NationStates Jolt Archive

Grand Shinmei Temple, Hieara Major, Nova Louisiana SSR, New Dornalia

Sensei Kim Hye Yong (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v630/Senor_Nb3/lh_tsuruko008.jpg)was quietly tending the geraniums and Dokas Flowers on the grounds of the Grand Shinmei Temple. A strange building towering on the outskirts of Hieara Major's largest city, it was something of a mixture of Russian Orthodox archetecture and Japanese asthetics. Nestled in the suburbs, the noise of automobile traffic and aircraft never seemed to distrupt the quiet serenity of the place.

Just as well. Sensei Batov was never known for having a stable mindset when it came to anything, and his unpredictability was evident in the way the building was set up. He could be charitable one minute, then volatile the next.

The second to Sensei Batov, Kim had been a trusted comrade of Grigori's during the Nova Louisianan Wars. She remembered him a religious lad, one with an austere sense of style that matched his sense of duty and ethics. However, the war seemed to change him. And ever since then, he wasn't quite right. Maybe it was for the better. His powers had grown, and he was the commander of a major movement. His followers wanted him in charge of the People's Acolytes. Others, however, sensed what she did. That the change also made him into a fanatic, a man who became, at the very least, a lot less personable.

As she tended the gardens to calm herself, an adjutant came bearing news. People from the "Shinmei-ryu" wanted to see her. "Who, she asked?" The adjutant then led her to the front gate....

"And why are we here again, Eishun-sensei?" Asuna Kagurazaka (http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y222/Feronen/AQS_MSN_c147_Extra_09.jpg) stood impatiently alongside Eishun and her counterpart. She was obviously irritated, as she wanted to be back home on Magicus Mundus rather than at some random planet in another nation she knew nothing about.

"Patience, Asuna-san." Setsuna Sakurazaki (http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y222/Feronen/AQS_MSN_c147_Extra_07.png) was Asuna's counterpart. Always cool-headed, she was Eishun's third, and one of the Emissaries of the Shinmei-ryu. She also happened to be one of the most talented swordsmen the Maho Caste had, third to Eishun and second to Touko.

"Why should I be patient when I'm on a strange planet that's God knows where in the universe?" Asuna retorted sharply.

"Calmly, Asuna-kun," Eishun finally said. "You as well, Setsuna-kun. We're here to determine why the Dornalian's People's Acolytes have a Shinmei school, and to what extent their power and experience is in comparison to ours. I have brought you both out here for a reason, which will soon become obvious to you once we've had a chance to engage in conversation."

That's when the front gate opened, and all three of them could see Kim. Asuna and Setsuna both immediately bowed at the waist, both saying, in complete synchronization, "Konichiwa!" Eishun, however, made a smaller version of their bow, smiling at Kim before speaking.

"Good day," he said. "I am Eishun Konoe, Head and Master of the School of Shinmei-ryu amongst the Clans. It is a great honour that you grace me and my students with your presence."

"Good day," he said. "I am Eishun Konoe, Head and Master of the School of Shinmei-ryu amongst the Clans. It is a great honour that you grace me and my students with your presence."

Kim surveyed the lot of them, returning their bows with a polite one of her own. "I am Sensei Kim Hye Yong of the People's Acolyte's Shinmei School; good day to you too. My superior, Sensei Batov, is out on crusade. I am here in his stead." She spoke with a gentle, serene tone, gained from a day's worth of gardening. It had that calming effect on her, and it made her more mellow than it usually would. Especially around Japanese; old habits died hard, and Koreans tended to distrust Japanese.

She then motioned for them to enter the Temple, saying, "Please, follow me. Let us talk." As she led them through the carefully manicured and diligently arranged beds of flora nestled among the interesting archetecture, she said simply, "So, tell me. I wasn't aware the Shinmei School had a branch among the Clans." She then looked at a Dokas flower, its unusually spiral shape giving off a purple hue, and then returned her gaze to the party.

"To be frank, Sensei, we were quite astounded ourselves upon learning that the People's Acolytes had a Shinmei school as well," Eishun replied, following Kim, walking side-by-side with her. Asuna and Setsuna trailed a few feet behind, Asuna's armour clanking with each step and Setsuna's geta clopping alongside.

"Aiiiyaaa," Asuna whispered, observing the temple. "This place is huge!"

"I can't argue," Setsuna whispered back. "It reminds me of the head temple back home."

"Totally," Asuna said.

"To be frank, Sensei, we were quite astounded ourselves upon learning that the People's Acolytes had a Shinmei school as well," Eishun replied, following Kim, walking side-by-side with her. Asuna and Setsuna trailed a few feet behind, Asuna's armour clanking with each step and Setsuna's geta clopping alongside.

"Aiiiyaaa," Asuna whispered, observing the temple. "This place is huge!"

"I can't argue," Setsuna whispered back. "It reminds me of the head temple back home."

"Totally," Asuna said.

Kim's eyes widened at the idea of another, completely different Shinmei School than the one founded by Sensei Batov. This was certainly something worth discussing, and getting to the bottom of. Of course, what better way to do that then tea?

"Well, to be honest, I feel the same way about yours....when Sensei Batov founded the School during the aftermath of the Nova Louisianan Wars, he did not know of your school," Kim declared, somewhat startledly.

She then said, "Please, follow me." Leading them into a small room overlooking a practice area where Shinmei students were practicing their sword attacks, she motioned for one of her men to bring some tea. She then said, "Now then...

As they came upon the training area, Asuna and Setsuna quickly let themselves become distracted by the other students, observing them intently as Eishun and Kim continued on. Setsuna then turned and called back to them.

"Eishun-sensei! Kim-sensei! We'll be down in the training area!"

"Alright," Eishun called back. "Be careful, you two."

"Hai, Eishun-sensei!" they both called back in, yet again, a sychronized call. They then quickly ran down to the training area to join the other students.

"I hope you do not mind them mingling with your students," Eishun said as they came to a seat. "So, tell me more about when the School was founded. I'd like to know how Batov-san came to be so knowledgable of the Shinmei-ryu arts. We've had them for millenia, and when we left Earth, we had thought that we had taken the art with us."

"I hope you do not mind them mingling with your students," Eishun said as they came to a seat. "So, tell me more about when the School was founded. I'd like to know how Batov-san came to be so knowledgable of the Shinmei-ryu arts. We've had them for millenia, and when we left Earth, we had thought that we had taken the art with us."

Kim nodded, saying simply as she recieved her tea and sipped, "I do not mind, personally. It will give the students people to spar with. They seem to be persons of ability, I can sense that." She playfully pointed to her head, hinting at her control of the Force. Putting her teacup down, Kim then began to talk.

"Our Shinmei arts were warforged. During the colonization of the land we now know as Nova Louisiana, an incursion of daemons came into our universe. They were known as the Daedra. They were a vicious, violent race, which were not easily stopped by conventional weapons. People's Acolytes did not do much better, initially."

Her face grew sad, as she spoke further, "We lost many trying to purge this land of the Daedra. One of the people who lost comrades was Sensei Batov. He was promoted to that rank in an emergency meeting of the Central Committee of his regional group, since the previous Sensei and several of the candidates had died.

He was--and still is--a religious man, and carried out his mission with the zeal of a crusader. He vowed to his God, to the Light of Lights, to avenge his dead comrades. And thus he fought. And as he fought, he and his warriors began creating sword techniques utilizing Force powers that could send the cursed monsters back to their realms. And as this occurred, he sought assistance from the Eternals themselves, who taught him the secrets of the Divine Essence which further boosted his powers. With these, and the heroic work of the colonial regiments and the local fighters, we saved ourselves from the daemonic tyranny.

After the war, he took the techniques he had created during the war, and stylized them into a comprehensive, formal school, using a text he called the Training Manual of the Cry of God. Eventually, being the afficionado of Japanese culture he was--he was a bit of a weeaboo before he became Sensei, probably inspired by his trace Japanese heritage--he transliterated the name into Shinmei School."

Sipping the tea, she then said, "That is how we began. I can show you a copy of the Manual. Bear in mind, any similarities are entirely coincidental, as the moviemakers say. Though perhaps the Divine Essence inspired him to do something similar to yours. Fate has a way of doing that."

Meanwhile, down below, the Shinmei trainees were engaged in kendo training, swiping at each other, blocking with swords, and attacking with lunges reminiscent of European fencing. The instructor stopped the exercise when he saw Setsuna and Asuna come in, and he then asked them in a thick Russian accent, "Excuse me, ladies. What are you doing here?"

"Too true," Eishun said, sipping his own tea after having listened to Kim's recount of the events that formed the Dornalian Shinmei. Eishun internally sighed in sadness, having wanted these Dornalian Shinmei to be related in some way to the Maho Shinmei. "I would like to see the manual, though. I am curious to see how closely related these techniques are to our own. I am quite sure we can teach you some of our more powerful techniques should you lack any techniques of equivalent power."

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Asuna and Setsuna bowed politely to the Russian sensei. "We have come to spar with our Dornalian brethren," Setsuna said. "I am Sakurazaki Setsuna, Warrior of the Shinmei-ryuu of the Clans."

"And I am Kagurazaka Asuna, disciple of and friend to Setsuna-san," Asuna piped up. "May we have a bout?" Asuna smiled politely, as did Setsuna. They truly wanted to see how strong their Dornalian kin were, and were intent on finding out the direct way.

((Small post, but I tried.))

"Too true," Eishun said, sipping his own tea after having listened to Kim's recount of the events that formed the Dornalian Shinmei. Eishun internally sighed in sadness, having wanted these Dornalian Shinmei to be related in some way to the Maho Shinmei. "I would like to see the manual, though. I am curious to see how closely related these techniques are to our own. I am quite sure we can teach you some of our more powerful techniques should you lack any techniques of equivalent power."

Kim nodded, said to a Novitiate who walked near, "Could you perhaps, bring a copy of the Manual? I would like our guest to be able to examine it." The noviate nodded, saying, "Yes, Comrade-Sensei." With a bow and a deft about hace, Eishun could see him walk down the path towards a gate and a large building. Entering it, Kim commented, "That's our Great Library. We keep our records there, both in paper and digital form. We also have a small bookstore there."

Several minutes later, he returned with a slim, leatherbound volume with Kanji on one side, and in English on the other. He then knelt down and handed it to Kim, who took it with a nod, and then passed it to Eishun with a simple, "Here you go, Konoe-sensei. For your reference." Then, she pulled some money out of her pocket and reimbursed the Novitiate for his help.


Asuna and Setsuna bowed politely to the Russian sensei. "We have come to spar with our Dornalian brethren," Setsuna said. "I am Sakurazaki Setsuna, Warrior of the Shinmei-ryuu of the Clans."

"And I am Kagurazaka Asuna, disciple of and friend to Setsuna-san," Asuna piped up. "May we have a bout?" Asuna smiled politely, as did Setsuna. They truly wanted to see how strong their Dornalian kin were, and were intent on finding out the direct way.

The Russian looked at these young Japanese women, no, girls who wanted to spar with them. He was taken slightly back by their audacity, considering they couldn't have been all that old. He almost felt a little anxious about fighting them. Then again, he looked at his students, and realized that some of his students were teenagers too; of course, they started off at 16-17, as opposed to 15 or even younger, like the Coredians. He then turned back to the two and said, "One moment, ladies." Walking to the students, he then called to his students, "Attention!"

They fell into a neat row, in an almost militaristic fashion that would have either impressed or dismayed Setsuna and Asuna. Then, The Sensei began to speak loudly.

"Novitiates! We have here today two honored guests from the Shinmei-ryuu of the Clans. They are our sisters! They wish to spar with us in a test of skill! Do you understand me!?"

The assembled trainees then said, no, cried out, "SIR YES SIR!" The Russian then walked about, and pointed at a young man and a young woman. He then bellowed, "Novitiate Tcholokian! Novitiate Martinelli! Come forth! The rest fall back and observe the action, learn from what you see!" The two then stepped out of the ranks, and then the Russian turned back to Setsuna and Asuna, declaring, "Very well then. Novitates Martinelli and Tcholokian will spar with you two. They are two of my best students."

Eishun carefully received the book from Kim-sensei, opening it and flipping open the Manual. He was amazed that most of the basic techniques of the Shinmei-ryuu were covered in this book. Zanganken, Zanmaken, Zantetsusen, Zankusen; he was simply amazed by how identical they were to their own within the Maho Caste.

"This is simply amazing," Eishun finally spoke. "You have most of the basic techniques that we teach, and each of them are literally identical to our own that we teach. I cannot simply believe that Batov-sensei simply was touched by the Divine. I am firmly convinced that he was touched by the First Sensei, Shinmei Ryu. There is no other explanation that can make sense."

Eishun then fell quiet, placing the manual to the side after closing it. He picked up his tea, sipping it slowly before speaking once more. "If such is the case, I must take Batov-sensei to Magicus Mundus to speak with the Council of Elders. Is there no other way to bring him forth from the front lines?"

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

Setsuna eyed both of the Novitiates intently, her mind analyzing their strengths, their ki, and...another power. What was this strange power that they utilized. It seemed very familiar to her. Could it be the power that beat Amelia-dono? Could it be...the Force?

Asuna-san, Setsuna 'said.' Be very careful with the one who spars with you. I believe they utilize the same power that Rock Lee used against Amelia-dono. The Force.

Asuna simply nodded, pulling out her pactio card she had obtained from Negi so many years ago. She walked forth to Tcholokian, her eyes blazing with intense concentration. She bowed respectfully to him as Setsuna stepped forth to Martinelli. She, too, bowed to her opponent respectfully, then spoke out loud.

"I declare that this shall be a two against two match. Three second fall determines removal from the match. Full power. No holds barred. Does the oppponent agree to these terms?"

Asuna then stood ready, chanting the word 'Adeat.' Her card then flashed, and a massive sword appeared in her right hand, a good portion of its blade resting on the floor as she held it backwards. (http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y222/Feronen/AQS_MSN_c147_Extra_09.jpg) The massive sword's blade dug into the ground beneath it, a portion of the blade imbedded into it. Setsuna, however, quickly unsheathed her nodachi, discarding the sheath off to the side. She took up her stance (http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y222/Feronen/AQS_MSN_c153_Extra_01.jpg), her massive sword, being bigger than her, resting on the ground before her. Her mind was very intent on the forthcoming battle, and her stance observed this, practically shouting it at her opponents.

Eishun carefully received the book from Kim-sensei, opening it and flipping open the Manual. He was amazed that most of the basic techniques of the Shinmei-ryuu were covered in this book. Zanganken, Zanmaken, Zantetsusen, Zankusen; he was simply amazed by how identical they were to their own within the Maho Caste.

"This is simply amazing," Eishun finally spoke. "You have most of the basic techniques that we teach, and each of them are literally identical to our own that we teach. I cannot simply believe that Batov-sensei simply was touched by the Divine. I am firmly convinced that he was touched by the First Sensei, Shinmei Ryu. There is no other explanation that can make sense."

Eishun then fell quiet, placing the manual to the side after closing it. He picked up his tea, sipping it slowly before speaking once more. "If such is the case, I must take Batov-sensei to Magicus Mundus to speak with the Council of Elders. Is there no other way to bring him forth from the front lines?"

Kim sipped her tea, and thought for a moment. She then put down the cup, and said, "I will try to reach him. Hold on."

Thinking for a moment, she tried to reach Sensei Batov, across the inky ether of Space and time. And with that, she sent him a simple message. Konoe-sensei would no doubt sense the strain and stress she was feeling as she sent it; it showed on her face, as she clenched her facial muscles and her eyelids shut and held her hands together, and for a moment, a brief gust of wind whipped through the little room.

It said simply, "Come home."

With that, Kim opened her eyes and said, "Right. The message has been sent."

Setsuna eyed both of the Novitiates intently, her mind analyzing their strengths, their ki, and...another power. What was this strange power that they utilized. It seemed very familiar to her. Could it be the power that beat Amelia-dono? Could it be...the Force?

Asuna-san, Setsuna 'said.' Be very careful with the one who spars with you. I believe they utilize the same power that Rock Lee used against Amelia-dono. The Force.

Asuna simply nodded, pulling out her pactio card she had obtained from Negi so many years ago. She walked forth to Tcholokian, her eyes blazing with intense concentration. She bowed respectfully to him as Setsuna stepped forth to Martinelli. She, too, bowed to her opponent respectfully, then spoke out loud.

"I declare that this shall be a two against two match. Three second fall determines removal from the match. Full power. No holds barred. Does the oppponent agree to these terms?"

Asuna then stood ready, chanting the word 'Adeat.' Her card then flashed, and a massive sword appeared in her right hand, a good portion of its blade resting on the floor as she held it backwards. (http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y222/Feronen/AQS_MSN_c147_Extra_09.jpg) The massive sword's blade dug into the ground beneath it, a portion of the blade imbedded into it. Setsuna, however, quickly unsheathed her nodachi, discarding the sheath off to the side. She took up her stance (http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y222/Feronen/AQS_MSN_c153_Extra_01.jpg), her massive sword, being bigger than her, resting on the ground before her. Her mind was very intent on the forthcoming battle, and her stance observed this, practically shouting it at her opponents.

Martinelli nodded, and bowing back, replied only, "It is agreed. Three Second Fall." Tcholokian chimed in with a nod and a simple, "I also agree to the terms of combat." Turning to their opponents now, they witnessed them unsheath their blades. Tcholokian took one look at Asuna's blade and couldn't help but feel both uneasy and disbelieving. Could she really swing that massive thing? This wasn't a Japanese anime. This was a sparring match!

Martinelli was not so occupied, he merely sized Setsuna up as he pulled out his own sword, a carbon steel katana easily obtained for any good martial arts training; unlike most other Jedi or Force using sects, lightsabers weren't distributed to trainees easily. He then assumed a neutral Stance, keeping his legs tucked in and his sword level. The way Setsuna was going, she could either slice up or go for a low strike. And she had a longer reach. He could only feel Tcholokian's anxiety. All she had was a bokuto. Not cool when your opponent had a massive meat cleaver of a blade.

Tcholokian could sense Martinelli's anxiety, and she merely Forcemessaged him back with, "Relax. I've got Cloud Wannabe here covered. You worry about Samurai Girl."

With that, Tcholokian dove low, charging as she cried out "Hyakka Ryōran!" With a slice of her blade and the focus of mind, she let out a storm of energy and petals careening towards Asuna. Meanwhile, Martinelli lept forward, swinging his katana and aiming it at Setsuna's right leg as he shouted "Zankusen!", letting out energies in circular fashion to try and do some damage.

Eishun observed Kim-sensei intently as he felt a pressure begin to envelope the room. Finally, when the gust of wind subsided, the pressure enveloping the room subsided as well. Eishun had felt this kind of pressure before, but not on such a grand level as this time.

"Quite the powerful telepathy you have," Eishun commented. "We of the Maho Caste can all speak telepathically, but not on an galaxy-to-galaxy basis. The farthest we can transmit a message without suffering permanent damage is five thousand lightyears. Is this an added ability of what you call 'the Force?'"

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

Asuna's reaction was to easily flip her hand to a normal grip on her sword, then with a quick, horizontal, circular slice, she, too, shouted out her own move. "Hyakuretsu Okazan!" From pretty much nowhere, a storm of Sakura petals became a protective whirlwind around her, peppering the other petals that were inbound on her position. These petals would also pepper Tcholokian if she came any further. However, the energy that was simultaneously unleashed in Tcholokian's technique was still streaking towards Asuna. Asuna, using the momentum of her swing, continued into a three sixty, and then jammed her massive blade into the ground in front of her with a loud STONK! The flat of her blade was now poised to deflect the energy on impact as Asuna pressed herself against the flat of the blade on the other side, effectively shielding herself from the attack.

Meanwhile, Setsuna's antagonist had performed a technique that she, herself, had mastered many years ago. Knowing full well the properties, and calmly observing her opponent's sword movement, she took a step back with her right leg, setting it just behind her as she leaned back, allowing the whirlwind of near-invisible energies from the technique to merely flutter her outfit. Purposefully losing her balance, Setsuna tapped off the ground, using her backwards momentum to do a flip, planting her sword-hand on the ground on her knuckles while still holding the sword. While in mid-flip, she lifted her free hand so that the palm of her hand was facing Martinelli, and then muttered quietly to herself, "Zakusho. San." A flurry of ki projectiles then exploded from her hand in rapid succession, spreading out into a wide field of fire. The technique was more to act as suppressive fire as Setsuna completed her flip, landing with a crouching tmp, holding her sword in a leftward diagonal defensive stance, the tip of her blade pointing in the air. In this position, she could easily spring herself into the offensive, but she chose to keep on the defensive, wishing to learn more about her opponent's level of skill.

Eishun observed Kim-sensei intently as he felt a pressure begin to envelope the room. Finally, when the gust of wind subsided, the pressure enveloping the room subsided as well. Eishun had felt this kind of pressure before, but not on such a grand level as this time.

"Quite the powerful telepathy you have," Eishun commented. "We of the Maho Caste can all speak telepathically, but not on an galaxy-to-galaxy basis. The farthest we can transmit a message without suffering permanent damage is five thousand lightyears. Is this an added ability of what you call 'the Force?'"

Kim sighed as she wiped her brow, sipping deeply from her tea. Sitting back up and looking quite worn out from the Procedure, she looked at Konoe-sensei and explained, "Well, that was more from the Divine Essence portions than the Force, though the Force was certainly involved. It is an ability I do not use too often. As you can see it can become quite tiring....I wish I had some Gatorade, or Pocari Sweat.....or something like that."

Asuna's reaction was to easily flip her hand to a normal grip on her sword, then with a quick, horizontal, circular slice, she, too, shouted out her own move. "Hyakuretsu Okazan!" From pretty much nowhere, a storm of Sakura petals became a protective whirlwind around her, peppering the other petals that were inbound on her position. These petals would also pepper Tcholokian if she came any further. However, the energy that was simultaneously unleashed in Tcholokian's technique was still streaking towards Asuna. Asuna, using the momentum of her swing, continued into a three sixty, and then jammed her massive blade into the ground in front of her with a loud STONK! The flat of her blade was now poised to deflect the energy on impact as Asuna pressed herself against the flat of the blade on the other side, effectively shielding herself from the attack.

Tcholokian stopped just short of the massive blade, and she cursed herself for underestimating the size. No piece of cosplay weaponry, it seemed to serve as shield and weapon for its user owing to its massive bulk. She got back up and decided that it was probably time to either break the massive blade or sidestep it. With that, she jumped back, and then held her sword up. Slicing forward again, she cried out, "Zanganken!" and unleashed more energy, this time aiming for the sword with the Force energies thus summoned as she lept to the side and attempted to seal the deal with a side order of Force Throw to try and trip up Asuna.

Meanwhile, Setsuna's antagonist had performed a technique that she, herself, had mastered many years ago. Knowing full well the properties, and calmly observing her opponent's sword movement, she took a step back with her right leg, setting it just behind her as she leaned back, allowing the whirlwind of near-invisible energies from the technique to merely flutter her outfit. Purposefully losing her balance, Setsuna tapped off the ground, using her backwards momentum to do a flip, planting her sword-hand on the ground on her knuckles while still holding the sword. While in mid-flip, she lifted her free hand so that the palm of her hand was facing Martinelli, and then muttered quietly to herself, "Zakusho. San." A flurry of ki projectiles then exploded from her hand in rapid succession, spreading out into a wide field of fire. The technique was more to act as suppressive fire as Setsuna completed her flip, landing with a crouching tmp, holding her sword in a leftward diagonal defensive stance, the tip of her blade pointing in the air. In this position, she could easily spring herself into the offensive, but she chose to keep on the defensive, wishing to learn more about her opponent's level of skill.

The ki projectiles gave Martinelli pause, as he was forced to leap out of the way, getting grazed by some of them and letting the rest slam into the other side of the arena. Landing with a slide on the ground, he doubled back up as he saw Setsuna take a defensive stance. Wiping his mouth, he said to her calmly, "Not bad. Really. Time I showed you what I learned." With a smile, he ran to attack her to the side, slashing his sword and flanking her with a cry of "Jakuzankūsen!" as he moved closer to attack.

Eishun chuckled at Kim's comment about needing something to drink. "I think that tea would be a better remedy to energy-based stress than a sports drink." He took a sip of his own tea, then set it down on the table before him.

"So, tell me more about how you select your students," he said. "I understand the Manual, but I think you could better explain how you come about to selecting your disciples."

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

Asuna smirked as she had expected the first technique, and she responded by whirling around her sword to face the technique, and then sliced downwards, shouting, "Raimeiken!" Her sword then released a small lightning blast, which would go on to impact the Zanganken. Unfortunately, she had not expected the second technique, and was sent sprawling to the ground face first. Even though embarassed, she managed to recover by rolling away, using the massive flat of her blade to protect her from any other inbound attacks.

Setsuna had been prepared for an attack, and had used the time in her defensive stance to channel her ki into both her feet and her soon-to-be-free hand. Just as Martinelli's technique reached her, she would suddenly appear in front of him, thrusting her palm up towards his sternum like a punch and muttering, quietly, "Zankusho." If this worked, her attack would come as a one-two punch. Her palm would strike first, and then the technique would be a point-blank ki blast, which would send Martinelli flying and wind him, potentially knocking him unconscious from the double force of the hit.

"So, tell me more about how you select your students," he said. "I understand the Manual, but I think you could better explain how you come about to selecting your disciples."



Kim sipped the tea again, taking Konoe-sensei's advice. Closing her eyes, she then said, "Ah yes. We use a rather simple selection process, much like the other People's Acolytes schools. Generally, we take in trainees about the age of sixteen or seventeen that demonstrate great psychic aptitiude and conviction. Strong moral fiber helps too. We run a series of tests to test their abilities, such as lifting objects with their mind, clarivoyance, etc. Then, if they pass the battery, then we induct them as Novitiates and begin their training under our banner."

Asuna smirked as she had expected the first technique, and she responded by whirling around her sword to face the technique, and then sliced downwards, shouting, "Raimeiken!" Her sword then released a small lightning blast, which would go on to impact the Zanganken. Unfortunately, she had not expected the second technique, and was sent sprawling to the ground face first. Even though embarassed, she managed to recover by rolling away, using the massive flat of her blade to protect her from any other inbound attacks.

Tcholokian used Force Push again, this time in a one two punch combo. Focusing on the massive blade itself, she muttered to herself, "Get back here, Cosplay Girl" as she tried to knock the large item out of Asuna's hands before proceeding to attempt to flip Asuna into the air with the attack. After all this, she would then move in with her bokuto, though as quick as possible to speed things up.

Setsuna had been prepared for an attack, and had used the time in her defensive stance to channel her ki into both her feet and her soon-to-be-free hand. Just as Martinelli's technique reached her, she would suddenly appear in front of him, thrusting her palm up towards his sternum like a punch and muttering, quietly, "Zankusho." If this worked, her attack would come as a one-two punch. Her palm would strike first, and then the technique would be a point-blank ki blast, which would send Martinelli flying and wind him, potentially knocking him unconscious from the double force of the hit.

The wind was knocked out of Martinelli, as he was first stunned and then flung backwards like a ragdoll onto the ground. His chest felt like it had a sledgehammer hitting it repeatedly, and to say it hurt would probably be understating the feeling of intense agony he was experiencing at the moment. He barely got back up again, panting and huffing as he stumbled forth to meet his opponent once more. Looking up, he then closed his eyes, and meditated for a moment, letting Force Heal work its ways and give him some measure of relief, as he also quietly stashed some energy for the attack he was to make. After a few seconds, he opened his eyes and said, "Works better than Advil." He then charged into Setsuna and swung his saber with just enough force to make it count, as he let out, with a loud if somewhat hoarse voice, "Zanmashō Ni-no-Tachi!"

--------

Meanwhile, Batov's personal vessel, the Allosaurus, appeared in orbit, and he warped down to the Temple. Wandering its grounds imperiously, he stumbled upon Kim and Konoe sipping tea, and said gruffly, "What is this business that you had to call me for, Comrade-Sensei?"

"Well, not much difference, except we choose our students at a much younger age," Eishun replied, sipping his tea just before Batov entered the room. Eishun promptly placed his tea on the table, stood up, and bowed before Batov. "Greetings, Batov-sensei. I am Konoe Eishun, Head Sensei of the Shinmei Ryuu of the Clans. It is an honour to finally meet you in person."

Eishun then straightened up, addressing Kim. "Kim-sensei, I wish to speak with Batov-dono privately about his experience with the 'Divine Essence.' I thank you for your hospitality, but I believe that this conversation should be one-on-one between just the two us."

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

Each Force Push was refracted by Asuna's sword until she finally lost her grip. Just as the sword was about to fall out of her reach, she grabbed the sword's tassle and said, "Abeat." The sword then transformed back into a pactio card, and she turned her head to see Tcholokian rushing her. Rolling once more, she slammed her left arm against the ground, launching herself into the air, flipping twice as she thought to herself.

The World in my left hand, myself in the right. As she thought, two separate energies gathered in her outstretched arms, one glittering, the other burning. Put them together, and they become one! Slapping her hands together, the two energies suddenly burst across her body, enveloping her in a visible energy field, reminiscient of those warriors from that one series where they collect magic, wish-granting balls.

Landing on her feet, Asuna faced her left side towards Tcholokian, her left arm outstretched with her hand open and her left foot planted in front of her, her right foot planted behind her and her right arm resting in front of her stomach, the back of it facing the ground with her hand clenched into an upside-down fist.

Meanwhile, Setsuna braced herself for the attack, but at the last second, she realized too late what the technique was. She raised her sword in a vain attempt to deflect the technique, but the damage had been done. In a blast of wind, Setsuna's outfit was torn off, and her face turned into shock. She stood stock still, in a mid-way defensive position as she tried to compute what had happened. She was now standing in a room completely naked, something she wouldn't have done unless alone with Konoka-ojou-sama or in a group bath.

Her head then turned down, her eyes covered by her hair as her arms slowly went to her sides. Her body began to shudder slightly, and then, in an instant, she disappeared. She appeared just behind and to the right of Martinelli, then to the left and in front of him. She then appeared to the right and in front of him, and then to the left and behind him. Each move had been a slice at his extremeties, meant to slice them completely off before she shunpoed once more, just above him. She hung in the air for a second, before she shouted. "YOU FUCKING PERVERT!"

Her descent was rapid as she dropped upon Martinelli, her blade crackling with electricity. Following her insult, she shouted, "Shin Raikoken!" As her blade came down to meet with Martinelli's body, a large clap of thunder would resound within the building, shaking the very foundation of the temple as a series of explosive lightning bolts struck at Martinelli. The resulting explosions would send everyone nearby flying away from the epicenter, Asuna included. Asuna would be sent careening into the room where Batov, Kim, and Eishun were, slamming up through the floor before crashing into the table and slamming into the opposite wall, knocked cold, if only for a little while.

Her descent was rapid as she dropped upon Martinelli, her blade crackling with electricity. Following her insult, she shouted, "Shin Raikoken!" As her blade came down to meet with Martinelli's body, a large clap of thunder would resound within the building, shaking the very foundation of the temple as a series of explosive lightning bolts struck at Martinelli. The resulting explosions would send everyone nearby flying away from the epicenter, Asuna included. Asuna would be sent careening into the room where Batov, Kim, and Eishun were, slamming up through the floor before crashing into the table and slamming into the opposite wall, knocked cold, if only for a little while.

Batov and Kim looked at Asuna's limp body as it slammed into the room, and Batov even recoiled back slightly with horror. He then said, regaining his composure, "Medic! MEDIC!" With that, two Novitiates came in, with armbands emblazoned with Red Crosses on them as they took Asuna to the Temple Hospital. Looking at the scene, they rushed in more medics from the Temple Hospital and from Hieara City General as they got to work tending people's wounds. Martinelli, having been demolished by the assault, was found in numerous charred pieces. An arm there, a leg there, and maybe his torso and head attached there, bleeding out in a charred parody of its former self. The medics looked at him, and said, "Get him to the hospital, NOW!" Still, it looked very unlikely he was going to make it...

Batov then looked at Konoe-sensei and bowed at a 45 degree angle. He replied with, "And I am Sensei Grigori Batov, Grand Sensei of the Shinmei School of the People's Acolytes. Come, follow me." He then led Konoe on a stroll through the grounds, and as he did so, he began to speak.

"You wish to know about my contact with the Divine Essence, Konoe-sensei? It is not a hard tale to tell....not like the others from the period, sadly. I lost many friends in those wars. I still occasionally have what the psychologists call flashbacks. But, I refuse to let myself be dragged into madness.

I met the Divine Essence through agents of the Eternals. Kim probably explained that to you. They helped us in purging this realm of the Daedra that nearly consumed our forces in Nova Louisiana. Afterwards, a key group of Acolytes, including myself was Part of that was the Divine Essence, which we were taught to use in order to provide further damage against forces of a daemonic nature. I myself became part of the process. It was rather interesting to harness this new force, and use it with the existing Force in order to vanquish the enemies of justice."

He then laughed, saying only, "Of course, judging by the way one of your disciples--it was presumably one of yours--flew into the room, and the way I saw the other--I presume it was a disciple, the other--tore into one of my students, I assume you have plenty of powers yourselves."

Admist all this, Tcholokian somehow survived, and could only utter, "Good game?"

Asuna moaned slightly as she regained consciousness. She hadn't quite been assisted yet as she began to stand up from the rubble her body had caused. She wasn't bleeding, but she was covered in wood and dust, and as she stood up, several pieces of wood clattered to the ground. As the medics moved to assist her, Asuna waved them off. "I'm alright, I'm alright. Go check on Setsuna. I'll be right with you as soon as I compose myself..."

Setsuna, meanwhile, was sitting in the middle of the crater she had created in the training grounds. Her sword lay next to her, covered in charred blood, and she was curled into the fetal position. She was shuddering with quiet sobs, completely mortified, not only because she was stripped down in public, but because she had let herself lose control of her demonic side. She rocked back and forth, untouched and covering herself while in the fetal position in such a way that no one could even get a good look at her nether regions.

Eishun, however, while concerned for what happened in the training grounds, continued to stroll alongside Batov. He reformulated his question so that he would not insult Batov, and then spoke.

"Now, when you were touched by the Divine, did you, by chance, see a man wearing a traditional white and red kimono with long, black hair?" Eishun was trying to describe what he knew of Shinmei Ryuu. "I, personally, believe that you may have been visited by our Grand Master, Shinmei Ryuu, who created the first Shinmei School several thousand years before. If this is the case, then the Council of Elders will wish you to come to Magicus Mundus. Such an event could mean that...well...you may have been chosen by him for a task far greater than just fighting the Empire."

Asuna moaned slightly as she regained consciousness. She hadn't quite been assisted yet as she began to stand up from the rubble her body had caused. She wasn't bleeding, but she was covered in wood and dust, and as she stood up, several pieces of wood clattered to the ground. As the medics moved to assist her, Asuna waved them off. "I'm alright, I'm alright. Go check on Setsuna. I'll be right with you as soon as I compose myself..."

Setsuna, meanwhile, was sitting in the middle of the crater she had created in the training grounds. Her sword lay next to her, covered in charred blood, and she was curled into the fetal position. She was shuddering with quiet sobs, completely mortified, not only because she was stripped down in public, but because she had let herself lose control of her demonic side. She rocked back and forth, untouched and covering herself while in the fetal position in such a way that no one could even get a good look at her nether regions.

The medics let Asuna go, and shrugged, waiting for her. As this occurred, those cleaning up the arena noticed Setsuna in the fetal position, shivering like a Mirfak Veteran with a flashback attack. One of them called to the others and said, "We've got a live one here!" Rushing to the man's side, one of the others said, "Jesus. No physiccal damage, but she's gone apeshit." Turning to one of the others, the man said to another Medic, "Fetch an emergency blanket. Give her some privacy!" The man nodded, and returned with a blue blanket with a Red Cross on it. Covering her with it, Setsuna was then lifted onto a stretcher to be moved with the others. As this occurred, the lead Medic said, using the Force to add a little emphasis to his comforting voice, "It's gonna be fine. Just relax. We'll get you fixed in no time."

Eishun, however, while concerned for what happened in the training grounds, continued to stroll alongside Batov. He reformulated his question so that he would not insult Batov, and then spoke.

"Now, when you were touched by the Divine, did you, by chance, see a man wearing a traditional white and red kimono with long, black hair?" Eishun was trying to describe what he knew of Shinmei Ryuu. "I, personally, believe that you may have been visited by our Grand Master, Shinmei Ryuu, who created the first Shinmei School several thousand years before. If this is the case, then the Council of Elders will wish you to come to Magicus Mundus. Such an event could mean that...well...you may have been chosen by him for a task far greater than just fighting the Empire."

Batov looked about and thought for a moment. He then replied, "My memory of the event is somewhat hazy. It was a while ago. But yes, I do think that among some figures I saw whilst practicing the rituals of the Divine with other Shinmei training in that Way, there was indeed a Japanese man of that description." Raising his eyebrows, he stopped and said, "Konoe-sensei....you say I have been visited by the Founder of your school, then? This is indeed a rather puzzling circumstance that asks, no, demands further study on our part."

Setsuna recoiled as she felt the foreign energies of the Force try to work their ways upon her. She recognized it only by virtue of the fact that the Novitiates used it to amplify their Shinmei techniques. She hissed at the specific medic, her eyes narrowing like those of a cat, but she did not lash out. While conscious of her actions, she was still not yet in full control of her body, her demonic side still quite amplified. Yet before the medics could remove Setsuna from the area, Asuna arrived walking alongside them. She observed Setsuna's condition before addressing the medics.

"I must ask that you defer to my experience with this individual," she stated. "She is my friend, and I've many years of experience comforting her. You would do well to heed my advice, for should you remove her from this location, she could lose control yet again and possibly harm the civilian populace outside the temple grounds. Only Eishun-sensei and myself know how to stop her when she goes on a rampage, but it would take much time for us to respond should she be too far out of range for our own senses to pick up a ki flux emanating from her."

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

Eishun nodded at Batov's analysis. "I agree, but there are few ways to discover the reasons behind these events. I know of only one way, and it is widely known amongst my people as merely a legend. Only the Crimson Wing, the White Wing, the Council of Elders, and the Council of Khans, other than myself, know of the place of which I speak. It is a world that exists parallel to our own known as Infernus Necromundus - the Infernal World of Death. Before we began to pass it off as legend, many had tried to venture into this place to free their loved ones from death. None have returned, save the leader of the Crimson Wing, Nagi Springfield, and his son, the leader of the White Wing, Negi."

Eishun took a breath, thinking for a moment before going on. "Within this realm exists the Legions of the Damned, a host of demons, corrupted humans, and undead, led by what we know as the three Prime Evils. Diablo, the Lord of Terror, Baal, the Lord of Destruction, and Mephisto, the Lord of Hatred. In order to reach the honourable Shinmei Ryuu, you must travel through their land to another portal that will take you into the afterlife. There, and only there, can we finally make contact with the Grand Master and discover his defined task for you."

Setsuna recoiled as she felt the foreign energies of the Force try to work their ways upon her. She recognized it only by virtue of the fact that the Novitiates used it to amplify their Shinmei techniques. She hissed at the specific medic, her eyes narrowing like those of a cat, but she did not lash out. While conscious of her actions, she was still not yet in full control of her body, her demonic side still quite amplified. Yet before the medics could remove Setsuna from the area, Asuna arrived walking alongside them. She observed Setsuna's condition before addressing the medics.

"I must ask that you defer to my experience with this individual," she stated. "She is my friend, and I've many years of experience comforting her. You would do well to heed my advice, for should you remove her from this location, she could lose control yet again and possibly harm the civilian populace outside the temple grounds. Only Eishun-sensei and myself know how to stop her when she goes on a rampage, but it would take much time for us to respond should she be too far out of range for our own senses to pick up a ki flux emanating from her."

The medic recoiled back slightly at Setsuna's reaction. One of the crew replied, "Jeez, man. I don't think she's a fan of the Force." The medic said, "No shit. Lots of those guys." As he tried to calm her down using his regular voice, Asuna arrived and explained the situation. Turning to one another and nodding, the medics then put Setsuna down, leaving the blanket on her as the lead said, "Well, she's all yours then, I guess. Anything happens though, we've got tranqs."


Eishun took a breath, thinking for a moment before going on. "Within this realm exists the Legions of the Damned, a host of demons, corrupted humans, and undead, led by what we know as the three Prime Evils. Diablo, the Lord of Terror, Baal, the Lord of Destruction, and Mephisto, the Lord of Hatred. In order to reach the honourable Shinmei Ryuu, you must travel through their land to another portal that will take you into the afterlife. There, and only there, can we finally make contact with the Grand Master and discover his defined task for you."

Batov stopped for a moment, and looked at Konoe-sensei with a bit of wonderment, but also some uncertainty. With a finger and an inquisitive eye, he said, "Are you saying, that in order to find my destiny, I am to undergo a Harrowing of Hell? Enter a land of horror, nightmares, and danger from where I may not return?"

He then leaned against a tree and said, "Konoe-sensei. I have fought daemons before. Violent beings with unnatural strength. Horrors that could eat whole squads of men. Terrors that could twist recognizable cities into temples to blasphemous gods and bloody sacrifice. These challenges sound dangerous, yes. Part of me trembles. But another part of me says I can do a Harrowing of Hell. I survived one before."

Holding up his index finger, he said simply, "I have but one question. Must this be done alone? Or can I bring retainers?"

As they set Setsuna down upon the floor, Asuna kneeled near her head. Her semi-exposed legs were used as a pillow as Asuna lifted Setsuna's head and placed her there. Asuna began cooing in Japanese, stroking Setsuna's hair and gently massaging her temples. Setsuna's demonic side hissed the whole time, slowly fading away until Setsuna began to sob, and then finally began crying, uncontrollably. Asuna lifted her friend to her knees, embracing her in a hug as Setsuna blubbered on.

"I...so...sorry...I...dun...why...tha...!"

"Ssshhh," Asuna replied, stroking her friend's hair. "It's alright. It's alright."

"Kono-chan...would be so angry with me..."

"You don't know that," Asuna said. "Kono-chan is a very forgiving person. You and I both know that she would be more concerned with your well-being rather than be angry with you."

"But...but I let my demonic side take control again." Setsuna sniffed, rubbing her eyes with the back of her arm. "I promised her that I would never let that side ever take control ever again!"

"It's alright," Asuna said, yet again. "I won't tell her what happened, and I'm sure Eishun-sensei won't, either."

"Thank you, Asuna-san," Setsuna said. "It really...means a lot..." And then she began to bawl yet again, burying her face into Asuna's chest. Asuna merely smiled, holding her friend close and letting her have a good, long, well-deserved cry.

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

Eishun grimly nodded. "Yes, but be forewarned: do not expect many of them to return. I have read the documentation on the encounters with these Chronosian Daemons of the Warp, and while I admit that they are very similar in respects to the Legions of the Damned, there are many creatures within Infernus Necromundus that I guarantee you have never encountered even a relative of in the Warp-influenced armies of the Empire. Be prepared to lose many men should you choose to bring them with you."

Eishun grimly nodded. "Yes, but be forewarned: do not expect many of them to return. I have read the documentation on the encounters with these Chronosian Daemons of the Warp, and while I admit that they are very similar in respects to the Legions of the Damned, there are many creatures within Infernus Necromundus that I guarantee you have never encountered even a relative of in the Warp-influenced armies of the Empire. Be prepared to lose many men should you choose to bring them with you."

Batov's eyes narrowed as Eishun emphasized the point. With a grim reply, he simply said, "It is not merely the Warp daemons I refer to; I refer to other horrors. The daedra. The Kythons. Terrors to haunt the night and shaken the soul. The daedra, in particular, will never leave my conciousness. They haunt my nightmares, with their feasts on men and their violence towards all. I have recovered from my experiences, but as I have said, they will never leave me."

He then smiled and said, "My men are as such, too. We know how to kill daemons, we have spent time in their realm, as they brought to this one. I am sure we will survive any Harrowing."

Eishun nodded. "Then you are more than prepared to deal what you will be facing within the Infernus Necromundus."

He then flipped his arm sleeve up, revealing a small device attached to his wrist. He brought it up to his face, pressing a button with his spare hand. "Asuna-kun. Setsuna-kun. Make haste back to the ship and make the necessary preparations. We will be leaving in a few days."

"Hai, Sensei!" The response was from Asuna, who had, by now, managed to help Setsuna compose herself and get her dressed. They would soon leave the temple area, Setsuna's head bowed in shame for her actions towards Martinelli. Eishun then brought his arm back down, his sleeve falling over it to cover it right back up.

"Good," he said. "With that handled, when we do go to depart, it will not take us as long as normal. I would suggest, Batov-sensei, that you prepare the necessary arrangements and supplies for you and your men. When you are ready, you will find our ship at docking bay fifty seven at the local spaceport. I would also suggest that you present this situation to the other special organizations within our allies' ranks. I am quite sure that they would have a vested interest in this journey, and that it would benefit them as greatly as it will us."

OOC: Message below is SIC, and addressed to Abh (I know you've got those magicians), CW, EWT, and the Huntarian Alliance.

IC:

Batov nodded and said with a solemn tone, "Very well, Konoe-sensei. I shall make the appropriate arrangements and meet you then. It will take some time for me to prepare though, and to make the appropriate contacts."

Giving Konoe-sensei a salute, he then left them, saying only, "I will meet you soon, Comrades." Then, he walked straight to his small, cloistered office. Sitting down at a desk, he composed a message. Brief, and addressed to those agencies that used psykery, the Force or magical abilities, he wrote the following:

SIC:

"To the heads all bodies within the friends of Socialism using psykery, the Force or magical powers--

I, Grigori Batov, Sensei of the Shinmei School of the People's Acolytes, am about to undergo a great task into the unknown. What I am about to tell you seems more akin to the world of fantasy and soft science fiction than it does to our earthly plane. But it may turn out to be something significant for all of us. Hear me out.

It seems that during my training in the Divine Essence underneath the Eternals, I had experienced visions of an Asian man wearing a white and red kimono with long black hair. Upon contact with the Shinmei-ryuu practioners from the Clans, it was ascertained that due to the similarities of abilities and names with my school with theirs, this Asian fellow was none other than the founder of the Clan Shinmei-ryuu school. According to one Eishun Konoe, a leader of the Clan Shinmei, this information is of some significance; the fact that I had experienced these visions suggests I was chosen for some great task.

However, to ascertain what this task exactly is, I am forced to undergo no less than a Harrowing of Hell; according to Konoe-sensei, a journey through a dimension known as the Infernus Necromundus--a dimension akin to the fires of Hell and the violence of the worst nightmares as I have been told--is necessary in order to reach a gateway to the realm where this Master now dwells. Once there, the purpose of the aforementioned visions can be ascertained.

Now, you may ask, why join me, if this concerns a so-called "Mad Russian" only? Well, there are two motivations why I ask you for help. One is the inherent danger of such a mission. Not many have returned, and I do not go on this quest for sport. Thus, if I am to go, I need the help of strong allies who can provide assistance so the way to the Master can be reached. Also, as promised before, this affects all of us; as speculated, the revelations this Master is said to contain may involve a task greater than any present struggle, one that surely must affect all of us. Why would you miss out on the opportunity to discover what that is?

It is with that purpose, that I intend to call upon the heads of all your organizations to send representatives of your finest disciplines of magic, psykery or Force usage, without delay, to Hieara Major, to join in this task.

Sincerely,

Grigori Alexandrovich Batov
Sensei
People's Acolytes Shinmei School"

The message sent to all involved, Batov checked his equipment, and then went to find a sufficent retainer for the mission ahead.

The message found its way to D'Hara as the Abh had little tolerance or appreciation for any thing supersticious. D'Hara being run and populated by people that were seen to be neck deep in their supersticians was perfect for the message. Unfortunately, the D'Harans did not have any great number of wizards or sorceresses. The most seasoned of them all were away on important matters. First Wizard Zeddicus Zo'rander and Sorceress Nicci were away with Abh and New Dornalian scientists working on creating a superior soldier. They stayed simply to make sure nothing went wrong or that the Abh or Dornalians did not overstep their bounds as humans.

The only War Wizard in a near millenia was now a prisoner of war at the moment while the Abh worked on finding a way of getting him out. That left the Prelate of the alcolydes who was busy running around keeping the youngsters in line. Doing the head marshal job of making sure the boys were in their rooms at night and not snooping through the girls' quarters. She couldn't leave.

Numbers were few these days which forced Kahlan Amnell, the temporary ruler of D'Hara to search outside their own schools of magic. Kahlan had just finished scribbling a note on parchment and handed it over to a servant. "Head over to the Ranger's temple and find Soren. I imagine he will find this message of interest."

Soren was in his own private quarters focusing on an open text as he sat cross legged on the floor. He concentrated his mind on the runes inscribed on the pages trying to sumon the incantation. That was until a knock came at the door.

Sighing, "Yes! What is it?"

"Message for you Soren. It comes from the Mother Confessor."

Soren hopped up and summoned the lights as he opened the door. The sorceror took the message from his fellow Ranger and gave his thanks. Closing the door, Soren unfolded the message and let his eyes skim over the paper.

Definantly an interesting assignment here. Soren scooped up his tome and tossed it in a bag on his bed. He gathered a few more items he possibly might need then headed out for the door. Now he needed a ride and Soren knew just where to get one. The second Sanjura, or as the Abh called them Asaug Agh, had finally finished its construction. It would serve as a nice transport.

"Computer, set course for Hieara Major."

Eishun nodded his goodbye to Batov, and was soon gone himself. He took his time as he returned to his ship, and when he arrived, he found both of his students sitting within the cockpit of the ship. Both were talking in rapid Japanese about something silly back home, and he merely knocked on the door to get their attention.

"Hai, sensei?" they both responded.

"We'll be waiting for Batov-sensei and his retainer," he said. "Also, I have a task for you when we return to Magicus Mundus. Upon our arrival at the Wailing Gate, you two will be tasked with guarding it from the inside. You will be Batov-sensei's only means of returning...should he and his party return..."

Both Asuna and Setsuna, while not completely aware of the situation, understood his tone. "Hai, sensei. We will both do our part."

"Good," Eishun replied, smiling. "I trust you both do it your part well. For now, we must wait. We may be having others join us along the way. Be on your best behavior."

((Okay, I'm going to be prepping for the Act I. Everyone else who is involved in the Harrowing of Hell must post their involvement here by meeting up at the designated planet that Dorn stated in his last post.))

http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=13489630#post13489630

New Thread here. Abh, I may just assume Batov greeted Soren already, since Skag started the thread already.