Multiverse

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.