West Wastelands

The savage west of Echo, filled with deserts, plains, and savannas.

The Savage West
A harsh wind blows on the vast white sands of the West Lands of Echo, the harsh desert sun burning across the plains. In the far distance, Kalin can see a vast outcropping of rock, one that must stretch miles high, and from corner to corner of the horizon. He can sense a great many beings living there, all attuned with the powers of natural energy, the elements. Closer to him, but still a great distance away from him, a figure made of stone emerges from a large stone, its eyes glowing faintly yellow, watching Kalin.

Kalin: *stares at the creature* Hey there. You're name wouldn't be Rocky now, would it?

"I don't find that tone of yours particularly funny, outsider. What is your business in the lands of the Element Clans?"

" I'm not fond of your voice either, but do you see me complaining? As to why I'm here... I wish to learn from your people."

The eyes of the being narrow. "First you mock me for having a body of stone... since we're on that subject, I should mock you and call you Fleshy. Is it funny now? I would think not. Regardless, you do that and expect us to teach you our powers, after such crude disrespect? The earth is patient, the earth gives life, but it does not forget. It is also unforgiving. It is said that the young cub who taunts the rattlesnake is the first to be bitten, first to die. It serves a reminder and a lesson to the other pups that such reckless behavior can lead to their own demise."

Kalin sighed with impatience. "Enough with your damned euphemisms. I have little time to have you question me. Either let me through, or prepare for trouble."

"I am no gatekeeper. I came here out of curiosity. But you will not enter without our people's consent. Those who do not respect the earth shall be given no respect. Though if you wish to try, you may attempt to speak with the Guardian. All must be judged before entry. No exceptions, not even one such as yourself, an aetherborn/netherborn." The elemental crumbles and blows away into sand, leaving only the vast wall of stone off in the distance.

Kalin continues to walk towards the valley on the horizon, a determined expression on his face.

When he comes to the face of the cliff, there appears to be no entrance, just a massive wall of stone, save for what appears to be a massive statue engraved engraved in the cliff face.

A loud rumble occurs as the statue suddenly starts moving, and it bends over at looks at Kalin, its massive eyes dwarfing him.

"Who are you to come to this land, and what is thine purpose? We know all of those who are born of the Earth, and we have not seen thee before."

"Kalin, denizen of Twilight. My purpose is to learn about the elements of nature from your people...I feel like I've said this once before."

"What is your purpose in acquiring power? We only teach those who respect the lives of the innocent, and uphold the honor of a warrior. We have no place for savages."

"Wow...not even a minute, and you're judging me. Whatever. I want...I need to get stronger in order to protect those to whom I have promised my power. In particular, one of your own."

"One of our own? Whom do you speak of?"

"...Didn't think you'd call my bluff like that, to be honest. Does the name Caess ring any bells? You know, tall, cold, Elemental Terror? Anyone like that?"

The guardian rumbles. "Caess of the Elemental Terrors is an enemy and scum to the ears of all honorable elementals. Are you some sort of agent of the 8?" Its tone seems more aggressive.

Kalin: "Oh. Well...that sucks. But, as cool as that title sounds, I am not an "agent of the eight". I AM an agent of justice and, believe me, good or no, Caess deserves justice, as do all those affected by Phoenix, and their apparent extermination plan."

The guardian seems to stir aggressively. It appears to be readying a punch, when a voice rings out. "That's enough, Guardian." A man with a grey beard looks down on them from the top of the wall. He looks down on Kalin with an impartial expression. "You may let him through."

Kalin steps around the guardian quickly, a smirk on his face. "Saved by the bell. And I mean you, not me. Have a nice day, don't fall off a cliff...or do, either is fine with me." He walks up the stairs to meet the man standing there. "Nice to meet you."

"I am the Earthlord of the Earth clans. You are Kalin... it is clear to me that you seek training in the elements... even though you lack the spirituality to match."

"I'm plenty spiritual," Kalin said, before shifting into his light and dark forms before returning to normal. "See?"

"That isn't what I meant. You have plenty of power, but none of the spirituality to understand it. You have power, but in the hands of a fool, the only thing power brings is destruction. Destruction to the wielder and those he cares about. You carelessly flaunt the 'greatness' of your strength, yet you, a aetherborn/netherborn, you still lost to an enemy with a lesser heritage. Would you like to know why you lost the battle that cost Caess's freedom?"

He closes his eyes. "Those who do not fear their power lose themselves and bring only disaster and ruin. To themselves and everyone else. Those who fear their power use it wisely and understands how their power affects themselves and the world around them. The elements are not mere tools to be wielded recklessly. They are a dual force. Creation, Destruction. They go hand in hand to give life... and to take it away."

For a moment, Kalin's mouth hangs open, a snarky comment on the tip of his tongue. He then thinks better of it, and closes his mouth. "I understand that concept more than you realize. At this very moment, I am agonizing over the fact that I not only refused to know my own strength, but the strength of others..." Falling to his knees, Kalin sobbed. " I cannot let it happen again. So, whatever it takes, I beg you, please help me."

The man opens his eyes slowly. "That is the first key principle of Earth. Understanding ones flaws, accepting humility. A common misconception is that the earth is static. Unmoving. Unchanging. This is faulty logic. As we speak, the whole of the earth shifts and adjusts. Many countless cracks and faults run through its vast depths. At times there are mighty holes and caverns. Even in a seemingly solid rock, each has its individual grains and seams. Just like you. While you have strengths that all can see, deep down you have cracks and holes where the enemy can pry open and tear down your foundations. With the proper understanding, they can simply exploit one flaw and bring you to a decisive defeat. You experienced it first hand."

"I thought...I said I would protect her. Protect both of them. And I failed. I failed them..."

The Earthlord walks down stairs, towards a large city of stone. "Yes, but you can always try again. Perseverance is important. If you just crumble and allow your enemy to beat you down, you've already lost. You came here looking to correct your faults. That in and of itself is good. For you, we will try with a common example of easily shapeable Earth." He walks down all the way, and picks up a handful of sand. "Sand is one of the most basic forms you can learn to control, but like any form of Element, it has many distinct properties different from your standard Earth element."

"What do I need to do?" Kalin said, not completely recovered from his moment, but calm enough to learn what he needed to.

"You know of Sedimentary rock, yes? It is the most common, and of the three types, is not as well bonded. Sandstone is a common example. How does mere sediment become solid rock?"

"It...dries. When sediment is dried of water, it becomes rock."

"That is a simple way to put it, yes, but it does often form in riverbeds. However, without an additional element to the mix, dry sediment is just that. Dry sediment. Dirt doesn't just become rock by drying after being wet. It requires some force. Now, the thing with elemental Earth, is that it's not about the rocks as a whole. It's about controlling every particle and grain. In order to move solid rock, you must first move the individual grains as one movement. Hence we start with sand."

"Okay..." Reaching an arm out to allow his energy to flow through the ground, Kalin closed his eyes in concentration. Slowly, sand began to gather beneath his hand, building up for a moment before exploding. The dirt caused a small cloud to appear, making Kalin cough slightly. "Damn it!"

"Patience, Kalin. What's important is careful gradual control over every particle. You must be able to make the sand work as one unit, rather than separate forces against their will."

He raises his hand, and sand blows up from the ground, and drifts like a cloud around the Earthlord's arm. "Try to sense the individual grains, the more you can control individually the stronger the control on the bonds you can retain in more structured forms of earth. Focus on calming and stilling your mind, be impartial to your emotions and focus on the unity you desire to bring upon the grains of sand and your own mind."

"I'll try... Okay, start simple." Kalin said as he reached out again. After a moment, a single grain of sand rose up to his hand. Kalin focused harder, allowing more sand to encircle the grain, forming a tiny sphere of sand that proceeded to drop into his palm.

"Good. Try creating something larger, a cube for instance."

Raising his hand into the air, Kalin levitated the sphere into the air, and allowed the sand around him to raise towards the ball. The sand took the shape of a large block, faster than his previous attempt to manipulate the element. Satisfied, Kalin tried to disperse the sand once again. However, the sphere continued to grow at an alarmingly quickened rate.

The Earth Lord raises his hand, and the sphere explodes in a cloud of dust.

"Much better. But trying going much slower. Progress is progress, but smooth and steady will prevail in this training."

"I wish I had time for that. Unfortunately, there's a war I'm attempting to end elsewhere. This journey I am on is a short lived one..."

"I see. I wish you luck, though if you wish to continue, call for me and we can resume at a later time. Even a basic understanding such as this though can come in handy. If you must leave, go with the Earth's Blessings."

"Thank you..." Kalin said, opening a gate and stepping through it without another word.Now comes the hard part...

A Black Refuge
Valeric appears on the sheer slopes of a spike like mountain, on old cracked marble steps. Below him, the steps wind haphazardly far below to a vast plain ringed by mountains, the height so enormous that Valeric can see a great stretch of desert, savannas, and plains even beyond the ring of mountains. A warm humid breeze blows, and further into this massive valley Valeric can see a dense jungle. Looking further up the mountain he sees an immense black temple made of some kind of steel that seems to suck at the light. A single massive sliding stone door appears to be the only access point. He suddenly feels spearheads poke at his neck as strange shadowy forms of humanoids appear, some Elementals and some Spirits.

"Who is the intruder?"A raspy voice echoes in his mind from the lead being, and he can tell from its thoughts that it is insane.

Van Valeric: I am Van Valeric.

"What is your purpose here?"

Van Valeric: Taking are of some children. What about you?

It looks at the seven, then growls gruffly. "This isn't a daycare-" It seems Kukyo's soul, and then let's out a venomous hiss.

''"What have you done with the master?!" ''

Van Valeric: I've done nothing to her. It was one known as Hadari who devoured parts of her.

The being snarls, and it slams its spear into the ground, making a large echo. The temple doors swing open with a rumble, and it walks inside, and the other beings form a sort of honorguard around them, though they seem distrusting of Valeric.

Van Valeric: I suppose we wait out here. *walks inside*

The guards escort them inside, and one of the first things Valeric notices as he walks into the central chamber of the massive temple is what appears to be a Gateway.

Van Valeric: Is that how you get around?

"It is Azure Gate. The link created by the Master to the world of Earth... though shattered long ago on Earth by White... the original White. But our master made the gate ever so clever... if one remains standing... the gate can rebuild itself with but one command on the other side... we have waited for years for the return of the masters..."

Van Valeric: Hmmm...oh so clever indeed.

The being that lead them in looks over at Valeric."Touch nothing. I will lead you to the master's chambers. We will know if you wander."

Van Valeric: Don't worry about me. Stick to what you do best and I will stick to do what I wasmeantto do best.

The being walks up to a female statue and appears to caress its cheek with its head, and does for for a minute, before pausing and slowly looking back at them. "....errr.... it's the door switch. ....No really it is."

A whole minute happens, and nothing happens, and Valeric is about to speak when a secret door slides open."See! It opened!"

The being walks into the secret doorway. Saisei mutters, "I bet he's just a creep."

"I heard that!"

The being leads them into a brilliantly adorned room that looks too good for even royalty. Two female spirits with black blindfolds stand in the center of the room.

"If you require anything, they will assist you. Now if you don't mind... I must inform the clan of her lady's arrival..."He walks out, and the door closes behind him.

Van Valeric: That reminds me of a certain someone I used to know.

Kagayaki looks at Kukyo's soul, quietly looking at her."I always heard that she would come here to avoid us... when we would fight one another... this place was where she could.... try to find some manner of peace... but even this place wasn't a perfect sanctuary..."His eyes sadden.

He wearily hands her soul to Valeric, timidly so.

Van Valeric: Every mother wishes to find some peace when their children become a handful. But she no doubt still loved you. *puts forth his hands over Kukyo's soul and whirlwind of chill surround's her soul*

Kagayaki looks at him. "What are you doing?" The two attendants seem to be watching them, though not with their sight.

Van Valeric: Making her whole again.

He sits down on the carpeted floor, while Saisei walks off by himself and takes out a sheet of steel, and begins blowtorching designs into it. The others also do various things, Mikadzukikei sits and meditates, with perfect spheres of water being formed by her concentration and they slowly begin to orbit her.

Van Valeric: Process,Process, Process. I feel like things are no longer making sense. Too much. This world can only take so much at a time. It's not ready for all of this. If only...If only what?

Kaminari yawns, then looks at Saisei's metal object and slowly an impish grin crosses her face.

Van Valeric: It's coming along. A little while longer.....*shakes his head* No one told me the Flux was contagious.

Kaminari points a finger at the metal plate and an electric discharge shocks Saisei. "OW! I hate it when you do that!!!" Mikadzukikei opens an eye and glares at them.

Van Valeric: Calm down, children. If im going to restore your mother, I'm going to need focus. So please be silent until I am done.

Kitakaze and Hyōdo look at each other, and then Hyōdo creates a metal crate around Saisei, and Kitakaze creates a void where the crate is, and as the crate begins to violently rattle and bounce and jump like a demon is trapped inside trying to get out, the others quietly laugh, even Kagayaki smiles a bit as he watches Saisei violently and silently beat the living hell out of the crate in futility. They can't hear it, but they're pretty sure he's screaming something on the lines of ripping their guts out and dangling them from the Eiffel Tower.

"Problem solved." Kitakaze giggles.

Van Valeric: Children...I'm not sure who I'd prefer to watch over. Evoh or these little ones.

Kagayaki walks over to a bookshelf and pulls out a large black book, and silently begins reading.

Van Valeric: *rubs his head right quick* Several more minutes and it will be done...

One of the attendants disappear and bring a table along with food and drink, and then the two sit down next to the bed on the far wall.

Van Valeric: *head twitches* Several more minutes...It's coming along.

The children all eventually get bored and let Saisei out, just without the ability to speak still. He proceeds to chase them while they all happily outrun him with ease. Kitakaze evades him simply by jumping onto the really tall ceiling, Kagayaki dissolves into a rainbow, and Hyodo merges with the floor. After a while, Saisei gives up, but smolders bitterly. He proceeds to amuse himself by lighting the carpet near him on fire and quickly putting it out.

Van Valeric: I wonder how the boy is doing...Meh. It's hard to say.

Kagayaki finishes his book and then curiously watches Valeric.

Van Valeric: No worries. I'm almost done. Your mother will be good as new. And may even feel happiness for the first time.

"Thought you got rid of me huh...?"The voice of Void God appears in his head.

Van Valeric: Mind going away? I'm in the middle of something. I can deal with you another time.

"Not really. I am a universal concept. I mean, technically I'm everywhere. Under your foot, under the rug, whispering in your ear... oh wait, looks like I can actually move. Well, I know what I'll be wasting my time on... enjoying the sweet sensation of not standing still for thousands of years. I'll be back just as soon as I figure out where the cookies are in non existance. Hmm. I'm told by Anger that there's no such thing here... what a shame... oh! You asked me to leave. Ok. Now that I'm done distracting your mind, I'll go do that. Right now. Now."It finally leaves.

Van Valeric: One annoying concept. Few more minutes...

The seven get so bored they have a contest to see who can avoid sleeping, and it finally comes down to Saisen and Kaminari, who both stare each other down, until they both keel over and fall asleep snoring.

I bright lights shines

Van Valeric: It is done...

Kagayaki and the others eventually stir, and Kagayaki approaches Valeric, his face weary.

The light floats into the air and begins to take form

Van Valeric: *puts his hand on Kagayaki's shoulder* Don't worry, boy. Your mother will be fine now.

She takes form, and Kagayaki catches her as she falls. She doesn't appear to be awake, so he takes her to the bed and places her down so she'll be comfortable. Valeric notices her hair is still long, but now a light grey and only down to her waist. Her clothing is a white dress based off memory of the ancient style she was familiar with.

After a moment he notices towards her scalp the hair is actually black, but the outer edges of her hair are grey to light grey. Kagayaki puts a hand on her head, and bows his head slightly.

Suddenly a large black wing smacks Kagayaki in the jaw and he is knocked over and onto the floor as feathers fly into the air, and a second one appears on Kukyo's other side, and Valeric notes how they seem to teem with energy, before dulling into solid black. Eventually he notices her hair begin to grow solid black, like it was when he had met her originally.

Her face twitches, and her eyes slowly open, almost bronze in color, though dull as though she wasn't fully alert.

Van Valeric: Welcome back, Kukyo.

She blinks, confusion spreading across her face. She then turns towards him, at first a slightly angry expression burns at him, but it changes into shock and confusion as she looks at herself, and he hears her speak another language, Babylonian. "What... is this? What's happened to me?!"

Kagayaki doesn't seem to understand her, and a few of the others don't either, but some of them seem to have an indication of understanding, Kitakaze understanding perfectly.

Van Valeric: *Babylonian* You freed you of the cures that has plagued you for millenniums. *snaps his fingers* Speak now.

"...Why... Valeric... why? ...Why would you help me...?" She curls up so that her head rests on her knees.

Van Valeric: There are many things I would wish to change in my life. I guess helping you would be the start of it. Besides, your son asked politely.

"...You would have been better off just killing me in cold blood, just like the rest of humanity." She closes her eyes. "But we already had that conversation..."

Her eyes open, and the look is quite firm. "Still. I wasn't conscious the whole time but... you said in a way you considered me yourdaughter. And my children yourgrandchildren. When you go to slay my race, what's to stop Jibaku from killing me and the rest of my family? From destroying Echo, the world I gave life to, my sanctuary? Or are you going to tell him to off everyone except us?"

She bites her lip, a trickle of blood runs down her chin.

Kagayaki reaches over to her desperately. "Mother... calm down, everything is fine now... you don't have to worry anymo-" She swats his hand away and buries her head in her hands.

After a moment, "...I'm sorry...Kagayaki... you didn't deserve that..." She sobs.

Van Valeric: I am very complex man. There are things in this world you might not understand. But I do understand this: I cared and look what's come of it.

Kukyo lets out a long breath of air, and slowly gets out of the bed, her balance unsteady. She then struggles to master her wings, and tucks them against her back after a minute, then approaches Valeric. She lifts her head to look up into his face, her bronze eyes for a moment unreadable, she just stares up at him. They soften to a degree, though reluctantly.

"...Thank you... Van. ...In spite of how I feel about you... I appreciate what you've done for me. For them." She indicates the children with her head, then looks back at him.

"But understand something. A long time ago, I attempted to view what would bring my demise, if anything could. Would you like to know what I saw? I saw that my own power would lead to my destruction. I spent most of my days restricting myself and not allowing myself to regress to hate. Despite how much I wanted someone to blame, I never turned away from hope. But over time I came to understand something else Valeric. It wasn't just me. My mind's eye learned much. I saw gods fall, blinded by their power.

Look how hard I tried, Valeric. Look what I became. Look at what could have been my fate. If you hadn't freed me... I would have been destroyed... lost forever. I'm going to give you something to consider. If you're truly wise you'll heed my words. Those who fear their power will come to understand themselves and will prosper. Those who do not fear their power will come to be destroyed by their power, as well as those they care about.

You won't listen to me, fine. I understand. Better than anyone. I was almost the same way once. But do you remember what I said, that you will be defeated tomorrow?"

Van Valeric: Whether I am defeated tomorrow or not, I will not die. So let defeat come. It's not like I haven't been defeated before.

She sighs. "Whatever. Do whatever. It's clear you don't respect how I feel, I won't bother trying anymore since that's how you feel. Do you have any other business here, or are you going to go join your 'Destroy the World Club' friend?" She walks over to her bed and sits down, and sighs heavily, holding her forehead.

Van Valeric: Who said I didn't respect you? Certainly not me. Before I leave, I will give you something else. any One Answer. I will answer at least one question you always wanted to ask. Whether it be about someone or something. I will answer the one question you always wanted to know.

"...I don't even know how to respond to such a thing. ...but... for so long happiness was taken away from me... I was always denied happiness. So...I guess... how...will I find... happiness- no... how will I find the companionship I seek... the thing that can make me feel whole... I've searched for so long... but I'm still no closer to it... so... yes... how will I find it? ...Love?"

She pauses. "I already found it once in someone... but he... already belonged to another's heart. I would not dare tread upon it. ...I want to find it... for real this time."

She looks at Kagayaki. "I love you and your siblings. Never forget that. ...But while I love you... ...it is not the same love I'm searching for. ...But I won't abandon you. Always know that."

Van Valeric: Happiness will come to you, but you need to stop looking for it and live your life. Happiness can only be obtained for how you live, same with love. You looked for it too hard and that's why it was denied to you. Your life was wasting away the longer you looked. Stop spending you life looking and just live and it will come. Believe me, Kukyo. It will come to you one day.

She closes her eyes. "You're probably right. I just don't know where to start now. The people on Earth undoubtedly hate me... as does the people of Echo... funny that is... that my own world would turn against me."

Van Valeric: *nods his head* I know where you can start. Give hope back to one who has lost it all.

Kukyo looks at him. "One who has lost it all?" She yawns, and her wings accidentally smack Suisen in the face.

"...I need to figure out how to control these things..."

Surreal Reunion
Van Valeric: *lends her a dark orb with a smudged image on it* Tap it and say something.

She looks at him quizzically and taps it. "...Umm...weird?"

The sudged image glows and reveals to be a blue tulip flower

"Wha-what?...Where am I? Its dark again...I-i can here them I can heeere them...The darkness...there-there coming to pick at me again..Not again...I don't ...why?...why?...I don't understand...I could never understand...Why...why it happened...why it ALL happened...I-i can't think right...I could never think right...that's why...the world....it hated me..."

She looks down at the orb confused. "Is this... someone's thoughts?"

Van Valeric: no. this is someone's soul. This is indeed infact the last soul you devoured.

She looks back up at Valeric. "Devoured...? The last time I devoured someone was my first, and that was by accident, a few hundred years ago."

Van valeric: Oh yes. It was that Void God or whatever it was. But I held on to the soul of the water beast that fought it. You might find it rather similar. Ask it 3 questions.

She looks back at the orb and at him, then takes a seat in a chair with it. "...Are you in pain? ...You seem distressed..." She says softly.

"Pain?...I felt it my entire life...I was a mistake...a mistake made by the one who made me hated...and a mistake to my family...I was a mistake to the whole world...My heart can only take so much...when I...knew the truth......I lashed out at the world that tried to get rid of me..."

Her eyes close. "Why do you think you're a mistake?"

" I don't think...No one could help...all I've done.....I don't know anymore...it's like a vague image in my head...but i can't put it into words...Why does this always have to happen to me!"

"Can you tell me what happened to you?" The look in her eyes are saddened slightly.

"Everything...I enslaved my kind...I tried to protect my new home...but I was weak...I was always weak!...I was taken back to enslave them again, but this time they took my memories away so that I could function right...And the world slowly picked at me...away...and finally...I learned the truth of my downfall...I struck out against the world and the world struck back harder...I struck at the one person who made me hated by the world...but when i faced him....darkness...darkness consumed me and the darkness of the world started to rip me apart...and i never saw the light again...I sceamed but I knew no one cared...I was just like most...forgotten..."

She looks at Valeric. "Who is this?"

Van Valeric: I'll give you a hint. His name is a number. This number means 'grace'. Which this one has fallen from.

She looks at him puzzled. "...I know that the number five means grace... but is five his actual name...?"

Van Valeric:...you know what...j-just ask him. No one can even answer my riddles anyway.

She laughs, before looking back down at the orb. "...Hey... can you tell me what your name is? Do you remember?"

"My name......yea...I remember....I remember good and well...Jon...Jonathan Waltz...you can refer to me as 5x5....most everyone did...and I'm the man who was hated by the world..."

Kukyo's face goes incredibly pale with alarm, and her pupils shrink practically to dots. She almost drops it she is so startled.

"J- J-on..?!" She yelps aloud, before slowly her mind processes everything, andveeeeeryslowly her head turns towards Van Valeric.

"Explaination. Now." Before he can speak, she suddenly throws two daggers at him, when they both catch his sleeves, they suddenly and violently slam him against the wall and begin sparking with an energy field that immobilizes him. She draws a third which practically radiates an over all energy as though it was made for the sole purpose of killing.

"I want to know why you would happen to have this soul in your possession,Van Valeric!" She growls.

Van Valeric: Time travel. You see, I knew what was going to happen. Your encounter and the truth. I just simply needed him for just that. He's a fool to help others. He was already lost when I took him. The world has taken their toll upon him and they threw him into everlasting darkness to be ripped apart little-by-little.

She silently glares at him for a moment. "Time travel... ...you used time travel... and just... took him? So you used him against me, knowing that I know him...?" She silently gives a look to Kitakaze, who silently nods after a minute. She looks back at Valeric, then at the sphere, where her gaze holds for a moment.

"...Why have you done all of this..."

Van Valeric: He was all but lost. torn apart by the world who sought to erase him. He wanted to feel needed. to feel purpose. And I gave it to him, only for a short time however. Besides, he was the only one I knew who wold be willing to help me. And like I said, i knew you would confront me the way you did and when you chose size over matter, I simply had retort. The water beast you saw is what the world called as the Domino Effect. I simply thought he would be useful. He was...for a time. I was simply using one last broken thing before it could be qualified as useless.

She grips the knife harder. She then throws it, and it lets out a scream like a tortured soul, before cutting the energy that binds Valeric down. She then sinks into the chair, silently crying while looking at the sphere.

Van Valeric: His life mean't nothing. So, I decided to let you give him another chance...If you can. He has been broken by the world and only trust himself, but even he knows he can never accomplish anything by himself. Also, I recommend you don't tell him your name.

She lifts her head to look at him. "And why's that?"

Van Valeric: He feels that that the world has abandoned him, even God himself. He also felt that you abandoned him. After you last saw him, he never saw you again. He felt that yuo found happiness and wanted to leave everything behind. Everything including him.

"...Then I won't tell him. ...Not yet. But I will give him my name. ...Just not the one he knows." She looks down at the sphere.

"...Hey...it wasn't polite of me, but I only asked of you. If you'd like, you can ask me something if you want." She says quietly.

"...I dont know what to ask...so many questions I have you can never answer....They're foolish questions anyway..."

"While I don't know everything, I do know many things. You could say that we will have plenty of time to know each other, so don't worry about it. But still, if you want, you can ask about me, if that would be easier for you."

"....Ther is no one in this world I can trust....and even if I do get close to you...I'll end up losing you or taking advantage of my weakness.....It's all happened before..."

"I think I will be fine, Jonathon. Not many people live to tell the tale of surviving being devoured by a spirit. Twice. In the same day. And you're not the only one who has been hated by the world. Or two." She laughs lightly. "I find that it's best to ignore what the world thinks of you."

" It's so hard....when I see it so plainly...And I can feel their hate drill into my very soul...It burns..."

She sighs. She looks at Valeric. "Do you know what he's capable of? Is he still able to go into that beast form? ...Or did... the Void God strip him of even more power?"

Van Valeric: He is linked to the waters of the world. The Domino Effect gives him cotrol of all water realted substances, making him a world-ending foe. So it's best not to upset him. You should be great full that some part of him is still sympathetic to others, Which still causes his downfall.

Kukyo sighs. "What a lovely time to be mortal." Kagayaki looks at her confused.

"Don't you have any of your powers, mother?"

She rubs her forehead. "No son. I'm as meek as any normal human would be."

He frowns. "But what about those wings?"

Kukyo looks at Kagayaki. "If I knew what they were for I would tell you by now." She lets out an aggravated sigh. She quickly looks down at the orb. "Sorry that this isn't exactly a fluid conversation. I'm sort of entertaining company at the moment and my... rather rowdy children."

She stands up and looks at Valeric. "I suppose the man with big ideas might have a clue as to why a human would have wings?"

Van Valeric: Maybe it is the remanaint of you spiritual nature. I can put you inside the orb, to meet him.

"I'll ask him. I'm not one to toss myself into a potentially deadly pit of vipers."

She turns her attention to the orb. "I was actually wanting to know if we might... talk a bit more in person. You don't have to say yes if you don't want me around."

" If you must...It would be nice to atleast speak to one last person before nothingness takes me..."

Van Valeric: Take your hands and clasp the orb and think of Jonothan and it will take you to him.

She does as he says and feels the transition, and opens her eyes.

''There before her eyes lies and abyss of blight and blured images of ho Jon had viewed all the events that lead up to now. 5x5 is sitting with his knees tucked in.''

5x5: Are you here?...

Kukyo looks at him quietly for a moment. "Yes, I am. I'm right here." She adjusts a few strands of her black hair so that it isn't in her vision. "So many sad memories..."

'5x5 looks over his shoulder enoguh for Kukyo to look at his face. Half of the skin on his face has been torn off and he has open eye sockets which hold no eyes. He's wearing ripped and torn leather attire ad has inch-deep scatch arks all over his body. He is a bit tanted with blood and has bandges wrapped around both arms.'

'"...They'll only get sadder...don't worry...hopefully the Flux will take care of that..."'

She frowns, masking the urge to choke. "Flux?" She asks calmly. "I heard that term before. What is it?"

"...I begin to feel no emotions for my actions...and with this I question them....all I feel is a mild pain in my head...the more I ask...the mroe I forget...and soon...my memories fade...all of the....and then...after all my memeories are gone....I fade too....just like my memories..."

It isn't noticed by Kukyo, but her eye color brightens a bit after hearing that. Her eyes partly close. She scans the many memories and sees a particular face.

She says in a very low voice, "I should have guessed it was him."

"...find something useful in the salvage..?"

She opens her eyes. "He ring a bell?" She shows him an image of a clearer memory of the Admin she has.

"I can't see...the dakrness...it blinded me for so long...I'm guess I have been blind way before.."

"I see. Listen Jonathon, I know you probably don't trust me. I understand that. But I want to help you. If there is something you want to accomplish, I will help you. If there is something you want I will help you acquire it. You might ask why I would help you. The only thing I'm privy to say really is that I know more than you know. About you and the world. I walked through darkness once Jonathon. Like how you were, for a long time I was like this. Desolate, alone, hated, forgotten. But I have not grown weak. In the end, the darkness made me stronger, though the road was long and painful."

She closes her eyes. "I am Kuria Raito, the Clear Light."

" Pleased...I'm Jonothan Wlatz...most people call me 5x5..."

"Listen... I have some things I have to address, but I'll be close by, I promise. Hold out for me, will you? I'll try to help you however I can." Her bronze eyes barely disguise the turmoil raging within her.

" No need to worry...It's not like I've got anywhere to go..."

Kukyo... ...''no... Kuria... if I must convince him of who I am, I must first believe myself. I am Kuria. I am no longer emptiness... I will make a new name for myself. A new future. Clear Light... that is what I will become... so that others lost in darkness have something to hold on to... the clear light that never dims...''

Kuria reluctantly departs, wishing she could stay for an eternity so that she could help him heal.

Van valeric: Good. You didn't upset the boy. It is a shame that he has fallen short of the glory of God, more than all of mankind itself. I leave him in your care. Someone needs to and it certainly won't be anyone of this world.

She looks at him for a moment. "So you know... it's Kuria now. Kuria Raito. Also... I don't really have pockets or anything to go around holding a sphere like this... have a way to I don't know... give him an actual body?"

Van Valeric: Yes, I do. I can make an exact replica of the body he once had before. But I must need a memory of what he looks like.

She looks at Kagayaki, who silently nods. His eyes glow white and a image of 5x5 fizzles into being from the light.

Van Valeric: *takes the light* I see. I'll be back shortly. Wait until then. *walks into the darkness and disappears*

Kuria sighs, and sits down. She thinks quietly for a moment, then walks over to a drawer and takes out a flute. Sitting on the bed, she slowly begins to play, eventually going faster and more fluid, and the seven patiently listen to the music.

"...The flute...I remember the sound...I was givin one when I was in The 3rd Beyond...it was...a majestic instrument..."

Kuria looks over at the sphere. "Yes, I love them. I once sought out the finest flute maker in all of Echo so she could make me this one. Such a sweet girl. Sad, but sweet. When my guest gets back with the surprise I had him prepare for you, you can play it if you'd like. If you don't remember how, I can always teach you."

"...............They took it...The Captors...they took it away from me....I never played anything ele ever again after that....unless you count a gun as an instrument..."

"There are many great plagues in the worlds. Hate. Sadness. Pain. War. None of them should have to exist. Yet they do, and the strongest thrive while the weak struggle and die... ...not that you're weak. I think the opposite, actually." She plays more notes on the flute.

"....Then you couldn't be anymore wrong....cause I wouldn't be a spirit consumed by the darkness if I we're strong..my body belongs to another who is truly strong..."

She stops playing, a harsh note ending the melody. "You've confused strength with power. Failure with weakness. It's true. He had more power than you. But strength? If you weren't strong... then we wouldn't be talking right now, would we?"

"...power?...I never had that...never since I was taken from The 3rd beyond....and even after I was taken....I never used them...The only time I used them was when I...knew the truth..."

"They do say desperation and anguish can lead to poor decisions. Not that I don't blame you. I once did the same. Though as I am human you might be keen to discredit me."

"I don't know if that's why I my life has been such a pain....It probably is..."

"Not everything has to do with you. Sometimes things just happen. You have to learn to either learn how to surf or get knocked off the surfing board."

" I don't surf...but I undertsand...but you still do not understand..."

Kuria sighs. "Jonathon. I can't help you if you're going to be cryptic. When a spirit speaks, they should always be direct and open. Less communication issues. If there's something you think I don't understand, why don't you tell me instead?"

"I had no say in my existence...no choice..I was supposed to end up this way...torn up and alone in the dark...ready to fade away..."

Kuria closes her eyes. "I'm sorry."

"No...you not sorry....I am..."

''Van Valeric comes back with an exact replica of 5x5's body, only that it looks different than the 5x5 Kuria remembers. He has the same face but his hair is a navy blue and has a crack-looking scar in between his eyes. The rest of his body has scar marks all over it, as if they were scratch marks. Both of his arms have stitches.''

Van Valeric: i did my best to make this body. I preferred he would want the body of himself before the loss. *hands Kuria the body*

She places it on the bed, and then the seven gather around it, while Kuria puts the black sphere on its chest. The seven begin to concentrate, while orbs of their elements form beside the sphere.

''....I'm weak... There isn't a way for a single one of us to do this alone.... together.... yes.... but.. ...the phases are broken... ...if only... if only I had the power to help him... ...why...... in the end I'm worthless...''

Her eyes cloud with tears and she closes her eyes.

''I just... ...couldn't find anything worth to protect... ...and now that I do.... I can't... ...do anything...''

Van Valeric: That's why you have this chance. To do something about it. No one else would because they dont care, but you do. If you wish to find happiness and spread it abroad, you start here.

"You don' deserve to be sad...I know you must be a good person...it's just that I can't my chances...I've all but run out...I'm not worth crying over..."

Valeric feels a twinge of unease across the back of his neck, and suddenly Kuria collapses, and he senses the presence of the will of Void God.

Van Valeric: *sigh* Yes, Mr. Void God. How can I help you? It's not like I was helping a girl with wings or nothing, just standing around a bunch of unconscious bodies.

''My business is not with you. I'll be brief. I am going to kill her. For good this time. She's more trouble than she's worth.''

Van Valeric: Sadly, That can't happen. You can go away now.

''Actually, you making her human again was probably the dumbest move you could have made. And now I'll simply destroy her. Honestly Valeric... if you knew just what kind of things she will be capable of doing... you'd be thankful.''

Van Valeric: Sorry sir. Couldn't quite here you over the sound of you speaking gibberish. You mind speaking more clearly next time?

Whatever...

Kuria runs, but she isn't moving. The infinite blackthingis gaining.

''It's not too late... become one with us again...''

No! No no no! Go away!

''You cannot escape us. Join or be consumed.''

''Please no... not again! Someone... please... ...help...''

"She said no!"

The water monster appears screaching and tackles the black thing and as it does so it shines

The thing shakes him off, roaring. Red eyes gleam in the center of the mass.

You never learn... time for your final lesson.It says in a voice combining its original voice and the Admin's. It creates a scythe of pure heat and brings it down at the water beast's head.

Kuria pants heavily, as the shadow monster pulls her into her own memories, and she is running again. Running away from death. Destruction. The conquering army descends upon her with horses.''So many horses. Chariots. Not the chariots.''

The men grab her legs, and long black chains slowly begin to pull her towards a black void. She wildly thrashes like an animal, her form reduced to a mere child, struggling to grab onto anything, anything to keep herself from growing closer...

Water washes them into that black void and Kuria falls into a water puddle

Kuria lies there, shuddering in fear, eyes filled with fear.

The Second Chance
5x5: Get up. You're not far to reality. I nkow what it's like for you to fall into your own mind and never find a way out. How it always haunts you, but you must strive forward if you want all this to end. Valeric is waiting for you. You cannot die while you still have the rest of your life to live. Your looking for something you couldn't find, are you just gonna let that be taken away from you? Before you even have a chance to find it?

Her fear seems to subside, but her breaths are still ragged. Her eyes have a faraway look.

A memory crawls into her mind, slowly but vividly. One she had lost a long time ago...

''Lonely... cold... afraid... pain... Can't go back... but can't go forward... ...I'm... so... ...lost... ...am I... doomed to... wander forever?''

An angelic voice speaks to her.

''No. you are not doomed. It only seems that way because you can't see the light, but let God be your light and may He guide you.''

A light shines before Kuria

''Follow the light, for God has called upon you to do his bidding. If you do this, you will be rewarded with God's favor.''

Kuria closes her eyes, floating on the water's surface.

''I followed... ...but... I... ...couldn't find anything... worth protecting. I only thought of the family I had... I tried to preserve it... even though they brought calamity upon the world... I failed the calling... I only brought destruction on the world... which he called me to protect...''

''...It was all my fault. I led them back to the world... I attacked his children... all to protect my family... even though it was wrong... and when I was sealed away... I tried to beg forgiveness... but all that time... I was facing my punishment...''

''With all I've done... all that I've ruined... destroyed... ...how can I face him... ...and try to go back to what is already lost?''

''In the end... I followed the light... but selfishly dove into darkness... ...is it even possible for me to see the light again?''

''Yes there is. God has givn you another chance. He's never given up on you, Kuria. And even though you felt like you failed, God will neverstop loving his children. No mtter how much bad they bring unto the world.''

She opens her eyes with a start, and slowly manages to somehow sit up, her breath slowed with wonder.

She slowly makes an effort to stand, her eyes widened.''After...all of these years? All that I've done...? But... why...?''

Her eyes begin to tear up, her head bowed, shamed.

''Because we serve an awesome God. And he's awesome for reason, not just for his power, but for his everlasting love too.''

Above her, a black version of Kuria appears with a long blade, speeding towards her ready to impale her, but Kuria makes no effort to defend herself, infact she allows herself to be impaled.

Kuria and Kukyo stand on the puddle, face to face.

''You need me. I am your past. I am everything you are! Accept me, stop trying to run!''

''...You are my past. And without darkness, the balance is broken. ...But you will not define me. I'm not going to run. ...but I do accept you... as my past...''

??!

''I'm not going to run from you... because you'll be running along side me... Yin and Yang... we are but two halves of a whole.''

....

The sword slowly crumbles, as does the image of Kukyo. As she fades, Kuria embraces her, and Kukyo finally finds peace, and the dark void around them crumbles into light.

As she feels the warmth of the light for the first time, she hears the fastly dulling roar of Void God's rage fade, as she finally escapes his bonds, and the pain of the past seems farther away, replaced by a strange warm feeling.

I am... happy...Kuria feels her strength return to her, and awakens with a gasp.

She looks at Valeric. "I'm sorry... I... I just had to take care of unfinished business."

Van Valeric: Oh now worries. I understand.

"Valeric...did she make it...is she alright..."

Van Valeric: Yes, she is indeed.

Kuria stares at the black sphere, a strange look on her face. She stretches her hand out toward it, and suddenly her wings flare with an aura of dark and light energy. An orb of darkness, but also of light, forms next to the sphere, and it combines with the other orbs of energy and infuse both the sphere and the body, uniting the two with their energy. When they finish, Kuria collapses onto her knees, her black hair becoming dark grey from the use of energy, and she pants heavily.

Van Valeric: Get up so i can begin. I must warn you of a few things though before I give him his body. He will most likely proned to anger and more hostile. His capture has hardened him to the point where he is nearly like his fther, keep him out of any troublesome situation as much as you can. Another is that you should never mention the one named Shiroi to him. At all. And finally, keep and I out for him when he sleeps. Since I brought this one from the future he has a link to his younger slefs mind when in trance. He might try to send a message to his younger self to ause all the events that caused his downfall prematurely. do you understand?

She stands up after a minute, a bit shaky though. "...Yes. I understand. I will be taking measures to ensure he doesn't go out of control."

Van Valeric: Ok. Let me begin. *takes the dark orb and inhales it as an exxence. He tehn goes over to 5x5's 'body' and breathes the essence into it*

' The body begins to move a little' 

Kuria takes a seat in her chair, rubbing her forehead, deep in thought.

5x5: *opens his eyes and sees valeric*

Van Valeric: Welcome to you new chance at life, boy.

5x5: *looks at his semi-damaged body* Not halfbad of a surprise.

Kuria looks up. "Hello again. Only this time I hope you can actually see me." Her hair gradually returns to its full black color.

5x5: *loks at her for a moment* Not trying to pull one of those retarded one liners, but are you an angel?

"I'm afraid not. Wings are for show I'm afraid. I'm human you see. Though there was a time where I was a spirit. My friend here says that the wings are probably a remnant of that past self." She smiles weakly, the spell had drained her quite a bit.

5x5: I know how that's like. I've been as weak as any human being since the braces, up until my fury became so strong I used the entrie extent of powers against the effect of the braces. Besides, you can se your wngs to fly to a better place, if there still is one.

"Anyway, Valeric, thank you. I believe we can take it from here. You've done more than I would have expected... so thank you again." She nods her head in a small bow of respect.

Van Valeric: It's the sign of my apologizes. *pulls her closer* Also,since the boy is still slowly fading he will most likly push his limits to an extent. Basically, risking his own life. So try to keep yourself and him out of trouble.

"I understand. If we do run into trouble, I have my children, I know they don't look it, but they are powerful enough on their own to defend me. If their power wasn't sealed, well, history proved that already."

Van Valeric: Ok. Then I leave him to you then. Remember what I told you. And may God be with you.

"Also with you..."

Van Valeric: I'll just wait and see. *disappears into the darkness*

She turns toward 5x5. "Well then, how are you feeling at the moment, Jon?"

5x5: *looks around* Strange...out of place...mind still can't process...or think in that matter...my eyes feel warm, if that makes sense...so many things I feel at once but most of them wont even count as feelings...

"I see. Do you need time to think for a moment?"

5x5: NO! I can't! I-I can't be allowed to do that If I try to sort out what I'm thinking, I'll only fall victim to the Flux and fade faster. I can't do that...

She puts her hands up. "Ok ok. I understand. Now regarding that, I have a way to in theory help heal you. Physically... spiritually... mentally... but you'll have to hear me out on this, ok?"

5x5:....*shakes his head* Ok...

"There are various lakes charged with powerful energy in Echo, Jon. They bring balance and stability to the mind, heart, and soul of normal beings, but for spirits or spirits that have fallen, it can be a way to regain their powers. None of this unfortunately comes free. A side effect of these lakes is a trial produced by both the spiritual energy of the lakes and the person's own mind. With each of these lakes will come a specific trial we will have to overcome if we are to benefit from its effects.

If we want lasting effects from doing this, we will need to visit all of them. I believe there are five in both the North and South Poles, with three in the central lands. ...Understand that the trials will force you to confront things you'd rather stay buried, but their purpose is to make you stronger for confronting those things. If you can overcome the trials of the Lakes of Resolution, you can eventually in theory heal. If it will put a true end to the Flux, I know not. But I do know that if it doesn't, it will make you far stronger and restore much of what you've lost."

She closes her eyes. "You will not be alone in this. I too am intending to journey to these lakes. I have a calling that Imustanswer. I too failed once Jon. Just as this second life can be your redemption, so too shall these trials be mine."

5x5: The last thing I wanted was to go back there...but...If this is my chance to correct my mistakes...I will do this.

"I am glad you are willing to try. I don't blame you for your reluctance. Facing one's past is always difficult to endure. But to reassure you, we don't even need to visit any cities of the Spirits to find them."

5x5: And your quite kind to actually want to help me...like you care....but I don't want to jinx myself....

"Of course I care. If I didn't care, I wouldn't have helped you at all. " She pauses, as 5x5 looks at the Seven. "Oh, I didn't introduce them. These are the Seven Warlords of the Elements, more commonly referred to as the Chaos of Creation." 5x5 quickly notices she said seven, noteight, remembering well enough the fact there was eight including...

5x5: I thought there were eight warlords? But...that means one of them is or maybe was.....Kukyo.....*has a hint of sadness on his face*

"What's the matter? You mentioned Kukyo? Did you know her?"

5x5: *nodded his head*...Yes....I did....

"...I see. ...I'm afraid that not but a few days after she left Echo... ...she was lost in battle against a dark being which was called the Void God. Where it truly came from is a mystery, but it was suspected it might have come from the darkness within her, and consumed her. ...If she does exist... ...no one to my knowledge has found her. I was entrusted with the guardianship of her children, the Seven, and that is why I am here today.

...I am very sorry."

5x5:.......*before he even knos he blacks out, noly t wake up after a few minutes and fined everything ccompletely busted up. Cracks and craters everywhere as if an earthquake happnened. 5x5 begins sobbing*

"...I'm sorry. ...........I should have told you more gently. ...Did she mean something to you, Jonothan?"

5x5: She was the only thing.......She was the only one I could ever think about that would keep me living...know that one day she would come by and see me again....even though part of highly doubted that....I still believed....and every night I would pray to god in hopes that he would listen to me and allow me to see Kukyo one day......The weird thing is I only knew here for only a minute or 2 in total of only seeing her three times.....She was....the only one who gave me hope.....And if she could find hope and find happiness out there....I could too....But now......*looks up* WHY DID YOU HAVE TO TAKE HER AWAY FROM ME, GOD? You took everything away from me....*pounds the ground with his fists hard enough for a crater to form under him. He looks at his hands and sees that they are bleeding* Why her too?....Now I truly am all alone....

Kuria cautiously approaches him, and puts a hand on his shoulder.

"I'm sorry Jonathon. ...I shouldn't have told you this... ...forgive me."

5x5: *begins to fade*...Why?....Why?....

Kuria desperately embraces him, her head burying into the back of his neck, and he can feel her soft hair. Her large wings fold around him as well, shimmering with incandescent light.

"God will not abandon you... because he did not abandon me. When I was being assaulted by that dark force... you protected me... so let me protect you..."

".......and when I was trapped in the abyss, surrounded by despair... he saved me... so let me save you... we will not abandon you. So don't abandon yourself.... please..."

She sinks down slightly, tears rolling down her face. "Please... let me make it up to you... for all of those lost times... all of those memories... I'm begging you... don't let this be how it ends... not again..."

Her tears drip onto his neck.

''Please... if I am to be... your chosen... then please... let me do my duty...''

''Please... let me save him... ...he is... a part... of my world... this world... ...let me save... this lost child of this world...''

''...I don't want to fail him... not... please... not... again...''

5x5: *stops fading and embraces her back* She didn't deserve that...she deserved something far better than that...even after all my memories were fading....she was the only one I remembered...she had to be very important to me if I had forgotten everything else and still remember her...

He notices that she holds him like that for a long time, and a few times he thinks he can hear her say 'thank you',to someone. She still cries, though much softer.

5x5: I just...I just wanted her to be happy...

"Jon... if something ever did make her happy, it would have been you. I have no doubt in my mind she was happy... in the end... just knowing you probably would have meant the world to her."

5x5: *embraces her tighter*...Thank you...

While they hold each other, Saisei coughs. "Awwwwwwkkkkkkwarrrrdddd......"

Mikadzukikei smacks him angrily. "Shut up idiot!!"

5x5: *reveals a small smile smile at the children's bickering*

Mikadzukikei walks over to him, and studies his eyes. She puts a hand on his shoulder, and she can sense his inner power, and he can sense the great magnitude of hers, almost awestruck by how much power she has.

"You are that of water-kin, are you not?" She says.

5x5:Yes...my mother....she was a nymph. A water nymph. why do you ask?

"...My power ties me to all that is the water, the ocean. I can see the fragility of your mind. I have one thing to say to you, you listening?"

5x5:...Yes...I'm listening....

She grabs his chin and pulls him to her eye level.

"You be nice to Kuria, do what she says, even if you don't like what she has to say, or I swearI will chop off your dick and have Saisei burn it to f*cking ash. We clear?"

5x5: *grabs her hand and removes her hand from his chin and grabs her hair, twist it around his hand pulls her hair* I'm not one to be threatened by little kids...Why would a broken man want to break anyone else when he can't even now how feel...how to think...how to react...for all I care....I could rage on everyone and everyone could be half-dead...but I can't and I won't. Threats will only anger people more. Your a child after all, so I'll let that pass by *lets go over her hair*..as for being nice...I cant reassure much...we'll have to see how things go...I don't want to hurt anyone...

Her eyes glow blue, and he feels an ancient consciousness, Mikadzukikei's consciousness, bear down on his own, enough to make him fall on his knees.

"I am not a little girl. I am not a mere child. Our appearances merely reflect the forms we are most comfortable assuming. In reality Kukyo, our mother was only sixteen at the birth of her first born, Kagayaki. We have known thousands of years, and we ourselves now have many descendants. Out of respect for my mother's memory and her fondness of you, I won't strike back. But know your place, water-kin." The pressure of her consciousness withdraws, but the energy feels heavy in the air. She dusts herself off and walks away, a silent anger brewing as she walks.

"We have somewhere to be, but we will return soon. Respect Kuria's wishes and do as she says. She means you no harm and only wishes you well. When we get back, I expect you to have abided by that." The seven begins to glow.

Kagayaki looks at Kuria and 5x5. "Take care of yourselves." They disappear.

5x5: They...care about you alot....

"Yeah... ...still really annoying to manage them..."

5x5: *looks down at the floor* I wish I had a family that cared....

"Hey. As long as you are with me, you're part of my family. As long as you're party of my family, they are part of your family. Understand?" She says softly.

5x5: Yea, i guess...but sometimes...it's not the same as having your actual family....you know?

"I know. I haven't been with my family in a long time. It's a void that few can fill."

5x5: Atleast your family continues to live. My entire family is dead...

"I see. In any case, I feel it best if we go. The seven will rejoin us, but at a later time. ...Right now, I feel that we should leave this place. Dementor is not fond of me or the Seven."

5x5: *sighs* Ok...

Kuria guides 5x5 through the building, and out of the front gates, where 5x5 beholds the immense landscape of the West Lands of Echo, the vast plains and deserts, jungles and savanahs.

5x5: So much to go through...*takes a deep breath*

"But isn't it beautiful? Savage yes, but then again, there is said to be beauty in the beast. You're probably more familiar with the East Land though. This land is ruled by the mighty Elemental Clans, eight of them. Towards the center regions lie Azure and the isolated human country, I forget its name... and of course, Chinmoku and its vast territories to the East. The North is the frozen Kingdom of the Positives, while to the South, the Kingdom of the Negatives lies shrouded in mystery. A turbulent world... but it's home."

5x5: *looks all around from left to right* It it beautiful...but I bet I might regret that once we get started.

Kuria gives him a impish grin which he faintly remembers from somewhere. He doesn't have time to think about it as she suddenly tackles him off the face of the mountain and for a terrifying moment they fall before Kuria extends her wings and eases their descent into a gentle glide, 5x5 securely in her arms, their descent is a slow lazy circle around the mountain.

"Gotcha," She teases.

5x5: *with no effort at all pins her to the ground by the neck and draws forth his right hand turns it into a fist, with look of rage on his face, but as he looks at Kuria he slowly calms down and hoists her up and turns away* Sorry....

The look he sees on her face unnerves him a bit. Her eyes simply stare up at him from where she lays on the ground, her face shows no sign of even the slightest distress or fear. Even when he had pinned her he had felt no fear of any kind. The only hint that she had even noticed he was about to strike her was the sweat suddenly apparent on her face. But her eyes feel like solid steel, unwavering, unchanging, just looking at him. He remembers this look though, in the various spirits he met in the North. They would stare at him with no hint of what they thought or felt about him, just observe him as though they were reading his very soul.

Finally a change happens in her eyes, though very slight, a bit of softness. "I take it surprise parties on your birthday are also out of the question." She says with an air of humor.

5x5: *eyes grow wide with sadness, but narrow down abit* Yea...

She smiles, then laughs lightly. "*Babylonian*Oh relax silly boy!*English* Nevermind that, Jon. Don't work yourself up over that. I shouldn't frighten you like that. Valeric told me not to be that way with you, but I should have taken it more seriously. It was my mistake. Don't worry yourself. I only have myself to blame. Don't beat yourself up over this."

5x5: I didn't mean too...I just can't take it...not like that....

"Jonathon. Please. It's not your fault. Don't worry about it." She looks over to one side, still laying there.

"Hmm... I wonder what she wants..." She muses.

5x5: Who's she?...

Kuria points to where she's looking, and 5x5 sees a large wave of shimmering energy approaching them.

5x5: Is that a spiritual tsunami?

Suddenly from the wave of energy a white fox with eight tails leaps forth, brilliant blue spirit brands running down its graceful body. It lands in front of them, and bows its head. It looks at Kuria for a moment, but then it looks at 5x5, and its gaze seems to lock onto him immediately. For a while it does nothing else but gaze upon him, similar to how the other spirits have, and then he hears its beautiful song like voice say:

"....I am sorry. Forgive me." It then turns to Kuria, and it appears as though they are conversing in private. The whole time, it seems to avoid looking at 5x5 for some reason.

5x5: Hmmm. I wonder what their talkin' about...*tilts his ear toward their direction*

He doesn't manage to hear whatever they are saying, in fact they seem to be speaking mentally. Eventually, the two look toward him. Kuria speaks.

"She is going to give us a ride further west, a bit closer to the first lake. She cannot take us all the way there, as she has some important matters to attend to."

5x5: Sure thing then.

The fox tilts its head to one side.

Kuria laughs. "I'm sorry, I forgot. This is Shirubā, the Eighth Fox-Wind of Echo. There are nine different Fox-Winds in the world, and they govern the weather patterns. She also says she's sorry."

5x5: Whatever for? No one should be sorry for me...

Kuria looks at Shirubā, but the fox looks away from her.

Kuria looks back at 5x5. "She won't say. She just keeps repeating it. She sounds... desolate."

5x5: I see...Should we get going then?

Shirubā lowers herself to a level where they can climb on her back.

5x5: *climbs up on her back*

Kuria climbs on behind 5x5, and after a moment coughs. "Errm... can I put my arms around you? ...For support so I don't fall off...?"

5x5: *was caught of guard by the question* Ughhh....sure...sure you can...

She does so, and just as she does, Shirubā takes off with force of a space rocket.

5x5: *is trying to hold one as tight as he can*

"Hey, I know I said we wanted to get going quickly, butNOT THIS FAST!!!" Kuria screams, and Shirubā slows down and turns her head to look at them.

''My apologies. Did I frighten you?''

5x5: I think you started off a bit ' too ' fast.

She chuckles.

Sorry little one.

5x5 eventually notices a few spirits are flying with them, while he can't exactly see them, he senses them, and can pick up a curiosity from them.

5x5: Their curious...

Kuria nods. "You're not exactly normal to them. It's the same with anyone who enters Echo. Strangers tend to be more interesting to them than most people are. ...That said, it gets annoying when they start chattering and attract their friend's attention as well."

5x5 *remmbers oemthing familiar about what she said* Interesting...where to?

Kuria looks at 5x5. "Huh?"

5x5: Where to?...

"Well she is going to take us close to one of the lakes, a day's journey away at least from the glade we'll land at."

5x5: Alright, which direction though?

"We're going across the center land. Why? Is there a different direction you want to go? The order of which lakes we visit doesn't matter."

5x5: No. Ijust don't like wandering around in circles.God knows i've done that too much...

"The plan is to do all of the central lakes, then the South, then North. After that we can go where ever you'd like."

5x5: I don't care we start. As long as we can get this over with.

Kuria looks very tired, as the moon begins to rise after the long day, and he can swear her black hair is now a very dark shade of grey. They finally land, and Kuria pats Shirubā, who then flies off, though the smaller spirits require more convincing.

She looks at 5x5 with her tired eyes. "Jon, do you mind if we camp here for the night? I need to sleep... it's been such a long day..."

5x5: i understand...You go ahead and sleep.

She slowly rests her head against a rock. "...Before I go to sleep... promise you won't wander... I'd feel safer... if you stayed close by. ...I can't protect myself like I used to..."

5x5: You don't have to worry about that...*looks up at the moon* I have nowhere to wander off to...

Welcome to No Mans Land
Junnosuke pops into the realm, looking around happily. "Score. He took me here! Haha! Suck it mother nature!" With this, he notices that it is night. "Craaaaap..." He starts a fire using sticks, flint and the night air. Then Junno picks up a torch-like stick and sets it ablaze. "Hope there arn't coyotes. I don't want to eat those."

A voice says in the air, "I don't know why you're so pleased to be out here, but I can promise you.... there is nothing good about being sent out here."

"Well arn't you a happy camper! I'm the best mortal Alchemist where I come from. This all? This is a warm up to my training." He looks at the air and, to show off, makes the ground crack for twenty feet. He moves all the mass under him.

"Hardly impressive. Now, I don't know about you, but I'll just watch you die to that wind storm, Mr. Attitude. Let me know if your expertise includes stopping Supersonic Wind."

He feels a gust of wind, and he looks off to the East to see a massive cloud of black racing his way, the wind swiftly rising up to tornado levels, and the storm isn't even close to them yet.

"Pffft! A tornado wind from this distance... " Junno makes a sad face. "And I thought Kado sent me camping... Mr Elemental, would you mind helping me live thriugh this?"

A girl's voice comes out of the air. "MR?! I OUGHTA TEAR YOUR THROAT OUT!!" It roars in outrage.

"Can't do that if the storm kills me."

A red headed girl appears and slaps him across the face, then grabs his arm and pulls him high, high high up into the air above the clouds, and they begin to fly off in a certain direction.

"When I take you home, you're going to regret calling me a guy, punk." The girl growls. "Normally I go out on a date before going to their home, but okay." He smirks, then goes serious. "Thanks for saving me..."

The girl angerly looks back at him. "I'm not sure how tempted I am to drop you, but it's pretty high right now. You're welcome. Then again, I doubt the chiefs will be too pleased to see you, we're not that welcoming of humans. I'll clue you in, so take this advice well. Those who are smart alecks tend to die quickly here on Echo. Especially out here in the West. You're just in time for 'Danger Season', where storms ravage the surface on a daily basis almost. The land and the elements are not your tools, you're at their mercy in this world. Remember that, Mr. Alchemist."

"I'm a doctor, actually. Dr. Junnosuke Ri Alverez di Loneo, Alchemy M.D. You could call me Junno. I was sent here by Kado iut of half of his anger and half of his kindness. Apparently he doesn't like spikes near his face." He looks up at the girl. "And those Elemental people should try not to worry. I like to be on powerful people's good side. I control every known material in existance and many unknown ones to an extent. Eccept Mythril, of which my undr armor is made of."

"Worry is not the issue. Your race is. We elementals tend to hate humans. For reasons. You seem very keen on showing off." She stops rising higher, and simply glides along a straight line, her power keeping him held up from dangling from her hand. Occasionally her reddish hair whips him in the face as it bellows behind her.

"And I don't blame him, the West is a place most scrubs would die the first hour in. Great place for getting rid of someone annoying."

Junno sighs. "You... You people have no reason to dislike me yet. And even so, you deem me 'annoying' and worthy of a death sentence. Why is this? Because my cocky attitude? Because I like jokes? If so, drop me now for I deserve the sentence if you can back it up."

The girl irritably looks back at him. "I never said you were annoying. I just said the Wasteland is a great place to drop off annoying people. You read into what people say too much. Or too little. One of those things. I do say that if this Kado person did send you here, it wasn't to offer you a basket of roses. He's probably a native in that case and knows well enough how to indirectly dispose of 'annoyances'. Apparently in his mind sticking a spike in his face is a qualifier for 'annoying.'"

"He is the Dark Phoenix. Well, one of his personality disorders is. And no, not for that accursed White character. Or, I hope not. The name was Neo. He is... Sheild? Then there is the helpless girl I didn't bother learning the name of. I believe he was an orphan. Almost got killed getting out of Phoenix."

At the word 'Phoenix', she suddenly drops him, and right before he hits the ground she grabs him and he comes to an abrupt halt.

"First things first. Never say that name. Phoenix. It's one of the few things that not even I can stand to hear come out of someone's mouth. Our people suffered heavily because of what Phoenix has done to us in the past. I strongly urge you don't bring it up again. An older elemental would likely try to kill you for it. We really can't stand them. Just making myself clear, alright?" She snaps.

"Heh. Alright" The rest of their trip is in silence. Finnally, they reach their destination.

A top a massive mountain range a huge stretch of clouds covers the land, and on these clouds a odd fortress is built, shifting with accordance to the structure of the clouds, the fortress never the same shape or locations twice. Smaller village like structures can be seen on the sides and on the clouds surrounding the fortress as well.

"Skykeep," The girl intones before he can ask. "Home."

"Well, it's no Los Angeles but it's nice. Great hiding spot too."

The girl looks back at him in irritated confusion. "What's this about Lost Angels?"

"Los Angeles," he corrects her before sighing. "It's my home. Where I work as a doctor."

"Never heard of it." She says as she drops him onto the streets of a small town orbiting the giant fortress. "Find a house not marked as 'Occupied' and stay there until I come back for you. Father's gonna want to see you before he decides on letting you say here, though that also depends on mom." She flies off without another word, red hair billowing behind her as she soars

"Ah. My life just gets more interesting by the second." He wals around the streets looking for a house.

After a while and settling in, the girl appears. "Father will see you now." She says with indifference.

"Alright." He puts his book back into his tatered robe and walks to the door after standing up. "He is outside or shall we fly, Ms. Elemental?"

"Issana" She says simply. "My name is Issana. Lady Issana to you at least. And we'll be flying. Now come outside". She stands out of the way to let him out.

He starts out. Junno stops as he is is in the doorway though. "May I... May I ask a personal question?"

She looks back at him, her eyes subtly narrowing. ".....Yes.....?"

"Why did you save me?"

"Because you asked. Nicely." She says in an undertone.

"... Alright. Noted for later use. And even as you say all these things about hating humans," he starts as he changes the air pressure below him, making him float, "I'm actually an artificial human. I am a 'monster'. A humunculus. If it is of any meaning, I have been tested on and tortured these past twenty years by humans. So, if you would be so kind, do not associate me with them again please. Thank you."

Issana sighs. "Alright alright. You do realize it doesn't matter, right? There isn't an immediate, obvious way to tell you from a human you know. You're going to have to deal with that."

"It matters to me." He starts to go higher. "Where are we going?"

"To the fortress. I thought that would be obvious." She says as she flies toward the center of the massive sky complex.

Junno follows. "Tell me if you wish, is your father planning on sending me into the storm? I am growing tired at this point."

"That depends if you decide to 'show off'. Be polite and respectful of my father, and you won't be taking an express ride to wind city." She chuckles lightly at that.

He smiles as they reach the entrance.

She lands at the door to the central building and opens it, and she begins walking him through various halls.

"Hey, Issana, who is your father that they are at the heart of the city? Where I come from at least, the central is the elite of the upper class." Junno says as he looks at some of the open doorways with interest.

"He is the chieftain, or the Clan lord of the Wind Elementals." She says simply.

As his eyes get widened from the elegance of the building, he takes out his flask. "I'm gonna need this..." he says as he takes a sip. "Too many bad memories of Cheiftans... I do hope this one doesn't disect me. I don't like that much."

"Relax. My father won't likely attack you or anything. It depends on his impressions of you if anything." She says calmly.

"Alright... Thanks by the way..."

"....For what?" She asks dully.

"For all that you've done for me, a stranger."

"You asked for help, I gave it to you. Isn't more complicated than it needs to." She says, arriving at a large door.

"Oh man I'm getting nervous..." he says as his clothing transmutes into it's prime. "There we go."

"Worrying about such things as how fine you're dressed... don't worry about it..." Issana says, mildly annoyed. She opens the doors to reveal a decent sized.... ....office. Two large half circle desks occupy the back central area of the room, and a man in a business suit looks up at him irritably, then sees Issana and his frown melts into a faint smile.

"Ah, so is this the one you mentioned?" He says softly.

Issana quietly nods.

"I see. Well, bring him over here." He says simply.

Junno bows very low before taking a few steps forward. "Watashi o goran itadaki arigatōgozaimasu. Thank you for seeing me."

The man frowns when he hears the language. "Ugggh..... please speak english. I don't speak anything else. And the bowing isn't necessary. I'm not a king you know."

"Alright." he says as a bead of sweat rolls down to the floor. "Holy... Is it hot in here?" At this, he makes a gust of wind come towards him, cooling him down. "Sorry about that..."

"Why are you nervous?" He asks calmly.

"Normally when a nice girl brings me to the father, I either go in for disection or he gets a gun. I'm nervous about that..."

"Well if I wanted to kill you sir, I would just do this." He makes a finger gun and pretends to shoot a bullseye board, and a hole is punched in the board.

"Relax. You're way too nervous. If I wanted to kill you I wouldn't have sent for you. I'm just here to see what kind of person you are."

"I'm not sa- ah nevermind. You should've just asked. I'm a cocky show-off and yet I'm still nervous and rambling and... Shit... I'm Junnosuke, sir. I'm a homunculus so please don't consider me a human. And I'm rambling..." He transmutes back into his comfortable clothing. "And I appologize for the rank. The one time I could get a shower the guy threw me into a deadly wind storm"

The man looks at him exasperatedly. "Dear lord I've met more stable shipwrecks than you... ....alright I don't see harm. He can stay. For now at least."

"Very well father. I'll take him to a quarter then." Issana says, before walking out.

Junno bows and follows Issana. When the door is closed, Junno looks at the floor. "I've never felt like such a fool... I swear it...."

"Isssssssssaaaaaaannnnnaaaaaa.......!" Her father's voice echoes, and Issana goes pale. "Y-Yes?"

"Did we forgeeeeeeeeet somethingggg?" Her father says in a sing song voice.

"Uh oh...." She gasps, and under her breath begins doing a check list, then squeaks. "Oh no I forgot-"

"WHERE'S MY F*CKING COFFEE?!" He yells in anger.

"I'LL BE RIGHT THERE FATHER!!!" She squeaks in alarm and disappears in a matter of seconds, yelling behind her, "Wait right there!!!"

Junnosuke sighs. He looks at that door, and finnally realizes how he remembers that man. "He was on Earth I believe... Ikkaku... Yea, he was there like, ten fifteen years ago. Egypt. I was studying the Philosopher's Stone..."

Issana appears a few moments later in a massive gust of wind, blowing open the doors open and rushing to place the coffee down on her father's desk, who smiles faintly. "That's much better. Remember to be on time more, alright?"

She nods. "I'll see you later then."

"Is the coffee hot like it's supposed to?"

"Oh, yeah it is."

He nods. "Alright, be back for dinner, and make it sharp. Don't be late."

She walks out and closes the door with a sigh. "Dad likes to keep me busy."

"I can see that..." he says as he takes a sip of liqour.

Issana starts walking. "Ok then, follow me. I'll take you to a place to stay for the night."

"Alrighty. So, what do you guys do in this place?"

"Well I stick to my schedule. Get up, make breakfast, train, take a break, train, make lunch, train somemore, take another break, make coffee, dinner time, train, train some more, and bedtime."

"Well, you guys have a library? If so, I'll probably be there oor in my room doing my own training."

"Didn't you hear the schedule? Man you suck at paying attention. After coffee, what happens next? Quickly now, what's the answer?"

"Supper. I really don't eat much. And seriously, where is the library? I would like to read about how this place was made."

"I will show you. After dinner. Father expects us in no less than ten minutes." She says ridgedly.

"Alright then... Which way would that be or are we stopping somewhere first?"

She grabs his hand and leads him along the hallways, eventually reaching a decent sized dining room and she sits down at one end of the table, and seats him next to her.

"And just in time for..."

Her father, Ikkaku walks in quickly. "Spot on, much better timing than yesterday, Issana." He sits down at the other end of the table, and the cooks bring in the meal.

"So, tell me, what brought you here to Echo if you are not from here?" He asks casually to Junno.

"Well, long story. I came to the a refugee camp asking Kado for assistance getting here. Lady Issana has told me that the place he works - used to work actually - is a very bad place that shall not be named so that maybe I can stay without being disected by you or a wind storm. He got a little angry and sent me into the wastelands. Quite a nice place if you can handle the breeze. But the reason, well that's the thing I am interested to know. I believe I came here to study the Philosopher's Stone. But right now I kind of drank to get some really bad memories out for a while so... Yea... I did want to ask you: do you know what Alchemy is? And, if you do, do you know what city I can get books on it is as well?"

"I know I may seem smart and all that Junno, but the honest truth is you won't find what you're looking for here. We do things by well..... ....doing them. We don't teach, and we don't have much books. We're very simply fashioned. Yes, we can read just fine, we don't use it that much though. If you're looking for actual helpful knowledge, Chinmoku is an option... ...man I can't believe I'm recommending those peace loving monks.... ....but it's clear on the other side of the world, and as much as I'd like to be nice, I and anyone else you ask in our lands, will positively NOT step in that realm unless it's absolutely necessary."

Junnosuke looks at him, his mouth slowly closing. "You have to be kidding! You just do things?! You have to teach, learn excetra!" He gets up and starts to walk out. "Why would you NOT neet books??" he asks as he turns back around. "Reading knowlage is the best way to get it! That way you can skip the long training and make it better through trial and error for the next generation."

"We have more important things to worry about Junno. Survival, mainly." Ikkaku says simply, as he digs into his food.

"The mountains pierce the heavens... the skies tear at the earth.... the light pierces the darkness and the darkness smothers the light. We are a race ever at odds with each other. The only thing we teach is survival." He drinks some tea.

"In a land ever changing and ever conflicting, the first thing in life is being able to survive. The weak are killed and the strong survive. This is not a world of simple pleasantries. This is not Earth, where one's parents can afford to give a roof to one's children. The weak are either made strong or die, failing to survive. ....Do you know how many children I have lost these long years of my life, Junno?" He asks sharply.

"You've got to be kidding! The reason you survive is because of that?! Because the weak DIE?! And trust me when I say I know what it's like to loose all of you children. To accidently kill them even. And I have to live with that. So don't lecture me on how hard it is. I've worked for everything I have today, and I'm SICK of hearing you people's sob stories! Well guess what? Everyone else in this goddamn multi-verse has had it just as hard!!"

Issana listens quietly to the two, occasionally glancing up at them, but remains otherwise uninterested, eating her food quietly.

Ikkaku sighs irritably. "....We survive because we worked hard to survive. My daughter Issana does not live here because she's my daughter. She lives here because she earned her place. With her own two hands she built her quarters and moved up in our society to the point she can live here. We are warriors, not scholars. Though our kin now enjoys a sturdier livelyhood, we still are in conflict with the other clans. It is how the elemental society works. Even I earned my place, Junno. If you cannot learn to survive, you die. Either by the hand of our enemies or because of the violent lands below us, the weak do not survive long in these West Wastelands. Those who learn what they have learned have learned it on their own time and their own power. If you do not care for our society and what measures we take to survive, you have that right. But one thing is universal in this society. Please do not yell at the dinner table." He says calmly.

Junno glares at the cheif before sitting down and finishing his meal.

Ikkaku sighs. "Your mind seethes with violent storms. Unlike Earth, every building we build is dedicated to housing the living. Books are a rare thing in our land. No libraries, but there are those with private collections, centered on personal tastes and interests. Do I wish the world my kin live in was peaceful and they could have the luxury of fine education? Yes. Is that a reality I may see in my lifetime? No. The workings of the world are harsh, it is all I can do to simply keep my people alive in the face of violent adversity. Is that so wrong of me to do? Ensure a future for my people's continued existence?"

"What is the point of existing for the hell of it? You exist for your people but maybe they want something bigger?"

"My people wanted a strong leader that would be capable of leading them to victory over the other clans, and ensuring that we get a say over our race's affairs. Whoever wins the battle of the year between our eight nations rules the other clans. Whoever holds that position can direct the way of our people in a path they choose. The Fireclan Lord has dedicated our people's policies toward improving the strength of each clan, and securing our borders. There are many small racial nations in the world, and many who desire the power of an elemental slave. To that end, the Firelord desires our race to secure its stability and borders from unwanted intrusion and invasion."

The Wind Clanlord Ikkaku closes his eyes. "I am not the leader of the elemental people. I do not have the power to change things. I would establish kinder and more open relations with the world, but the Firelord distrusts and even occasionally hates the Shapeshifters of Chinmoku, our race's old enemies. He would not ask for their aid, even though it would grant us a great boon and progress our race forward. He thinks we the Elementals do not need help from anyone, and believes in our race's own strength that will lead us to our own future, not 'tainted' by the machines and magics of the Shapeshifters. Unless I can defeat the Firelord and every other lord and clan of our race in the upcoming war for power, nothing will change, Junno. Do not speak to me of my own faults, when I must abide by the rules established by our people. The only hope my clan has for progress is in that battle. I am hoping that Issana will help us win. She is truly a magnificent warrior of our kin."

"Good for you. I ask one thing for when you win though, please start educating to the best of your ability... I'm tired of speaking to people who don't know of Alchemy and pancakes..."

"Were it that simple..." He finishes his dinner and a staff member takes his dishes away. He silently stands up and walks out. Issana watches him go.

"Father is close to beaten... ...We've lost many attempts. We've come close many times to winning, but we are always just second rate. Everything we work for, it slips out of our grasp, just when it is in reach. It is... ...depressing, for many of us." Issana says simply and quietly.

"What is it that you wish to do for the present time? Understand though that you are my guest, I must host you. If you remain in Skykeep, you are to dwell in my quarters, and I must be present in all your activities." She stretches quietly, then stands up.

He looks at her for a second, then stands. "So I am to stay here? If so, I could help you train. I control every element much farther than most beings, even lesser elementals. I mean, wouldn't that help?"

"You will stay the night, then you do whatever it is you choose. If you choose to leave, that is your buisness. But you will remain in my quarters should you stay for any period of time. It is the rules. And I do not need help training, I am a well seasoned fighter."

"Alright then," Junnosuke says. He looks around. "So, where do you want to go or do?"

"Normally I would train. If you desire though we may quickly bathe, you to remove your odor and I to wash the sweat off my body. I work hard everyday."

"As long as you are okay with it. Let's train a little first. I would like to get the gist of what you guys do."

"As you wish...." She begins to walk out of the room.

"So... Could I ask why the 'organization' is hated?"

"...Because even to this day they hunt us like monsters. Just like the humans do. They killed many of our kind and banished the whole of our race to the West Wastelands, where we struggle with what little fertile land we have. Much of the lands are inhospitable."

"Hmm... If I remember correctly they sided with the humans in the War, and sent the Warlords into swords. I believe that was uncalled for. And then we betrayed them and sent them into hiding... Now they're coming back for a really nice peice of revenge with a cherry on top. So hopefully Kado and the rest figure out how to stop them and you can live in a more... library-filled place." He smiles at his joke as he catches up. "In the War, a lot of people did some bad stuff to the Mythos. In the humans defense, no Mytho has really treated them nicely, they trample the lawns, and destroy our housing and buissness! How did we know better at the time?"

"The Warlords were our masters and captors. We were slaves back then. As are many of our comrades at Phoenix's hands. I do not believe it was uncalled for. The Warlords could have been equated to gods. Few options existed to stop them."

"Were you in the War? I would hope not. It was terrible. Friend was fighting against friend and neibors as well. We all did things we regret but Phoenix was never trusted and a plan to kill them all came to surface near the beginning of our alliance. I was a medical officer, always in my tent pulling out spikes of mysterious origin and listening to the gosip. Then I went tothe battlefeild as a medic and I regret that choice. It was terrible out there. We lost so many I don't think anyone won. Only when it ended was I happy. I mainly worked for the human side of the war, mostly saving lives but leaving them crippled as so they didn't have to go back out. Soldiers were scared out of their pants. So back to my question; were you in the war?"

"Do I look a hundred years old to you?"

"No. It was only twnety - twenty-five maybe - years ago."

"Well then you need to stop drinking so much... ...it was a hundred or so years ago." She says without turning around.

"So.. Time moves differently here." He takes a sip of liqour. "So you've only heard stories anyways... Why doesn't Mr. Fighting go and revolt againt Phoenix anyways?"

"If you have heard of them, then you know why he has not." She says, still not bothering to look at him as she walks.

"So the Slayers are true?"

Issana finally turns around. "So you went and provoked a former member of Phoenix and didn't know that Slayers are real things? Great idea, genius plan you had there General Patton."

"You have heard of World War 2?"

"Let me put it this way. My dad has more books on war than you'd know what to do with."

"Alright."

She reaches the outside of the building, and walks all the way to the edge, where she simply steps off and begins to plummet.

"Why do I always get the suicidal ones?" Junnosuke asks before turning around and walking a few feet, then running and jumping off the edge, quickly passing Issana.

She is falling feet first, with no seemingly worried expression, and she doesn't bother to slow down, but when she impacts into the ground, all that is heard is a soft 'tap!' and she simply starts walking along the white sands.

Junno mimics her by changing the air pressure. "Wait a second, couldn't you blow out flames?"

"Yes, but one also must remember what fire also needs for fuel: air. Not all fire is created equal. Besides, you act like Fire is the only threat we contend with. We have to beat ALL of the clans in battle." She keeps walking.

"Also, watch out for any creatures. It would be amusing if you mocked our survivalist attitude then got eaten by a dire scorpion."

"Ha-Ha. Very funny." he says.

As he says that, a massive roar goes off and a giant armored scorpion roars and nearly pinches him in two with its pinchers.

"No actually that was a warning. By the way. Dire Scorpion. Your turn."

He touches the scorpion and jumps back, accidentally tripping over Issana, topling them over as the armour and claws of the monstrosity are made into clothing and the scorpion is killed by a grounded spike. "Bata-bang, Bata-boom," he says.

From the scorpion a gross frightening swarm of baby scorpions rushes everywhere, most of them at him and begin stinging him violently, the stings like severe acid burns.

"Why can't I ever to choose sleep iver adventure?!" he yells as he transmutes them into egg-shaped cacoons. "It burns damnit!"

Issana starts laughing. "And that's just the garden variety around here... I can't imagine what you'd do against a Deathstroke."

"Probably die. Seriously, this burns like fire, got anything for it?"

She quietly sticks a large fat stick of oak wood in his mouth then takes a vial and pours it on the arms and legs where he was stung, a violent foam forming as the liquid comes in contact with the stings, burning about as worse, but when it falls off his stings are gone and the pain of the poison goes away.

"Well, that. Next time watch out for red stripes on the back. Those are female. They carry their babies around this time of year. Now the Deathstroke is bad because-"

A low rumble fills the air.

"Oh, right. Apparently training is going to be rough today. Get behind that boulder." She doesn't wait for him to respond, but grabs him and they hide behind a boulder just as a scorpion taller than a house, covered in a strange iridescent metal erupts from the sand, completely covered in the segmented armor.

"Now before you use Alchemy or an Element on it... it won't work. I've only killed five of these things, and fought five more and lost. These things have to be killed the old fashioned way." She takes out a sword and hands it to Junno.

"You any good with a sword? Don't worry. There's a way to kill them, but it's tricky. Somewhere on their chest the plate is looser, but it takes a while to knock it off. And these suckers are deceptively fast. Like rockets." She quietly looks at it.

"The Deathstroke is so named because if it stabs you once with that stinger, you might as well say 'Eat Me!'. The poison it has is ten times worse than what you just got stung by. Its armor was made to counter Alchemy and Elemental Manipulation. The Shapeshifters tried to use that stuff to deal with us, so the rather stupid idiot that made them created that armor to fight the Shapeshifters. Unfortunately now those things have gone to the wild and bred like crazy. So yeah... ...be careful."

'I regret this more and more..." Junnosuke Ri Alverez Di Loneo then jumps over the rock, making distractions for the monster for Issana. "What are you waiting for?!"

Issana sighs. She then rushes out with a katana and dodges its claws, jumping onto the arm and stabbing it between the armor plating. With a hiss, the scorpion tries to stab her, but she rolls higher up on the arm, causing the stinger to puncture the armor and its arm, and it lets out an angry loud roar, and begins pulling up on the stinger to pull out.

"Get on while he's busy! These things can take a few hours to kill sometimes, so hurry up and lets get training on this bad boy. Today's lesson is relfexes. How fast can ya dodge? Better be fast enough, cause that stinger is Meeeeean!"

Junno jumps on, the claw cutting some of his hair. He grabs the claw and transmutes the ground into a cuff for it, making the cuff out of large pieces of metal. "Alright!" Then Junnosuke jumps on. He joins Issana ontop of the beast.

She looks at Junno. "Day light's burning. Let's get stabbing."

"Where do we stab?!"

"....You stab between the armor plates. Where else?" She says dryly.

"Well I would go for the mouth, nose, or eyes...'

"Right... because that's gonna kill the giant scorpion... just start stabbing him between the armor. If you don't hit a vein after a couple stabs, move on to a new slab of armor."

"Alright..." He stabs under a piece of armor.

The scorpion manages to rip its tail out from its arm and bares the stinger menacingly.

"Get ready to dodge, they're fast."

"Okay."

The stinger whips at him at incredibly high speed, as soon as he blinks.

Junnosuke barely has time to look at the stinger before it hits his eye and stabs at his brain, putting the venom directly in and he screams as the last of the poison kills him of. The body that was once Junno falls o the ground, an emty husk. The stinger then goes for Issana.

The Captive Dragon
Vulkas sits idly in his cell, staring at a wall as he moves around eight stones in his hand.

The air feels particularly hot, much hotter than he's felt it in a long time, and there is an energy in the air that stands out.

He closes his eyes and drops the stones. "Oh good, a visitor."

No one appears, it feels more as though something is about to happen, the energy in the air being a thick anticipation of sorts.

He opens his eyes again. "...Guess the years have made me too hopeful." He gets up, curious as to what could be going on.

He hears the sounds of heavy feet marching down the distant stairway.

"Let's get a better look..." He astral projects himself somewhere where he can see the source of the marching.

A group of armor clad fire elementals are marching down the stairs toward the prisons.

He quickly stops astral projecting and idly waits. "Hmph."

The guards appear to be approaching his section.

He sits back down and whistles, keeping his head down.

All of the cells open suddenly.

He hesitantly leaves the cell, looking around. "I don't like this."

All of the other prisoners, of various races and backgrounds, seem to have similar reservations, but they are all mutually greeted by a roaring voice of fire, shouting,

"''Let's go maggots! Today's your big day!" ''The warden's fiery roar booms through the halls.

He quietly walks forward, looking at the other prisoners around him. "Knowing the fire elementals I doubt they're bringing us together for a nice simple party.."

Whips of fire begin ringing out, in an effort to make the prisoners move quicker toward the stairs.

"Just as brutish and crude as ever." He speeds up, eventually walking up the stairs.

The other prisoners are all shambling behind him, ahead of him, he can hear various stone doors and walls shifting.

He makes his way quickly to the top of the stairs, albeit being very cautious.

The corridor is different than he remembers from the one time they brought him down, going straight up a slope rather than windy but flat halls.

"Where are they taking us...?"

The group of prisoners begin to file out into a large dark sort of space.

Vulkas looks around and eventually holds his Twilight Siphon closely.

After all of the prisoners arrive, a single flame flickers to life at the far end of the room.

Vulkas draws his attention to the flame, wary of what is going to happen.

The flame erupts into a large flaming circle, and appears to be igniting up now, along a spiral path only wide enough for the flame to spread, creating a warm lighting, and revealing just what they are within, a massive stadium like structure, with a single podium positioned on a outcropping above them, a dull red glow approaching the podium.

"Oh. Goodie. I can already tell what this is going to be...." Vulkas glances at the other prisoners once more, and then looks to the red glow.

The red glow becomes a brilliant flame in the form of a mighty warrior.

"Greetings!" They boom. "It is time for you to become useful! You shall fight for your lives, or you shall die a brutal death!"

"Suppose having prisoners be executioners is efficient. Crude and unethical, but efficient." Vulkas slowly brings out the Twilight Siphon.

A host of flaming humanoids of various kinds manifest, some pure flame, others have skin with some parts burning, but all Elementals. Each one stands next to a prisoner, and as they do so, each is gilded in armor of pure flame.

After this is done, a gate opens underneath the outcrop, revealing a sandy wasteland outside, a lone flaming figure waiting.

"You shall join our great General in war against the other tribes, and you shall fight for him with joy at the prospect of blood and honor! Go out and secure the might of the Fire Clan! Form into ranks, and prepare to serve our might!"

"Alright, not executioners but soldiers. Still crude. I wonder if any will try to take this chance to escape." Vulkas follows along and forms into the ranks, walking towards and then through the gate into the sandy wasteland.

As he walks out with the group, they see on a large cliff face above them is an army far more equipped and ready for battle than them, and some of them give the prisoners smirks and taunts.

"Suppose they expect us to die. Guess i'll have to ruin their expectations ever so slightly." He blankly stares back to the better equipped soldiers before looking away.

Ahead of them, a number of hosts, seven in total can be seen in every corner of the desert.

He analyzes the hosts from a distance, trying to make out what they look like.

They are too far away, though they are moving closer at a decent rate.

He simply waits til they can get close enough to see.

The armies seem to be representative of each element.

"Wind, Lightning, Water, Earth, Light, Darkness, Ice, and we're Fire. Wonder if they'll make stories of this fight. And why did I have to be prisoner to fire? Never liked fire elementals. Too loud."

The fire elemental paired with him growls.

He looks at the elemental before turning away. "Don't worry, i'll give you a chance to kill me for saying that on the battlefield. Happy?"

Up at the very front, the charge toward the other armies begins.

When the people in front of him start charging, he starts charging as well, drawing his Twilight Siphon and seemingly waits for enemy soldiers to break though the front lines.

The other armies are now advancing at a rapid pace, the eight armies are about to collide.

He creates moderately sized dragons made of draconic energy that fly above him for a bit, then fly faster towards the enemy front lines as the armies get closer to colliding.

Several huge walls of earth erupt and smash into the dragons and completely scramble the armies, and chaos quickly begins to spread all over the battlefield.

Vulkas let's the dragons dissipate as he works his way through the chaos, fighting various soldiers with his Twilight Siphon.

His fellow prisoners, a great majority of them, are falling like flies, and its not just from the enemies. From behind, the main fire army has charged forward, and is decimating the few remaining.

Vulkas grimaces at the fire army behind him. "At this point I'm my own army. No one is on my side." Vulkas begins to steer clear of the way of the fire army.

As he does this, a flash of red and steel whirl toward him.

He jumps back and at the same time seemingly blocks the blow with his Twilight Siphon, looking at the origin of the attack.

A girl with pinkish red hair with unnatural agility is assaulting him, wielding scimitars rippling with wind magic.

Vulkas continues on the defensive as he blocks the whirlwind of scimitars, eventually creating a force of draconic energy towards the girl that pushes her back. "Just so you know I am rooting for your side."

She doesn't respond, but the moment the force comes close, she seems to blow away into sand, and reappears behind him with a slash.

Before she can slash at him, he quickly turns and stares into her eyes, and she feels a great amount of fear and intimidation, which stops her from continuing her attack. "Doesn't mean I wont cut you down in defense." His weapon shines a flash of blinding white light that starts arcing and moving towards the girl.

She instinctively moves back and dodges just in time, another wind elemental catches him in a violent tornado.

He has the tornado dissipate in an instant, slowly floating back to the ground as he whirls his Twilight Siphon back and into the other wind elementals chest. "I don't like unfair fights."

The girl looks at him for a moment, and the battle around them, before suddenly flickering and disappearing as part of the battlefield seems to die down in intensity for some reason.

He pulls back his weapon, and the blood seemingly disappears off it as one of the crystals on the weighted end glows. He then astral teleports his way closer to where the battlefield has stopped its intensity.

At this point he seems oddly alone, and looking back he can see the other elementals are running away from each other, and he looks off in the distance to see a huge storm cloud bearing down on the plain, behind it stand the wind elementals in one group, the storm crashes down upon the scene, scattering all of the armies and leaving the ones able to flee limping away. The wind elementals soon vanish afterward.

Vulkas breathes deeply and exhales slowly, and starts to bend the very storm itself, attempting to dissipate it as the storm starts slowing down.

The storm's sheer momentum is too strong to circumvent in the short amount of time.

"If they want to play with natural phenomenon, then fine, be my guest." Vulkas quickly stops and backs off to a farther point, ignoring the other soldiers running from the storm and seemingly going at a slower pace.

One fire elemental clad in regal armor spots him and grabs his head and begins running off with him.

"''If I'm going down, you're going with me...!" ''He growls, a few other similar fire elementals and a handful of prisoner survivors soon follow. Vulkas doesn't seem able to strike back at him, and he realizes it is the prison warden.

"If you keep my head held like this I won't be able to fight in your name as well as I can." Vulkas looks around and then up at the storm.

"We have worse things to worry about than your thirst for battle, namely, my head."

Vulkas furrows his brow. "Now, what exactly could a prison warden be worried about?"

"''Wouldn't you like to know. Now hurry up!" ''The warden throws Vulkas further ahead of him.

Vulkas walks forward, looking at the other prisoners to see who else survived.

A few scattered men and women compose his group of survivors, all haggard and weary, a light of deep unease at the slaughter fills their eyes.

Vulkas thinks about how many prisoners had originally been sent to fight and grimaces at the amount of lives lost.

The group of fire elementals gruffly keep order and continue their ragged march.

Vulkas opens his mouth to speak but decides to stay quiet, not wanting to risk getting the others killed. Instead he continues marching, picking up the pace.

Eventually, they begin to notice ash falling from the skies.

"So, this the fire elemental's idea of snow?"

They begin to detect a severe heat increase as they continue and the ash falls heavier.

Vulkas pays the heat increase no mind, but curiously looks at the heavy ash falling from the sky.

It is then he notices they are approaching a large cone spewing ash into the air.

He remains silent even after noticing the volcano, waiting to get a better understanding of the situation.

The fire elementals, quite grim, appear to be directing the prisoners up the mountain.

Vulkas walks his way up, occasionally looking behind him.

Eventually, they appear to reach an opening in the side.

Vulkas goes through the opening, looking around.

There appears to be a long tunnel ahead of him.

He continues his way and ends up going through the tunnel.

He walks out onto a large metal walkway, a single large metal circle around the inside of the volcano, which is scorching hot as blasts and pillars of lava surge from the pit deep below, sending ash and smoke hurtling into the skies above. There appears to be a number of levels above and below them, a strange complex of rooms and tunnels throughout the mountain. They are in some kind of makeshift fortress.

He seemingly is impressed by the sheer magnitude of it all. "I must admit so far this is better than a prison cell."

The warden grunts. "You're still our prisoner, don't let it get to your head..."

Vulkas eyes the warden. "Apologies if a prisoner cannot appreciate their time out of a cell."

The warden looks about for a moment. "Alright you maggots, at the bottom is a forge. Get to work making weapons and armor. Geoth will show you." A large muscled fire elemental nods.

Vulkas considers the situation and nods back, walking to where Geoth is.

Geoth leads them down a perilous and small rock ramp down toward the fiery core of the volcano.

Vulkas follows after Geoth. "Do you mind educating me on exactly what happened on that battlefield? From what I could tell something went wrong."

"It is against the law of the land for prisoners to be used in the War Games. We got away with this practice in the past because no casualties on our part occurred, at least for the main army."

"And now you've been figured out. I'd imagine the punishments would be severe."

"The Firelord would have our heads. Literally."

"Quaint. Why exactly are you having the last remaining prisoners work for you?"

"Insurance. No one can know. Dead men tell no tales. And this way, when the army comes, they'll assume you are just hired thugs working for traitors... no reason to suspect more prisoners."

"I'd say I'm more of an artisan than a thug. But very well. So I'm apparently supposed to help you with the forge?"

"That is what he said." They have reached the bottom half of the volcano, a great sea of magma is oozing from the ground below. Various workstations are present, and the few surviving prisoners are set to work, with Geoth supervising.

Vulkas does his job surprisingly well, doing what is ordered without a sweat.

They are worked all day, though at the half point, they are instructed to make thick sheets of metal plate.

He does as instructed, occasionally eyeing people and studying his environment from afar.

The air is uncomfortable, tense, everyone is on edge.

"A single unsettling event would throw this whole place into chaos...."

Eventually the fire elementals call the prisoners to a large central chamber, where a large pork has been roasted.

Vulkas's stomach quietly rumbles.

The fire elementals depart to attend to other matters, allowing the prisoners to eat.

Vulkas quickly starts eating, clearly hungry. He keeps to himself, not saying anything.

The other prisoners seem just as unwilling to speak. Finally when they are finished, they are directed to small rooms to sleep for the night.

As he walls into his small room to sleep, small little wisps of strange energy seem to dance around his head, one green, one blue, and the other opalescent. Vulkas quickly dismisses them before anyone can notice.

He is left alone for the night.

He takes quite some time to start sleeping, eventually giving in to his tiredness and resting.

Later in the morning, the fire elementals give them quick breakfast and then immediately setting them to work, this time laying the metal sheeting into the walls, seemingly to fortify.

He seems to grow irritable as he works, often getting distracted by his own thoughts until snapping back into reality.

One of his task masters is maintaining a steady eye on all of the prisoners.

Vulkas occasionally glances to the task master, clearly wary of him as he works on fortifying the walls.

He does nothing but observe, occasionally whipping slackers.

Vulkas seems to grimace every time a whip is heard against the flesh of his fellow prisoners, occasionally taking deep breaths to calm himself down.

After a while an order to halt and stand outside the tunnel is heard, then the fire elementals seem to inspect their work.

Vulkas waits idly, seeming to eye the other prisoners to see what they could be thinking.

The others are mostly just disgruntled, weary, and tired. After a little while, the fire elementals order those whose work was sloppy to continue working, while the others including Vulkas are given lunch.

Vulkas eats some of his food but looks back to the prisoners who are still working, and sneakily seals his food into nothingness when no one is looking.

Another prisoner can be seen trying to hide food as well, though they are caught, knocked out of their chair, and are violently beaten with obsidian clubs.

Vulkas looks at the prisoner being beaten and looks back to his food, and makes sure once more that no one saw him before he continues eating.

He is left alone but the fire elementals are being very watchful now.

Vulkas refrains from making any suspicious moves, aware of how watchful the elementals are being.

After a while, they are returned to work with tight scrutiny.

Vulkas works through the scrutiny, not trying to attract too much attention through doing a bad job.

The day seems to go well for him in general.

As the day goes by, Vulkas appears to get more and more curious regarding the other prisoners, starting to figure out their personality as they all work.

Most of them are simply tired or weary, some of them are more gaunt than others though, particularly some of the women.

He thinks back to the sealed food before he continues being hard at work, not making attempts for conversation due to the watchful eye of the elementals.

After a while the elementals seem to start having hushed discussions between themselves.

Vulkas tries to hear what he can of their conversation.

He is too far away to hear what they say without being noticed being away from his station.

Vulkas sighs and continues his work, feeling a wave of boredom come over him.

"Feeling a lack of excitement? Break them all. It will surely help."

He stays silent regardless of the unwelcomed voice.

Eventually some of the fire elementals seem to look in Vulkas' direction.

Vulkas notices but doesn't show that he's paying too much mind to it.

Eventually one starts to approach him.

He continues his work until the elemental is considerably close and turns around to face them, with a blank look.

"Come." They say in a gravely voice.

Vulkas looks to the others before nodding and following the elementals.

The elementals seem to be gathering a few others, only a handful though.

He raises a brow, curious as to what they could be gathering them for.

"You all are competent. You will build... special weapons."

Vulkas hesitantly speaks. "Are we allowed to have further information regarding what these special weapons are?"

"''This one will give plans." ''The fire elemental speaking addresses a woman with scarring across her right eye, making it useless. Besides that she looks ordinary, though possibly shapeshifter or elemental in nature.

Vulkas seems to almost analyze the woman, standing idly by.

"They want us to make... cannons..." She says in a rusty, dull voice, likely from lack of use.

"The elemental mentioned they'd be special. What makes this so?"

"The elementals don't... use weaponry like this."

Vulkas squints and leaves the questions there, seeming to be putting things together in his head.

"Follow her, get to work," One snaps.

Vulkas gets irritated but doesn't show and quickly gets to following her.

She is being escorted to the lower areas, the smithies. Plans for artillery are laid out and presented to the other chosen.

"How exactly do we start, then?"

She begins to go over in a listless voice the procedure needed to safely create a cannon.

Vulkas quietly listens, although clearly bored by the woman's voice.

She appears to ignore him, very tired.

The boredom seems to be replaced with slight pity.

"Alright... ...does everyone understand their instructions...?"

Vulkas nods, and begins getting started on what he needs to do.

The woman appears to be working on firing mechanisms.

Vulkas does an adequate job on his part.

The woman seems to take a lot of breaks, tiring easily.

Vulkas notices and during one of her breaks he sneakily unseals the food he sealed before from nothingness, and offers it to her. "You're clearly lacking energy."

She looks at him incredulously, before gratefully taking her fill. No guard seems immediately present.

He raises his fingers to his lips and makes a shh sounds before returning to his own work.

They soon eventually forge together a basic ballistic cannon.

"That appears to be in adequate shape to me."

She nods before beginning work on a second.

Vulkas continues his own work. "What exactly are you status wise? You aren't a prisoner, yes?"

"Prisoner..."

"You seem somewhat different. Apologize for misunderstanding."

"Engineer... ...they don't normally like those."

"Its because you challenge their intellect. Its not hard to do however, but engineers challenge it much more than others."

"Probably..."

Vulkas starts working faster. "Tensions appear to be rising between the elemental clans more than ever. Cant say its helping our situation."

"They have always been fighting... there's never been any difference. If anything it is the same as ever. Though they must be choosing a new lead tribe, most likely from current battles."

"If I was forced to pick a side I would likely hope wind becomes the lead tribe."

"A foolish dream. Wind lacks the military and the resolve..."

Vulkas makes no visible reaction. "But they have the cunning."

"Cunning? Strength is all that matters in these lands. The mind was abandoned long ago."

"If that were to be the case I would not be currently around still."

"Hope if you wish, it's ultimately not realistic..."

Vulkas sighs. "I assume you don't believe you'll stop ever being a prisoner then, considering you don't appear to have much hope."

"If not in life, in death. These rebels will be found out. It is likely we will be killed with the rest."

"I so not plan on dying soon. That would give....certain people the wish they want. Even if I were to be killed, I am not dying without causing losses for each clan here."

"Hmm. Admirable, though I do not share the belief." She works on.

"I expect most to say the same." Vulkas continues his work as well.

They continue til late in the night, until they are finally given orders to stop, and sent off to private chambers to sleep, all individually from another.

Vulkas stays up for a while, thinking to himself before finally heading to bed.

Early in the morning, he starts to hear a large amount of commotion.

Wisps of inverted light and energy seem to crackle through the air as a tactile frigid serenity spreads. Color seems to brighten and dull erratically as a cold pressure descends into the area, feeling many with unfathomable dread and weariness.

Vulkas wakes up from the commotion and senses the feeling of dread and weariness, and is a bit put off by it. He starts to leave his chambers to investigate.

A ringing akin to the jingling of keys echoes from beyond his line of sight.

"You. Does the name Adel mean anything to you?" A calm, if disinterested voice calls out.

Vulkas holds his breath for a moment. "...An old friend."

"Then ready your weapon and sharpen your wit. Your place isn't here." The sound of metal shattering can be heard not much further away.

Vulkas seems slightly confused for a moment but he nods, brandishing his Twilight Siphon. "What is your name?"

In Hostile Hands
Kado and the others now make their way to the West, and as they continue, it begins to become blazing hot, and the ground begins to become parched.

"We've a ways to go. Pace yourselves well, you'll need all the energy you can," Kado calls to everyone else, most of whom are not familiar or comfortable in this present environment.

Akami: Who are you looking for now?

"Getting the impression I'm looking for Wind next."

Akami: Have you ever said how you know these people are?

"It's a thing you pick up when you lead an organization with very specific recruitment criteria."

"So Masky, what was with the look at the Tower way back, huh?" Kanashimi says from further back.

Kado's presence seems to darken slightly.

Akami: I think you poked at his cloud.

"Dafuq does that mean?"

Akami: You see, Avo has a cloud that hangs over his head. When he's in a good enough mood, the cloud stays white. But if you mess with him, you mess with the cloud; when you mess with the cloud, it darkens and that's when you can tell he isn't in a good mood.

"Ahhhh... good analogy. But seriously, the fuck did I do to you?"

"Not. Now."

Akami: Thou say'eth the Edge Master.

"You could be nicer to your fellows, Kado." Michiko remarks.

Kado is silent.

Akami: Alright alright. What's wrong? Are we in danger?

"No, she's right is all. I'm not comfortable with... ...your kind."

"Your kind- -Oh. Oooooh...." Kanashimi falls silent.

Akami: I-I don't get it. What? You mean her? *points at Kanashimi*

"The first time I remember meeting a Chaos Engine is when Azula was taken from me and made what she is. I don't have fond memories of them." Kanashimi pales at the mention of Azula's name.

Akami: Oh... Well... Thank God for new memories, right?

"..." As they continue, the dry ground begins to turn into sand, and it gets even hotter, and the Endlos Twins seem very uncomfortable.

Akami: So...What are you guy's favorite color?

Each of the assembled fall quiet.

Akami: Hmmmm? Anyone here like blue?

The twins silently raise their hands.

Akami: OK, we have blue over here. Do we have any reds?

Kana points to her hair.

Akami: Is that your favorite color?

"Can't make it any more obvious. Yours?"

Akami: Hmmmm...Mine is magenta. A type of red.

"So what's under the mask?"

Kado's aura gets dark again, this time out of sheer nervousness.

Akami: Do you really wanna know what's under the mask?

"He clearly has something to hide."

Kado's dark aura is practically in flames, and he is walking very quickly away.

Akami: Then I'll tell you myself.

"Oh?"

Akami: Mhmm. You wanna hear?

"Yessssss."

Akami: Let me warn you know. Under that mask lies an amazing bundle of sexiness that you can't even begin to fathom. Under that mask lies a man with eyes so deadly, you would doe three times over. Under that mask lies a man who's seen it all: war, depression, poverty, prejudice, and betrayal. His soul, hardened to its very core.

"...He's just an ordinary bloke under there isn't he?"

Akami: Oh! So you don't take my word?

"Yeah that's right." Kanashimi says, folding her arms.

Akami: Well he's anything but ordinary. Believe that.

Kanashimi smirks and pokes Akami's cheek multiple times as she says, "You have a crush on him don't you~?"

Akami: Hey know, let's not get into relationships now. We still gotta traverse through this...Cotdamn desert...

"You're embarrassed I know, but I'll only shout it from the mountaintops a few dozen times." She keeps poking.

Akami: How can I have a crush on a guy who barely knows me?

"Tell that to my 'dad' who insists on shipping me with a random damn fire fairy."

Akami: My dad says, love takes time, build-up, and mutual benefit. That and some weeks of dating.

"I say fuck that do what you want lady. How old even are you?"

Akami: I am 144 years-old.

Kanashimi gives her a look. "...You are...? You don't look like a hag. ...Then again the last thing I ever get to worry about is being an old croon too. Explains the stick up your ass. Point, you're an old lady. Hit his crotch with a cane if he has a problem with the way you live your life."

Akami: Why hit with a cane? I can hit him with my fists! Hell, I all I have to do is just. Pinch them. Just firmly enough.

"Heck, I'm only 17 and I hit 'dad' all the time. We get along like two rabid wolves fighting over meat sometimes. You can afford to bicker."

Akami: But I'm not talking about dad's though. I'm talking about relationships and shiz.

"That's my point. Make your own rules, don't be a sheep. You're a damn half dragon. Try striking out on your own and try something new. If you listen to what daddy says every time, you'll always be sheltered and worse off for it."

Akami: Sheltered? Pfft! Barely! But suppose you're slightly right. But that isn't my priority. So if he wants to do get with this. *poses erotically* Then he needs to make a move first.

Kanashimi scoffs. "You live under a rock then... that guy just reeks of self loathing, even if you can't see it. He probably looks down on himself like an ant and puts you on some unattainable altar. He doesn't strike me as the kinda guy who can forgive himself. Probably why he hides that face of his."

Eventually, they reach a small river valley, lush and green, a rare sight after the hours of travel.

"Take a wash, have a drink, do whatever you want to relax. We've come far." Kado calls out, walking further upstream.

Akami: Then I guess no one is getting with this. *walks towards the stream, gets on her knees and begins to drink from the stream directly*

Michiko sits down on a stump and begins fanning herself quietly, while the twins join Akami at the water's edge for a drink, before beginning to spar for a while. Kanashimi sits atop a tree branch, looking off in the direction of where Kado went.

Akami: *sits up* Ah. That was some good water. *looks at Kado's direction* Hey, where you goin'? Don't tell me you're off to brood some more.

Kado is out of sight.

Akami: *stands to her feet and begins to play rock-paper-scissors with herself*

Kanashimi meanwhile seems to have flown off in Kado's direction.

Akami: *finishes* Well, it looks like you win, right side. *follows Kanashimi*

She sees Kanashimi further down after a few minutes of walking, sitting in a tree looking at someone seemingly bathing in the river with long white hair.

Akami: *walks up behind* Boo. *looks at the figure* Who's that?

"Heard you. Also, know any other long white haired girls?"

Akami: ...Why yes. Yes I do. *slow walks toward the white-haired figure*

The girl seems to notice her quickly and ducks deeper into the water, though Akami becomes able to tell it is Ace.

Akami: Ace? *runs up to the stream* Ace?!

Kanashimi seems unconcerned. "She's just diving under the water. Think she's embarrassed. Can't tell why."

Akami: *grabs Ace and pulls out of the water. She begins to hug her tightly* I missed yoooouuu!

"...Akami.....? As nice as it is to see you, please don't do that when we're naked... ...and bathing... ...please?" Ace says, burning scarlet, incredibly embarrassed.

Akami: Why? We all have the same parts here. But if you want to be all sketchy about it, then fine. *lets Ace go*

Ace gratefully sinks back into the water. "Kado is close in my mind, you kind of freaked him out."

Akami: Hmph. Some ninja he is. Wasn't he trained to hear me from miles away?

"We already saw you and that's why we ducked, so Kado wouldn't feel as embarrassed."

Akami: He shoudln't be embarrassed. I mean, I wouldn't be.

"So if a guy you really like walks up on you when you're essentially naked, you're not going to punch him out of instinct?" Ace asks.

Akami:  As long as he keeps eye contact and makes no comments about my body.

"...Kado says you're weird. ...Can I finish bathing now?"

Akami: Of course. I let go.

"Can you... ...not watch? Preferably behind a tree? And knock down the angel in said tree while you're at it?"

Akami: Alright alright. *gets up and walks towards the tree* Hey Red, do you mind getting out the tree?

"Make me."

Akami:*moves her lips around some*

Akami digs her hands under the tree and in just a couple of seconds, uproots the entire tree. Akami turns the tree upside down and slams it to the ground, reducing the tree into a mass pile of leaves, branches, and bark.

Kanashimi stares up at her from the ground. "Whattheflyingfuckiswrongwithyou?!"

Akami: What 's wrong with me? *grabs Kanashimi by her shirt and pulls her up* What's wrong with youuuuu!? Here I am using my manner and shit, and your disrespectful-lookin' ass wants to challenge me! Do NOT test me! I will hurt you! *lets go of Kanashimi's shirt*

Kanashimi is still staring at her. "Ok buttercup. Also watch what you're doing. You almost stripped me." Kanashimi fixes her zipper and flippantly walks off.

Akami: *breathes slowly* Glad we're on the same page...

Akami feels very cold for some reason. Kanashimi is merely waving without looking back in a kind of strut, soon out of sight. Ace meanwhile begins to finish bathing but turns invisible before exiting the water.

Akami: I need some ice...Hey! Does anyone have ice?

The coldness persists, and a few moments later, Kado appears, stopping to look at her. "Why do you look blue?"

Akami: Blue? What are talking about? I'm yellow.

"You're most definitely blue." From Kado's perspective, there is a heavy aura of cold persistently following Akami, like a mist of snow and clouds, which as result, is making Akami very uncomfortable.

"I'd say you made someone angry."

Akami: *facepalms* Don't tell me it was because of the cotdamn tree...

Kado smirks behind the mask. "Hey, trees have feelings too."

Akami: Well I wouldn't know. I haven't seen a tree since I was 80.

"Besides the trip into East Flora? Well, never mind that anyway. I'll get Kiyona to get rid of that frost." He starts walking back to the others.

Akami: *begins to shiver some*

They soon reach the others, and after a brief moment of discussion with Kiyona, the tall endlos hybrid points her blade at Akami and the cold feeling subsides.

"Right then, discussing food. I will take Akami with me for hunting, while you all prepare camp." Without another word, he begins walking off into the wilderness.

Akami: Whoa, um, o-ok. Just getting into it. *quickly follows behind him*

"Ever wanted to learn how to use a bow?" Kado asks.

Akami: Wasting your time.

"A, I could be done by now if I didn't have to cart you around, B, I'd rather not over tenderize our food. C. If you're saying you can't do it, then little five year old Kado could beat you at anything."

Akami: Reveyn taught me. Duh.

"Ah. Are you actually any good?"

Akami: *scoff* You people steady doubting my skills.

Kado then points in the air. "Then shoot that feral dragon up there right in the eye." What he is pointing out is a faint speck in the sky.

Akami: *holds her palm out*

He hands her a bow.

Akami: *puts the bow in her other hand but still has her palm out*

Kado sighs.

Akami: The faster you give it to me, the faster we can eat.

Arrows are already in her hand along with the bow.

Akami: *turns the bow sideways and readies two arrows*

Akami have the arrows facing the opposite directions. She waits for a moment and shoots the arrows straight forward instead of up

Kado looks at her silently.

''They wait for a moment until they here a few clinging sounds. The sounds soon fade away and they wait for several seconds. Then abruptly, they can hear the dragon roar.''

Kado is still looking at her silently.

Akami: I got it.

"Did you kill it?"

They soon see the spec slowly descending, but it also tries to rise

Akami: Almost. I think I'm going to have to shoot it in its other eye. *readies another arrow and waits*

"Right. May be more complicated than that."

Akami: Like how?

"Because these things do not understand the concept of 'give up'."

Akami: Neither. Do.I. *readies six arrows at one time and fires them in different directions*

''They wait for a moment until they hear some sort of a faint cry. They see the spec falling''

Kado watches for a moment before remarking, "Welcome to Echo." He says as a very large, grey, and ugly dragon with several arrows in its eyes lets out a scream of bloody fury as it lands on all fours in front of them, extremely enraged.

Akami: So, I can punch this thing now, right?

"As I said I would prefer it not be over tenderized. Besides, now that it's down I got this."

Akami: Well do it. We are hungry after all.

Kado gains a dark aura about him, and something akin to black blades erupt from the creature's body, killing it quickly.

"There. Now to get it back to camp."

Akami: *puts her hand under the dragon and hoist it up above her head with one hand*

"You're quiet the weight lifter. Ever thought of competing?" Kado asks humorously.

Akami: Actually yes. Yes I have.

"Hmm. Why not do it?"

Akami: Like I said. Priorities.

Kado and Akami soon reach the camp, and Kiyona and Zetsubo help them butcher the meat properly.

Akami: How long should this thing last us?

"Long enough." They eventually finish, and Kado prepares some for cooking, the rest he puts into a shadowy vortex.

Akami: *sits on the ground* So.

"What?"

Akami: You know what.

"No I don't, and this conversation ends until you speak plainly." Kado says evenly.

Akami: Oh I am. You just don't want to admit it.

"Keep it up and you won't have dinner. And you'll watch everyone else eat."

Akami: Says who? The gloomy one?

"Says the guy who is your only way off this realm, and is making your food, so shush, Ryu."

Akami: I'm not keepin' quiet until you say it. I can starve or can put me in some pocket dimension or use some of your bullshit magic/powers/whatever the fuck you use. Until I hear it. And it. Is going. To be. Worth it.

"...Still don't know what you mean."

Akami: *sigh* My epic archery skills, son!

"It's pretty good." He shrugs.

Akami: ....You know what, I'm not hungry anyway. *gets up and walks off*

Kado is stumped, while the girls gathered give him very critical looks.

Akami walks a few hundred feet away from the rest of the group and stands behind a giant rock

Akami: *grunts* Tries to teach me how to arch. The moment I show I already know how the most badass way possible, he's just gonna diss my skills. That broodin, time-wasting wussy, drama king-ass, emo sonofa bitch! *turns to punch the rock, but stops her self before her knuckles touch it* ...I can't...These rocks might have feelings too...Damn it! *slams her palms against the rock and a gust of wind blows*

''Akami turns and puts her back against the rock, then slowly slides to the ground and sits with her arms and legs crossed. She then turns stares at the ground''

Akami: Ease up, chick...You're not here to complain...You're here to help him out...No matter how much you have to put up with from these...people...I'm probably just as bad too...Just need to breath some. *inhales and exhales* I still need some ice. Meh. I'll get it in the morning. When I don't feel like punching fools all the way to the Moon and back. *lays down on her back and looks at the sky about her* Hmm. Nice-ass sky.

The wind blows, and suddenly a strange black haired male with green eyes appears, sitting on top of the rock looking down at her.

"Hate to ruin your moping session chick, but this isn't a good place to have a liedown."

Akami: Cotdamn it with you people! *gets up* I barely had a minute to myself and you all be poppin' up like you're some secret character to a video game!

"Sorry for being concerned for a dumbass bitch who is out in the middle of nowhere, just being a public servant." Getting up, she is able to see he's an elf, or at least a half elf.

Akami: What are supposed to be, a goblin?

He flicks her nose and disappears in the wind.

A few minutes later Kado appears nearby, his mask noticeably cracked.

"Akami please come out before the other girls hit me again."

Akami: I don't know, Avo. It sure feels comforable behind this rock

She hears a dark growl, and a huge clawed shadow hand grabs her and boulder alike and slams both in front of Kado, whose aura is coal black, a faint red glow emits from his eyes.

He then sits down in front of her and takes off his mask, a tired and frusterated expression on his face. He stares at her with a combination of the previous looks and that of bewilderment.

"I don't understand you women. I think you have good skills and tell you how I feel honestly and you get mad. It's fine and all if it's that time of the month and all but if you're gonna throw a tantrum when I'm level with you, I'm gonna send you home like the child you are. Damn the consequences of what's going to happen when Obi finds out, I have enough work cut out for me as it is, but I'm pretty sure whining is something neither of us likes to hear."

He looks at her with a firm gaze. "Also, I'm going to ignore all of those insults you threw in my direction and instead ask who the hell was talking to you not but a few minutes ago, and did anything stand out?"

Akami: He was a goblin.

Kado sighs, bowing his head for a moment. When he looks back up at her, he grabs her and puts her in a firm but gentle hug, stroking her hair briefly.

"You stupid idiot. You're the best damn half dragon I know, there's little to nothing you do that doesn't impress me. Quit insulting yourself before I start to take offense at the idea that someone I love could ever be sub par."

His annoyance and concern seem to blind him to the realization of what he just said.

Akami: First, I am the only half-dragon you know. Second, Thanks...I mean that was all I was really looking for. When your old like me, you take pride in what you know, what you've learned, and what you can do. My apologies if I "over-reacted." Third, also stange that you decided to mention Azula at the end thought. She doesn't sound sub-par to me.

".......I was... ...talking about you, Akami. I care about you, just... ...just like her." He hugs her tighter. "If something happens to you, it'll hurt all the worse, this life I'm living. Even if we are just comerades in arms, I refuse to let you suffer her fate. I'd die to protect you, so don't slander yourself Akami. Or my feelings about the both of you."

Akami: Dang dude. You are just so emotional. *wraps an arm around him and hugs him back*

"That happens when you live like I did." He doesn't move for a while. "You want to head back? It's getting dark out and we don't want to be caught off guard."

Akami: Fine fine. If you really can't live without me, I'll go back with you. I am going to miss this rock though.

Kado without another word scoops her up in his arms and proceeds to take her back to camp. "Alright then Ryu, you get to be a dragon princess until we get there."

Akami: The hell are you carrying me for? And what are you saving me from anyway?

"Because it's funny, and from you having to walk."

Akami: Dude, I didn't even walk that far!

"Ah whatever you say Ryu."

Akami: *grabs Kado's shirt and pulls him to the ground*

They both roll across the ground for a moment with Akami laying on top of Kado.

Akami: Take that!

Kado looks up at her quietly for a moment. "Fine. You win." His irises are black.

Akami: Damn right. *gets up of Kado, the proceeds to lift him above her head* This princess can carry herself and you. *smiles playfully and continues off in their initial direction*