Alright, finally finished making a bit of a summary describing the big things that happened.

-Two shades haunting Yume Forest, Kremin and Evaise, attacked a man named Baldr, belonging to an atheist faction that fled Iacobus' lands. Baldr's people are located in territory and he was exploring the lands. The fight ended with him trading information for safe passage. Evaise also fought one of BattleF08's ninjas, which was revealed possessed by a Shade that allied with it.

-The weakened Kaiser haunted BattleF08's adoptive daughter Yumeko in her dreams, revealing bits of information amidst visions and confusion.

-BattleF08's ninja Kaori trained with MJLover, CooLAZ and his general Kinfu. CooLAZ received his own basic training as well.

-Fred, MJLover, CooLAZ, Skunk, Kaiser's monks and BattleF08 met up in BattleF08's village and exchanged information and plans about the current threats and situations before splitting up again. They were all united to stand against the overwhelming forces of Master Fei.

-Amaunator brought forth a new incarnation of the Tree of Life, the Tree Temple, on top of a mountain peak in the north, near his village. He then tried to contact his allies using the Tree, but Fei interrupted to try to convince him to remove or conceal it once more. After shutting him out he talked with BattleF08 and tried contacting Iacobus. It was also revealed that he had created harpies to guard the Tree Temple.

-Master Fei used his shades to darken the sky and blot out the sun. No doubt the first indication of even darker things to come...

For now that leaves only Amaunator and me confirmed in this territory.

---

Normal 0 oNotOptimizeForBrowser/> ection1;} --> Normal 0 oNotOptimizeForBrowser/> ection1;} --> Annnnd me! Because if you can get everyone back here, especially my archenemy of , KAISER! I shall once again rise to fight him in the name of all that is neutral!

*In the distance of the void he could hear the droplets of water hitting the ground and causing a sound to echo deep within his mind. It would not leave him be nor would it stop continuing the plop at regular intervals into his ears. He wanted it to stop, he needed for it to end in order to once again allow the void to claim his weathered body and identity. Slowly over time did a light begin to emerge from the eternal darkness and in it did memories start to emerge that the deity could remember. He saw his people in their city built in a central oasis of the desert, where the land itself protected them from the enemies of the outside world. In the center an extravagant pyramid rose with homes and other buildings acting like arms for the central structure. The land here near the number of dotted lakes was green. Trees rose from the ground and made the city appear like paradise for the distant observer. It was a picture of peacefulness under a blazing sun without a cloud in the sky to trouble any at all.

Suddenly in the blink of an eye the day had turned to night with stars twinkling overhead in a state still of serene being. Only to turn the view towards the ground where the light of the city given by homes engulfed in flames and innocent cries of help screamed through the streets. The horrible nightmare for him was to witness the struggle of his people attempting to flee while an Aztec army marched upon the city. In the middle of the screaming was the thundering of the ground and an explosion of the central pyramid of the city turning into rubble. In the dust something stood above the shattered remains, it was a creature that roared in a berserk fashion. The dust began to subside and revealed the horrible panther casting fireballs upon the villagers fleeing for their lives.

Darkness suddenly retook the deity as the visions from light faded out of view and nothing once again surrounded him. In the distance all he could hear was echoing of the single droplets of water pounding against the ground. Perhaps he truthfully was no longer existent to the boards for he no longer had an entire people under his worship. It was almost like a cruel joke for the deity to be lying weightless with no light and only his consciousness remaining for eternity. Somewhere inside him he felt it was all wrong and he attempted in vain to try and remember what happened after his people were attacked. When close to giving up did the light appear again and did it show his city being rebuilt slowly with flashes of his ethereal form helping restore buildings for his people.

In an instant the light had changed and the visions were no longer of defeat of himself and his own. Instead they revealed Aztec cities being destroyed by volcanoes and a deity like himself dying in his sight. The last attempts of a choking ethereal being seeking sympathy from the heavens soaring above its body stretched out towards it. Only to have the hand fall back to the ground as a red glowing staff stabbed through the victim's throat without any pity or hesitance. The vision rose and the figure was the god himself standing over the fading corpse of a former god banished back to the void from once he came.

It was in this instant did the deity questioned why he was lingering in this darkness still without a real voice. The images from the light began to change and it all was revealed to him that the use of his prayer power had been used to such an extent he no longer could function. He had been sleeping this entire time waiting until his city was able to prosper once again and give him the vitality he use to have so long ago. It was in that single thought did the neutral god awaken to find himself almost completely buried with water all around him. Shifting and moving did the lake's debris mix into the clear water causing all sight to be lost for anything that could possibly living within it.

The crater the deity had formed as he fell from the heavens back upon the boards had collected water to become a lake over time. Rising slowly from its depths did a hooded cloaked figure rise from the waters in an Arabian type outfit that had seen better days. All the cloth on the figure seemed to be torn and shredded while his natural skin was pure gray with eyes that glowed red blinking several times across the landscape. He had awakened once again on the boards, looking out across the empty plains before him he could only guess where he was. The darkness behind him and the natural mountains in the distance in front of where he stood, water still dripping off his body. There was only one thing on his mind at that time and he had hoped it would still be lying dormant over the centuries. Shrugging off the water he began to head towards the location still attempting to figure out how he could get to it without tools.*

---

Anu! I feared we would never see you again! I think I speak for all of us that remember you well that we are very excited to see you back in the game! Great to have you back, your involvement is certainly a welcome one.

If you still use MSN could you add me to the list again? (battle_fortress@hotmail.com). Just in case we ever have questions for each other or just feel like having a chat.

Well, I guess I owe everyone a post as well, now that I will no longer have to double-post to make one. Expect it very soon, after Amaunator's.

---

Last time on Morality Boarders Amaunator was free tree-falling head over heels with blackness all around him. The shooting star that had no intention of leaving the firmament was in a bind, but what would our hero do now? Stay tuned for the conclusion of tonight's episode.

From an altitude high above the lowest clouds, a pillar of light seared the fog around him as he stared out at the world with eyes that wouldn't even recognise the water droplets. It wasn't like he couldn't see. He could, but he couldn't recognise. Everything was, but everything was the same. Everything was life and everything was connected to everything else and everything else was visible because all life was visible. As Amaunator fell farther from the Tree, his link snapped like a branch he'd latched on to and all the white blackness left his eyesight. He could see again.

"Drat." Through all the darkness he couldn't see anything. Cloud, sky and land were all the same to him as he raced in the single possible direction gravity could take him. With the speed he was going at now, he could be reduced to a blot in a crevasse somewhere, and there's no suspense to landing face first into your own grave, now is there? No, he had to think about things like velocity, acceleration, weight, gravitational pull, medium resistance and impact intensity and other factors that determined how he might best approach getting down whole and safe - if not soaked and rattled as his clothes had started to clot with the passing clouds and his mind was cloaked in fear and doubt as to the fate of the Tree. If he'd been cut off, then his wisichi had too. They'd have to act only on what they could feel. So many ifs and buts raged on that he quickly shut that part of his brain down and concentrated on surviving.

He figured that a vortex would be too capricious and energy-consuming, considering he'd need to create it in front of his trajectory, which might be curved rather than straight because of his hardly aerodynamic gear and so on and so on (I expect a formulaic representation of my drop sometime soon, people! ). Eventually a wind miracle seemed effective in halting his velocity and providing a soft landing in the end, seeing how he could not know how far ahead the ground was.

It took Shachi little time to adjust to the fast speed mutation she had copied from her teammate. It was certainly helping her climb the mountain range faster. During the last training she and the other ninjas had been put through extensive climbing excercises, but this extra speed was very useful in gaining the momentum to climb faster and run up slopes. Still, the climb up had been an exhausting one. The base of the Tree was still visible through the thick black clouds, but the magnificent size of the Tree Temple made it so that she hardly seemed to be any closer. Surely, she would be there soon...

And before her eyes there was an odd blemish on the aura of the Tree Temple: a strange figure that glowed but yet stopped the light of the Tree Temple around it, darted down and landed with a crash - a soft crash, but a crash nonetheless - in some remnant shrubbery near her. She went to investigate and found a familiar figure towering over her as his gaze fell on her - shrugging off shrubbery, picking off prickles and thorns and sloshing around in his soaked clothes."A familiar face in this barren land high above the world indeed! Shachi, wasn't it?" Amaunator replied before she had any clue as to what befell her.

---

Bathing in eternal sunlight...

{Sig Made By SenileSkunk!}

(I feel stupid for having to double post, but the forums are playing tricks on my sanity and patience by rehashing, cutting or trashing my text. Anyway, here's the remaining text of what should have been a consistent whole!)

“Oh, uhm, yes. BattleF08 sends his best wishes, Honoured Amaunator,” Shachi does her best to ignore that the god before her seemingly just fell out of his tree. “My god sent me to check on the tree, and to inform you that he is currently travelling to the village of his ally MJLover and asks if you could possibly join him there?” In the glare of the radiant Tree Temple, Amaunator saw a myriad of little cuts and bruises and he felt some aching bones groaning under his weight. With a flick of a wrist a small heal spell outshone his aura for a split second while he took part of the healing energy into himself and dissolved the remainder in his prayer pool. Now that I’ve preserved myself I should think about conserved some energy, he thought to himself,  all the while wondering how ironic it was that he was down here, cut off from his Tree which was blooming with excess energy from gods know where, and he had to be mindful of his energy. His previous death had shown him to be more conservative, but this was simply karma slapping him in the face. Something was not right here. Nevertheless he had paid attention to Shachi:

"Well, that's wonderful. Did you come up her all the way just to tell me that, Shachi? Either way I'll do him my own regards as I have no other choice than to meet Battle wherever he's off to. Can you join me for the trip or are you otherwise occupied?" Ever since she had helped admirably in the Ceron War, he’d grown a liking for humans with abilities, with powers and here was one in particular who was adamant in being very at what she’d become. In his mind, the comparison to Fei was easily made: a mortal pertaining godlike abilities and faced with the moral choice of choosing the better option. Under the circumstances, she had overreached only for the better , and Amaunator admired this in her. Another link formed a chain in his thought process as he moved to examine the Tree’s energy signature. There was more than simple Life energy at work here.

“I would be most honoured to travel in your company, celestial companion of my god. Please let me know if I can help to repay this honour,” Shachi seems to have reversed some lines for herself, as she manages to say the words fluently despite her apparant nervousness. She had met Amaunator before, but this time she was without her god by her side. “I-I have actually also been sent to find out more about the new Tree Temple. Would it be possible for you to tell me more about it on our way when I accompany you? For one thing... is it safe for it to be sticking through those clouds?”

“Ah, questions! Of course, of course. I’ll be glad to answer any questions useful to Battle’s own defenses if he’s to know what force his allies can bring to bear at any given time, for his survival is inherently linked to my own, and I consider him a very dear friend and fellow god. But do take point as I try to get my bearings back. Hanging in the balance between light and darkness is always a leap of faith, but when everything is light and everything darkness, who knows what mistakes we make in our blindedness…”

Always the one to ramble on, Amaunator shrugged his clothes off for the last time, straightened them and followed Shachi as she turned around to find her previous route back to the forest of BattleF08.

---

Bathing in eternal sunlight...

{Sig Made By SenileSkunk!}

*BattleF08 was also travelling to MJLover's village. He was in uncharacteristic deep thought. Uncharacteristic, because it wasn't because he was designing some invention this time. No, he was considering the future and the safety of his people. It was strange. Normally his people would be in his home realm, living in safety guided by his Teachings, without having to worry about the he faced in this world. The fate of the universe was at stake in every war in this place, but now the fate of one small group of mortals seemed more important than that of others. It had been exactly the subjectivity he had always tried to avoid. Still, perhaps it was just because their training was yet incomplete. His people had always been trained to be self-sufficient; to be able to survive without him. Perhaps once their training was complete he could stop his worrying and distance himself once more. The thought was a comforting one*

*His ninja Kaori did not seem at all intimidated by the situation. She matched BattleF08's normal determination and optimism, and she kept talking a lot about her experiences in MJLover's village, mentioning his general Kinfu several times. She had perhaps been impressed by the female general who led her people through such though times, while still hanging onto her values, integrity and interests, like decorating her house with flowers. She had also been impressed with the gods CooLAZ and MJLover. BattleF08 couldn't help but notice how quickly Kaori had adapted to being in the presence of immortal deities, though he had some concern she may be overestimating their humanity*

*His angelic adoptive daughter Yumeko seemed less comfortable. In times past the darkened skies filled with shades had been an extension of her, but time in her father's home realm had moved fast and been filled with a whole other kind of life. By contrast, the memories of darkness that once were normal now felt frightening at times. She above all others knows how fast joy and contentment can turn into fear, pain and sorrow, all of which add to the power of the Shades. BattleF08 could feel it hanging heavily on her mind, as she sticked quite close to him*

*As a god, BattleF08 was very experienced at satisfying the desires of a population, but though he could inspire entire crowds of people, he had little experience with dealing with many of the more specific emotions of individual mortals. Raising a creature was different from raising a child, after all. He though long and hard on how mortal fathers would cheer their daughter up, or take their minds of their troubles, and sighed. Fortunately his ninjas were there to help out in the raising of his child. Puberty was just ahead of Yumeko after all... In the end, BattleF08 ends up placing Yumeko on his neck and racing Kaori to MJLover's village, to make the trip more entertaining*

---

*Under the haze of an endless darken sky did the silence of the plains erupt again with a rumbling explosion. The debris of dust and soil sky rocketed in all directions and continued to soar further through the air as another explosion followed the first. In the center of all this commotion stood Anu with his fist raised, staff in hand, aimed directly towards the ground. Just as soon as the dust had settled another massive earthquake went off shuddering the very foundations of the world around the single neutral deity. All this commotion and pounding had its purpose though, he was on a quest only with the basis of hope in mind.*

*It had been over a thousand years since the destruction of the Neutral Thread, the true fortress of the current Thread's surroundings. After another pounding of force against the ground the god was flashing back to memories of the base's destruction at the hands of Solar. He knew all of his hopes could be in vain and nothing remained of his former home. The neutral god refused to listen to reason however, continuing to dig further into the depths of the Boards. The loneliness of the situation was made apparent when the thought of Seemingly missing had struck a nerve. Remembering in the same instant of Hooligans, still somewhere floating in space with his citadel away from the rest of the world. The Neutral Gods had always been a limited handful, but the way things were now it seemed like a dying breed on the Boards.*

*Clink!*

*Anu paused at the odd sound he heard on the last blow, which was metal in nature than any of the rock crumbling from before. He looked up towards the heavens, reaching an arm out the deity tossed a small shield miracle above him. The effects of it causing the air in the surroundings to spin wildly and disperse the thick dust of the area making it clear again. Below the neutral deities' feet was a broken hole as an entrance into a black cavern of a metallic passageway. A smirk crossed Anu's face as he broke off a few more pieces of the hole to widen it enough to allow himself to jump down inside.*

*At first Anu could not see anything around him that presented where he currently was standing. After conjuring up quickly an orb hovering above the palm of his right hand did the surroundings begin to illuminate. It had been centuries since he was in one of these tunnels and the thoughts of attempting to remember the map was at first problematic. In either direction, whether forward into the darkness or behind him into more darkness was the only question lingering at that point. The labs of the Neutral Thread were towards the center of the compound as they made up the command center as well as homes of the different deities. Only pausing a moment to make up his mind the neutral god turned towards the darkness before him and began his decent down the corridor.*

---

*BattleF08's ninja Noboru is practicing his skill at throwing shurikens and kunai when Skunk arrives in the village with CooLAZ. With only a flickering campfire and a few torches to provide light, not much can be seen in the village, though the nearby altars of the worship site do glow actively, providing some more light. Under the gloom of the dark skies above, with trees creaking in the wind, it is no wonder the ninja is startled when he suddenly hears his name called out by Skunk. Instinctively he jumps, which combined with his mutant ability results in him landing in a tree about 4 meters up*

Holy SsssSkunk! Uhm, welcome back to the village I suppose! Most sincere greetings to you as well, great CooLAZ. Good to see you both again, though we have not met personally, CooLAZ. You are both welcome in this village. Though in these days hoping for good news is probably an idle hope, I should ask if you bring news. Any indication is on the move?

"Unfortunately not, though it is fortunate that we bring no bad news. We met with the imps of the forge at Mount Doom and were received well. We both acquired new weapons with enchantments and were looking for Battle so that we may perhaps train with him." Skunk pauses for a moment, but not long enough for Noboru to reply, "I did meet a new god though, who was there for the same purpose as us."

So the imp forge thing turned out to be trustworthy? My god will be pleased to hear that. The less forces that are against us, the better. If they are willing to work for gods as yourself, that is a very news. The news of another god is interesting as well. Do you perhaps... know what his alignment is?
"Oh, I had not expected that to be regarded as good news. The god seemed friendly indeed, but he was definitely not acquainted with manners, nor did he seem to be kind at heart. As far as first impressions go I'd say he was neither of alignment nor completely malice, and he seems very focused on his own goals. But I cannot be sure, our meeting was brief at best."

So probably a Neutral god then. They are certainly unpredictable elements. I was hoping another god had come to join the fight, but I suppose it's better than a new god. The Neutral gods have had their impacts on this place, both positive and negative, but at least they usually oppose the worst sides of as well.

*As this point CooLAZ feels the need to bring up the reason why they are in fact visiting. The main reason for him being here is of course not to be able to talk on and on with one of BattleF08's followers. He explains they are hoping to get training from BattleF08*
I see. Well my god has travelled to MJLover's village already, to be ready to join the others should his sword be needed in a fight. I could lead you there if you wish.
"That would be greatly appreciated, Noboru. May I ask that we leave as soon as possible?"
Certainly. Hang on for just one second...
*Noboru writes a short note explaining his absence and attaches it to the door of the storage pit with a shuriken, so that the others will know where he went*
Alright, I'm ready. Follow me!
*And the group disappears into the forest, with Noboru leading them and the gods illuminating the path with their glowing aura*
-------------------

*Meanwhile BattleF08 arrives at MJLover's village. The village was better lit than BattleF08 had left his own. The people were no doubt trying to overcome the unnatural darkness and the cold that came with it. If it continued for much longer like this, the god feared they might run out of wood. A simple Wood Miracle would fix things, but unfortunately these days none of the gods' civilizations seemed to have knowledge of that old miracle anymore. Of course, MJLover might not appreciate him taking actions that could convert people in the first place, especially after their faith had been shaken during the whole Undead catastrophe*

*MJLover's followers seemed happy with the sight of a recognised ally of their god however, though the sight of the young angel girl in his presence did result in some surprised stares. BattleF08's ninja Kaori began to talk with some villagers to find out the current situation and some other villagers went to get who was in charge right now, which BattleF08 was hoping would be MJLover himself. It was however Kinfu, MJLover's general, that appeared after a while, to greet them. Kaori was especially happy to see the female general, who had been so friendly to her before*
--------------------

*Meanwhile BattleF08's creature Jimmy is approaching the center of lands. He had taken a short break to catch some food and rest a little to recover from his fight with Fei's creature Meiji. Now on his way back he encounters a smell he recognises, on the edge of the forest he has to enter. It is one of the ninjas of his god. Normally the footprints of a giant creature approaching in the dark would be cause for alarm, but his shiny fur gives away Jimmy's identity. Kagami is picked up by Jimmy and she explains that BattleF08 is at MJLover's village. The creature nods and heads there as well*

---

* In the distance of the darken corridor echoed the rumblings of falling rubble that seemed to linger in place for quite sometime. It was obvious to Anu that no one had dared enter these halls since the main destruction of the fortress over a millennium ago. While using the orb pulsing with light he watched the cables and other obstructive wires attached to the ceiling hang loosely from their clamps. The neutral deity had already been walking for quite sometime and in fact had to destroy much debris that filled in the open void in the earth. Overall however the god new he was closer than earlier to his destination noticing paths that finally came back in his memory of the former structure.

After turning a few corners Anu emerged into an open room that appeared worse for wear than the hallways themselves. From the small glinting light and his eyes he noticed that the walls had caved in and rubble was lying around in most places. He figured however, that he was standing in the main chamber of the fortress with the vaulted ceiling that proposed once grand architecture. By calling miracles to his hands with water and wind the neutral deity was able to surf the debris aside giving him a clear walkway to a corridor on the other side.

Once again it appeared to the god that the walls were closing in around him. Though before his mind contemplated much on the thought his eyes perked at a closed doorway ahead on the right. Slowly his steps came to a halt, turning to face the closed steel door that use to be his room in the fortress. He felt the door a moment embracing the cold that seemed to engulf his finger's warmth in a greedy manner. Anu took his hand off the door and raised it into a fist pulling back before punching through the metal slate. In a moment the neutral deity had taken hold of the edge of the hole he created and shoved it aside allowing him to enter his former quarters. Now inside the room however it seemed as if the god's eyes were playing tricks on him or something was indeed moving in the shadows. *

---

*Kinfu greets the god and his company with a warm smile and a nod to each of them, although the sight of Yumeko surprises her a bit, she does well to hide it in order for her not to feel uncomfortable.*

Battle! Welcome! I wasn't quite expecting you. And Kaori! Nice to see you again! And..? *Kinfu looks at the angelic child behind Battle, quickly followed by Battle stepping aside and revealing the child fully.*
Oh yes, my apologies. This is Yumeko, my daughter.
Daughter? I had no idea! *The female general reveals a slightly surprised look as she looks at the child, and then back at the father.*
I raise her.
I see. *Kinfu turns to the child and gives her an equally warming smile as she gave the other two.* Hello Yumeko, welcome to our village.

*She reaches out her hand in order to shake Yumeko's, but was met with hesitation. Yumeko had been looking around at the villagers and seen that a few of them had hints of fear on their faces. However, the general had none of those and so the child reached out her hand. Kinfu enveloped hers around the child's hand and gave her a slight nod as well.*
Wonderful. *She exclaims. The general seems a lot happier than she did last time Kaori came to visit, it was noticeable. The general turns back to the god, who surely was waiting to get some attention back to himself.* Now, Battle, I'm afraid MJLover hasn't returned from his adventure yet, although he's bound to pop in any second now.

Meanwhile, deeper in the forest.

*In a not so distant distance, soft yet fast footsteps are heard along with the clinging of sword and armour. MJLover jogs past the trees and grows closer to his village, but before he's even in visible range he trips over air and falls violently and unexpectedly to the ground. Behind him a loud war cry is heard as Kremin thrusts his daggers towards MJ's spine. As a god though, his reactions are much faster than that of a human and before Kremin plunges his daggers into the god a shield appears around him. Luckily, having not used any miracles since the cave, he had stored enough PP for a miracle or two if the need would arise. Kremin doesn't give up and slices the shield for a few moments before ceasing his attack and disappearing again.

MJLover notices the shadow left behind, and quickly intercepts Kremin's escape.*
Wait! *He yells although Kremin has no intention of listening. In his shadow form, he can easilly slip away if he just found a tree to hide his shadow in, counting on MJLover either being in a hurry or tireing of waiting for dawn.*
Who are you? *The god asks calmly; no reply. Right as Kremin was, the god has no time to stay behind and wait for an answer, and reluctantly resumes his original course, baffled by the strange encounter so near his own village. At least he knew now that whatever attacked his army earlier had the capability of dissapearing completely into thin air.

His yell had been heard in the village. Kinfu, along with Battle, Yumeko and Kaori, had all rushed out to meet the returning Deity.*
Something attacked me in there. *He quickly reports.*
Are you hurt? *Kinfu asks with an unusually worried voice. She halts for a moment, regains her warrior posture and asks again as if a friend asking another friend.* I mean, are you hurt?
No, I'm alright. That I'm attacked is not what I'm worried about. However, it was very random and fairly close to the village. I'll tell you more of it later, however, we've got more pressing matters to take care of. Battle, I'm sorry for my late arrival. I got held up by a little more than just a handful of TITANS.
*Battle thinks little of it, he himself had just arrived anyway. The slight delay of MJ wasn't of much trouble.*
TITANS? They're alive?
They are, but they've changed. They've changed, improved and, well, become great entertainers. *He snickers for a bit.* No, but really, they've gotten fierce. I'd say luck was on my side, thankfully they were busy enough with the portal to forget me for a few seconds so I could get away from their restraints. I'm sure I'd be deeper in it if that hadn't happened. Over the years, they've improved themselves quite a bit.
That is both news and bad news, would be wonderful getting one into study, see exactly how they've changed. However, about Emperor Fei, is he on the move?

He is. Judging by what I heard in there, their plan is to thin out our armies to prevent us from defending against the Emperor. They used me to open a portal to the Fallen Angels. *He pauses for a second.*

But! Where are my manners! Yumeko, Kaori! Welcome! Let's move back into the village, I'm sure the villagers are wondering where I am, although they probably heard my yell earlier. *The god almost pushes the guests back into the village, Battle however stops him for a second in order to relay some information he might find useful.*
MJ, wait a second. My ninjas are scouting the Lands, so I'm sure whatever attacked you will be found.
Wonderful! We might have to warn them though. I know your ninjas are well trained, but this thing came out of nowhere, caught me completely by surprise.

---

For a mile or two the pair were silent; their trek was a dangerous one for either god or mortal. The all-encompassing darkness, an unnatural darkness that keened all light out of its hidey holes, caused them to stumble more than once, certainly given either’s greater speed. Soon enough they reached a plateau they were to cross and Amaunator found Shachi in a mind to listen to what he had to say about the Tree.

“So, Shachi, what was your question again, exactly?” he asked as his breathing steadied from the climb down.
“Well... If you don't mind telling me about it, I was actually sent to find out more about the current Tree Temple. I was worried though, with it sticking through those clouds… Is… Is it safe?” Suddenly Sachi seems a bit shocked, as she realises she is actually walking alone in the forest with an actual god, willing to let her question him. A privilege not often granted to mortals. “Gomennasai! I mean, I would be honoured if you would tell me more about your Divine Tree Temple, Honoured Deity of the Sun.” Her politesse under the conditions was remarkable and Amaunator could be nothing but pleased about this particular follower of Battle’s. He smiled as they traversed the woody dales of the northern reaches of the Boards.
“I don’t mind in the least. In fact, the gods should have discussed the Tree Temple far more often. If us gods would have really and rightly considered the power it held and the strength it could provide us with, then we might since long have dealt such a blow as would help us secure this land interminably for . But such was never its purpose, nor would it bow wilfully to anyone attempting such a feat, sadly.

“The Tree Temple is an avatar of and a tabernacle for Nature. All nature on the Boards is connected to the Tree. Before the Tree was summoned, by He’Satan or his accomplice Kaiser – the truth is little known to me, I’m afraid – in the then Lands, nature was a force without direction, a sword without an arm to swing it. If one might consider that the powers of nature were like; Hmm, like water on a plain: creating a shallow sea, stagnant and present but without sense, then you might picture the Tree Temple as a hole in the middle of the plain where all water, all power, would eventually flow to.” Even mid-run, Amaunator would gesticulate wildly to mimic currents and motion, noting specific importance of this or that word with the wag of a finger or a better-to-be-understood nod of the head. Shachi smiled and nodded appropriately, keeping one eye on the terrain.

“And then consider that the Tree Temple would be not just a hole, but a geyser, which would redistribute nature’s powers all across the world by spilling it forth in jets of water and gusts of vapour. The Tree Temple served to bring flow in nature’s power. Now, rain falls and the lands are drenched more often than would the sea have remained stagnant. The life in the sea is also served as streams of food and hot and cool water now cultivate an abundance of life. As such, the Tree Temple holds all the power of nature whilst never truly possessing it, just channeling it. And about those clouds in particular. The Tree operates on a level beyond this physical plane: clouds can do it no harm. In fact, the very act of destroying the Tree would only cause the powers of nature to be directionless again, which is how the world has been for the longest time. As such, little that is done to the Tree on this plane can affect the Tree or nature as a whole.” By now the two had jogged downwards and taken a south-east facing slope, swinging their way down via slender trees that had trouble keeping rooted with a god like Amaunator swinging around them.

“Your Grace, If you don't mind me asking, I believe BattleF-sama may be concerned about the safety of having a manifestation of this magnitude around. If I recall correctly, have not the forces misused its power in the past?” She doesn't say the name, maybe even out of fear of it, but it is clear that she is most likely referring to FelttaB. Though it does seem a little strange that BattleF08 would so willfully inform his people of his reflection and mistakes from the past. An interesting gambit, Amaunator thinks.

“Please, ask! I am at your disposal for the time being, and we must use that time wisely. And please, do call me Amaunator or Lord Amaunator at least. I am a god, but not one who needs mankind to fawn over him,” he beams a severe kindness at the somewhat dazed ninja. Her world had changed so much so fast. She had expected to see the gods from afar; she was prepared for such exposure, but this – to her – was flitting too close to the flame. Luckily, Amaunator’s soft presence and their earlier acquaintance soothed her frazzled sense of reality. That, and she was strong of mind. She would cope.

“You raise a point, of course. I’m sure Battle would have brought it up with me again as well. Let me tell you then of the power of the Tree Temple. It is immense. One would say that it is immeasureable, but since nobody ever dared measure, nobody knows. Next you must know that the Tree Temple has a will of its own, though very subdual. To nature, the Tree is only a physical representation of itself and nature survives or tends to act upon survival instinct; so does the Tree. If it is attacked, it will defend itself. If it is abused, it will lash out at the abuser. If it is cared for, it will reciprocate kindness. And because the Tree is and knows only life and the force of life, emotion, it can see through any device or treachery, at least, by living creatures. The question we need to ask is not: ‘Is the Tree powerful and is that dangerous?’, because it undoubtedly is powerful, but not dangerous as it is. What we should really be asking ourselves is: ‘To what extent can the Tree be controlled?’ “

Amaunator stopped for a breather for a second, signalling to Shachi. The act of creating a new Tree Temple and then falling from it – most humorous a tale for future reference, he was sure – had finally caught up with him. He took a sip of breath and spoke. “I’ll tell you. The Tree cannot be controlled. The power I wield through the Tree is what I put in it from myself. I extract no power from the Tree; it would object. And anyone attempting to draw power from it would be consumed by it. I admit, FelttaB, had the possibility to wreak a lot of damage up till the point where the Tree would have struck him down for draining it, and it’s not out of the question that any creature of a likewise magnitude could attempt the same. But even us normal gods can’t draw enough power from the Tree to cause widespread imbalance. All the while, however, we can make use of the Tree to amplify the power we hold. And I can assure you that I enchanted the Tree to respond favourably to gods foremostly. gods lack the experience I have with the Tree, so they would not advance quickly in learning to use it. Not quickly enough for us to regain control of the Tree should we ever lose it again.” Meanwhile they had set off at a brisk pace again and made headway via a rocky track leading them around several outskirt mountains and guiding them to the forests of the Lands that lay before them.

Shachi nods affirmingly, doing her best to store Amaunator's words in her memory. She would no doubt have to repeat most of it later on. The two of them talked more along the way, Shachi trying to conjure an image of how the Tree worked, Amaunator correcting here along the way – though she had learned more than Amaunator had thought she could or would after her last encounter with the Tree –, the defenses of the Tree, though Amaunator kept his Wisichi from her for no specific reason, skirting about all but the last subject, why Amaunator came crashing down from his own Tree, a subject which was constantly at the back of his mind. Something was behind this. That Amaunator hadn’t a clue what the source could be annoyed and slightly intimidated him. Fei had built up forces he didn’t even know about. It was a thing they were headed for MJLover’s village. No doubt more information was to be had there. They made haste.

---

Bathing in eternal sunlight...

{Sig Made By SenileSkunk!}

*Brushing his hand against a smooth stalagmite, Shalriek walked to the entrance of his cave. It was an appropriate resting place for a god of earth, the cave was in a secluded mountain range  and had served the god well during his fights against the forces of Ceron.

He turned, taking a quick look back into the hollow, two of his dragon golems stood inert, guarding the entrance their dormant runes shimmering in the half-darkness.*

"Omega, to me."

*There was a burst of green light from further back in the cave, then an odd scuttling, the sound of stone on stone. A fast moving shape darted out, climbing the folds of Shalriek's cloak and settling on his shoulder. The shape was now easily identifiable as a miniature of the dragon golems, this one being a mere foot and a half in length.*

"My lord?"
"We're on a little trip around our allies' villages. I'm still a little concerned about what's happening."

*As he said this, Shalriek gestured to the darkened sky, the small golem's glinting emerald eyes followed.*

"Okay, let's go."

*The earth god stepped out into the gloom, using his extra senses to find the lie of the land as he moved out of the mountain range.*

Sorry folks, an untimely barrage of things-to-do has delayed this post massively. Since said tasks still persist I am afraid this post is not terribly long, but it will at least get things moving a small bit.

*The three temporary travel companions -Noboru, CoolAZ, and Skunk- steadily made their way through the forest, the terrain illuminated by the combined auras of the two gods. The sun-starved air is beginning to chill, though the cold is somewhat suppressed by the influence of the Thread.*

*Suddenly Noboru stops. He looks intently at some point off in the shadows, then starts slowly moving forward. Following his gaze the gods see what brought about the sudden change of pace. In the distance they can see a faint, deep purple glow, almost unnoticeable against the pitch black.*

*As they approach the source of the glow they see that it comes from a hole, burrowed into the ground between two roots of a massive tree. Loose dirt is scattered all around the mouth of the hole, signifying the presence of another being. Since fluorescent rabbits and snakes rarely frequent the Thread it seemed likely that this was no animal.*

Will our heroes explore the glowing pit of doom? Or will they pass it off as a random phenomenon, a trick of the light, smoke and mirrors? Tune in next time to find out from somebody else! (Probably Skunk)

---

As a shiver runs along his back, the light of BattleF08's aura fades for a second, as the god considers his students could indeed be in danger from something that dared attack a god. Their fighting skill is still at the level of common soldiers. Nothing to write home about. As BattleF08 refound his composure and confidence in his people, his aura brightened intensely again*
I trust they will be alright. They have managed to live through the worst of the worst already. It won't be long until their patrols are done and they will head back to the village.

For now, it would be tempting to go after the TITANS. We might want to wait for a while though, as Amaunator might be on the way. I sent one of my ninjas to invite him to visit here. Speaking of Amaunator, you remember that Tree Temple he claimed before, right? The one FelttaB used to drain life of The Boards for his ascension? Amaunator actually went and remade it somewhere in lands. He can use it for contacting us. Anyway, I'm pretty sure we could see it, if not for this unnatural darkness.

Such a thing isn't easily missed. I have to admit, I don't think that was the best of plans, especially considering Master Fei's abilities. I mean, The Dreamer that he absorbed is also a being of vast mental ability, connecting to the minds of thousands to draw power from their emotions. I fear what would happen if such a being would interact with, or corrupt, a tool like the Tree of Life. So many minds that can be contacted... Not to mention that is was created from the suffering caused by the corruption of the Tree Temple and lands by FelttaB. As a shadow of that event, I don't see how its power could not be used to reproduce it...
----------------

*As MJLover and BattleF08 talk out their opinions about Ammy's (re)creation, Amaunator and Shachi are still strutting through the Yume Forest, as the god inhabiting it had named it. The journey had been interesting to both, as Amaunator got to study how a mortal was handling supernatural abilities, and Shachi got to have a religious experience in the presence of a being that, judging by the length and thoroughness of his answers, was definitely a God, like the one that had trained her. She thought it interesting how much the answers of gods resembled small speeches. Paragraphs of wisdom that could have been hewn onto stone tablets, rather than used in standard conversation. She considered it a testament to their greater mind and divinity*

*Meanwhile the shade Evaise was growing increasingly frustrated. He was feeling sort of cut off from the rest of the world. The unnatural darkness didn't bother a being such as him, but shades of the type the one named Darkness apparently belonged to were all around. He could see them now, above and sneaking in the shadows. They seemed to lack the individuality and independence Darkness had shown however, meaning they were guided by the will of another, more powerful entity, of which he had no knowledge. His frustration mostly came from another source however. He had been walking around for hours, but just couldn't find his way to anywhere!*

*The traces and smells of mortals were all around, and there were plenty of tracks and paths to follow, a lot of them recently constructed. However, they didn't seem to lead anywhere. Finally he had decided to just keep walking to the edge of the forest. A road on his way through the rough and hilly terrain had just lead him to a dead end again however, adding to his frustration. His luck was about to change though, as he could hear talking and see light in the distance. No doubt it would be a mortal, clinging to a torch for the light and heat it provides. Excellent timing though, as Evaise was growing hungry*

*Evaise approaches in his shadow shape to avoid detection. His dinner guests are two people, but one of them in obviously not a normal mortal. Light seems to shine from him. Certainly there were a lot of unnatural things to be found in this forest. Evaise has no idea he is actually looking upon a god. The figure seems human enough that his bones might be tasty though. Since he does not know how powerful the being is, Evaise decides to take out the girl accompanying him first so he'll have an easier fight on his hands, should the being prove powerful. Fortunately the girl seems to be the only one that's armed*

*Evaise hides on the path Amaunator and Shachi are walking upon, hidden in his shadow shape among the other shadows in the darkness. Shachi is just telling the god the reasons why she volunteered to come to this place and be trained as a ninja by someone named BattleF08, when Evaise raises from the ground with his daggers drawn. He slices at her throat, to finish her off while she is flatfooted. The mortal, though obviously caught by surprise, somehow manages to react with an incredibly fast reflex, causing the blade of the dagger to cut the skin on her shoulder, rather than her neck*

*The pain and fear his actions cause in his opponents flow into him. By far the most energy floods into him from the glowing being however, even though he seemed more startled than afraid. In his surprise at the energy gained, he stops moving long enough for Amaunator to make his move, aided by the fact that Shachi has the attention of this strange new opponent. Unarmed as he is, Amaunator grabs Evaise and throws him over his shoulder at a tree, with strength far surpassing a mortal. Evaise barely has time to dive into the shadow he casts upon the tree in the light of the god, saving him from breaking some important bones in his body*

*Evaise is quick to move away, back into the dark surroundings. Considering the skill of his opponents, he'll need some tactics. Considering the rush of power he gained by just this short attack, he's not willing to back off just yet. Eventually the god and mortal proceed towards their destination. Their now paranoid glimpses at the shadows feed both Evaise's power and enjoyment in the game. He sets up his next plan of attack quickly*

*As Amaunator and Shachi walk on, a large dead branch suddenly lands within their midst, forcing each to dive to one side. Evaise jumps from the tree he was in towards the mortal. She tumbled trying to get her katana out of its holster, and is too late. As Evaise stabs towards her the fear on her face as the stares straight into her eyes says it all, she can not shield herself from his attack on time. Evaise is quite surprised when she suddenly vanishes into ther own shadow and his daggers only hit sand. Shachi had copied his ability, leaving Evaise confused. He stood up, having only the glowing being left to face, still some distance away*

*Amaunator hasn't been standing still however, and has casted a miracle. Not willing to risk hurting Shachi he has charged a Wind Miracle, and tosses it at the confused shade, who still has no idea he is up against a god. The ball of wind explodes on his side and he is sent back into the darkness with quite some force. Amaunator can't see how the shade ends up, but from the sounds he crashed through several branches at least. As Shachi gets back on her feet, Evaise makes a hasty retreat. This was more than he bargained for. He did gain a lot of energy in the process though, and strangely his hunger for bones also seemed sated for the moment.*

---

While Skunk would often be one for adventure, diving into an ominously glowing pit in the middle of nowhere just didn't come across as a wise move. None the less, there was something amiss here -and hence- there was need of a sniff of inspection. Noboru too felt that the situation needed to be handled, but with care and from a safe distance. And so the group decided (against better judgement) to inspect said ominous pit of doom... from a distance... using much caution.

"Noboru," Skunk whispered, "you are likely the best at scouting, especially in these lands. Would you be able to get a closer look as to what is currently occupying that pit? CoolAZ and I shall stand ready should you need our assistance."

The ninja agrees and swiftly launches himself -with little effort- into the trees above. Unfortunately the hole extends underneath the roots, and so the ninja climbs down from the canopy to inspect from a better angle. Inside can be seen a skeletal undead being with eerie glowing purple eyes.

The ninja returns with the news and Skunk is quick to nominate himself to take care of the wicked soul. "I shall enter the pit and confront the creature. Since it is most likely magic orientated I ask that you, Noboru, stay out of any fight that may ensue. CoolAZ, I ask that you stay close behind in case I need assistance." Both the ninja and young god agree to the requests; not that anyone would complain should someone volunteer themselves to a task such as this one. "Meph, it's up to you what you want to do, but it's probably best for you to stay here with Noboru."

Skunk turns to the pit -CoolAZ not too far behind- grinning as he speaks, "Let's see how long he lasts against Enva." The words seem slightly more arrogant than Skunk is used to, possibly the effect of the scythe's abilities. Slowly entering the pit Skunk greets the bony minion ever so politely with scythe in hand, "Greetings, friend. Are you a little lost there?"

---

[Lionhead Pub] [Good Read] [Photobucket]

"With this we are closer to the Kaiser than ever. Our weapons are in place. The humans and the deities will not be able to stop the TITANs this time. You may make your move when you wish. We will be watching, Feity. By the Kaiser’s will and for his glory!"

 

The Koios bot unwound its body into electrical strands that discharged themselves into a metallic beam in the floor, from which they navigated their exit from the palace and the city via conductors.

 

The Emperor found himself alone. Meiji had long since departed and the Sohei that lined the walls were more statues than people. The feeble rays of the torch light gleamed upon his polished armour as he stood stoically upon a balcony from which all the city of Kii and the world beyond unfolded before him. He turned about and strode, hands behind his back, to the small desk upon which rested a variety of papers and trinkets.

 

He brushed the clutter aside with a gentle sweep of his hand, whilst his other one reached inside a pocket that rested above his heart. From so intimate a place he extracted a small box, with all the marks of age. He inserted a key into the side and his thin and nimble fingers softly turned. A lock was not opened, but a mechanism was wound. With a delicate pluck, he proceeded to open the lid. Upon its revelation, the mechanical dancer within began to turn and twist to the chimes of automated music. It was a music box, and its melody seemed to have a profound effect on Fei, who failed to keep his expression in check. The curl of his lips sloped and his eyes were inattentive to his surroundings.

 

The mood leaked.

 

Some distance away, hidden in the thread, a young girl found herself dragged into a world she had little reason to wish to visit. From darkness to darkness, in her mind’s eye she found herself standing amongst ravenous figures of black, all cackling, as they circled some unseen prey. So many was there number and so great was there screeching, that horrid deafening laughter inundated the world like water in a flood. Everything was bleak and grim, the shades numbered in the hundreds of thousands and were so densely packed they were more like a fog than a collection of predators. Through slight gaps young Yumeko occasionally caught glances of human-like figures, eyeless and soulless, perpetually screaming. It was horrifying, she edged backwards, stumbled, and found herself at the foot of the Kaiser.

 

The laughter stopped. The screaming stopped The melody of the music box could be heard everywhere. As before, neither Shade nor Sohei seemed aware of her presence, transfixed as they were on some obscured central presence.

 

The Kaiser cast them a disparaging glance, before he returned his attention to the girl. His baritone voice was barely audible above the melody of the box. Yet, for all the chaos of the amassed rabble, hurriedly and predatorily orbiting the centre, the paths of the beasts did not intersect that of Kaiser or Yumeko, who remained undisturbed.

 

"They long to extract a penance from humanity. Yet the hand that would strike the retribution is held in check. The heavens should bleed fire from the wounds inflicted by human sins, yet the blasphemer is content to tax the stocks of candles and oil. He was always so patient as to border upon idleness. He is… the melody? Haha… HAHAHAHA!"

 

The pervasive tune died under the Kaiser’s roar of mocking and the desert beneath Yumeko’s feet turned to a mass of strewn corpses.

 

"Look upon my work and despair! The death I have wrought upon countless insignificants.  Mankind is but dust, and into dust I have ground it. I can feel my power returning. I can see the world burning, the shades yearning to feast upon all humanity. I will give to them what the traitor denies them."

 

Without warning, lightning began to surge between the Kaiser’s flexing fingertips. His aura seemed to blaze with renewed power. He lifted his hand and admired the energy collecting in it. He smiled and looked up at Yumeko. He shot her.

 

"You are to be my sacrifice. From the ashes of your soul I shall return to bring my righteous judgement upon them all!"

 

He exhaled a smog of deepest black as he spoke. His eyes glowed ever more piercing green. Fire and shadow danced in his gesturing hands as his body burned in fireless smoke. He grew tall and sinister. He was a Kaiser at the height of his power, with his most warped and twisted of minds. Religious fever, unyielding belief in his absolute and unquestionable dominion and greatness, seized him and possessed him. He was the most fanatical of his followers, his own high priest, his own grand inquisitor. His expression betrayed a manifest and divine hatred for all disbelievers and all opponents.

 

"I am the Kaiser. A God to Gods. Eternal Emperor of an Everlasting Empire. The world trembles before my power. All creation kneels and pleads at my feet. I shall bring holy flame to the universe as testament to my unbounded glory. I will have my revenge. Your father will know what it is to lose a daughter! I serve none but my ambition! And my ambition is… Xial."

 

Everything had changed. Yumeko was at the scene of a murder. The shades and Sohei were gone. The floor of corpses was gone, save one, replaced by the floor of the Dreamer’s lair. The Kaiser’s newfound strength evaporated, lost in the thinning clouds and trails of smoke coming from his body. He looked upon the memory of his daughter’s lifeless body and fell to his knees. The characters of this memory fell to their allotted places, memory Ceron looked on with calculation. Memory Battle was at memory Yumeko’s side, desperately trying to revive her. The girl may have found it disturbing to look upon her own self dead, but she did not have the luxury to think such thoughts, for something was out of place. There was another person in this memory, and he wasn’t standing where he should be. More to the point, he was looking directly at her, humming the melody of the music box.

 

It was Fei.

 

"Greetings, Dreaming Child, it is a pity we have not had the opportunity to discourse properly in the past. It is regret I intend to rectify, as of now."

About the music box melody, it's in the order of haunting and sad, par exemple, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_SChDmSedM

---

The Original Crazy Reactionary

MY CAT BIT MY TOE.

Apologies for the length of the post. Kaiser and me decided to speed things along and just settle the entire conversation between Fei and Yumeko in one post, instead of many small ones.

*The scene was an uneasy one for Yumeko. It was the scene of the death of her old self, as all the had been torn out of her with The Dreamer. Strangely, in a way it had also been the loss of her innocence. When she was the host to The Dreamer, it had mostly shaped her view of the world. There had been no and . No morality. Right and wrongs of a corrupted world view that only a child could accept and adapt to. Only under the guiding hand of her adoptive father had she been able to construct a true system of morals and conscience. With it had inevitably come the realization of how horrible her past actions had been for the people they were done to*

*Instinctively she backed away from Fei towards the shape of BattleF08. It was just an image of course, but Yumeko was still a young girl, and this was a memory scene from when she was even younger. Before her stood Fei, a man to whom she had indirectly brought great torture, for all the wrong reasons. Not to mention that he had taken terrible vengeance by tearing The Dreamer from her soul and from what she had heard, murdered the woman who was her sister. This man-turned-god was now the powerful one, and a direct enemy to the god who had saved her and given her a real life away from suffering. His exact intentions remained unclear however*

What is it you want?
*The words sounded uncertain. It was certainly a difference of the playful confident attitude Fei had experienced from her during their previous encounters*
Such directness, an admirable quality and one I suspect you have learned from your adoptive father. It contrasts with your old preference for games, though you have aged much since then.
*Yumeko is quiet for a few seconds, as if contemplating something*
You didn't answer the question…

*Fei amusedly chuckles, delighting in the girl's manner*
No, I did not. I apologise. The truth of the matter is that I require your services, Dreaming Child.
*Yumeko touched her lip with her finger. She thought she likely knew what he would need help with. The mind of The Dreamer had so much taken part in hers after all, and indeed Kaiser had also not been able to control its power well either. That Fei has the united Creed to use as a tool to control it wasn't really knowledge she was really familiar with. Since Fei needed her, her fears decreased some, making place for some sympathy for Fei's condition, who now held The Dreamer within him as she had before*
I understand. Is it hurting you? It always liked hurting you. Within you it is probably even hurtfuller. I am sorry.
Oh, but if you want help, father says you should ask for it nicely. You should say please.

Your concern is touching, but unnecessary. In my time I have come to bear many scars and scars do not feel pain. What I require you for is something more in order of opening a door.
*Yumeko thought hard, but she couldn't easily think up Any kind of door that she could open, but a god could not*
A door? Is it up high so someone has to fly up to it?
*She flapped her angelic wings a bit to emphasize her question*
It has a particularly difficult lock, to which you have the key.
You are dad's enemy though. What is behind the door?

Your father is righteous, always, but upon occasion he has feared to do what must be done, because of the risk to those that would follow him and willingly die as heroes. My methods are less noble, for I am more willing to make sacrifices. Yet our goals amount to the same. Behind this door, there is a great enemy that plots and schemes to torture and kill all humanity. Do you remember Ceron? There are monsters in this world who do and plan to bring more horror and devastation than he ever could have wrought. Even now they make slaves of humanity. I intend to free their victims and end the threat to our peoples.

*Yumeko couldn't really find any reason why Fei would want to fight , unless there was some benefit for himself. He was the bad guy after all. She of course knew better than to trust Fei, but she did detect some devotion, and therefore truth, in his voice. Perhaps he just wanted the power of the other s? Like he claimed from Kaiser and The Dreamer? Maybe he wanted the people as worshippers*
Aren't you the bad guy? You make the sky dark. You betray people. Why do you want to fight other bad guys?
*For now, Yumeko's fear had been replaced with concern and curiosity, and she seemed more confident now. Perhaps in part because she didn't want to add to the Dreamer's power by being afraid*

Your father and his allies who consort with Kaiser, who give shelter to Lord Oda, who have looked down upon me and my entire race and you who once took a man called Saito Dosan and tortured him into insanity would presume to call me the villain of this affair? I made the sky dark, yes, what of it? Who has died? Who has suffered? Who has lost their families? I destroyed the Kaiser, the Dreamer, Titans and Monks. I have only ever fought , with every weapon I have ever possessed right down to my own eye teeth!
*Yumeko's face produced a frown. She felt she deserved some blame for the actions of The Dreamer, yes. But her father was innocent of all the things Fei was accusing him of*
No! You are a liar! My father isn't like that! You don't know him.

Then why is he here?!
*From behind his back he swings his arm round, furiously. He raises a long pointed finger, every wrinkle etched with damnation and with utter hatred he points at Kaiser, sobbing at Xial's body. His voice raises, the first time in a long time.*
I have devoted my life to ending him! For the first time in a thousand years I had peace. Then you bring him back, accept his aid. Do you have any idea what he has done? Or are you still his servant, Dreamer? Do you plan to lock me in that dungeon and show me my nightmares once more?
 
I didn't... I don't...
*Surprisingly the words seem to have shocked all of her confidence away. Yumeko even seems nearing tears. She turns away from Fei and softly walks towards the body of her sister Xial*
She... He is here because she is here. My sister… No!
*She turns swiftly and runs back to BattleF08*
I... I hate you! Both of you! Stop dragging me back to your darkness! Leave us alone! Don't... Don't make me HER again!
*A tear rolls over her cheek as she points as the dead little girl her father is holding. Her old self*
I'm sorry!

*Fei's brief burst of anger fades, and his expression becomes more humane. He leans down, perhaps to make himself less intimidating a figure*
Dry your eyes child: I have no intention of making you what you once were. That burden is mine now. Kaiser would make things as they once were, but that is beyond him for now. I am offering you a chance at redemption. I am offering you the chance to atone for the Dreamer's crimes. To beseech forgiveness from Dosan and all the other victims of that dungeon by building a world where the shades shall starve for there shall be no pain for them to feed upon. Surely you will help me? 

*As Fei was speaking Yumeko's eyes turned away from him towards her father. The vision had arrived at the point where he had rejected Ceron's offer to bring her back, instead sacrificing part of his own immortality, his angelic essence, in order to bring her back, the innocent he had sworn to save. She felt she could never repay him for the mercy and kindness she was shown, but perhaps this could be used as an opportunity to pay back a little. As Fei began to wonder whether she had even listened to all he had said, she turned back to him, a determination in her eyes that Fei seemed to recognise from her father*
I will help you if you promise. Promise not to fight my father and promise to protect and not harm the ninjas of my new family. They are people. They... suffered like you did already.

If you help me, I shall take no action with the intention of hurting you, your father or your people. So too shall your people have the best of protection I can offer.
*Fei gives the little angelic girl a bow, and with a wave of his hand, Yumeko fades from the memory, back into reality. Fei remains within the illusion a while longer, looking at his memory self talking with Ceron. After a few moments he too turns and fades away, muttering something along the lines of;*
I would be wise not to underestimate them. It would be prudent to kill them all as soon as possible.

---

*The air in the burrow reeks of death, courtesy of the being crouching before Skunk. With the undead power base crippled after Ceron's destruction no energy could be spared to stave off decay, a fact this zombie-turned skeleton well showed. Tattered scraps of flesh could still be seen through tears in its cloak, clinging like wet rags to its pearly bones, which reflected a peculiar emerald green under the light of Skunk's aura.*

*The skeleton eyes flicker.*

No.

*The word resonates as though a dozen voices speak it. The skeleton turns away from Skunk and pulls its cloak about it, covering the glowing purple mist in its chest and skull that gave away its presence.*

---

"Hmph, awfully friendly character this one," Skunk thought to himself, "Not all that hostile though; unfortunately." He hops completely into the pit and gets a nice fresh whiff of the creature's smell.

"Well, I don't mean to intrude, but I become a little skeptical when I see an ominously glowing pit beneath a tree in the Good lands with one of your kind in it." The god is now talking in a more degrading tone after receiving an unenthusiastic answer. "And since you've aroused my curiosity I think it's fitting that you tell me what it is you're doing here."

"Exploring."

"You're just exploring? Shouldn't you be off doing the unholy bidding of some loathsome deity rather than plundering defenseless trees?" The deity changes his approach noting that the being must have a god and has probably been given some higher purpose which involves 'exploring'. "Which god do you follow? And for what purpose do you explore these parts?"

"Godless. Knowledge."

At this point Skunk could not fathom anything spectacularly vile that a godless, rotting corpse could muster. Still, his history must have been one of evil based on his current state and so his intentions could still be based on that alignment. The god decided to join in the game, "Every being has a god be they alive or no more- who was yours? And what knowledge is it that you seek?"

At this point the god did not expect any long answers -or even bother expecting any answers at all- but he had to leave this situation with something tangible- preferably the undead being's head.

---

[Lionhead Pub] [Good Read] [Photobucket]

*The creature turns slightly to look sideways at Skunk. It is silent for a few moments, then abandons its laconic nature to appease the dangerous intruder.*

The origin of the second life was Jon. To one who cannot die only knowledge is precious, and its collection is the only purpose of existence. All knowledge is valued.

*It is a peculiar thing to hear sound emit from a motionless being. Upon finishing its brief explanation, the skeleton turns back towards the wall. It crawls farther away in the burrow, though the short ceiling and the confined space leave it with little in the way of alternate locations.*

Should ye choose to strike, forget ye not that ye be in a burrow. There be no room to swing yon scythe, lest ye seek to slay the dirt.

---

"Argh! Give me a reason to attack you, old fool! I dare not strike without proper reason, even if his appearance is slightly 'different'." Skunk sheaths his scythe and crouches slightly to fit more comfortably in the tunnel. "Hardly a fearsome rouge."

"In that case do you require any assistance in your search for knowledge? Perhaps even share some with a stranger?"

The god looks eagerly on at the stifled figure. While no longer seeing a threat in this acquaintance he was not willing to let his guard down. Darkness is especially effective at deception. Besides, although he could not use his scythe the god still had both his daggers and -presumably- more powerful miracles than his advisory.

---

[Lionhead Pub] [Good Read] [Photobucket]

*Confused due to the recent encounter, Kremin decides that this was a mystery to resolve. An energy barrier of some sorts? He had never seen the likes of it, and was completely sure that upon his attack he'd be succesful and walk away with a nice body to feast on. It was decided that he'd follow the tracks and find out exactly where MJLover went.

It wasn't far away from the village, the others had heard MJ yell and all. In a puff of smoke the shade disappeared completely, apart from the shadow left by the flickering lanterns on the road towards the gates. Kremin runs quickly into shadows cast by other objects; such as trees or even huts outside the village, and uses this simple tactic to make his way into the village. Swiftly he finds a small building to climb upon to be certain that he'd be able to avoid detection, and across the greek arcitecture he jumps from rooftop to rooftop closing in on the village center where the gods conversed.

One thing that came completely as a surprise was when Kremin jumped from a villa over to a small temple which was covered in vines; slippery vines. The shade lost his footing and fell with a loud thud onto the ground, only a few paces away from where the gods and their trusted followers stood. MJLover was first to turn around, followed quickly by Battle. What had created the sound wasn't quite visible yet, but Kremin flickered for a few seconds as if he had a device helping him cloak, and finally the shadow on the ground grows into a dark figure that is Kremin. He lets out a slight groan as he slowly stands up from the fall.

Battle immediately draws his sword and charges, believing this to be an ordinary shade. MJLover, recognising Kremin from the forest, follows Battle with the Zanoden drawn. The shade flinches, cowering his face with his shady hands.*

Stop! *He shouts, and Battle halts yet keeps his stance.* Wait, I'm not here to cause harm! I'm simply curious as to what exactly it is I attacked out in the woods!

*Kremin spat the words out and didn't take time to think how contradictive he sounded.*

So it was you?

Yes, but hold on for a second. I'm not here to excuse what I did. Were you a lesser being you would currently be either boneless or left out to dry in the morning sun yet to come. It is my nature to hunt for food, and that is exactly what I was doing.

However, after the skies have darkened I have had a hard time hunting for the animals that are faster and more aware of their surroundings than a human is, and I'm growing hungry for each day that passes. Hungry for both the excitement and the bones, and there is nothing more exciting than attacking a human as every human has their way of coping with the situation. Some stay and fight, some flee while some seek other humans to unite against me.

I just want to assure you, that my attack was not personal, just natural.

So you feast on the bones of humans?

No, I just said that I did hunt animals as well. I feast on anything feasible as long as it gives a hunt. Rabbits are fun if we allow them to see us, but they're weak and give up if caught, which is far too easy. Humans are simply surprising, they rarely just give up when their doom is clear.

*Kinfu had spotted Kremin, but he had not yet spotted her. She backed up a few paces to stay out of sight unless the gods decided to shorten his life. She couldn't allow that, Kremin wasn't by choice, it was his nature. Knowing little of him though, she might simply be displaying human ethics. Maybe Kremin had to die, maybe being by nature was worse than by choice.*

---

*BattleF08 looked over Kremin and concluded it was definately a creature of darkness; a conscienceless being of inherent , with the desire to kill mortals. Needless to say, it was the role of BattleF08 to eliminate it. The last thing The Boards need now is more monsters lurking about. Unfortunately it had taken on a helpless pose and had begun talking. BattleF08 had halted his attack, as it might be carrying an important message, but instead it was just trying to justify horrible actions to MJLover. As the creature was rapidly strengthening BattleF08's urge to kill it with its own words, BattleF08 figured he should join the conversation to find out what he could. Considering its alignment, the conversation would likely break down into fighting at the end anyway*

If you are so intent on dooming yourself with your own words, let us at least speak of things of use then. Considering the blatant confession of your gruesome actions, I will assume it is your habit to speak truthfully, at least.
I see no reason to be evasive about my actions and intentions.
Very well then. Why are you here, bone-eater?
As I have already mentioned, I was simply curious to the nature of the one I attacked in the forest. He showed powers I have not witnessed in humans before.
What of you then? What manner of creature you?

In your tongue, we refer to ourselves as Shades.
So you ARE a shade. You are certainly more well-spoken and physical than the other shades Fei commands.
I must admit, I find it surprising that you think you know other shades. Besides the one I travel with, even I know of no others. I have never heard of anyone named Fei however.
Surely you must be aware of Fei if you are a shade. He commands whole armies of them now that he has absorbed The Dreamer. They are darkening the skies as we speak!
Ah, so that is what is happening. The things you describe are not related to me or my presence here. It would seem you foolish mortals have given the same name to two very different types of entity.

You are also mistaken. I am not a mortal and neither is my ally. Though the nature of this realm requires us to take mortal form, we are immortal manifestations of the faith of our people. We are gods.
You claim that you are the entities mortals sometimes cry out for? Divine beings of legend? I find your claim hard to believe.
*BattleF08 stops repressing his aura at this point. A clear glow envelops him and his sword now, giving him a clear outline in the darkness. To add to the effect he charges a fireball and tosses it high into the air, illuminating the area. As it comes down he catches it neatly and it flares up a final time as the miracle is dismissed and most of the energy flows back into the god. BattleF08 seems satisfied. It feels good to be facing an creature like this again. He gets to speech out against its actions and everything. For a moment the world seems neatly divided in simple black & white. Ironically, right now he should be paying most attention to the condition of his people, as at this point his daughter Yumeko is unconsciously talking with Fei*

It's alright for you not to believe. I do not desire your faith, and I'm certain my ally MJLover doesn't either. My divinity is maintained by the thousands that do carry my faith.
*Kaori also can't stand by without showing her support any longer*
Darned right he's a god! The greatest one ever!
Very well, assuming you are gods, what is your purpose in this world?
Heh, we the gods. We are the representation of the positive elements of our worshippers. We fight the forces of  wherever they may lurk, no matter their strength or numbers. We fight for the of the universe, for the protection of the weak and defenseless. We fight against those who seek to dominate and destroy and attempt to redeem those who stray from the righteous path. We have altered the fate of the entire universe on several occasions and continue to prevent it being dominated or destroyed at the hands of those who wish to see harm come to our worlds or the people within it. In short, we are the ultimate answer to the prayers of those who cannot defend themselves against those who would prey upon them.

*With the accusing look in his eyes, it is extremely clear BattleF08 was referring to Kremin with that last part*
For claiming to be a force of pacifism, your words seem awfully dedicated to fighting...
I hold a vow never to take mortal life. I find a sword is often the best solution with non-mortals however, as their alignment is inherent. I need not waste mercy on those who can never grasp that concept. You are a natural predator of mortals. I am a natural slayer of those. Now that we have established our roles, only one path remains. I cannot allow your murdering to continue!
*BattleF08 holds his sword and takes an offensive stance. He waits for Kremin to make a move first however. He cannot let this monster get away with its crimes, but it still wouldn't feel right to strike a being that still holds itself in a defenseless posture*
Heck yeah! Kick his butt, BattleF!

---

I'm not ! I don't wish to conquer the world or see innocent people get harmed.
*Kremin shakes his head.*
It seems you've completely misunderstood who or what I am. I am no entity whose one goal is to rain terror over humans, I'm simply an animal as they are doing what I have to do to live. If that, in your dictionary, is considered , then your dictionary is pretty flawed, I'd say.
or not, you are a threat to our people, the people we have vowed to defend from anyone who threaten their lives.
And you consider me a threat, I take? Well, would it ease your minds if I told you I have a choice whether to kill my prey? If every human prey I hunted was as interesting as the woman that stands behind you, you would have no deaths in your lands. Do not judge me as as you claim me to be, it does not fit you as gods!
*MJLover finally sheathes his sword, and looks back at Kinfu with hint of curiousity in his eyes.*
What do you mean, interesting? *Luckily, MJLover isn't prone to feel jealousy, or he'd already have stricken down Kremin.*

Oh yes, I smelled her fresh odour a great length away. As I approached she was humming a tune that caught my interest, and on top of that I wouldn't dare killing a being so beautiful. She proved to be ferocious as well, quick with a blade and would have made an interesting prey, but it'd be a shame to kill her for some bones. As a result though, my hunger grew more intense and I stumbled upon you, what seemed like a lone human. I was and still am desperate to find something to eat, but that barrier you created... I've never seen anything of that sort.

*The god looked back at his lover with questioning eyes, and the gaze was returned.*
Why didn't you say anything?
You just arrived! *It was a just excuse, she hadn't been given time to explain what had happened since MJLover left. The god shook his head again. Kremin had killed at least one of his villagers, and attacked both Kinfu and himself. It wasn't quite irrelevant that he chose to spare Kinfu, but had she been anyone else the outcome might have been different.*
What is your name?
So you've decided to spare me?
I didn't say that, I merely wish to know your name, in case I do decide to spare you.
Fine. The name is Kremin.
Well, Kremin. I am not exactly sure what to do with you. I agree with Battle that you are a threat as long as you keep killing our people, and as far as I know you've made three attacks in total, one attack where the victim was spared, and two attacks with the intention to kill. I won't kill you now though, but I don't want you to leave my sight until I've made my decision. That means, wherever I go, you follow.
I will have to eat, though.
You devour any special kind of bones, or is the bones of any animal enough?
I will have to hunt for food, god.
That does complicate things, however I will release an animal that we will hunt together.
I wish to hunt alone.
No. I've made my decision, you hunt with me or you accept the bones without hunting at all.
I choose the former.
Very well, we'll hunt together. However, right now, we need to wait for Amaunator to arrive.

*There is no argument from those around. Kinfu has often wished to vouch for Kremin as well, but because she knows little of him other than her previous encounter, she was and still is unsure whether to do so. As for Battle, though the god has not questioned MJLover's decision yet, he doesn't sheathe his sword. The tension in the air has subdued, but he does little else than lower it, still cautious as to what this shade has in store for them.*

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