Northern Frontier

The North lands of Echo, remote and sparsely populated.

People of the North
eShiroi and 5x5 eventually come out of the lake, and Shiroi simply repels the water off her body, then materializes new clothes, unfortunately she completely sprayed 5x5 in the process. Shiroi still looks breathless, almost looking at everything as if it were surreal.

5x5: *dries himself off with his own clothes and puts them on. Smells under his arms and nods pleasantly* Alot better. Do we get sleep now?

"Yes, we will. ...Are you interesting in sharing again?"

5x5: If it's alright with you.

As they return to the town, her father immediately looks their way. "You missed desert. What were you doing out there so long?"

5x5: My apologize. I need to take a bath, due to my unbearable smell. I didn't know where the lake was so she showed me and I tend to get paranoid when I'm in the dark of the woods so I asked if she could stay nearby until I finished. I washed really hard to get of that awful smell, now lucky me, I don't smell anymore.

While not pushing the issue, 5x5 senses that he likely isn't buying it. Regardless, her father walks off. "We leave tommorow morning at first light. Be ready to wake up early."

5x5: Yes sir...Wow, that reminds me of the times I used to lie to The Admin. on why I failed my missions.

Shiroi takes him to the building, which has been fixed by the townsfolk since the attack. Once inside, she turns and looks at him.

"I think it's time you knew the other benefit of gaining a Spirit Brand."

5x5: What else is there to know about it?

Shiori sighs. "Besides allowing you to visit the Spirit Realm and marking you as affiliated with us, they open the capability for a marked mortal to learn how to use spiritual powers. Soul Hands, Spirit Weapons, even Energy Tapping. ...The final capability of the Spirit Brand allows the mortal branded to evolve into a spiritual being. ...Put it another way, if you wanted to, you could truly become a spirit like us. Death... wouldn't be a threat to you."

5x5: Death comes to all.I have no fear dying, cause I know there's a place for me up there. *looks up into the skies* I can't keep living, Shiroi. Especially when I'm not meant too.

She gently hugs him. "...I know. Many of us serve him too... we are not immortal. Spirits can die just like anyone else. ...It's just a lot harder to do. A spirit can kill another spirit, and if we lose all of our energy or our will to exist... we do perish. But we don't have to worry about old age... not nearly as much as most. ...Though I do suppose it does happen... it's just not heard of happening frequently."

"...I won't push you... but I don't want to be alone after you're gone..." She hugs him tighter.

5x5: I won't be. For you, I will keep myself alive as long as possible so that wont happen. *hugs her back with one arm*

He feels her 'heartbeat' speed up at the touch.

"...I guess I'll have to keep Branding you every other month then... they only last for two months for non spirits. I could train you to use spirit power to greater efficiency, though you could only extend it so long before you crossed the border between spirit and mortal."

"I also guess I had better learn how to cook... I'm rather rusty at it..." She smiles faintly, before heading over to the bed.

5x5: I know how. It was a requirment back at The M.C.C.P. I can teach you how to if you want.

She looks up as he says this, halfway into the covers. "Will you?!" She cries with unexpected enthusiasm.

5x5: Yea ofcourse. You've been teaching me alot, o I think it's about time I teach you what I know.

Shiroi smiles, and slides all the way into the covers. "Thank you... I'd like that..." She rests her head on the pillow, staring up at him.

5x5: You sure will. I warn you it might get a bit messy. *gets in the bed next to Shiroi* Wait hold up. *gets out of bed right quick and gets on his knees and says his prayers*

She watches him for a moment, and closes her eyes, her mouth silently saying a few lines, though he can't tell what she's saying. When she finishes, she watches him pray through half opened eyes, a content smile on her face.

5x5: *finishes saying his prayers and get's back in bed* Goodnight, Shiroi.

She edges closer to him, lightly pressing against him as she adjusts herself. "Goodnight Jon..."

5x5: *holds her closer to his body*

Early the next morning, 5x5 tries to sleep in longer, but he starts feeling a sensation as though he was being watched, and carefully peeks to see Shiroi's father at the doorway. His arms are crossed, but he says nothing, still most likely aware 5x5 is awake.

5x5: *slowly sits up, his eyes are mildly blinking as he is still tired* It's not what it looks like...

Quietly her father replies, "I see the young man who Shiroi chose to love. If you were like the men who took advantage of her, well let me put it this way. You wouldn't be awake to be having this conversation with me. I was going to wake you up to head out. ...However she is resting so peacefully... ...You have one more hour, but then we must get ready to leave. Sleep or do whatever you wish. ...Besides... as much as I don't like it... she is old enough to make her own calls. She lives on her own... once they come of age, we must let them make their own paths. I still do not know if you truly are the man she has wanted for so long... but for now I will respect her decision. And good morning."

He leaves quietly.

5x5:...Man that guy reminds me of The Admin. so much...*looks at peacefully sleeping Shiroi* The last thing that I want is for you to be hurt the same way the others did. *strokes her hair back and looks at her a little while longer then ever so gently kisses her on her forehead. He gets on his knees and say his prayers and puts his clothes on*

She sleeps for at least twenty minutes, but then she eventually starts to stir, her arms extending as if seeking him out next to her. Eventually she completely stirs and sits up slightly, looking for him in the room. She relaxes though as soon as she sees him, though her eyes appear a bit unfocused, and take a moment to regain the usual clarity in her eyes.

"Morning..."

5x5: *turns around shirtless. He has a royal blue flower tattoo no the left side of his chest and 5set domino on his packs. He smiles as he looks at her* Morning. How did you sleep?

She rubs her eyes. "Fine... but why did you get up?" She lets out a tiny yawn.

5x5: We have get moving today. We're going to see people. The Wonderful people of the North. *smiles as he puts the rest of his clothes on*

She lets out a low moan and buries her head in her pillow, pulling the sheets back over herself. "...Ten more minutes..."

5x5: Come on, this can be the time I show you how to make breakfast.

"But I'm not hungry..." She whines, though he can tell she's lying.

5x5: You may be a spirit, but you still gotta eat. Come on, I promise it will be fun. And who doesn't like fun? F is for friends who do stuff together. U is for you and me. *pokes at Shiroi's side and is pointing at himsfelf, then does some bacflips and cartwheels* N is anyone at anytime at all, down here in th---h. Well you know what I mean.

She sits up again, still looking tired, and gives him a blank look. "...Did you eat Fool's Blood Mushrooms?"

5x5: No, but there is a thing called Spongebob. Hurry, If you wanna learn how to cook, but 1st, where's the kitchen?

She eventually slids out of the bed, and walks over to a side room. She looks back at 5x5. "I will be back. And try not to eat any more sponges." She enters the room and closes the door.

5x5: Spongebob isn't something you can eat, unless it's one of those Spongebob Ice-cream pops.

She comes out a few minutes later wearing a white tee shirt and white pants, the change in style catches him off guard. He also notes that the dress she wore before seemed to hide her figure, but wearing normal clothes, her figure is now much more defined than before.

"Do you like it? I tried to match the style of dress that is more commonly found on your home world."

5x5: *is amazed, his mouth is almost wide open.* You look...absolutely stunning, Shiroi.

She looks at him expectantly. "How about that breakfast then?"

5x5: *continues to look at Shiroi for abit longer until he snaps out of it* Oh yea sorry..uh, where's the kitchen?

She grabs his hand and guides him through the house until she leads him to a small room, though the kitchen couldn't possibly be called modern.

5x5: *looks around* Ok, let me get the stuff we need.

1 minute later

5x5: *puts pancake mix, carton of eggs, milk, a measuring cup, a large bowl, a ladle and griddle* Your first lesson, is to how to make the best breakfast food known to man. The Pancake. Here you have all the stuff you need to make them, I'm gonna help you while you do it. You ready?

"What is there to be afraid of?"

5x5: Burning yourself on accident for one. Ok, First you wanna put not alot but enough pancake mix in that bowl.

She proceeds to dump half the bag of mix into the bowl, the dust cloud blowing onto them.

"...I think I messed up."

5x5: No no, It's ok. That means more pancakes for us.*slightly smiles* Now you take 3 eggs an 2/4 cup of milk and put it in the bowl.

She places the three eggs directly onto the mix, and looks at the cups in confusion.

5x5: Oh that's my fault. Should've been more specific. *takes the eggs out of the mix* I mean like this. *takes one egg and cracks it on the table, then just opens it up and the yolk and egg fall into the mix and puts the shell in the trash* Now you try.

She lifts the two other eggs using her Soul Hands, and they crack open, dropping the contents into the mix, and throwing away the shells.

5x5: Good. Now carefully pour this much milk. *picks up a cup and shows her how much milk she needs to fill up the cup*

She does so without any trouble and pours it in, having an almost childlike curiosity about the whole affair.

5x5: Now...hold up. *gets a wooden sppon* Use this to stir. I'll plug in the griddle so it can pre-heat. *plugs the griddle in and sets temperature to 400 degrees *

She stirs the mix, though she seems very much confused as to what's going on.

5x5: *looks at the mix* Your doing good.*gets some sugar and puts some in the mix* Mix it until it looks smooth and cream, you might have stir a little bit faster though, Like*takes Shiroi's hand and and has it stirring the mix a little bit faster, making the mix more creamy looking* Like that.

She mixes it to his instructions, then when finished looks at him. "Is this... pancakes?" Indicating the creamy mix.

5x5: *smiles* no, its the mix. Speaking of hich. *gets a can of spray-cooking oil and sprays enough of it on the gridle* Now it's time to make pancakes. *gets the ladle* Take this ladle and scoop enough mix and pour it on the gridle. Once you do, do the same thing again but make sure you you do it on a nother part of the griddle. Dont pour it in the same place.

She does as he says, and occasionally somehow gets it on her dress, though she seems not to notice, until there are an even amount of poured sections of mix, though some quite large and others rather small.

5x5: Your doin' good. Now we take this spatula and flip them over, but wee need to let them sit for a minute or two. You also got some mix on your clothes, but anyway. How did you sleep last-night?

She looks over at him. "Fine... I still would have liked to be with you longer... it comforts me."

5x5: Tell you the truth...that comforts me too.

"...I'm glad. I wish the others you left behind could be at peace. ...Things have been unbalanced in the otherworld."

5x5: I sure hope so...They've probably gotten over me at this point. Hopefully things will be easier for them.

She sniffs, and flips the pancakes. She looks over at 5x5. "I meant there is a war going on. I can sense it."

5x5: What's happening? It isnt another Fantasy War is it?

"Potentially, it could mean the end of human civilization on Earth. Unless stopped, the ones known as Phoenix will unleash a force beyond reckoning." She sniffs, and flips the pancakes again.

"You've met one of them before. Two of them actually."

5x5: Yes, Kukyo and some evil-white chick named....White.

She shakes her head. "Actually three. Kado, Torrent, and yes, White. White is their leader."

5x5: I remember. Torrent was the purple guy who beat the crap out of me when I was...out of it.

"I am not sure why he did that. Phoenix members rarely ever show themselves."

5x5: I also bet they wouldn't give care about anyone else except themselves. So why would he just beat me and give me a lecture for being out of it? Why not just let me go about my business?

"I don't have an answer to that. He may have had his own personal reasons, I wouldn't know. But it brought you here. ...Am I burning this?" A faint smell of smoke can be detected.

5x5: ...Yea.*looks at Shiroi* I guess it did.*gets a plate* You can put the pancakes on this plate. After you get them all off the griddle, put more mix on it. *re-sprays the griddle*

Shiroi does so, then closes her eyes. "A storm is incoming in the next few days."

5x5: Does that mean we're gonna have to get moving then?

"It's mainly heavy rain and lightning. The winds will be below threat level. The windstorms you became aquainted with are the result of a Spirit fighting another Spirit... either that or one attacked you directly."

5x5: Whoa. That must be some hectic fighting. The fight s between a positive and a negative spirit,right?

"Usually. But sometimes two positives or two negatives have a quarrel with one another. It's not common. It seems odd to me that it would just be a fight. It would seem too convenient that would happen out of the blue. Spirits of this world do tend to pick up on outsiders easily, as well as their intent. A Justice could have easily come after you, or a Protection like my father. Some spirits even take it upon themselves to protect cities of their own free will. It was so with Japan sometimes. Sometimes they really did protect people from their shrines."

5x5: You can flip them now. Are their any other spirits besides Justice and Protection?

"Many. Tranquility, Wrath, Anger, Hate, Peace, Nature, Life, Death... possibly too many to count. They each play a role in the natural cycle of life. Unfortunately mankind on Earth failed to understand the role and blessing of the Spirits, so if they didn't fade the majority likely abandoned Earth to its fate. Though there still may be a few positives... the majority would be negatives that linger.

Didn't I tell you what I am?" She flips them.

5x5: Yes, you're a Tranquility.

"Yes. I'm glad you remembered that. We don't have any technology where we live, so cooking will be much more basic, you know that right?"

5x5: Yea, I do. That means more cooking classes for you then.

Kyōdaina walks in. "What is that smell?" He eyes Shiori's clothing and what they're doing. "Are you teaching her how to cook? Her mother will be thrilled."

5x5: Everyone deserves to know how to make pancakes. She's doing great so far, but I guess you already knew she would.

"Frankly I'm amazed she hasn't blown something up at this point. ...We gave up after a while and moved on to other matters."

5x5: Well atleast she's makin' up for that. The pancakes are ready. *gets chocolate syrup and whip-cream. He puts 3 pancakes on a separate plate and puts drizzles some chocolate on them and whip-cream, then finally puts a black cherry on top, then hands the plate to Shiroi and hands her a fork*

Kyodaina silently leaves and closes the door, as if something bothered him.

Shiroi eats the first one rather slowly, then she eats the second one with little trouble, and then completely devours the third.

"...Those were ama-z-zing! Thank you Jon!" She pauses, and before he can start eating his, she tackles him in a fierce hug.

5x5: *drops his pancakes* Aw dang, ma' cakes! *ties to reach but the hug prevents him from even reaching the floor. He finally gives up* Aw. *hugs Shiroi back* Your welcome.

She moans. "Why...do I have a buzz... in my head...?"

5x5: I think I poisoned you with sugar. Getting sugar high, I think.

She leans up against him, but the chair ends up tipping over and knocking them to the ground, and she smiles as she lands on top of him. "Planned it!" She giggles.

5x5: You know. You gotta be the most crazy and yet so adorable girl, I have ever known.

She lays down on top of him, smiling. "So what shall we do next?" She says in a playful tone.

5x5: We could just lay here or we can start packing up for the trip, unless that's already covered.

"Father already transported the crates. ...I'm rather bad at transportation..." She sulks for a moment.

"You should see my mother sometime! She's the most beautiful spirit in the North! ...I'm just an adorable flower..." She sulks again.

5x5: It happens to be that I like adorable. *smiles at Shiroi*

She gets off him, and levitates the pancakes off the ground, they glow golden for a second, before landing on the plate and returning to the table, looking as though they had never even fallen on the ground.

"I fixed your pancakes."

5x5: *is breathless as he gets up off the floor and looks at his plate of pancakes* Oh my God...*is making a really wide smile* Your the best! *kisses Shiroi's cheek and runs to his pancakes and immediately starts devouring them*

As soon as he finishes, Shiroi looks at him. "We need to practice you going into the spirit realm. Otherwise it will be uncomfortable adjusting when we get home."

5x5: Am I supposed to enter a certain way. Is it my posture? I mean I can fix that.

She looks at him with a faint smile. She suddenly shoves him, and his vision flares painfully into pure white and black as he suddenly feels disconnected from everything.

"Try and focus on me!" Shiroi's voice rings out, but it comes out garbled and he can barely understand it. He tries but the painful black and white does not go away, just endlessly swirling.

5x5: *is dizzy* Aw snap, Now I'mreallyout of it. Alright I'll try. *focuses and sees a faint image of Shiroi* I can see you, but my sight is starting to hurt.

He suddenly feels a tugging, but it fades as soon as Shiroi puts a hand on his shoulder in the real world and pulls him back.

"I should have guessed you would have some trouble. We'll try again in a few minutes, you'll probably want to catch your breath after that."

5x5: *rubs his eyes* Ah, so much flashing. That's what you meant by 'practice'.

"It's not easy, I would know. It takes time, even for natural born spirits to acclimate to their first time in the spirit realm."

5x5: Atleast we still have all the time in the world to practice before we get to the spirit realm.

Kyodaina walks in. "Get ready to leave in a few minutes. We leave soon. Boy. Have you ever been to the arctic circle before?"

5x5: Back on Earth, yea. The only thing that kept my mind off the blistering cold was those baby polar bears...and then that feeling went away when mama bear got involved.

"Well it's going to be as cold or worse, and not much to say in the way of animal life."

5x5: As long as there's nothing there trying to bite my ass off, Im ok. But I will need a big,big...really big jacket.

He holds up a really,really,reallybig jacket.

5x5: Wow, man. I swear you're like Santa Claus. *puts on the jacket and moves around abit only to fall back*

Kyodaina rolls his eyes in irritation. "You are something else..."

Shiroi giggles.

5x5: Spoken like a true, Samaritan. Can you get me up, please?

Shiroi helps him to his feet. "I think you need a smaller one Jon." She laughs.

5x5: He said it himself. It's gonna get cold where we're going. But yea you right, needs to be smaller.

He feels the material shrink to somewhere more appropriate to his size.

"We won't reach the Arctic for a while. We don't need that out right away."

5x5: Ok. *takes off the jacket* How will we be getting there?

"BY THE POWER OF.... walking." Shiroi giggles. Kyodaina looks at 5x5.

"You fed her sugar, didn't you?"

5x5: *looks away* Maybe...She's awake, isn't she?

"That's not the issue. ...The issue is... BLARG!" He yelps as Shiroi tackles him in a hug. "...She gets excessively hyper and high as a kite for days."

"Can I have a kite for my birthday?"

5x5: How 'bout water instead? Water can fix just about anything. *gets a spray bottle and begins spraying Shiroi with it" Bad,bad,bad Shiroi. Very bad. Get off your father like that.

She looks at 5x5 and gets a wicked smile. The bottle rips out of his hands and starts rapidly spraying him instead.

5x5: *his face is wet* My eyes...It burns...

Shiroi smiles. "Surrender!"

Kyodania sighs. "This is why we only let her have sugar on her birthday."

5x5: So she's glutton free or something?

"...Usually. SHIROI! DOWN!"

She quietly retreats to a corner and sits there wide eyed and stays there.

Kyodania sighs irritably. "...Don't say or do anything to her for five minutes. You'll encourage her to keep acting up. She needs to calm down." He walks out. "Be ready to go in ten minutes."

5x5: Can I atleast give her water to drink? That should wash some of that sugar away.

"Fine. Nothing else."

5x5: *gets a water bottle out the fridge and rolls it over to Shiroi* Drink up.

She reluctantly takes it and slowly drinks it, remaining silent the whole time.

5x5: *sits on the floor and thinks about all the past events from his childhood to where he sits now. He shakes his head slowly as it hurts to think about all the pain, as that has been all their was in his life*

She looks up at him. "Why are you sad...?

5x5: Im not sad...it just hurts.

"What does? What's making you hurt?"

5x5: *touches his head and is silent for a little while longer*...Nothing. It's nothing anymore... *gets up and leaves the kitchen*

She runs after him and grabs his arm. "Don't lie to me Jon! What's wrong? You don't have to hide your pain from me!"

5x5: Believe me Shiroi...I don't want to hide my pain..but I can't tell you neither...Last thing I want is...*touches his forehead again as it is causing him distraught* To...to...*runs off*

She chases after him, and after a short burst tackles him to the ground, and silently holds him down with her supernatural strength.

"...Jon. I've been living with my burdens for years. I've never gotten to share my feelings with anyone I cared about. They were taken or left me before I could ever feel my feelings shared in turn. I'm no longer alone now Jon. ...And neither are you. You can't ever move forward with your life if you run away. You said you'd be there for me, that I wouldn't have to be alone anymore. So let me be there for you, so you don't have to be either." She gently embraces him, and a wave of her tranquil spiritual energy flows into him, like a wave of soothing light.

"Let me help you." She says softly.

''She could never understand. Forever doomed. Forever cursed.''

5x5: All I have ever done was runaway...it was my only solution, when I messed things up for everyone...

''No good. You are mad. Run, little boy. Run to your mommy...if she's there. Better off without anyone. No one that you can hold back.''

5x5: I have been so alone ever since my mom died...and I wasnt really on good terms with the rest of my family...They wanted me to be.different but I could never unlearn what my mom taught me..she was all I had and all I ever needed...*is trying not to cry* Ever since she died alI never had a say in choosing my own life, but I didn't even know what to expect to do with it once I got it...Without her, I felt like everything I was doing was...wrong...

''Hated you. You were different. There was no place for you.''

5x5: *is trying hard not to cry* She had to leave me...

''She left you. She did not want you. You mean nothing to her. She lied to you. You we're too weak. Youaretoo weak.''

She lifts him up and makes him face her. "Not everyone can be strong all the time Jon. There are many kinds of strengths, and many weaknesses in the world. Trying to change the world through discussion and understanding... not everyone can learn to see that way. What does violence even do for the world? All it does is breed more violence. Oppression only leads to more misery. You tried to change the world, but we're all just people. Everyone has their limits... we have to accept that. But that's what makes me like you Jon. You kept something important to you close to your heart, and never gave up, even when you failed. That isn't weakness. That's a strength that will never die.

I can't replace your mother Jon. I can't be her. Perhaps I can't understand what it was like for you. But if I don't try, that just makes me more of a failure for not being there for you. Jon, because you kept that important thing close to your heart, you were able to save a friend, you changed the heart of Kukyo, and ultimately she was free in the end, not out of violence, but because of your compassion. She may be dead Jon, but guess what? Your mother's love, what she taught you? It will never die. She is with you forever. And when you pass on... you'll get to see her again. And she'll be proud of you."

She smiles. "So until then Jon, continue to make her proud. Keep doing what you've always done. Fighting to change the world through compassion, not hate. You're not alone. You have her heart, and you have me. And not just me. You have the rest of us. Our people is one heart and mind. And yours as well."

''Then why do you feel so distant from the world? Why does it feel like you were not guided by the hand of God?''

5x5:..Okay

She embraces him softly, then in a softer voice says, "If you want to move on with your life Jon... you are going to have to face it. No more running. You can't learn to heal, you can't learn to live without first facing your pain and overcoming it. Life is hard. There will always be pain. But running and not letting others help you only makes you wallow deeper, it will only pull you further from happiness. Until the day we die, I won't abandon you."

''You held out for help. They would not help you. Not even the Father would come to your aid. They all left you in the dark. Never to see again. You don't deserve happiness. They have doomed you. The girl knows nothing. She shall never know anything.''

5x5: *humbly embraces Shiroi back, still trying not to cry*

"Look at me Jon. When the time comes that you must leave and join the Father in heaven... I've decided... that I will come with you. You won't be alone. I promise. I will gladly go with you. I would give up my eternal existence so that you could still be with me. But... you have to promise something to me."

Desperate.

5x5: *nods his head* Anything.

She seems to cautiously look at her father, who is busy talking with the town leader. She looks back at 5x5, and she grabs him, and suddenly countless miles pass before him, until they stop at a beach by the ocean.

"Here... he'll not be able to sense us here." She looks at 5x5, and her clothing disappears into mist. Her spirit brand glow much stronger than before, and at the same time as he is started by the change, he strangely is more drawn to the intricate brand's many weaving paths on her body, stretching from both cheeks down each side of her body and ending in graceful curls at her hands and feet, a beautiful woven network of light on her body.

"I want you to promise to make me yours. Sickness and health, times of plenty and times of misfortune. Mark me with your spirit brand, just as I will mark you with mine. ...I'm doing what your people would equivocate to giving you a ring of proposal. It is something I cannot lose, unlike a ring, and is a reminder and sign to allI will never leave you."She says in a firm, determined voice.

''Do not believe. She does not understand.''

5x5: How do I do that?

''Fool! Dooming yourself!''

"Place your hand on my body- whereever you feel the most comfortable doing, and touch my brand and channel your energy into mine. You must hold it steady until I am completely branded."

5x5: *puts his hand on the side of Shiroi's face and his brand starts to glow*

His brand extends down onto her cheek and begins to intertwine with hers, and she flinches as it burns her in a similar way that he had been when she applied his to his body. After several minutes, 5x5 becomes aware of her thoughts and emotions in his own head as his brand finishes intertwining with her.

''That was not pain. It was desperacy. They would not have left her they had truly loved her.''

5x5:..Your mind..so much...abandonment...

''She knows nothing of such and you know it. It happens in Reality all the time. She is just as weak as you are.''

5x5:..She is...

She timidly touches his cheek, her brand slowly spreading to wrap gracefully around his, her energy feeling like a soothing sleep, yet gives him a sharp buzz, as though he had just have five espressos. Thoughts of the past, her first love, which had died in her arms after she had failed to protect him, her withdrawal from other people afterwards, serving Kukyo in her dark palace and slowly opening her heart again, a second love, betrayal... death... disappearance... despair, all drift in her conciousness. She seems to brush the thoughts away, seemingly wanting to forget about the bad times and let a new chance at a new life into her heart.

5x5: *head starting to hurt as he is receiving her memories*

''This is nothing. It happens all the time.''

5x5: So does poverty.

They would have left her if they truly loved her.

He feels her mind slowly connecting with his, but she seems to stop just outside of his boundaries, nervous. She appears as though she is gathering herself. She then slowly reaches and connects with his mind, a soothing contrast of pooling tranquil energy.

5x5: *his mind is agitated even more as it begins to start hurting*

Memories of his childhood. In a room, one shadow monster and another a feminine water spirit are strangling each other. He's peaking into the room and looks horrified and confused at the two figures strangling each other. The water spirit stops and wraps her arm around him. He continues to look at the shadow monster who is staring at him with hatred and resentment. The water spirit takes him out the room and as he leves, he sees another shodow monster only it is the same age as he is. That monster is also staring at him with hatred and even more resentment.

''I'm so sorry.... is that your family....?''

5x5: *His eyes are wide with fear and has a scared and sad look on his face* ...Yes...

''Hated you. She chose you over them and they hated you. They could never forgive you.''

Shiroi embraces 5x5, not releasing her hand from his cheek, as the brand continues to wind around his in delicate swirls, her mind helps to comfort him from the memories with a gentle, reassuring touch, inviting him to take refuge within the quiet hum of her consciousness.

5x5: *embraces Shiroi sort of like how a child hugs its mother. His eyes are now wide with sadness*

As the bond finishes, she slides her hand from his cheek to the back of his head and softly runs her hand through his hair.

"I'm here for you," She says softly.

''No one was ever there for you then. Why should anyone be there for you now? Their lying to you, Jonny.''

5x5: *has more of a worried look on his face now mixed with the sadness of his eyes*

She pulls away slightly, and looks at him with a slight air of hurt. She points to the brand. "Jonothan Waltz." She stresses his name out sharply. "A soul brand is a visible extension of one's soul. Within the brand I placed upon you I imbued my promise to never leave you. In sickness in health, times of wealth and times of poverty. In times of joy and times of grief. And I will keep that promisewhen we go together to the next life.That is the promise of my bond with you. ...Is that not enough for you?" She ends off with a low whisper of pain.

5x5: *tears start streaming down his face* I don't know...My whole life I felt stuck...l-like I had nowhere to go...L-like what ever I do didn't make any sense...I felt like I was lost in a fog...fog filled with people who continued walking...cause they knew what to do....L-like right now...I don't even know what brought me here...or why my life was so messed up...or why I try to help the other myths...everything feels so...blank now...when I look back...like I don't feel anything for my actions...I don't feel pain...I don't feel happiness...Just...stuck...*looks up into the skies*

He sees a giant hand descending from the clouds unto him and as he reaches for the hand it shatters into broken glass and falls all around 5x5. He looks back up into the clouds and sees he skies going dark. The broken glass become cracks in the earth and it gives away under 5x5. 5x5 falls into the darkness below him, catching the last glimpse of sunlight disappear. A giant-diseased looking hand comes from under 5x5 and grabs hold of him and pulls him into the darkness.

5x5: I believed...

''God has abandoned you. Doomed I tell you. Doomed.''

She grabs his face and makes him look her square in the eye. "Listen to me. When I first met you, I saw a person confused and unsure of where he wanted to take himself. Yet you immediately chose to follow me and start over. Jon. You tell me, is this starting over, or are you the one making the lies? You are the only one responsible foryouractions. It is the same for anyone else. Your mother, your father, your brother, they all love you. We can help guide you, but you must be the one to steer your life.

The only one who has abandoned you is you. That's why you're stuck. If you want to finally move forward in your life, thenstop blaming yourself for things you cannot control.Your mother's death was not your fault. Them breaking up wasnot your fault,and''only you can accept that. Only you can take back your life. Stop abandoning yourself."''

''Hhmhm. She does not know what I know. Not even you know what I know and we share the same mind.''

5x5: She's right...

No she's not.

5x5:What do you know? Your just a figment of my imagination.

I am, aren't I? It was nice mesiing your mind up, again.

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

Shiroi looks at him. "We should get back before-"

"Beforewhat?" Her father's voice rings across from behind them, either great anger or great irritation marring his voice.

5x5: It's not here fault. She was helping me..cope with some trauma I was feeling. She took me here to calm my mind. I can't say it will last forever, but it worked.

He walks over to them, and then he sees the new brand on 5x5's face, and then the one on Shiroi. His eyes widen, and his pupils narrow almost to slits. He looks towards 5x5.

"You didn't...."

5x5: *sighs* Yes. It is what you think it is this time. but you said it yourself, your daughter is old enough to make her own choices and I am no father or anything, but every father should support their children's decisions. What's the matter with that anyway?

His face seems violently pale. "...do you realize... ...do you even know... what the significance of what you've done is...?"

5x5: No, but judging by the look no your face, it seems bad.

He slowly closes his eyes. "...Come with me, Jonothan." He says slowly.

5x5:...Ugghh..Okay.*follows behind him*

He leads him only a short distance away, just outside earshot.

"...You need to know something. We all have our flaws. With spirits, we usually exist based around a basic principle... but because of that, we also have a... 'Fundamental Flaw'. Even I have my own flaw... paranoia. I need to ask you something. If you really are serious... no... the brand is proof of that..."

5x5: I'm just as flawed. I'm not sure if was thinking before I did it, but i know one thing. I did for Shiroi and I trust her with my life as she trust me with her life. *thinks a little bit* More or less.

He looks at 5x5. "Shiroi didn't act like she does now when you first met her, right? She was more... restrained... am I right?"

5x5: I don't know. She seems the same to me. The only time she seemed different was when I gave her pancakes. Why ? Is there a problem?

"...More or less... you. Shiroi is normally extremely emotionally reserved... however, she usually lacks any sense of 'pleasure' in her life as a result of being a Tranquility. ...It is very easy for a spirit such as her to become obsessive if not possessive of something that gives them a strong sense of pleasure. This behavior can lead to the spirit degrading into a Negative. ...For a long time, I've not seen her this happy. But... just be careful that if after you ever decide to become intimate with her... if she seems as though she gets... addicted... to something, I need you to make sure you avoid doing that thing that overstimulates her. ...I don't want to lose my daughter... not to something like a Negative."

I told you.

5x5: I see. Sort of like an overdose. I understand. i will do whatever I can to prevent that happening to her.

"...Thank you. ...I wish she had honored my wishes in her taking her time in this relationship... but it is not my place... I know though you are capable of being the man she deserves... just make sure that you are that man when it counts... I know you are capable of being stronger than your darkness." He places a hand on 5x5's shoulder, and he has a softer cast to his eyes. "And I promise that as her father I shall welcome you into my household as if you were of my own. Misgivings do not belong in the affairs of family."

5x5: *puts his hand on Kyandashia's wrist* I understand...I want to be that man you and Shiroi see in me. I can feel it inside of me.Last thing I want is to break her mending heart, because I wasn't being that man you see in me.

He walks back to Shiroi, who looks at 5x5 anxiously. "Are you alright?"

5x5: *slightly smiles* I'm fine. I can see you were probably worried.

Her father looks at them both. "I think it's time we headed out to home."

Shiroi blinks, and her clothes appear, changing into a long thick dress. "Jon needs better clothes."

5x5: that sounds like the bestest idea since the creation of SETI.

Shiroi makes a thick fur coat appear for 5x5, matching his size.

5x5: *wraps his arms around himself* Feels cozy. Thanks.

Her father closes his eyes, and they arrive back at the village. "Shall we head out then?"

Shiroi cheers. "Road trip!"

5x5: A road trip isn't a road trip unless we're driving. Which I highly doubt we are.

"What's 'driving?'" Shiroi asks, tilting her head to one side as she walks.

5x5: Something we're not going to be doing.

"Is it that bad?" She asks, confused.

5x5: Heck yea it would. Let's not worry about it anyways.

The Village
Shiroi runs up to the entrance of a massive snow covered valley that looks as though there is no end to it, along the whole center region a massive oddly rectangular lake stretches for miles. "We're here!" Shirori says cheerfully. All 5x5 sees is a bunch of snow.

5x5: I wonder if you guys have a Santa Claus here.

"...Santa Claus? ...I swear, you people from Earth have interesting names!" She giggles.

5x5: I could say the same with you guys. *gives a small smile*

Shiroi looks at 5x5. "So you can't see the village right now, that's correct?"

5x5: No, but I know it's there.

She smiles. "Ready to see? Might want to brace yourself. Will you be fine without my help or do you think you can adjust now since we've practiced a bit?"

5x5: Let me try by myself. *tries his hand at it and bgins to see a faint image* I think I'm starting to see it...

What appears before him takes his breath away. A settlement which could only be described as a city sprawls before him. Many graceful and beautiful homes dot the landscape, but looks as though they merge, rather than overcome with the land. There are gardens filled with countless flowers, and it's only now that he can smell many beautiful scents, and hear the sound of peaceful music. Adorning the valley walls are even grander homes built into the sides, with a single massive almost palace like one nested in the center section of the city.

Shiroi smiles. "Welcome home."

5x5: It's...so amazing...I've never seen anything like it.

She looks at her father. "May we go home?"

He gives her a look. "What do all newcomers have to do, Shiroi?"

"...They have to be greeted by the elders...." She moans.

"That's right. Now take him to the family home and introduce him."

She looks at 5x5. "We have to go make sure the village elders sign you in as a member of our family now. ...I'd rather be home right now..."

5x5: Sometimes, I tell myself the same thing. Even though sometimes I really don't mean it.

Shiroi smiles. "Shall we go?" She takes his hand.

5x5 *holds on to her hand a bit tighter* Yea. Lets.

Shiroi walks him through the tranquil streets, many of the residents greet him, but he notices an interesting look. They all appear genuinely friendly, but still look as though they are peering at his inner nature, trying to figure him out. Finally after many greetings and salutations, they arrive at the central large house, and walk up the stairs.

"You'll get to meet my mother soon! She's so beautiful Jon, you'll love her!" Shiroi chirps with excitement.

5x5: *smiles* I bet I will. It must have been awhile since you've seen your mother.

She walks all the way up the stairs, and walks up to a set of grand doors of what look like ice, and pushes them open. "Mother, I'm home! I have someone I want you to meet!" She calls out joyfully.

A beautiful white haired woman with gleaming golden eyes like Shiroi looks up from a book she was reading, as she sits on a simple oak throne of sorts. She smiles when she sees Shiroi, and Shiroi runs up to her and embraces her.

The woman looks towards 5x5, and she gives him a very similar, almost motherly smile. "And who might you be, young man?" Her eyes show brilliant warmth and kindness.

5x5: Jonothan Waltz. Pleased to meet you, ma'am. *nods in acknowledgement*

"Dear, please call me Shimo Rirī, Frost Lilly. 'Ma'am' is unnecessary here. I see you and Shiroi have bonded. I can't imagine how annoyed Kyōdaina must have been at you two." She laughs lightly.

5x5: Yea...*remembers what Kyodaina told him before they had left and starts to feel uneasy*

She beckons him to come closer. "Be at ease, Jonothan. I trust and believe in you. You have a different air about you than the other men she had in her life. A more hopeful one. And you have our guidance. Welcome to our family, Jonothan." She smiles.

5x5: *smiles back* Thank you so much, Miss Riri.

She smiles exasperatedly. "You're welcome dear. Is there any specific things you would like to study while you stay with us Jon?"

5x5: Hmmm. I could study just about everything you got.

"I see. Well, run along now, but would you kindly join us for dinner tonight? We have much to talk about."

5x5: Oh sure thing, Miss Riri.

"Don't worry about the elders, I'll tell them for you."

Shiroi smiles. "Really? So we can go home now?"

"Yes dear. You can go home."

"Yeaa!" She grabs ahold of 5x5's arm. "Come on, let's go! I'll show you where I live!"

5x5: *is being dragged along*Wow, she must be really happy to be back home.

Shiroi smiles as they walk together. "This'll be the first time in years since I had anyone living with me at home, you know? And... I'm just... really happy. To be here, with you, with my family... I love you Jon!" She chirps, then sighs contently.

5x5: *pulls her close to him and embraces her*

She hugs him back for a moment, and then asks, "Can I have more sugar?" She asks innocently.

5x5: No.

"Awwwwwwww...." She pauses and looks over at a woman sitting alone at a park bench, who seems to be quietly watching the ripples in a nearby pond. "...Sabireta....." She mutters.

When 5x5 looks at her confused, she shakes her head. "It's nothing. Let's leave her be."

5x5: *looks at the woman for a little longer* Ok. I'm coming.

Shiroi leads him to a small house in comparison to the others, a bit further away from anything else, surrounded by a few ponds and gardens. She looks over at 5x5. "This is where we live."

5x5: It looks beautiful. I never been in a house before and never seen a garden either.

"Well it's your house, well, our house, but you know. Want to come inside?"

5x5: Sure thing. I never been inside one neither.

Shiroi takes him to the front door, and opens it, revealing a central living room with a hallway leading out to three different bedrooms, to the far right side next to one of the bedrooms is a kitchen, the layout seems very simple.

5x5: *is fascinated* Oooooohhhhhh. So clean...so...homey, if you can count that as a word.

She points to the right bedroom. "That is my room. The left one is for you. The middle one.... ....is for special occasions."

5x5: Well doesn't our spiritual marriage count? *smiles*

"I suppose. What do you see in our future, when you think of us together?"

5x5: I feel like our future has never shined so much brighter before in our lives. *smiles and holds Shiroi's hands*

She holds him closer. "So you want to sleep in the middle room? Shall I fully manifest my being for you then?"

5x5: Hm. Go on ahead.

He feels a sharp increase in energy around him and she starts feeling more there, and he can almost sense her entire being compacting into a small sphere deep in her chest, and he starts feeling body heat coming from her as a soft heartbeat, real and organic begins to thud softly in her body, and she takes in a breath, and he can tell a severe difference, its alive and real breath.

She sits down on the couch and invites him to sit next to her, tugging at him with real flesh and muscle in her arms.

5x5: *sits next to her* Even in a physical body, you're still strong.

She shrugs. "Evolutionary wise it's insignificant. We really don't need physical bodies that much. It's convient for interacting with other mortal beings ....and reproduction...." She blushes when she says that last word, "But besides that we pretty much can exist without ever returning to mortal form. The only time we usually are in physical form is in our childhood, when our spiritual power is too small to take form, and many spiritual forces could easily snuff out our forms."

5x5: I'm pretty sure your saying that only to get your mind off the reproduction part. Besides, you do live in a world where most of it is inhabited by spiritual beings, so that much I guessed.

She squirms slightly and blushes. "Now you're just embarrassing me. Mean...."

5x5: Sorry about that. But you do look rather adorable when your embarrassed.

"You know, I meant something more when I asked about your thoughts about our future. I know it's a bit recent to think, but.... ....I still want to know what you see us doing as a couple together. What do you want to do? See the world? Settle down here and enjoy life? ....Raise a family? Have you any thoughts on our relationship like that? Or would you rather not think on it right now? I guess it's true about what they say about men being oblivious." She laughs lightly.

5x5:....I'm sort of like that to. But I have my entire life to think about that and maybe while I'm thinking, I'll be already be doing it.

She smiles faintly. "If you'd like to go lay down for a while in the middle room, we can do so until dinner. If you'd like to have a little bit of fun, I don't mind, though I do enjoy our naps all the same. It's been a eventful journey here.... I don't ever want to forget this."

5x5: I don't mind. We can have some fun later after dinner.

Shiroi walks into the middle room, undressing before crawling into her side of the bed, he's noticed she always tends to sleep on the right side. She lets out a small content sigh as she settles into the bed, looking up at him with a gentle happy look in her eyes.

5x5: *smiles back* Or we can have fun now...whichever or.

"Entirely your choice. Whatever you desire more I will accept happily. I merely just want to enjoy our time together. However we might choose to spend it."

5x5: Well in that case...*leaps unto the bed next to Shiroi*

"Diving straight in I see?" She laughs.

5x5: It's a thing me and my brother would do after a long days work. It made it more fun to be tired.

"I see." She lightly kisses him on the forehead.

5x5: Soo I get undressed and stuff, right?

"That depends. You don't need my permission Jon. Do what you want. If you want them on fine, but if we 'play they might have to come off. I don't care which you choose. Besides, we've already shared a bed before, it isn't that new."

5x5: Ok then. Strip. *takes of his clothes and gets under the covers* Feels sort of cold under here.

She gently hugs him. "I can help with that a little." She raises her body heat a bit to help warm him.

5x5: *hold her closer to him* So you're like the Human heater now? not really human, but I guess you know what I'm getting at.

"Voluntarily controlling my body is second nature, I can teach you various tricks using spiritual powers to make your control more efficient some time." She sighs happily in his arms.

5x5: I would like that.

"Mmmmm...." She lets out a small hum as she nestles her head against him.

5x5: *eye begin to sleepely close*

After a while, he feels Shiori's hands gently tug on him. "Hey, it's time for dinner with the family." She says softly.

5x5: *moans* Alright. *gets out of bed and gets dressed*

She hugs him after she gets up and proper. "Excited?"

5x5: I don't really know. Never met someone elses family before.

Shiori takes his hand. "First time for everything, right? Don't worry, you'll have fun!"

5x5: Ok...Fun. *faintly smiles out of nervousness*

He feels an extension of calming energy from her. "Relax... it'll be just fine. You have nothing to worry about!" She says with a smile.

5x5: Ok. I trust you, Shiroi.

......

Shimo Rirī and Kyōdaina sit at a family sized dinner table, large enough to seat them comfortably as well as have plenty of room for the dinner.

Shimo Rirī smiles at Jon. "I trust you have been antiquated with your home now, Jon?" She says after eating a few slices of well spiced meat.

Kyōdaina merely observes Shiori and 5x5 on occasion, at other times choosing to seemingly ponder something, other times stays focused on his meal.

5x5: Yes, ma'am. I'm still getting used to it. Never been n a place this big that was covered with metal.

Kyōdaina shows a strained expression towards 5x5. "Jon, please. Call us by our names."

Shimo Rirī laughs. "He'll learn, Kyōdaina. Don't worry Jon, you'll get used to it. The people and this city is your home, I genuinely hope you will come to feel at ease here."

5x5: Well it's not that I don't feel calm here. It's just the way i've been raised. to say 'Yes sir', No sir'. 'Yes ma'am.', 'No ma'am.' For me it would sound like disrespect.

Shimo Rirī smiles faintly. "I see. Status among us is an illusion. You could say we are royalty or high class, anything that applies to our position, but we are merely respected members of the society popularly chosen to serve and run the community and to keep relations strong with our kin. We don't believe in titles or things like that. Everyone is equal, and everyone offers their names to each other here. It's sort of just a way we bond together."

5x5: Well it's not much as a title, more like respect-wise. Not like in status. Just sort, in manners.

Shimo Rirī shakes her head while smiling. "I know. It would just be nice if you could call me by name, you are my son in law pretty much after all. Shimo Rirī or even just Shimo. Please. It's like me just calling you 'Son in Law'."

5x5: *nods* Ok.

"In any case, I thought it would be best to give you an overall overview of Spiritual Energy to start you off in teaching. Is there any kind of subject that interests you? Science, literature, any of those?" She asks.

5x5: I don't know. We were taught those back at in the facility but in terms of just spirits. I wouldn't know where to start.

"I was just wondering how far you were educated, not necessarily in spirit terms."

5x5: Back on Earth, we're only educated to an 8th to 9th grade level and we we're taught how to contain myths from there.

"I see. Well, of anything that you were taught, did any of it interest you?"

5x5: Here and there it did. Learned about the history of many races and hybrids. Where you would most likely find them. Learned how to trap them. Their weaknesses. All that. Pretty intriguing stuff.

"...I see... I meant more on the lines of science and stuff like that."

"Yea, there was heredity. You know with the Punnet Square and um inherited traits. How to use magnets for electricity uses. And Intergrated Chemistry and Physics as it pertains to us doing our jobs.

Shimo Rirī sighs. "I imagine we'll have you learn arts and crafts, Shiori could help you with that."

5x5: Arts..and crafts...? Like how to make a home-made bomb or home-made tear gas?

Shiroi shakes her head. "No Jon, like how to make flutes or drums, or paintings, that sort of thing. That's more like... ...weapon making."

5x5: Does reassembling a energy sniper count?

"....No, Jon, making a weapon doesn't fall under arts and crafts. I can show you how to make a flute, would you like that?"

5x5: *nods his head*

"Then I'll teach you tomorrow afternoon, ok?" Shiroi says.

5x5: *nods* Ok.

They eventually finish, and continue their conversations for a while. Eventually a knock on the door is heard, and 5x5 sees the woman by the lake Shiori had pointed out, the woman she has refereed to as Sabireta.

Shimo Rirī promptly gets up and the two women walk of, beginning to talk to one another, while Shiori watches Sabireta until she is out of sight.

5x5: *is abit confused* Is she a friend of your mothers?

"....My aunt. ...And Kado's mother."

5x5:....whaaaaaaaaaaat....

"Hmmm?" She asks, confused.

5x5: I thought...you know..his parents were....dead. Or atleast just his mother.

"They are alive... the clan is scattered across the land, no one is certain where they set up their new location."

5x5: *thinks for a moment* Huh...

"Many things are obscure, even the greatest of us can only know so much... ...anyway, how was dinner?"

5x5: *nods* It went better than I expected.

"See, nothing to worry about! You're fitting in perfectly!" Shiori says with a smile.

5x5: Nothing is ever perfect. In this case, it went alright. Thanks, Shiroi.

"You're welcome. Would you like to learn how to make a flute before we head to bed?"

5x5: *smiles* I would love that.

She takes his hand and pulls him along. "Follow me to the secret workshop!"

5x5: *follows behind her* Why secret?

"Because people love my flutes. Gotta keep the secret going~"

5x5: Ahh, Clever.

She leads him to a blank wall. "Now, tell me, is that a solid wall?"

5x5: No.

"Why do you say that?"

5x5: It's either and illusion or i maybe wrong and it is a solid all, but it's a trap door or we could just phase right through it.

"Well, yes, sorta... ...so if I were to suddenly shove you, kinda like this-" Shiori shoves 5x5 into the wall. "Will you believe you're going to smash into it?"

5x5: Well, yes and no. I still gotta get acquainted with the wall first.

She laughs. "I suppose so. Anyway, imagine that the wall is made of... air or something."

5x5: *closes his eyes, and the wall turns into running water*

Shiori takes him through it and into a large room, where various tools and various materials can be found.

"This is my workshop. Pretty neat huh?

5x5: Very neat. Not like the weapons garage back "home".

"Of course, it's an art studio. Shall we?"

5x5: *nods* Yea. Let's.

She shows him a flute sized stick. "We will start with wood. First, carve a hole with this drill to the other end." She hands him a crank operated handdrill.

5x5: *drills through the stick to the other end*

"Alright, now carve a mouth piece out of this," She says to 5x5, holding a small block of wood.

5x5: *neatly carves out the block into a reed*

Searching the North
Lord Endlos and Alexian arrive at the snowy stretches of the north, and at first things seem normal, until a blizzard seems to whip up out of nowhere, as though it was hastily making an attempt to hide something. They can hear something faint and soft against the wind, something sounding like running in the deep snow.

"Hm, this seems to have been the correct area to visit," thinks Endlos, aloud. "Alexian, would you?"

"Already ahead of you, Erde," replies the human barely affected by the weather, if at all, despite his thin cloak and short sleeved shirt. He lifts a hand and a tiny pulse of light comes from his hand. He perks his head up then nods before speaking, "Yeah, they're here, but they're afraid. The souls in the area can't exactly tell me where they are, but they can detect them."

"I see," says Endlos before raising his voice, "Hello? I'm here to talk, not bring you harm. Can you tell me about a woman by the name of Caess?"

They hear the footsteps stop, and then a single pair of footsteps can be heard slowly crunching in the snow, gradually growing louder and closer. Eventually the lone footsteps stops. A icy cold blade of ice appears, though no hand or side of a hilt of any kind can be seen, the end of it obscured. The distance between the owner and them must be still great.

".....How do you know the name of my mother Caess?"A young male's voice, though marred by a tone of anger, and a tone of gurgling water and scraping ice. The blade absolutely radiates a cold far stronger than the surrounding snow and ice.

"Your mother? I see," says the king, "Your mother was one of my subjects before she vanished years ago. While I did not know Caess personally, I care for the safety of my people more than my life, so when I learned that an Endlos had vanished for more than a few days I grew worried and had the Spirits investigate. Only recently did I hear that beings that may have been Endlos hybrids living in the north, hence my presence here." Endlos keeps his tone even the entire time he speaks. "I am here to personally verify Caess' safety, so if she is here, may I meet with her for but a moment?"

The blizzard calms down, and a young adult made of ice and what appears to be flowing water underneath the ice, wearing ragged clothes becomes visible, his eyes glowing blue. A similar being, though a graceful female, with equally tattered clothing trails behind him, slightly behind the male and peaking out from behind him, just a head smaller than the male. His hair creaks with the blowing of the wind.

"Caess isn't here. Only me and my sister. Our sister and our mother... ....I don't know if they still live after the incident."

The male's eyes narrow at the word 'incident'.

"Please explain," requests the king in a still even tone, though his voice seems to be louder despite not changing volume. "If someone is responsible for harming a subject of mine, they will be punished direly." Endlos' last phrase is frigid in tone.

"Our mother, Caess, she was taken by the Warlords of Water and Ice, and they.... twisted her form into something like what you see us as. After they lost the wars here and on Earth and were subsequently sealed within the Slayers of Phoenix, our mother didn't know where to go or what to do, so she fled further north, knowing the shapeshifters bore a grudge against her existence, and ironically met a kind shapeshifter who helped her cope with her form and even worked to create a 'replica' form she could use with her. He was our father. They eventually became a couple, and eventually had me, then my sister behind me, and finally our youngest, Aoi, who miraculously was not born like us.

''We were happy for a while, but when Aoi became ten.... ....they found us. An organization, no less than the one that defeated the Warlords all those years ago, came and demanded of us that Aoi be made one of their members, holder of the Ice Slayer. ...Our mother and Aoi refused their leader, and in cold retaliation killed father in front of our eyes. ...It broke our little sister, and under threat of killing our mother, the woman forced Aoi to become a member of the organization. After that, she captured mother and tried to come after us. We escaped, and have lived many long years not knowing what has become of them. We care not about justice for what the Warlords did to our mother. It was long ago and they already endure a punishment well enough. But our father is dead and our mother and little sister we know not the fates of after that. We tried to follow but could not. Now we cannot even sense any of the organization."''

He bows his head. "I fear whoever those people are.... ....they have completely left Echo behind. We know not where they lurk now. Along with mother and sister."

"I see," says Endlos, his voice strained as the ground beneath him cracks and his shadow warps into that of an armored figure with a giant gauntlet and and three swords larger than the gauntlet floating around it. The king's voice hardens. "Thank you, I have an idea where to find the answers we both seek thanks to you. Hopefully, if we meet again, it will be to unite you with your mother and sister. Until then, be safe." Without another word, Endlos storms towards the Central Wilds with Alexian in pursuit.

"H-Hey! Slow down, dammit!"

A man seems to just appear out of the snow, Endlos recognising him instantly. The man has a silver pistol out, and a scarf over his mouth. He walks over to the King and grunts a greeting, not uncovering his mouth and making sure to holster the pistol in his jaket before bowing, and going to one knee.

"Pixel, you've arrived. At ease, we're heading to the Central Wilds," says the king, not halting for an instant. Alexian trails slightly behind Endlos.

"Erde, slow down," he yells after the king.

The guard stands, catching up with the King. He grunts and motions to his gun as if to ask to pull it out, as well as straightening his jaket and pulling up his scarf.

"Not until a valid reason is eevident."

-Act Three: The Gathering of Angels-
The Tower of Heaven. This was where Alexian had been led as he followed the trail of the presence he hadn't felt since he left behind what was left of his regular life.

"Seraphina," calls the teen as he reaches the tower gate. He hears the tickling whisper of the sould that follow him, warning him of something to come, but he ignores them as he approaches the gate. "You're here... I know you are."

The tower grounds gate opens for him, various spirits are working the gardens, some in meditation, and others are simply strolling. The clouds covering the top of the tower momentarily part, and he thinks he sees a glowing figure dressed in a lavender kimono, but the clouds obscure the top too quickly.

Alexian enters the tower grounds and glances around before approaching the tower itself. ''Who was that? Could it have been Sera- No, it couldn't have been her...''

A spirit in brown robes standing at the door notices him approach the tower. "Is there something you need of the Queen, sir?" He asks politely.

"Maybe. I'm lookng for someone," Alexian explains, "I felt her presence here, in fact I still do. Has a young woman with black and white hair come through here? She doesn't talk much and wears simple dresses for the most part..."

"Not to my knowledge. If she does I can keep an eye out if you'd like."

"Thank-" The teen suddenly clutches his head and falls to the ground. His vision blurs and the scenery of the tower is replaced by that of a completely white plain. He hears the sound of thousands of souls attempting to speak to him at once when a caw cuts through the noise. A raven lands near Alexian, blue flames coming from its beak.

"It grows near," the raven squawks before flying off and the scene warps back to the tower, albeit brighter to the disoriented teen.

The man looks at him in concern. "Are you alright?"

"I don't really know," Alexian says, squinting to block out the increased brightness. He has a terrible migraine all of sudden and its hard for him to focus before his vision fades and he faints.

A cool breeze wakes him up, and he is laying down in the presence of a woman with a light lavender colored veil, and a white-lavender colored

kimono with dark purple inner layers, with light white tinted purple hair and lavender eyes, busily drawing on a scroll with a brush and black ink, her head bowed to the scroll as she works, when she finishes, she taps a dot at the end of her lines, and the line of scroll glows and vanishes into blue powder, which she sprinkles over him, and a light blue barrier forms over him, neutralizing the effect of the positive energy in the air from touching him.

"Better?" She asks quietly, a sort of gentle humor to her voice.

"Y-yeah, thanks," Alexian strains, looking around slowly, "What exactly happened to me? Where am I, ma'am?" "You fell unconscious, my attendants told me you reacted badly to the positive energy in the area, so I had them bring you to me. We are at the top of The Tower of Heaven. I've always thought it a bit presumptuous a name. I am the Queen of the Positive Spirits of this land. My attendants tell me you seek a girl of some description."

"Yes, I'm looking for a girl with predominantly white hair, though she has a black patch close to her face. She wears simple dresses, often of a single color and tends not to talk to many people," he explains, "I feel her presence in the area, but I can't discern where she is beyond in this area."

The woman's eyes shift off over the edge of the tower, off in the distance.

"I would suspect she is drawn here by the energies. Out of caution, I have been keeping a close eye on her presence, though as to what she wants, I do not know."

She opens a scroll, and begins inscribing it.

"Balance," sighs Alexian, "Sera has a condition that prevents her from balancing positive and negative energies for long periods of time. I don't know what caused it, but its side effects aren't pretty."

The woman continues drawing. "I see." She appears to be inscribing the form of some kind of being repeatedly, but somehow in multiple angles with the ink, until she creates enough images to appear as though if put together, it could become 3D. She makes various writings, diagrams, and charts of varying degrees of complexity, until she stops and creates a dot at the end of it, causing all of the lines to glow blue, before a pair of strange winged creatures with a cavity that looks big enough to seal up a person inside on their chests come into being, and the woman whispers something to them, and they fly off immediately in a very particular direction, one of them seemingly grabbing nothing with the cavity, only to reveal Seraph as it closes its cavity around her, and flies back to them, dropping Seraph on the opposite end of the tower, and then fading into blue mist.

"I believe this young man is looking for you." The Queen says calmly, already making more brushwork. A circle with an outer layer of strange symbols is made, and she creates another dot, causing a protection barrier to erect around the Queen.

"Now why don't you two catch up, since you're both here?" She says, noting the scroll of paper is exhausted. She reaches over and pulls out another scroll from a bag next to her and begins again.

Several emotions pass through Seraph's eyes: starting at startled, then moving to furious then finally stopping on hurt. She nods faintly at Alexian, who repeats the gesture. Neither say anything for a few moments, making the atmosphere awkward until Seraph chooses to speak.

"It's been awhile, Alexian," she says softly, almost as quiet as a whisper. The teen only nods. "At least you're alright... You're all that matters after all." It is rather difficult to understand if Seraph was insulting Alexian's character or if she was being serious because of the placidity of her tone.

The Queen continues to inscribe on her scroll. "Judging from what I am told as well as your behavior, you're after positive energy, are you not?" She says in an indifferent tone.

Seraph nods, but keeps her gaze on Alexian who shifts uncomfortably.

"Sera, it's good that you're-"

"Don't say that word," reprimands the girl, anger suddenly filling her eyes, "I've never been 'good' or 'well' or 'fine', never. You only made that worse when you left us..." Alexian winces and sighs.

"Look, I'm sorry," he says, "A lot of things happened and it was either leave or get you all killed because I couldn't control what was happening."

"Don't be, all of us died the day you left. Most of the others died again for various other reasons after that."

The Queen continues inscribing her scroll, writing complex formulas. A bird lands on her shoulder, chirping softly. The Queen continues listening to them talk as she works.

"So either way I failed," laments Alexian before sighing, "Of all things, I view that as my greatest mistake, but I don't know how I'd fix it even if I had the chance to. I didn't want to endanger any of you, yet my decision still cost all of you." Seraph looks down, the anger in her eyes draining before she rubs her forehead and sighs.

"It's impossible to stay angry with you Alexian. I'd really like to, but I can't."

The Queen looks up at Seraph, before creating a dot at last. The whole line of diagrams and formulas glow, and begin to condense in a large blue sphere of energy above the scroll, radiating a large amount of positive energy.

"Will this sphere be enough to satiate your needs?" She asks.

Seraph nods, though her eyes remain downcast. "Temporarily."

"I see." She takes out a strange glass sphere and twists half of it, and it opens, sucking the sphere of energy into it.

"This sphere can naturally over time draw positive energy into it. There is a limit to how much it can contain at any time, but it could help you provided you were to time when you drew from it." She closes the sphere and tosses it at Seraph, giving her a kind smile.

Seraph nods again, "Thank you." She looks at the orb before it vanishes into somewhere. She takes a glance at Alexian. "Truce?"

The teen prepares his own answer when a melodious, yet monotone voice interrupts.

"So this is where you wandered off to, Seraphim. I see that you are keeping... interesting company." The voice makes Alexian narrow his eyes.

"So it's you," he frowns as Helios materializes beside Seraph. "What do youwant?"

The Queen looks over at the two. "Keep your peace. Do not quarrel within my sanctuary."

"That is not my intention, madam," replies Helios, "I am merely here to assess Seraphim's condition and ask that you awaken Alexiel's familiar." If Alexian's eyes could narrow further, they do.

"Oh, no no no," he says shaking his head, "I will not be involved in one of Zwei's schemes. He's already cost me enough as is." This time Helios' eyes narrow as they flicker golden.

"You have no choice in the matter, not if you want to save your precious person and the Kaiju," the humanoid counters. Seraph looks at the two, confused, not understanding what the two males are debating.

"I'm afraid I do not take such a request that often. My art is not a weapon, but a thing of beauty. I will not accept a request, especially if it does not come genuinely wanted, or if it intends to perverse the beauty of my art with violence. And stay your tempers."

"Madam, with all due respect Alexiel does not understand the gravity of the situation at hand nor does he realize how much danger he will be in if he is not awakened," says Seraph, "People important to him are in danger as well as many others that he does not know. I am not permitted to explain more than that, but I can say that not releasing his familiar will lead to something very unfortunate, at least according to my creator."

"And why am I needed in this? Couldn't Zwei just contact a Yama to handle this?"

"If it were that simple, Anira, Alisa and Iylessa would be safe and sound for the most part," answers Helios before Seraph intervenes, preventing Alexian from.

"Stop it both of you. Fighting will get us nowhere." The two male grumble and glare at each other, but a pointed glare from for Seraph causes them to grudgingly cease with the hostilities.

The Queen stands for the first time since Alexian arrived, and with this movement a change comes in her aura that although not threatening, it clearly indicates a more tensed tone to her normally peaceful energy.

"I can see that your creator acts from the shadows. If he is not honest enough to appear before me, what good is the word of his messenger? I already have sensed from your spirit, one called Helios, that your master is not above deception to get what he desires, and has angered many, and equally has betrayed that number. My craft does not belong to that of the dishonest, nor the wicked."

Helios' eyes flare golden. "That man is not my 'master.' The only reason I even listen to his orders is because Asteria feels that she owes him a great debt despite the amount of things that we've gone through because of that man's machinations," he states, anger entering his tone, "But I digress. As much as I hate him, I can't fault him for doing something good for once... As much as it irks me to say this, my creator is trying to help out a lot of people... Urg, that felt absolutely vileto say, but it is true... I think. As for why he isn't here, he should be preparing a spell or something that's going to drain his energy entirely."

"Ultimately it is still not your place to decide anything."

One of her scrolls levitates and unwinds in the air, loosely flowing between Alexian and the Queen.

"Decide for yourself if you want, Alexian. I will allow for an exception this time." Her gaze turns back towards Helios, the sudden force of it making him want to drop to his knees.

"Tell your creator not to ask of me for anything again unless he comes to me in person. I will hear no more requests otherwise. And he shall earn them."

Her head turns towards Alexian. "Accept or not, it is your choice."

".... Why not," sighs the teen, "If Annie and Lessa in trouble, I'll have to do something, so sure, I accept." He doesn't notice the look of jealousy and sadness that passes through Seraph's eyes or the shadow that follows.

Helios laughs as he forces himself to stand. "Oh trust me, I have a long list of complaints and critiques to give him, that being one of them. I hate being his errand boy, though if it keeps Asteria happy, I'll endure. That being said, at least you are reasonable to deal with. I'd probably visit this place often if I was free because of the atmosphere and scenery..." Helios begins to daydream...

She begins writing a long complex formula, rather than drawing any symbols or designs. Only toward the very end, does she create a symbol, a basic bird surrounded by a circle. Instead of finishing with a dot, she suddenly grabs Alexian's right hand and begins to draw more formula on it, all the way up his arm, then drawing dots on each of his finger tips. He notices as she draws his arm stings as though she placed embers on it.

"If you agree to it, place your finger tips with the ink on the circle, do not touch the bird or it will contaminate and not work."

Alexian does his best not to touch the bird as he touches the circle. Hmm, this fabric is nic- No, no texture analysis can wait...

The Queen places her hand on his, and the markings all glow blue, creating a stronger burning sensation, as the scroll burns up into a thick black smoke.

From the center of the smoke emerges a crow seeming composed of solidified black smoke, with blue and orange embers flowing from its plumage. In its beak is a trailing sphere of blue and white flames. It cocks an eye at Alexian before speaking.

'''"I am Shiki Ouji, the Versatile Assisstant and greatest of Shikigami. It is a pleasure to finally meet you, Lord Alexian." '''Alexian looks dumbfounded.

"Is this supposed to happen," he asks the Queen, confused.

"I didn't make a misstep in my designs, so I would assume so. Is there something odd?" She asks with unreadable eyes.

"I- No, it's nothing. I'm probably just a bit mentally drained."

The Queen opens her hand, and the scroll he signed turns red and closes, then flies into her hand and then she extends it towards him.

"The scroll can be used to summon him if necessary." A bottle of ink appears as well. "This bottle will refill itself if you set it out in the rain. That way you won't have to visit me to refill the ink."

"I see, thank you again," Alexian bows and accepts the items before Helios hoists him upwards and takes Seraph's hands.

"Thank you for your time, madam," nods the humanoid, "May peace remain with you." With that, the humanoid vanishes in a storm of feathers and light with the two teens.

The Queen watches them go, then sighs. "Might as well paint some more.... ....never even asked my name." She sits down, and continues her work.

The Lost Twins of Frost
When Kalin, Aoi, and Caess arrive, they are in a vast snowy plain, a severe temperature drop shock hits Kalin.

Aoi sighs. "Oh well, the quest begins... I wonder where they are..."

Kalin shivered slightly, as the cold seemed to irritate him more than normal. "Well, I could probably sniff them out."

Crouching, with his hand to the frozen earth, Kalin began to focus. Sending out his spiritual energy as far as it could reach in all directions for a full minute before standing with a sigh. "I got nothing concrete. there's something out there, but I couldn't pin down a location..."

Aoi starts, as a voice rings out in the icy wasteland.

"I'm telling you, I've picked something up, you impatient savage!" A voice yells irritably.

"And I'm telling you... ...that we're lost. And.... WHY THE HELL ARE WE NOT IN THE PLAINS, INSTEAD OF BEING IN THIS GODFORSAKEN DUMP?!" Another voice roars at the first.

Aoi looks at Kalin, and quietly whispers, "It's Torrent! One of the members of Phoenix! ....there's no way they could...."

She is interrupted by the sight of two figures appearing from the frozen mists. One is a man with a cloth mask over the bottom half of his face, and wearing a fur coat, and the other is a white haired man with a sly grin on his face, wearing a white robe that billows in the northern wind.

The man in the cloth mask lets out an amused chuckle. "Here I am, sent on a mission to find Noriko, and of all things, I hit the bingo target.... Aoi... Caess... and the man who took them away... a perfect bingo. If we nab all five targets, I'm pretty sure White will be most pleased with us... ...normally I wouldn't think like this, but this is an opportune moment... My orders are to seize Noriko... normally I would let Azula take care of this, but I have been dying for a good fight..."

The white haired man laughs. "As expected of my villainous side kick... now then, villain, it's time for you to hand over our lovely ice princess... ...the hero has come to reclaim her at last!" He smirks at Kalin.

The masked man looks over at the white haired man in aggravation. "Seriously you damn brat Kagerou?! How many times do I need to ram it into your smug head that YOU'RE assigned to ME?!" He looks over at Kalin and Aoi and Caess.

"Don't you dare run away. You're going to stand and fight me!" He draws his sword, and the wind picks up.

As Aoi, Caess, and Kalin tense up, Kalin thinks for a moment he can hear a rapid set of footsteps rapidly approaching the encounter.

"Aoi...mind giving us some cover?" Kalin said, still crouched, but his hands tensed, with one covered in red runes.

Just as Aoi creates a wall of ice using Ice Slayer, two blue figures speed over their heads, and begin firing blasts of ice at the two strangers, who leap back. When the cloud of snow and ice clears, Aoi gasps.

"Brother! Sister!" She cries out with joy.

The woman of the two newcomers, made of pure ice looks back. "Oh, so it was you, Aoi, Mother. I'm glad to see you're well. Hold still for a moment. She appears beside them, a sphere of blue light enveloping them.

"I'll take you guys back to our hideaway while he deals with them," She says, indicating her brother facing off against the two strangers. "Stay here and wait, he's going to buy time."

"Well, then. Guess I'll be joining him, then." Kalin said, drawing Muramasa. For a moment, he felt an intense pain in his head, but it quickly subsided.

The woman looks at him irritably. "Stay still. I was talking to you as well. My brother can handle it. Don't make me freeze you there."

The brother creates a storm of ice blades, and begins bombarding the two enemies, who both manage to evade rather well, though they can't get close yet, finally the masked man swipes his sword and blows the blades away, but the brother already is creating large ice boulders and rains them on the two again, causing them to retreat a bit.

"Not bad, punk!" The masked man growls.

"Ugh, fine." Kalin said, sheathing his blade. "So, what now?"

"Wait just a little bit longer." Various markings appear on the ice being's body.

The brother engages in a fist fight, and the two duel for a while, while the white haired man just watches the fight and the group behind the ice with a faint smile.

"Sorry. Taking too long..." Kalin said, before pointing his hand towards the air, and calling down a small volley of light arrows, all of them aimed at their opposition.

"I must admit it to you, you do put on a fancy light show, Mr. Villain. But I'm afraid.... it is a farce." He holds up his hand to the sky with a smirk, and the light vaporizes as they hit an invisible barrier.

"Next?" He says with a smug expression.

The brother kicks the masked man in the face. "Is it ready yet?!" He barks.

"Just another moment!" The sister replies, now glowing brilliantly.

"Skip the moment, please!"

The masked man goes to stab the brother, when a brilliant light envelops the group, and they appear in a icy cave somewhere elsewhere.

"Alright, we should be safe here," The sister says panting a little.

"You need to be quicker about our escapes." The brother says quietly.

The sister sighs, then looks at Kalin. "Who might you be, by chance? Was it you who brought Aoi and mother here?"

"Yeah, that was me. My name's Kalin. Nice to meet you both, finally." he says, waving at the two.

The sister nods. "It is... nice to meet you too. ...Who were those people anyway...." She seems more nervous and scared now that the battle had died down. She looks up at Kalin. "My apologies, my name is Kiyōna. He is Zetsubō." She says, indicating her brother. "He doesn't talk much."

She looks over at Aoi and gives her a happy hug, crying. "It's so good to see you after all this time...! My word how you've grown... ...you're so precious, you know that?" She says softly.

The family gets close together and embraces one another, all of them tearing up. Even though Aoi is taller than most girls, she is still much smaller than her sister brother, and nothing compared to their mother.

Zetsubō looks over at Kalin. "....Thank you for this blessing, Kalin."

"It was nothing." Kalin said, shrugging. "It feels good, helping bring a family together."

Caess closes her eyes, a quiet tear of joy rolling down her face. "Children... my dear friend Kalin here has accompanied me here in the order of bringing you with me home... ...to my first home, Twin Valleys."

The two frozen beings look stunned. "R-really?" They collectively stutter.

"Yes, really. It has been far too long since I saw my people. It is time I returned home. I'd like you to come with me."

Kiyōna looks at Aoi. "Will Aoi be coming with us?"

Caess smiles. "For a while, yes. Will she stay? I suspect that she will want to remain with Kalin. You could say they are very fond, very close to each other's hearts. She will likely return with him after a while. But she will be accompany us."

"Yeah, she'll probably-wait, what? " Kalin said, a slight blush crossing his face.

"Did I stutter?" She asks with a teasing look on her face, a slight smile. "You can stop pretending like there's nothing going on between you two Kalin. I know my own daughter well, Kalin, despite how long we've not had close communication. A girl like Aoi cares deeply about the things they care about, and will always want to keep them close. You need not be embarrassed by it."

Aoi is still hugging her brother and sister, who have slightly amused expressions, but she herself shows no sign of denying it, even though a blush comes over her face.

"Well...okay, I'll admit we're close. I didn't actually expect her to stay, though. It...makes me happy to know she wants stay with me a bit longer." he responded, smiling as he said it.

Aoi looks at him and smiles. "Did you think I would say those things and just leave you behind? They're my family and I love them, but I want to be with you, because you make me happy."

"You make me happy, too..." Kalin said, trailing off as he noticed the numerous  stares he is recieving.

Aoi pointedly ignores the stares and dives at Kalin and hugs him, causing him to topple over, she laughs the whole way down.

Kiyōna smiles. "Looks like Aoi's learned how to be a bit more... 'aggressive'." She says, laughing.

"That part isn't directly my fault. Well, okay it's partially my fault. Although there was that time with the shower..." Kalin said, partially speaking to himself.

Aoi smirks. "I wonder..." She says, stealing a kiss before straightening up and walking over to Caess. "If you're ready, we can go anytime, Kiyōna, Zetsubō."

They nod. "We'll be glad to leave any time you are."

Kalin touched his lips, and chuckled softly before sitting up. "Alright then. On the road again, ladies and gentleman!" he said, opening a gate behind himself.

The Bitter Ending
The first thing Drake feels is cold. Gradually, his senses return, and eventually he wakes, at which point a hand holds him gently down.

"Drake Ryunexo, you are gravely injured. It will take you time to heal. Rest now. You have been through a terrible ordeal. And once you are ready for it, there well be an even greater one waiting for you. But first. Rest. Ask of me what questions you will, the time is now for it. But promise me that you will not get excited. The last thing I need to do, in addition to bringing you back to health, is being your babysitter. Alright?" The voice of a woman speaks up as he comes to. When his vision focuses, he sees the green kimono woman with the fans from before, keeled over him.

"How are you feeling? Do you... ...remember?"

"Remember? ...I remember fighting... Kagerou, Torrent, Seriah..." ''Despite the woman's warning, Drake instantly sits up and looks around. "Noriko! Seriah! Kanashimi! Where are you--" Drake gets a imense pain and coughs up a bit of blood, he puts his right hand over his mouth. His eyes open wide as he see that his entire arm is black and demonic, even his hand has small claws on them, he forces himself to lie down. ''"Where... Where are they?"

She applies a salve to his wounds, then places a hand on his forehead, the energy that flows into him is incredibly soothing.

"I shall tell you, but you must relax. As I said, you are injured, you must heal. I will tell you, but you mustn't get up. I'll have to make you sleep longer."

She takes a breath. "Not a moment before you fell, I arrived at the site of your battle. The one you call Kagerou had recovered and was going to kill the angel child, but I kindly detained his arms. After making sure he was unconscious, I attempted battle with the one named Torrent. Needless to say we were well matched, my speed only carried me so far. As it turns out, it's much harder to knock the Chaos Engine out than I imagined, so it quickly evolved into a two on one battle, something I'm not good at, considering I don't like fighting in the first place. I managed to retrieve the angel child from her hiding place after I grabbed you, but my fellow spirits were unable to defeat the one named Torrent before back up arrived in the form of a blue star. Its power too great, I retreated. Searching your memory, I was able to send an escort to the one named Kanashimi.

As of right now, Seriah is resting in the adjourning room, and I imagine it won't take long for the child Kanashimi to realize you're up.

....But I'm afraid that... ...I was not able to save the one you call Noriko. Between the two adversaries I had enough trouble, but the Blue Star destroyed any chance of me getting to her. ...I am sorry. They escaped with her. She was alive, last I saw of her. But I do not know her present condition. Please, do not get up again, it's difficult enough to keep you stable as it is."

''He growls. ''"Great... So the two got Noriko... Just as the vision showed." ''He sighs before looking at the woman. ''"Wait... You're the one who I confronted that night, so then, who are you?"

She bows her head slightly. "I suppose I should tell you. I am called Sukina Spiritwood. I am a handmaiden of the fair lady Azayakana, Queen of the Positive Spirits of this world, Echo. History once knew me as Sukina The Untouchable, and... ...White the Fourth." She lifts her hood, revealing short white hair with long bangs, and gold eyes, though they occasionally shift to brown. Her face reminds him of two things, White from this current generation, and the White he had seen in the vision of Eien's past.

"W-White? ...Spiritwood, where have I heard that before..." ''Drake wonders for a second before shaking his head. ''"...May I ask for some bandages please?"

She takes a roll out of her sleeve and hands him them. "Unlike the generations that came after me, I led a generation who tried to live a life of integrity and service to the world. I admit, I was often lazy, but never would I have imagined, that such evil could be born of my descendants."

"Yeah, no wonder..." ''Drake says brashly, he then starts to cover his entire right arm with the bandages. ''"It's a drive that I'll never understand... Hmph... This White needs to pay."

"She will. Already forces gather on both sides, and we shall soon see the end of this long road. I have already arranged for some of those forces to meet here soon. These descendants of mine, their actions could be said to have been caused by my mistakes. As their predessor, it is my duty to right them."

The door swings open, and a gentle voice speaks. "Has he wakened?"

''Drake turns his head over and sees the woman. ''"Hmm? And who might you be?"

"My name is Azayakana. You're one of the few visitors who have even bothered to ask my name. It does tend to get lonely when one isn't even asked such a simple grace. You are Drake Ryunexo? I am terribly sorry about the events that have transpired. I wish we could have done more for you. Please feel free to rest and recover. We expect to have visitors within the coming weeks, and there is much I sense you will need to know and have done."

"I don't need rest..." ''He slowly sits up and looks at Azayakana, he then nods. ''"It's a pleasure you, Azayakana, and yes, I am Drake Ryunexo." ''He then looks at Sukina. ''"So, we'll be having visitors? Can I ask of their names?"

Azayakana closes her eyes and smiles, but Drake feels a mountianous pressure upon him, gentle, but enormous. It almost feels like a hand, which pushes him back down.

"You need your rest," She firmly stresses. "You have been through much, have you not? Even if you could lie to me about your physical status, I have no doubt in my mind you will need time mentally to heal. I imagine you will understand soon."

''Drake sighs. ''"I can tell that this is gonna be a pain for a while, so I can't get the name of the visitors?"

Sukina looks at the queen, who quietly nods.

"One by the name of Kado Spiritwood, my partner Nobuyuki, and a companion of Kado's, Akami. However... he is coming here to receive special training from the Queen. You will not have an opportunity to speak with him until after the second part of it."

''Drake smirks. ''"Oh? Good ol' masky... Two more questions, then I'll rest; where are we exactly? And is there a training or sparring room?"

The spirit queen opens her eyes, swirling energy replacing her lavander irises in a not too subtle display of firm temper.

"You should not even consider sparing, much less walking, for about another day." There is a similar pressure from the first time, but broader, as though her mere words carry her power.

"As for the first question," She says, her eyes returning to lavender and the pressure settling back down to a gentle aura, "You are in the Tower of Heaven, my capital. It is akin to a temple or monastary. I would ask that you do not go about challenging others here. When Nobuyuki arrives, you will have an opertunity to train with him then. At least until I finish training Kado."

"I see... Well then... I guess I'll have to wait until I awaken, see you then, m'lady." Drake exhales one more time before closing his eyes, easily falling asleep.

The spirit queen watches him for a moment. "I pray for his heart. I fear more trials await him. I can only hope he perseveres." She leaves. Sukina remains attending Drake, and after a while, Kanashimi comes in, when she sees Drake she shows a rare smile, then hugs him lightly as to not disturb his sleep, then takes a pillow and blanket and lays on an adjacent cot to Drake's.

"I'll see you later, old man." She says, then falls asleep.

Sukina observes the two quietly. "They may not be truly father and daughter in the flesh, but in the soul, they are no doubt truly family."

Outside the tower, two yellow cloaked figures loom.

"...So the future I foresaw came to pass. I'm glad that at least they were brought together for the time they had. Perhaps this will give him the resolve he will need to survive the coming war. Kaminari, I have fulfilled your request. I gave them a chance for happiness for the future. Now it is up to them to steady the course. ...I only wish I could fulfill for you the same. This last request before you disappear... I'm glad you gave me at least that." Eien says quietly.

"...Goodbye, my love." He says as the cloaked woman besides him vanishes into dust.

"...I'm sorry." He looks down at Drake one last time, then vanishes.

Sometime later, lunch is made, and Drake is woken by the smell. It smells familiar, like a certain type of food he likes...

''He sits up and smiles as his body aches less, he gets up on his feet and begins to follow the scent. ''

He comes to a dining hall, where Seriah, Kanashimi, Sukina, and Azayakana have already seated.

"I see you have woken," The queen remarks. "Have a seat." She indicates a seat on her left, next to Seriah. Seriah appears to have bandages on her head.

"Drake awake!" The girl cries out happily.

''Drake walks over and sits down, he looks at Kanashimi and smiles before looking at Seriah and giving her a small hug. ''"Hello there Seriah... Are you alright? What's with the bandage?"

"Big mean guy hit me. I passed out. Have big boo boo." She yawns.

Kanashimi sighs. "It's like you're a mobile adoption center."

''He chuckles as he softly pats Seriah's head, he then stands up and walks over to Kanashimi, giving her a hug too. ''"Call me what you want, I'm just glad that both of you are safe..."

"Yeah the only thing I saw was something akin to a nuclear explosion after the lightning and wind stopped trying to tear each other apart."

Sukina looks at her for a moment. "So you saw the Blue Star's attack as well."

"Yeah, that shit was scary."

"Blue Star...? So it's a person?" Drake asks while he sits back down.

"Yes. I couldn't make anything out. I knew it was female, but that's about it. It had a powerful blue glow, as though she was a living star or something. Her power was enormous."

''Drake sighs. ''"Great... Another opponent to take down, y'know for once... Kinda sick of fighting bastards." ''He then suddenly tilts his head down slightly. ''"Oh, sorry for my language, m'lady." ''Drake says to Azayakana before chuckling slightly, a smile on his face nevertheless. ''

"It's quite alright. Try not to make a habit out of it, for the child's sake."

"Alright... Now if you excuse me, I'm a bit hungry." And with that, Drake starts to eat the food lay out on his dish, all the while trying to be polite.

Seriah takes small nibbles of food, the Queen however eats very little at all.

''After a while, he looks at the two and tilts his head. ''"Umm, is there something wrong with the food? Or aren't you two just hungry?"

Aza shakes her head. "I do not eat much."

Seriah just tilts her head. "Tiny stomach, lots and lots of food!"

"I don't mean to be rude, m'lady... But if you insisted that I needed rest, then I'm insisting that you need to eat." ''He then looks at Seriah. ''"If you want, I can help you cut your food so it's not too big, that might help you."

"I am appreciative of your concern, but I do not need to eat. Much. I can eat only once a year and never have to dine again. Such is the nature of us spirits."

"That seems more like a curse than a blessing, considering the amount of food with amazing taste, having to only eat once a year is horrible."

She closes her eyes. "I said I can. Not that I do. I usually eat once a month. Or when I have company, I eat to be social. Beyond that, I do not eat. I've already eaten this month, but I choose to eat with my guests. Besides, that makes food all the more special to enjoy."

She smiles. "Oh, if you have a person that you know that is a Spirit, they probably are going to get very hyper, very fast if you give them sugary food. Sugar highs are much more intense for us than it is for you of the flesh."

''Drake looks at Kanashimi, a small smile on his face proving that he knows such a person, he then looks back at Azayakana. ''"Yep, I know that all too well." He chuckles.

Seriah has grabbed a knife and is attempting to cut the meat.

"Here, let me help." ''He softly places his hands ontop of hers and helps her cut the meat. ''"See? It's like this, it makes it easier and lowers the chance of you hurting yourself."

"...Thank... you..."

"You're welcome, now eat as much as you can."

She smiles, and eats until full, then crawls into his lap.

Drake pets her for a moment before finishing his own food.

Sukina looks at Drake. "Do you have any questions for us?"

"It may be a stupid question, but why were you following us? And why did you bring us back to here? We could have been villains for all you know."

"...I was for one, chasing ghosts of the past, as it were. As for why I brought you here, it was because you were in need. Let's overall say I and my lady sensed trouble stirring based around you, and so I was deployed to see why."

"Ah alright..." ''He picks Seriah up and puts her on her chair, Drake stands up and walks away. ''"If you need me, I'll be off, you'll know where to find me."

"Going back to rest?" Azayakana speaks up. "If you find you are not quite tired yet, you can join me at the top of the tower." She says, getting up.

"I'm not tired, so I guess I'll follow you up to the tower."

She quietly walks to the door and out into the hall, from there she begins walking up a spiral staircase.

''Drake soon follows and then asks Azayakana. ''"So why did you suggest going to the top of the tower?"

"You will understand." She says, continuing walking higher.

"Ok... Oh, Sukina said that she's a handmadien to the Queen of the Positive Spirits of this world, Echo. Are you seriously a queen? Or something even higher?"

"Some may call me a goddess. But I am their queen. They anointed me as such, though I was reluctant to accept. Before I was their queen, I lived in this tower all alone."

"A goddess? Hmm, it wouldn't surprise me... So you lived in this massive tower all by yourself, seems very lonely..."

"I was. But I had something to fill that loneness. It's something all young ones have when they are growing up. Bitterness."

"Bitterness? What would you be bitter about?"

They arrive after a bit of silence and walking, onto the very top. The top seems to rest just above what seems like an endless sea of clouds. She walks over to the edge of the tower, and sits down. Abruptly, several scrolls appear and she begins to draw incredibly complex designs. Of a person. After a long period of drawing, she marks the end of the scroll with a '.'

The scroll glows, and in a whirlwind of blue light, a young female elf takes shape, a minute later clothing forms over her, and the two servants that always follow Azayakana brace the newborn elf and lay her down, she is apparently sleeping.

"This is my gift, the gift of which the peoples of this world call me the Kanjo Goddess of Life. My father is Kagayaki, the firstborn of the Elemental Warlords. I sense that you have met him -indirectly, once before. I speak of the eight spirits of the swords of Phoenix, the Slayers. They are my family. Through the drawings I weave, I give life to plants, animals, people, almost anything you could imagine, I can breath life into my drawings can make them alive."

"So you give life through your drawings... I guess the people of Echo plead out to you if a loved one dies..." ''Drake takes a look at the newborn before looking back at Azayakana. ''"And the spirits sealed inside Phoenix's Slayers are your family? All of them?"

"Few actually know of my location. I make new life. I do not bring it back. My brother, the Black King, he rules over Death. To rebirth those who have past would violate his authority. As for the second question, yes. Grandma Kukyo, the spirit of Kado's sword, has been freed, and I sense she is no longer tied to the darkness. It would seem that Kado's own dark side has taken her place. Besides that once exception, yes. They are all my family.

I have not seen them in years. Not since the war. You asked why I would be bitter? Let me tell you. They saw my creations, and directed them into warfare, creating hatred that continues to flow to this day, hundreds of years later. My children, my world of life, tarnished through senseless violence. I pleaded again and again for them to stop. But when they would not listen, I abandoned my father, my grandma, and my uncles and aunts. I fled to this northly land and made it my isolated sanctuary. Since that time, I have only come out of my isolation once. And that was when I dwelled among my creations, and sired the royal lineage that would spawn the Empire of Chinmoku. From that very bloodline White and Kado, even Sukina are sprung.

I still feel the pain of long ago. I do not know if I could ever look at my father again."

''Drake just stays silent before looking at the sea of clouds and smiling. ''"I imagine that's how these worlds goes, hell... That's the premise of it, someone creates life, some see peace and others see war, causes situations such as yours. The hatred was always there, but warfare and senseless violence only brightens the embers of hate. I guess people such as you will go to extremes just for peace, it is a shame that worlds will now have wars over simple things such as a race or minor disagreement, isn't it?" ''After a moment of silence, Drake just chuckles. ''"I'm sorry if I didn't made any sense, I'd just wanted to see how the wise would give wisdom. It's great to know that I'm not capable of that." His smile widens.

"No apology is needed. It was a genuine thought, which is more than some can allow themselves to have. By the way, always ask the name of a spirit that you meet if you start a conversation. We don't believe in titles, we don't even really like to use Sir or Mr, things like that. So always ask. Its our way of being equal with each other."

"So... Just call you by your name? And not stuff like, m'lady or sir?"

"Yes, that is the basic idea. We try to build community, not status or power. We try to live a pure philosophy."

"Ok, I'll keep that in mind, Azayakana." ''He says, he then takes a gaze at the clouds again. ''"So other than creating life, is this why you come up here?"

"I glance upon this endless white landscape and see nothing of the land I have given life to. It is a blank canvas. I am truly alone up here. Not even the songs of the birds reach here. It is... ironic this scene though. Below, there was only a vast white landscape, and a blue sky. But now it sort of repeats."

"A blank canvas... Nothing to cloud your mind, no distractions... It's sort of like a clean slate every time, when I see this... I see another chance at something, giving you a chance to perfect something, only then will the canvas be full... Is that what you see?"

She blinks, seemingly unsure how to answer, but then she smiles softly. "I suppose you could be correct on that one."

"Heh... I guess even the biggest of fools can have some sense of wisdom of their own. But nevertheless, it's a beautiful sight."

"That it is. Would you like something to drink?"

"Hmm? Like what?"

"It really doesn't matter. Just anything you might like."

"...Probably just a small alchoholic drink will be fine, if that's allowed here."

"That is acceptable, in moderation of course. You sure that's what you want?" She says, taking out a small scroll.

"A sweet cider will be nice, please."

She nods, and begins to draw, a moment later she finishes with a '.', and a glass of cider materializes just in front of Drake, the glass seem beautifully made.

''He smiles. ''"Beautifully crafted." ''He takes a sip and makes a sigh of relief. ''"And tastes like liquid gold, thank you Azayakana."

"You are quite welcome. Tell me of the angel child."

"Seriah? ...Well, she's a CE or Chaos Engine as they're called, originally human or mytho, but captured and experimented on by Phoenix. Seriah is the first of them, she has a strange ability to purify but at the cost of it losing her own purity, causing her to age like she does... We have a machine called the Processor she has to get placed in so she can revert back, it's to help her but it erases her memories in the process... I had to put her in it once so far, one of the hardest things I did..."

"...I see. It pains you? Describe how this ability works in further detail, if you can."

"Well... My Slayer has a creature known as Corruption inside of it, he is completely impure, darkness personified if that makes sense. Seriah's ability is basically the bane of Corruption as it purifies him, which actually would erase him. It is hard to explain, but she basically emits a vibe or aura which destroys darkness and evil."

"So she absorbs the taint of others to purify them, thus corrupting her. ...If I am correct, then that would mean to counter, she must absorb purity to regain it. ...Then in reverse, not only can sure purify others, but she can also corrupt others in turn.

...Do you think you can bring her here?" She asks.

''Drake nods and finishes his cider. ''"Sure, give me a moment." ''He then goes down the tower and searches around for Seriah. ''"Seeeeeeeeeeriaaaaaaaaaaaaah, where are yooooou?"

He hears a giggle, coming from a large glazed clay vase.

"...Seriah, are you in there?" He playfully asks as he walks towards the vase.

A hushed silence before.... "....Noooooooooo?"

"C'mon out Seriah, the nice lady has something to show you I think."

Another round of hushed silence.

"...Seriah, I'll let you ride a dragon up to the top of the tower."

"...You don't have an dragon, don't lie to an angel!~"

''Drake then smirks as rune circles appear on his palms as his eyes glow, fire slowly forms out of the circles and morph together to take shape of a Chinese style dragon the right size for Seriah to sit on, it makes a growl at Drake as he chuckles. ''"Yes I do."

"..."

"Come on now, Seriah."

".....WHEEEEEE!" She takes flight straight out of the jar and begins flying at high speed.

''Drake looks at Seriah with slight awe. ''"Wow... She's fast for a small girl." Drake sprouts out his dragon wings and flies after Seriah.

"You can't catch me, you can't catch me~" She sings as her nimble body gracefully slips through his fingers multiple times.

"That's what you think!" ''Drake flaps his wings once and he speeds right past her, he then quickly turns around and catches Seriah. ''"Got you!"

"Waaahhhh! I wanted to plaaaay...." She cries.

"Hey hey hey, we can play straight after we see the nice lady, alright? I promise."

"Meanie." She says, but doesn't protest further, though she does cross her arms.

''Drake calls the fire dragon over and sits Seriah down on it, amazingly the fire doesn't harm her in any way. He then makes his way to the tower. ''"Let's go, Seriah."

"Hmmph."

"I'm sorry, we can play afterwards, we need to see the nice lady first... She probably can make you a small treat if you ask nicely." Drake says, giving Seriah a small hug as they go up the spiral staircase.

She says nothing further until they get to the top. "Oooooh, clouds..."

''Drake looks at Azayakana. ''"There you go, Azayakana, here's Seriah."

The queen looks upon her for a moment. "It is as I thought. Her ability works two ways. She can both absorb taint and purity."

"So then what are you planning?"

"Tell me, if she grows impure by absorbing taint, what would happen if you caused her to reverse the effect?"

"As you would expect, the purity would grow in her... Is that what you're planning to do? Make her absorb purity?"

"Perhaps. She is only half arch angel, right?"

''Drake blinks and looks at the innocent girl. ''"...I guess."

"Then perhaps by making the purity grow to a critical point, I may be able to trigger an ascension. In other words, she may become a true angel."

"Hmm... That may work, ok, let's give it a shot." ''Drake then looks at Seriah and smiles. ''"Seriah, look at the nice lady and stay still, ok? She's going to do some magic."

Seriah looks at Azayakana quizzically.

The queen looks at Drake. "You may want to put her in the center of the tower and stand on the other end."

''Drake nods and walks up to Seriah, he picks her up and walks over to the center of the tower. After a small hug, he places her down and stands on the opposite snd of the tower. ''"Alright."

Azayakana begins to work on her scrolls, and she does this almost until an hour, before she stops and opens another scroll.

"So how are you doing this? By creating life with a great amount of purity so that she can absorbs the purity out of them?"

She merely shakes her head, concentrating. After the second scroll, she then stands up, and takes her brush and ink, and removes Seriah's clothing and gently lies her down, inscribing monstrously complicated lines of runes on her body, so complex just looking at a single line makes Drake's brain hurt.

''He blinks. ''"Wow... Impressive, you need to teach me how to inscribe rune circles like that..."

Still saying nothing, she continues until all but Seriah's body is covered in runes, upon her forehead she inscribes a '.', and then quickly proceeds to wrap Seriah in the scrolls, which begin to slowly turn blue with so much energy Drake wonders how they contain it all, and then turn gold, becoming massive streams of energy that pour into the tiny girl's body, the area begins to quake from the force of the energy's flow.

''Drake manages to stand upright as he watches in awe. ''"Woah... Wait... Do you think her body can handle all of that in one go?"

As if to answer his question, Seriah begins to cry out in pain as the energy that has infused her body begins to make her glow- -violently. After another minute of the process, her body begins to crack, even more powerful streams of gold light blaze through them, dwarfing the intensity of the energy already flowing into her, which hasn't even begun to cease its intensity.

"No. This spell arrangement is to make her forcibly Ascend into divinity. True divinity with the light of the divine coursing her very existence. Her mortal shell will be ripped apart and burned away as she becomes one with the almighty. In order to be born anew, Seriah must cease to be as a mortal, and be born again. Like the phoenix."

"...Sounds way to sinister to be true, but I have to trust you with this." ''Drake sighs. ''"If it is to help her, then I have no choice but to stand back and let this happen."

As the light continues to pour into Seriah, her body continues to crack, like clay, then Drake realizes it is a substance like clay, which is literally burning into ash as it falls away from Seriah, the light inside her growing more and more powerful, then he starts hearing a supernatural heartbeat, which increases in power until it finally makes the remnants of her body shatter apart into nothing, leaving only a light in her place like a minature sun, bleaching everything in sight white.

''Drake shields his eyes for a moment before adjusting to the sudden change. ''"Thanks for almost blinding me! ...Seriah? Are you there, respond if you can hear me."

The light suddenly begins to condense violently, causing a massive inflow of air that starts pulling him in.

"Crap crap crap!" ''Two rune circles appear on Drake's plams as he presses them against the floor, causing a dome of energy to form around him, acting as a shielf from the inflow of air. ''

The dome struggles to hold until finally a surge of holy power bursts from the condensing light, and it takes the form of a woman with white hair, and six large angel wings sprouting gracefully from her back. Bursts of blue fire flicker around her body, twisting and weaving into a dress. Even after, the flames remain, and she begins to fall, asleep.

''The dome shatters the second the woman falls, Drake looks at Azayakana with a slightly concerned face before looking at the woman. ''"So... That's Seriah as an angel..." ''Drake walks over to her and softly picks her up. ''"I'll take her to a place where she can rest."

Seriah is in a deep sleep, but is otherwise seemingly fine.

Azayakana gives Drake an apologetic smile. "She'll be alright. I promise. You're with her after all."

''Drake smiles. ''"Yeah... I guess so." ''And with that, Drake begins to walk down the spiral staircase, he eventually reaches the room Seriah was in when she arrived here. Drake walks over to the bed and lays her down, he takes one more look at her before lightly hugging her. ''"Sleep well Seriah, you deserve it." He says softly, before quietly leaving the room.

As Drake moves to leave, he feels a hand grab on his back pocket.

"Hmm?" Drake turns around to see who grabbed his back pocket.

"....Drake...." He sees Seriah's arm reached out to him, his turning moment had knocked her arm down, causing it to hang limply from the bed.

"......Thank... you...." Her mouth speaks, but her eyes remain closed, she had been only briefly conscious.

"After all that has happened to you... It's what you deserved." ''He says before putting Seriah's arm back in a comfortable position, he chuckles and opens the door to the room. Drake looks back at her before walking out of the room, slowly shutting the door.''

Kanashimi meets up with him. "Who was that pretty angel lady you were carrying around?" She asks.

"That was the sweet little Seriah, Azayakana was able to turn her into an angel. It was pretty amazing." ''Drake answers. ''

"So that's what that ridiculous fireworks display was. Dude, how can she do that?!"

"I have no idea, there was scrolls, runes, quietness then loudness... It was a blur."

"That queen lady is really something then...".

"Without a doubt... It really is outstanding what she is capable of, although I don't doubt it... Oh yeah, Sukina and Azayakana are having three other guests over."

"Oh, who are they?"

"Two we don't know off, while one has a familiar face... Or mask, to be correct. We have Azayakana's partner; Nobuyuki, someone named Akami and Kado."

"So who's this Kado then? You know him?"

''Drake blinks. ''"...Oh right, you've never met him. Well Kado was a member of Phoenix, the Dark Slayer, last time we met was during a big battle... Sorta. But where we actually talked to each other was back in Upnation. He's uuh... Unique to say the least, although he seems kinda dull." He says jokingly.

"What do you mean, unique?"

"...You'll see."

"...Ok then. So, what do you want to do now?"

"I have no idea... Huh, that's new."

Meanwhile Seriah sleeps on...

"Seriah. Wake up, Seriah."

"Ermmmmm...." She moans, her eyes crack open, a soft red.

"Arise, for I have a gift for you."

She slowly sits up, still exhausted from her recent ascension. "Who...?"

The moonlight shine down on her, aswell as the stars.

"You are the first victim of an evil ambition. I am here to relieve you from such a tragedy and to give you a new purpose to your life."

She looks at the light and stars in wonder. "Who are you....?"

"I am your Father in Heaven. I have to renew you and relieve you of what sin has done to you."

Seriah gasps, and her eyes grow wide with wonder. "Are you Father's Lord? Is Papa there?!" She asks excitedly.

"Yes, He is here. I have come to free his daughter and mine"

Unexpectedly she begins to float and light just encompasses her into a shining void\

She looks about in wonder, struck in awe, her gentle red eyes widened.

''Her wings unexpectedly sprouts and she hears a melodious song she has never heard before. She is overflown with so much relief and peace with herself.''

She quietly hugs herself, overwhelmed.

When she opens her eyes, she is wearing a white robe and her entire body is glowing, her body flowing with such tranquility

"I have touched you and now you are like my sons and daughters who are in Heaven. I only have one more thing for you to do on my behalf."

"What is it that you want of me?" She asks in a hushed voice, feeling small.

"I want you to guard and watch over Drake Ryunexo. To never leave his side, and keep him from hurting himself physically mentally, and socially. And when he does hurt himself, to be there to minister to him."

"I will!" She says joyously. "I will, I will, I will!"

"Then go now and do my will."

The moon and the stars no longer has that amazing shine but her own divine glow still remains

Seriah looks at herself for a moment, then immediately seeks Drake out, practically flying out of the room and squeezing him in a hug.

"Drake!" She cries out joyously. Her glow is blinding.

''He topples over to the floor and chuckles, hugging her back. ''"Hey there Seriah, glad to see you're awake."

"Well, what happened to you? You took a dip in the sun or something?"

"The Lord claimed me as his own~, I'm your guardian!" She says happily.

''Drake tilts in head in slight confusion. ''"...The Lord claimed you as his own? You're my guardian? Seriah, what are you talking about?"

"Just that. Guardian Angel? I'm like my father now. I'm a real angel!"

''Drake just blinks. ''"Are we talking about your dream...?"

She looks confused. "Dream? N-N-no. Drake, there is an almighty god who rules the angels. My father was one of his servants. His Lord and mine reclaimed me as his. I am one with the true divine. He declared me your guardian. I am to guard and watch you, to never leave your side, to keep you from hurting yourself physically, mentally, and socially. And when you hurt yourself, I am to minister you.

What's a good way to explain besides that...?" She wonders aloud. "It's now my duty as an angel to protect you," She further clarifies.

"Well, not to be mean, but this 'Lord' isn't very bright." ''Drake sighs. ''"Considering that I'm a mercenary, I get damaged all of the time, I guard others, I don't need to be guarded... You don't need to protect me."

Seriah frowns, Drake realizes he upset her by the look on her face. "Don't say that! Besides, he told me to do it, so I will, no matter what! Besides, you can't defeat everything on your own. Now I can help you and keep you safe! Especially from... ...them."

''Drake sighs. ''"I don't want you to protect me because I don't want you getting hurt, you just got this new body, I don't want you to lose it."

Seriah smiles. "Fraid it's not up to you. Besides, there's a reason Phoenix made Archangels the basis for their Chaos Engines, you know. We're powerful. Dare I say it, you know that more than anyone, having fought against Kagerou."

"...What annoys me is that you have a point, but if you're going to be stubborn about this, then I guess I have no choice, do I?" ''As he says that, Drake takes out a necklace, with the centerpiece housing a vibrat sapphire that glow, he then gives it to Seriah. ''"It's the sapphire that houses your memories starting from when you met me to when you had to go into the processor, I imagine that if you want, I can finally have you recollect those memories."

"I already have them. My memories are restored when I resume my full potential. Now that my power is stable, my memories are back. Thankfully, I am at peace now. The dark memories of the past, they're a distant memory now... ...But I am very grateful for all of your kindness. It warms my heart. And indeed, I will not ignore a request of the Most High."

''Drake softly smiles before hugging Seriah once more. ''"Ok ok, thank you, guardian angel." He chuckles.

"That's a good boy," She lightly teases before giving him a hug in return. "....Though I think the sapphire is pretty, can I still have it?"

"Go right ahead, it is my present to you afterall."

"Thank you~!" She happily takes the necklace and tries it on, her enthusiam almost infectious.

Kanashimi groans. "Now I feel... girly."

''Drake laughs. ''"You're just jealous!"

"I am not jealous of the glowing hyper angel."

"Uh huh, sure you're not."

Kanashimi swats him. "I am. NOT. Seriously, I hate all cheerful and girly... uggh..."

"Ok ok, little miss doom and gloom... So... What happens now?"

Sukina appears from a corner. "Ah, I see the ascended angel has woken."

''Drake turns head towards Sukina and waves. ''"She sure has, hello Sukina."

She nods her head. "I do believe you have not yet visited the outside of the tower, particularly the gardens. Would you like me to guide you? I'm not doing much anyway."

She sighs. "Nobuyuki is gonna work my ass off once he gets back."

"Yeah, I think we all would want to see the gardens... Right?"

Seriah nods excitedly. "I'd love to!"

Kanashimi sighs. "I guess it would be nice. Getting some fresh air, I mean."

"Ok, Sukina, you lead the way."

Sukina begins to lead them down the spiral staircase of the tower, and Drake realizes they are a lot higher up than he imagined. On the way they encounter other spirits, many looking like priests or monks.

''He looks at Sukina. ''"So I'm guessing this is a holy place? Considering all the relegious feel of the tower."

"Not exactly. While spirits do follow the Lord here, it's more on the lines of a sanctuary. Malice falters in this place. Those who seek a life of tranquility can choose to live here in the quiet north."

''Drake sighs. ''"So this 'Lord' person... Is he a concept or actually real?"

Sukina looks at Drake. "That depends on what you believe. But Seriah could not have power if he wasn't. Nor any of the other Chaos Engines. Holy power, at least."

"Hmm... Different to the Vitae Gods then, but then again, everyone has their own belief on stuff so this really shouldn't surprise me."

"Tell me of these Vitae Gods, if you would."

"Well, as their name implies, they're Gods of my home planet; Cyanic, as per the usual, you'll have your God of Fire, Water, Air and yada yada yada. Hell, my best friend is the offspring of the Vitae God of Light and Life, so he's a Heroa God... But umm, let's not get into why he's in Fantasy right now."

"I see. But how would you describe them? Are they benevolent?"

"...Not all of them, the Vitae Gods are split between two dimensions or sectors, as they're called. One half is nice, the other... Not so much."

"I see." They reach the bottom of the tower, and exit out of double doors. Outside, the air is much, much, much colder.

''Drake shivers for a moment before his body quickly adapts. ''"Ok... We're more North than I thought..."

"True, for we are in the North Pole." Seriah and Kanashimi are not so pleasantly immune to the cold temperature.

"Holllllllly crap it's cold!" Kanashimi shrieks. "You could have warned us sooner!"

"I forgot. I am not a fleshy like you."

''Drake turns towards the two as he puts a hand on their shoulders, suddenly a very faint orange aura envelops Kanashimi and Seriah, heating up their bodies. ''"There you go." ''He then turns back to Sukina and tilts his head slightly. ''"Huh... I still find it strange that you were a White, and yet I trust you, your motives were different... This is something I'm not going to be used to..."

"About half of our order's leaders had good intentions. As for the other half, I don't know what happened. I sometimes blame myself. Though honestly a lazy person like myself shouldn't have to worry about such things, yet I do..."

"If people are born into a hostile world, they'll blame the generation above them... But if what you're saying is true, then it wasn't your generation that did anything, it would be the one which caused all this. I think the reason you worry is because you care, obviously... I mean, say if I was the last good leader of Phoenix, then some bastard came along and screwed everything up, forever tarnishing Phoenix's name. I'd be worried for what would happen afterwards."

Sukina looks away, for a moment she loses her usually aloof air and genuinely has a melancholy air. "...What choices did I make that allowed these things to happen? Should I have fought him, actually gave it my all for once in my life? Should I have taken better consideration as to my disciple?"

"Should have fought wh--" ''Drake's eyes suddenly blast wide open, then quickly an angered expression appears on his face as he grabs Sukina. ''"IT WAS YOU! YOU GAVE EIEN THE SLAYER!"

Sukina merely stares at him wide eyed, and strangely everything, from the murmur of the people, to even the breeze on the air, the sounds all freeze, and there is a heavy silence, right before a bone crushing spiritual pressure makes Drake crumble to his knees in moments, as the clouds above momentarily part, from atop the very tall tower, a woman stands on the edge of the tower, looking down upon them.

"''Enough!" ''The powerful voice of Azayakana booms, cracking the stone walls.

''Drake glares at Sukina and makes a loud draconic growl. ''"You... Gave him the Slayer - Your Slayer... What made you think that was a good idea!?"

"''Drake Ryunexo, unhand her now!" ''Azayakana shouts, her revealed power so vast, just from raw potential power, he could mistake her for a god, perhaps why she is called one to begin with. Her energy bares down on him like an endless tidal wave, threatening to crush him.

Seriah grabs ahold of Drake's arm. "Drake, just let her go, she's gone out of her way to help us, so please don't disrespect that!" She pleads, trying to reason with him.

Sukina tightly closes her eyes, and her body suddenly cracks, before collapsing into dust and disappearing into particles of blue light.

A mere moment later, he hears the footsteps of the Queen coming down the staircase- -she does not sound happy from how loud her steps are. She comes out brandishing a red scroll.

"Drake Ryunexo," She intones, her lavender eyes deadly. "You will not resort with violence here again. Do not disturb the peace. If you have a problem with her, you take it up with her or me in a civil manner, or not at all. ...If she will even appear before you anymore, that is. Don't do that again, or you will be put into place." She gestures with the red scroll, and Drake has a feeling there's a good reason why its binding says, 'Sealed'.

''​Drake stands back up and looks at Azayakana with a disdainful expression, before reluctantly nodding. ''"No promises though, but I don't think you know anything about this, do you?" ''Before the Queen can say or do anything, Drake turns and walks away. ''"With all due respect, Azayakana, it's best for you to stay out of this."

Drake finds as soon as he has taken one step, a strange sensation, as though a hand had grabbed him, makes him stop in his tracks.

"It's best for you not to attack my subjects. And yes, I know of the incident you were so enraged over. Sukina indeed faced Eien, but chose to hand over her Slayer. I don't know how you know of this, considering the nature of that event, but I would encourage you to not judge others for actions you were not personally involved with. Even if you have been entangled in the affairs of her former comrade, it is not your buisness to attack her for events you do not understand the nature of."

"Get... Off." ''The moment he said that, Azayakana a pale and faint dark demonic aura forming around Drake, obviously showing Corruption's presence. ''"I understand that it's something I shouldn't do, but considering my situation, I think I should be allowed to hold a bit of resentment. Now... Release me."

"Resentment? For what? The fact she did not want to fight a long term childhood friend? The fact she did not want to kill a man she had fought beside for years, a close comrade and friend? You think it is wrong for someone to put down their sword for that? In the end, it has cost great harm, perhaps to even you that she had done so, but you have no right to so easily condemn her for something you know nothing about. You only saw the battle, but you felt none of the emotions and feelings of the people involved. There are two sides to a story. The stuff that can be told, what people can see. But the often unseen, unknown is that of the heart of the story. Ask yourself how Sukina might have felt about what she did. How she feels now. And put yourself in her shoes. Then talk to me about resentment."

She walks off, the binding remains for a minute, then fades away, leaving him to think about what she said.

Drake simply makes another growl before flickering like a flame, disappearing a moment after.

Seriah, concerned, tries to follow after him.

As she wanders through the tower, she can hear someone sparring in an empty room.

She manages to phase herself through the wall, popping her head in. "Drake?" She asks softly.

''Seriah sees him sparring with Corruption, the two's speed is almost a blur but she can still register every attack. After a moment, the two stop and Drake looks at Seriah. ''"Hmm... What is it, Seriah."

"...Are you ok? Why did you attack Miss Sukina? Please don't be mad at me."

"I'm not mad at you, and that's hard to explain."

"It's not like you have anything else to do..." She pouts.

''He sighs. ''"I wasn't going to attack her, it was just the anger in that moment... The reason I did that was because of one of her choices she made; which was giving Eien a Slayer to make him stronger than he needed to be. Me and Eien aren't exactly the best of friends, in fact, he showed me the fate of that battle with Kagerou and Torrent, that's something I won't forgive him with... Although, he did give me you."

Seriah looks at him. "I was supposed to die, you know. White Six didn't need the Alphas and Betas, she killed them. ...All of them. ....They were... ...my children, my brothers, and my sisters. I don't know why Eien saved me though."

"Eien would tower over White Six if it came to strength, so possibly that White feared him... Another theory could be that he forseen this and preemptively saved you in case his vision was true."

"Maybe... though I feel it had something to do with something else. ...Are you feeling better?"

''Drake nods slightly. ''"Yes, but I'd like to be alone if that's ok with you, I want to keep sparring until the others arrive."

Seriah looks out south. "I don't think they'll be here for a while. It feels like a long journey from where they are."

"Then you'll know where to find me." ''He walks over to where Seiah has her head poking in and he gives it a hug. ''"Don't worry about me, I'll be fine."

She sighs, then disappears.

Drake stays silent for a moment before sighing himself, but regardless he goes back into a fighting stance and spars with Corruption.

Meanwhile, Sukina reappears in her room towards the very top of the tower, walking into the bathroom, then quickly strips and enters the shower, letting the cold water soak her, her eyes dim as she ponders the past, her mistakes.

Awaiting
Drake meanwhile hears the door open and close rapidly, and he feels as though someone is now in the room.

''He glances at the door then looks around. ''"Who is it now?"

Kanashimi suddenly drops from the ceiling and tackles him. "HA! Thought ya could get some extra practice in now without me, eh?!"

"Oh yeah, your training." ''Drake smirks as her grabs her shoulders and places his foot against her abdomen, he then pushes his foot up and throws his arms over, throwing Kanashimi to the other side of the room. Drake then gets up and tells Corruption to go back into Kurai, which he does without asking any question. ''"Alright then, Kana, you ready?"

She rolls and is back on her feet. "Bring it on, old fart!"

''Before she has time to react, Drake speeds right past her and elbows her which stuns her for a moment. He grabs Kanashimi's arm and throws her into the wall then strikes her once in the chest.''

She blocks his strike to the chest with her arms, then grins and sweeps his legs out from underneath him and kicks him right in the spleen.

Drake gets knocked back but springs back up, he then prompts her to strike him.

She swats his head with one of her wings.

Drake uses his forearm to block the wing then he headbutts her, he knees her in the gut then with the same leg, Drake swings it out and kicks her side.

Kanashimi jumps up, dodging the array of attacks, then with a united stroke of her wings, blows him into a wall hard.

"Uuugh... I'm not on my game today..." ''Drake dislodges himself out of the wall and looks at Kanashimi before charging towards her only to jump above her, slamming his foot down on her. He then lands behind her and spin kicks her onto the floor.''

Kanashimi catches his foot, but lands on the ground roughly all the same. She proceeds to assault him with a variety of punches and kicks.

''He starts to block and dodge the attacks, but only manages as some go through and connect, Drake lunges forward and starts his own barrage of attacks. ''

She blocks most of them, but gets hit her fair share of times in turn. She manages to knee him hard in the gut.

''Drake staggers for a moment before jumping back to take a quick moment to breathe. ''"Ok then... Maybe that sparring has worn me down a bit."

"Well, I know I'm having fun. I guess my secret practice is paying off!"

"Secret practice?"

"I can meditate, and in this inner world I can train myself and observe how I fight. I then try to find ways to improve my pattern of attack, make it easier to fight a more experienced foe. I've also been doing some training on the side."

"Hmm? Meditation... Ok, that's a new way to train I guess, how long have you been doing this?"

"Since... ....awhile. I've only really started getting good at it recently."

"Ah, well that would explain that." ''Drake chuckles before his stomach growls. ''"...And I'm hungry... Great..." ''He looks at Kanashimi with a slightly awkard smile. ''"Umm... Want to find something it eat?"

"Oh sure, though I think Aza is still a bit grilled at you." She walks over to him, then playfully roughs up his hair. "Let's go then, I'm hungry too."

"H-Hey! Don't ruffle my hair, I do that, not you!" ''He says, a bit shocked when she did that. But regardless, he exits the room and goes off in search of something to eat.''

She walks along side him to the dining hall, where Azayakana is sitting at the far end of the table, along with a woman wearing a white veil which obscures her face.

"Hmm?" ''Drake leans in and whispers to Kanashimi. ''"Who do you think that is?"

The woman seems to turn her head slightly in their direction, then looks down and eats.

"One of the lady's subjects..."

"...Oooook... Kinda creepy..."

Other veiled servants bring them food, and Kanashimi smirks at Drake before she eats.

"Oh, you want to do that? Heh, challenge accepted." ''And in an instant, Drake begins his little eating challenge with Kanashimi. ''

She increases her pace to match, and the queen and the veiled woman look at each other and then back at the two.

After a while, Drake starts to sneakly snatch untouched food on Kanashimi's plate.

She eventually catches on, and sets his hand on fire.

''Drake gulps all his food and looks at his hand. ''"Ow ow ow ow ow!" ''In return, Drake burns all of Kanashimi's food. ''"Ha!"

She silently points to his hair.

"...Oh you haven't... Do not tell me you've just..." ''Drake gulps before putting his hand over his head, he feels the heat and instantly grabs a jug of water and spills it over himself. ''

Kanashimi gives him an unholy grin.

"Oh I really don't like you right now..." ''Drake gives her a spiteful yet playful expression. ''"But hey, at least I win." Drake says as he grabs the last piece of his food and finishes it.

"Well, technically, you lose. My food is gone." She indicates her ashes. "Which means, you technically made me win."

"It was to finish the food, I finished all of mine, you didn't finish your food, as it's still ashes. So I won!"

"You never set the rules in stone~"

"And neither did you." ''Drake says, chuckling. ''"Fine, you win."

"Ha, yes! I am the BEST! THE BEST!" She cheers.

Azayakana just shakes her head wearily.

"You're not the best, I let you win once. Doesn't mean I'll let you win a second time."

"Settle down children." Aza says with a sigh.

''Drake glances over at the woman with the veil then back at Azayakana. ''"So, who is the woman behind that veil?"

"The identity of my handmaidens does not concern you."

"Hmph... I would ask about the other veiled servants, but ah well." ''Drake then turns his head back at the veiled woman and stays concerntrated on her for a while before shrugging. He then stands up and looks at Kanashimi. ''"If you need me, I'll be getting some rest, alright?" Drake then walks off to an unoccupied bedroom and lies down on the bed, slowly closing his eyes and resting.

She nods, and heads off to her own room, but stops just outside her door. ".....What is this tingling feeling I keep feeling...?"

While Drake sleeps, his thoughts begin to strangely drag images to his mind, and almost as soon as he registers what's happening, a vision occurs, without him directing it to show.

He stands outside a old fashioned japanese palace of sorts, and he sees a young girl, no older than ten, with short white hair and gold eyes, dressed in an black apprentice's kimono walking out of a series of doors. Emblazoned on the chest is a golden Phoenix emblem.

"Wow, so beautiful..." She stares at all of the Sakura blossoms in awe, and sits down under a tree, and begins to fall asleep, taking a nap. About five minutes later, a blonde boy with sharp blue eyes with similar attire sees her.

"OI! It's time for initiation, you don't want to be late do ya?!"

The girl jumps, awake. "AHH! Don't scare me like that!"

The boy practically dances around her in circles. "Race ya to the ceremony!" He takes off with great speed.

"H-hey!" She runs after him, much slower than him.

''Drake takes a look at the boy and notices the resemblance with ease. ''"So that's Eien..." ''He then looks at the girl and tilts his head. ''"Hmm, that may be her..." Drake just shrugs and walks along, watching the two race on.

They reach the center of the complex, where a woman as well as several other promenient figures stand are gathered, with a group of at least fifty other apprentices can be seen. The boy Drake identified as Eien enters and takes his place, not even having broken a sweat, but Sukina collapses next to him, exhausted, landing on her face.

"What's the matter? You look like you're going to blow away in the wind, it was just a little race!" Eien pouts. "Aww, so much for that..."

"Tch, I'll... *pant* I'll beat ya... *pant* next time.... *pant*..."

''Drake looks back at the girl. ''"...Yeah, sure you will." ''He takes a look at the figures and the woman. ''"So these must be the generation of Phoenix before Eien was even a member... Although that'll change soon I guess."

The woman bares a resemblance to the girl, which is confirmed when she lifts her head and smiles at the woman. "Hey, Mother!" She says excitedly, but suddenly gets a sad look as the woman looks away without acknowledging her.

The woman proceeds to make a long speech about the history and honor of the organization, and addressing what the initiates will learn, at the end adding that she has no time for refuse. Something tells him that she is specifically talking about the girl. Among the crowd of apprentices, there are some gold eyed and white haired individuals, all of whom share a general likeness to the girl as well. The woman standing before the crowd seems to actually pay them attention.

"Wow... You're a nice mother, aren't you..." ''Drake walks up to the mother and just looks at her, before looking over at the other figures. ''"May as well get the chance to see their face while I can..." ''He looks back at the people. ''"Gold eyed and white haired... Is she trying to replace her daughter?"

The only one that catches his attention for some reason, but he doesn't know why, is a woman with medium length blue hair and blue eyes, wearing a blue and white kimono.

The girl picks herself up, and looks after her mother, almost longingly as she and the other promenient figures depart inside, leavin the initiates to head to their rooms. The vision begins to flicker away, but not before he sees the boy Eien walking beside the dejected girl, showing her a kind smile, and a soft side, he can't tell what he is saying, but Drake figures from the expression on Eien's face, that he is desperately trying to make the girl laugh, telling her jokes.

"I guess I found Sukina..." ''After a moment, Drake looks at the woman and tilts his head. ''"Hmm... Blue... What is blue in Phoenix... Water or Ice... Could this be a relative of Aoi? Or Toma..."

The vision ends, and Drake finds that the morning has come when he awakes.

''Drake stirs and sits up, placing a hand on his head. ''"...I need to know how I'm getting these visions... And how I can use these at will... But in the mean time." ''Drake gets out of bed and gets ready for the day, he spars with himself for an hour then exits his room. He then starts to wander around the tower.''

After a while, he catches a glimpse of Sukina, but she notices him and walks right into a wall and goes right through it. ...A rather annoying advantage of a spirit.

He just shrugs and decides to go off and find Seriah.

She appears not too long after behind him. "Whatcha looking for, Drake?"

"Oh, hey Seriah, I was just looking for you, are you alright?" Drake asks, giving Seriah a hug.

She laughs. "Of course I'm alright, why what's up?"

"I was just wondering, you seemed annoyed yesterday."

"I wasn't annoyed..." She says, confused.

"Oh... Well nevermind then, I'm glad to see you're ok... Now we wake Kana up, any idea how?"

"A fog horn?" The angel asks innocently.

"...That is a brilliant idea, do you know where we can get one though?"

The angel is now holding a fog horn. "I don't know," She says.

''Drake blinks before opening his hand so that Seriah can give him the horn. ''"Wow, you're full of surprises."

She hands him the fog horn. "Aren't I though? I can also bend my legs in really wierd ways."

''His eyes widen slightly. ''"...I'm just going to ignore that, c'mon, let's wake Kana up..." So the two begin to reach the door to Kanashimi's room, he gives the 'hush' gesture to Seriah as he slowly opens the door and peaks inside.

"Why are we being quiet?" She asks, a bit too loud.

"Beacause we don't want to wake Kanashimi up just yet... Ok? So just try to whisper." ''Drake manages to slip into the room, he takes a look around and spots the still sleeping Kanashimi, Drake smirks. ''"Ok, Seriah, try to come in without making any noise."

"I'll let you do it~" She says, keen to watch.

"Alright alright..." ''Drake sneaks over to Kanashimi and looks at the fog horn, he takes a moment to think about it before looking at her. ''"...I feel kinda bad if I do it..."

"Feel bad about what?" Kanashimi says, waking up and looking right at him. "I see you've evolved into a Creeper."

"...Don't feel as bad now." Drake pressed down on the fog horn as it blasts the noise right in her face.

A second later, Kanashimi has gripped his hair and is trying to rip it out.

"OW OW OW OW OW! GET OFF!" Drake says as he tries to push Kanashimi off.

"Rippy rippy goes Drake's hair, R.I.P., Rest in Pieces, motherfucker!" She snaps.

"I will tear off both of your wings and shave off your hair!" Drake threatens.

"And I'll gouge your eyes out!"

"And I'll plant you back into the ground I raised you from!" Kanashimi notices the air around Drake grows dry and hostile, his eye colouring darkened just enough for her to notice.

Seriah rips them apart. "Ok stop it both of you you! Drake, Kanashimi, corners!" She launches them into two separate corners of the rooms, where they find they cannot move.

"Now stay there until I get breakfast!" She scolds, disappearing.

Drake's regenerative healing kicks in as his hair grows back, he stays quiet until food arrives.

Seriah comes back with two trays, she then looks at the two. "Fighting like little babies, come on you two are better than that!"

''Once more, Drake says nothing, he just takes the tray and starts to eat. ''

She pokes his head. "Hey! Taking to you!"

''In response, Drake growls at Seriah, regardless of the restraint she put on him, Drake manages to stand up, he takes one look at her before walking right past her. He wanders into his room and closes the door, Drake sits in the middle of the room and creates a rune circle around him, he then gets in a meditating post and takes a long breath before there's silence.''

Farther South...

Nobuyuki and the others are now flying across vast endless stretches of pure white snow.

Akami: *is still hanging on as tight as she can* We're almost there, right?

Nobuyuki shrugs. "A few hours, give or take."

Akami: Damn...

"Relax. At least you're not down there. With the ice monsters."

Akami: Atleast I wouldn't have to worry about my skin flying off. And I will be down there if we keep going any faster.

"Shirubā won't let you fall. It's an insult to her pride as the Eighth Fox Wind to let you fall."

Akami: Then all I have to worry is my skin then.

"Shiruba, could you please slow down? A little?"

The fox grumpily complies, slowing down.

Akami: Thank you so much..*takes deep breaths*

Nobuyuki smiles. "She says you will receive a bill."

Akami: What does a fox need with money?

"....She says that was a joke, and that you need to get out more."

Akami: Sorry,don't got enough time in the day to 'get out'.

They continue flying for the next few hours...

After a while, Seriah flies into the room to check on Drake. "...You ok Drake?"

''She sees Drake with tribal markings and runes all over him, his eyes glowing a faint white, she noticies that the hostility in the air and in Drake is gone... For now. ''"Oh, hey Seriah... Yeah, I'm fine."

"....What happened to you?" Her voice is heavy with worry.

"I don't know to be sure, it's probably Corruption's doing... Sneaky bastard took the chance where he saw, but just to be sure..." ''Drake shows Seriah the bandages on his right arm, running down it seems to just be runes. ''"These act like a suppresor, hopefully keeping Corruption in his place."

"...Can I help you...?" She asks.

"No need, I'll just need more time to actually communicate with Corruption to sort this out ourselves..."

"....Alright... ...but if it gets worse, promise you'll tell me, alright?"

"I will... So, is Kanashimi alright?"

"I believe so, physically. You may have upset her though, I don't know. I'm not good at reading her."

"Ah... Probably because of what I said..." ''Drake sighs. ''"I'll speak to her soon... As for you." ''Drake chuckles. ''"Go on, have your day."

"My day is your day!" She says with a smile.

"Heh... Even if it this, I need to do something important concerning this... And having you in the room may prevent that, I'm sorry, but you need to leave the room just for a while."

She nods and disappears. He hears a knock not too long after, and Sukina's voice rings out. "Drake Ryunexo, the Queen told me to tell you to expect our guests soon."

''Drake sighs. ''"Ok, thank you Sukina... Now... To deal with you." Drake focuses on the shadowy figure in the same sitting pose as he is, two dim red eyes look back at Drake.

"Yes? What is it now Dra--"

"Don't you dare give me that crap, you know why I brought you out. So why the hell did you try taking over?"

''There's a moment of silence before Corruption speaks again. "Because you've grown weak."''

"Weak? WEAK!?" Drake roars at Corruption.

"Yes, weak... Look at your body, focus on your mind, you are not in any condition to win your next battle with Phoenix. You will not get Noriko back and you will die."

"That doesn't give you the excuse to try to take over, this is MY body, MY mind, MY life. Not yours, your life is inside Kurai, and I don't care if you like it or not."

''Corruption just chuckles sinisterly. "You really are tenacious, aren't you boy... What makes you think that you will win against Phoenix?"''

"Simple, because I won't be the only one there..." ''Drake's eyes narrow. ''"You will too."

"Oh? And what makes you so sure that I will abide with you."

''There's another round of silence before Drake looks at Kurai then back at Corruption. ''"The one way I know how, I will beat the respect into you."

''What follows is Corruption laughing at Drake. "You? You will do what to me? I would say don't make me laugh but that's a little late now..."''

"Oh, I'm being serious... If we have to fight for power, then we will, I can easily arrange it."

''"Hmph... Very well, where and when do you plan on doing this." ''

"We can do this right now, but we can't harm anyone else so I have an idea." ''The rune circle that Drake and Corruption are sitting in begins to open a hole beneath them, they take one more glance at each other before sinking in. The rune circle closing up with nothing but a burn mark on the floor.''

After a whie passes, the entire tower shakes with what sounds to be a hissing noise coming from Drake's room.

Seriah appears just outside the door. "....Drake....?" She tries to sense his energy.

She can hear some coughing, but it doesn't sound good.

She opens the door, alarmed.

''Seriah can see Drake, his clothes tattered, a bunch of cuts and marks on his entire body, some rips in the bandages on his right arm. Drake stays silent before chuckling to himself. ''"...Got you, you bastard..." ''Seriah can see a dark shadow slipping into Kurai, Drake looks up and sees Seriah. ''"Oh... H-Hey there." He coughs.

"Oh dear, what happened to you?!" She rushes to his side and starts applying healing to him.

"Me and Corruption had a disagreement, I kicked his ass, and I feel like I've been struck with a train."

"Why didn't you let me help?!"

"I'm sorry... But it was something I had to do alone."

"How is it something you 'had' to do?! You could have been lost forever, think of Noriko!" She cries out.

"That's what saved me..."

"And what if you didn't win? Think about how Nori would feel if you died because you were too stubborn and prideful to ask for help!"

''Drake sighs as he looks directly into Seriah's eyes. ''"Trust me, no matter what will happen, I won't die unless I allow it. It was something I had to do alone because it was between me and him alone, anyone else would just cause Corruption to control them instead. If you helped, yeah, he wouldn't be able to take control of you, but that doesn't mean he can't strike you instead. The thought of seeing Noriko again was what pushed me, if I didn't, then I surely would have lost..." ''Drake chuckles. ''"Besides, being stubborn and prideful is one of the side effects of being me."

"Those side effects seem like stuff not worth having."

....Farther away....

After hours of flight, a lone tall structure begins to appear in the distance.

Akami: Please tell me that's the Tower?

"Yes, 'O Impatient One."

Akami: You're not just telling me that because I told you to, right?

"No." He says as the fox purposefully speeds up and lands at the gates to the Tower's grounds.

"Well, we're here," Nobuyuki says unaffected.

Akami: YES! *simply falls of the fox and hugs the ground* Oooohhh it feels so good!

Nobuyuki sighs. "That's.... polar ice. You'll get frostbite."

Akami: Ground is ground, man. I'll take what I can get.

He takes Kado and helps put him on the ground.

"Help him walk, he's not in good shape."

Akami: *picks Kado up* Got'em

Kado is much more feverish, his eyes distant.

"Hmmm, think it's more to do with being out in the cold too long... ....we'll get him out into the warmth, come on." He guides Akami to the front gates of the walls, and after a minute, the doors open, revealing a complex of various buildings and gardens in a circle, all around one massive tower whose top stretches into the sky.

Akami: *marvels at the sight* Whoa...

The clouds at the top of the tower part, and standing in the light shining from up top is a female figure adorned in a lavander kimono and a almost white lavander veil over her face.

Akami: Who's that? The Queen you mentioned?

Nobuyuki nods. "Indeed. She has aknowledged our presence. the Queen of Positive Spirits, Azayakana, Goddess of Life, some hail her as."

Akami: Oh. Hello, Ma'am.

"We can meet her once we go inside and get Kado in a warm bed."

Akami: Alright. You're gonna be ok, man.

Nobuyuki takes her to the tower itself, and opens the door, guiding them until he reaches one of the floors, and shows Akami a bedroom.

"You two rest here for now. I must make my report, then someone will come back for you."

Akami: Alright then. *sets Kado on the left bed, then takes the covers off the other bed and covers Kado with it* Better?

Kado coughs, closing his eyes. "Thanks..." He croaks.

Akami: I'll be here of you need anything else. *sits on the side of the other bed*

Sukina, elsewhere, opens the door to Drake's room. "I was just told by Nobuyuki that Kado and Akami are here, though Kado is in poor condition. Once he's had some rest, I imagine we'll be taking him to see Azayakana."

"Typical, he arrives in a sorry ass state..." ''Drake sighs then he looks at himself and chuckles. ''"Then again, I'm not one to say, am I? ...And why can't he pay her a visit himself, when he awakes, anyways."

"...." Sukina doesn't respond, instead turns and is beginning to walk away.

"How the hell did you become the leader of Phoenix..." Drake annoyingly sighs as he gets up, he grabs Kurai's sheath with the blade inside and puts it back on, he then makes his way out of his room and wanders around the tower as usual.

She pauses after he says that, and grabs his arm and makes him face her for a moment.

"Don't talk like you understand me, or know anything about what makes a good leader. When you get placed in my position, and go through what I did, then maybe you will have the right to judge." She suddenly smacks him hard, then walks off, too fast to react to. "And just shut up, you sound like a fat pig." She is gone.

"...Well, you certainly are touchy touchy." ''The smack mark on Drake's face soon fades away. ''"So Sukina is pissed at me, Kanashimi is mad at me and Seriah just seems to be getting annoyed at me... Yep Drake, you're going back to your roots, aren't you?"

"DYNAMIC, ENTRY!" Kanashimi tackles him to the ground, smirking.

"Well now, prickface came back out of his room, and looks torn to pieces to boot! Whatcha do, hit yourself with a truck?"

"Nope, Corruption hit me a bunch with the force of one though."

"Deserve it. I also hear your friend is here too. Wanna see him? I bet you two could reminisce about how beat up you two are."

"If he's still asleep, we're sneaking into his room, got it?"

"Uh huh. I'm sure you mean 'limping', right?"

"Oh hahaha... You lead the way."

She gets off him and begins walking around, walking down some stairs.

''Drake gets up and staggers along, closely following Kanshimi. ''"So are you still mad at me?"

"That depends, are you sorry for saying you'd kill me again?"

''Drake nods. ''

"Good boy, I was going to put a curse on you which causes any and all steaks you tried to eat to burn to ash."

"Heh, I doubt you could do that, but I can't afford to see if that's true... So how long has it been since I even said that?"

"Who knows," Kanashimi replies. They find an open door, where Akami and Kado are inside, though Kado is asleep and a bit sickly compared to how he looked last time.

''Drake walks over and looks at the asleep Kado, he looks at Kanashimi and whispers. ''"So that's what he looks like... Let's change that up a bit..." ''He opens up his HSC and grabs out a marker pen and lightly draws on Kado's face, drawing lovehearts and some profanities. When he's done, he gets the mask Drake spraypainted pink and puts it on Kado. ''"And just like that, a masterpiece is born." ''He looks at Kanashimi and nods. ''"Alright, we can go now."

Drake feels a light tap on his shoulder, and as soon as he turns around a great pain hits him square in the middle of his face and he's sent flying out the room

Akami: Seriously, man? Markers? On a sick man? Talk about disrespect.

''She can hear laughter coming from Drake. ''"Says the one who just punched someone who's wounded to all hell, nice going there."

Akami: You're an intruder. When you intrude, I have rights to defense, cause I don't know you. Stranger walking into a room and draw on a sick persons face? Reason enough.

"Kado knows me, calm your tits lady." ''Drake replies as he stands up and walks back in, looking at Akami. ''"So then who are you, his partner or something?"

Akami: I don't know that he knows you. Hasn't said anything about you, so until he says so: Get a towel and clean his face. And the next time you say a single word about my tits, you're going to be missing yours.

"Ok, three things lady. One, I'm not cleaning his face. Two, I'm male so I don't have tits. Three..." ''Drake unsheaths Kurai, with the runes on the blade pulsing red. ''"You even decide to attack me, you'll lose both your arms and have your head on a plate before you can even blink. Besides, you may as well wait until Kado wakes up, it'll be something to remember."

Akami: Tits are nipples, dumbass. And you wouldn't have to clean his face if you didn't draw on it in the first place. And another, I'm not dying unless it's a noble death. And one last thing, you are no friend of his if this is what you do to him in during his current state.

"Then you should of said that I would be missing my nipples then, also, I'm not going to clean his face, and your too stuck up to do it yourself. So it looks like I win here, we wait until Masky here awakens."

Akami: And your retarded as hell, just so you can get a laugh out of doodling on a another man's face. How old are you? 8?

''Drake simply chuckles as he looks at Kado, then Akami. ''"There's no point in being grown up if you can't act childish sometimes."

Akami: But face doodling? Any other jokes you could've thought of? And you couldn't have waited until he wasn't sick?

"Well, it was that or use a fog horn on him. And if he wasn't sick, he would be aware, and for a prank to work, the victim needs to be unaware." ''Drake sighs. ''"Losen up a bit, learn to have some fun in your life you dull bastard."

Akami: I'll have "fun" when my kind isn't being hunted, contained, or killed, or when the hungry, elderly, and the financially poor are back on their feet...

"Ah, you're a Mytho then... Well, like it or not, that's not going to happen ever. Even if you have world piece, I promise you that there will be someplace where the Mytho are treated horribly."

Akami: That's something I refuse to believe...

"Then who is truly the dumbass here."

A really dark feeling comes over the space.

"''Get out. Both of you. Before I skin you alive and toss you both into a salt pit, and then into a pit of maggots!" ''Neo's voice growls.

"Akami, stop punching him. Drake, do that again and I'll tear that limp noodle between your legs clean off."

"Well well well, morning sunshine." ''Drake smirks. ''"So, what happened with you?"

Akami: I apologize. I shouldn't have escalated with this argument any further. *walks out of the room*

Kado's body is covered by a thick veil of shadow, red lines cross all over his body. The mask violently disintegrates.

"GET. OUT."

"Fine fine, oh, and you forgot the marker on your face." ''Drake says as he chuckles, but moments after, just as he walks out of the door, his voice grows serious. ''"When you do feel like getting off your ass, we need to talk." Drake then walks out the room.

The markings on his face burn off. Drake almost feels as though a strangling force is lifted off his neck after exiting.

"Hmph... Still an all serious person." ''Drake sighs as he looks at Akami. ''"And you put up with that."

Akami: He never gave me a problem. Well one, but it wasn't bad.

"That's because you're like him."

Akami: He is fellow comrade and like all them, we work hand-in-hand.

"Like all them? We? This sounds like he's made a small group of friends." Drake chuckles.

Seriah appears beside Drake. "You were fighting again, weren't you?"

"...Possibly... Also, where the hell did you come from?!"

"I can be anywhere I want."

"Oh... That's helpful for you, isn't it?"

Akami: Who are you talking to?

"Someone that isn't dull, or boring and knows how to have fun."

Akami: *sighs*

''Drake just starts to walk off. ''"Oh, when Kado wakes up, tell him to meet me and a friend in the dining hall, then we can take him to see Azayakana, got it?"

"You shouldn't be so mean! You should apologize to that nice girl!"

"Let me remind you that she did punch me out of a room because of a harmless prank..."

"She was only protecting a friend she cares about who happens to be under the weather, don't tell me that you wouldn't get mad if someone did that to Nori if she was in a similar state?"

''Drake sighs. ''"Yeah... Fair enough, I'll apologize later. But for now, we go to the dining room and wait I guess."

She follows after Drake, Kanashimi lingering for a moment. She looks at Akami.

"Sorry about the ol' man. He's too immature for his own good. Of course, I got that from him too, but... don't take it too personally." She walks off after Drake, not bothering to hide her angelic wings.

''He looks at Kanashimi. ''"Y'know you don't have to sympathise with her."

"Neither do I you. You have been acting like a dick lately, you know. That's why."

"Because I don't want to be here, I want to be at Yosai, kicking White, Torrent and Kagerou's fucking teeth in for taking Noriko away."

"Yeah, and the last time you tried doing something like that, you got your ass beat and ended up looking like a mummy with a wretched sunburn, not to mention that's how I and Kagerou came about in the first place."

"That was then, and I'll go do it again with a damn smile if it meant that Noriko would be safe."

"Drake, considering what happened last time, I absolutely forbid you just run off on your own like that again. Nothing would change. Admit it, you need help, old man, and I have no intention of letting you charge off to your mindless meaningless self sacrifice of a death. I want to see her safe, but I want my old man back safe too, you got that?"

''Drake looks at her before sighing. ''"I'm not saying that you're wrong, but if it's a last resort, I will go there myself. Besides, if I die there, I'll make sure I'll take the lot of them with me." He chuckles.

"You're not going alone. Ever. If you go, I go too."

"...Wow, you are stubborn as all hell. Kana, if you went with me, you would die too."

"Do you think I give a fuck? I've died already anyway."

"Yeah, but the chances of you coming back is gone..."

"Again, do you think I give a damn, Drake? I don't."

"But I do. Alright? If I didn't care, I wouldn't have brought you back, I don't want you to follow in my footsteps and redo the mistakes I did. So, if I end up going to Yosai, I'm going by myself, I don't want you to die."

Kanashimi's right eye glows, bright red. "And I just said I don't give a damn!" She snaps, kicking him between the legs.

However, it doesn't connect, as a large shadowy mass has blocked the attack.

"...The heck?" She turns to see Kado limping out of the room he was in, a dark aura about him.

''Drake looks at Kanshimi with slight annoyance, he then looks over at Kado. ''"Well well well, look who's finally up."

".....What happened to Noriko?" He rasps. One of his eyes is a dull red.

"Torrent and a new Chaos Engine attacked me and my group while on our way to Chinmoku's city, they managed to beat us down and take Noriko to Yosai."

"...." He looks at Kanashimi for a moment, his eyes narrowing slightly as does. He then pushes past them and keeps going, even though he looks visibily ill.

"Where do you think you're going, Kado, we're supposed to drag you to see Azayakana."

He stops. "Then, hurry up."

''Drake looks at Kado with slight concern before getting a serious expression on his face and nodding, following up with him. ''"Alright, then we should be going to the top of this tower."

Akami: *follows close behind them*

"Oh, she's coming along... Ok. Kado, please tell me who she is."

"...." He doesn't say anything, but follows what Drake said, taking the stairs.

"Well, you're talkative today, aren't you."

"I'm tired..." He grunts.

"Well someone's grumpy..." Kanashimi remarks, though also elbows Drake.

Seriah manifests behind them, following.

"So can I ask, the hell happened to you?"

Akami: ''Man this place is...definately something else. I just pray Kado can get better. He definatley acts like Obi whenever he's woken up early, only more tired, less rage.''

"...I'm not in top form... ...I'm here to fix that." They reach the top of the Tower, where Azayakana sits at the other end of the flat tower's top.

A massive sea of pure white clouds drifts just below them, only an inch below in fact. The woman appears to be drawing on scrolls.

Akami: *is astonished* Oh My Gosh, this tower actually does lead to Heaven! The liars...

The woman smiles, the same one they saw on top of the tower coming in.

"Are you the queen they talked about?" Kado speaks up tiredly.

"My name is Azayakana, and yes, I am queen of spirits. However this is not actually Heaven, my apologies. My status as a goddess is partially responsible for the name. Though it is a heavenly sight. It is however a haven, for souls who are lost and seek direction. Welcome, Akami... Halfdragon?" She adds, not knowning her surname.

"And to you, Kado Spiritwood, one of my own flesh of many generations. You seek guidance, and purpose. You seek stablity and assurance. I can help you, but only through part of the journey. The rest is up to you.

Kado nods. "I understand."

The queen looks at Drake and Kanashimi. "If you can be respectful of the undertaking to be done, then you may stay. Should you choose to mock the young child, I will ask you to leave immediately."

"I have my own plans." ''Drake glances at Kanashimi, then Kado, then his eyes narrow at Akami. ''"Akami Halfdragon... Pfft, sure." ''Drake turns and starts to go back down the tower. ''"Kana, stay here if you want, ok? You don't need to keep following me." He desends further down

Akami: My last name is Stormman. After Obi's last name.

Accepting One's Self
Azayakana nods her head. "I see. Well met then. Now, this training... it is not like most training. Kado, come here." He beckons Kado foward.

He slowly approaches, unsure.

Azayakana indicates for him to sit down in front of her, and once he has, she places her hands on his cheeks and makes him look her in the eyes.

"Don't look away, and don't fight me. I am going to make you into Ace for a while." Before Kado can pull away, she adds, "The reason I am going to do this is to clearly define the existence of both Ace and Neo. Once we have done this, we can more properly define you, and give you your own strength to rely on. You won't have to rely on them anymore, and you will not feel them unless you ask for their presence. However, this is the first step."

Akami: *sits down, watching attentively*

Azayakana does not remove her hands, but Akami sense an energy coming from Azayakana, and flowing into Kado, who right away is starting to change into Ace, but this time is actually becoming a full grown Ace, rather than her previous child forms. Kado seems to be in mild pain though, twitching and sweating on occasion while this takes place. Once it is done, Ace collapses and comes to end up laying on Azayakana, tired.

"Wake up, young Ace. The world is before you," Azayakana speaks, and slowly Ace lifts up, a brilliant clarity in her gold eyes.

"...Huh....? Where am I?" She says softly.

"You are safe, and that is all that matters, you were brought here to be trained by me. Are you ok?"

"...I think so...." She says slowly.

Azayakana looks at Akami. "It's done, you can come over now."

Akami: *gets up and walks over to where they are* What is there to do now?

"You are going to teach her as well. I cannot fight, but you can. You are going to teach her how to fight, but you must be gentle. Physically she is much more frail than you, a full throttle punch would leave her hospitalized. I am going to teach her how to understand and commune with her own power. You must show her how to survive in this world, much like Obidah showed you and taught you what you know, now it is your turn to teach this fledgling spirit."

Akami: *nods* I will oblige, ma'am.

"Right then." She looks at a servant. "Kindly bring us food. We'll be here a while."

"Of course, my lady." The servant departs.

Akami: Is there anything else you must do?

"I must train her so that she can use her powers on her own. Have you noticed that on occasion, she doesn't seem hurt when she should?"

Akami: i...yea I...guess.

"Do you remember a time where you were really scared and everything just sort of... shut down, and when you came back, what scared you went away?" She asks Ace.

"Hmmmm... ...Oh yeah, Big Mean Obi blew up our nice cabin, made it go 'boom!'. I was so scared, but nothing happened, not even a splinter!" She says cheerfully.

Akami: That happens when he has to repeat himself.

"Still a big meanie..."

Azayakana smiles faintly. "Think you can do it again?"

Ace looks at her oddly. "How?"

"Just try, Akami, take one of these balls and throw it at Ace." She hands Akami a plushie ball.

Akami: Alright. *looks at ace,then pulls her arm back and throws a curve ball at her*

Azayakana holds Ace still when she tries to move away, and just when Akami thinks it is going to smack Ace straight in the face, her pupils dilate to thin points and the ball stops abruptly, a mere inch away.

Akami: Oh My  God, she's a telekinetic too?

Akami's vision flickers in response, and she sees a strange aura about the ball, which disappears just as the ball falls down and Ace's eyes return to normal.

"No, Matter Manipulation."

Akami: Whoa. Learn something new everyday.

"As Kado was once one united being, had he not been split apart like he is, he would have the combined powers today of Neo AND Ace. The boy would have been a powerful spirit."

Akami: I bet, but has he ever used their powers before?

Azayakana shrugs. "As he is now, he can't use them. The one time he most likely did is when he actually split himself into this current state. Though to be honest, I don't know how he wasn't simply just torn in two and that be the end of it. .....The will required alone to... ...I couldn't fathom such a thing."

Akami: I could...

"Oh?"

Akami: I am half dragon after all. When it come to balanced hybrids, one side will try to become dominant over the other. My dragon side was stronger than my human side. If it weren't for dad, I would be soaring through the Heavens on Earth instead of here. It may not be close to what Kado might be going through, but it is something close. Even Segura and Torem had the same problem.

"I see. That does make sense. I wish you all luck. Now Ace, I want you to join me in mediation."

Ace has a disapointed face. "But that sounds boring!"

"Trust me, we can get to the cool parts later. You have to learn how to willingly control your energy to start with."

After a little more motivation, the two spirits begin their session, initally Ace does not seem keen, but she soon seems to be enjoying it.

Akami: *sits down and begins to do meditation on her own as they do theirs*

Off and on, the two seem to be switching routines, from meditating to practicing what looks like a yoga exercise.

Akami: *comes out from her meditation* What are you doing now?

"Giving her a sense of herself," Azayakana says vaguely as she continues.

Akami: By stretching?

"Spiritual awareness requires multiple aspects, including awareness of body." The spirit elaborates.

Akami: Oh, I see because it works hand-in-hand.

"Yes. Even our young must learn to become spiritually aware before they themselves can join us within the Spirit Realm. Our children are born pretty much humans, and through their own path become one of us. Ace has not yet been attuned to herself or The Balance."

Akami: I can see now. What's in the Spirit Realm?

"Life, Death. Good, Evil. Love, Hatred. It is a world of balance. It serves as a counter weight. A counter weight to the world of the living and the world of the dead. Just as Echo is a counterweight to Earth. Disrupt the weight, and what happens?" She asks Akami.

Akami: Off balance.

"The word you're looking for is imbalance, yes, but more than that. In a balanced system, when something happens on one side, in order to rebalance the system, the system does what is natural: do what happened to one side, to the other. The Spiritual Realm balances the World of the Living and the Realm of the Dead. In fact, there is such a system tied to Earth and Echo. They are twins, you see. Made by the same God. They are so alike, that they share each other's trauma."

Azayakana begins showing Ace various stances, and then nods after a moment. She then places a ball before Ace and directs her to lift it with something the queen calls a 'Spirit Hand'.

Akami: God made another Earth?

"...Well, in a sense. It is very much possible the Earth may cease to exist. In such an event, there were copies made. Each one given a guardian. Or several. Of course, that is what I believe is the case, as there is to my knowledge, only Echo. ...The one thing unknown, or unclear to me, is where or who the guardian of this world is.

But you could say that it is another Earth. ...Though it's more like a sister world, than a direct clone or copy. Nevertheless, there is a balancing force that exists in both worlds, that acts once either one's balance is disrupted. The last war with the Kanjo Gods, the Elemental Warlords, happened during an event you may be familiar with as the Fantasy Reality War, as well as during the World Wars. There have been many wars between the elementals and shapeshifters, but the last one actually ended along with the Fantasy Reality War. It began with World War I. If calamity occurs on one side, it will happen with the other. It's how the worlds maintain their balance. Same goes for peace. When one side strives for change and equality, a similar force will grow on the other."

After a while, the ball rises up. Azayakana then has Ace make it orbit around her head, which takes longer to pull off.

Akami: Man...You definately don't read anything like that in the Bible

Azayakana shrugs. "Just because it isn't in the Bible doesn't mean it isn't true. It is his message to men. He probably doesn't want Earth knowing about it unless it is nessisary. It's a back up world, that doesn't mean Earthlings can just claim it as theirs. If anything, he has basically decreed the Kanjo are the custodians, the caretakers of the world. Man was given the Earth, we were given Echo."

Akami: Sounds totally legit, but you know how some humans are. Overtime, their gonna want to take things for themselves. It's happened through out history.

"We have the Guardian for that.... ...wherever or whoever they are. Alright, enough, we'll continue this tomorrow." She says to Ace.

Sukina comes up the tower. "Ah, Sukina. Take Ace to the dressing ward." Sukina nods, gently taking Ace's hand and taking her back down the stairs.

"She needs more time before she can train with you," She says to Akami.

Akami: Take all the time you need. I'll be here.

"Rest yourself, a girl like you needs it."

Ace is brought up in similar garb as the Queen's, a kimono soft shades of lavender, and her hair has been styled with a flower hair pin. She is looking somewhat self concious of her appearance.

Akami: *looks at Ace* You look very pretty. We might as well make a club for kimono girls, huh?

"...Do I?" Ace asks hesitantly. In the self confidence department, Ace seems to be really lacking.

Akami: Yea. Like a Chinese princess of sorts.

Azayakana seems to be looking at Ace in an unreadable manner, quiet. It almost looks as though she is thinking. After a moment, she sighs. "You are both dismissed for the night."

Akami: Ok. Where do we sleep?

"In the same room as you were before, if you wish. There are plenty of spare rooms in the upper levels. I will have Sukina summon you in the morning to join the rest of us in breakfast."

Akami: Alright. Thanks. *gets up and heads off*

Ace quickly follows suit, keeping close to Akami. The Queen watches them go, though more specifically her gaze is on Ace.

"...I must be sure. I need more time..." She mutters to herself, then begins to draw.

Akami: *says her prayers, then gets into bed*

In the adjacent bed, Ace looks uncomfortable. "...Hey Akami?" She asks quietly.

Akami: Yea? You good?

"...I can't feel them in my mind. It's... so empty... it feels weird..."

Akami: Yea, now you can get twice the better sleep, right?

"...You don't understand... I've always heard their voices... It's so... empty... at the same time, I've never felt like I've belonged in this body than now, but... it's as if they don't even exist anymore... it feels scary."

Akami: Ah, it's getting used to something you thought you'd never live without. When you live with something for so long and then it's gone, it's just your not used to it. It's common with most people.

"I..." She hugs herself, not knowing what to do. "...For so long, it was like seeing through someone else's eyes, wearing a piece of clothing... ...but it feels as though I was born since the beginning in this body, like I've always been here... ...nothing feels like someone else's body, just... Ace... ...You don't think she got rid of them and replaced them with me, do you?" She asks worriedly.A

Akami: *gets out of bed and puts her hand on Ace's shoulder* I really don't know. Maybe she's going to help them get to where you are. You'll get used to it and they'll be fine too.

"...I hope so..." Ace begins to slowly tuck herself into bed.

Akami: Goodnight, Ace. *kisses her on the forehead and walks back over to her bed*

Ace quietly lays there for a while, before slowly closing her eyes.

Akami: *gets under her covers and goes to sleep*

Later...

Ace and Azayakana continue their training, during the practice Akami starts noticing strange rippling in the air, like heatwaves, around Ace.

Akami: *is dong her exercises*

The Queen is seen whispering to Ace, and then after a few minutes, Akami feels someone tap on her shoulder.

Akami: *peeks behind from the corner of her eye*

There is no one there, but Ace giggles.

Akami: Not falling for it twice. *continues to exercise*

She feels a couple more taps.

Akami: *ignores them* If there's something you need from me then ask.

The tapping continues.

Akami: *begins to get more and more irritated*

"Hey Akami?"

Akami: Yes?

More tapping. "I think you need to look behind you."

Akami: If I look behind, will you promise. Promise. To stop tapping me?

"Mayyyyybe," She says with a smile.

Akami: *sighs* *looks behind*

There is a large steaming apple pie floating behind her.

Akami: Ooohhh. Piiie. *takes the pie*

Ace smiles wearily, and Akami notice she is pale. "I brought it all the way up from the kitchen... ....which was at the bottom floor... ...that was harder than you think..."

Akami: You ok there, Ace? You look like a ghoul.

"That's mean... ....just tired..."

Akami: Then go get some rest then. We don't want everyone thinking that you're dying, now would we?

"I'll be fine..." Ace says with a sigh. "Now eat your pie!" She says cheerfully.

Akami: Ok, I need a fork though.

A fork pops into being in front of Akami, then Ace sits down, sweating a little.

"She is doing well."

Akami: I knew she would. *takes the first bite of the pie*

Ace continues to train for the next couple hours.

Akami: *finishes her pie, and licks off whats left of it off her lips* Yum.

Ace eventually is allowed to have a break, and begins napping, the queen gently covers her in a soft blanket.

Akami: Is her training almost complete?

The queen sighs. "She's getting there. She still needs time."

Akami: Hm. Is there anything I can do? Cause I haven't been doing shit load of nothing for a while now, and I don't like being productive.

"In a little bit, yes. You'll train her how to fight and defend herself."

Akami: Ok, buuuut your not done training her though, right?

"No, not yet."

Ace continues resting for another hour, before she begins to wake up.

Akami: *is practicing the Snake fighting style* Afternoon.

"Mmmmm...." She gets up and stretches.

Akami: Go ahead and get at it. You've got alot more training to do and I'm starting to regret coming along.

While the Queen stretches, Ace curiously takes her brush and scrolls and is now doodling, though the Queen only notices once Ace mimics her and marks a '.'

After a minute, the scroll disappears and suddenly transforms into a blue colored bird, and the Queen goes incredibly visibly pale at the sight.

Akami: Seriously, is that natural for you guys to be looking like that?

"Did she just... use...?"

Akami: Hello. My name is Akami and I'm the one who isn't here ignoring you."

Azayakana suddenly grips Ace. "Do it again." Ace looks nervous.

"A-Am I in trouble....?" She puts the brush down.

"N-no no no, paint something else," The queen says hurriedly and excitedly.

Akami: OH MY GOD! Why won't you people tell me what's happening?! Is this anyway you treat a visitor?! Treat him like he ain't worth dime?! Much less a penny?!

Azayakana looks over at Akami. "...She just created a bird." She looks back at Ace. "Please, show me again." Ace quietly begins doodling, though slightly unsure due to the reaction of the queen, and once she finishes, another bird is created, and the Queen seems to have a hushed, reverent air looking at Ace.

"...A spirit that can use the Brush..." She says breathlessly. "I never imagined I'd see this day..."

Akami: Sooo liike, she's She-Jesus or something? What does that mean?

The queen lets out a soft laugh. "No, nothing like... ...err... 'She Jesus'. ...Until now, I'm the only spirit that has been able to use the Brush. It helps me channel my power and create lifeforms. She's the only other spirit I've met that can use this power of mine as well. ...She's the only one spirit right now that could serve as my heir. ...You could say... ...that the prospect is overwhelming."

Akami: Isn't someone like you immortal or something? Or do you have a retirement plan in mind?

"No. I am not immortal. I may have many long years of life, but I can die. ...From various things. ...And things aren't how they used to be..."

Akami: So you're eternal?

"I don't die of old age, but someone can stab me and kill me."

Akami: Oh I see. With like some enchanted weapon of sorts?

"...Can we not talk about violence...?"

Akami: Violence? I was talking about a weapon type, but sure.

Azayakana sighs. "Thank you." She gets up, though Akami can see a more passionate energy in the Queen's eye. "Shall we continue training, Ace?"

The girl nods, and eagerly continues her exersizes. After a while, she glances at the scrolls. "You can learn how to use the scrolls some more later," Aza says with a smile.

Ace smiles, then begins training more excitedly.

Akami: Man, she sure has it easy. When it was me and Obi, things were hard as hell.

Flashback

Young Akami: *is struggling as she's pushing a boulder up hill*

Obi: Puush! Puuush!

Young Akami: It's...too heavy, Dad! The gravity is making it too heavy...I can't push!

Obi: Fuck Gravity! Use the Force! Puuush!

Young Akami: I can't push any further, Dad!

Obi: Not that 'force', you ninnie! Puush!

Flashback

Obi: *is slightly hunched over* Ok. Try to hit me.

Akami does so but is easly blocked and hit over the head

Obi: Ooooohhhhh reflexeeeeessss...

Flashback

Obi: *holds out a pebble in his hand* Try to take this pebble from my hand, Akami-sama.

Akami tries to snatch it but Obi moves his hand and slaps her hand

Young Akami: Ow! *rubs her hand*

Obi: Again

Young Akami: *tries to snatch it again but Obi moves his hand and slaps her hand once again*

Akami: Ow!

Obi: You must learn patience, Akami-sama. Otherwise you will be like the chicken who crossed the road.

Young Akami: Why did it crossing the road...

Obi: Trying to stop those pesky cows from setting up another 'Eat More Chicken' ad for Chic-Fil-A.

Young Akami: Uuuuuggghhh what?

Obi: Again.

Akami tries and tries again to snatch the pebble out of Obi's hand

Flashback ends

Akami: *sigh* Those were the days...

The two spirits are appearing to be meditating, when all of a sudden, the two begin to levitate off the ground about an inch, and both begin glowing.

Akami: Why can't I do that when I'm meditating? Oh yea, half human. Damn!

Without warning, the two suddenly flicker and disappear, and for a while, it is quiet, until Akami feels a finger poking her cheek.

"''Can you see me?" ''Ace's voice rings out in the air, but no one is nearby.

Akami: What? *looks around but sees nothing*....Speak Lord, Thy servant hears you..

"''No it's me, Akami!" ''Ace pops back into view right next to her. "So you couldn't see me then..."

Akami: *is completely surprised* Oh shit! How did you get there?

"I went into the Spirit Realm!"

Akami: Oh that's...greaaat...Spirit Realm, you say?

"Yea!" She suddenly gives Akami a tight hug.

Akami: *chuckles* Well I'm glad for you. *rubs Ace's hair*

Azayakana laughs as she reappears. "She may be grown physically, but she's still quite a child, wouldn't you say?" She sighs.

"I believe that will be enough for her spiritual training, at least for the present moment. Now, Akami, I want you to train her physically. But be warned, she is still as meek as she was when you met her, most likely. So start gentlely if you can."

Akami: *nods and stands up* I have the perfect start.

Ace looks at Akami. "What are we playing?" She asks curiously.

Outside

A pile of small boulders are right across from the spot Ace is standing. Ace stand behind a chalk line

Akami: Here's what you're gonna do. You're gonna take 1 or 2 boulders at a time and carry them over back to where you're standing and set them down. Then repeat. There's twenty of them. Begin.

Ace looks at the boulders disheartened. "All of them...?"

Akami: They certainly ain't gonna move themselves. Be glad they're small. Let's go!

She runs over to a boulder and begins lifting it, grunting and straining a moment, then begins returning it to where she stood, but shows problems being able to hold it.

Akami: This is to help your physical strength. This exercise helps with the arms and the chest aswell as the legs.

Ace is huffing and puffing, little muscle if any at all only making her task more difficult, but she does it without complaint, and sets down the boulder, tiredly returning to pick another up.

"I imagine this will take a while. She's spent all of her life inside of Kado's mind and soul, never in the real world."

Akami: I see. I don't want to start her off too too hard, but just enough to where I can actually begin to teach her all I know. I'm shaping her up, to build her up.

Ace continues, at a slow pace.

After some minutes go by, Ace finally gets the last boulder behind the line

''"H-h-how'd... I do....?" ''Ace wheezes.

Akami: You did good. Get some water a snack or something and take five.

Ace falls on her rear and sighs, tired. The queen hands her a glass of water, and she begins gulping it down greedily.

Akami: You might wanna give her a taller glass. The next one is gonna be quite tiresome.

The queen offers the girl a bigger glass, as well as some fruits, Ace appears to be rather ravenous as she continues.

After Ace finishes

Akami: Alright. Your next exercise is to take that boulder and hold it high above you head.

Ace lets out a small squeak of despair, before beginning to attempt to lift it.

Akami: I warn you though, you're gonna feel the burn in round about a minute, so feel free to walk around until I say you can drop it.

She tries to lift it up, grunting with the strain.

Akami: Geez. I didn't think she would be this out of shape. This might take a lot longer than I thought.

Azayakana creates chairs for the two of them. "She's recently transitioned into a proper spiritual being. Our strength can be very much dependent on energy level. ...Which sometimes means the young ones will eat a ton before they are even close to satisfied."

Ace manages to lift the boulder over her head, though she is shaking visibly.

Akami: Keep up like that until I tell you to drop it. Feel fre to move about to keep your mind off the pain.

Her knees start wobbling.

Akami: Don't give out now. Keep it up.

"She seems equal parts weak and equal parts extremely hungry. We're going to need to give her plenty of time to gorge herself."

Akami: Food and working out doesn't go together.

"It's more of an energy thing. Unless you want her to feed off  your energy or something."

Akami: Mmm. You can drop it for now.

Ace drops it gratefully, collapsing once she is done.

"Something with sugar might keep her going for a while," Aza suggests.

Akami: She needs vegetables and milk. Lots of it.

"She still needs the energy. And protein."

Akami: And she needs the strength, Before she. *takes a stick off of the ground and snaps it in two* Snap like twig. *she says in some Asian accent*

Azayakana closes her eyes. "First part of muscle building: protein. But yes, Calcium is important too. Please don't talk to me about what a child needs to eat, in multiple terms I have been a mother, both figuratively and literally. A mother to the lineage that would become the emperors of Chinmoku, and the mother of all living things on this world. I think I understand basic nutrients, thank you kindly."

Akami: Then makes sure she get's some gosh darned calcium. She'll be needed alot of it for awhile if she's going to withstand our next exercises.

"...You aren't exactly a respectful one, are you?"

Akami: I'm respectful. Just that this place is rubbing off on me the wrong way. If there's one thing I take after my father the most, is that is only so much shit I can put up with, which is not alot. You screw things up with me, next you'll know is people will be asking, 'What happened to your face?".

The Queen gives her a frown. "That isn't called being respectful. That's called having an absentmindedly short temper."

Akami: And that's called 'thinking that you know something'.

"Akami, dear, I do know something. A great many somethings. About thirteen thousand years worth of somethings. Probably even more, I've lost count of my age. I'm not sure where your attitude is coming from, but I would ask that you drop it. I haven't done anything to you."

Akami: Neither have I and here we are. Thirteen thousand years or more doesn't apply to the one person you don't know. Like me having an "attitude". I'm speaking to you in a calm, civilized manner. In all honesty I am complaining, but I do have right to.And with me being "short-tempered". Is like I said, I have a very little tolerance for certain things. Like people judging me for one cause they think they instantly know me just as soon as I stepped foot in this place. But you know what? It's good. We can drop it if you want.

"An attitude can be perceived, even if it is false. You talk with your fists more than your mouth, a mistake for one so young like yourself. Just not too long ago, you were going on about 'screw things up with me', and 'what happened to your face?', and carried on that subject as though some how I or someone else here gave you trouble."

Aza pauses to look at Ace. "Calcium and Protein really isn't worth anything here anyway. She doesn't have a normal body. Her form is but a capsule containing her spiritual energy. She needs more raw power than anything, which is why I mentioned sugar. With her, it's both physical, and energy management. I wasn't criticizing you."

Akami: Then how did this conversation start? Believe me, I wouldn't have said those things if no one had done me wrong.

"Like this: Some sugar might keep her going. That's all I said. I suggested energy and protein. You're trying to get her to become stronger, are you not?"

Akami: I am. And I you make sure she gets just that. I'm trying to see here how you thought I was having an attitude.

Sukina walks up. "I would imagine it was your talk of essentially punching my lady's face in that gave her that impression. You yourself painted that assumption into her mind. Would you like something to drink?" She asks, holding a cup of warm cocoa.

Akami: That wasn't until this conversation progressed. And no thank you, I'll simply have water.

"You initiated it, Akami."

Akami: Yes, ma'am. But tell me how though since you happen to know so much.

Sukina swats her with a fan, which smarts for a full minute after. "Enough, know the correct time and place."

Akami: Well you sure appeared as if it was.

Everything stops abruptly

Akami:*is shocked* Whoa,whoa,whoa,whoa. What?

Akamiiii. Akamiiiiiiiii

Akami: *is confused* Hm?

An ethereal vision of Obi appears

Obi: Akamiiiii. It's meee. Your fawdeeeerrr.

Akami: Dad? What are doing here? How did you get here? And did you say fodder?

Obi: I said fawder, not fodder! Jesus, you so slow! I'm speak to you telepathicsly, like Charles Xavier.

Akami: I don't know who that is.

Obi: He is a psychic cripple with cancer.

Akami: Oh. That's bad.

Obi: Sure is. I cam to tell you, to 'Shut up and be woman!' Simply apologize and continue on with life. Right now you're giving me a bad name, cause I can do good job of that all by myself. I don't need you fucking it up for me. I know these people seem like a bunch of assumptions, self-righteous picks. Which they sort of are, but this is they're land. You must abid by their rules and customs, as long as it isn't circumventing what I've taught you. Accept responsibility, cause right now, you wine like little bitch. I know these people sort of got on your bad side, but you need to calm your balls....Ovaries...whichever. You escalatored further than you needed to. Let them say all they shit they want, as long you keep a calm and clear sense of judgementses. I raised you right. Don't be going out places acting a fool. Like I said, I can do that myself. *hugs Akami and then begins to disappears* Good-bye Akamiiii, take care of yourself and that whiny-little pick whose name is totally irrelevance. Bye my chiiillld....*disappears*

Everything reverts to normal time

Akami: I apologize Lady Sukina, Lady Azayakana. I shouldn't have treated you both disrespectfully or smart-mouthed you. U promise it will not happen again as long as I am here.

Nobuyuki: The Sword of Balance
Kanashimi soon follows, and on their way down, they meet a man with brown hair, and brown eyes wearing a long white overcoat, watching them come down with his arms crossed.

"Greetings, you are Drake and Kanashimi Ryunexo?" He asks.

''Drake brushes past him. ''"Mhmm, why'd you ask."

"It would occur to me that you might like training," He says casually. "The two of you need all the help you can get, and I can tell just by looking the girl hasn't been trained by a master before."

"..." ''Drake stops and turns his head towards the man, an annoyed expression on his face. ''"What, and you think you could train her?"

"Hmmm, yes. I believe I could. I'll be taking the boy Kado under my wing once Azayakana is finished training his positive spirit, Ace. ...Right, introductions. I am the sword sage Nobuyuki. You won't find a better person to train someone. She has multiple physiologies, such as Spirit and Endlos. I know multiple connections beside myself that could help further enhance her potential. She is a Chaos Engine, correct?"

''Drake's eyes narrow at Nobuyuki. ''"One that's been freed, yes."

"If you doubt me or my intentions, you will find no flaw in character in mine blade." He says evenly.

"Though if you wish to test me, you might find yourself back in the medical ward again." He warns.

In response, Drake places his hand on Kurai's handle and he gives Nobuyuki a cold stare.

"So you don't trust me after all then. You have nothing to gain through turning down the help of others." He says simply, and begins to walk on.

"I'd kind of like to have a trainer though," Kanashimi remarks.

''Drake looks at Kanashimi. ''"Then go with him, if you need to improve, then go ahead." Drake then walks to his room.

"Why are you acting like that? You're different Drake, what's wrong?" Seriah asks, concerned.

''Seriah notices that Drake's energy is constantly changing, fluxing, she can't pinpoint it. But she can tell that he's angered, distraught and faintly panicing. ''"I just can't wait any longer... I need to get to Yosai, I need to get her back."

Seriah hugs him. "But you will. But you need the help of your friends. Please wait... I will be there for you too. That's me and Kanashimi on your side. And I'm sure once Kado is better, he'll help too. Your friends will help you, but you need to give us more time. We'll help make the White Witch pay, and get Noriko back."

''She notices that the feelings Drake has are still there, but they seemed to mellowed out. Surprisingly, he hugs Seriah, tightly. ''"Ok... Ok... If I have to wait... Then I will, I'm not going to like waiting..." ''Drake then chuckles. ''"I have to wait for you three to catch up. Oh... And sorry for not playing with you before your transformation."

"Don't be, it was me just being a silly kid. And don't worry, I'm already strong enough to fight."

''Drake lets go of Seriah then sits on the edge of the bed. ''"I guess... So now what? Kana is off training with that new person."

Seriah sees a spider and suddenly firmly clings to Drake like a cat. "EEEEEEEK! SPIDER! NO! AWAY! AWAY!" She whimpers. The spider in question is no larger than a teaspoon measurement.

"I guess you did retain some of your young self's characteristics... It's not harmful, look." Drake puts his open hand near the spider.

It raises its front legs aggressively, then suddenly runs, not before blasting his face with a large, sticky web. It runs into the corridor and out of sight.

"...Not all bastards are spiders, but all spiders are bastards..." Drake tears the web off of his face.

Seriah wearily laughs. "I guess it is harmful, to your hair." There is still spider silk firmly stuck to his hair.

''Drake sighs as he tries to pull the web off. ''"God dammit spiders... Why the hair?"

Seriah helps pull off the stubborn strands. "Apparently targeting one's hair contributes to humor in some ways. Maybe the spider thought it was funny?"

''He blinks. ''"...I doubt the spider thought it was funny, the way it had it's legs up, it showed it was threatened."

"Well, maybe it was telling you to take a hike then."

"Hey, I would of left it be if you didn't screech and cling on to me."

"It was going to bite me!" She whines.

"It was going to spray web at you as it did with me, although... I've never seen a spider do that before."

"That would be because my lady was tired of venomous spiders and created a spider that doesn't bite, but shoots webs at its attacker's face. Surprisingly effective. We call them Cannonback Spiders. ...Cause they can shoot those pretty far." Sukina says, popping her head in.

"...Playing God brings out some scary things... Hey Sukina."

"The lady is currently training Ace, teaching her control over her powers. ...Though that might take a while, she's rather frail."

"Funny enough, Kado is strong yet his female counterpart is stupidly weak... I think there's a joke there somewhere."

"Strength is objective, to be honest. She has a hidden strength. Strength he lacks, but he needs. In equal perspective, Neo may be strong, but lacks what the others have as well. Have you met any of his spirits?"

''Drake remembers back at Upnation and chuckles. ''"I think so... Violent one, isn't he?"

"Yes. Though you're a violent one yourself." She looks away.

"Hey, in times like these, you have no choice but to be violent if you're going to partake in what could possibly change entire worlds."

She looks back at him, visibly irritated. "Apparently that's to the point when you need to start choking people just because you are upset with them."

"Oooooo.... ...I think she's still mad about that," Seriah whispers in his ear.

"I can still hear you, angel."

"Without a doubt..." ''Drake stands up and looks at Sukina. ''"Can you answer my question? Why did you give Eien the Slayer, was it to avoid combat because he was your friend? Or couldn't you bother to fight in the first place."

"Tell me, could you bear to turn against your own friend? The one called Daikeim? Could you convince yourself to kill him?"

"If I had to, then yes. I wouldn't like it, but if I had to, then yes. And obviously you don't know what I used to do if you don't think I could convince myself to kill a fellow friend."

She closes her eyes. "A comerade, a friend... ...is more valuable than any money or treasure in this world. The only thing of value in this world is the people within it. No material possession could ever amount to the value of another living being."

"Do you know what I told him that day? That the power you will gain, may not hold the answers you seek?"

"Yes... I do." ''Drake starts to remember all the visions he's had, what Eien has told him and what he found out back at the Palace. ''"...Kio... That's why he wanted the Slayer, and power... That would explain his notes, his lab, his motives against Igna..." ''Drake looks at Sukina. ''"The power he gained may not hold the answers he seek, but they sure as hell will lead him towards it."

"...I'm not going to ask how you know all of that. ...But you're wrong on the last part. The road he walks is toward failure."

She opens her eyes. "When he started to change after Kio, I told him something. 'Hang in there. I'll do anything I can. I'll be by your side, I'll help you, if you only give me the chance.'"

She closes her eyes and sighs. "When I told him that, I meant it. I was working on a way to combat Inga Kankei. However, before I could complete my thesis on the subject, that's when the killings started. One by one, our members disappeared. Close friends of ours too. It was only when it was down to the last four that I realized... ...that someone from within was betraying us. ...only after my husband, the Dark Slayer was killed... ...did I face the reality that it was Eien. My long childhood friend. My closest friend. The one I trusted the most. I refused to believe he would betray me.

...Yet it happened. I made myself disappear and hid in shame. At myself, my failure to save my friends, and at failing to help my friend. He has gained power, but he has walked down the wrong path. ...I know not where he is or what he is actually doing. Only that he walks alone on his path. ...His path of vengeance."

"I don't blame him... Right now, it's his only close family he has, and he'll go as far as he needs to save her..."

"And yet, he has yet to succeed. And I get the impression he is headed for a fall."

"Hmph... If he is, then I'll make it my own duty to save his sister."

"I wish things were that simple in life. Inga is the one being Azayakana cannot forgive the actions of."

''Drake stays silent for a moment before sighing. ''"Nothing is simple in this life, which means if I have to take Eien out to make sure he doesn't go too far. And we both know that will be a difficult if not, impossible task."

"...If it's any help, I may join you to help free your friend. It is the least I can do to correct my mistakes."

''He looks at Sukina for a second before nodding. ''"Yeah, we'll need all the help we can get."

"Oh, and try to choke me again, and you'll find out how very dumb of a desicion that is." She says, as a strange sensation like a finger poking his forehead occurs.

"...I grabbed your shoulders." Drake says, blinking.

"The point stands," She says as the force pokes him in the eye, then she turns and leaves.

''Drake puts his hand over his eye. ''"Ow..." ''He turns to look at Seraih. ''"So... Should we see how Kana is holding up with Nobuyuki?"

She nods.

Out in the courtyard, upon exiting the tower, they can hear how the training is going. "I didn't tell you to lower your sword! Keep going! Left, right, block, dod- no, don't catch my sword with your stomach, try again!"

"Well... That sounds interesting, let's get a closer look."

When they turn the nearest corner, they hear Nobuyuki exclaim, "Are you even trying?! It's not that hard to hit my head, big and round, can't be that hard to miss, or are you just blind?!" Turning the corner, they now see Kanashimi furiously trying to swat Nobuyuki's head with a large wooden stick, but Nobuyuki is dodging so fast, and with such ease, he looks like he's just fooling around at this point. ...Which explains Kanashimi's increasing look of frustration and fury.

"Take this seriously!!!"

"I am, I'm dodging. Slowly."

''Drake leans against a wall. ''"Hmm... Kana! Lunge, swipe ground, barge then thrust!"

Nobuyuki smiles faintly for some reason, and stops dodging, Kanashimi's stick smacks right into his head, but breaks instantly.

"Lesson three: The Real Thing." He manifests a sword and stabs at Kanashimi, who jumps back.

"Woah woah, real swords, come on!"

"Yes, real swords, ones that go, 'pokey pokey stabby stabby'. Now fight!" He says, coming after Kanashimi lightning quick, she however has no weapon, only her stick, which she desperately tries to block with, but with little luck. The next thirty minutes devolves into what is esentially a game of tag, ended once Nobuyuki corners her, then with a sigh makes the sword and staff disappear.

"We'll continue this tommorow, since by now you are probably not going to give me any lip like you did back in lesson one. ...Which we will be repeating tommorow. Wake up at four am sharp. DON'T. Be late."

He walks off, leaving Kanashimi panting, looking absolutely exhausted. Whatever training he'd been doing, he's obviously worked her to the breaking point, and she falls onto her knees, trying to catch her breath.

"Man," She pants, "That guy is mental! He doesn't take any nonsense at all... geez... he had me lifting boulders twice my size..."

''Drake glances at Nobuyuki as he walks off then looks at Kanashimi. ''"...Hmm, still doesn't seem like he lives up to his name... Kana, you alright?" Drake reaches out his hand to help her up.

"I'll... I'll be alright... whew.... man that was tough. Oddly enough, he's called the Sword Sage right? So why doesn't he have a sword? ...Or one you can see? It doesn't look like he carries a sword..."

"Huh... I guess you have a point, I'll look into that... Oh Kana, I have some Cyanican food in my room, help yourself, alright?"

"...Oh, thanks." A curious thing to note, is that the three gold stripes on her left cheek have strangely grown down her neck, and have branched three ways, down toward her chest, and toward both shoulders. At the bottom center part of her collarbone, they join to form a decorative circle, almost like the pendant of a fancy necklace.

''Drake blinks. ''"...That's new, Kana, your stripes have changed a bit."

"WOAH what the heck is this?" After a moment, she frowns. "...I feel sick now."

Unseen by Drake or Kanashimi, Nobuyuki watches in spirit form from afar.

''The former weapon's powers keep shifting. Some times she is overflowing, yet other times it is like the flow of her energy is being cut off completely... ...it would appear something is changing in her.''

''Drake looks at Seriah as he places a hand on Kanashimi's shoulder. ''"Seriah, can you take Kana to her room and make sure she's alright? I'll just be here, so don't worry about me."

She nods, and with a flutter of feathers, disappears with Kanashimi.

Nobuyuki meanwhile has appeared further away, looking deep into a koi pond.

Drake looks over and rolls his eyes before he eventually walks over and looks at the pond.

The Sword Sage seems to be watching the various rather large koi swimming in the large pond, some bigger around than Drake's own hand. He says nothing, but seems content to watch the koi swim around, living in their own little world under the water.

''After a while, Drake just shrugs and sits down, crossing his legs. He creates a small fireball and bounces it on his hand to pass the time.''

After a while, the spirit glances at Drake. "Is there something you need, Ryunexo?"

"Just call me Drake." ''He says before glancing at Nobuyuki. ''"...Where is your blade?"

"My sword is not meant to be used upon those who are not deserving of it. I don't mean that Kanashimi is inferior to me, I mean, my weapon, my true sword, is only to be used to destroy my enemies, and to protect what is closest to me. I will never so much as offer a glimpse of it to anyone except those I protect, and those I destroy. I wield many blades, but the one most powerful of mine blades is reserved for the absolute protection, and the absolute destruction of others."

"I don't mean that, you don't seem to carry one on you... And considering that you're apparently called the 'Sword Sage', don't you think it's a bit... Ironic, that you don't carry one?"

"Well, consider the fact you're not looking at the real me when you say that... Spirits often appear before beings of the flesh as a prefered appearance. Some of us appear as something else than what we actually are. In this case, I have a personal collection of over three thousand individual blades."

"Even that is too many." ''Drake sighs as he looks into the pond one more time before standing up, he blows out the fireball like a candle and starts to walk away. ''"Right, well then, goodnight."

"Personally, I would choose the word 'overkill'. Which is exactly my intention," He muses.

Another sigh is heard as Drake goes back to his room, he falls face first on his bed and has no trouble falling asleep.

At some point in the night, he has another vision, which cuts into his sleep with no warning. In the vision, Drake stands in the midst of a completely leveled city, soot covering everything. Once towering skyscrapers now lay strewn everywhere. However, there seems to be a pattern to the devastation. At the very center of the city, there is a large crater he can see in the distance.

''He takes a long scan around the city before shrugging, walking towards the crater while looking at the debris. ''

Standing in the middle of the crater is a male figure in white armor, with long brown hair drifting down from the back of the helmet. Twelve glowing blades float behind the figure. It silently turns, revealing a dragonic mask with painted on black 'eyeholes'.

"Another who gazes beyond their time and space... ....from where and which time do you come from....? ....I suppose you wouldn't know the answer to those questions anyway, Drake Ryunexo."

''Drake's eyes widen, he takes a look around to see if there are any other Drakes this person is referring to. But as he confirmed a moment ago, there's nothing in this city... Except these two. ''"What the... There's no way you can be talking directly to me, this is a vision... Right?"

There is a short laugh from the figure in white. "It is. I am talking to you."

"Hmph... This is certainly new." ''Drake takes a step and slides down the side of the crater, keeping his balance perfectly as he stops only at arms length from the figure. ''"So then, you caused all this?"

"No. What you see is the end result of what will happen in your future. An event that will be called The Siege of Yosai. The end of the imminent Phoenix War, judging from your time.

....This, is where the great Blue Lambda... met her death."

"Huh... So visions into the future and pass... Surely Eien is fucking with me now." ''He takes a glance around. ''"Met her death... So this entire city was gone with her?"

"...Eien... ...What you see before you is not the true timeline, merely one of its possibilities. And yes, this city is nothing more than a wasteland, due to her death. ...Til the end, she was the Lambda of Destruction... ...and was never released from her fate."

"....I am not going to interfere in anything pertaining to your future. But you have a choice to make soon. Ally with your friends and trust in their power, or take the road unfavorable and against you.

...Is there something else you would like to ask me, or are you merely wasting your time now?"

"A couple if you can answer them. One is how am I able to have these visions, and how come this is the only one I could interact with? Another would be what would be able to prevent this from happening, and finally. Who are you?"

"When Eien showed you the vision of Noriko's future, he accidentally caused an instability in your own time flow. As a result, you are starting to gain your own sight of the timeline. ...I am surprised your sight can reach here though. The only way to control this is through actively learning how to use it. ....As for the other two questions, I refuse to answer them."

"Ok... So I can see further into my timeline... And apparently reach into a whole other one as well, that will be handy once I get a hang of these. And what do you mean you refuse to answer, you want the death of her to be prevented, right?"

"Sight of the timeline is the most you will ever be capable of." The figure falls silent for a moment.

"...And I thought I made myself clear... I refuse to answer why only I am able to interact with you, and what my name is. Those two questions are not your concern."

"Fine, be like that... Hmm, in most cases, the vision would flicker out and I would wake up when I've seen what I needed to see... So why isn't it doing it now?"

"...I am a ghost of your past... ...and the phantom of your future...." The figure says, then suddenly slashes Drake across the chest with one of the swords, the vision dying out immediately. Waking up immediately after, Drake notices his chest is warm and wet, and he checks and sees a small slash, not enough to be potentially fatal, only enough to hurt.

"What the hell? Was that a vision or not?" ''He asks himself before his regenerative abilities kick in, closing the slash up. ''"How the hell did..." Drake shakes his head, gets out of his bed and starts to get ready for the day.

A knock on his door comes. "When you're ready, breakfast is being served for everyone." Sukina calls.

"Ok, I'll be there in a minute." ''Drake responds, he throws his jacket onto his shoulder and opens the door. ''"Hey Sukina."

She nods. "Ready then?"

"Yeah, although apologies in advance if I don't eat much." After he says that, he follows Sukina to the dining hall and sits down.

He notices in addition to Seriah, Kanashimi, and Akami, there appears to be a new girl, sitting on the left side of the queen. She is wearing a lavender kimono like the queen, with a flower hair pin of similar color. She has soft gold eyes and long white hair, though her face seems vaguely familiar.

"So... Another one of your handmaidens, Azayakana?"

Akami: That's Ace...*stretches* Best sleep I had in days.

''Drake glances at the girl. ''"Ace... So the other spirit of Kado... Seems like less of a dull person, but we'll see."

She lowers her head and starts looking away, as though intimidated by his gaze.

"Uuuh... There's no need to be afraid, so stop being shy like that."

"She's always shy," Azayakana remarks. "Don't be harsh to the child. Give her time to get used to you."

''Drake rolls his eyes. ''"Fine fine..."

The girl named Ace quietly eats, occasionally glancing up toward Drake. Sukina regards the girl with an amused smile. Nobuyuki is nowhere to be found in the room though.

"Hmm..." ''Drake looks at Kanashimi. ''"Weren't you supposed to be training with him at four in the morning?"

"Yeah, but it's two."

''Drake blinks. ''"...Two in the morning... How long was I out for?"

"Oh, about ten hours."

"Ten... Hours... Ok then." ''After a while, Drake stands back up and starts to walk away. ''"Just going to take a breather." He then finds his way outside, he sits down with his legs crossed and closes his eyes.

Seriah flies over to Drake, landing next to him.

"You alright sleepy head?"

"I'm not sleeping, I'm trying to focus on something... And yes, I'm fine." He replies.

She sits down and wraps a feathered wing around him to keep him warm.

"Thanks." ''He says as tribal markings appear on Drake's head and even though his eyes are close, a faint white glow is peering through. ''"Come on... Come on..."

For a while, nothing really happens, long enough to make him seriously consider stopping, when a brief flicker occurs on his vision, but nothing else.

''Drake lays on his back and sighs. ''"God dammit... This is a pain, how the hell can Eien do it with so much ease?"

Although nothing actually came up, Drake does feel a wierd sensation, though he can't describe it.

"Hmm... I wonder." Drake sits back up and closes his eyes, the same glow returning again.

Drake eventually gets a burning headache, and finally his vision begins changing.

He catches a glimpse of Eien slumped at the lab under the palace, writing furiously in his journals.

"Perfect... Heh, Eien is gonna be pissed if he's seeing this." Drake tries to focus on what he's writing in the journal.

"Oi. I don't appriciate the snooping." Drake hears, just as a foot smashes into his face and shatters the vision, Eien starts grinding his head into the ground.

"You know, names have power. You rang, dickface?" Before Drake or Seriah can respond, he disappears again.

''Drake takes a look around. ''"What the hell?! ...Ok, first that person... Now Eien-- ...There's an idea."

Seriah taps him. "I think you should stop making people mad."

"Can't help it, it's another side effect of being me... Hmm, so I'm sorta able to do that at will..."

"You can help it, all you gotta do is think positive thoughts!"

"..." ''Drake slowly turns his head towards Seriah. ''"Right..." Drake sits up once more, crosses his legs and just meditates.

"What? You gotta think positive sometimes Drake..." She frowns, watching him for a moment, before she slowly smiles and starts tickling him.

After a moment, he smiles and starts to giggle until he eventually gives in and starts to tickle Seriah back.

She in turn giggles like the playful childish person she is, and starts targeting his sensitive spots.

"You call that tickling?" She taunts playfully.

"Heheahahha, not yet!" Drake replies as he finds a sensitive spot on Seriah and focuses on that.

''"Ahhhh!" ''

"I'm winning! I'm winning!" Drake exclaims.

Seriah then starts targeting him with both hands and wings.

''Drake's own sentient aura emerges and targets all of Seriah's sensitive spots. ''"Aaah ha!"

"No no no no! Ahhhhhhhh-" *Poof* Seriah explodes in a cloud of feathers.

"''Meanie... you beat me at tickling..." ''Her invisible voice speaks up.

"Hehe, that's mean of you to call me a meanie, don't you think?"

"You made me go poof!"

"Ok ok... Sorry I made you go poof." Drake sighs.

"That's ok, you can make up for it by giving me a hug," She says, reappearing.

"Alright, done." Before Seriah can even smile, Drake pulls her in for a hug, he chuckles.

She softly hugs him in turn. "Feel better now?"

"Yeah, I'm feeling better."

"Yeaaa! I feel better knowing you're better now too!"

''He smiles and pets Seriah's head. ''"Of course of course."

Below them, Nobuyuki and Kanashimi are seen running, holding giant boulders. Though Kanashimi seems to be struggling.

"Faster! You're moving like a snail!"

"It's a giant boulder!!!"

"And? Show it who's boss and quit fooling around! Or are you a girly girl?"

The comment seems to... 'motivate' Kanashimi, who begins running faster and holding the boulder up higher, though she looks pissed. She wheels around and begins charging Nobuyuki.

"I'll smash you!"

"Catch me if you can," The spirit says before taking off with ease, and Seriah and Drake are treated to about thirty minutes worth of a grand chase which ends when Kanashimi throws the boulder, only for Nobuyuki to easily catch it with his bare hand and set it down.

"Good work."

"Hmm... Well that was interesting, wasn't it Seriah. Hey! Nice going, Kana!"

Kanashimi folds her arms.

"Now then... next lesson." He suddenly whips out two wooden poles and throws one at Kana, and the two start whacking at each other, though Kanashimi gets more of the beating than him. Or rather, nearly all of it

''Drake sighs. ''"A bit rough, but considering that she is a Chaos Engine... I guess it's fair..."

After a while, Nobuyuki seems to be frowning more and more, until suddenly he easily knocks Kanashimi off her feet and onto the ground in one swoop of his pole.

"Ok, you're not bringing your A game today. It's starting to get aggravating."

They continue for a bit longer, and Drake starts noticing periods where Kanashimi seems to do much better, then her performance tanks severely.

"Huh, it could just be rushes of anger which improves her perfomance for a moment, either that or it's with something concerning her CE self."

After a few minutes more, Nobuyuki stops and looks at Drake.

"Come down here please."

"Hmm?" Drake stands up and walks off the edge, falling straight down before landing on his feet without any harm at all.

"Can you explain why her power keeps wildly fluctuating?

"Could be exhaustion..." ''Drake looks at the stripes on her. ''"Although... Kana, what exactly happened after those stripes expanded?"

"Huh...? Oh... well I keep feeling sick... ....like right now... and dizzy."

Nobuyuki looks at Kanashimi, then Drake.

"It feels as though her powers are changing in some way, though how I do not know."

"I may have an idea... After a while, Kanashimi slowly got her powers back... Do you think she's evolving? And her body is just trying to adapt to the changes? And Kana, if you're feeling sick and dizzy, then go get some rest."

"I I'm... I'm fine..." She says, before suddenly losing balance and falling against Drake.

''Drake catches her and sighs. ''"No... You're not... C'mon, I'll take you to your room." Drake puts her on his back and starts to walk away.

To Drake's alarm, her body feel incredibly hot, like he is touching hot steel.

"Ow... Ow! OW OW OW!" ''He flinches and stops walking for a second, but soon manages to put up with the pain as he walks her to his room. ''"Oh God... I'm going to get burns for months..."

"D-Draaaaake...." Kanashimi groans in sudden audible pain. "Something's happening...."

"Uh oh..." ''Drake kicks Kanashimi's door open and sits her down on her bed. ''"Don't worry don't worry, I'm here Kana, everything will be fine."

As he puts her down, he notices there is a strong glow to her body, in fact looking at her he can even see the heat radiating off her. Sweat is actively rolling down her body, and there is clear pain in her eyes, her teeth clenched.

Drake places his hands on Kanashimi's shoulders, not even regarding the heat, tribal markings appear on Kanashimi in an attempt to reduce the pain.

Nobuyuki stares up at the tower, for some reason, his senses are picking up an energy signal aligned that of...

....Fire...

After a minute he sighs. "....I'm gonna have a meaty bill to pay after this..." He says just as Drake's room explodes in a giant fireball that blows open the wall to the outside, and he holds out his arms and catches Drake and Kanashimi, and sets them both down.

"Well... this is interesting." He says, looking upon the transformed Kanashimi, who is burning with enough fire to make it look as though she had been dumped with gasoline, her whole body seems to be burning up.

''Drake blinks and looks at Kanashimi, a bit awestruck. ''"Wow... That's impressive..."

"IT F*CKING HURTS LIKE HELL!" She screams.

"Alright!" ''He puts his hand on Kanashimi's shoulder and unsheathes Kurai. ''"Alright, do your thing Kurai." The blade glows as Kanashimi suddenly feels no pain from the fire.

He gets blown back as the fire gets stronger and causes a second, stronger explosion, when the dust settles, Kanashimi levitates in the air, her body now composed of flames. He can see the full length of her gold markings on her flaming body, a ruby in the center of her chest where the necklace like markings grew. On one hand a shield of majestic flames forms, and the other a one handed greatsword of fire.

''As he stands up, he has to shield his eyes from the intensity of the female flare, after a moment. His jaw drops at what he sees. ''"...Woah, that's... Holy shit, Kana, are you alright?"

She looks at herself in shock, then suddenly gets a big grin. "...I... I feel... I FEEL FANTASTIC!" She cheers, the outburst causing a huge blast of fire which fills the whole courtyard. Kurai seems to not be very good at dissipating the flames.

''Drake watches as the flames whiz past him without harming him, he chuckles at Kanashimi. ''"...Like I said, evolving... So Kanashimi just evolved."

Seriah looks at Kanashimi. "A divine instrument... ...that one looks pretty cool."

"Hmm? A divine instrument?" Drake looks at Seriah with curiosity.

"It's a weapon or tool some angels or divine beings have. It's a signature power of theirs."

"Huh... So, Kanashimi is either an angel or a divine being... And considering that she has my genes... Yeah, divine being."

"Well all Chaos Engines are created from me and father's DNA you know... and we're archangels."

"...You and father's? ...Oh. Right. God and all that... Hmm, I wonder how strong God is..."

"Infinite. I actually more mean my biological father, not the one in Heaven. ...Though father is in heaven too now..."

"Ok, two things. Infinite power? Hmph, I could still beat him... And your biological father, what happened to him?"

Seriah flicks Drake in the nose. "You couldn't so much as look at him without spontaneously combusting. He was the genetic base of all Chaos Engines. He was set free and redeemed a little while ago."

"Oh... And you never met him after your transformation... Did you?"

"...I don't think so. I didn't actually see any people."

"Huh... That's strange, but we can talk about this later." ''Drake turns to look at Kanashimi. ''"Do you think you can get that under control?"

She shrugs. "I dunno." The motion sends a fireball flying into the air, where it bursts like a firework.

"...That will be a no." ''Drake sighs. ''"Alright, well it looks like before you can do anything, you need to learn how to exit or control that."

Nobuyuki looks at her. "I have my ways of arranging that. ...It'll take a while, but it'll work."

"Of course you do, now then... Kana, don't destroy the entire tower, alright? We need this to not be just ruins, ok?"

"I make no promises. That actually sounds like a bit of fun."

"Kana... Do not, destroy the tower, got it?" ''Drake says seriously. ''"I hope you can control this soon, it'll be a big surprise towards Phoenix." He chuckles then begins to walk away.

"I was just kidding! Seesh."

"Can't be too safe!" Drake exclaims before flickering like a flame and disappearing.

Over the course of the next few hours, he can hear large various explosions coming outside of the boundaries of the tower walls.

"Aaaand that's explosion number eight fifty two... This is going to take it's time..." ''Drake says, laying on his back on his bed. He closes his eyes for a moment. ''"...Noriko, if you can hear me, don't worry about a thing, we will rescue you..."

Eventually the explosions stop sounding so random, and a little more sequential.

"Hmm... I guess she's slowly getting a hang of it, I gotta say, her transformation was very impressive..." ''Drake looks up at the ceiling and sighs. ''"Heh, maybe she'll become a better fire user than me..."

"If you mean I'll become better than General Couchpotato, certainly!" Kanashimi says, still in her firey form, but she doesn't seem to be generating spontaneous fireblasts with every movement.

"Nobuyuki said to come help."

"Why? You seem to be doing well."

"He wants you to help. He also wants to show off my training."

"...Of all the things... Sure." ''Drake springs up from his bed. ''"You lead the way."

"Rarr!" She roughs up his hair, then takes off toward the outside of the complex.

''Drake rolls his eyes and sprints after her. ''"He has this under control, what does he need to bother me about."

"You'll see, stop being a Grumpy Cat."

''He glances at Kanashimi. ''"No promises."

"Aww does the wittle kitty need to be petted?"

Drake's glance turns into a glare as soon he overtakes Kanashimi.

"Well that got him motivated." She arrives where Nobuyuki stands waiting.

"Ah you arrived. You know, she's actually a good learner, now that her power stopped fluctuating."

"Yeah, I know that, so why did you want to drag me here."

"To help train her. A two on one."

''Drake gives Nobuyuki a blank expression. ''"...You got Kanashimi to drag me out of my bed for this..." ''He makes an annoyed sigh and places his hand on Kurai's handle. ''"Fine..."

Nobuyuki walks out away from them, then momentarily glows, then a massive explosion of silver energy goes off, creating a pillar of said firey energy.

''Drake looks at Kanashimi. ''"Ok then... You ready?"

"...Totally."

"Alright." ''Drake fully unsheathes Kurai and focuses on Nobuyuki. ''"Ok... He should be wielding one blade, which means that one of us can easily rush his unarmed side and attack..."

When the fire goes away, an armored figure errily like the figure in his vision is revealed, unfortunately Nobuyuki wasn't joking when he had said he had 3000 swords, as an army of swords float behind him in a ring formation, though two of those swords are in his hands.

"...Hmph, a bit much don't you think?" ''Drake spins Kurai around as a red draconic aura forms around him, his aura wings make a single flap and be speeds off directly towards Nobuyuki. ''"Here goes...!"

A single blade intercepts him, while another one hacks at his aura wings.

''The aura blasts off of Drake and explodes, creating a shockwave which knock any blades away. Drake then charges straight ahead and slashes down once, causing a wave of light to speed straight towards Nobuyuki.''

With a mere flicker of movement, Nobuyuki is behind him and proceeds to slash his back, but immeidately dodges after as Kanashimi fires a fireball at him.

"Too slow." With another flicker of movement he is across the field.

"Grr... He's going to get on my nerves..." ''Drake growls as he jumps back right next to Kanashimi. ''"Hmm... Ok, you got any plans?"

"...." She clenches her fist, and her flame shield expands significantly, she positions it so that Drake's and her back are both covered. Her sword also increases in length.

"I say frontal assault."

"So... Go straight for him? ...That sounds like something I would do... Great idea." ''He smirks. ''"I'm following your lead here."

She rushes off without warning.

"OK THEN!" Drake exclaims as he catches up with Kanashimi.

Kanashimi fires various fireballs, which Nobuyuki starts deflecting with a bored expression.

"I'll make an opening." ''Drake flickers like a flame and disappears, only to appear right in front of Nobuyuki with a grin on his face as he shoulder barges him. Stunning him for only a moment, which gives Drake enough time to sidestep behind him and makes a single stomp which causes another shockwave to spread the blades away. ''"NOW!"

Nobuyuki doesn't move as Kanashimi appears behind him, shooting a blast of fire. However at the last second the sword sage ducks, causing the blast to smash into Drake.

Drake emerges from the smoke and knees Nobuyuki while creating a black fireball and smashing it into his back.

Nobuyuki jumps back and slashes through the fireball and kicks Drake away, then sidesteps Kanashimi who slashes him with the firey sword.

"Good, good."

''Drake handsprings back up onto his feet and glares at Nobuyuki. ''"Hmph." ''He clicks his neck and jumps high into the air then slashes down, creating a massive wave of light. As Nobuyuki dodges it and looks up, Drake is right in front of him with a smirk on his face. ''"Peek a boo." He quickly spinkicks him into Kanashimi.

Nobuyuki suddenly launches straight up into the air a good distance from them, then stops and looks down. He points down at them, and the blades hovering behind his back suddenly spread out over a massive area and point down at the ground.

"Three thousand blades of penitence."

"Kana, shield! NOW!" Drake quickly jumps beside to Kana as rune circles appear on his hands, ready to strengthen her shield

Kanashimi makes her crimson shield just as the blades are about to crash into them.

''Drake places his hands on the back of the shield, causing black tribal markings to appear on them. Which causes multiple Chinese style tribal dragons to fly out of the shield to deflect some blade and even send them back at Nobuyuki.''

Nobuyuki takes his two blades and begins deflecting them, then with a kick he creates a gust of wind to blow the rest back.

''As they get blown back, they disperse into black smoke. Drake looks and grabs Kanashimi's arm. ''"I throw you through, you bash him with the shield then get behind him. Then I'll go through the smoke and we both strike with our blades, ok?"

"Crazy and stupid, I like it."

"Ok, LET'S DO IT!" And with that, Drake spins once, using the momentum to throw Kanashimi through the smoke straight towards Nobuyuki.

"Take this!" Kanashimi attempts to smash him with her shield, but she sails right through him, and he simply turns and watches her flail in alarm.

"I just went right through him?!"

"Dammit... Ok." Drake creates a rune circle underneath his feet which blast him up into the air, just as he goes up, the blade strangely glows white.

Nobuyuki parries him once he gets close. "If you had just gone, ignoring my move, you would have gotten a clean shot."

"Oh, I know. But I'm not the one attacking. NOW!" Drake's aura appears behind Kanashimi and uses a strong gust of air to launch her at Nobuyuki as Drake swings Kurai down at him.

Nobuyuki drops down just as Kanashimi and Drake slash at him, and he lands on the ground.

"Very good. You work well together."

"Heh... Yeah, so we done?"

"For the moment."

"Ah, alright then." ''Drake lands on the ground and sheathes Kurai before looking at Kanashimi. ''"Your shield came in handy for once."

"For once? I didn't have it before today!"

"I'm saying that now because I feel that shield of yours won't work all the time." He chuckles.

She whacks him on the head with the shield, causing a goose egg to form on his forehead. "Hmmph."

"Ow..." ''The bulge on Drake's forehead quickly goes away as he groans in pain for a moment. ''

"You were saying, chicken legs?"

"Chicken legs? What kind of insult is that?" He says with a small smile.

"Pot belly."

"Carrot top."

"Butterfingers."

"Daddy's little 'princess'"

"Piglet."

"Pig."

"Uhhh... ....Fishsticks?"

''Drake chuckles. ''"Ok, that's enough... Now what do we do?"

A spider dangles down in front of his face.

"Oh not this again..." ''Drake cups it into his hands. ''"Ha!"

He feels a wet sticky substance coat his hands.

"Yep... Ok burning this thing."

He finds he can't pry open his hands now.

"I WILL CRUSH YOU LIKE THE PATHETIC THING YOU ARE!" Drake roars at the spider.

He can feel it crawling inside his cupped hands.

Drake creates a fireball inside the cupped hands, burning the spider and the web.

"Well, I believe you have a new rival. Spiders!" Kanashimi cackles.

"More of a rival than you." Drake teases as he opens his hands.

She smiles as she opens her hand and reveals another spider, then she tickles it in a certain spot and it blasts Drake's face with the webs, and Kanashimi cackles.

"...Of course." Drake tears off the webs then picks the spider up before throwing it away.

"Aww I was gonna name it Ted..."

''Drake blinks before looking at Kanashimi. ''"...I don't even... OK! I'm gonna get something to eat, you coming?"

"Yeah, sure."

''He smiles as he starts to walk, with Kanashimi following behind him. After a few moments he comes across a door which leads to the kitchen. ''"Hmm... Maybe we can cook something for ourselves instead of waiting for everyone else to be hungry."

Kanashimi frowns. "But I can't cook."

"Then you're gonna learn, what do you want?"

"...Something meat related."

"Ok, go to their meat freezer and pull something out."

Kanashimi starts rummaging, and then pulls out a pork.

''Drake takes the pork from her and gets out a chopping board, he then grabs a nearby cutting knife and starts to slice through the meat. ''"Ok, so porkchops it is... We may need something to go with this, any ideas?"

"Hmmmm.... spice. All of the spice. So much spice... Make it spicy!"

"...Not exactly the best idea, but sure... The long cupboard next to the right of the sink, there should be a spice rack, bring some here."

Kanashimi ends up bringing several random kinds of spices to him.

''Drake begins to season the pork with the right kind of spices before grabbing a tray to place them on. ''"Ok, I'm sure you want something other than pork to go with this, right?"

"Huh... what else could I have..." She looks at a husk of corn and points at it. "What is this?"

"...Corn."

She sees a sack of potatoes. "...Are these rocks in a bag?"

''A thud can be heard as he turns to see an indent on the counter in the shape of Drake's face. ''

"...You ok?"

"Yep... Just fine... Grab the bag and the corn and bring it over."

She brings them over, looking confused. "Seriously what are these things?"

"Food." ''He begins preparing dinner for Kanashimi, he tells her to go sit down while the pork cooks. ''"Specifically, potatoes and corn are vegatables."

"Ooooooh... so umm... what's a... 'vegatable'?"

"Food is split up into groups, fruit and vegatables, dairy, meats and grains such as rice. Vegetables are stuff that grows out of the ground, so that would be the potatoes in the bag and the yellow corn. Fruit is stuff that grows above ground, so apples, bananas, pears, cherries and the list goes on. Dairy are products that have calcium in them I believe? They help with the bones in your body, milk and cheese are the only things that come to mind." ''He chuckles. ''"I don't have to explain meats to you, do I?"

"I'm not stupid..."

"I know, now if we give the food a while to cook, we should be done."

"...Thanks. ...And sorry, I feel like I should have known that..."

"It's fine, it's fine... I didn't learn about food since I was around your age too, I was too busy swinging swords to learn the difference between an apple and a tomato." He chuckles as he gives Kanashimi a soft hug.

She lets her rarely seen soft side open up and she just rests her head against his shoulder for a moment, sighing, a small smile on her face.

"...I'm feeling a bit stressed out... thanks."

"Stressed? Is that because of Nobuyuki?"

"No... ...Nori."

"Yeah... I know how you feel then." ''He sighs. ''"Don't worry, she'll be fine... And if White lays a hand on her, then me, you and Kado are going to storm to Yosai and beat that bitch until she's white and red." He makes a quiet chuckle, trying to comfort Kanashimi.

Long Days
Kanashimi gives him a soft hug, and for the few moments she allows herself to be open, Drake can feel a daughterly love coming from her, warm and genuine.

''Drake gives off a small smile as he hugs back. ''"Even if you say you're not, you're the best child I'll ever have."

"I'm sure you can always do better than me." Her wings open up slightly. "Urgh... I feel stiff today... I blame the cold weather..."

"Hmm, do you want to go outside and stretch your wings? Oh! Right after you eat, of course. The food should be done." He chuckles.

"Urggh, the cold air doesn't feel good to fly in."

"Don't worry, I have a way to warm the air up... It's a little trick I learned, although it's up to you."

"No thanks..." She pauses. "...Do you think I should... ...loosen up a little?"

"Loosen up? Now I think that's a term used on Earth for something else, but do go on."

"...I mean... do you think I need to be more open with people rather than... I don't know, push people away? I feel like if I open up to other people, it'll make me feel... ...weak."

"Wow, you really are like me." ''Drake smiles. ''"Open up with the people who you care about, who care about you. It's those people who truly deserve to see who you are, Kanashimi. Believe it or not, if it weren't for Daikeim, Noriko, or you. I wouldn't have made it this far, I guess what I'm trying to say. Is that opening up to the people who give you strength will not make you feel weak... If that makes sense."

"Hmmm..." She gives him a tighter squeeze, after which her stomach grumbles.

"Alright, I need to get the food out now." ''Drake gets up, causing Kanashimi to let go. He then goes over to the cooker and takes out the dish, he laughs. ''"Still a better cook than Michiko, although I feel I can only say that when she's not around."

"I have a feeling that meat wouldn't be the only thing cooked in here if she heard that."

"Cooked Cyanican... Sounds kinda nice, actually."

"You're not a cannibal are you?"

''Drake blinks. ''"...I went through some hard times, it's best we don't explain it."

"...Right. Just so we're clear, no munching on me."

"I promise on Noriko's life."

She sniffs the food. "Hurry up, I'm hungrrrrryyyy...."

Drake puts the food onto the dish and after a moment, a full dinner is ready, he calls Kanashimi over.

She attacks the meal with gusto. "Thank you thank you thank you thank you!"

"You're welcome, just take your time, it's better to savour the food."

"Blah blah blah..." She grumbles as she eats.

"I'm being serious, but do what you want, I guess." He chuckles.

She slows down, but not by much. Drake notices she now has a gold necklace with a ruby pendant.

"Hmm? A pendant? I'm guessing that's a gift from Azayakana?"

"Nobuyuki." She says as she eats some potatoes.

"Nobuyuki... Hmm, strange. Why would he give a student a pendant this early on?"

"It's to surpress my new form. I can't control it perfectly yet."

"Ah, alright, that does make more sense... So what do you want to do after you finished eating?"

"I don't know... ...huh, ever since I put this on, I've been feeling... ...different. It's like a previously unfelt agitation was eased away the moment I put it on. I don't know why."

''Drake takes a moment to exmaine the pendant. ''"That's certainly interesting... Maybe this pendant clears your mind as well?"

"I dunno... it's pretty though."

''He chuckles. ''"Yep, it sure is..."

She looks at it a bit more, then returns to stuffing her face.

''Drake begins to walk away. ''"Come back to me if there's anything you want, I'll just be wandering around... Not much to do here until Kado or whatever gets off their ass and moves."

"You're leaving? Uggh..." Kanashimi sighs but continues eating.

"Don't worry, I'll be back soon enough... Like I said, this place is boring so I'll be back with enough time." ''He exits the kitchen. ''

Soon after he leaves, Seriah appears. "Had a Father-Daughter moment I see?"

"Yeah, although I can tell she still have stuff to talk about... I just need a quick break, that's all."

"Like what, do you think?"

''Drake takes a look behind her before looking back at Seriah. ''"You may not see it, but her and I both have each other's questions and answers... Kanashimi has a lot to ask me and others, could be something personal or simple stuff."

"Ah I see. I think she is really starting to take after you, you know."

''He chuckles as a response. ''"You really think so? I didn't believe that my own ego affects others."

"Swelled heads ARE infectious." Seriah replies.

"Oh? And you think you're catching on?"

"Nah, I think I'm good. Kana is definately down with the Swelled Head Syndrome."

"Swelled Head Syndrome?" ''He begins to laugh. ''"Alright then, if that's going to be a thing now... Let's try to infect you!" He suddenly rushes towards Seriah and begins to tickle her.

She squirms while laughing, then poofs in a cloud of feathers, reappearing on top of him and tickles him instead.

''He begins to laugh even more as he gets tickled, but eventually finds a sweet spot and begins to target that spot. ''"Say mercy!"

His hand suddenly goes right through her as though she was made of air. "Good try!"

"Dammit!" He exclaims as he takes a look around to find her.

With a soft flap of her wings, she lands gently on his head. "Now now, no potty mouth!"

"Huh, you're surprisingly light..."

"I can be as light as I desire~" She says simply. She hops off and wraps him up in one of her wings.

''He chuckles. ''"Oh, I don't think you thanked me."

"For what?" She seems confused.

"For taking you with me and for letting you out of that damn machine, then again... I gotta thank you for being a good person, hell, you're an angel now."

"Oh... well I am thankful." She leans in and rests against him softly, pulling him closer with her wing as if giving him a feathery hug. "You set me free, how could I not be thankful? I'm finally myself, I won't have to lose myself ever again."

''Drake smiles softly. ''"I'm glad I was able to set you free." ''He closes his eyes and thinks to himself. "You were planning this would happen, woudn't you, Eien?"''

Seriah looks at him with her oddly beautiful red eyes and then smiles. "We'll get her back, I promise. I'll help you like you did for me."

"Don't worry, I have faith that you will. Just like I have faith in Kanashimi, and hell, even Kado."

"He's a troubled soul..." She says, the mention of Kado causing a shift in her eyes he can't read.

"You mean, souls, right?"

"I'm talking about the one we generally call Kado."

"Ok, what makes him a troubled soul?"

"The paths he's taken, the choices he's made. The life he lives."

"Yeah, well in that case, most people I've came across are troubled souls."

"It is a troubled world, is it not? Few do what is right when they can choose to only worry about themselves."

"Yeah... I guess you have a point there."

"Let's talk about something less depressing... do you have any other friends?"

Drake simply shakes his head.

"No? That's sad..."

"Well, I don't know if you could class Kado as my friend, Noriko is my parnter, Kanashimi is my daughter of sorts, you're my guardian angel... Although, now that I think about it... There is the rest of Noriko's family and Daikeim, but that's it, really."

"I see... did you like anyone else from Phoenix?"

"Torrent was irritating, Toma I didn't care to know, White is one of the biggest bitches you will ever know, we know how Noriko went... Aoi, well... Like Kado, I wouldn't consider us as friends... Just, we know a bit about each other, that's all."

"You didn't need to tell me about White..." Seriah flies up on the ceiling and begins walking upside down.

''Drake looks up at her, chuckling. ''"Yeah, I doubt anyone would need to be told about White nowadays."

She looks about. "I wonder how she is doing... ...Ace, I mean."

"If what people say is true, then Ace is most likely having a hard time doing whatever she's doing... If you want, we can go check on her." Drake says, smirking as he holds out a spraycan and a mask.

"Why are you holding those? Are you going to be mean to her again?"

"Mean isn't the word I would use... Mischievous however..."

"So you ARE going to be mean to her, aren't you?"