Haruka: Are you sure? I mean, wouldn’t someone who actually has water magic and more experiance be a better choice? I guess I could give it a try, if you really want. *He concentrates and water begin to swirl around him, but it just reaches his knees.* Fuu: Just one warning, Zeke. If he gets hurt, you’ll answer to me. Haruka: You know I appretiate the thought, Honeybee, but I don’t think there is much to worry about. Not in this place. Fuu: Still...
Luna: Oh, no, Truman, I'm sorry, but the size wasn't really the problem, but, um... Zeke: Luna hates having an audience when we fight. Luna: Zeke! Zeke: If you just start saying what you actually mean, I wouldn't have to reveal your secrets. *To Haruka* It's fine if you're not too experienced, I can compensate. It's not gonna be an actual fight, but I do want to see exactly how energy stacks up against your magic. Just throw the strongest thing you got when you're ready. *Two swords made out of fire appear in his hands, and he tosses them in front of him where they spin together in a shield of fire.* Whenever you're ready!
Haruka: Okay. *He takes a deep breath and raises his arms over his head. The water gather into a ball between his hands and he throws it at Zeke the hardest he can.*
*The fire shield fizzles most of the way before starting again.* Zeke: *Dissipates the fire* Huh. I admit that I wasn't using a large amount of energy, but I wasn't expecting that. Luna: I told you, true magic is very powerful, even in the hands of a novice.
Haruka: To be honest, I didn't think it would work that well either. Fuu: Well, I for one am not surprised in the least. We might not know the reason behind it yet, but you being brought to Sekai certainly wasn't a coincidence. Haruka: ... Fuu: Don't dwell on it too much, Little One. I'm sure we'll find the answers someday. Whether we want to or not. Haruka: You are probably right. Now... Is there anyone else who wants to have a go?
Truman: Gee, something to do with water? What can I... Wait! I got it! Gimme a sec. *steps to where the water splashed to the ground. The Alpha-suit billows until it covers the water, then filters it until it collects a few liters. The suit ripples and the water forms into a 'tank' on his back. As he raises his arms, blobs of water flow from the tank and move across the suit as it scintillates, turning blue as they travel. Heat glows red in the tank and superheated steam fires diamond-hard ice shards into the unoccupied ground like 30mm cannon hits.* Whoa! I was going for a bit more subtle than that. Sheesh! Hey, ooh! Cold, cold, cold! Ow! Hot, hot, hot! Stop that! *dances around as tank turns into spines that equalize heat and cold* Whew! Guess I shouldda fired until all the water was used up! Energy has to go somewhere. Forgot about that part!
*Two women enters* Yukiko: There you are! Fuu: *bows* High Priestess. *glares at Yukiko* And the pain in the neck. Yukiko: Look, I am just as happy about it as you are, but if you had been able to handle the job as a professional then- Umi: Save it for our story, you two. After the meeting between Lord Suzaku and his brothers I seriously need a break. Fuu & Yukiko: As you wish, High Priestess.
Zeke: High Priestess? What does that mean? Luna: A High Priestess is generally the female head of a church. I knew a pretty cool Head Priest a long time ago. So, miss Priestess, while I won't know them, what god do you follow?
Umi: You can call me Umi. I serve Lord Suzaku, and my job mostly consist of me advicing Him on various matters along with the other Priests and Priestesses. Not that He always listen to what we say... And I also have to make sure He does what He is supposed to, which isn’t the easiest sometimes. Haruka: Oh! We have to introduce Yuki too. Yukiko: My name is Yukiko, actually. But feel free to call me Yuki, most people do. To make long story short, I am Haruka’s new bodyguard. I got the position because if Fuu had been allowed to keep it his feelings risked clouding his judgement. And before you ask about me having paler skin than the others, I am not from Minami. I am from Kita - the northern domains. Fuu: If you ask me, she should have stayed there. The way I see it, me having these feelings for Haruka just makes me want to keep him safe even more. Yukiko: And I, and many others, say you are wrong. But at this point I guess we just have to agree to disagree. Fuu: For now... But believe me, the last word has yet to be spoken. Haruka: *sighs* I never signed up for this... Umi: *To Luna* This Head Priest you mentioned, who is he?
Luna: Oh, High Priest Michael... I'm convinced that man was a completely perfect being. I don't think I could name a single flaw that he had, and the things he could do with magic! Have you ever seen a beam of light come down from the heavens and smite the wing right off of a dragon? *Sigh* He was always helping out those in need. He could talk to any one of the gods, and they would answer him! That man was so nice, too... Oh, if he was sixty years younger, and still alive, of course, I would marry him in a heartbeat. Although, I might have to wait for it to stop skipping, first. Gabriel: Well, this is an entirely new side of you. I didn't think you could get lovestruck, Lu. Luna: Only if it's the right guy. Zeke: Yuki, right? What kinda powers or skills do you have? You're supernatural, so you should have at least some kind of cool abilities. Gabriel: Are you two demons, then? It's kind of hard to tell, since we don't know that many.
Haruka: Sixty years? Wow, that’s one big age gap. I think the biggest I’ve personally experienced was five years. And while I might not phrase it the same way as you, Luna, I sure know the feeling. But I guess coming from me that’s pretty obvious… *smiles at Fuu, who returns it.* Yukiko: Hmph! Love… Such nonsense. Emotions like that just gets in the way. I for one have no need of a man. Or woman, for that matter. Fuu: Oh, you might not keep saying that if the right person comes along. I used to think like you, but… Well, we all know how that turned out. Yukiko: Moving on… *To Zeke* My element is water, but-- Haruka: Wait a minute, Yuki. We are in the arena. Why not show them instead? Yukiko: I guess that also works. *Haruka thinks for a moment and two wooden poles appear. Yukiko holds out her hand. One pole freezes solid and then shatters. She then makes a dagger of water. It freezes and she grabs it, before throwing it at the second pole where it buries itself to the hilt.* Haruka: You know what? It just hit me. You are a text book ice queen. Yukiko: Huh? What does that even mean? Fuu: Better get used to that feeling. He tends to do that. Umi: *looks suspiciously at Garbiel* Now, please tell me, why in the name of The Creator you think we are demons. In Sekai, that is an accusation you shouldn’t make lightly.
Gabriel: I thought you all besides Haruka were supposed to be demons? Isn't one of the people in your crew the Demon King, or something? I mean, I am sorry about the mistake. Zeke: That doesn't mean that they're all demons, Gabe. But, is it really such a bad thing to be a demon? Doesn't the individual matter more than where they're from? Luna: Not with demons. It may be different in their story, but every demon that I knew was evil. I'm sure they will tell you the same.
Haruka: First, just an update here… Due to… reasons… they are known as Sovereigns now, not Demon Kings. Zhuque: *pops their head in* Well, excuse me for existing… *pops their head out again.* Haruka: Second, I’m staying out of that debate. I don’t know enough about them to pass judgement. Yukiko: I’m with her. *motions at Luna* The only good demon is a dead demon. And you’re saying someone among us is a demon? One of the Sovereigns no less? *produces two ice daggers* Oh, do tell who it is. Fuu: Put those away. You know just as well as the rest of us that what Gabriel claims is impossible. Umi: Fuu’s right. Demons might be able to take human form, but the potion wears off after a few hours and they have yet to find a way to take the same human form twice. And you know the precautions all of the domains take, especially when it comes to positions such as those we have. Yukiko: Yeah, yeah… Better safe than sorry, I say.
Haruka: By the way, Luna, you said you could not think of any flaw in that High Priest of yours. I believe that if you had spent more time with him than you did it would have just been a matter of time. Everyone has something that can potentially get on other people’s nerves. Fuu: Really? In that case, Little One, tell me what I do that annoy you. Haruka: Well... Okay, you asked for it... *takes a deep breath* You snore! Fuu: What? I do not snore! Yukiko: Yes, you do! In fact, I’m truly amazed that Haruka can sleep in the same bed as you when I have trouble sleeping in the next room. Haruka: Earplugs. Yukiko: Oh! Why didn’t I think of that? Umi: Now, that is actually an interesting question. Everyone, what do other people do that annoys you?
Truman: They died from formulaic stupidity, ignoring their collective potential. Fortunately for the next generations, Seeker and I intervened. Directly.
Luna: Oh, Haruka, I'm sorry to be so blunt, but that doesn't really matter. I have the collective memories of six different people who knew him and his community, and not one of them could find a flaw. While it's true that he might have a flaw somewhere deep down, the fact that no one could name even one is enough for me to believe that he was completely perfect. Zeke, you really should try and be more like him. Gabriel: So, annoying things about my friends? Well, Luna and Zeke's constant jabs at each other got pretty stale after a while. Zeke: Ignoring both of those, I'd have to say it's Jericho's need to be out in front. Or that Niki's basically in love with her own Control. Luna: Oh, I know! I called her "the Perfect Controller" like, two times, because it's true, and she never lets it go! I should've trained you guys way more harshly, it seems... And don't even get me started on your *Glares at Gabriel* obsession with talking about love and stuff like that! Zeke: Hey, don't hate on him just 'cause you need to feel sad all the time. Luna: You don't want to start this. Last time I checked, you're still the second strongest member of this team! Zeke: Just try me. *They storm off and pass Niki.* Niki: Hey, where are you two going...? Gabriel: Probably to try and kill each other, again. We're talking about things we don't like about each other. Niki: Why? We should talk about things we like, instead! Like, Gabriel, I think your wings are beautiful. Gabriel: Well, thank you, Nik. *He hugs her* And you're creatures are just adorable! Niki: Oh, you're so sweet! See, everyone? It's so much better when you're spreading positive emotions instead of negative ones. I think we should all say something we like about each other to clear away all of the badness.
*Haruka and Fuu look at each other.* Haruka: What we like about each other? *chuckles* That’s the same as asking what we fell for, isn’t it? Well... I hate to admit it, but the first thing I noticed was how damn attractive he is. But as we spent time together I discovered how charming he is, and that he has a quirky sense of humor. To bad he doesn’t show it more... And he is alot kinder than he want people to think. Fuu: For me it was when I told him about loosing my mother when I was just a kid. No one but her had ever shown that much concern about me before. And then he reavealed his artistic talent. I admit I don’t know much about art, but still... It was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen. *They embrace* Haruka: You know... Your snoring isn’t that bad. If it was, I would have gotten my own room long ago. *They look at each other for a moment before sharing a peck on the lips.* Yukiko: I have to agree with Fuu. Haruka’s paintings are amazing. Haruka: That reminds me, you are an artist too, right? Yukiko: My ice sculptures? Sure, I have made a few. I’m nowhere near as productive as you, though. Haruka: I’m certain they are fantastic. Yukiko: Thanks. Umi: Back when Fuu first enlisted a year ago I was impressed by his ambition and drive. For some reason that seems gone now... *chuckles* or maybe it has just been redirected, hmm? Haruka: Speaking of being impressed... I can’t believe how you can handle Suzaku’s temper so well. Umi: Oh, I tell you, it was very stressful when I first started to serve Him. And you do learn a few tricks once you have gotten to know Him better.
Truman: I liked how the first generation, my generation, finally realized what their sacrifices meant for future generations, and the gratitude of the second generation made sustainable communities possible. They saved humanity from repeating a thousand years of darkness. The Children. They restored the adults faith in humanity, and created the new social community. None in the world could argue with their success. Not even me. They were brilliant. Seeker: They were the reason Humanity transcended, and we are free.
Katie: Okay, look. None of us have said anything for a while now because we have no idea what’s going on or how to respond, so can someone please explain what the hell is happening here?
Gabriel: Honestly, I'm not even trying to figure that out. I just go with whatever the last person says and run with it. Makes things a whole lot simpler. I'm pretty sure we're complimenting the other people in our stories right now.
Haruka: Sorry for changing the subject somewhat, but... Gabriel, before she and Zeke ran out Luna said something about you having a, and I qoute, ”obsession with talking about love and stuff like that”. If I may ask, does that mean that there is someone you like? Yukiko: You know, you are pretty obsessed with love yourself, Haruka. Haruka: I know you have no interest in love, Yuki. And if you are happy living like that, then that’s great. But for me... A life without love isn’t worth living.
Gabriel: Yep! Back when Zeke and I were still in the Ascension Complex, me and this guy named Lucas stuck together to get through it. He was great. Okay, well, he wasn't the nicest, but he tried to look after all of us. Anything he touched could be turned into a weapon of some kind. He could make swords, guns, and even explosives. Don't tell the others, but I'm pretty sure he was even stronger than Luna. Niki: I've always wanted to meet him. He seems like he'd be a nice guy. Gabriel: I'd like to think that we'd be dating if he had survived, but there wasn't really much room for that kind of thing given our circumstances at the time. Niki: Katie, I was wondering what is something that you'd be more excited to talk about? We all deserve a chance in here.
Niki: Oh, do you have a job, then? I'm not too sure what's normal for you. Gabriel: What about hobbies? I know we all have those.
Fuu: Hate to burst you bubble, Gabriel, but not everyone has a hobby. I never had time for such things. Haruka: Do I need to remind you that you are just one year older than me? And not counting my art I've had a few hobbies. Besides, it's never too late to pick one up. Fuu: Given the current situation I really doubt now is the right time. But when it's over... I suppose I can think about it then. Yukiko: Haruka might call me an artist, but my ice sculptures honestly is just a hobby. Umi: Me, I just love settling down with a good book. What about everyone else? What are your hobbies?
