Shuken smirked as Telse destroyed his opponent with incredible ease. Apparently he had underestimated Telse and what he had accomplished in such a short time. Looking over the mangled remains Shuken shook his head. Such a weak individual, hopefully this wasn't all Last Chance had to offer. "Not bad at all kid. Looks like you've improved quite a bit. Pretty soon you'll be teaching me things." Shuken laughed a little bit.

"No he won't."

"Why not? I don't know all that much about magic other than to distort it."

"Well if you can distort it enough to defend against it, why learn how to use it at all?"

"Whatever liste-..."

"Hold on! Stay quiet something's entering the realm. Something powerful. He's already in and heading toward us."

High above the lands of Terrenus the sky became dark. The clouds swirled rapidly and became extremely dark. The hue then changing to an unnatural darkness, like a web of shadows. From the center of this display came to be what looked like an asteroid, only it was constantly blurry with a veil of shadows swarming around the being. After breaking past the clouds toward the ground, the display behind him disappeared and returned to normal, however the shadowy energy continued to pulsate around the foreign intruder. His trajectory now prevalent and it's target was merely a few feet away from Shuken.

"Your brother's here."

"How do you know?"

"Can't you see the similarity in the source energy signature?"

"Fuck, I see it now. My old mentor Xiang told me he would come for me one day."

"Can we survive this confrontation?"

"Don't know, but I do know Telse can't." Telepathically speaking to Telse Listen kid, what's coming at us, is coming for me. I'm going to lead him elsewhere, you take care of the dead guys friends who are less than two minutes away.

There was no time to say anything else to warn Telse. Shuken took flight at an incredible speed leading them high above Last Chance looking for a clearing so that if a battle ensued, there would be more time before anyone could interfere. Hoping Telse didn't follow, but trusting more that the noble warrior spirit in him will destroy his current adversaries, and then pursue Shuken immediately.

Just as he had thought, Shuken was moving to a place where they could confront one another without outside influence. Or rather as much of it as possible within a certain amount of time. No telling who could show up. Maneuvering in mid air to follow his direction. Noting that his little brother was moving at quite the pace, however it wasn't quite fast enough to out maneuver 'big bro'. Watching his sibling make his way toward the ground, in a clearing surrounded by rather hideous forestry, darkness. Thinking this a foolish choice for this brother to make, unless he thought he had a trick up his sleeve. Setheus thought this might prove interesting. Shortly after Shuken touched down, Setheus set solid upon the lands of Terrenus only twelve or so feet in front of Shuken. The swirl of shadows around Setheus melded away, he noted Shukens raising his power in defense, his form then became completely apparent, and before Shuken stood his brother...


...Setheus Takano - Psionic Shadow Master

Shuken was struck with some small disbelief, but then again he had always known this moment would come. The seriousness with which he took this confrontation was life and death. Knowing full well that his brother came with a wide range of abilities and tactics that nobody has ever seen. The baton he carried unsheathed and at the ready position. Setheus looked toward the baton then back to Shukens eyes, then laughed lightly. "So you finally decided to show your face. Come to finish the job you couldn't years ago?"

Setheus measured up the level of rage he could gather from his brother, understanding rightfully so that Shuken was probably taught to hate him from a very young age. Waving his hand at his brother "I would have thought you'd realize by now, after all you've learned, that we change, we adapt. I know longer wish to destroy the Shodan. Also contrary to what you've probably been told, I didn't kill a single member of the clan. My mistake, that resulted in my seclusion and drive to master what you see here before you. Was that I stole all the shadow scrolls complete to mastery. This action tipped the balance in the war between the Shodan and the Shigori." He hoped that this confession and new information could melt the barrier Shuken must naturally have toward him.

"Then why was I told it was fate for you and I to fight, and when we did, the victor would either face Kalen, or be embraced by him?"

"You want the truth?"

"I think I'm entitled."

"I don't think you can handle the truth."

"So tell me anyway."

"Well the reason you and I were 'fated to fight' and now we aren't, is because we're actually figments of the imagination of a twenty-six year old man. His name is Salvatore Russo, he's a bit old to be creating imaginary characters, but he apparently thinks he could become some sort of writer some day."

"You've got to be shitting me..."

"Nope, sorry. Not joking at all, it's true."

"Wow, I go through all this bullshit in my 'life', and it's all because of some asshole imagining that I do these things...I want to kick his ass."

"Yeah, me too. But that's not even the kicker. There's more."

"Aww fuck, what now?"

"Well Salvatore didn't create Obsidian your Zenith. A guy named Jeff did. If you ever wanted to beat someone up, it would be him. He complains about work all the time yet has time for the hobby that creates us. He makes lame jokes on the website they all write these stories on, and he doesn't even realize ninety percent of the people on the site think he's a douchebag. Plus he likes underdeveloped women."

"Wow, fuck my life. Though it explains why Obsidian has always been a little strange."

"Fuck you Shuken."

"After finding that out I wouldn't be surprised if you did want to fuck me Obsidian."

"So what now?"

"Our meeting is only one in a series of meetings that are going to transpire. A major shift in realm structure is in its beginning stages. Your friend Obsidian there was going to tell you before I came that you need to go back to Ayenee. This is integral to what we need to accomplish, I'll explain more to you when you are done in Ayenee. For now you must go to Ayenee and retrieve the physical remains of your zenith symbiote. Only Obsidian knows where it settled."

"Why is it so important, and what are you going to be doing here while I'm in Ayenee?" Shuken clearly didn't completely trust Setheus, trying to read if what Setheus said or not was a lie.

"Why it's important is a matter that we have to discuss when there will be absolutely no one to hear it. In these realms that's almost impossible unless you have right types and amounts of power. As for what I'll be doing, I'll be creating our stronghold for when you come back from Ayenee, you will be meeting many more powerful beings."

"Well Telse is coming with me, I'm not leaving him here alone again, nor leaving him here with you."

"Fair enough, I'm sure he'll be here shortly."

Tanso's lithe form would react quickly as Gen's electromagnetic wall approached. Taking to the tree's the young monk navigated the labyrinth as best he was able until he and Gen were a far enough distance from the others. Despite his words, Tanso had no true desire to harm Gen's comrades, but he had been ordered to put Gen to the test and Tanso would obey the will of his master. All serious thoughts aside, however, he couldn't remember the last time he had been this excited for a fight. This was personal in a way Gen could not possibly yet understand. Dropping from the top branch to the forest floor, Tanso removed his staff and twirled it. "I suppose I should say something dramatic like 'Show me your strength', but that's not really my style. So...whenever your ready, punkin."

As they traversed the expanse of the labyrinth they had finally come to the point in which Gen's staff had been firmly planted in the ground. Shaking at first the staff would dislodge and find its way swiftly over to Gen's waiting hand. The electromagnetic wall behind dissipated and his feet touched the ground. "Punkin? I've been ready, I was born ready. Now, show me your strength." Gen grinned toward his newly found opponent, and while this would seem like a confrontation that could lead to death, he couldn't help but feel that killing him was not Tanso's goal.

Gen's evaluation of Tanso's intentions proved correct as the man assumed his stance. If one had been in enough battles it was easy to tell when your opponent faced you with killing intent. Tanso, while clearly intending to win this fight, was not attempting to kill Gen. His stance was languid and fluid, much like the man himself and spoke a speedy and unpredictable fighting method. Tanso's first instinct was to embrace the latent kinetic energy that this place seemed absolutely filled with, but he wouldn't do that just yet. To reveal the source of his power wouldn't do at this point. Gen wasn't an idiot and if too many similarities were noted...well, it would make Tanso's goal that much harder. No, that would have to wait until later in their 'story.' For now he would face Gen in a purely physical sense and if he was forced to resort to his kinetic energy he would do so. Slipping a kunai into his hand with a flourish, Tanso hurled it at Gen before launching his attack. "Good! Then let's make this quick, I've got places to be."

Something was all wrong, Tanso's mannerisms and stance did not show he was here to harm him whatsoever. The mysterious man had to be after something else then, and Gen didn't know exactly what. Something he didn't exactly have time to ponder as his nemesis had already made the first attack. Though with easy Gen batted the kunai with his Tenkei directly back at Tanso. Taking a stance and facing his enemy, clearly Tanso was aware that Gen could manipulate electromagnetic energy and this fact did little to deter the man from facing him. Tanso was most definitely hiding something. Gen's curiosity got the best of him. "You're not here to kill me, and the display of my power didn't alarm you. Exactly what the hell are you here for anyway?" Gen studied his opponents face intently, looking for any clue, any sign that would tell him just about anything. Though deep down he didn't think that Tanso's expressions were as elusive as his flashy fluid footwork. Much to Gen's chagrin, the way Tanso moved reminded him eerily of himself.

Tanso chuckled as his own kunai was deflected back at him. Catching the airborne weapon with his index by it's finger-hold, Tanso spun the weapon and tucked it away before delivering a series of swiped with his staff. It was nothing horribly difficult, Gen's biggest task would be discerning just where Tanso would swing. As their battle raged on Tanso talked. "Who's to say I'm not here just to draw you away from your lovely lady friends? I mean, do you really trust that other fella...he looked a little odd to me." Tanso's body would bend with the agility of a true warrior as he flipped backwards into his original starting position. "Then again, maybe I'm here to deliver a message. You were attacked at the Temple of Gaia, no?"

Tanso had hastily advanced and attacked with a flurry of swipes with his own staff. Each time he attempted to strike, Tanso's staff would be met with a block by Gen's weapon. Similarities in fighting styles, similar weapons. Something wasn't exactly adding up, they were invariably similar to a scary degree. But he couldn't imagine how that was possible. After all the strikes were successfully defended against, Tanso had made his maneuver back to his original spot. Gen had to laugh somewhat at the remark about Malevolence. "You have a point about him, but something tells me he won't kill them." The way Tanso moved was slightly more wild than Gen, but not drastically so. The last comment the man made really struck home. "I was..." the pause and facial expression Gen gave urged the man to continue on with what he was saying. If he were here to deliver a message then it was important that this little match be ended, the message delivered, and Gen immediately return to his main objective.

Tanso could tell that his last words had affected Gen. The man was curious now and worried about his comrades. Chuckling, Tanso shrugged and shook his head, auburn tresses flailing about wildly. "Here's something to think on. Don't get so caught up in one goal that you lose sight of the world around you.It took what, an idle threat to get you to run out here with me? I mean, I know I'm handsome and charismatic, but to throw caution to the wind...I know, you think you can trust your friend...but even you should know that he's on the precipice of insanity...and not the good kind. The dark scary kind that makes babies cry." Pointing towards Gen with his Staff accusingly, Tanso shook his head. "You're so hung up on your 'objective' that you're neglecting to note the obvious. These people...the Faction...they're not going to keep doing things the way they've been doing them for long. At some point they'll realize that the best way to get to your chikadee is the easiest way possible...right under your nose. I mean, for all you know they could be upon her now...having their way with her...that's such a dreadful thought, but one you need to consider." "Your objective is important" Tanso said, being serious for a moment "but don't get so focused on it that you lose sight of the bigger picture. She's not some five year old you need to clear from the battlefield." Tanso spat at the very idea. "As much as you may dislike the idea, Gen, she's a tool and tools are meant to be used, not shoved away and forgotten."

As much as Gen hated to admit it, Tanso certainly had a point, not to mention he had a very eloquent way of driving the point home. Perhaps in his mindset to protect Tenrai from a clear enemy, he had forgotten the hidden ones that lurked in the shadows. A look of concern crept along his face as he dragged his mask down, revealing in totality the expression he held. Somehow he knew that Tanso wasn't here to kill him, nor even to really harm him. Perhaps Tanso came to him to give him information under the veil of a threat. Testing Gen of his wisdom more-so than his combative capability. Where as in this instance, Tanso's wisdom pertaining to over all objectives was correct. It was time Gen started concentrated on the grand strategy and not just going moment by moment. "I can see what you mean concerning clouding ones judgment based solely on a single objective. And perhaps I've allowed myself to take things too nonchalantly so far. However you're wrong. People aren't tools, people are people. I may be a tool, but that's because I didn't have the luxury of being born like most beings that inhabit these lands. So to that end, you're right, but not about Tenrai. You're not even right if that were to pertain to Kuni. They have lives, dreams, aspirations and emotions. To call them simply a tool only goes to show now narrow-minded you are." Gen's look of concern turned to slight contempt. However he harbored no ill will toward Tanso, the man had a purpose as well. Though Gen couldn't quite figure out what Tanso's grand strategy was. "So if you brought me out here for a lesson in practicality. You in return got one in morality. Now if you weren't out to harm any of us, as you said, our enemies could be upon her any moment, and I really must go. You could come along...if you wanted."

Tanso chuckled at Gen's reply the staff decreasing back to the size of a toothpick that he promptly stuck between his teeth. "A living breathing tool can have hopes and dreams...they're just meaningless. " Tanso didn't voice whether or not he believed this, however given the difficulty of discerning his lies from truth it was entirely possible that Tanso didn't buy his own bullshit. At Gen's offer of traveling together, Tanso shook his head. "Don't misunderstand, Gen. I'm not your comrade." His eyes narrowed momentarily before taking on their usually cocky flare. "The next time we cross paths I may do more than make idle threats against your little chickadee." Turning away from Gen, Tanso's coattails flares up, caught by the wind as he strolled into the labyrinth forest, humming the same tune he'd had going upon arriving. What was most peculiar was the he picked up immediately where he left off from earlier. "Later, Gen, and remember to use the tools your given, before you get killed by some weakass punks. Keep in mind that I'm the one that's supposed to kill you...kinda."

Watching Tanso walk casually off into the depths of the Labyrinth Forest, Gen contemplated many of the things the man had to say. But further introspection of such a nature would have to come later, for now he had to return to his charge. Turning to face the correct direction, or what he assumed to be the correct direction. Gen lifted his staff and felt with his own energetic pulsations, quickly his staff attuned itself to the location in which the other piece of itself was at. Which was undoubtedly where Tenrai and the others were. "Let's go." Raising up off the ground the staff propelled him toward his destination.

It seemed to be Gaia sent that he was among such an astute herbalist, most people rely on medicines to cure headaches. While Gen was not used to ever having headaches, he felt that an herbal remedy would be naturally better than a fabricated man-made medication. Perhaps it was because of his beliefs that the natural approach appealed to him more. With his eyes closed as Rai began to rub his temples with the lavender oil. It seemed to alleviate his headache a great deal though he could still faintly feel it threatening to return.

At her instructions to open his mouth, his eyes opened taking in her form once again. With cheeks blushed he opened his mouth and stuck his tongue out. Feeling her soft touch as she pressed a small amount of herb to his tongue. With his mouth occupied with the herb, he figured that speaking at all let alone saying a thank you to her would sound ridiculous at this moment. So with that he kept his silence as she walked away, his eyes still fixed upon her as she did so. Gen might have been a 'monk' by creation, he was however not a celibate one.

The thoughts of her back in the Temple applying salve to his wounds, her gentle caress making the pain bearable, was clearly still in his mind. So the idea of her repeating the process was very enticing. After waiting the minute he swished his tongue around in his mouth to let the saliva dissolve the herb. It didn't exactly taste all that great, which is why Gen removed the backpack from his back and drank some water that he retrieved from it. While Kuni seemed amused with her practice with the bamboo, Gen took note of the observance of a fifth person amongst the forest.

After awhile it seemed everyone was ready to turn in for the night, however the only two that seemed to really need rest were Tenrai and Kuni. A perplexing notion considering the very bright spark that illuminated their respective energies. The spark in question was a very natural one that only complimented the rest of the energetic make up of their beings. Gen wondered if Mal had noticed the same thing he had within the two women. While he wasn't going to label what this was as he was unsure, he was aware of one thing. They were more powerful than they even knew.

Then his thoughts shifted to Mal and he overheard the small comment he made. Gen smirked at the comment thinking what a strange creature Mal was. Seeming very much out of his normal element among this group. One thing was evident, Mal was a very bloodthirsty individual who reveled in destruction and chaos. While most would find that threatening, Gen couldn't help but think this group was formed for a reason, and even Mal's demeanor had its purpose and usefulness. Making his way over near Malevolence after the girls had turned in he spoke briefly. "Don't worry, I'm sure you'll have your chance to do some killing sooner or later. Probably sooner with the nature of this forest. With that being said, I think I'll take a birds eye view if you'll be kind enough to keep tabs on things down here."

Malevolence seemed anchored in already actually as he was sitting comfortably, so Gen's request he felt, wouldn't go contested. With that he looked up into the trees and using minimal effort he propelled himself off the ground by pushing himself electromagnetically. Moving swiftly as a ninja should, Gen pushed off various branches of the tree above Tenrai and Kuni to elevate his position. Once he obtained the right height as to observe everything correctly, he rested himself on a rather large branch, and sat back against the tree. Alert and focused in the event that this fifth person might show themselves, or any threat for that matter.

-----------------------------------------------

Meditation was one of his greatest comforts for it allowed him to think of all that transpired, and then whisk them all away bringing calmness of mind. It was in this state that he felt more in tune with the natural world. This gateway also allowed himself the easiest route to communicate with his Lord, his Master, the True God responsible for his creation. Mentally he called out to his deity, hoping for a swift answer. My dear Creator, I call to you now for clarity and knowledge. For information far beyond what I can gather by conventional means in Valucre. It is assumed that you need to do nothing more than to peer into my mind, and all questions I have stored lay bare for you to see and answer of your own accord.

Kalen in the realm of his own creation, in which his world could not be bent or willfully forced upon by any other. Could not deny the pain, anguish, or curiosity of his Dokuji Shamon. So in his avatars enlightened meditation state, he would probe his mind and of course search for the questions in which his representation so desperately needed answered. A grim reality befell the True God, Master of the Psychosphere, as he found that his disciple was seeking a vast knowledge of a world that existed before his creation. A wealth bestowed upon only the very few who could fathom the complicated interwoven lifetimes that included a plethora of known and unknown beings. The time had come that Kalen's knowledge would be passed down, much as he had passed it down to his other avatar Sai Kinetic. Knowledge was power, and with the obstacles that loomed, perhaps it was better to impart his wisdom of days long past. A history that would help his beloved creation attain that which led most to ascension. Though Kalen knew that this ascension was not something Gen aimed for, he merely wanted to have the information so that he could better direct his path. To see the obstacles that would come, and turn them into stepping stones.

"My Shamon, I have come to answer your most intimate questions because I know you seek the knowledge not out of personal gain, but to be a better more well prepared being with the hopes that this knowledge can prepare you for your journey ahead. To me this holds you in my utmost esteem for only the truly wise seek many counselors, and I assure you I will not be the only one who you come to ask for knowledge or information. A quality that is fantastically humble, but with this knowledge given, do not lose your sense of humility, otherwise the true path that you are aiming to take will become hazy, and perhaps even lost. While I know the questions you want answered, I prefer you ask them directly, and have no fear that only the truth will come from me to answer each inquiry you have."

"Have you sent me to endure this task alone?"

"Without revealing the course I have set out for you, my only answer to that is no. You are not alone, even though I know you feel surrounded by allies and yet still feel isolated, this is simply not the case. You're in company in more ways than are allowable for you to know at this point in time. Trust in me that I would not have given you this charge, without the intention of giving you the opportunities I was never given. My ascension to power has left me apathetic to the plight of many in the omniverse. I prefer to be an outside observer, and if I were to make my true presence known, it would only invoke the animosity of those who feel equally as powerful as I am. I ventured into the Realm of Ayenee many years ago merely to observe the happenings, and upon my arrival I was requested to become the King of Ayenee from the woman who was the current Queen. I declined for I have no attachments to that place I am beyond the simple realm of Ayenee. My existence is known among so many, that my power will never falter."

"Where do you derive your power? Or rather what transpired to make you the being you are now?"

"Long ago I was a mere mortal man. The chosen one of the Shodan Clan, a race of meta-human elemental ninja. Our ties were very closely related to Gaia, and it was within Gaia in which our clan drew their power. Hence why I asked that you show Gaia the respect where it was due. Being the chosen one, I was to master the four main elements within the four factions of our clan. Training to master each earth, wind, water, and fire. Upon mastering these elements, I was called way on a mission with two individuals Trynnun Maramin, and Arius Dulmoon. Trynnun became later what was called a Weigh Master, and his powers were derived through the divinity of a singular God. Arius Dulmoon was a Drow whose abilities in combat were almost unparalleled. Against my better judgment knowing my brothers evil ways, and the fact that the Shidori were continuously plotting to destroy our clan. I left merely because the elders of the clan deemed that this mission was more important than staying back to protect them. They felt they had the strength to protect themselves. So I left on an adventure that eventually led me to become what I am now. Along the way I came across many powerful adversaries, allies, and rivals. While many of them are not important enough to mention at this time, the reason that I am what I am now, a True God. Is because upon my mortal death, triggering the height of our adaptive and fluid bloodline trait. I ascended into what is called the Psychosphere, with the acceptance of the one known as Messiah. He and I became the two Masters of the Psychosphere. This transition through time exponentially increased my knowledge of power to the point I became apathetic toward the outcome or fate of the worlds. A God much like the one in biblical lore who existed but cared not to interfere directly on mortal affairs."

"You speak of a brother and his evil ways. Who might this individual be, and will I ever come across him?"

"My 'brothers' name is Setheus Takano. Whether he likes to believe it or not, he was indirectly responsible for the destruction of the entire Shodan clan save for a few individuals. The Shodan had encompassed the four main elements, but also those of Light and Shadow or Darkness. Setheus being the treacherous soul that he was, weakened the Shodan by stealing the sacred Shadow Scrolls, studying them to perfection attaining the tenth level of mastery utilizing the same bloodline trait that all Takano share. Adaptation and fluidity, which allowed him to master the forbidden techniques faster than one would have expected. In doing so, his only aim at that point before focusing on trying to destroy me, was to kill the previous master of the Shadow school. In doing this, he weakened the clan just enough that the Shidori, an elemental rival of the Shodan, easily slaughtered our entire people. The only two who had survived the destruction were mine and Setheus's younger brother Shuken Takano, who escaped with the help of the fire master Xiang Xu. The annihilation of the Shodan would very well rest upon my shoulders as well, as in my travels with Trynnun and Arius, I came across many other powerful beings. Who distracted me from the peril that my people faced. Most notably Kalenis, the current leader of the Vel'Haru, a race whose very existence seems to be an abomination on conventional means of existence and physics commonly applied to all 'verses. Massatsu also known as Kyotan and Zennousha, whose Ryuujin race was unparalleled on the utter destruction of all who opposed them, and sometimes even those who didn't. Fortunately before my presence was felt amongst this group, I was inflicted with so much damage that I knew my mortal life was soon to perish. Instead of allowing those who cared for me to see me in my weakest hour. I isolated myself, and while deep in meditation, my body died, but the act of my death triggered the last part of my adaptive and fluid innate ability. In which I realized that while my physical body would perish, my psionic entity would forever expand. And thus I was accepted graciously by the original Psychospheric Master known as Messiah, to be a true equal worthy of attaining an embodiment within the Psychosphere. In the beginning of this transformation I was merely a beginner in the inner workings of what the Psychosphere was capable of. But as I battled in the Island Unbound By Time, I ascended once again into what I am now, a True God."

Gen contemplated the vast information provided so that his next question would be decisive in acquiring more. "So if you created me as an avatar to represent you in Valucre, what happened to these powerful beings that I've heard nothing of?"

"They still exist in one fashion or another. They wield so much unfathomable power, much like my own, that they have been forever cast into realms that can house their immense capabilities. Knowing this I created another avatar by the name of Sai Kinetic, who is my Omniversal Guardian, an overseer of these powerful entities. These 'people', and I use that term loosely, can only keep their power within the realm of Ayenee, and other various realms in the omniverse. The Realm of Valucre hinders their abilities, which is why they are not permitted to exist in their full capacity. This is why I created you to venture in Valucre. Though this isn't to say you wouldn't be permitted within the confines of realms like Ayenee. In plain terms, Sai is my representation for the omniverse, you are my representation within Valucre. In time you'll find that you are the representation of my Dynasty within Valucre. Able to go between realms under my power to move you, you are the ambassador to Valucre that I, and the others in my family cannot be."

"So I'm your avatar, and Sai Kinetic is your avatar. In a way, that would make us brothers fighting practically the same cause, but on different playing fields."

"That would be a correct analogy."

"How does all of this that you've told me, help me in the path I am taking? Protecting Tenrai is the charge you set for me, what significance does this have?"

"That I cannot disclose at this time for fear of altering the future that has been carefully placed. What I can tell you is that Setheus' influence is far reaching, he's become quite supreme, no doubt capable of affecting things between realms. Beware of this possibility, and a taste of it you have already come across."

Momentarily Gen was perplexed as to what this could mean though an inkling of it flashed across his mind, and he began connecting the dots. "The Ninja, and Saga."

"Very impressive. Setheus is the one who controls the ninja group known as 'The Faction', and as you've seen how they respond to Saga. You can figure that she has undoubtedly struck an alliance or bond with Setheus, and plotting strategically is something both Saga and Setheus are quite skilled at. Be mindful that this Faction that Setheus has created is great in numbers, practically an army. So your skirmish at the Temple will not be the last time you come across such foes. The Faction and Saga are the only link Setheus can create within Valucre. He'll dare not enter the realm as it will put a great strain on his capabilities. Essentially he is the puppet master hidden away in another realm. Realm jumping has never been a problem for him, but Valucre limits him, and giving up power has never been something Setheus can stand for."

"Can you not put an end to all of this yourself?"

"In a word, yes. However being what I am now, void of true emotion. A nasty problem when one becomes so immensely powerful. I leave it to my creations, my children, to handle the tasks. With my watchful eye, and the steps I am taking, I am ensuring the continuation of my legacy. I have the utmost confidence that between Sai, Shuken, and yourself, that you will overcome any adversity you would be confronted with, and finally put an end to the meddling of Setheus."

"Again, will I ever cross Setheus' presence?"

"Unless I take you to Ayenee, no. I prefer that you negate his feeble attempts at influence in Valucre, to take you to Ayenee would only place you in danger at the moment. But the time will eventually come that you have no choice but to go to Ayenee, and if it's a confrontation with Setheus you desire, I can only tell you that he would annihilate you on the spot. Unless Sai protects you."

"So I'm stuck being a babysitter here in Valucre?"

"I don't appreciate the sentiment, and how trivial you look at your position. In time you'll come to realize that your efforts here, in protecting Tenrai, will be the greatest benefit to Valucre, as she has a fate that is unknowable even to her, and the only way she can see through to that fate is if you are there every step of the way to protect her. You are my Guardian for Valucre. Without your efforts, everything would become unraveled."

"Is there any hint or advice you can give me that will actually help me understand my path?"

"I will end this question and answer round with only this parting wisdom. Without your efforts, if you were to not be doing what you're doing. Valucre will face more peril than you could imagine. Very soon enemies will arrive that will make things very difficult, you'll know them when they descend upon the realm. They are worse perhaps, than the plans Setheus has fabricated. While Setheus' plans are utterly devious, a catastrophic event may unfold in which Setheus may become an after thought, but an after thought not to be forgotten. I've given you enough to ponder for now. Just trust your instinct and your skill. There are many expectations you'll need to live up to. Stay strong, if not for yourself, but for all those who will count on you to do the right thing when the time comes. Be safe my Shamon. I will be watching."

"Before you go, do you think you could get rid of these bloodstained tattered clothes?"

"So be it."

Immediately his clothes were reformed and renewed, with that done Gen could feel the presence of Kalen within his mind leave, and his eyes fluttered open, slowly at first as the immense electromagnetic vision was like walking out into the bright sun after being cooped up inside a building all day. The conversation while informative, left many other questions to be answered. Enigmatic were the words of his Creator, but Gen knew that there was a purpose behind that. Relaxing for awhile inside the understory of the forest, Gen reflected on all that knowledge that he had amassed. A certain pressure was placed on him, given the news Kalen had bestowed upon him. Apparently he was an integral part to the salvation of Valucre. He only hoped that when the time came to prove that he was up to the task, that he would complete it as his deity expected him to do so. "I suppose the first order of business is to find out all information pertaining to the individuals mentioned by Kalen. But my first priority is Tenrai's safety, and thus that would mean if death shall come my way protecting her, so be it." Reflecting on that thought, the strange and peculiar notion hit him, that in order to do that, he would have to devote himself to her mentally, physically, and emotionally. A dangerous undertaking, for if she didn't reciprocate the same feeling, the emotional side of him would quite possibly feel crushed. It was no secret that after the ordeals, and time spent admiring this rare beauty, that Gen had become quite enamored with her, almost embarrassingly so. Not used to conveying these types of emotions, how on earth could he express to her what she meant to him?

The collective consciousness, the psychosphere, both terms to describe something so immense and illusory, that to believe you've obtained full knowledge of it brings godhood. It is the quintessential meaning behind the power almighty, knowledge is power. Though with this metamorphic entity that is called the psychosphere, comes the exponential variables of human thought in its entirety. Thus the belief in any one thing can cause a ripple effect within the domain of the sphere. This breeds an immense amount of possibilities, endless cycles of lives from days long past, days yet to come, and as always the day in question. All within the grasp of the sphere merely because consciousness, the very ability to be conscious, brings reality. Without conscious thought, reality fades into a non-issue, with your physical entity becoming a mere shell of its former self.

When I first came into the sphere as a still conscious being with the power to understand, it was euphoric. Imagine a million feelings of ecstasy in a singular moment, if moments could be measured so easily within the sphere, but I digress. That description is not nearly close to the actual experience. One always ponders, what is it that allowed me to remain conscious without the sphere ripping it apart to feed the pool. Well this is because the bloodline of the Takano, has the ability to adapt, and bring forth what I adapt to into fluidity. Which means as I experience things, I become accustomed to them, as I grow and learn within it, it becomes part of my existence. But again to explain this to a mere mortal becomes a slippery slope that I dare not get into, I am after all despite appearances, merely a god who intends to observe. Thus why I have beings in place for me, my choir if you will for those of you who believe in a Christian god. By the way both Gaia and I agree, the Christian god is a good guy, a little slow, but he's new. Give him time. I refer to the Christian god as him and he, only because the biblical text in which humans refer to him utilize those distinctions. Humorous when you realize that he can take any form without consideration to gender or species.

One might ask why not, with all that power, alter and change the world for the better? Well unfortunately I can only answer in that we are only as powerful as the people who believe in us. Also, when you enter into the upper echelon of godhood, you become.. indifferent, impassive, some would go so far as to label it apathetic. But you must understand that it is not exactly that we don't care. In us you find the totality of things, imagine dual thought, but not just simply that. The example I give is that we care so much AND we care so little at the same time, that it creates the misconception of indifference within us.

There is another aspect of the psychosphere in which I and Clowd Merdith reside and typically rule. But this information is of such that we hardly ever wish to share it. Within this information lies a possible weakness for us, though so far it has never come to be tested. Within the psychosphere there is an entity which is also a non-entity, an accumulation of the power of chaos. Within it lies a mysterious power that can only be contained through entropic leylines, this entity does not exist in the fashion that is understandable through conventional means. As a chaotic entity, powered simply by there mere thought of chaos, it can only be communicated with through the hums and rhythms of the resonance within its particles. It amusingly calls it "the symphony", though this is actually the best label for the method of communication. It has no name, but we've given it one anyway, however that name will remain hidden until the time is right. As I said, it takes the power of both Clowd and I to maintain this entity from seeping out. If it were not contained, it would create a cataclysmic dissonant event within all particles, in mortal terms it would destroy all existence as mortals define existence.

Before I go for now, I say this in parting, you may ask why with all of our power.. do we feel threatened by anything at all. Well in the end power is measured again by consciousness, and with that comes many different plights. As there are always opposing viewpoints, with that comes those who can also possibly survive within the psychosphere. My brother Setheus is an individual who can do so, however if he were to gain access he could weild the power needed to upset the balance held over this chaotic entity. Though with all of his knowledge, he still holds on to his mortal feelings, his need to strive for superiority. In this he will never understand that in order to even glimpse at the psychosphere, he would need to be willing to forsake all that he has accumulated to enter the unknown. To die as he would a mortal man, as I had. Only then will he release the latent ability within his Takano blood. Fortunately he is a selfish being, unfortunately though this means I must keep him from dying. I shake my head at the irony sometimes.

[url=http://www.roleplaygateway.com/roleplay/themultiverse/characters/JinDestrius/][/url]

[url=http//www.roleplaygateway.com/roleplay/themultiverse/characters/JinDestrius/]destrius[/url]