drake: Funny... Now raise the fucking temperature before I turn you into a puddle. *He continues walking then laughs* Wouldn't be the first time I made you wet.

They come to an elevator, and Aoi seems deathly quiet. The platform rises with no problems, but then Torrent looks up.

His voice comes out significantly higher pitched. "Umm, Aoi, please don't do that."

"Do what?" She says impassively.

"Please, turn it back."

"No."

Drake looks up to see the water covering the vertical entrance is completely frozen, and they are going to ram into it in probably a minute well over a hundred miles an hour.

Drake: Oh you son of a bitch, Aoi... *Drake creates a black fireball and throws it at the ice, only slightly melting it* ...Well, shit... Change it back Aoi, right now!

"What's the matter? Afraid of getting a little flat?" She says in her impassive voice.

Drake: I don't think any of us wants to end up like your chest, now for the love of God. CHANGE IT BACK YOU BITCH!

The water turns back to normal, and they exit and stop at the ground level. Aoi looks at him for a moment, before taking a small breath and blasting him with a blizzard that coats him in ice tougher than steel, and she walks off.

Torrent holds out his hand again, and White angrily fishes for another gold coin. "You and your stupid bets..." She growls.

Drake sets himself ablaze and melts the ice with ease before following with the others.

Drake: You're starting to get on my nerves... *A voice plays in his mind*

Corruption: Well well well Drake, this is your chance...

Drake: No way, I haven't got a reason yet.

Corruption: Hmph, you're pathetic... Where's your sense of honor? Where's your sense of bloodlust and endless kil--

Drake's tribal patterns show up again and Drake lets out a sigh of relief.

Drake: Finally... He'll shut up now.

White and the others enter the main building, and as Drake opens the main door and closes it behind him, a girl with blonde hair with electric blue eyes appears in front of him and leans in his face with hers very uncomfortably.

"Hello tankboy!" She says in an almost too cheerful way.

Drake takes a step back, startled at the sudden shock.

Drake: JESUS! ...Who in God's name are you? *He takes a second to breathe*

"Noriko. I hear you like to give Aoi a hard time. Lover's quarrel?"

A cold chill blows through the room, as Aoi coldly stares at them.

Drake: Yeah... Umm, my name is Drake, not 'tankboy'... Is there any other surprises like her? *He takes a second to look around*

Torrent, Aoi, White, and Toma are all seated, all that's left is this Noriko girl and Drake.

White looks at Noriko and sighs. "Not this again."

"Can I sit next to the new guy? I'll make him feel comfortable."

"....Define... comfortable."

"...Please?"

"No."

"Yes."

"No."

"No."

"Yes- Damn it!" White growls as Noriko pulls Drake to the seat next to hers, looking triumphant.

"I win!" Noriko says cheerfully, before giving Drake a bear hug.

Torrent lets out an exasperated sigh. "And welcome to my personal hell."

Drake: *Struggling to breathe due to how tight the bear hug is* Is... Is it too late to go back to the tube? *Drake manages to break free from the bear hug, he takes a look around at the other members* So then... Is this all of you?

White closes her eyes. "Sort of." She opens her eyes. "Enter, Azula."

The main doors open, and Drake sees a woman walk in completely encased in black CE armor with red hair at the base of her hair, slowly darkening to black at the tips. Unlike the other ones he saw, this one has a brilliant and powerful aura that flickers briefly in his vision, even though it appears to be in its normal mode. The headpiece slides open, and he remembers her face from Downation, though the eyes are dim and almost lifeless.

Drake: *Narrows his eyesight to her* Hmm... She was with the masked dude last time I saw her, so she's a CE now... *He looks at White* Your moral compass isn't right, woman... *He looks back at Azula* So your name is Azula, nice of you to give this one a name. Wait, what happened to the other one? Kanashimi, was it?

"Kanashimi was killed by Daikeim after he discovered our race's weakness. Had he left her alone conflict would never have been necessary." Azula speaks, something that surprises Drake.

"I have always been a CE. You are born a CE, you are not made."

Drake: Hmph, then Daikeim would of had a reason to attack... He wouldn't of killed her if he didn't have a reason. *He sighs* Great, then what are you planning to do with him? If you guys send anymore CE's in his direction, they're coming back as corpses...

"Kanashimi was a prototype. To survive realistically in the same situations as more fine tuned CE would be more difficult for one such as her. Making a new and improved Kanashimi would take no effort on my part. I already know the specific genetic codes needed to remake her. And as for Daikeim, that depends." White smiles.

"Mainly on you, that is."

Drake: *Glares at White and growls, standing up and clenching his fists* On me? Tell me right now, what the hell do you think you want from me... Just send me back to the test tube, I'm already tired of this.

"A battle is coming, Drake. I had intended to destroy humanity before tomorrow came, but time is too short to finish the Trimaster Plan. The awakening of a god is at hand..." She has a deadly smile powerful enough to make Drake shudder. "And I intend to bury him and his ally... Van Valeric."

Drake goes into his Aura Dragon form and sets his hands ablaze, walking towards White until he's a couple of feet away, speaking in a more demonic tone.

Drake: You expect me to kill Daikeim? And who's the crazy one here, not a damn chance in hell! You may of saved my life, but if you think I would kill someone who's helped me through the same life... How dare you, HOW FUCKING DARE YOU! Tell me White, killing someone you don't know is easy enough. But I can tell from experience that ending the life of someone you care about is damn near to impossible to recover from, you of all people should know that... *He turns around and starts walking away* I'm going back to the tube, fuck you and your goals.

Torrent looks at White. "I rather dislike emotional brats who don't think before they open their mouths."

Before Drake can make it out the door, he is kicked in the throat and slammed onto the ground, unable to move as Torrent puts his foot on his chest and effortlessly holds him there.

"Why don't you listen again before you get your head cut off? Here is the situation. There is a god of destruction going to appear tomorrow. He is known as Jibaku. He and his ally will be appearing tommorow. Got the picture? The whole aim of this war on Earth was to lure Jibaku out so that we might destroy him. Your part in this will be two fold. One, we expect you to aid in the battle against Jibaku and Van Valeric. That is required. What White should have said regarding Daikiem is that if he should pose a problem to us during that battle or immediately after we finish our task, you are to deal with him. You know him better than we do, so you would be perfect in making him back off. Peacefully or violently. Daikiem may not even show up tomorrow. It's just a precaution we thought ahead about.

We're not asking you to kill him, unless for some reason he attempts to do so to you. That's the letter of the deal. Do those things and consider yourself a free man. We already have your DNA, and this is our more humane way of dealing with you. White could just turn you into a monster or something. I hear she likes experimenting on trash. Though I wouldn't know. Now if you're done throwing a tantrum like a toddler, I'll let you up. We clear?"

Drake: Crystal... Now get the fuck off.

Torrent walks away in mid air.

Drake stands up and exits his Aura Dragon form and extinguishes the fire on his hands, he glances at the Phoenix members before walking out of the room.

Drake: Hmph, kill two people I don't know... Yeah, that'll be 'easy'. I'll be training 'til then, you better be ready when I am. *He exits the room and finds his way to the courtyard before opening his HSC and pulling out one of his jackets and a sword. He creates a couple of clones and trains with them.*

After a while, he notices someone is watching him and turns to find a CE staring at him that looks eerily like him.

"You're easily angered." It says quietly.

Drake: Oh great, so White made more mini-me's... And yes, I get angered easily... What do you want?

"...."

Drake: Let's see... Kanashimi was loud-mouth and brash, so you must be the silent and deadly variant of me. *Drake dodges his clone's attack then breaks his arms then sets him ablaze, watching him incinerate into ash* Anyways, so, you got a name?

"...Silent Angel."

Drake: Heh, good name. So then, you just came to watch? Ask questions or?

A clone appears of Silent Angel. The two start clashing swords. "....Sort of."

Drake: Well, if you have any questions, ask away. If not, then focus on your clone's blade. *He practices CQC with the clone*

"....He killed her."

Drake: *Sighs* Don't tell me you believe in that crap too... If you're gonna bother me with that too, then just go.

Silent Angel brutally stabs his clone in the heart, and Drake thinks he can see a momentary blaze of white hot fury in Silent Angel's eyes, as though he had imagined himself killing Daikiem with that blow.

He makes another one, and is silent for a moment. "She was my sister. ...The Lady forced me to stand aside and watch her die..."

Drake: Sucks, doesn't it. Having to be unable to do anything as you watch someone you care about perish infront of you... Infact, Daikeim knows how that feels, as do I, and you. But, if you want to be someone who works on the frontline. *He disarms his clone and breaks his neck, killing him instantly* Then you have to discard feelings, your kill just then. As brutal as it was, if it was in the middle of the battlefield, that would of gotten you killed. *He creates another clone and trains again* Anyways...

Silent Angel bisects the clone. ".......Want... ...we don't ask for this... ...we don't even have the free will to want anything more..."

Drake: I guess we're in a similar situation where we're forced to do something... I didn't want to get back into a mini-war but here I am... *He sighs* Regardless, sorry about your sister...

Silent Angel flies off without a word. Noriko pokes her head around the corner and sees Drake. "Oh hey Tankboy!"

Drake: Oh god dam-- Hey there Noriko, one thing. Drake, it's.. Drake, not Tankboy... Ok?

"Hmm... I suppose I can call you Drake, provided you stop trying to aggravate Aoi, I think I overheard her mumbling assassination plans."

Drake: That's probably about tomorrow and not me, but it's nice to see she cares. And I can't really help it, being someone who doesn't make somethings seriously is just who I am... Kinda. *He kills the last clone and the sword dissipates into nothingness, he turns to look at Noriko* So then, is every other member of Phoenix like that? Aoi is a stuck-up bitch, Torrent is headstrong, you... You're just... There, really... What about the others? Anything to 'warn' me about when it comes to them?

Her head tilts to one side. "Well I don't know, but we are down a few members. Master Hiroshi died, and Naomi joined forces with Kado, who has been a defector for a number of years and is fighting against us. The people assembled here are the only ones left. There's always been eight members of the organization, no more, no less. ...I guess we need to start looking for new members soon.

I don't know much about Kado anymore, but I do remember how quiet and timid he used to be, heh heh. Probably disguises how timid he is in a fight by pretending to let people take the first shot at him. Have you met him before?"

Drake: *Smirks* Yeah, I met him a once... He's something 'special', annoying too... I wonder if he'll be coming along tomorrow, it'll be fun to show him what I'm capable of. But that's an if, I need to focus about Van Valeric and Jibaku.

"I see, well, I don't know about you, but I think it would be a good idea for you to get some rest. Tomorrow is gonna be a big day, you'll need the energy."

Drake: Hmph... Does it look like I need rest? You can go rest if you want, I'll still be here by sunrise... *Drake sets up some moving targets and sends a barrage of throwing knives at them, all hitting in the heart or brain*

She gives him an odd look, then turns and starts walking away. "Don't let White catch you out here. She'll make you rest."

Drake: Pfft, sure she will... Bye then. *Drake takes a minute to breathe, while this happens, a black shadow appears infront of Drake*

Corruption: Well well, Van Valeric and Jibaku, eh?

Drake: Yeah, but I don't plan on using any Primitive forms. So don't try it.

Corruption: Oh I don't think you have a choice Drake, remember, I control when you NEED the forms. You better start treating me with respect, otherwise once you go into Primitive, you'll never come back out.

Drake: Like I want to listen to someone who lives inside of me, do me a favor and shut up. Alright? Now fade away before anyone catches you...

Corruption: ...This isn't over. *Forms back inside Drake*

Drake: ugh... Stupid parasite.

For a while, it's quiet, until a harsh yell breaks the silence. "ARRGHH! NORIKO! WHAT HAVE I SAID ABOUT COMING IN MY ROOM WITHOUT PERMISSION?!"

Drake hears an almost childish laughing coming closer, and he turns to see an orb of golden light crackling with lightning as it passes. It pauses, giggles again, and then flies off just as Torrent jumps over the wall like a feral animal.

"COME BACK HERE YOU DAMN FAIRY!" He roars, his cloth mask stolen.

Drake: This... Seems fun... *He looks at the multitude of bodies around him* ...Yeah, following them. *Drake goes into his Aura Dragon form and follows the two*

He sees Torrent running at very fast speeds right behind the golden fairy, but it happily manages to dodge every attempt he does at grabbing her. She merrily has no trouble keeping out of his range.

"♪ You can't catch me, you can't catch me!♪ " She sings tauntingly.

Drake flips so his back is facing the ground, he places his hands behind his head and flies past Torrent.

Drake: Oh, hey there. You seem to be in a spot of trouble. *He looks at the golden fairy before looking at Torrent* Wow, you're slow...

The fairy giggles. "♪ Oooh now I have two desperate men wanting a piece of the action! Whatever shall I do?♪ "

Torrent glares at him. "It's not my fault she's a freaking lightning fairy."

Drake: You do realise that I'm faster than you, Noriko... If I wanted to catch you, unlike slowpoke back there. It'll be easy...

She pulsates for a moment. "Nah."

She bolts downward into the water. Torrent sighs. "I'm not likely to get that back til tomorrow now."

Drake lands then turns his head towards Torrent.

Drake: Why does it matter anyways, it's only a mask...

"If I fail to kill someone and they become a threat later, they won't recognize me if I have my mask off. With my mask I appear less of a person and more of a monster. I don't want people to wonder if I have feelings or emotions or any of that nonsense. It's annoying. People are more likely to assume I'm just some thug who is as mindless as the next Mytho."

Drake: Noriko, give Torrent his mask back. That's like stripping a male of his manhood... Actually, it's not but-- JUST GIVE TORRENT HIS DAMN MASK BACK BEFORE I COME DOWN THERE AND TURN YOU INTO NOTHING BUT A SPARK!

He sees her briefly bob into view from the water, and hovers there. She then rushes up to his face and he feels a small jolt of electricity zap his face as she touches his forehead, and then zips off, dropping the cloth mask in the air, and Torrent angrily fetches it before it can fall.

Drake rubs his forehead and glances at Torrent.

Drake: Ow... Hmm, is she like that with everyone?

"I know for a fact she only acts like this with men. It's her little games. I don't know why she does it, but she will always play these games, even with people she's never met. I do know she can be serious when it matters, but men are open season."

Drake: So, she's a manipulative person... Interesting, I guess it's to fool newcomers... Only with men? So... Why does she toy with you?

"Because I'm a guy. She toys with any men, as I said. She'd be doing this alot more often if we had more main members who were male."

Drake: Right... I guess I'm glad it's just like this... I guess. *He looks up at the sky then looks back down then begins walking away, exiting his Aura Dragon form* Anyways, I'm gonna rest or train, see you whenever.

As he walks through the fortress, he sees Aoi in one of the walkways, staring at the moon as she paints on a canvas, a peaceful expression on her face. She almost seems radiant with the moonlight.

Drake sighs and walks up behind Aoi, looking at the painting before glancing at Aoi.

Drake: Hey... What are you painting?

"...The moonlight on the ocean. I like peaceful things. Beautiful things. I try to capture moments like this with paint but... I'm self taught, so I don't think I'm very good at it yet..."

Drake: *Takes a second to look at the painting, then the ocean and moon* You're doing well, self teaching yourself is very difficult to do, but the payoff feels amazing. Hmm... I guess the painting, and the ocean and moon look beautiful... Strange how you love peaceful things yet you're in Phoenix, seems stupid if you ask me.

"...I don't like it here. The violence. The hate. I don't. ...But... I owe the organization a great deal. ...My life, in fact. ...I haven't participated in any of their battles... the most I do is anything I'm directly ordered to do... or manage security. ...If I can avoid it... I do not fight."

Drake: That's... Surprising, you have quite the temper on you. And what about tomorrow? You're gonna be forced to fight, but I guess avoiding fights is a good thing in most cases... If you're that kinda person.

"...Considering that you keep insulting me and treating me as if I'm some rodent you found in the sewer..."

Drake: You would treat everyone like that if you arrived somewhere, got the crap beaten out of you by mythical beasts, had your DNA copied and made into clones, looked like a damn napalm survivor and had to stay in a tube... *He sighs* Fine, I'm sorry... There, now I feel like throwing up...

"....You're sincere..." She looks at the moon for a moment more. She eventually puts down her brush and looks at him, before she puts a hand on Drake's chest and her arm glows with a greenish blue light, which spreads to Drake's body.

Drake: Ummm Aoi... What are you doing, and why am I glowing?

"Quiet. Restoration." The light seems to momentarily sear his body, but immediately after it fades, he feels his skin is completely smooth with no hint of scarring or wounds, in fact he almost feels younger and full of energy.

"You're welcome." She says quietly.

Drake: Thank you, I feel better than before I arrived here.... Umm, anyways... I'm gonna go rest, good luck with the painting, Aoi. *He turns away and walks off*

She looks up from her painting. "I assume you will want a better place to sleep than a confined tube. I know of several open rooms right now, and I believe a few of the members have spare guest rooms within their towers, though I would have to ask them."

Drake: *Looks at Aoi* Several open rooms and spare guest rooms... Oook, wanna give me a list and location? This place is a size of a city, afterall...

Aoi smiles faintly. "White's quarters are the size of a mansion, she has many spare rooms, Torrent has spare rooms but I don't know if he would be keen, Noriko has spare rooms a plenty... not sure if you're willing to risk being near her though. Toma doesn't like company all the time... I also have spare rooms, and then there's the unoccupied member towers of Hiroshi, Naomi, and Kado. Each of the main member towers are the tallest and are arranged in a perfect circle around the middle. White's is the widest. There are color coded guards that represent each of the member's towers as well who can help you there."

Drake: I don't think I would want to stay in one of Torrent's rooms, why Noriko has more than one room scares me, I don't want to go near White, don't know Toma, and I think you would prefer peace so no me. I guess one of the unoccupied rooms... Hmm, what about Kado's room, where would that be exactly? Because I doubt that there would still be guards there...

"I'll show you, but it's probably dusty and stuff like that... but I can see what we can do. Follow me." She looks at a nearby guard.

"Make sure this isn't messed with, please."

"Yes ma'am."

She starts walking toward the center area.

Drake follows behind, taking one last look at the paining before paying attention to what Aoi has to say next.

Drake: Dusty? How long has he been out of Phoenix?

"He was fifteen when he left... it's been seven years."

Drake: Wow... So what was his reason for leaving, besides the obvious?

"White ordered him to be executed. She and all of the old masters chased after him the night we were chosen by the Slayers. For a while, we all heard he died. ...But eventually I learned from White that he was alive somehow, leading an organization called Azure. When we first heard about the incident though, we were told that Kado betrayed the organization and tried to usurp power. ...I quickly perceived it as a lie, but I kept that knowledge to myself. I very much doubt anything would ever make Kado return to Phoenix."

Drake: I don't blame him, in all honesty... Why anyone would want to stay in Phoenix is beyond me, but I guess everyone has their reasons, don't they... *He sighs then looks at Aoi* I wonder if anything of Kado's is still in the room...

"Possibly... if White hasn't done anything with it." They arrive at the building, and Aoi opens the door and suddenly appears shell shocked.

"...It's... clean..."

Drake: Uhh... Is someone expecting anyone? *He steps in and looks around* Spotless... Who the hell?

Aoi looks at the carpets. "...These were White's old carpets... ...White has been keeping it clean... ...But why?"

Drake: No idea... Hey, you don't think White has a thing for Kado... Right? *He walks around the room* I don't even... Strange...

"His bedroom is upstairs... but I don't think that she really cared about him that much... this room feels as though she expected Kado to rejoin us... ...So she wasn't lying when she said she tried to recruit him again..."

Drake: He left for a reason, so unless White knows the reason... There's no point in trying to bring him back, anyways... Thanks Aoi, I'll see you tomorrow. *He starts walking up the stairs* Goodnight.

"Goodnight..." She says quietly, and silently closes the door, pondering what she had seen.

Drake takes off his jacket on his way up and places it on a hanger, he heads towards the bed and lies down on his back and looks up on the ceiling and sighs.

Drake: Well... That was a strange first day out of the tube... Hopefully I can just rest long enough to be ready tomorrow... *He closes his eyes and slowly falls asleep*

Last Dawn
Drake slowly wakes up, the morning sun beginning to shine on his face.

''He sits up and lets out a yawn before scratching his head and reaching for his jacket. ''"Alright, time to kill... Man I feel like I'm back on Cyanic with that..." ''He does his usually duties, cleaning himself, quick exercise and reading from his spellbook. He then comes out of Kado's room, still hazy eyed as he looks around. ''"...I'm gonna be hungry soon, oh I pray to God they have food here... But where exactly..."

Suddenly Noriko's face pops into view as he steps out of the tower as she swings upside down right into his face.

"GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD MORNING!" She cheers.

Drake's eyes widen with sudden shock, and a simple line could be heard... "JESUS CHRIST ON A FUCKING UNICYCLE! WHERE THE HELL DID YOU COME FROM!?"

"I decided to 'drop in' from this lovely ledge, just spacious enough to stick my feet into for a lovely upside down perch! How's the weather in the tank looking like Drakey?"

''Drake, still recovering from his heart attack. Takes a second to breathe before glancing at Noriko. "I wasn't it the ta-- ...Uhhhh" He starts giggling before bursting into laughter. ''

"Hmmmm, what'cha laughing at, doc?"

"Hehe... Nice panties, polka dots? How old are you, 12?" ''Drake still cannot control his laughter, he adjusts his jacket before walking past her, poking her head. Causing a small burning feeling. ''"Any idea of where I can grab a bite to eat?"

Noriko pulls her feet out from the ledge, and then flips several times before landing with both boots firmly on his head and flipping once more onto the ground softly.

"Well legend has it that White makes a mean breakfast every morning at the meeting hall, but she's still sleeping." She pouts. "She always sleeps twenty hours a day..."

''Drake sighs before smirking. ''"That's a shame... Hmm, ever tried to cook before? I got a feeling it'll be easy..."

"No I have not cooked before... someone else always has... either that or I've eaten out..." She says this as though she were contemplating one of life's great mysteries.

"Well then, looks like it'll be our first time cooking... C'mon, you gotta show me where the kitchen is!" Drake has a mischievous smile and a certain glint to his eye as he chuckles.

Noriko tilts her head. "Hmmm. Ok." She leads Drake to the main building, and Drake notices at the end of the great hall a large throne, and behind it heavily decorated doors.

Noriko looks in the direction of the doors. "Her quarters are beyond that door." She tip toes across the hall to a side door. "In here."

"Here? Umm alright, I guess I'm opening it." ''He cautiously opens the door and glances through, seeing the kitchen. He grabs hold of Noriko's arm and pulls her in too. ''"So then... Where should we start?" ''He takes a look around, exploring the kitchen. ''

Noriko examines a door, which contains a massive food storage. "I think we should get the food out, right?"

''Drake approaches the same door. ''"Yeah we should..." ''Suddenly he gets another idea. ''"Heh... Noriko, what are everyone's most hated dish?"

"Errrm... Torrent can't stand anything without flavor, neither can White... Toma and Aoi pretty much hate spicy food. Why, what are you thinking?"

"So, four dishes, two tasteless and two spicy..." ''Drake opens the door, examining the food and spices. Pulling out ghost peppers and tofu, along with all other stuff along the way. ''"Ok... You work on the spicy, I'll work on the tasteless." Drake spots a chiefs hat and wears it, laughing while doing so.

Noriko carefully attempts to make spicy chicken, but twice she burns it.

"Umm, try again... This time, don't burn it!" ''Drake glances at what he has to work with, slowly cooking the 'perfect' dishes for Torrent and White. ''"Ok, I'll get bored... Spell time!" ''Drake reaches for his spellbook and looks at his dishes, after looking through the book and glancing at the dishes. They gain markings and slowly form into steak and ice cream, Drake has a devious smile on his face. ''"I'm done, what about you?"

The food is now roaring flames. "I think I'm done."

"I don't think that's what it should be like..." ''Drake sighs. ''"Do you want some help?"

"It's NOT supposed to be on fire? ...I guess they don't mean it literally when they say sizzling hot..."

"No... Ok, I'mma help..." ''Drake comes over and extinguishes the fire, after a while of restoring the food. The opens the ghost pepper and plants the seeds hidden into the food. ''"Ok... I think that's better. So how long do we wait until the others wake up?"

She is about to answer when Death walks through the door and stares them down.

White sighs. "What do you think you all are doing in here?"

''Drake has the look of horror as he slowly turns to look at White, soon giving a small smile and points to Noriko. ''"Noriko said that we should give you guys your favorite dishes before today starts, because it was special or something."

"Oh really? Then I'll supervise..." She smirks.

"Oh you really don't need to do that... Honestly, we're almost done." ''Drake glances at the dishes, noticing that they're almost finished, he regains his confidence and smirks. ''"Actually, stay around. You might learn a thing or two from us."

She leans against a counter, and silently watches him and Noriko, arms crossed.

"You're both up earlier than I expected."

"Mercenaries are strict people, White. So it's either get into the routine or get out of the business. As for Noriko, I think she came to bother me with this." Drake helps Noriko with her cooking, still slightly worried about what White will do.

White takes off the outer layer of her dress, revealing a solid black body suit with a covering of some sort of chainmail, as well as a more impressive figure than he originally expected, but she ignores him as she hangs her dress up in a closet. She seems more on edge today.

"Hmph, getting ready for the fight too I see... You expecting casualties from your side of this?" ''Drake finishes off the dishes and sits on a counter. ''"Chainmail, that's... Surprising."

White touches the snow white metal, seemingly fondly. "It was my mother's. It's a heirloom of my family always passed down to the next 'White'. It's a name only given to the chosen wield of Light Slayer. My full title is White the 8th. ...Mother didn't want me to join Phoenix. But I felt it was my duty, no, my destiny to lead the organization back to its true glory days... days we hadn't had since..." She pauses.

"Anyway... as a leader... I expect the worst... ...and the best. It's my role to try to be prepared to accept failure, and graciously accept success without pride. ...Pride... is the weakness of all great leaders. They think they're untouchable." She closes her eyes for a moment, and it occurs to Drake she seems unusually tired.

"Strange... Hmm, you seem tired. Didn't you get any sleep?" ''Drake then thinks back about Kado's room and how tidy it was. ''"Then again, that might of been why..."

Her eyes open, regular golden eyes and normal pupils, different from her more dragonic eyes. "...something was on my mind." She yawns, a slight dragonic twist to it that lightly shakes the room. He notices she has actual fangs.

"What the..." ''He shakes his head slightly, seeing if he wasn't just making this up. ''"Huh... Full of surprises you people have, so what's with your draconic theme to yourself? Also, what was with the pause, after the glory days?" Drake steps off of the counter, giving a somewhat puzzled look.

She looks at Drake tiredly. "The majority of my DNA is Dragon. Technically I am full blooded dragon, but I also am mostly Shapeshifter. However as a side effect of that additional heritage, I cannot remain in true dragon form indefinitely. Certain features are always there, such as my teeth, but others I have to expend energy on. I prefer my dragonic appearances to anything else. It feels more me.

...And as for that... ...I don't have the energy to recite long and old history. But let's just say after the first generation of Phoenix, there was a long period of infighting. This is perhaps the strongest iteration of Phoenix in recent memory."

"Ah alright, so, I'll ask again. But don't try to avoid it, why are you so tired? You need the energy for today, pretty reckless if you ask me..."

She sighs irritably. "I told you. Something was on my mind last night... I didn't sleep well, ok?"

"Ok ok..." ''Drake looks at the finished dishes and smirks. ''"Oh, right. The food is done, I'm guessing these to go the main hall or somewhere?" ''Drake gains tribal markings on his hands as the dishes float in mid-air. ''

She silently points at the large meeting table in the center of the main hall as she holds her forehead.

"Thanks." ''Drake grabs Noriko's arm and pulls her along too, soon whispering in her ear while he sets the dishes down on the table. ''"We're gonna die when they taste these, won't they... Please tell me you have a way to hide from every other member..." He says that with a ounce of guilt and dread in his voice.

Noriko looks around nervously. "Well there is one place... we'll just see what happens though..."

"Alright..." ''Drake takes a second to breathe, soon coming back to his senses. Giggling slightly, he takes his seat and waits in anticipation. ''"This will either be the funniest thing or we crash and burn, but there's no going back now."

The Phoenix members gather, and eventually take their seats. Aoi looks over at Drake. "How did you sleep last night?" She says in her soft voice, and everyone freezes and stares at Aoi.

"A-Aoi talked?!"

She looks at everyone. "What?"

''Drake chuckles and looks at Aoi. ''"I slept fine, thanks for asking. And you?"

"I'm rather fine, thank you." She looks over at White, who seems even more tired. "Something the matter, White?"

"No nothing... I'm fine... I'm... fineeee........." She falls asleep, and her face lands in the dish with a splat.

Torrent looks around wildly for a moment.

"....Dare I laugh? Do I dare? ...........Fuck it." The various members of Phoenix quietly chuckle. Noriko quietly taps White's head.

"Daaaaang, she really is out."

"...I don't even... 'strongest iteration of Phoenix in recent memory'? Yeah... Sure." ''Drake quickly laughs before glancing at everyone's dishes, he gets a devious grin. He looks at Noriko and nods, before speaking out. ''"Umm, anyways... I guess we eat?"

The rest of the Phoenix members don't take long to take a bite, but also not very long to realize something is up after the first bite. Torrent's eyes narrow.

"This isn't steak. Now... I'm going to assume one of two things. One. White just did a shit job cooking. Possible, though I doubt if she's this tired she could hold a spatula. Two. You two fucks messed with the food and are about to be introduced to your asses. Painfully."

Aoi and Toma's hair practically stands on end and Toma barfs, while Aoi's eyes just pour tears from the spicy, a tinge of red in her greyish skin's cheeks. She quickly lowers the temperature of the water glass she has and gulps it, sighing heavily.

While Toma and Torrent now both look like they're going to kill Noriko and Drake with Death Vision, Aoi strangely silently claps with a faint smile.

White groans, and slowly sits up. "....Tofu.........." She silently wipes her face off with her napkin.

Torrent glares at her. "Permission to kill?"

White sighs. "I don't care. I'm taking a shower."

Torrent looks back towards Noriko and Drake.

"One Mississippi. Two Mississippi." He growls.

''Drake stands up and slowly takes steps back towards an exit. ''"Ok... In our defense, first time cooking... Sorta, we kinda had a bit of fun messing around with flavours? Hehe... Noriko, help."

She grabs his arm. "Ok, running." *BOOM!* He hears as suddenly they are traveling within a personal lightning bolt. She stops eventually.

"Well that was close."

"NORIKO!!!" Torrent yells, appearing around the corner. His eyes are demented with anger and his speed puts even the Roadrunner to shame.

"Oh, umm, errr... BYE!" She grabs Drake again. *BOOM!* They are at another part of the fortress.

"Ok, think I lost him this time."

''Drake begins giggling before bursting into laughter, being more happy with himself than he has in a long time. ''"That was worth it, the expressions on their faces! Haha! Oooh, that was awesome, we gotta do that again sometime." ''Drake finally manages to settle down, but still has a smile on his face and occasionally giggles. ''

Noriko looks at him curiously for a moment, before giving him a hug. "Thanks for the fun, Drake. You're the first person to ever join me in a gag... it was fun. ....Hey...... I never told White this... and I don't know if I should... but I plan on leaving Phoenix behind.... this whole invasion thing you see... I feel like it's gonna be my last ride before I set off for something.... more. ...You seem like a guy who enjoys a good adventure too, I was wondering, would you go with me?"

She pauses, as Toma appears riding a tidal wave. "COME BACK HERE!!!"

She looks at Drake. "Hold that thought." *BOOM!* They appear at a different section of the fortress, and she shoves Drake into a side door at a tower and they hide inside the spacious tower.

"Well that was close."

''Drake takes a minute to respond to what Noriko said, he has a shocked expression before speaking in a more serious tone. ''"Planning on leaving Phoenix? Well, I wouldn't say I blame you. But these people are like your family, aren't they? Despite everything, they're there for you, and I know you would do the same. I'd like to join you in your escapades, but I want to be sure you're ready to leave these people behind... Because trust me, leaving without saying goodbye to at least one person you trust will take a lot out of you." ''Drake takes a second to look around to look around the room and starts talking with a more playful tone to his voice. ''"Where are we exactly?"

Noriko looks about and blinks. "My living room." It looks for a medieval fortress tower, very contemporary and modern decorated, with TV's, stereos, and various other electronic devices, including a few dozen video game consoles, much to his surprise.

"And honestly Drake, I am starting to have some faulty trust in Phoenix. It's true that they're my family... but still. I can't stay cooped up in the nest forever either."

"So, you're a techno person... Alright then, anyways. I guess you have a point, every bird must leave the nest soon. Alright, after this battle, I'll join you. It'll be difficult to start off without a companion to help." ''He chuckles and finds somewhere to sit, glancing at the games consoles. ''

Noriko plops down onto a sofa and sighs.

"Thanks. I happen to have a few odd jobs on Earth at the moment... ironic that is, don't you think? -But in anycase, I have plenty of money to make a permanent residence if the need arises. Though we could go anywhere. Hmm... haven't been to Echo in a long time... that might be fun..."

"Echo? What, or where's that?" Drake asks with a puzzled expression.

"Echo? Oh it's a realm that exists... err... parallel? To Earth. You could even call it a Second Earth actually. From what White once talked to me about the subject, the world is actually within the same time and space area, but between Fantasy and Reality. So much so that one half is more like Reality and the other more like Fantasy. The majority of us, including me grew up there."

''Drake chuckles. ''"That does sound fun, so that's where we're going after all this." ''Drake joins Noriko on the sofa and relaxes, take a minute to breathe before asking. ''"How long do you think it'll take before Torrent and Toma give up hunting us down?"

"Oh I believe Toma will stop soon enough, but Torrent is a mixed bag. He could calm down in the next minute or won't calm down til tomorrow."

Suddenly they can hear rain.

"...Oh boy. Look's like we're stuck here. Toma just activated her Needle Rain. She must realllllly be pissed."

"Oh yay... So, what do you wanna do?" Drake looks at the games consoles and the games accompanying'' them. ''"How about a game to pass the time? It's been a while since I've played one though..."

"Sure thing. Pick one out."

''Drake stands up and goes over to the games and picks one out by random. ''"How about this?"

"Sure, sounds fun. Let's do it. Prepare to get wrecked!!!" She cheers.

''Drake places the game into the console and hands Noriko a controller, he sits back on the sofa and grabs a controller for himself. He starts to become cocky... ''"Oh yeah? I'mma introduce your face to the ground! We should make this more challenging.... How about a bet?"

"Oh? Let's hear it then!"

"Ladies first" ''Drake says with a arrogant smile to his face. ''

"Wellllllll..... If I lose I have to behave myself during our first trip. Annnnnd how about you?"

"Hmm, if I lose... I'll let you spraypaint my clothes pink." ''Drake shudders at the thought, but considering that Noriko isn't one to behave most of the time. He seems it's a fair trade. ''

"Well I hope you like wearing pink, cause I'm going to own this game!"

"Oh yeah? Get ready to eat those words Noriko, because you're going down!" ''Drake laughs and gets focused. ''

One hour of intense fighting non-stop, Noriko wails as she is defeated at long last.

"NOOOOOOOOooooooooooooooooooooo...... I lost! And I wanted to see you in pink too!" She huffs. "Best two out of three?"

''Drake shouts in victory. ''"AHA! I knew I haven't lost my touch!" ''He turns to looks at Noriko and smirks. ''"Not a chance, now... Let's see if you can behave once in a while, who knows? I might drop the bet sooner or later. Hmm, have Tamo and Torrent stopped yet?"

They can hear a strong wing howling along with the rain.

"Hmm. Seems to be pretty determined."

"Oh, great..." ''Drake sighs before slumping back onto the sofa. ''"So, what do we do now?"

Noriko eyes a electric guitar on the wall. "Well, want a demonstration? I'm practicing rock music."

"Go ahead!" ''Sparking Drake's interest again, he sits up straight and looks at the guitar. ''"How much did that cost?"

"Hmm. Around two hundred human currency. I had it custom made. I love it though." She takes it off the wall and starts running tests to make sure everything works right.

"Two hundred... Not that much I guess, but nevertheless. Start playing, how long have you been playing for?"

She thinks for a moment. "I've been practicing for about two years... it's kinda like a hobby, but I kinda want to have fun in a band sometime. You know, just for the fun of it." She begins playing, rather well actually.

"I'm impressed, you should audition some time..." ''Drake starts thinking. ''"Oh, I wanted to ask you. What race are you? Because there's a lot of humanoid races in Fantasy and Earth, like the Mythos. But I doubt that you count as one."

She suddenly changes form into a chimpanzee which then plays a power cord, then changes back. She laughs. "I'm a Shapeshifter/Fairy."

''Drake chuckles. ''"A Shapeshifter/Fairy... Interesting, does that mean the rest of Phoenix are Shapshifter hybrids?" He continues to watch in slight awe as Noriko plays the guitar.

"Yeah, all of the main members at least. The original Slayers were made to only be wielded by Shapeshifters, so the other races couldn't abuse the powers of the swords. Though I believe lesser versions can be made, though probably not as high quality. ...Do you really think I should?"

"Yeah, you should. You're a natural on the guitar, besides, you'll get bored once we head to Echo. Won't you?"

"...Yeah... ...Thanks Drake. ...You probably haven't gotten much decent company since coming here, have you? Where do you come from anyway?"

''Drake speaks up, with a tone of pride in his voice. ''"Heh, simple, I'm a Cyanican from Cyanic. A high-tech planet with traditional settings similar to the Japanese in a sense. We actually just got out of a war, I hope anyways... Any other questions?"

"Oh that's cool. Do you miss your homeworld at all?"

''Drake sulks and sighs. ''"That's... Hard to explain, I mean... I miss home and the Ryunexo mercenaries, but thanks to Daikeim. I came here and had a lot of fun, something I barely had on Cyanic... So I'm conflicted I guess, I miss home, but I love it here on Earth and Fantasy."

"I see. You'll probably find the right balance sooner or later."

"Meh, probably... But I kinda like being in conflict, I'm too used to it. Either mentally or psychically, I'm always in a state of battle." ''He takes a sigh of relief. ''"But it's times like these where I can just relax and be me, that I feel at peace..."

Noriko puts up the guitar. "I see, sounds a bit like how Torrent is."

"Torrent is like that? I just thought he's naturally pissed..."

"Torrent has his own problems. Though he's become very good at hiding them. There's a reason he looks down at people with emotions. As much as he sounds like a dick for it."

"Yeah, that can be easily seen..." ''Drake looks up at the roof, still hearing the wind and the rain. ''"Persistent too, but what about you? You seem so carefree, almost like you have no problems... Besides the obvious one, which is with Phoenix."

"You'd be right. Maybe that's why Torrent resents when I give him attention. Or why they think I'm childish. I mean, I don't know my parents, most of us didn't, but I'm not burdened by that, cause for me at least, I only remember life with Phoenix. I don't know any other family. But the others? They have a past they'd rather forget. I'm just the odd duck."

''Drake smirks. ''"I guess we're both odd ducks then, I have no idea who my parents or family are. I grew up with mercenaries, so that's why I'm care free. Because I have nothing to lose, and no one would care if I was gone anyways, I'm just a burden and annoyance to most people, but I love it like that." ''He chuckles again. ''"So another question, why are you like this only with Torrent?"

"Ermm... oh. That. You see, I like people who can tell me 'no' to something. I don't like people who think like sheep and will willingly do what I ask. ...There's plenty of men in the lower ranks... but... ...they don't think for themselves. Practically at all. They all tend to look at some of us like deities or gods or something. I'd rather spend time messing with someone who has half a brain than them. You and Torrent at least think."

"Hmm, what would explain why you're not like that towards females. And think is a generous word for both me and Torrent, I usually go in guns blazing. And Torrent is kinda brash aswell, and I haven't said no to you yet. So you never know..." ''Drake can still hear the sound of wind and rain, he sighs. ''"They don't like pranks, do they. It's been an hour or so and they haven't given up... I bet I could fall asleep and they would still be there." ''Drake coughs. ''"Anyways, any plans to do in Echo? After your guitar auditions, that is."

"Probably travel, see some of the places. I hear that the capital of the Shapeshifters, Chinmoku is amazing. Maybe I'll take an apprenticeship there for song writing."

"Certainly ambitious, aren't you? Do you even know how to get to Echo, and even if you leave, the other members will hunt you down... Like they did with Kado."

"I doubt they'd care that much Drake. You have your freedom, and well... I've always been on a loose chain to begin with. I've been visiting other worlds and doing odd jobs for years, and they've known, but never really cared about it."

"Ah, alright... Heh, well, this'll be interesting after we leave. I wonder how long it'll take until we get into trouble..." ''Drake chuckles before opening his HSC and scrolling through stuff, before getting a small picture and a knife out. Closing the HSC afterwards.''

They hear the rain start to slow and stop. "I think Toma gave up."

"Finally, but before we head out..." ''Drake cuts his fingers and thumb, drawing blood the trickles to the center of his palm. ''"Mercenaries rules, if I'm going to Echo with you. Then I want to know if we can trust ourselves to not stab each other in the back. Think of it like a blood pact, but between friends." ''Drake smiles and passes the knife to Noriko. ''"If you want my full trust, then you'll do the same. Don't worry, it doesn't hurt... When you're ready, shake my hand afterwards."

She does the same and shakes his hand.

"Ok, thanks..." ''Drake stands up and looks towards the door, storing the knife and photo in his HSC before hiding that away. ''"We really should get ready for the fight... Is it safe to leave yet?"

Noriko listens. "....No wind. Huh, I thought Torrent wouldn't give up for another hour." Suddenly Torrent blows into being behind her.

"You have no idea how long I've been looking for you two shits."

"Oh hey Torrent!"

"Errrrrrr...... errrrrmm........?"

"How you doing?"

"....................Fuck it I give up." Torrent leaves irritably.

''Drake glances at Torrent. ''"You know, with the amount of time you and Toma were waiting for us. You could of been training instead of having a hissy fit because of a prank..." ''Drake folds his arms and walks towards the courtyard. ''

As he walks into the courtyard, he notices Azula leaning against a pillar, looking immensely bored. She looks over at him and there is a subtle violence in her eyes barely kept in check.

"Have a reason for causing all of that commotion?" She asks irritably, her voice once again surprising Drake, who was used to hearing her telepathy.

"What, over a prank me and Noriko did? Give me a break, this place is as dull as hell. It's like people here have no idea on the concept of fun, and what's your problem? Did it bother you in any way? No, it didn't, so if you're gonna bother me with that, then either shut up or get lost."

"Don't think that just because White offered you mercy and freedom that you're one of us. You have a very short chain here... ...either way, you're expendable. White wouldn't care if I went and drowned you right now, or left you alive to die at the hands of Jibaku and Valeric."

''Drake growls and begins talking in a more draconic tone. ''"Before you say stupid shit like that, let me remind you that I don't want to be part of Phoenix, infact. It sickens me that I'm forced to stay and fight for my freedom, and if she didn't care. What's stopping you from killing me right now? Listen to me you foolish being, if I were to die by your or their hands. Then you'll be doing me a damn favor! So... Anymore annoying lectures?"

Azula suddenly moves to strike him, the movement blinding, but suddenly Silent Angel appears and grabs her arm, standing in front of Drake.

"Enough. Save your fighting for the enemy, Sister Azula. There will be plenty of blood to spill at the battlefield."

"Hmph... Knew it." ''Drake takes a couple steps back and opens his spellbook, sitting down crossed legged as a dome forms around Drake. Tribal markings appear on his as he meditates for the time being. After enough time has passed, the dome begins to crack, releasing small flames until the dome breaks apart. Unleashing a pillar of fire to blast out, after the fire dies down. Drake is standing, breathing heavily, in his Initial Primitive stage for a short time. Until it fades away, he takes a sigh of relief and runs his hand through his hair. ''"There... Now if he gets released, then it's entirely my fault." Drake walks to the edge of the fortress, he crosses his arms and silently waits.

Rescue Mission
There is a great deal of activity at Yosai, as Kalin steps through a permanent portal that linked up with his and pulled him to the grand portal entranceway. Guards stop what they're doing, and stare at him for a moment, before drawing their swords.

"Should we contact White...?" One mutters. Some of them gasp, and file away from Kalin as he sees a lone figure approach. Aoi. As she slowly approaches, he notices her eyes are locked on to him.

"So, you're back."

"Heh. Impressive. You knew I was coming. I thought I would have to go looking for you, lady. As for my return, that would mean I'd been here before. Trust me, I wouldn't forget a dump like this any day of the week..." He looks around, making his disdain for the place as clear as possible.

"I can see the flow of time as easily as one might see the river flow. I knew you were coming long before you made the decision to come. Your friend who came before you failed. Any threat to Yosai is known to me far in advance of its occurance. There is no such thing as a stealth attack on this fortress."

" 'What are you doing here?'. If I asked that question, then I would be a fool. You're here for Caess."

Kalin smirks, honestly impressed that the Slayer understood the situation, and also interested to hear about his 'friend'. ''So they did catch the dumbass...not that I'm one to talk. At least I have an option for escape, though.''

"Yes, put simply, I'm here for Caess. To be honest, what I really want is for you and everything you stand for to burn to ash in the rays of the sun, and be enveloped by the darkness of oblivion, So nothing like this will ever happen again. However, it seems like there is some grand purpose to many things in this world. One of those involving your order."

She silently walks up to him, and it suddenly occurs to him that he can't move, a thick harder-than-steel section of ice has sprouted under his feet and immobilzed him. She walks right up to him and looks him straight in the eyes.

"Tell me... if I gave you her... would you leave quietly? Or will you attempt to 'burn us to ash'?" She says just below a whisper.

"...And why, exactly, would you do something like that?" He says, not bothering to turn his head.

"Because I do not like to fight. I detest conflict. Last time was under orders. I do not wish to fight. That is why I did not inform White yesterday when I noticed you in our timeline. That is why I even confronted you. Why do you think these men have not attacked you? Because I have not drawn my sword against you. That is why.

I believe last we met you were told that knowing your enemy matters most when it comes to defeating them. You're as presumptuous as before. Do you really believe that every single person who happens to be your enemy is evil?"

"No, I don't. I know better than anyone the shades of gray that paint the worlds. However I've no reason to think that what you people have done, or intend to do, is for the 'greater good' either. Of course, opinions are always changing, so if there's some sob story or ultimatum you want to run by me to reconsider my position with you people..." Looks around at the unsure soldiers, most of them still armed. He faces Aoi.

" Now would be just about the perfect time."

"I give you back Caess, and you walk away. That's it. No fighting. I have nothing against you. Orders were orders, I merely did as instructed. Now do you want her back or not?"

"Heh. A straightforward attitude, it's almost refreshing. Aoi, was it? I accept your terms, on one simple condition; tell me what happened to the last person to come after your precious weapon, or servant, whatever you like to call the elementals you enslave?"

"The day I defeated you, the one who was with you went on a strike against us. I forsaw and warned White of him, and she sent the Avatars to confront him. He engaged, and as a result all seven converged on him and struck him down. He was hardly alive when we found him. White ordered me to spare him, and so I restored his body. He is due to be released soon. Provided his good behavior is maintained for the duration of his stay. That is all."

"Ah. So he's alive. And vacationing in what was going to be his burial site, a wise choice. I'm guessing speaking with him would be out of the question?

"Quite out of the question. My orders do not override White's. If she decides to end your life, I may not object. No detours. Caess, or nothing."

Kalin raises his hands in mock defeat. " Hey, it's fine. I'm really only asking to be nice. That guy got himself into whatever he's involved in, and I'm not exactly his friend or anything, so...Let's get going."

Aoi raises her arm to one side, and a massive stairway of ice forms off the side of the long walkway. "Follow me." She starts walking down the stairs, and the ice around his feet melts.

Kalin follows after the Slayer, at first wary of where she may be leading him, but soon deciding to trust that honor existed even among these individuals.

Aoi walks down to a section of the fortress just barely level with the sea, where the ocean occasionally rises up an inch about their feet, and sometimes an inch below the walks of the lower section. She seems to be walking in an easterly direction.

"So, you mind telling me why you did it?" Kalin asked, attempting to break the silence.

"What do you mean, 'why did I do it?' Please be a bit more specific. You could be asking me why did I go fishing one year, or went canoeing."

"And here I thought you were all knowing...I was asking why-" Kalin stopped in his tracks, a single finger outstreched towards Aoi. "Y-you just made a sarcastic remark..."

"...Please. Do you mean 'why did I attack you and prevent you from obtaining Dimrune and steal back Caess'? Or do you mean, 'Why are you helping me take back Caess?"

"I'm not letting that go. You give me the feeling that you're the resident 'Ice Queen' around here, so I'm sure I'm not the only person who would be shocked to find you have, well a personality. But, to answer your question....or my question, an answer to both would be best. Considering how the two events are so closely tied together.

"Firstly I like peace and quiet. My mannerism reflects that. And to answer your question, did I not say that I attacked you under orders from White? I have a debt to Phoenix, and I will not disobey them, regardless of my passions about a subject. Secondly it is like I said, I don't like fighting. I felt the most peaceful way without having to see someone die for no reason again was to resolve it with what you wanted. Caess. So I did. Do you have a problem with me?"

"Well, I'll be honest, I did. However, If we don't have to fight, then I can be my laid back self. So, to answer your question, no. In fact, you actually remind me of me..."

She walks up to a tower's bottom section and opens a small door. She indicates for him to go in.

"Aw, and here is the end of our little walk, I take it? And I was having so much fun, too. Good day to you, Ice Queen." Kalin says, whispering the last part to himself as he stepped through the doorway.

She moves ahead of him in a flurry of snow, and keeps walking to a pedestal with the blue crystal of Caess. As she walks up and pulls off the mind control device, she says, "Hey... it's time to wake up.... mother."

"I'm...sorry, did you just say what I think you said?"

"Yes. I did. Caess is my mother." She says as the blue crystal begins glowing softly, gradually taking the form of Caess, only a much smaller version to fit inside the room.

"Kalin? What are you doing here? ...You freed me, Aoi?"

Aoi bows her head slightly. "Yes...as an arrangement to avoid fighting him."

"I see."

"Okay, I feel as if I'm missing a little bit of information here. Can one of you explain?"

"Caess is my birth mother. My father was a shapeshifter. The majority of my powers come from my mother, and the other half... ...they come from Ice Slayer, though I already had heightened potential for water and ice powers because of my heritage. I am part Endlos, part Shapeshifter. ...Also part elemental, if you really want to think of it that way. ...I thought the simple statement of 'Caess is my mother' would suffice for you."

"So it wasn't a fluke before, You speak fluent smartass...I understood that much. What confuses me is why you would hand your mother over to these people as a slave. What, was the nursing home too expensive!?

Caess closes her eyes, while Aoi gets a rare sad look. "...It would be better if I explained upstairs. ....Follow me." Aoi begins to walk up the side stairs to the upper floors, and Caess follows, at the top of the stairs she turns towards Kalin. "Please follow."

Kalin teleports to the top of the stairs, interested to have his questions answered.

Aoi and Caess are seated in a living room. Aoi sighs. "...You asked... ...and I will tell you. When I was a little girl, White found my family. She saw my potential as the Ice Slayer, so she demanded I join her and be trained. ...We declined. White urged us to reconsider, and when we refused, she killed my father, right before my eyes. ...She told me that if I did not obey her wishes, she would force me to kill my mother. ...I had no choice. ...I had to obey. I must... ...I must always obey..."

She bows her head. "When White learns of this, she will force me to kill her should we meet again. ...That is the debt I must endure for all my life...."

Kalin stares at Aoi, apparently seeing her in another light. "So you serve out of fear, rather than loyalty?"

"If one needs a dumbed down version of that previous statement... ..yes."