Daughter of the Encorna: Joint-Assignment

OoC: All righty, here we go!

BiC:

The Encorna stood silently over the hill, watching the breezes blow through his dark gi, and send his hair spiraling in the air. His eyes were closed, though he could still sense all around him. His hands, covered in the dark gauntlets he wore, were clenched, hesitant of his next action. Sunlight streamed around him, but he paid it no heed.

He began to walk over the small hill, dark boots gently crushing the grass underneath him, towards the deserted villiage his room had become. Such was his power, the enigmatic force of his domain, that he could control it. Rarely did he call forth this vestige, for it was the one place that brought forth the pain of loss, the deserted town he had massacered all those years ago, before he had become what he was. Before he had been the Encorna.

When he had been the Master of Darkness.

He still carried the memories of both Darkness and Light. He was the balance, and now was the time to nurture that balance, to test his true powers. He past through the dirt road the children had once played in, when he was of Light. He had been born here, in this small town that carried no name, created by the will of the Goddesses Din, Naryu, and Farore to preserve the balance, for that was what he was. Balance, and nothing more, of Darkness and Light, inside a being with the powers of many.

And just as his Goddesses had created him, it was now needed that another emerge, for he could not intervine with the lives of mortals. He could not kill, not did he choose to, for death was impossible by his immortal hand. He could not destroy life anymore, as surely as he could not die. He could only guide others, and trust that they could do what he could not. That was what led him to the village with no name, where none lived, where the Encorna would do what was needed to be done.

He stopped, his massive frame halting abruptly before the small home, the tent, he had once lived in. Where Light had been born, and where it had been led away. It was soon, he sensed, that it would return once more, and he knew that something must be done. Something was needed.

She would be created.

The master took darkness from deep within his soul, and light, to form her. Black and white magic, holy and demonic, came forth at his bidding, summoned to the tent to create her. The Encorna poured his powers, and his self, into what he knew needed to be formed, to do what he could not.

She slowly formed, being taken shape of his own image. Hair as dark as night formed, sinking from the small head to her waist, raven locks that resembled his own. Her eyes were made, dark pools with bright white irises burning forth into his command. Her lips formed, bright red and beautiful. She smiled, and the rest of her took form.

She carried a lithe form, slender and delicate as a willow tree. Her skin was paled, but not pure white. Her soft hands came forth in woven fists, almost as though she understood her own purpose. She wore a dark dress, covered by a black cloak, to mask herself, her face hidden quickly by a deep hood that only she seemed to see through.

The Encorna ceased, his need satisfied. For a single moment, his face came forth in a smile, and he took her hand gently. "Hello," he said, as though carefully. "Do you know who I am?"

The woman's head looked up, and she nodded. "I am your daughter," she answered, her lips moving through the small opening in the hood. "My name is Kat."

"Kat," Kenjin said. "Do you understand your purpose?"

She nodded. "I do Father," she replied. Kat's eyes could not be seen, but the Encorna sensed their fear, of what was to come. "I shall do as you ask."

He nodded as well, though his eyes betrayed nothing of his masked emotion. "Chronos?" he asked, and as soon as he commanded, a giant dark form emerged from a hidden building, his entire body masked in black. "Take her to Aurora, she will know what to do."

"Yes Kenjin," the dark man replied, his dark hair changing to dull gray as he nodded. "Shall I remain with her?"

Kenjin shook his head no, and bid Kat to go to him. "When the party leaves, vanish. I have another duty for you to undertake, with one of my deshi. Remain with her only as long as needed, understand?"

"As you request," Chronos answered, taking Kat's hand. She was small, barely of five feet in height, but that did not matter in the world of magic that they lived in. Anything was possible, and the man who could not feel led the woman birthed of Kenjin's magic from the room, an exit would be found somewhere.

Kenjin remained behind in his village, wondering if Kat alone would be what is necessary to overcome the force that he sought to contain. He hated that the force must die, but it must, and he could not kill it. It would take deshi to undertake such a task, and he had chosen two, along with a third to go with Chronos on another road. It would take their courage, their power, and their wisdom to do what was needed.

He kept his smile, wondering if his deshi would even be able to handle their task.

OoC:

All right, here are the rules:

1) Your character will recieve a letter bidding them to arrive in the gardens. For all my students on assignments, this will link directly to where you are. Make for them, and you shall find Aurora, Zanza's character, waiting for you with Chronos and Kat. Kat will not say anything, and neither will Chronos.

2)Zanza has first post, so wait for her to make one. Then you shall all go. There is no order.

3) If this thread dies, I shall make those responsible suffer.

OoC: I won't even comment on how close that intro is to the actual book, ‘Shot.

IC: Deep in the bowels of the Dome, change stirred. It whispered along the deserted halls, echoing back and forth that something was going to happen. Something significant. Something big. The students did not hear it; the teachers were barely aware of it. But it was there. An intangible presence flitted about down in the depths of the Dome. Not a sound it made, not a breeze it stirred. A great event was coming.

Amidst the quiet stones, Aurora demurely lounged on a bench, idly leaning her elbow upon a windowsill. Cascades of sunlight poured in, sheets of slanted rays drenching her in a golden nimbus. She resembled an angel with that dramatic back-light highlighting her honey-blonde hair and lavender kimono. She sat in a large circular council chamber, intricate mosaics tessellating across the floor in an ornate spiraling pattern. The walls of the room arched upwards into a dome shape, divided into eight sections by great stone buttresses. Those eight columns climbed the walls and also spread into a spiral, interlocking perfectly in the centre, directly above the centre of the floor where the mosaic tilings completed their spiral. Aurora wondered briefly if the laws of physics would permit such artistry, but let it go. This was the Dome, after all. A heavy wooden door sat in one wall opposite her, barring the rest of the world from this sacred room.

She knew that they were coming. She alone felt the restlessness of the Dome that creeped along these basement passages. This was the final task, the one great quest in which to test the Dome’s finest warriors. She felt the anxiety in the walls, the enigmatic will to succeed. The Encorna would send the vessel. The task, however, would be decided by those chosen.

Suddenly, a purplish shimmer waved in the air. Aurora turned her head, partially blocking out the sunlight. The magenta waves split the air, forming a doorway. A gaping black hole melted into view between that shaking border, and then a desolate field. Through the door came two figures. One, clad in all black, led the other, also robed in black. The first one, tall, masked, gestured to the door, waving away the image of the field. The smaller black figure, light and willowy, inclined her head, making her rich raven hair tumble out of her hood. Her startling eyes peered out from that dark recess. She approached Aurora, who stood now, fully blocking the sunlight.

“Welcome to the Dome, Kat,” Aurora said simply, feeling the gravity of the girl’s presence.
“Where are the others?” came the quiet reply.
“They will arrive in due time. Some of them are coming now.”
The slight girl accepted this without comment.
Aurora addressed the other somber figure. “You will wait here with me and your ward until they have all assembled,” she said authoritatively.
The black man nodded, silent.

The board was set; the pieces were gathering. The whisper moved on, undulating further up into the reaches of the Dome’s hallways, climaxing to a clamorous crescendo….They were coming.

OoC: Like ‘Shot said, there is no post order, so once all of you are assembled, we will begin the quest.

OoC: Yay! First deshi post!

BiC:

Icy winds tore at the fallen angel’s bare flesh. Snow-white slopes of immeasurable heights lay far below Mesfido’s ascent. Tiny pinpricks of dark green were scattered across the landscape, tainting the blanket of snow with their impurity. Damp clouds hung about the angel’s crimson tinted wings, clinging to him like a cloak of mist. Not a single sound could be heard above the howling wind that below across the desolate mountainside.

Mesfido’s callused fingertips dug deep into the snow, turning its icy white touch to a lukewarm pool of water. The heat that radiated from his body melted the ice beneath his palms. Though the air was frozen and the land chilled, the angel’s body was no colder than normal. A soft red glow shone from beneath the covering of his sheath, the crimson light easily piercing the thick leather. It had been nearly a week since Mesfido’s change had taken place yet he himself still didn’t understand the true meaning of the powers that now ran through his veins and muscles. His mind had been trying to find some shred of evidence as to what the Sword of the Pact’s glowing ruby really had hidden beneath its jeweled surface He knew a single clue, a single name.

The Crimson Blood.

Venalis had spoken that name. He had said Mesfido would need it. The fallen angel’s mind still hadn’t been able to get anything more from the evil presence that lived within the depths of his mind, body and soul. Ever since Mesfido’s battle with Scion he had been able to do new things with his body. He could clot wounds in seconds, he could change his body's temperature. He knew that his abilities were connected to the ruby and he knew that the ruby was connected to the Crimson Blood. It seemed to him that the Crimson Blood was part of the Sword of Pact’s dormant powers.

The mountain peak came into view as the fallen angel passed over a high ridge that jutted out from the mountain’s side like a thorn in its throat. The air was calmer, the cold less extreme. Mesfido had nearly reached his objective. He had nearly found the Dome.

Something shimmered in the snow. Light flickered against the pale white substance. It was there and then it wasn’t. Again it flickered, seeming as though unreal when placed apon the snow’s pure white. It was like a tear in reality, it was there, yet it wasn’t. The fallen angel moved over to the shelf of bright, eerie light of oxymoron. His booted feet passed through the translucent breaching of the laws of reality by which the world exists. Carefully, he lowered himself, bringing his eyes close to the light, he inspected the otherworldly singularity. It was the place that Puthis had told him of. A way that he could return to his teacher. Slowly the burly angel lifted himself back to his feet.

His hand twitched. Suddenly a blazing flame lay in his palm, its light flickering in the gentle breeze casting bright shadows across the angel’s gaunt face and crimson stained hair. Mesfido’s cobalt eyes hardened. He slammed his blazing fist against the hard, snow covered earth that lay below him.

Flames incinerated the blanket of white purity. Steam rose into the air as the solid turn the liquid and then the liquid to gas. The veil of white vapor slowly drifted off in the wind. Mesfido was still, the mountain that he stood apon gently melting its cap all about him. Seconds later a deep hole had formed in the tall mountaintop, a bright shimmering light glowing in its center. The light began to draw together, each atom bonding with the next. A golden door appeared as the light solidified.

The fallen angel gently passed his thick hand across the cool, smooth gold surface. Its shape flickered against his skin. It was solid yet it wasn’t, yet another oxymoron. Suddenly more light began to flow from the mysterious doorway. The wispy golden cords solidified, just as the door had done, and formed a slender handle. Mesfido rough palm grabbed hold of the handle pulling it forward before it had time to dissipate.

Golden light flooded his senses.

* * * *

The Dome’s massive archway materialized behind the angel’s colossal stature. He was back. A single image formed in his mind. The beautiful face of his beloved Jaina. This mind wandered through all the thoughts he had for her. Suddenly a shrill voice pulled him from his sanctuary of complexity.

“Excuse me, sir. You are Mesfido, if I’m not mistaken.” A short, lean man with a pair of glasses that fell from his nose appeared before the fallen angel.

Mesfido turned his hand towards the ground, looking into the man’s oversized, almost comically so, glasses. “Yes, that would be me.”

“Well, I have a note for you. I’ve been trying to find you all day, I thought you were due earlier today.” The man’s scrawny hand thrust a delicate piece of parchment against Mesfido’s chest. Within a second the man had disappeared again, vanishing without another word.

Slowly, Mesfido pushed open the envelope in which his slim letter was encased. Gently digging his wide fingers into the thin parchment he drew forth the concise letter.

Mesfido,
I have a task for you. Head to the council chamber as soon as you get this. You will receive your instructions there.

Kenjin.

It seemed his training was all but begun again. It could be another while before he got to see the beautiful Jaina. The fallen angel changed his course and began his search for this "council chamber". He had his suspicions as to where it was.

OoC: Anyone that didn't know, Mesfido was on a break from training which is why he was returning to the Dome at the beginning of this piece. Just thought I'd clear that up. Also, Mesfido now has his upgrade, though he isn't fulling aware of the Crimson Blood's potential quite yet. That shall be rectified. Oh yeh, last thing; PS, Zanza, feel free to take a poke at anything in my posts.

OoC: guess I'm second, this should be most fun.

BiC: Zorlo lay in his bed, wholly consumed by what had enveloped his dreams lately. He rested after his last mission, but even now he could feel what lived inside him growing even greater. Zorlo had done battle with this great evil for a long time, but his time spent in the dome seemed to make his darkness grow deeper. His dreams were filled with the massacres and acts of horror the fencer had caused during the time when his dark-side controlled him. He could not figure how something he had created be growing past him, or how he could not prevent it from existing. His dark-sides sinister ambitions could not come to fruition, not if Zorlo could stop it.

Zorlo's room was filled with all the sounds one would expect in a jungle and he was shaken awake suddenly when something fell on him. Zorlo bolted up and his eyes shot open as he looked at what fell on his chest.

"A fruit?" Zorlo commented as he saw the fruit that had fallen on him. Suddenly, a monkey fell from one of the tree branches on top of the fencer and grabbed the fruit. "A monkey? Cool, but I don't recall having monkeys in here, only small birds."

The monkey was going wild, something seemed to rile the small animal and the birds all were wild as well.

"What the hell is going on?! My room's never been this lively before." As Zorlo slowly began to wholly awaken, he moved his feet off of the bed and sat up. "Just when you think you have a break, something happens," the fencer muttered almost laughing at his life.

Zorlo's eyes were drawn to the letter that was placed on his door. What, does some magical creature magically open doors and put letters on them. I mean, almost every-time I wake up after a mission, I have a new letter. I should calm down, it's just my dreams are getting me all angry over nothing. better see what's up, Zorlo thought as he moved towards the door to see what his letter said.

Zorlo arrived at the door and stared down at the letter attentively and stretched his hand out to grab the letter. Zorlo opened it and began reading it to himself as he pondered what it meant. The note read:

Zorlo,

Something has come up and I need you to head to the Council Chamber as soon as possible. A very urgent mission has come up.

Jacentar.

Urgent mission, better get to this 'Council Chamber' place soon. Better grab my stuff just incase I need it, the fencer thought as he grabbed his weapons and armor and rushed off. "I just realized, where the hell is the ‘Council Chamber’," the fencer shouted as he ran through the corridors. "I'm sure that it can't be to hard to find," Zorlo said as he ran through the halls in search of this 'Council Chamber'.

Zorlo headed for this room, but having no idea where he was heading, Zorlo looked at each door that he passed in search of where this door might be. Zorlo saw something that caught his eye and he came to a screeching stop and nearly fell over trying to stop himself. Zorlo walked up to the door and read what the door had written on it, of course it read "Council Chambers."

"Guess I found it," the fencer said as he stared at the door. "Hope that I'm right for whatever job the Master wants me to do. Hey, what am I talking about, I'm sure that Master Jacentar wouldn't have left that magical letter if he didn't believe in me." With a newly revived hope in himself, Zorlo opened the door.

Edit: OoC: Ok, hope it's okay I found the door. Not my best work, but I am sure I will get better as I move on.

Ooc: Third time’s the charm, as they say.

Bic:

Hydra waved her hand in an intricate pattern, mumbling several unintelligible words as she did, and was rewarded moments later as a ball of white fire appeared, hovering three feet above the ground. Moving her left hand to the right, the woman watched as the fire followed it. Smiling, she turned to face the angel behind her.

“I think my power is returning… slowly.” Hydra said happily. Valion didn’t break his gaze, nor did he saw anything, both eyes were fixed on his flesh hand. Less than an hour ago, a cut had been there, a cut made by a demon. Once they had arrived at the place Hydra called a rest point, he had healed it, yet the scar that had been left behind still burned.

Hadriel won’t go away now, he will become restless, unless I can get rid of him… the mechanized angel thought. If it hadn't been for the lack of a sword on his back, Valion wouldn’t have minded, but Spring had been destroyed, along with any redemption he might have got from his father. Letting his hand fall from his lap, Valion suddenly noticed that Hydra was watching him, a slightly puzzled look in her eyes.

“What happened in the Maze, finished in the Maze. There is no point in wishing to change the past in the Dome, because it cannot be done.” The woman said simply. Sighing, the angel knew that she was right, as always.

“You know, for a person who used to be just disembodied parts, you know quite a lot.” Valion said coolly, slowly rising from his seat.

“How old do you think I am?” Hydra asked. Not wanting to insult the woman, the angel thought of a suitable answer while stretching his wings.

“About, thirty five, thirty seven?” Valion said lightly.

“Try something like three hundred years.” Hydra laughed. Before the angel could say anything else, the sound of squelching filled the room. Looking to his left, the angel watched as a Domerii assembled its gelatinous form out of nothing.

“Miss Hydra, we have a letter for you.” The glob muttered. Reaching inside the creature, Hydra pulled out a small rectangular letter. Bidding thanks to the Domerii, the woman slit the letter open and started reading.

“That would probably be the first time I’ve heard one of those things talk.” Valion mumbled, watching as Hydra read and re-read the letter.

“It seems we have to go our separate ways, for the moment. The Encorna has summoned you to the council chamber.” The woman said silently. The angel still hadn’t met Zolf’s replacement, and he was already giving him something to do!

“Well, one thing, how am I supposed to get to the chamber, I’m not going back through the Maze again.” The angelic warrior muttered, pointing at the black door at one end of the room. Shaking her head, Hydra clicked her fingers, and the ball of white fire exploded. Muttering under her breath again, the woman stood up, her hands in front of her, cupping air. Suddenly, her entire structure set aflame with blindingly white fire. Thrusting her hands forwards, Hydra forced the flame into a stream of flame, aiming it at a wall. Once all the flame had collided with the wall and dissipated, a door was stood in its place.

“That will take you where you need to go.” Hydra said simply, taking a seat once more. The angel jumped up and walked over to the new door, grabbing the handle with a cybernetic hand. Suddenly, a thought came to mind.

“Will I see you again?” Valion asked.

“When you have finished, yes.” The woman chuckled, gesturing for him to go. Giving silent thanks, the mechanized angel opened the door and stepped through.

Ooc: Meh, not much, but I couldn’t think of anything else.

OoC: Aww...I wanted to be the first of Zanza's.

BiC:

I'm so tired. It's hardly been a few hours in this place and I still haven't found my room or my teacher. Soledad heavead a heavy sigh. It was like he'd never find his way around. All he really wanted at this point was a soft, warm bed to lay in. He even contemplated going back to the infirmary, but the nurse had been quite clear that he was no longer to be there. Not to mention the fact that he'd most certainly become lost, yet again, on his way there.

Instead, the hopeless student began to heave himself up. When he stood, he noticed a small figure in front of him. It was almost like a child.

"Soledad?" it asked in a squeaky voice.

"Yes. That's me. How do you..." he was interrupted by it starting once more.

"This is for you." The creature held out its hand and opened it, revealing a small piece of curled parchment. He grabbed it and opened it up as the messenger disappeared.

"Thanks," he muttered to nothing. The paper looked worn, but the writing was very recent. The ink had yet to dry. Reading it quickly, he was plunged deeper into confusion.


Soledad,

You are my student here in the Dome. You may not have met me, but I need you to do something for me. I'm am sorry, where are my manners? My name is Aurora, your teacher in this Dome. Now, go meet me in the council chamber. I have a feeling you'll find a way there quickly. Look around, there should be someone willing to help.

Aurora

He looked up, puzzled. At first he saw nothing, but soon a figure rushed past him.

"Excuse me!" he blurted out, hoping to get some direction.

"I apologize, I must be somewhere quickly." The voice that replied resonated with a deep tone. The figure that spoke was large and burly, covered by a black substance on one side. His hair was long and blonde with a few red streaks running through. But the most obvious distinguishment would have to be the large wings protruding from the man's back. They were furled so they would not hinder his progress, but they were obviously large. More streaks of crimson ran through these.

"Could you direct me in the way of," Soledad looked back at the note, "the Council Chambers?"

Mesfido stopped and stared. "You too?" Soledad was confused, but unsurprised by this luck. The Dome seemed to have a will of its own. "That is my own destination. Come." Mesfido gestured and Soledad followed.

They set a quick pace, the assassin lagging behind due to the recent events. He kept the angel in sight, and that's all that mattered to him. He only hoped they'd get there soon.

OoC: Eh....It's not bad. Not good, either. Oh, and I just coupled Soledad with Mesfido because he's the one that seems to know his way around best. Might as well get someone with experience to show someone who doesn't know where they are around, right? Right.

A pall of lusterless cream had overtaken the face of day, shrouded the sun and hidden the sky behind a pale, featureless curtain that resembled gauze. The air had grown lovely, draped it calm, matronly warmth over the gardens of the Dome, and laid close among the leaves and branches of the pipal grove. The garden had taken impassivity unto herself, lounged nonchalant at the gaping mouth hole that sundered the earth of the pipal tree grove, which lay separated from the main garden by a small stream. The garden lay in wait, though no especial stillness froze the day: the breeze did not mute its play among the vegetation, nor cease to stir the vegetation with languid fingers. Anticipation loitered at the hole's edge, peered into its twilight, trembled with anticipation.

Expectation was at length rewarded. A girl burst from the hole, fingers scrabbling at the earth around it.

Her green shirt and pants were smothered in mud, her hair coming loose from its bindings. She had a desperate look of victory on her face, a look that was determined to be ruthlessly exultant. Hardships, cried the look, have been overcome! Tasks have been accomplished! Errands have been run! She hefted a leg from the hole, pulled her foot from its hold in the mud and slung it out. She now sprawled awkwardly, arms splayed before her, one leg protruding, the other still dangling in the hole. She dragged herself forward, freed herself at last from the cavity in the earth. She grinned, rose to her knees and uncurled the fist of her left hand. A crystal glimmered between her mud-caked fingers.

Raziya's grin was triumphant, white against the dusk and mud of her face. She stood, curling her fingers again over her trophy, and took a deep breath of the sodden air. It was stifling, though no more terrible than the air within the tunnel had been. How wonderful it felt to be free of the passage beneath the earth. She flung her arms upward, stretched long and blissfully.

"Now," she said aloud, when the stiffness that comes with some adventures had quit her frame, and left her as limber as her elation, "what to do with this?"

She gazed again at the crystal, brushing her fingers over its polished surface. Had there been sunshine, here in the pipal grove, to shine through its brilliant contours and brighten its facets, the jewel would have gleamed. As it was, the sunshine had gone.

She glanced before her, toward the Dome, which stood fair of colour against the paleness of day. She looked down at the mud on her clothes, sighed, and determined her course of action. She would find the Domerii and give it the crystal—it had dispatched her to fetch it to begin with. She would then take a bath. With amenities so close at hand, it would not do to forgo bathing with a wretched stoicism unnatural to her.

Plan in mind, she started out of the grove.

She was met halfway through the gardens by a young man. He ambled along the path Raziya herself had taken not but an hour ago, careful of his cashmere robes, which at times threatened to drift, led by a teasing wind, into the damp foliage. He grinned upon seeing her.

“Hello again!” he exclaimed.

“It’s you,” said Raziya.

“And so it is,” said the pale young gentleman, pushing his thick-rimmed glasses further up onto his nose. “Have you begun training yet?”

“No.”

“Ah. Well, here’s a letter.”

“From—?”

“The council chamber.”

“Oh?”

“At least, that’s where I picked it up at.” His grin widened as his finger sought his spectacles again, replaced them on the upmost part of the bridge of his nose.

Raziya took the missive he handed her, unfolded it gingerly and read,

Raziya,

Before you begin your training, I would have you accomplish yet another task—think of it in the manner of the crystal, if you so please. Come to the council chamber with all haste. You will learn of this new task once you have arrived.

Kenjin

“What’s wrong?” asked the pale young gentleman. Raziya had sagged, suddenly, as though deflated.

“Come with all haste,” she mumbled.

“Oh, another summons?”

“Unfortunately, yes.”

“Unfortunately? Why?”

“I suppose you see the state I am in?” Raziya retorted, looking squarely at the pale young gentleman.

“Oh.” The messenger shrugged. “It’s not so dreadful. I doubt they’ll mind a great deal. I mean, it looks like you’ve more mud under your nails than on your clothes.”

“I can’t come,” said Raziya.

“Huh?”

“Not directly, anyway. Tell me, do you know of the whereabouts of the council chamber?”

“Oh yes.”

“Do you think, perhaps, you can escort me to my room—I purpose to have a wash-up, done with all alacrity—and then take me to the chamber? I’ve not yet discovered it, in my time here.”

“Of course!”

Raziya sighed, refolded the letter. Was this but a taste of active life in the Dome? she wondered, as the pale young gentleman threaded his way back to the Dome, Raziya at his heels. If so—but she did not want to consider further.

Some things were best left to speculation.

OoC: I hope, in specifying Kenjin as the author of Raziya's letter, that that was quite all right.

Ooc: Sorry for the delay, but I won't make excuses about it.

Bic: Mano stood on a tall mountain peak, looking across the great Greek landscape, filled with olive trees, great fields, and mountain ranges. This was indeed a beautiul place, but what would become of it with Olympians like Poseidon in charge? The whole place would collapse, and chaos would break loose.

Mano looked down at the ground, and saw a letter right between his feet.

"What the? This wasn't here before," said Mano as he picked up and read the letter. "What is this, a summons?"

Mano,

This is Athena. I want you to do something for me, and it has to do with the Dome. Go to the gardens of the Dome, and you will meet someone there. She will tell you what to do.

Athena.

Mano stared at the letter, and wondered exactly how he would go to the Dome. The first time he went there he had been transported there by Athena, and that was it. He would have to wait for her, to bring him the second time. As expected, Mano saw a light surround him, and begin to lift him up off the ground.

Mano vanished, and instantly appeared back in the Dome. Mano looked around himself, and saw the gardens behind him. In the garden, he saw three figures, two female, and a strange metallic figure standing next to them. Mano walked towards the garden, waiting for things to play themselves out.

It was not long before the six filed into the Council chamber, looking over Aurora and the two strangers. Chronos said nothing, and Kat remained under her hood, masking her face from the crowd of deshi that entered.

"If I might Aurora," Kat whispered, turning her cloaked head, "I believe I should speak with them." The teacher nodded, and Kat stepped forward to see the deshi, followed by the silent metal warrior. "Thank you."

The students, Raziya, Mano, Valion, Zorlo, Soledad, and Mesfido, looked over the young woman, as if confused. Out of all of them, Mesfido was the only student that had even seen the Encorna, so they did not know what to expect with this new being. They sensed nothing from her, but that did not mean she did not hold power.

"My name," the girl began, "is Kat. I am the daughter of Kenjin, sensei to Raziya, Mesfido, and Valion." Mesfido's jaw dropped slightly at the declaration, Kenjin did not seem to him a person that would have a child. "I am born of his darkness and light, and am the reason my father has asked me to gather you here."

Raziya and Valion found this somewhat easier to accept, given they knew nothing about their teacher. The students of Aurora had only heard of him as a whisper, he rarely left the doors of his room. Chronos walked forward, beckoned by Kat, with Aurora to where the young woman was standing.

"You will all play a role in a quest that my father has chosen for you," she continued, looking at them from under her cloak one by one. "We are to recover something of great power in the proper hands, but destruction in the wrong ones. We are to recover the Black Irix."

The students remained silent, for they had never heard of the magic before. Chronos stepped forward.

"The Black Irix is an ancient demon magic," the dark fighter explained, taking over for Kat. "It was constructed as a method for creating the perfect demon, the perfect evil. If a person is exposed to the Black Irix for long, they are sealed within themselves, and a demon of darkness emerges from the dormant evil of their hearts."

"It was created for use on my father," Kat finished, "by the demon Ganon."

A hush fell forth on the group of nine, and Aurora spoke. "Due to a vision made by Kenjin, we have discovered that something has come into possession of this rune force, something that should not hold its power. Kenjin has decided then that you six will guard Kat and follow her to retrieve this weapon."

"Why does Kenjin feel that we can acomplish what he can not?" Zorlo asked, breaking the silence among the deshi. Kat's mouth drooped, as though she had been hurt by something.

"Because you can," Kat answered simply. "You all are capable of something that my father cannot do, and it is that which must be done to defeat this creation." Her face twisted into a dark smile. "And I sense, Zorlo, that you would come with me in any case."

Her words struck his mind, and he remained silent. Satisfied, Kat moved on to Mesfido, and looked up at him, tilting her hood higher. "You are the one they call Mesfido, correct?" she asked, her words gentle once more.

He nodded. "I am."

Chronos walked forward, silently summoned. "You shall go with Chronos when this is finished, to meet with my father. He wishes to speak with you." Mesfido said nothing, but gave her a look that he understood, and would obey her. Finished, she walked backwards with Chronos to where Aurora was waiting.

"You shall depart shortly," Chronos muttered to the group in a dark voice, sending chills through their spines. "Be ready."

OoC: All righty then!

You will all post once more, then Zanza shall post you all leaving. Mr.Man, you already know what to do. The rest of you, be prepared for the ride of your life! If there are any questions, please PM me.

Taking the small amount of time they had before they left, Valion took a seat on a bench near a window, his back to the light.

“R.V, give me a readout of system functions before we leave, I don’t want to be caught out while we’re away.” the angel muttered. Moments later, the sound of beeping filled the angelic warriors head, and facts and figures appeared in his bionic eyes vision.

Status, ventilation system working at full power, cybernetic core heat is minimum, and power is at 97%. All in all, we are working at nearly complete power efficiency.

Not bad, but I want you to run backup program thirteen, I don’t want to use up all my energy without knowing that there’s something else for me to do. Without Spring, I’m going to have to rely on using on a lot of cybernetic energy.

Blinking to disperse the various bits of data, the mechanized angel suddenly noticed that another was watching him. It was the other angel, the one with the right side of his body completely black.

“What, never seen another fallen angel before?” Valion asked. The other angel didn’t move, but just kept his gaze fixed on him.

“Who were you talking to just now?”

“Hmm… I would call him my savior, but he doesn’t accept that, so instead I called him Robot Valion, my other half. And what would I call you?”

“Mesfido.”

“Well, Mesfido, what brings you to the prestigious halls of the Dome?”

At the question, the man shrugged, trying to avoid the question. Chuckling softly, the angelic warrior extended a cybernetic hand.

“The names Valion, Valion Mithian.”

After a few hesitating seconds, the angel took the hand and shook it, studying the length of the prosthetic limb as he did.

“What happened to your arm?”

“Hehe, demons happened to it. Tore the dam thing off, and then left me for dead. Could have at least let me keep the arm as a souvenir.” Valion muttered. “What happened to yours?”

Again, the angel shrugged the question, but it didn’t really bother the mechanized angel. Fallen beings like him rarely wanted to tell how they came to be fallen, for it usually contained dark secrets, more than any being should have to know. Taking a seat next to Valion, the two began to talk absentmindedly of things gone by, of Heaven and Hell, and many other things. Finally, after ten minutes, the one called Chronos stood up from where he had been sat.

“It is time.”

Ooc: Hope I portrayed Mesfido okay Mr. Man.

Had to open my big mouth, the fencer thought after everyone had stopped talking. He now moved slowly away from everyone and sat against the nearest wall. I haven't been here more then ten minutes and I have managed to offend everyone here, good job me. I should really learn when not to speak. Okay, so from here on out I guess I shall only speak should someone speak to me. That would most likely be for the best, prevent instances like the one that just happened.

Zorlo's eyes wandered around the room. Why me, why did I have to go shoot off my mouth, make myself noticed like the half wit I am. I still can't figure out the reason why I was called, of everyone here, I have no association with any of the teachers or teachers aids here. Master, why did you send me on this mission. I guess I shall learn in time why I was sent, odds are I won't have a role to play, but if I can help, I should, for it is the right thing to do.

The green haired fencer removed his hat revealing his short green hair and he began to scan the other students. Everyone of the other students impressed him for one reason or another. The first person he was drawn to look at was of course Mesfido, because he was the only other mentioned directly. The angel's appearance was awesome in comparison to Zorlo's own, for where as the mighty warrior was large and strong, the fencer was rather small and not scary in the least.

Zorlo watched as the Angels conversed and began to ponder about the angel that to what Zorlo could see seemed to be wearing armor. Part of that angel's body is encased in armor, nice armor to. He has no weapons it sees, wonder what he is going to use to fight with? Not gonna bother him about it though, that would be rude.

Next Zorlo stared at the assassin, although Zorlo did not know what to make of him. That guy looks pretty strong to, man I feel like the only weak person around here. Come to think of it, it wouldn't amaze me if I was. Zorlo's attention was next brought to the man who was dressed to what Zorlo knew to be a greek. A Grecian maybe, what a rare sight. This place has a very interesting group of people. That guy is powerful looking to. I get the feeling Master sent me here to witness their strength to motivate me into working harder. Man he's good.

Zorlo's eyes now peered at the last student of the group, the only female other than the teacher and the immortal's daughter amongst them. She's rather pretty, but again, I'm going to leave them alone because I have already made enough of a fool of myself. Man I hate myself. She even looks stronger than I do, good, I get a chance to be around those stronger then myself, it can only help me to grow as a warrior.

The fencer skimmed over the group again and then looked down at his hat. This hat has brought me good luck before, I just hope it does the same now, and as Zorlo thought that his hat spontaneously burst into flames. Zorlo, by reaction thru the hat to the ground and started stomping on it. He panted after putting his hat out and realized he had just made a scene. Damn, just made a scene, don't look up, do not look up, I'm almost certain they are all looking, but do not make eye contact. If I got lucky, only a few people noticed.

The fencer looked at the ashes of what had once been his hat. My hat, not another one, why do the gods hate my HAT? What did it do to anyone? Actually, it's a good thing I didn't have it on my head or I would have been set on fire. That was could have been really bad, but I'm sure it would have been good for everyone here, I would have been gone. Man I suck.

Zorlo moved his back and aligned his spine with the wall and continued thinking. Damn, that hat was good luck to. Good thing that this time it didn't get slashed into small pieces, but where can I get a new one now? I'll just live without it for now. That is definitely not a good omen though. I'd best be careful of what is to come.

Zorlo had made a fool of himself twice so far this mission and it had not even started yet, things were not looking good for him. Who knew a hat could spontaneously combust, that had to be the most amazing thing I've ever seen. Odds are I'm gonna be the only person who talks to me during this mission, you can only make yourself noticed so many times for saying and doing dumb things before everyone ignores you. Thats the best case scenario anyway.

Zorlo tilted his head up and looked at the ceiling, it brought him an odd amount of solace. A peace that he had not had since he had awakened this morning. Suddenly, the fencer felt something pulling on the leg of his pants and looked down to see the monkey that had been in his room. He looked closer to see that the monkey had something, it was a piece of fruit, the same kind that had awoken the green haired man this morning. "You want me to have that," he whispered to the monkey as he bent down to get a closer look at it.

The monkey nodded at Zorlo's question and handed the piece of fruit to him. As Zorlo grabbed the fruit, the monkey ran up and sat on Zorlo's shoulder. "Thanks," Zorlo whispered to him as he rested his back on the wall again. "I guess you'll be my only friend during this mission," Zorlo said, almost pathetically, as he looked at the monkey and ate the fruit. The monkey then jumped from his shoulder and ran off. "Guess not, and I am by myself again," Zorlo commented to himself as he began to get relaxed. "I can't wait for this mission to start," he stated again to himself as he awaited the warriors to get to this most important mission.

Soledad stood near a wall, merely watching. That man with the bandana had asked a good question. Although the assassin knew not these people that were being talked about, he wondered to himself why they could not take care of their own problems. How had they wrangled him into this? He had no special abilities and he was not all that impressive. That was the reason he came to The Dome, after all. But the girl replied that they could do something this "Kenjin" could not. Soledad scoffed at the statement. If he was a teacher in this place, surely he was stronger than the whole group put together.

Maybe my earlier notions about this place were false. If the teachers call their students for help, surely they are not fit to teach. He mentally reprimanded himself even though no one could hear him. Who am I to talk? If they can help me, then so be it. I'll do what they ask for now.

As the loner continued to hold the wall up, he looked around the room. Most of those assembled were strange in their own way. The angel that led the way to the room was muscular and obviously plagued with some disease. The angel he was conversing with was party mechanical.

I suppose you can't find a full fallen angel these days he joked to himself. It brought a smirk to his usually emotionless face. Noticing this, it was quickly wiped away and replaced by the normal expression of a detatched man. Clearing his mind, he continued the examination.

A short girl stood a ways away doing something or another. He really didn't care. What caught his attention was her look. She was wet, as if she had just gotten out of the shower. He figured that she was probably attempting to look nice for this important business.

The next one that caught his vision was that of a man. He wore clothes as if he were some kind of hunter. His garb was a simple tunic, coupled with some boots and some gloves made from some animal Soledad didn't care about. The pouch at his side was somewhat similar to Soledad's, but its contents were probably vastly different. Despite his normal appearances, he looked quite fit and could easily fight his way out of most situations, at least if he found himself a decent weapon. Soledad couldn't see one on him and scoffed at the man's foolishness for being so reckless.

But who knows about his fighting prowess he thought. He may surprise me.

Finally the searching eyes of the dark figure found the only one he had not examined. Looking him up and down, he saw nothing spectacular. Just another normal man like Soledad. He had probably come to this facility for the exact same reasons. Before his eyes could tear away, the shadow on the wall noticed the man's hat randomly burst into flame. Soledad couldn't help but laugh at the poor man's luck. It was either an unfortunate accident, or someone in the room wasn't fond of him at all. A small figure darted towards the object of Soledad's attention. When it finally stopped, it was found to be a monkey. It handed the man some kind of fruit that he began eating immediately. It was a stupid move for he surely didn't know where it came from. Unless the monkey was his own. It was made apparent that the animal owed no allegiance to the uninteresting man as it dashed off quickly.

Enough about them. It's time to think about me. Now that he knew something about his allies, he began to assess his own abilities before the mission started.

OoC: Sorry this took so long. Like I said once before; World of Warcraft has consumed my soul. Hopefully it's worth the wait.

BiC:

“It is time.”

A knowing silence fell across the room. Though no one apart from Mesfido had seen Kenjin’s powers first hand, all of them had heard stories. If this was a task that the Encorna couldn’t complete how was this group of students going to have a better chance?

It seemed that even the Dome itself was preparing itself for the task at hand. The chat of merry warriors no longer lined the corridors, the hustle of maidens and messages ceased to mingle with the air, even the ever-cheery birds fell silent. Everything waited in anticipation. It had begun and it would have to end, one way or another.

Mesfido rose to his feet, the others were all still seated. The blood in his veins began to rush throughout his body as the nerves took effect, using the little understanding of his new powers that he had acquired, Mesfido calmed his blood cells slowly their rapid flow through his arteries. The fallen angel stood in the centre of the room, beneath the bending and twirling majesty of the amazing art that covered the beautiful room’s round ceiling. He gazed towards Chronos’ shielded face, he could feel the eyes hidden behind the mask looking into his own cobalt orbs. He may have got a bit of a fright had he seen what was really sitting where the man’s eyes belonged.

“I believe we should leave first, no?” Mesfido’s rich voice enquired, breaking the ominous cloud of silence. Chronos gave a simple nod of his head, turning his back towards the group as he headed towards the simplistic door.

Mesfido looked up towards the ceiling, his eyelids shutting over as his gaunt face turned upwards. The elements began to form in his mind. The angel gazed briefly at each of the warriors separate auras. They are strong. They will serve Kenjin well.

The burly angel’s eyes reopened, his bright blue irises passing over everyone’s faces. “Good luck, I may join you later.”

The fallen angel turned his back to the others, his gaze falling apon Chronos who stood silently waiting. The man of metal pulled the door open, the bottom of its frame screeching against the tiled floor, the harsh sound echoing through the silence. The pair of men walked out into the Dome’s wide corridors.

The pair of giants, Mesfido just the taller, stepped side by side heading towards the gardens that the fallen angel had come to know so well. Mesfido felt the oppressive glares of passers by, reminding him of the hostility so many had shown him. The eyes that followed had increased since the last time he was here, it seemed he was beginning to become better known in the miniature world that was the Dome.

Next to the angel stood Chronos, the man of metal, this dark attire following gently behind him. His face always looked forward, never gazing at anything other than the objective, he had a solitary air about him. It seemed as though he tried to cut himself off from humanity. The man clad in black rarely spoke when not spoken, he never even tried to converse, always silent.

Mesfido was curious about the dark man’s origins, how had he come to meet Kenjin? Had he trained with him? The angel closed his eyes, sending his mind out to the elements, trying to discover something more about the mysterious Chronos. All the bright swirling colours formed in the angel’s mind, showing him trees and warriors hidden behind walls. There was something odd though, where Chronos stood beside him was a simple patch of emptiness, a group of nonexistent atoms.

“You won’t find out anything trying that.” Chronos voice snapped Mesfido out of his sensual vision. The metal giant walked on, his head still facing forward, not turning to face the angel.

A smile spread across Mesfido’s face, finally he says something.

“Is that a trick Kenjin taught you, or is it natural?” The angel inquired.

Chronos ignored the question, simply continuing on towards the now growing closer gardens.

“Have you been training with Kenjin for long?” Mesfido tried again, trying to get an answer from the giant man.

Again no answer.

“Do you remember when you started training with him? Were you much younger?”

Chronos’ head turned towards the angel, his covered face looking at Mesfido’s. “Memory has never been my strong point. I have been with the Encorna for a long time. I serve him as I can.”

The reply was blunt and to the point, even if it had stirred an answer from the dark man.

Mesfido looked up through the widening entrance that lay before him. The beautiful gardens appeared behind the portal from the stony corridors. The fallen angel’s heart gave a leap as his eyes fell on the majestic fountain of Aphrodite, Jaina’s image flashed into his imagination’s sight again. His mind began to wonder back towards her. He only hoped that he would see her soon.

Chronos’ dark voice sounded in the silence. “I suppose you know your way.”

“Yes, I know it well. Can you reach the balcony, or do you need me to help you?” Mesfido waited patiently for an answer. He never got one.

Two large metal wings began to sprout from Chronos’ back, their shining surface gleaming beneath the hot sun. Chronos lifted himself into the air, his makeshift wings flapping crudely. Mesfido launched himself up behind his silent guide. The two headed towards the highest balcony.

Slowly, the masterpiece came into view, all the artwork that decorated it glowing in the sun’s rays. The pair of warriors gently lowered themselves, Chronos’ crude wings disappearing seconds later. Mesfido’s eyes fell on the thin tunnel through the wreckage that he had created so many weeks before had. The thick iron doors of Kenjin’s room stood just visible through the passage.

“The room wasn’t very well built.” The fallen angel said, trying to pull some attention away from the mess that his other half had caused.

As always Chronos said nothing. The pair began paced through the thin opening that Mesfido had made the last time he was in the Dome. The Encorna’s doors loomed high above them. Mesfido looked towards Chronos, checking for any sign of the dark man attempting to open the metal doors. Chronos didn’t move a muscle. The fallen angel remembered the last time he had faced them, it had been a close call. It seemed that he would have to face them again.

The burly angel’s hand moved up towards the handle that hung above his shoulder. The Sword of the Pact slid out of its sheath, the red ruby glowing bright crimson. Mesfido walked cautiously up to the thick doors, his blade held tight in his dark right hand. The angel felt more confident than he had the last time he had come up against the magical doors.

He ran his left hand carefully surface the uneven surface. His hand’s energy pulsated against that of the door. Sparks flew across his fingertips. A smile spread across the angel’s face. Taking a step back, he sheathed Venalis. He wouldn’t need it.

Mesfido’s hands began to glow with bright sparks, his holy energies running through his bones. A massive thunderclap sounded through the small cavern as the angel’s hands slammed together, sparks flying in all directions. Another colossal slam rang as his palms collided with the door’s tough surface. Sparks exploded from his skin, racing along the metal. His hands moved towards the joining. Urging more energy into his palms, he forced his fingertips into the narrow gap. Slowly pulling to the sides, the doors began to edge open, inch-by-inch. Finally, the gapping nothingness lay before Mesfido, just as it had the first time he had come here.

Chronos stepped beside the angel, gazing into the void. “Not bad. I see why Kenjin has chosen you for this task.”

The two stepped into the blank emptiness.

* * * *

The Encorna’s world formed around the two warriors, its purity and richness radiating into their spirits. They stood at the base of his palace, the long steps rising up before them.

It has been a month. No more, no less. Jaina, I shall see you soon. Mesfido began to walk up the stone steps, Chronos following beside.

The massive expanse of stone stairs quickly dissipated behind the pair, the rich wooden walls of Kenjin’s dojo taking their place ahead of Mesfido and Chronos. The fallen angel’s mind still focused on the idol of his affection.

A cry of happiness called out to the two warriors. “Mesfido!”

The angel’s eyes quickly turned, the image of Jaina greeting him. She seemed different, more whole.

“Mesfido! You prick!”

Jaina launched herself into the slightly baffled angel’s arms. Her fiery locks hid her face as it disappeared into the folds of Mesfido’s Sparing Armour. Suddenly, her bright flaming eyes jumped out from beneath the wavy mass, her smile shimmering with joy. For a second her face hardened. Her slender hand smacked against the angel’s face.

“That’s for letting me die.”

OoC: Jaina is happy by the way, she's just an odd character. Hope Chronos is alright in there, Power Shot. Hopefully, I haven't repeated that Thenatos fiasco.

Mano just stood there, uninterested in the whole situation. He had seen people give him a glance or two, but he didn't care about them. He just wanted this over with so he could go back to Greece. Athena gave him to strangest of missions, but Mano accepted them with eagerness, just to get on the goddess's good side. These warriors seemed strong, and Mano knew they could finish this mission with or without him.

But he knew that if he pitched in, they would get this done faster, and the faster it was finished, the better. Mano looked at the warriors, and tried to judge their strength. The metal man conversing with the fallen angel seemed to be very powerful, and the angel likewise. Mano took a glance at the fencer, and saw his strength as well. The assasin had strength as well, and Mano realized he was in a room with very powerful people.

They could become allies in the future, or maybe enemies. Mano preferred the former, but knew that he first would have to fix his own problems before getting close to having alliances with anyone. The duty to the goddess came first. Just then, a monkey came up to Mano, and handed him a peculiar fruit.

Mano wasn't really hungry, but he took the fruit anyway. The monkey ran off, ad Mano stared at the fruit for a while. He lost interest in it quickly, and just put it away in his pouch, alongside the orb. The Atlantean stood there, waiting for someone to tell him what to do, and for this thing to get going.

Ooc: Great, I'm last at posting, again.

OoC: ^ Actually, I fear the title of Last Poster would belong to me. No worries.

BiC: From the cool candlelight of memory, Raziya gazed upon the door of the Council Chamber, and watched it fall shut upon the striking duo of angel and man. The first, fair-headed and white-winged, was impressive - she had never before seen an angel, and had not, until this moment, found reason to believe in their existence. But the Dome, as she had gathered in her time here, was the seat of Surprise itself. She could expect no less.

The second, though, encased in black, struck her breathless, as Surprise is often wonted, when Surprise oversteps its natural boundaries. Raziya could swear she had seen him before, encountered him, perhaps even spoken. What ill luck, that memory often failed at such spectacular moments. It was aggravating, to be cognizant and simultaneously unaware, to have memory and yet without the faculties to evoke it. She turned from ths door, frowning, concentrating - it would be hell with her if she failed to remember, something tacit and quite mental assured her.

"He was encased in metal and I met him in a town, where there were others, to rescue a... a..."

King's brother? murmured a dry, little voice.

Raziya started.

"Excuse me?"

King's brother, said the voice. It doesn't matter. You know him. His name is Chronos.

"His name is...?" Her mind seemed to ring with sudden remembrance; a magnificent grin, come without prompting, without intent, split her face. "Oh yes!" she whispered, raising a hand to muffle her exuberance. "I remember now! Oh, but..." And as her hand slid away, she looked again toward the door.

As you may have observed, he'd departed with the angel, the voice said.

"Oh I know, but do you think--?"

At this present moment, I think you should get a better look at your other companions, no? It would little benefit you to continue in ignorance.

"You truly think that would help a great deal?"

I've heard that first impressions are among the best.

"Who are you anyway?"

Don't tell me you've forgotten us...

"Forgotten? Are you one of the jinn?"

Perhaps.

"I thought you all had deserted me!"

The Magic deserted you. We could not find you.

The voice paused, considered tangibly the room and the tiny gathering of warriors. What do you think of them? it inquired at last.

"I won't judge." Raziya folded her arms, running her palms along their length. Her wash had been quick, the process of drying even quicker, and a draft, permeating the room, was suddenly, and most uncomfortably apparent upon her still damp skin. "But they all look... capable."

Yes?

"Of coping with this very peculiar task we have been set upon."

Are you hesitant to embark upon it?

"No. Only..." She paused. Her voice was a breath in the vast chamber, so low she herself found it difficult to hear. No one else, it appeared, was aware of her seemingly one-sided conversation, and the jinni heard her - that, of course, being the only thing that mattered at the moment.

"Only," she began again, "I think it is strange that we've been set upon this task. Do you not see the foreboding in the faces of the... what do they call us? The deshi? Such foreboding is itself buried in my mind... I don't really know what to think, only that it is passing strange... and hope that we will come safely from our adventure."

Do you think anything else?

"I have hopes I will not voice, because you are rude and not worth my time." Brass had often been hers in the past, and as she spoke, forwardness returned to her in waves.

I am so glad that your delight overfills the chalice of your nature. The voice chuckled. But really, my lady, I do not strike you as especially rude, in the duration of this present discourse, do I?

I've known you and your kind long enough, Raziya replied. One of the students had shifted, a young man who had but moments ago removed his hat - Raziya was surprised by the sight of his green hair, even more shocked when his hat burst arbitrarily into flame - and had glanced in her general direction. She thought it best, then and there, to cease her murmuring and finish her conversation as she had once held them long ago, though mental whispering and gesticulation. She smiled at the student, looked down at the floor, and continued.

You were very rude, once upon a time. You never gave me much reason to think you polite. The idea holds with me.

So unfortunate, the voice sighed. But hark, I shall be off. It appears your full attention will be needed... good-bye, my lady...

The voice was gone, and Raziya glanced up.

"I have brought him," Chronos muttered, ignoring the scene of affection that transpired between the angel and Jaina with disinterest. "I shall depart now, I have my own things to attend to."

Kenjin nodded from the shadows, where only Chronos could see, and the giant turned towards Mesfido, who was only slightly taller than he. "Take care, angel," he said, making Mesfido move in surprise, "this task Kenjin has for you should be one of interest." Saying nothing more, the dark man passed through the atrium, and vanished from sight.

Mesfido, grinning at finally being able to see Jaina once more, turned to see his sensei looking over him with slight disproval. Sensing the cause, he removed Jaina carefully from her embrace, and the two walked towards the powerful Encorna. "Kenjin," Mesfido began in greeting, "it is good to see you and Jaina once more."

Kenjin nodded, his eyes shut. "We should begin," he said, turning and walking back into the palace that appeared when Mesfido entered the Encorna's room. Both deshi followed, and soon found themselves once more in the training room where Kenjin spent so much time in meditation.

Kenjin walked over to the wall, and stopped, waiting for Mesfido and Jaina to follow. When they were close enough, he turned around to face both, a small piece of parchment clasped within his gauntleted hands. "This, I believe, is for you Mesfido," he said, rolling up the paper and handing it to the angel. Mesfido took it with a look of questioning in his eyes. Kenjin's face relaxed, and he beckoned both students to sit on the mat below their feet with him. Even while sitting, Kenjin was still tall.

"It is a map," he said, as it required further explaination. "I am sending you on a seperate mission from the others, because it will only require you two. I am sending the others to begin their quest for the Black Irix, and I am sending you two to retrieve for them the White Irix. This map will lead you to it."

Mesfido nodded. "Why, sensei, should the White and Black Irixes be so important? And why do you not go yourself?" The question had been on his mind since he had been summoned for the mission, and he was eager for answers.

"They are both important," Kenjin murmured, resting both palms on his knees, "because they are so deadly in the wrong hands. I am sending Kat and the others to ensure that they are no longer used for evil. As for why I am sending you deshi, that is no one's business but my own. I thought you could handle it by now."

"I apologize Encorna," Mesfido answered, bowing his head.

"So," Jaina broke in, grinning, "when are we leaving?"

Kenjin smiled. "Now."

***

"Raziya."

The voice startled her from out of nowhere, but the young woman turned around to see the dark mask watching her carefully, as if trying to decide what to do with her. He was crouched, lowering himself down to her level. "C-Chronos," she said, remembering their adventure.

He was hiding, she noticed, in the dark shadows of the room, a habit he must have picked up from the Encorna. "It is nice to see you again," he said, his voice expressionless, just like the rest of him. "I will be watching you through this trip. Try not to get killed."

Raziya was about to say something, but she blinked, and he was gone. She looked over the shadows, but there was nothing left. She sighed, wondering where he had gotten to. But she remembered the mask, and what lied beneath its dark surface. She remembered the emerald gaze.

"You okay?" one of the others, a swordsman, asked her. "Look like you saw a ghost."

Raziya tried to chuckle. "I sort of did."

Aurora listened to the deshi talk, picking up a few words here and there of scattered conversations, whether to other students or to themselves. An startled exclamation whipped her gaze from the two fallen angels to the swordsman along the wall. The poor man was frantically stamping the flames out of his long hat, revealing his eccentric green hair. Aurora quirked an eyebrow at Kat, who said nothing, but amusement lurked in her dark face. Smiling, Aurora approached him.

"Zorlo, am I correct?"
The flustered man looked up. "Y-yes, your Grace?"

"I am Aurora Flemming. I am a colleague of Jacentar, your master."

The man nodded politely, the doubt mirrored in his eyes asking where this conversation was going.

"He has told me great things about you. Do not so misjudge yourself. Make him proud of you."

"Yes, your Grace. I will try."

"Good." Giving him a grin, she turned away. By this time, the non-mechanical angel had left with Kat's dark protector. The other students mingled about, waiting for some sort of signal to begin their quest. However, there was one thing left to do.

"You are Soledad?" she said approaching the tall assassin.

"I am," the expressionless man replied, stepping slightly away from the shadowy confines of the wall.

"I am Aurora. I will be your teacher in the Dome," she said brightly.

"It's about time," he muttered darkly. "I've practically spent half my life running around this nuthouse."

"I am sorry for your inconvenience. The Dome has....peculiar ways. Besides, this quest is a little more important than the answers you seek just now." Soledad threw her a dark look, which she returned, her hazel orbs daring him to challenge her. Finally, his eyes yielded to her court-trained gaze.

"Well, let's get started then, eh? The sooner this is finished the faster I can be gone from this." He gestured vaguely at the room about him.

"I couldn't agree more," she said, turning and clapping her hands as she resumed her place beside Kat. All eyes turned towards her. "You have heard the wishes of the Encorna," she said gravely. "Should you fail, a whole world will be lost. Should this happen, you can deal with the guilt however you wish, but know that thousands of lives will be on your hands." She rolled her eyes from one stark profile to the next. They had all grativated around her, listening intently. "Go," she said finally, raising a hand. "And know that the strength of the Dome goes with you. Fail it not."

And suddenly, a magenta door-frame split the exact center of the room. Beyond the portal, they could see a meadow on the edge of a forest. The sun was sinking; the twilight was calm with birdsong and a soft wind. Kat led the way, followed by the mechanical angel and the swordsman, who gave Aurora a curt salute before entering in. The girl, Raziya, went next, a perplexed expression on her face. The Grecian followed her.

"Oh, Mano," Aurora called out.

The man stopped.

"This is what Athena wishes. Do not fail her."

He nodded and walked through the door.

Finally, Soledad approached the doorway. He glanced at her. She gave him a nod. "Soledad, know that this is what you are looking for," she said. "Do not fail."

"I won't," he said quietly, resolutely marching through the door. The portal shut, and the room plunged into darkness.

*~*~*

OoC: Teachers can read my mind, it is insane. Almost all of my questions were answered, thanks.

BiC: The fate of the world? the heartfelt warrior asked himself as he entered the room. How can I help save the world? I can barely talk to any of the people here, much less gather the power it takes to help them save the world. As the doubt ate at the warrior, the door behind him closed. He would have felt that a chapter of his life had ended at that point had he not been so overwhelmed with nervousness and doubt. The once brave fool had lost part of himself, as he had ago when his mind became split. The dark-side of him was welling up, trying to escape, but he was holding it back, doubt only helped to feed the vicious creature that lived in the poor fencer.

The meadow the group was now in brought back some rather disdainful memories of a nameless, small green man, who shot rainbows from his hands, that brought shivers to both Zorlo and his dark-side as they looked around frantically to find out if such a creature was here as well. Keep an eye out, they both thought in unison as they scanned the area. He came out of nowhere before. Be careful, They both roared in the musketeers mind. After finding no Leprechauns, the two minds calmed and the quick footed human drove his dark-side back into the darkness before got out. No way I'm letting you out, Zorlo shouted at his dark-side as he returned him to his designated area.

Aside from the near panic attack the green haired man had just had. He sighed a great sigh of relief, knowing that there was something that scared both him and his dark-side equally. The nimble warrior was quick to try to regain what composure he could manage. Of the group of deshi, the only one who didn't scare the swordsman was the girl, he didn't know her name, but felt he should talk to someone. He had seen the girl spooked and felt he should at least try to talk to her. She reminded the blades-master of someone he knew. The girl reminded him of his friends in the Alliance of Tasogare, well, that and Tsukineko setting his hat ablaze and throwing it into a pool of poisonous water.

The fencer of Tasogare couldn't help but wonder what the others were up to at this moment. I bet, he started, that right now, Nikudemon is relaxing under a tree or in a meadow right now. Tsukineko is probably doing something proactive, that or being curious, were the only two things Zorlo could see the Neko doing. Celia, the fencer thought as he paused his thought. I don't want to think about what she is doing. Zorlo sighed trying to not think about what Celia was doing.. The reason the dome was helpful for him is that it was making him stronger, the negative is he had grown to miss his friends. I'll see them soon, the re-heartened warrior thought.

The fencer waltzed up to the girl. He tapped her on the shoulder and said, "Hello." She turned towards him and he stepped back and bowed. "I am Zorlo, the fencer of Tasogare, for what it is worth," he said audibly. He tilted his head up and looked at her, noticing she had not taken her eyes off of his hair. "What? Never seen a guy with green hair before," the fencer asked jokingly. "Either have I come to think of it," he added trying to lighten the mood. Zorlo stood straight and stared at the girl. Her beauty amazed him as he could now see her clearly, but the group was getting ready to move out. "It was good talking to you," the fencer said as the group moved together and readied to move out. "I bet your life was interesting, I would love to hear your life's story one day." The statement he made caused him to turn around fast to avoid being slapped should she have been offended. He moved towards the group as they became ready to head out in search of the object they sought.

OoC: Because I am no psychic, unlike PS and Zanza, I'm not gonna guess what Raziya says Selah, so if she has any responses, I leave em to you. Cuz I'm not inventive, I'm leaving the moving on in the capable hands everyone else, because, I'm bad at it. Thanks.

She had nearly forgotten the delights of genial attention.

The jinn had been sparse in their attentions, a miserly band whom had soon inured her to oversight and slights of disinterest when she was younger. Their resurgence boded no change - a relief from solitude, perhaps, but little else. It was thus that Zorlo's amiability tickled her, though his introduction had allowed her no word in edgewise. If she were to act upon the advice of the jinni, and grow acquainted with her fellow deshi, now was as good a time as any. She stepped quickly forward, and patted Zorlo on the arm. He had not yet moved out of reach.

He turned. "Oh, hello again!"

"I fear our earlier conversation found me tongue-tied," she said, smiling. "My name is Raziya. Pleased to meet you."

"Same, same!"

The students had dispersed, and were ranging the meadow in a rather ambiguous direction. Raziya watched them, was struck, suddenly, by the symmetry and restraint of their movements. There was a haunting cadence to that constraint. "This is going to be quite the adventure, no?" Raziya asked, glancing up at her companion.

"I wouldn't doubt it."

She laced her fingers behind her back, watched again the studied flow of her fellow warriors, and wondered if they were anxious. "I wonder where we're going," she mused.

"North, south... east, west... I wouldn't know. Unless you're familiar with the place, the direction probably doesn't matter."

"It might..." Raziya shrugged. "Have you ever heard tell of the Black Irix?"

"No, I have not."

"I wonder..." Her voice fell some notches, till it rivaled the nearly imperceptible breeze that brushed the grass. "I wonder if it is in anyway like Dark Magic."

She frowned, lifted her head. "Perhaps I shall ask something of Lady Kat, now," she said. Her voice had returned to its natural volume; Zorlo peered at her curiously.

"You're very anxious to be going?" he asked.

"I don't know..." Raziya trailed, grasped at the sentence before it could fade. "Perhaps I am - I've never been one to uncover my ulterior intentions."

That was always done for you, a jinni murmured.

Don't, please. Just don't.

"Are they moving out?" she asked, to vanquish the tacit conversation.

"I don't think so."

"Perhaps we should go now - I see Lady Kat, ahead..."

From the centre of the field, the Lady Kat beckoned, sable and august amid the vernal charm of the meadow.


OoC: Cheers for a dearth of ideas and initiative! This will be my last post in this thread for some time now. I'm off, on vacation, so adios!

OoC: I suppose I should put something up, then. Before PS comes to kill us all.

BiC:

When the assassin entered the meadow, he was blinded by the light emanating from the bright orb overhead. He searched around for shade, but the closest shadow were those of the other students. Deciding that the forest wasn't too far away, he began walking over to the trees so he could gather himself.

So this task was what he was looking for? That didn't tell him anything. He was looking to become stronger. Though he felt comfort in the fact that he would apparently grow in power, he was daunted by the fact that it could come in any form. The journey itself could be the training he desired, or maybe it would be the artifact itself.

Why think about it so much? he asked himself. I'll never find the answers within myself. Only time will tell how I'll grow. If that's even what the woman meant. I don't think I've ever told her my goal. So how could she know?

He thought back on his experineces in the Dome. Had she been there, watching him? Even from those exercises there was no way she could discern his personal wants. That was unless she could see into his mind. He sighed again, scolding himself for overthinking things yet again. There was no way he'd find out without asking her personally. And since she was back through that doorway, the quest would need to finish before Soledad could return to her. Even when this was finished, how was he to go about asking such things? He ran through the scenarios in his head and each time he was laughed at or mocked.

She doesn't seem the type to do that, though. She had a kindness about her. It was...comforting. His head perked up at this thought, but after a moment his face fell back to how it always looked; tired and depressed. What am I thinking? This isn't me. Is this some kind of magic? He sat quietly in thought for a few minutes. No enchantment is upon me. Maybe I'm sacrificing something in order to obtain the power. I've already done something I never would have before. I've asked for help. Am I willing to sacrifice myself in order to obtain greater strength? When he concentrated on the question, he could not come up with an answer. Eventually I must decide. He looked off towards the group and saw a lone figure approaching. The fighter was merely an outline to Soledad who was looking into the sun from his angle. I suppose I can cross that bridge when I come to it, he thought as he prepared to encounter whoever came near him.

OoC: Wow, that's short. I feel so inadequate. And now that I've edited it I'm hoping the opening there will inspire someone else to write something. WRITE NOW!!