Yosai Fortress

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

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

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

Occupying Faction: Phoenix
Main Members:

White

Hiroshi

Torrent

Toma

Noriko

Naomi

Aoi

Kado (Former)

Minions/Bosses
Hitomara - Earth/Fire Elemental-Dragon

Razorwind-Wind/Lightning Elemental-Wolf

Caess- Water/Ice Elemental-Endlos

Dimrune- Light/Dark Elemental-Incubus

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

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

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

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

Aoi remains looking down at the map as always.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hiroshi: *moans in disgust at Noriko*

Noriko looks at him blankly. "What?"

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

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

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

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

Hisroshi: *cracks a smile at Torrent*

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

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

"NO."

"Please?"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Thank you."

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

"..." Naomi silently looks away.

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

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

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

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

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

White nods.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Next Day

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ameno: Who- Who are you?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hiroshi: And what of the other 3?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Naomi walks into the meeting hall, looking very tired.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hiroshi: *facepalms in shame*

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Not unless someone wants to entertain Noriko."

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

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

Hiroshi: I called not it, so you know.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hiroshi: She knows.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hiroshi: Yes White. Send forth the Avatars.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The dragon suddenly flickers out of sight.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Drake: ...Who's next.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hiroshi: *bows in acknowledgement* Understood, White.

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

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

"...We shall stay and observe."

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

Daikeim: I believe this is yours...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Lady White?" She asks.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Why you litte-"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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