East Flora

The Eastern Section of Echo, covered in forests, swamps, and jungles.

East Flora
They travel slowly over the mountain range, and as they travel down into thick forest, Seco feels a strange pressure build on him, as if something powerful is watching him, he quickly notices looks from his team that suggest a similar experience is occurring.

Seco: Kado, do you feel that? You know the 'I have a feeling i'm being watched' feeling?

Kado nods, and stops. "You might want to stop for a moment. The Grand Eye is watching you right now. He's going to decide if he's going to let you pass or not."

Out of nowhere, a large eye made of flames appears, and appears to be staring directly at Seco and the others. After a minute, a voice rings in their heads.

You may pass.A powerful, older voice rings in their heads.

Kado starts walking again. "You're lucky he let you come along. You would've been flung all the way back to Azure probably."

Gobble: Was that the eye of Jesus Christ?

5x5: Why can't you just shut you mouth, Gobble?

Seco: Because he doesn't want to get laid.

Avalia: *chuckles*

5x5: Oooooohhhhhh, burn.

Gobble: *is hurt* Shud up.

They wander deep into the forestland, before coming to a fork in the road, where Kado stops.

''"You know the way right?" "...Yes. It's just that... I feel like I've been here before. This fork in the road... seems familiar to me."''

Kado appears to have a troubled expression, and he keeps looking to the left branch of the road, which seems less maintained, possibly even overgrown.

Gobble: Man, attack of the plants up in here.

Seco: Watch your step guys.

Gobble: Yea no shit, old man. *is having trouble walking over some of the overgrowth*

All of a sudden, Kado comes to a dead stop.

"..."

He slowly turns to them. "Everyone. Wait here. I need to go alone. I just realized something." He starts to traverse the path again, not expecting any of them to follow, but Azula starts to follow him.

"What's going on?"

"....Please don't follow me Azula."

Seco: Alright we stay here and wait. If there something out here,we blow it the fuck up, got it?

All: Yes sir. *get into a circular formation*

"I'm worried. He won't let me into his thoughts. The only thing I'm reading from him is some sort of distress."Azula says to Seco. Meanwhile, Kado comes to a cabin looking as it was completely run down, and goes inside, already anticipating what he'll find. The dust and silence only adds to his confirmation. If she was here... or alive... he'd know. He spies a dusty journal, and reads a page, quickly growing pale at what he reads, and decides it would be best to read it later. After all...

''If I'm here... that means... the village is not far away...''

Seco: Tell him to suck it up. we gotta keep moving. He can sulk all he wants later.

She looks at Seco."He just literally cut me off completely. I can't even sense his location anymore. There's something up that he doesn't want me knowing about. I'm betting it has to do with... ...no, nevermind."

Seco: He better hurry up. Im feelin' abit uneasy about this.

Kado reaches the edge of the village border, and wraps his face in a black cloth mask, and steps into the village. Many faces he doesn't remember, but he still remembers the streets. It doesn't take him long to reach the place he had lived at for so long, the Phoenix Garrison. Abandoned as well. He should have known. He suddenly hears footsteps behind him, and he turns to face them.

"Who are you?" He says sharply. "I was told the village was never aware of this location's exact whereabouts. How'd you find it?"

"You don't think I would know where my own house would be?I live here you know Or atleast, I used too." Feels the edge of the house. "So many memories..."

"If you lived here, that means you were a lackey of the Phoenix! What do you know of this place?" Kado growls.

"That I lived here my entire life with a family. My wife and my child. As for Phoenix, I no longer associate myself with them, nor do I wish to hear that dreadful name." Clutches his fist.

"And why do you hate them? What did they do to you?" Kado asks. "If that's too much to ask of you, I understand." The wind blows, tugging at the loose end of Kado's cloth mask, which covers up to his eyes, but not past.

"They...threatened to kill my wife and my village... if i did not give them my son....I did so...but for my retributaion they killed them all anyway." Punches the side of his house hard enough for that side to fall over.

Kado puts a hand on the man's shoulder. "I'm sorry for your loss, sir. You're not the only one who has suffered because of them. Tell me something though, why did they leave this village?" He looks at Phoenix Garrison. "There would have to be a reason they would leave a base like this unattended for so many years."

"They probably just lost interest in it and decided it was time to move. Or atleast the only stayed long enough to get what they wanted."

Kado begins to remember the details of the attack, and starts walking up to the front gate, which is locked by a special lock system... the only way to enter...

Kado pauses, and takes out Dark Slayer.

"What are you doing?"

Kado inserts the blade into a thin slot in the door, and it slides open. "Opening a door."

The man suddenly realizes what sword he's holding, and what that means is...

"You....that sword...but you can't...be..."

Kado sheathes the sword. "I was trained to be one of their members. I was one of their many apprentices, and only I was chosen by Dark Slayer. However, they betrayed me and tried to have me killed. It didn't work, but it's left me scarred... in more ways than one."

"Then I have made a mistake. I should've died along with everyone else than give them what they had wanted. Now look at us. Two broken men, who seek retribution."

Kado takes his mask off, revealing his face. "Even though I have suffered greatly at their hands, I have decided to not let my anger cloud my judgement. I've taken what I've endured, and built others up. Even if we can't fix ourselves, perhaps we can help others who are still whole rise up out of the darkness. At least... that is what I've tried to do. I came here looking for answers. But even still..." Kado look back at the Garrison's buildings.

"...Perhaps I'll find them... but never understand them..." He trails off.

"All I ever wanted for you was to live your own life. To forget about the horrors that Phoenix can bring and hopefully not under their mercy as I did. You were cheated out of your childhood. Are you even content of what you've turned out to be?"

Kado turns to the man. "...Are you saying what I think you're saying...?" A long string of thoughts begin to enter his mind.

The man gets a more proper look at his face, and notices a peculiar color in his eyes, a mix of blue and gold, however his expression remains neutral.

"Im saying, you never had a choice in your upbringing. You never asked for any of this. Do you even know what you truly want?"

Kado looks away. "I've never felt a wanting for anything, for myself especially. All that matters to me is ending the injustice in the world. Even if I don't succeed in destroying it... at least the only thing I know is that I would be happy to die that way... instead of letting the world tear itself apart."

"I understand. That is the one thign that seperated us. You wanted to fight the injustice, I fled from it and wanted nothing to do with it. I was a coward for doing this, but you have the makings for righting the wrongs of this world. I just hope you wont use any means of doing so."

Kado looks back at him. "I must be on my way. If you would like to join us, my group is headed to Chinmoku for an important meeting. If not, there is always my city Azure. ...It's being rebuilt right now, but my people will still gladly accommodate you. You don't have to be alone anymore. Unlike me, you can still remember what life was before... you can eventually grow roots that you lost... as for me... I'm just a sapling strangled by the weeds and shaded by the great oaks... I probably will never grow tall."

Puts his hand on Kado's shoulder."There is no need to. You already have. Good-bye, my boy." Walks down the path and walks past Seco and the others. "Afternoon."

Gobble: Sooo we were hyped up on an old man?

5x5: Why wouldn't we be. *is referring to Seco*

Seco: Seriously, the hell is taking him so long? We wasted enough time already.

Kado appears behind them. "My apologizes. We'll get going right away." He heads off toward the right side of the path. He stops and looks back. "And no, if you want to ask, it'll have to wait. The nearest village is not for a good while."

Gobble: Aw geez. Probably should've taken some water.

Seco: But since you didn't, you might have to hold off until we get to the village.

Everyone continues to follow Kado

They manage to reach the nearest village just as the sun finishes setting, and Kado begins talking to a local inn owner about lodgings, the others are quite tired, after Kado had them travel with no breaks non stop to reach the village on time.

Gobble: *is breathing heavily* We would've been here sooner...if that guy...didn't stop...to fuck an old man...oh God...

5x5: *is breathing heavily* He just needed..to check something out....

Seco: We finally made it and that's all that matters.

After a minute, the inn keeper lets them in, and shows them their rooms, the best in the house. Kado sits down on one of the couches, and sighs. "Tomorrow I will contact the next caravan and request them to take us the rest of the way to Chinmoku. By caravan, it will only be another day. On foot, at least two. How are you all holding up?" He asks Seco and his group.

Seco: We'll be doing fine.

Gobble: *is lying on the couch tired* Speak for yourself, old man. I'm just glad we can chill out in this expensive-ass room.

"And my wallet is crying because of it." When Gobble gives him a questioning look, Kado returns it. "I may lead a entire city state, but if you haven't noticed, you kinda blew it the fuck up, so money will be tight until businesses get back in order and taxes begin flowing as normal. I'm operating on emergancy funds here, so if we don't make it to Chinmoku, where our stay will be paid for, we'll be sleeping in the streets on the next stop. So yes, I'm a politician, but I'm not a greedy money grabbing one. I'm one who makes sure his people get fed and sheltered, atmyexpense.

Though I guess I can always call in a favor from the other nations, considering how valuable Azure is for trade these days, they'll be sure to want to aid businesses recover for sure."

Gobble: We get it..you made your point... The Great Humanitarian.

5x5: Shut it, Gobble. This man is doing what is best for his people.

Avalia: Wish humanity was something like that.

Seco: There is hope for humanity.

Gobble: Yeah, but is it really worth it?

Seco: We gotta believe in the mission. Remember X-Men.

Gobble: Yea...X-Men..

Kado shakes his head. "I have no honest idea what these 'X-Men' are. You seem to talk about them though plenty enough."

Seco: If you watch, it surprisingly seems similar to our current problems of race. Maybe when we get on your good side we can show you.

Gobble:Ifwe can get on his good side

5x5: 'If'. 'If' sounds good.

"Well, you may get your chance." Kado chuckles lightly. "You may find that I won't have many more missions for you in the near future." The others interpret it as a humorous smile, but Seco notices the smile Kado makes is more sad than anything else.

"Dinner should be pretty soon."

Seco: *whispers to himself* Hmmm, what is to become of us after this? Or what might happen to Kado? He hasn't been really on his game today. What is he going to do?

"All will be explained at Chinmoku. No harm shall come to you, unless you bring it on yourselves. I cannot tell you anything, but we had an important meeting of the Azure Administrators. Before the council is to decide the course of action regarding Earth, Azure will make an announcement regarding our conclusions. Again, I stress that nothing shall happen to you or your men. But this announcement is not just for your ears. You will be joining us in the Summit itself. Kado chose you as his bodyguards for the meeting. ...Gobble. Any and all comments you make in the meeting that are disrespectful in any manner could result in severe punishment. ...All of you. When you are within the council chambers, the rule is unless you are a diplomat or leader, you are not to speak unless spoken to."Azula says firmly.

Seco: Understood.

5x5: Understood.

Avalia: Understood.

Gobble: Aw what? *is slapped in the back of the head by Seco* Understood.

Kado looks like he's going to say something, but suddenly doubles over in pain, and Azula rushes to his side, but he lets out a small noise barely detectable as "NO!", and she reluctantly steps back, and the episode continues for a full minute, before he loosens up, panting heavily, sweat dripping off him, and he is also shaking violently.

"I-I'm fine... it- it happens sometimes." He stutters.

Gobble: Did you have a seizure or some shit?

5x5: Are you gonna be ok, Kado?

"...This is why I protect those who are trampled on by the strong. Because I was weak, and trampled upon. It would be so much better if it was just a mere seizure. ...I believe I once told you that my own family tried to kill me. ...I was always a weak willed child. Their betrayal crushed me to my core. Ever since that day, even though I am now twenty seven, I still look like I did twelve years ago. We shapeshifters don't age as much once we hit our twenties... but we still look like adults. What I am isn't normal. We don't age like normal Mythos, or humans for that matter. True, we have physical changes, but it is largely dependent on our mental maturity as well.

...The events of twelve years ago, even the pain I felt as each of their blades and attacks ravaged me... I still live in that pain... constantly. Just when I am allowed a breath of peace... it returns in a endless roar of pain. In my waking and in my slumber, I relive the nightmare... again and again and again. My mind is literally broken like glass. I don't really even remember what I truely looked like. What you're seeing now is built on guesses, estimates. It's the closest thing to being who I used to be." He says all of this in a weak voice, pain clear in his voice.

Seco: We've been in that same boat before. I was once a country kid who was born half human, theother half was a Variante. The towns people saw me as a demon of sorts and rand me off. My family was killed due to me for being even born. I made to the city where things were alot worst. Kids were helplees to defend themselves against the older children who often squeezed whatever they could out of the unfortunate. I played vigilante for a while, 'til I decided to teach those kids how to defend themselves, knowing I would't be around forever. Once I taught them how to fight baxk, the older children no longer messed with the unfoortunate and they could live on the streets with no worry of being robbed even more people. My tactical skills caught the attention of the M.C.C.P and I was trained by them and later on trained many others. I later got married to a Nymph and later had 5x5 and Gobble. My wife...died due to an explosion caused by Weopon Draconis. I was left to raise the boys by myself.

5x5 & Gobble: *both look a bit upset*

Seco: There is not one moment in my life where I wish I wasn't a mytho, but i am and nothing can change that. And one part of me is glad that I am.

Dinner comes in, and they eat, Kado eating very lightly, mostly salad and a few sweets. Kado seems to be deep in thought. "...Tell me something, I assume you might know of this, considering you worked for M.C.C.P., you might have some sort of knowledge about this. I must admit I know little about Earth, other than the limited intel Azure has been able to gather. ...Can you tell me who this 'Sedition' is? I heard of it from the President and the Representatives, I assumed it was probably just some M.C.C.P. division or something."

He smiles for some reason. "Tommorow, assuming we catch a caravan, we should be able to see the Twilight Lands. The whole east side of Echo is closely connected to Fantasy, and it has some truely amazing wildlife and scenery. You're going to be some of the first from your world to ever see the beautiful side of this savage land."

Gobble: I hated the Twilight saga. *eaats his dinner*

Seco: The Sediton was some sort of rebellion against he M.C.C.P. We were sent to capture a Nephalem of the name 'Dark Prynce' but some ho made a wager with him, if by the end of te year whoever came up with the best army vould take Prynce. We accepted and we used what species we had at the time. Dark Prynce's army consisted off Zane, Weapon Draconis. Lucime and Arachne, The Admin's Daughters. Umbras, Demon of Draconis. Evelyn, Battle Mistress of Light and Osiris, Egyptian God of the Underworld. They have a new recruit we had once trained at the M.C.C.P prior to Weapon Draconis. His name is Demgel, The Son of Good and Evil.

Kado is even deeper in thought. "No wonder they were so cocky... it would be very hard to ever beat a group like that..." He laughs. "Espically with such pleasant titles as theirs. I would hate to come across them, friendly or not. Anyway, I suggest we get some early sleep. We'll probably need it for the trip tomorrow."

Seco: Understood. Yo heard the man. Let's rest up. *get into the sleeping areas and tread off to sleep*

Kado drifts off to sleep in his room, where Azula stands watch over him. She gets tired as well, and falls asleep next to him. When they wake up, they notice that Azula and Kado are both still sleeping, both look utterly exhausted. It doesn't take much imagination for Seco for him to guess that there will be a good show when the two wake up though, as Azula is sleeping with her arms around Kado.

A full minute later, Kado yelps with surprise and accidentally falls out of his bed, falling on his head.

"...Don't...you...say....anything...." He whimpers through the pain. Azula groggily wakes up, and looks surprised to see Kado sprawled on the floor.

''"You ok?" "Sure, totally didn't hit my head really hard on the ground or anything."''

Gobble: *smiling* Awwwww, how adorable

Seco: *helps Kado up* Nice to see someone caring for you on another scale.

Kado forgoes breakfast, and instead prepares to talk with the recently arrived caravan. After they finish eating, Kado walks back in. "Alright, we have a ride. We leave in five minutes. Your feet can thank me later, we will arrive this afternoon. You'll soon see the greatest city in Echo, Chinmoku in its full glory. To be honest, it will be my first time there as well. But trust me when I say this, it is nothing like anything Earth has even concevied."

Gobble: It'll be better than Atlantis, i'll tell you that much.

5x5: What the fuck are you talking about? We haven't even discovered Atlantis.

Seco: Quite, both of you.

Kado gathers a few things and heads out. "Meet me at the front when you're ready."

Seco: *signals everyone to follow him at a nod of his head and heads toward the front*

Holy City of Chinmoku
When they come outside, they see a long line of automated vehicles parked in front, and Kado motions for them to come inside the one he stands next to. Once they all get in, the line begins to move, fast enough to be impressive, but slow enough that they can admire the view outside from large windows. After a few hours, things start to get a strange tint, almost a violet color, and strange and beautiful plants and animals begin to be seen, with fey lights occasionally being seen.

They all start to feel a more relaxing atmosphere as they keep traveling towards the East.

Gobble: Is it me or is things starting to feel...mystical?

5x5: Not just you,but I can feel it too.

Seco: *can feel it too but decides to say nothing*

As they travel, they begin to see a strange sort of dome appear in the horizon, from one end of it to another. Eventually, all they can see in the sky is basically the looming dome. Kado becomes more focused on the road ahead of them.

"In the next half hour, I expect for us to arrive."

Gobble: *looks at the dome in awe* Holy shit.

5x5: *is also struck with awe* You can say that again.

Gobble: Holy-*is smacked in the back of the head by 5x5* Ow.

They pass through a series of thick forests and swamps, and then out of no where, it all opens up right in front of a massive shield wall so thick, they can't even see inside. The whole area is vibrating slightly from the shield's energy. Kado closes his eyes for a minute.

Gobble: *is shaking* Is it me or are we vibrating?

Avalia: *is shaking* Please dont say it like that?

Gobble: Why? does it turn you on? *is kicked in the balls by Avalia* AAAAAARRRGGGMMMMMMM!!! GOOD JESUS!

Suddenly, a massive hole opens in the shield wall, and they behold a astonishing sight. Inside, they can see miles upon miles of gardens and residential homes, lakes, rivers, mountains, and plateaus. In the center of it all lies a massive structure that looks to be a hybrid of both urban skyscrapers, and majestic temples, stretching from one end of the horizon to the next. From it all they feel a serene sense of peace, as though this place hadn't seen a single conflict in hundreds of years.

Kado looks breath taken. "Well, behold, the Grand Temple and its Garden of Midnight, Chinmoku. Capital of the Shapeshifter people, and the most powerful and peaceful realm in all of Echo." They also notice that unlike outside, the shield is see through, showing off the beautiful eternal midnight sky, full of billions of stars, untainted by any light pollution what so ever.

5x5: *is awe struck* By good God...It's amazing...

Seco: It's a sight, it is.

For the next hour, they come closer and closer to the Temple Complex itself, which looms increasingly taller over them, and once they reach its finely crafted but sturdy gates, Kado jumps out of the vehicle. "We're going to walk to the Central Complex from here. Follow me."

They travel through many series of fine temples, streets, and various other public buildings, and after a while reach the Central Complex, which looks very much like a cross between an imperial palace and a grand place of worship, carefully mixed. Kado without hesitation walks straight into the main building, and is guided by guards to a central chamber within. He looks back at the others.

"Well, are you guys ready?"

Seco: Been trained for stuff like this. Always prepared

5x5: It will be over with before you know it.

Avalia: Ofcourse.

Gobble: *is still awes struck* Sorry...I can't hear you over how intranced I am with this place...

As the doors open, they see a vast meeting hall with eight elementals, ten representatives of the largest imperial clans of shapeshifters, and next to the seat of the human ambassador, one seat remains at the table. All of the bodyguards remain standing, and all rise and look at Kado and Seco's team as they walk in, and Azula looks a bit nervous. A lone elderly shapeshifter wearing a thick robe sits at the throne in the room, guarded by 72 guards. He looks up and smiles.

"Well then... Master Kado of the great City State of Azure, you are welcome in these halls. However, I should point out-"

"YOU'RE LATE!" The Fire Clan Lord lets out a bellowing roar. He sees Seco and his team, and goes livid with rage, and flies at them with blinding speed.

"YOU MISERABLE THUGS! I'LL CRUSH YOU!" He roars.

Kado side steps in front of him, and pulls out Fire Slayer, which causes the Fire Lord to suddenly stumble, backpedal, and just generally fall over himself to avoid being impaled by the blade, and then stumbles away from it quickly.

"Kado! You fool, are these not the men who destroyed your city?! Stand aside and let me crush them!" He bellows. He narrows his eyes. "And I see you are still cheating with that sword of yours."

Kado shakes his head. "I will not stand aside. You know the rules. No fighting is allowed. Besides, they are here as my bodyguards. Be seated, please."

After a minute of staring at the sword, he slowly backs off.

"We will have words about this later." The man on the throne speaks softly. "All please be seated, Guardians, please stand at your liege's side." Kado seats himself, and Azula takes her place next to him.

Seco, 5x5, Avalia, and Gobble sit on the floor and watch attentivley

"Anyway, yes, you are late, but pretty much only by an hour. We've been waiting patiently. Or rather... most of us." The man looks at Fire Lord in a particular manner. Fire Lord looks away from him.

"Is there any of you who would like to make an announcement before we begin in earnest?"

Kado stands up. "Yes. Azure wishes to make a major announcement. If I may speak?"

Seco: *listens even more attentively seeing the look on his is quite upsetting*

Kado is silent for a moment. "I would like to inform you at this time... that I intend to resign from office as the leader of Azure."

The entire room is struck dumb, even the man on the throne cannot contain his surprise, a collective gasp echoes in the room.

Gobble: ARE YOU SERIOUS? *gets up and walks toward Kado* WE DRAGGED OUR ASSES BEHIND YOURS FOR THE PAST 3 DAYS, ONLY TO HEAR YOU SAY YOU QUITE? Nah,nah,nah, nah, nah. Fuck that, ok. Where's that guy who believed in helping his people strive through tought times and was seeking to rid his world of all injustice? Hmm? What happened to that guy?

Seco: I too must agree. You are possibly one of the greatest image of a leader and a martyr I have ever seen. Why stop now? give up on when your people need you the most?

"...I'm not giving up on my people." He looks away from them. "I'm doing this for my people." Suddenly, a hologram opens up, and a video with full audio begins playing, showing from a street camera the image of a massive and destructive battle ranging across what Seco realizes as London. He sees the image zoom in on a massive dark skeleton, and within it, is a child that strangely looks like Kado.

"...That was me. The man who fought for justice and the betterment of the Mythos... in the end became no better than the rest of them. I'm doing this for Azure's integrity. If I stay, Earth will no doubt use this as an excuse to discredit Azure, and put all of the years of work I put into it to ruin. If I step down, they will have no reason to come after and blame Azure." Kado's voice is pained with horrible guilt.

"...I have been suffering nightmares in the perspective of the people I put at risk for days... I cannot live with this guilt any more. If I must fight for justice... for now on... it is best if I fight alone. So that Azure can continue to provide hope for the future."

Gobble: Wow, we blew up your city because it was our job and we decided to work it off, but you went and completely destroyed one of them all in the pursuit of one guy? Wow how fucking hypocritical can you get? In all cases, I guess your people can do without you for a while.

Seco: That is enough!

Gobble: *gives Kado a long cruel stare and leaves the room*

Suddenly, Gobble is sent flying back into the room, being pulled back by some invisible force, screaming in alarm the whole way. When he arrives next to Seco, he is dropped on the the floor hard, and the man on the throne stands up.

"I gave no permission for you to leave, Gobble." The man says darkly. "When in attendance, you will only speak when spoken to, and you will only leave at my dismissal. I am the Grand Eye, and you will follow conduct, or next time face stiff penalties. I understand your anger, but you will not leave unless permission is granted."

Kado looks down at the ground. "I have two other announcements. My successor shall be Azula. For many years, she has guided me when I would have fallen off the right path. I trust in her ability to protect the people, no matter the cost. The other announcement... is that I intend to grant a full pardon and amnesty to Seco and his men. ...I understand that what they did should be dealt with by punishment, but I believed that they could be more than what many have assumed them to be, including myself. ...This is why I brought you here... to have an opportunity to understand you. ...We aren't as different as I had thought."

He barely manages to look Seco in the eye, but quickly lowers his gaze. "I wish I could be deserving of the regard you had for me. In the end I'm just no better than the people you worked to lock up..."

He trails off, and lightly mutters, "Just another monster...", and sits down in his seat, his hair hanging over and concealing his face.

Seco: Then that monster must learn control and see to what truly matters'. Like how yo gave us a chance at redemption for the destruction of your city, you too can seek it.

The man sits down. "Are you sure you wish to continue with this, Kado? There are other ways. You do not have to do this."

Kado shakes his head. "No... it has to be this way." Seco notices something odd about Kado's voice then, and apparently the man does as well, though he says nothing of it.

"...Very well then. It is regrettable that you feel the need to resign, Kado. You have contributed much to the world during your time. In this case Azula will vote in your stead. We shall begin the Summit officially then. Seco, your men may leave. So may you at this time, Kado. But we will need to speak in private."

Kado quietly says, "Yes, I understand," And Seco again notices something off about his voice.

Kado gets up, and quietly begins to leave, saying nothing. Azula watches him go, and then sits down.

5x5: Can't belive he just went on and did that.

Seco: I have a feeling he know's what he's doing. *looks at Azula, who looks rather worried* Azula, you've known Kado longer than anyone of us, then you must know that Kado will be alright.

"Actually... that's why I'm so worried. It's because I know Kado. You weren't there with us when Kado was injured by your CRAzy. ...It would be one thing for Kado to redesignate himself as a soldier... but if he goes off on his own... Kado is only superficially strong. If his will were to break... ...Seco, you will need to see something from me. ...I suspect though you might find out for yourself if you were to follow Kado right now. You have permission to leave and do as you please. Here is the location of where we are staying though, just so you know."An image of how to reach the quarters inserts itself into Seco's head."You can leave, it's fine Seco."

Seco: Thing is, whereto go? We promised yo we would stay and help rebuld Azure for it's destruction and we're gonna do that. Well, I am. *turns toward the others* How about you?

5x5: You know I'll always be by your side, Father.

Avalai: Same here.

Gobble:....Who else is gonna keep me from sayin' something stupid?

Seco: It's settled. We stay here.

"I thank you. I suspect that Kado won't leave for good. In honesty, he will always need Azure. But I don't know where he intends to go from here. He may join the Vigilante Corp, that would be the best I could hope for. Tell me, speaking of that, is that something you would care for?"

Seco: Whatever you need me to do. I would have a no problem doing it.

During the entire session, the attitude in the room seems obviously completely against Earth, even the Shapeshifters, who Seco was told were largely pacifist, seem agitated.

Azula speaks up."You all know full well how Azure views this. I believe the best we can do is offer them the choice to change. Even if they don't, I believe we should come together not to destroy them, but to be ready for the next time. Should they attempt such an action like at Azure again, we should make clear their folly by issuing forth their destruction. Should we not focus on punishing our enemy, not the bystanders?"

The council is silent, considering her words. The shapeshifters speak up. "Perhaps that should be our course of action. And it would make clear to Earth that there are consequences for meddling in other world's affairs, without targeting the innocent."

The Elementals seem a little less enthusiastic of that opinion.

Seco: We were just following our orders. We cannot be held accountable if killing innocents was what we had to do. But since we're here, we can make up for that. What do you say?

The Fire Clan Lord turns directly to face him. "Especially in the West, where even we Elementals fear the wrath of mother Nature, even if we may fight, it is understood to us that innocent blood is something that only cowards spill. For it is the only blood of which they deserve. Warriors are meant to fight warriors, not to kill like mindless drones meekly obeying whatever soundwaves come into their ear! Even if our enemy is well deserving of eradication, even I would hesitate to give such an order. Earth has no honor. And by obeying orders of such a nature, you rid yourself of honor, no matter how hard you can try to make up for it, you have spilled innocent blood, a tainted act you can never wipe clean! ...And that is why Earth deserves to be punished. They do not hold any value in innocent life, they have in turn lost their innocence, and thus their deserving of life!" He growls. The majority of the elementals, except a handful, namely Light, Earth, and Ice, all agree with his statement. They instead seem to frown instead for some reason.

5x5: They do that out of fear yes, cause innocents are being killed on Earth too, not just in Azure. Some of us have honor and some of us are good and are capable of doing such. You wanna know why?

"Go ahead, tell me how you're any different from the savages on Earth. Let me tell you though. You have some nerve to speak of honor. Were it not for Azure's advanced alert systems, and had they not evacuated in advance, you would have no honor. Even though you didn't spill blood of any but warriors... your intent to do so is more than enough justification for me to label you a coward. The lives of the innocent are worth tenfold your own, even if they are enemies. If you had honor, you would kill the man who told you to kill innocents.

But if you think that some how you had or have honor, please, tell me how I'm wrong." He crosses his arms. "There is no justification for slaughter."

5x5: I know, but there was man who believed mankind was worth it. He gave up his life from beyond the stars to come teach us right and wrong and he was prosecuted for speaking the truth and stand up for those who did wrong unto others. He was betrayed by his friends, but he he forgave them and forgave those who did him wrong. He took all the sins of the world once he was sacrificed and that was when Earth had a chance at redemption and even though you guys think that man's sacrifice was in vain. It wasn't. You wanna know why? Because he makes no mistakes. And he said, 'If you are without sin, you cast the first stone'. So hit me if you say you guys have not done one thing wrong in your life.

Fire Lord seems to almost completely become a visage of pure fire in anger, his eyes glowing red pupils. "You only have the right to speak of things like that if you actually have gone and lived them. You're a hypocrite. If you believe in his sacrifice, that's one thing. But he doesn't call the world to just believe. Believe all you want, but until you start living the sacrifice, you just taint his message.

You may have the right to speak of throwing stones, when you live by his actions and his words, not when it conveniences you!" He roars.

5x5: He doesn't want us to live the sacrifice. He already did that. All he want's is us to believe in that sacrifice and to believe he died for our sins

He narrows his eyes. "Like I told you. It's fine to believe. But you cannot speak of it when you only live by it in convince. Or have you forgotten there are rules that you must live by? ...For instance... thou shall not murder. Your actions at Azure betray your 'faith'. To eliminate a threat is one thing. To kill innocents just to get at your enemy... not only cowardly, but you commit hypocrisy! The only reason you even are willing to help Azure rebuild is because they caught you and would kill you if you refused. You would never have helped them otherwise... when that CRAzy was defeated, your first thought was self preservation, and not to aid those you had wronged. You have no moral standing, and your 'belief' is a mere front you use in your convenience. I have not seen any action that indicates you have any true understanding. Those who believe in that sacrifice not only have belief... but they spread their belief through their actions. They show the world their faith, and give them the hope they come to know.

...You have only shown us your cowardice. You're just like the others who scurry about on Earth."

The Fire Lord spits in 5x5's face, the projectile literally feels as if he set his cheek on fire.

5x5:*wipes the spit off his face* If a person strikes you, turn the other cheek. *turns his face*

"The only reason I've not killed you is because right now, you're not a soldier, and because I honor those commandments you're taking for granted. I will say it again. You can say you believe all you want. If that's what you really believe, fine. But belief cannot redeem everything. It's not a free pass through life. If I were to kill anything and everything I could, and then excused myself with my belief, I would still be damned. Keep that in mind. Even if you do believe, you are still accountable for your actions. I see no man of faith. Only a man of hypocrisy. When did you ever stand up against what was wrong? I will say it once again! You are a hypocrite! You serve men who order the death of millions of innocents, you imprison your own kind, those you don't you turn into weapons!" He roars.

"I did not bring this up, as I did not think it important to mention, and I assumed you knew of this. But do you know of something called Gen. Messiah?"Azula says to 5x5.

5x5: *is silent for a moment* Yes...I am familiar.

"I must ask. Do you know of its origins?"

5x5: Jonas and God Squad were sent to Heaven to...kidnap the Messiah. It was successful and we reverted the mesiah into a machine, for the sole purpose of creating CRAzys, the solution to the myth problem.

"And knowing this, you still chose to follow them, even with your belief? You never once thought that was wrong? Do you realize what you've basically done and continue to do by siding with M.C.C.P.?"

5x5: I knew we had crossed the line once we did this, but what could we do? If he defected, we were just as vulnerable as any other mytho. I spoke with my father about this, but he has not come up with how to handle it. The Admin wont take us up and leaving so nicely you know. We were one of his best. He can't afford to loose that. now since we're here, we feel free, but the guilt of reverting the Messiah into a freak show still haunts me.

The Fire Clan Lord gets up out of his seat. He looks at the other Lords, and they silently rise. They all begin to walk into an adjacent chamber, and close the door, and the other representatives begin to rise, including Azula.

5x5: *whispers to himself* God said "Love those who hate you, Do right unto those who do wrong to you."

Azula looks at him and the others."We're leaving until they finish. They're going to cast their own vote. They may bicker a lot, but when it comes to this kind of thing, they always do it with a democratic vote. ...They're like a really savage form of a republic. We're leaving because it usually takes a good three days before they decide on their vote. I know from experience. We will be headed to the diplomat quarters. Kado should be there. I think. Oh, a soldier named Wildcard is going to want to talk to you. Besides Kado, he's one of the stronger SS Class Mythos of Azure. ...They're quite similar, except well... he's much more brutal."

Gobble: Brutality

Seco: Where will we be meeting him?

She looks at the doorway leading to the outside."He's not exactly the friendly kind, so don't do anything to make him mad. ...I'm looking at you Gobble. ...Also, he may challenge one of you, so be ready for him to get... extreme."

Gobble: Ahhh shiiitt....Not it.

Everyone walks out the doorway

As they do so, they see a man who at first looks like Kado, but when they get a better look, he looks more like a monsterous savage. A thick metal visor of some kind hangs over his face, almost shaped like a beak, and he appears to have a air and voice filter covering the rest of his face. His whole body is covered in thick combat armor, and over all, he just looks very threatening. He turns and looks straight at them.

"I see you're the soldiers that were apprehended during the battle. Unfortunate that you got away with such light wounds. I hear it took Kado many a week before he was ready to return to his station. Seems a bit...ironic, that you would end up serving your enemy... don't you think?" He says in a very artificial, heartless sort of manner, almost sounding like a machine born to kill.

Seco carefully notes that this guy has about six katanas on his back, and a single large sword. He is evidently very skilled at what he does just by looking.

"Admiring the hardware I see... well don't."

Gobble: *whispers* Is this dude a samurai vampire *is slapped in the back of the head by 5x5* Ooooowww.

His head swerves towards Gobble. "YOU. Come here." He says suddenly.

Gobble: Oh now he's Scorpion. Fine whatever, I know im gonna get my ass handed too, anyway. *walks up to Wildcard*

He crosses his arms. "Hit me. As hard as you can. I want to see what you're made of, wise cracker."

Gobble: *scoffs* Wise cracker? You sound older than the old man over there. *points at Seco from over his shoulder*

Seco: Shut up and fight that damn fool, George.

Gobble: Ok. *throws a punch at Wildcard but it doesnt touch his face and jerks his fist back and kicks him in his stomach*

He looks at Gobble. "Is that all you have? Disappointing." In a suddenly flurry of movement, he suddenly tosses Gobble high into the air, and then proceeds to drop kick his stomach, and finishes his movements with a powerful body slam into the ground, and then flips back twice, and comes to a stop on his feet, and appears to not even have strained himself at all.

"Try again, that is, if you can stand up after that."

Gobble: *is hurt, but gets up anyway* Ok then, lets go. *runs up and punches and kicks him on every inch of his body and finally kick sweeps Wildcard causing him to fall down and then drops kicks him in the stomach*

Suddenly Gobble's foot catches on fire, and Wildcard starts laughing wickedly. He suddenly flips, and while in mid air, slams his two feet straight into Gobble's face, and sends him flying onto the stairs adjacent to Seco. A powerful aura of fire burns about him, as he continues laughing.

"Who's next? I want to see your strength!" He chuckles. "It's been a while since I've been able to get real loose... show me a good time!"

The guards around them appear to be straining. "W-what is he?! He's fighting off our attempts to restrain him with mental bonds.... impossible!"

Seco: Mental bonds? *thinks for a minute* 5x5, you take him.

5x5: Are you sure,cause look at what this dude managed to do to Gobble.

Gobble: *is still on the ground in pain* It hurts...

Seco: Trust me

Wildcard tilts his head. "Well? Come on then!" He yells, taking a ready stance.

5x5: I'll fight you. *gets in a Judo fighting stance*

He chuckles briefly. He suddenly vanishes, surprising 5x5, but he has little to no time to react to this before Wildcard appears behind him, and chops him in the back with a karate chop, and abruptly switches to another style, stabbing several nerve points in 5x5's body with precise finger strikes, before flipping back and jumping onto a high pillar.

The air about him seems strangely darker, as though his very presence is draining light from around him.

5x5: *gets up and vanishes and comes back behind him and elbows him in the back of the neck and sweep kicks him then drop kicks him in his side then kicks him away*

Seco quickly notes that Wildcard takes almost no time getting back up, as if he wasn't even phased by the attacks. He takes a better look and suspects that this guy might be feeling pain, but if he is, he must be used to pain by now, to the point where it doesn't throw him off in a fight anymore.

Wildcard leaps forward, throwing a katana at 5x5's face while drawing a spare one in the same motion, ending the jump by impaling the blade in the ground, where he stops abruptly and lands next to it, and casually pulls it out and enters another fighting stance. 5x5 notes he seems to flicker for a brief moment.

5x5: Mind if I ask when do you want to stop fighting?

"I will fight until I am satisfied. I said that I wish to see your strength. I am not satisfied. Pain is pain. But your blows are nothing compared to the pain I've endured... Now... if you're done talking..." He points his katana at 5x5. "Show me your strength. Or walk away. I care not which."

The guards infuriatingly growl. "How is this guy able to ignore our psychic restraints as if they were cobwebs?!" One snarls in frustration, several appear to be severely straining their limits without any visible effect.

5x5: *runs toward Wildcard and manuevers under his arm holding the katana and manages to slip the katana out of his hand and slices both backs of his knees and points the katana at the back of Wildcards neck*

Wildcard drops for but a moment, and then rolls aside, and a visible exhale can be heard coming from his mask. He stands back up with a growl, but says nothing. He draws with blinding speed, using a very fast Quickdraw and nearly manages to slice 5x5's torso horizontally and vertically, but comes just shy of his body. With an even faster series of stabs, he manages to combine the stabs with low kicks aimed at 5x5's footing, and 5x5 fails to dodge one kick, and drops to the ground, right as Wildcard stabs at both of his hands to pin them to the ground, managing to impale one and barely missing the other, the other getting a slight cut.

5x5: *takes the katana out of his hand and points it at Wildcard*

Seco: *is intrigued*Hmmm....

Gobble: *is still on the ground injured* Yea...you go get 'em, man...*falls back down*

Avalia: *looks worried* Be careful, Jonathan.

Wildcard flips, kicking 5x5 back down, while pulling out the other katana from the ground. While 5x5 struggles back up, Wildcard quickdraws his katana again, and this time scores a major hit to 5x5's torso's left side and his shoulder as well, leaving a long gash. He then jumps up onto a pillar, and an aura of fire surrounds him, and he begins lobbing fireballs at 5x5 at high speeds, both punching and kicking. After a minute passes, he stops firing. He looks at the others. "Any volunteers before I pick for you?"

He seems to be looking partially at Seco, but also appears to have some interest in Avalia.

5x5: *comes back and and double-kangaroo kicks him from behind. He takes the katana and shoves through his spine*

Suddenly a giant fist slams into 5x5's face, and sends him through two walls with ease. He barely manages to look up to see a Defiled Beast standing where Wildcard had stood. He also notices the katana he implanted in his spine is completely healed, with no sign of physical injuries.

Before he can blink, the beast smashes its fists repeatedly into him, and it finishes with a stomp to his legs, then stomps off back into the plaza where they where fighting, and it turns to see if 5x5 will get back up.

5x5: *struggles to gets up but manages to get back on his feet. Is breathing very hard*

Wildcard returns to normal form, and looks at him. "That'll be enough. I am satisfied with your performance. You fought well." He looks at Seco and Avalia.

"Which of you shall fight me next?" He says coldly

Seco is about to raise his finger to volunteer, but Avalia puts his hand down.

Avalia: I volunteer.

He looks in her direction. "Very well then." He turns to face her, but makes no other movement to take a ready stance.

''5x5 walks by Avalia and holds her arm and gives her a worried look. Avalia puts her hand oer his and gives 5x5 an assuring look. 5x5 gives her a trusting look and lets go over arm and walk over to Seco.''

Gobble: *still lying on the ground* You did good, bro. *gives 5x5 a thumbs-up*

Avalia: *gets into her fighting stance*

Some of the guards try to grab him to stop the fighting, and he simply responds with a roundhouse kick that knocks each of them unconscious, and then turns back to face Avalia. He hesitates for some reason, but does not draw his remaining katanas, rather he draws two long wicked looking daggers, and slowly shifts into a ready stance.

Seco: *is watchign carefully and is whispering to himself* Plant you feet, Avalia.

Avalia: *mildly spaces out her legs and plant her feet firmly to the ground*

He lunges, and momentarily disappears. When he appears, he slices at her, and vanishes, the blade off from its target by a inch. She suddenly realizes that he wasn't aiming for her head directly though, as a burst of fire erupts where the knife had sliced near, momentarily engulfing her in flames.

Avalia: *turns the flames into discs and listens carefully for Wildcard*

A piece of one of the nearby pillars suddenly flies at her, and while it flies at her, Wildcard appears, and sends a wall of fire straight at her.

Avalia: *blocks both with her fire disc and throws on at Wildcard cutting his abdominal area*

He appears silent, and out of no where, he starts charging her at an insanely high speed, and she begins sending more fire discs, the majority of them he easily dodges, but some he allows to slice him, a few cutting his arms, and one managing to slice a small hole into the right side of his metal mask, revealing a glowing red eye full of an intent to kill just barely held back. He closes the distance between them in only thirty seconds, and begins slamming his fists into her, and delivers a particularly nasty one to her right cheekbone. Just as she prepares to counter him, he slashes her waist with his daggers, and it's only then she is able to knock him away.

He stumbles and skids to a stop, and it occurs to Seco he may be losing his earlier stamina. He is splattered with his and her own blood, and is taking rather deep, if not strained breaths. His red eye narrows to a slit slowly, adding to his already dangerous appearance.

He suddenly shapeshifts, and appears to change into the Fire Lord. From a window, the real Fire Lord yells, "HEY! Don't you dare use my semblance without my permission!"

Wildcard just chuckles darkly with his voice.

Gobble: Hey mister Wilcard! Stop being a blood-thirsty slut, ya gayford!

5x5: Dude, shut up!

"...Don't make me come over there and teach you why you're still on the ground a second time."

Avalia: *turns the disc into a spear and stabs it through Wildcards cerebral cortex*

It suddenly passes through him harmlessly, and as it comes out, it simply becomes a part of his form.

"News flassh, it probably didn't occur to you, but fire against fire is not only stupid, against a master of the element, you just put yourself in a bad position. Against a fire elemental, you've got some serious brain damage to attack one with fire."

He suddenly attacks with a violent nova of fire that ignites even the stones, and the blast hits Avalia. She tries to shape it like before, but this fire ignores her and continues to ravage and burn her without remorse, the firewave knocking her back towards the others.

Avalia: *is unconscious*

Gobble: Oh shit!

5x5: Avalia! *runs up to her*

Seco: *is shocked* This is unnecessary.

Wildcard remains silent, and returns to his form. However, unlike before, he definitely lacks the previous stamina from before, and actually seems at the very least tired. The wound she dealt him in the abdominal area is healed for the most part, but hasn't fully closed, and still a bit of blood is slowly coming out.

"...Azula. Heal her." He says quietly. Azula silently reaches to Avalia, and looks at Seco."I'll take care of her back at the room."She picks Avalia up, and begins taking her off to a building.

He observes Seco cautiously. "I did not intend to cause any mortal injuries. Understand that much." He turns his head to watch Azula leave, as she enters the building off in the distance. The glow in his eye is nowhere nearly as strong, the red in his eye is subdued and his iris is almost black.

"Are you angry with me?" He asks simply.

Seco: *just looks at him in shame*...You are no monster...You are something far worst...*turns and follows Azula.

5x5:*carries Gobble inside with one arm. He looks back at him and it his eyes are tainted with hate. He follows behind Seco*

"...That much is true...." He turns towards the outskirts of the temple, and silently walks past the building, while several guards angrily follow him. He quietly growls, "I was testing them, nothing more. I won't make excuses for what I did. Get lost." He silently walks out into the Temple Gardens, and eventually sits by a lake, a fair ways away from the main section.

He takes his metal mask off, and Kado stares into the pristine waters, his eyes dull and lifeless. He stares at the calm water, and wonders why he can't be like the water, calm and peaceful.

''...What do I even want anymore...? What am I good for but tearing apart what I seek to build up? ...I can't do anything right anymore...''

Losing Direction
"Why do I even have these powers... they've brought me nothing but pain... pain to myself and to others.... what's the point... what's the point in all of this...?!" He snarls, and breaks off weakly.

He suddenly hurls Dark Slayer away from him, and it impales deep into a nearby tree with a anguished yell of frustration.

Damn it all...He buries his head in his arms, and curls up into a fetal position.

Kado eventually gets up, well aware of what time it is, and silently talks over to Dark Slayer, and mutters, 'I hate you...' to it, before silently walking back to the temple, and eventually runs across the building. He becomes intangible, and silently walks through the halls to the rooms, and without a sound or hint at his presence, walks past the others, not needing a reminder of what he had done, and slides into the closed door of his bedroom and quietly locks it from within, so that no one will get in.

He takes the sheet off the bed, and lies on the floor, using his own hand as a pillow, and the floor as his mattress, and reluctantly drifts off to sleep, preferring the waking nightmare to the hell that would likely ravage him in sleep.

Seco is standing next to an injured Gobblelying in bed, while5x5 is standing next to an injured Avalia.

5x5: *is looking down at Avalia and holds her burnt hand* Avalia...*clutches his fist and turns to Seco* Why didn't you stop him...?

Seco: I was unaware that he was gonna do that.

5x5: Bullshit. You knew who he was the entire time and while we were getting our assess handed to, you just stood there, like you were an old man waiting to cross the street.

Seco: You know as well as I do that she took my place.

5x5: *pins Seco to the wall* You could've stopped her! You could've stopped him! You just let your sons do all the work for you while you sit on your hands and watch.

Seco: I'm sorry for putting too much trust in you. I should've known there were somethings you just weren't ready for. Avalia took a bullet for me you know. That could've been me who would've been incinerated. What then?

5x5: You lived a good life, old man.*drops Seco and leaves*

As 5x5 leaves, Kado weakly wakes up, hearing the commotion. Silently, he peers through a small hold in the side of the door, and looks at Seco.

''He's been through a great deal... but unlike me... he has something that I don't have the luxury of... a family.''

''...Just as well that I woke up... I don't think I could have been able to sleep through the nightmares. ...Should I talk to 5x5....? ...I shouldn't let my mistakes cause bad blood in Seco's family...''

Azula quietly lifts her head, picking up Kado's thoughts but says nothing. She turns to Seco.

"My healing has been able to numb their pain. They'll be alright now. They just need some rest. Avalia took the worst of it, but they'll be fine in a few days. ....Do you want to talk?"She asks timidly, not wanting to anger Seco.

Seco: I don't know anymore. Jonathan has a point, I was more expirienced. If I had volunteered first, I would've been the only one in a medical bed and not everyone else. Thanks to me Jon might not know how long his feelings for Avalia would have taken. I lost mine in 2 years after we were married, he might loose his before he ever gets a chance.

"Don't blame yourself. I didn't know that was going to happen, and actually I don't think it was Kado's intention to harm her the way he did. He was trying to see how strong you all were. ...He didn't want you to be sent somewhere where your talents would be of no use, so he thought he would test you all himself. ...Truth be told... something's off about him though. I know of that other self of his, and to be honest... it's worrying me. Even as Wildcard, he would never go that far, not against a comrade. ...I don't know what it is, but I feel like his encounter with Hiroshi has done something to Kado, and emotions he doesn't know how to control are starting to boil over... when I first met him, he was almost without emotion. It took me months for him to even crack a smile. But now..."

She looks down at the ground."I understand you probably don't even want to hear his name... let alone hear me talk about his problems. But didn't you feel like something has been off about him?"She looks at Seco."I'm scared for him..."

Seco: If there was one thing I knew about Kado, that he was violent but in this case he was never that violent. He even said so through what he had said about not want ing to scoop to our level, did give me a hint as to why he would go so far, but that wasn't Kado. It was something completely different. And if he wanted to see how strong we were, we could've helped him fight Hiroshi, but I can see he's more of the Lone Wolf type of guy.

Kado gathers his energy, and goes intangible again, and slips through his door. However, as he leaves the entrance of the quarters, he breifly loses focus and briefly flickers into view, but just as quickly disappears, and heads off to go after 5x5.

5x5: *is meditating in the Temple Gardens*

From above him, a voice says softly, "You know, you've got something I could only wish of having. I sort of envy you. You have no idea how much I wish I could empathize that to you." Kado quietly is sitting in a high up tree branch, looking down on him, strangely dim eyes illuminated in the eternal twilight of the moon lingering over them.

5x5: *finishes meditatin and looks at his injuries* I wish I could do better than this...*turns back inside*

Kado turns as he goes. "Going to just turn and walk away? The only person you should be angry at is me. Not your father. He doesn't deserve any of that. And the last thing you should do to yourself... is turn your back on the people who care about you. I've got nothing now. But you have something I can never have again. Once you lose it, you'll never have your family again. So cherish it."

Kado narrows his eyes, remembering.''These are the words I wish someone could have told me... but it's too late for me... my family can't be brought back to me... not after all I've been through. Not after what we've done to each other...''

5x5: Fool. You've had a family all this time, you were just to busy wallowing in your own pain to notice.

"...." Kado glares at him. "What are you talking about...?" He suddenly gets an odd feeling, and looks away off in this distance.

5x5: These people who look up to you. Because your one of them. Their your people and when you say 'your people' you mean 'your family'. They would stick wit you 'til the ends of the world because your part of your part of your people's family.

Kado looks around, and for a few minutes, he seems tense. After a while, he relaxes. He looks back down at 5x5.

"...Perhaps you're right about that. But..." He trails off, his eyes without energy in them. "That isn't the same... it will never come close to being the family you have, or the one I lost." He drops down from the tree silently, and gives 5x5 a look that he doesn't know how to read, and walks off. He pauses. "Not that I don't care about them... it just what I lost... my people will never be able to replace. ...No matter how much I care about them, or them me."

He walks away, and silently rests his head against a distant tree across the road from 5x5. He appears lost in thoughts.

5x5: *whispers to himself* They can, if you weren't moping every second of the day about your life.*walks back inside*

When he comes back inside, Azula's gaze immediately is on him the moment he appears at the door. He can't read what her gaze's emotion holds, but it seems like she had been worried about something, or rather, is, as there seems to be a faint line of stress and anxiety on her face.

"So you've come back."The tone in her voice is much sharper, almost like a knife's edge scraping against his mind.

5x5: *feels a sharp pain in his mind, it nearly makes him pass out, but he keeps himself from doing so* Yes. I'm just came back to apologize to the old man. How is Avalia?

"Fine. The worst is over. I mended her burns as best as I am able, and I removed her connection to her body's pain. I did a similar thing for Gobble. ...That name is quite an odd one I will say that much. No offense."

The sharp pressure dissipates slowly, and he realizes that the pain came from Azula, and he realizes she might have been slightly angry at him about something, but judging by the disappearance of the pain, she must have been willing to let it go.

He notes a strange formation on the back of Azula's neck, which seems almost as if it was something artificially attached to her body. It looks like a small round mound, with small vein like growths trailing down towards her spine and her head. She doesn't seem to notice his gaze though, and she simply appears to be looking over Avalia with a soft expression, sort of how she occasionally looks at Kado.

5x5: Ummmm...I hope its not rude of me asking, but how did you get that thing on the back of you neck?

Her reaction is completely unexpected, she flinches, and just about looks as if someone set off a bomb in her face. She covers it with a hand, and looks extremely pale, almost unhealthily so."I-i-i-it's nothing. Please do-don't ask."After a brief awkward moment, she speaks again."I'm sorry... I don't know what it is... just don't talk about it. I always get that way when someone says something about it, and I don't know why. ...My apologizes. I've been examined before, but no one can figure out what it does."

5x5: *put his hand on Azula's shoulder* I'm sorry. Like I said, I didn't mean to be rude.

"It's alright... where's Kado?"She asks.

5x5: I saw him walking down the road away from here. Im not sure where he's heading but he should still be walking.

"I see... I wish I knew what to do about him. It just seems that no matter how hard I reach for him... he keeps slipping away. ...I've been trying to find the source of his pain, but I've not been able to delve deep enough into his mind to find it. It's like an endless wall is surrounding his inner most being... And all around it is a terrible dark void."She looks depressed.

"I've tried so long to free him from this suffering... I don't know what to do..."The tone of her voice seems almost broken, as though she's seconds from tears.

5x5: *puts his hand on Azula's face and turns Azula's face towards his* Emotions are good to show, but never good to display your character. Kado has delved far into bad things in his life and dwells only in the darkness of the past, instead of bathing in the light of the future. We can still help him, no matter what. No matter what he does, there is no doubt in the end that he will no longer feel that pain, but it's all up to him. And if he makes his mind up, you must respect that.

She still looks desolate, and suddenly her expression turns to alarm. She mouths, 'I have to go!' silently, but the fear on her face tells him that she just sensed something bad. She shakily touches his head with her hand, and a wave of mental energy connects to his brain, and he senses a powerful presence lurking somewhere in the gardens, approaching Kado's weaker mental signals with great speed. He suddenly remembers where he felt this before...

...the presence is the same as the one that came from the strange white figure that attacked them and destroyed the CRAzy with a single effortless blow.

5x5: It's her isn't it?...The one who decapitated our Test CRAzy?

"...Yes... that and more... From the best I've been able to search... I know only this one thing... that she is the reason for everything Kado has suffered through until now. ...She is the one who made Kado this way... of any of the members of Phoenix... she and Hiroshi are the only ones that really readily come to the surface of his thoughts... and they're the ones who incite the dark wrath deep within him. ...I don't know why she's been showing up so much lately... but I can't let her do anything else to Kado!"

She stands up, a fire in her eyes.

5x5: If we're gonna fight her, we can't just go in guns blazing. I know you want to get back at White but will it make Kado feel better?

"The last time he left to chase after them... I can't let him fall back into that dark place. I don't care if he wants to fight her. Besides... she's fully trained and a fully empowered Elemental Slayer. ....He doesn't even stand a chance as it is... especially because he already had to fight and deal with all of you."

5x5: Then let's call the old man. HEY, OLD MAN. GET YOUR RUGIGDY ASS OUT HERE!

Seco: *comes outside* What is it you want, Jon? *feels that strange presence* That feel...is it that lady?

5x5: Yep

Seco: Mmm

Azula suddenly rushes off, the take off so strong it creates a small burst of wind, which pushes them back for a moment.

5x5: *is surprised* Holy crap.

Seco: Hmm

5x5: Knew something we didn't?

Both: I always do. *runs after Azula*

They eventually manage to catch up, and they all roughly see at the same time a white figure in the distance with a slumped figure over her shoulder. It doesn't take long for them to realize who it is.

White sees Azula and lets out a smile, which quickly comes right off when she sees Seco and 5x5, replacing it with a bit of a scowl.

"Well now... I was beginning to think you weren't going to show up..." Closer to her, they can see she has two white horns, and the only major contrast on her body is her robe's black detail. Her eyes aren't the usual shapeshifter eyes, instead having violet irises with black reptilian pupils.

Azula bristles with rage."PUT. HIM. DOWN."

White gives her a raised eyebrow. "Oh my. What's your fuss about? I only poked him, and he fell over unconcious, that's all."

Azula's fists clench."I SAID PUT HIM DOWN!"She roars, the mental waves echoing loudly in Seco and 5x5's brains.

White just smiles.

5x5: *feels the pain in his head* AH GOD! *presses his the roof of his mouth his his thumb*

Seco: *is ignoring the pain as much as he can* You heard her. Put Kado down.

As carelessly as she can make the act possible, she lazily drops him right next to her left side.

She just casually smirks. "You know... I hesitated just long enough for him to know I attacked him... oh how exquisite the rage he'll have when he wakes up..." There is a twisted gleam of satisfaction in her eyes.

5x5: I bet she's one those excessively evil chicks you just want to die.

Seco: Yep, no doubt.*walks to Kado and picks him up* Should we go back? We got Kado.

Seco suddenly feels a blade against his throat, and he is immobilized against her body, uncomfortably so.

"Well, one thing you shouldn't do around excessively evil chicks is walk right up to them..." She purrs. "Besides... I came here for something." She looks at Azula. "Since Phoenix was named an independent entity from Chinmoku... should we not get a say in world affairs? Or did you simply look us over?"

"What are you talking about?"

"Well, since I have your attention... let me make it clear that Echo, specifically Azure is to keep out of our business. Any interference will cause... unneeded collateral damage. We make our move soon, and I suggest you keep your toes out of our business. Oh, we will meet again... I still have something we need to talk about..."

She makes a cruel wink, and literally dissolves in a shower of light.

5x5: Man, that chicks just spells "EVIL".

Seco: Every. Villain. Is. Lemon.

5x5: Remind me never to have lemonade again. Something is telling me she is has a big plan going on.

Seco: Looks like you've beaten me to a speculation.

"I think you need a medal for your incredible observation, Sherlock."Azula remarks dryly.

5x5: Medals are for heroes. I am no hero. I didn't know you guys knew anything about Sherlock Holmes. And don't get pissed because you didn't get your chance to end the evil white chick.

"....I only learned about it after meeting you all. You certainly have interesting pass times on Earth."

5x5: And you don't? I feel rather sad for you guys. More than I already do.

She turns toward the quarters they were staying at."Let's head back... I need to make sure she didn't do something to him..."

Seco: She could've just pressure pointed him.

5x5: Or hit him really hard.

When they reach the room, she has them lay him down on his bed."Leave me for a few minutes. I need to do something."She places her hand on Kado's forehead, and closes her eyes, and says nothing else.

Seco and 5x5 leave the room

5x5: Any idea what the evil white chick might be planning?

Seco: World-wide eradication? That's my only guess.

5x5: I'm guessing were gonna go find out.

Seco: Hell yea, we are.

After a long while, Azula comes out, but she looks shaken, in a way that sends a slight chill down Seco's spine. He realizes it's a look of raw horror and fear.

Seco: Something bad has happened to him hasn't it?

"No... he's fine... but... ....I need to wait for Gobble, Avalia, and Kado to wake up. ...You ALL need to hear this."

5x5: What's happening?

Seco: Shit is what's happening.

"She told Kadoexactlywhat they're going to do. ...She also asked him to join them. ...The others need to hear this though. What White has planned... is something greater than what you speak of when you say the world 'Holocaust'. ...They're going to try to wipe out all human life on Earth."

Gobble: Nah...I still say the Holocaust was way worst...

5x5: *shrugs in agreement*

Seco: Is there anything we can do to stop that, Azula?

"I don't know the details... she left those out. But her intent is clear. I do understand their first move comes soon. I don't know what we can do, but I do know that we need to delay the Council from acting against Earth. We don't need to worry about two enemies. ....I can't believe that Phoenix after all they've done in the name of peace... could change into such a horrible organization...

''Are you all aware of what Phoenix is? I believe I may have breifly touched on the subject with Seco once."''

All: *nod in understanding*

Kado stirs weakly, Seco notices a strange band of red markings on one of his cheeks that wasn't there before, and he vaguely remembers a similar pattern from the video he had smyeen of his other form's attack in London. Azula also notices, and immediately stands over him, the two of them understanding the significance of the markings quickly.

His eyes open, and the markings fade. "What....? Why am I back here?" He shakily sits up, and on seeing Gobble and Avalia, turns his head and looks away, unable to look at them still.

"...What happened....?" He looks briefly at Seco. "...You guys ok? You look as though you were told the world is going to end or something."

Seco: Hmm. Yea...How about that.

Kado rolls his eyes. "I really don't need sarcasm right now. But seriously, what's going on? Last I remember, I was outside, and then I felt a sharp pain in my chest..." He trails off.

"....White..." Kado says in a low growl. "She was here.... wasn't she?" He says in a much darker tone than Seco has heard from him before.

Seco: Yes...she was...she wants to destroy the Earth.

Gobble: It always got to be the Earth. Why can't it be the Moon or Mars?

5x5: Cause no one gives a crap about them. They're just there.

Gobble: *groans in laziness*

Kado suddenly throws Dark Slayer into the wall, a scowl on his face. He lays back down, and rolls over away from them.

"...Kado...? Are you alright?"

He doesn't answer at first. "How can I protect others when I end up being the thing that the people need saving from...? ...It keeps building and building... and it won't go away. I can't even help myself anymore."

"I'm sorry for everything I've put you through. I'm worse than scum."

Seco: In all honesty, we're all scum. We've done a great deal of things we wish we could take back but cant. It hurts us every moment we think about. But there is such thing as redemption. That's what you've givenus after we destroyed your city. We show to same to you, because an old guy once said: "Everybody makes mistakes." Ask for forgiveness and if you truly repent you will be forgiven by those you have wronged.

"I suppose that would be easy for you to say... but you didn't kill anyone... you don't have to live with that guilt. ...I do."

Seco: Not true. We had to result in killing our own kind too. It wasn't nice, but it was our job.

5x5: The point practically gripped us and we wanted nothing to do the M.C.C.P, but then were assigned this mission. It was supposed to be the last one before we quit.

Gobble: Then other shit happned.

5x5: Yea, then other shit happened.

Kado rolls over onto his face, and covers himself with his blankets.

"Azula can discuss it with the Council tomorrow... I'm going to sleep."

The suite door opens, and a royal guard is standing on the other side.

"Pardon the interruption, but you are all summoned to see the Grand Eye."

Kado lets out a deep groan. "Will I ever get a chance to sleep tonight...?" He grumbles.

Gobble: *smirks* You don't know how many times Batman has asked that same question.

Suddenly Batman appears, and looms tall over Gobble. " Boo." He says in the legit batman voice.

Gobble: OH SHIT! *falls out of his bed* It's really him! Holy God!

5x5: goes up to Batman* Can I be your next Nightwing?

Seco: *facepalms*

He suddenly is replaced by Kado, who has the most unholy of wicked grins. "I can't believe you fell for that. I mean seriously. I hardly know who he is."

Goble: *is relieved* Oh thank goodness.

5x5: *bows his head in disappointment* Awwwwww.

The guard taps his foot impatiently. "Are you going to fool around or come or what?!"

Kado turns slowly to face him. "Buzz off. I don't see why we need to go when it's the middle of the night. I'm sure it can wait til later." He says coldly.

The guard gets an irritated look. "You should know better. I may have to take that seriously. When the Grand Eye summons you, you are summoned and must answer him immediately. No exceptions."

Kado scowls. "It's the middle of the night. Like actual middle of the night. I know that's a hard concept, seeing as you pretty much couldn't tell, what with the eternal night over your heads."

Gobble: For I giant-ass eye, he sucks at determining what's night and day.

The guard angerily moves to jab at Gobble with his spear, but is intercepted by Kado, who effortlessly breaks the spear, and punches him in the face. Before he can react, Kado leaps onto him and begins to punch him repeatedly, and suddenly stops cold after a minute.

Seco gets a cold tinge down his spine, as he senses something malevolent stirring. Azula's eyes narrow.

Gobble: Didn't expect you to beat the living shit out of him,but thanks anyway.

Suddenly, Kado stands up, and turns toward them, and they see his eyes have gone red, and his right side has red markings identical to the ones Seco saw from the video of the battle at London.

Azula looks at Seco, panic in her eyes."It-it's back.... Seco, this thing... I never saw it in person... but I'd swear this thing's presence is the same one that keeps me from healing Kado's pain....! ...Don't do anything reckless... if you move..."She pauses.

Seco: You heard her. Don't move.

Everyone just stays where they are.

Gobble: What is this? Jurassic Park?

5x5: Dammit, dude. When are you gonna learn to shut your mouth!

Gobble: When I loose it.

The crazed Kado suddenly lunges at Gobble and 5x5, pulling out Dark Slayer as he charges, and he closes the distance within a matter of seconds. He prepares to swing, when suddenly a hand grabs his head, and a second one grabs his hand.

"Sleep, One born from blood." At this, a shock visibly goes through Kado's body, and he completely goes limp. As he falls to the floor, they see the person behind him is none other than the Grand Eye.

"I do not like to be kept waiting... it is fitting that I came here when I did... for this was exactly why I wished to see you all. Rest until morning, and then at the sixth rise in the sun, come before me. We shall hold the meeting later in the day. For me... this is a matter more urgent than the Summit."

He turns, and mutters... "So it has come to this... old freind..." Only Azula and Seco hear this, but remain silent.

The Eye of Knowledge
"Save your questions until we meet next. My answers will be long, and I will withhold them for the sake of your rest." He walks out, and the guard Kado had taken down stumbles after him.

Gobble: I didn't think the Eye of God was gonna us anytime soon.

5x5: Hey wouldn't have to save us if you have just shut your mouth!

Seco: Both of you,Shut up!

Both: *stay quite*

Seco: *sigh* We should be getting rest for tomorrow. Another long day.

Azula silently lowers to the ground, and picks up a small form Seco realizes is a small girl."...He went so far as to completely shut off Kado's powers...?"She sees Seco looking, and she quickly takes her off into her room, avoiding Seco's gaze. He notices as the girl's head shifts in Azula's arms, her eyes faintly meet Seco's, dimly similar to ones he has seen before. They wearily close, and then Azula disappears into her room.

Gobble looks down and realizes Kado is gone, having not noticed the occurrence just now.

Gobble: I'm no really sure, if im supposed to care, but where did Kado go?

Seco: *looks around then looks back at the room where Azula went in* Things just keep getting weirder.

They all eventually go to sleep, and at six the next morning, they all get up, Azula being the last one to stir. When she does, she comes out with the girl Seco saw earlier, who appears to still be sleeping. She ignores the looks the others give her.

"You have questions, but so do I. The only things I've known about Kado is just an endless list of questions. Now I finally have a chance for answers. For him as well as... well... me. The only thing I understand is that violent... thing comes out when Kado is enraged beyond reason... though that seems to be degrading now... and she..."She looks down at the girl in her arms."Well, I've only seen this form when Kado has been on the verge of death, and when he's been driven powerless. ...But I don't know why it happens. It isn't normal for Shapeshifters to do this. The only thing I understand is something happened to Kado a long time ago, and these... occurences are a side effect that won't go away. Let's not keep the Grand Eye waiting."

Seco: Fine. My mind is already screwed up anyway.

When they finally arrive at the hall of the Grand Eye, he is sitting alone, with no guards, something that immediately catches their eye.

"I summoned you here on account of Kado, originally I merely wished to speak with him... but considering the circumstances of late... I think it's time I discussed to you a great many things. In order to know your enemy, you must first know yourself.

For many years, Kado has gone through life, not knowing who he truly is. I think it's time he came to understand just who he is. For his sake and for the future. Tell me... Seco of Earth, just what do you know about Phoenix?"

Seco: Why the hell are they here? What is there purpose? What do they stand for?

The Grand Eye closes his eyes. "Phoenix was an organization born at the beginning of the Mythos war. ...However, while your world was at war for what you would call a long time... our world has seen a war that started well before my time. And my great great grandfather knew not the beginnings of the war either. Life here is not as it used to be.

...I can still smell the smoke.... the fire. I can still taste the blood that fell like rain. Memories still rake my brain of that time. The Elemental Warlords, eight powerful beings of pure, absolute power over the elements rose up long ago, they were the first of the Elemental race on Echo. We were born much later, and just like how humanity reacted, the Elementals found us strange. They sought our destruction, and from the start, we became their opposite force. For years we fought, our vast knowledge allowing us to develop counter measures to our enemy's absolute strength. However, the fighting never ended."

He has a sad look. "Until the day the Dark Entity, Kukyo discovered Earth. You would know it as the very middle of the war with the Mythos. But for us, it marked a whole new chapter of violence. ...And from all of this, eight masterswords men learned the way to create swords that could endure the ravages of time... and lock away the very power of the Elements. With these great swords of power, they attacked the Eight Lords, and began a battle which would create the eight ultimate swordsmen who could wield the power to destroy the elements of nature, Phoenix. They were once a organization like Azure. Defiant of the world order, determined to change history. After their battle, they sought to bring stablity back to Earth, just like they did for Echo."

His face darkens. "And in exchange for their help..." He gives Seco a look that dares him to answer.

Seco:....I see...You guys haven't figured a solution to stop them?

"They've done a good job of doing that themselves so far. ...Phoenix continually tore itself apart after the death of the original White, her death was the trigger for its decline. Until now, many including I believed it had finally collapsed. ...I was wrong."

He walks up to Kado's small form, and releases the bind on him, and a shadow aura surrounds him, and he soon returns to normal. Kado glares at him.

"Why did you feel the need to expose... that side of me?"

The Grand Eye looks at Kado. "Because you need to come to terms with who you are."

"...."

"It's about time you know the truth of Phoenix.... Kado." His eyes narrow. "All of it."

Kado gives him a look. "I was raised by Phoenix, I was one of them once. I think I know enough about them."

The Grand Eye looks at Kado. "Do you know that every member of Phoenix has always been a Shapeshifter hybrid?"

Kado gives him a puzzled look. "Yeah, but I'm an exception. I'm normal."

The Grand Eye closes his eyes. "....You are an exception. But not to that rule."

Kado's face goes blank. "What...?"

Seco: *is attentive and is waiting to hear where this is going*

"You are a Hybrid. I was not sure of this before, but after what I've seen, there is little doubt."

Kado narrows his eyes. "My family always were shapeshifters, I was from-"

"The Spiritwood clan. Yes I know. ...Ironic that name is...

Do you know your family's lineage?"

Kado blinks, confused. "They're all shapeshifters. I don't know what you mean by all of this-"

"The Spiritwood Clan was founded by Hadari.TheHadari. The man who first wielded the Dark Slayer..."

A hologram appears of the iconic traitor of Phoenix. "The same man who tried to destroy Phoenix... Of any of them, he was probably the most violent... but also had a great sense of justice when the time came. ...And he was once my best friend.

His power was three fold. His powers as a Shapeshifter alone were formidable, he knew and commanded countless shapes. And as you know, he was also the wielder of the First Dark Slayer. ...But, there is one thing he never told anyone expect me."

Suddenly, red marking appear on the image of Hadari, ones that remind Seco of...

"...He was not a pure shapeshifter. He was a hybrid of a shapeshifter and a spirit." He looks back towards Kado.

"His blood still lives.... in you. You are his great great grandson."

Kado's face goes white. "W-what...?!"

Seco: He's saying that your lineage is what screwed up your life with Phoenix. Well that's what I'm saying. He's saying your the descendant of the 1st wirlder of Dark Slayer and the destructor of Phoenix.

"More importantly... I'm saying that you are a Shapeshifter and a Spirit hybrid. ...Ironically, the same can be said for White... the two of your family lines from from the same tree. Or rather, trees. Hadari and the original White were once lovers. You are descended from the two greatest members of Phoenix. And the inheritor of their wills.

Your nature explains everything that has happened until now. The violent rage, and the meek helplessness those other halves of you represent... weren't born from some mental disorder.

...You did that... to yourself. In your terror and your darkest despair, you desired above else to be free from all of the pain and emotions that were tearing you apart... as your own family tried to kill you, you split your own soul into pieces." His eyes soften slightly.

"When you did this, you didn't create two new personalities within yourself. You didn't give them any. This is why your rage self attacks anything and everything, even your own comrades. This is why the weak, helpless one emerges should you be too weak to exist in your current state. That's how it was at least. But now that you're faced with the emotions of the past... your rage is growing at every turn. Your sense of helplessness increases.

...And that's why at London... your spar with Avalia and 5x5... the guard... and nearly your friends for the second time... has happened. Your spirit no longer has balance."

He looks at Azula, and his face suddenly saddens visibly. "...And that... is why you can never truely heal Kado's pain. Your power over the mind is great and powerful... but this is not a matter of the mind... but of his soul. There are things you can do to help Kado... but to put an end to all of his internal struggles... will be next to impossible. Only those three can determine their fate."

Seco: Then it's one of those personal situations that can only be solved by that one person. I know your in a dark place, Kad but relieve yourself of that pain you have. It's up to you what you want to do with yourself an the 2 others.

Kado faintly looks at Seco. "How am I supposed to do that? Relieve myself of my pain...? That's easier said than done Seco." He closes his eyes. "I don't even know why it's there to begin with." He looks at the Grand Eye. "So the reason I have this pain is because that split?"

The Grand Eye closes his eyes. "...No. I don't have any answers as to why you have that pain. ...Maybe with time, but my only guess is that either one of the other spirits is causing you the pain indirectly, or there's something within you that should not be there. But I do not have enough information to make a safe conclusion."

Seco: This may sound crazy as Hell but is it pssobile for him to...talk to them? Mentally.

He looks at Seco. "Very possible. The real question is... will they talk back."

Seco: We're gonna have to see if it works first before we can get to that. Besides, I don't see why they wouldn't.

The doors barge open, and the Elemental Clan Lords come in. "We've reached our decision. Summon the Shapeshifter clan leaders."

The Grand Eye gives a look to them. "We will continue our discussion later. Right now, the future must be decided."

Seco: Understood *walks out*

Gobbel: So? What are they doing know?

Seco: Their decididng the future of Azure.

Gobble: Ma, fuck the future. Everyone knows there is no future with shit happening the way it's been.

Seco: Still got to believe in the mission.

Gobble: *groans in laziness*

As they walk out, and the clan members all assemble, they hear the Fire Lord speak. "Personally, it is my opinion that the humans are beyond forgiveness, and they should burn for their crimes. My fellow clansmen are of similar sentiments today. ...Though with various methods of destruction..."

Kado doesn't hear the rest, as he suddenly has an attack that causes him to let out an unholy shriek of pain, and collapses onto the ground, trembling violently. Unlike last time, his body ignites into black flames, and he clutches his chest in agony. The attack lasts for ten minutes straight, with Azula looking as though she's straining with all of her might to hold some unseen force at bay. Just over eleven minutes, Kado suddenly and violently drops, and moves no more, with everyone nearby alarmed and frightened.

The Fire Lord is one of the first to charge in.

"What in the hell just happened?!" He growls, an edge of concern is in his voice.

Seco suddenly feels a violent tug on his shirt, and he is pulled down to Kado's level, where dark red eyes burn into his own, and he can see red markings again.

The grip weakens, and a quiet voice that sounds like it hasn't been used in hears weakly chokes out, "H-help.............u-u-us....." Kado goes limp once more.

Seco:...Help...let us then...

Gobble: The fuck happened to him? Is he diabetic.

5x5: *facepalms*

The Grand Eye walks over. "Everyone else, present your votes as scheduled. I will still be able to know of your conclusions. But however, this matter is of greater urgence." He looks at Seco and the others. "We will go into the Vault of the temple. I have a sinking feeling I know what's going on."

Azula picks Kado up, and they follow the Grand Eye around the back, where he slides a stone section open, revealing stairs leading deep below the city. They cautiously head down, and come into a large hall that looks undisturbed. Off to the sides are small rooms for sleeping, and the Grand Eye indicates one, and Azula places Kado within.

"What's going on?"Azula pleads.

"...I fear... that Kukyo is returning. ...I have not seen such fire as black and cold as the fires burning around Kado... not since I first laid eyes on that demon."

Seco: Who's Kukyo?

"The Elemental Warlord of Darkness, she was the eldest and strongest of the eight. She was the last of them to fall to Phoenix. ...And now, I fear she may be trying to use Kado as a vessel to make her return. ...I can only hope I am wrong."

Seco: I hardly doubt that. We can't just keep Dark Slayer away from Kado or is it too late?

He shakes his head. "By now, if she was able to assualt Kado with black flames, she must already be within and secure. ...She will need to be taken back out... from the inside. If what I saw is correct, both of his strong halves are now weak or failing. ...If nothing is done, she will take over uncontested."

Seco: Kado needs to either team up with his other 2 halves to fight her off before she emerges or me and 5x5 go in there and try to stop her. Either or I'm down for it

The Grand Eye looks at Azula. "You can probably confront her using Azula's powers. I will say this. She is a being of darkness. Beware her power. She has the ability to take everything you ever endured and turn it into your ultimate hell. ...Be careful."

Azula nods."Are you guys ready?"

Seco: We were prepared ever since we came here.

5x5: Not to mention, We're strong in Christ. And he is our light that will show us through the darkness. Am Iright dad?

Seco: *puts his hand on 5x5's shoulder* You sure are, my boy

Azula silently connects her mind to them all, and then touches Kado's forehead.

"Prepare yourselves... brace yourselves."A painful sensation builds within them, and suddenly they find themselves being torn from their bodies, and in a flash of light, momentarily lose sensation.

The Malice of Darkness
Seco feels the cold bite of snow, and weakly gets up, the soft crunch of pure white snow beneath his hands and body. He has no idea where this is, but he feels light and out of place. The air is cold, and for some reason, there is a great sense of a heavy depression in the air, as if this strange world is drained of any joy. He sees Azula, and immediately asks where she took them.

Seco: This may be a dumbass question, but where are we?

"A memory. We landed in the very outskirts of Kado's mind. This memory is one of his more stronger ones. Be careful and don't run off."

Seco: Sure thing. It's not like I've got somewhere to run off to. *starts walking into the cold* Not even sure what I'm supposed to do here.

The others wake up as well.

"Goodness... I thought you guys said you were ready... I didn't realize you would black out from one simple mind transfer."

5x5: We blacked out? Aw crap. We gotta find the old man. Come on guys.

Gobble: I can't believe we're doing this in our current state.

5x5: Man, shut up and let's go.

The others run off after Seco

Seco: Azula, can you please tell me why I'm in Kado's memory instead of being where Kukyo is? Unless Kukyo is in Kado's memories.

They feel a cold wind blow, colder than even the snow on the ground.

"She forced me here. I assume we will have to take the hard way down."

Seco: Damn. Am I even going the right way? What's supposed to be here anyway?

As if to answer his question, there is a terrified shriek, as a young boy tears through the snowy bushes, followed closely by five hooded figures, blood dripping from the swords they wield. One of them leaps forward, and stabs the boy in the back, and just as the boy is about to be pined to the ground, he momentarily becomes a shadow, and slips away, though blood pours from him. He has similar wounds all over his body.

Seco: Hey! *as if with blinding speed, strikes the 5 hooded figures and stands infront of the young boy* You alright, kid?

Suddenly, the image of the boy and the figures flicker and disappear, the last thing Seco sees of the boy is the absolute terror and tears, and then he is gone just as soon as he had seen him.

Seco: Wh-what? Was that Kado? Never seen fear like that in any child's eyes.

"You were lucky that you interrupted the memory. ...You would have seen much worse. They held nothing back in their effort to kill him. Even to this day, I don't understand how he could have possibly have lived and endured what they did to him. He was fifteen when this all happened. ...he was always a frail child. Even by adult standards, he's still quite weak physically than the majority of his peers."

Seco: He never seemed frail when we we're around him. Must be good at hiding it.

The others catch up to him

5x5: Made it.

Gobble: *is breathing heavily* Should be in a bed right now.

Avalia: *is shivering* Goodness...its cold out here....Don't think it was ever this cold back on Earth...

Suddenly, the whole of the ground heaves, and suddenly collapses on them, and they begin falling violently down into a deep black void below the ice world.

Seco: Everyone brace yourselves!

Gobble: Talk about Skyfall!

5x5: Are you serious, dude!?

They eventually stop moving, and they look around, to see three crumpled forms, Kado, his dark self, and the little girl they saw earlier. Coming from Kado is a swirling pillar of darkness, darker than even the darkness that surrounds them.

Kado's head stirs, and a faint, 'R-run...!' Can be heard coming out of his lips, weak and hoarse. "G-get away from here... s-she's... too powerful..."

Gobble: Well, you heard the man. RUN! *gets a head start*

Everyone esle starts running

"What was that about coming to fight me....? Ha ha ha... cowards... I can smell your fear..."A voice echoes in the darkness.

Gobble: All I can smell is EVIL. And I can spell it too.

Azula gives him a 'are you f*cking crazy' look.

From the depths of the shadows, a rippling of some sort of thick darkness creeps in their direction, slowly shifting into an organized form, until it becomes an eight armed figure that vaguely resembles a human shape, with glowing red eyes and markings over its body. Their first instinct on feeling its energy isdemon.

The darkness coming out of Kado seems to grab him, and pulls him into the figure's mass, and it seems to gain a more solid outline.

"I am the first Lord of Echo... the Queen of Despair... The Abandoned One... I am Kūkyo. Leave... or you shall regret your transgressions against me in the eternal void."

Gobble: Wow, so you must be Trigon's wife, right? Love your daughter, Raven. Chick is awesome.

Seco: *facepalms*

5x5: *facepalms*

Avalia: *facepalms*

Kukyo narrows her eyes, red eyes becoming narrow slits.

"Pity... I expected more. You're not worth the minuscule energy that composes your being."

Suddenly Gobble feels a sense of overwhelming dread, as do they all. Gobble starts to remember some of the worst experiences in his life, all the bad things that ever happened to him start to play themselves over and over in his head.

"And you, what are you but a measly worm that struggles day to day just to exist? You delude yourself with your dreams of redemption and salvation. But the only future you hold is the same for all. To be erased. To no longer be. To join and become one with the void..."She speaks to 5x5, and soon a similar wave of emotions and memories assaults him.

5x5: *puts his hands together* Life isn't what you think. I have often tortured myself on the same concept of my life not meaning anything. But my father told me, that we're not here for no reason. You only delude yourself with talk of dread and past.

Gobble: *is mildly hitting his head with his hand* Out with the old...in with the new, right?

5x5: Right. You can say all you want. Atleast the past made me the sort of man I am today. What about you? Why do you hate life so much? Surely you weren't brought up this way.

A wave of pure negative emotions blasts them, the agony of countless souls seems to rush through them.

"The past... present... neither of those matter to me. The past was long swept away by the endless hours and years. The present is continously swept away in the past's violent waves. The future holds only death for those whose days are numbered. But for those who shall live to the very last toll of the last bell... infinite and finite possibilities await.

''I do not hate life. The only thing I hate is those who would stand in my way, and obstructmygoals,myfuture. I am not content to exist in an eternal prison. You shall not cease my return. You shall obstruct my path no further. You shall from this day, no longer walk the path of life... but scream into the dark abyss of death."''

She summons eight energy swords, and lets out a shrill roar."Pray... but in the Void... no hope remains."

Gobble: Excuse me. Got a question. What are your goals? And what future do you possibly?

5x5: *facepalms* Oh God.

Gobble: No,no, this is legit.

5x5: Iswear if we die because of this-

Gobble: Oh no we're not. Trust men.

5x5: *gives Gobble an untrusting look* Yeah, you say that.

"Here's the way I see it. Keep wasting your time trying to talk me to death, and let me continue devouring Kado's soul. Or, you can use that muscle inside your head that's called a brain and think that you should probably not let the giant demon standing in front of you free upon the world. But no no, please, keep talking."

As she says this, she swings at Gobble's head with four giant blades half the size of a tall building.

Gobble: *is managing to dodge them* Your one to talk. You be talkin' about despair and shiz, all I asked was one question. If you had Questiophobia, you should've said so.

Ignoring him, she abruptly switches targets and stabs at Avalia, who dodges, but still gets her side sliced open, and in the same movement attacks with dark fireballs at Seco, 5x5, and Gobble.

Seco: *dodges and goes straight toward Kukyo with 5x5 right behind him*

Suddenly, the ground becomes nothing but air, and all around them, a city is in pure chaos, guns, explosions, and fire rage all around them, as two massive heavily armed armies wage war. It takes Seco a moment, but he recognizes some of the soldiers are wearing Azure combat armor, white with blue trim, while their enemies are pure black with red.

Azula looks astonished."This is... this.. this is our civil war...! But how...? I thought we were in the center of Kado's being...?"

Seco: Those colors...is this foretelling the future or revisiting the past?

"No... this already happened... this is the civil war Azure fought to gain control of the city. This was our battle against the government... ...it was horrible. ...But why are we here...?"

Seco: I'm guessing this another way for here to try keep us from reaching Kado. Come on. *contiues to run toward Kukyo*

Her image disappears, and suddenly all of the memory soldiers are blown away, and standing at the center of the blast, is Kado. ...Or what looks like him. Red markings glow with an ominous glare, and his hair is now black and slightly longer. He silently holds a black longsword in on hand, and beckons with the other, his demeanor daring him to come closer, but his eyes are pure black, lifeless.

5x5: Is that Kado?

Seco: I don't know, but looks can be deceiving. Gobble and Avalia, you take care of this one. Let's go 5x5. *runs toward Kukyo*

Gobble: Sure thing, old man. *jump into the air and dive bomb kicks the Kado look-alike*

''"Where are you going?" ''The voice of Kukyo rings out. Suddenly, a massive dragon of pure shadow appears right in front of Seco and 5x5, and breaths shadow fire in front of them, blocking their path.

Gobble discovers his foot is now firmly implanted in the ground, his attack had gone right through. A black tentacle of energy suddenly wraps around him, and slams him into a nearby skyscraper. The Kado then turns towards Avalia, and seven more tendrils sprout, each barbed with a dangerously sharp blade.

Seco: Ah dang.

Gobble: Oh crap! Rape! Worse! Tentacle rape! I knew this day would come!You are one messed up chick, lady! Do you do this to your own daughter or somethin'?

Azula charges, and blasts the Kado with a blast of fire, and it reels back, burning for a little while, before the fires put themselves out. It returns fire, and the two begin dueling with the elements, the Kado with darkness and Azula with light. The battle quickly becomes a incredibly fast firefight, both combatants focused on each other.

The Shadow Dragon takes a step forward towards Seco, and blasts at them again.

"Everyone! Physical attacks are useless! You have to either attack them with your own spiritual energy, or use some form of energy manipulation like fire to harm them! Preferably positive or light energy!"Azula yells to them all.

Seco: Crap. We don't have any of those. Does water count?

Azula thinks for a moment quietly. Then out of no where, she suddenly charges Avalia with incredible speed, and punches her straight in the chest, and in the next second, slams into Gobble. By the time 5x5 is ready for her, she already slams into him with great force. Seco faintly attempts to dodge her, but can barely avoid her first punch.

"What's this, gone insane or something?"

Azula says nothing, but manages to smack Seco in the stomach. She suddenly sprouts wings of pure energy, and a powerful rush of energy flows into each of them, filling them with a power they have never felt before.

"Mythologic Adaption: Empowerment."

Gobble: Holy crap, old man. You never told us you were part angel.

Seco: I'm not, dumbass. What's happened?

Gobble: I feel so empowered.

Avalia: Same here.

"You have seven minutes to use this power before it runs out. Don't be an idiot like Gobble and use up all your power in one go making fireworks. I won't explain this, but kindly keep knowledge of this ability to yourselves."

Seco: Got it. *looks at The Shadow Dragon. A portal appears below him and jumps down in it*

The others do the same

The Soul Abandoned By All, Kukyo
When they come out of the portal, they are in a vast white void, and standing ahead of them, is a lone male figure. Seco recognizes it even from a distance. Kado. In front of him stand two smaller figures, a black haired boy with dark red eyes, and a girl with similar hair to Kado's, with gold eyes.

Seco: Them. It's those two.

Gobble: Is it weird that im finding the girl pretty attractive?

Everyone looks at him weird

Gobble: I'm guessing that's a 'yes'.

Everyone lands on the void

5x5: What do you suppose thier doing?

Seco: Hopefully, talking shit out.

5x5: Seriously dad, do you have to cuss all the time?

Seco: I'll cuss whenever I want, now hush up.

5x5 notices something off, Kado's eyes are pure black orbs, and the two seem to be now running away from him, even as he walks at a leisurely pace after them. As soon as she notices them, the girl changes direction and instead runs straight for them, while the black haired one seems to be more or less standing his ground, holding a single sword against Kado.

5x5: Well, we know what to do now. Gobble, you get the girl.

Gobble: I swear dude, If i get an inch of that girl,I might as well jizz my pants.

5x5: Okay...Avalia you get the girl. I'm gonna see what's wrong with Kado. *runs towards Kado*

Avalia: *runs up to the girl*

The girl whimpers in fear and grabs a hold of Avalia, her body quaking from terror. Meanwhile, Kado effortlessly disarms the boy with a careless swat of his hands, and turns to create a forcefield of darkness blocking Seco's way.

"I don't know what sort of trick that was you pulled, but I will assure you that will not happen again." He says in a dull angry tone.

5x5: Hmm, so I'm guessing your not Kado, or you are and that Kukyo chick is inside of you.

"You could say I am Kado... though Kado shall soon cease to be... and there shall only be Kukyo. Already his control over his spirit has all but collapsed. It will be a simple matter to control his body... once I deal with you pests, scampering about like rodents."

The boy lets out an angry roar, and charges 'Kado' again, only for him to idly swat him away again, 5x5 hearing ribs snap.

5x5: Hey! Stop it! If you want to smack some one, here I am.

"I think not. That brat slowed me down for countless years... I would already be free if it weren't for that fool. But if you insist on continouing your pointless interferance... I shall indulge you."

Kado's form suddenly changes, becoming a woman with lighter color hair than his, pale skin, and pure black eyes, with only a faint gleam of red marking the location of the barely visible pupil. Two graceful curing horns protrude from her head, following the contour of it. A single red line of markings trails down her right cheek and down her body, similar to the ones seen before with the boy and Hadari, which makes Seco suspect a relationship somehow between the markings. She wears fine white and black robes that are tattered at its edges, mainly around the bottom and the sleeves. She appears to have a graceful, elegant form, off put by the strange aura about her, depressed, if not borderline sad.

A still moment passes, and she summons a sword of dark fire. "Very well then... I shall destroy you and reclaim my place in the world. I shall be a prisoner no longer." Her voice is low and naturally a whisper, quiet, and not what he expected from the previous encounter. Overall, 5x5 doesn't see how a being... as beautiful as she is could be as sinister as the people of Echo proclaimed.

Seco watches from a distance, and begins to suspect that he might have seen this woman at some point, but he can't figure out where.

5x5: Listen, im not sure what your wanting to do, but do you think its worth it? The world is already going to shit and before you even get free, you will have nothing.

"Fool. You have everything, yet nothing at the same time. As for me... I never had anything to begin with. I have nothing to lose... but everything to gain. I won't expect a rat from M.C.C.P. to know anything about that though. You're all the same. Phoenix... M.C.C.P... there is no difference between you and them, yet you proclaim them your enemy. They locked me away in a cage, even as M.C.C.P. continues to do.

Why is it that you continue to fight and survive? Is it because of your faith? Even though you should have died to protect what you stand for, you chose to live and sin against your own brothers and sisters. I would gladly die for them, as well as my beliefs. Just as you proclaim that you have something you call 'Faith', I too have a faith. Though I entrust it to none but myself. Time is my only certain ally."

She looks at Avalia. "You and all your darknesses... all of those secrets you hold onto in fear... all of which is hidden is known to me."

5x5: Your right. I have seinned by going against my brithers and sisters. Me and my family were robbed of our lives once the M.C.C.P found us. What you'll be doing will be just as bad as what we did. Faith is what is keeping me from attacking you. Cause I know there is still something I can do to help you.

"Hmmph. 'Help me?' How amusing. But there is nothing you can do for me. ...Not unless you can end it... forever.

Unless you can make all of existence's pain cease and create a world of pure bliss... whatever desire to help me you have is pointless. Do not speak of wrong doing to me... not when I have been imprisoned in the cursed blade for over eighty years... eighty... long... empty... years...! The only help you can offer me is lying down and making it easier for me to kill you."

She unleashes a wave of pure pain energy at them all, the energy searing and scaring its way into them.

5x5: *is trying to keep himself from succumbing* SO WHAT? YOU THINK YOUR THE ONLY ONE WITH PAIN? WE ALL WISH WE WERE IN A PLACE OF PURE BLISS, BUT WE KNOW WE CAN NEVER GET THERE! YOU THINK THE PAIN WILL GO AWAY? IT NEVER WILL! AS LONG YOUR HERE, ON THIS PLANET, PAIN WILL NEVER GO AWAY! I'M SORRY YOU WE'RE TRAPPED IN THAT SWORD ALL THOS YEARS, BUT KILLING US WON'T BRING THOSE EIGHTY YEARS BACK! DO YOU EVEN KNOW WHAT YOU WANT! *is getting weaker*

The pain suddenly stops.

5x5 looks up, to see her standing over him, her sword pointed at his throat.

"The last person who ever asked me that question betrayed me. The last time mortal ears heard my desire... they merely used it against me and bound me to the sword... the last thing I want to hear from the snake's tongue of a mortal is that question.

So I'll ask you once and only once... is that really what you want to know...? Would you like to know just what I desire? Just what I want? Why would I go so far to obtain that desire...? Tell me Jonothan Waltz... do you truely wish to know the answer to that question?

...Because unlike Hadari... if you lie to me... you won't get a second chance." Her voice is deadlier than any sword's edge, the threat of its wrath looms over him with every syllable. She presses the edge of the sword directly onto his throat, slightly nicking it and drawing a thin line of blood.

5x5: *is still calm* I am no liar. Cause I know I wouldn't want anyone to lie to me. Everyone gets a second chance, even if they don't deserve it.

Seco: What isthe boy doing? He needs to stop trying to sympathize with the enemy and get the job done.

"...Fine then."

She grabs him by the neck, not violently, and lifts him up, and tilts his head to look into her single visible eye.

She suddenly throws him over to the others, though he lands with a soft thud rather than violently.

"What I seek... is something that if you were in my position... you would do anything to obtain it. ...Anything. No matter if you think it's wrong..." She pauses.

"All of the time I have lived... all of the ages I have endured... I have seen it everywhere. Yet no matter how much I reach... it slips through my fingers. It is radiant throughout all worlds... you need only look hard enough."

She closes her eye. "What I seek isn't power... what I seek isn't wealth... I do not seek an ideal... I care not for a higher power... nor do I care for the lesser and minor. None of these are my motivations. It is something that the mighty and wealthy can spend their whole lives searching for... yet it comes to those who are simple and meager... it is something that defies even the greatest of darkness's. You cannot touch it... nor can you see it... it is elusive for many... and obtained by few."

She slowly turns her head back towards them. Her eye opens, her gaze intense and focused, the weight of practically her entire being behind her gaze.

"Can you possibly begin to fathom such a thing?"

5x5: No. Will it satisfy you thoug? Do you know if it will help you? And what happenes once you run out? What will you do then?

"Then it is as I thought. You are blind to what you yourself already have, even as it stares you in the face day to day. You have something that even the mightiest of men and beings would crave... and die failing to find it.

I would spend my entire existence chasing after it... regardless how how long it will take... I will never give up. If I must, I would gladly conquer all worlds to find it. I would do anything... everything... if I could finally feel the one thing that countless others gained at my expense... happiness. Joy. Love... it has many words... many ways to express and give it... Happiness... is the only thing I desire. To obtain it... I would conquer this boy's soul... conquer worlds... kill those who would oppress me... take vengeance on my enemies... ...and if I could... I would die for it."

She closes her eye.

"But me telling you this changes nothing. It will not change my path. I told you before... this means everything to me. ...to feel it just once... would finally give me hope to one day truly live."

5x5: Your right. You do deserve happiness, but you'll never achieve it the same way the people who took advantage of you did. I don't want to cahnge your path, but your going at it the wrong way. May this help give you a better hope. *hugs Kukyo*

Gobble: *whispers to Seco* This dude has lost it.

Seco: I can see that, Gobble.

Her eye opens slowly, and she silently looks at 5x5, her expression unreadable. Her eye eventually closes, and she suddenly pulls out of his grasp, becoming a shadow briefly, then reappearing in front of them.

Her eye opens again, and as before is unreadable as to what expression it's conveying.

"...Few things change. Those that do require a great expanse of time. Such is the way of all things. ...Since my birth at the time of the Babylonian Empire... never have I had any hope. Never have I held even a spark of happiness.

...I will simply not lay like a dog for my captors. I do not desire to remain someone's tool. Forever I will resist this fate. I will not be used... never..."

Her eye narrows. "...I...cannot bare..." She breaks off. After a moment, she resumes, her voice lower than normal. "...just a taste... but already the prospect..." Her expression suddenly becomes a grimace, and she hunches over, her hands clenched upon her shoulders in an iron vise of pain. She seems to be biting her lip furiously.

"Do not offer me this gift... and demand me to simply endure my chains... ...you only bring me more pain!" She hisses.

5x5: Pain because you know im right or the pain because you don't want me to be right? I knowfor a fact that you hold onto hope. You want to achieve a goal you might never achieve, but you still thrive to do so, all in the pursuit of fufilling yourself. That is hope. Same with how I'm still talking to you about helping you, even though you tell me it's pointless, i still do so, cause I know there is another way to obtain your happiness. That's hope.

Gobble: Dude, she doesn't give a crap. Just smack attack the bitch so we can go home. This place is getting weird.

Seco: This is no time for you, 'Save All You Can' moments, Jon. We must contain the enemy.

5x5: She's not an enemy. She's a victim.

Gobble: Well, atleast we know how this will turn out. Let him do what he does best, old man. Jackin' things up with words of reasoning.

"...Even though the taste is warm in my mouth... it is nothing but the bait which the hunter seeks to imprison the vermin he looks down upon... I will not be caged...! You will not do this to me...!" She snarls. "Do not offer me hope, when you only desire to lock me away!"

5x5: I never said anything about locking you away, but you can't destroy Kado's soul.

Gobble: Are you fucking serious, dude?!

5x5: You were cheated out of your life and spent 80 years alone. You don't deserve to be here anymore.

"...Even if you did mean it... it will never amount to anything..." She closes her eye."The people of Echo will never willingly set me free..."Suddenly her form blurs, then fades away, and Kado crumbles to the ground, while a great darkness lifts from him and peels off into the white void beyond them.

"Yet I traveled far and beyond the land of which I was born, to a world that once echoed my heart... to find only the night I left behind... forever I wander... ever wondering if I shall greet the dawn...

And never once knowing if anyone ever cared of my passing by Dawn's first light..."Her voice and presence slowly fades away, becoming nothing more than a faint whisper, and then is no more.

''Forever beholden... to these eternal chains of night...''

''You will never set me free... just as pain shall never cease... so too shall my eternal despair.''

With her presence gone, the girl's shaking subsides, but she still doesn't let go. The kid walks over to where Kado lies, and then looks at Seco and the others.

"Hmmph. I suppose... I promise to try not to kill you... for your help." The boy growls irritably. "Now get out."

As if a titanic wall was suddenly flung at them, they suddenly wake up in the real world, sitting in chairs next to an unconscious Kado, who appears to be on emergency medical equipment.

Gobble: Well Jon, you failed again. That's what you get for being so damn soft.

5x5: *has a sad look on his face*

Avalia: *wants to put her hand on his shoulder*

Seco: *shakes his head at Avalia*

Avalia: *withdraws her hand*

"That depends on your definition of 'fail', Gobble." The Grand Eye speaks up softly. "To this day, few know of what the Warlords truely aimed for. ...I can only imagine what you might have learned deep within Kado's mind and soul myself. But whatever happened in there, 5x5... you did well. ...Though you may not think so. Sometimes there is no easy way through life. Take of it what you will, but understand you have our deepest gratitude."

5x5: *leaves still looking rather upset*

Despair Unfounded
Gobble: Not sure if you noticed, Eye guy. But thay dude was gonna let the evil chick roam amock all because he felt bad for her, cause her life sucked. So what? Lots of people lives suck, she isn't the only one.

The Grand Eye looks at Gobble briefly, then turns. "Life is not so black and white as 'good' and 'evil'. I can tell you this much though. The man who refuses to acknowledge the pain of others is damned to be treated with equal disdain. You must learn the difference between you... and your enemy. Because if you do not understand them... you will be doomed to repeat their history. Bare that in mind." He walks off silently.

5x5: *is sitting outside looking at the morning sun*

Seco notices that unlike everyone else, Azula hasn't woken up, but is seemingly in a deep sleep.

Seco: What must we do now? How can we get Kado back before Kukyo destroys him?

A man walks up from behind 5x5 and sits next to him

Man: How's it goin', buddy?

5x5: What is it 6x6?

6x6: Well, you sound a bit pissed, more than usual when you see me. Bad day?

5x5: *turns away from 6x6* Let me guess. Failed again? Old man always said 'never to sympathize with the enemy'. You always did know how to get hurt all the right ways that way.

5x5: Get lost, 6x6.

6x6: Hm. Sure thing, man. Just thought I'd give ya' this. *hands him a gun*

5x5: Where di you get this.

6x6: Got it off of Kado.

5x5: but your just a figment of my imagination.

6x6: *smirks* Yea, I am aren't I?

5x5: *realizes what he means by that*

6x6: This is 33rd time you nearly killed them over your belief. Do you know how much beneficial they'll be without you? All your problems will go away in one pull. Make the guilt go away. *gets up and pats 5x5 on the back and walks away*

5x5: *takes a moment and puts the gun up to his head*

''A shot is heard. 6x6's body is on the ground dead with 5x5 pointing the gun at him.''

5x5: Hold up, man. Im right behind ya'. *puts the gun next to his head and pulls the trigger, but no shot or no bullet. Pulls it again and again but nothings working* AGGGGGGGGGGGRRRHH! *snaps the gun in half and throws it away and punches the nearest pillar so hard it cracks. Then he sits back down even more upset.*

Seco feels a slight breeze, and he looks over to see Dark Slayer glowing red faintly.

"...I have left him be. ...I hope you're happy..."A disembodied voice rings in the room.

Seco: *is blankly staring with eyes eyebrows lowered* Hmmm. *looks at Kado* Looks like there was a bigger monster in you after all...

Azula stirs."He's fine now... in fact I can hardly feel any pain at all in his head. His thoughts seem so gentle and weightless now... ...Though it's weird... I'm sensing a faint sort of 'intelligence' in the sword that wasn't there before. It's like millions of thoughts are wildly running through it like electricity... but I can't sense what its thinking at all."

Sceo: I have a feeling we really don't want to know.

Gobble: So like, does the sword have a brain or something?

Seco: *bows his head is shame* Dear God.

Gobble: What?

The sword suddenly flashes in a sequence, one Seco realizes is Morse code for 'Fuck-you-Gobble', and then a minute later, 'Seco-five-by-five-shot-gun'

Seco: Shotgun? Where would 5x5 get a shotgun? *sigh* Let me see what the boy is up too. *walks dow the hall and sees a dead guard on the floor with a bullet wound in his neck* This isn't a shotgun. It's a pistol.*walks towards the doors and sees the entrance shot in the door. Goes outside and sees blood on the concrete but no body. Looks at the pillar with a dent in it and a split straight down the middle. Sees a bullet shell and picks it up* Dang boy.*looks around but can't find 5x5*

Back at the room, Gobble notices Kado showing signs of stirring from his sleep. Azula lets a tired smile show.

"Thank goodness... hopefully that will be the worst of it."

Meanwhile in Chinmuko

5x5: *is has trouble walking. Hi eyes are glowing red*

"How many times will it take for you to see that your beliefs are false? Your team is constantly put at risk because of it. All the mistakes you ever done had to be fixed by the team. They look down on you, reject you. All you've done was make their lives harder."

5x5: Arrrrggh....Rrrgghhh...*continues walking*

A distance away, a man in a fur coat with a grey cloth mask over his face watches him, studying his behavior. He memorizes the scent of the fool, and silently continues watching atop his perch on a temple pedestal.

"Your could've kept your mother and father from divorce, but all you did was sit there and did nothing."

5x5: *has flashbacks of the arguments Seco and his mother had with each other because of their jobs* Arguughh...

"Now you want to do something you couldn't do as a child. Quite Pathetic .Mother had the guts to take you. She was the only who cared. But no. She left you to go somewhere else. The old man had to take care of you then. He taught you everything. so called 'love'. It was more of a 'tolerance'. He believed to much in a broken-minded man. This is why your a failure in his eyes. You talk of peace to those who incapable of such. Your words are lost on those who have suffered like you. You were all but too late to help them. It's not like you could've helped them anyway."

5x5: * Eyes are watering. Continues to walk into the streets.*

The man lets out an irritated sigh as he continues to watch 5x5, and then leaps forward at great speed, and silently lands in front of him, arms crossed.

"You remind me of a cry baby I used to know once. I can't stand people crying, when there are much more efficient ways to solve problems... ...so what's the deal with you? Lost your pet cat, kid? Don't worry, you can always buy a new one." He says in a slightly dull, but clearly sarcastic tone.

5x5: *walks past him as if he wasnt there*Arrrrughh...Eeerrghh...

"Right, ok, cool. Now it's time for the wake up call." He suddenly wheels around and jabs 5x5 straight in the spine, and then at the base of the next, disrupting his nervous system for one whole second before it starts back up all at once, completely dislodging 5x5's thought process. The suddenly loss of control causes him to hit the dirt hard, face first.

"Did that register to you, or do I need to buy you an expresso?"

"See? They hate you. They all do. They can see your mistakes. You want to be a better man. Let me show you."

5x5: *gets up and continues walking*

The man gets a visibly irritated expression in his eyes. "I tried to be nice."

He suddenly roundhouse kicks 5x5 straight through two whole buildings, and meets him on the other side, just as he gets up.

"You know what does make me angry? When emotional fools lose sight of their way. It's so easy."

He starts lobbing various chops and punches to 5x5's chest, neck, and head. "First of all..." *SMACK!* "If you fall down, do you cry about it and wait for someone to feel sorry for you and pick you back up? No. You-" *CHOP!* "Get back up!" *SMACK SMACK!* "And..." He stops, leaving 5x5 dazed and reeling wildly.

"Considering that no one in history has ever had theballsto walk right up to the lady of darkness herself, and freaking..." *Drop kick to the face* "TALK her into backing off, andSUCCEEDING,You should be getting a toast to your honor! And..." He pauses, a twinkle of amusement in his eye. "Knowing these old windbags... they would probably do that."

A dark glare enters his eyes. His fingers take a formation as though claws. "YET, here you are all alone, whining like a little girl when your charge Kado is still in infirmary, butalive!"

5x5: *is sobbing* Why do you hate me...All I've ever wanted was to help...but know matter how hard I tried...I loose them....My beliefs...they were all but false...I can't take the pain anymore....and why would you care? No one else would...go ahead...kill me...my life means nothing anymore...KILL ME!

He looks at 5x5. "How did that old man put it? In order to know your enemy, you must first know yourself. My parents were killed at a young age. I take comfort not in emotions but logic. It is the only sure thing in this world. That and death.

My logic tells me you're a waste of oxygen with your pathetic sniveling. But here's something else. To kill you would violate my orders. I was told to investigate and subdue the stirring of Kukyo. Nothing more. You are not part of my objective. I do not hate you. Neither do I care about you. I have no regard for emotions. But I put what you could call faith in logic. No matter who you are, I have come to know that for every man, there is something he believes in without a shadow of a doubt. Faith, you could say, drives all. Whenever it is in a god or some other form... there is always faith. Well, that's what I deduce at least. But like all things, logic only carries one so far.

So here is my last piece of logic. I will not try to comfort you. But I will explain why you should get up and quit acting like a child." He narrows his eyes.

"Regardless of how I feel about them, emotions tie others together. That's what I've come to understand about it. Regardless if you want to die... others want or perhaps even need to to live. You can run away all they want, but just maybe they will never turn their back on you. Because they have something that you have affected them with. That effect you have on them... is emotion. I do not know much about you. But I understand enough to know that you have been through worse. You have done something many would consider impossible. ...Following what you would call... faith. Your faith hasn't abandoned you. You've simply lost sight of it. Now I will only say it once more. If you fall down, then do not wait for someone else to pick you up. Life will never be so kind! You must learn to pick yourself up off the ground! Get up, or do not get up, I care not what you do."

He turns his back to 5x5. "Today... you didn't prove your faith was worthless. You showed to someone else... thepowerit can wield. And you defeated what can only be called a god... with compassion.... not a sword."

He begins to fade away into the wind. "My name is Torrent, the Wind Slayer of Phoenix. Next time I see you... you better not be such a sniveling dog!"

5x5: *eyes return to blue. He is still trembling a bit. His eyes are still overflowing with tears. He continues to walk into Chinmuko*

Back at the temple

Seco: Can't find Jon around the temple. I do have evidence that he was coping with himself.

Gobble: Again.

Avalia: *looks down*

Kado slowly starts waking up, and he slowly turns his head to face them, his eyes a dull grey color.

"Hey..." He manages to speak, though his voice is very weak from fatigue.

Seco: How are you doin', Kado? hopefully feeling alot better.

"...I feel like... I got put inside a washing machine... and then loaded into a dryer..." He chuckles weakly. He looks at Gobble. "Hey... come here a sec... I need to show you something I've been meaning to give you."

Gobble: Awkwerd, but ok. *gets up an walks over to Kado* What is it?

Kado suddenly punches Gobble in the balls,hard."Don't you ever f*cking talk like that when you'rein my freaking mind!Do you have any idea how fucking disturbing that was to hear?! That girl was practically...me!!!" He snarls.

Azula restrains herself from laughing. Barely.

Gobble: FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF*is spning around holding hi crtoch holding back from saying 'fuck'*

Seco: Heheh. You got hit in the balls.

Kado smirks faintly, then looks around. "...Where's 5x5? Why isn't he here?"

Seco: He went to cope with himself.

Gobble: After he nearly had us killed trying to talk to the Evil-dark chick.

"...Shut up Gobble. He did something that I would never do... ...but something that I'm proud he did. What matters to me is that what he or you guys did... did something. ...The constant pain I've felt for so long... it's there, but now I can see past it. ...My mind feels clearer that it has ever been.

I don't care what you think, but he did something I think was braver than what I could ever have done." He closes his eyes wearily, and lays back down. "...Wake me when he gets back... for now I just want to sleep..."

Seco: Sure thing...

Gobble: Is he really saying that 5x5 actually talked sense into someone evil?

Seco: I reckon so...We need to find him...

Gobble: Oh...I wish I could,but my balls hurt too much for me to be going anywhere.

Seco: Fine. Go ahead. Come with me, Avalia. *walks out*

Avalia: *get's up and follows Seco*

Torrent leans against a tree far off in the gardens, while Hiroshi angerly paces. Torrent gives him an idle look. "I don't know what you're so upset about, old man. I went to check out the situation with the demon, but it looks like they somehow managed to subdue her. With as I quote 'compassion'. Talk about cliche emotional nonsense."

Hiroshi stops and glares at him. "You KNOW why I'm angry, don't play coy with me!" He says in a flat, but angry tone.

Torrent shrugs. "All I did was beat up a sniveling child up a bit. No harm done. I wish I could have given it to Kado instead. Goodness did I have an itchy sword hand... the punk's style always interested me, even if it was sloppy."

In Chinmuko

Avalia: Where do you think he went?

Seco: Don't know the city like that, Avalia.

Both come down a street with blood stains all over it

Seco: Hmm. must of been a fight here.

Avalai: Seco, look. *points at two buildings with human-sized holes in them as if someone flew through them*

Seco: Not sure if it has anything to do with 5x5.

''Continue to investigate. After a while they see a crowd of people around one of the monuments.''

Seco: *looks at the crowd* Wonder if this has anything to do with 5x5. *makes his way through the crowd of people*

Avalia: *follows through*

Seco: *looks at the people, they appear to be looking upward. Seco looks up and sees a body hanging from the monument's hand.* Hmmmm...

Avalia: *looks up at the body* Who is it?

Seco: Can't tell...

The Sun comes up a bit, enough to shine light on the body so everyone can see it clearly.

Seco: *is completely shocked that his fingers start to tremble*...No....No...

Avalia: *eyes are wide and are starting to water as she struggles to put her hand over her mouth*

The body is that of 5x5, hanging from barbwire

Torrent tilts his head towards Chinmoku. "The wind changes... there's commotion. I wonder what has their little heads riled up now."

Hiroshi glares at him. "Probably all of those buildings you blew holes through. I told you to only keep an eye out on the situation, not to go and bust people's heads open."

Torrent waves his hand dismissively. "I got my job done. I lectured a fool for not using his head. It's just another day at the office if you ask me."

Hiroshi sighs with aggravation. "I'm starting to wonder who had the worse attitude, Kado or you. Let's just go." He opens a portal, and immediately walks through. Torrent looks back at the city, and a faint wind blows. "Well... maybe next time, little wolf." He pauses. "When we meet... it'll have been at least twelve years since our last contest... I hope you've been keeping up." He steps through the portal, and disappears.

A Secret Farewell
5x5: *peaks from the side of the building from where he's hiding d looks at the people looking at "his" dead body* I'm sorry I had to do this to you guys, but I let you guys die over my beliefs. I'm not sure if what i'm standing up for is wrong or right. I just know its right for me. I can have you guys dying over whyIthink its right. Not sure If i'll be coming back, but I know I can be around you guys, not anymore. I'll find away to help my brothers. I will. This I swear. *looks at "his" dead body with the sun shining over it*

He hears a soft noise, and turns to see Kado behind him, leaning heavily against a sheathed Dark Slayer, obviously he is still not in a safe condition. He manages to somewhat straighten himself.

"5x5... you want to tell me what you're doing...? Especially without a goodbye no less?" He says softly, his eyes a very light ashy grey color.

5x5: See that *points at the dead body* That's my good-bye. *walks pass Kado*

Kado suddenly trips 5x5, and he lands on his back hard, and is amazed he was able to pull a move like that off in his condition.

"5x5. In the course of only a few weeks, I went from believing I had all of my life set... and I never put doubt in myself. I only saw a future where I defeated Phoenix, and changed the world. ...But in the span of these past few weeks... everything I thought I knew was torn down.

I thought I knew who I was. But you all... have helped me in ways you cannot imagine." He closes his eyes.

"...I've finally found it. ...An end to the endless pain that drowned my heart and blinded me to any hope... for myself. Though I was helpless and alone... I could see and hear all that occured deep within my soul. I saw you, 5x5. ...Jon. You did something that I would never think to do... but you did a greater good than I. If anyone truly carries the spirit that founded Azure... I would say you have a stronger one than I. You don't see by judging, but understanding others. ...You showed compassion to your enemy, and... when I should have been lost... when a great darkness should have consumed me... not only did you free me... but I believe you opened the heart of your enemy... I don't know if I could ever do such a thing."

He opens his eyes, now a soft gold color, one 5x5 remembers from before. "5x5... I never got a chance to know what it was truly like... but perhaps... you're the closest thing I could have to a brother... I'm proud of what you did..."

He closes his eyes. "...Forgive me... I must sound like a fool for telling you that..." He trails off.

5x5: Tell you the truth, I felt somewhat of a gay vibe from that, but coming from you that means alot. I still wished I could've helped Kukyo in some way. Even it mean't staying in that word with her. No one deserves to be alone in there for that long.

Kado frowns slightly. "Tell you the truth 5x5... not that I don't understand, but what do you expect to do now? There are few ways of getting off Echo, none of them you can take without direct help from public authorities, which if you're trying to stay hidden, is not an option. And if you intend to stay on Echo... you cannot simply walk off on your own. Even in this side of the world, there are great dangers. The west has its violent storms, and the east, savage monsters and beasts. Few can survive on their own."

A faint voice stirs."I do not know for certain... but he could seek aid from the Spirits."5x5 can't believe what he's hearing, the faintly, ghostly voice of Kukyo.

5x5:...Kukyo...Is it you?

"...Yes. Though my time grows shorter with every minute of every hour. Soon the only thing I will be capable of is my own senses... detached once again from the world. But like Kado asked... what will you do with yourself now?"

5x5: I must rehabilitate myself. Wherever I go, It will make me a better man. I can learn a few things here. Maybe once I learn those things, I can do better at what I do and still maybe help others who fall short on their path. I have no intention on seeing you guys again. What will happen to me, I am not sure, but I will find my way and help others do the same.

"In that case... I believe if you want to find your path, the spirits might be able to help you. They are a secluded peoples to the north and south regions, but if you wish to avoid being discovered, you may decide to follow one to one of their secluded homes. They are numerous. ...In fact..."

5x5 feels a strange sensation pass by him, and something appears to cross his path, like a veil of heat.

5x5: *rubs the back of his neck* Hmm. I will go there. If that's where my path lies.

Suddenly the figure of a girl around his age materializes in front of him, dressed in simple but long white dress. He also can't help but notice she's levitating.

"Perfect timing... what say you help him out, White Mist?"

"I could take him... but I don't know if he would be strong enough to last in the Frontier. And if you wish to speak of me, at least say my formal name. It's Shiroi Kiri. ...Boy. If you would like to accopany me to my village, you may do so. But you will help me take supplies to the village. And you may not address me as White Mist. That is only for my family and..." She blushes slightly. "Engaged ones... to say." 5x5 notices she has gold-brown eyes, and thin blue decorative markings on her skin, which he wonders the purpose of. Her voice sound thin and wispy, giving her a slightly mysterious tone.

Kukyo chuckles."So formal. Whatever, 'White'."

5x5: You treat me as if I have no form of training. I will do what you have asked.

Shiroi looks at him. "If that offends you, I apologize. Though I was not aware I said anything of the sort. I simply explained what would be expected of you. Nothing more."

5x5: Yes ma'am.

"Stop saying it."

5x5 gets a confused look. "Stop saying what?"

"Stop saying 'Yes ma'am'. You are neither my underling nor my superior. We address ourselves as equals, Jon. I told you to refer to me as Shiroi. Spirits do not live in castes or societal differentials. You are simply Jon, and I am simply Shiroi. There is no sir or ma'am. There is only ourselves." She turns, her dress billowing with the movement. "Come with me if you intend to go. Though if you can't keep up I will leave you behind." She stops levitating and starts walking to the other side of the building, the only sound she makes comes from the extremely light footsteps, barely registerable as faint taps.

Kado looks at 5x5. "I wish you wouldn't do this to them. We all take risks, no matter what path we follow. No matter if we follow our paths or not, our loved ones will always be put at harms way. I won't stop you from doing what you think you need to do 5x5, but I would strongly recommend you think long and hard... about if you're really willing to put everything you care about behind.... for something you may come to realize you already had.

...Trust me on this... one day you will look back... and you might regret the path you have taken. So..." Kado looks away. "Choose carefully what doors you wish to open... and which ones you close." He looks down towards Avalia.

"Because you won't get another chance."

Shiori stops at the far edge of the building, and looks back at 5x5. "Two doors, Jon. Once one opens, one will be closed forever. What door are you willing to leave behind?" She looks at Kado, seemingly interested in him, but quickly returns attention to 5x5.

5x5: Up to this point, really don't know what I want, but that body hanging down there tells you something. I could never be like that around the team. I have jeopardized them more than once, I ant let that happen anymore; besides I always wanted to live a life away from the M.C.C.P. A life I would be happy to have. I will miss them though. But it's time for me to go on my own and not behind my father. They fail to see we can start a new life here and not just become strangers in a strange land. This...Is what Itrulywant.

Shiori looks down on the streets. "Well, head to the north side of the city, the north market at the far end is where I will be waiting for you. I trust you don't need my assistance in that?"

Kado slowly sinks to the ground, leaning even more on the sword. "Fine... then go... I'm sorry to have wasted your time..." He says under his breath. "Just when I thought I could finally count on someone with ideals like mine..."

Kado silently begins to limp off, and slowly jumps off the building, once on the streets, he simply begins to slowly limp away.

I don't know what he thinks he's doing... he's thrown everything away...!Kado snarls to himself.

5x5: *watches Kado leave*I hope he truly understands, that im doing this for the others. I never truly had anything I could call my own, but know if I can do this, maybe I can. I know you don't see it that way, I cant force you too. Besides, a brothers are supportive of each others choices. *walks off toward the market*

When he arrives at the market, there is practically a mountain of large crates, and Shiori is standing next to them.

"We'll be taking all of these all the way back home." There looks to be well over twenty crates, some almost as big as he is.

5x5: *is shocked* Hooooolyyyy Craaaaaap. Well...here goes. *picks up a box and put it on his shoulder and picks up another box and puts it on his other shoulder and puts 2 more on each shoulder* Alright. Show the way.

A New Resolve
Back at the temple

Seco: *brings in "5x5's" body in his arms with a sobbing look on his face*

Gobble: Fuck's wrong with you, old man.

Seco: Jon...

Gooble: Yea, what about him?

Seco:...dead...Jonothan...he's dead...

Gobble: *laughs for a while* You go me there ol' man. Who's the guy there. *looks at the body and sees it's 5x5. Once he looks his smile is gone and his eyes are huge*No...no..that..that can't be him..it..it can't be...*sees the barbwire around 5x5's neck. Falls on his knees and starts crying* No..jon! Please come back! I didnt mean it! I DIDN'T MEAN IT! *is crying on the dead body of "5x5"*

Outside

Avalia: *is crying with her wrist against her forehead* I didn't even get to tell him...

"...He was a good man. I'm sorry for your loss." Kado says next to her, leaning heavily on his sword for support, a dim look in his eyes. "I'm sorry you have had to go through all of these things over these past few weeks. If you need anything... just ask." He looks down into the crystal clear waters of a nearby fountain.

Avalia: *still cries*

Inside the temple

Gobble: *is curled in a ball on the floor rocking back and forth with a trembling look on his face* I can't belive he's gone...

Seco: *is sitting in a chair and still holding "5x5's" body* Me neither...

They hear soft footsteps echoing as someone enters. Kado walks in, limping in with his sword, and walks past them to the room they were in before, and leans against the doorframe, tired.

Seco: Guess you had a long day too.

"I think it's safe to say all of us have had a shitty few weeks. I'm so sorry Seco. ...I can't begin to imagine how you must feel."

Seco: Start with feeling like a dumbass for putting to much faith and too much pressure on my son...I wasn't the one who took care of him...I couldn't unteach him what his mother taught him...My fault for pushing him too hard and away...

Kado turns and looks at Seco, the shadows giving him a very dark look, the grey in his eyes tinted by red.

"Don't ever blame yourself. The only one to blame for his death is himself. I know one thing, and that is 5x5 lived for his ideals. No matter what, always believe that you did the best you could have done. We're all people Seco. We all make mistakes. Sometimes our choices don't lead us the way we want them. But considering what your family has had to go through... you had no reason to not have faith in him.

I have a question, and I think it's something you need to consider. 5x5 has gone on to a new life. ...Hopefully a better one than the one he left behind, in the grace of his lord. ...I have to ask, what will you do with yourselves? Embrace a new life, or live in the shadows of the past? I know that for me... I cannot stay the way I have been. I get that this is all painful, and maybe you don't want to hear this from me... but have you given any thought to your future here? You will need to reinvent yourselves, Seco. You are no longer part of M.C.C.P. You are Seco, you are Gobble. You can give yourselves a new future now. Free to lead your own destiny, not one dictated for you."

Kado begins to walk into the room, and as he closes the door, he says one last thing.

"The caged bird has been set loose from its cage. Now it is time for it to decide whenever to fly, or to wonder why the door is open."

Seco: *looks at "5x5"* I'm not sure what to do. I know for a fact that he left us, cause he couldn't stand us dampening his beliefs and that he didn't want us to die because of it. But we never had a life we could truly call our own, ever since we joined The M.C.C.P...*thinks* Im just not sure...

The Grand Eye walks in, and overhears. "Echo is much like Earth, yet it is vastly different. We are a people who struggle with survival, from the tensions of the cities to the simple wild life, community is something far more important than the racial differences that compose them. Find something that is to your calling, and pursue it. Here, at Chinmoku, you can take up some of the finest studies and crafts, our academies are unparalleled in many worlds. Azure often recruits people like you who may not be able to take the quiet life, and assigns them to various positions. They have their Vigilante Squads, but they also have their Homeland Security Corps. ...I believe you would be familiar with them, Seco. You did fight them in your battle with Azure. From police to national security, if you wanted something a bit more professional and less rough and tumble, you could secure a place within the Corps."

He smiles. "Echo is a land of struggles and trials, but it also is a land of possibilities. You just have to open your mind to them. You have all of this world to traverse, and all of these peoples. Despite the bad blood that still runs among some of the people, they will undoubtedly give you a chance."

Seco: I'll...give it a chance...but give us time...that's all we need...

"Time moves swiftly on Echo. You will have many more years of life than you would ever on Earth. So you have more time than you know... take as much time as you need to find yourselves."

Seco: We will...

He silently walks on to Kado's room, where he knocks. Before he goes inside, he turns. "You are my guests here. Should you need something, ask my guards for me, and I will be sure to come when I have time. Do not be afraid to speak to me about anything." He walks inside.

Gobble: *is still rocking* Can't believe he's gone...

Kado looks up at the Grand Eye. "Do you need something?"

"How are you feeling?" He asks simply.

"Fine I guess. ...I still feel real weird, but I guess it's just from a spirit trying to take over me recently and all."

The Grand Eye silently nods. "I see. Please let me know if you have anything to talk to me about." He begins to leave, but Azula grabs his hand.

"Do...do you know anything about me? ...I don't know hardly anything about myself..."

The Grand Eye looks at her with a sad glance. "Unfortunately, I couldn't begin to grasp what you might be." He bows his head, then leaves.

Seco: *gets up from the chair with '5x5' still in his arms* Come on...*walks out the room*

Gobble: *gets cloth and follows Seco*

Outside

Avalai: *sees Seco and Gobble heading toward the fountain. Gets up and goes up to them*

''They lay '5x5' on the cloth and wrap him up. They put him in the fountain and say their vows and regrets.''

Seco: * Pulls out a blue 5/5 domino and puts it on '5x5's' chest. Pulls out a match and sets the body on fire*

They stand for a moment of silence

Kado looks at them from a window in silence. Azula looks at him."Did it have to be this way Kado? Wasn't there another way?""...I'm afraid that 5x5 could not see another route to take. Though I wish he trusted in his family like Seco did for him."

She clutches her chest."This feels... so wrong. To not tell them the truth... it just feels... horrible."To her surprise, Kado walks over and hugs her."I know. I understand."

Holding back her longing, she embraces him in turn."But it has to be this way, Azula. His path is his own. I just hope he finds what he's looking for."

"...As do I. ...But Kado... have you found what you're looking for yet?"

Kado blinks. "What do you mean?"

''The others go back inside and talk about the good times they had with 5x5. It made them happy and sad at the same time. They all regret not supporting his dream of untiy.''

Gobble: This definitely sucks though. I know he wanted to leave The M.C.C.P, but I'm guessing he didn't have this in mind

Seco: *shakes his head* Definitely not.

Avalia: I never thought we would push him to this...

Seco: It's my fault. I didn't tach him the way any father should have...

Gobble: It's also my fault for being a total asshole to him, even though he was always there to help me get off my ass.

Avalia: What are we gonna do now?

Seco: We're gonna have sometime to ourselves to get over this...This is probably the hardest thing I had to get over next to my divorce.

Gobble: Hmm.

"Kado. Learn to live for once. I'm tired of seeing you tear yourself apart, going after your past... never once thinking about your future."

"I have thought about my future Azula! I am going to change things, make things right for Mythos and Man. I cannot sit around while -"

Azula sighs."Kado. That's not a future. Or at least... it's not a future that we may live to see."

Kado looks at her confused, not noticing her embrace becoming stronger and more passionate.

"What do you mean by that? Where are you going with this?"

"Kado. Please. I've been by your side all of this time. I've watched you grasp at a future that while we may prepare the way for it... just realize that it may not come as quickly as you want. ...I've watched you live in the future so long, I wonder if you even look back to the present. Here. Now. Right now, you're not in that world yet. I need you here. Because while you've been looking for that future still so far ahead... I've been trying to find my future. But it won't look my way."

Kado freezes. He feels the passion of her embrace, and relaxes in her arms. "...I see...I'm sorry... you're right. You've been by my side for so long, and I never so much as looked your way. I never really thought about it... I'm so sorry."

Kado closes his eyes, the two embrace each other more soothingly, until Kado smiles faintly. "I think it's time we finally had a casual outing... don't you agree?" A playful smile crosses his face.

"Don't lie, I know you're about to burst your bank on a high class dining experience."She subtly suggests.

Kado laughs. "Fair enough." His eyes glance over to the door. "But I think those three need something to help them out as well."

Gobble: So what kind of jobs do they have here?

Seco: They have security guard. That's sort of up my ally I suppose. They also got Vigilante Corp.

Gobble: That sounds boss. 5x5 would've loved that.

Avlia: *chuckles* Yea.

Kado and Azula walk out of the room, a strange air of happiness seems to be coming from each other, usually they both give off a very serious aura when they're together. They overhear and walk towards them.

"If those positions are something you would like, I can arrange it for you."She says to them."How about you, Avalia? Do you have any idea what you would like to do?"

Seco notices that Kado is occasionally stealing glances at Azula, but appears to be otherwise himself, admittingly a bit unusually cheerful.

He looks at Seco, and offers a smile. "Since you all have had a pretty rough time, I think it would be good for you to go and enjoy yourselves." He hands Seco a rather hefty amount of currency.

"I want you to share that money with each other and enjoy yourselves for once. You deserve it. He would have wanted you to be happy if at all possible."

Seco: Thanks.*splits the money between himself, Gobble and Avalia*

Avalia: Im not sure what I could do. I just want to rest somewhere.

Seco: You guys goin' somewhere too?

Kado nods slightly. "Yeah. We'll have to be back before evening, as I'm pretty sure the Council needs to inform Azure of its findings regarding Earth, but the day is still long from over."

Azula puts a hand on Avalia's shoulder."There a number of hot springs, spas, and a great deal of libraries and other quiet places throughout Chinmoku you could go to if you wish, you could always ask a city guard for help."

Kado and Azula leave the temple, not before Azula reminds them:"If you need anything, use the mental link and we can come help you."

Avalia: Hot Spring...Don't remember the last time I went there.

Gobble: Where are we going, old man?

Seco: I'm gonna go to a bar.

Gobble: Oh..cool.

Seco: Yep.

Kado and Azula arrive at a restaurant, and while he chooses a less heavy meal, Azula catches him off guard with a rather exotic assortment of dishes, and Kado realizes she really is going to likely break the bank. She winks.

"Well I see you're enjoying this quite well." He says teasingly, and she merely sticks her tongue out in response in equally playful manner. She looks at him with a strange look."That isn't the only thing I've got in store for you..."She just winks again.

Avalia: Sorry to interrupt, Azula, but where are the hot springs?

Avalia suddenly feels Azula's consciousness enter her body, and looks through her eyes, and suddenly Avalia feels a mental map being drawn inside her memories being created, showing her each and every visual reference and street name she needs to take to reach them, and literally becomes able to see how to get their as though looking at a 3-D model.

"Follow that and you will get there without any trouble."She says kindly, and then exits her body.

At the Library

Gobble: Can't believe I'm here. *looks at the entire selection of books* Wonder if they got some espionage novels like David Boldecci

A librarian looks at him. "Is that an Earth novel you're talking about?" The man bows.

Gobble: Yeah. Got any of those.

The man points to a huge section of the library. "If it's here, it'll be in that section. We have many books within our collections from Earth. If you need help finding one, a Terminal will be located in each section." He indicates a pedestal like device.

Gobble: Cool. Thanks. *wlaks over to the section and looks for some books* Oooooh snap, they got The Camel Club what is thiiiiiss? *puts the book under his arm and keeps looking*

After their meal, Azula takes Kado to one of the massive gardens by a lake, and the scenery appears to be having an effect on Kado, who begins to become sleepy, and quietly falls asleep against Azula, who quietly makes herself more comfortable for him. ''"Alright I'll allow it..." ''She lovingly tells his conciousness, which causes Kado to lose his stiffness in his muscles, fully relaxing into a deeper sleep. Azula somehow cannot help but love seeing the expression he has while asleep, it being such a sharp contrast to when he is awake and guarded.

At a bar

Seco: *is drinking a glass of wine while looking outside* I'm gonna miss ya' Jon. I hope you can find it in that big heart of yours to forgive me. *takes a sip of his wine* Hm, taste like grape juice.

A nearby woman quietly observes him, the majority of the people haven't seemed to really notice, but she and two other people, including the bartender and a man off in the corner seem to have picked up on his emotional state of mind.

Seco: *notices* How's it goin'?

"I was going to ask you the same question. You seem quite down." She looks at him for a moment. "Lost someone precious to you I see? I remember you from back at the city, though doubtless you wouldn't know me." She smiles from slight amusement. She looks at the man in the corner. "My partner is over there. Interesting to meet you, 'Seco' Second."

Seco: 'Seco' is short for 'Second'. Nice to meet you aswell. Yea, I'm abit down. My son, he...

"...Is dead? I heard about that. Word travels quickly but quietly through these streets. It's already common knowledge in Chinmoku. Any thing on the menu you might like? It'll be my treat. I know Kado gave you money, but let me take this tab. I got more than enough savings. Food, Sweets, a drink, I can get it for you."

She changes form, to a woman with long braided dark violet hair with form fitting grey combat armor with the typical shapeshifter eyes, she has a subtle softness to her face, though it is equally stern with a soldier's experience.

"I'm Oliv Walker. SS Rank A.H.D.S. Agent. Let me treat you tonight."

Seco: Thank you, Miss Oliv. I think i'll just have a slice of pie.

She orders the pie for him, and then looks back at him. "So then, ever thought of a particular division of A.H.D.S. you may wish to join? It is the Azure Homeland Defense, but it has the police force, private security, assault squads, relief and aid units..." She pauses. "The reason I ask is I assume you aren't the guy who likes to wing it, you'd rather prefer a more professional line of work. Am I right?"

Seco: *is eating his pie* Your right. We we're trained a certain way at the M.C.C.P. We were only to improvise if original planning or survival tactics did not work. Other than that, yea.

She nods. "Ah, I see. I know the scientific research quarter and the reverse engineering department are all furiously examining that machine of yours. Clever piece of work it is."

She puts a hand on his shoulder. "And hey, just so you know, while people may not be exactly pleased with you back at Azure, I can promise you that we have a strict policy on squad behavior. Even if someone was somehow filled to the eyeballs with bricks for brains, I promise you that if anyone gives you garbage upon joining us, it'll be shut down. No matter what the history and the past, even our enemy can have their chance to stand beside us. Cause after all, the thing that defines who we are, is what we choose to be, not what we were. The past is the past."

She looks at him with an interested look. "Were you ever designated a Rank?" She pauses for a moment. "You WERE classified as SSS ranks, but that was because we knew nothing about you guys after capturing you. You guys seem like you would be at minimum S ranks like Kado."

Seco: We are only labeled, not ranked. I am the leader of one of the M.C.C.P's best squads. 3rd best anyway. I've trained efficiently and handled my missions and tasks fairly well. That's as far as I can go with that.

"I see. Would you like to talk about your son, or would you like me to leave you in peace? I don't wish to bother you if you don't want the company."

Seco: I'm not sure if I should talk about him right now. I'm just now getting over him. Maybe another time thoug. Thanks for the pie.

She nods. "I understand. See you around." She puts money out for the bartender, and then she and her partner leave.

Seco: Hm nice lady. I wonder how the others are doin'. *takes another sip of his wine*

At the hot springs

Avalia: *is sitting in a hot spring, still thinking back about the first time she met 5x5* I'm going to miss you, Jon.

Kado's sleep begins to become interrupted by visions, visions of earthquakes, floods, the sky tearing itself apart.... he sees Elaonore and Daikaeim together, and suddenly watches as they are torn apart from one another by death. The visions continue, tearing at him like a black tide of death and destruction. Finally, they abruptly halt.

''I have sensed a great unrest in the worlds... I fear something terrible has happened... Kado... go... tell the Council of what you have seen... and do not delay.''

Kado eventually wakes, at first assuming it was all just a bad dream.

I only wish it was...

Kado bolts up out off Azula's lap in alarm. "A-Azula... s-something bad is going on. Something very bad...!" He gasps.

"What did you see?"

"...Death...destruction... ...everywhere." He shudders. "I have to go!" He bolts up, and begins running as fast as he can, willing himself to warn the Council of what he had seen.

Back at the Library

Gobble: *has a boat load of books under his arm* Gettin' some books. Gettin' some books. Gettin' some books.

Seco: *is walking back to the temple*

Avalia: *falls asleep in the hot springs*

White Maiden of Mist
Shiori looks over at the remaining ones. "I forgot." She suddenly vanishes with a pop, and all but one of the crates lift up and dematerialize. She appears, looking a bit fazed. She leans down and picks up the last crate, it of course being the smallest and lightest of them.

"I forgot beings of tangible bodies had to carry things around with just their arms."

5x5 wonders what all the crates have inside them.

5x5: There better not be rocks in here.

"No. It's your food, plus a little extra for the clan back home." She says simply.

5x5: doesn't mean there not rock.

"What are you?" She asks simply and literally out of nowhere. "Where are you from?" Before he can answer, she asks another question. "What do you like to do for a living?"

5x5: *is a bit caught of gaurd by the questions* Well, I'm a mytho. A mythologial creature, brought to existence through man's belief in stories of the creatures. I' a hybrid Mytho. I am a Variante-a symbiote version of a Shapeshifter, and a Nymph-a water spirit. That makes me an Abyssal. I was born in an agency, calle The Mythological Creature Containment Program. Or The M.C.C.P. I grew up there and I never truly called it a home, more like scientific boot-camp. As for what I do for a living...*looks down at the ground as he thinks* I really don't have a living...All I did was fight those who were just like me and contained them, only for them to be experimented on for the use o mankind...that felt more like fate...*clutches his fist*

"Interesting. I see your past pains you. The stories I heard from the Wandering Ones were true about Earth, humanity truly has turned their backs on compassion."

She walks through the north gate of the city, and 5x5 notices she doesn't seem concerned by the name M.C.C.P. at all.

5x5: What do we do now, Shiroi?

"We walk. It will take us many days to reach the edge of Frontier. After that, there is a minimum of three days from the border to the clan. We are in no hurry to get there, so we can get to know each other more. After all, it will be helpful for the both of us if you are familiar with your Patron." She mentions the term as if it was the most logical thing in the world, while 5x5 is slightly confused by her meaning.

5x5: *scratches his head slightly* Patron?

"It is a strict rule that any spirit that lets a non-spirit into our realms take responsibility of them. For simple visits, a Patron is not necessary, but the spirit must ensure the guest behaves. But in the event you decide to live with us, I must become your Patron. Patrons not only are responsible for the care and legal affairs of the non spirit, but much teach them to adapt to life as a being who dwells within our world. We mainly exist off the energy of the world, from the sun to geo thermal energy. Because you do not, we have to stock to account for it. Most villages do not have non spirits for this reason. There are a few clans that do allow non spirits to become members of the clans, mine included."

She looks at him with a playful smile. "So I guess to sum it up, I'm like your babysitter, or your teacher. ...Or maybe it's both?" She says this last part with a coy, playful tone.

5x5: Sounds like familiars or Zanpakto or somethin' like that.

"Whatever suits you. Not that I know what those are." He takes notice of the markings on her body, and wonders once again their purpose, noticing Kukyo and even the dark side of Kado had ones, though red and angular in nature, in comparison with Shiroi, and the girl spirit of Kado's. Getting a good look at them, he notices they seem to faintly shift and glow, and are not actually tattoos, but some kind of energy.

5x5: Not being rude, but what are these markings for? Do they mean something or do all spirts have them?

"Both. Spirit Brands are something we have at birth, though they start out grey and change based on the spirit. When they are adopted or come of age to a clan, their spirit brand takes on the clan style. The color represents the type of spirit, blue means a positive spirit, and negative spirits have red, and also typically shows during coming of age." She turns to 5x5 as she walks. "You'll have to get one yourself though."

5x5: To show that I'm with a Patron?

"The brand marks you as one of our own, and will allow you to enter our realm. There are other advantages to them, though those are the only ones you will likely be interested in at the moment."

5x5: *thinks for a moment* Hmmmmmm...Why not?

She looks back at the road. "It's something that you can do if you truly decide to be a part of our clan. But I won't let you make that choice yet."

5x5: Ok, I'm guessing it's for my own good.

They come to a stop after many hours of walking through the strange yet beautiful forests and swamps of Echo, many countless werelights dancing and floating through the air, sometimes changing colors in many countless tones and shades. The land itself seems to be full of life and energy, something he's never seen on Earth before. A small over hang catches his attention, with a cave deep below it with a nearby stream and glass clear pond.

Shiroi looks at 5x5. "We'll camp here." She walks into the cave, all the way into the back, where the many crates she had dissolved appear from thin air and lower onto the cave floor. She also summons forth a mattress with intricately woven knitted cover and sheets. She looks at 5x5. "I didn't expect company, so unless you want to sleep on the floor, you'll have to share my bed. ...If that is acceptable to you." She walks up to the edge of the cave and assembles stones into a circle, and begins gathering grasses.

"Do you know how to hunt?" She asks softly. "Or are you vegetarian?"

5x5: I can hunt. I can only eat chicken, turkey, and duck though.

She looks off into the distance, and suddenly disappears in a flash of light, the only thing he sees is a swiftly moving orb of light that screams off into the depths of the forest. After a minute, the light returns appearing much bigger, and slams into the ground next to the rocks and grass. Shiroi reappears, holding a perfectly prepared chicken, and starts a fire, starting to cook it.

"Found one." She says simply. 5x5 thinks about the strange girl, and gradually realizes that Shiori and Kukyo seemed to know each other.

5x5: Im curious on how you know Kukyo.

She narrows her eyes, as if remembering something not exactly pleasing. "I was one of her servants for a number of years. A personal attendant in fact..."

She finishes cooking his chicken, and breaks it up, and fashions a disk of metal out of the earth, and then washes it in the stream, before putting the legs on the plate and she offers it to him.

5x5:*takes the the plate* I'm guessing it wasnt the best years of your life. *eats part of the leg*

"It was painful being away from my people, but she eventually released me before the war with Earth." She looks into the fire. "A tri spirit... his struggles are far from over..."

5x5: Who's? Kado's?

"Yes... him. For him to have two other souls present within his one body... and for them to be a negative and a positive... if they were to both become Enlightened... the only future I see is Kado's destruction... either from the hand of an enemy, or to be torn apart and remade by the dual forces within him... he will become remade, but no longer himself, never the same again.

I don't see another future other than those for him." She says softly. "If he should overcome his enemies, it is doubtless that they will eventually consume him."

5x5: *doesn't know what to say* This is something he might to figure out himself, isn't it?

"It is often so for those of his kind. He is a Justice after all. You've seen it yourself, haven't you? An unrelenting desire to make right the wrongs in the world, though blinded to the path beyond it, am I right?"

5x5: Yes, but there is a Mytho hybrid called a Justice. But I know what you are talking about.

"No one person is meant to have a dual nature. No matter who they are, those opposite yet equal forces will eventually tear a person apart if they cannot learn to balance themselves. ...Unfortunately it is easier said that done for us spirits."

She suddenly tilts her head, an aura of obvious curiosity about her. "So what's a Justice in your world?" He can already feel the tide of questions coming again.

5x5: Well..It's a Maenad, a hybrid of a Trance Elf, a telepathic elf and a Fairy, who is also hybridized with an Angel, Messenger of God. Those Mythos are quite commonly rare to find, but the have a good array of abilities to fight of any threats of harm to them or others who are being oppressed or wronged and maintain peace to the innocent.

She looks at 5x5 with an interested look. "So then Jon, can you guess what kind of Spirit I am?"

5x5: Are you a Justice? Not the one I was talking about.

She smiles. "Nah. I'm not up for the violence and caped crusader life. I just like to enjoy nature and make other people happy. If I could talk something out with another tribe rather than fight, it would be much more worth it. I guess that's why I'm the ambassador for the clan. We don't really need them, as we keep to ourselves in the Spirit Realm, but you never know I guess."

5x5: Yea...I guess. I would've prefered to escape to Fantasy.

She seems to look up, and starts walking towards the bed. "We might as well rest. We have a long way to go, and we need to rest up as much as possible." She gets into the bed and covers herself up, and look up at him with an eye.

"So where will you sleep? I don't have an extra bed, unless you're willing to share it with me. I won't mind if that's what you would like." She indicates the other side of the bed, more than enough room for him.

5x5: Fine. I don't mind. Thank you. *gets on the other side of the bed*

Once she closes her eyes, she falls asleep relatively quickly, and begins to give off a very soft glow, almost soothing to watch, her Spirit Brand also begins to shimmer as well.

5x5: *looks at the glowing of her glow* Hmm. I wonder what happens tomorrow. *goes to sleep*

Later that morning, he feels something against himself, and realizes she had drifted over to his side and is now laying against him, her head just below his chin. He feels very warm and comfortable, despite the fact he knows the cave itself was freezing cold. When he tries to get up though, he feels as though something is gently but firmly keeping him down.

5x5: *smiles* Well, isn't this just adorable.

She eventually stirs, and he feels the strange pressure lift in segments, as though something had wrapped around his whole body like a massive invisible blanket, and she opens her eyes.

"Good morning..." She says in a quiet, sleepy voice. "Could you see them?"

5x5: *is wondering what was that he felt* See what?

She looks a tad bit disappointed. "I was hoping you would see them. We can't move any closer to the Frontier until you can see them on your own. I guess I'll have to train you." He suddenly feels the pressure again, and he slowly is lifted into the air, until he is halfway to the cave's roof, and he looks down at himself, but sees nothing.

"Focus intently, Jon. I won't let you down until you can at least notice something."

5x5: *sees some sort of energy wave coming from Shiroi* I think...I can see it

"Good. Though with your reaction time, against a hostile Spirit you would likely have been killed by now though. I'm glad you can at least focus in on it. You already have some spirituality then."

He is slowly let down, and the energy dissipates. He wonders just what it was that she was using though to do that.

5x5: *lands* How were you able to do that?

She gets up out of the bed slowly, and walks over to him silently, and then presses her hand against him, and something like a sharp zap goes through his body, and his vision is completely changed. She is still in front of him, but now appears not as solid, and is radiating soft waves of energy, which break apart into small spheres of energy, some of them wizzing back into her form, and some flying off into the enviornment. From her back eight long tendrils sprout, and one of them unwinds and reaches over and touches him, gently going against his arm and wraps around it, the sensation comes to him a minute later as a soft hugging sort of sensation. Her dress is different, broken up into eight points toward the end, shapped almost like tear drops. These eight pieces float about in an invisible wind, and he notices she isn't standing in this form, but merely floating, no sign of legs attaching her to the ground.

In this form, he can clearly see the full extent of the Spirit Brand, it travels all the way from her right cheek and branches off to her chest, back, legs, and right arm, each fully intricate and delicate designs. On her chest, it accents her figure, while on the arm and legs they end at the elbow and knees, a circle connecting the upper and lower sections of her limbs.

The tendril on his arm slowly travels to his chest, and appears to enter it, he only registers it as a faint increase in energy, and he realizes after a minute that the tendril is putting some of her energy into him, and she slowly begins removing her hand from him, at first he almost loses sight of her, but after a minute of the tendril pouring energy into him, she begins to come back into focus, and only then does she remove the tendril from him, and he feels as though he had a full course meal.

"Can you still see me?" She says after a minute.

5x5: Yea...What was all that about?

"I quickly altered you with Spirit Energy. I broke down part of your soul's natural borders, so it would be more receptive to spiritual energy. The tendrils you saw... I believe there is a story about a faceless man that might help you understand them. There's no specific word, but 'Soul Hand' and 'Spirit Ripper' are two phases that could come close to describing them.

You have the sight for now, because I opened up your spiritual 'eyes'. However it will depend on you to learn how to see for yourself. There are many uses we have for them, including as I said, soul modification and manipulation of the environment. More powerful spirits don't need them though." Already, he is losing sight of her spiritual form, and her physical body slowly starts to appear instead.

"Which one do you prefer?" She says after a moment, when she completely comes into focus.

5x5: I like either or, as long you stay you and you like the body you choose. I'll be fine with either.

She smiles. "I change my body depending on who I meet. Though it's usually a deviation of my usual form. I try to guess what forms will put people at ease when I reveal myself. I figured you might like this appearance."

5x5: I like them both because it's you.

She looks at him, and he starts to feel the sensation take hold of him and he is starting rise up again. "Focus as hard as you can on it. Try to push past your normal vision. Your mother was a Nymph. You already have the potential therefore to see much easier than most beings of mass. If you can't focus your vision, then I have an idea on how to train your mind to connect easier. Do not tell me that you see it unless you become able to see an actual outline."

He focuses, and after a minute is able to the waves, but no actual shape occurs in his vision.

5x5: I can see waves, but I don't see any shape.

"I would then try to clear your mind of any unnecessary thoughts, try focusing on something like water ripples gently ebbing away until they become smooth. Once your mind is still and focused, you might be able to see it." She looks up at him. "I only suggest this because like you told me, you have Nymph heritage. Perhaps that connection can help you still your mind."

5x5: Alright. *focuses on the stillness and vastness of water, he's starting to see the shape* I...I can see it.

She smiles. "How clearly?"

At first he says only just barely, but his eyes gradually seem to sharpen in on the form, and notes that it has wrapped itself under his arms, but the section wrapped around it appears to be much much larger, the width of a beach towel across, covering down to near his waist. The whole form is solid enough to have definition, but is transparent, much like how he had heard ghosts were. He naturally begins to follow the 'Soul Hand' towards her, but it becomes blurry and eventually disappears still a good few feet ahead of her.

5x5: I can see the 'Soul Hand', but I can't reach it. What should i do?

"Nothing. Seeing it is good enough for me. I assume you cannot see my actual spiritual being, which makes sense. The hand is a very low key spirit projection. I would understand if you had difficulty seeing past a certain point. You're doing better than I expected. I am a mid class spirit, so I'm using relatively low level energies to make it detectable towards your levels. I don't sense any mid tier spirits, which means you won't have to worry about Spirit Blades. But that's good enough for me."

She looks at him with a please smile. "Enough for now." She puts him down, and the tendril slips out of his vision, as he becomes too exhausted by the effort to keep focusing on it.

She looks at him for a moment. "I realize you haven't eaten, and I would rather not risk expending any more energy, as I have to lift a lot of crates, so unless you really are hungry, would you settle for me replacing energy you've lost practicing?" She directs a tendril at him, which becomes visible after a few feet, and he can tell it is brimming with extra energy than the last one.

5x5: *is exhausted* Sure. If it keeps me from being so tired. Nearly forgot about the crates.

After she gives him a quick boost in energy, she makes the bed and crates disappear, save for hers and 5x5's. "Let's be off then."

5x5: Alright. *carries 4 crates,2 on each shoulder and exits the cave. He looks at the sun* So bright...

They travel for a good while, and eventually 5x5 begins to notice it is gradually getting colder, and the forests appear to be slowly becoming deciduous and pine forests. Off in the distance whenever they reach a overlooking hill, he can faintly see a vast blur of white, and to the west of them he can see a different shade of blue than of the sky's. Near this off path of 'sky' is a series of tall mountains. As a gust of wind blows by, he can't help but remember the terrifying gale that had heavily damaged the CRAzy.

5x5: *is starting to feel cold* Are we half way to the Frontier?

"No. We passed into the Frontier an hour ago. We're just now seeing what most people think of when they mean The Frontier though. The white beyond is the snow of the North. Fortunately the village lies within the outer regions of the Frontier, so we won't have to travel much farther once we arrive at the borders of the snow and ice.

However, we won't make the trip today. There is a small community ahead that my clan is on good terms with. We will stay there."

5x5: Ok. So where do we drop of the crates while we stay there?

"We'll have to find out. Their storage rooms aren't always available."

5x5: Ok, so how much longer till we reach it?

She points to a distant opening in the trees ahead. "It's over there. Let's keep going." She doesn't wait for him, and starts walking.

5x5: *keeps walking* So hope there is no rocks in here.

Shirori looks back. "Why would I put rocks in there? I told you that's all food."

5x5: Just makin' sure. So what do spirits do around here?

She blinks. "Live off the land and build the community. We live simplistic lives. Depending on what kind of spirit we are depends what we do around the world, or worlds in some cases. Justices tend to not linger at home, they're always off fighting their battles. A spirit like myself, I don't care much for anything but my family, my neighbors, and the peace of the world. Though in times of great need, Tranquility spirits seek out the most grievous periods of unrest and attempt to soothe the peoples affected by them. Some of us were used in the wars to still the minds of the soldiers and let them focus on fighting... not their fears."

She smiles wearily. "I'm sorry if our lives just seem terribly boring... we really don't care for material things as much as other races. We more or less just care about the relationships we build around each other."

5x5: Tell you the truth, Man kind should be more like you guys. I'm tired of our urges and desries getting the best of us and the fact they only care about themselves instead of one another

Shiori looks at him. "...Tell you the truth Jon, we're not all rays of sunshine. While it's true most positives are generally not harmful, there are a few minor exceptions. And then there are Negatives."

5x5: Yea, I suppose. I want something better for humans and Myths, it's going to be hard. We tend to make the same mistakes all the time.

Suddenly, he feels a violent force rip him off the ground, the motion so powerful that he drops all of the crates. From about him, he can hear a steady vibration, as if a motor was on near him. But also something distrubing. Something throbs at a steady rythmn, almost... organic. He makes the mistake of looking up at the source, and the sight immediately tells him he'll have nightmares for weeks. A horrid face leers out at him, looking like a charred, burned mummy's face, rippling in shadow, with soul piercing red eyes and a jagged grin, all throughout its body red angular markings run along its body.

With a searing pain suddenly igniting his body as it pulls him through some thick 'barrier', and he can suddenly see the landscape is completely different, glowing white and abyssal black is the only colors that stand out, and thethingseems to literally drain everything of its light, and he can even feel it sucking away... at him.

Below him, Shiori appears in her full form, looking terrified. She begins swinging strange blade like extensions at it, and one of them finally manages to cut off the arm that grabbed him, not before the horrible beast sinks its jaws into 5x5's shoulder and tears it open, greedily devouring it, sending pain he couldn't begin to describe throughout his being. He falls down, and his vision becomes blurry, as a large shadow and a brilliant light begin to tear each other apart in battle.

5x5: OG CRAP! IT HURTS! DANG IT, SATAN! WHAT'S THE MATTER WITH YOU TEARIN'UP MY ARM! *can't see very well* Where'd you go, you sick man-eatin' bastard. This would neeeeeever had happened if I had a gnblade. So wish I had one right now, I'd shoot you SO hard.

He falls unconscious, the sounds of something terrifying screaming echoing into silence.

When he wakes up, he is almost immediately hugged by Shiori. "...Thank goodness. I thought you were completely devoured...!" 5x5 feels as though he cannot move his arm, and he looks to see his arm and shoulder completely bandaged. Around them are several elves, as well as a human or two.

5x5: Didn't tell me you got elves here. Sorry I blacked out. Did we make it?

"No, we're at the small town I told you about we would visit. ...You've been out for days. After I... ...kill... the spirit that attacked you... I ran to them as fast as I could. ...You were lucky. It didn't just bite your physical shoulder... it literally ate a part of your spirit. ...I've been mending you for a number of days, but these are slow healing wounds, even for a spirit like myself. I'm not trained in healing arts... or at least, I haven't been trained for something like this."

She hugs him tighter. "If you died because I wasn't paying attention to you then I don't know if I could live with myself..."

5x5: *hugs her back* Didn't mean to have you guys worry so much about me.

A elf with ash brown hair coughs. "I will be delivering my report to your father, Shiori. The Misuto clan will be glad to know you are returning home soon." He walks out without another word.

"The elves didn't come from here originally," Shiori explains. "They were originally from Earth, though they've lived here in Echo now for hundreds of years."

5x5 realizes he's never asked her about her family at all yet.

5x5: You have family? I never knew. But I guess I never asked.

"Yes. A father and mother. I have siblings, though they live throughout Echo. I'm the only one who remains at home with mother and father. Father is head of the clan, and I do diplomatic excursions should he request it."

5x5: Hm, pretty neat. *gets up* Is there anything else that needs to be done?

"Yes. Please lay back down. You will need to finish healing."

The elf returns, with a tall man with long silver hair and gold eyes like Shiroi, and carries an air of great authority. 5x5 cannot read his expression, but he knows the man is definitely reading 5x5, he can feel the man judging him based on his appearance, and possibly more. After a moment, he looks towards Shiroi.

The elf looks at the man. "Your father is here. We will leave the three of you be." The humans and elves all leave, and close the door behind them.

After a tense moment, he looks at Shiroi. "Is this the one you've been bringing home?"

She silently nods.

"I see."

He looks at 5x5. "Young man. Who are you?" He asks in a firm tone. Unlike Shiroi, who 5x5 can only really tell the power of when she's in spiritual form, the man practically radiates power.

5x5: My name is Jonothan "5x5" Waltz, former leader of Domino Squad from The M.C.C.P. Sor if it was too detailed or too under detailed.

He looks at Shiroi. "He has yet to find himself, yes?"

Shiroi briefly nods.

He looks at 5x5. "How long do you intend to stay with us, Jonothan Waltz?"

5x5: As long as it takes to find what my heart yearns for. And that is unity.

"Very well then. Shiori. Brand him."

"A-are you sure you want me to do it Father? He was severely injured by a Gluttony."

"After I heal him, yes." He walks over to 5x5. "Let this be a lesson young man. While many of us choose to use our powers with care, there are those who just like man are equally capable of using them for only their self gain. There are few things that are true to the desire for unity. Perhaps only heaven is the true and final place of unity. But until we join the maker, we must overlook the flaws of life and endure it. But I hope you come to understand what exactly it is you're looking for. Even if you believe you know what you want, always remember life is ever changing and can force you to reexamine even the most profound belief in your heart."

He puts a hand to 5x5's wound, and a sensation like a thousand needles jabbing him goes over him, until it becomes subdued and the limb feels briefly numb.

"Let it rest for a few hours. Shiroi. When he is finished mending after that time, I wish you to brand him. Then we will return home. You should have told me you were coming, Shiroi. Don't bring people to us unless you can guarantee their safety."

He walks out.

5x5:Well your father is a very dutiful man.

Shiroi looks at him. "I'm so sorry... he's right... I should have waited and asked for escorts... I put you at unnessisary risk..."

She hugs him again, crying.

5x5: Hey. It's not your fault. It was my decision. You warned me this was a treacherous world and I still dove in. *wipes Shiroi's tears of her face* It's not your fault. You did your part. I'll do whatever it takes to find my path in this world. Your father actually reminds me ofmyold man.

Shiroi stops crying, though her embrace remains tight. "...I'm...sleepy...I didn't sleep...at all..." She suddenly sounds weaker, and he can feel her trembling. "I'm...so...glad...you're ok..." She falls asleep in his arms.

5x5: *holds her* You deserve some rest. Get all the sleep you need. Serves me right for blacking out so easily.

A few hours later, her father comes in again, but silently watches her in his arms. The look in his eyes seems to soften a little when he looks at her. His gaze shifts toward 5x5, and the look hardens again. He clearly doesn't seem to like 5x5, or at the very least he doesn't appear to trust him. He eventually shifts his head in 5x5's direction and then leaves just as quietly as he had left.

5x5: Man...I'm getting sleepy too...*silently yawns*

A sudden rush of wind can be felt outside, and her father returns, wielding a sword. "...Boy. Do you have a weapon?"

5x5: No...*is excited* Oh.Oh. Is this part where I get my...Ok.Ok. Hold up. *closes his eyes* Ok, i'm ready.

Her father stretches his hands out, and to 5x5's amazement, something metal begins forming in his hand.

5x5: *is even more excited* Oh my gosh!Oh my gosh!Oh my gosh!Oh my gosh!Oh my gosh!Oh my gosh!

5x5 watches as he makes a pair of gun blades that seem to radiate with some kind of light.

"You sound like Shiroi when we gave her first flute to her... in other words like a little girl. Take it, if you wish to prove yourself and protect Shiroi."

5x5: *is so happy* YAAAAAAAAAAAAAY!!! OH GOD I ALWAYS WATED ONE.! *getd up and hugs Shiroi's father* I will protect you daughter with my life. *looks at his gunblades* Now dat I got deeeeez! *is still so giddy*

A massive black claw tears open the building wall, revealing a towering black monster that almost looks like... a dragon. Only with red markings and looking distinctly like it was made from shadows. On seeing him, it lets out a terrifying roar and attacks.

5x5: YAAAAAAAY. *voice shifts into something more sinister* My first victim. *jumps at the dragon and slices its neck twice, then maneuvers behind the dragon's neck and shoots at it from behind and finally lands behind the dragon.*

The wounds quickly heals, and the dragon simply turns around, and lets out a wave of pure negative energy from its maw.

"What pathetic energy... you have a weapon gifted by spirits, yet your power is so... puny... you should be ashamed to even be touching such a fine weapon!"

5x5: If I'm so unworthy, why don't you have one?

The dragon lets out a dark chuckle. The sky begins to darken, and seven large tendrils with blades on the end sprout from its side.

"Ido....and now I shall end your life and consume your soul." He plunges the swords with lightning fast speed, and at the last second an explosion of darkness knocks the swords away, and a woman emerges from the thick darkness. She turns and looks at 5x5, and his heart stops with disbelief at the sight of the person.

5x5:..Kukyo...

"How dare you?!" The dragon roars, but Kukyo simply looks in its direction and it freezes. "Begone." She says in a low tone, and it growls, before slowly fading away.

She looks back at 5x5. "Jon. How are you getting along with Shiroi?"

5x5: I'm getting along with her just fine. How have you been doing?

She gives him the ultimate 'really' expression. "Inside a sword. Can't get much duller than that. But I would like to say something to you... in private."

5x5: Sorry, I should've known. Ok, what is it you need to talk to me about?

Kukyo takes him off to the side, and then looks at him.

"What was your thoughts of Avalia? What did you think of her as?" Her tone is serious.

5x5: She was the only friend I had outside my family. She is strong, rather silent but she displayed her emotions when she wanted to. We were close and at one point I started developing feelings for her...but those went away.

She continues the look. "And why was that?" She asks simply.

5x5: My beliefs sort of separated us due to our separate opinions. Avalia believed what we we're doing to our kind was necessary to keep man safe. I believed Mythos weren't bad at all, just misunderstood. I had endangered my squad trying to reason with my kind, but every time I do...They only reached the point of hating everything. Harlem Squad would have to deal with the threat if I couldn't do it.

Kukyo sighs. "Yet despite those differences... Jon... she didn't stop loving you. In fact even up until your little performance you pulled... she still loved you. I could feel it. I can't sense positive emotions as well as negative ones... but it was because of those negative emotions I realized. You may have lost your feelings, but I don't doubt that she still has them... though it has transformed most likely into love tainted by grief and loss."

5x5: The reason why I did it, is because, I didn't want them to get hurt over what I believed in. I knew me 'dying' would hurt them on the inside, but atleast I know they don't have to die because I'm around.

Kukyo suddenly pulls him up next to her, and forces him to look her dead in the eye. "All I have to say to that is this,Jonothan,is that better not be the excuse I hear again. Shiroi would gladly die protecting you. Your family would gladly die protecting you. Not just because they might cover for your mistakes, but they would protect you regardless because they care for you. What do you want people to do? Let you die for a mistake? I will not forgive you if you hurt Shiroi like you did your family. You're not the first one she...."

She pauses. A depressed air comes about her.

5x5: I left them to start a new life and help those who need it. Shiroi is a part of that life. I will protect Shiroi with my life, the same way she did for me.

Kukyo lets him down with a sigh, though he finds he can't move still. She walks up to him, and embraces him. She says nothing, but he can almost feel something like desire coming from her. With her head next to his, she says in a low whisper, "I don't know what this feeling is... ...but it feels so good... ...but it hurts so much... ...take care of yourself 5x5. ...I'm afraid that even though I discovered this land and made it my sanctuary... I am no longer wanted here... this will likely be the last time you and I meet... though I will always keep an eye out for you.

Thank you for giving me the gift... maybe one day on my lonely travels I will find another who can look at me as I am... and not as just some monster or something to be used...."

She pulls away from 5x5 and begins walking away, but stops to look at him one last time. The red markings all over here seem different, almost purple in color and more graceful and less angled. As he looks at her, her eye turn amber colored, mix with flakes of gold, the two differences, along with her face and hair color, begin to remind him of Shiroi and her father, but also of the little girl spirit within Kado... and he can even vaguely remember Kado's face as having a similar quality to it.

She closes her eye and he catches a small glimpse of a smile, and her form begins to destabilize, as if little by little she is disappearing into the wind.

5x5: *reaches out to her but she disappears* You are no monster to me...Kukyo. *sits down next to Shiroi and thinks*

"...Jon... why is there a hole in the building...?" She whispers as she wakes up.

5x5: Dragon came in. Don't worry, it went away.

A fierce prickling sensation rises on the back of his neck, and he turns to see her father, seemingly shimmering. His eyes look at 5x5 with what could only be fierce disapproval.

"What were you thinking? That was no mere dragon. That was no run of the mill wyrm. That was a low-high tier Spirit. You could barely handle the attack of ONE Low Class Gluttony. If Kukyo had not come here, your very soul could have been easily devoured!"

5x5: Then I should've been given gunblades sooner. Atleast I did something. Where the heck wereyou?

Her father narrows his eyes. A blast suddenly sends him into a wall, but it is Shiroi, not her father who had done so.

"...Jon...please...do not speak against my father so... ...he is a Protection Spirit. His first thought was the secure the safety of the villagers and their homes. He would have helped you against it, if you had been patient instead of jumping in alone. ...Please don't fight..." Her voice is minced by hurt.

5x5:..My apologize...

Her father walks over to 5x5 and offers him a hand. "It is as my daughter said. I was attending to the rest of the village. Most of us Spirits, unless we are combat aligned, do not immediately engage an enemy. I should not be too harsh on you... it is in your nature to fight after all. You were born a soldier, not as one of us. I must set my own expectations back."

5x5: I maybe a soldier, but do admit; I should've done a better job.

"What's done is done. What we do is what we do. But in the future, please don't charge in head first. In the world of our affairs, those who charge in first are the ones who fail to live long. But those who linger too far behind can be picked off by wolves. Remember that balance is an important part of who we are. Not just spirits. But all races must learn to balance themselves. If they don't... they are prone to allowing their emotions rule their heart, when will should temper them. When the fall comes, they are not prepared and will lash out, and hurt others around them. Then begins a cycle you're very familiar with.

Take my hand. How is your arm?"

5x5: It's better. Alot better.

"I see. Rest until tonight, the village would like to treat you to a dinner."

5x5: Dinner? *hears his stomach sort of growling* That sounds great. Thanks.

Shiroi idly climbs into the bed, and just lays there. Outside there is a lowering afternoon sun shining in the window, a number of flowers can be seen outside, including some blue lilies. She appears to be looking out at the sun, giving her blue eyes a very light cast than normal.

5x5: *sits in the bed next to her* You okay?

"I'm thinking about them." 5x5 presses her for answers, but she remains silent. "Why don't you talk with my father? You need to get onto a better start with him."

5x5: *is unsure about it* Sure.

He walks outside of the building, to find her father sitting on the porch. He notices 5x5's approach and indicates a spot to set next to him.

"Don't be shy boy. The wolf only bites if you ignore its warning growl."

5x5: Same goes for a rattlesnake. Shiroi wants me to be acquainted with you and since I basically have no questions, you can start first.

"How is she, for one? I don't believe she would pass up any opportunity to be with one of her... guests."

5x5: So far, she's great. She's been showing me the ropes and everything. You must be real proud of her.

He closes his eyes. "...I am. ...But... you're not the first person she has tried to bring to us... ...Some of them died on the way... but the rest... ...took advantage of her. ...She loved them..." He closes his eyes.

"Shiroi was desolate each time it happened... she only wishes to bring happiness and peace to those she encounters. It tears her apart."

He looks at 5x5. "I thought you might want to know." He picks a soft blue lily and gives it to 5x5. "She likes blue. Blue anything really. My name is Kyōdaina. Attend to her, I don't like it when she is alone and thinking about the past."

5x5:*takes the lily* Me and her both.*goes back inside and sits next to Shiroi* Heard you like blue. *gives Shiroi the lily*

She slowly looks at 5x5, and takes the flower, slowly holding it in her hands. She then looks at 5x5 and leans against him, her body suddenly feeling quite warm to the touch, her Brand beginning to glow strongly.

"...Jon...?" She asks softly.

5x5: Yea? What is it you need, Shiroi?

"Don't leave me... I don't want to be alone again..."

5x5: *puts his hand on her shoulder* It's ok. I'm not going anywhere. You wont have to be alone anymore.

One of her Soul Hands forms a small blade of blue energy and points it at 5x5. "Trust me..." Shiroi sits up and looks at him. "Lie down and hold still."

5x5: *does what Shiroi tells him* Okay.

The blade quickly but carefully slides into his right cheek and begins carving into him, slowly moving down to his neck, and gradually moving down to his chest and there it splits, traveling to his right arm, both legs, and his back, all carving some sort of lines into him. When the blade reaches his right hand and both feet, they remove themselves from his body, and the blood that comes out of him quickly rises up and seem to become energy right before his eyes, taking on a white appearance, and then reenter his body at the cuts, and the Soul Hand loses its blade, but enters into the long elaborate wound and begins flowing through it, at the same time he hears an audible 'SNAP!' from near Shiori, who momentarily cries out, a stream of energy flowing out of her from her right side, which eventually subsides.

The Soul Arm travels through the length of the cut, and suddenly he feels the pain from the carving finally enter his body, as he sees a purple light begin glowing from the wound. He can feel the wound close at a supernatural rate, but the glowing remains, but eventually subdues until it appears as though it is a tattoo.

Shiroi gives him an apologetic look. "I-I'm sorry... that it hurt you..." She holds up a mirror, and shows him the result. "But now I've given you your spirit brand."

He notes that it isn't like hers or Kukyo's, but rather is a purple brand with both angles and gentle swirls, the complexity still amazing, even though he had felt her carve it, there are details he didn't expect to see. The color is very dull though, almost black, only the center shows any sign of purple.

5x5: Looks cool. *smiles as he rubs across his spirit brand* Atleast it was worth it, right?

"Yeah... unless of course you don't end up... nevermind..." She trails off.

5x5: *looks at Shiroi* I know...

She sniffs the air. "I smell food. It must be close to dinner." She looks at him with a small smile. "You haven't gotten much of a chance to bathe, have you?"

5x5: *smells under his arm and displays a look of disgust* No...no I have not

She smiles. "Don't worry. After dinner we can take care of that smell. There's a hot spring and a lake nearby."

5x5: Then a better eat quickly.

She shakes her head. "Take your time. We spirits rarely eat, as we lose very little energy in a day. That's why the majority of the food in the crates is for you."

5x5: Imma be stuffed as a pig then. If I had known that, I would've tried to eat sooner.

Shiroi takes his hand, and leads him outside where the community sits around a massive bonfire with tables stretching around the logs on which they sit, with a lot of appetizing food on them.

Kyōdaina waves them over to sit by him.

5x5: *sits next to him and looks at all the food* And asllthe majority of it is mine? *looks back at Shiroi*

She laughs. "No silly! Your food is still in the crates! This food is for the elves, humans, and you. Plus us, we haven't eaten in a while."

5x5: Oh ok, Thank goodness. Then I'll stick with the food in the crates. *goes over to where the crates and opens one. A sweet roll rolls out the crate* Ah snap, It's a sweet roll. Sweeeeeet. Totally. *eats the sweet roll while mildly laughing*

Shiroi and her father eat, but he notes they only really have one or two chicken legs before they finish. When she finishes, she eyes a particularly delicious looking cake, but her father tells her no and to wait for desert. She grumpily walks over to 5x5, a slight pout on her face.

5x5: *looks at her and rips of a part of his sweet roll and gives it to her* Wanna sweet roll? *is still eating on his first bite*

She quietly takes the piece and eats it. She then spots a decently thick stick and takes a knife out, and begins drilling a hole into the end.

5x5: You doing ok? *takes another bite of his sweet roll*

"Yes." She continues drilling the hole until the hole is a certain width across and deep, and she takes the other end and begins to carve something out of it. As she continues carving the stick, he notices it's starting to look a whole lot like a flute.

5x5: Are you makin' flute?

She nods. After drilling more holes, she lifts it up and peels the bark off, and then it strangely turns blue. She then hands it over to 5x5. "Here."

5x5: *looks at it* Never played an instrument before. *blows a note, then looks at it again* Thank you, but why give me this?

"I wanted to give you a gift. Something made with a personal touch. I make them and trade them with any mortal traders who happen to be in our area. My flutes are sought after by many."

5x5: *plays little tune* It sounds divine. Thanks again. What are we gonna be doing after we eat? *plays another tune*

"We'll go down to the lake nearby and wash. Father wouldn't approve of us being filthy on arriving to the village."

5x5: Ok. *smells himself again and displays a disgusted look on his face* We can't go right now?

She appears to blush faintly. "W-we can, if you want. I can show you the way...."

5x5: Lead the way. *is ready to follow Shiroi. Is still eating his sweet roll*

She leads him through some thick trees, and eventually they come to the edge of a rather large lake, a few crickets can be heard beginning to chirp. You coming in too?

5x5: *gazes at the lake* Preeeeetty...I'll go first. *goes behind a tree and takes of his clothes and puts them on a bush and enters the lake* Feels nice. You coming in too?

Her clothes suddenly dissolve, and before he can process the mental image, she dives straight at him and sends them both crashing into the water. When he opens his eyes underwater, she has a impish smile a mile wide.

5x5: *is abit caught of guard but he smiles back. Swims back up*

She pops up out of the water as well, still smiling with that impish look.

5x5: Heh, you have a weird way of saying 'yes'.

Her smile gets a bit softer. "Well I thought I would make your evening a bit more eventful."

5x5: *chuckles* Yea, tackling some dude in the lake naked can really change a guy's life.

She pauses and blushes, a thought coming to her mind. "S-sorry if that was... uncalled for..."

He notices that she's tensed up and anxious.

5x5: It's alright. I was just surprised that's all. You ok? You seem abit..tense. I know. It's because we're both naked in a lake isn't it?

She blushes again, and then closes the distance between them and embraces him, shaking as she does so. "All of the others... I wanted to be with them so badly... but one way or another... I was left all alone... either by death or leaving me behind and never coming back... so can you please... tell me what you think of me..." Shaking, she embraces him tighter, her head lowered, and her breath is rapid and shallow. "If...if you don't... it'll drive me insane... I need to know..."

5x5: I think....No, Iknowyour kind, beautiful girl, who values the lives of others no matter who they are and who's had her heart crushed too many times. And it's about time that changed. *remembers Kukyo* cause she doesn't deserve that. *embraces her back*

Motivation
Van Valeric appears in Chinmoku and looks around the immense and grand scenery of the city.

Van Valeric: If Atlantis had not sunk, this is what it would look like. *sees the temple and makes his way there*

Kado is about to walk up the temple steps, when he feels a prickling sensation from his sword. He looks around, and at first sees nothing, then walks up.

"Kado... there's some... *static*"The voice of Kukyo cuts off, as the sword finishes rebinding her to its lonely depths. Kado doesn't need the full message, and turns around and looks down the steps at an approaching figure.

''...Have I seen this guy before? ...A forest wasn't it...?''

Kado anxiously raises a hand to his sword hilt out of caution as the figure gets closer. "Who are you?" He makes it clear from his voice he doesn't particularly trust the figure.

Van Valeric: Quick to the point, are you? Quick to the sword too. A warrior's spirit I see. I can see it in you. You must be of a shapeshifter. You just have that...skin tone like most and the feeling im getting coming of from you...You are part spirit...remarkabe. There has never been a Shapeshifter-Spirit hybrid. Looks like I got something else to lap-book in my journal.

"You could say I've had plenty to write about in a journal myself. Not to be rude, but I'd like to ask the question again. Who are you?" He has a slight curious cast to his eyes, but his guard still is quite clear.

Van Valeric: Oh, my apologies. I tend to be distracted when I make a new find. I am Van Valeric, Minister of Darkness and ice god.

"A god...?" Kado restrains a strange desire to say something sarcastic. "...Well then... what is a ...'god'... doing here? I'm no expert but I would generally assume that whenever a being of otherworldly power decides to give me a visit, it's usually not because they want to have a cup of tea. I assume you want something from me... Valeric, though I wouldn't know why. My powers and prowess are not the... most admirable."

Van Valeric: I can understand. I have felt a sense of negativity and negativity that somewhat pains me to feel and now I can feel it with that sword you wield.

"The sword is Dark Slayer. It has the spirit of... something... inside it named Kukyo. ...We've not exactly gotten along. She was sealed... what, eighty years ago by an organization that removed her and seven other beings like her from power after they ravaged both this world and Earth. Many people on this world hate her for what she's done in the past. You mean you came all this way because of it?"

Van Valeric: Yes. It somewhat disturbed my inner being in away. I...enjoyed it, but...I can feel what she is after...happiness...one she could never have die to the greediness of other, am I wrong?

Kado takes out the sword and looks at it. "I don't know much about her. All I know is what I've been told by my people about her. I know there's more to her than what they said now. But... what exactly is your aim with all of this?"

Van Valeric: To giver her the happiness she could not get from others. For they have no true happiness within them.

"I guess I won't... or rather can't stop you if you're intent on this. However much of what power I have lies with Dark Slayer. If she is freed, I won't have access to any of the powers I once had. ...Considering the strength of my enemies, it will probably force me to retire... no way I can defeat my kin with such limits. I may be a hybrid of shapeshifter and spirit, but that might as well be worth nothing. I can't willingly access that side of me. And time times I have accessed it subconsciously... my power ended up hurting the ones I wanted to protect."

He holds out the sword. "But considering the life I've lead up til now, not doing it would go back on the principles I've lived by so long." Van observes the making of the sword's seal and the various spells that went into its power, and has to admit for mortal work, it's almost unparalleled.

Van Valeric: *studies Dark Slayer* Unique, but nothing I cannot solve. *puts his hands together and Dark Slayer starts floating in midar. It then glows with dark light*

He feels the presence of the consciousness of the sword stir, and he can feel it trying to ascertain his motivations, the contact like the unwinding of a giant serpent stretching itself towards him, though it doesn't seem able to actually communicate with him.

Van Valeric: Are you the one they call Kukyo?

He hears like a static in his mind, and he determines the spirit is still largely cut off from being able to communicate due to the sword.

Van Valeric: I see... *the Dark Slayer gets lighter and lighter to the point where the Dark Slayer drops to the groud, void of its power and the darkness is still right above them* How about now?

Suddenly a massive burst of spiritual energy rips from the point where the darkness was released, as the darkness suddenly looses the bonds that restricted it for many years, and momentarily loses shape and spreads throughout the area, the effects shaking all of Chinmoku. As the city begins stirring into alarm, Van slowly feels the presence of the sword's spirit come back into being as the darkness slowly begins to retract again around the point where it formed.

Kado wearily looks at Van. "Well great. You drew the attention of the neighborhood. ...This'll be fun..." He says with light sarcasm, spooked by the burst of energy.

Seco: *walks in and looks at Van Valeric* Waht the f-*his calfs is frozen* What is this? *looks at the darkness* So, you must be Death.

Van Valeric: No, but I can let you meet him, if that's what you want.

Seco: No thanks, I think I'll let age do that for me.

The darkness begins to organize and become more tangible, spiraling tighter and tighter into a vague form similar to a humanoid, and then it suddenly compresses all at once, and Kukyo materializes, but immediately collapses onto her hands and knees.

Seco:..Oh...its her...

Van Valeric: She must be weak, due tothe power she was outputting..

Avalai: *walks in* I'm ba-*looks at Van Valeric* Oh what the fu-*her calfs are frozen* What is this? Is that Death?

Seco: Wish it was right now.

Kukyo lays there, doing little but gasping for breath.

Van Valeric: *kneels down and touches her chest, takes his other hand and touches his forehead, his left shoulder and right solder. Kukyo's heart burst with golden streams of light and it then surrounds her entire body* This should help until your strength returns to you.*also gives her a potion bottle*

She manages to stand up with a slight stumble.

Her eye opens up slowly, the red dot in it shrinks in response to the unexpected strength of the light. After a minute or two, her eye focuses on Seco and Avalia.

"....You...two..." She says, her voice cracking from lack of use.

Gobble: *walks in happily* What's up, guys? Just got back from the library. Can't believe how many books they ha-OH MY GOD, IT'S DEATH! *drops his books and slides on his belly to Van Valeric's feet* I'm so sorry, Death! Please don't kill me! I didn't mean to flick you off that one time I was about to die! I just didn't know who you were at the time, that's all! *starts whimpering*

Van Valeric: Get up, fool.

Gobble: Not until, you promise not to take my soul.

Van Valeric: How about I take your soul for grovelling at my feet.

Gobble: *immediatley gets up*

Kukyo's eye wanders toward him. The clothing she has appears tattered, and she seems not as healthy as she was when they had seen her in the spirit realm, even her hair appears not as lively as before.

"...You again..." She looks away.

Gobble: You...Oh God it's you isnt it? Oh, i've been waiting for this. *slugs Kukyo in the face but is passes right through her*

Kukyo turns and faces him. "You hate me. You cannot help yourself. After all, if it's one thing I know about mortals, it is their desire to push their problems on others. To blame others for events they cannot control themselves. They become angry at those who had nothing to do with their problems. You blame me for Jon's death. I know. I've seen it. I was there. Or rather... your pain became a part of me... I felt your pain along side you... and your anger... and your hate." She turns to Seco and Avalia.

"Yours as well... that and more. I was there when you grieved over the loss of the woman you loved... All of the negative things you've endured..." She puts a hand to her heart. "Are a part of me..."

Guards begin showing up, upon seeing her, their faces bare anger and hate.

"...I've felt all of your pain...everything." She pauses, and her eye narrows. "But your pain is nothing. Nothing compared to the collective pain of over a thousand years of history. The pain of every living thing ever born... can your pain begin to measure?" She says softly.

She closes her eye. "Is it really so hard to just accept that Jon is dead and will never be again? You cannot simply move on? Are you that desperate, that you would go against what your brother stood for?" She asks quietly.

Van Valeric: Mankind wants to keep everything they are given. Unwilling to let it go once it is lost. Funny thing is, they are given what they do not deserve. All man know is how to hate. They refuse to take responsibility for their actions. It is their own fault they are still pained. Because man can never let go of what they loose. Maybe if they took care of it, they would never had lost it in the first place.

Others give Van Valeric a angry and hateful glance

Van Valeric: All I see in mankind is savagery.

Kukyo moves away from him and towards Gobble, and sits in front of him. "Tell me why you hate me. I want to hear your answer."

Gobble: My brother died because he wanted to save you...I know you had doesn't something to his mind to make him do what he just did to himself...

Suddenly a thick wave of negative energy begins to peel off her, so thick it literally blocks the light from the sky, leaving only torchlight. Gobble suddenly sees a human girl standing in her place, with a dark bruise around her neck... in the shape of....

A noose.

"...I used to be a normal girl... no... I never was... but once I was human." Soft amber eyes bore into Gobble's, completely different from the soulless eyes from before.

"But you know something? Me and Jon DID have something in common. ...We both grew weary of the world. Both of us sought an end to the days where we were used and abused as tools, not people. We grew tired of people denouncing our way of life, our beliefs."

Suddenly their vision all changes, and they are in the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, as it was in its prime.

Van Valeric:...Babylon...The human mind is primitive. The understadn so little, but when they do try to understand they try to make-up every possible answer through their false sciences and they still don't understand that the answer was so simple to begin with.

Kukyo stands at the edge, looking over the city. She looks toward Gobble with an empty gaze.

"How many years has it been since I last stood here...?"

What she is implying catches on in Seco, Avalia, and Gobble's minds.

"You know nothing about me... but I know everything about you. ...If you do not first know your enemy, you will never know yourself..."

Van Valeric: They know all the wrong things. They only know what theywantto know. Not need or supposed to. It has been several thousand years since I've seen this place. I can still her the fall of the wickedness that filled the walls of 1st World Empire.

Gobble: Good to know,bro...

Her eyes suddenly have a red glow. "I will fill in the blanks of your ignorance." An awful flash of light blinds them, and they begin to see memories of a girl growing up, and everyone in the village from her birth experience a time of peace and happiness unrivaled to most recorded history. However, their every thought and lingering notions of anger, sadness, pain... every bad and negative emotion they could describe instead is cast into her, and every day she feels the number of minds growing. But the years all fly, until one day the girl is a teenager, roosting in her favorite tree, when she sees it.

An army from the nearby city rises up from the north, and descends on the village, killing every man woman and child they find... they see her run for her life as the men chase after her, even as she reels from the terrible agony of the deaths of each and everyone of her community, her own pain and the pain they felt as they died screams inside her mind.

The next memories are of being dragged to the city of her enemies in chains, and enslaved by the regent of the city. Years pass of humiliation and imprisonment, when it happens again. Another army rages into the city, and once again kill many... but take her prisoner. The girl realizes in that horrible moment that not only have they desired her unique gift...they worship it.The sounds of their praise to her rings like cruel torture, and many years and many wars rage, filled with various masters, from treatment like royalty or the divine to imprisonment in the darkest dungeons. There is even masters who perform unspeakable actions on her, experiments that tested the limits of her powers, which leads to them discovering she generates immortality, to attempts to spread the girl's line through the royal bloodline and create the perfect bloodline, all of which fail and she is forced to watch the destruction of each failure.

...And finally... the Babylonians come. They come and destroy the masters she served, and she delved deep into despair, though they were her kindest masters... they still made her into their ideology...forced her to be the ease of their every ailment and suffering.

And then the day came... countless lifetimes of pain and death rage within her soul, the energy of everyday sufferings to the darkest days of society's lives begin to drive her into the depths of depression... and one day... standing in the majestic gardens... she takes the chains used to bind her hands, and painfully tears them off... the next few moments are the slowest of her life, as she slowly chokes herself to death with the chains of her own masters...

And yet awakes in the the rubble of the great city, neither dead or alive... reborn as nothing but a will and a collection of negativity... for a brief time the pain stops coming... but it all returns like a dark tide...

In her pain and agony... she abandons all the names she once had... she destroys every idol and mention of her, she destroys every document and journal that ever uttered her name or rumor of her existence... she then leaves behind the wretched world for the great nothingness, and descends upon an abandoned world...

And she finally knows who she really is...

Emptiness... and as she would be later called...

Kukyo.

Van Valeric: Monsters the humans are. Even before now, they treated those that were not like them, like they were monsters. The day will come where Myths will not have to fear the humans anymore.

Gobble: I have to admit, that was *sniff* pretty sad. *tears a page out of one of his books and blows his nose in it*

"The Eight Elemental Warlords... people always say I was their leader... they always say I was the one who brought them together... you see that's just not it...

When they first appeared... I reviled them... I wanted nothing but to be alone. But they would not leave me. So I accepted them, and from us, the Elementals of Echo were born. We gave them purpose and lives to fulfill. Yet the others grew weary and began to fight among themselves for entertainment. When the shapeshifters were placed onto the world, I treated them with caution, but the other Warlords wanted only violence. But these were no ordinary beings. They proved to be very powerful. I knew what they were doing against the shapeshifters was wrong...

But..." She trails off.

Van Valeric: I presume it has something to do with the sword you were bound in.

"...I couldn't begin to turn my back against my own children... ...yes... the Warlords were my children reborn... ...how could I even begin to consider the possibility of betraying them...? ...No... not after their lives were so brutally stolen from them... ...even though I knew what they did was wrong... ...I wanted to believe they could change... ...I couldn't bare the idea of it all.

...But it was that decision that lead to me being made to be a villain...

You all are quick to judge, and slow to understand... you learned nothing from Jon's death..."

The scene turns back to Chinmoku, and the guards are all knocked out. She opens her eye.

"You mortals fear death, hate it. For me, all I see of it is a sweet release... and a return to the father. ...You are blessed. And so was Jon. ...But I will never know that great blessing. I shall never feel the bliss of the father's love and embrace. ...For as long as there is negativity in the worlds... I can never be free."

She walks over to Kado, and puts a hand on the powerless Dark Slayer, and it begins to turn black once more. She takes a hold of it, and looks at the blade. Without warning, she impales Kado straight in the chest, where the heart would be, but no blood comes out. She pulls on the sword, and a rippling copy of it takes form, and she lays it in Kado's hand.

"You alone I will trust with my power."

She begins walking away. "...I will leave this world behind. There is no place for me anywhere in the world of mortals. ...But I have one last place I must go."

Van Valeric: I already have a place for you. A place void of negativity. A chance to rid yourself of the pain of never dying.

She turns for a moment and looks at him with her eye. "If you mean Downation... not even that can free me. I feel the pain of Earth even now. ...A girl just died in a car crash... and a old man died alone... no matter where I go, my curse ignores all boundaries... even my momentary death only delayed the return of the negativity.

But like I said. There is somewhere I must go."

Van valeric: I do not refer to Downation. It is connected to Erth and the barrier won't block out the suffering of the sinners. I can take you to place where you can never her the screams of a dying women or the crying of an infant child.

Gobble: You talkin' about Heaven?

Kukyo looks at him. "You can tell me of it later. There is somewhere I must go, as I told you. But until I do so, I will not hear of it."

Van Valeric: *bows his head* I will be waiting for you here once you come back.

She disappears into a large ball of shadow, and suddenly tears away with violent speed, disappearing over the horizon in mere moments.

Gobble: So...what know...*looks at everyone*

Kado looks at the new Dark Slayer in his hands. "...A-amazing... I can't believe that she actually...replicatedthe sword... they're supposed to be... only one of a kind..."

Gobble: Man, that's what they say about everything.

Van Valeric: One to speak your mind, aren't you?

Seco: Yep.

Avalia: You have no idea.

Kado swings it around, testing it. "...It feels... different... like a perfect match... the other one was... heavier. This one is... so light..." Kado notes the sword seems to not look like metal, but almost appears to crystaline in apperance, rippling with a purple energy aura.

Gobble: *surveys the sword* Might be a cheap decoy.

Kado experiments with the sword on a pillar, and to his amazement it cuts right through it without effort.

"...It never did that before." He looks at Van. "What did she do? It's as if she.... perfected it..."

Van Valeric: Perfection is rare. Her negativity must have effected the efficiency of the last one. So she gave you another more...suitable for your usage.

Kado frowns. "It's a shame I won't be able to use it to its fullest extent... But at least the blade is enhanced, so that should help a little."

Seco: Ever thought of namn' it?

Kado looks at him. "It's called Dark Slayer, do you mean I should rename it?"

Van Valeric: Curious as to why you have not use this sword to the full extent of it's abilities.

Kado looks at him. "That's because Phoenix sealed my powers when they tried to kill me. I can only use two of its powers right now. They're the people who originally made the swords."

Van Valeric: I see...

Gobble: Do you gotta bust out some trainin' or something like that?

Kado looks at Gobble irritably. "Gobble, if training was the issue I would have unlocked them by now. I meant sealed as in unless I kill or convince them to remove the seals, my powers will remain sealed."

Gobble: No emotional shit?

Kado glares at him and a red marking appears on his right cheek. "Considering that Phoenix was once my family and I'll have to execute old friends and people I care about to do it, there'll be plenty of that. Would you like me to remove your tongue while we're on the subject of shit?"

Gobble: *sticks hs tongue out and holds it* Nah, i think im good.

Van notices the mark is that of a Negative, but Kado himself doesn't appear to be an actual negative, nor a positive, yet he can sense both.

Kado casually trips Gobble onto his face instead, whistling as he does so innocently.

Gobble: *turns around* Retard!

Seco: Hold your tongue, boy!

Gobble: *angrily holds his tongue*

Kado shrugs, then looks at Avalia. "How are you holding up?"

Avalia: *still has an upset look in her eyes* Just fine. Thanks.

"We're all friends here. If you ever need something, just say something ok? I realize that we've not always been on the best of terms, but I want to help you guys anyway I can." He looks at Gobble. "...Even ifsome of usare annoying at times."

He ignores Gobble's expression and looks at Seco. "How was your break? You know, before you came running after Van here let Kukyo out a bit too quickly?"

Seco: Pretty well. I have been offered a job at A.H.D.S.

Kado smiles faintly. "Oliv? That woman always has been opportunistic. She is a decent woman though. She actually was one of our early members, if you can believe it."

Seco: In this world, I can believe about anything.

They suddenly notice a shadow beginning to take shape, and Kukyo gradually reappears, though not as solid as before.

"Alright Van... what exactly were you talking about? I'll hear what you have to say, but that doesn't mean I will accept. What is this place you speak of?"

Van Valeric: The In-between of everything. Of every opposite and opposition. From there you can watch the world and not feel the suffering of others.

"And then what? That would not give me happiness. I may not feel suffering... but I would not feel happiness either. What a pointless existence... I would rather suffer until the day I found my real happiness. That is something more valuable and tangible... more meaningful than simply existing."

Van Valeric: I can see that pain exist in this world too. It is the sheer fact regret that I wish to help you.

"You have helped me plenty alone in your act of kindness in freeing me. I am grateful. But I have one more request to make of you. Should you encounter the blades holding the spirits of my children... the Warlords.... I ask that you do not set them free. ...They must learn from their past. ...I cannot allow them to resume the actions they committed against the world... once they have learned better... once that day comes... perhaps then. But this is their mother's will... I do not wish any more harm to them or the worlds by my line's account."

The intensity of her gaze grows stronger. "Please. Promise me this. Do not allow them to be freed. They must learn from their mistakes. It pains me to ask such a thing. But I must. History alone proves I was wrong to allow their actions. Dark Slayer was my punishment."

Van Valeric: I promise. There is enough destruction on your hands as it is. I would not doing anything of the sort.

Kukyo closes her eye. "Thank you. While I shall depart, I will not be leaving it to fate." She turns and looks at Kado. "Phoenix must be stopped. I say that out of a personal hatred, as well as knowledge of the disaster they will bring." She gives a glance towards Seco, Gobble, and Avalia. "But I foresee that M.C.C.P. must be dealt with. The whole reason I invaded Earth along with the Warlords was for the sole purpose of annihilating it. I felt a dark future should they be allowed to continue their ways. For that matter, the very way of things on Earth must be struck down if peace between the races is to be assured."

Van Valeric: I'm afraid the damage dealt by The M.C.C.P has far exceeded than you realize. Even after they are gone, a new threat far worse will arise. But stopping Phoenix can be done.

"It is because of the damage they have wrought they must be ended. To allow them to continue would only make things worse."

She walks toward Kado, who freezes in discomfort. She grab his head and makes him look at her. "If anyone may carry my will... it will be you. Your bloodline was poured from me down to Hadari... through the generations to you. I have given you the sword that will help you shape your destiny. Use it as the sword of chaos, bring down the injustice of the human's order. From it, make a new order built around the justice of man and Mythos.

...And when the time comes Kado... when your spirit yearns to break free of its chains... come to me. Come to me and I shall make you even stronger." She whispers all of this to Kado.

"What... what are you saying? You mean...?"

Kukyo looks at him sternly. "There will be a time where your ancestory will begin to awaken Kado. It happened once before, on your birthday at the age of fifteen. I foresee that you will have a second awakening. You will need my guidance when that time comes. I'm counting on you." She begins to fade again.

"I'm sorry Van, but I must decline your offer. I have enemies who I have yet to settle the score with... and I have a future to find."

Van Valeric: I understand, but I warn you; The future has already been decided.

She disappears with a faint gust of wind, just as the guards look around and appear bewildered.

Gobble: *looks at the gueards* Oh know you wanna show some god damn emotion.

Kado pokes Gobble. "Hellllooooo hypocrite."

Gobble: *folds his arms* What you talkin' about?

Kado sighs. "Says the one who talked down to his brother and gave him crap when he needed support not abuse. You're about as emotionally sensitive as a rock sometimes." *Prepares for face punch with intangibility.

Gobble:Oh....that...*curls up into a ball and starts rocking back and forth again*

Kado sighs and facepalms. "...Great job Kado... you're officially an asshole..." He mutters to himself.

Kado picks up and puts Gobble's books into a bag, and hold one out to him. "I shouldn't have said that. I shouldn't be so hard on you... not with your brother and all..."

Gobble: No.no....It's ok....I am sort of a dick, I know....*continues to rock*

Kado crosses his arms. "George. Please just take the book. While I admit that you have been less than pleasant sometimes, I know you cared about your brother. It was out of line for me to say that to you. You didn't deserve that."

Gobble: *eyes are watering* I don't deserve anything...All that I have, I don't deserve it...

Kado looks at Seco. "Dear lord please help me! What do you do when he gets like this?!"

Seco: *grabs one of Gobble's bookd and smacks it in Gobble's face* Shut up and read, boy.

Gobble: *nose is bleeding but opens the first page and starts reading*

Kado looks at Seco. "...Ok then." He looks at Van. "So what are you planning to do now?"

Van notes the spirit mark hasn't disappeared from Kado's face, but it seems duller and less noticeable. It appears different from a full on Brand, as it doesn't travel along his body at all. He notices again the presence of Kado's soul, but can also feel two smaller ones, a gentle, weakly flickering soul and a much stronger, almost malevolent. The two seem to not have fully awakened, as they seem to be merely lingering, not fighting as he would expect a negative and a positive to do.

Van Valeric: I can feel them. The 2 positive and negative remainants of yourself. Was it the result of the Dark Slayer?

Kado shakes his head. "...From what the Grand Eye was able to infer... I probably did it myself. I was raised by Phoenix... they were like my family. ...So when they betrayed me... when they tried to kill me... it tore me apart. ...I was so desperate to escape the pain and terror... I unconsciously used my power and split myself. ...For a while I didn't have any idea. ...I thought it was just my mind that was broken... but it was more than that. ...I can't feel that power anymore. If I had to guess, the portions of my spirit power was cut off into them... leaving only this part of me. If it weren't for the Slayers I wield... I'd be just your run of the mill Shapeshifter."

Van Valeric: Quite Fascinating. But with 2 of negative and positive it must be destroying your mental psyche.

"...Yeah. It's been irritating lately. The rage keeps building in me all the time. The other one hasn't really ever shown up before. ...I'm kind of glad she hasn't manifested yet."

Van Valeric: If your tired of them, why haven't you rid yourself of the two?

Kado shakes his head. "I couldn't do that. They're a part of me. Even if I find it inconvenient... well, I just couldn't. It's my struggle I have to overcome. Who knows what will happen."

Avalia thinks about the two spirits within him she and the others encountered, particularly the little girl, and remembers how it was only the dark one that seemed to carry any real personality, the girl was just sort of there.

Van Valeric: Is it because you do notwantto get rid of them or you do not knowhow?

Kado frowns. "I... don't want to. I don't think I'd still be here sometimes without them. ...Even if they do complicate my life sometimes."

Van Valeric: So you are saying you had no say in the matter of becoming your own person without something else within your mind making the decisions for you?

"No. I'm saying that even though it's true they've made my life less than pleasant, I wouldn't destroy them. They are a part of me. I'd also like to think they've saved my life one way or another. Plus my struggles have made me stronger as a person. Destroying them would mean losing what I have gained through learning to cope with my problems."

Van Valeric: Who said anything about destroying them? I am not a life taker. Not by nature anyway. I mean give them a life of their own.

Kado closes his eyes. "...I don't think that would be the best of moves." Kado holds out his hand. "The last time one of them was set loose... just take my hand... you'll understand."

Van Valeric: *reaches towards Kado's hand but all of a sudden stops half way as something strikes his mind* He is coming...

Kado gives him a look. "Who...?"

The Grand Eye walks out of the temple. He clearly isn't pleased to see Van. "Van Valeric, Minister of Darkness... why is it that one such as you have come to our world? And if I may venture. Is it the 'god' of destruction who I have now sensed?"

Van is impressed that this man seems to know of him.

Van Valeric: You must be a deity. Yes, something on Erth is happening. It is feeding the urges a fellow god. God of Destruction: Jibaku. Once the bound of Life is broken, he will be free and ravage the Earth is chaos. After all life dies on this planet, he will search for more worlds to destroy.

"I am aware. Phoenix has unleashed their wrath upon Earth. I became aware of it fairly quickly, but we could not do anything without Azure being in the know. We had to deal with Kukyo, as she attempted to take over Kado's body and soul to escape, it took a number of days to accomplish. I won't ask why you freed Kukyo, even though the people will be enraged to learn of such an action.

And as for me, I am a mere Shapeshifter. The only power I possess is the vast knowledge I have gathered over the course of my lifetime as Emperor of Chinmoku, this fair city and vast nation. I watch from my throne and learn many things. I am impressed that you entered without my immediate knowledge. That alone proves the accuracy of the words and tales I have learned of you.

But now that Azure's leaders are back in gear, it will be soon time for Echo's response to this invasion. Earth may not appreciate our intervention, but Phoenix was our problem long before theirs. It is our mess and we shall resolve it."

He closes his eyes. "I could not begin to imagine they could cause such a catastrophe... how the just and the mighty have fallen to the insidious and cowardly... I should have dealt with them far sooner than I had."

Van Valeric: I suggest you resolve it quickly for I fear when Jibaku is free, we will be at odds. *disappears*

Kado looks at the Grand Eye. "Is there a way we can get to Earth without rifts? I would hate to leave Azure open to attack again..."

He silently nods. "We have several unused gates to Fantasy Proper and Earth itself. Getting your men here would take time however..."

I can do it.

"K-kukyo?!" Kado stammers.

Just tell me who you all need sent.

Kado begins to relay the information through to Azula, who begins selecting all of the best men they have.

He then looks at Seco, Avalia, and Gobble. "You don't have to come if you don't want to, but if you would like to help us, that's fine. ...Just remember that the likely hood of having to deal with M.C.C.P. could be high for you. If you don't want to risk going back to that life, I understand if you want to stay."

Seco: Here is where we start a new life. We're going to help you.

Avalai: *nods*

Seco: *looks at Gobble who is still reading* Gobble!

Gobble: *still reading* Yea, sure, whatever...

Kado nods his head. "Thank you then. But before we go... there's someone I need to speak to. ...Azula. Can you please astral project me to them again?"

"...Alright then. Are you sure?"

"Yeah."

2nd Meeting
The representatives are all conversing on how will they mange to combat the invading forces and will come of the Earth, with low fundings for reconstruction.

"...So things are as bad as they told me... huh?" A presence becomes apparent to them, and the president looks up to see the same masked man as they had encountered last time, though this time his mask is missing, showing his rather young face. He looks at the reps, and mentally prepares himself for the insults and other talk he had heard before.

Rep. 2: I knew it had something to do with you!

Rep. 5: Your world couldn't have left us alone.

Rep. 3: Do you have any idea how much will have to be done if this ever ends?

Rep. 2: Our families, homes, children and loved ones die, not cause of the Mythos anymore, but of soldiers from your world!

Rep. 3: Your world could handle us. Why call on an invasion on us? It's not like our attack your city did anything.

The President: All of you, quiet. Our friend has something to say.

Rep. 2: Friend!?

The President: *gives Rep 2 a stern look, then looks back Kado* What is it?

While they had been yelling at him, a red line that seems familiar from the time he had caused destruction in London formed, but he lets out a breath and it fades, only the president catches it.

Kado holds out a red bird emblem. "The soldiers you've seen... they have this emblem, am I correct? That is not our emblem. It is an organization named Phoenix. ...I was a former member, until they tried to have me killed twelve years ago. Ever since, I have sought to put them down."

He looks at them. "I realize I tainted my honor back at London. I fully admit responsibility. But that was not why I came there. Earlier, I left after a mention of someone named 'Earth Slayer'. He is one of the senior members of Phoenix. He was my master. I had already known they had a hatred of humanity, so I sought to intervene before he could do anything. ...My efforts were in vain and he drew the monster of my heart forth. ...He knew me too well. After all... that thing... was born inside of my soul because of Phoenix.

But if you think what's going on right now is bad... you have no fucking idea what you're in for. The invasion right now is only the very beginning. Phoenix intends to wipe humanity out. Once and for all. If I have not made it clear to you before, my mission, as is Azure's, is to protect the innocent and the weak. We have no intention of allowing them to continue their plan any further."

The President: We will accept any form of help at this point. Our own forces grow weaker and only ones fairing this invasion are the mythos.

Kado closes his eyes. "Please inform your agencies to not start fights when we arrive. Our troops are a union of humans and mythos. It would not help matters if they complicated the situation. All of our members will be wearing their armored uniforms, with no exceptions.

...And pretty much the real reason I have come here... is to announce that this was my last act as leader of Azure. I announced my decision to end my office at the Echo World Summit. And now I seal that pact with this meeting."

All the reps. clap except for The President.

Rep. 2: Maybe now a moresaneperson can lead your nation away from unasked retaliation. Don't you know how much right we have to retaliate against you and your world?

The President: We have the right, yes. But we're not going to use it.

Rep. 2: *is morally confused*

The President: I trust that this man will fix the problem.

Rep. 2: This same man who decimated all of London because of his hatred for one man?!

The President: I admit, that action was rather disappointing to see coming from a man of such honor like you. But I'm will to look past that as the same will happen right now. We will not retaliate against your world for this.

The reps. are silently debating over this.

Kado looks at someone out of sight. A woman suddenly appears. "This is Azula, she is the new leader of Azure, and was formerly my assistant." He looks at them, and back at her. "...And she cannot speak verbally. She can speak with her mind, but she won't access your mind unless you giver her permission otherwise. She is the one who is projecting me at the moment."

Rep. 2: Hopefully, she isnt asrecklessas you are.

The President: Enough of that. It is an honor to meet you, Miss Azula.

Rep. 2: *is once again morally confused* An hono--

The President: Yes! An honor...*looks back at Rep. 2 more menacingly*

Rep. 2: *slouches in his seat*

Azula looks in the Rep's direction for a moment, and eventually her voice rings in their minds, though it is focused strictly on the very outskirts of their minds.

"An honor to meet you as well. Mr. President. It is a shame that the rest of your colleges feel the need to disrespect a national ambassador in a diplomatic setting. Even if we are Mythos, we still command your respect, as we give you ours. Do not take me lightly, Representative. I will not put up with your tongue, unlike Kado. I'm not here to be enemies or to be hostile. I just think it's unprofessional of someone like you letting charged emotions rule your judgement.

''Azure will be providing you support as soon as we can muster our forces. And as for reconstruction, I cannot guarantee it but we can call on favors from the other nations to provide you with relief. We do not wish to be hostile with you. But for the sake of relations between Azure and your world, it would be best if you thought about redefining your attitudes, if only for the sake of diplomatic progress."''

The President: I definately agree. We should not let these hardships harden our hearts and minds. What say you, Representatives of Neo Pangea?

''The Representatives stand and agree. Rep. 2 takes awhile then finally stands in agreement.''

The President: We appreciate your help. May God be with you.

Suddenly a white figure appears, though a projection as well. "Ahhhh Kado, you still adore these little animals? Touching. More like disgusting." Kado's eyes narrow dangerously. "White...!" He growls.

She smirks. "That reminds me... my little Dark Phoenix, you never did give me your response... ...surely you don't really want to fight us?"

Kado snarls. "What are you talking about?"

White smirks again. "Why my invitation to rejoin us. There is no need for family to fight one another! I'm sincere dear Kado, we had to make sure you truly were ready... the rigors of being the Dark Phoenix are demanding... as you know now. But you're alive! You survived your test! We all wish you to come back... and sweep out these rats!"

Kado growls. "Bullshit. Get out of here. When I see you, I'll put my blade through you and end this war of yours."

She frowns, only lightly. "You'll reconsider soon enough." She looks at the President and Representatives. "Oh hey, morerats." She disappears.

Kado lets out an aggravated growl. The marking seems to be back, along with a second one burning across his right cheek. He looks at Azula. "Be more careful about your mind links Azula. That could have ended bad."

"You don't need to tell me that. ...I apologize about that unwelcome interruption... that was the leader of Phoenix."

The President: The only thing I saw was a rat with wings. Put a sword through her neck, if you wish. Just make sure you get it on tape while your at it. *smiles evilly abit*

Kado makes an attempt at a smile, but gives up. He turns his head, even as some of the reps notice the markings. "We will begin preparations as soon as possible, Mr. President. But just so you know... this will not be an easily won battle... even with our help. The main members of Phoenix are nothing like what you've encountered so far."

The Preisdent: I see. But I have a deeper feeling that the current predicament we are facing isngoing to be the real problem.

Everyone is confused on what he's talking about.

Kado frowns.Does he know of that Destruction god guy...?

"Elaborate." He says shortly.

The President: It's rather heard to explain, but I can just...feelit. Like something is coming to ravage this world until neither forces are left

Kado sighs. "I was told by someone named Van that a 'god' of destruction has been incensed by the invasion. If that's true..." Kado pauses, then sighs.

"It must certainly be great for those Mythos with actual power..." He freezes. "Would there happen to be a very violent metal dragon capable of creating volcanoes?"

The President: We have received report about it. Yes.

Kado groans. "Hitomara... why does it always have to be that dragon? I swear that is the one monster I wouldn't mind dropping into the ocean. He was such a pain back on Echo. I wondered where he went."

The President: It's unclear, but you might wanna check the more larger cities. There is also more reports saying their could e more of those beings out there.

Azula is seen idly messing with her hair, and the president notices the odd lump on the back of her neck, he had been mildly curious before, but now he wonders what sort of Mythos she might be.

The President: Are you a myth too?

Azula and Kado exchange looks. They seem to be having a silent argument between them, and Azula finally says,''"You did make me the leader, did you not?" "..." "That's what I thought."''

She turns towards them."In one way, you could say I am. However, despite the efforts of our scientists, what I am, and where my powers come from are all unknowns. Even the M.C.C.P's CRAzy was unable to identify me. This is usually SSS Class information. We don't normally share those kinds of details."

The President: A myth, that isn't recognized...That is quite strange. We've discovered nearly any and every possible hybrid on this planet, but you are the only unknown. It's quite....worrisome

Azula closes her eyes."The only known genetic material that was identified was human. However, it seems to make up only a small section of my dna, the rest are sections of unknown sequences. ...you're not the only one who worries about that fact. It's only one of the many reasons our organization has me listed as the only SSS Class Mythos in our rank system."

The President: I'm only worried of what you're capable of.

Azula lowers her head."I know. But good relationships cannot be established with fear. Are there Mythos that will use their powers for their own gain? Yes. Will I ever do such a thing? No. Those who do not fear their power will inevitably bring down everyone, including themselves."

Kado looks at her, and then at the Reps and the President. "It's one of the many philosophies you'll hear on Echo. 'Those who do not fear their power will be destroyed by their power. Those who fear their power will instead rely on their fellow man and together build society.' It's also a founding principle of Azure. We trust rather than fear. Those who would harm society... well they are punished as they should."

Azula looks at them."...I must make this last thing known as well. While we are compiled and will help you... at the same time, there is a clash of ideologies here. We're overlooking them for the sake of the greater good, overlooking our past history, and despite our own problems."

She closes her eyes."I cannot and will not guarantee we will come to your aid again, should another invasion like this happen. It is of my understanding that Phoenix in the old days protected humanity in the Fantasy War from their own world, and their efforts to protect you were instead of being respected... were treated with the same hatred as the rest of the Mythos. The saviors turned the hunted. And now, look where history has lead us. Do you see why I have this stance? What will happen when this is all over? Will you just go back to what you've done before, and turn on us as well as you did with Phoenix?"

The President: Not likely. Not as long as I rule this Nation.

She closes her eyes."...Very well. I will leave it at that for now. We have preparations to do."

The President: We'll be waiting for your arrival. God Bless.

The images of Kado and Azula flicker and disappear.

Preparations
Kado looks up and turns towards Seco, Avalia, and Gobble. "Well, they know we'll be coming. It's time to get ready. Azula, please contact all appropriately ranked members of Vigilante Squads and any available A.H.D.S. agents. Tell them to prepare all of the necessary supplies for a full class war."

Azula nods, and closes her eyes.

Kado sighs. "As for you three, wait for the A.H.D.S. squads to arrive. Oliv will make sure you are all equipped for the fight ahead."

Seco: Sure thing.

Gobble: *is still reading*

"Oh, so I see the soldiers have found a new cause..." a voice said as the temperature in the area dropped a few degrees. "You've obviously been busy, Ninja boy."

Kado pauses, and slowly turns around. "...Kalin? It certainly has been a while."

Azula looks towards Kalin."It is a pleasant surprise to see you, Kalin. What have you been up to all this time?"

"sigh. So much for a suprise." The temperature in the area began to rise again as a black mass collected in the center of the room. The mass created a humanoid form before receding, leaving Kalin behind. "Hey guys, lady." He said, nodding to azula. "To answer your question, I have been searching for answers. I even managed to find them, if not without a cost... But after the day was done, and I prepared to rest my head, a new question popped up." He said, holding out his hand to reveal a black orb. Allowing it to drop to the floor, Kalin stepped sideways as the sphere expanded. It began to morph into various scenes from Kalin's memory, including the initial invasion, as well as his fight with Caess. "The question was simple: What the FUCK is going on around here?"

Kado looks about. "Well... you could say that my past is now coming back and determined to kill everything. A lot has been going on, to be honest."

"You don't say." Kalin said sarcastically. "So I'm guessing you've already begun some form of contingency plan, correct? Earth could probably use it sometime soon, you know, before everyone dies...(sighs) Despite that, it is good to see you guys again. If I were there, I'd grab you all up and hug you...oh what the heck!"

Shadows envelop everyone in the area and trap them in a tight grip as they are all pulled to Kalin, who stands there with his arms open wide.

After the hug, Kado blinks in surprise. "Well that was unexpected, but it's great to see you as well. We're actually preparing to come and assist Earth, but it will be a few hours before Azure is ready to mobilize. For us it should take about an hour or two more, but for Earth is probably been several hours since we communicated with them."

Well, as much as I'd like to join you, I have a mission of my own. Some pretty big friends of yours are sitting around, preparing to save an ally whose under the control of the enemy. I said I'd tag along and do what I could."

Seco: A good friend of yours im guessing. Is he gonna help too?

"Perhaps. Not sure. We'll see you soon if you're not staying, Kal."

Gobble: *lifts his head* Hey guys...this maybe weird...but why do I feel like shit's about to go down, besides the shit thats already about to go down.

Kado sighs. "Probably cause the end of the world is coming."

Gobble: Duh. I know that. But its something else. Something even worse than the end of the world. Can you imagine something like that?

"Doubtful. Hell comes to mind though. Regardless. It's almost time to go."

Seco: Alright. *looks at Avalia and Gobble* You heard him. Get ready.

Gobble: Can I bring the book?

Seco: *walks over to Gobble and slaps the book out of his hand* No. *grabs him by the collar and pulls with everyone else*

Gobble: Aw man! You could've let me save my page!

The forces of Azure are finally summoned to the city, and there appears to be a few armored vehicles with them.

Kado turns towards Gobble, Avalia, and Seco. "Time to armor up. The vehicles are to supply you with weapons, any you need, as well as standard issue body armor."

Gobble: Aw snap! Is it gonna be like Halo!

Seco: *slaps Gobble in the back of the head*

Gobble: *rubs the back of his head* Owww...

Kado rolls his eyes. "Go check it out and see what you guys like. We have more than plenty."

The others head down to the armory

Gobble: *looks at the braces* Can't believe he had these bound to our DNA. He culd've atleast taken these off of us by now.

Seco; I don't think the would have work. They will regrow everytime.

Gobble: I still say it was uncalled for.

Seco: So was us coming here in the first place.

One of the A.H.D.S. troopers stationed there chuckles. "We can turn the braces off and allow you to use full power if we deem it necessary. However while we fully invented a way to make a suppression device unable to be removed, we have yet to find a way that works both ways. We got bazookas, grenades, assault rifles... take what you want with you, but just understand they're not necessarily your weapons, Azure agents just rent out guns from the supply houses, so kindly don't lose them if possible. Then you have to pay for it."

Gobble: Would you kindly...Errrgghh.

Seco: Thank you. *enters the supply house with Avalia and Gobble right behind him*

Gobble: *looks at the trooper* Would you kindly...*walks in the supply house*

Kado himself walks in and grabs a few things, then looks over at a collection of masks, and looks some over, eventually settling on one with red stripes on the sides, with the Azure logo on the forehead, and puts it on.

''The others take armor and guns. Gobble gets 2 akimbo shot guns and a chain gun. Avalia: Get's a sniper and assault rifle. Seco only gets a assault rifle and a pistol.''

"Well... pretty much time to go. You ready?"

Gobble: You asked us that about 40 times already. And it's always been 40 yeses to that answer.

Kado closes his eyes. "Then let's head out to the portal chambers."

Seco: We're right behind you. Lead the way.

Kado meets up with Azula, where the troops are all assembled, and Seco can only roughly imagine how many soldiers are actually present, seeing as they stretch out of sight into some of the streets, but at least 5,000 alone are present in the courtyard. Oliv sees Seco and beckons them to join her and her partner, who eyes Seco with a guarded look.

Seco and the others stand beside Oliv

The Grand Eye stand infront of a large ring, and his head bows. Blue lights begin to flicker on the ring.

Gobble: *whispers* This might the time where he reveals that he really is God the Father.

Seco: Doubt it though.

"Lord of Creation, guide these soldiers home, regardless if it is to Heaven or to their homes here on this world. May they fulfill the destiny they were meant to." The Grand Eye says softly.

The portal's lights glow solid.

He turns to the gathered army. "Good luck to you all. May you return safely." He steps aside, and the portal opens.

"Focus on the destinations you wish to arrive in. You will appear without fail."

Gobble: Where are we going, old man.

Seco: Where ever Kado is going. We're with him, arent we not?

Gobble: Yea, your right. Where'd he go, anyway?

Kado and Azula stand at the front of the army, and Kado bows and steps aside from her, and she takes the front, the significance of the gesture not lost on the crowd. A slight somber air fills the crowd, and Azula turns to face the crowd.

"Have no fear in your hearts. We fight for what's right. Our cause is stronger than any sword the enemy may throw at us. Remember the sacrifices of those gone, who fought for the ideals we the living still cherish, which shall one day be made reality. Today we shall show a hate torn world what the strength of brotherhood can be. Let us go and show them who we are, and pave the way for the azure skies to once more be free of clouds."

gobble: *a tear forms in his eye* That was so beautiful, mane. All it needed was an epic song to play in the background.

Kado looks at Oliv. "Team Oliv, please step forward." As Oliv and her partner begin to walk towards the front, Kado looks at Seco, Gooble, and Avalia. "That includes you three."

Gobble: What us? *shrugs* Ok.

Seco and the others walk toward the front aswell

Kado looks at the five once they've assembled. "We will be dealing with the main members of the organization, Azula shall lead the main forces against the ground forces of Phoenix."

Gobble: Wai-wai-wai-wai-wait. You send us to fight the guys you all consider as unrivaled gods of nature?

Avalia: Does it matter? It's an order and we are obligated to do it.

Gobble: It sounds more like marching toward our death than taking orders.

Seco: Your glad someone is actually leading us.

Kado rolls his eyes and sighs. "The seven- six members of Phoenix aren't gods. They're all shapeshifters with Slayers. The sword's spirits however pretty much are 'unrivaled gods of nature'. And yes,we'regoing to fight them. As in, you, Avalia, Seco, Oliv, Jason, and myself."

Gobble: *is excited* Oooohhhh snap! You got Jason Vorhees up in here? Were's he at?

Oliv's partner sighs. "Permission to smack the life out of him?" Oliv looks at him. "Permission denied."

Gobble: Psst. Kado. Not sure if you noticed...but that aint Jason Vorhees.

Seco: *hit Gobble on the side of his head the butt of his assualt rifle* Shut up, now!

Gobble: *is whimpering in pain* But he isn't, dad..

Seco: hits Gobble on the head again* What did I say?

Gobble: *looks down* He isn't...

Kado sighs. "Let's not do that alright?" Kado looks at Azula."Can you find any of the Phoenix members on Earth for me?"

Azula concentrates for a minute."Found one."

She sends the data to Kado, who now has a darker cast to his eyes. "Alright then guys. Stay close behind me." He walks through the portal.

Seco, Avalia, and Gobble follows Kado through the portal

Dawn of the Final Day
The Grand Eye stands before the temple alter, looking up into the stained glass images. He hears the approach of Shirubā, and turns.

"What brings you here, o' great wind spirit? My friend, Shirubā, what news do you bring before me?"

Shirubā bows politely, before addressing him in her human form, a graceful woman of simple figure and a brilliant white dress, and little white fox years.

"My friend, it is as you long since believed. Time itself now unstable. I have seen it with my own eyes. The boy is an artifact of the future. His existence could undo everything in this world. While I do not believe it is fair, he should not exist. He should be sent back to his own time, before it's too late."

"Ah, but dear Shirubā, it's already out of our hands. When but one ripple strikes across the pond, the surface of the pond is radically changed. We can do little more than protect the two now. Their existences, and ours, are tied." The Grand Eye solemnly says.

"But..."

"No buts. We have other things to worry of, regardless. The hour has come, and Jibaku and Van Valeric should be due in a matter of minutes, hours, it is unclear. But today is the day when the fate of the world must be decided. We can only pray that the will of the righteous can prevail."

Shirubā nods reluctantly.

"And Shirubā?"

"Yes, Grand Eye?"

"Do not fear... God is with us."

She closes her eyes, and begins to fade with a smile. "You always have that iron faith... it shames me so..."

The South Pole

The Black King silently observes Kuria and 5x5, and lets out a small chuckle. "Finally... the time has come..." He looks up from the sphere where he spies upon them, at his servants.

"You, miserable dogs! Summon forth Lord Ninetails! Tell him, that his master has a task for him!"

His Negative Spirit servants scamper in fear. He lets out a dark chuckle.

"Have fun while it lasts, Van Valeric... soon I will hold the playing cards... and you'll be forced to play frommyhand..."

''Thunder ominously rumbles outside the Black Fortress. A new day has dawned.''

The Search for Hope
Kalin stepped out of the portal first, looking out at the surrounding area. "Is this the right place, Aoi?" he said, facing back to the portal.

She looks at the ruined landscape of Azure. "....Yes. We need to head into the east mountains."

"Right. Okay, let's go." He said, forming a wave of darkness over them. "This should keep White from sensing us for a little while. Although Azula may still be able ot sense us normally..."

She nods, and begins to lead the way.

"So, tell me what you learned from Noriko." Kalin said, falling in step alongside her.

"Well, from what she said, the data on the Chaos Engines should largely still be kept there. If we can find White's personal notes on them, we could potentially find a major weakness. That's what Noriko said at least. She also told me where to go, and oddly enough mentioned something about data on the other members. I don't know what she meant by that though."

"Other members? Members of what?"

"Phoenix, Kalin. Down this path and... ....woah... you feel that presence right?"

There is a sensation as though a powerful eye is looking upon them.

"Yeah, I feel it. Maybe we should move a bit faster. To hell with stealth." Kalin said, erasing the dark aura around them, as he began to shine brightly.

''At ease. I, the Grand Eye of Chinmoku grant you permission to set foot upon my lands. Be welcomed and at ease.''

''"Oh...sorry, it's just that I've had a bit of bad luck with beings watching me without consent." Kalin said, his aura calming down to a normal level.''

Aoi walks him down a long dirt road.

"The majority of Shapeshifter villages aren't actually connected by roads. Some haven't seen outsiders in more than a century."

"Interesting. Did you come from one of those villages?"

"Not exactly... my mother and father raised me and my brother and sister in a isolated homestead in the forests on the other side of the central valleys. This way, Kalin."

She points out a over grown path.

"You know, for everything I know about you, there's two things I dont...well, we can always work on that when we get you out of here safe." Kalin said, scratching the back of his head with a grin on his face.

She gives him a confused look. "...If you say so?"

They eventually come to a deserted run down village. "...This was once Kado's home, where he was born," Aoi explains. "The old Garrison is somewhere nearby."

"So this is where the masked man got his ninja talents..." Kalin said, as he made his way towards one of the decrepit buildings. For a moment, he could feel the faintest trace of the Kado's spirit still in the area.

Aoi sighs. "There used to be so many happy memories here. Many lives were torn as well. Hmmm....?" She suddenly mutters.

"What's up?" Kalin said, stopping in his trascks to turn towards Aoi. "Is somethimg wrong?"

"....Don't hate her.... ...hate who?"

Aoi seems to be listening to a voice of a spirit.

"....Shinwa? ....Who- wait you mean... ....interesting.... that's..." Aoi seems to consider something, then starts walking on.

"It was nothing, a spirit just wanted to talk to me about something he thought I should know."

"Alright then..." Kalin said, beginning to walk again. "So, who is Shinwa?"

"...Shinwa is White's real name. ...A spirit also told me her soul was recently split in two... a good, and an evil one. The spirit knew her when it was alive."

"Two halves, huh? Well, isn't that a development. Maybe we should find the friendly version when we're done here. She might be able to give us a hand."

Aoi shrugs. "Perhaps. It's this way." She walks up to an old abandoned fortress, built in the style of a japanese castle. She pauses, and looks at the gateway, then slides Ice Slayer's blade into the keyhole, and it slowly opens the gate, and she withdraws the sword.

"Come on inside." She guides him inside the fortress interior, which is more preserved than the outside, the place was likely once much more refined, but still is in good condition, despite being abandoned so long.

Kalin walked in, but seemed to have a weird reaction as he did. crap...not yet. Clutching his chest, Kalin tripped down a few of the stairs, managing to catch his his footing at the bottom without falling. He was unsure if Aoi noticed, however.

Aoi runs over to him. "Kalin, are you ok?" She asks cautiously.

"I-it's alright, Aoi. I just slipped, really. Let's keep going." He said, smiling at her. It seemed that whatever had bothered him had ceased. He placed a hand on her shoulder, sliding it up slowly to her cheek. He kept it there for a moment, and continued further into the base.

After a while, Aoi starts checking the walls, giving frequent glances at Kalin while she does. Eventually, she finds what she is looking for, and carefully starts fingering a crack in the wall, looking for something. Eventually, she hears a click, and a door slides open.

"According to Noriko, the archives are down here." She says quietly, and proceeds down.

Kalin proceeded down beside her, trying his best to maintain the facade of being at fulll strength. Unfortunately, he could feel the affliction in his body as clearly as the beating of his heart.

Aoi looks back at him after a while. "...Is there something bothering you, Kalin? ...Your energy is off."

"It's nothing. Look, we're almost there." he said pointing further down. Kalin ran ahead of her.

Aoi gives him a look as she walks. "...Don't lie to me..." She says in a quiet voice, borderline hurt. They enter a massive room full of books, scrolls, and loose papers.

"I'm not lying, I swear. Nothing is bothering me. At least, nothing I didnt ask for in the first place. Now what are we looking for?" He said, immediately walking in and throwing himself into the search.

As they search, they learn of various things, such as a weak spot on the back of the neck, as well as something about the human name of a Chaos Engine causing a disruption in their system, something yet resolved in their design.

"Finally, we got some good news that we can make use of...Aoi, do you see anything on the true names of the chaos engines? If we have that, we might just be in the clear for a while." Kalin said, his eyes beaming at the intel they came across so far.

Aoi narrows her eyes as she searches. "There's no names I can find anywhere. ....Hang on... I found something though. It's a record of the captures of individuals used as Chaos Engines... not the names, but... ....it lists the Chaos Engine's names. ...And Azula is on here. ...She was captured on an island somewhere south of Downation... ...a village... ...I think this is where Azula came from..."

Kalin ran over, and looked over the file alongside her. "Interesting. I always assumed she came from Earth, but this would make sense for someone with her talents. Should we head there next?" He said, proceeding to look through more documents.

She nods, then looks at him. "We should go before-"

"Before, what, Aoi?" A man's voice says behind them, and they turn to see a man with a grey cloth mask, and a heavy fur coat with dark grey hair and yellow cold eyes standing behind them, along with a white haired male who smiles eerily. The two agents of Phoenix from the North.

"We seem to bump into each other more often these days," The white haired male says with a smile. "There's nowhere to run this time, villains."

"Oh great. These guys agai-ah!" Kalin said, clutching his chest once more. " I'm sorry, but we don't have time for makeovers, so you guys will have to stick with the ugly faces you have. I truly epathize with you, though..."

"Hand over the pretty lady and I might let you off easy." The white haired male replies.

"Now, why would I do that? I'd really like to hear your reasoning."

Aoi abruptly exhales and blasts the two in a huge wave of ice from her mouth, and immediately grabs Kalin and starts running, almost dragging him by the hand she runs so fast. "Let's go Kalin!"

Kalin runs behind her, concetrating on the shadows behind them. As they ascended the stairway,  he focused the shadows into a small sphere, which he drops behind him.

They hear a shattering sort of noise, and loud running.

"Why didn't you counter that Kagerou?!" The masked man yells.

"I just thought it was too hot in here," The other one replies.

Kalin smirked, and gave up his focus. At that moment, the sphere he dropped exploded within the hall, causing it to collapse."Well, there goes the intel...but those Phoenix guys should be delayed for a while."

"I'll teleport us to Downation, and give you the coordinates from there, alright? We need to hurry-" BOOM! A large blast blows away the rubble just as the two exit the Phoenix Bastion.

"Yeah, I get it. Let's gooooo-!" Kalin said, emitting a large wave of black flames from his mouth, aimed at the interior of the base.

Aoi begins to teleport them, as the two rush out of the base, the white haired one, Kagerou raises his hands and deflects the flames, then charges and leaps into the air, swinging a chainsaw like blade. At the last second, they teleport to Downation.

Reaching The Border
After a few days of travel, Drake, Kanashimi, Noriko, and Seriah arrive within sight of a massive mountain range sprawling north to south. "That's the East Chimera Mountains! It borders the Empire of Chinmoku, if we can get there, we'll have a chance!" Noriko exclaims. Drake has noticed during their travels that Seriah has been growing older and older, and her hair is now mostly brown, with tiny black streaks growing on the edges. She appears to be a very young adult, and has been speaking in a mature manner, her intelligence of an average adult's now.

He's also noticed that she has become rather clingy, often lingering very close to Drake. The one time he offered to put her back in the Processor caused an unexpected reaction: as soon as she saw it, she began to violently kick and punch at it, and once put away, she would fiercely cling to him and keep him away from the device, never offering an explanation for her outburst, even though she had been more conversational with her age.

"Get to the mountain and we're safe... Got it, but another thing is if there are any creatures or the sorts that'll come for us... I know that the wound heal but still, it'll be a massive pain..."

Noriko looks out at the mountains. "There's always something out in the woods, big bears, jackels, wolves, some strange bog beasts with tentacles... we should be fine though."

They suddenly hear vibrant thunderstorms, and the wind picks up.

"....I don't think thunderstorms just whip up like that... ...is there a fight?" Noriko looks back, and her eyes widen. "Woooooooah," She says, her jaw dropping.

Behind them, further toward the valleys, is an enormous thunderstorm stretching from one end of the horizon to the other. There is many countless thunderclaps and flashes from the storm, well over a thousand lightning bolts must be going off every other second.

''Drake looks back and smirks. 'Thank you, Razorwind.' He then looks ahead of the group and begins to walk, scanning the area around while doing so. ''"Just to be safe, we better move fast, we don't want to be food for any creature now do we?"

Seriah once again follows him closely, even occasionally grabbing onto him for a while. After a while though, she seems to force herself to stop clinging, her wings wrapped around her and a look of intense frustration becomes apparent to him.

Noriko looks at Seriah. "What's got Fluffy Wings so worked up?" She asks curiously.

''He looks at Noriko and shrugs. ''"Beats me, I asked her if she wanted to go into the Processor and she went mental at it..." ''He then looks at Seriah. ''"You alright?"

She shrinks back a bit from the gaze, trembling, though not from fear. "I like you." She says abruptly, not looking at him. "I am... supposed to like all of... my partners. Make more Alphas. I am... confused. ...I hate... the Machine. I have... ...to relearn everything, be recycled... I remember... growing up again and again... having partners... again and again... experiments... modifications...

...Why can't I stop being born again? Mistress is gone, my children and brothers are sleeping, where are they?" She doesn't appear to be speaking to Drake anymore, rather, she seems to be having a breakdown and is losing control of her mind. An itching sensation from Corruption tells him that she's not keeping her powers in check.

Finally after several more minutes of her mindlessly talking about her state of mind, her confusion and her anxiety about being Processed, she snaps, breaking down in to hysterical tears.

''Drake's eyes widen when he hears this, he looks at Noriko and Kanashimi before looking at Seriah, sighing. ''"Seriah, I'm not your partner... I'm not here to harm you, I'm here to protect you... Trust me, you'll be fine, you won't have to make any more Alphas, no more partners, no more experiments, no more modifications." ''Drake takes Kurai out of its sheath and places it away next to Noriko, he then wipes away Seriah's tears, a smile on his face. ''"Don't worry, I'll protect you to my last breath, that's what a bodyguard is supposed to do. I'll drop dead before I let anyone harm you."

She doesn't respond, curling up while crying even worse. "I don't... understand..." She says nothing further, crying until she ends up crying herself to sleep.

Kanashimi looks at her. "...It's my turn to carry her, isn't it?"

''Drake takes a slow sigh, before going over and picking Kurai up, sheathing him afterwards. ''"Yeah... It is."

Kanashimi makes a grunt as she lifts the archangel child, letting the arms drape over her shoulders.

"Alright then, let's get you comfortable..." She looks back at the storm.

"Dang... that's one epic showdown."

''Drake simply nods his head in agreement before walking again. ''"I hope you can cheer up soon, Seriah... Noriko, how long will this walk take?"

Noriko eyes the mountains, and their surroundings. "...The mountains are much bigger than they look. We're actually still far away. Five or so days left until we reach their edge. One to two days of hard hiking most likely to clear the mountains and reach the other side."

She further analyses the area. "I think we're traveling along a dirt road, they probably don't bother to go any farther... I think judging by the way the terrian is built, we'll come across another valley with a town in it by the third day to the mountains."

"So we'll take a rest for a day or so at the town, that way we can get everything sorted and start to plan out for what happens if the two show up... So at least we're looking at six or seven days until we get where we need to go. I guess by now, we start to pick up the pace..." When he says that, he begins to walk faster.

On the second night, Drake sees the strange figure that had been following them off and on again, much closer, and its the first time he has seen them up close.

While he is watching out for any threats, he hears nearby bush rustling, they had stopped near the edge of a forest. Out from the trees, he sees the figure walking out a distance away, the face obscured by a green cloth mask. They wear a greyish green kimono, and fans are strapped to their sides. He notices the person is feminine. After a few footsteps, she pauses, and her head looks in his direction, her body language suggests she didn't expect to see him, nor for him to be looking straight in her direction.

''Drake glances at the woman, resting his hand on Kurai's handle as he stands perfectly still for a moment. ''"...Well then, what do you want?"

"..." She doesn't move, nor speak, her hands hidden in the sleeves of her kimono.

"Fine then." ''He begins to walk towards the woman, his grip on Kurai beginning to show. ''"One more time, what do you want?"

She makes a tiny movement, and suddenly a shuriken slices his cheek, mere seconds after the movement. He can see a tiny glint of steel in the depths of the sleeve now, where more shuriken can be seen, the tips of her fingertips slightly visible now. She backs up for each step he's taken. Her movements are strangely ghost like, he can't hear a sound from her, not even a faint rustle of cloth from her, nor even a footstep.

"I didn't even see that one coming... Ok, let's do this..." ''Drake unsheathes Kurai and Shizuka and sprints towards the woman, only managing to deflect the shurikens. When he gets close enough, he quickly ducks down then springs himself up and over her with a single flip, landing perfectly on his feet with his back against her own. Drake then quickly spins around and hits her arm with the dull sides of the blades.''

With a flicker of movement, she has drawn one of the fans, and extended it and blocked the blade. The movement of the fan seems so fast that a cut forms on Drake's face, and she hasn't actually struck him. With another flicker of movement, she spin kicks him into a tree, which breaks like a toothpick. He notices the blow is soft and was actually more of a repelling manuver than an offensive one.

She backflips multiple times in a short span of time, and only stops until she has gained considerable distance, and stares at him from across the field. He cannot believe how quick she is moving.

"God... This speed is a pain to deal with... Ok, let's try this..." ''Drake sheaths Shizuka and places both hands on Kurai, he closes his eyes and begins to focus, after a moment, he opens his eyes and begins to make multiple slashes. And in a blink of an eye, multiple streaks of light slash across the woman's body, finally one more streak races towards her torso.''

She doesn't appear to move, until she strangely turns blue and disappears, a explosion occurring behind Drake as she reappears behind him and kicks Kurai right out of his hand and pins him to the ground with a foot. She brandishes one of the fans, which he realizes is actually composed of finely sharpened blades.

After a minute, she puts it away and lets him up, but walks away, not allowing him to get close again.

''Drake growls and opens his hand out as Kurai flies towards him, catching it with ease then sheathes it. ''"So then, do you talk? You're the one following us, what the hell do you want?!"

After a moment, she pauses, then appears right next to him the moment he blinks, and she taps his forehead, making him fall into a deep sleep. The next morning, Noriko gently shakes him awake.

"Hey, you alright? I guess the nightwatch is tiring, huh?" She grabs something out of his vision and makes a jingling sound. "What's this necklace around your neck?"

"What?" ''Drake instantly springs up and grabs the necklace. ''"...I have no idea... What the hell...?" ''He then annoyingly sighs and remembers. ''"Right... Anyways, are the others awake?"

Noriko looks over at Kanashimi, who is being laid on top of by Seriah, who seems to be sleeping, though fitfully.

"Alright... I'll wake them up." ''He walks over to them, still removing sleep from his eyes, he then kneels down and taps their heads. ''"Wakey wakey you two... We need to get a move on."

As Seriah begins to wake, he notices half of her hair has turned black, and what looks like stars can be seen in it, as though he was looking in space itself.

"Oh no..." ''Drake suddenly remembers what Eien warned him, he opens the HSC and looks at the Processor. He sighs as he takes it out, he looks at Seriah with a saddened expression. ''

As she fully wakes up, her gaze fixates on the machine, her pupils dilating to thin points.

"I'm sorry... But you have to go in, only for a short time... I know you hate this machine, I do too... But it's only to make you safe."

"No!" She starts crying, both angry, afraid, and sad. "No! I don't want to go back! You can't make me!" She cries out.

''Drake simply gives Seriah a hug, hoping to calm her down. ''"Now listen to me... I promise you that we will find a way so that you will never have to go into that machine ever again. But for your own safety, please... I promise it won't take long."

"No... No no no no!" She pleads desperately. "I don't want to be born again!"

''By now, Drake himself is shaking, making it obvious that he doesn't want to put Seriah into the Processer. The tone in his voice growing soft and sorrowful. ''"Seriah... I'm sorry for doing this... You have every right to hate me... But I promise that I will find a way to make it so that you never have to use this ever again, but please... Don't worry, we'll protect you, we'll make sure that no harm reaches you." ''Once more, he wipes away Seriah's tears, he then hugs her once more before having to let go. Drake then takes the Processor out and opens the panel on the front of it, but only slowly. ''

"No... please...." She weeps.

''After a moment of silence, Drake goes through his HSC and pulls out a sapphire and cups it in his hands. His eyes begin to glow a faint white as faint tribal markings can be seen on his hands, after a moment, he goes back over to Seriah and opens her hand and places the gem in her hand. When she looks at it, she can see it's anstonishing blue glow. ''"It's a little trick for mercenaries who go through some heavy stuff, it calms their mind and puts them at ease... It also alters the way the mind works so that when they sleep, nothing but positive dreams are experienced, no nightmares of the sort. In short, it puts peace in the person who's holding it... You have to go into the machine, I'm sorry but it's true... But for the time being, that gem will make everything better for you while you're in there."

Her head sinks low, her wings now lie completely limp and on the ground. "Please... I...." Her voice chokes up.

''Drake says nothing but takes her hand, he slowly takes her to the Processor, he then lets go and opens his arms out. Offering a final hug before she has to go in. ''"Don't worry, we'll be here when you come out, I promise."

"I... I won't... ....remember.... ....please..."

"...Maybe there is a way to remember... The stone..." ''Drake places his hand on the sapphire and places another on Seriah's head, tribal markings and runes appear all over Drake and on Seiah's head as he closes his eyes. Suddenly, absolutely everything goes silent and all that can be heard is a energy and faint voices, soon the sapphire shines brilliantly. ''"There... Keep that with you, hold onto it tightly... I have a surprise for you when you come back out."

She does nothing but cry now, unwilling but lacking the energy to fight being placed inside now.

"Please don't cry... I promise you'll remember." ''Drake says as he softly places Seriah inside, he makes sure that she's holding the sapphire. He looks at her one more time and puts on a small smile. ''"We'll see you soon, Seriah... Sleep well."

After he closes the door, he can hear her after a minute crying out: "Drake..." pitifully begging.

''By now, Drake his holding back his own tear as he looks through the panel in the door. ''"I'm sorry... If I didn't have to do this then I wouldn't have put you in. Please, rest easy, you will remember us..." ''He expands the HSC and puts the Processor inside, he then closes the HSC and keeps it in his hand. After a moment he turns to look at Kana and Noriko. ''"...Let's go."

Noriko hugs Drake after a moment. "You ok Drakey?"

''He sighs and holds Noriko's hand, tightly. ''"I could be better... What I just did felt... Inhuman..."

She messes with his hair. "I know... I'm sorry. But you keep your promises right?"

"Yeah..." ''He nods and starts to walk. ''"I do... Let's just get to that village."

Noriko stays right by his side as they walk, wanting to try and comfort Drake as best as she can.

Meanwhile, Seriah slowly begins to dwindle in size and age, her hair slowly becoming blonde, and her eyes dull and blank, as her memories start to get depositied into storage.

''Noriko notices that Drake has been holding her hand tightly, tensing whenever a unnatural noise is heard. His other hand is firmly gripped on Kurai's handle as he scans the area, more fuequently as usual. ''"Noriko... I know I don't say this often but nevertheless it doesn't lose its meaning... I love you."

"I love you too. What's got you worried?"

"Not worried at all... Just shaken up, that's all..."

"Why don't you rest for a while, take a moment to gather your thoughts? It'll help, even if it is only a little. There's a big log over there, let's sit down ok?" She says gently.

"Yeah... Alright." Drake then walks over and sits down on the log, just taking a moment to breathe and to look around.

She watches him for a moment, before deciding to rub his back and shoulders for a few minutes, hoping to help him feel better. "You worried about her?"

"Of course... Did you see the emotion in her eyes when she had to go in? For her to deal with that again, it must be horrible... I just hope the stone works..."

"Every crusade has its victims... it's tragic really... For one's supposed justice, they're willing to break the lives of others and use and abuse them to get what they want. For one's ideals, they're willing to hurt others. It's no longer a righteous cause..."

She hugs him. "I want to fight for you, by your side. You told me that you wouldn't let anything happen to you? I won't let anything happen to you either. Promise me that if there must be fighting, at least let me stand by your side, alright Drake?"

"...I promise, you've always been there for me, so I'll do the same for you." ''He softly smiles and hugs Noriko. ''"Thank you."

"Any time, that's what err... girlfriends? Are for after all." She playfully kisses him in response.

"I'd say get a room, but I don't think we'll find one here. So, I guess find a shrub." Kanashimi says with a joking smile.

''Drake laughs and playfully kisses her back, he then looks at Kanashimi with a smirk. ''"What's the matter, Kana? It's only love, trust me, you'll find yours someday... Probably be a robot, but still."

"I. am. NOT. A. ROBOT." She snaps, but there is the tinest hint of a blush to her face that is gone soon.

"I know you're not, I'm kidding. Although, if you do get a boyfriend, he has to check with me first."

She looks away. "W-whatever. Like you're my real dad anyway." She sticks her tongue out as she crosses her arms.

"Real or not, you treasure me as one anyways." Drake says, then chuckles.

Noriko looks at Kanashimi. "I think she's embarrassed about something."

"I am not!"

"Teeeell uuuuus, Kana... We wanna know!"

A rather heavy rock flies in his direction in response.

"JESUS!" ''Drake quickly leans back far enough for the rock just to miss him, he then sits back up and looks at Kanashimi. ''"That was a bit much... Ooooh... Hehe, it was that boy at the party, wasn't it? What was his name... Eisen, was it?"

Kanashimi takes several deep breathes, and Drake wonders for some reason if Kanashimi inherited the ability to breath fire.

''He sees this and smirks, unsheathing Kurai and looking at it. ''"Fire won't work on me, Kana..."

She lets out a jet of fire at his face, and under the cover of flames delivers a jaw snapping uppercut.

"Drop it, or I'll drop you!"

''Drake looks at Kanashimi and leg sweeps her with one swift movement. ''"What are you trying to do?"

"..." She gives him a glare, her face slightly red from humiliation and embarassment.

''He sighs and offers a hand to Kanashimi. ''"C'mon, up you go, we don't have time for fights."

She refuses to take it and instead gets up on her own, her arms crossed and wings folded tight. "Hmmph. We don't have time to be discussing if I like anyone. Which I don't."

"...Girls... Anyways, let's get going now, shall we?" With that, Drake begins walking.

Kanashimi trails along behind them, not feeling particuarlly social.

''After a moment, Drake looks behind him and sighs. ''"You wanna come up here?"

She flips him off and throws a rock at his head again. "No."

''Luckily, Drake catches the rock before it hits. ''"Ok then..." Drake then looks forward and sighs.

Noriko looks back at her. "I think she was embarassed about what you said. Maybe she just doesn't want to admit her feelings."

"Yeah... Probably, but there's no point confronting her about it now, might as well wait until she's calmed down..."

They catch sight of the town far up ahead, and still hours later, Kanashimi is avoiding talking.

"Finally... My legs are aching and I'm starving, although I wonder who sets up a town all the way out here."

"People like their space on Echo. They get to make their own rules. They're like micro states." Noriko replies.

"...Oh, own rules, eh? ...I wonder what the chances are for this town being hostile towards outsiders." Drake says, chuckling.

"Most towns are friendly to travelers, well, most of them."

"...So what are we looking at? What are our odds of this one being hostile? One to five?"

"Well, if they're humans, they're not gonna really be able to do anything. And I haven't heard much about shapeshifters being hostile to new comers, we should be fine."

"Ah, alright... So a peaceful town it is! Honestly, I just need a place to rest, I'm also tired..."

They finally arrive, the people seem pleasant, and show them to a inn house. Kanashimi has still managed to avoid communicating with the others.

''Drake looks at Noriko. ''"Please talk with Kanashimi, it seems that you two will get along more than me and her right now, as for me... I need rest..." Drake opens a door to an empty bedroom and instantly collapses onto the bed, fast asleep.

Noriko looks at Kanashimi. "Uhh... Hi?"

"....That was the most stellar pep talk I've ever got, and you haven't even started yet."

Noriko desperately looks at Drake. "Gaaah! I'm no good with motivational speaking!" She runs to Drake and pounces into the bed, landing right next to him. Kanashimi just shakes her head with a weary smile, then picks a bed opposite of them.

''Drake sighs. ''"You are the worst sometimes." ''He yawns and sits up and looks at Kanashimi. ''"Fine fine, sorry for getting into your personal life, like my blonde haired sweetie right here, I'm no good with motivational stuff either, so I'll just say... Unless you want me to, I won't get into your personal life, ok?"

She looks at him quietly for a moment. "...I wanted to be like you, you know."

''He says nothing, instead sitting up and walking to the door. ''"Kana, come with me..."

She doesn't move, quietly eyeing him.

''A sigh can be heard. ''"Kanashimi, please follow me."

She quietly follows him, her eyes tense and guarded.

''After a moment, Drake goes outside and sprouts out his wings then flies up to the roof. He then looks at Kanashimi and notions her to come up.''

She flies up with her angelic wings, a luminous glow in them which he hadn't noticed before.

''When she lands, she sees Drake lying down, looking up at the stars with his hands behind his head. When he speaks, his voice is softer than usual. ''"Why do you want to be like me?"

He hears a rustling of armor, and when he looks at the source of the noise, the armor that Eien gave Kanashimi is on her, the armor is extremely reminiscent of her old armor, yet like he said, it doesn't seem to affect her. Six floating blades on each side of her take position along her wings.

"I don't know what you see me as, or what you think I'm like but... it's because I look up to you. You don't have to obey anyone, you fight for those you want to. You obey your own code. ...Unlike I, a weapon, who wasn't given that choice. I asked you if you would teach me to be a mercenary. I didn't ask it out of naivity. ...Did you know... that the old me is gone? I could hear her voice you know. I think her name was Shimo. ...She was picked on a lot, other people hated her because of something she was born to. She was born in a good home, a pampered life. That wasn't her fault, but people still hated her for it. Her schoolmates they... in order to avoid getting killed by Phoenix, do you know what they did?"

"They sold her out to save themselves, then soon after... Came the first of the Eta class of Chaos Engines who originally had no name... It's a tragic story, isn't it? But look how far you've gotten now, you got brought back to life... Twice I might add if we include Shimo, so I'd say despite the depressing middle of the story, I say that the ending has turned out pretty well, considering the situation." ''He lightly chuckles, but Kanashimi notices a change in Drake's face, like he's thinking back to his memories. ''

"Also... You're wrong, I used to obey, I used to be told who I had to fight, I followed a code, I was restricted... It's only when I came to Earth, that's when I had my freedom, much like you have now... As I've said a thousand times over, being a mercenary isn't right for you. And Kana, I see you as someone I care about, someone I look after, someone who I cherish as much as Noriko, and I know what you're like, you're like me... The reason I don't want you to be a mercenary is because I'm worried about you, I couldn't forgive myself if you ever got hurt, that's why I refused... But then again... I did promise you that I'd train you, didn't I? And apologies if anything I said didn't make any sense, I tend to go on."

"...Shimo is gone, Drake. I could still hear her deep within my soul, wanting to be brought back to the light. When you brought me back Drake... ...you didn't see her. You only saw me. I came back as the person you saw, not the person I was. Now there is no Shimo. Only Kanashimi. A girl made into a weapon, reborn as a force of redemption and restoration. An uncommon theme amongst my kind. Even now though... ...I am still a weapon. That's how I look at myself. A weapon. But I choose to be one by choice.

I am like you, but not like you. I was already born a weapon, and it's all that I know. It's all that I know how to be. So I'll be one. But I'll fight for what I want, not what others want to do."

Her blades suddenly point themselves at him. She glows more strongly. "If you know me as well as you claim, then you will know I won't back down."

"Then tell me, if you had the chance to be Shimo again, but to sacrafice this lifestyle away... Would you?" ''After a moment, Drake sighs. ''"Put the blades down, dammit, just relax and watch the night sky..."

"I told you. Shimo is gone. Banished from life forever. She is lost in darkness. It's because, as I said, I was brought back as Kanashimi, not Shimo. If you don't want me to pursue the life I chose, then you'll have to make me."

"Then what do you want, make it fully clear to me, Kanashimi. What. Do. You. Want."

"I told you! I want to fight for those suffering like I was! I want to fight to protect those people! That's why I want to be a mercenary! If you want to protect me, then that's fine, but I've already gone through my own shit, in case you have forgotten the fact I've died before, and because of a friend of yours and mine! Do you think fighting every day of your life for control of your own mind, killing people because someone else doesn't like them and not having any control of it, is what normal people go through? I've already gone through plenty of hell, do you really think if I didn't know what I was doing, I would keep going on about this? I want to help people! I don't know what kind of merc you were back in the day, but the merc I want to be, is a strong, happy Kanashimi, one who helps others fight back against those who put them down!

You should be proud of me for wanting to help people with my power! But you act like I'm a sheltered little girl who can't bear hard work or endure hardship! I'M NOT SHIMO, NOT SOME PAMPERED GIRL WHO HAD IT EASY, OK?!

....I just... wanted to do something I could be proud of... but you can't see that!" From behind her headgear, she seems to be crying.

"...Fight for those who have suffered, fight to protect, putting them ahead of you... That's not what a mercenary is, Kana, a mercenary is someone who is sent to do missions for some coin... What you're speaking of isn't a mercernary, but a hero..." ''He then chuckles, which is then followed with a sigh as Drake stands up and looks at Kanashimi. ''"But if you so desperately want to be a mecenary like me... Then fine, I'll see if I can help in any way I can..."

"...Thank you." She hugs him tightly, Drake notices she seems to have gotten stronger, as her hug is actually hurting him unintentially.

"No problem... Just try to lighten up those hugs." ''He says, his body starting to ache due to the hug, but regardless, he hugs back. ''

"...Sorry..." Her armor folds up into a decent chestplate. "....Earlier, I was just embarassed... ...I... ...kinda did like that guy, it's just... ...I don't know how to be normal. I know how to fight, but... ...I felt so lost and confused near him. ...I must sound like a babbling idiot..."

"No one knows how to be normal, all people know is how to follow a set of rules that make them seem normal... If we meet him again, I promise that you'll know what to do, just don't get hostile alright? That's the last thing you want to do if you're trying to impress... Now c'mon, it's getting late and Noriko's probably took all of my bed."

She quietly follows him, and lies down in her bed. As he had foretold, Noriko had wrapped herself in a cocoon made of the bedsheets, though not quite asleep.

''Drake looks at Noriko with a tired face. ''"...That's not fair, I want the covers too!"

She giggles and allows him to come under the covers with her, giving him a playful kiss once he's joined her.

He smiles and kisses her back, before letting out a soft yawn and wrapping one of his arms around her as he slowly dozes off.

Some time during his sleep, he starts to get images of something in his head, which slowly build into a full on vision, though he himself is asleep, his mind is free to explore this event, as it lies just beyond his line of sight.

After a moment of curiosity, Drake nods to himself and walks towards the vision, a curious but cautious expression on his face. He finds himself on the streets, to his back is a large high school, the dismissal bell has just rung. While a whole bunch of kids come out, one catches his eye out of nowhere. A girl wearing a black jacket, with reddish brown hair and red brown eyes walks out last, alone. Her face is eerily familiar, but at first he cannot place how.

She slowly walks toward the school yard exit.

"Hmm... She seems a bit down..." Drake begins to watch and follow the girl, without getting himself caught.

She doesn't seem to be able to see him, as her eyes, even when looking right at him, don't even reflect him in her eyes.

As she walks, he sees a group of shabby clothed kids walking on the other side of the street, who eye her with resentment, her clothes are obviously high quality and new, while their's are old and worn. They start walking toward her aggressively, she appears to notice, but doesn't seem to let herself be concerned, as if she was resigned to what was coming.

"I can't even do anything to help the girl... This sucks..." He sighs as he stands by and watches what happens, an annoyed expression on his face.

He watches as they proceed to beat her and even tear up her jacket a bit, before leaving, spitting as they leave. She slowly gets to her feet, even though she has a black eye and scrapped knees and elbows from being forced to the ground. She quietly limps home, with quiet tears, where her parents begin to display outrage, suggesting body guards, calling the police, along those lines. The girl merely tiredly dismisses their concern and heads to bed, not even bothering to eat dinner.

Drake happens to notice the two parents arguing for an hour, then call the police, and Drake feels a tug on his mind to head elsewhere.

''He appears from flames into a house of one of the kids who beat up the girl, he takes a look around before spotting the kid. ''"There you are, you son of a bitch..."

He gradually hears sirens as police arrive and apprehend the kid, as well as all of the others, but there is clear hateful mumbles about 'Going to make the bitch pay for this' heard.

''Drake clenches his fist and attempts to punch the kid, but only for his fist to go through him with no effect. ''"You're so lucky that you can't feel that, punk."

Later the next day, he is watching the girl heading to school, when several escaped kids come with clubs and start beating her violently, this time she screams in pain with every blow. Only a minute goes by however, when portals begin opening nearby, and Drake sees soldiers from Phoenix pouring out of the portals.

They eye the kids, who have stopped beating her, and begin to make their way towards them.

"H-hey, take her, not us!" They cry out, running. One of the soldiers stops by the girl and examines her, she is unconscious. Drake is able to get a good look at her face, and after a moment, he realizes why she was familiar. Mix his own features with hers... ...and he'd get Kanashimi.

''Drake glares at the kids. ''"You fucking bastards..." ''He then looks at the girl, trying to place a hand on her shoulder, but it just passes through. ''"...I think I've seen enough..."

One of the soldiers proceeds to follow the bullies, and Drake watches as the soldier begins to hunt them like animals with a rifle, cackling like a psychopath as he shoots them down. The last one he hunts down he smashes the head open, then proceeds to search the town for other victims.

The soldier that found the girl, which Drake has identified as Shimo, places her inside a capsule. Once this happens, the scene changes to a scene of the girl becoming Kanashimi, her face slowly being largely overrided, though keeping a general vissage of herself, it is only vague. He then sees two other scenes, one of Shimo slowly being taken over by the light of another soul, and then of Shimo falling into an endless void of darkness, one which bares a unsettling aura, that of death, of nonexistence. The visions finally end.

''Drake then suddenly wakes up, instantly sitting up, sweating and breathing heavily. He takes a moment to recompose himself and look around, his eyes then fall onto Kanashimi, he sighs. ''"Jesus... What the hell..."

She is sleeping softly and at peace, he notes a faint smile that seems to grow on her face once he looks at her, but she doesn't wake up. The moonlight coming from the window helps make evident her angelic glow.

''He smiles back as he looks at the window then back at her. ''"Like I said, you're more fit to be a hero than a merc... But I'm proud that you want to be like me... Sleep well, Kana." He then lays back down and falls asleep.

In the morning, Kanashimi wakes up, but doesn't really move, just lying there.

''When it gets exactly to 8:30, Drake springs up awake, he stretches his arms and yawns. ''"Aaand morning..." ''He looks over at Kanashimi. ''"Morning."

"Good morning... ...I'm hungry." She grumbles, her eyes fuzzy, still sleepy.

"Alright, let's get something to eat then..." ''He then nudges Noriko's shoulder. ''"Wakey wakey..."

"Nu...!" She says sleepily, trying to pull him back into bed with a hug.

''He groans as he sits back up, being Noriko up as well. ''"C'mon Nori, we need to get a move on anyways..."

Kanashimi laughs as Noriko now hangs from Drake's neck and shoulders, her arms stubbornly wrapped around him, still sleeping.

"Zzzzzz..."

Kanashimi shakes her head and goes to the shower.

"..." ''Drake stands up, which causes Noriko to hold on. ''"Wake up Noriko, we need to get ready for the day!"

She lets out a sigh of disappointment and opens her eyes. "Aww... I wanted to sleep longer... .......Good morning..." She yawns.

"I know you did... I'm sorry." ''He smiles and hugs her. ''"Good morning though, how'd you sleep?"

"Fine... I think you woke up late at night though..."

"Yeah... Nothing but a bad dream, that's all... So we're waiting on Kanashimi so we can get ready for the day..."

Kanashimi is soon out of the shower, for a minute her eye color seems to be a red brown, but when she looks at him it's back to normal. "I'm all done."

''Drake blinks for a moment before rushing into the bathroom and locking the door. ''"Me next!" ''They soon can hear the shower running, a small laugh coming from Drake. ''"Haha, beat you to it, Noriko."

Noriko puffs her cheeks in protest, but slowly a evil grin crosses her face, and she shrinks into her fairy form and slips under the door, and sneaks into the shower, and then...

"Guess what Drakey? Shocky shocky shocky!" *ZZZZZAAAAAAP!*

''What can be heard is Drake shouting in pain as thuds can be heard, suggesting that he fell over. ''"NORIKO YOU EVIL EVIL EVIL EVIL GIRL!"

"A pride before a fall!" She cheers.

''He groans once more before grabbing a towel and covering himself with it. ''"Not fair..."

"At least I did a light shock this time~ It could have been so much worse! ....And I'm sorry."

"It's fine... Just please let me finish up here, then you can get ready too."

She gives him a tiny kiss before flying out the door.

''After a while, Drake exits the shower, with him drying his hair with a towel before grabbing his jacket. ''"Ok, Nori, you can go now, me and Kana will find something to eat, alright?"

Noriko nods, heading into the shower room after resuming her usual size, while Kanashimi joins Drake.

''Drake looks at Kanashimi. ''"So then, what do you want to eat?"

"Steaaaaak... with lots of spices...!"

"...It's the morning... But ok, let's see if they have that somewhere in this town, shall we? I doubt that this inn would serve something like that in the morning."

"I was kidding. But ask for porridge and I'll kill you. Bacon and eggs, I'd like that."

"Ok then." ''Drake goes down to the main floor and finds the inn keeper. ''"Umm, yeah, hi... Do we go to you to ask for food... Or?"

"The dining room is just down the hall, you can place an order with a waiter there."

"Oh ok, thank you." ''Drake then makes his way to the dining room and finds a table to sit at. ''

Kanashimi sits next to him, and gives him a hug, strangely more open than usual.

"Hmm? You seem more cheerful than usual, what's up?" Drake asks as he returns the hug, smiling.

"I... don't know." She says, shrugging.

''He blinks at her response. ''"Oh... Ok then? Well if that is the case, keep it up... I guess you had a good dream?"

"...Something like that? I just felt... at peace last night?"

"Well, regardless of what happened, I'm glad that you're feeling like that."

"Thanks I guess." The waiter arrives.

"May serve you this morning?"

''By this moment, Drake hits a complete blank, before looking at Kanashimi then back at the waiter. ''"Serve her first, I've kinda... Lost my train of thought."

"I'd like bacon and eggs." The waiter nods and goes to the kitchen.

"You... ok?"

"Yeah, just forgot what I wanted to eat. Strange..."

"You sure you ok? Did you say something about a nightmare last night?"

"I said nothing about a nightmare... But I did have a weird dream..."

"Weird dream?"

"Yeah... It's nothing though, it looked like someone's past... That's all."

She blinks, but says nothing else when the food arrives.

"Have you come up with anything you'd like to eat?" The waiter addresses Drake.

"Umm, I'll just have a drink please."

He nods, and departs for the kitchen, Kanashimi is busy eating, a less tense air about her than she usually has.

"I'm sorry about yesterday, Drake." She says after a while.

''Drake chuckles. ''"It's fine, I understand that you would be angered like that... Although it was a bit much, so apology accepted."

"Can you teach me to fight while we are traveling again?"

"I can't promise that since you know who we're getting chased by... Here and there, I'll see what I can do, but until we can get out of the heat, I can't give you full training."

"Thanks anyways. I'll look forward to it then."

''He smirks. ''"But, I will have to hold back... Don't want to dying a third time now do we?"

She doesn't smile. "I should kill you, just to give you the experience. You won't joke then."

"I doubt anyone would come back to revive me, and besides... Corruption, remember? Not a good idea."

"I could. Then kill you again. And then bring you back. You know, having the ability to kill people, and bring them back, only to kill them again? That's quite the punishment, don't you think so?" She says with a smirk.

"Any death I get is more than deserving due to what I've done... But I don't think you'll have the will to kill me."

"Neither do you have the will to kill me. So let's leave it at that." The waiter brings his drink.

"Thank you." Drake says as he takes a sip of his drink, a satisfied sigh escaping from his lips afterwards.

Noriko soon joins them. "How's the father daughter talk working out?" She says as she takes a seat.

"It's going fine... You took your time, didn't you?"

Her hair seems to still be wet. "Wanted to make sure I was nice and clean!"

"Ok ok... So, what are you having to eat? Kana is having bacon and eggs, I got a drink, so what 'bout you?"

Sparks fly as she shocks herself, releasing a thick cloud of steam into the air.

"Huh, I'm thinking... pancakes?"

"Alrighty then... Pancakes it is." ''He looks at the steam and sighs. ''"You really should just do that in the bedroom, I doubt that others enjoy steam in a dining room."

She only laughs. "It's not that bad..." The waiter returns soon with pancakes, and Noriko dives in.

"Even so, it's called being polite..."

Noriko tilts her head to one side. "Huh, I suppose so. Seems odd hearing that from you though," She remarks.

"Everyone has a sense of politeness, even me." He says, smirking as he takes another sip of his drink.

"Yet you can't even be nice to Aoi sometimes."

"H-Hey! I apologised, that's a good start!"

"Did you apologize for calling her a skimpy woman? ...Among other things? And yes, I know about that."

''Drake goes silent for a moment, taking a rather large sip of his drink. ''

"Is that a no?" She says with a sweet smile, though a large yellow bolt of electricity arcs from her.

"...Don't judge me."

"....Shocky."

"Oh good, a lover's quarrel." Kanashimi grumbles.

''Drake creates a small fireball and smiles. ''"Burny burny..."

Kanashimi grabs Drake's wrist and crushes it.

"Stop. Don't make me have to be the mature one here."

''Drake glances at Kanashimi and sighs. ''"Yeah yeah, alright." ''He yanks his hand away as he tends to it. ''"Then again, why was it just me?"

"Because she's on the other side of the table and you were the one about to torch the inn."

"...Because that's fair." He replies as he waits for Noriko and Kanashimi to finish their food.

Kanashimi soon finishes, then spends the time resting her head on Drake's shoulder.

Noriko orders another helping of pancakes, still hungry.

"Nice to know that being hunted down by Torrent and Kagerou makes you hungry... Huh, surprised you didn't ask fo--" Drake quickly puts his hand over his mouth before he mentions the dreaded cake.

She looks up, sensing that he was about to say something he didn't want her to hear. "Hmmmmm?"

"Nope! Nothing! Didn't mention a thing! Just eat your pancakes and lets go!"

"Awww..." She finishes, then reaches into a bag she had been carrying, and pulls out a cookie with a yellow frosting.

''Drake blinks. ''"...Y'know, you seem very calm about the whole thing."

"Nom! .....DRAKE!" She cheers, tackling him mere moments after devouring the cookie clear out of his seat.

"LET'S GO!" She cheers again, her hyperactivity kicking in.

''His eyes widen as he looks at Noriko. ''"Ok ok! Let's head off!" ''He says as he gets back up, he places a tip on the table and walks out the inn. He takes a look at where the group needs to go, he then looks back at Kanashimi and Noriko. ''"Ready?"

"YES!" Noriko chirps, then shrinks into her fairy form, orbits his head a few times, and then lands on his shoulder. Kana just laughs.

"Well, she's wound up. This should be amusing."

"I noticed... Well, might as well make this entertaining for me too..." ''Drake sprouts dragon wings and flies up above the village. ''"Time for a race!"

Kanashimi yawns. "I think I'll walk."

"You win and I'll train you in an instant."

"I'll lose anyway."

''Drake blanky looks at Kanashimi before landing down, his dragon wings dissipating into a blaze. He then starts to walk instead. ''"Buzzkill."

"You're the speed demon, I can't compete with that. But I certainly brought you back down to earth."

''He laughs. ''"Yeah yeah, fair enough... So we're gonna be walking... Although, I doubt it'll be long now..."

"Long until what?"

"Until we get to Chinmoku... If we fly, we get there much faster, but I imagine that walking it shouldn't be long now."

"Chinmoku is clear in the center of the country, we're arriving at the border! ...Though we will be safer at the border than out here. ....SWING, YEAAAAAAAAA!" Noriko starts using some of Drake's hair as a swing.

"See? It won't take long." He then begins his walk towards the border, tickling Noriko at times.

After a while, Noriko starts buzzing about Drake's head, making a noise akin to a bee as she races around his head in circles.

"WHEEEEEEE!"

"Nori... How long are you gonna do that for? Because I know you need a way to exert all of that energy, but you're gonna give me a headache."

In response, she immediately begins orbiting around Kanashimi's head, which causes the former CE to start running, trying to keep her out of range of her hair.

"There we go! Thanks Noriko, you've made a race!" He also begins to run, laughing at Kanashimi's desperation to escape from Noriko.

"Run angel run!" Noriko cheers, while Kana swears in frustration.

"Now now, Kana, enough with the foul mouth!" He says as he looks at Kanashimi, just now reaching up.

Noriko divebombs into Kana's hair, who furiously tries to get Noriko out. "OUT OUT OUT OUT OUT!" She barks, as she swats repeatedly at the fairy.

"Alright... Noriko! Into my hair now!" ''He says but then smiles. ''"Hey, at least you're running now."

"Nevar!" Noriko proclaims.

''He rolls his eyes and he runs up to Kanashimi and picks Noriko up. ''"C'mon Nori!"

"Awwwwww.... I was having fun...." She tries wiggling out of his grasp.

"I know I know, but it's best to leave Kanashimi as it is." He says as he places Noriko in his hair.

"....Giddy up horsey!" She starts pulling his hair, her wild hyperactivity not so easily daunted.

"Ow ow ow ow! I'm no horse I'm a dragon! OW!" ''He shouts as he reluctantly speeds up, grabbing Kanashimi's arm. ''"Since you're slower, you'll need to hold on!"

"Hey hey hey hey! Don't pull so hard!" She barks.

"Fine!" Drake picks her up and carries her on his back instead, he then smirks as he begins sprinting.

"Woah! Geez, you are just all cylinders today!"

"Well, considering the situation we're in... Obviously..." ''After a long while, Drake eventaully slows down to a stop and looks at Kanashimi. ''"Alright... Maybe now we can actually begin a bit of training." He says as he gets Kanashimi off of his back.

"Ooh! Yes! Let's!" Kanashimi says immediately.

''In response, Drake takes off his jacket and places it on a nearby rock, he then gets into a wierd stance where his left arm is over his chest, crossing up to his right shoulder while his right arm is infront of his left. The right hand clenched into a fist while the left is loose, he closes his eyes for a moment then opens them, looking directly at Kanashimi. ''"You ready?"

She gets into a ready stance.

"As good as I'll be..."

"I want you to strike first... If you can, at least."

Kanashimi creates a glowing sword of energy and slashes at him. "HA!"

''Drake quickly sidesteps to the left, turning towards Kanashimi's side while doing so. He then sends a fast strike towards Kanashimi's forearm before leg sweeping her all in one combined motion.''

She rolls back onto her feet and rushes forward, then abruptly turns her body and smashes her wing into his face.

''He gets knocked to the right but manages to stay upright, he then lunges forward to Kanshimi, using his left arm to push aside any strikes. Drake then turns his fist into an open palm and strikes her abdomen which causes her to get pushed back a strange amount.''

She grabs onto his hand and forces him closer, slamming a fist into his stomach.

''Drake sharply responds by bringing his right knee into Kanshimi's gut, he thenreaches out and grabs Kanashimi be her shirt and pulls her close, headbutting her. He then lets go and kicks her back, Kanashimi notice how Drake is completely focused, not saying a single word.''

Kanashimi staggers back, dazed.

''Seizing the opportunity, Drake runs towards her but jumps over her, landing behind her. He then quickly turns around and kicks the back of Kanshimi's right knee, causing her to kneel down. Drake then places his thumb against Kanashimi's neck. ''"I think I win."

In response, Kana flares her wings, completely toppling him over and she dive kicks him in the chest, a crack can be heard.

''Drake handsprings back up and takes a moment to let his cracked ribs regenerate, Drake then narrows his eyes and gets back into the fighting stance. He then rushes towards Kanashimi and kicks her right side then makes a powerful strike to her stomach, he then finishes off by grabbing Kanashimi's left arm and tossing her to the floor. ''

She gets to her feet, panting for a moment, but does not stop. When she next attacks, she acts more defensively and focuses more on blocking and counters, occasionally attempting to exploit any openings she can find.

"You're doing great, Kana." ''Drake says as he sweeps his right foot across the floor, causing dust to fly into Kanashimi's eyes. Drake then sends a multitude of strikes around pressure points which in turn numb Kanashimi down until Drake clasps both his hands together and swings at Kanashimi's chest, knocking her back on the floor.''

Kanashimi tries to stand but has great difficulty.

''He walks over to her and holds out his hand. ''"Wanna hand?"

She takes it with a grumble. "Well that was embarrassing."

"You went against a heavily trained mercenary who knows military CQC, you had little chance." He jokingly says as he helps Kanashimi up.

"Hmmph."

''He smiles. ''"Don't worry, soon, you'll be great."

"Sure, then you'll have to treat me to this legendary lemon cake you and Noriko are so obsessed over."

"DID SOMEBODY SAY, 'LEMON CAKE?!" Noriko cries out.

"...God dammit Kana, nothing Noriko! Just settle down!"

"WHEEEEEEEEE!" She starts flying around, darting all over the place.

"Well that went out the window pretty damn fast... And I'm not obsessed over the cake, it's just Noriko and her entire family."

"Huh, I thought you liked it too. ...And oops."

"I like the cake, I'm just not obsessed." He says, chuckling, he then grabs his jacket and places it on his shoulder as he begins walking again.

Noriko after a while settles down and flies into Drake's hair.

''He reaches his hand up and strokes Noriko's back as he smiles. ''"Are we calm now?"

"Ahhhhhhhh....." She purrs at the touch. "Maaaybe."

"That's good to hear, I have a feeling we're getting close... Not long now, girls..."

Noriko climbs around on his head for a while, then eventually she crawls to the front of the top of his head and her tiny head peers down at him upside down.

"Drake, what do you think of... us?"

"I'm proud of us... I'm happy that we're together, that I'm not alone, that I have a companion and loved one who stands by my side. It's a bit of a silly question, Noriko, especially since you know the answer."

"No no... I should have said... ...what's a good way to put it? What do you think of us in the future?"

"In the future...?" ''Drake asks, before chuckling. ''"...I don't quite know how to answer that, really... I'm not one who thinks about the future, I worry about now. But if I had to say, it looks positive."

"...I love you."

"I love you too." He says as he strokes Noriko once more.

"Ooooooo..... ....That borderline tickles!" She giggles.

He smiles and traces his finger over Noriko until he finds a ticklish spot on her, he then focuses there and begins to tickle her.

"AHHH! NO! No tickling! No tickling!" She laughs.

"Hahaha! Tickle tickle tickle!" He says, chuckling.

''"Nom!" ''She bites at his finger tip.

Drake puts his hand in front of his face as he looks at Noriko now dangling just by her teeth, he then wagles his finger around in an attempt to shake her off.

She wraps her small arms and legs around it stubbornly. He sees her stick her tiny tongue out playfully.

He smiles once more as he hovers his hand over his hair, allowing Noriko to sit back in it.

Kanashimi shakes her head. "She really likes that hair of yours, doesn't she?"

"Yeah, but I guess my hair is comfy... Somehow... The others enjoyed sitting on my hair too." ''When Drake says that, he has a quick silence before forcily coughing. ''"Uuuh anyways..."

"Soooooooft..." Noriko purrs.

"See? Apparently my hair is soft." Drake says before walking again.

Noriko begins to sniff. "Huh..."

"Hmm? What's up, Nori?"

"...I thought for a second I smelled Kado's scent on the wind..."

"...Kado's scent? ...Surely he isn't in Echo too, right?"

"No, I can smell it. He either is in the world, or just left. But I can smell the scent in the air. It's not unlikely though, he may be here on personal business."

''Drake blinks. ''"...I find it kinda weird how you can instantly scent out Kado just like that, maybe we can say hello?"

She crawls down into his face. "The scent feels like it's been wafting around a while, I'd say a few hours. I just now picked it up, and I had to make sure. Besides, scents of people closer to us are easier for us to memorize. I bet you're just jealous that you have a evolutionary inferior sense of smell!"

"Hmph... Jealous, yeah, why would I be jealous of someone who has the same sense of smell as a dog?" He playfully says.

"Well I'd be a better bounty hunter, 'cause I'd be able to find them faster than you~" She replies.

"But seriously though, you'd never look at flowers the same if you had this nose..."

"...Then I'm glad I don't have that kind of nose, I'm happy with the nose I got." ''He says, he then looks at Noriko. ''"Pfft, bounty hunters... Mercenaries is where it's at, Nori."

She giggles for some reason.

"What is it now, Noriko?" He asks.

She starts growing to full size, still sitting on his head.

"Wow... You're lighter than I thought... Now why are you sitting on my head?"

"Because I can."

"...Oooook." ''Drake then takes a look around. ''"So you're saying that Kado is in our area?"

"His scent is. I don't know how far ahead he would be though. Why?"

"Well, it would be nice to say hello, wouldn't it?" ''Drake says before he begins to run. ''"Better catch up!"

"Wait, shouldn't we go to Chinmoku? What if Torrent catches up?!" Noriko yelps, trying not to fall off as she shrinks again.

"Me, You, Kado and Kanashimi versus a CE and Torrent, I think we have a chance to win if they do catch up... Besides I always have a quicker way to get to Kado."

"Huh? Quicker way? You don't know where he is! ...I just know he's somewhere, in a general area, I don't know where exactly he is!"

''Drake smirks and opens his HSC, pulling out a pink mask. ''"I got this from our little scuffle in Upnation... Get scenting, Nori."

"I'm not your bloodhound!" She protests.

"Don't you wannna see your bestest friend Kado?" He asks, a coy smile on his face.

"...Gaaaaaah... ...wait, aren't you my bestest friend?"

''Drake blinks. ''"...Your OTHER bestest friend."

"*Yawn* ...I'm gonna take a nap... ...zzzzzzzz..."

"Ok then..." Drake says as he takes a prolonged look around, shrugging afterwards as he starts to pick up his walking pace.

Kanashimi catches up with Drake, and casually elbows him. "You get a weird feeling?" She asks as they start to climb up the mountains.

"Hmm? What do you mean, weird feeling?"

"...There is... something watching us. It feels as though there's an... eye."

"Of course, because us getting a break for longer than a month is a damn myth to us now." Drake gets to a place where he can rest for a moment and takes a look around, his hand firmly gripping Kurai's handle.

"''Who are you? And why do you have a member of Phoenix in your company?" ''A old man's booming voice rings out of nowhere as a large flaming eye appears in front of him, its dark pupil staring at him.

''Drake blinks for a moment, retaining his confindent but stern expression. ''"She's an ex-member, she defected from Phoenix, why are you asking."

"Because I am the Grand Eye, the great Emperor of All East Flora, of the great Empire of Chinmoku. None enters my borders without permission. Name thyself and thy purpose, or you shall be denied entrance!"

''Drake says nothing before standing up, looking at the Grand Eye, he then shakes his head in annoyance. ''"I am Drake Ryunexo, my group and I are seeking refuge, either that or to leave Echo if possible."

"...You seek refuge? From whom?"

"A member from Phoenix and a Chaos Engine."

"...Very well. Enter."

''Drake looks at Kanashimi and nods before taking one giant leap down the mountain, bouncing from rock to rock as he scales down to the ground. Reaching Chinmoku territory, he then takes a sigh of relief. ''"There... We're finally here."

Weathering The Storm
Kanashimi elects to take a more safe route, landing behind him after a few more minutes.

"I guess I should wake her up now..." ''Drake taps Noriko's back. ''"Wakey wakey."

"Mmmmpph..." She stirs.

"We're in Chinmoku, Noriko."

She quietly looks about after rousing. "...Still looks like forests and swamps to me."

''Drake rolls his eyes. ''"We're in Chinmoku territory..." ''He then sprouts out dragon wings and flies up above the trees and takes a look around. ''

He sees countless miles of forest and swamps ahead.

"...HOW BIG IS THIS DAMN PLACE!?" ''He shouts. ''"...Noriko, you do know where the city is, right?"

"....You could fit Euroasia inside each respective region of Echo," She yawns. "In the heartlands of East Flora."

"The heartlands..." ''Drake sighs as he then asks Noriko. ''"Is Echo always this tedious?" He says as he lands back down and walks to the heartlands.

Noriko hops down and grows to full size. "To adventure!" She cheers. They soon find their way into a large swamp. As they walk, Drake thinks he sees a flickering light in the nearby water.

''Drake takes a look at the water for a moment before glancing the surrounding area. ''"...I swear, Echo just keeps getting weirder and weirder..."

Noriko comes up close to the water. "Ooooh, shiny!"

"Is it normally like this?" Drake asks as he goes up to the water.

A huge pale tenticle like that of a squid suddenly lashes onto Drake and pulls him in the water, where a absolutely giant squid attacks him. The water of the swamp is actually somehow incredibly deep, he can only see black below him.

''He quickly gains tribal patterns as he creates an air dome around him, an orb of light circling around which lightens up the water which reveals more of the squid. ''"Ok then... Time to make some calamari."

He notes even with the light, there is pitch black immediately below, implying the depths of these waters is truely monsterous. If one were to drain the swamps, there would likely be sheer cliffs for miles down. The squid smashes him into a jagged cliff with one of its tenticles, and attempts to bite him with its giant beak like jaw.

''Drake quickly unsheathes Shizuka and Kurai and holds one up and one down to stop the beak from biting down. ''"NORIKO! IF YOU CAN HEAR ME, YOUR HAIR IS A HORRIBLE COLOUR!"

He hears: "No, Noriko! Don't zap the water!"

"WELL YOUR HAIR LOOKS STUPID!" She retorts as a large lightning bolt blasts the water.

''Drake smirks as he sees the squid react painfully to the lightning. ''"Hehe... NORIKO THAT WAS PATHETIC! YOU CALL THAT A LIGHTNING BOLT?! WHAT ARE YOU, AN EX-MEMBER OF PHOENIX OR A TINY SPARK!?"

Drake hears ominous thunder rumbling.

"Here it comes..." Drake says as he creates a shielded dome around himself, preparing for the storm of lightning to happen.

Many numerous even bigger bolts of lightning shock the water repeatedly.

"''You. Are. MEAN!" ''Noriko snaps.

''Drake sees the squid begin to screech in pain as it gets eletricuted, it ends up retreating deeper into the waters. Drake takes a sigh then flies back out of the water to see a very angry Noriko. ''"Uuuuh... Sorry?"

"Grrrrr.... Shocky."

She can hear Drake gulp as he prepares to get shocked.

She swats him in the face instead. "Next time just ask for help, jerk!"

"Ow... Ok ok... I'll ask for help next time."

She slaps him again.

"Ow! Ok! I take back what I said about you."

"..." She slaps him again. "You haven't apologized."

"Ow ow ow! Ok, I'm sorry!"

"Yes you are. Hug!" She gives him a bear hug.

Drake blinks before rolling his eyes again, hugging her too.

Kanashimi rolls her eyes. "Now that's out of the way, the moral of this story is to leave shiny lights in the swamp alone!"

"Yeah, no wonder." Drake laughs as he treads through the swamp, his left hand clenching a black fireball just in case.

Nothing really occurs, though as they continue through the swamp, they notice plenty of animal noises.

"Hmm, well at least Echo is populated with animals... Some that like to kill me, but still... So we're in Chinmoku's territory... Massive city I'm guessing."

"It is! Miles and miles and miles and miles of gardens and temples and towers and cities..." Noriko carries on, mentioning every possible thing she's heard about it for the next hour. Drake suspects she's been at the lemon cookies again.

"Ok then, Chinmoku is a biiiiiiiig place. I got that Noriko, thanks." ''He says near the end of it, not being as eager to listen to Noriko about how the grass is the perfect shade of green. ''"For now, let's just hope that we can get there soon."

"Awww, but the grass is supposed to be like emeralds shining in the sunlight... ...or moonlight in this case."

''He chuckles as he reaches out with his right hand to holds Noriko's hand, he then smiles. ''"I imagine they do, but I don't need to be told about a planets beauty since I can witness it myself."

"...Ok... ...." After a few moments... "Do you think they have a museum about cake?"

"...I need to hide those cookies from you."

"Nu~" She protests, holding her bag out of his reach.

''When Drake sees the bag, his pupils widen like a cats as he focuses on it. He then playfully smirks and quickly sidesteps around Noriko, suddenly she can feel a tug on the bag.''

It suddenly slips out of his grasp as it flies away on its own, Noriko has a playful expression. "I may have learned some fairy magic from Michi~" She says cheerfully.

''Drake looks at Noriko and pouts. ''"Pleaaaaaaaase can I have the bag?" His wide pupil eyes show a hint of sadness behind them.

"Very well... ...you may have a cookie. ...Or maybe half of one."

''He smiles as he looks at Noriko, looking similar to a cat who is about to get food. ''

The bag tilts and drops a cookie on his head, then flies even higher out of reach.

''Drake grabs hold of the cookie and takes a single bite out of it, he then smirks as his dragon wings suddenly sprout out, stretching out fully before he looks at Kanashimi and Noriko. ''"...I wonder how fast we can get to the city..."

Noriko shakes her head. "It's like you keep forgetting that you leave us in the dust."

"Pretty sure you control lightning, Nori... And Kanashimi-- ...Yeah ok fair enough." ''He replies as he shrugs and continues to walk. ''

Kanashimi growls. "Sure, pick on the girl who can't run fast, that's cool."

''Drake blinks and looks at Kanashimi. ''"...You have wings, don't you?"

"That doesn't equal speed, o boastful one."

"Ok ok... So that's another thing I'll have to teach you."

"Rub it in. See where it gets you. Better than me blah blah blah, original superior blah blah blah..."

Noriko later finds a cave. "This looks like a good place to set up camp."

"Alright." ''Drake enters the cave and starts to create orbs of light so the group don't stumble into anything, he then looks at the two. ''"Should I make a campfire?"

"Burn! Burn!" Noriko cheers as she quickly stuffs a slice of lemon cake in her mouth.

"Ok then, campfire it is." ''Drake responds as he goes out and gathers some wood before going back into the cave, he stacks the sticks and such and circles it with some stones, he then clicks his fingers which cause sparks to fly onto the sticks. Causing the wood to set ablaze.''

Noriko then takes out a pack from her backpack revealing... ...Cyanic food. "Mother prepared some for you before you left!"

''He smiles softly as he takes the Cyanican food. ''"Thank you Momoka..." ''He then looks at Noriko. ''"Your mother is amazing!" ''He exclaims as he starts to cook some of the food, a couple of minutes pass and he is delightfully eating. ''

Noriko makes Kanashimi and herself some food, though she is a little quiet, looking around.

''He looks at Noriko. ''"Hey, you alright? Something caught your nose, what is it girl? Did you find a bone?" He playfully asks.

"Oh it's nothing. I'm just thinking. Taking in the surroundings. I haven't been around here in a while."

"Ah alright, that makes sense... It's nice to be somewhere you know, isn't it?"

"Yeah I guess." After a while of silence she finishes her meal. "...I'm going to sleep now." She says, walking to the wall of the cave.

''Drake takes a moment to look outside the cave before looking over at Noriko with a slightly concerned face, he then looks at Kanashimi. ''"Maybe you should get some rest too, Kana."

She nods. "Yeah, I guess I will. Good night."

"Goodnight, sleep well." ''He finishes his food and stands in front of the cave entrance with his hand on Kurai's handle, a shadowy figure forms beside Drake, also looking out. ''"What is there to worry about? You've made it here." ''Drake sighs. ''"Somehow, I don't believe that..." ''Corruption shrugs and leans against a cave wall, looking at Drake. ''"And if they do arrive, do you think you can beat them?" ''A moment of silence passes by. ''"...Honestly, I can't think I can beat them... I have to hope I can."

The night is still, oddly enough.

"...This night is gonna take forever..." ''Drake says as he takes one more glance around before shrugging, he then calls out for Praxi and opens his spellbook. The werelight and Drake then start to practice with more Cyanican spells until sun rises.''

When it is time to wake up, the girls are still asleep.

''Drake looks over at them and sighs. ''"...I'll give them ten more minutes." ''During that time he snuffs out the campfire, erases the rune circles and takes care of the leftover food. As he puts stuff away into his HSC, he sees the Processor with Seriah inside, he takes a sigh. ''"Well... Let's see..." He takes out the Processor and looks at it, seeing the asleep face of the girl inside, he hesitates for a moment before opening the panel. He clenches his fists. "Let's hope the sapphire works when I activate it..."

When he opens the device, he sees a girl no older than five years old sleeping inside, Seriah has been completely reverted back into a child.

''He looks at her hand and sees the sapphire still intact. ''"Ok..." ''He then lightly bops her nose. ''"Seriah? Wake up, it's me."

She quietly begins opening her eyes, her eyes don't seem to reconize him right away. "Mmmmm....?" She moans, waking up.

''Drake reaches in and picks her up, he takes the sapphire and places it in his pocket. ''"Seeeeeriah, do you remember me...?"

"Mmmm.... .....Dra...Drake.....? Friend?" She asks, her voice weak.

''He smiles and hugs her. ''"It's ok, take your time Seriah."

She cuddles up against him, her slim childish body cold. Neither Noriko or Kana have woken.

''Drake walks over to the two and nudges them. ''"Wake up you two."

Once he touches Noriko, she bursts into lightning, dissipating into nothing. Drake can no longer sense her presence in the area.

''Drake's eyes widen as he tries to sense her presence over and over but to no avail, he then starts to shake Kanashimi. ''"Kana wake up! Noriko's gone!"

"Errrmmmm.... ....Wuuuut?" She says groggily.

''He shouts loud enough for Kanashimi to spring up. ''"NORIKO IS GONE!"

"HOLY CRAP! Wait, Noriko is gone? Gone where?" She says, now alert.

"I don't know, that's the thing... Why would she have gone like this, there's no nee-- ...Oh no, Torrent and Kagerou..."

"...She isn't that headstrong is she?"

"She's dating me, of course she's headstrong... Alright, let's find her." ''Drake puts the Processor into the HSC and stores it away, he then sprouts out dragon wings and exits the cave, he then looks at Seriah. ''"Hold on tight, it may be a bumpy ride."

A Battle of Fate
For the next thirty minutes, there is no sign until Kanashimi sees a massive storm raging further to the west.

"Holy crap look at all the tornadoes and lightning!" She yelps.

"That'll be them!" ''Drake turns West and races towards it, gritting his teeth along the way. ''"She better be ok..."

In the far distance, explosions of lightning and wind can be seen on the ground. Drake notices it is very difficult to even fly, and it only gets worse the closer to the ground they get.

''He manages to land but due to the strong winds, Drake gets pushed back and starts to struggle to stand. But nevertheless, he continues to reach his destination, a determinded expression on his face.''

He is barely able to make them out, but he can see two figures clashing, Noriko and Torrent, though they appear to be exchanging blows, not dueling with Slayers. Noriko is faster, but Torrent is stronger.

"...That's two... Where's the other one..." Drake firmly grips Kurai's handle and attempts to intervene.

The two kick each other in the stomachs, and separate. The din dies down.

".....Now then... ....if we're done smacking each other, can we please quit with the drama already? Noriko. White has sent me to ask you to return. Your services are not yet at an end." Torrent says cooly.

"I refuse." Noriko says equally as coldly.

Drake notices she's wearing the same battle armor as during the battle with Valeric and Jibaku.

"Noriko. You're eccentric, but I know you don't do things without your reasons. Not when it matters. So I'm going to ask you again. Return. Quietly. There will be consequences if you do not."

"And you don't know me if you think I'll change my mind!"

"So, I'm going to have to beat the tar out of you then."

''Drake creates a black fireball and clenches it tightly. ''"Corruption, you know what to do." ''A shadow forms out of Kurai's sheath and slithers off as he looks at Seriah. ''"I need you to hide somewhere, alright? I'll be back soon." ''Drake then creates a volley of black fireballs around him then points towards Torrent, which cause the multitude of them to blast towards him. Each one causing a dark explosion on contact, engulfing Torrent within. ''

Torrent dodges them while charging at Noriko, who charges him in turn, striking him with a lariat to the neck.

"Drake, just leave! I'll be fine!"

"Not a chance Noriko, there's no way I'm leaving you be to fight him by yourself." ''Drake clenches his fists when he looks at Torrent. ''"Besides, the bastard pissed me off at Yosai, so I'll enjoy this..."

Torrent ignores him, focusing his attack. Meanwhile however, Corruption has been intercepted by Kagerou, who eyes him with a deadly grin, then impaling the shadow.

"Hmmm.... why don't you... kick Drake's ass instead? Take over his body and betray him?" The CE suggests with a smirk, but it's no mere casual taunt. Corruption suddenly finds himself turning on Drake instead.

''Corruption lunges forward and strikes Drake which causes him to crash back into a tree, with Corruption swiftly reaching out of him. Drake quickly grabs his arm and throws him to the ground, rune circles appear around Corruption as a dome of light encases him inside. ''"Corruption? ...What the hell?" ''He sighs as he steps away from the dome. ''"I guess that means that the CE found you... Ok then Kagerou, come out where ever you are."

From behind him Kagerou appears from the shadows, Drake barely able to dodge as the large sword slashes his back.

"I knew what you were doing the moment you tried it, 'dad'. You're going to have to be more clever than ''that!" ''He says, blasting Drake with a wave of ice.

''Drake jumps back and sends out a wave of fire which melts the ice. "A bit hypocritical, isn't it? 'yeah, I'll just attack a fire user with ice!'" Drake sighs as he gets into the same fighting stance he was in when he sparred with Kanashimi. ''"Come on then 'son', how me what you got!"

Kagerou makes a hammer made of ice, then charges Drake, swinging to smash his head.

''Drake uses his left hand to redirect the arm to the left of Drake, missing the smash. He then lunges forward and strikes Kagerou's throat with his right hand before grabbing his shirt and pulling him in for a headbutt.''

Just as he is about to get bashed in the head, he winks, as Drake is suddenly smashed in the head with a several ton sledgehammer from behind, and then shocked with lightning as Kagerou jabs him in the back.

"SURPRISE!"

"Hmph..." Drake quickly turns and sends out a wave of black fire at Kagerou, then dashes at him only to sidestep to the left and elbow Kagerou's jaw before firing a blast of fire in his side.

The Kagerou he was attacked by from behind merely explodes in a blast of earth, partially locking Drake in place as the real Kagerou slashes off one of Drake's arms.

''Drake makes a roar in agony as he grasps the wound, he glares at Kagerou before fading away from black fire. The dome Corruption was in shatters as he stumbles back up, Drake appears beside Corruption. ''"Now... Now you fucked up, boy." ''Corruption then merges back into Drake and a demonic black slickly arm replaces the missing one, sharpened claws and spikes traliing up the side of the arm. He unsheathes Kurai and to Kagerou's surprise, it changed into what seems to be a demonic greatsword yet Drake swings it around with ease. One of Drake's eyes is dyed completely black as he smirks, a big fang showing.''

Kagerou only smirks. "That all?" He is not intimidated at all.

''Drake takes a single step towards Kagerou, but once he does, black fire erupts from under him but causes no harm. Drake then lunges towards Kagerou and swings the greatsword horizontally, which causes a massive wave of light to blast out of the blade, slashing across Kagerou's body.''

Kagerou merely jumps over the slash and lands on the blade itself, then gives Drake a grin before flicking him on the nose, followed by a foot smash straight into Drake's teeth, breaking over a dozen of them, then flipping back several yards.

"Youuuuuu'll have to do better than thaaaaaaaat~" Kagerou chirps, amused.

''In response, Drake right arm stretches out and wraps around Kagerou, he then smashes him through multiple trees and then the floor. Kagerou then gets pulled back to Drake as he creates a rune circle which causes bone-like spikes to rise up and impale Kagerou's arms and legs. The arm retracts as the claws extend, Drake stomps down on his abdomen and slashes his chest enough for one of them to get forced open.''

No damage is taken.

"Seriously? And you're using your Primative Mode for fucks sake Drake! What was all of that original crap anyway? Pathetic! I was holding back, and I haven't even released my Aura Dragon! Pathetic!"

Kagerou's fist smashes into Drake's chest, breaking through and tearing up a lung. He then throws Drake off with an annoyed grunt.

"What do you take me for, a clone?! Pathetic, Drake Ryunexo! You gotta earn this ass kicking!" The CE finally draws his sword, but seems in no hurry to take a combat stance.

''Drake simply laughs as he looks at Kagerou. ''"This isn't even a Primitive form... It's simply me allowing Corruption to take some control." ''He looks at Kurai then back at Kagerou. ''"I don't take you as a clone, nor as an equal... To put it blunty, I'm ashamed that you were made using my DNA." ''Drake spins Kurai around then sheathes it. ''"Let's put you through a bit of mercenary sparring, kiddo." ''He then clicks his fingers as massive amounts of spikes form out of the ground around the two, red tribal markings appear on the right arm as Drake rushes towards Kagerou and punches him in the guy. Kagerou then feels like he was impaled but no wounds show it, Drake then jumps back and glances at Kagerou.''

The form of Kagerou disfigures, then is blown apart by a burst of lava, which despite the presence of Kurai still burns him severely. Kagerou's hand, dripping with lava, appears out of a tree, and he slips out with a smirk on his face.

"Confused, Drake? Don't blame you. Look at it this way... lava is both fire and earth. ...unfortunately for you, that means that you can't properly fight against it. Only reduce the damage. There's a nice lesson, eh? Learned it from White. Might want to lose the cocky attitude, or you'll die. Painfully. Remember that I'm packing the genetics of multiple Myths, an archangel, and you. Now fight seriously, villain, or I'll have to make you get serious."

He takes his sword, and disassembles it into its dual blade form. Black flames begin to flicker about him.

"A villain wouldn't fight to protect the one they love, as for you. You're simply following orders like a drone, you're no hero, you're a slave. You're a slave to someone who wants to enslave everything and everyone, a hero fights for a cause while the villain will seek to aid only themselves. So tell me then, Kagerou, what do you fight for?" Once that is said, Drake unsheahtes Shizuka and gets into a stance.

Kagerou flourishes his blades. "That's something you, villain, will have to find out on your own. Or rather, should I say, you will have to earn." With a flicker of movement, he attacks, his attacks far faster than the ones Drake dealt with back at the palace, difficult to counter and keep up with.

Meanwhile, Noriko and Torrent continue their duel, but have now begun exchanging steel rather than fists, the swordsmenship incredibly to behold, Torrent is like a living incarnation of every storm known to man, like the fiercest tornado, the mightiest hurricane, but also graceful in movement as a breeze, all in an continous line of attacks. Noriko's attacks are fast, furious, and impossible to follow, she moves as though she were electricity herself.

''The tribal markings on Drake's right arm glow once more as he sends out a quick shockwave to give himself some breathing room. He charges towards Kagerou only to dissipate into black fire, disappearing for only a moment. Just to appear behind Kagerou in a split second to elbow his back, sending the spike sensation throughout his spine and blasting him across the floor.''

Kagerou effortlessly flips back onto his feet and slashes at Drake, the slashes travel across the distance between the two fighters.

"Hmmm, you know, I thought you said you were going to fight side by side on this one? What a terrible liar you are..." Kagerou says as he ducks under Drake's guard and repeatedly stabs him in the stomach after lifting him off the ground with a single hand.

He smirks at Drake. "It looks like she isn't doing so hot right now."

As he says this, Noriko charges Torrent, preparing to body slam Torrent, who feigns to be taken off guard, but sidesteps and grabs her by the hair as she sails past, then grabs her head and slams her into the ground, shaking the area violently. Torrent jumps back as a bombardment of lightning nearly hits him.

"Get up, I know you have more spunk than that. Or are you all talk?" Torrent says.

Kagerou chuckles. "Hmmm, I wonder if I should end this already..." He sneers.

''In a rush attack, Drake goes in and bites down on Kagerou's shoulder, hard. He rips through the shoulder and slashes Kagerou across the chest once more, Drake then kicks him off of him and looks at Torrent before looking back at Kagerou. He then grabs him, sets him ablaze then tosses him towards Torrent. Drake then makes a demonic roar as his wings sprout out, with the one on the right being demonic instead of draconic. He flies towards the two in a blink of an eye and smashes them into the ground, simply giving them a cold stare.''

Torrent seems to have not been affected, the blow does seem to have properly connected. With a flick of his wrist, he blows Drake straight into a mountain, then dusts himself off. He pulls Kagerou up, who chuckles. "That actually hurt for once." His shoulder and chest wound heals.

Torrent looks at Noriko, who is now getting on her feet. "Kagerou."

"Yes?"

"Play with her a bit. I want to teach the pup a life lesson."

"As you wish."

Torrent sheathes his sword, and walks forward, while Kagerou watches as Noriko gets to her feet.

''Drake appears right in front of Torrent and growls, he kicks him in the stomach then smashes a black fireball into his chest. ''

The kick doesn't even budge Torrent, and the fireball is dissipated by a shield of wind.

"Is that it?" Torrent asks, as a blade of wind slices off Drake's hand.

"...I know that this battle, I won't win. Such as fate goes, but, I'll make sure I remember that disgusting face of yours... And just to be sure." ''He charges forwards and extends his claws out as he slashes Torrent's face, causing his mask to get ripped to shreads, he then swings Kurai which causes a wave of light to erupt from the blade and collide into Torrent. ''

Right next to Drake, Torrent suddenly stands and grabs Drake's face hard, then with his bare hands rips and tears Drake's skin, causing a horrid gash on Drake's forehead, then he punches Drake straight in the eye, the force breaking Drake's skull around the eyehole.

"You're right. If pathetic insults are the best you have, you don't have a prayer."

''Despite all the damage, Drake just sniggers as he looks at Torrent. ''"Eien... You bastard... Heh." ''Any wounded areas gets coated with the same black material as Drake's entire right arm, he then unsheathes Shizuka. The tribal markings on both blades begin to glow as he begins to slash Torrent's chest, Torrent then notices that Shizuka's tribal markings turn yellow as a bolt of lightning spews out and goes right through him, shocking all his insides with imense pain. ''

Torrent merely dodges the slashes after the first strike, then karate chops Drake's normal shoulder, to Drake's surprise the strike completely cuts the shoulder and arm off, making him drop Shizuka. With his next strike, he makes a claw motion, slicing Drake's chest open.

''Drake takes a couple of steps back, looking at his wounds, he then sighs. ''"Fuck it..." ''He makes one final charge to Torrent and grabs hold of him. ''"Shadow Cast: Oblivion Equalizer!" ''The two get covered in a black substance, Torrent then feels the sensation of all the pain Drake had done to him but to himself. But it doesn't last long as Drake is forced to let go, he coughs up a worrying amount of blood as he takes a glance at Torrent. ''"Fuck you..." ''Drake roars as a black draconic aura surrounds him, his eyes glow red as his entire left arm and shoulder regenerates, he then smirks. ''"Regeneration... Hehe." ''Drake flickers like a flame as he disappears for a moment, as Torrent looks around, he suddenly gets grabbed from behind. Drake then throws him over his shoulder and spin kicks him into a tree, shattering a couple of Torrent's ribs. ''

Torrent gets to his feet with little trouble, then looks over at the battle between Noriko and Kagerou, which Drake notice is not going well at all, as Noriko at this point is just being toyed with by the CE, dodging her moves and occasionally attacking with overwhelming force. One of her arms is broken, and she has a small cut on her stomach. She overall is basically holding on as best as she can.

Torrent then looks back at Drake as Kagerou leaps back from a strike to his side.

"I think your party is ready."

Kagerou makes a large grin. "Oh? Is the slaughter set then?"

"They are but lambs to the slaughter."

Kagerou's eyes get a strange, sinister look to them, the look makes Corruption nervous, just like before.

''Drake looks at Kagerou and growls. ''"So then... I'm guessing if he has a branch of you, he can go Primitive just like Daikeim and I..." ''He turns his body to look at Kagerou, he smirks. ''"This will work wonders..."

Noriko looks over at Drake, and seeing his wounds, she looks almost heartbroken. She looks away, tears on her face.

"...Why....? Everything would have been fine...." She grips her sword tight.

Torrent walks back to his position facing her. "Noriko, this childishness has gone on far enough. Your childish attitude needs to be put to an end! You chafe on responsibility and refuse to accept the way of things. Neither you or Drake can stand against us. So for the last time. Come now."

"NO!" Noriko screams in anger. "NO, NO, NO, NO! I WILL NOT!"

"...Emotions serve nothing but to cause one pain, Noriko. Why is it that you drive yourself to pointless anger, raise your sword and fight? You are being a child, just as you've always been! When are you going to grow up?! I grow tired of this. Why will you not make this easy on yourself and just go?"

She clenches her teeth together, grinding them in her agitation. "I love him, damn it! I'm tired of the fighting! Tired and tired of her lies! Her schemes, her endless fighting and destruction! Above all, I'll fight to remain free of the poison she has fed us all these years, so I can be happy for once! He makes me happy, which is why I'll never go back, not to that empty existence!"

Torrent is silent for a moment. "...Then it appears... ...that before I beat you senseless, and take you before White... I'll be sure to tear him apart... limb from limb... ...when I'm done... I won't leave even his head intact.... so you can look at his bloody heap as the last memory you have before you understand true emptiness, true despair... ...and the meaningless of it all."

He draws his sword and points it at her. "You might want to say goodbye... ...because he'll be dead soon." A green aura begins to surround him, and the wind begins to pick up. Violently.

She snarls, and her whole body becomes charged with intense electricity, her hair going wild, and she practically glows golden.

"I won't say goodbye.....! BECAUSE I WON'T LET YOU TOUCH HIM!" She roars, as the cry of an eagle echoes loudly, and about the same time, the howl of a wolf goes off. The two slayers become cloaked in massive spheres of lightning and wind.

"Lightning.....!"

"Wind..."

"PHOENIX MODE!" They roar, and a massive eagle of every color of lightning bursts into being, and a massive wolf composed of howling winds tears through the sphere of wind, and howls, sending twisters rampaging through the valley.

''Drake looks at the fight with slight amazment. ''"So that's a power of a Phoenix member... Impressive... But as for you..." ''Drake looks back at Kagerou, his draconic aura tail swaying behind him. ''"So then, did you listened to what Torrent said? Sounded 'heroic', didn't it." ''Drake says sarcasticlly. ''"I find it hilarious how you see yourself as a hero in this story, Kagerou, when in reality, you are what I said you were; a drone. Someone who just follows orders, but I'm done repeating myself..." ''Drake clenches both his fists and makes a confindent growl. ''

The section of the valley begins to tremble, as an insane grin begins to spread on Kagerou's face.

"''Ha ha ha... you done barking, bitch?" ''His voice is completely different, deeper, darker, like that of a monster. A powerful, dark aura is present.

"A bit ironic, coming from the lecturer." ''Drake doesn't seem phased, infact he smirks at Kagerou. He then flickers out of sight then smashes down on top of Kagerou with a forceful kick before flipping backwards, landing on his feet with a black fireball in his hand. He then drives the fireball into Kagerou's back which causes an explosion which knocks the two back.''

When Drake delivers the kick, Kagerou doesn't seem to budge, and the following explosions do little to budge the CE, Drake realizes why when he sees Kagerou again: he is covered in twisted black dragon armor, pulsating with a fiendish aura.

"As I was saying," The CE jeers, sounding not affected at all, "Done barking? Perhaps you're as block headed as you seem. The words you spoke just now? The seeing myself as a hero thing? Those were just the pointless deluded ramblings of a tattered mind. You could say that was the old Kagerou... the one before White completed her experiments. She just... what's a good word? Stretched what was left back over me so that she could at least keep me from blowing up any living thing I happened to see. That's all. This, is the true Kagerou. A weapon of war, as you say, so it is.

''But... hahaha... I don't blame that ragdoll. I mean, when you live your life as a fake, not even real anymore, and you just want to be important, to not be yesterday's trash, I do suppose one goes any length to delude themselves so. Even more so... ...if they find an existence superior to themselves. One which they can't help but admire, to look up to... ...to want to be.... ''

''Oh you didn't know? Kagerou is absolutely obsessed with you.... ....and you've done nothing but degrade every ounce of his already worthless pathetic existence. Oh the hatred, oh the pain, the misery he feels, knowing that not only is he a fake, he isn't loved or even accepted by the one being he looks up to, Drake Ryunexo."''

The CE chuckles darkly.

''Drake simply shakes his head. ''"Loved or accepted? Hmph, if you want that from me, you have to earn it." ''His hands get engulfed by black fire, he glances back at the Chaos Engine. ''"I'm tired of you talking..." ''Drake reaches both his hands out at Kurai and Shizuka fly back into his hands, the two change into greatsword variations of themselves. He then points one of the greatswords at the Chaos Engine. ''"If we don't end this here, we end it at Yosai."

"Still a fool. I will enjoy crushing you."

In moments, he closes the distance and smashes his fist into Drake's face, sending him crashing into a mountain with a mighty bang.

''A shockwave can be heard and Drake soars back, delivering a strike into the Chaos Engines's chest, slamming him down into the ground, causing a crater. ''"Fool? They say there's a thin line between bravery and stupidity... And most times, people will mix up who's being who, but I promise you... This fight will not be fought with a fool, but with a Ryunexo and his Chaos Engine offspring..." Drake then jumps into the air and dives down onto the Chaos Engine with enough force for it to cause a deeper crater.

The Chao Engine raises his hand high after the dust settles and suddenly meteors begin bombarding the area, one smashes straight into Drake. He then swings his sword, unleashing a wave of red and black energy akin to lightning, which carves snake like rifts into the ground.

Back over with the two Phoenix members, huge monstrous bursts of lightning and high pressure wind explode throughout the valley, the din a sight to behold.

''Drake jumps out of the crater and starts to create rune circles around the area which causes chains of energy to momentarily restrain the Chaos Engine, Drake then lands and swings Kurai in multiple directions, which cause a slight delay. But when Drake clicks his fingers, out of nowhere, waves of light suddenly appear like they're frozen in time, some slashing across the Chaos Engine's body and some slashing through the aura. They soon fade away, along with the chains, but Drake suddenly flickers and appears in front of the Chaos Engine and headbutts him hard enough to crack his skull.''

The Chaos Engine takes a deep breath, then lets loose a beam of red energy formed in the shape of a sword out of his mouth, both piercing and sending Drake flying through the air.

"Necrotic Pierce!"

''With a swift movement, Drake flips back upright and deflects the beam with his hands, he then flickers out of sight and appears only a couple of feet away. Drake sheathes both swords and charges towards the Chaos Engine, ducking under his attack and uppercutting him into the air. Drake then jumps above him and slams his heel down onto the Chaos Engine's chest, cracking some ribs then firing a fireball directly into his face, blasting him back down.''

While the CE stands rather quickly, he shakes his head for moment, briefly stunned. He begins firing multiple shots of the Necrotic Pierce.

Drake's hands soon get rune circles on them as he starts to deflect the shots, only firing back a couple of times.

Kagerou then holds out his hand, and a red and black sphere charges. "Necrotic Pulse."

A huge wave of red and black energy surges forth from him in all directions into the air.

"This is gonna hurt..." ''Despite the damage it'll do, Drake charges headforth at the Chaos Engine, he coats his hand in black fire and clenches it into a fist. ''"You better grit those teeth you bastard!" Drake then strikes the right side of the Chaos Engine's face.

Kagerou loses balance and crashes into one of the craters, getting up with a smirk.

"Not bad."

The Chaos Engine swings his sword at Drake, causing a massive slash of negative energy. "Take this!"

He takes the entire slash, causing a massive cut across Drake's chest, he then unsheathes Kurai and charges towards him again, swinging his sword down at the Chaos Engine.

Their swords collide, and Kagerou chuckles.

"You're going to need a lot more than that, 'dad'. I'm just getting started."

''Drake kicks the Chaos Engine back a bit then makes a slash across his chest, a wave of light disbursing out of the blade. ''"Oh trust me, I haven't even begun."

Kagerou merely smiles, amused. "You're hurting me, but that's it. Pain is nothing. You'll never defeat me at this rate."

"Hehe... Then we'll meet at Yosai if it comes to it." Drake smirks as he punches the Chaos Engine's chest then headbutts him, he then jumps into the air and slashes down, another wave of light is sent flying down at the Chaos Engine.

Kagerou gives him a bored look. "''Really now?" ''He slashes right through the light, then slashes with a wave of molten steel.

''Drake quickly sends out a shockwave which blasts the molten steel away, he then dives down and lands in front of the Chaos Engine, Drake grabs him and knees him in the chest, breaking a few ribs before punching his gut hard enough that he coughs up blood. ''

He quickly returns the favor.

Over at the other side of the battle, the two Phoenix members continue their clash, tearing at each other with violent powerful attacks that shake the whole valley. Noriko charges Torrent, who manages to dodge the faster of the two and bites down on her form, a loud screech results from her.

"Noriko! ...Ok, I need to finish this with you..." ''Drake flickers and disappears, a slight chuckle can be heard. Meanwhile somewhere not far from the battle, Drake appears in a tree, back to his normal form. He takes a look around and finds Seriah. ''"Thank God..." ''He jumps down and looks at her. ''"Hey there, you alright?"

"''You can't hide from me!" ''He can hear Kagerou yell from where Drake had left him. Noriko twists out of Torrent's grasp and continues bombarding him with lightning, though it is clear that Torrent has gained some ground on her.

"...I am... alright....." She says quietly. "Are we going to play a game?" She asks curiously.

''He nods. ''"Yes, we're gonna play hide and seek, me and you are hiding, ok? And remember to be quiet if you can."

"Who are we playing with?"

"''I'll break you in two you little shit!" ''Kagerou roars.

"...Him." ''He looks around. ''"He may seem a little scary, but trust me, you'll be fine."

"He sounds mean..." She whines.

"He is mean, but don't worry." ''He gives Seriah a small hug. ''"Now quickly hide."

"Where?"

''Drake wonders for a moment before smirking, he summons Praxi. ''"I need you to cloak Seriah, can you do that?" ''Praxi nods and hovers around Seriah. ''"Ok, now... My guess is to hide behind a big tree or rock, somewhere safe though, alright?"

She nods, then starts flapping her wings, gently fluttering into the dense leaves.

Just to be sure, Praxi faintly glows then cloaks itself and Seriah so that they're invisible, Drake then jumps back up into a tree and hides among the leaves.

Not long after, Kagerou shows up, annoyed. "Come on chicken shit, where are you? If you don't get your ass out here, I MIGHT just go help kill the bitch instead!"

''Drake continues to wait until the Chaos Engine is about to leave, he then drops down ontop of the Chaos Engine and smashes his head to the floor. Just as the Chaos Engine gets back up, Drake kicks his face, knocking him back into a tree. ''

"''Coward, hiding will do nothing for you! And you left Primitive Mode, how conceited!" ''He charges a powerful orb, intending to erase Drake.

"Hehehe... I don't need to rely on Primitive, like I said, a thin line between stupidity and bravery." ''Two rune circles form on Drake's palms as he smirks, he then taunts the Chaos Engine. ''

He fires the beam at Drake.

''Drake places his right hand in front of him as a black circle appears in the middle of that rune circle. Suddenly the beams goes through the circle as it forms as the orb in Drake's left hand, Drake then speeds towards the Chaos Engine and smashes the orb against his chest. ''

Kagerou coughs up a lot of blood, and jumps back, gasping and gagging.

".....''GrrrrrrrraaaaaaAAAAAHHHHHH!" ''He roars, as his figure is distorted in a manner similar to Drake, but the corrupted form gains an actual metal skin, with red and black energy, his hands now monstrous large claws of this energy.

He suddenly swings his giant claws at Drake, tearing open his chest.

''Drake gets knocked back but stands up, he looks at his wound as he glances back at the Chaos Engine, he chuckles as a trail of blood pours from his mouth. ''"Primitive or not, you wouldn't kill someone you admire." ''Drake staggers back a bit, near Seriah. ''"Well then? COME AT ME YOU BASTARD!"

He smirks. "''Fool. Do not mistake me for that fake. I have no such admiration." ''He charges, his sword pointed to stab him in the heart.

"I only have one shot... So let's make it count!" ''Drake quickly unsheathes Kurai and directs the Chaos Engine's sword so that it impaes the ground, he then creates multiple rune circles around the Chaos Engine. ''"Now!" ''The rune circles glow as multiple chains wrap around the Primitive's arms and legs, they tighten up, restraining him. ''"Seriah, I think we've won." He says.

"You think you've won?! Who do you think you're talking to?!"

"First of all... Get out of that shield of yours, you pathetic runt, how dare you use something that belongs to me. If it wasn't for that, you'd be a damn corpse back at Yosai being treated like a lab rat once more... Now as for being more literal, I was talking to a small little girl."

Seriah drops out of the tree, and as she does, Kagerou's eyes glow red violently, and he abruptly howls in pain, igniting in black flames.

"''CURSE YOU! FUCK! SHIT! DAMN! OW! WHAT THE HELL IS THIS- ARRRRRRRRRRRRRGHHHH!" ''He roars.

''Drake smirks. ''"Hehe, thanks Eien, I owe you one... Meet Seriah, she's a sweet little girl, isn't she? To let you know, she is the first of your kind... So think of her as your great great great grandmother or something. To put it bluntly, she's the first Chaos Engine."

His only response is a long string of vulgar curses and screams, finally collapsing. At the same time however, Torrent sidesteps Noriko again, this time biting her throat and shaking her violently, until her form violently explodes, and Noriko falls to the ground in a heap. By the time she has gotten to her feet, Torrent is already next to her and slugs her repeatedly in the face, until she is hit one final time, and moves no more.

Torrent quietly turns toward Drake and points his sword at him.

"Now then... I will show you... ...what a REAL Slayer can do... amateur."

''Drake looks at Torrent. ''"Seriah, I need you to hide, this may get dangerous..." ''Drake tightens his grip onto Kurai, he chuckles. ''"...I guess it's ironic now, I consider people like Kagerou, Kanashimi and Silent Angel to be knockoffs to me, yet here I am wielding a hybrid Slayer... Going against someone who has a true Slayer, there's no doubt I can win against someone who can be counted as an original... But." ''As Drake says this, he gains a firey black aura, he smirks. ''"That doesn't mean you should consider me weak, Torrent... Regardless of who or what I am, I will prove it that I'm not one you should underestimate." ''Drake gets engulfed by a black dome of fire, a laughing can be heard as it turns draconic yet avian. ''"Darkness and Fire..." ''Torrent can hear what seems to be a mix of a phoenixs cry and a dragons growl. ''"Phoenix mode!" ''Suddenly the same creature that appeared before Eien prowls out of the dome and glances at Torrent. ''

Torrent quietly grabs Noriko, and begins walking forward, apparently not intimidated.

"In the case of Slayer, there are two things the term refers to. The actual weapon, and the wielder. In this case... I will show you the difference between us... how best to describe it?" He puts Noriko in a cloud, which floats high above them. He then draws... ....another Wind Slayer.

"It's like comparing a grain of sand to the mountain. It's only been a month, yet you think you can challenge me so easily? One can only boast so much, before their hubris catches up with them..."

He points this second Wind Slayer at Drake. "You are not worthy of this blade. Yet for the purpose of enlightening you to how much of a greenhorn you are... ...I'll make an exception. The art of wielding a Slayer is more than just swinging a sword... ....it's being one with the sword."

Out of nowhere, a violent wind begins sucking Drake in toward Torrent.

He takes the opportunity and lunges at Torrent, the wind infact speeding him up as he swipes downwards at Torrent, three waves of black fire come crashing down too.

Torrent shuts off the wind, then slices with the other Slayer, causing a massive gale of wind which blows out the fire. Torrent then uses the other Slayer, and suddenly the fire of Drake's Phoenix mode is extinguished, and Drake finds he cannot breathe.

''For a moment, Drake stands unphased but soon his vision becomes blurred and he staggers a bit. ''"You... Cheap... Bastard..."

"Problem?" Torrent says with a slightly amused smile.

Drake quickly rushes Torrent and blindsides him with a strike to the chest, crashing him into a tree, but Drake staggers even more, slowly going blue.

Torrent gets up, simply looking at him. "Is this all that Drake Ryunexo can do? In the end, you are nothing. With my bare hands, I could accomplish the same thing, so adept I am with the power of my Slayer. Yet you cannot accomplish anything without your sword in battle. And to think you prided yourself on strength that never was there. Perhaps you should have tried to synergize with the spirit within, rather than clash for control. True understanding of one's blade, and the blade the understanding of the master, is required to achieve the truest level of power a Slayer can bring.

If you were to survive this encounter, I would tell you: come before me when you have attained true synergy with your blade. But this is as far as your worthless tale goes."

"I can last... For a little... Longer..." ''Drake unsheathes Shizuka and charges at Torrent and makes one final attempt for an attack. ''

Torrent makes a sidestep, and is about to bring his sword down on Drake's neck, when suddenly he is disarmed, both Slayers clanging to the ground, and the air rushes back in force, Drake however too close to unconsciousness at this point to make a comeback. The last thing he sees before he passes out is a woman in a green kimono...

Searching For One's Roots
Kado appears next to Akami on top of a mountain, overlooking a series of sprawling forests and swamps.

Akami: Well your a bad advertiser but this place sure is pretty. No smoke, no polluted skies, and no scorched earth.

Kado grabs Akami and pulls her down just as a massive black bird bigger than the two of them soars overhead, letting out a mighty screech as it flies by. After it disappears, Kado helps her up.

"Oh, sorry. Nightcaller Hawks live in this area. They'll eat anything. But yeah, it's pretty nice, once you memorize Giant Bird Calls."

Akami: This place may not be mutated, but I assume your creatures sure look and act like it

"Nah, this world is just big, and the animals happen to be big to match. We got a couple of weird ones, but nothing too dangerous. Except a few oddballs like Inland Swamp Beasts."

Akami: Don't we gotta go through the swamp?

"Let me see... ....Oh yeah. Well then... ...just don't touch the water then. Even if you perchance like shiny things."

Akami: Oh...then I might have to go in blind.

"So wait... You like treasure like actual dragons do?"

Akami: Well...not exactly. Western dragons, yes. Me. Obi says I liked...lights basically...just lights. I do also like to see what those things are though.

"Hmmm... well, with all of the werelights around, the water might not be too much of a problem."

Akami: Werelights?Do they turn you into a werebeast of sorts?

"Uh... no. Not sure why they call them that. They're like... mirco spirits."

Akami: Then why not call them that? You know what? Whatever, we need to get going if your going to get help.

Kado nods. "Watch your step, theses mountain slopes are treacherous." He says, leading the way.

Akami: Doubt it's anything we can't handle

Once they reach the bottom of the slope, Kado looks around for a moment.

"We should reach the road I'm looking for after we quickly cross the swamp beyond this forest. We shouldn't run into trouble, just keep your guard up. Shapeshifters are cautious hunters, so they may avoid us, but there are some of us who aren't quite level headed. Monsters are... not too much of an issue out here."

Akami: There was pause right there.

"Well you can't rule out anything. I mean, you never know what's beyond that next bush."

Akami: Something that's gonna get punched in the face beyond the mountain

Kado just shakes his head. After a while, they enter the swamp. "Alright, if you see anything moving in the water, look up and don't look back down. Also tell me, so we can run."

Akami: Gotcha. You lead the way.

The swamp appears to be full of various noises, and after a while, as they near the exit, Akami notices a strange iridescent ball of light appear from the trees, lazily floating about.

Akami: *whispers* Psst. Kado. Look. Is that one of those werelights you were talking about?

He nods, as a strange, ethereal singing like noise starts up. "They make noises like that a lot." He says quietly.

Akami: Better than hearing frogs and crickets.

"Ehh, we have those too." They continue on, finally reaching another stretch of forest, a road visible ahead.

Akami: Huh, felt like this swamp would be longer, but whatever.

Kado shrugs. "Some are long, some are wide." They eventually reach the road, and begin traveling east.

Akamai: So do you know how far we're going?

"Right now, I'm going on the only lead I have. The location of my old village."

Akami:And how did you get that lead?

"I've been there once before. I'm just hoping to find out where my clan is now."

Akami: I meant like how do you know?

"The lay of the land. These are familiar lands to me. It only takes a while for one who has lived out in the wild to learn to adapt and understand their surroundings merely based on the geography. Plus the fauna and flora."

Akami: Was that suppose to be the answer to my overall question?

"...Look, Akami, I don't have any answers. The whole reason I'm going to the location of my old village is because it's the only place that might tell me anything. I don't know if there's anything or anyone there, just that it's the last place my people were. ...If I have any hope of finding answers, it's there.

...The only other place I can imagine has the answers I need is... ...Chinmoku. But that's a ways away."

Akami: Like several days away or several weeks away?

"Several days to a week. Exact time unknown, never know what conditions are like."

Akami: Yet, you've been there before with little-to-no problem, right?

"Yes, but this is the wild. Things can change very quickly."

Akami: Talk about a jungle out here.

After a couple hours, they come to a crossroads. "...This way." He leads Akami down a long, degraded dirt path.

Akami: Do you have any personal hobbies? Or atleast professions you enjoy?...I think that's the same thing...

"...No... ...though one time when I was young, I did play a game of cards with my master, Hiroshi. ...that's where I got my name from, you see. My name means 'Card'. ...I haven't lived much of a fullfilling life. Even when I was in a position where I could do whatever I desired, I never once thought about enjoying life. A mistake, in hindsight. In that regard you're better than me. You and the others have a goal, but you at least remember to live. ...Spending time with you guys has opened my eyes, you know?"

Akami: Heh, that means alot. Here. *takes out 2 gifted-wrapped objects: One is oval shaped and the other is small rectangle block shape* Managed to save this before Obi blew up our cabin. *hands them to Kado*

"...Thank you. ...Wait, he blew up- ...Oh, thanks Ace. ...Heh, he never was easy to deal with, it's taken a lot of control on my end not to lose my mind from his antics."

''Why didn't you let me beat the shit of out him? You know he was asking for it, ''Neo's voice lightly echoes from near Kado.

"We do not need the opinion of the kid with a perpetual temper tantrum."

He quietly opens the two presents up.

He opens it to find a customized mask and custom made deck ofcards saying 'Wildcard' on each of them.

Kado smiles faintly, then puts the gifts away.

"I'll have to tell him thanks."

Akami: You should. He said he mustered as much love he could put into it.

Kado remains silent, she looks up to see off in the distance, a group of ruined buildings.

Akami: Is that suppose to be your village?

"It was. What is left of it, at least." He begins to quietly approach.

Akami: *follows behind* Was it raided?

"....They left after sis... ...took me away."

Akami: Pauses. Like I said, we can be real with each other.

"She took me away to Phoenix after wiping my memory when I was ten. That's all. ...Come on, I need to look around."

Akami: Look for what? That? *points at a small rebuilt house. A light is coming from the house*

"...What dishonorable person would build on the bones of those who have suffered...?!" He growls, now marching up to the house, seemingly incensed by the sight of the house.

Akami: *grabs hold of Kado's arm* it only depends on whoe the person is. For all we know, that person could've lived here before and couldn't think of any other hometo be in. There's always two sides to a story. Remember that.

He tenses, but he knocks on the door, though harder than necessary.

"Come on in. The door is open."

Kado comes in. "Who are you, and why are you living here?" Kado says just short of an antagonistic voice.

A man sitting in front of a fire place get's up from his rocking chair

"I don't know who you are, but I certainly didn't invite you to come in just so you can-" Pauses once he sees Kado and Kado sees the face of his old man. "Kado?"

"...That's not my name, is it? ...Never mind that though. ...I didn't realize you came back. ...I thought you... ...though maybe you're stronger willed than I."

"There is many things a man can do without, but home...it's something that everyone goes back to. Something everyone needs...*sigh* Anyway, come son. Sit. Have some hot tea. This old man doesn't get enough visitors in a day."

Kado looks at Akami. "...Oh. ...This is Akami. ...A friend." He says nervously.

Ooooh, someone's embarrassed, afraid to introduce your girlfriend to daddy?

Neo, I swear I will kill you if you do not shut up.

"Specify 'friend'..."

"You know, a good friend who has helped me out of a tough spot, a good friend, comrade in arms...." He says uncertainly. "I'm not sure what you mean by specify friend."

He looks over at Akami. "You can have a seat instead, I can sit on the floor."

Akami: If you sit on the floor, then I sit on the floor. *sits down on the floor near the fire place*

"...Ok." He says reluctantly.

"Help yourself with some tea*

Akami: *pours herself a cup of hot tea* So what made want to, you know...rebuild here? No place like home

"Preciseley. When a traveller gets tired of travelling, he wants to go home. And since my home was reduced to rubble aswell as my life, I sooner or later felt compelled to come back here. Part of me hopes that this place can be rebuilt again."

A large rock falls on Akami's head and breaks but Akami contiues to drink her tea like nothing happened.'The man is simply amazed by what he just saw

Akami: What?

"Though alot more sturdy than this...Are..you ok..."

Akami: Well I got some hot tea in my hands but nothing worht worrying over. Why?

"Hospitality..."

Akami: Ah, I see. Thanks. *sips her tea*

Kado is quiet for a moment. "...Do you know where the others went? I need to... ...find them."

"Their everywhere, Kado...As much as I travel I hardly run into any of them. But you'll find some within the wilds close to the Yokai Village and a few more just outside Chinmoku, but you'll mostly find the most of them in Central Valley."

"...Any idea where I can find one of our old spirits?"

"Heh. Those old bastards are harder to find than anyone else. They don't normally stay in one place. Try either Chinmoku or that place where those positive spirits live. Heck, some might be in the wilds way out there. Echo is a big place after all. *sips some more of his tea*

"...What about everyone else? ...The rest of the family?"

"After what happened here, me and your mother sort of...you know...split...She couldn't handle the lose of our children and she partially blamed me for not preventing something like this. Part of feels like she's right, but I haven't fought in decades...but that's no excuse....I don't know where every one is, but I do have a slight idea where your eldest sister maybe...Last heard from her, she was in the Central Valleys. either that or she lives their. You might wanna see there if you want.

"....I see." Kado glances at the window and frowns.

Akami: My sincerest apologizes for what had happened to your village and family, sir. I couldn't imagine lossing your life like that.

"Some gain some loose. Life is life that way. It's still what we make the most of it that counts." Akami: If you wan, me an some others can come by and help you rebuild your village. Maybe it can team with life again and serve as homes for those who don't have one. Who knows, maybe the former inhabitants me come back.

"That is a nice thought. A really nice thought. I'll think about that. Kado. There is something I want you to have." The mane gets up and takes down a one-handed greatsword from a mantle over the fire place and hands it to Kado "Take this, my son."

He takes it silently. "...Thank you." He looks back at the window though. "...There's... ....someone out there."

Akami: Then we get out and ask who the person is. *goes outside* Alright, whoever you are, show yourself right now!

Up in a tree, a white cloaked man sits, looking directly at Akami.

"....Are you the one...? ...Hmm, I suppose I'll find out." He drops down, and begins to approach Akami, his posture as he approaches indicates he is likely going to attack.

Akami: *gets into a traditional karate stance*

"Hmm... ...self taught or...?"

Akami: I can take a nap when you're ready...*eyes intensify*

The next instant, she is suddenly floored by a single strike. "You might want to wake up then."

Akami: *her eyes open wide and takes both her legs and sweeps the stranger of his feet, she uppercuts him into the air* Shuyoken! *sends the stranger flying several paces* I don't get tired. Your standing-around is making hibernation look like a good choice right about now.

The man looks outside his window. "Tough one she is."

The uppercut doesn't even phase him, and he lands on his feet without effort, shaking his head.

"Good spirit, but too presumptous." He closes in fast and strikes her chest with a one inch punch that breaks her ribcage and smashes her into a wall, firmly stuck, then easily ducks as Kado comes in swinging, kicking him aside without even having to look at him into a tree, he hangs by his arms.

"As for you, that was careless. And you wield a katana for crying out loud."

Akami: *removes herself out the wall and resumes her stance spit out some blood*

The newcomer enters a stance, and a green energy field forms. At the very center where he stands is a yin yang.

''A golden yin yang symbol appears from under Akami, only hers has a dragon circled as the rim. Two small fire balls take her side and begin to orbit around her''

"Alright, that's enough you blowhards," A voice says just as Kado frees himself from the tree. Standing on the house is a green robed woman, with two fans strapped to her waist. Her arms are crossed.

"Well, I might aswell head out there then." Exits his house. "Is their anything either of you guys need or want?"

"Nobuyuki, I'm surprised. Was picking a fight really all that nessisary?" The woman asks.

The man shrugs. "I wanted to see how skilled they were. The boy is reckless, of course. The other seems like she has talent."

"...And by chance, did you not notice which one was the one we came for?"

"...I might have not been paying attention..." Nobuyuki says innocently.

"....Figures. The boy is the one we're looking for. I can sense the three souls from here."

Kado starts. "...Three souls? ...How do you know that, more importantly, who are you two?!" He brandishes Dark Slayer at them.

"...And from Phoenix to boot..." The woman grumbles.

Akami: *coughs* Well all this was pretty-*coughs* pretty sudden...

The woman jumps down to Akami. "Ah, yes, let me treat that." She says, putting a hand to Akami's chest and begins healing her.

"What is it about Kado that strikes your interest?"

"He has a Dual Nature. Do you even understand how rare that is for a spirit, for anyone to have?"

"I suppose? I mean...what do you guys do with people like him?"

The man called Nobuyuki speaks up. "Help him. He's not exactly... err... stable, is he?"

"I woudln't know. He seems pretty stable to me."

"Has he changed into a golden eyed girl, or a bat shit insane boy before?" He says with exasperation.

Akami: Yea... he has...

"So wait,my son...is a girl?"

"...No. His soul fragmented, a couple years ago from what it looks like. One of the resulting fragments is female. Kado himself is male, though the souls switch places. Hence why I asked if he has changed before. He's unstable. Undoubtedly he came because of the instability and was trying to find a spirit from the village who would know how to help."

"Ah, I see. He's here to fix himself up."

"I would call it at this point merely slowing down the inevitable. Has your wife ever told you of Spiritual Fission?"

"She might have brought it up at some point. Why?"

"Do you know what it is?"

" You plan on splitting him up, aren't you?"

"No. I mentioned prior to my mention of Spiritual Fission that I would call it merely slowing down the inevitable. That is the opposite of 'splitting him up'. I very much doubt you would let me do that, even if that was an option I would consider. Doing it by force is basically torture."

"I imagined you guys were professionals at what you do."

The woman shrugs. "Not really. I'm just an attendant of the Queen. This man over here however is the great Sword Sage Nobuyuki. You probably haven't heard of him before, but he's a dual nature like Kado."

Nobuyuki looks at Kado's father. "Might we... start over our introductions? I happen to have been hunting and found a nice stag, I could prepare it if you'd like. We could have a nice dinner." He humbly bows.

"Hm. After putting the beat-down on a couple kids, you can work up quite an appetite, can't you?"

"...Sir, with due respect. I meant no true harm. I wanted to see the capacities of the two. You misunderstand my intention and my character."

"Well when a complete stranger shows up, is warned to leave, then assaults a girl, there is only so much one can understand about a character like that..."

The woman gets between the two. "Enough. There is no need for this foolishness. Have you forgotten your manners, or are you arrogant enough to refuse a offering of repentance? We came here to offer help to your son, but we can leave, and you can have the guilty consciousness of not having done anything to help him. You should be thinking with your son's best interests in mind, not complaining about someone challenging another to a duel, which is not outside the law, I may add."

The woman sighs with annoyance.

"I'm complaining, that someone could've died and that you dare bring a fight on grounds of my home...You want repentance? Take my son and go and I better not catch you on these grounds again..."

She takes her hood off, revealing her face, sharp gold eyes glow in the midnight, soft blue Spirit Brands run along her cheeks. Her hair is short, except for two exceptionally long bangs.

"You do not have the authority to dismiss me from my own home anymore than I you. For that matter, that is not how you address your great, great, great grandmother, Kyoshi Spiritwood." She says flatly. Kyoshi recalls her from a old family picture, and even once remembers seeing her on a birthday.

"I did not realize you had become such a upstart troll under a bridge since your fifteenth birthday."

Kyoshi: I've become an old hermit amongst the ashes of his home brought down by his own kin. How did you expect me to turn out?

"I expect nothing of you." The woman says. "I, Sukina Spiritwood, have never expected anything of others. Yet when I meet someone, I set a personal standard I expect them to uphold. Suffice to say you have fallen short of my expectations. I can't say I'm pleased. What's done is done. Let it go. Besides. I have words I must speak unto you. It would not do to leave you unaware of events you would do well to know."

Kyoshi: Something about the Dark Slayer or a man wearing yellow?

"....Not sure what that would mean..." The woman says slowly.

Kyoshi: Huh. Must be just me then. So what is it you need to say to me?

"Well, before that, can we please go inside and sit down, have a cup of tea, you know, relax and act like civilized people? We've been walking for days without rest. The one thing I can't stand about my partner is his insufferable tendancy to march relentlessly. Doesn't know how to relax enough."

"And you're too relaxed."

"Oh shush, you remind me of my nagging right hand man. Man he could carry on."

Kyoshi: Alright alright. Come one in sit wherever, I already got tea made and such.

Sukina and Nobuyuki seat themselves at the far end of the room, while Kado sits more in the middle.

Sukina looks at Akami and Kado.

"I didn't catch your names. And I apologize again for my partner's behavior."

Akami: It's alright.I'm just as guilty too. My name is Akami.

"I am Sukina. History knew me as White the Fourth."

Kado's eyes widen. "...You've kidding right? That was.... four whole generations ago! You're still alive?!"

Sukina shrugs. "Age is just a number for spirits."

Akami: I mean look at Obi. He's 123, yet he looks like he's between his 30's or 40's.

Kado smirks slightly. "Yeah, but he has a stick up his ass like he's a hundred. ...just kidding." He adds, looking at Akami, not sure if she would take offense.

Akami: Please, if you're gonna joke about my Dad much less insult, do it in your head and pray I don't hear it then...*her eyes slightly intensifies*

"...I'm sorry Akami." He looks away guiltily.

Akami: *walks up to Kado and flicks his ear* Wrong word.

His eye twitches. "You're not Obi. Don't. Please. Don't."

Akami: I am an extension of Dad. You either deal with it or take it up with me.

"Just as there are multiple uses of 'clear', there are multiple uses of 'sorry'. Yours and Obi's is not mine."

Sukina sighs. "This one certainly inherited the stubborn spirit of the Spiritwood Clan for sure."

Akami: That trait is gonna make him loose his teeth. Real fast. *walks outside the house*

Sukina scratches her head. "And you are certainly a hot head. Loosen up." She yawns.

Kyoshi: Got my door wide open, so you can come in at any time. *he says sarcasticly*

Sukina looks at Kyoshi. "Have you heard anything from your younger daughter since she left the village and took Kado with her?" She speaks up.

Kyoshi: Definately not. And if she did, the message would've killed me. *sips some tea*

She looks at Kado. "Well, your son would know about this, at least a little. There was an incident at the Phoenix compound, and she underwent a Spiritual Fission. Along with that, her Negative half has taken her place as leader. As for the positive half, I believe Kado could tell you more. How long until tea is ready?" She asks politely.

Kyoshi: Tea's right there. *points at the hot tea pot with his pinky* Help yourself to some. *takes another sip*

Sukina takes a cup and pours some tea, having a sip. "I assume you have questions, do you not? Why not ask?"

Kyoshi: I only ask what my boy is doing now. I also want to ask why now do you decide to confront my son on this?

"Because until then his nature was unknown to us. We also happened to be in the area."

Kado looks at his father quietly. "You're asking what I'm doing now? Or rather, what I've been doing with myself I suppose?"

Sukina pauses in middrink, then sighs, setting her tea down, then looks at Nobuyuki. "Answer any questions they have, then when it's time, take them to the Queen. I will meet you there. I have something to interfere in." With a flicker of movement she is gone.

Kyoshi: Yes. I heard you relinquished your position as leader of Azure. So that's why I ask what are doing now?

"For a time, I was lost and confused. Akami and the rest of a group called 'The Party' helped me pick up the pieces. Even though there's still something things that don't mend so easily... I would say the whole name, but it's too long for decent conversation."

Kyoshi: Well I can definately say that you being around with someone like that one out there, you're in the right place.

"She and Obi drive me crazy though, well, Obi more than her. She kind of reminds me of Azula. ...Kind of. They both had a strong ambition. Akami has the Party, Azula had Azure. In any case, I am glad that they put up with my shit. ...Even though Akami is mad at me, she's put up a lot with me. ...Suppose I should apologize, huh?"

Kyoshi: Surely. *smiles* They did take the time to take you in, it doesn't seem too hard just to follow some of their standards. You are under their roof after all, the least you can do is abide by some of their customs. It's not exactly Azure after all. They might rub off on you for the better. *sips his tea*

"Yeah I know. Some things will be harder to adapt or deal with than others. Like the sorry thing. THAT, I'll never get used to. Be right back, ok?"

Kado walks outside. "....Akami?"

Akami: *is looking to the sky* Yea.

"Listen, I'm... ....geez... ...I apologize. I didn't mean to offend you. I... I won't joke about Obi again. ...He's your father figure, I didn't have a right to poke fun of him. ...Please forgive me. ....And please don't wreck my face....?"

Akami: He's not my father figure. He's my father period. He has raised ever since I was just an infant. Taught me everything any father would teach his daughter and taught me everything any father would never teach his daughter. He may be a madman, but he did a beyond outstanding job bringing me up into someone I am now...I won't punch your face in, it's alright. Dad maybe crazy, but just know he's doing the best for us despite his mental inabilities. *turns around and faces Kado and puts her hand out*

He takes it in a shake, slightly weary, knowing her strength.

"Two things about you that remind me of Azula: your passion for your cause, and the ridiculous brute strength. You'd like her. ...If White wasn't controlling her at least."

Akami: If you truly want something, you must put in the effort. Do you really want her back?

The emotion in Kado's eyes seems to become difficult to read. A natural gift of shapeshifters is disquising their emotions, even through venues such as the eyes.

"Do you really want peace between humans and myths?" His voice matches the change in his eyes, steeled and just barely detectable, a razor edge.

Akami: *nods* My entire life is for that goal respectivley.

"Then understand that my only goal and drive right now is to defeat my sister. Defeat her and make up for all of my mistakes. My biggest one of all, is merely being alive, rather than truly living. If I had truly lived... ...we might have been happy for once." His last statement causes a fracture in his emotional armor, she briefly catches a flash of bitterness, but it fades back behind his iron wall.

"My second being allowing my emotions to rule my life. Not anymore. That one I realized thanks to you guys." He hugs her briefly.

"Specifically you, Obi, and Torem."

Akami: Our life can only be counted as living if we live to better the lives others. Man that was alot of 'lives'.

Nobuyuki pops his head out of the door. "Not that I mind the pearls of wisdom, but don't you two want to come in?"

Akami: Sure. *pats Kado on the back and heads inside*

He feels his head where she patted him, then stares after her a moment.

"...." He closes his eyes briefly. He slowly opens them, then walks in, sitting down quietly.

Nobuyuki looks at Kyoshi. "I'm not going to put pressure on you, but I would like to leave with Kado and Akami if she so chooses to continue with us in the morning. Is that acceptable to you? I am not on an incredibly urgent schedule, but I do think Kado's condition is still dangerous at best."

Kyoshi: If my son can manage an entire taskforce, then I can trust him to manage his own decisions. If this truly what must be done, then I'll allow it.

"Thank you sir. I realize you may still have amimosity towards me, so I will remain outside for the night."

Kyoshi: You stay in here for tonight. It's not like you're gonna be staying here forever.

"As you wish."

Kyoshi: I got coverings if you need any and I'll have the fire going tonight. *sips some more of his tea*

"Thank you." Nobuyuki sits down in a corner and meditates, eyes closed.

Akami: *begins to meditate herself in front of the fire. A blueish light outlines her as she does*

Kado watches the two of them, laying down on the couch.

Kyoshi: After you spiritually split, what next?

He looks up. "Huh? What next?"

Kyoshi: After your rid of those others who supposedly make up your being.

"Father. Every soul, from what is understood, has an Origin. The basis of its being. If that is severed or destroyed, then in my case, Soul Fission becomes basically... ...eternal death. One without afterlife. You just... ...disappear. When I am 'rid' of these two, is the day I die."

Kyoshi: Then why do this if you know that?

"You were listening right? I'm pretty sure he was talking about something other than Soul Fission. He said Soul Fission would basically just be commiting murder at this point. He probably has something else in mind."

Kyoshi: I apologize. I'm going a bit deaf you know. But what will you do next after the procedure?

"Gather followers. Defeat sister. Save Azula. Probably die."

Kyoshi: Simplicty. An admirable quality in our side family.

"It keeps things going rather than being confused and disoriented."

Kyoshi: Simple. *sips his tea* But I am glad that you've found a place that could change your view on how you orginally saw them. Mostly nothing good ever comes from Earth.

"People overlook how much good exists in the world. They choose to only see the darkness."

Kyoshi: Maybe because all there is, is darkness..

"Father, I have been down in the dark. I know better than most what darkness is. People aren't seeing darkness. They're just seeing what they want to see. If they believe the world is shrouded in darkness and refuse to accept otherwise, then they really are in darkness. It's only when someone realizes that there are other paths, that the light becomes apparent."

Kyoshi: You have come a long way from all those years. I never thought under those conditions you underwent, that you would become such a fine man.

"....If only that was true."

Kyoshi: Regardless, I am proud of you, son. And I have no doubt in my mind that in the end that you will make it through the end.

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

Kyoshi: I'm just sad that I couldn't be there to help mold you into finer man.

"Don't be sorry. You have nothing to be sorry about." Kado looks tired.

Kyoshi: It sure feels like it..

"Do not bemourn my hardships. At least you got to see the end of the road, rather than never at all."

Kyoshi: It's not just that...I feel like I faild like our whole family...i should've fought....I should've fought for your, your sisters, our village, but...I didn't...I just let it happen...

Kado begins to drift off to sleep slightly. "Look at me, I'm back aren't I? Just because something is broken, doesn't mean it can't be mended."

Kyoshi: I had a chance to keep it from breaking but I didn't take it...Our family is everywhere. I doubt mending would be easy, much less possible.

"Nothing is... impossible. ...if you succeed... depends on how strong your will to do it is..." Kado falls asleep.

Kyoshi: Hm. Good night, my son...

Overnight, Kado's hair grows longer and turns white, and Ace gains dominance, though the changes aren't known for a while, as Kado had covered up with blanket.

Morning

Kyoshi: *stretches and slowly gets up from his rocking chair* Morning. *looks to see that the fire went out* Hm. *he looks to see Akami missing. He then looks outside his window and sees Akami doing alternating push-ups with her thumbs* Hm. I like her. *turns towards the couch and goes over to the body on the couch and shakes it* Wake up, boy. Today's the day. *scratches his head out of tiredness*

"Mmmmm...." He hears a groan, though the voice is strange, Kado's but, different.

Kyoshi: The sooner you get up, the sooner you can get yourself fixed. I can try making breakfast, but I haven't done that in 5 years. Everyone's up so might as well get up too.

"Mmmm.... where... am I?" He hears 'him' speak again, this time the voice definitely stands out as off.

Kyoshi: *is confused* Hm? *takes off the covers and sees a white haired girl instead of Kado* Who are and what have you done with my son?

Nobuyuki cracks open an eye. "Ah, so she stirred. Not surprised, considering his condition. That is Kado's positive spirit, Ace. Be nice, she seems easily distressed."

Kyoshi: Sooooo, my son is a girl?

He sighs. "I explained before. His positive soul is in fact female, but not Kado himself. They share one body however, which changes depending on which becomes dominant."

Kyoshi: Ah ok. Soooooo what do about it?

"Leave it be. I cannot truly do anything worth doing here. Child, do you need help?" He crouches down, and the girl wraps her arms around his shoulders, then Nobuyuki carefully takes hold of her, holding the spirit carefully.

He smiles. "Lighter than I estimated you would be."

Kyoshi: Ok, I feel vompletely awkward about all this. It's a good thing you're gonna fix him. I can't....I can't deal...with that...nah...can't do it...

The spirit's eyes open, revealing her golden irises, which look almost identical to the ones Kado had when he was young.

Kyoshi: *looks long and hard int her eyes, as if a pang of memories just hit his mind. He shakes his head and looks at Nobuyuki* You want breakfast or are you good?

"Breakfast would be appriciated. I will help though. In fact if you want, I can give you this book," He says, pulling out a large cook book. "You can find all of the stuff needed for these recipies around here I believe. I have a spare back with Sukina."

Ace quietly looks toward Kyoshi, curious. She regards him with an almost childlike air. "Are you... papa?" Her voice is quiet and soft.

Kyoshi: *feels abit uncomfortable in this situation* Uuuuuuuggghhhh...yeeeeesss....

She looks almost saddened by his response, and clings tighter to Nobuyuki, who walks outside to greet Akami.

"Good morning, young dragon. Training I see?"

Akami: Nah. Just morning excerise. *stops, then stands ond her fingertips and begins to finger-stand push-ups* So you did you sleep?

"I was meditating the whole time. Somewhat like sleep. The little one decided to say hello."

Akami: *looks at Ace and smiles* Goodmorning!

"Morning...." She says, her voice not very lively, in fact borderline sad.

Akami: Aw. *drops to her feet and stands up* What's the matter?

"Papa doesn't like me..."

Akami: Nooo. Don't say that. It's just his first time seeing you, is all. *rubs her head* Just give him time to ajust, alright?

"...." She doesn't reply.

Nobuyuki smiles when she closes her eyes. "Spirits like her are always very much sensitive. Easy to hurt their feelings, unfortunately."

Akami: *rubs Ace's head, then plants a kiss on top of her head* You'll be ok.

"...*sniff*"

Akami: Just give him time. *looks at Nobuyuki* So when will be leaving?

"We should be leaving sometime today, sometime after breakfast. I won't push you too hard. I do want to get going before the midday."

Few minutes later

Kyoshi: Come and get it!

Akami: *enters the house*

Kyoshi: *hands her a plate of toast, turkey bacon, eggs, and a bowl of cereal* not much but it's breakfast.

Akami: Doesn't matter to me. As long as I eat. *hands the plate to Nobuyuki who had just walked in* This is for her. *turns back towards Kyoshi* I'll take the next one.

Kyoshi: Ugh, ok. *hands her another plate and a bowl* you know we all got the same thing.

Akami: We let the little ones eat first. *takes the plate and bowl, sits on the floor and begins eating her cereal*

Nobuyuki sets Ace down with the plate, who begins to quietly eat, her head down.

Kyoshi: *hands him a plate and a bowl* Eat up.

"Thank you for the food." He quietly eats.

Akami: *finishes her plate and bowl* Thank you, Mr.Kyoshi.

Kyoshi: Mr....Hmmm...Nah, I'll stick to Kyoshi. You're welcome.

Ace finishes, but doesn't initally say anything.

"...T...thank you for the food..." She says, avoiding eye contact with anyone, her head still down and hair obscuring her eyes.

Kyoshi: You're welcome. Sorry for my awkwardness. Im just not...used to seeing something like that.

"..." Ace is unsure how to respond.

Akami: *turns to Nobuyuki* You almost done?

He appears finished. "I've been done."

Akami: Ok, so can go now then right?

He looks at Ace. "Soon. But first. Is there anything you want to say to them before we go?" He indicates Ace.

Akami: I know what I'm gonna say. *goes over to Kyoshi and shakes his hand* Thank you so much for letting us spend the night. My offer to help you rebuild your village still stands.

Kyoshi: Thank you and your welcome, but give me some more time to think about it.

Akami: Sure.

Kyoshi: I like you. You remind me so much of my wife, when we were younger, and older. *chuckles to himself* You're welcome back anytime. But there is one thing I would like to say to my son before he goes. *walks up to Ace* There's nothing much I can say, than I know you can pull through. You've come along way from where you from a simply village boy, to a enforcer of an evil organization, to the founder of a vigilante organization, to war hero, to a...what do you people call yourselves?

Akami: Martyrs.

Kyoshi: Yea, marty-....*turns to look back at Akami*

Akami: What?

Kyoshi: *turns back around, weary* Ugh..Martyr. All of them were to bring a change to how the world is. You have a sense of justice, a sense of doing right. I know you've hit a few bumps ahead on your journey, but not everything can run too smoothly. You have to push your way through, and that's exactley what you've been doing. Never stop pushing, son. Life is endless and you've come too far to turn back now. When it begins to get harsh, never stop pushing, even when no one else is. *puts his hand on Ace's shoulder*

Her head lowers for a moment, before she starts trembling and fiercely hugs him abruptly.

"Thank you... father..." She says, though Kado's voice can also be heard.

Kyoshi: *hugs Ace tightly*

Akami: *slightly smiles at the sight*

"Papa.... ...I wish things could go back to the way they were..." She hugs him tighter.

Nobuyuki watches quietly, his face a mask, unreadable.

Kyoshi: I do too...but don't worry. We may not be together, but we will be alright. Cause believe or not, we still have each other.

After a minute Nobuyuki looks away. "We should go. It is a long journey."

Akami: Come on, let's go.

Kyoshi: It's time for you to go now, alright?

"..." She sniffs, getting upset.

Kyoshi:No need to cry now. We'll see each other again. Until then, take care.

She doesn't move, but that doesn't last long as Nobuyuki picks her up and hands her to Akami.

"Might as well move this along."

Akami: You'll see him, ok? Maybe on our way back.

"Maybe..." She doesn't seem convinced.

Akami: A little bit of faith can move mountains. *smiles* Come on, let's get going. Bye Kyoshi. *exits the house*

Kyoshi: Bye now.

Ace merely holds onto Akami, silent as they start their journey north.

Akami: How long do we have to go, Nobuyuki?

"We're going to Echo's North Pole. Very long."

Akami: Alright then. Well it looks like we got a long way to go, Ace.

"Ah..."

After a long while it begins to rain.

Akami: Rgghmm. We might need to wait the rain out. We'll wait it out there. *points to a jagged mountain*

Nobuyuki looks up at the sky. "It's only a little rain."

Akami: When it rains, it pours. Come on. *heads under a mountain covering*

"Why pray tell are we stopping? It's not even evening."

Akami: Myabe for Ace. Give her chance to stretch. Also for me, cause I am half-human.

He sighs. "I forget that beings of the flesh have limits. Rest for a few minutes at least, I don't want to take too long getting back."

Ace sneezes.

Akami: *sits down* Bless you. *slays back against the mountain and hears a metallic sound as he lays back* Huh? *knocks on the ground and hears a small hollow sound* What the...*rubs the grime away and sees and 'X' symbol on a metal surface. As she observes the rest of the mountain, she sees the rain gives it a metallic look* Hmmm? *looks back at the surface*

"...Are you done? I'd prefer not to dally. We've got a long way to go."

Akami: *wipes down more dirt and finds an outline. She then removes the door and puts it to the side, revealing a stair well* Hope you don't mind me doing a little expedition. *makes her way down the stairwell*

"No. Actually. No. Not with the girl. The last thing I need is to have to make a scene."

Akami: Then you watch her. It's shouldn't take me longer than five minutes unless something happens.

"It's at least a week's trip to the North. You get in trouble down there and I have to come after you, so help me I will make you walk the whole way non stop. The only breaks will be when you eat and when you sleep at midnight. Got it?" The look on his face tells her he is not kidding around.

Akami: Sorry, can't here you over the sound of me getting deeper. And deeper...and deeper...and deeperrr....*Akami is completely out of view*

Nobuyuki looks at Ace. "No offense, but I am gonna kill her before this is over." He grumbles. He takes his sword out and idily looks it over, occasionally sharpening it.

Akami: *makes to what looks like and examination room. There are multiple papers scattered around the place, as well as blood stains and cuts all up on the wall * Man...like im in some kind of sci-fi horror book... *she continues to look around and finds a desk with a computer and a note bad* Huh...? *walks up to desk and inspects the notepad*

She see notes on how to merge multiple bodies into one and manipulate the usage of the body itself

Akami: Huh...

As she continues reading she sees skethes of some sort of 4 eyed creature with giant steak knifes for feet.

Akami: Well someone's got a vivid imagination. *she puts the notepad down and presses a key the keyboard*

The computer turns on and a videos begins to play

"Video Log 104 of the 20th experiment of the Sentōki Project. The experiment has gone in our liking, but it has been struggling to get free from quite some time. Everyday it's been trying to break away from it's chains and it's strength grows exponentially. It is quite the foe, but it may or may not be the tool Director Yokan wants it."

Akami: Experiment? Explains what could've happened here.

"Video Log 108 of the 20th experiment of the Sentōki Project. We have developed a name for our new found experiment.: Quadhemoth. We have made a 15 foot tall, four-eyed giant. We used and imported a skeleton of a real cyclop. Ofcourse a few things had to go, such the head and feet.It is rather intelligent though it does prefer its strength and persistence, it is very adaptable in combat situations and has quick counter reflexes. We had also had to git rid of some filth to make up it's legit body, but it struggle way to much when we gave it life prematurely. It has no head but he does have a neck(s). I say that cause they are actually four neck that each have and eye, but Quadhemoth like to to keep them together as one. The neck is malleable, able to stretch to great lengths. The body itself was only able to be composed of muscle from the filth we slaughtered. It made the body vulnerable for a time and after the moisture dried out, the muscles was no longer a problem. We did have a problem with it go. One time it escaped and ran off into the wilds. We found it hiding in a swamp and took it back to the lab. We decided to do something about that, hence why it has two new sets of feet: giant steak knives."

Akami: You bastards...

"Video Log 112 of....exper..ment.....Sen. Project.....The experiment has....a number of our best scientist is gone!....Years of completing this experiment.....It was a failure......They decided it was too dangerous.....closed this place down and the....with it....no one is to enter unless direct orders..."

Akami: Yep, just what I thought. *hears clanking* Hmmm? *begins to veture deeper in the lab*

She sees a giant, blood-stained examination table

Akami: Man...poor thing. *sees broken chains on the floor next to it* Serves them right...*sees a bolted up door and punches it clean off and enters*

''As she makes hr wake slowly into the room, she sees a dim light and she hears thunder from outside. After a a couple of minutes of snooping around, she finally makes it to hole abover where the light is coming from, aswell as the rain pouring down. When she gets to the center, she finds a red giant curled into a ball with its 'head' tucked in and is chained by its arms and legs. The rain begins to pour on it and small faints of read can be seen in the water. She sees the steak knives.''

Akami: I've dealt with my fair share of fucked up things, but this...like...what the hell where they even doing? *she slowly walks up to it* H-hello?

''The giant opens it's legs up, then opens its arms up and an eye appears from the darkness. It is side ways and it seems to be pieced together with various other eye colors. Then two more appear next to the first but below it. Then one more appears below the two but is in the same position as the first, then a thunder strikes as akami slowly backs up in horror as it stands and reveals it only have four long attached necks and the eyes the only thing present on the bending stumps of it. The red giant grab the chains and begin to pull.''

Akami: Nope! *sprints right out of there* Nopenopenopenopenopenopenopenopenopenope!

The giant pulls the first chain aloose, then the second,then it pulls off both of it's leg chains and lets out a muffled roar to the raining sky ans another thunder strikes.

Akami: *makes it out and grabs Ace* We might wanna get going now!

Nobuyuki gives a stern 'I told you so' look, before heading off in a northernly direction.

''The red giant jumps from ontop of the mountain and lands right in front of them. It makes amuffled grumbling sound.''

Nobuyuki stands his ground, while addressing Akami without turning his head. "I told you not to, and you ignored me. I'm the adult here, you're just a child. So next time, do as I say."

He looks up at the creature. "If you are here to fight, arms will only result in your death. Leave us be, you are free."

Akami: You maybe the adult, but that's a monster. Monsters don't listen, but this is just-

The giant raises it's hand and brings it down on them, but they both move out the way just in time.

Akami: Just don't kill it, ok?

Nobuyuki didn't move, but when the dust settles, he is unaffected, having blocked it with a single hand.

"If I end up killing it depends upon if it knows how to back off. Now tell me something," He says as he casually tosses it against the mountain, then looks back at her.

"What's the difference really between you and a monster?" He says, indicating it. He blocks it again.

"You reallllly need to stop, child." He says, as its hand is cut off by an invisible blade.

"In the world you live in, you would be regarded as a monster. Should I then think of you the same way, that you are incapable of listening? No. All must be given the chance of acknowledgement, even if they cannot understand it, on the off chance that it has a mind of its own, reason is always an option."

Akami: Like you said me being a child, so is it. It might take it longer to back off

The giants muscles wraps around its cut wound and creates a substitue hand and tries to stomp on Nobuyuki with its knife feet.

Nobuyuki rolls under the creature, standing up behind it just as a series of energy ropes lash around its leges and goes taunt, bring its legs together and sending it toppling to the ground.

"I would not get up again," He warns.

The red giant stands up once again and dives his into the ground, it's muscle mass comes from under Nobuyuki and Akami and entangle them.

Akami: Maybe instead of trying to hit back, maybe we should just let i have at it. Maybe it's just angry.

Nobuyuki merely touches the entangling mass, and a irritating itchy aura begins affecting the creature, as if it was being covered in lice.

''The red giant begins to try to sctrach itself, but then it stops for a moment and looks at the raining skies. It lets out a muffled roar and begins to attack frantickly  at a near unpredicable pace''

Akami: Seriously! What the hell, man?! I told you to let it blow off some steam!

Nobuyuki shakes his head. "Quiet." He manages to grab it again, and this time, a powerful, surpressing aura enters its being, calming and pacifying, but also restraining.

The giant falls to its knees all tired-like.

Nobuyuki sighs. "Seriously, what the hell, lady? You're too quick to judge." He subtly also mocks her earlier statement.

The red giant throws a puch at Nobuyuki, but flies straight past him and at Akami

Slow motion

Akami: *eyes widen. She tosses Ace in the air and catches the monsters fist*

The giant's arm then drops in tirdness

Akami: *lets go of it's fist, then jumps and catches Ace**panting*

Nobuyuki mutters, and a flurry of symbols appear over Akami and Ace. "As if I'd actually let you get hurt."

Akami: Doesn't matter now. *sets Ace down and walk up to the giant* You ok? We don't want to hurt you...any further.

The giant tries to hammer fist Akami but she dodges to her left, then the giant arm-sweeps into her.

Akami: *blocks*

The giant tires to punch her but misses and it drops again in tiredness.

Akami: *touches the giants hand and kneels down* It's going to be alright. Your free now. You don't have to worry about anything hurting you again.

The giant grabs Akami and brings her closer to its four eyes as it begins to rise.

The pressure of the aura increases.

The giant falls back to it's knees, but still holds Akami

Akami: Nobuyuki, stop! You don't need to hurt it anymore.

"Child, I'm not hurting it. I'm feeding it a pacifying aura. As well as a restricting aura, I'm limiting and slowing its movements. There is a very big difference."

Akami: Yes, but it's infuriating it. It's probably like the same way they tried to restrain it. It's only responding this way because it's afraid your going to hurt it. You might wanna stop it for right now. We gotta make it feel like it's not in danger. This thing has must have been restrained for it's entire life...do you think it's time that changed?

Nobuyuki closes his eyes and the creature suddenly lets go of Akami, and falls over, silent. He then grabs Ace and Akami and begins walking away.

Akami: *yanks away* No! We're not gonna leave it there! Atleast, I won't.

Nobuyuki looks at her sternly. "And what, might I ask, might you do with it?"

Nobuyuki and Ace are walking along with Akami behind them, carriying the giant over her body.

Nobuyuki stops only a few feet after he had started.

"No. Absolutely not. We're not taking it with us."

Akami: No. I am taking it with me. I just happen to be going the same direction you are.

"You cannot bring it with us to the Tower of Heaven. Leave it."

Akami: Heaven excepts everyone and everything, especially this. Even if it is Heaven, I hate to call the owner of such a place a 'liar' for false advertising a name such as that and not take this thing in.

Nobuyuki sighs and rubs his temples. "It's not a matter of if the lady will accept it. It's a matter of getting it there, the fact we've already got a short leash on time, and we don't know if it can be kept there. It is violent."

Akami: Only because it was made that way. It's not its fault that it can't help itself.

"If it has no control over its actions, then we cannot guarantee its safety or our own. That is not an acceptable condition. Out in the wild it can better take care of itself without causing harm to others."

Akami: Out there, it can be taken back by it's very creators. They will subjugate it to even worst procedures just for the sake of making it battle-worthy! You'd rather have that?

"This world is huge, Akami. Whoever did that to this thing, well, I doubt they'll find it again. Besides, the facility was abandoned."

Akami: Then there's no doubt more. The world maybe big but that just leaves room for more possibilites. Especially to what could happen. All it takes is that one-percent...one-percent can screw you up. And that's just one out of ninety-nine.

The giant lets out a muffled groan

Nobuyuki sighs. "Akami, the Tower of Heaven can't keep him. There's no room for him, and it's in the North Pole. He'll freeze before we even come close to the tower."

Akami: Then is there any other place we could take him?

"Perhaps one of the spirit villages close to the border would be better suited. But he can't come with us the whole way."

Akami: Fine. I'll stop half way and you two can go ahead. I'll stay with Quadhemoth.

He looks at her critically. "And why would you stay behind? Didn't you come here for your friend?"

Akami: I did, but this is his journey. This is for him. Besides, my friend isn't hurt. This creature needs my help more than Kado needs me. He needs you. You can help Kado, I can't. It's not like I'm abandoning him. I'm simply going to wait until he comes back.

Nobuyuki looks at Ace and points at the treeline. "Go over there, I'll call you back in a second." Ace quietly but reluctantly leaves.

He looks back at Akami. "He needs you too. You help him in ways we couldn't. We can merely set up the blueprints. It's up to people like you, who he cares about. ...Who he loves, that build the foundations. ...That build him and raise him up strong. Never forget what I tell you now: He loves you, take that as you may. Never betray it. Even if you find that you do not love him, taking that as you may, never betray his. I'll repeat myself. He needs you, perhaps more than I."

Akami: *thinks for a moment, then drops the giant. She kneels down and touchesthe giants hand* I'll come back as soon as I can.

The giant holders her hand for a moment, then completely passes out

Akami: *stands up and tunrs towards Nobuyuk* Let's go.

Nobuyuki looks at her quietly for a moment. "I swear it's like a little girl who's found a lost puppy. Alright, here." He creates a stone with a glyph, then hands an identical stone to her. He attaches the glyph to the giant.

"It's a emblem I use for protection and quick travel," He explains. "It will prevent anyone without the glyph from approaching or otherwise interacting in harmful manners with it, it will even act as a shield in general. It also serves as a transportation method. You'll be able to go back to it as much as you need. Now before you put it down, there's a nearby spirit village I will take you to, where they'll be able to shelter him. Alright?"

Akami: Why didn't you suggest this until now?

"Well, you never asked. You don't ask, you don't receive."

Akami: You're the one who made it sound like there was no hope for it.

"I just said that bringing it to the North was a really really bad idea."

Akami: Then you should've been the first come up with an alternative, caus I don't know a single thing about this place.

He clamps his hand over her mouth. "Enough, bickering is pointless. Should, should have, should not, makes no difference. Just pick him up and let's go." He releases her mouth.

Akami: *picks up Quadhemoth and continues to follow behind*

"We will be back soon Ace." He calls out, then leads Akami off onto what seems like a game trail, until it slowly becomes a paved road. He then stops at the entrance to a valley. A strange tendril appears from Nobuyuki, and suddenly makes a strange mark on her forehead which begins to glow, and Akami's vision begins changing until an entire city lays before her inside the once empty valley.

Akami: *eyes slightly widen at the sight* Any reason for that?

"Temporary spirit brand. You won't be able to interact with the city unless you have one. Follow me." He walks into the city.

Akami: *follows close behind him as she observes the invisible city*

He eventually takes them to a large building with a rather large door, and indicates it to Akami. The interior is nice enough to leave the beast in, but isn't decorated with anything except paintings. He writes a note on a sheet of paper and puts it on the wall.

Akami: So I put it in there, right?

"Yes."

Akami: *takes it inside and sets it down* You'll stay here for awhile until I get back. Don't try to mess up anything. I'll check up on you whenever. Bye.

The giant simply grumbles tiredly

Akami: *leaves* It's done.

Nobuyuki closes the door gently, then begins walking her back to the exit. "The mark upon your brow is, truthfully, not a normal spirit brand. It is the mark of the queen. While temporary, it will last you long enough for this trip."

Akami: Alright.

They eventually come back to where they left Ace, but she seems to have vanished.

Akami: Oh no. Oh no oh no oh no! Ace! *looks eveywhere* Where did she go? Ace!

Something lands on her head. "Gotcha~" Ace chirps, now laying on her head.

Akami: *grabs Ace* Don't do that! Something could've happened to you!

"I was only having a bit of fun...." She whines.

Akami: There are other ways to have fun, but you don't do that to me, cause I really thought you went missing.

"....I'm sorry..."

Akami: *hugs Ace tightly* I just...I just don't wanna loose you.

She starts to look worried, that and confused. "Akami...?" She asks, her voice reflecting it.

Akami: I apologize...*lets go of Ace and wipes her eye*

The girl looks at Akami, unsure of what's happening. "Are you... are you ok?"

Akami: Yes I'm...I'm fine. I was just really scared, was all...

Ace suddenly looks tired. "Can you... ...carry me? I feel... ...sleepy..."

Akami: Sure. I gotcha. *picks up Ace*

Not long after setting off, Ace falls asleep in Akami's arms, and after hours of walking, when the moon has fully risen, Nobuyuki stops at a dry cave and sets up wards at the entrance to keep intruders out, then looks at Akami. "We camp for the night. In the morning we will get an upgrade to our travel plans. I will make a meal."

Akami: Thanks, but I don't think I'll eat tonight.

"Akami, you need your strength, you need to eat. What's wrong?"

Akami: Just that when I get spooked, I loose my appetite.

"It's been hours, are you really that scared?"

Akami: Missing children is a real thing. It's even scarier wondering what's happening to them.

"....Is that the only reason?"

Akami: No. Ofcourse there's more, but I don't know you like that to be telling you my personal feelings.

"Orrrrr I could read your completely unguarded mind and learn that way," He comments. "But I won't. I respect your privacy. But I imagine whatever feelings you mean are already known to the half a million spirits in the vicinity, who don't seem to understand the meaning of privacy," He seems to be chiding the air itself.

Akami: *groans*

He smiles. "Would you like it if they 'accidentally' forgot?"

Akami: *sigh* It doesn't matter.

"It doesn't? It is your private feelings and it's not too much trouble on my part..."

Akami: It's not like it's anything embarrasing they should know about, it's simply something I don't like bringing up.

"I see. I am sorry that happened, it was an unwelcome interruption."

Akami: It's nothing to worry about. It's not like I know any of them anyway. Besides, what would they do with information like that?

"Gossip to anyone and anything in sight about it. I swear some of these folks are eager to talk about anything that happens in these wilds."

Akami: Really? It's a really sad thing talk about.

"Possibly not in this case. They might. Epsically if a certain someone told them to can it. Are you sure you're ok?"

Akami: I just need to shake it off is all. I'll be fine by tomorrow.

"If you say so." Nobuyuki finishes making dinner and has his meal, then finishes and goes to sleep.

Akami: *sits on her knees and begins to meditate near the entrance of the cave*

Late in the morning, Ace begins to turn back into Kado.