[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/8WdrcYE.png[/img][/center][hr] The desert was cold and empty. Long ago, this empty place was a bustling Meso-American settlement responsible for the consistent visitation of tens of thousands. A trade hub, which long ago was visited by the enigmatic Ten Path Sage Kai, who established a pathway directly to its outskirts. It was this ancient pathway which gathered from the edges of reality in the middle of nowhere. Its physical form coalesced into the majesty of a mid-sized Japanese Torii. Its wood was stained purple, slowly forming from the mist of non-creation before the door within materialized. A few slashes, and the door swung open with a gentle click. Kari and Selena stepped through the door after traveling through the paths. They were greeted by the cool night skies of Mirage Springs… And they were right outside of it on the outskirts. Kari looked down and noticed a scorpion walking by. She was wearing black leggings, leather running shoes, a black t-shirt… And a wide-brimmed witch hat. She took a few steps forward and spread her fingers and pressed them to the sides of her head and closed her eyes. [color=eac6ae]”... Give me a few minutes to find Connor and-”[/color] Kari was cut off by an explosion in the distance. [color=eac6ae]”... We can just follow the chaos.”[/color] Ken emmerged from behind them, taking a deep breath of the desert air. Fully equipped, Ken’s vest was heavy and laden with equipment which readied him for any kind of combat he may find. Making up for the few physical problems Kari may have, he very quickly applied Enlighten to her form. It was the least he could do, and he followed up by hitting himself with it. Doing so let them operate longer without the strain of weight effecting them, and they’d be able to operate harder longer. Selena, he felt, was a secondary priority. But, not entirely useless, so before they made any move, he enlightened her as well. [color=7B81B3]”Alright… Just stay close as you can, Kari: I’ll not be able to forgive myself if something happens to you here.”[/color] Off in the distance, there was a sound like a sledgehammer hitting a brick wall and shattering it, followed by the sight of a red glow pulsing from between the buildings. Something screamed, and it definitely didn’t sound human. [color=5658ff]”We should… [i]Certainly[/i] remain close to each other. I agree,”[/color] Selena added. [color=5658ff]”I can see the Lux from here. Red, gold and orange all blended together. And it’s [i]burning.”[/i][/color] Ken cleared his throat, stretching slightly. [color=7B81B3]”For the sake of clarity… We’re not trying to [i]kill[/i] him, are we?”[/color] he asked, a bit of a chuckle escaping his lips. [color=eac6ae]”No, I’m trying to lock him in my basement, babe,”[/color] Kari chuckled, [color=eac6ae]”Let’s go!”[/color] Kari said before running in that direction. Selena took off after her as well, and the three of them came upon a warzone. The source of the commotion was a parking lot that led to a surprisingly empty bank, where they could hear the fighting long before they laid eyes on it. There were only a few cars here or there, and [i]most[/i] of them were scorched by magical fire in some fashion or another. Smoke rose up into the night as the only clear sign the Blind could hope to see. But the [i]real[/i] evidence of battle was splattered all over the ground. Demons left and right, some visibly incinerated by that red flash, some broken as if they had been hit by cars. Otherworldly body parts and unholy blood pooled up like some sort of supernatural bloodbath. Demons were running around left and right, crawling out of alleyways and from underneath manhole covers to below the city itself. Shots rang out, as streaks of icy blue light swept through the horde of demons. There in the thick of all that violence was one of the two that Kari and Selena were looking for. [url=https://img.roleplayerguild.com/prod/users/30c7ef6c-3d97-4c0e-8600-07535cb79d62.png]Commander Sirus.[/url] A tall being of steel and Lux, built like a mountain. In his hands he held the Earthbreaker, a long hammer that crashed into the demons with absolutely zero mercy. The machine whirled it overhead, and the very pavement beneath his feet rippled out like water to give the demons pause. Smaller creations floated around him, vaguely sphere shaped and hurling nets of solid electricity at the demons. There was a mechanical turret just behind him, blaring out a string of expletives that only he could understand as it shot at the demons flanking its commander with bolts of vibrant lightning. [color=cornflowerblue]”Begone from here, demons!”[/color] He called out, in a voice that carried [i]authority[/i] with it. [color=cornflowerblue]”You cannot hope to kill me!”[/color] [h1][i][b]BOOM![/b][/i][/h1] Another explosion kicked off, and another flare of deep red light appeared on the far end of the parking lot. A cluster of demons burst into flames, and fell to chaos. Kari skidded to a halt at the edge of the parking lot, eyes wide as she took in the chaotic battlefield. She was paying little attention to the violence in front of her, but she was locked in on the Red, Gold, and Orange Lux flares in the distance. [color=eac6ae]”Oh, Connor, what will we do with you…”[/color] Kari muttered under her breath. Kari reached into her crossbody bag and pulled out her Glock 17. Then, she brought her hands together, closing her eyes… A soft glow emerged from the ground beneath her feet, snaking forward like a ribbon of light. Its color was distinct - an electric blue. As the path stretched ahead, it cut through the chaos, bypassing shattered pavement, broken cars, and pools of demonic blood. Kari’s eyes opened, and the path was clear. She smiled, then shouted. [color=eac6ae]”... Follow the path! It’ll lead us straight to Connor!”[/color] Kari’s voice projected loudly over the chaos. [color=eac6ae]”Commander Sirus will be fine!”[/color] Without hesitation, Kari started down the glowing path, and the closer they got, the more intense the glow began. Deeper into the chaos, fires were raging like crazy. There was the occasional, stray pocket of [i]biting cold[/i] mixed in as the group eventually came upon the sight of demons littered with glowing green arrows and several smaller mechanical minions swirling around a man brandishing a flaming sword in one hand with a pistol in the other. That was Connor Bray, and just like Sirus, he was in the trenches. Demons were shot out of the sky as quickly as they were cut down from the ground. One of his drones launched a grenade at its creator, and Connor sent it flying with a quick smack of his sword, into a crowd of demons that promptly became a pile of frozen statues. The demons over here were larger, a bit more hulking in their demeanor. It seemed that Sirus was handling the cannon fodder while his partner in violence took on the big guys. Most of them were in ruin on the ground, a mountain of corpses with few left alive. A winged demon pounced on Kenshiro from behind, but a beam of red light vaporized its skull at the last second. [color=red]”Who the [i][b]FUCK[/b][/i] are you?!”[/color] Connor bellowed at the new arrivals, leveling the Forge Blaster at them all. [color=red]”I can do this all fucking night, you wanna try me?!”[/color] [color=eac6ae]”... Hey! Hey! [i]Hey![/i] It’s cool! It’s me!”[/color] Kari took a few (brave) steps forward, waving her hands back and forth. She dropped her Glock on the ground and then placed her hands on her chest. [color=eac6ae]”Connor! It’s me! [i]Kari! Kari [b]Wilson[/b][/i] from the Coven!”[/color] Kenshiro had, until now, done a decent job of keeping out the chaff that made it close. A crushing burst here, a slice of demon there; The Emperor's Tanto was slicked with demonic blood, as was the man’s body as crushing the foe was an action that required full contact. His figure was bulky, carrying the weight of the fusion between himself and Tennogama in order to minimize the potential for things to go wrong. He remembered Connor well, and didn’t want Kari pressing her luck too hard as they were well within range. Instinctively, he began putting subtle pressure-barriers in front of them, hoping to at least slow down any errant attacks made toward their group. [color=7B81B3]”Caution, my Love… Not too close…”[/color] [color=red]”Kari… Kari [i]Wilson?[/i] What the fuck are you doing in Mirage Springs?! What are you all-”[/color] Another demon roared overhead, and Connor put a hole in its face. [color=red]”You’re a long way from St. Portwell, what are you doing here?”[/color] [color=eac6ae]”We’re saving your ass, silly,”[/color] Kari snorted, placing her hands on her hips. [color=eac6ae]”Now let’s grab Sirus and go, I have a feeling-”[/color] Kari was cut off by a flaming rift appearing in the air in front of her. All she saw was orange, before a [url=https://imgur.com/x6bST5i]hulking figure[/url] reached through and yanked her into the portal. She could only scream. [color=5658ff]”Kari!”[/color] Against all logic and reason, Selena dove through the portal to try and drag Kari out. Yet it closed before she could get in. Ken’s aberrant tongue lashed out thick as a crane cable, smashing against the closing portal and nearly losing the tip in the process. [color=7B81B3]”Oh, Goddammit! I’ll not have this again!”[/color] he raged, leg smashing into the ground and causing the pavement beneath to buckle beneath the weight of his Ten Ton style. [color=7B81B3]”What are these beasts, Brother Connor!? Where have they taken my Beloved?!”[/color] [color=cornflowerblue]”These are demons!”[/color] Sirus and his drone companions rushed over, all soaked in demon blood. [color=cornflowerblue]”Somebody under Morningstar stole from us, and we followed him. He summoned these beasts to save himself.”[/color] [color=red]”Yeah. And it didn’t fucking work,”[/color] Connor remarked, as all the drones fell in around them both. [color=red]”Weren’t you purple Lux? Just drag the portal back open.”[/color] Confused, somewhat insulted, Ken frowned and began to channel his Purple Lux into the Emperor's Tanto. Stanced, his hand lay upon the blade's grip, and in a single fell swoop he swung toward where the barrier had been. It was the same motion he used to open the Pathways, and he only hoped the basic principle would carry over. However, before he could continue, a man shouted from the rooftops. [h1][i]“... [b]Failures[/b] all of you!”[/i][/h1] Their attention was brought to a [url=https://i.imgur.com/Fw0Toec.jpeg]very tall blonde-haired man wearing a black suit[/url]. He stood at the edge of the rooftop with a look of disgust on his face. Behind him were a group of three other people - [url=https://i.imgur.com/LGcjiid.jpeg]a tall woman in a suit[/url], [url=https://i.imgur.com/m25j5iY.jpeg]a gigantic obese man[/url], and… the giant creature that had snatched Kari. He stood over nine feet tall and held Kari by her neck as she struggled and thrashed. “You let yourselves get reduced to mere cannon fodder! Act like you’re members of the Society!” The man barked at the demons before he slid his hands into his pockets and looked at the three, then said, “As for you, Connor Bray, [i]bravo[/i], you’ve managed to not only have Morningstar mark you for death, but you made me come see to your execution. [i]Personally[/i].” He began slowly clapping. “I applaud you for making yourself such a pain in the ass,” He then looked at Kenshiro. He said, “Now, if you don’t want my associate, Mala’Boolaan, to separate this girl’s head from her shoulders, you are going to take that sword and use it to slash Connor’s throat.” He gestured towards the hulking monstrosity that held Kari. “Me crush girl!” Mala’Boolaan shouted, pointing at them. “Then me crush [i]you![/i]” “Come now, Mala, contain yourself,” The man said. “That’s only necessary if they are [i]stupid.[/i]” [color=red]”I suggest you two let go of her [i]now,[/i] before I come up there skin you two alive, lady,”[/color] Connor warned, pointing the Inferno Blade up at whoever she was. “Try me!” Mala’Boolaan shouted. Ken hadn’t turned from his position, the Emperor’s Tanto still glowing deep purple in his hands. His half-froggy appearance, the wide face and massive mouth with his eyes more centered in his head, gave him a freakish appearance. But that strange too-wide face turned slowly, eye rotating just enough to see Kari struggling. His hand rumbled slightly, and a slow but sure trail of pebbles began to hoist themselves from the ground. The tiniest things… Barely noticeable within the space between them and the gathering at the top of the building. A barely noticeable guidewire… His free hand twisted into the symbol of the Horse. There was a slight pause as Send/Receive accepted Ken’s target, then a dull flash of static as Ken picked up speed. Using the guidewire to give him something to change places with each cast, he could feel the buildup of disorientation as he got faster and faster. Half headed for Kari, half headed for the Demon’s arm with blade in hand, he intended to extricate with the only thing in this blasted desert he actually cared about. Once, or if, she was safe, he’d happily return to the task at hand… But he only had one goal now. [color=7B81B3][i]Save her. Save her. Save her.[/i][/color] The tanto embedded into Mala’Boolaan’s arm, and he growled, looking at Kenshiro. “... Me break you!” Mala’Boolaan shouted as he exploded into an aura of fire. He threw Kari over his shoulder like a toy he was bored with and swung his fist at Kenshiro. “Good grief, Mala, kill the girl and-” The tall man shouted at Mala, only for him to ignore his command. The man facepalmed before he said, “Sheer’Khan, Gomander! Kill them all!” “Yes, Ignatius!” They both said. Sheer’Khan, the obese man, transformed into a [url=https://i.imgur.com/m5HVi2h.jpeg]massive, hulking, beast[/url] in a cloud of smoke While; Gomander, the woman, transformed into an [url=https://i.imgur.com/wwyo9ba.jpg]extensive worm-like creature[/url] with dozens of mouths. Ignatius pointed at Connor. “You’re not leaving this city…” In a cloud of black smoke, Ignatius transformed into [url=https://i.imgur.com/7hdV8oK.jpg]a massive dragon[/url] with the girth of an 18-wheeler. “... I’ll personally see to that.” He opened his maw and sprayed magma at the group below. [color=5658ff]”Kari!”[/color] Selena cast Moonstep on herself and bolted in the direction of Kari, falling body. Sirus flexed his fingers and handed the Earthbreaker off to the caddie drone. [color=cornflowerblue]”Leave the large one to me.”[/color] Connor sidestepped the magma, while Sirus ran directly forward underneath it. [color=red]”I’ve killed worse than you before!”[/color] Connor shouted, as his drones [i]growled[/i] at the woman. [color=red][i][b]TRY ME!”[/b][/i][/color] Ignatius didn’t respond so much before opening his mouth and spraying more magma at Connor and Sirus. Gomander floated off to the side before diving straight into the ground, tunneling underneath, before coming up beneath Sirus’ feet. Jaws capable of consuming [i]anything[/i]. Sirus, feeling the ground tremble, leapt to one side and hit the ground knee-first. He reached into his jacket and withdrew Zephyr. Just in case. [color=cornflowerblue]”What layer of Hell did you arise from, demon?”[/color] He asked, holding the weapon up in a reverse grip as his fists came up into a boxing stance. Meanwhile, Connor was running and gunning, firing off red beams of searing light at Ignatius as a raptor drone flew high up, throwing nets of lighting at him. Ignatius quickly crawled down the side of the building to be on the same level as Connor before spraying more magma at him. Ignatius looked over his shoulder and shouted. “... Sheer’Khan! Do something!” He barked. Before the massive demon-creature jumped down, he scratched his head. “... The same layer of hell you’re going to!” Gomander shouted as she quickly soared through the air and consumed many of Connor’s flying drones in her snapping jaws. “Open fire upon me if you dare, boy!” Ken’s fight with Mala’Boolaan had, so far, been as successful as the Toad Warrior could hope for. Kari seemed out of danger, so everything else was just preparation. Training for an ultimate battle with an entity still unknown to him. Revenge for his clan. Which meant, every so often, one needed to push their upper limits. Stretch the muscles to failure. And his blood was up anyway, this dreadful and ugly, foul creature daring to assault his Cherry Blossom as she was defenseless. [color=7B81B3]”Ten-Ton Defense: Farmer’s Gun!”[/color] He and the demon had, until now, traded mostly superficial blows. Anything significant seemed to be absorbed without care, while his constant Gold-to-Purple siphon effect from the Emperor’s Tanto increased his output to match that of a pure Purple Lux user. The equally intense walls of force Ken was capable of shaping in the blink of an eye served as ablative pads meant to catch any errant attacks. Theoretically, as he directed a great deal of force into a turbine-like tube of force, would be sucked into the hole and crushed before being sent through the other side. The other side, of course, being pointed toward the ground, where they would be planted like a seed under the thumb of a farmer. Mala'Boolaan grinned as Ken unleashed his anime attack, the force of it rushing toward him like a tidal wave. He met it head-on and was sucked inside… before getting launched into the ground hard enough to make someone think a brief earthquake had hit. It left a crater… smoke and dust in all directions before a light shined brightly underneath it all—a fire. Mala’Boolaan stepped through the dust. He began laughing. “Me think that pathetic!” Mala’Boolaan laughed. “Me need more than that!” He exploded into fire before launching himself at Kenshiro with the force and violence of a meteor. Selena had caught Kari and brought her back down to the ground-floor, she had dusted herself off. Kari looked at Selena and said, [color=eac6ae]”... Thanks.”[/color] Kari shook her head. [color=eac6ae]”You need to help Connor...”[/color] She looked at Kenshiro. [color=eac6ae]”... I’ll help Ken.”[/color] [color=5658ff]”I have an idea…”[/color] Selena looked up into the sky and saw the moon. She reached for Kari’s pistol and laid one finger on it, concentrating for a moment. Suddenly, there were two Karis. [color=5658ff]”Use your Abstraction to find their weaknesses,”[/color] she ordered the silent clone, before turning to the real one. [color=5658ff]”She can’t speak but she can use your magic until she runs out of power. Anything she learns, you’ll learn. Let’s go.”[/color] Kari ran back over and grabbed her Glock from the ground before returning to Selena… She gave her a wide, toothy grin as she said, [color=eac6ae]”... I was thinking something more along the lines of using this, but this works too!”[/color] Kari pointed at the Glock in her other hand. Ken’s defensive sphere felt the force of impact from Mala’Boolaan’s attack, watching around himself as the ground buckled up around him. Rubble and debris filled the crater impact, forcing Ken to tighten the field around him in order to keep it strong enough to protect himself and the Emperor’s Tanto. Bursts of purple lightning sprung from the holes, phantom hands lashing out to search for anything substantial that could impact the demon from behind. They grasped a pickup truck just as Mala’Boolaan hit the ground with a thud. The hands swung the pickup truck like a mace, but the sound of it skidding across the ground made the demonic Aberration look over his shoulder. He grinned as he exploded into fire. [h1][i][b]“... CRUSH!”[/b][/i][/h1] He shouted at the top of his lungs as he cocked his fist back and punched the pickup truck. He turned into it, putting his entire body into the punch, and when it made contact, the pickup truck was shattered to pieces. He held the pose momentarily before letting out a guttural laugh. “Me tired of this!” Mala’Boolaan reached forward, and grabbed… seemingly [i]nothing.[/i] Yet, it felt like his hands were full as space and time warped around them. He groaned, as he began tearing reality in half… before he opened a portal, yet it was unrefined and looked less like a classical portal and more like a burning tear in reality. However, on the other end of this “tear” was a perfect shot at Kenshiro Murakin as Mala’Boolaan first launched himself through the portal shoulder first. He flew through the air like a meteor, leaving behind a trail of fire and brimstone as he cut through the air with the speed of a meteor. A glowing net arced through the air, saving Kenshiro by flinging him out of the way of the ugly demon. It felt like being electrocuted, but he was on the ground and Mala’Boolaan was going past him. [color=red]”Watch your damn back!”[/color] Connor shouted, running forward with one of his Raptor drones. He held the Falling Glacier in his hands and hurled it like a javelin at the back of the demon’s skull. Kenshiro had the good sense, while he was being flung, to release his defenses in a heavy wave of telekinetic energy. The bit of rubble that had been tightest to him launched itself like a cannonball, shredding apart as it breached the sound barrier on a collision course with the demons chasing Connor. Coincidentally, the same surge blew away the net, leaving him free to redirect. His hands flicked together, and every bit of momentum he was carrying was dumped into the swap with the rubble. He was hurtling sword first toward Connor’s pursuers now, as if they swapped partners in a dance of death. Mala’Boolan hit the ground hard enough to send a ripple through the earth; the building collapsed to bits. There was a loud growling as a torch pieced through the dust and smoke…. Mala’Boolaan stepped out of the smoke and stared at Connor. He raised both of his fists into the air. “... Get out of my way!” Mala’Boolaan slammed his hands onto the street with such force that it caused an absolute chasm to form in a path straight underneath Connor’s feet. Not just that, it began glowing brightly with molten hot magma. “Good grief!” Ignatius shouted; he quickly hopped to the top of the building and shouted, “Gomander! Get the machine!!” “Yes, Ignatius!” Gomander flew through the earth, ignoring Kenshiro entirely as she came back up when Mala-Boolaan cracked the earth. Her target was Commander Sirus… and she dove at him, with her maws open and snapping as she tried to consume him. “I guess all five of you are going to die here today!” Ignatius opened as he opened his mouth and spewed magma at Kenshiro. [color=eac6ae]”... Jesus Christ!”[/color] Kari said before pants as she had to take cover, she clutched her Glock tightly in her hands as she groaned. [color=eac6ae]”... Why wasn’t I gifted with Purple Lux?”[/color] Kenshiro's stance, famed among the Palette Clans as the student of the Ten Ton Master, was famously defensive even among his peers. Anticipation and Excitement was built on the back of danger, and being directly in the thick of it was dangerous as Hell. Casting complex spells was difficult, but constantly channeling a protective barrier? As long as he was on edge, he could do it successfully. So the lava spewing blasted against a wall of pressurized air, cooling into a blackrock facade and sloughing away just as fast as Ignatius could apply more. Connor dodged [sub]because apparently Kenshiro didn’t block the one his writer was thinking of.[/sub] He withdrew Funnelweb from his caddie drone, and met back up with Kenshiro. [color=red]”We don’t need to kill that fucker,”[/color] He said, drawing a nuclear, glowing arrow from a quiver. [color=red]”We can make him do that for us.”[/color] Sirus threw himself to the side to save himself from Gomander, and tossed the Zepyhyr knife at Ignatius. It flew far and steady, and he didn’t stop to see if it hit. It would come back. He stood and raised his fists. [color=cornflowerblue]”Worm of Hell, I’ve stared down creatures greater than you before.”[/color] Gomander didn’t respond as she simply charged Sirus, with her maws open and ready to close down and consume Sirus. Ignatius simply dodged the knife but sprayed magma directly onto it on its way back. He sinisterly grinned… Before his head darted to a car. The car Kari was hiding behind, her eyes shot open before she pointed her glock at Ignatius and opened fire letting off a series of shots before Ignatius opened his mouth and sprayed magma in her direction. “Weakling… hide behind shield!” Mala’Boolaan took steps towards the barrier Kenshiro erected; every step left burning hot magma in his wave. “Me… Need no shield… because nothing can stop me!” The air got hotter and hotter as Mala’Boolaan, got down on all fours and exploded into flames. Then, he launched himself at the barrier at blinding speeds, leaving behind a trail of fire and destruction. [color=red][i][b]”MOVE!”[/b][/i][/color] Connor lunged for the floor, hoping the flaming giant would soar clean over him and Kenshiro. Meanwhile, Sirus [i]let[/i] Gomander swallow him whole. He had an idea, which seemed to involve the metal man being devoured by the giant worm. Little did Gomander know that Sirus had a trick up his sleeves. One that gave him the confidence to place himself between the jaws of a beast that could eat anything. When she bit down to try and devour him, all she could taste was white hot [i]fire.[/i] Yet, it didn’t affect her in the slightest as she crushed his mechanical body in her jaws. The various maws around her began laughing as she shouted. “Idiot! Do you think you’re the [i]first[/i] to try that?!” Gomander began laughing. “Or the last even?!” Selena was nowhere to be found. This was getting exhausting… But sustained Channeling was his bread and butter, and he had Tennogama's energy reserves. There were no warnings for him to stop, only a steady drumbeat and the chants of war he always heard… From the Other Side. Kenshiro hadn't seen Kari since he challenged the Demon properly. He was anxious to catch a glimpse of her, and excited to honor her with triumph… Anticipation built Purple Lux reserves. He was especially anxious of this working… [color=7B81B3]”Keep charging! I love a stupid enemy!”[/color] Subtle force built directly across Bool's chest, forming a vest of force that threatened to pin the Demon's limbs to its sides. The time it took to make this happen was an eye's blink, and in the next instant, Ken flooded the vest with Telekinetic mass. Enough that Mala’Boolaan would hopefully slow down and begin to struggle with his trajectory. Enough that he'd fight hard against the weight to maintain his course. So much so that as he got within a few arms lengths, and Kenshiro released all the weight, he'd unintentionally overshoot and spring himself high off course into the air. The very edge of the Emperor's Tanto slipped into the trajectory he imagined in hopes the beast would rake its belly across the blade. Meanwhile, Kari screamed as she panicked, trying to escape the magma that came in her direction. She slipped and fell onto her hands and knees… Purple Winds came from all directions, and right in front of Kari, Yoko appeared, donning a [url=https://img.roleplayerguild.com/prod/users/c1fb55d9-c124-4270-a147-1760c63231eb.png]round and green shield[/url], immediately, Yoko put the shield in front of her shield and then it expanded outwards. The magma that collided with the barrier landed uselessly against the ground and sizzled as Yoko backpedaled. [hr][center][hider=Breton - The Well][youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M8oBawvySiA&pp=ygUPdGhlIHdlbGwgYnJldG9u[/youtube][/hider][/center][hr] The sun had fully set when Yoko reached the lakeside again, alone this time. The fire still crackled faintly, its embers glowing in the dim light of the Sanctuary. It was silent, but the air was thick with the aftermath of her argument with Selena. Yoko stared at the lake’s reflection and how serene and undisturbed it was… but Yoko’s mind was everything but. The words from her conversation with Selena echoed in her head. Cruelty. Loss. [i]Judgment.[/i] It all twisted inside her like a jagged knife. Yoko sat down in the seiza position on the lakeside… She’d been holding onto [i]so[/i] much for [i][b]soooooo[/b][/i] long. The guilt of not being there for Ella, the feeling of being a black sheep in her family, and the simmering resentment she harbored towards those who seemed to move forward while she remained in the past. Selena was right in her way - Yoko had chosen to stay, to wallow in her pain instead of confronting it. But she couldn’t just forget or simply move on like nothing happened. After what felt like [i]hours,[/i] Yoko stood, brushing the dirt from her pants. She couldn’t stay here forever. As peaceful as it was, the Hatanaka Sanctuary had become a place where her anger festered. She needed to leave. It was time to face the world outside again - time to return to where it all began. The knife slid back into its sheath as Yoko stood up and walked towards the exit… She moved with purpose now, her mind made. The weight of her emotions wasn’t gone, but it no longer held her in place. She was going to face her past, not run from it. With a deep breath, Yoko left the Sanctuary behind, and the moment the doors closed behind her, she pulled out her Swift Scroll. Opening it, she recited the chant and was teleported to St. Portwell. Specifically… [i]The lair of the old Coven.[/i] [hr] The winds of the Swift Scroll transported Yoko to the crumbling mansion the Old Coven used as a lair—supplied by Greyson; that place was a place of memories… just not fond ones. Unlike the others who were lost without the Old Coven, all they did was give her so much to forget. The likes of Leon and Ashey just compounded those feelings as she looked up at the mansion. She turned her back on the mansion, yet it felt like its broken windows were [i]staring[/i] at her. [i]You're back.[/i] Yoko never thought she’d return to this place. The haunting memories of the Old Coven twisted in her heart, mind, but also her [i]soul.[/i] She promised herself she’d forget. [i]Move on.[/i] But something [i]always[/i] pulled her back. Maybe it was the need for closure. Or maybe the guilt. Whatever it was, she couldn’t resist the draw anymore. Her boots crunched on the debris as she walked past the wreckage of the mansion… The lair of the Old Coven, once teeming with life, camaraderie, and powerful magic, is now decayed, crumbled, and forgotten ([i][color=fce420]As it should be.[/color][/i]). But it’s not the mansion she came for. Yoko circled the mansion to the rear; that was where a beautiful flower field replaced the decrepit ruins of the mansion. Flowers of every color bloomed around her, startlingly contrasting the destruction around it. They seem too attractive for a place like this. It's almost out of place. She walked through this field, the experience serene and ethereal, until she walked over to the ancient, rotting tree. Yoko stepped closer. Her fingers reach out to touch the bark. It’s still here. Her gaze lowers, and the carvings catch her eye. [i]Letters.[/i] To the untrained eye, it would seem like a mess of symbols - random scratches in the wood. But Yoko knows better. The Old Coven had always been secretive, encoding their final messages in these trees. The sacrifices they made, buried beneath layers of magic and time, are etched into the bark of this tree like a hidden eulogy. She traced the coded letters with her fingertips. They are more than names to Yoko - they are memories, lives lost, sacrifices made. The letters represent people who stood against the impossible, the unspeakable, and lost their lives. [i][code]MH AdAb - M. Chimera of the World Tree. CB ROA - F. Red Panda of the Manchineel. NT RA - M. Scarlet Ibis of the Manchineel. CS RA - F. Robin of the Manchineel.[/code][/i] Yoko scanned the tree; her fingers and hands drifted to the bottom, where [i]it[/i] was. [i][code]EB GORA - F. Sun Conure of the Manchineel[/code][/i] Yoko’s fingers trembled as she traced the letters. She sighed deeply as she knelt at the tree's base, surrounded by the flowers. It was Ella Brooks - Yoko's lost and dear friend. Ella had been a beacon of light amidst the darkness, her spirit as vibrant as the sun conure she was named after. Yoko can almost hear her laughter and see her bright smile. The loss is still fresh, the pain sharp. Yoko pressed her forehead against the base of the tree as she said, [color=fce420]”[i]... Thank you, Ella,[/i]”[/color] Yoko’s voice cracked as she whispered. [color=fce420]”[i]For everything.[/i]”[/color] A tear fell onto the bark. [color=F08080]“Hey,”[/color] Lynn spoke as she took another step forward. Seeing something in the future often did little to prepare one to experience it in reality, and Lynn felt that in the moment as she intruded on a personal moment. [color=F08080]“I am on my last day in town so I figured I’d stop by and see everyone again”[/color] Lynn paused as she took another few steps forward, [color=F08080]“when I checked the future I saw that you’d be here too. Are you okay?”[/color] Yoko’s tears dried. Like hell she was going to let her see her vulnerable. She hopped up to her feet and turned around. It was Serenelight… Kari’s ex. Yoko would be lying if she said if she was close to her. She wouldn’t let anyone - especially not Serenelight - see her like this. But as she turned towards Lynn, a weight on her chest refused to lift. She let out a slow, controlled breath, choosing her words carefully. [color=fce420]”I’m really not okay, American,”[/color] Yoko admitted, her voice tremoring a bit. [color=fce420]”But, I didn’t come here to be okay; I came here looking for answers.”[/color] Yoko glanced back at the tree where Ella’s name was carved, then at the decaying mansion. There was that urge to push Lynn away, but strangely, she felt comfortable around her. [color=fce420]”I want to leave it all behind, forget it ever existed, American,”[/color] Yoko said with a solemn sigh. [color=fce420]”But, something won’t let me, and keeps pulling me back here.”[/color] She paused, narrowing her eyes at Lynn, [color=fce420]”... And I need to know [i]why.[/i] Something - [i][b]anything[/b][/i] - that will make sense.”[/color] Lynn slowly moved her eyes towards the tree. She knew more about staying away from this spot. Regret, failure, and the memory of all those who died because of you. Lynn knew why it took so long to return, both to this memorial and to this town. Lynn also knew Yoko did not suffer from the same shortcomings. [color=F08080]“I ask myself the opposite question,”[/color] Lynn paused as she turned her attention back to Yoko. [color=F08080]“Do you want to forget, Yoko? Or do you want to be at peace?”[/color] Yoko narrowed her eyes as she thought about it, [color=fce420]”... Wouldn’t that accomplish the same thing, American?”[/color] Yoko said as she climbed to her feet and opened her posture a bit as she faced Lynn. [color=fce420]”I want to know why I am still tethered to this pain, American. Why I can’t let go. I thought coming here would help but now I don't know.”[/color] Yoko glanced at Ella’s code on the memorial before sighing, [color=fce420]”... So, if you have any insight. I am all ears, American.”[/color] [color=F08080]“Forgetting is easy. I do my best to forget. Your liver will hate you for it but I have just the elixir to help. But something tells me you don’t want to forget, don’t want to try and find that answer at the bottom of a bottle,”[/color] Yoko couldn’t help but feel like Lynn was jabbing at her [i]amazing[/i] alcohol tolerance. She turned her nose up momentarily before crossing her arms, hanging her head, and shaking it from left to right. Yoko raised her head, [color=fce420]”I don’t want to forget… [i]Ella.[/i] I want to honor her memory. It’s what she deserves.”[/color] She sighed yet again, her frustration bubbling, [color=fce420]”Yet, I’m feeling like I’m failing at that. How do I move forward without leaving her behind, American?”[/color] [color=F08080]“I don’t know if I have that answer,”[/color] Lynn paused as she took a couple steps closer, [color=F08080]“I am the last of my bloodline. I carry that weight on my shoulders, and every day that passes I feel more and more like I’m failing my ancestors, you know? So I don’t know the answer to your question,”[/color] Lynn paused as her smile faltered, [color=F08080]“I do know the burden of it. So. How do you keep on remembering her, and how do you honor her memory?”[/color] [color=F08080]“My memory of Ella is superficial at best. Can you tell me about her? Who was she to you?”[/color] Yoko’s arms lowered as her posture softened… she sighed. She hadn’t expected Lynn’s words to resonate so profoundly. It was rare for anyone to understand the weight of carrying memories, let alone the struggle of keeping them alive. She bit her lip, trying to suppress the emotions rising within her. [color=fce420]”[i]Ella[/i]…”[/color] Yoko said, playing with her hands. [color=fce420]”... Like Kari. She was kind to me when no one else was. There was a light in her, even when everything around us was falling apart. She made me laugh when I didn't think I could anymore. She had a way of seeing the good in people… Something I never experienced again but long for, American.”[/color] Yoko grasped at her chest, sighing. [color=fce420]”And now, I don’t know how to honor her without feeling like I'm betraying her somehow by moving forward. What if I forget the way she made me feel? What if I lose that connection?”[/color] Lynn remained silent for a minute as she contemplated the questions. [color=F08080]“It’s been ten years now since she died, and you continue to honor her by cherishing her memories, visiting her here, and by remembering her as she was. The only thing you could do more than you already have is to embody her in your actions, you know?”[/color] [color=fce420]”Elaborate,”[/color] Yoko raised an eyebrow. [color=F08080]“See the good in others, for starters,”[/color] Lynn said as she smirked, [color=F08080]“embody the best qualities of Ella in your actions, have that part of her live on through you, and have that be a way you honor her memory.”[/color] Yoko stared at Lynn for a long moment, letting the words sink in. Embodying Ella’s best qualities - was that the answer? It seemed simple, but somehow, it felt like the most challenging thing she could ever attempt. [color=fce420]”You make it sound easy, American,”[/color] Yoko turned away from Lynn. [color=fce420]”After it all… I find it hard to find to see the world the way [i]she[/i] saw it.”[/color] Her gaze drifted back to the tree. [color=fce420]”... And if I fail, American? If I try and just can’t live up to the impossible standard she set for me?”[/color] Yoko asked, though her tone seemed less of her talking to Lynn and making it vague if she was even referring to herself. [color=fce420]”Would Ella be mad that you failed or would she be happy that you keep trying?”[/color] [color=fce420]”I just… I don't know if I can be that person, American. The world feels so heavy, and I feel so small,”[/color] Yoko’s heart raced at the question, a wave of emotions crashing over her. She bit her lip, staring at the tree, at the name carved into its bark - Ella, forever etched in her memory. [color=fce420]”Ella wouldn’t have wanted me to stay stuck. She wanted me to live, to fight for the good, even when it felt impossible. She believed in me... even when I didn’t believe in myself.”[/color] Yoko sighed, looked over her shoulder at Lynn, [color=fce420]”Maybe… Maybe it’s not about living up to an impossible standard. I don’t necessarily have to be [i]her.[/i]”[/color] Yoko closed her eyes, [color=fce420]”I don’t want to forget her. But I can let go of the fear of not being enough. Even if it's hard, I can try to see the world through her lens.”[/color] [color=fce420]”Good. And if you fall, or fail, take a page from her book and make sure you surround yourself with people who will pick you back up. Beneath the rough, coarse exterior there’s a likable person. Remember that.”[/color] [color=fce420]”You know, American, I’ve always thought I had to bear this alone. But maybe Ella wouldn’t have wanted that. She surrounded herself with light and [i]love[/i]. I realize now that I can do the same. I don’t have to be perfect; I just need to try to honor her by being kind, just like she was.”[/color] As Yoko spoke, a warm smile crept across her face. [color=fce420]”I like the sound of that,”[/color] Lynn paused as she looked at the names on the tree. Even from this distance she could read several names belonging to people she had indirectly killed. Maybe one day she’d be willing to be open about their deaths, but today was not that day. [color=fce420]”I don’t need to see the future to know that you’ll make Ella proud.”[/color] Yoko couldn’t help but smile. Then it hit her. [color=fce420]”... You said you saw me in the future, American?”[/color] Yoko asked. [color=fce420]”I did, yeah. I tend to look ahead when I come to places like this. I saw you as you were before I walked up, and stopped looking from there.”[/color] [color=fce420]”I need your help, American, you are aware my brother is missing, yes?”[/color] Yoko said. [color=fce420]”I can’t find him. [i]Wilson[/i] cannot find him. I need you to look into the future for my brother. So I can find him and save him if necessary.”[/color] Lynn was surprised. She had thought most of the coven thought she was unreliable, inaccurate, and at the very least just above worthless. This was a welcome change to that narrative. [color=fce420]”Of course. As a refresher on my skills the near future is mostly clear, the future beyond is less so.”[/color]. Lynn’s eyes flashed green and she departed for the possible future. There were many ways she searched for answers, from simply asking people to having Yoko tag along to threaten people. Eventually, she was unable to determine where he is but was able to figure out where he was. [color=fce420]”I don’t see where he is,”[/color] Lynn spoke after her eyes went back to normal, [color=fce420]”I did see that he may have been in search of the Aberration Killer and went to New York. Nothing guaranteed but it’s what I was able to gather.”[/color] [color=fce420]”New York…”[/color] Yoko mused out loud. [color=fce420]”Thank you Amer- Serenelight. I will repay you for this kindness eventually.”[/color] [color=fce420]”One more thing. In these futures Kari was in danger in a place called Mirage Springs. I don’t have specifics but it was common. I think there’s some truth to these futures.”[/color] Yoko narrowed her eyes. [color=fce420]”Why is Wilson in Mirage Springs?”[/color] Yoko then tilted her head, [color=fce420]”What the hell is Mirage Springs? Actually, I’ll ask her!”[/color] Yoko pulled out her cellphone, before calling Kari. No answer. Yoko pulled Kari’s Wayfinder out of her pocket. She pressed the central gem and zoomed in, and it was in Nevada. [color=fce420]”Hmmm…”[/color] Yoko groaned, before she turned to face Lynn. [color=fce420]”... I’ll trust your visions this time, Serenelight,”[/color] Yoko started, [color=fce420]”I hope I will not be too late.”[/color] [color=fce420]”You won’t be,”[/color] Lynn said with a smile, [color=fce420]”I know it. If you need any help with this you can always give me a call.”[/color] [color=fce420]”I will, Serenelight,”[/color] Yoko put the Wayfinder away and pulled out one of the Swift Scrolls - since she carried several on her, she was able to bypass the cooldown. She recited the chant before she was carried away by purple winds back to Japan. [hr] Yoko pushed open the doors to the Hatanaka Sanctuary’s artifact supply… which was relatively empty save for the artifacts that Goro either made or recovered. There were no valuable or powerful artifacts that Yoko could utilize in a fight! As she ran through Goro’s collection… her eyes landed on something, and she [i]grinned[/i]. [hr] Ignatius narrowed his eyes and growled… [h3][i][b]“... And the freaks keep coming!”[/b][/i][/h3] The Wall of Defiance went back to its normal size… Yoko kept a stern look on her face as she examined the chaos around her. Only to mutter to herself... [color=fce420][sup]”Of [i]course[/i] the inbred couldn’t protect you...”[/sup][/color] [color=eac6ae]”What’d you say?”[/color] Kari said as she climbed to her feet. [color=fce420]”... [i]I need to thank Serenelight when we get back,[/i]”[/color] Yoko backpedaled herself. [color=eac6ae]”Yeah, um,”[/color] Kari laughed. [color=eac6ae]”Thank you so much, Yoko!”[/color] Kari said as she hugged Yoko, then whispered in her ear. [color=eac6ae]”... We need to go; these three are just stalling,”[/color] Kari began. [color=eac6ae]”There’s like a small army coming right on top of us….”[/color] Kari snickered. [color=eac6ae]”... [i]And not in a fun way.[/i]”[/color] [color=fce420]”[i]Ugh, Wilson![/i] That’s- I mean-”[/color] Yoko loudly gagged. [center][hider=Piercing Silence (Remastered) - Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin ][youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XEUBssRok1Q[/youtube][/hider][/center] The ground underneath them trembled… the Wall of Defiance, typically invincible, began to rumble in her hand. Yoko’s expression turned towards the center of their “battlefield” as massive cracks formed in the ground. The earth tore itself apart as a [url=https://i.imgur.com/rZ14mje.jpeg]colossal demon[/url] broke free from the soil. It let out a massive roar as molten lava sprayed in all directions. In the blink of an eye, Sheer’Khan appeared before the creature. Then, he scratched his head. “You told me to do something,” Sheer’Khan said to Ignatius. “So I did.” Ignatius’s face contorted into a grin. “... There are more on the way,” Sheer’Khan laughed. [color=eac6ae]”Ooooooooh….”[/color] Kari stared up at the creature in awe. [color=eac6ae]”... Yeah, that’s not good.”[/color] Deep inside Gomander’s stomach, Sirus tore away at flesh and bone. His exterior shell had been scraped and gouged to hell, but the mechanical man was still going despite it all. Like a mole burrowing through soft soil, Sirus had taken to attacking the beast from a place it could not chew away at, and escape in the process. A rime grenade was hurled over the chasm, at demons spewing out. Connor ran forward and fired the Black Anvil over his shoulder to explode a clump of them. [color=red]”Sirus is on another one of his glory missions,”[/color] Connor growled, stopping next to Kari and Yoko as his weapon began charging up again. [color=red]”That gigantic fucking worm. He jumped into its mouth with a grenade, I wish he’d fucking [i]hurry[/i] and get on with it- I’m running low, and my drones are slowing down.”[/color] he pulled out his Inferno Blade. [color=red]”Any of you got an easy way out of here?”[/color] Kari just shrugged at Connor. [color=eac6ae]”Babe teleports us all back to St. Portwell,”[/color] Kari suggested. [color=eac6ae]”Or Yoko teleports us away on a swift scroll… You brought another, right?”[/color] [color=fce420]”Of course, I have three,”[/color] Yoko said with a roll of her eyes. [color=eac6ae]”So, yes we have an easy way out,”[/color] Kari said. [color=fce420]”We can take them all on,”[/color] Yoko nodded her head. [color=eac6ae]”Brooo, Yoko… it hasn’t been a week and you got-”[/color] Clones of Selena pranced through the air, hurling a barrage of Shooting Stars at from various angles as they constantly flickered in and out of existence. They weren’t so worried about actually taking Ignatius out, but wanted to distract him. All while the real Selena appeared behind Kenshiro, firing her Vitrify spell into the ground to make a glassy barricade that they could benefit from. [color=5658ff]”What were those two idiots thinking, getting into a fight like this?!”[/color] She balked. [color=5658ff]”We need to leave.”[/color] “... You’re not going anywhere!” Ignatius shouted, before turning towards his minions, “You idiots! Stop acting like cannon fodder before I subjugate you all to a fate worse than what these ‘casters’ are capable of!” “Yes, Ignatius!” Gomander shouted, before charging towards Kenshiro and Selena with her jaws open and snapping. Meanwhile, Sheer’Khan appeared right at the barrier, and raised his fists over his head and brought them down with insane amounts of force. The colossal beast marched forward towards Kari, Connor, and Yoko, and every step shook the earth… However, Ignatius turned towards Mala’Boolaan, “Kill the girl, Mala,” Ignatius said, “If they are so obsessed with saving the boy, they can go down with him!” Mala’Boolaan growled, before he charged at the three. [color=red]”The hammer,”[/color] Connor commanded, as his caddie drone expelled a sledgehammer. Connor caught it and swung the head into the ground with one hand. The concrete ripped forward in waves, like water, and rose up in front of the demon. A wall of rock and stone, to slow him down or stop him. And then Connor started running in a different direction. Ken looked more froglike than ever as Selena Vitrified their surroundings. [color=7B81B3]”Tell that to [i]this motherfucker![/i]”[/color] As he spoke, Gomander’s jaws were snapping in, and Sheer’Khan was launching a simultaneous strike. Ripples in the very gravity around him spoke of their motions, and all he had time to do was grab around Selena and increase their weight. In a flash, the two were approaching the ground faster than either demon could get ahold of them; until they hit the ground, at least… Crashing into the rippling waves of the roadway caused by Connor’s hammer, Ken took the chance to dive underneath like a mouse into a burrow. His forceful barrier of the Ten Ton stance held a small pocket open safely for Selena. [color=7B81B3]”Come on! Come, come!”[/color] Selena did as she was told. Black smoke bellowed from one of Gomander’s jaws as Sirus found his way out through one of her many faces, falling out of the air and hitting the ground with a [i]thud.[/i] He was fine. His plating was scratched and torn to hell, but the metal man [i]lived.[/i] He had torn his way through Gomander’s stomach and miraculously found a way out. And he started running towards the other. [color=red]”I got what I came for,”[/color] Connor growled in Yoko’s direction. [color=red]”I’m fucking leaving.”[/color] Yoko narrowed her eyes at Connor, [color=fce420]”Then go. I came for Wilson, not you, or the drama that comes with you.”[/color] There was a sphere of ground that was rushing toward the group at high speed, bursting as it got closer to reveal Kenshiro telekinetically hoisting Selena so she’d be able to keep up with him. They burst from the ground, and Ken sent them back into the air for a quick scan like a dolphin breaching the ocean. The claws built into his shoes scraped across the ground as he came back down to deposit Selena. [color=7B81B3]”Hah, funny… I’m sure you’d love for her to come for you too, Flatlander…”[/color] He was like a frog-human bruise. The impacts and every bit of combat still transferred to his body vaguely, breaking blood cells at the surface of his skin constantly. [color=7B81B3]”Now, I believe [i]we came for you, Connor.[/i] So, unless Kari says otherwise, you should probably come with us.”[/color] Kari turned towards Ken with pleading eyes, then Connor, followed by a sigh. [color=eac6ae]”If you come, you come. If you don’t, you don’t. We have to go either way.”[/color] Kari said to Connor. Ken wasted no time pulling her close in a protective manner. [color=7B81B3]”Fine, fine. Let's go then!”[/color] [color=red]”Yeah. Fine- Sirus!”[/color] He ran closer, and all of Connor’s machine minions fell in. [color=cornflowerblue]”Take us away from here!”[/color] The metal man shouted, closing the distance. He turned around and anticipated that someone was right behind them… Mala’Boolaan, charging at them like a rocket. However, Yoko braced for the attack by placing the Wall of Defiance between them. The round shield stretched outwards and the excess flames blew in every direction but theirs. Ken stared up at Mala’Boolaan one last time, laughing as the Emperor’s Tanto slipped from its sheath. Still holding a tremendous amount of Purple Lux within it, calling a pathway door was simple… In the blink of an eye, he raked the sword across the ground, splitting it open and letting the door form under their feet. At the last moment, the Path opened, letting the entire group fall into it like a trap door. The last thing any of them saw from that location was Mala’s fist and flames, then the door snapped shut and disappeared. Finally Ken could disconnect from the Tanto, causing a burst of Purple that transferred directly into kinetic energy that blasted a massive hole through the surrounding bamboo forest. It was only a short walk back to St. Portwell; back to the basement of the little tea shop. The permanent door there to the Paths was originally placed thousands of years prior, and was resurfaced during the construction of the building many years later… It was where the Palette Clan had made first contact in St. Portwell. And the owners were somewhat used to Ken passing in and out, so much so that they’d taken to leaving the back entrance of the basement open for him to come and go. Stepping into the calm dark of that basement was a sigh of relief. Home. [color=7B81B3]”Well shit… That was… Kind of fun?”[/color] he laughed [color=eac6ae]”… Lord, I ain’t built for that!”[/color] Kari laughed. Yoko rolled her eyes, [color=fce420]”… Who the hell were those things and why were you in Mirage Springs of all places?”[/color] [color=eac6ae]”Tooooooooo get you help!”[/color] Kari grandly said, giving Yoko a toothy smile. And Yoko just rolled her eyes again. [color=7B81B3]”Keep rolling those spheres, Yoko… Hopefully they unscrew from your head: What the Hell were you doing anyway, trying to be some hero? We were [i]fine.[/i]”[/color] Ken grunted, starting to make for the exit. The family even kept a box of water bottles next to the door for him. Instinctually, he grabbed one and started chugging. Yoko pointed a finger at Ken before Connor spoke. [color=red][i]”We[/i] were fine, before all of you showed up and led more of them to us,”[/color] Connor said while wiping demon blood from his weapons. [color=red]”What the hell did any of you want with us in the first place?”[/color] [color=eac6ae]”C’mon you three…”[/color] Kari’s smile went flat as she rolled her eyes. Before turning to Connor. [color=eac6ae]”I wanted to ask you for your help, Connor.”[/color] [color=7B81B3]”And we [i]really[/i] didn’t expect you to be in the middle of a full scale battle against the forces of evil…”[/color] Ken added with something of a chuckle. [color=red]”I haven’t seen any of you in, what is it, seven years now? Eight? You couldn’t just ask Sirus over the phone with that white Lux of yours?”[/color] Sirus was, currently, standing by the wall and tending to weary drones. [color=eac6ae]”… Okay it’s over and done with! We came over, we helped, there is nothing we can do about it!”[/color] Kari said, hiding her exasperation behind a chipper smile. And then she stared at Connor for a few moments. [color=eac6ae]”Connor - and I guess your robot buddy - do you mind helping Yoko and Selena on their grand quest to find Yoko’s brother and find her family’s artifacts?”[/color] [color=fce420]”Hey now!”[/color] Yoko protested, [color=fce420]”I didn’t even ask for Phoenix’s help! Now you want to volunteer people, Wilson?”[/color] Yoko narrowed her eyes, [color=fce420]”You are making me seem incapable of fulfilling my grandfather’s request.”[/color] [color=5658ff]”Alone, maybe, but-“[/color] [color=cornflowerblue]”I could never turn down a chance to help an old friend,”[/color] Sirus would’ve smiled if he had a mouth. [color=cornflowerblue]”What has Goro Hatanaka gotten himself into?”[/color] [color=7B81B3]”I like to think he’s just trying to stay away from Yoko, but…”[/color] Ken’s sarcasm slithered out of his mouth, and his expression was equal parts devious and surprised. Yoko immediately aimed the edges of the Wall of Defiance at Kenshiro. The edges glew for a moment before she said in plain English, [color=fce420]”Inbred, I would suggest your mouth remains shut from here on in.”[/color] Selena sighed. [color=5658ff]”He’s missing. None of us have a [i]clue[/i] where he is.”[/color] [color=red]”And you want us to help you with that… In what way, exactly? I’m not exactly a private investigator.”[/color] [color=5658ff][sub]”Well, we certainly aren’t interested in your knack for conflict resolution-“[/sub][/color] [color=red]”What was that?”[/color] [color=5658ff]”Oh, nothing.”[/color] [color=fce420]”Incorrect, Phoenix,”[/color] Yoko said, lowering the Wall of Defiance as everyone’s attention turned towards her. She sighed as she said, [color=fce420]”I spoke with Serenelight. She said he was in New York to look for the Aberration Killer..”[/color] [color=eac6ae]”New York City? New York State…?”[/color] Kari asked. [color=fce420]”We’ll find out,”[/color] Yoko said with a nod, before she rotated towards Connor. [color=fce420]”Help or don’t help-”[/color] Yoko sighed, remembering her talk with Lynn. [color=fce420]”… I would be most gracious if you helped me find my brother,”[/color] Yoko said, her voice strained as if this behavior was alien to her. [color=fce420]”I don’t quite remember you? Have we met?”[/color] Then turned towards the robot. [color=fce420]”I will say that is impressive.”[/color] [color=red]”I made a sword with your brother once.”[/color] [color=7B81B3]”The only time she’s graceful is getting something she wants…”[/color] Ken muttered under his breath. [color=cornflowerblue]”I am Sirus. Connor created me, we were members of the Sycamore Tree Coven when the rest of you were children.”[/color] The machine seemed surprisingly dignified for an Abominable that was visible roughed up to hell and back. [color=cornflowerblue]”My time was often spent between the battlefield and the medical wings, I do not believe you were often found in either of those places.”[/color] Yoko sighed as his statement stung a lot more than he thought, she closed her eyes as she said, [color=fce420]”… Because I was in neither of those places,”[/color] Yoko admitted. [color=fce420]”I was in the rear, typically with Wilson, boosting the abstractions of the heavy hitters such as Phoenix-Prescott, Carson, and Blackmore.”[/color] [color=cornflowerblue]”And we won, thanks to everyone and their collective efforts. We will help you find your brother, wherever he has gone.”[/color] He turned and looked at Connor. [color=cornflowerblue]”Won’t we?”[/color] [color=red]”Sure. Don’t see why not.”[/color] Ken shook his head. [color=7B81B3]”Kari? I’m headed home, if we’re all done… I’m getting a weird feeling from all the navel gazing.”[/color] [color=5658ff]”The [i]what?”[/i][/color] [color=fce420][i]As if we want you here, Inbred,[/i]””[/color] Yoko spat at Ken in Japanese. [color=eac6ae]”Yeah, you’re good,”[/color] Kari laughed. [color=eac6ae]”Does anyone else need me?”[/color] [color=fce420]”I’m sure we are fine on our own…”[/color] Yoko glanced at Connor; then Sirus, then Selena. [color=fce420]”… Right?”[/color] As Ken started up the little staircase that led out of the basement, he turned and cleared his throat. [color=7B81B3]”Well, don’t fuckin’ stick around too long: The Deng family is gracious enough keeping this door active, I don’t want Mr. Deng showing up to open things and finding a group of magical hoodlums fucking in his basement.”[/color] His hand reached for Kari’s, intending to leave for good. [color=fce420]”… Unlike you, we have resp-”[/color] Yoko hissed, before getting cut off by Kari. [color=fce420]”Juuuuuuuuust go!”[/color] Kari sighed, pinching her nose. She lazily reached out and grabbed Kenshiro’s hand. [color=red]”Where the fuck are we, again?”[/color] [color=fce420]”St. Portwell, the magical anus of America,”[/color] Yoko said completely monotonously. [color=fce420]”Is there anything you three need? I may visit Serenelight.”[/color] [color=red]”You gotta be fucking ki-“[/color] [color=cornflowerblue][i]Evelyn[/i] Serenelight?”[/color] Sirus asked. [color=cornflowerblue]”She is here in town? I may just pay her a visit as well.”[/color] [color=fce420]”Who else could it be?”[/color] Yoko cracked him a wry grin in response. [color=cornflowerblue]”I wouldn’t know. That is why I asked.”[/color] Yoko just shrugged, before she gestured for them to come along. [color=fce420]”Let’s go, before that inbred has a conniption.”[/color] That was when Yoko led her merry band out.